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The Topaz Contestants * next to a skill denotes a school skill.
* next to a spell denotes a memorized spell.
Crab
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2 The Love Triangle Hida Ishikari, Hida Koutetsu & Hida Aiko
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2
Hida Ishikari
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3 Hida Koutetsu
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3
The Reluctant Replacement Hiruma Kajiya
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3 Hiruma Kajiya
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3
Crane
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3 The Boor Daidoji Yamazaru
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3
Daidoji Yamazaru
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4
The Perfectionist Kakita Kenmaru
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4 Kakita Kenmaru
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4
The Last Hope Doji Mazushi
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4 Doji Mazushi
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4
The Songbird Doji Hyoteki
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4 Doji Hyoteki
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5
Dragon
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5 Enlightened Blindness Togashi Rei
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5
Togashi Rei
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5
The Haunted Duelist Mirumoto Hasaken
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5 Mirumoto Hasaken
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5
The Hulk Tamori Daichi
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6 Tamori Daichi
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6
Lion
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6 The Hopeful Herald Ikoma Satoshi
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6
Ikoma Satoshi
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6
Prodigious Naivety Akodo Raiken
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6 Akodo Raiken
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6
The Bonecrusher Matsu Kujiko
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7 Matsu Kujiko
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7
Mantis
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7 Fierce and Foxy Kitsune Hibiki
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7
Kitsune Hibiki
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7
The Brute Yoritomo Futeki
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7 Yoritomo Futeki
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7
Elemental Excellence Moshi Osako
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8 Moshi Osako
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8
Phoenix
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8 Fear and Loathing Asako Banken & Asako Hakimi
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8
Asako Banken
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8 Asako Hakimi
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8
The Yin-Yang Twins Isawa Kagou & Isawa Rin
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9 Isawa Kagou
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9 Isawa Rin
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9
Scorpion
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9 The Hostage Bayushi Kansei
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9
Bayushi
Kansei..................................................................................................................................................................
9
Secrets of the Void Bayushi Hanaku
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9 Bayushi Hanaku
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10
The Ardent Ninja Shosuro Miyako
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10 Shosuro Miyako (aka Bayushi Junko)
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10
Unicorn
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10 Half-Hearted Hunk Shinjo Sekushi
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10
Shinjo Sekushi
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11
Common Differences Utaku Kamiko & Utaku Sachiko
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11 Utaku Kamiko
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11
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Utaku
Sachiko.................................................................................................................................................................
11
Other
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11 Misery Loves Company Otomo Yasu
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11
Otomo Yasu
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11
Duel Personality Disorder Seppun Toshiro
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12 Seppun Toshiro
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12
Fortune Favours the Mortal Monkey Toku
Kazedai.......................................................................................
12 Toku Kazedai
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12
Tailor, Maid Tsi Kiku
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12 Tsi Kiku
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12
Against the Grain Suzume Masu
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12 Suzume Masu
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13
Honorable Dog Takumi
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13
Takumi............................................................................................................................................................................
13
Villains
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13 The Big Payback Juriken
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13
Juriken
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13
Ronin Scum Koto, Jin, & Taka
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14 Koto
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14 Jin
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14 Taka
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14
Miscellaneous
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14 The Lost Love - Hida
Aiko..................................................................................................................................
14
Hida Aiko
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14
Crab
The Love Triangle Hida Ishikari, Hida Koutetsu & Hida Aiko
Love is seldom an emotion that leads to a happy ending in Rokugan.
Most samurai have the challenge of trying to balance it with duty
to their lord. For the Crab, the tales can end even more
tragically, with the ever present risk of the Shadowlands Taint.
Although beautiful, Hida Aiko was brash, overconfident and lacking
in social graces. A prodigy at wrestling, she liked nothing more
than a good physical tangle - usually provoking it - and almost
always came off the better. In most clans, she would have been a
public embarrassment. In the Crab, she was loved, so much so that
she was selected to attend the Topaz Championship. Hida Koutetsu
loved Hida Aiko. She was thoroughly Crab, and Crab is all he has
ever wanted to be. He feels naked when not encased in steel, and
nothing is quite so satisfying to him as the feeling of crushing a
foe with his tetsubo. In fact it was his embodiment of the
traditional Hida values that led to his recommendation to attend
the Topaz Championship. Hisa Ishikari also loved Hida Aiko. Short
and stocky, Ishikari is prodigy of the Hida Pragmatist dojo, and he
has the potential be one of the great practitioners of Kobo. His
first exposure to Hida Aiko was a painful one when she was invited
to train in the Pragmatist dojo, and the legend of their juijutsu
rivalry has already expanded to the realms of fiction. The truth
would be that she managed to win both his respect and affection for
not only her skill but also her unfettered spirit. Ishikari's range
of skills has not gone unnoticed, and he has also been recommended
to compete in the Topaz Championship Aiko's training overlapped
with both, and the bruises she gave to the male bushi was generally
the sweetest they had ever received. And while many tried to get
closer to Aiko, it was only Koutetsu and Ishikari that really
managed to be any more than merely classmates, which naturally put
them at odds with each other, and they had many times come close to
blows trying to impress Aiko. The Topaz Championship may be a
gempukku ceremony, but few Hida would view themselves as true
samurai if they did not perform the traditional Hida gempukku -
that of entering the Shadowlands alone and returning with the head
of a foe. All three departed alone into the wastes on the same day,
but only Ishikari and Koutetsu returned. Their sensei and the two
bushi finally went to try find Aiko. In the failing light, they
were
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ambushed by a naked tainted lunatic, covered in blood. To their
horror, they realized it was Aiko. The two young bushi were
stunned, and taking advantage of their stupor, Aiko attacked and
killed their sensei, ripping his throat out with her teeth. The
cries of a horde of bakemono caused her to flee before they could
do anything, and the two samurai had no choice but to retreat back
to the safety of the wall with the body of their sensei. That
evening, the former rivals made a blood pact - that one day they
would hunt down the beast that their beloved Aiko has become and
free her soul from Jigoku's influence. But before that day, they
first had to represent their clan at the Topaz Championship, for
the Crab will never shirk their duty.
