Flavor Text: The Shadow’s Embrance

  • Asahina Keigo (Exp) – “Really, the matter is simple. We cannot judge if Fudo’s writings are blasphemous without first understanding them, and for that we must study them deeply.”
  • Agasha Kurou – “The earth loves punctuation”
  • Akodo Furu – A common strategy against the Lion is to strike directly at the army’s command, to deprive the army of its general. Scholars often argue about whether or not this strategy is wise or foolish.
  • Asako Hayate – From piercing ice to summer storm, water can adapt itself to any circumstance. So too did the Phoenix adapt, changing to suit the needs of the efforts in the Colonies.
  • Asako Jirou – “An accusation is a terrible thing to waste.”
  • Atosa – “These foreigners need to be reminded that they discovered nothing.”
  • Bayushi Misaki – “She favours red.” – Soshi Yorimi
  • Bayushi Tarou – “Next time, you talk less and I stab more,” he admonished the startled courtier.
  • Bayushi Waru (Exp) – It is no simple matter to cultivate such a glare, one that melts iron will like ice.
  • Beseech Sakkaku – Some call it mischief, but the spirits are not to be questioned.
  • Bishamon’s Tower – “I will oversee the Colonies if you wish, brother, but I will require vassals of great strength and determination to do so.” – Kuni Renyu
  • Blood of the Preserver -
  • Burning Fury – “Some say the ise zumi excel at combat due to their martial disciplines. Others, that they understand the Tao. I think some of them were berserkers in their past lives.” – Kakita Takara
  • Captured Convict – “Do not grant me the pleasure of a third time, you fool!”
  • Celestial Sword of the Crab (Exp) -
  • Celestial Sword of the Crane (Exp) -
  • Celestial Sword of the Phoenix (Exp) -
  • Channel the Moon – The gaze of the moon never wavers.
  • Chiisai – Once it was determined that the beasts were not Oni, the Crab once again proved their ingenuity.
  • Chuda Hitaka – “Were you fools enough to think me dead?”
  • Clearing Crew – Hungry for land and resources, the Great Clans surged into unknown territories, and their rank and file suffered for such greed.
  • Cowed and Defeated – “In the next world, tell them…. never cross a Scorpion.”
  • Crippled Sensei -
  • Crowded Streets -
  • Daidoji Sosuke – “This discussion is over. Until you have paid, you will not unload. I am not interested in your protests.”
  • Daidoji Tsunehiko – “The Mantis boast of their mastery of the sea, but who builds a house on top of a wave? It is control of land that matters. Let them come ashore and we will show them mastery.”
  • Daigotsu Arakan – “The Lion consider themselves our superiors. They will learn that none can stand above the Spider. None.”
  • Daigotsu Rafu – “I see … ravens … falling from the sky with red eyes. Red with fire. Burning land and stone death. Broken bones. Rivers running, full of death. The moon.”
  • Deep Roots – “If you hit me one more time,” he said mildly, “I might lose my temper.”
  • Defensive Grill – Generals seek to confound, outflank, and stymie their foes. Victorious generals deny their opponents such opportunities.
  • Direct the Path – “You will be ready very soon, brother. Focus on the spirit, not the body.” – Asako Nobumori
  • Discovering the Temple – In the jungle depths, the Spider uncovered the Temple of Ruhmal. In the jungle depths, it was waiting for them.
  • Distant Expansion – As the colonies spread, events unfolding at the heart of the Empire seemed to matter less and less.
  • Duel to First Blood -
  • Easy Persuasion -
  • Elephant Caravan – “Do I worry about bandits? Are you joking? I worry more about flies giving the elephants some new sickness than I worry about bandits.” – Ide Aritsao
  • Fallow Lands – “The kami here are strong. I do not know what caused the devastation, but I believe the land can be renewed” – Agasha Kurou
  • Fields of Victory -
  • Forge Your Soul – Weapons are not merely tools. They are extensions of the wielder, reflections of the soul.
  • Forged Documents – “Kitsuki-san, if you believe the Scorpion have been forging these documents, where is your family’s vaunted evidence?” The magistrate had no reply.
  • Forthrightness – “Send my rival a letter declaring my intentions.”
  • Fortress of Lidless Eyes – It is better not to know.
