WRlT RS SHAWN CARMAN iLAYTESTERS

RICHARD FARRESE

DOUGLAS SUN

BRIAN YOON

EDITOR DOUGLAS SUN

LINE DEVELOP[R DOUGLAS SUN

ART DIRECTOR KEN CARPENTER

RAPHI DESIGNERS NATE BARNES

RODNEY SAENZ

OVER ARTIST HUGH JAMISON

INTERJ RARTISTS CHRISTOPHERAPPEL STEVE

ARGYLE MATTH EW S ARMSTRONG

DREW BAKER BEET JEFF CARLISLE MIGUEL

COIMBRA EDWIN DAVID ADAM DENTON

THOMAS DENMARK JOHN DONAHUE RANDY

ELLIOT JASON ENGLE AL EREMIN CARL FRANK

ANTHONY FRANCISCO ANTHONY GRABSKI

JOACHIM GMOSER Q1JINTON HOOVER DAVID

HUDNUT LLYN HUNTER MLKE JACKSON HUGH

JAMIESON JAIME JONES VERONICA JONES APRIL

LEE CHUCK LUKACS MICHAEL KALUTA MICHAEL

KOMARCK THOMAS MANNING BRITT MARTIN

MALCOLM MCCLINTON TONY MOSELEY LEE

MOYER WILLIAM OCONNOR ERJC POLAK JIM

PAVELEC JASON REEVES KARL RICHARDSON

RON SPENCER BRAD WILLIAMS

BRAND MANAGER TODD ROWLAND

PRODUCTION MANAGER KEN CARPENTER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE F lCER JOHN ZINSER

Lynn Ahlgren Becky Andcrson Alexander Andersson

Brian Bates Kathryn Bayne Mike Bi lter Dan Bower

Travis Brandt Jeremy Bullens Jed Carleton Brett Carlos

Patrick Chen Darrin Clough John Davis T 1 oi111arr

Jien Elmi Matt Faulkner Charles Fox Angela Harri Jim

Harris Paul Hartmann Kelly Hocsing Kim Hosmer Heath

Hunt Ashley jestico Stephen johnstone M ike Jonas Alcx

jones jason Kang Ki Chang KIm Eric King Chri K chs

Scott Krone Kit LaHaise Shale LeBlang Tom Lewi Roger

Liang Francois Martineau Seth Ma on Steven M ileham

Catlin Mills Cory Mills Dan Moenster Arthur Nguyen

Benjamin 1 Noble John Olson John OmiddotNeil M Ily Poole

Catherine Prickett jason Schafer Nathan Shafer DavId

Smith Liza Str LI t Matt Strout 1Vlark Turner Joe W hite

Matt WrightThe writers would like to offer their mO r

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LEG END OF THE FIVE RI GS and all related marks are HI and Ii) Alderac Entertainment Gro up Inc All rights reserved

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CHAPTER N E T HE ART OF H

Introduction Set Focus trike 5

Dueling in Rokugan A TImeline bull 7

Iaijut u Revised Mechan ics 10 Taryu-jiai jJ

The Way of the Courtier Non-Bugci Fonns of Dueling 15

HAP R TWO D UELING TJ I WAY OF TH [ CRAB 19

Philosophy l lJ rab i nslitu ti ns 2[ G rll of Earlh Dojo 11 Stone Tower Dojo 22 First Strike Dojo 2J U nbreakable Blilde Dojo 23 Kun Duellst Dojo 25

Crab ense i 25 New Mech~n ic 21-1

Crab Dueling Mechanl middots 28 New chool

I-Ilda Wrestler (l3ushi) 2M New Adva nced School

rab Sumfli (Bu hi) 2lt1 New Advilnced School

I l idn Defender (Sushi) 3l New Path H iruma Grappler (Bushi n New Palh Ku nl Duelist (Shugcnja) I N w Path Tetsubo Duelist (Bushi) 31 New Path Yasuki Sumoi (Courtier) 32

CHAJrrR THR[E DULllNG THE WAY OF THE C RANE 33

Ph ilosophy 33 Crane Insti tutions J-I

Kaklta Dueling iCademy 3-1 Kakita rtisa n Academy 36 Doji Courtier Ieademy Jshyisah lna D uel ist Seho I ~R

The Master of Wits Ill rane Sensei 19

ell Mechanics -II I ew chool

Kakltc Artisan (Courtier) II I ew Advanced School

l o ji Rhetorican (Courtier) -1 [

N w Advanced School Doj i alllester(Courtier) -I-I

New Path Asahi lla Duel ist (Shugenja) 45

CIV Path Daldoji Dueli t (Bu hi) IS N ew Path Doji Arbiter ( ourtler) -Io

lew Path Doji M aster of Ikebana (Courtier) -Ito

New Path Master of ~il (Courtier) -1 0

New Pa th Muster of Petry (Courtier) bull 46

CHArT R FUR D EL ING THEWAYOF H DRAGON 47 Philosophy -17 Drag n Institutions -Ill

The Soul of the Dragon Dojo 51 Temple of the Tranquil fire l2 Togashi Testing rounds 5-1

Dragon Sensei 54 I ew M echanics St

Dragon Dueling Mechanics bull 56 ew Advanced School HojalSus Legacy (Bush i) 57

New Path Kikage Zumi Madman (Monk) 57

New Pa th Kitsukl Gamcster (Courtier) 5R

New Pa th Mirllmoro Talons (Bushi) 59

New Kala Eyes of the Dragon 5Q New Kata Forest of Blades 59

New KlIa Spirits and Steel 59 New Kiho

Strike of lhe Dragon (Fire) 0 New Klho

all Before the Master (Earth) 00

C HAPl ER fl v DUELI N G Hu WAY o r THE 1I N 61

Philosophy 6 1 Lion Institutions 63

Castle Llf the Swift Sword 63 Lion Institutions 03

Golden Spider Dojo 05 Hemt of the K ltana 65 Open Hand of the Lion Dojo 67

Li n Sensei oR

New M echanics 70

Lion Dueling Mechanics 7 New Path Lioness Legion Wushi) 71

N ew Path Matsu Duelist (Bush i) 71 New Kata Armed Bril li nce 7 1

New Kata Emply lng the Soul 71 New Kata The Pa ragon of Dciense 72 New Kala The Perfect Slance 72 New Kata The Soul s Readiness n

CHAPTER IX D U[L1 NG TH WAY OF THE MAN I middot 73

Ph ilOSllphy bull 73

M antis l nslil utions _ 76 Yori romo Bush i Dojo bull 70 lIunter of M en Dojo bull 71gt The Green Blade DoJ 79

Mantis cnei 70

New Mechanics H Mantis Dueling Pra tlces 81

New ILivltlnced Scho I Moshi Duelist (Bush i) to

New Path Yoritot110 Kobunc Pl lol (Bushi) R3 Yorilot11o Whirlwind Duelist (Bushi) fH

New Kala lVhiriwind Barrier 114 New Kala hirlwind Storm 84

C HAPT SEVEN UELI TilE WAY Of TH PH [ NI 85 Philosophy Phoenix Institutions bull

Sh iba Bush i School 88 Isawa Taryu-jiai Academ y IN h lba Arti san Dojo l)

