Imperial Gift I, II and III Flavor Text

A Samurai’s Soul – The soul of a samurai is contained within his blade, and the eldest of each generation is blessed to carry the katana of his grandfather. It is an honor, and a burden.
A Life for a Soul – “Death is not eternal.” – Kuni Yori
Agasha Yuhiko – The kami are in all things, watching, listening. Those who can speak with them learn great secrets.
Akodo Kurogane – “Place the tenth through twentieth legions on review, and schedule additional maneuvers. Victory is no justification for lack of discipline.”
Akodo Tetsuru – “Lord Shigetoshi has commanded that the province be captured by nightfall. Be sure to let the governor escape, so that his clansmen can hear the folly of opposing the Lion.”
Ambitious Merchant – No true samurai troubles himself with petty things such as commerce or business. This provides opportunity to one who is wealthy and daring enough to handle such things for the noble classes.
As the Breakers – Be as the water, and your strength will ebb and flow. Be as the stone, and your perseverance knows no limit.
Asahina Okimoto – “Samurai across the Empire are moved to great deeds by poems and tales. Why would the kami be any different?”
Aspiring Ronin – To advance in life, a ronin needs to serve a samurai, a lord with lands, family, and future. Merchants or peasants might supply money for the next meal, but only the samurai of the clans can supply a chance for the ronin to better herself.
Awakened Blade – Swords whose kami have awakened are great treasures. Entire generations seek to be worthy of them.
Back to the Front – “This report is most troubling, as are your injuries. I shall have my finest shugenja attend to you.” “Forgive me, sama, but my lord has need of me at the front, and these scratches will not delay me.”
Bayushi Orijitte – Only fools believe that the masters of the school of Bitter Lies prevail merrely through good fortune.
Bayushi Sihaken – “Scorpions make surprisingly effective magistrates. After all, who knows the law better than those who make a habit of breaking it?” -Kitsuki Hanbei
Bayushi Tsubaki – “We were simply having a stroll by the lake when sensei-sama collapsed in mid-sentence! We all tried but there was nothing we could do!” -A student of the late Sensei Togama
Breath of the Dragon – “Go now, and do not look back. I will deal with this rabble.” -Isawa Reido
Call Forth the Dead – “What need have I for magistrates and soldiers? They follow my order without question, and death is not a concern.” The Onyx Champion
Celestial Disfavor – “The Elemental Dragons rarely interfere in the affairs of mortals. When they do, the Empire trembles.”
Collapsing Bridge – “Delicate and pleasing in appearance, but sturdy in construction. Yet in a single instant, it can be shattered, leaving no means of entrance for one’s enemies.” -Daidoji Kikaze
Consecration of Steel – “The Heavens have blessed this steel. Now go forth and use it to slay your lord’s enemies.”
Coordinated Assault – The superiority of the Lion leadership lies not in one general, or even several. The Lion are peerless on the battlefield because every leader of men can be trusted to implement even the most complex of plans on the spur of the moment.
Daigotsu Bundoru – “I need no eyes to see the truth. To me, all is darkness.”
Daigotsu Oki – “Oh, Fortunes, aren’t you a darling! Where is your mother, little one?”
Daigotsu Shinjitsu – “My name means truth. Can you see the truth of the world in my face, fool?”
Dance of the Winds – “Entreating the kami to destruction is a simpleton’s task. Creating beauty is far more difficult.”
Delayed Arrival – “It is unfortunate that you were delayed, my lord, but regrettably we cannot admit you until the Empress’ court is concluded.”
Demand Obedience – Samurai are the pinnacle of society. When they call, it is an honor to follow.
Deny the Darkness – For over a thousand years, the defenders of the Empire have found ways to protect Rokugan. Even the forces of the Shadowlands have been broken before Rokugan’s protectors.
Deny the Horde – The resiliency of the Crab is legendary within Rokugan. Their armies stand against overwhelming odds, yet emerge victorious.
Discovering Lost Lore – “By the Fortunes! Could this really be the chop of Isawa Hochiu?”
Do Not Turn Your Back! – “I am not finished yet! Draw your weapon and face me!”
Doji Kato – “We have to find some way to overcome the alliance of Emerald Champion and Imperial Chancellor, Nagori-sama. Perhaps we should consider how the Advisor might be of use to us.”
Drinking One’s Life – “Even a samurai is good for something.” Omoni
Dutiful Yojimbo – “Conduct your negotiations without fear, my lord. You will not be interrupted.”
