New Mechanics & Fluff: Master List

[Togashi Saruko]

Doji Architects
Founded by Doji Kakuro, one of the first followers of Kami Doji, the path of the Humble Architect involves oneself deeply with the improvement of the creation that the Kami brought to the original tribes, those that bended the knee to Kami Shiba and the others Sons and Daughters of Heavens.

Kakuro was a simple man, a carpenter,one that travelled extensively before meeting with the Kami, learning from each woman and man he met, expanding his knowledge and in exchange, giving his own to those that needed the most. He helped with the construction of new and better houses, public buildings, granaries and other crafts that helped the multiple and diverse tribes during the Dawn of the Empire.

But not all of what he did was purely utilitarian, the wandering carpenter also understood the power of culture and beauty, one that could bring those that thought or lived differently, into one united tribe. After meeting with Doji, this thought was only further consolidated.

Kakuro established his path as an extension of Doji's plan to bring culture, sophistication, beauty and well-being to the people of Rokugan. His way implied to do these actions not for one's own selfish ambition or for seeking and gaining personal glory, but for a truthful vision of a better and more beautiful world, not just for those that became Samurai, but for every soul in the Empire.

A Doji Architect is a person that understands that unity can be achieved by bringing prosperity to each corner of Rokugan. One must be proactive, to seek and share knowledge, creating a self feeding loop that helps each individual and the community, as a whole, as well.

Alternate Path: Doji Architects [Artisan]
Rank: 2
Replaces: Insight Rank 2 Tribesmen; Doji Courtier 2 ((or Kakita Artisan 2 (Eventually)))
Requires: Engineering (Construction) 3, Craft: Carpentry 3, Lore: Theology 3.
Special: All members of this alternate path are considered to be Ascetic, but they do not gain Experience Points for it. It does not count against their 10-point limit of Disadvantages

Technique: Harmony Through Humility - Every Doji Architect knows that the betterment of the Empire and its people is a honorable duty of the highest order, one that must be done not for personal gain. The path of progress must be done in a selfless way, in order to embellish and to bring the Celestial Order's harmony to the people of Ningen-do.
When making an Engineering (Construction) or any Craft skill roll which focuses in improving the lifehood, welfare or cultural enrichment of the population of Rokugan, you gain a +2k1 to that roll, as long as this action is done for the good of the Empire and not for personal greed, ambition or any other ulterior motives. Moreover, you gain a +1k0 to all social skill rolls when dealing with citizens of the Empire who are not part of the samurai caste. This bonus only applies to persuasion, not coercion nor deception.

[Togashi Saruko]

Saru Family: +1 Awareness
The Saru was founded by Togashi's wife and the followers of the Dragon who sought her wisdom. While not possessing the divine insight of her husband, Togashi Saruko is considered to be a spiritual person with a greater understanding of the world. Once known as the storyteller Shirayuki of the Ayakashi, she adopted a new name upon her marriage to the Kami Togashi to mark the great change in her life. And some stories say that the name of Saru comes from her possible ancestry of a great monkey-spirit.

With the guidance of their daimyo, the Saru have become a family that embraces beauty, learning, and compassion in their daily life, believing that it improves not only their own self but also the world around them. Most of them are warm and friendly folk, who are more than eager to meet anyone who would visit the mountains of the Dragon Clan, or to travel outside the mountains to speak on behalf of their Clan. While they lack the refinement and skill of the Crane and Stag as courtiers, they make up for it with their friendliness and willingness to entertain. Gregarious and curious, the Saru are never dull people to have around.

Their territory is based on the southern parts of the Dragon mountains, making it a natural location for outsiders to approach if they wish to deal with the Dragon, and also the place one must pass through if they wish to go further north to the mountains of the elusive Togashi. Their seat of power is the Great Falls, a growing town standing on top of a majestic waterfall plunging into a fertile valley below. Here the fledgling Order of Heroes has taken strong root and stands together with other small temples being erected to various kami, as well as a great library that serves as a place of teaching for all the people in the area. It is also a safe haven for children orphaned and left alone in the world, as Saruko has declared that such children will be cared for in her lands. While not more than a handful of orphans live in Great Falls, they are looked after by Saruko's closest and given the same chance to learn and grow as any other child in the lands of the Saru.

Their mon is a monkey holding a peach-branch, protectively encircled by a dragon.

[Togashi Saruko]

The Togashi Order: +1 Reflexes
A nascent monastic order rather than a true family, the Togashi accept all who wish to join their ranks, provided they are able to embrace the order’s teachings and endure its trials, which many are not. The monks of this order have begun to emerge from the Kami's mountains with mystical tattoos that grant them incredible, supernatural abilities.