Phoenix Sensei I)

New Mechanics -I Phoenix Dueling Practices 4 J

New fdvanced School Shiba Artisan(Courtier) (1-1

New Idvanced School Isawa Duelist(Shugenja) 1)-1

New Path Shlba lai j ll tsu Duelist (Gushi) Q5

New Pilth Shiba Naginata D uelist (Gushi) 15

New Kata The Beak Pier(es 1J5 New Kala The Phoen ixs Ha en 9(1

Tell Kilta Swoop of the Wing lt)0

CHAPTER ElG H D U ING THE WAY F HI E ORP10N 7

Philosophy lt)7 Scorpion Institutions 99

Bayushi Bushi School lt9 h suro Champion Dojo 100 Wielder of Ve ils Academy 102

Yogo Shugenja School 102 Shinobi Duels

The Bayushi Courtier School ilnd the Shosuro Shinobi School 103

Scorpion Sensei t l3 New Vlechanics L06

New Advanced SChOLlI ShosulO hampion (Bushi) I tl

Nell Advanced School Yogo Duelist (Shugenja) 107

New [Mh Bayushi Defender mushi) t07

New Path Sayu hi Defiler (Courtier) 108

New Path osh i Duelist (Shugenja) bull I(1H

Cl IAPT R NINE DUELING T HE WAY or H UN ICORN 109

Introduction 109 Unicorn Institutions 11 1

floating Leaf Doja bull bull II I Gentle Gumd Doj bull 11 3

Single Strike DoJo I 1-1 The World s llalance lt5

U nicorn Sensei bull i I Cl

j lew Mechanics I 1 H Unic rn Dueling M echanics I III New S h oi

Ide Duelist chool (Bushi) 21

- - - - -- -~----

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Ncw Path Iuchi Master of the Swift Waves (Shugenja) bull 122

New Path Mota Acrobat bull 122

IIAIT[R T EN DUIUNG TII E WAY OF THE SHAD WlANDS 12

Philosophy 123 Shadowlands Institutions bull 125

Cursed Blade Dojo 120 Voice of Thc Lost Acadcmy l 2Cl

Shadowlands Sensei 127 New Mechanics 12lt)

Shadowlands Dueling Mechanics 121)

Ncw School Voice of Daigotsu (Courtier) 110

New Advanced School Champion ofThc Lost (Bushi) 13 1

Ncw Advanced School Mouth of The Lost (Courtier) 132

New Path Obsidian Claw Duelist (Bu sh i) 13

Ncw Path Tsuno Duelist ([ushi) Dmiddot

Ncw Spcll (Maho) Avatars Strangehold 1 4

New Kata Storm of Shards I( New Kata The Black Veil I1n Ncw Kata The Claw Strikes eel 10

C I1A[l1 R [LV[N THE IMPERIAL FAMILI ES ampM1N R LAN 137

Philosophy 1 The Imperial Families bull bull 13 Thc Minor Clans 138 Imperil l Institutions bullbull 139

Sapphire Blilde Dojo bull 131) House of the

White Chry anthemum 14(1 Dojo of the Righteous Word 14 I

Minor Clan Institutions 14 I Heart of the Mountain Dojo I 12 Embassy of the Alliance H2

lIlI Water Temple l4 -1 Ujlna Torid-e 14-1 The Dojo of the Eye

in Nanashi Mum 145 The Sword of Yotsu ojo 145

Ronin Institutions 145

The Temple of Kanosci Purudera 1-17 Imperial M mor Clan and

Ronin Sensei bull 117 New Mechanics Imperial 14Q

New Advantage Guest of the Dojo 14Y

Advanced School Sludent of the Ruby Dojo (Bushl) j-lQ

Nell Path Otom Orator (Court ier) 15(1

New Path Seppun Duelist (Bush i) 150 New Plth

Seppun Duelist (Shugenja) 1- 0

New Kata In Hlnteis Honor 15 1

New Kata Chrystanth emum Petals intheRain 151

New Mechanics Minor Clans lSI New Path Minor Ian Explorer bull 152 NelV Path Kasuga Deceiver 152

New Path Oriole CraftsmlIl 152

New Path Minor Clan Sumai (Bushi) 152

Ncw Path Suzume Duelist (Bushi) I i2 Ncw Path

Taryu-)iai Duelist (Shugenja) 153 New Kata The Crushing Earth ISgt New Klta Reichin s Stance 153

New Kata One Soul s Triumph 153 New Kata Ride Wilh the Thunder 153

New Spell Visions of the Future (Dragonfly Clan) bull 15

New Spell Soul of the Kilsune (Fox Clan) 153

New Mechanics Ronin I S4

Gambling Rules 154

Fortunes amp Winds bull 155

Oichu-Kabu ISS New School

Master of Games (Ronin Courtier) 1Stgt New Path

The Eyes of Nmashi and thc Nanashi Duelist 150

New Path The Weavers (Ninja) 157 New Kata In the V-Ieavers Neb 1gt7 New Kata Death in the Sh in men 157

New KHa Path of the Hidden SWllrd 158

C HArTER TW[LVE DUELIN NON- H U MAN RAU 19

Ph i1osophy 15lt) Kenku 159

Naga I bO

Nczumi 101 Ogres 161 Spirit Creatures 102

Non-Human Institutions 102 Non-Human Se nsei to3 New Me hanics Kenku 164

New Advanced School Kenku Duelist (l3ushi) 104

New Mechanics Naga 165 New Path Naga Blade Duelist 105 New Path Naga hampion loS

New Mechanics Nczumi t60 Nezumi Dueling Mechanics 1(10

New Path Nezumi Swordsman (Narrior) Ill 0

New Meehani Spirit Creatures 10 Spirit reature Dueling Mechanics 100

New prit Powers ( plrH Creatures) I beuro1

Kilsune 1(10

Koumori bull bull bull 107 Ryu loll Saru I tl lJ

Tanuki bull I ti t)

Tsuru 170

~ATTL 171

Philosophy 71 Personal Scores 171 lides of Battle 171 Champions 173 Countermeasurcs bull 17 New Mechanics 17

R vised Battlefield Opp rtunity Attack the Shugenja 17J

Revised Battle field Opportunity Show M e Your Stance 1N

Nelli Bartlefield Opportunity Strike at the Head bull bull 174

HArTER FOURTEE TH[ ARTISTS WEAPON

Crab Jade Katana I b

Crane The Fan of Yoshi 170 Crane Tsuken s Blad 1711

ragon N ighti nglJe Blade I 76 Dragon The Bisento of Lady Moon 177 Lion Ikoma War Fan 177 Lion Blade of the olden ranc I i7 Milntis The Sword of Ga les 177 Phoenix Kouken Blade I ill Phoenix Shiba s Hon r I ill Scorpion Hametsu Kiss 17R Scorpion Nagflmaki of the Ashalan 171 Unicorn f olden Steel Scimitar 17) Unicorn Night Crystal Blade 179 Shadowlnnds Ob idlan Slade 170

Imperial Otomo Wakizashi 18(1 Minor Clans Golden Tiole Katana lIill

M inor Clan M i akos Naginala 180 Ronin The Blade of Sun Tao IRO Naga Blade of the Temple tHO