  • Goju Bunoro – “The Scorpion control the shadows. We control the darkness.”
  • Grief – “Why can I not forget?”
  • Heavy Chargers – “The purpose of ashigaru is not necessarily to earn victory. To simply delay an enemy’s cavalry, and immobilize them for archers, can be a victory in itself.” – Akodo’s Leadership
  • Hida Bakari – “I once heard a monk say, ‘If you do only one thing, and you excel at that one thing, then in all that you do, you will excel.’ Who am I to argue with such wisdom?”
  • Hiruma Hikazu – “Shadowlands or the Ivory Kingdoms. It matters not which jungle.”
  • Hiruma Nikaru (Exp) – As the search for Fubatsu continued, many searchers began to lose their patience.
  • Humble Farm – “Even farmers can be used in many ways.” – Akodo Dairuko
  • I Cast Two Shadows – Even the roads are subject to the vagaries of shadows.
  • Ikoma Shuji – I do not trust them. The Spider are simply biding their time. And so, I bide mine.
  • Isawa Hinata – “The exploration continues, my lord,” she reported. “We have discovered amazing secrets, but the dangers are significant. We have lost a great many men and brilliant minds. We must have assistance if we are to continue.”
  • Iuchi Haruma – The kami speak to him with discordant tongues. Rather than shy away from the danger of corruption, he embraces the chance for power.
  • Kaiu Fumiko – “… These are conflicting orders…”
  • Kakita Ichigiku – “Clearly you are guilty of something.”
  • Kakita Saki – “I could watch him work for hours. Metal shapes itself as meekly as paper under his hands.” – Kakita Ichigiku
  • Kakita Tadanobu (Exp) – “My blade is at your service, lord Kakita. Name the man and I shall deal with him.”
  • Kazehime – “Her laughter drives away sorrow and fosters strength. Her presence is proof that the Heavens approve our path.” – Asahina Keigo
  • Kenta – “We do not care if the land we conquer is claimed by the Empress. We can take the land at will. If she claims it and we decide it should belong to her any longer, then it will not.”
  • Kitsu Kanae – “We speak not only with the spirits of the dead, but with the spirits of the living as well. Even this, however, is not quite as challenging as simply listening.”
  • Kitsu Sorano (Exp) – “‘Just a lone woman,’ you say?”
  • Kitsuki Methods – “So very annoying.” – Bayushi Waru
  • Kitsuki Yoyugi – Call all the testimony you desire. They are still at fault.
  • Kitsune Kichi – “The Empire is outraged at the Naga’s violence. Many innocent creatures will suffer if they are not stopped.”
  • Kuni Renyu -
  • Kuon’s Legacy – “He will forever be honored. We shout his name as a battle cry, and even the berserkers hear it and redouble their efforts.” – Hiruma Nikaru
  • Lessons Never Forgotten – “The war taught many of our young samurai a great lesson: when you have something to lose, you have something to gain. I suppose we should thank the Scorpion for that, at least.” – Shiba Tsukimi
  • Longtooth – “In a pack of devoted war dogs, he is without question the alpha. Loyal, fearsome, and powerful, he is what all our beasts should be.” – Moto Taha
  • Lookout – “That one,” she whispered.
  • M’rika – “At times, a mature stateswomen of the Otomo family. At others, the radiant beauty of her younger days. What a mercurial woman.” – Daigotsu Kanepki
  • Matsu Rika – In over a thousand years, the purpose of the Lion’s Pride remains the same: find the leader of the threat to the Lion and destroy it.
  • Methodical Questioning – “Oh yes! Now I remember!”
  • Mirumoto Mitoshi – “I know I shall prevail. Do you?”
  • Mirumoto Rokai – “He is quiet and stolid, like the mountains we call home. He can be depended upon, regardless of the task.” – Mirumoto Shikei
  • Moshi Rukia – “I stand in the face of the storm’s greatest fury without fear or hesitation, and I am supposed to suffer insult from a Crane? Never!”
  • Moto Morio – The strength of the Khol lies in their organized movements and deadly efficiency, more than raw strength.
