Ryoko Owari: Seeds of Decay
Monastey of the New Tought – The increased duties placed upon tge Dragon Clan by the new Imperial Governor have taken a terrible toll on the resources the clan possesses within the Second City and the Colonies. As the clan struggles to oversee the new magisterial and political policies, their ability to oversee the Spider slips father away, until the Kitsuki have no choice but to fully appoint the most essential duty to the philosophical, and highly eccentric, Togashi order.
Aramasu’s Legacy – The feverish desire for land and holdings among the other Great Clans finally having abated somewhat, the Mantis redouble their efforts to cement their position as unrivaled masters of the Colonies. With diplomatic relations between the Colonies and the Empire growing strained, the Mantis struggle to seize absolute control over trade between the two lands, using their massive Fourth Storm vessels as the ultimate trade vessels. The ongoing conflict with the Crane, however, threatens all the Mantis have built in this distant land.
The Castle of Order – Separated from the Empire by conflict and distance, the Colonies have grown increasingly independent over recent months, and the prevalence of such unusual philosophies as Fudoism have caused the Scorpion to grow concerned. It is merely coincidence that so many factors have converged to separate the Colonies and the Empire, or is some malevolent force at work? Only the Scorpion can discover the truth, and discover it they shall. No matter the cost, no matter what clans must suffer.
Flavor Text:
- Advanced Intelligence – “My lord, I know where they are heading.”
- Aka-beko – A long time ago, a virtuous cow showed its devotion to a temple it had helped build by staying at the site. The aka-beko brings good fortune to its memory.
- Akodo Hotaka – “Fight justly and you fight to win.”
- Akodo Michitsu – “We are the hammer, the world the anvil, and our enemies are the impure steel that shall be purified by our power and will.”
- Akuma’s Power – “Means and ends. Weak souls can mistake one for another, but the strong will always triumph.”
- An Insult Answered – “Have you forgotten me, dog?”
- Aramasu’s Legacy –
- Asahina Akikusa – “If there is one thing I have learned from my mother’s life, it is this; all things are impermanent.”
- Asahina Tsugio – “These are the ‘children of thunder?’ The masters of the seas? So far I am unimpressed.”
- Asako Chukage (Experienced) –
- Asako Jukko – “Do not do this. It will not end the way you would like.”
- Asako Kijo – “The other clans must face the truth. Purity must be attained, not assumed!”
- Asako Rikate (Experienced) – He tells himself he shall not succumb. Is it hubris or insight that fills him?
- Bayushi Makubesu – “Most magistrates retire before his age, but Makubesu continues to serve. It is almost as if something drives him… perhaps something left unfinished?” – Bayushi Nitoshi
- Bayushi Mugoshi – A razor tongue cuts as surely as a blade.
- Bayushi Shibata (Experienced) – “These events were inevitable. Those who did not see them coming are simply fools.”
- Black Marketeering – “This artifact is one of a kind, my friends. If you find my price unacceptable, perhaps we can make an arrangement for certain… favors?”
- Blades of the Black Dragon – “There was once a warrior, more demon than man, named Mirumoto Taki. He fell to darkness, and carried these blades with him.” – Mirumoto Houken
- Brotherhood Schism – The proliferation of Fudoism throughout the Colonies led to heated discussions among certain sects as to what the Brotherhood’s response should be.
- Cavalry Detachment –
- Ceaseless Vigil – At its zenith, the Obsidian Moon’s faint light filtered in and highlighted the rapt, alert face of the dutiful yojimbo.
- Celestial Sword of the Dragon (Experienced) –
- Celestial Sword of the Mantis (Experienced) –
- Celestial Sword of the Scorpion (Experienced) –
- Chuda Seki – “What amazing tools these are! A pity there are so few of the big ones around. Imagine what I could do with carriers who could follow directions!”
- Courting Trouble – “Ships can be very dangerous places, and the sea gives no testimony. Other clans should talk softly in our waters, because they do not know the risks they run.” – Yoritomo Iwashi
- Daidoji Kitahime – When she came of age, Keiko took her grandmother’s name and her mother’s title. The Lady of Horses was a compassionate leader, but in her heart she never forgave the Lion Clan.
- Daigotsu Yamato –
- Daigotsu Yutaka –
- Deafening Thunder – She opened her mouth as if to shout, but thunder was all that the Crane legion heard, or would ever hear again.
- Debt to the Kaiu – “In times of peace, when coffers are filling and defense is on the minds of all just lords, why should the Kaiu not be called upon often? And why should we not receive just compensation for our time and skill?” – Kaiu Onizuka
- Defensive Blockade – “Cut the bridge. Send scouts to find if there is another way reinforcements could reach the enemy.”
