Legend of the Five Rings

4th Edition Ancestors Book

Ancestors......................................................1
Ichiro Fureheshu [Badger] (9 Points).................................................................................................................................. 1
Komori Iongi [Bat] (5 Points)............................................................................................................................................. 1
Hida Heichi [Boar] (4 Points)............................................................................................................................................. 1
Hida [Crab] (14 Points).................................................................................................................................................... 1
Hiruma [Crab] (11 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 1
Kaiu [Crab] (9 Points)...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Kuni [Crab] (8 Points)...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Asahina [Crane] (9 Points)............................................................................................................................................... 1
Asahina Koresada [Crane] (5 Points).................................................................................................................................. 2
Doji [Crane] (8 Points)..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Doji Hayaku [Crane] (7 Points).......................................................................................................................................... 2
Kakita [Crane] (12 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 2
Agasha [Dragon] (11 Points)............................................................................................................................................ 2
Mirumoto [Dragon] (9 Points)........................................................................................................................................... 2
Tonbo Kuyuden [Dragonfly] (3 Points)................................................................................................................................ 2
Usagi Reichin [Hare] (7 Points).......................................................................................................................................... 2
Miya [Imperial] (5 Points)................................................................................................................................................. 3
Otomo [Imperial] (6 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 3
Seppun [Imperial] (10 Points)........................................................................................................................................... 3
Akodo [Lion] (12 Points)................................................................................................................................................... 3
Ikoma [Lion] (9 Points)..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Kitsu [Lion] (6 Points)...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Matsu Hitomi [Lion] (7 Points)........................................................................................................................................... 3
Gusai [Mantis] (5 Points).................................................................................................................................................. 3
Kaimetsu-Uo [Mantis] (9 Points)........................................................................................................................................ 4
Moshi Azami [Mantis] (6 Points)........................................................................................................................................ 4
Osusuki & Akomachi [Mantis] (5 Points)............................................................................................................................. 4
Tetsuken [Mantis] (6 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 4
Toku [Monkey] (3 Points).................................................................................................................................................. 4
Tsi [Oriole] (6 Points)....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Morito Garin [Ox] (5 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 4
Asako [Phoenix] (5 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 4
Isawa [Phoenix] (12 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 5
Naka Kaeteru [Phoenix] (10 Points)................................................................................................................................... 5
Shiba [Phoenix] (9 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 5
Chiroru [Ronin] (8 Points)................................................................................................................................................. 5
Miyuko [Ronin] (12 Points)............................................................................................................................................... 5
Sun Tao [Ronin] (10 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 5
Bayushi [Scorpion] (12 Points).......................................................................................................................................... 5
Shosuro [Scorpion] (8 Points)........................................................................................................................................... 6
Soshi Saibankan [Scorpion] (5 Points)................................................................................................................................ 6
Yogo [Scorpion] (6 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 6
Doji Suzume [Sparrow] (4 Points)...................................................................................................................................... 6
Chuda Bikimi [Spider] (3 Points)........................................................................................................................................ 6
Hida Atarasi [Spider] (7 Points)......................................................................................................................................... 6
Kuni Yori [Spider] (5 Points).............................................................................................................................................. 6
Yogo Junzo [Spider] (6 Points)........................................................................................................................................... 7
Togashi Kaze [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Fortunist/Kaimetsu-Uo)] (5 Points).......................................................................... 7
Mizumoto [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Questioner)] (7 Points)............................................................................................. 7
Basso [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Shinmaki Sect)] (9 Points).............................................................................................. 7
Sakura [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Shintaoist)] (10 Points)................................................................................................. 7
Agasha Kasuga [Tortoise] (5 Points)................................................................................................................................... 7
Iuchi [Unicorn] (8 Points).................................................................................................................................................. 7
Moto [Unicorn] (10 Points)............................................................................................................................................... 8
Otaku [Unicorn] (7 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 8
Shinjo [Unicorn] (8 Points)................................................................................................................................................ 8

Ancestors
Ichiro Fureheshu [Badger] (9 Points)
The founder of the Furehershu vassal family had such
extraordinary strength that he defeated an oni with his
bare hands. Fureheshus guidance allows you to call on
your own Strength in unusual situations. When
performing a Skill roll with a physical Trait, you may
spend a Void Point to use Strength in place of the
normal Trait.
Demands: Fureheshu expects you to always embrace
Strength with the same fervor as he did.
If you ever lose a contest of Strength, he will abandon
you.
Komori Iongi [Bat] (5 Points)
Yoritomo Iongi was an enlightened Mantis samurai who
rescued the Tetsubo of Thunder and later swore fealty
to the Bat Clan. Those who have his guidance are
inspired to similar heroic accomplishments, gaining one
extra Void Point per session.
Demands: Iongi lived a life of glorious heroism and
expects his descendents to do the same. If you ever
pass up the chance to do something heroic or glorious,
he will forsake you.
Hida Heichi [Boar] (4 Points)
The founder of the Boar Clan was a man not only of
courage but also possessing wisdom and tact, able to
persuade the Shakoki Dogu to release his people and
then devising the means by which the Boar might
appease the Emperor. Those with his guidance gain a
+1k1 bonus to all Social Skill rolls made against more
powerful persons and beings.
Demands: Those who are guided by Hida Heichi must
emulate his self-control. If you ever lose your temper in
a social situation, Heichi will forsake you.
Hida [Crab] (14 Points)
Hida was a warrior of unmatched strength and
endurance, who relied on that to defeat all foes, never
backing down from any of them, even his own Taintcorrupted son. With Hida watching over you, your
blows strike hard and true you gain +1k0 to all
damage rolls and may ignore 4 points of an enemys
Reduction, regardless of what weapon you are using.
Further, any Crab who fight alongside you in a
skirmish are inspired by the spirit of Hida which infuses
your frame, and gain +1 bonus Void point (if they do
not use this Void point by the end of the skirmish, it is
lost).
Demands: Any Round that at least one fellow Crab is
wounded within your sight, you must suffer 1 Wound in
sympathy.