Hida Ishikari School: (Hida Pragmatist 1) [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 4), Void 2 Skills:
Athletics 1*, Defense 1*, Juijutsu (Improvised Weapons) 3*,
Kenjutsu 1*, Lore: Shadowlands 1*, Polearms 1*, Etiquette 1,
Iaijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Crab Hands, Elemental Blessing (Earth), Hands of Stone,
Prodigy Disadvantages: Driven (Free Hida Aiko), Lost Love (Hida
Aiko), Small
Hida Koutetsu School: Hida Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth
3, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 3), Void 2 Skills:
Athletics 1*, Defense 1*, Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo) 3*, Intimidation
1*, Kenjutsu 1*, Lore: Shadowlands 1*, Juijutsu 1*, Etiquette 1,
Iaijutsu 1, Kyujutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore:
Law 1 Advantages: Elemental Blessing (Earth), Elemental Blessing
(Water), Large Disadvantages: Driven (Free Hida Aiko), Lost Love
(Hida Aiko)
The Reluctant Replacement Hiruma Kajiya Hiruma Kajiya is the son
of a political marraige, and grew up with all the associated
baggage. His father is a Kaiu smith, while is mother is a
high-ranking Hiruma. She intends for Kajiya to follow in her
footsteps as a Hiruma soldier. Growing up, though, Kajiya spent
more time with his father while he managed their estate. His
fondest memories are of spending the day in his father's workshop,
watching him forge weapons and armor. Hiruma by name, he is Kaiu by
nature, and can't shake the nagging doubt that being a Hiruma
warrior is not his destiny - rather he believes his true destiny
lies at the forge. When he is forced away from the crafting he
loves, he drowns his sorrows in shochu, a behaviour that
fortunately doesn't draw too much attention in the Crab lands. He
now finds himself at the Topaz Championship, courtesy his mother,
who expects her son to prove to all in attendance just how good the
Hiruma can be.
Hiruma Kajiya School: Hiruma Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth
2 (Willpower 3), Fire 4, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Athletics 1*,
Hunting 1*, Kenjutsu (Katana) 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Lore: Shadowlands
1*, Stealth 1*, Etiquette 1*, Craft: Armorsmithing 1, Craft:
Weaponsmithing 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Elemental Blessing (Fire) Disadvantages: Compulsion
(Sochu) [2 points], Doubt (Hunting), Doubt (Stealth)
Crane
The Boor Daidoji Yamazaru As a family, the Daidoji are often at
odds with the rest of their Clan. While the Doji are worried about
aesthetics, the Kakita about excellence, and the Asahina about
peace, the Daidoji are the iron in the Crane that eschews grace and
style in favour of ruthless results. And while this pragmatism is
of great value on the field of battle, in the many splendid courts
of the Crane, it can actually be more hindrance than help for the
many Daidoji serving as yojimbo. And so it is for Daidoji Yamazaru.
No one can dispute his skill, or his devotion to duty. But the more
his family and teacher tried to impart some appreciation for the
finer things that are so much the Crane's domain, the more it
frustrated him. He now genuinely dislikes art, and sees it as
pointless for a Daidoji. His attitude has led to him picking up a
reputation as a boor. He has come to the Topaz
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Championship as the best student of the Iron Crane dojo, and
intends to show his own clan as much as everyone else that the
Daidoji's real talent lies in the martial arts.
Daidoji Yamazaru School: Daidoji Iron Warrior 1 [Bushi] Rings:
Air 2, Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3
Skills: Battle 1*, Defense 2*, Iaijutsu 2*, Kenjutsu (Katana) 2*,
Kyujutsu 2*, Spears 2*, Athletics 1, Etiquette 1, Lore: Bushido 1,
Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Prodigy, Virtuous
Disadvantages: Obtuse, Infamous (Hates Art)
The Perfectionist Kakita Kenmaru Kakita Kenmaru is a prodigy of
the Kakita Dueling Academy, and the Crane believe that there is
little chance of him not becoming the new Topaz Champion. Kenmaru
himself in unperturbed by the attention. He sees the Topaz
Championship is just another set of opportunities to achieve
perfection. And theirin lies the dark flaw in his nature - his
quest for perfection put him onto the path of Shourido, the Dark
counterpart to Bushido. But he believes that as long as he keeps
surpassing all challenges set before him, the difference will not
be noticed.
Kakita Kenmaru School: Kakita Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Etiquette 1*,
Iaijutsu (Focus) 3*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Sincerity 1*, Tea
Ceremony 1*, Athletics 1*, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore:
Law 1 Advantages: Prodigy Disadvantages: Consumed (Perfection),
Dark Secret (Active follower of Shourido)
The Last Hope Doji Mazushi Many generations ago, Doji Mazushi's
family was wealthy and influential. In a moment of arrogance, his
ancestor claimed not even the Fortunes could challenge them.
Unfortunately, the Fortunes were listening, and Hotei, the Fortune
of Contentment and Happiness, decided to teach him a lesson. Soon,
things just seemed to go wrong. Duels, crops, and positions were
all lost. That same boastful ancestor died in squalor. And it soon
became apparent that the curse was passed on to his descendants.
The family was always given one son, a son with great potential.
But that same sense of arrogance was passed from father to son as
well, and in their frustration they all dissolved into bitterness
and misery, much to the suffering of the women of the family.
Mazushis father suffered the same fate, perishing in duel from a
drunken challenge when Mazushi was still a babe. The women of the
family finally saw this as their chance, and they raised Mazushi as
best they could without the destructive influence of his sires.
They taught him to be humble, honourable and reverent, especially
toward the Fortunes. Calling in the last of their influence they
managed to get Mazushi a position in the Topaz Championship. The
family knows that if he doesnt succeed in breaking Hoteis curse,
they will soon fade into obscurity.