Earthen Blade – “The ritual draws upon fire, water,and air to enhance the natural strength and power of earth. The blade born of this ritual can cut through anything, and will never break.” -Isawa Emori
Elite Archers – “Our units on the front line have mingled with the enemy. Choose your targets carefully. Officers are your priority. Fire at will.”
Espionage – “All clans seek information on their enemies, even if they choose to believe otherwise. The Scorpion are far better at it than most, but even they let their guard down eventually.” -Kyogen
Exotic Goods – “Curiosities and trinkets are sought after throughout the empire. They can also be very difficult to procure.”
Facilitation – “I asked for the firestorm spell! No, the other one!”
Faint Praise – Mockery is a fine art. The listener must know he is snubbed, but also must not be given a basis for vendetta.
Fall Back! – “There is no end to them! Fall back to the border of the village! Tell teh archers to set fire to everything in sight!”
Family Histories – The tales of a thousand heroes are contained within, giving inspiration to generations of their descendants.
Fearsome Mempo – “Fear can be instilled in many ways. One of the simplest is to make your foe question who he faces.” – Yogo Kazunori
Fettered Minion – For the poor souls claimed by Jigoku, service is eternal. There is no escape. Even death promises but a moment’s respite from endless conflict.
Fettered Minion – For the poor souls claimed by Jigoku, service is eternal. There is no escape. Even death promises but a moment’s respite from endless conflict.
Fields of Battle – What begins as a relatively minor dispute may be settled with the blood of thousands. But honor will be assuaged.
For My Brothers! – “I heard your boasting, braggart! My brothers will take issue with your disgraceful slander in the next world!”
Forward Reconnaissance – “Find out all you can. Leave signs for other scouts, in case you are killed.” -Hiruma Todori
Frontline Encampment – The War of Dark Fire is over, but the Empire has yet to relax its guard. The northern border remains quite well-defended.
Fubatsu Blade -”Surely Hida Fubatsu is of Kaiu blood, to create so perfect a blade.” Hiruma Aki
Heavy Regulars – The backbone of any fighting force, the heavy regulars often follow the front line troops and seek to break the formation of the enemy line.
Hida Manoru – “I am no mindless brute. I am a Crab warrior, and you should fear me.”
Hida Mochitoko – “I am not interested by your pretty words or by the failures you call soldiers at your side. I will not relent until you are broken at my feet.”
Hida Rokurota – “What are you waiting for? Will you let a few goblins and a volcano halt your progress?”
Hiruma Etsuro – “There is nowhere he cannot go, nothing he cannot hunt. Were he a Scorpion, I would fear him above all others.” -Hiruma Todori
Howls of the Dead – Peasant legends state that the howling of the wind is caused by the shrieks of lost souls. On some nights, the legends are true.
Imperial Couriers – The Miya heralds bring messages of hope for those who serve the Emperor’s will.
Incapacitated – “There are enemies too dangerous to kill, and allies too dangerous to place at risk. Sometimes they are even the same. We have our ways of handling such matters.” -Tsuruchi Nobumoto
Infamous Blade – “This blade was stained with the blood of forty-seven men, and none of them claimed in battle. Are you fit to wield it and fulfill its legacy?” -Shosuro Toson
Intercession – “If you please, this is a matter best left to Imperial discretion.”
Iron Fan – “It serves for a commander to signal his forces, a courtier to conceal her intent, and a warrior to strike down his enemies. How can one fail to appreciate its versatility?” -Ikoma Hagio
Isawa Itsuoko – “Sometimes purification requires power, pure and simple.”
Isawa Reido – “Do you doubt the power of the elements? I will show you the truth found in fire!”
Isawa Tanaka – “Why must there always be war? Why can man not turn away from conflict and embrace our place in the universe? So long as war exists, the Phoenix must stand ready.”
Iuchi Kota – “His training with the Kuni family has left him with certain… social deficits.” -Moto Akikazu
Iuchi Quan – “The normal route is blocked by floods, but I have found another way.”
Kakita Furegami – “One man, one sword, one strike. All other styles are false.”
Kakita Taminoko – “Samurai are made for more than war. If we cannot rise above simple violence, then how can we hope for a better world for the future?”
Kakita Toshiro – “You might have lived to see another dawn, had you not questioned my family’s honor.”
Kazuwaru – “You broke my club, samurai. You will provide me another.
Kazuwaru – “You broke my club, samurai. You will provide me another.
Kitsu Marimi – “I am a Lion. My ancestors lend me their strength. You cannot hope to stand against a thousand years of honorable service to the Empire.”