AIgtP[NDIX TH[ TE T OF THE [MfRALD HAM PION 181

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r he sun rose an Pale Oak Castle creeping aver the distant treetops to the east The light was warm but did liltle to dispel the chill throughout the area It was always cool

in this region of the Asako holdings regardless of the season Shiba Emlri had only been here a few short weeks but already she loved the place for the crispness in the morning air It Invigorated her and she loved to rise with the sun to enjoy It to the fullest This morning however there was precious little enjoyment to be had

The young Phoenix samural-ko rose (rom where she knelt In Ihe shrine It was merely one of many shrines that dolted the majestic landscape around Pale Oak Castle She had been there for several hours having awakened long before the dawn in order 10 prepare hershyself for todays ordeal

Today she might die Truthfully Emiri did not really fear death She had seen so much

pain and suffering In her relatively short lifetime that she imagined the release of death might be a welcome release from her journey No tt was not fear of death but failure that plagued her Failure Vas the most heinous sin imaginable and she had borne i5 burden (or (or too long as It was

Emir-san bull a qulel voice said You must nol dwell In the past Emjri glanced at the calm even features of the monk she had come

to know In her lime at the astle A simple Ihing to say Sutubo-san she said 11 Is nol qullesa simple to live

You dtd noL (all In Ihe Rain of Blood Sutubo said softly You did not (all your harge You protected him from everything but hlmsel( Against Ihe darkness In hls spirit )Jur blade stood no chance The fault was never yours

Emlrl nodded Three years ago she had been a yotmoo assigned to Ihe shugena called lsawa Nodotal He had been her frtend as well as her charge and she thoughl she had truly known him When an ancient rttual by the most powerful blood sorcerer in history created a mystical rain ofblood however she had seen the true Nodotai emerge The roln had corrupted hls spirit bringing forth every evil thought and urge he possessed He went on a rampage as did many others alld the City o( Remembrance had nearly burned to the ground She had been his YOImoo and In her mind she had failed She had spent the Intervening years in a monastery allempUng to come to terms with what had happened

CHAPTER ONE

THEART OF THE DUEL

Focus only on today the monk insisted Tell me what will hapshypen

Vel wdl Emiri said Today I will champion an Asako courtier in the matter of his dispute with a member of the Scorpion om-00550shy(lors dclegalon I will Juel the offended partys champion to determine Ivho is in the right

Sutulo chuckled [ was a peasant a lifetime ago [ must admit that after decodes of introspection the concept of dudi17g is still quite foreign to me How does it serve to resolve disputes again

1 is on exercise in purity poundmiri ex lained CIS if reciting a text her sensei had ordered her to memorize Purity of spirit purity of body and purity of purpose A pure spirit and oody steels 0 samurai for his task Purity of purpose invites Ihe ancestors to lend him strength that he might prove the honor of hl- Family and Clan I has been thus Since the Komi descended

For be it from me to question the Komi the monk said Tell me ofycwr opponent

Emlri frowned I know little of him His name is Bayushi Yumio although in some circles he is simply called the Black Scorpion because of his armor I is black lVihout adornment and polished so thaI it almost looks like a mirror He nev r speaks unless directly questioned by someone of superior rank I is said that he has slain over a dozen duelists

Is the duel to the death Certainly not she said The duel is to first blood [ admit howshy

eller that 10m uncertain as to the reliability of YUilliO with regard to such restrlelons W II he kill Ille He might attempt it But I do lot (oor deah middotmiddot

You fea r (ailure Suhuto apparently could read her evcr)

thought I fear the strife that will come between the Phoenix and Scorpion

if I (ail sho oJmitted If Yumita is lIictorious and if he tLlkes my ife as I suspect he Jcslrc~ there will be great di(fiwlty between our Clans We Wllot endure another conflict so soon after the war with

Iht Mantis Sui1uto pondered herVords vVould the Scorpion wish uch a conshy

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l1ho can say with the Scorpion she asked There is no way 10

he certain Then there is hut a single outcome And what is that You must lIin Subuto said plainly Your steel must win the

day Emiri raised an eyebrow Is that all HolV Silly IVe been The morning sun Vas still on its path to the center o( the sky center

IIhen the two opponents (aced one another in the courtyard o( Pale Oak Castle Suddenly Emiri (elt her mind clear after her meditations and her conwrsation with the monk She remembered her duty and focllsed on tho The memories that had haunted her but a short time ago had left She had learned (rom them and put them behind her - (or good this time shl hOpld

Bayushi Yumita the Black Scorpion tool~ his stance across (rom he1 As she had expected he said nothing His armor gleamed in the morning Slln bright enough to blind her (an intentional e((ec o( course) and so she (ocused on his shadow instead His elle) mOlle rClCalcd itself to her as she Ivatcheel the shadow creep across the ground EIIe) breath he took elc) tiny mcwemcnt lVas hers to sec lind so when he made his mistake when he altered his stance almost impaccptibly to create Gn opening she IVClS ready

Shiba Emiri drell her blade and struck with a pllre spirit mind and pllrpose

IniYoduction ISet There arc few activities that capture as many facets of what it mlans to be a samurai in Rokugan as docs dueling II is a tesl of moral and physical courage for in a weapon duel your life - or at least your well-being - rides on victory or defeat It is a test of personal honor for not only are duels commonly fought 10 defend ones good name but that good name also stands to

gain or lose by how you cc ncluCl yourself in the course of defendshying it It CHn be H 1(51 of I yalty and service to Family Clan and Emperor for in Illany ca ses their fortunes and reputation too ride on a luc lists blade It is also a test of skill for every form of dueling involves an end avor that at least some samura i find worthy of pursuit something (or which he tmins long and hard for years to perfect frolll his youth to - in some cases - the wry lasl moments of his life

At the same time it would be a ml take I define due ling in Rokugan too closely Mention dueling to most Rokugani and the fi rst thing that comes to mind is a fight with the kata na whether the kenjutsu duel s with which Lion bushi seek to c nt rol the battlefield or lightn ing-quick and deadly iaijutsu duels of whi h the Illost famous is still the confrol1tation between Kakita and Ivlirumoto Hojatsu a t the dawn of the Empire Bu t such is the emshyphasis that Rokugani saillurai place on pcrsonal contests of will skill and nerve that a wide range of activities as practiced by the samurai class can be described 1S serving the same purpose I

Shugenja have long hld the tradit ion of duellng th rough their ITI

special skill for channeling the power of the kami Ctlled taryushy o jiai it is said to have origlllltltcd among the PhoeniX Clan It exIsts c in two gCllerally accepted forllls onc in which the duelists attack m

r-each other directly and another in which they figh t through avashytars of Elemcntal energy that they reale for themse lve

Courtier practice neither thc art f swordsma n-hlp nor CO I11 shy

munion with the kam i but personal contests thm serve a funcshylion so similar to thaI of dueling thM they might t well be called duels arc an aspect of their life as well lVhlle S lilt ourtlcrS have yojimbo to deflect any attempt to challcnge them on unfashyvorable terms (and the more important he is the more likely he is to have a bodyguard aSSigned to him) most also like to settle their own scores when they can through contests of artisanship or performing skill or skill at games