Doji Mazushi School: Kakita Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 3, Earth
2, Fire 2, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Etiquette 2*, Iaijutsu
(Awareness, Focus) 4*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Sincerity 1*, Tea
Ceremony 1*, Lore: Bushido 1*, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1, Lore:
Theology (Fortunes) 2 Advantages: Prodigy Disadvantages: Cast Out
(Priests of Hotei), Social Disadvantage, Seven Fortunes Curse
(Hotei)
The Songbird Doji Hyoteki Doji Hyoteki in nicknamed "The
Nightingale" and is well known for her very good voice. She has
been trained in storytelling, oratory and song, and has exceeded
all expectations. It wasnt much of a surprise that she was selected
to attend the Topaz Championship. She just hopes she makes it there
alive. Because someone is out to get her. The truth is unknown to
her, but her father was a Doji Magistrate, and he managed to
uncover an opium smuggling gang operating in the Crane lands. He
confronted the leader and executed him, but the leaders son took
his revenge, and swore a blood oath he would wipe out the line of
his fathers killer. Unfortunately, all Hyoteki knows is that her
father was killed in service to the clan, but she cannot shake
the
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feeling she is being watched, and there is someone out there who
is just waiting for a chance to find her alone and defenseless.
Doji Hyoteki School: Doji Courtier 1 [Courtier] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 4), Earth 2, Fire 2, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Calligraphy
1*, Courtier (Manipulation) 3*, Etiquette (Courtesy) 3*, Perform:
Storytelling 2*, Sincerity 1*, Tea Ceremony 1*, Perform: Oratory
2*, Perform: Song 2, Defense 1, Kenjutsu (Wakizashi) 2, Lore:
Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Sensation,
Voice Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (Unknown Enemy), Phobia (Being
along and defenceless without allies or protection) [1 point],
Sworn Enemy [6 points = Kharmic Nemesis; +1 Rank]
Dragon
Enlightened Blindness Togashi Rei There are few fates crueller
than being born handicapped. Togashi Rei came into the world both
small and blind. As a child, she was abused and malnourished,
viewed by her peasant family as sign of misfortune. It never broke
her spirit, though, and there was always something disconcertingly
serene about her. One morning her family awoke to find her gone,
and decided not to try and discover her fate, being glad it was no
longer tied to theirs. If they had known the truth, it would have
amazed them. Stumbling around in her ever-present gloom, the
scrawny child followed her instincts all the way up Togashi
Mountain, and was taken in by the monks. She could not be formally
trained, but she was allowed to come and go as she pleased, and
learned much without any of the sensei really knowing. At least
until the Kami Togashi visited her. He had seen her thrive despite
her setbacks, and decided to reward her. In the morning, mystical
tattoos had appeared on her, and the blessings they granted changed
her life forever. For the first time in her life, she no longer
hungered. And she could see! It was not true eyesight, but it was
enough for her to begin formal training. She could not read the
Tao, could not truly become part of the samurai or the monk world,
but she could finally stand on her own strength in either. With the
blessing of the Dragon, she has come to the Topaz Championship to
prove just that.
Togashi Rei School: Togashi Tattooed Order 1 [Monk] Rings: Air
3, Earth 2, Fire 2, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Athletics 3*, Defense
3*, Craft: Tattooing 1*, Juijutsu 1*, Meditation 1*, Iaijutsu
(Awareness, Focus) 3, Kenjutsu 3, Etiquette 1*, Lore: Bushido 1*,
Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Daredevil, Enlightened Disadvantages:
Blind, Small Tattoos: Ocean, Void Notes: The L5R RPG Design Team
has confirmed that, when active, the Void Tattoo negates the
penalties of Blindness, up to the range on the tattoo.
The Haunted Duelist Mirumoto Hasaken Mirumoto Hasaken represents
the legacy of a great duelist and must do whatever is necessary to
uphold that heritage. His ancestor will never let him forget it.
Since his aptitude with the blade became apparent, his family has
come to expect great things of him. Many expect him to perfect the
style developed by his grandfather. Only Hasaken hears his most
vocal supporter: the spirit of his grandfather, an ever-present
voice driving him to his destiny. Hasaken feels overburdened,
uncertain that he can accomplish what his ancestor demands of him.
But there is nothing more important than family to Hasaken, so he
shall do what he must.
Mirumoto Hasaken School: Mirutomo Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3 Skills:
Defense 1*, Iaijutsu (Focus) 3*, Kenjutsu (Katana) 3*, Lore:
Shugenja 1*, Meditation 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Athletics 1*,
Juijutsu 1, Kyujutsu 1, Etiquette 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore:
Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Prodigy, Sacred Weapon (Twin
Sister Blades)
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Disadvantages: Haunted (Grandfather)
The Hulk Tamori Daichi Tamori Daichi has grown up living the
life of someone who gets picked on. He is incredibly big, both tall
and wide, and towered over most of his peers, and indeed, his
elders. While this is not too much of a surprise, given the Tamoris
strong links to Earth, he nonetheless had trouble fitting in and
has led a mostly solitary and lonely life. His overwhelming
physical presence led most people to underestimate both his
intelligence and his gift for the kami. And that attitude has
rubbed off on Daichi himself. He is by no means slow, but has
always wondered if he is more brawn than brain, and as such prefers
to use his hands. This naturally led him into the path of the
yamabushi, or warrior priest. If he could bring himself to accept
his mental and spiritual talents in addition to his physical
talents, he would be a fearsome warrior indeed.
Tamori Daichi School: Tamori Shugenja [Shugenja] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 3, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Athletics 2*, Calligraphy
(Cipher) 1*, Defense 1*, Divination 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Medicine
1*, Spellcraft 1*, Etiquette 1, Iaijutsu 2, Kenjutsu 2, Staves 2,
Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Large,
Strength of the Earth Disadvantages: Doubt (Lore: Theology), Doubt
(Spellcraft) Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon, Earth Becomes Sky,
Embrace of Kenro-ji-jin, Grasp of Earth, Katana of Fire*, Fires of
Purity, Bo of Water*
Lion
The Hopeful Herald Ikoma Satoshi Early in his bushi training,
Ikoma Satoshi discovered he had an intense weakness to pain that
meant he would never become a great warrior. Instead, he switched
to the next best option. As a bard he recites the glory of the
Lion, often travelling with the soldiers to the battlefield to get
as close to the action as possible, to experience the thrill of
battle vicariously. He has been sent to the Topaz Championship to
unnerve the opponents of the other Lion contestants, but in his
dreams he imagines himself as the one winning the final glory.