(This does not increase if multiple Crab are wounded

in the same Round.) This Wound ignores Reduction and
any other effects which would otherwise negate
damage. However, you can voluntarily choose not to
suffer the Wound. If you ever refuse to suffer these
Wounds, or if you ever voluntarily retreat from a fight
with a creature of the Shadowlands, Hida will abandon
you.
Hiruma [Crab] (11 Points)
The man who founded the Hiruma family was a
pragmatic warrior who employed speed, precision, and
stealth to defeat powerful foes. His guidance makes it
easier to follow in his footsteps, granting you a +1k0
bonus to your Stealth, Kenjutsu, and Kyujutsu skill rolls.
Demands: If Hiruma watches over you, you can never
willingly betray the Crab Clan or he will abandon you.
However, as a pragmatic warrior who eschews many
of the niceties of Bushido he will also abandon you if
your Honor Rank ever rises higher than 5.0.
Kaiu [Crab] (9 Points)
The legendary master craftsmen who forged the Crab
Clan Ancestral Sword that slew Hatsu-Suru no Oni. Kaiu
founded the most potent engineering school in the
Empire and his descendants built the Great Carpenter
Wall. Kaius guidance grants you a +3k1 bonus
(instead of +1k1) any time you spend a Void Point on a
Craft or Engineering skill roll.
In addition, once per game year you may call on Kaius
inspiration and roll an appropriate Craft skill at TN 50 to
create a minor awakened nemuranai. The initial powers
of this magical item are chosen by the GM, but should
start out weak (e.g. +1k0 to skills or damage rolls, for
example) until the spirits within the item grow stronger
over time.
Demands: Kaiu abhors mediocrity, laziness, and failure.
You must never deliberately produce Craft/Engineering
work that is less than your best. This obviously includes
keeping low dice on a skill roll but will also have many
subtler role-play applications; such situations should be
adjudicated by the GM.
Kuni [Crab] (8 Points)
The founder of the Crab shugenja school was a capable
shugenja and a man who knew more about the
creatures of the Shadowlands than any other. Once per
session, you may spend a Void point to gain a bonus to
your spellcasting roll equal to your Earth Rank in kept
dice. Also, when rolling to resist gaining the
Shadowlands Taint, you may roll twice and keep the
better result.
Demands: Kunis demand to his descendents is a
simple one stay pure. If you ever gain so much as a
single point of the Shadowlands Taint, Kuni will
abandon you.

Asahina [Crane] (9 Points)

A powerful and talented Phoenix Clan Fire shugenja
who forsook the ways of violence and married into the
Crane Clan, Asahina became one of the Empires
foremost advocates of peace. His family maintains his
traditions to this day. Asahinas spiritual guidance
grants you a +1k0 bonus on Meditation rolls and a
+1k1 bonus to Spell Casting Rolls when casting a nondamaging spell with the Craft or Defense keywords.
Demands: Asahina expects you to live up to his ideals
of absolute pacifism. If you ever willingly and
deliberately harm a living creature, even a Tainted
creature, he forsakes you.
Asahina Koresada [Crane] (5 Points)
Asahina Koresada was the preeminent healer of his
time, and in his youth he served as Emperor Hantei
XIXs personal physician. After his infant grandson
tragically died from Water Fever, Koresada spent his
twilight years traveling the Empire with many of his
fellow Asahina, healing sick children regardless of their
caste. Koresada will bestow his guidance on any Crane
descendent with a passion for medicine, encouraging
them to more altruistic in the use of their gifts. When
Koresada is watching over you, you gain +1k0 to any
spellcasting rolls for spells that heal wounds or treat
poison or sickness, and a Free Raise on any Medicine
Skill Roll made to treat an injury, disease, or poison.
Demands: Koresada requires you to emulate his
respect for the health and well-being of children.
If you ignore or refuse to treat any sick or injured child,
or knowingly allow a child to be harmed, Koresada will
abandon you.
Doji [Crane] (8 Points)
The Lady Doji created most of the rules and concepts
of Rokugani civilization, and her influence is still felt
throughout the Empires courts in the present day.
Those who receive Dojis advice gain a +1k0 bonus to
all of their Courtier, Etiquette, Perform, and Sincerity
rolls.
Demands: Doji requires those who have her guidance
to live in a manner both honorable and civilized. If you
ever commit a Major Breach of Etiquette (as per the
Honor table in the Book of Earth), or you ever lose
more than 3 points of Honor or Glory from a single
breach of etiquette, Doji will abandon you.
Doji Hayaku [Crane] (7 Points)
Dojis youngest son, the founder of the Daidoji family,
was a skilled warrior who spent two years hunting for
his lost sister Konishiko. He ultimately retrieved her
sword (and her soul) from the Shadowlands, but in the
process he lost his voice and his hair turned white.
Hayakus guidance grants you a +1k1 bonus to Lore:
Shadowlands rolls and a Free Raise on all attacks with
Spears.

