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The Topaz Contestants * next to a skill denotes a school skill. * next to a spell denotes a memorized spell.

Crab ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 The Love Triangle Hida Ishikari, Hida Koutetsu & Hida Aiko ........................................................................... 2

Hida Ishikari ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Hida Koutetsu ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

The Reluctant Replacement Hiruma Kajiya ..................................................................................................... 3 Hiruma Kajiya ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Crane ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 The Boor Daidoji Yamazaru ............................................................................................................................. 3

Daidoji Yamazaru ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

The Perfectionist Kakita Kenmaru ................................................................................................................... 4 Kakita Kenmaru ................................................................................................................................................................ 4

The Last Hope Doji Mazushi ............................................................................................................................ 4 Doji Mazushi ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

The Songbird Doji Hyoteki ............................................................................................................................... 4 Doji Hyoteki ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Dragon ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Enlightened Blindness Togashi Rei .................................................................................................................. 5

Togashi Rei ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

The Haunted Duelist Mirumoto Hasaken ........................................................................................................ 5 Mirumoto Hasaken .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

The Hulk Tamori Daichi ................................................................................................................................... 6 Tamori Daichi ................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Lion .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 The Hopeful Herald Ikoma Satoshi .................................................................................................................. 6

Ikoma Satoshi ................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Prodigious Naivety Akodo Raiken .................................................................................................................... 6 Akodo Raiken ................................................................................................................................................................... 6

The Bonecrusher Matsu Kujiko ........................................................................................................................ 7 Matsu Kujiko .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Mantis ............................................................................................................................................................. 7 Fierce and Foxy Kitsune Hibiki ......................................................................................................................... 7

Kitsune Hibiki ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

The Brute Yoritomo Futeki ............................................................................................................................... 7 Yoritomo Futeki ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Elemental Excellence Moshi Osako ................................................................................................................. 8 Moshi Osako .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Phoenix ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Fear and Loathing Asako Banken & Asako Hakimi .......................................................................................... 8

Asako Banken ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Asako Hakimi .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

The Yin-Yang Twins Isawa Kagou & Isawa Rin ................................................................................................ 9 Isawa Kagou ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Isawa Rin .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Scorpion .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 The Hostage Bayushi Kansei ............................................................................................................................ 9

Bayushi Kansei.................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Secrets of the Void Bayushi Hanaku ................................................................................................................ 9 Bayushi Hanaku .............................................................................................................................................................. 10

The Ardent Ninja Shosuro Miyako ................................................................................................................. 10 Shosuro Miyako (aka Bayushi Junko) ............................................................................................................................. 10

Unicorn .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Half-Hearted Hunk Shinjo Sekushi ................................................................................................................. 10

Shinjo Sekushi ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Common Differences Utaku Kamiko & Utaku Sachiko .................................................................................. 11 Utaku Kamiko ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

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Utaku Sachiko................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Other ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Misery Loves Company Otomo Yasu ............................................................................................................. 11

Otomo Yasu .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Duel Personality Disorder Seppun Toshiro ..................................................................................................... 12 Seppun Toshiro .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Fortune Favours the Mortal Monkey Toku Kazedai....................................................................................... 12 Toku Kazedai .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Tailor, Maid Tsi Kiku ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Tsi Kiku ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Against the Grain Suzume Masu ................................................................................................................... 12 Suzume Masu ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Honorable Dog Takumi .................................................................................................................................. 13 Takumi............................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Villains ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 The Big Payback Juriken ................................................................................................................................ 13

Juriken ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Ronin Scum Koto, Jin, & Taka ........................................................................................................................ 14 Koto ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Jin ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Taka ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................................ 14 The Lost Love - Hida Aiko.................................................................................................................................. 14

Hida Aiko ........................................................................................................................................................................ 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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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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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