Ikoma Satoshi School: Ikoma Bard 1 [Courtier] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Courtier 1*, Etiquette 1*,
Lore: History (Lion Clan) 1*, Perform: Storytelling 1*, Sincerity
(Honesty) 1*, Games: Go 1*, Iaijutsu 1*, Athletics 1, Defense 1,
Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Crab
Hands, Precise Memory, Prodigy, Voice Disadvantages: Idealistic,
Low Pain Threshold
Prodigious Naivety Akodo Raiken Akodo Raiken is viewed as the
future of the Lion Clan. A prodigy of the Akodo dojo, he is
swordsman without peer. His whole life has been spent in the dojo,
honing his ability, and the test that faces him is coming to grips
with the challenges of the real world. He has never known a world
without honorable opponents, and has never known defeat with the
sword. Will he be able to cope when he faces those challenges? The
Topaz Championship gives him an opportunity to find out.
Akodo Raiken School: Akodo Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth
2, Fire 2 (Agility 4), Water 2 (Perception 3), Void 2 Skills:
Battle (Mass Combat) 1*, Defense 1*, Kenjutsu 4*, Kyujutsu 1*,
Lore: History 1*, Sincerity 1*, Iaijutsu 1*, Athletics 1, Etiquette
1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Great
Potential (Kenjutsu), Prodigy Disadvantages: Idealistic,
Overconfident
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7
The Bonecrusher Matsu Kujiko Matsu Kujiko was born with great
portents. Blessed by the Fortune of Strength, Bishamon, she was
expected to grow into a great warrior. But it soon become apparent
that the one area she wouldn't be formidable was size, and because
of this many thought she was the runt of the litter. It led to a
growing frustration inside Kujiko, always being told she was "too
little". She intensified her training, becoming consumed with
becoming stronger. The portents had been correct - she was blessed
by Bishamon - and combined with her natural talent and focused
training, she quickly became a formidable warrior. The emotional
scars didn't heal, though, and in her determination to prove her
strength she left quite a few crippling injuries in her wake. She
now has the chance to prove to everyone that she has overcome her
disadvantage, and is stronger for it.
Matsu Kujiko School: Matsu Berserker 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 4), Void 3 Skills:
Battle 1*, Juijutsu 1*, Kenjutsu (Katana) 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Lore:
History 1*, Athletics 1*, Iaijutsu 1*, Etiquette 1, Lore: Bushido
1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Prodigy, Seven
Fortunes Blessing (Bishamon) Disadvantages: Consumed (Strength),
Infamous (Causing crippling injuries), Small
Mantis
Fierce and Foxy Kitsune Hibiki The Kitsune family are described
as "a quiet, simple people who prefer to commune with the spirits
of nature in the forest rather than travel across the Empire on
formal business". Those are not the words to describe Kitsune
Hibiki. Ever a boisterous child growing up, both the animal spirits
and humans shied away from her. When it became apparent that she
had no connection with the kami either, her family were relieved to
offload her onto the Tsuruchi for training. Despite her small size,
she showed remarkable apitude for her schooling. When her
diminutive stature limited her bite in martial prowess, she
switched to using the katana for dueling, and made sure her bark
drowned out the rest of her dojo. Estranged to her family and
overconfident to the extreme despite her physical limitations, her
sensei realises that her pure talent still makes her the most
suitable candidate for glory at the Topaz Championship. And with
her gone he can finally teach in peace and quiet.
Kitsune Hibiki School: Tsuruchi Archer 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 2, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Athletics 1*, Defense 1*,
Hunting 2*, Investigation 1*, Kyujutsu (Yumi) 2*, Iaijutsu
(Assessment, Focus) 1*, Etiquette 1, Kenjutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1,
Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1, Stealth 1 Advantages: Prodigy
Disadvantages: Black Sheep, Overconfident, Small
The Brute Yoritomo Futeki Yoritomo Futeki is a brute of a bushi.
Big, strong and not afraid to leverage his intimidating physical
presence to his advantage, he has been sent to the Topaz
Championship because he is expected to dominate in the physical
challenges. He is very rough around the edges, though, and his
future sits on the edge of a blade - his journey to Tsuma could
just as likely end in dishonor as in glory.
Yoritomo Futeki School: Yoritomo Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 3, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 4), Void 2 Skills:
Commerce 1*, Defense 1*, Juijutsu (Improvised Weapons) 1*, Kenjutsu
1*, Knives (Kama) 1*, Sailing 1*, Chain Weapons (Kusarigama) 1*,
Athletics 1, Etiquette 1, Intimidation 1, Kyujutsu 1 Advantages:
Large Disadvantages: Brash, Insensitive, Overconfident, Phobia
(Orochi) [1 point]
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8
Elemental Excellence Moshi Osako The Moshi are a strictly
matriarchal family, and so it was that Moshi Osako was born to even
greater privilege than normal. A highly talented shugenja, an
actual descendant of Osano-Wo, and socially adept, the possibility
of her one day becoming family daimyo is already being spoken of.
Unfortunately she has also picked up the Mantis trait for
overconfidence. While this is not looked on as a negative inside
her clan, it remains to see how she will handle life outside the
Mantis lands. The Topaz Championship is the first test of many that
will come her way.
