|
Test of the Topaz Championship
|
 |
 |
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Unicorn |
| Mantis |
| Ratling [Corrupt] |
| Ratling |
|
| Sonny Macneal |
| Todd Pilkinton |
| Keith Brady |
| Aaron Medwin |
|
|
Greetings samurai of Rokugan!
The Emerald Champion, Yasuki Hachi, sends his regards and extends a formal invitation to the lands of the Crane for your participation in the Test of the Topaz Champion. As you may well know, the Topaz Championship is the highlight of coming-of-age ceremonies attended by the most influential nobles of the age. A new generation's hopes and ambition will ride on the shoulders of the new Topaz Champion, as he they shall be decreed the finest samurai their generation has to offer. The winner will not only bring glory and honor to his house, but stand to receive countless favors from those in attendance. Prepare your mind, your body, and your spirit for the trials ahead, as only a fool would believe this is a matter to be settled by steel alone. I eagerly await the outcome and the days that shall follow.
- Doji Nagori
With no Emperor to watch over the proceedings of the Topaz Championship (as is tradition), the Crane have invited all of the Winds to attend and take the place their father would have. Of course, only one Wind will attend, and that Wind will make a great advancement within the politics of the Empire for being the one to judge the very future of Rokugan.
If the Horde wins, then the Topaz Championship is disrupted by an attack from the Horde, and nobody wins.
Date: December 31, 2002
Place: Blue Springs, Missouri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fall of Otosan Uchi Boxtopper Tourney: Shadow of the Dead Moon
|
 |
|
The Horde has been driven from the Imperial City but the scars of their passing remain. The Four Winds scatter to the four ends of the Empire, and with no Winter Court to give them a peaceful opportunity to negotiate the succession, the quest for the throne seems doomed to end in bloodshed. In the Celestial Heavens, the returned Dark Kami, Fu Leng, stretches his grasp across the untainted realm of the Fortunes.
Amid all this chaos, who would notice the return of another enemy?
Unseen among the people of Rokugan, the sinister cultists of the perished Moon God Onnotangu gather, led by whispers and nightmares. Since the death of their god, their immortal master Bunrakuken has pondered what future lies ahead for their dark order. He knows that the Hantei have returned, embodied by the lost son, Daigotsu. He knows that Fu Leng has returned, released from Meido to open the gates of Jigoku wide. Perhaps, Bunrakuken reasons, if the Hantei and Fu Leng can return, then Onnotangu can as well.
For now it is nothing more than a theory, but when left to fester, such baleful motives often become reality. Unnoticed, the Cult of the Dead Moon begins to make plans. A samurai from the winning faction in this tournament will discover this plot, giving the Empire a chance to end it before it begins. Should the Shadowlands Horde win, however, Daigotsu's minions will make contact with Bunrakuken. Perhaps the Horde will find an ally in the cult; perhaps the Dark Lord has his own plans for the twisted order of Onnotangu.
One clan will discover the existence of the Cult of the Dead Moon.
One hero from that clan will face Bunrakuken and survive.
The winning clan will be the first to determine how to deal with this threat.
Date: December 1st, 2002 - March 31st, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flight of Mujina
|
 |
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
|
| Scott Pagliaroni |
| Raef Trevino |
| Sonny McNeal |
| Kerensa Good-Bloyd |
|
|
Korjagun, greatest of the porthungluin, has a problem. He and his mujina are slowly being attacked and devoured by a strange new sort of oni, an oni that can harm even the usually intangible mujina. The trickster spirits have turned to Rokugan for aid. A warrior from the faction that wins this tournament will slay the oni, winning the gratitude of the mujna (and Korjagun as a personality aligned to their faction). If the Shadowlands wins, the mujina will find no aid, and this strange new oni will devour Korjagun's gang and begin to multiply (and will appear as a Shadowlands personality).
Date: November 23rd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season of the Crab
|
|
|
|
Story Effects:
|
Story Point: The Crab will get a gift from the Oracle of Earth
|
| Story Point: The Phoenix will dispatch troops to aid the Crab along the wall |
| Fiction: Shinsei's Last Hope 1 2 |
|
As the battle against the Shadowlands draws nearer to the lands of the lost Boar Clan, it has drawn the attention of the Oracle of Earth who dwells there. He watches the Crab soldiers and their Unicorn allies with interest. Whichever of these clans has the greater amount of wins in this tournament will be rewarded a gift from the mighty Oracle.
Long ago, the Phoenix and Lion promised to aid the Crab in their war against the Horde, but conflict with the Dragon caused their aid to be delayed. Now that Lion and Phoenix are no longer allies, it would be difficult for the Crab to gain the help of both clans. Whichever clan, Lion or Phoenix, has the greater amount of wins will dispatch troops to aid the Crab.
Dates: October 1st - November 30th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European Championship: Tadaka's Children
|
 |
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
| 1st: |
| 2nd: |
| 3rd: |
| 4th: |
| Top of Clan Prizes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Crane |
| Shadowlands |
| Lion |
| Scorpion |
| Crab |
| Crane |
| Dragon |
| Lion |
| Mantis |
| Nezumi |
| Scorpion |
| Shadowlands |
|
| Sebastian Galazka |
| Michael Maxime |
| Frans Smeets |
|
| Tom Mulheims |
| Sebastian Galazka |
|
| Frans Smeets |
| Gordon O'Keefe |
| Faber van Kraanen |
|
| Michael Maxime |
|
|
Before the Clan War...
Isawa Tomo looked on pensively as his brother finished the spell. The earth groaned from the strain, but obeyed the Master of Earth's wishes. The cave entrance slowly closed, and in mere seconds there was nothing but a flawless rock face before them. "Tadaka," asked Tomo, "are you sure this is necessary? They could still be of use to us. You've seen what awaits us."
