Death at Koten Flavor Text

Conspiracy – Some long so desperately for their goals to be achieved that they would consort with whoever can assist them.
Imperial Arrival – Regardless of the circumstances, an Imperial magistrate must be received with courtesy and hospitality.
The Loss of the Soul – “Agasha Kyoso’s tale is tragic for her family and clan, but she chose her own path. Her soul’s fate is sealed.” – Seppun Tashime
The Second Death of Kisada – “He returned to the world young and vital, but rapidly aged to his true years. He was accompanied in death by two dozen assassins despite his age. Who could ask for more?” – Hida Kuon
Court Attendants – “By the Fortunes! Such a scandalous display!”
Dragon Attendants – “They served the Divine Empress, prior to her ascension to the throne. Now they serve a new Kitsuki lord, with the same devotion and dedication for which they are known.” – Togashi Satsu, Voice of the Empress
Order of Venom – Few have any idea how deadly they are.
Shadowed Steel – “A minor order of vassals, created from Scorpion cast-offs generations ago. They have some degree of skill, but their primary benefit is their expendability.” – Yogo Kazunori
Chugo Seido – A shrine to loyalty, the Scorpion’s greatest virtue.
Forward Camp – Despite tradition, the interruption of an Imperial visitor is not always welcome in times of strife.
A Magistrate’s Blade – “There is little that a magistrate cannot accomplish with the proper tools at his disposal. An emissary of the throne should have the strength of steel that matches the strength of his honor.” – Seppun Katsura
Friendly Traveler Sake – The finest in all of Rokugan.
Seppun Blade – “An exquisite weapon, due more to the exceptional nature of those who carry them than any secret of its forging.” – Miya Shoin, Imperial Herald
Hida Hachimoto – “Born and trained among the Dragon, he was nevertheless a loyal Crab. His skill and humor will be missed upon the Wall.” – Hida Benjiro
Hida Kagura – “The death of Kisada exacerbated the situation between the Crab and the Crane. Even now that the war is over, they continue to hate one another. Who benefits?” – The Sensei
Hiruma Akio – “My brother prefers to travel the Empire and protect ‘prophets.’ I need only the Shadowlands, and demons to kill”
Yasuki Tijaki – “Only a fool initiates a duel he cannot win.” – Doji Kishio
Daidoji Inada – “Will the Crane ever escape the stain of the Harriers’ dishonor?” – Doji Domotai
Doji Kishio – “I will show that perfumed fool how a samurai dies. Better to die with honor and glory than live as a fearful, delicate flower.” – Yasuki Tijaki
Kakita Aichiko – “Hachimoto was a valiant opponent, and he met his fate without fear. I celebrate his memory and honor his family.”
Kakita Tasaka – “The Crane were not responsible for Kisada’s death, but celebrated it all the same. Such a predictable response. Arrogance makes an opponent weak.” – The Sensei
Kitsuki Umibe – “An appointment to the Yasuki lands is burdensome indeed. Fortunately he possesses the patience and decorum to see the job done correctly.” – Kitsuki Berii
Mirumoto Eikaru – “Given a choice, he would have preferred the life of a courtier. Unfortunately his skill with a blade necessitated a different path” – Kitsuki Umibe
Tamori Shaiko – “Brilliant, versatile, and completely without fear. I knew her only a short time, but I find that I miss her with each passing day.” – Seppun Tashime
Togashi Sho – “My presence encourages appropriate behavior in others, and I need not even speak. I believe the Lion refer to it as ‘deterrence.’”
Akodo Tsudoken – The burdens of commander are without number, and it is a rare man who can handle them all without difficulty. I can only strive to be such a man.
Ikoma Ryudo – “The Ikoma are the voice of the Lion, but they can also serve as its memory. None are better at such a task than Ryudo.” – Akodo Tsudoken
Matsu Shunran – “Remain close to me, Ineko-sama. I will ensure that no harm comes to you.”
Matsu Youko – “I have no use for fools or formalities. I am a warrior, not some weak-willed courtier.”
Moshi Enju – A great many Moshi are assigned to serve as first mates to Yoritomo captains. Their skill at speaking to the kami is a great boon to the Mantis, and their deferential nature is perhaps even more valuable to their captains.
Tsuruchi Suzuki – “Who dictates that honor must bind our lives into a narrow view? Life is an adventure, and I will experience every rich moment of it.”
Yoritomo Iwata – “There is nothing quite as thrilling as battle. Except possibly commerce.”
Yoritomo Iwata (Experienced) – “It seems there are things more important than glory or money. If I had learned earlier, perhaps I would not have ventured into the Shadowlands in the first place.”
Asako Fosu – “Go home, little one. Leave this sacrifice for an old man.”
Isawa Kumai – “I draw back the veil and become one with the world. All that has been, is, and shall be revealed to me. To return to this flesh is … difficult.”
Isawa Mariko – “I am no ‘little one,’ sensei, and I will not stand by while others perform a duty in my stead. I am Phoenix. If my rebirth must come early, then let my name be remembered as a dutiful samurai.”
Shiba Kosoku – “I would be honored to stand by your side, Tashime-sama. Whatever you require of me, it shall be done without question.
Shosuro Takuma – “I can be anywhere. I can be anyone. When you accept a meal from your spouse or offer an embrace to your child, can you be sure it is not me?”