Moshi Osako School: Moshi Shugenja [Shugenja] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 1*,
Divination 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Meditation 1*, Spellcraft 1*,
Courtier 1*, Etiquette 1*, Defense 1, Kenjutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1,
Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Blood of Osano-wo,
Elemental Blessing (Air), Elemental Blessing (Fire), Elemental
Blessing (Water) Disadvantages: Overconfident Spells: Sense,
Commune, Summon, Tempest of Air, Bentens Touch*, Secrets on the
Wind, Envious Flames, Fury of Osano-wo, Katana of Fire*
Phoenix
Fear and Loathing Asako Banken & Asako Hakimi The story of
Asako Banken and Asako Hakimi is a study on how a single event can
shape two lives completely differently. Brother and sister, they
were still young when their lives met with great tragedy. Asako
bloodspeakers captured their family and attempted to sacrifice them
to power their maho. The cultists were discovered and eradicated by
Inquisitor's before their dark ritual could be finished, but it not
only left them orphans, but also shaped their personalities. Banken
was old enough to remember the horrific events. He soon developed a
deep phobia for monks, seeing them as his deepest nightmare brought
to life. When any Asako monk approached him, he went into a
hysterical fit, and in despair he was sent to train with the Shiba,
likely never to set foot back in the Asako lands. In contrast,
Hakimi was too young to recall the events, but has been raised
knowing that something dark and significant happened to her family
in the past, and grew up frustrated that no one was willing to tell
her the truth. Whether it was those pent up feelings or an
aftereffect of the foul maho, she developed a violent streak to her
personality, and became somewhat of an aberration to the peaceful
Asako. She too was sent away from the Asako lands, and trained with
the Agasha, who were less inclined to supress her martial
tendencies and appreciated her strong relationship with the fire
kami. Both children excelled in their training, and they were sent
to the Topaz Championship together, because they seem to be the
only ones who can really manage the others flaws. Where they will
fit into the grand scheme of things after the tournament is
unknown, but the Asako would prefer to see them assigned out of
Phoenix lands.
Asako Banken School: Shiba Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 3), Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3 Skills:
Defense 1*, Kenjutsu 2*, Kyujutsu 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Meditation
(Void Recovery) 1*, Spears 3*, Iaijutsu 3*, Etiquette 1, Lore:
Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Elemental
Blessing (Air), Kharmic Tie (Asako Hakimi) [1 point], Prodigy
Disadvantages: Antisocial [2 points], Black Sheep, Compulsion [2
points], Phobia (Monks) [3 points]
Asako Hakimi School: Agasha Shugenja [Shugenja] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 3), Earth 2, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Calligraphy
(Cipher) 1*, Defense 1*, Etiquette 1*, Lore: Theology 1*,
Spellcraft 1*, Craft: Alchemy 1*, Kenjutsu (Katana) 2*, Iaijutsu 2,
Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages:
Elemental Blessing (Air), Elemental Blessing (Fire), Kharmic Tie
(Asako Banken) [1 point] Disadvantages: Black Sheep, Brash,
Insensitive, Infamous (Violent Martial Shugenja) Spells: Sense,
Commune, Summon, Katana of Fire*, Fire of Purity, The Fires from
Within*, Tempest of Air, Yari of Air*, Soul of Stone
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The Yin-Yang Twins Isawa Kagou & Isawa Rin Blessed or
cursed? That is the question that had surrounded Isawa Rin and
Isawa Kagou. When any children are born to the Phoenix with an
affinity for Void, they are watched very carefully for signs of
madness or other negative effects. Should they lose control of
their abilities, these are forever locked away from them for the
safety of everyone. Rin and Kagou are sometimes called the yin-yang
twins, because of their striking similarities and differences.
Kagou, the boy, has the natural white hair that portends great
magical ability, and inky black eyes. Rin, the girl, has jet black
hair and unsettling pure white eyes. Both were born with a strong
link to the Void, but they struggled to control it. So it was that
one day they were meditating together and were both almost lost to
the stream of Void. Is left them forever changed. In the end, Rin
lost her struggle for control, and instead trained as a bushi under
the watchful eyes of the Shiba. Kagou managed to attain a measure
of balance, and continued his training to become a true ishiken.
They have led a sheltered life, and are seldom apart, but their
power cannot be denied. The Topaz Championship is their first real
foray into the world at large, and it remains to be seen whether
their destiny is to be remembered as being blessed, or as being
cursed.
Isawa Kagou School: Isawa Shugenja [Shugenja] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2 (Willpower 3), Fire 2 (Intelligence 3), Water 2, Void 4
Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 1*, Medicine 1*, Meditation 1*, Lore:
Elements 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Spellcraft 1*, Etiquette 1*
Advantages: Ishiken-do Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (Evil Eyes),
Doubt (Meditation), Touch of the Void Spells: Sense, Commune,
Summon, Drawing the Void, Touch the Emptiness*, Altering the
Course*, Envious Flames, Extinguish, Jurojins Balm, Path to Inner
Peace
Isawa Rin School: Shiba Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth 2
(Willpower 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 4 Skills: Defense
1*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Meditation (Void
Recovery) 1*, Spears 1*, Iaijutsu (Focus) 3*, Etiquette 1
Advantages: Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (Evil Eyes), Doubt
(Meditation), Touch of the Void
Scorpion
The Hostage Bayushi Kansei Bayushi Kansei might have the
toughest assignment in the Empire - being a Scorpion hostage to the
Crane. Tensions are always tense between the Crane and Scorpion,
and his day-to-day existance is a minefield. Besides being the
target of many Crane prejudices, he is also expected to report back
to the Scorpion on anything that might prove politically valuable -
difficult when none of the Crane trust you anyway. Well, almost
none. There is one Crane that treated Kansei fairly...the daughter
of the Lord of Tsuma, the host of the Topaz Championship. For a
while he dared to dreamed of future together, but when their
budding romance was discovered, it was quickly squashed. He hopes
that his performance at the Topaz Championship will make either of
the two clans he is trapped between realise his worth, and end his
daily struggle.
Bayushi Kansei School: Bayushi Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Courtier (Manipulation)
1*, Defense 1*, Etiquette 1*, Iaijutsu 3*, Kenjutsu 1*, Sincerity
1*, Athletics 1*, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Dangerous Beauty, Prodigy Disadvantages: Hostage
(Crane), True Love
Secrets of the Void Bayushi Hanaku Bayushi Hanaku is one of the
rarest occurrences in the empire an ishiken outside of the Phoenix.
