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Empire at War
Plague cripples the Empire while war rages. The Destroyer’s greatest weapon has been unleashed. The clans, assaulted on all sides and exhausted, quarrel with one another even as the enemy approaches their doorsteps. Are these the final days of the Emerald Empire?
OUTSIDER KEEP
Distant Outsider Keep was once a home for the disgraced and discarded. Those among the Unicorn who had forfeited their right to be counted among the clan’s loyal vassals were banished here, to live out lives in obscurity, training to fight the most insidious of foes in a hopeless struggle for redemption. Now the Unicorn need every hand that can hold a sword, and the time for redemption is at last at hand. Now even the Destroyers will learn to fear the Unicorn.
FORTRESS OF BLACKENED SIGHT
The god-beast of the Destroyer, a monstrous entity of unimaginable power, has been unleashed upon the Empire and rampages through the Scorpion Clan’s provinces. In its wake, nothing can survive. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the most unlikely of allies, the Scorpion vow that the beast will not reach the Imperial City, no matter the cost. If every Scorpion must perish to protect the Empress, then that is a price the Clan of Secrets will gladly pay.
FARTHEST FORTRESS
The mountains are burning with the fire of a traitor. The continued existence of the Dark Oracle of Fire is an affront in every way to the Dragon Clan, but his banishment beyond the Empire keeps him safe as surely as it protects Rokugan itself. Now the Army of Fire changes its tactics once again, however, and the Dragon must protect the Covenant of Fire, the ancient artifact that banished the Oracle. If he recovers the Covenant, fire will surely consume all of Rokugan.
Card Flavor Text:
A Stain Cleansed – “His crimes shamed both our clans, but his life is now ended, and the debt cleared. Now all that he touched must be purged for our honor to be avenged.” – Kitsuki Kenichi ”
Akodo Areru – “His mother married a Scorpion, and Areru was fostered back to her clan. His parentage is suspect, but his honor is above reproach.” – Moto Jin-Sahn ”
Akodo Kusamoto – “He is cunning where his brother is reckless, bold where his brother is brash. Only the Fortunes could help any who face the two of them together.” – Akodo Seiichi ”
Alter History – “The winners choose what the histories will say,” Ikoma Hagio said softly. “And we shall ensure that history remembers the true heroes of this war.
Ancient Tome – “It seems impossible to believe,” Bairei said animatedly, “but I believe this creature, this so-called ‘god-beast’ is in fact the broken form of some gaijin deity that Kali-Ma destroyed. What power, to slay a god!
Asako Ayako – “Lady Kimi was handpicked as the successor to Lord Ningen. The council is complete once more.
Attuned to the Elements – “The ize zumi struck with the sound of thunder, and the sharp report of the Yobanjin’s bones breaking. ”
Bakunai – “A brute, even for a goblin, and more cunning by far than most. His brand of evil is almost … human. – Chuda Mishime
Battle Fatigue – “None in the Empire would dare question the valor of the clans arrayed against the Destroyers. But they are men, and they tire. How much longer can they fight?” – Miya Anzai ”
Bayushi Darisu – “Many people dismiss him for a lickspittle. They do not notice the sly, insinuating hints that direct the flow of conversation.” – Shosuro Jimen ”
Bayushi Himaru – “The Ghul Lord was finally defeated by the combined might of Rokugan. Its effects would be forever remembered by those who survived its wrath. Its zombie minions still roamed the land, weakened by the lack of powerful leadership yet ever threatening. And the Scorpion continued to mourn the death of Ryoko Owari. ”
Bayushi Jutsushi – “From simple magistrate to the hatamoto of Kyuden Bayushi, and now to an Imperial yojimbo. He is one to watch.” – Shosuro Toson. ”
Bayushi Kahoku – “He looked at the people who mingled within the busy city, and his heart sank at the tragedy that hung over their heads. ”
Bayushi Miyako – I will not let my clan fail in these troubling times.