Tadaka shook his head. "No, brother," he said firmly. "You and I have suffered much because of our dalliance with the Black Scrolls. Can you be certain that our corruption will not extend to them?" He gestured back toward the flat rock wall. "I will not risk them turning against our brothers. They were created to save the lives of Phoenix warriors, not destroy them."
Tomo sighed heavily. It was a sound of resignation and defeat. "You are right, brother. But I fear what fate we shall meet without them."
"We are samurai, Tomo," said Tadaka, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "We are the Elemental Masters. We are Phoenix. We shall meet our fate without fear, and we will emerge victorious."
The Master of Water smiled, but he did not share his brother's optimism. "To Otosan Uchi, then," he said. "And to our destiny."
Rokugan, present day...
Jiru scrambled desperately to keep his footing, but it was too late. The recent earthquake had left far too much loose rock, and he was dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. His feet slid out from under him, landing him on the smooth rock surface with a resounding thud. He immediately began sliding down the steep grade toward the cliff's edge. If he reached it, he would be propelled out into open air several hundred ken-an above the ground. His death would not be pretty.
As the beginnings of a panicked prayer to the Fortunes began to stream incoherently past his lips, Jiru suddenly dropped slightly, then slammed into another rock wall. Instinctively, he grabbed on with all his might. A hole had been opened up on the cliff face by the earthquake, and he had slid directly into the opening. It had saved him from falling off the cliff itself, but he had no way of knowing what kind of drop was beneath him, and Jiru was not interested in trading one certain death for another.
Pulling himself up very carefully, Jiru managed to find purchase on the rock wall and brace himself against the wall of the opening. He would not fall again unless the rock upon which he was sitting collapsed, and if that happened... well, there was no escape from something like that in any event.
Curious, the peasant peered down into the darkness of the opening. The cavern below didn't seem natural. The walls were too smooth. He could not make out exactly what was inside, but there were many strange shapes that almost looked like armor of some sort. Juri frowned at the idea. Was this some sort of grave or tomb? He did not want to be responsible for desecrating such a place, particularly if it was the tomb of samurai.
Perhaps it would be best to return to warden's outpost he had passed some time back and report this matter to the magistrate. Yes, that seemed like a good idea. And it got him off the hook as well. Very cautiously, Juri began to make his way back down the mountain.
Today was turning out to be very interesting.
More than fifty years ago, the Master of Earth began a series of deadly journeys into the Shadowlands in search of the dreaded Black Scrolls. What Isawa Tadaka saw within that dark and twisted realm filled him with a cold dread, and he knew that the Phoenix must one day face the darkness he found there. In preparation for that moment, Tadaka and his brother Isawa Tomo, Master of Water, crafted a great army of unliving soldiers to use against the Shadowlands. These constructs, known as Clay Soldiers, would save the lives of countless Phoenix warriors by crushing the forces of the Shadowlands in their earthen fists.
Unfortunately, Isawa Tadaka became Tainted through the investigation of the Black Scrolls, and he realized that to use the power of the Clay Soldiers in such a state would put the entire army at risk of corruption. Rather than have such a powerful tool fall under the control of Fu Leng, Tadaka sealed them away deep inside a mountain to retrieve later. He then traveled to Otosan Uchi to stand beside the Seven Thunders and die like a samurai.
For more than fifty years, the army of Tadaka's Children has gone undiscovered. Until now. One lone shugenja shall discover the Children, led there by a wayward peasant who finds their tomb after an earthquake. The power of the Children is great, and the shugenja will face a difficult choice.
Will they destroy the army and gather the power that lies dormant within them for themselves, increasing their own abilities tenfold? Or will they bring the army under the command of their clan and Champion, adding much needed soldiers and military might to their people during a time of war? It is a choice of power or duty, glory or honor. Either outcome could end in disaster... or lead a clan to victory.
You must choose.
The faction of the winner of the Tadaka's Children storyline tournament, to be held at the 2002 European Championships, will gain control of Tadaka's Children, a powerful army of magical constructs that fight without need of rest, sleep, or nourishment. They are tireless soldiers that cannot be defeated unless they are destroyed utterly, which is no mean feat. The winner of the tournament will choose how the Children will be utilized:
Will the Children be sacrificed to grant incredible power to one of the faction's shugenja, or will the Children serve as the vanguard of the faction's armies, leading them to near certain victory over their foes with such an incredible advantage?
Date: November 1st-3rd
Place: Metz, France
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European Championship Challenge Booth: Togashi's Daisho
|
 |
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Dragon [Corrupt] |
| Shadowlands |
|
| Dominic Adenuga |
| Emmet Murphy |
|
|
From the vast reaches of the Empire to the depths of the Shadowlands, there is one name that is hated by the Dragon Clan more than any other. He is a traitor, a madman, a murderer, and a fool.
His name is Kokujin.
Decades ago, the mad ise zume Kokujin stole the daisho of Togashi, founder of the Dragon Clan. Despite their efforts in the intervening years, the Dragon have been unable to recover the sacred blades. Now, the madman has issued a challenge to those who long for his blood: face him once and for all to determine the ultimate fate of the blades.
Should the Dragon Clan win, Togashi's daisho will be returned to the clan.
Should the Shadowlands win, the blades will be lost forever.
Date: November 1st-3rd
Place: Metz, France
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European Championship Challenge Booth: Home of the Otomo
|
|
|
Since the dawn of the Empire, the Otomo have held the reins of the Imperial Court, guiding that august assemblage with a firm but loving hand in the direction that most suited the Emperor. In the aftermath of Daigotsu's attack on Otosan Uchi, however, the holdings of the Otomo have been shattered, and with the Four Winds having established their own bases of power across the Empire, it is more important than ever that the Otomo have a base of power from which to extend their influence to the courts of the Winds.