- Doji Mitsuru – “The Mantis Clan’s greed and ambition knows no bounds. But they are not above the law. Their abuse of their clan’s charter ends here!”
- Doji Yuka – “For what shame were you sent to the Colonies, my Lady?” Yuka smiled at her yojimbo. “Yusugi-san, did they not tell you? I came here willingly.”
- Dragon Tattoo (Experienced) – “Our name is a common term. Some tend to forget the power it bespeaks.” – Togashi Noboru
- Dubious Resources – Ratlings or Unicorn war-dogs would have been preferable to this disheveled man, but he would have to make due with him.
- Embracing Battle – “It matters not what it does, as long as it gives opportunity. Only in battle will my name shine.” – Daigotsu Aya
- Exchange of Letters – Ties of friendship, ties of duty, even ties of blood… all require effort to maintain over such distances as between the Empire and the Colonies.
- Exquisite Gifts –
- Extend the Soul’s Boundaries –
- Fair Warning – Most clans value misdirection in war, at least in varying degrees. The Crab are unique in that they show their opponents exactly what to expect from them.
- Farmer’s Market – “Look at them, their blissful lives. They have no notion of what is happening beyond their village.” Muroken nodded. “As it should be.”
- Goju Asuka –
- Goju Yurishi (Experienced) – “My special child,” the Shadow Dragon chuckled. “Born not just if my spirit, but my flesh as well.”
- Grappling the Snake – “Getting closer was your mistake.”
- Hachi’s Revenge – The Mantis believed they could not be matched at sea. They were unpleasantly surprised.
- Harsh Taskmaster – “That is exactly what the reserves are for,” he said coldly.
- Hato-gurama – It seemed like nothing but a simple toy.
- Hida Kaiji – “He found something terrible within the ruins, something that changed him forever. He lives and serves, but will never again truly be one of us.” – Hiruma Nitani
- Hiruma Nitani (Experienced) – “The world has changed, but there is still evil in it. I care not what form it takes. I shall scour it from the face of the world.”
- Hiruma Sawai – “The Colonies are a strange place indeed, but with your help, Sawai-san, we can take what we need from it and go home. That is what we all want, is it not?” – Kuni Renyu
- Horseback Warriors – “In many ways, it is preferable to overestimate the ability of the enemy cavalry.” – Ikoma Natsu
- Ikoma Aimi – “Words are the greatest weapons.”
- Ikoma Masumi – “Another fine spot for an ambush,” the scout mused.
- Immolation – “There are a myriad of uses for the power and majesty of fire. Frankly, however, my favorite is the most obvious one.” – Isawa Koiso
- Imperial Protection – The Empress’s presence calms the inflamed soul.
- Incense Mill – Kodo, the art of fragrance, is highly valued by warriors. Some believe it makes them better fighters.
- Incredible Tragedy – The changes in climate, the slight difference in diet, and a dozen other things made the horses skittish. When the wildfire broke out, many were already so anxious that they could not recover from it.
- Incriminating Testimony – “Stay your blade, Yusugi. You will only justify him to the guards.”
- Ingenuity – “A little humiliation will be good for them.” – Bayushi Makubesu
- Isawa Momoko – “There is an easier way to attain the goal you seek.”
- Kaiu Okaru – The warrior nodded. “Your words makes sense, friend Sawai. Why should we not find our own path?”
- Kakita Yusugi – “Is that your grandfather’s stance? I can now see why he is dead.”
- Kama – “They work better in pairs” – Tsuruchi Nobukatsu
- Ki-Uso – “It will be as you say,” the courtier murmured, but he could not hide his disaffection. She smiled.
- Kitsu Kouki – When they came for him, they saw one man. When they died, they had lost count of the spirit warriors.
- Kitsuki Minori – “They cannot be bothered to learn the nuances of court. My words, and my blades, shall rally the Empire to our cause.”
- Kitsune Merihiko – “Don’t worry about our holdings here. No Crane will get past my vigilance.”
- Learning – “Nice trick.” – Yoritomo Akukiho
- Light Armor – He stopped complaining about the number of times he had to have his armor repaired after the battle maiden pointed out that his skin was still intact.
- Manipulate Energies – “We are all capable of wonders, but so few of us are capable of believing it. It requires discipline and practice to become what we are.” – Asako Karachu
- Martial Manipulation – Whether one warrior to another, or one army to another, the battlefield can be used for treachery as well as violence.
- Masayoshi – Like phantoms, the Spider agents slipped beyond the Lion border and into one of their most remote Colonial holdings. “Do not let it touch your flesh!” the monk snarled as they ladled out the blood. “I do not wish to carry your carcass out of here!”
- Master of Beasts – “I want Omoni!” Chuda Seki hissed to the others. “Find him! With his secrets made ours, we will change the face of the Empire forever!”