And the Scorpion are hoping she will be one of their greatest
coups. The Scorpion have long worked at using the kami
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discreetly to give themselves an advantage in the courts, but
not often have they had the chance to test the effectiveness of
Void magic in this regard. When she was discovered as a child,
Hanaku was immediately taken away and trained in secret. Initially
she has been trained as a Soshi shugenja, but to all outside
appearances she is no more than another Bayushi courtier. She has
been sent to the Topaz Championship to introduce her into a public
environment, to see whether she can perform without revealing her
ability. The Scorpion will be watching her carefully, for they have
great plans for her.
Bayushi Hanaku School: Soshi Shugenja [Shugenja] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 3), Earth 2, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Calligraphy
(Cipher) 1*, Courtier 3*, Etiquette 3*, Lore: Theology 1*,
Spellcraft (Spell Research) 1*, Stealth (Spell Casting) 1*,
Temptation 1*, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Dangerous Beauty, Ishiken-do, Silent Disadvantages:
Fascination (Void), Insensitive Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon,
Bentens Touch*, Hidden Visage, Whispering Wind, Envious Flames,
Extinguish, Sympathetic Energies
The Ardent Ninja Shosuro Miyako Bayushi Junko is not the
charming courtier she appears to be. She is Shosuro Miyako, Ninja
Infiltrator, trained to make her way into an enemy's graces before
striking at his heart. Her sensei has seen fewer students with as
much ability and fervour for the ninja's unique task. In fact, she
seems to enjoy it too much. But what better test of her ability
than to send her into the spotlight at the Topaz Championship?
Shosuro Miyako (aka Bayushi Junko) School: Shosuro Inflitrator 1
[Ninja] Rings: Air 3, Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 2
Skills: Acting 1*, Athletics 1*, Ninjutsu 3*, Sincerity 1*, Stealth
(Sneaking) 3*, Juijutsu 1*, Courtier 1, Defense 1, Etiquette 1,
Kenjutsu 1, Knives 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law
1, Sleight of Hand 1 Advantages: Crafty, Daredevil, Prodigy, Silent
Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Ninja), Insensitive
Unicorn
Half-Hearted Hunk Shinjo Sekushi When Shinjo returned to the
Empire and exposed the Unicorn clan leadership as Kolat, it was a
blow for the clan. But it was an even bigger blow for the Shinjo
family, one that they have yet to recover from. Where do you go
after your founding Kami disowns you and appoints what are
practically gaijin to lead the clan? For the most part, the
remaining loyal Shinjo have just gone about business as usual,
remaining the compassionate and honourable samurai they always
were. The family leaders, though, are aware that until there is a
truly charismatic Shinjo who can lead the family through the
challenges of restoring their reputation in both the courts and the
battlefield, they will always be fighting with a dull blade. So
careful attention has been given to up-and-coming samurai, to see
if the can match these steep requirements. And in Shinjo Sekushi,
they hope to have found just that. He was carefully trained to make
sure he can match and exceed all that is expected of a traditional
Rokugani samurai, along with preserving the family tradition of a
friendly and charming personality. But it was those personality
traits that point to what could become a dark flaw in his
personality. For Sekushi is well known as being friendly and
charming, but perhaps too much so with the ladies. In fact in his
home province he has already picked up a bit of a reputation for
lechery. The truth of the matter is actually rather sad Sekushi was
once in the enviable position of being betrothed to someone he
really loved. When his talents were noticed, though, and he began
to be groomed for greater things, the match was broken off because
the girl was of too low status. The episode left Sekushi
heartbroken, and he now feels a void that he is sure an arranged
marriage will never fill. So now he views romance as almost
trivial, and plays with other's hearts in the hope that someone
will be able to heal his. He has been sent to Topaz Championship as
the first step on his path to greater things, but only time will
tell if he will find the love that will really make him feel
complete again.
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Shinjo Sekushi School: Shinjo Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 3,
Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Athletics 1*,
Defense 1*, Horsemanship 4*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Etiquette
1*, Iaijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1,
Temptation 1 Advantages: Dangerous Beauty, Friend of the Elements
(Fire) Disadvantages: Compulsion (Flirting) [2 points], Infamous
(Lecher), Lechery, Lost Love
Common Differences Utaku Kamiko & Utaku Sachiko Utaka Kamiko
and Utaka Sachiko are twins, identical in all respects, except for
personality. It astounds people who know them that two siblings of
identical training can turn out so differently. Kamiko is quiet and
reserved, to the point of being socially awkward. She takes her
duties as a samurai seriously, and has become beloved of the common
people for her ready display of compassion and care. In complete
contrast is Sachiko. Noisy, brash and full of life, she has won
many followers with her outgoing personality. In truth, she cares
mostly for just having fun, and as such tends to be self-centered.
Besides their looks, the one thing the sisters have in common is
their impressive skills, and that ensured them both a trip to the
Topaz Championship. They have always made a formidable combination,
but can they excel on their own?
Utaku Kamiko School: Utaku Battle Maiden 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Reflexes 3), Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2,
Void 2 Skills: Battle 1*, Defense 1*, Horsemanship 2*, Kenjutsu 1*,
Kyujutsu 1*, Sincerity 1*, Athletics 1, Etiquette 1, Iaijutsu 1,
Juijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Balance, Hero of the People, Kharmic Tie (Utaku
Sachiko) *5 points+, Prodigy, Seven Fortunes Blessing (Ebisu),
Virtuous Disadvantages: Antisocial [2 points], Seven Fortunes Curse
(Benten)
Utaku Sachiko School: Utaku Battle Maiden 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Reflexes 3), Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2,
Void 2 Skills: Battle 1*, Defense 1*, Horsemanship 2*, Kenjutsu 1*,
Kyujutsu 1*, Sincerity 1*, Athletics 1, Etiquette 1, Iaijutsu 1,
Juijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Daredevil, Kharmic Tie (Utaku Kamiko) *5 points+,
Prodigy, Seven Fortunes Blessing (Benten), Virtuous Disadvantages:
Insensitive, Seven Fortunes Curse (Ebisu)
Other
Misery Loves Company Otomo Yasu Otomo Yasu has been shaped by
events that happened early in her life. Born to a wealthy and
influential branch of the Otomo family, her familys position came
with many powerful and determined enemies. Growing up, she was a
carefree child and her parents were eager for her to grow up away
from the pressures of the Imperial Court. All that changed one day
when an assassin was sent to 'punish' her father for a successful
political gambit. The assassin found her and her pregnant mother
alone, and, despite her mother's cries for mercy, attacked them
both. Her mother died on the spot, and Yasu very nearly did too.