The Crane and the Scorpion have vied for control of the courts for centuries, and now they see a chance to cement their hold upon the court once and for all. Both clans have lobbied the Otomo to make their new home in their lands, either in the glory of Kyuden Doji or the security of Kyuden Bayushi. Whomever the Otomo choose will gain an enormous advantage in court and considerable prestige throughout the Empire.
If the Crane win, the Otomo will make their home outside Kyuden Doji.
If the Scorpion win, the Otomo will move their headquarters near Kyuden Bayushi.
Date: November 1st-3rd
Place: Metz, France
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broken Blades Boxtopper Tourney: The Riddle
|
|
|
|
Story Effects:
|
| Story Prize: Kaiu Ryojiro will solve the puzzle. |
|
Toturi Sezaru scours the Empire in search of the Oracles of Light. When he finds them all, he will discover the reason his mother abandoned the throne. Unfortunately, Sezaru's plan hits an obstacle. The Oracle of Fire, would not answer Sezaru's questions directly. Instead, he presented the Wolf with a strange gift - a puzzle box of the sort often created by Dragon shugenja.
If the box can be opened, Sezaru will gain a clue to the location of the elusive Oracle of Water. If it cannot be opened, Sezaru's quest ends here. The Oracle of Fire claims that only one who is truly enlightened, who truly understands the balance of the elements, can unlock the mystery of the puzzle box. Unable to master the box's mysteries, Sezaru has invited samurai of every clan to the Izaku Library to attempt to open it.
Desperate to learn the secrets of the puzzle box, Sezaru promised that the one who finds the answer will gain a great favor in return. The honor of such a gift is great - a favor from the Son of Toturi himself.
A member of the faction that wins this tournament will be the first to solve the puzzle box, and will join Sezaru in his quest.
From the Crab, the master engineer Kaiu Ryojiro holds the most promise. His mastery of all things mechanical would allow him to swiftly perceive the quickest way to undo the complex puzzle. He plans to ask the Wolf to use his magic to fortify the Kaiu Wall.
From the Crane, the duelist Daidoji Megumi has chosen to step forward. Blind from birth, she need not fear that her eyesight will mislead her. She plans to ask the Wolf to enchant her grandfather's blade with the power of Void, increasing her skill in dueling even further.
From the Dragon Clan, Togashi Matsuo stepped forward. The young tattooed man is eager for adventure in all forms, and promised that a simple box will not defeat him. If he succeeds, he shall ask Sezaru if he can accompany him in his travels.
From the Lion Clan, the poet Matsu Hyun accepts the challenge. She is eager to write an epic tale of the Wolf, and sees this as her best chance to gain permission to do so.
From the Mantis, Tsuruchi Nobumoto will attempt to solve the puzzle. Traveling past the library by chance, he takes the challenge simply to amuse himself. He is uncertain how he will ask the Wolf to repay him; perhaps he will let the whim of fate decide.
From the Clan of the Phoenix, the Master of the Void himself steps forward to study the puzzle. Shiba Ningen knows much of the Void, but is eager to share knowledge with Toturi Sezaru.
From the Scorpion, Sezaru's own aide Soshi Angai will attempt to solve the puzzle. If she succeeds, she will ask for no favor, for she knows that such a gesture provide an even greater gift - the true friendship of the Wolf.
From the Unicorn, Ide Sadanobu is intrigued by the Wolf's challenge. In his travels, he has seen many strange puzzles like Sezaru's trinket. If he solves the puzzle, Sadanobu plans to pass on his favor to the Khan. What Chagatai asks is the Khan's secret alone.
From the tribes of the Nezumi, Zin'tch, leader of the Council of the Eye, believes that he might know how to solve the puzzle. With his sharp and inquisitive mind, perhaps he can truly do so. If he succeeds, Zin'tch plans to simply ask if he can keep the shiny-shiny box.
And in the shadows, Sezaru's traitorous servant Miya Gensaiken makes his own plans. Gensaiken encouraged a young shugenja, secretly a Bloodspeaker, to attempt to solve the puzzle. If the Shadowlands wins, this young tsukai will become Sezaru's apprentice.
Who will succeed? You decide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season of the Dragon
|
|
|
|
Story Effects:
|
| Story Point: Tamori Shaitung will defeat Agasha Tamori |
| Story Point: Lord Hoshi will appear before Doji Kurohito |
| Fiction: Dark Oracle of Fire 1 2 3 |
| Fiction: Daughter of Doji |
|
Tamori Shaitung prepares for a final confrontation with her father, the Dark Oracle of Fire. If the Shadowlands wins this conflict, then Agasha Tamori will survive this conflict, spelling dire implications for the Dragon Clan.
Lord Hoshi's return is a good omen for the Dragon Clan, but he also bears a message for one other. The daimyo of the faction with the greatest amount of wins in this tournament will be visited by Lord Hoshi before he returns to the heavens.
Date: August 1st - September 30th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sword of the Spirits
|
 |
|
A member of the winning clan will gain possession of the sword which slew Hantei XVI.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unfinished Business II
|
 |
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Scorpion [Corrupt] |
| Phoenix [Corrupt] |
| Shadowlands |
| Shadowlands |
|
| Ryan Carter |
| Mike Colson |
| Joe Dumey |
| Lucas Twyman |
|
|
A forgotten member of the winning clan will appear in an upcoming story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season of the Monkey!