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On top of that there are also a variety of miscellaneous forms f competition that do not really fit any of these cia slfica tions

Somc are unique to a certain Clan or Family like the kobune boat races of the M antis or even t certain Schools like the wilshyderness survival challenges to wh ich Dragon isc ZlImi subject themselves This book covers all of them for all are in their own way part of a great Rokugani tradition and integral plrts of l samurai s life

Focus Later in th is chapter you will find revised rules mechanics for iailutsu that ampli fy and clarify exactly what happen~ in an ialjutsu duel You will also find rules for taryu-jiai or shugenia duels as well as a variety of less overtly violent activities that

z can be treated as personal contests such as gnmes and tests of oratory and artisanship

Later chapters cover non-human intelligent races and their reshylationship to the art of the duel including the dueling customs of the naga and nezumi and expanded rules for kcnku sword master scnsei and training under them speCifically in iaijutsu desc riptions of famous and otherwise remarkable dueling wcnpshyons and also suggestions for making formalized single combat a mor~ prominent part of the mass battle experience The apshypendices describe two important tournaments in which samurai can show off their prowess through various forms of dueling and

peTS nal competition the legendary Test of the Emerald Chamshypi n hip and thc Tournament of the Minor Clans They include ru les mechanics for resolving each tournament s various tests a description of the ambience of each and adventure hooks for incorporating them into n campaign

In between you will find a wealth of material covering the Rokugani art of the duel from the perspective of each Great Clnn as well as the the Imperial Families Minor Clans and Ronin and the role of dueling in the warped version of samurai culture emerging in the Shadowlands among The Lost Each of these chnpters covers one faction or set of factions Each includes disshycu ssions of a that faction s philosophy of dueling unique and characteristic forms of dueling and personal competition institushytions involved in teaching skills used in dueling typical (or atypishycal) sensei and a variety of new mechanics Schools Advanced Schools Paths Kata and more These chapters touch upon not only the classic Kakita and Mirumoto iaijutsu styles but also traditions and practices as diverse as Phoenix naginata duels Tsuruchi archery contests Unicorn competitions of horsemanshyship skill Crab and Badger sumai wrestlers Ikom~ storytelling contests Doii courtiers who cultivate debating skill s - even Crab Clan drinking games All of these conventions both famous and obscure capture the various ways in which the samurai of Rokugan challenge each other in the name of honor and have rai cd those challenges through the ages of to the level of art

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--~--~

Ncw Path Iuchi Master of the Swift Waves (Shugenja) bull 122

New Path Mota Acrobat bull 122

IIAIT[R T EN DUIUNG TII E WAY OF THE SHAD WlANDS 12

Philosophy 123 Shadowlands Institutions bull 125

Cursed Blade Dojo 120 Voice of Thc Lost Acadcmy l 2Cl

Shadowlands Sensei 127 New Mechanics 12lt)

Shadowlands Dueling Mechanics 121)

Ncw School Voice of Daigotsu (Courtier) 110

New Advanced School Champion ofThc Lost (Bushi) 13 1

Ncw Advanced School Mouth of The Lost (Courtier) 132

New Path Obsidian Claw Duelist (Bu sh i) 13

Ncw Path Tsuno Duelist ([ushi) Dmiddot

Ncw Spcll (Maho) Avatars Strangehold 1 4

New Kata Storm of Shards I( New Kata The Black Veil I1n Ncw Kata The Claw Strikes eel 10

C I1A[l1 R [LV[N THE IMPERIAL FAMILI ES ampM1N R LAN 137

Philosophy 1 The Imperial Families bull bull 13 Thc Minor Clans 138 Imperil l Institutions bullbull 139

Sapphire Blilde Dojo bull 131) House of the

White Chry anthemum 14(1 Dojo of the Righteous Word 14 I

Minor Clan Institutions 14 I Heart of the Mountain Dojo I 12 Embassy of the Alliance H2

lIlI Water Temple l4 -1 Ujlna Torid-e 14-1 The Dojo of the Eye

in Nanashi Mum 145 The Sword of Yotsu ojo 145

Ronin Institutions 145

The Temple of Kanosci Purudera 1-17 Imperial M mor Clan and

Ronin Sensei bull 117 New Mechanics Imperial 14Q

New Advantage Guest of the Dojo 14Y

Advanced School Sludent of the Ruby Dojo (Bushl) j-lQ

Nell Path Otom Orator (Court ier) 15(1

New Path Seppun Duelist (Bush i) 150 New Plth

Seppun Duelist (Shugenja) 1- 0

New Kata In Hlnteis Honor 15 1

New Kata Chrystanth emum Petals intheRain 151

New Mechanics Minor Clans lSI New Path Minor Ian Explorer bull 152 NelV Path Kasuga Deceiver 152

New Path Oriole CraftsmlIl 152

New Path Minor Clan Sumai (Bushi) 152

Ncw Path Suzume Duelist (Bushi) I i2 Ncw Path

Taryu-)iai Duelist (Shugenja) 153 New Kata The Crushing Earth ISgt New Klta Reichin s Stance 153

New Kata One Soul s Triumph 153 New Kata Ride Wilh the Thunder 153

New Spell Visions of the Future (Dragonfly Clan) bull 15

New Spell Soul of the Kilsune (Fox Clan) 153

New Mechanics Ronin I S4

Gambling Rules 154

Fortunes amp Winds bull 155

Oichu-Kabu ISS New School

Master of Games (Ronin Courtier) 1Stgt New Path

The Eyes of Nmashi and thc Nanashi Duelist 150

New Path The Weavers (Ninja) 157 New Kata In the V-Ieavers Neb 1gt7 New Kata Death in the Sh in men 157

New KHa Path of the Hidden SWllrd 158

C HArTER TW[LVE DUELIN NON- H U MAN RAU 19

Ph i1osophy 15lt) Kenku 159

Naga I bO

Nczumi 101 Ogres 161 Spirit Creatures 102

Non-Human Institutions 102 Non-Human Se nsei to3 New Me hanics Kenku 164

New Advanced School Kenku Duelist (l3ushi) 104

New Mechanics Naga 165 New Path Naga Blade Duelist 105 New Path Naga hampion loS

New Mechanics Nczumi t60 Nezumi Dueling Mechanics 1(10

New Path Nezumi Swordsman (Narrior) Ill 0

New Meehani Spirit Creatures 10 Spirit reature Dueling Mechanics 100

New prit Powers ( plrH Creatures) I beuro1

Kilsune 1(10

Koumori bull bull bull 107 Ryu loll Saru I tl lJ

Tanuki bull I ti t)

Tsuru 170

~ATTL 171

Philosophy 71 Personal Scores 171 lides of Battle 171 Champions 173 Countermeasurcs bull 17 New Mechanics 17