The Sensei – “Do not be deceived by what you see, or what you are told. The world can only truly be perceived by the mind, and with the will to understand the truth.”
The Student – “First I shall learn how an honorable samurai must act, and then I shall learn how I must act.”
Yogo Kazunori – “So thin a line, between hero and monster.”
Nosloc no Oni – “The wretched creatures call themselves by a strange name, but they are the backbone of any Shadowlands assault. Without them, the demon hordes would collapse.” – Hiruma Akio
Tsudo no Oni – “Be careful what you wish for,” Akio warned. “I can count on one hand those who have faced an Oni Lord.”
Chuda Seikai – He does not speak, but then, given his abilities, he rarely has need to.” – Suikotsu
Daigotsu Rasetsu – “Ridiculous samurai, with their honor. They make for entertaining games, but little else.”
Momiji – “I embraced the Dark Lord’s blessings, and I have been made into so much more than what I was.”
Suikotsu – “Honor is an anvil on which we will shatter the flawed steel of the Great Clans.”
Moto Rena – The war between the Lion and the Unicorn was long and brutal. Many were made heroes or martyrs in the process. Some, however, were made tyrants.
Moto Sihung – “Stop the Lion at any cost,” Rena commanded. Sihung smiled. “Our crops next year will be fed with a sea of Lion blood, my loed.”
Shinjo Ji-tae – Many among the Shinjo see the war as a means of washing away the sins of their fathers.Their zeal for battle, their willingness to sacrifice for the clan, has not gone unnoticed.
Shinjo Kai Li – “I would hold parley with Fu Leng himself, if it would bring my people victory over the hated Lion!”
Hanayashiki – – “The village of Hanayashiki is famous for its order and serenity. It is a popular destination for magistrates who need reaffirmation.” – Seppun Katsura
Essence of Destruction – “You shall plague the Empire no longer!”
Ritual of Summoning – “You wanted power so badly, little human. Was it worth it?”
A False Accusation
Blind Rage – Most berserkers fight with a cold detachment that comes from an absolute disinterest in whether they live or die. The ones whose hearts are filled with rage, however … it is best to kill them with archery fire. – Daidoji Zoushi
Cavalry Tactics – “They bear Imperial colors, but we have to be sure. Send a scout detachment to greet them at once.” – Moto Rena
Censure of Thunder – “Your very existence is an offense to the Thunder Dragon, demon. Feel its wrath!”
Civil Discussion – “You will conduct yourselves with honor and dignity befitting this court,” Tashime boomed, “or I will see to it that you are no longer welcome here.”
Crippling Strike – “Spells mean as little as armor. Neither can save you from me.” – Suikotsu
Dance of Flames – I carry no steel so that my enemies will draw close enough for me to see their faces as they die.
Defensive Nature – “Three men, carrying weapons but no armor. Please be quiet, my lady. This will only take a moment.”
Demonic Possession – “I hear your whispers but I will not succumb! I will die first!” The demon laughed. “That is perfectly acceptable.”
Desperate Battle – “A god made mortal, perhaps, but an old man just the same. How difficult can it be to kill him?” – Yogo Kazunori
Doomed Undertaking – “They are completely mad, the entire lot of them. I suspect we will never see any of them again.” – A Crab guard upon the Wall.
Essence of Evil – “If good and evil must both exist, then why does it seem that those who succumb to evil are so much more powerful than good?” – Isawa Mariko
Expected Arrival – “I believe you will find everything in readiness, my lord. If you will follow me, we have arranged for the meeting you desire to take place immediately.”
Exposing Secrets – “You Crane pretend your honor is as flawless as your attire. We all know the truth!”
Fatal Error – “Are you challenging me, samurai? Draw your steel, and let us see who is the stronger man.”
Final Duty – “If I must die this way to wash away my brother’s sins,” Fosu said, “then so be it. I only wish Mariko could be spared.”
I Do Not Die So Easily! – “He was so enraptured by games and manipulations that he was not prepared to be confronted.” – Tashime
Imperial Adjudication
Mutual Hatred – “A paragon of honor and a slave to duty, pitted against one another. How else could it end?” – The Sensei
Presenting Papers – “Standard procedure requires all travelers to submit their papers. Many choose to overlook it, but honor demands adherence.”
Preserving Honor – Among the samurai of the Empire, hatred is particularly difficult to overcome, no matter how honorable an individual might be.
Ritual of Binding – “The method of binding great evil requires scrolls of incredible power. The risk in creating them, not to mention the binding process, must be warranted.” – Asako Fosu
Scouting Ahead – “A day and a half in that direction. It is our best chance for success.”
Searching the Libraries – “I am convinced that all but the greatest mysteries of the universe have been solved. We simply have not been able to put the pieces together as of yet.” – Asako Bairei
The Water Dragon’s Favor – “You look weary, my friend ! Let me offer you refreshment!”
Training Maneuvers
United – “It was a glorious battle against an impossible foe. Many lives were lost, and yet honor won the day.” – The Ikoma Histories
Unleashed Fury – “Your deceit and treachery have cost the lives of good and honorable samurai! For that, I promise you, you will suffer.”
Veiled Menace – “I think you might be wise to find a different court next season, my friend. You seem to be making enemies here.”