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Scorpion [Corrupt] |
| Crane |
| Crab |
| Shadowlands |
|
| Anthony Barbara |
| Kyle Wolverson |
| Mike Welch |
| Joel Mazzora |
|
|
It will be discovered that Toku's wife was originally a member of the winning clan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tower of the Ningyo
|
|
|
The winning clan of this tournament will discover the Tower of the Ningyo, an ancient aquatic race, and will formulate an alliance with them.
Date: September 14th
Place: Meriden, CT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gencon UK 2002: Sword of the Hantei
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
| 1st: |
| 2nd: |
| 3rd: |
| 4th: |
| Top of Clan Prizes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Shadowlands |
| Crane |
| Phoenix |
| Shadowlands |
| Crab |
| Crane |
| Dragon |
| Lion |
| Mantis |
| Phoenix |
| Ratling |
| Scorpion |
| Shadowlands |
| Unicorn |
|
| Bill Wytcherly |
| Keith Owens |
| Michel Streng |
| Fiacha Kerrigan |
| Jim Brophy |
| Keith Owens |
| Jon Palmer |
| Eusebio Gonclaves |
| Sebastian Michaux |
| Michel Streng |
| Simon Slater |
| Chris Oldgeorge |
| Bill Wytcherly |
| Dave Robotham |
|
|
Long ago, the sword of the Hantei was recovered from the Shadowlands and given to the Elemental Dragons to be placed beside the Ancestral Swords of the clans. The Elemental Dragons now wish to hide this most sacred of all katana among the mortals so that Fu Leng will not be able to claim it during his attack on the heavens. The Wind who wins will be chosen to accept the blade. A Samurai from the clan chosen will save a significant amount of the population of the doomed city of Otosan Uchi and thereafter be appointed to protect the sword of the First Emperor from the Dark Brother.
If the Horde wins, the blade will be taken by a Shadowlands spy and replaced with a corrupted duplicate, and the survivors of Otosan Uchi will face heavy losses as they flee Daigotsu's legions.
Top of Clan Prizes:
For the Crab - Six of the twelve towers of the Kaiu Wall, the great structure that has always protected Rokugan from the Shadowlands, have fallen to darkness. The top placing Crab may choose as follows:
A) To push the Horde from the Kaiu Wall forever at the cost of a Crab hero's life (hero to be chosen by the Story Team).
B) To contain the Taint within one tower, a single tower that can never be regained or purified.
Chosen: B
For the Crane - The Crane Champion Doji Kurohito carries Chukandomo, a powerful but cursed blade. The top placing Crane may choose as follows:
A) Kurohito will set Chukandomo aside. Kurohito will be safe, but the ancient blade forged by his ancestor will remain cursed.
B) Kurohito will keep the blade, risk the wrath of the spirits who haunt it, but possibly break the curse forever.
Chosen: B
For the Dragon - The Dark Oracle of Fire, a fallen Dragon, now dwells beneath the mountains of the Dragon and uses his terrible power to drive his kinsmen from their homes. The top placing Dragon may choose as follows:
A) Attack the Dark Oracle and drive him from the mountains, ignoring the threat of the Phoenix Clan.
B) Ally with the Oracle and convince him to turn his power against the Phoenix.
Chosen: B
For the Lion - In the north, the Phoenix Clan have insulted the courage of the Lion by attacking their former ally. In the South, the Tsuno have insulted their honor by attacking the most sacred temples of the Kitsu. Both are insults that must be answered in kind but the Lion do not have enough troops to deal with both. The top-ranking Lion may choose as follows:
A) Attack the Tsuno, and ignore the Phoenix.
B) Attack the Phoenix, and ignore the Tsuno.
Chosen: A
For the Mantis - Nobori Raiu, the Celestial Sword of the Mantis, was lost when Yoritomo Aramasu was slain. The top placing Mantis will choose which of the self proclaimed Mantis Champions find and recover the sword. To regain the sword would gain either Champion much support for their claim. The choice is as follows:
A) Yoritomo Kitao, leader of the Storm Legion.
B) Yoritomo Kumiko, Daughter of Storms.
Chosen: B
For the Phoenix - Shiba Aikune wields a power like none other - the bizarre and unpredictable Isawa's Last Wish. The top-ranking Phoenix player has a simple but profound choice.
A) Aikune should use the Last Wish to gain power.
B) Aikune should use the Last Wish to gain wisdom.
Chosen: A
For the Ratlings - The Nezumi of the Crippled Bone have made a disheartening discovery. There is a tribe called the Stained Paw that has allied itself with the armies of the Lost. The top ranking Ratling may choose how to deal with this problem.
A) Attack the Stained Paw.
B) Attempt to make peace with them and win them away from the Horde.
Chosen: A
For the Scorpion - The clan of secrets now face a threat from within: the Shadowed Tower - a splinter group that feels the rulers of the Scorpion have forgotten what it means to walk in shadow. The top ranking Scorpion may choose one of the following:
A) The Master of the Shadowed Tower finds information that will allow him to blackmail Bayushi Yojiro.
B) Bayushi Yojiro discovers the identity of the Master of the Shadowed Tower.
Chosen: B
For the Shadowlands - Many months ago, the Shadowlands Horde stole the Celestial Jitte, a weapon created on the anvil of the Fortune of Steel. Efforts to Taint the weapon have had mixed results due to its strong connection to the Heavens. The choice is as follows:
A) One of the Lost will bear the Jitte, risking destruction by its holy power.
B) The half-Tainted weapon is returned to Rokugan, in hopes that it will corrupt the unwary.
Chosen: A
For the Unicorn - One of Moto Chagatai's generals will soon fall in battle, and another samurai must swiftly be chosen as a replacement. The top ranking Unicorn player may choose the new general.
A) The talented but ruthless Moto Chaozhu.
B) The courageous but reviled Shinjo Shono.