R vised Battlefield Opp rtunity Attack the Shugenja 17J

Revised Battle field Opportunity Show M e Your Stance 1N

Nelli Bartlefield Opportunity Strike at the Head bull bull 174

HArTER FOURTEE TH[ ARTISTS WEAPON

Crab Jade Katana I b

Crane The Fan of Yoshi 170 Crane Tsuken s Blad 1711

ragon N ighti nglJe Blade I 76 Dragon The Bisento of Lady Moon 177 Lion Ikoma War Fan 177 Lion Blade of the olden ranc I i7 Milntis The Sword of Ga les 177 Phoenix Kouken Blade I ill Phoenix Shiba s Hon r I ill Scorpion Hametsu Kiss 17R Scorpion Nagflmaki of the Ashalan 171 Unicorn f olden Steel Scimitar 17) Unicorn Night Crystal Blade 179 Shadowlnnds Ob idlan Slade 170

Imperial Otomo Wakizashi 18(1 Minor Clans Golden Tiole Katana lIill

M inor Clan M i akos Naginala 180 Ronin The Blade of Sun Tao IRO Naga Blade of the Temple tHO

AIgtP[NDIX TH[ TE T OF THE [MfRALD HAM PION 181

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-- - - --------------------=-=~ -----------~-------- ~ -~~~-~---===

r he sun rose an Pale Oak Castle creeping aver the distant treetops to the east The light was warm but did liltle to dispel the chill throughout the area It was always cool

in this region of the Asako holdings regardless of the season Shiba Emlri had only been here a few short weeks but already she loved the place for the crispness in the morning air It Invigorated her and she loved to rise with the sun to enjoy It to the fullest This morning however there was precious little enjoyment to be had

The young Phoenix samural-ko rose (rom where she knelt In Ihe shrine It was merely one of many shrines that dolted the majestic landscape around Pale Oak Castle She had been there for several hours having awakened long before the dawn in order 10 prepare hershyself for todays ordeal

Today she might die Truthfully Emiri did not really fear death She had seen so much

pain and suffering In her relatively short lifetime that she imagined the release of death might be a welcome release from her journey No tt was not fear of death but failure that plagued her Failure Vas the most heinous sin imaginable and she had borne i5 burden (or (or too long as It was

Emir-san bull a qulel voice said You must nol dwell In the past Emjri glanced at the calm even features of the monk she had come

to know In her lime at the astle A simple Ihing to say Sutubo-san she said 11 Is nol qullesa simple to live

You dtd noL (all In Ihe Rain of Blood Sutubo said softly You did not (all your harge You protected him from everything but hlmsel( Against Ihe darkness In hls spirit )Jur blade stood no chance The fault was never yours

Emlrl nodded Three years ago she had been a yotmoo assigned to Ihe shugena called lsawa Nodotal He had been her frtend as well as her charge and she thoughl she had truly known him When an ancient rttual by the most powerful blood sorcerer in history created a mystical rain ofblood however she had seen the true Nodotai emerge The roln had corrupted hls spirit bringing forth every evil thought and urge he possessed He went on a rampage as did many others alld the City o( Remembrance had nearly burned to the ground She had been his YOImoo and In her mind she had failed She had spent the Intervening years in a monastery allempUng to come to terms with what had happened

CHAPTER ONE

THEART OF THE DUEL

Focus only on today the monk insisted Tell me what will hapshypen

Vel wdl Emiri said Today I will champion an Asako courtier in the matter of his dispute with a member of the Scorpion om-00550shy(lors dclegalon I will Juel the offended partys champion to determine Ivho is in the right

Sutulo chuckled [ was a peasant a lifetime ago [ must admit that after decodes of introspection the concept of dudi17g is still quite foreign to me How does it serve to resolve disputes again

1 is on exercise in purity poundmiri ex lained CIS if reciting a text her sensei had ordered her to memorize Purity of spirit purity of body and purity of purpose A pure spirit and oody steels 0 samurai for his task Purity of purpose invites Ihe ancestors to lend him strength that he might prove the honor of hl- Family and Clan I has been thus Since the Komi descended

For be it from me to question the Komi the monk said Tell me ofycwr opponent

Emlri frowned I know little of him His name is Bayushi Yumio although in some circles he is simply called the Black Scorpion because of his armor I is black lVihout adornment and polished so thaI it almost looks like a mirror He nev r speaks unless directly questioned by someone of superior rank I is said that he has slain over a dozen duelists

Is the duel to the death Certainly not she said The duel is to first blood [ admit howshy

eller that 10m uncertain as to the reliability of YUilliO with regard to such restrlelons W II he kill Ille He might attempt it But I do lot (oor deah middotmiddot

You fea r (ailure Suhuto apparently could read her evcr)

thought I fear the strife that will come between the Phoenix and Scorpion

if I (ail sho oJmitted If Yumita is lIictorious and if he tLlkes my ife as I suspect he Jcslrc~ there will be great di(fiwlty between our Clans We Wllot endure another conflict so soon after the war with

Iht Mantis Sui1uto pondered herVords vVould the Scorpion wish uch a conshy

11t1

Sam

ple

file

----

- - --

l1ho can say with the Scorpion she asked There is no way 10

he certain Then there is hut a single outcome And what is that You must lIin Subuto said plainly Your steel must win the

day Emiri raised an eyebrow Is that all HolV Silly IVe been The morning sun Vas still on its path to the center o( the sky center

IIhen the two opponents (aced one another in the courtyard o( Pale Oak Castle Suddenly Emiri (elt her mind clear after her meditations and her conwrsation with the monk She remembered her duty and focllsed on tho The memories that had haunted her but a short time ago had left She had learned (rom them and put them behind her - (or good this time shl hOpld

Bayushi Yumita the Black Scorpion tool~ his stance across (rom he1 As she had expected he said nothing His armor gleamed in the morning Slln bright enough to blind her (an intentional e((ec o( course) and so she (ocused on his shadow instead His elle) mOlle rClCalcd itself to her as she Ivatcheel the shadow creep across the ground EIIe) breath he took elc) tiny mcwemcnt lVas hers to sec lind so when he made his mistake when he altered his stance almost impaccptibly to create Gn opening she IVClS ready

Shiba Emiri drell her blade and struck with a pllre spirit mind and pllrpose

IniYoduction ISet There arc few activities that capture as many facets of what it mlans to be a samurai in Rokugan as docs dueling II is a tesl of moral and physical courage for in a weapon duel your life - or at least your well-being - rides on victory or defeat It is a test of personal honor for not only are duels commonly fought 10 defend ones good name but that good name also stands to

gain or lose by how you cc ncluCl yourself in the course of defendshying it It CHn be H 1(51 of I yalty and service to Family Clan and Emperor for in Illany ca ses their fortunes and reputation too ride on a luc lists blade It is also a test of skill for every form of dueling involves an end avor that at least some samura i find worthy of pursuit something (or which he tmins long and hard for years to perfect frolll his youth to - in some cases - the wry lasl moments of his life

At the same time it would be a ml take I define due ling in Rokugan too closely Mention dueling to most Rokugani and the fi rst thing that comes to mind is a fight with the kata na whether the kenjutsu duel s with which Lion bushi seek to c nt rol the battlefield or lightn ing-quick and deadly iaijutsu duels of whi h the Illost famous is still the confrol1tation between Kakita and Ivlirumoto Hojatsu a t the dawn of the Empire Bu t such is the emshyphasis that Rokugani saillurai place on pcrsonal contests of will skill and nerve that a wide range of activities as practiced by the samurai class can be described 1S serving the same purpose I