Kitsuki Hanbei – “The Dragon and their tedious emphasis on ‘evidence’ can be most troubling. If they were not the family of the Empress, we would have to ensure they were no longer a concern.” -Bayushi Sihaken
Kuni Iyedo – “I will keep you pure, and you will keep them safe. We are the Crab, and we shall endure the trials to come.”
Kyogen – “Now I will perform for you the tragic tale of Matsu Itagi and Hida Tadaka, great men undone by pride despite all their prowess.”
Mastery of the Blade – The brutality of the so-called Spider monks is well known, even only a few years after they appeared. Their mastery of the bisento is a thing of legend.
Matsu Mansaiko – “I have claimed my first victory for the Lion, but it will be far from my last.”
Matsu Notsuo – I need steel and battle. Words mean nothing.
Midnight Assault – The Spider Clan, commanded to dissolve and dispose of their banners on pain of death, still exists. They simply choose their battles more carefully.
Military Alliance – “Your efforts are a great boon to the alliance, noble warrior. You honor us all with your prowess.”
Mirumoto Ayabe – “Your legions have our thanks for your assistance, and you are free to remain as long as you like… but we have nothing to feed you.”
Mirumoto Miyami – Mirumoto taught that Kenjutsu was for killing. His descendants remember his lessons. Every parry, every feint, every strike builds towards victory.
Moshi Takako – “Channeling the power of Thunder can have devastating effect, but the cost can be considerable.”
My Father’s Shrine – “My every victory is in his name, and I hope only that my efforts find favor with his spirit.”
Obfuscation – “Mask one thing with another, and even before a crowd, your actions will go unnoticed.” -Kyogen
Ominous Battlefield – Horses are swift, and the more exotic denizens of the empire bring strange and powerful abilities to battle. But no animal can match the spirit and discipline of the children of the Sun and Moon.
Opportunistic Advance – Often, all that is necessary to break an army is a unit charging it’s flank.
Osano-Wo’s Rebuke – “You will die. But first, you will suffer!”
Outmatched – “Did you honestly think you could hide from me? And here, of all places!”
Planned Adversity – “Leaders have plans in place for both times of plenty and times of strife. Visionaries can create either condition upon demand.” – Yasuki Jinn-Kuen’s Assessment
Pokupo – “The notion of that little wretch Pokku having spawned fills me with horror… and nausea.” -Chuda Hiroe
Prayer for Guidance – “Guide my hand, mother. Give me the will to be the hand of the Scorpion.”
Prepared for Death – “If I must die, at least it will be a glorious death.”
Regional Treasury – “The position of Imperial Treasurer shall be created, in order to supervise the security and distribution of the throne’s wealth.” The New Emperor
Rejuvenating Vapors – “Let the strength and clarity of water wash away your fatigue, my friend. Stand and fight once more.”
Ruthless Determination – “I have pressing business, and no time to dawdle with the likes of you. In the next life, perhaps you will be more cautious.”
Sacred Valley – Such places are favored by those who have brought shame to their family name, that they might find atonement.
Scholarly Attendant – “I think you might find your argument more effective if you remind the Lion ambassador of the writings of sensei Akodo Tishikaru, my lord.”
Seasoned Ronin – “Although they will follow the orders of the clans, ronin serve best alongside their fellow wave men.”
Seppun Heavy Infantry – “They have sworn to die to a man before the Empress comes to any harm. I have seen them on maneuver, and I believe their devotion is genuine.” -Otomo Taneji
Shadowed Words – Not all treaties are arranged by courtiers, nor all deals finalized in the courts. Sometimes, politics come to fruition in the most unorthodox places, facilitated by the most unlikely individuals.
Shattered Stone Kata -
Shelter of the Earth – The kami of Earth are slow to rouse and slow to act. However, once they have decided to protect a place or a person, they are slow to yield, even to the most ferocious of blows.
Shiba Kyushi – “I beg your forgiveness, Isawa-san. There is an assassin on the roof. If you would indulge me with a moment to deal with him, we will shortly be able to continue on our journey.”
Shinjo Liu Ying – “Vainglorious? Far from it. I merely advise that few other Generals could have routed the enemy so utterly.”
Shosuro Miyoto – “I only kill the corrupt. It is a tragedy that so many are easily corrupted.”
Shosuro Nishu – Upon passing their gempukku, some Scorpion are given dark outfits, exotic weapons, and training in unusual skills. They believe they have been singled out for greatness. They are merely distractions.