Bayushi Shigehiro – “The Destroyers push forward into our lands. We must stop them here, lest they threaten the Imperial City.
Blade of Perfection – “A warrior could spend a lifetime seeking to be worthy of it.
Bridging the Gap – “If the Destroyers reach this far, burn the bridges. While they seek to cross, we will take our vengeance upon them.” – Bayushi Miyako ”
Clan Conflict – “Please, put aside your differences so that we may face the larger threat,” Miya Kibu pleaded. His words fell on deaf ears. ”
Conscript Troops – “I did not choose to fight this war, but I will not stand by and let the Empire burn. Here I stand, and here I shall fight.
Crossing the Forbidden Sea – “Yoritomo Buntaro’s voice dropped to an awed whisper. “The shores of the Ivory Kingdoms are within sight, my lord.
Daidoji Arima – “Akagi-sensei taught me everything he knew, and then he told me ‘I know nothing. Go and find your own way’. This beast has been the death of hundreds, but it shall be another step on the path for me.
Daidoji Yaichiro – I saw my death and lived. Now I fear nothing.
Daigotsu Akihime – “I pray to the Fortunes as I do Fu Leng, and my prayers are often answered. Who shall dare say I am not worthy?
Daigotsu Hotako – “I scarcely remember what I was before.
Daigotsu Shaiko – “I remember my life, but feel nothing for it. I was born anew in death, and in death shall I live.
Dangerous Indulgence – “A moment’s weakness and we lose an entire squadron of our finest scouts? If we did not need every man with a blade I would see you executed for your disgrace.” Shigetoshi snarled, “If I find a cup in your hand again, nothing will save you.
Death is Not the End – “Plague provides an exquisite opportunity to eliminate rivals without suspicion. We should have them more frequently.” – Chuda Atsuro ”
Disposable Troops – “My life means little to those I serve, but my service buys life for my family instead of hardship. If I should die, then they will be taken care of, and I will find my reward in the next life.”
Distractions in Court – “Is the real matter at hand, friend Crane?
Dockside Market – “What fresh goods!” she proclaimed loudly and picked up an exotic fruit. “I must have this for my husband’s household.
Doji Kusari – “Battle holds no uncertainties. If I live, I will see my family again. If I die, I will see her again.
Doji Tajihi – “Shosuro-san, your story bores me. Given the state of your clan’s lands, I should think you have better things to do that stir up trouble in my province. Go home and find some way to be of use to your lord.
Doji Umakai – “The gossip about Beniha and her yojimbo is very amusing, but remember that the powerful have better things to do than gossip.
Dove Tattoo – “Peace,” she said softly. “We can spread it among the less enlightened.
Downhill Assault – “The additional speed afforded by the downhill run will negate the extra mass the Destroyers carry. This will work!” – Shinjo Dun ”
Earthen Armor – “No, it is not of metal”, Emori explained. “It is of something better. Much better.”
Earthen Fist – “Strike the center, and the structure crumbles. ”
Elemental Disciple – “Serenity in the face of adversity is a skill that must be learned.
Endless Rain – “I’m sorry, our archers are out of arrows,” Shisuken said, and the commander frowned. After a moment’s silence, Shisuken laughed. “I’m kidding! We’re Tsuruchi! Of course we have more arrows!
Essence of Death – “I drink in your life as it seeps into the world around you, leaving your body a lifeless husk. Thank you for this gift.
Farthest Fortress – The Dragon’s most remote holding safeguards its treasures from war.
Fearless Defense – “I have been fighting demons for my entire life, Destroyer! What makes you think you are so different?”
Feign Weakness – “They thought us defeated, and turned to face what they believed to be a greater threat. Our deception bought us the time needed to recover.
Fertile Plains – The secret to the Lion Clan’s military domination lies in their well-kept roads and their vast rice fields.
Final Confrontation – “This ends here. You end here.