Shugenja have long hld the tradit ion of duellng th rough their ITI

special skill for channeling the power of the kami Ctlled taryushy o jiai it is said to have origlllltltcd among the PhoeniX Clan It exIsts c in two gCllerally accepted forllls onc in which the duelists attack m

r-each other directly and another in which they figh t through avashytars of Elemcntal energy that they reale for themse lve

Courtier practice neither thc art f swordsma n-hlp nor CO I11 shy

munion with the kam i but personal contests thm serve a funcshylion so similar to thaI of dueling thM they might t well be called duels arc an aspect of their life as well lVhlle S lilt ourtlcrS have yojimbo to deflect any attempt to challcnge them on unfashyvorable terms (and the more important he is the more likely he is to have a bodyguard aSSigned to him) most also like to settle their own scores when they can through contests of artisanship or performing skill or skill at games

Sam

ple

file

J

=shy---=~

On top of that there are also a variety of miscellaneous forms f competition that do not really fit any of these cia slfica tions

Somc are unique to a certain Clan or Family like the kobune boat races of the M antis or even t certain Schools like the wilshyderness survival challenges to wh ich Dragon isc ZlImi subject themselves This book covers all of them for all are in their own way part of a great Rokugani tradition and integral plrts of l samurai s life

Focus Later in th is chapter you will find revised rules mechanics for iailutsu that ampli fy and clarify exactly what happen~ in an ialjutsu duel You will also find rules for taryu-jiai or shugenia duels as well as a variety of less overtly violent activities that

z can be treated as personal contests such as gnmes and tests of oratory and artisanship

Later chapters cover non-human intelligent races and their reshylationship to the art of the duel including the dueling customs of the naga and nezumi and expanded rules for kcnku sword master scnsei and training under them speCifically in iaijutsu desc riptions of famous and otherwise remarkable dueling wcnpshyons and also suggestions for making formalized single combat a mor~ prominent part of the mass battle experience The apshypendices describe two important tournaments in which samurai can show off their prowess through various forms of dueling and

peTS nal competition the legendary Test of the Emerald Chamshypi n hip and thc Tournament of the Minor Clans They include ru les mechanics for resolving each tournament s various tests a description of the ambience of each and adventure hooks for incorporating them into n campaign

In between you will find a wealth of material covering the Rokugani art of the duel from the perspective of each Great Clnn as well as the the Imperial Families Minor Clans and Ronin and the role of dueling in the warped version of samurai culture emerging in the Shadowlands among The Lost Each of these chnpters covers one faction or set of factions Each includes disshycu ssions of a that faction s philosophy of dueling unique and characteristic forms of dueling and personal competition institushytions involved in teaching skills used in dueling typical (or atypishycal) sensei and a variety of new mechanics Schools Advanced Schools Paths Kata and more These chapters touch upon not only the classic Kakita and Mirumoto iaijutsu styles but also traditions and practices as diverse as Phoenix naginata duels Tsuruchi archery contests Unicorn competitions of horsemanshyship skill Crab and Badger sumai wrestlers Ikom~ storytelling contests Doii courtiers who cultivate debating skill s - even Crab Clan drinking games All of these conventions both famous and obscure capture the various ways in which the samurai of Rokugan challenge each other in the name of honor and have rai cd those challenges through the ages of to the level of art

Sam

ple

file

• AEG-Lot5R-ArtoftheDuelpdf

-- - - --------------------=-=~ -----------~-------- ~ -~~~-~---===

r he sun rose an Pale Oak Castle creeping aver the distant treetops to the east The light was warm but did liltle to dispel the chill throughout the area It was always cool

in this region of the Asako holdings regardless of the season Shiba Emlri had only been here a few short weeks but already she loved the place for the crispness in the morning air It Invigorated her and she loved to rise with the sun to enjoy It to the fullest This morning however there was precious little enjoyment to be had

The young Phoenix samural-ko rose (rom where she knelt In Ihe shrine It was merely one of many shrines that dolted the majestic landscape around Pale Oak Castle She had been there for several hours having awakened long before the dawn in order 10 prepare hershyself for todays ordeal

Today she might die Truthfully Emiri did not really fear death She had seen so much

pain and suffering In her relatively short lifetime that she imagined the release of death might be a welcome release from her journey No tt was not fear of death but failure that plagued her Failure Vas the most heinous sin imaginable and she had borne i5 burden (or (or too long as It was

Emir-san bull a qulel voice said You must nol dwell In the past Emjri glanced at the calm even features of the monk she had come

to know In her lime at the astle A simple Ihing to say Sutubo-san she said 11 Is nol qullesa simple to live

You dtd noL (all In Ihe Rain of Blood Sutubo said softly You did not (all your harge You protected him from everything but hlmsel( Against Ihe darkness In hls spirit )Jur blade stood no chance The fault was never yours

Emlrl nodded Three years ago she had been a yotmoo assigned to Ihe shugena called lsawa Nodotal He had been her frtend as well as her charge and she thoughl she had truly known him When an ancient rttual by the most powerful blood sorcerer in history created a mystical rain ofblood however she had seen the true Nodotai emerge The roln had corrupted hls spirit bringing forth every evil thought and urge he possessed He went on a rampage as did many others alld the City o( Remembrance had nearly burned to the ground She had been his YOImoo and In her mind she had failed She had spent the Intervening years in a monastery allempUng to come to terms with what had happened

CHAPTER ONE

THEART OF THE DUEL

Focus only on today the monk insisted Tell me what will hapshypen

Vel wdl Emiri said Today I will champion an Asako courtier in the matter of his dispute with a member of the Scorpion om-00550shy(lors dclegalon I will Juel the offended partys champion to determine Ivho is in the right

Sutulo chuckled [ was a peasant a lifetime ago [ must admit that after decodes of introspection the concept of dudi17g is still quite foreign to me How does it serve to resolve disputes again

1 is on exercise in purity poundmiri ex lained CIS if reciting a text her sensei had ordered her to memorize Purity of spirit purity of body and purity of purpose A pure spirit and oody steels 0 samurai for his task Purity of purpose invites Ihe ancestors to lend him strength that he might prove the honor of hl- Family and Clan I has been thus Since the Komi descended

For be it from me to question the Komi the monk said Tell me ofycwr opponent

Emlri frowned I know little of him His name is Bayushi Yumio although in some circles he is simply called the Black Scorpion because of his armor I is black lVihout adornment and polished so thaI it almost looks like a mirror He nev r speaks unless directly questioned by someone of superior rank I is said that he has slain over a dozen duelists

Is the duel to the death Certainly not she said The duel is to first blood [ admit howshy

eller that 10m uncertain as to the reliability of YUilliO with regard to such restrlelons W II he kill Ille He might attempt it But I do lot (oor deah middotmiddot

You fea r (ailure Suhuto apparently could read her evcr)

thought I fear the strife that will come between the Phoenix and Scorpion

if I (ail sho oJmitted If Yumita is lIictorious and if he tLlkes my ife as I suspect he Jcslrc~ there will be great di(fiwlty between our Clans We Wllot endure another conflict so soon after the war with