But a particularly skilled shugenja managed to save her life.
Despite the efforts of the best physicians that money and influence
could get, Yasus wounds never fully healed. The attack shattered
her father, and he became a shadow wondering around their family
estate. Gone was the carefree child, replaced by silken steel. Yasu
judges people by the standards that were met out to her family - if
a child and a pregnant women were not deserving of mercy, no one
is. She has become a ruthless and cunning political player, and has
developed a fearsome reputation. Pain is what she feels. Pain is
what she understands. And pain is what she has to give.
Otomo Yasu School: Otomo Courtier 1 [Courtier] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 4), Earth 2, Fire 2 (Intelligence 4), Water 2, Void
2
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Skills: Calligraphy 1*, Courtier (Manipulation) 2*, Defense 1*,
Etiquette 1*, Intimidation (Control) 2*, Investigation 1*,
Sincerity 1*, Games: Go 1, Games: Letters 1, Games: Sadane 1,
Games: Shogi 1, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1
Advantages: Heartless, Wealthy [2 points] Disadvantages: Infamous,
Insensitive, Permanent Wound
Duel Personality Disorder Seppun Toshiro Seppun Toshiro has many
of the perfect traits to excel as a Seppun Guardsman he is wary and
skilled with the sword, and very resistant to any sort of
temptation. In a cruel twist of fate, though, he will never be
allowed to become a yojimbo, because he suffers from the poorly
understood malady of epilepsy. Instead he is determined to become
an expert swordsman. Its a goal that is quite within his reach, but
only he knows whether hes trying to prove his worth to his family
or to himself.
Seppun Toshiro School: Seppun Guardsman 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Perception 3), Void 3 Skills:
Battle 1*, Defense 1*, Etiquette 1*, Iaijutsu (Focus) 3*, Kenjutsu
(Katana) 3*, Kyujutsu 1*, Investigation 1*, Lore: Bushido 1, Lore:
Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Irreproachable, Prodigy, Wary
Disadvantages: Driven (Prove worth as swordsman), Epilepsy,
Overconfident
Fortune Favours the Mortal Monkey Toku Kazedai Toku Kazedai has
always felt out of place, like he never belongs. The shugenja told
his family that he had a spiritual imbalance, a curse he would
carry his entire life. Kazedai refuses to accept this, however. As
Toku himself demonstrated, fortune favors the mortal man, and even
if the spirits will not aid him, he will achieve greatness through
his own training.
Toku Kazedai School: Toku Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2 (Reflexes
3), Earth 3, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Athletics
1*, Defense 1*, Etiquette 1*, Hunting 1*, Investigation (Search)
1*, Lore: History 1*, Kenjutsu (Katana, No-dachi) 3*, Battle 1,
Iaijutsu 1, Horsemanship 1, Juijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido, Lore:
Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Large, Strength of the Earth
Disadvantages: Momoku
Tailor, Maid Tsi Kiku The Oriole Clan is a very new clan. They
are small and have barely any representation in the courts. They
are also ill-suited to courtly intrigue a life in front of the
forge usually results in a lack of social graces. Tsi Kiku
represents a chance to change that. While she has the build and
talent to be a great smith herself, she has within her a skill for
crafting beauty that extends beyond the forge. She is as adept at
painting as she is at weaponsmithing, as adept as tailoring as she
is at armorsmithing. As the Doji have often proven, the right gift
can often win political stature in addition to fame and glory, and
it is this precept that the Tsi are hoping to capitalize on. Her
greatest advantage is also her greatest weakness, as her artistic
soul could lead to her being easily manipulated. The Oriole have no
reasons to seek enemies, though, and many reasons to seek allies.
With the right choice of gifts, their gambit may just work.
Tsi Kiku School: Tsi Smith 1 [Artisan] Rings: Air 2 (Awareness
3), Earth 2, Fire 2 (Intelligence 3), Water 2 (Strength 3), Void 2
Skills: Artisan: Painting 2*, Commerce 1*, Craft: Armorsmithing 1*,
Craft: Tailoring 2*, Craft: Weaponsmithing 1*, Defense 1*, Kenjutsu
1*, Iaijutsu 1*, Courtier 1, Etiquette 1, Lore: Bushido, Lore:
Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Large, Paragon (Duty), Prodigy,
Soul of Artistry (Craft) Disadvantages: Doubt: Commerce,
Gullible
Against the Grain Suzume Masu Suzume Masu is rather an oddity of
a samurai. He certainly doesnt live up to the bushi ideal of a
lean, mean killing machine. If no other reason that he is certainly
not lean. Rather he sports a portly figure, and a friendly
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and jovial demeanour. Despite the disdain that more traditional
militaristic samurai might have for him, he is viewed with
reverence in the Sparrow lands. As an impoverished clan tending
barren lands, food is always a struggle. Except for Masu. From a
young age, Masu helped work the lands, as Sparrow samurai often
have to resort to doing. It didnt take long to discover that Masu
had an affinity for growing and farming, especially for rice. In
fact, rice was something he became besotted with, studying not only
how best to grow it but any information he could, leading to him
having a vast collection of trivia and an eagerness to share it.
His obscure interests often lead to other samurai actively avoiding
him, least they get caught up in a telling one of his long stories.