Fire on My Command – The pass’s defenders moved as one, an impenetrable shield of whirling steel, cutting down all who approached. Finally, their foes lay down their arms and began stringing their bows.
Fires of the Heart – “The fire wielded by our enemies is nothing compared to the fire of courage in a samurai’s heart.
Flooded Terrain – “My men can’t eat rice that’s under four feet of water!” – Kaiu Kyoka
Flow of the Water – “If reports are correct, the Dragon fortress wil be overrun within a day. We should cut our losses and prepare a counterattack,” the Shiba said, but Yutako shook her head. “We will arrive in time. After all, the Dark Oracles have a history of underestimating the speed of the Water tensai.
Force of Spirit – Some believe that noble intentions and purity of spirit will always triumph. They believe that failure only comes through weakness of self.
Fortified Docks – “The Mantis prepared for months to make their trip across the sea. Soon, they would find their efforts richly rewarded. ”
Fortress of Blackened Sight – “The Scorpion swordsmen trained with vigor, knowing that their greatest test was finally upon them. ”
Fortune Favors the Bold – “I will stop you here, zombies,” Matsu Kita shouted. Her eyes caught a familiar figure standing at the head of the horde. She paled, but did not falter. ”
Fury of Suitengu – “The Fortune of the Sea has a wrathful temper, but his followers among the Mantis are hardy indeed” – Asako Bairei ”
Goju Katsume – “Death comes swiftly and takes those whose time has come. Am I not Death, then?
Hida Benjiro – “I awake with the garbled words of an ogre in my ear, Kiyoshi. And I have strange dreams that I think may lead to the demon’s defeat. What does it all mean?
Hida Maruken – “He has never lost ground to the Destroyers. When he is on the front line, he only stops killing them when he is rotated off to rest.” – Hida Benjiro ”
Hida Shikoujin – “The god-beast of Kali-Ma comes. We will fight and die, but its heart’s blood will stain the earth.
Hidden Entrance – “There are always means for a beseiged army to strike at its foes, although the men who do so usually die for their heroism. ”
Hidden Valley – All of the Scorpion’s defenses were sorely tested.
Hired Thugs – “Kei sneered, “Just pay them and send them to the front. See if they live to enjoy their spoils”. ”
Hiroshi’s Legion – Can even the greatest tactician stand against unending foes?
Hiruma House Guard – “They live, and so they fight. ”
Hiruma Ikuya – “The Destroyers have not turned back, but there are tens of thousands of them between us and the Empire. Shiro Hiruma remains cut off, my lord.
Hiruma Todori – “For a year, our brothers have been trapped behind enemy lines while the Destroyers push forward. No longer. I will either free them, or know their fate.
Honorable Death – “Your Deathseekers seem overjoyed to die. It makes little sense to me.” – Hida Benjiro ”
Hozumi – “As he climbed on his steed, his father’s sword at his side, he smiled at me and said, ‘Don’t worry, little flower. I am more than just my father’s son. It is not my destiny to be forgotten.’ I pray that he one day returns.” – Togashi Miyoko
Ichiro Kaagi – “Strength of arms can’t overcome the flame’s endless hunger!” the fiery barbarian screamed. The Badger cracked his fingers and replied, “Forgive me if I try.
Ikoma Hagio – “The Lion are wounded, but defeated? Never.
Ikoma Toruken – “The Wardens enforce the law and our borders, maintaining communication and security in times of war. Without them, the duties of the Right Hand would be vastly more difficult.” – Matsu Kenji ”
Immovable Object – “More!” Maruken roared. “More! Send more stock to the slaughter! I will never tire of your deaths!
Improvised Weapon – “Once it was a simple signaling device, used by a commander to send orders to his men. Then an enemy breached the command unit, and the tessen split his skull. Its destiny was forever changed.” – Utagawa
In the Heart of Battle – “Dying in service of your lord is one of the greatest honors a samurai can achieve. Many warriors ignore tactics and logic to deal one fatal blow to their enemy.