  • Native Guide – “In twenty years, we have found a small number of survivors, most of whom seem to operate on their own. I suspect, however, that there exists some hidden city or settlement where they congregate. It is what we would do, in their place.” – The Journals of Kalani
  • Natsumi – The very trees brightened with flowers as the spirit passed overhead.
  • Natural Aviary – “Magnificent, are they not? I would not see their home despoiled by conflict.” – Kitsune Kichi
  • Never Afraid – “You believe I will lose heart only because I’m wounded and outnumbered? Think again!”
  • Niiro no Oni – “The Spider forget themselves. I will remind them.” – Chuda Niiro
  • Nikutai – “The rank of nikutai shall be first among a gunso’s men, to lead when the gunso can not. It is a sacred trust.” – Akodo’s Leadership
  • On – On is the face one presents to all others in Rokugan. To allow this to slip, to show emotion or otherwise act inappropriately is a great dishonor.
  • One Shout – One shout. A thousand voices.
  • Our Ancestor’s Call – When you respect your forebears, you never stand alone.
  • Overcome Adversity – “If you are not willing to do anything to win, then you do not deserve victory.” – Daigotsu Aya
  • Paralyzing Touch – The slightest touch can floor an enemy if it is powered by the monk’s chi.
  • Platinum Mine – The metal shone out of the depths like a promise.
  • Power of the Night – Despite their legitimacy, the Spider Clan remains as ruthless as ever.
  • Preserving Beauty – “Defeating an army without destroying him is the most noble victory of all.” – Akodo’s Leadership
  • Pure Intent – “You will not stop me.”
  • Pure Strike Blade – It is a wonderfully crafted weapon, devoid of any blessings or enchantments. Those who face it in battle swear otherwise.
  • Purify the Soul – Purity is its own reward.
  • Quelsa – Some remembered the last orders of their dark leader. Only death would stop them – theirs or their enemies.
  • Regret – A sword strike, once made, cannot be withdrawn.
  • Running Battle – “It is always best to choose your battlefield. Sometimes I choose to make it move with me.” – Tsuruchi Tomaru
  • Sanzoko – “I have been called thief. I have been called insolent. I have been called reckless and headstrong. Call me what you will, but I call myself a child of the sun.”
  • Scorn the Weak – Weak vassals reflect poorly upon their lord.
  • Set the Fields Aflame -
  • Sheltered Port – Blue skies, fair winds, and limitless wealth: the best weather of all.
  • Shiba Kudome (Exp) – “There are always those who feel they must stand in the way of our wisdom. I would have it no other way.”
  • Shiba Shirou – Shirou’s charge was always getting herself into the kind of difficulty that needed answering with a blade. That was part of her charm.
  • Shieldman -
  • Shinjo Jong-Ho – “Every battle is a puzzle to be solved before any blood is spilt.”
  • Shinjo Min-Hee – “She leads the clan. I protect it.”
  • Shinobi Assault -
  • Shosuro Keirei – The man they call Shosuro’s Hand is as skilled as he is mysterious, as aged as he is deadly.
  • Shosuro Nobu – “In point of fact”, he said, “that was my second-best technique. This is my strongest form.”
  • Shosuro Ryoken – Fire is so pleasant. So cleansing.
  • Shugorei – “Compared to other kami of the earth, these are highly energetic.” – Tamori Shimura
  • Small-Time Bully – “Just two more koku,” he said in a wheedling tone, “and the deed is done.”
  • Social Grace -
  • Spiritual Manipulation – The voices in his head convinced him of the certainty of his actions.
  • Star-Crossed Lovers -
  • Steady Resolve – Samurai do not rout easily. Even in grim circumstances, they seize upon opportunities to prevail.
  • String of the Colonies – “I don’t understand. How can this strange bow be stronger then my dai-kyu?” – Tsuruchi Nobukatsu
  • Strong Defences – To those on the Wall, nothing had changed. They fought and won, or fought and died, just as before.
  • Subtle Games – It is shameful to simply cause another to lose face. Courtiers hone their skills to cause others to dishonor themselves.
  • Sudden Movement – “I did not realize you were a grasshopper!”
  • Tactical Assault – They were not prepared for this new mode of assault. The unprepared usually do not get another chance to prepare.
  • The Earth’s Hunger – This earth was not Rokugan, but the spirits answered the call just the same.