Demands: You must honor Hayakus sacrifices by

dyeing your hair white. You can never abandon, betray,
or endanger a member of the Doji family (or your
charge if you are a yojimbo)if you do, Hayaku
abandons you in fury.
Kakita [Crane] (12 Points)
Dojis husband was both a duelist and an artisan of
renown, author of The Sword, and served as the first
Emerald Champion in Rokugans history. However, he
also started the Crane Clans long and bitter feud with
the Lion Clan. Those who have Kakitas guidance may
spend a Void point to re-roll any Iaijutsu or Artisan Skill
roll with a +1k1 bonus to the second roll. They keep
the better result. However, all those who are watched
over by Kakita earn the automatic enmity of Matsu
samurai, who sense their own ancestors anger all
members of the Matsu family are effectively Sworn
Enemies to you.
Demands: Kakita was an honorable man who sought
perfection in both the sword and with the artists
brush, and he expects the same of you. If you ever lose
a duel or an artistic competition, Kakita forsakes you.
He also abandons you if your Honor ever drops below
4.0.
Agasha [Dragon] (11 Points)
The founder of the Kitsuki family originated the
concept of the controversial Kitsuki Method, which
uses logical deduction and inference to solve crimes.
Those who have his guidance gain the ability to read
others and to pick up on subtle, hidden clues in an
uncanny, almost supernatural manner that many
samurai fine disturbing. When you have Kitsukis
guidance, you may use your Perception Trait for any
Skill or Trait roll that would normally require you to use
your Awareness Trait. Furthermore, if you spend a Void
point on any Skill or Trait roll to tell whether someone is
lying to you, you gain +2k2 instead of the normal
+1k1.
Demands: Kitsuki requires you to always pursue the
truth.
If you ever accept a solution to a problem, crime, or
puzzle that you know or sincerely believe to be false,
Kitsuki will abandon you.
Mirumoto [Dragon] (9 Points)
The founder of the Dragon Clans warrior family was
one of the greatest swordsmen of his age, a pragmatic
and cunning warrior and brilliant duelist, and a deep
rival to Kakita in the pursuit of swordsmanship. He
created the Niten style, a method of fighting with both
the katana and wakizashi. He also wrote one of the
Empires greatest works on swordsmanship, and died
fighting Fu Leng on the first Day of Thunder.
If you have gained Mirumotos attention, he grants you
+1k1 to all Agility-based Skill rolls. If the Skill roll is
made using a Mirumoto Bushi School Skill, the bonus is
+3k1 instead.

Demands: Mirumoto expects his descendents to follow

his tradition of victory, and to carry on his rivalry with
his ancient nemesis Kakita. If you ever issue a
challenge and then lose the subsequent duel, Mirumoto
will abandon you. He will also leave you if you ever
refuse a duel with someone trained in the Kakita Bushi
school. He will not abandon you if you lose a duel that
was forced on you unless that duel was against a
Kakita.
Tonbo Kuyuden [Dragonfly] (3 Points)
The first true daimyo of the Dragonfly Clan avenged his
fathers death but then forsook the sword to embrace
the new clans ways of peace and diplomacy. Those who
have his guidance gain a +1k1 bonus to all Courtier or
Etiquette rolls made for the purpose of defusing
violence or finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.

stupidity and disloyalty. If you ever willingly betray the

Imperial house, or are ever tricked or outmaneuvered
by a political rival with equal or lower Status Rank,
Otomo will forsake you.
Seppun [Imperial] (10 Points)
The Lady Seppun was the first follower of the Kami and
the first of the old religious order to fully and
unreservedly embrace the ways of Shintao. Her
guidance allows you to touch the harmony of the
universe more easily. Once per session, you may gain
the benefits of a Void Point without actually having to
spend the Void Point.

Demands: If you ever willingly choose violence when

diplomacy is still an option, Kuyuden will abandon you.

Demands: Seppun was a deeply pious woman and was

wholly devoted to Hantei. If you ever embrace a
heretical religious viewpoint or if you ever place your
own needs, goals, or desires ahead of the Imperial
house, in even the most minor way, she will abandon
you.

Usagi Reichin [Hare] (7 Points)

Akodo [Lion] (12 Points)

The founder of the Hare Clan was a man known for

both his cheerful nature and for his clever tactics and
great courage against the Bloodspeaker Cult. His
guidance grants you a +1k1 bonus when resisting Fear
effects; if the Fear is caused by a Bloodspeaker, the
bonus is +2k2 instead.

The founder of the Lion Clan was a general beyond

compare, one of the greatest tacticians ever to walk
the face of the Empire.

Demands: Although Reichin was a pragmatic ronin, he

also fought with supreme courage in the Battle of the
Bloody Retreat. If you ever flee from a battle with a
Bloodspeaker when there is still a chance of victory,
Reichin will forsake you.
Miya [Imperial] (5 Points)
The first Miya tirelessly and selflessly spread the word
of the Empires victory over Fu Leng, and also labored
to rebuild the damage from the First War. So long as
you are on the business of the Imperial house, Miyas
guidance allows you to ignore the effects of lack of
rest/sleep for a number of days equal to your Honor
Rank.
Demands: Miya expects his descendents to show his
same compassion toward those suffering from war or
disaster. If you ever turn away from helping those
suffering from either of these events, Miya will
abandon you.
Otomo [Imperial] (6 Points)
The clever and notoriously serpentine Otomo was often
underestimated by his foes, but his smooth tongue and
flexible mind seldom came out second-best. His
guidance bestows similar blessings on his descendents.
Otomos supervision grants you a +1k1 bonus when
using the Courtier Skill with the Manipulation or
Rhetoric Emphases.
The terminology of tricked or outmaneuvered is
deliberately open-ended to allow for the wide variety of
possible situations in social conflicts. However, it is not
intended to mean that the character can lose Otomos
guidance simply due to a failed Social Skill Roll.
Demands: Otomo despised two things:

He was also a supreme soldier, a man who gained

strength not just from his own ability but also from the
support of all those around him. He forged the Lion into
a clan where every soldier was part of a greater whole,
made strong by their brothers in arms. While you have
Akodos guidance, you gain a +1k0 bonus to all Bugei
skill rolls (except Iaijutsu rolls) and a +1k1 bonus to
any rolls made on the Mass Battle Table. Further,
whenever you fight alongside your fellow Lion, you
draw strength from their presence, just as Akodo
taught. Any time you enter a skirmish with at least one
other Lion bushi fighting alongside you, you gain +1
extra Void point (this bonus Void must be spent by the
end of the skirmish, or it is lost).
Demands: Akodo requires all his followers to be
soldiers of both steadfast courage and unimpeachable
honor. If your Honor ever drops below 5.0, Akodo will
abandon you. He will also abandon you if you ever
voluntarily leave a battle or skirmish where other Lion
are still fighting.
Ikoma [Lion] (9 Points)
The founder of the Lion Clans family of storytellers and
historians was a capable spinner of tales himself, but
he was also a cheerful rogue who chased women and
brawled without hesitation or fear. Those who are
watched over by Ikomas boisterous spirit are expected
to emulate him in all ways.
In return, he infuses them with both his toughness and
his rough-and-ready wisdom. You gain +1k0 to all rolls
you make with the Intelligence Trait, and +2k0 to your
damage when fighting unarmed (with the Jiujutsu skill).
Demands: Ikoma expects you to live as he did drink
hard, fight hard, tell fine tales, and welcome the
company of beautiful and interesting women. If you
ever choose to refuse a drink, run from a fight, or insult
an attractive or compelling woman, Ikoma will forsake
you.

Kitsu [Lion] (6 Points)

Moshi Azami [Mantis] (6 Points)

The spirit once known as Soli Tendo, Kitsu took human

form to found the Kitsu family and died in defense of
the human clan he joined so reluctantly. A true-blooded
descendent of Kitsu who gains his favor can detect the
presence of spirits and spirit portals. (This is a
Perception roll, normally TN 25, although the GM may
raise it for obscure or well-hidden spirits or portals). In
addition, Kitsus guidance grants you +1k1 to all Lore:
Spirit Realms rolls.

Moshi (formerly Isawa) Azami received the blessing of

Lady Sun and shared her insight with her followers,
leading the Centipede to become the most devout
followers of the Sun Goddess anywhere in the Empire.
Prior to the twelfth century Azami is solely an ancestor
for the Centipede Clan. Her guidance bestows the favor
of the Sun upon youyou suffer no ill effects from the
Sun (e.g. dehydration, sunburn, etc) and gain
Reduction of 5 against fire (normal or magical).

Demands: Kitsu abandons you if you ever willingly

harm a non-corrupted member of the five ancient races
(or one of their descendants), or if you ever willingly
cooperate with a Tsuno.

Demands: Azami was a profoundly pious woman.

Matsu Hitomi [Lion] (7 Points)

Hitomi was one of the greatest heroes of the Lion Clan,
a woman of faultless honor and courage. If you are
honored with her guidance, her unshakable faith in
Bushido grants you a +1k1 bonus to all rolls to resist
Temptation, Intimidation, and Fear effects.
Demands: Hitomi abandons you if you ever knowingly
betray your daimyo or the Lion Clan, or if your Honor
ever drops below 5.0.
Gusai [Mantis] (5 Points)
One of the most notorious of Mantis ancestors, Gusai
proved the power of a single individual by successfully
carrying a knife into the presence of the Emperor only
to see the Emperor prove the limitations of such power
when he signed the order for Gusais execution. When
Gusai guides you, you gain +3k3 to any Stealth or
Sleight-of-Hand roll made to conceal a weapon on your
person.
Demands: Gusai will abandon you if you ever
voluntarily go unarmed into the presence of a rival or
enemy.
Kaimetsu-Uo [Mantis] (9 Points)
The original founder of the Mantis Clan was the son of
Hida Osano-Wo and his Matsu bride, and one of the
most formidable warriors of his day. Preferring action to
words, he carved a clans founding out of a dangerous
tropical island, and stormed Kyuden Isawa to avenge
his fathers death. Those who gain Kaimetsu-Uos favor
are expected to live as he did, carving their way
through life with action and sheer determination, using
whatever weapon comes to hand, and countenancing
no insult from anyone. You gain a +1k1 bonus to all
Willpower Trait and Skill rolls except those made to
avoid being provoked.

She will leave you if you commit any act of impiety or

blasphemy against the Fortunes or the Celestial
Heavens (deliberately or accidentally).
Osusuki & Akomachi [Mantis] (5 Points)
The two ancestors known as Osusuki and Akomachi
were actually kitsune spirits who forged an alliance
with the nascent Fox Clan. They took human form, one
man and one woman, and married into the Kitsune
family, bonding the two groups by blood forever. Their
guidance will only be bestowed on members of the
Kitsune family who can claim a direct blood connection.
The attention of Osusuki and Akomachi allows you to
speak with animals and animal shapeshifter spirits;
furthermore, their wisdom allows you to always find
food and water in the wilderness.
Demands: Ososuki and Akomachi remain deeply tied to
the animal spirits who birthed them. They will abandon
you if you ever voluntarily or knowingly kill an animal
or an animal spirit (except for self-defense, which they
forgive).
Tetsuken [Mantis] (6 Points)
The Mantis Clan remembers Tetsuken as a great and
glorious hero who had many adventures and ultimately
saved the Empire from attack by a Shadowlands fleet.
The rest of the Empire is less familiar with his deeds, in
part because they took place during an era which
Rokugan was determined to forget. Tetsukens hopeless
quest for his true loves hand drove him to ever more
spectacular deeds and ultimately to his death. While
Tetsuken guides you, you may substitute twice your
Glory Rank for your Honor Rank when resisting Fear,
Intimidation, and Temptation effects.
Demands: Tetsuken will abandon you if you ever
forsake a True Love or pass up an opportunity to gain
Glory.
Toku [Monkey] (3 Points)

You gain a +3k0 bonus when using the Improvised

Weapon emphasis of the Jiujutsu skill, and also gain
+1k1 damage to all damage rolls made with
improvised weapons.