Invincible Determination – “Benika stood alone at the center of the battlefield, screaming for more of the creatures to approach her, and each foe that moved towards her was quickly cut down. ”
Isawa Shioki – “The Agasha may have pioneered alchemical magic, but it will be the Isawa who ultimately master it.
Isawa Takahiro – “Run, barbarian, and tell your dark master to send more burning men.
Isawa Toshio – “We should be defending our lands from the Army of Fire, Goto, not ferrying messages to the Lion. Where is the glory in this?
Iuchi Jadaran – “I do not know how to fight the Destroyers, my lord, but an Army of Fire? Oh yes, I know very well how to deal with fire.
Kaiu Futaro – “Never have the Crab and Scorpion had common ground. I will defend their lands to the death, if only to preserve tradition.
Kakita Mimaro – “I do not understand all the things I have heard about my lord and his enemy. That does not matter. I am ready to carry out his commands, whatever they may be.
Kitsuki Nakai – “The Empress’s life is in danger, and I am forced to admit that I am not surprised that we did not predict the attack. After all, as the Tao says, ‘A stray dog sees only what it chases.’
Knowledge of the Land – “We will harry their scouting party at every step and lead them away from the Fortress, my Lady,” Kenzo said. “That will buy you enough time to recover and for reinforcements to arrive.
Koji – “One commander sees you as expendable. If there are two, they are too busy posturing to think of you at all.
Kuni Shikihime – “Your methods of gaining information are interesting, friend Bayushi,” she said with a smile. “If you will allow me, I think you may find my methods equally of interest.
Kuroko’s Creation – “It may not look like much, but it will serve you well.” – Tamori Kuroko
Lion Ancestor – “If it were within my power, I would throw open the gates of Yomi and allow our sacred ancestor to aid us in pushing these iron demons from our lands. Their very existence is a front to all our fathers believed!”- Ikoma Asa
Matsu Kinihara – “Come, then, gaijin. Come and taste my steel.
Matsu Misuka – “The demons push, and we fall back. They unleash horrors beyond imagining, and we fall back. They think that we shall break, but we are unbreakable! When we have taken their full measure, then finally they will shatter at our strike.
Matsu Otsuko – “This war has dwindled the ranks of the Deathseekers. Those few who remain have their shame compounded by their survival. They find no peace in life.” – Akodo Shigetoshi ”
Merciless Tactics – “Burn the village to the ground and there will be no threat of plague. Any pity is weakness, and weakness will be our death.” – Daigotsu Gyoken ”
Mirumoto Asakazu – “Asakazu fell back into his stance, a hand on the hilt of both of his blades. “Hojatsu’s Legacy Style, Sensei Chojiro.
Mirumoto Kalen – “His training under the sensei Fusami has transformed him from a brash young upstart to a calculating, efficient warrior. Already the Yobanjin fear his name.” – Mirumoto Kenzo ”
Mirumoto Kenzo – His father’s example taught him the cost of Ambition.
Mirumoto Tobushi – “In the midst of death, there was new life; as Kenzo’s forces fought desperately to lead the Army of Fire away from Jousei Tengen, our Lady gave birth to her heir in a vault deep inside the fortress. ”
Moshi Yuriko – “Share your inner tranquility with the sea, and the sea shall be calmed.
Moto Hunters – “Once they rode in order to hunt food for their people. They still hunt, but their purpose is not so benign. ”
Moto Munoru – “When I was a child, I remember my grandfather’s stories of peace, before the Moto tribe returned. He claimed those times were dull, and drove a warrior mad with boredom. One day I hope to experience such a thing myself.
Moto Shanyu – “My grandmother was a storyteller, and told many tales of rakshasa, lord Tsusung-sama. How can I help you?
Mysterious Ailment – “I fear your lord shall not be in court today.