  • The Game Has Changed – “I trust there will be no questions,” the Khan said dryly. There were no questions.
  • The Lesson of Earth -
  • The Moon’s Imperative – “Weakness is to be overcome.” – The Voice of the Obsidian Moon
  • The New Foundries – “As in the Empire, so in the Colonies.” – Agasha Kurou
  • The Sun’s Aspiration – “Virtue is to be nurtured.” – The Voice of the Jade Sun
  • The Victor – The armor is designed for fashion more than function, but the famous armorer Kaiu Janasu has crafted it for many generals.
  • The Wave Persists – They make planning futile.
  • Theological Indecision – Faith seems indestructible until even the slightest doubt enters the mind.
  • Thuggish Techniques – Ronin will resort to baser methods should they lose their patience.
  • Thunder’s Stamina – The Mantis see the chaos of the Second City, but they are accustomed to chaos.
  • Togashi Kasuru – It is never wise to lightly ask an ise zumi to accomplish a task regardless of consequences.
  • Togashi Korimi (Exp) – “The lessons of earth are rarely subtle in nature.”
  • Touch the Emptiness – Some say that nothing is stronger than everything. They are wrong. Nothing is everything.
  • Tsuruchi Kosoko (Exp) – “If you think the Colonies are where I can benefit the clan, my lord, then of course I will go at your discretion. If conflict with the Crane is inevitable, then I shall teach them to regret antagonizing the sons and daughters of the Wasp.”
  • Twin Forks City – “It is an essential link between the coast and the Second City. We must protect it from the Mantis at all costs.” – Daidoji Sosuke.
  • Two-Fold Virtue – “A samurai who embraces bushido will never be weak. When his body fails him, his spirit will rise up and strike.” – Kitsu Sorano
  • Unexpected – If the first strike is the last strike, then the victor is not always the strongest.
  • Unfortunate Hesitation – “When steel comes out, you think of the fight. None of your sensei’s pretty words will save you if you are not ready to kill.” – Yamazaki
  • Unstable Ground – “Swordsmen are taught to watch their opponent’s eyes. Around here, they should be watching the ground.” – Hiruma Hikazu
  • Utaku Sung-Ki – “My wonderful Usa has been my steed and companion ever since my gempukku. I do not know if I have the strength to face the perils of the battlefield without him.”
  • Vanquisher’s Armor – The plates are heavy but sturdy. The armor is decorative, but designed to intimidate. It has become increasingly popular in the Colonies.
  • Vanquisher’s Blades – They are designed for only one purpose: death. They serve their purpose well.
  • Versatile Farm – When the samurai ordered her to plant a new variety of rice, the farmer kept her thoughts to herself.
  • Void Tattoo – The world has five smiles in one face.
  • Ward of Air – “Defeat me?” You cannot even touch me.”
  • Wartime Preparations – Even in times of peace, a samurai’s duty is to prepare for war.
  • Wasteland Scout – “I have seen Lion hunting parties, my lord. I do not know what they seek, but their movements bespeak a great urgency.”
  • Watchers in the Dark – “Good commanders can anticipate the enemy. Great Commanders already know what the enemy is about to do.” – Akodo Furu.
  • Whispering Archive – If you listened closely, you could almost hear the scrolls murmuring to each other of past wars and future winders.
  • Yamazaki (Exp) – “I am a monster killer. Most of them look like men.”
  • Yari of Air (Exp) -
  • Yasuki Ikke -
  • Yoritomo Ebumi – “I have lived my life in the jungles. I know no other world. The city, to me, is misery incarnate.”
  • Yoritomo Kanahashi – “The other clans may think whatever they like. The Colonies are Mantis lands, and always will be.”
  • Yoritomo Tsang – “I think I have suffered enough of your honeyed garbage,” the captain snarled. “I demand satisfaction!” The Crane smiled. “Do you have a champion?” Tsang stepped forward at once. “I will stand against the Crane, captain.”
  • Your Heart’s Enemy – Strength of spirit is strength. Strength of will is strength. Strength of purity is strength.
  • Zlkyt – By placing Zokujin bosses in charge of their Zokujin miners, the Lion hoped to avoid the riots that had plagued them in the past.
Archived in Emperor Edition.

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