The founder of the Monkey Clan is legendary for both

his heroism and his extraordinary good fortune. So long
as Toku watches over you, you are considered to have
a Rank in the Luck Advantage (an additional Rank if
you already possess your own Luck).

Demands: Kaimetsu-Uo requires you to take on all

challenges, no matter how strange or embarrassing. If
you ever back down from a physical competition or
challenge, even a trivial one such as a foot race, he will
forsake you.

Demands: Constraint: Toku believed in Bushido to an

almost idealistic degree. If your Honor Rank ever drops
below 5.0, or if you ever commit an outrageously
dishonorable act regardless of your Honor Rank, Toku
will abandon you.

Tsi [Oriole] (6 Points)

The ronin called simply Tsi, descended from Tsi Wenfu,
was such a skilled swordsmith that the Emperor
declared him and his family to be Imperial vassals. His
guidance allows his descendents to display skills that
almost transcend mortal limitations. Your Raises with
the Craft: Swordsmithing Skill are not limited in any
way.
If the GM is using the Alternate Crafting Rules from
this book, the following alternate version of Tsi may be
used. Instead of lifting all constraints on Raises, the
guidance of Tsi awards a Free Raise for the purpose of
using the Alternate Crafting rules.
Demands: Like all of his family, Tsi saw swordsmithing
as an art that had little to do with actually killing. If you
ever use one of your own swords in combat for any
purpose other than selfdefense, Tsi will abandon you.
Morito Garin [Ox] (5 Points)
After the purge of the Kolat, Morito Garin labored to
restore his clans reputation and to hunt down any
remaining Kolat influences. His guidance grants you a
+1k1 bonus to any Perception-based or Awarenessbased roll that is trying to determine someones true
loyalties.
Demands: to rooting out the Kolat. If you ever
knowingly cooperate with the Kolat, or even simply
leave them alone when you have a chance to oppose
them, Garin will forsake you.
Asako [Phoenix] (5 Points)
Shibas favored follower, Asako, learned the secrets of
humanitys limitless potential from her lord, and
founded the mystic order known as the henshin. She
treasured friendship above all things, but for this very
reason felt the pain of betrayal more deeply and keenly
than any other. While Asako guides your steps, others
find you a charming ally and a true friend. Any of your
Ally Advantages gain a free +1 increase to their level
of Devotion, and you gain +1k0 to all Social Skill rolls
made against someone with whom you are an Ally.
However, if an Ally ever betrays you, you
automatically gain Driven: Destroy the Betrayer for no
points.
Demands: Asako requires you to treat your friends with
the same devotion you expect of them. If you ever
betray or abandon a friend, Asako will forsake you.
Isawa [Phoenix] (12 Points)
The man known as Isawa was unquestionably the
greatest shugenja in Rokugan, perhaps in the world, at
the time the Kami fell to earth. His power over the
Elements was of such potency that Shiba, a son of the
Heavens, bent knee and pledged to protect Isawas line
for all time in order to gain his aid against Fu Leng.
Those who are honored with Isawas guidance gain
+1k1 on all Spellcraft (Spell Research) rolls and learn 1
additional spell each time they gain a Shugenja School
Rank.

Demands: Isawa was a proud man who believed his

familys magic superior to all others. He abandons you
if you ever lose a magical or scholarly competition with
someone who is not themselves of the Isawa family.
Naka Kaeteru [Phoenix] (10 Points)
The man called Kaeteru lived when the Empire was
young.
His thirst for knowledge led him to wander the Empire
as a monk, learning all he could and passing it on to
others who wished to learn as well. Although it was
never his intention, he gathered many followers and
students and became known as a great teacher.
Eventually he was invited to the Phoenix lands so they
might learn from him as well.
Due to his incredible wisdom and experience, Kaeteru
was named the first Grandmaster of the Elements by
the Phoenix, and awarded the spiritual title of Naka.
The first Grandmaster of the Elements spent much of
his life in simple contemplation of the Elements. If you
are honored with his guidance, his enlightened insights
allow you to use the Meditation skill (two hours, skill
roll at TN 30) to regain 1 Spell Slot in each Ring.
Demands: Kaeteru was detached from mortal concerns
and will abandon any descendent who becomes too
involved in worldly matters. This may be represented
mechanically by your character acquiring more than 3
Skill Ranks in Courtier or any Merchant or Low skill.
Role-play can and should impact this as well, and the
GM should adjudicate whether a character with
Kaeterus guidance is involving himself too deeply in
worldly affairs such as politics or money.
Shiba [Phoenix] (9 Points)
Known for his wisdom, perception, and foresight, Shiba
served the Isawa faithfully in life, and wrote down the
Tao, which became the foundation of the Empires
religion. When he perished in the Shadowlands, he
found a way to pass on his knowledge to his
descendents, ensuring the Phoenix would always be
well-led by the Soul of Shiba. However, he also
sometimes chooses individual Phoenix samurai to
benefit from his guidance. Those who are watched over
by Shiba gain +1k1 to all Intelligence Rolls and
Intelligence-based Skill Rolls, and may add their
Intelligence Rank to their Armor TN at all times. If you
enter a skirmish alongside a member of the Isawa
family, you gain +1 Void point (this Void point must be
used by the end of the skirmish or it is lost).
Demands: Shiba requires that you maintain both a high
honor and an absolute, unswerving dedication to
fulfilling his oath to the Isawa. If your Honor Rank ever
drops below 4.0, he will abandon you. He will also
abandon you if you ever willingly disobey a higherranking Isawa, or if you ever voluntarily leave a
skirmish while an Isawa ally remains behind.