Chosen: B
Date: August ?
Place: UK
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gencon 2002: Revelation of the Dark Lord
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
1st:
|
| 2nd: |
| 3rd: |
| 4th: |
Top of Clan
Prizes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scorpion
[Corrupt] |
| Shadowlands |
| Scorpion |
| Unicorn |
Crab
|
Crane
|
Dragon
|
Lion
|
Mantis
|
Nezumi
|
Phoenix
|
Scorpion
|
Unicorn
|
| Shadowlands |
|
Eugene
Earnshaw-Whyte |
| Conrad Jackson |
| Bryan Reese |
| Ryan Carter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Story Point: Yoee'trr will
kill Kyofu |
Story Point: Shiba Mirabu will
kill Yokubo |
Story Point: Kaelung will
kill Kanashimi |
Story Point: Matsu Hyun will
kill Nikushimi |
Story Point: Rezan will
kill Settozai |
Story Point: Asako Hirariko will
befriend the Nezumi |
Story Point: Doji Okakura will
kill Hakai |
Story Point: Bayushi Kwanchai will
kill Fushin |
Story Point: Bayushi Shixiang will
kill Muchitsujo |
| Card: Megumi |
|
While armies in the south fight to take back the Kaiu Wall, open warfare rages in the Imperial capital. Taking advantage of the divisive conflicts between the Four Winds, the Dark Lord Daigotsu has staged a surprise attack by sea. The armies of the clans now gather to stop the Horde, but old rivalries still burn fiercely.
The winner of the tournament will storm the Imperial Palace, retaking and purifying the stolen Steel Throne. The Wind supported by the Winner will face Daigotsu personally, and will learn the true motivation behind the Lord of the Shadowlands' attack and his obsession with the Four Winds.
If a Shadowlands player wins, the Steel Throne will remain in the hands of the Dark Lord. The Wind supported by the Shadowlands will learn the Dark Lord's secrets, but will be instrumental in the corruption of the Imperial City.
Additionally, the top ranking player for each clan will be able to choose a personality. That personality will slay the Onisu of that clan. The top ranking Shadowlands player will be able to choose a personality to become one of the Lost. And the top ranking Ratling player will be able to choose a personality, who will become an ally of the Nezumi.
Date: August 8-11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gencon Challenge Booth: The Unnamed Pass
|
 |
|
High up in the Spine of the World Mountains, a small group of scouts make a discovery. As the sun reaches the center of the sky overhead, the team of samurai stand and look down upon the lands of two clans: the Lion to their right, and the Scorpion to their left. This trail is on no map, and the pass is nameless. No army of any size could traverse the narrow way, but small groups could come through. Messengers of the two clans could bear the words of their daimyo. Travelling merchants could bear goods on ponies. Should relations sour, a small strike team could sneak through and hit an unsuspecting target...
Date: August 8-11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gencon Challenge Booth: The Celestial Sword of the Mantis
|
 |
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
|
| Dan Dineen |
| Jared Devlin-Scherer |
|
|
On the seas far to the southeast, alliance is far from the minds of two captains. Each seeks to rally the Mantis to her banner and lay the other low. Yoritomo Kitao is the proclaimed champion of the Mantis after taking revenge on the Scorpion who murdered her predecessor - but her claim is weak, and some wonder about her true supporters. Yoritomo Kumiko is the true daughter of Yoritomo and Wakiza, but she struggles daily to master the legacy of her birth. Meanwhile, both Akodo Kaneka and Hantei Naseru watch the conflict carefully, seeking to gain the allegiance of the victor.
Date: August 8-11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dark Allies Boxtopper Tourney: Seikitsu Pass
|
|
|
|
Story Effects:
|
| Story Point: The Lion have been granted passage |
| through Seikitsu Pass. |
Fiction: Honor's Grave
| |
Conflict rages across the Empire once more. All across Rokugan, soldiers take up their blades and march onto the field of battle, lusting for the blood of their enemies. Both the Dragon and the Lion face the unfettered might of the Phoenix, led by Shiba Aikune and the barely controlled power of the Last Wish. The Crane shift their focus from the Crab to their ancient enemies, the Lion, seizing the city of Toshi Ranbo from their clutches once more. The Crab continue to lose ground to the Horde, and the Scorpion against the Unicorn in the streets of Ryoko Owari. War is everywhere.
The lifeblood of war is trade. It is trade that provides the weapons, food, armor, and supplies necessary to launch a campaign of vengeance against one's foes. And in the Empire there is no more essential trade route than Seikitsu Pass, now in the steel grip of Moto Chagatai.
With the Unicorn Clan blockading the pass, land trade throughout the Empire has ground to a halt. Vital supplies are denied to armies across Rokugan. As their Khan has demanded, the Unicorn have forced the Great Clans to take notice of them. Their strength can no longer be ignored. They are the true power to be reckoned with in the Empire. The name of the Khan is upon the lips of every general and courtier across the land.
In the halls of Shiro Moto, the wisdom of Ide Tadaji encourages Chagatai to temper his fury with cunning. To prevent the Empire from arraying against the Khan's iron, he has convinced his lord to grant clemency to a single clan. Of all the armies in the Empire, one shall be allowed to move freely through the pass so that the clans may see that Chagatai is not a barbarian, but a cunning tactician and a deadly and unpredictable foe. When the Lord Sun tore open Seikitsu Pass with his mighty fist, the monks of Osano-Wo constructed a shrine to his ancestor Hida to reaffirm their faith in Osano-Wo's bloodline and heavenly family. That shrine now marks the southern border of the pass. As a sign of their compassion and mercy, the Unicorn will bestow control of that shrine, and the free passage through Seikitsu Pass that it entails, to a single clan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season of the Mantis
|
|
|
|
Story Effects:
|
| Story Point: The Crane will avoid the trade blockade |
|
The Mantis are a clan divided. Their lord Aramasu is dead, his assassin unknown and his position assumed by a young and untested woman whom many in the Empire regard as little more than a pirate. But there is a faction within the clan devoted to exposing Kitao's treachery and restoring the proper order to the clan. Old allies and enemies will be radically altered, and new alliances and conflicts will be born. Who will stand to reap the benefit of this upheaval? The faction that achieves the most victories in the Season of the Mantis will gain the gratitude of the clan and be spared the ravages of Kaneka's brutal trade blockade. If the Mantis win, they will seize control of their own destiny and gain new allies in the Ichiro family, perhaps even adding them as loyal members of the true Mantis leaders.