Night Watchers – “Be as the night, ever hidden, ever silent.
One with the World – “We will emerge from this tumult victorious. Our enemies cannot win because they are only of one world.” -Seppun Kiharu ”
Osano-Wo’s Guidance -
Otomo Seimi – “Help your earthly suffering? Why would I care about wordly concerns? My concern is the state of the heavens, and the Imperial Court as their representatives!
Outsider Keep – “Once, the castle trained berserk Moto to fight the Shadowlands. The training has shifted to include more targets. ”
Paid Off – “A Magistrate’s Charge, Part 2 – Things that were once considered simple crimes were now seen as treason. A merchant shorting supplies was now a direct threat to the defense of Rokugan. ”
Perfect Aim – Many criminals underestimate a Miya messenger’s ability to defend himself, a mistake that often proves fatal.
Preparing the Bodies – “If they don’t bite, they won’t catch the plague!” the Chuda cackled. ”
Protect the Caravan – “Even within Rokugan, maintaining supply lines was crucial to maintaining the war effort. ”
Readied Blade – “I live my life a single breath from its conclusion, and I will die without regret. To serve is my lot, and I embrace it with all that is in me.” – Mirumoto Satobe
Rekai’s Yumi – “My mother wielded many weapons. They all have evil within them, but none more so than her yumi. It cries out to be quenched with the blood of honorable samurai.” – Daidoji Kikaze ”
Rus’tik’tik – It was not enough to remember his people. He also meant for the world to remember them as well.
Savagery – The last thing seen by the Crab samurai was his own arm being used as a weapon.
Secured Borders – Not every wall had fallen.
Shameful and Cowardly – “If we cannot fight with our honor intact, we will have already lost.” – Akodo Shigetoshi ”
Shatter the Line – “Break them,” Shigetoshi ordered. ”
Shiba Goto – “As the Destroyer forces approached, Goto stepped in front of his charge. “Here’s your chance for glory, eh, Toshio? Is this glorious enough for you now?
Shiba Morihiko – “Place Mizuhiko under my protection, my Lords. I understand him; we share the same loss. ”
Shinjo Dun – “He studied under the Akodo masters at their famed War College, but he will never forget the brutality and lightning quick strikes of his Unicorn heritage. ”
Shinjo Jalair – “War is the enemy of freedom. I will destroy our enemies, if for no other reason than that the plains are free once more.
Shinjo’s Children – “With the losses suffered by the Moto and Utaku families, the Shinjo have once again ridden forth on behalf of their clan. Their goal is the discovery of none other than Daigotsu, the Dark Lord of the Spider. ”
Shinran – “One a Dragon blade, the other a Crane. I shall use them far better than their former masters.
Shosuro Ritsuko – “Some call her the winter phantom, and surely she has killed as many as the winter itself.” – Shosuro Toson ”
Sought for Justice – A Magistrate’s Charge, Part 1 – Despite the external threats to the empire, the magistrates did not turn a blind eye to internal crimes.
Stable Ground – “Calm sat over the field like the land itself was holding its breath, knowing what was coming.” – Excerpt from the Ikoma Histories ”
Startling Attack – “I have no idea how you got here, gaijin demon, but I know how you will leave!
Stay Put – “Admitting you are overmatched will lengthen your life. The question is whether you consider that a price worth paying?” – Mirumoto Kenzo ”
Stripped Armor – “Protection is important , of course, but mobility is even more important. Would you prefer to survice being hit, or avoid being hit at all?” – Hiruma Etsuro ”
Sudden Rebuke – “Do you think a fluttering fan will hide your loss of face?” Shigeru demanded. ”
Sudden Strike – “With the Empire overrun, each citizen was expected to fight, with whatever weapons they could muster. ”
Sullied Gift – “In the cutthroat world of Rokugani politics, displaying a painting with the wrong connotations could mean the end of a promising young courtier’s career. ”
Superior Mobility – “The Tsunami Legion and their Shiba adherents are among the fastest forces in the Empire. The Yobanjin will feel their power, to be sure.” – Isawa Emori
Takaikabe Mura – “The Dragon had endured terrible hardships, but their resolve only hardened. ”
Talisman of Jigoku – “Taru is gone, but his gift remains. We must find it and use it against them.” – Kuni Kiyoshi
Tamori Kuroko – “Not all of us can afford to be consumed by wrath. If we do, the war shall consume our mountains altogether.