[Togashi Saruko]

Wu Family: +1 Perception
The founder of the Wu familly walked the road to enlightment but refused to remain secluded. He came to believe that introspection could indeed lead to great knowledge but only that of the self. With that in mind, and since oneness also implies the individual within a greater world, it would be necessary to explore and learn from that world as well.

That however is a challenge

The outside is filled with illusions and misconceptions and even the gods can find themselves vulnerable to this. Sometimes the deception is fully intended, in others it is the simple fruit of an honest mistake or lack of full understanding. Thus the Wu familly are trained to see the world as it is and parse the true from the false.

[Togashi Saruko]

Saru Artisan
Founded by the woman who became Togashi’s wife, the Saru Artisans follow her path of enlightenment that embraces the beauty of life and in the world - it is the expressions and emotions of humans that can push them to their greatest heights. The philosophy is that art is the cultivation of the greatest traits of humanity, and through their artistic expressions they reach a greater understanding of the universe while also providing nourishment to the soul of those who witness their art.

Each Artisans path is unique and different, as it is not about creating the perfect art, but to seek harmony through self-expression. This naturally draws the Saru Artisans more towards the social circles of the Empire compared to the rest of the Dragon Clan.

School: Saru Artisan [Artisan/Courtier]
Benefit: +1 Void
Skills: Artisan or Perform (pick any two), Etiquette , Lore: Theology (Shintao), Meditation, Sincerity (Honesty), any one skill
Honor: 4.5
Outfit: Sensible clothing, Wakizashi, Tools necessary for your art, Travelling Pack, 5 koku.

Rank 1: Grace of the Heavens
“The dragonfly's buzz is no different from the lion's roar. All creatures have a voice with which they express the Way. So it is with us.” - The Tao of Shinsei
Every one’s first steps on the path is different, though for a Saru Artisan the steps that follow are often carried with a sense of sincerity in the honest expression that is their art.
Select an Artisan or Perform skill. This becomes your chosen art. When making skill rolls with your chosen art, you gain a bonus of +2k0 to all your rolls, and the amount of Raises you may call on your chosen art is no longer limited by your Void.
Additionally, you gain a Free Raise on your Sincerity rolls with all those who have seen your art (either by performing it or putting it on display). This effect lasts a number of days equal to your Void Ring.

Rank 2: The Monkey’s Dance
“You can not command the elements any more than you can command the stars in heaven. You must learn to hear the music of the celestial chorus. Once that is done, you must learn to dance.” - The Tao of Shinsei
Your journey on the path has taught you to hone your spirit to find strength. And to also be a stubborn monkey, as some would say.
When others roll opposed Courtier or Intimidation against you to make you act against your loyalties, you gain a +5 bonus to the total of your Roll for each of your School Ranks.

Rank 3: Elements of Harmony
“Appreciation of beauty is the beginning of wisdom.” - The Tao of Shinsei
When presenting your art to others, you increase not only your own understanding of your place in the universe, but you aid others in perceiving theirs as well. Once per day you may make a Skill Roll using a chosen art/Void at TN 30. If successful, you and a number of other people up to your School Rank who are present at the time regain all Void Points. This ritualized presentation of your craft requires at least fifteen minutes to complete. This Technique cannot be used in the Shadowlands.
Additionally, you may now choose a second chosen art.

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----- Rank 4 and 5 if we ever get there -------------

Rank 4: Unbound Soul
“All things are necessary - war, peace, the edge of the sword, and the sound of a poem. With understanding, all things are one.” - The Tao of Shinsei
You have achieved a greater understanding of your place in the universe.
Whenever you spend a Void point to enhance any Artisan or Perform Skill Roll, the bonus increases from +1k1 to +3k1.

Rank 5: The Dragon’s Song
“It is the sound of purest harmony, the sound of the universe. Make your soul sing its song, and you will find there is nothing you cannot accomplish.” - The Tao of Shinsei
Your artistry has reached such heights that it can now compel others to realise their full potential.
You may create a work of art or display a performance specifically tailored to inspire one person by spending one Void Point and making a Skill Roll using a chosen art/Void against a TN of the targeted person’s Insight Rank x 10. If successful, the target may choose one of the following benefits: the Great Destiny advantage, the Great Potential advantage, the Quick advantage, gain an additional Void point that may exceed their normal maximum, or recover a number of Wounds equal to your Void Ring x 5 (if chosen, this takes effect immediately). The chosen benefit lasts until the next sunrise. One person cannot benefit from this Technique more than once per week.
Lastly, you may now choose a third chosen art.