Chiroru [Ronin] (8 Points)

Chiroru led the ronin vanguard of the Empires army at
the Battle of Sleeping River. A proud man who forged
bonds of intense loyalty with his fellow wave-men,
Chiroru refused an offer of fealty from the Fox Clan,
declaring he could not go to the afterlife wearing a
mon after all, if he did, his brothers and sisters from
the battle might not recognize him. Those who are
guided by Chirorus spirit share his ability to forge
powerful bonds of loyalty to their comrades. You may
choose a number of individuals up to your Void Rank to
be your siblings you are considered to have a Kharmic
Tie with each of these individuals, and you will always
be aware if any of them are in danger.
It is recommended that players be allowed to have
their character choose the siblings one at a time over
the course of play, rather than having to select them
all during character creation. At the GMs option, a
character could be allowed to select a new sibling if an
earlier one dies or betrays the friendship.
Demands: Loyalty cuts both ways. If you ever forsake,
abandon, or betray any of your siblings, Chiroru will
forsake you in turn.
Miyuko [Ronin] (12 Points)
The simple peasant woman called Miyuko was the first
and greatest apprentice of the legendary shugenja
Naka Kaeturo, the first Grandmaster of the Elements.
Despite her humble origins she possessed profound
wisdom and insight. After Kaeterus death she was
offered fealty by the Phoenix, but chose instead to
remain unaligned and travel the Empire sharing her
late masters teachings with all. Only ronin shugenja
can benefit from the guidance of Miyukos spirit, and
they share in her deep insights into the nature of magic
and the Elements. You are considered to be one School
Rank higher for the purpose of casting spells (Mastery
level, Spell Casting Rolls, and spell effects).
Demands: Miyuko sought to share her wisdom with all
who would listen, and she expects the same of you. If
you ever refuse to share magical knowledge with an
honorable person, Miyuko will abandon you. This
means those guided by Miyuko will freely share their
spells with others, in sharp contrast to most shugenja.
Sun Tao [Ronin] (10 Points)
Perhaps the greatest ronin soldier in Rokugans history,
Sun Taos influence encompasses every clan and every
war since. Many ronin claim to be descended from Sun
Tao, but only a few actually win his guidance. Those
who are advised by Sun Taos spirit share his ability to
adapt to different environments and fight with equal
skill in any sort of battle. You gain a +1k0 bonus to all
Battle Skill rolls. If you make a Bugei Skill roll which
fails, Sun Taos guidance allows you to spend a Void
Point on the roll after it is made (rolling and adding 1k1
to the roll), but in return you lose the benefit of any
Raises to the roll.

Demands: Sun Tao expects you to always seek to

advance your knowledge of the ways of war and battle.
If you ever turn down a chance to work for or train with
a military force where you have not served before, Sun
Tao will abandon you.
Bayushi [Scorpion] (12 Points)
The founder of the Scorpion Clan was known for his
subtle cunning and trickery, as well as a sort of cruel
honesty that he employed most famously at his brother
Hanteis deathbed.
Although his skills and ruthlessness in both battle and
politics were legendary, he also carried a life-long
devotion to his follower Shosuro, and her corruption by
the Lying Darkness led him to his own death. If you are
trained in one of the Bayushi schools (such as the
Bayushi Bushi or Bayushi Courtier schools, for
example), you gain a +1k0 bonus to all your School
Skills, and any time you spend a Void point on a School
Skill, you gain +2k2 instead of +1k1. If you have a
Kharmic Tie with another character, both of you may
use each others Void Points, but if one of you dies, the
other immediately gains the Momoku Disadvantage for
no points.
Demands: Bayushi made only one demand of his
followers loyalty. He expects the same of you. If you
ever voluntarily and knowingly betray the Scorpion
Clan, he will abandon you. He will also abandon you if
your Honor ever climbs to 5.0 or better such pure
souls have no place in the ranks of Rokugans
designated villains.
Shosuro [Scorpion] (8 Points)
Bayushis most beloved follower was consumed by the
Lying Darkness, and spent centuries imprisoned by the
kami Togashi before finally escaping during the Hidden
Emperor era. At the end of that era, Bayushi carried
her soul into Yomi, and since that time she has begun
to show her favor to those of her descendents she finds
worthy. If Shosuros whispers guide your actions, you
gain a +3k1 bonus to all Stealth, Acting, and Sincerity
(Deceit) skill rolls.
Demands: Having been forced to betray her lord
Bayushi once, Shosuro is determined that her
descendents will never make the same mistake. If you
ever betray the Scorpion Clan, disobey your superiors
in the clan, or become corrupted by the Lying Darkness
or the Shadow Dragon, Shosuro will immediately
abandon you.
Soshi Saibankan [Scorpion] (5 Points)
The founder of Rokugans modern law-enforcement
system was a clever and eccentric man who was
nonetheless dedicated to maintaining law and order in
a fractious Empire. The guidance of this famous judge
grants you a bonus of +3k1 (rather than the usual
+1k1) whenever you spend a Void Point on a roll using
the Perception Trait or the Lore: Law skill.