Iht Mantis Sui1uto pondered herVords vVould the Scorpion wish uch a conshy

11t1

Sam

ple

file

----

- - --

l1ho can say with the Scorpion she asked There is no way 10

he certain Then there is hut a single outcome And what is that You must lIin Subuto said plainly Your steel must win the

day Emiri raised an eyebrow Is that all HolV Silly IVe been The morning sun Vas still on its path to the center o( the sky center

IIhen the two opponents (aced one another in the courtyard o( Pale Oak Castle Suddenly Emiri (elt her mind clear after her meditations and her conwrsation with the monk She remembered her duty and focllsed on tho The memories that had haunted her but a short time ago had left She had learned (rom them and put them behind her - (or good this time shl hOpld

Bayushi Yumita the Black Scorpion tool~ his stance across (rom he1 As she had expected he said nothing His armor gleamed in the morning Slln bright enough to blind her (an intentional e((ec o( course) and so she (ocused on his shadow instead His elle) mOlle rClCalcd itself to her as she Ivatcheel the shadow creep across the ground EIIe) breath he took elc) tiny mcwemcnt lVas hers to sec lind so when he made his mistake when he altered his stance almost impaccptibly to create Gn opening she IVClS ready

Shiba Emiri drell her blade and struck with a pllre spirit mind and pllrpose

IniYoduction ISet There arc few activities that capture as many facets of what it mlans to be a samurai in Rokugan as docs dueling II is a tesl of moral and physical courage for in a weapon duel your life - or at least your well-being - rides on victory or defeat It is a test of personal honor for not only are duels commonly fought 10 defend ones good name but that good name also stands to

gain or lose by how you cc ncluCl yourself in the course of defendshying it It CHn be H 1(51 of I yalty and service to Family Clan and Emperor for in Illany ca ses their fortunes and reputation too ride on a luc lists blade It is also a test of skill for every form of dueling involves an end avor that at least some samura i find worthy of pursuit something (or which he tmins long and hard for years to perfect frolll his youth to - in some cases - the wry lasl moments of his life

At the same time it would be a ml take I define due ling in Rokugan too closely Mention dueling to most Rokugani and the fi rst thing that comes to mind is a fight with the kata na whether the kenjutsu duel s with which Lion bushi seek to c nt rol the battlefield or lightn ing-quick and deadly iaijutsu duels of whi h the Illost famous is still the confrol1tation between Kakita and Ivlirumoto Hojatsu a t the dawn of the Empire Bu t such is the emshyphasis that Rokugani saillurai place on pcrsonal contests of will skill and nerve that a wide range of activities as practiced by the samurai class can be described 1S serving the same purpose I

Shugenja have long hld the tradit ion of duellng th rough their ITI

special skill for channeling the power of the kami Ctlled taryushy o jiai it is said to have origlllltltcd among the PhoeniX Clan It exIsts c in two gCllerally accepted forllls onc in which the duelists attack m

r-each other directly and another in which they figh t through avashytars of Elemcntal energy that they reale for themse lve

Courtier practice neither thc art f swordsma n-hlp nor CO I11 shy

munion with the kam i but personal contests thm serve a funcshylion so similar to thaI of dueling thM they might t well be called duels arc an aspect of their life as well lVhlle S lilt ourtlcrS have yojimbo to deflect any attempt to challcnge them on unfashyvorable terms (and the more important he is the more likely he is to have a bodyguard aSSigned to him) most also like to settle their own scores when they can through contests of artisanship or performing skill or skill at games

Sam

ple

file

J

=shy---=~

On top of that there are also a variety of miscellaneous forms f competition that do not really fit any of these cia slfica tions

Somc are unique to a certain Clan or Family like the kobune boat races of the M antis or even t certain Schools like the wilshyderness survival challenges to wh ich Dragon isc ZlImi subject themselves This book covers all of them for all are in their own way part of a great Rokugani tradition and integral plrts of l samurai s life

Focus Later in th is chapter you will find revised rules mechanics for iailutsu that ampli fy and clarify exactly what happen~ in an ialjutsu duel You will also find rules for taryu-jiai or shugenia duels as well as a variety of less overtly violent activities that

z can be treated as personal contests such as gnmes and tests of oratory and artisanship

Later chapters cover non-human intelligent races and their reshylationship to the art of the duel including the dueling customs of the naga and nezumi and expanded rules for kcnku sword master scnsei and training under them speCifically in iaijutsu desc riptions of famous and otherwise remarkable dueling wcnpshyons and also suggestions for making formalized single combat a mor~ prominent part of the mass battle experience The apshypendices describe two important tournaments in which samurai can show off their prowess through various forms of dueling and

peTS nal competition the legendary Test of the Emerald Chamshypi n hip and thc Tournament of the Minor Clans They include ru les mechanics for resolving each tournament s various tests a description of the ambience of each and adventure hooks for incorporating them into n campaign

In between you will find a wealth of material covering the Rokugani art of the duel from the perspective of each Great Clnn as well as the the Imperial Families Minor Clans and Ronin and the role of dueling in the warped version of samurai culture emerging in the Shadowlands among The Lost Each of these chnpters covers one faction or set of factions Each includes disshycu ssions of a that faction s philosophy of dueling unique and characteristic forms of dueling and personal competition institushytions involved in teaching skills used in dueling typical (or atypishycal) sensei and a variety of new mechanics Schools Advanced Schools Paths Kata and more These chapters touch upon not only the classic Kakita and Mirumoto iaijutsu styles but also traditions and practices as diverse as Phoenix naginata duels Tsuruchi archery contests Unicorn competitions of horsemanshyship skill Crab and Badger sumai wrestlers Ikom~ storytelling contests Doii courtiers who cultivate debating skill s - even Crab Clan drinking games All of these conventions both famous and obscure capture the various ways in which the samurai of Rokugan challenge each other in the name of honor and have rai cd those challenges through the ages of to the level of art

Sam

ple

file

• AEG-Lot5R-ArtoftheDuelpdf

----

- - --

l1ho can say with the Scorpion she asked There is no way 10

he certain Then there is hut a single outcome And what is that You must lIin Subuto said plainly Your steel must win the

day Emiri raised an eyebrow Is that all HolV Silly IVe been The morning sun Vas still on its path to the center o( the sky center

IIhen the two opponents (aced one another in the courtyard o( Pale Oak Castle Suddenly Emiri (elt her mind clear after her meditations and her conwrsation with the monk She remembered her duty and focllsed on tho The memories that had haunted her but a short time ago had left She had learned (rom them and put them behind her - (or good this time shl hOpld

Bayushi Yumita the Black Scorpion tool~ his stance across (rom he1 As she had expected he said nothing His armor gleamed in the morning Slln bright enough to blind her (an intentional e((ec o( course) and so she (ocused on his shadow instead His elle) mOlle rClCalcd itself to her as she Ivatcheel the shadow creep across the ground EIIe) breath he took elc) tiny mcwemcnt lVas hers to sec lind so when he made his mistake when he altered his stance almost impaccptibly to create Gn opening she IVClS ready