[Togashi Saruko]

Way of the Dragon Spear [Bushi]
Benefit: +1 Agility
Honor: 4.5
Skills: Battle, Defense, Meditation, Investigate, Kenjutsu, Spears (Ryuyari), any 1 Skill
Outfit: Light Armor, Sturdy Clothing, Daisho, Ryuyari, any 1 weapon, Traveling Pack, 5 koku

Rank 1: The Mountain's Roots
Bushi who follow the Way of the Dragon Spear are encouraged to always remember what they fight for and who they ultimately serve, making then implacable. When you spend a Void Point to add a bonus of +1k1 to any Skill or Trait Roll, you gain a free raise. You can ignore a number of wound penalties equal to your earth ring

Rank 2: Breaking the Tide
The the second lesson an initiate of the spear needs to know is to use the flow of his body's momentum and movement to benefit from the spear's superior reach to both deny the enemy's advance and to bring it down at the tip of his weapon to puncture the enemy's defenses. When you successfully strike an opponent with a spear you are wielding, you may reduce their Water Ring for the purposes of movement by half your School Rank (rounded up), to a minimum of 1. This lasts for a number of rounds equal to your School Rank. During the Reactions Stage an affected opponent may attempt an Earth Ring roll against a TN 20 to end the effects of this Technique. On a failure they may try again each Reactions Stage until they succeed or the effect wears off.

Rank 3: Dragon's Kiss
The third lesson the bushi of the dragon spear learn is to channel their spirit into their attacks to burn those who would stand against justice. Attacking with a spear or a samurai weapon is a simple action for you.

Rank 4: Reeds Dancing in the Wind
At this level of mastery, the bushi understands how to have his spear dance playfully amongst the enemy distracting them, causing confusion and annoyance. As a Simple Action while wielding a spear, you may make a melee attack against an opponent, rolling Spears/Air. This attack deals no damage, but on a successful hit the opponent is Dazed for one round.

Rank 5:
The last techique comes with an understanding about the interwoven nature of the universe. All is linked in a grand tapestry, one way or the other, and the master of the spear can use it as a needle to sow new fates or unmake them. In battle or in a duel you can select an enemy. Each time he or she spends a void point you may spend a Void Point and roll a mediation check against their Insight Rankx5. On a success the expenditure is cancelled. With one raise the point is still considered spent and with two it is both spent and you can gain one void up to your maximum.

[Togashi Saruko]

Advanced School: Mirumoto Duelist [Bushi]
While Wu prefered the spear as his weapon of choice. His comrade and friend, Mirumoto, found it wise not to neglect the sword as it seemed to him that it's practice might gain in importance and the nascent Dragon clan could not be allowed to lag behind. Having witnessed the finale of the tournament be done with blades, Wu had to agree and let the art of Niten flourish amongst the students who showed potential.

Requirements
Rings: Void 3
Skills: Kenjutsu 4, Iaijutsu 4
Special: Must be selected by the sensei

Rank 1: Fangs of the Dragon
When wielding a katana in your main hand and a wakizashi in your off hand, you suffer no penalties of any kind for dual wielding, and you gain a bonus of your School Rank to your Armor TN (This is cumulative with the normal bonus for wielding two weapons). In addition while you assume the Center Stance, you gain a bonus to the total of your Iaijutsu rolls equal to your Kenjutsu Skill Rank.

Rank 2: Swiftness of the Dragon
As the exploration of Niten continues, the student learns to overwhelm opponents with a flurry of blows while maintaining a superior defense. Attacking is a Simple Action for you while you use weapons with the Samurai keyword.

Rank 3: Wrath of the Dragon
Once an opponent presents himself as a threat, the Mirumoto will stop at nothing to defeat him to defend the honor of the family's teachings. During the Reactions Stage of Combat, you may choose one opponent who made or attempted an attack against you this Round. During your next Turn, you gain a bonus of +3k0 to all attack rolls against that target.

[Togashi Saruko]

Path: Tattooed Sage [Artisan/Monk]
As Togashi and his wife balance eachother out, so too can their combined teachings unite the different directions of their lessons, if one can manage to follow the path of both.
Technique Rank: 2
Replaces: Saru Artisan 2
Requirements: Enlightened advantage, Lore: Theology 2 and Meditation 3

Technique: Bridge Between Worlds - Those who manage to follow the lessons of the Lord and Lady of the Dragon Clan earn the rare blessing of Togashi. You may choose any one available Tattoo for Togashi Tattooed Monk, which now becomes a Tattoo for you. You use your School Ranks in Saru Artisan when determining its effects. Additionally, you gain a bonus of +1k0 to all Meditation Skill Rolls, and a Free Raise on all Lore: Theology Skill Rolls.

[Togashi Saruko]

Chai Family: +1 Willpower
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[Togashi Saruko]

Jin Family: +1 Intelligence
In the young ages of the Empire the majority who bear the Jin name are shugenja and sorcerers who have found that Shinjo's path of compassion and exploration call to them. Following the lessons and examples of their founder and teacher their goal is the aid and betterment of any they find in need be they family or stranger as long as they are not actively hostile. Even in the case of the latter they are trained and encouraged to find the least violent and destructive means to end a threat. There is no need to harm an opponent if they can be restrained nor to kill if harming is enough. Although they extend this benevolence to all mortals they do not hesitate to stand against supernatural threats to their clan, the Empire, or any innocent soul.