- Matsu Koyama (Experienced) – “The Shogun’s man is a peerless warrior, entrusted with the most important tasks. It is honor that elevates him, but honor that blinds him as well.” – Yasuki Tsujiken
- Megumi’s Guidance – The Fortune of Heroic Guidance is a benevolent being.
- Metsubushi – It is often difficult for a ninja’s opponent to discern which attacks are merely distractions.
- Military Promotion – “Your deeds have gained much glory for the clan, my friend. People, important people, have taken notice.”
- Mining Apparatus – It was not good land, but it was land.
- Mirumoto Houken (Experienced) – “Seamless motion.”
- Mirumoto Michi – “Your home is not safe from me.”
- Moksha Patam – Ascending and descending. Descending and ascending. The snake seems to smile.
- Monastery of New Thought – “Their methods and actions are as indecipherable as ever, yes, but I believe we have no choice. We must trust in the Togashi to be our eyes and hands throughout the Colonies.” – Kitsuki Daisuke
- Moshi Ino – “She is like a grandmother to us all, and I will use her blessings to bring glory to her and all our clan.”
- Moto Aoi – “You will receive reinforcements at the right moment. Have faith.”
- Moto Miyu – Words of death rose in the shugenja’s mouth, and ranks upon ranks fell away before them.
- Moto Taigo – “He is a dour man, and personally I find his motives suspect. He has never failed in his duties, however, and his man Koyama is a paragon of honor.” – Seppun Ritisharu
- Mukudori – “Understanding breeds understanding.”
- My Lord’s Favor – “Make sure he is given all that he requires in order to discharge his duty.”
- Naka Mahatsu – “All are one, child. We are nothing.”
- Nature’s Wrath – “By the Fortunes!” the scout screamed.
- Ninube Hajime – “Do not fear death. I will be a greater you than you have ever been. Feel honored in this.”
- O-Yoroi Troops – “It is a matter of regret to allow the moment when one should die to pass by.” – Akodo’s Leadership
- Offering Reverence – “Even peasants honor their ancestors. No samurai should ever neglect these rituals.” – Kitsu Kagako
- Okesa-goma – The straw horse had great virtue, despite its humble appearance.
- Only A Shadow – “No one sees what is not there. ” – Goju Yurishi
- Otomo Sukihime –
- Out of My Sight! – “Color your words any way you like, Lion, but the Unicorn will not cede control of the Ki-Rin’s Path to you or anyone else! The Empress has give us our task, and we shall fulfill it ourselves!”
- Overlooked Palace – “Skilled ninja are undetectable in shadows, but the true masters hide in plain sight.”
- Peace of the Kami – “The mercy of the spirits is vast, my brother.”
- Requesting Reinforcements – “There will come a time where you will find yourself at the mercy of enemies, and to survive and fulfill your duty, you will need aid. Do not be so proud that the rest of us must carry your burden after your death.” – Tsuruchi Nobukatsu
- Ronin Ambushers – The practice of hitsuke, setting fires to distract the targets of ambushes, was condemned by the Great Clans. Yet oddly it did not stop.
- Ruthless Onslaught – Hida Kaiji leapt from the tower, plummeting nearly one hundred feet to attack the things that had emerged from the jungle. He landed unharmed. His battle cry, his comrades knew, was as much anguish over his survival as rage.
- Sandalwood Incense – Sometimes the smoke helps no-thought along.
- Scent of Dishonor – “They must not be allowed to hide from us,” Yogo Rieko whispered to her students. “Seek them out through the kami. Find them, and we shall ensure their crimes are punished.”
- Second City Port – Even as the conflict grew heated, the Crane and Mantis avoided skirmishing in any port with Imperial holdings. They both knew that violence there would be bad for business.
- Sentinel Spirit – “When one prepares for war, one should be prepared to see anything. Anything.” – Kitsu Sorano
- Seppun Nagi – “A magistrate’s highest duty is to serve the Empire’s law. Do whatever else you must, but do that.”
- Sharing Gossip – “Honorable samurai never gossip, of course. They simply share stories about interesting people.” – Doji Dainagon
- Shiba Iaimiko – “I promise, you will be safe.”
- Shield Formation – “The differences from traditional formations are subtle, but important. The strength of this form is magnified tenfold, and that is why we use it.” – Akodo Uehara
- Shifting Terrain – “If you are unsteady, so too is the ground you touch.”
- Shinjo Katsuo – “You had me the first time.”
- Shosuro Hawado (Experienced) – “Let her hunt them, my lord. She is the only one who can.” – Shosuro Aroru
- Small Library – Even a minor library is a considerable demonstration of a lord’s wealth and influence.