Shiba Emiri drell her blade and struck with a pllre spirit mind and pllrpose

IniYoduction ISet There arc few activities that capture as many facets of what it mlans to be a samurai in Rokugan as docs dueling II is a tesl of moral and physical courage for in a weapon duel your life - or at least your well-being - rides on victory or defeat It is a test of personal honor for not only are duels commonly fought 10 defend ones good name but that good name also stands to

gain or lose by how you cc ncluCl yourself in the course of defendshying it It CHn be H 1(51 of I yalty and service to Family Clan and Emperor for in Illany ca ses their fortunes and reputation too ride on a luc lists blade It is also a test of skill for every form of dueling involves an end avor that at least some samura i find worthy of pursuit something (or which he tmins long and hard for years to perfect frolll his youth to - in some cases - the wry lasl moments of his life

At the same time it would be a ml take I define due ling in Rokugan too closely Mention dueling to most Rokugani and the fi rst thing that comes to mind is a fight with the kata na whether the kenjutsu duel s with which Lion bushi seek to c nt rol the battlefield or lightn ing-quick and deadly iaijutsu duels of whi h the Illost famous is still the confrol1tation between Kakita and Ivlirumoto Hojatsu a t the dawn of the Empire Bu t such is the emshyphasis that Rokugani saillurai place on pcrsonal contests of will skill and nerve that a wide range of activities as practiced by the samurai class can be described 1S serving the same purpose I

Shugenja have long hld the tradit ion of duellng th rough their ITI

special skill for channeling the power of the kami Ctlled taryushy o jiai it is said to have origlllltltcd among the PhoeniX Clan It exIsts c in two gCllerally accepted forllls onc in which the duelists attack m

r-each other directly and another in which they figh t through avashytars of Elemcntal energy that they reale for themse lve

Courtier practice neither thc art f swordsma n-hlp nor CO I11 shy

munion with the kam i but personal contests thm serve a funcshylion so similar to thaI of dueling thM they might t well be called duels arc an aspect of their life as well lVhlle S lilt ourtlcrS have yojimbo to deflect any attempt to challcnge them on unfashyvorable terms (and the more important he is the more likely he is to have a bodyguard aSSigned to him) most also like to settle their own scores when they can through contests of artisanship or performing skill or skill at games

Sam

ple

file

J

=shy---=~

On top of that there are also a variety of miscellaneous forms f competition that do not really fit any of these cia slfica tions

Somc are unique to a certain Clan or Family like the kobune boat races of the M antis or even t certain Schools like the wilshyderness survival challenges to wh ich Dragon isc ZlImi subject themselves This book covers all of them for all are in their own way part of a great Rokugani tradition and integral plrts of l samurai s life

Focus Later in th is chapter you will find revised rules mechanics for iailutsu that ampli fy and clarify exactly what happen~ in an ialjutsu duel You will also find rules for taryu-jiai or shugenia duels as well as a variety of less overtly violent activities that

z can be treated as personal contests such as gnmes and tests of oratory and artisanship

Later chapters cover non-human intelligent races and their reshylationship to the art of the duel including the dueling customs of the naga and nezumi and expanded rules for kcnku sword master scnsei and training under them speCifically in iaijutsu desc riptions of famous and otherwise remarkable dueling wcnpshyons and also suggestions for making formalized single combat a mor~ prominent part of the mass battle experience The apshypendices describe two important tournaments in which samurai can show off their prowess through various forms of dueling and

peTS nal competition the legendary Test of the Emerald Chamshypi n hip and thc Tournament of the Minor Clans They include ru les mechanics for resolving each tournament s various tests a description of the ambience of each and adventure hooks for incorporating them into n campaign

In between you will find a wealth of material covering the Rokugani art of the duel from the perspective of each Great Clnn as well as the the Imperial Families Minor Clans and Ronin and the role of dueling in the warped version of samurai culture emerging in the Shadowlands among The Lost Each of these chnpters covers one faction or set of factions Each includes disshycu ssions of a that faction s philosophy of dueling unique and characteristic forms of dueling and personal competition institushytions involved in teaching skills used in dueling typical (or atypishycal) sensei and a variety of new mechanics Schools Advanced Schools Paths Kata and more These chapters touch upon not only the classic Kakita and Mirumoto iaijutsu styles but also traditions and practices as diverse as Phoenix naginata duels Tsuruchi archery contests Unicorn competitions of horsemanshyship skill Crab and Badger sumai wrestlers Ikom~ storytelling contests Doii courtiers who cultivate debating skill s - even Crab Clan drinking games All of these conventions both famous and obscure capture the various ways in which the samurai of Rokugan challenge each other in the name of honor and have rai cd those challenges through the ages of to the level of art

Sam

ple

file

• AEG-Lot5R-ArtoftheDuelpdf

J

=shy---=~

On top of that there are also a variety of miscellaneous forms f competition that do not really fit any of these cia slfica tions

Somc are unique to a certain Clan or Family like the kobune boat races of the M antis or even t certain Schools like the wilshyderness survival challenges to wh ich Dragon isc ZlImi subject themselves This book covers all of them for all are in their own way part of a great Rokugani tradition and integral plrts of l samurai s life

Focus Later in th is chapter you will find revised rules mechanics for iailutsu that ampli fy and clarify exactly what happen~ in an ialjutsu duel You will also find rules for taryu-jiai or shugenia duels as well as a variety of less overtly violent activities that

z can be treated as personal contests such as gnmes and tests of oratory and artisanship

Later chapters cover non-human intelligent races and their reshylationship to the art of the duel including the dueling customs of the naga and nezumi and expanded rules for kcnku sword master scnsei and training under them speCifically in iaijutsu desc riptions of famous and otherwise remarkable dueling wcnpshyons and also suggestions for making formalized single combat a mor~ prominent part of the mass battle experience The apshypendices describe two important tournaments in which samurai can show off their prowess through various forms of dueling and

peTS nal competition the legendary Test of the Emerald Chamshypi n hip and thc Tournament of the Minor Clans They include ru les mechanics for resolving each tournament s various tests a description of the ambience of each and adventure hooks for incorporating them into n campaign

In between you will find a wealth of material covering the Rokugani art of the duel from the perspective of each Great Clnn as well as the the Imperial Families Minor Clans and Ronin and the role of dueling in the warped version of samurai culture emerging in the Shadowlands among The Lost Each of these chnpters covers one faction or set of factions Each includes disshycu ssions of a that faction s philosophy of dueling unique and characteristic forms of dueling and personal competition institushytions involved in teaching skills used in dueling typical (or atypishycal) sensei and a variety of new mechanics Schools Advanced Schools Paths Kata and more These chapters touch upon not only the classic Kakita and Mirumoto iaijutsu styles but also traditions and practices as diverse as Phoenix naginata duels Tsuruchi archery contests Unicorn competitions of horsemanshyship skill Crab and Badger sumai wrestlers Ikom~ storytelling contests Doii courtiers who cultivate debating skill s - even Crab Clan drinking games All of these conventions both famous and obscure capture the various ways in which the samurai of Rokugan challenge each other in the name of honor and have rai cd those challenges through the ages of to the level of art

Sam

ple

file

• AEG-Lot5R-ArtoftheDuelpdf