Demands: Saibankan was a loyal Scorpion but also a

man deeply dedicated to upholding law and order. If
you ever knowingly break the law or allow another to
break it in your presence, Saibankan will abandon
you unless you did so on the orders of your superiors
within the Scorpion Clan.
Yogo [Scorpion] (6 Points)
The former Phoenix, originally husband to Asako, who
was cursed by Fu Leng to betray the one he loved.
Yogo joined the Scorpion Clan and started a new family
there, studying the techniques that became Yogo ward
magic.
Yogos guidance grants you a +1k1 bonus to the Spell
Casting Roll when casting any Wards spell, but due to
your blood connection to him you automatically gain
Bad Fortune: Yogo Curse for no points.
Demands: Yogo abandons you if you ever fall in love,
since this means you will succumb to his curse.
Doji Suzume [Sparrow] (4 Points)
Suzume founded the Sparrow Clan after the rest of the
Empire saw deep wisdom in his unthinking remark.
If Suzume watches over you, you find it easier inspire
others, gaining a +1k1 bonus to any Social Skill roll to
persuade others to follow your guidance/example.
However, once in your life (at a time chosen by the
GM) a simple or random comment by you will be
perceived as holding deep wisdom and meaning. The
consequences of this could last a lifetime
Demands: Suzume stayed with the people who
followed him, and did his best to lead them despite his
own confusion and many adverse circumstances. If you
ever abandon followers who have come to you because
of your words of wisdom, Suzume will forsake you in
turn.
Chuda Bikimi [Spider] (3 Points)
Chuda Bikimi was a corrupt, ruthless, and utterly evil
maho-tsukai, a terrible phantom who moved
throughout the Empire like a blade of darkness. He
snatched victims from their beds, from their dojo, from
all imaginable locations, never once seen by any save
his victims. All those who were kidnapped met terrible
fates in necromantic maho rituals. Even beyond death,
Bikimis legacy persists and he bestows his sinister
blessings on those engaged in similar evil schemes. His
guidance grants you a +1k0 bonus to any Stealth Skill
Roll. If you are a shugenja who practices maho, you
may instead expend a spell slot to gain a +1k1 bonus
to a Stealth Skill Roll.
Demands: Bikimi has no respect for those who are
foolish enough to expose themselves. If you ever
willingly reveal yourself to an enemy, Bikimi will
abandon you forever, with no chance to regain his
favor.

Hida Atarasi [Spider] (7 Points)

The first son of Hida, and the original Crab Thunder,
also became one of the first samurai to be Lost to the
Shadowlands Taint. So great was his power that those
who encountered him (and were fortunate enough to
survive) called him an akutenshi, or evil angel.
Atarasis own father Hida eventually hunted him down
and destroyed him in single combat. Atarasis twisted
warrior spirit infuses those he guides, allowing them to
call on their corruption to deliver terrible blows to their
enemies.
While Atarasi watches over you, during each round of
a skirmish you may choose to spend a Void Point or
gain a point of Shadowlands Taint (your choice) in order
to add either your Taint Rank or your Earth in unkept
dice to your attack and damage rolls for that round.
Demands: Atarasi is a fallen soul, and he reviles purity
and virtue. If your Honor Rank ever reaches 3.0 or
higher, or you ever lose any of your Taint, Atarasi
forsakes you.
Kuni Yori [Spider] (5 Points)
Kuni Yori was once a loyal Crab, a servant of his lord
Hida Kisada, but he was seduced by the Shadowlands
and betrayed the Crab Clan. Transformed by the power
of maho, Yori became an undead abomination, leading
the forces of the Shadowlands against his former clan.
Yoris guidance teaches both deceit and greater
mastery of the forces of maho. You gain +1k0 to all
Sincerity (Deceit) rolls and all maho spellcasting rolls.
However, Yoris malign influence draws the Taint to you
even faster than otherwise. Any time you cast a Maho
spell, you gain 1 extra point of Taint.
Demands: Yori makes no demands he is confident
that his guidance will inevitably lead to complete
corruption by the Taint.
Yogo Junzo [Spider] (6 Points)
Once a lord of the Scorpion, Yogo Junzos fury at the
dissolution of his clan following the Scorpion Clan Coup
led him to betray his duty and open the Black Scrolls
containing Fu Lengs essence. He became a self-willed
undead monstrosity and led a Shadowlands army into
Rokugan, assailing temples and monasteries and
putting dozens of great libraries to the torch. The
effects of his campaign of destruction still haunt the
Empire generations later.
His dark blessings allow you to call on the most dire
and blasphemous knowledge to enhance your power.
For each Forbidden Knowledge Advantage you possess,
you gain a bonus of +2 to the total of all Spellcasting
Rolls, +4 if the roll is for casting a maho spell. You gain
the same bonus for every Rank of Taint you possess.
Demands: Junzo demands you follow him down the
path of dark knowledge and ever-greater power.
If you are ever presented with an opportunity to learn
new forbidden knowledge (or to gain a new instance of
the Forbidden Knowledge Advantage) and do not take
it, even to preserve your reputation or secrecy, Junzo
abandons you.

Togashi Kaze [The Brotherhood of Shinsei

(Fortunist/Kaimetsu-Uo)] (5 Points)

Sakura [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Shintaoist)]

(10 Points)

Although Togashi Kaze was originally a member of the

Dragon Clan, he also founded what became the Order
of Kaimetsu-Uo when he renovated an abandoned
monastery and began teaching the local monks a form
of meditative exercise based on his martial art
techniques.

The woman called Sakura is said to have been the first

mortal to understand the possibility of Enlightenment,
and some Brotherhood traditions maintain Shinsei
himself was among her students. Some legends claim
Shinseis crow was actually Sakura, transformed, and
other legends suggest she may have been a kenku.
Although Sakura never attained what modern Rokugan
would consider true enlightenment, she understood
many truths about the universe. Those who have her
guidance are able to comprehend the world at a
deeper level than others. You are considered to be one
Insight Rank higher for the purpose of learning and
using Kiho.