The Law’s Strength – “You can choose to follow the Imperial decree, or to continue your vendetta. Either way you will have to deal with the consequences.
The Unmaking – “Return to the elements,” Kimi sang. “Find greater purpose in a new existence.
Timely Save – “The Phoenix believed that salvation would be found by their scholars, as long as they were given the time they needed to find it. ”
Togashi Furai – “Do not think me a mere nursemaid. The fires of compassion burn within me, and I will defend our clan to the death!
Travel Light – “I will let neither Heaven nor Earth weigh me down.
Tsuruchi Chiko – “If these creatures wish to fight us in our own forests, they will find only their deaths.
Tsuruchi Nobumoto – “The Scorpion deserve to have their pleas go unanswered. Only duty brings us to their aid.
Tsuruchi Shisuken – “The gaijin claims the blood of Aramasu. It has the ring of truth.
Tsuruchi’s Legacy – “Guide my hand, Grandfather Wasp, and let me purge the Empress’s enemies from the Empire.” – Tsuruchi Nobumoto
Ugaro – “Born of plague, unnatural in every regard. – Kayomasa
Ultimate Sacrifice – “The entire unit was slaughtered to a man, but they delayed the god-beast long enough for us to confront it on the field of battle with our full force. Their names shall never be forgotten.” – Utaku Yu-Pan
Under Arrest – “A Magistrate’s Charge, Part 3 – An accusation of war profiteering could lead to arrest if the accused was lucky. Summary execution was not unheard of. ”
Undying Warriors – “The masks protect you, not them.” – Michio ”
Unmoving as the Mountain – “Come on! Save me the trouble of chasing you down!
Unnatural Flood – “The longer they remain in the Empire, the more kami they enslave.” – Kuni Kiyoshi
Untouchable Escort – “Tensions rose between the Clans as each struggled to defeat all the troubles that suddenly threatened all parts of the empire. Only Imperial papers allowed safe, untroubled passage over clan borders. ”
Utaku Fujiko – “Forward, my sisters! Forward … to war!
Utaku Jin-lao – “The beast the Destroyers unleashed… such a thing cannot be real!
Weight of Numbers – The combined might of the clans is enough to defeat any single foe – but when the Empire is beset on all sides, how can it survive?
Whirlwind – “Allow me to show you what a ‘gentle breeze’ can do…
Wooden Barricade – “The Scorpion prepared for the invasion with defenses along their southern border. They waited, and hoped it would be enough to stem the tide. ”
Wrath – “We must cut the zombies off at their source. Kill the weak, so the strong may survive.” – Daigotsu
Yagimaki’s Fist – “I do not know which has greater punch, this, or the sake Yagimaki brews. I have used the latter to strip the lacquer from armor.” – Hida Fubatsu
Yoritomo Kaemon – “We went to the Ivory Kingdoms to strengthen ties and find allies, and instead found a land already visited by the Destroyers. Were we seeing our own future?
Yoritomo Manzo – “Enforce the laws of the land or benefit myself? I do not see that these are mutually exclusive.
Yoritomo Rai – “What was the greater shock? Finding the land in ruins, or that the man who still stood was holding a familiar kama?
Zombie Peasant – “What is the greater threat? A plague that produces zombies that a child could be trained to kill or the slow corruption of honor perpetuated by a man who deserts his post for years at a time? I know which I consider more dangerous.” – Shosuro Jimen