Date: June 1st - July 31st
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magecon Koku Auction
|
|
|
Attendees of MageCon South will be able to bid koku in order to name a personality to be printed in an upcoming set.
Place: MageCon South, South Sioux City, Nebraska
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Kotei 2002: Battle in Otosan Uchi
|
 |
|
|
#
|
Earth
|
Otosan Uchi
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
|
1
|
Seattle
|
Kyuden Seppun
|
Crane - C
|
Phoenix
|
Shadowlands
|
Phoenix
|
|
2A
|
Sacramento
|
North Hub Village
|
Scorpion
|
Dragon
|
Crab
|
Shadowlands
|
|
2B
|
Los Angeles
|
South Hub Village
|
Lion
|
Phoenix
|
Phoenix
|
Dragon
|
|
3
|
Albuquerque
|
East Hub Village
|
Phoenix
|
Dragon
|
Dragon
|
Dragon
|
|
4
|
San Antonio
|
West Hub Village
|
Crab - JH
|
Crab - C
|
Crane
|
Crab - T
|
|
5
|
Lincoln
|
Sunset Tower
|
Phoenix - T
|
Dragon - T
|
Crane
|
Scorpion - C
|
|
6
|
Collinsville
|
Ancestral Mausoleum
|
Shadowlands
|
Phoenix
|
Dragon
|
Lion
|
|
7
|
Elizabeth
|
The Sheltered Swords
|
Crab - C
|
Scorpion - T
|
Dragon
|
Phoenix
|
|
8
|
Highland
|
Soul's Light
|
Phoenix
|
Crane
|
Dragon
|
Dragon
|
|
9
|
Meriden
|
Temple of the Eternal Breath
|
Crane - T
|
Unicorn
|
Dragon
|
Crane
|
|
10
|
Toronto
|
Bright Wind Geisha House
|
Scorpion - T
|
Lion
|
Phoenix
|
Scorpion
|
|
11
|
Largo
|
Glory's Shadow Neighborhood
|
Scorpion - C
|
Dragon
|
Lion
|
Crane
|
|
12
|
Charlotte
|
Endless Journey
|
Shadowlands
|
Unicorn
|
Lion
|
Dragon
|
|
14
|
Eagle River
|
Dojo Seou
|
Crane
|
Scorpion
|
Unicorn
|
Dragon
|
|
15
|
Calgary
|
The Makoto Wall
|
Crane
|
Shadowlands
|
Lion
|
Dragon
|
|
--
|
Australia
|
Asako Records
|
Crane
|
Scorpion - T
|
Scorpion
|
Shadowlands
|
|
--
|
Greece
|
Life's Love
|
Dragon
|
Crane - JH
|
Shadowlands
|
Crane
|
|
--
|
Germany
|
Kyuden Kokai
|
Phoenix
|
Scorpion - T
|
Lion
|
Shadowlands
|
|
--
|
Spain
|
The Brutal Flame
|
Unicorn
|
Unicorn
|
Shadowlands
|
Phoenix
|
|
--
|
Central America
|
Artisan Alley
|
Unicorn
|
Dragon
|
Dragon
|
Crab - T
|
|
--
|
England
|
Celestial Paths
|
Martin Provost (Unicorn)
|
Ian O'Brian (Shadowlands)
|
Raymond Fong (Unicorn)
|
Eoin Burke (Crab - C)
|
|
--
|
France
|
Kanshi
|
Crane
|
Lion
|
Phoenix - T
|
Crane
|
|
--
|
Netherlands
|
Fox Clan Embassy
|
Scorpion - C
|
Lion
|
Crab - C
|
Crab - T
|
|
--
|
Ireland
|
Trading Grounds
|
Phoenix
|
Shadowlands
|
Scorpion
|
Shadowlands
|
|
--
|
Origins 2002
|
Forbidden City
|
Lion
|
Unicorn
|
Unicorn
|
Dragon
|
|
Clan
|
1st Place
|
2nd Place
|
3rd Place
|
4th Place
|
Total Points
|
|
Dragon
|
1
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
38
|
|
Phoenix
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
38
|
|
Scorpion
|
4
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
34
|
|
Crane
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
34
|
|
Unicorn
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
0
|
30
|
|
Shadowlands
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
27
|
|
Lion
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
26
|
|
Crab
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
19
|
Battle for Otosan Uchi: Prologue
The blackened landscape twisted and danced at the command of the diseased wind that blew through the farthest reaches of the Shadowlands. Nothing living could long endure the foul wind without choking and gagging at the noxious fumes. To the Lost, however, the wind was little more than a refreshing breeze, and was rarely noticed. The sentries posted outside the Temple of the Ninth Kami took no notice of the wind, and the breeze itself did not stir beyond the pillars of that mighty temple. Even the elements, it seems, feared the Dark Lord of the Shadowlands.
"I do not understand," said Shahai, Dark Daughter of the Shadowlands. "What purpose will be served by this assault? Are we interested in repeating the mistakes of the past?"