Simple Merchants – ” peasants, selling their excess in order to make a better life for their families. They serve their purpose.” -Yoritomo Utemaro, Imperial Treasurer
Smuggler’s Port – “Isolate those ports the clan requires. Burn all the rest.” -Yoritomo Naizen
Sohei’s Duty – Warrior orders among monks are keen to defend their shrines.
Spearmen Legion – Quickly trained and eager for glory, they rarely survive more than a handful of battles. Those who do quickly become the favored forces of their commander.
Steed of the Ebbing Tides – “This invocation was created by the Unicorn during their time in the Burning Sands. What is fascinating is how the spell was refined after the Unicorn met the Isawa …” – Asako Bairei
Strategic Keep – “Castles should please the senses, protect their occupants, and guard valuable resources. Too many forsake the first for the second and third.” – Kakita Omori
Straw Horse – “Some legends say they ferry the spirits of the dead between the realm of mortals and their final destination. To me it is just a spectacularly ugly place to put my saddle.” -Shinjo Kodama
Subversive Whispers – “We cannot defeat him in battle, master.” “We will not need to.”
Succumb to Vice – Members of the samurai caste are taught to control their emotions. This leads to tragedy when one has too much to drink.
Suitengu’s Embrace – “You may live, you may not. Regardless, you will never again dismiss the strength of the sea.”
Tamori Ochimo – “I speak for the Earth. The Earth grows weary of being trod upon.”
Tarui – “Steel whispers softly, Cloth rips, flesh yields, veins sunder, Blood flows, a feud ends” – Rezan
The Cresting Wave – “When the bodies pile up around you like a mountain, and your enemies must crawl over their dead comrades to crash against you in waves, that is the only time I feel alive.” -Hida Shinko
The Stone Discovered – “There is a legend among the zokujin of an ancient power called the Blood-White Stone. If it were ever discovered, it would change the destiny of their race forever.” -Asako Bairei
Throwing Knives – “Completely useless against armor, but at close range against an unarmored target? Useful enough.” -Shosuro Miyoto
Thunderous Report – “None can stand against the fury of the thunder and live.” -Moshi Takako
Timely Assistance – “Come along, brother. Things here are about to become a bit too interesting.”
Togashi Chunoken – “Many mistake piety for passivity. No one repeats the mistake.”
Token of Destiny – “I felt light-headed for a moment, and then it simply broke. I wonder what could have happened?”
Traveling Wardens – “It is the duty of the Lion Clan to secure all clan borders. I need to see your traveling papers immediately.”
Tsuruchi Saya – “You are of no use to me dead. I do not care what condition you are in, however.”
Undefended Border – “I know an inlet, one with no patrols or waystations. If you want to gain entrance to their lands, this is the way to do it.” -Yoritomo Han-ku
Under Cover of Night – “Travel papers and magistrates’ stations would interfere with our work. This matter requires discretion.”
Under Siege – “There are precious few fortresses inthe Empire that can withstand a true siege. This is a lesson the Crab must not learn the hard way.” -Kaiu Taru
Utaku Kioko – “She fills her soul with duty and anger to fill the emptiness left there by war.” Utaku Kohana
Utaku Yanai – “With respect, Ikoma-sama, your maps are woefully out of date. This village belongs to the Unicorn. I trust we can resolve this matter without needless bloodshed?”
Village Guardian – “I have no need of glory or status. I have a home, and I will protect it. Nothing else matters.”
War-Torn Plains – Once it had critical importance, but now it has been despoiled by too many battles.
Well-Defended Border – The invasion in the north has caused many clans to carefully re-evaluate their own defenses.
Wrathful Defense – “They are miserable, cowardly creatures, unless you threaten something they consider theirs.” -Kuni Kiyoshi
Yari – Useful and inexpensive to produce, the yari is a popular choice for forces that are not expected to survive on the battlefield.
Yoritomo Gazuke – “My speech is crude, my bearing common, and my school lacking. I do not know of the glorious histories of the empire, nor can I speak with eloquence of its culture. But the Thunder Dragon has spoken to me, and that alone makes me your peer.”
Yoritomo Kakeko – “Oppose me? You will be fortunate if you live long enough to amuse me. I shall descend upon you like the storm itself, and you shall find no solace, harbor, or respite from my wrath.
Yoritomo Sasake – “It is only because I am an honorable servant of the Mantis Clan that I do not kill you for your insult. Call me a pirate again, and I will leave you only enough teeth to warn others.