Kazes spirit teaches some of his unarmed techniques

and meditative abilities to his favored disciples. So long
as your Meditation Skill Rank is at least equal to your
Jiujutsu Skill Rank, you gain a Free Raise on unarmed
attacks.
Demands: Kaze expects you to uphold his principles of
using violence only for defense and refraining from
killing, no matter what the provocation. If you ever kill
another human being with unarmed attacks, Kaze will
abandon you.
Mizumoto [The Brotherhood of Shinsei
(Questioner)] (7 Points)

Demands: Sakura sought to share wisdom and

enlightenment all her life, teaching everyone who
would listen. If you ever pass over a chance to share
enlightenment or the ways of the Tao with others,
Sakura will abandon you.
Agasha Kasuga [Tortoise] (5 Points)

Mizumoto was a Crane courtier from the time of Hantei

Genji, widely admired for his intellect and education.
After retirement to the Brotherhood, he became one of
the Empires foremost experts on the Tao, renowned for
his understanding of the sacred texts meanings. Those
guided by Mizumoto share his intellectual gifts, gaining
a +1k1 bonus to all Intelligencebased rolls.

Agasha Kasuga was a man possessed of great

curiosity, but also a man who placed the security of the
Empire above all else, including his own purity. His
guidance awards you a +1k1 bonus to any Skill Roll in
which you are performing a dishonorable act (one that
will cause you a loss of Honor) that is sanctioned by
your duty to the Imperial house.

Demands: Mizumoto sought always to extend his

knowledge of the Tao and the ways of Enlightenment. If
you ever voluntarily pass over a chance to learn about
a new teaching, sect, or belief within the Brotherhood,
Mizumoto will abandon you.

Demands: Kasuga expects you to share his

selfsacrificing loyalty to Rokugan. If you ever place
your own Honor above the needs of the Empire, he will
abandon you.

Basso [The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Shinmaki

Sect)] (9 Points)
The founder of the Shinmaki Sect claimed his Diamond
Sutra was written by Shinsei, although many others
believe Basso wrote it himself. Bassos order, with its
bizarre meditative practices, remains the most
controversial major sect within the Brotherhood. Those
who have Bassos guidance are able to gain true
perception through their meditation, piercing the veil of
illusions around them to see things as they truly are;
you may see through any illusion or deception as a
Complex Action with a Meditation/Void roll (TN chosen
by the GM based on the strength of the
illusion/deception).
Demands: Basso demands almost super-human
dedication from his followers. You must meditate for at
least four hours each day and must be absolutely
ascetic,
forsaking
all
worldly
pleasures
and
indulgences, even the most minor. Any voluntary
violation of this lifestyle will result in Basso abandoning
you.

Iuchi [Unicorn] (8 Points)

Iuchi studied and mastered the ways of foreign magic,
enabling the Unicorn to survive in the hostile world
beyond the Burning Sands. His insights gave rise to the
unique Unicorn style of magic known as meishodo. The
guidance of Iuchi is bestowed on shugenja of his
bloodline, and allows them to approach Rokugani spells
in unconventional ways. While his spirit remains with
you, you do not have a Deficient Element.
Demands: So long as you wish to retain Iuchis favor,
you may never pass up a chance to learn more about
magic, even dangerous or blasphemous magic. Just
because you know about it doesnt mean youll use it,
after all
Moto [Unicorn] (10 Points)
A formidable desert warrior who swore allegiance to
Shinjo and brought his tribe into the Ki-Rin Clan, Moto
was known for his incredible speed and refusal to be
bound by anything but his own choice. He imbues the
same spirit and determination in those of his
descendents who win his favor. Any time you roll to
resist an attempt to physically restrain you (such as a
Grappling attack) or to mentally influence you (such as
a Temptation Skill roll), you gain a +2k2 bonus to the
roll. Likewise, any spell which would restrain your
physical movement has its Spellcasting TN increased
by an amount equal to 5 x your Willpower.

Demands: Moto expects you to live by the same

standard of freedom as he did, offering obedience only
to your lord and clan. If you ever knowingly and
voluntarily allow yourself to be controlled by another
who is not your rightful superior in the Unicorn Clan
(such as letting yourself be blackmailed by a courtier),
Moto will abandon you.
Otaku [Unicorn] (7 Points)
The founder of the Otaku (later Utaku) family and the
first Unicorn Clan Thunder, Otaku was a woman who
founded a family led by women. She will only offer her
guidance on women descended from her line. Otakus
wisdom bestows an empathic connection to horses,
granting you a +1k1 bonus to all Horsemanship skill
rolls. Otakus ferocity and determination grant you a
+1k0 bonus to attack rolls against male opponents.
Demands: Otaku will abandon you if you are ever
deliberately cruel to a horse or if you ever challenge a
man (whether to a duel or a competition) and then
lose.

Shinjo [Unicorn] (8 Points)

The founder of the Unicorn was known for her
boundless curiosity about the world, which caused her
to lead her Ki-Rin Clan out into the Burning Sands, and
for her deep compassion, which allowed her to retain
sympathy even for her fallen brother Fu Leng. After her
long imprisonment and sleep in the Burning Sands, she
returned to Rokugan to purge the Kolat from her
beloved clan. You gain a +1k1 bonus to any
Investigation roll made to understand something new,
strange, or enigmatic, as Shinjos spirit guides you to
seek deeper understanding of the world around you.
You also gain +1k1 to all Awareness rolls made with the
Etiquette or Sincerity (Honesty) skills, as Shinjos
compassion infuses you with empathy and grace.
Demands: Shinjo requires you to always act with
compassion, even when facing bitter enemies. If you
ever fail to show mercy and compassion to a rival or
enemy, Shinjo will abandon you. (This does not apply
to members of the Kolat or minions of the Lying
Darkness or the Shadow Dragon.)