If any of them had to face him in battle, though, they would find
that a life of labour has moulded him into a surprisingly capable
and hardy warrior, who could easily surprise anyone who
underestimates him as simply a chubby bore.
Suzume Masu School: Sparrow Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Awareness 3), Earth 3, Fire 2, Water 2, Void 3 Skills: Calligraphy
1*, Craft: Farming (Rice) 1, Kenjutsu (Katana) 1*, Lore: History
1*, Lore: Rice 1*, Lore: Theology 1*, Perform: Storytelling 1*,
Etiquette 1, Iaijutsu 1, Lore: Bushido, Lore: Heraldry 1, Lore: Law
1 Advantages: Inaris Blessing, Strength of the Earth Disadvantages:
Infamous (Bore), Fascination (Rice)
Honorable Dog Takumi Not many ronin get sponsored to attend the
Topaz Championship. But there are still those in the more reputable
ronin communities who have both an eye for talent and influence in
certain courts, and so it was that Takumi's martial prowess and
honourable nature won him a trip to Tsuma. He may not have the look
of a champion or the family connections, but he knows that honour
resides inside the bushi, and honour is a force stronger than
steel. (Choose sponsor for Minor Obligation)
Takumi School: Ronin 1 Disciples of Sun Tao [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Reflexes 3), Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 3 Skills:
Athletics 1*, Defense 1*, Hunting 1*, Iaijutsu (Focus) 3*, Juijutsu
1*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Etiquette 1, Lore: Bushido, Lore:
Heraldry 1, Lore: Law 1 Advantages: Prodigy, Virtuous
Disadvantages: Minor Obligation (Topaz Sponsorship), Social
Disadvantage (Ronin)
Villains
The Big Payback Juriken Daidoji Juriken was a student of the
Daidoji Scouts so impressive that his sensei broke a long-standing
tradition and allowed him to compete at the Topaz Championship.
Juriken concealed the questionable nature of his training,
competed, and won, becoming the Topaz Champion four years ago.
Juriken went on to serve the Daidoji well, but two years after his
appointment, he was captured during a mission. He was immediately
disavowed by the Crane and cast out, accused of working on his own
against the Scorpion. Juriken would have been executed, but he
escaped. He has harboured a terrible resentment of the Crane ever
since, aghast that they discarded him so readily. Now he plans to
sabotage the Topaz Championship to give the Crane the disgrace they
so neatly avoided by casting him out.
Juriken School: Daidoji Scout 1, Forest Killers [Bushi] Rings:
Air 2 (Reflexes 3), Earth 3, Fire 3, Water 2, Void 3 Skills:
Athletics 3, Battle 1, Defense 3, Hunting (Traps) 3, Iaijutsu 2,
Intimidation 2, Juijutsu 2, Kenjutsu (Katana) 3, Knives 2, Kyujutsu
(Yumi) 2, Stealth (Ambush, Sneaking) 3 Advantages: Heart of
Vengeance (Crane), Quick Disadvantages: Black Sheep, Driven
(Publically disgrace the Crane), Social Disadvantage (Ronin)
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Ronin Scum Koto, Jin, & Taka Although never affiliated with
the Crane Clan, these three ruffians have had difficult lives and
are eager to make someone, anyone, suffer for it. Jurikens skill
and passion has been enough to ignite their own need for vengeance,
and they will do anything to help him achieve it. If close to
death, however, their conviction wavers, and they may attempt to
bargain for their lives.
Koto School: Ronin 1 - Forest Killers [Bushi] Rings: Air 2
(Reflexes 3), Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2,
Void 2 Skills: Athletics 1*, Defense 2*, Hunting 1*, Kenjutsu 1*,
Kyujutsu 1*, Stealth (Ambush) 2*, Spears 3* Advantages: Bland,
Quick Healer Disadvantages: Greedy, Insensitive, Social
Disadvantage (Ronin) Notes: Kotos weapon of choice is a Yari.
Jin School: Ronin 1 - Forest Killers [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth
3, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 2 Skills: Athletics 1*,
Defense 2*, Hunting 1*, Kenjutsu 1*, Kyujutsu 1*, Stealth (Ambush)
2*, Polearms 3* Advantages: Bland, Quick Healer Disadvantages:
Greedy, Insensitive, Social Disadvantage (Ronin) Notes: Jins weapon
of choice is a Nagamaki.
Taka School: Ronin 1 - Forest Killers [Bushi] Rings: Air 2,
Earth 2 (Stamina 3), Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 3), Void
2 Skills: Athletics 1*, Defense 2*, Hunting 1*, Kenjutsu 1*,
Kyujutsu 1*, Stealth (Ambush) 2*, Chain Weapons 3* Advantages:
Bland, Quick Healer Disadvantages: Greedy, Insensitive, Social
Disadvantage (Ronin) Notes: Takas weapon of choice is a
Kusarigama.
Miscellaneous
The Lost Love - Hida Aiko The sad truth about Hida Aiko is that
she was born with the taint, though at low levels. She was not
aware of it at first, but she always heard the siren call
encouraging her to give in, which helps explain her bullying
nature. She might have survived if she had spent her days in the
Empire, but she insisted that she perform the traditional Hida
gempukku before leaving for the Topaz Championship. Not content
with a bakemono or something similar, she hunted for a worthy foe.
She found it in a minor oni. She was victorious, but with her
killing stroke, the onis blood seeped into her wounds. She was not
prepared to handle this sudden influx of taint. She had been barely
resisting before, but now it was so much stronger, and overwhelmed
her like a tsunami. By the time her classmates and sensei found
her, the monster inside Aiko was all that was left.
Hida Aiko School: Hida Bushi 1 [Bushi] Rings: Air 2, Earth 3,
Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2 (Strength 4), Void 2 Skills: Athletics
1*, Defense 1*, Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo) 2*, Intimidation 1*,
Kenjutsu 1*, Lore: Shadowlands 1*, Juijutsu (Grappling) 2*,
Etiquette 1 Advantages: Dangerous Beauty Disadvantages: Brash,
Overconfident, Shadowlands Taint