"Not at all, my dear." Daigotsu's voice was smooth and calming. Shahai had always found it attractive in the past, but over time she found it more and more irritating? Was there nothing that could arouse the man's ire? "To attack Otosan Uchi with the intent to hold it accomplishes nothing. The clans would unite against us. You are very much correct in that it would serve no purpose."
"Then why do we bother? We have our empire."
The Lord of the Shadowlands chuckled. The mirth in his voice was terrifying. "Because we can. Because we are strong and they," he gestured idly toward the north, "are weak. And when we have laid their greatest city to waste, what shall they do? Unite to face us, or blame one another for the failure to protect the capital? I have seen their clans at one another's throats. I think I know which they will choose."
Shahai scowled. "It is far too great a risk. We stand to lose much."
"Such as what?" inquired Daigotsu. "Every mortal that falls before our armies will join their ranks. The Onisu are beyond the ability of Rokugan's samurai to destroy, and may even grow stronger from the conflict we create. You and I are, to say the least, quite formidable. I see no genuine threat to our cause, Shahai. Unless, of course, you lack faith in your own abilities."
The Dark Daughter's features twisted in irritation. "I doubt nothing. I merely fail to see what we have to gain."
"Then you have clearly not been paying attention, my dear," Daigotsu said, his tone gentle.
Shahai sighed. Even she failed to understand the new Dark Lord's plans at times, but she knew better than to question him once his mind was set. She had not led him astray thus far, and she would follow him. "Hai," she said with a nod.
"Then it is decided," said Daigotsu, clasping his hands with finality. "We will strike a blow against our enemies, both physically and spiritually. Our destiny calls to us in the throne room of the Imperial Palace." He stroked the arm of his Steel Throne thoughtfully and smiled. "The Four Winds have opened the door for us. It is time to step through."
"What of the Wall? How can we retain control of the Kaiu Wall if our forces are moved northward?" Shahai was not yet ready to concede.
"We will leave a force behind to defend our interests on the wall, of course," said Daigotsu. "You should not concern yourself with such things, Shahai. After all, is there any other better qualified to lead our forces on the wall than one who spent his life defending it?" He gestured with his long, emaciated fingers to the dark shadows that filled every corner of the temple.
At his command, a dark figure strode from the shadows. Covered in blackened armor that might once have been blue, the massive figure fixed Shahai with an unyielding stare, no trace of emotion evident on its ruined face. At his side, he led a horse that seemed carved from the night itself. "I am ready, Lord Daigotsu," said Hida Kuroda with a bow.
Shahai's malicious laughter filled the temple.
In a surprising maneuver by the Lord of the Shadowlands, Otosan Uchi itself has fallen under attack. While the Crab battles the Horde at the Kaiu Wall, Daigotsu's Onisu and the armies of the Lost have invaded the Imperial City by sea. We've split the city of Otosan Uchi up into twenty-five significant locations. Each Kotei will determine the fate of one of these locations. The winner of each indicates that some hero of that clan was instrumental in saving the people in that part of the city. If the Horde wins a section, that area is destroyed and looted by the Horde. If the Nezumi win, they loot that part of the city while the samurai and Horde duke it out. Optionally, we will have any corrupted decks also result in a partial "Horde" win, but involve that clan in some manner. The L5R story team will pick the important character for each winning clan. The results of this story tournament will be seen during the expansion following Broken Blades, and in the fictions that follow immediately thereafter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season of the Lion
|
|
|
The citizens of the Empire cry out for protection from the chaos that surrounds them. Who is strong enough to answer the call? Who will reap the rewards of nobility? If the Lion succeed in taking control of the City of the Rich Frog, they will gain the wealth of a prestigious holding as well as the loyalty of the Kaeru family. Should one of their enemies win, then that clan will gain a foothold in the lands of the Lion.
Date: May 1st - June 30th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blessings of the Sun
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Dragon |
| Unicorn |
| Crane |
| Unicorn |
|
| Barry Kunz |
| Adrian Dion |
| Sasha Akow |
| Dan Tomotsugu |
|
|
For thirty years, a new Sun and Moon have shone down upon Rokugan. Unlike their predecessors, these new celestial bodies were once human - bitter rivals throughout their lives, but evenly matched. On the celestial plane, the Sun and Moon must seek the favor of humans to increase their power, so that one can finally prove the superior of the other.
A two part tournament will determine the favor of the Sun and Moon. At MageCon North (held in Sioux Falls, May 27-30) Lady Moon shall bestow her blessings upon a clan. At Orion, (held in Toronto, April 26th to 28th) the favor of Lord Sun shall find a home. Both tournaments will be attended by members of the official L5R Story Team.
The faction played by the winner of either tournament will build a blessed shrine containing an artifact of the Sun or Moon and holding the power of that divine personage. If the Shadowlands win, the prize will go to the highest placed non-corrupt faction, but will thereafter be destroyed by the Horde.
Date: April 26th-28th
Place: Orion 2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blessings of the Moon
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Phoenix |
| Lion |
| Dragon |
| Crane - JH |
|
| Eric Swanson |
| Camden Eisenberg |
| Eric Jacobsen |
| Nancy Sauer |
|
|
For thirty years, a new Sun and Moon have shone down upon Rokugan. Unlike their predecessors, these new celestial bodies were once human - bitter rivals throughout their lives, but evenly matched. On the celestial plane, the Sun and Moon must seek the favor of humans to increase their power, so that one can finally prove the superior of the other.
A two part tournament will determine the favor of the Sun and Moon. At MageCon North (held in Sioux Falls, May 27-30) Lady Moon shall bestow her blessings upon a clan. At Orion, (held in Toronto, April 26th to 28th) the favor of Lord Sun shall find a home. Both tournaments will be attended by members of the official L5R Story Team.