- Soshi Kodanshi – “If this conflict is to remain invisible, then so shall I.”
- Sound the Retreat – “Better to get revenge another day,” she said philosophically.
- Starting on the Path – “Other monks talk to hear themselves talking. Mukudori-sensei says only what needs to be said.” – Hiruma Sawai
- Step Through the Void – “All places are one, when the tapestry of the universe is folded upon itself. Make use of the Void, and all is possible.” – Isawa Kimi
- Sticks and Stones – “We cannot wield a katana, but we do not need one to deal with you, wretch!”
- Suitengu’s Path – “Dragon of Thunder, Fortune of the Sea,” she whispered, “grant me your wisdom, that I might do your will.” The sea surged, and took form.
- Tamori Takeshi – “Focus! Why must my students lack even the most basic of skills?”
- Tamori Tamoko –
- Tanemono – “My honored father thinks I will grow weak and crawl back to his clan. The Void contains the Phoenix but it does not need them, and neither do I.”
- Temple to Fudo – Despite the efforts of the Brotherhood, Fudo’s teachings thrived in the Imperial Colonies.
- Tested Land – “These lands were not like this the last time I came through. It is as if they have been cursed by all Seven Fortunes, and not even mold will grown now.” – From the last, unsubmitted report of a missing Tsuruchi scout
- Testimony – “I witnessed it myself,” the samurai-ko said calmly, despite the murmurs.
- The Arrow’s Eye – He had just enough time to see the blur before his world narrowed to a single, red-black point.
- The Castle of Order – “Men speak of law and order as if they were one and the same. One cannot achieve the other.” – Soshi Kodanshi
- The Deciding Moment – “With the death of two gods, a new era is born. The future is full of promise and uncertainty.” – The Tale of Rokugan VIII
- The Earth’s Strength – “The statue came to life! Briefly!” – Agasha Kurou
- Thunder Dragon (Experienced 2) – “Go well, my children.”
- Togashi Hiroto – The tattooed men of the Dragon are widely feared for their unpredictable natures and capacity for destruction.
- Togashi Noboru – “Father is wise, yet knows nothing of this world.”
- Tsuruchi Kohrogi – “The Crane? What are they but a band of spoiled children? We will drive them from the colonies with little effort.”
- Tsuruchi Nobukatsu (Experienced) – “Not the most promising class I have ever seen, but I will turn them into magistrates regardless.”
- Turning Away – “What did you seek here?”
- Turning the Story – “Yes, the story of your cousin’s battle is quite entertaining,” Bayushi Shibata said. “Equally entertaining is the story of what he was doing in that district at the time. Allow me to tell it.”
- Two Hands – He was the first to draw his sword, but he was not the last.
- Two Stings – A Wasp never strikes a single time.
- Unexpected Obstacle – “Spend little time on the plan, for the only thing that is certain is that everything will go wrong.” – Tangen’s Lies
- Unparalleled Sword – It’s blade was compared by many to a sliver of Emma-O himself. Surely even the Fortune of Death could not be more dangerous.
- Unsettling Doubts – Hesitation, particularly when justified, can be disastrous.
- Urgency – The clamor rose as everyone strove to be heard first.
- Utaku Chikako – In her meditations, she saw tranquil formations.
- Utaku Hirononri – It was rarely a good sign when a horse laid down.
- Vengeful Dismissal – “Now it is the Mantis who have no time for your foolishness, old man. Did you think we had forgotten your insult?”
- Virtuous Charity – Charity and virtue are often one.
- Water Spider Adept – Many students of shinobi dojo take odd, esoteric names. They believe it grants them power.
- Wide Valley – “The valley has been the sight of a hundred battles over a thousand years, but somehow it always endures. It is beyond destruction.” – Hida Kisada
- Yasuki Baiko – Throughout the Colonies, the words of Fudo reached the ears of Crab warriors. and many found the words pleasing indeed…
- Yasuki Tsujiken (Experienced) – “I can get you what you need, my friend. There is just one question I must ask…”
- Yogo Heijin – Some Yogo seek to defeat their curse through their own deaths. But even death can be a betrayal.
- Yogo Ugimori – “There is a temple in the jungles that the Spider did not report. Go and find it.” – Bayushi Shibata
- Yoritomo Akuhiko – “You have served long as a mercenary,” Hiromi said. “Have you forgotten what it is like to serve your clan?” “Never my lord,” Akuhiko replied. “All I have done is kept myself sharp for the day you needed me.”
- Yoritomo Iwashi – “Now things will get interesting. We have many advantages, but we must push them to their limit if we are to defeat the Crane and claim their holdings.”
- Zansho – “Come talk with me, and I will tell you how to be a leader of men.”
- Kaze no Shiro.com