The faction played by the winner of either tournament will build a blessed shrine containing an artifact of the Sun or Moon and holding the power of that divine personage. If the Shadowlands win, the prize will go to the highest placed non-corrupt faction, but will thereafter be destroyed by the Horde.
Date: May 27th-30th
Place: MageCon North
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eye of the Emperor
|
|
|
The greatest magistrates of the Emperor are awarded with magical crystals known as the Eyes of the Emperor, potent nemuranai that can pierce all deception and illusion. Only the Seppun shugenja know the secrets of their creation, and rarely do they choose to bestow one upon a worthy individual. The daimyo of the clan played by the winner of this tournament will be rewarded with one of these crystal eyes, granting much insight during these times of trouble. Should the Shadowlands win, the secrets of creating these crystals will be stolen by the Bloodspeakers. Should the Nezumi win, the chieftain of a tribe of the winner's choice will make off with one of these shiny little gems.
Date: May 17th-19th
Place: CanGames
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
King of Trolls: Part I
|
|
|
|
Top 2:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Phoenix |
| Crane |
| Crane |
| Scorpion |
|
| Roderick Easton |
| Rik North |
| Emmett Murphy |
| Simon Carter |
|
|
Three hundred years ago, a single mysterious creature ravaged the villages of the Empire. If not for the courage of one man, it would have run unchecked across Rokugan. Thanks to this mysterious individual's noble sacrifice, the King of Trolls was banished.
Until now.
Today, this menace has returned to threaten Rokugan once again. In three centuries, it has gained in power, and is even more deadly than before. None can stand against it. Even Daigotsu, Lord of the Shadowlands, would rather see this beast destroyed than have it threaten his own plans for conquest. All factions in the Empire agree: the King of Trolls must be destroyed.
Unfortunately, the lost magic that sealed away this creature originally is difficult to perform; only one shugenja in a generation has the power to master it, a descendant of the one who first defeated the King of Trolls. In three hundred years' time, this descendant could have been born to any clan, anywhere in the Empire.
The descendant must be found so that the mystery of this terrible beast can be solved, its rampage ended. Succeed in this tournament and the descendant will be found among the ranks of your own clan, and you will win the favour of your chosen wind for it.
Time is short, and the body count grows by the moment.
A member of the clan that wins the first tournament will be the one who defeated the King of Trolls in the past.
Date: March 2nd
Place: Conclave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
King of Trolls: Part II
|
|
|
Three hundred years ago, a single mysterious creature ravaged the villages of the Empire. If not for the courage of one man, it would have run unchecked across Rokugan. Thanks to this mysterious individual's noble sacrifice, the King of Trolls was banished.
Until now.
Today, this menace has returned to threaten Rokugan once again. In three centuries, it has gained in power, and is even more deadly than before. None can stand against it. Even Daigotsu, Lord of the Shadowlands, would rather see this beast destroyed than have it threaten his own plans for conquest. All factions in the Empire agree: the King of Trolls must be destroyed.
Unfortunately, the lost magic that sealed away this creature originally is difficult to perform; only one shugenja in a generation has the power to master it, a descendant of the one who first defeated the King of Trolls. In three hundred years' time, this descendant could have been born to any clan, anywhere in the Empire.
The descendant must be found so that the mystery of this terrible beast can be solved, its rampage ended. Succeed in this tournament and the descendant will be found among the ranks of your own clan, and you will win the favour of your chosen wind for it.
Time is short, and the body count grows by the moment.
A member of the clan that wins the second tournament will be the one who defeated the King of Trolls in the current time.
Date: March 16th
Place: Conpulsion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds of Fate I
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Lion |
| Crane |
| Shadowlands |
| Crane |
|
|
Like the stones on a Go board, the masters of the great families of Rokugan move their samurai against one another. In Rokugan, it is rare that a samurai marries for love. More often such bonds are established for the sake of a political alliance, though when those matched with one another find love it is always seen as great fortune.
As the Four Winds struggle for control of an Empire, the Great Clans seek allies wherever they can. Today one such alliance is destined to be blessed above all others. A shower of stars has fallen from the Heavens, and its light will shine only upon two families. The two clans who succeed in this tournament will find that the Sun and Moon have blessed their alliance, marking it as one that will endure for all time.
This alliance may bring unity between families, or it may tear them apart. Where will the bonds of fate come to rest? You will decide.
Date: February 17th
Place: OrcCon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds of Fate II
|
|
|
|
Top 4:
|
Story Effects:
|
|
| Lion |
| Crane |
| Shadowlands |
| Crane |
|
|
Like the stones on a Go board, the masters of the great families of Rokugan move their samurai against one another. In Rokugan, it is rare that a samurai marries for love. More often such bonds are established for the sake of a political alliance, though when those matched with one another find love it is always seen as great fortune.
As the Four Winds struggle for control of an Empire, the Great Clans seek allies wherever they can. Today one such alliance is destined to be blessed above all others. A shower of stars has fallen from the Heavens, and its light will shine only upon two families. The two clans who succeed in this tournament will find that the Sun and Moon have blessed their alliance, marking it as one that will endure for all time.
This alliance may bring unity between families, or it may tear them apart. Where will the bonds of fate come to rest? You will decide.
Date: February 17th
Place: OrcCon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selecting the Chancellor
|
|
|
With divisions between the Four Winds deepening, the Imperial Court has realized the need for someone to provide a liaison between the heirs. Who will win the court's favor and become the go-between for the Four Winds? Succeed at this event and your clan will name the new Imperial Chancellor.
Date: January 12th
Place: Meriden, CT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