[Togashi Saruko]

Shinjo Family: +1 Reflexes
The followers Shinjo are an affable, industrious family whose members adapt easily to almost any task set before them, and who work well with others in virtually any situation. They have been drawn from several different tribes who appreciated the freedom and compassion offered by the Kami Shinjo.

[Togashi Saruko]

School: Chai Magistrate School [Bushi]
Benefit: +1 Perception
Skills: Athletics, Horsemanship, Hunting, Investigation, Jiujutsu, any one Bugei Skill, any one non-Bugei Skill.
Honor: 3.5
Outfit: Ashigaru Armor, Sturdy Clothing, Daisho, any one weapon, Traveling Pack, 5 koku.

Rank 1: Never Give Up
The first thing a Chai student learns is that many fail simply because they did not try hard enough. You may spend a Void Point to reroll any one Investigation roll, damage roll, or any non-Iaijutsu bugei skill roll, keeping either result. If used during combat, this counts as your one Void use per round.

Rank 2: Never Surrender
The stubbornness of a Chai extends most readily into protecting those dear to them. When rolling to resist Fear or Intimidation, you add a bonus to the roll equal to your Willpower. Also, when you take the Guard action, your target adds additional Armor TN equal to your Perception.

Rank 3: Believe in Yourself
To a student of the Chai techniques, the ends almost always justify the means when results are on the line. You only lose half the normal amount of Honor (round down) for using low skills or for Minor Breaches of Etiquette. Your Wound Penalties are also reduced by an amount equal to your School Rank.

Rank 4: Do Your Best
A Chai samurai acts without hesitation, diving into situations with honed instincts as to what to do. You may now make melee attacks as Simple Actions, including Unarmed.

Rank 5: It'll All Work Out in the End
By this point, a Chai's sense of what is happening around them is almost surreal. You may now use your Rank 1 technique on any non-Iaijutsu roll, and it no longer counts as your one Void per round while in combat. You also get +3k0 to all Hunting, Investigation, and Grapple checks.

[Togashi Saruko]

Jin Shugenja
Inspired by their founder, and the Kami he found worthy to follow, the Jin shugenja train to aid their fellows, and any others they may encounter who do not stand against them, through healing and easing their travels be they short distances or epic journeys. As such they have found the greatest kinship with the spirits of water and earth though eschew the destructive power of fire.

Although their founder did not prevent his followers from learning and wielding destructive magics when needed, especially against supernatural threats, his lessons always emphasized that such measures were an absolute last resort and the majority of Jin shugenja attempt to hold to his pacifistic ways when possible.

School: Jin Shugenja [Shugenja]
Benefit: +1 Perception
Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher), Horsemanship, Lore: Theology, Medicine, Meditation, Spellcraft, any one High or Bugei Skill
Honor: 5.5
Outfit: Extravagant clothing, wakizashi, Scroll Satchel, any 1 weapon, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, Horse (Unicorn Riding Horse), 10 koku
Affinity / Deficiency: Water / Fire
Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon, 3 Water, 2 Earth, and 1 Air

Technique: Spirit of the Wind
The Jin harness the power of the elements to grant the waves' speed to others. As a Complex Action, you may sacrifice one spell slot of any element to grant one target individual an additional Simple Move Action. This Simple Action is in addition to the target's normal Actions per Round. The Additional Action must be used on the target's next Turn or it is lost. You also gain a Free Raise on any spell with the Travel keyword.

[Togashi Saruko]

Advanced School: Inari Archer [Bushi

Requirements
Rings/Traits: Air 4, (Perception or Agility?) 4
Skills: Kyujutsu 6, Hunting 4, Stealth 3.

Rank 1: Swiftest Hunter Gets The Shot
The way of the hunter is as much about being swift with a bow and arrow as it is about understanding the hunt. You Raises with a bow are no longer limited by your Void Ring (or your Skill Rank if you have Great Potential). Additionally, you gain a bonus of +3 to the total of all Hunting and Stealth Rolls as well as +3 to ones Initiative.

Rank 2: You Are The Arrow
The arrow knows the way even if you do not. When using a bow, your range is increased by 150' (this is applied before applying the 50% range bonus fom Kyujutsu Rank 5). Once per skirmish, you may spend a Void Point as a Complex Action to shoot an arow that knows exactly where it must go. This attack ignores all effects of armor, as well as penalties from Wound Ranks or visibility. You may make Raises, but you cannot perform the Extra Attack Maneuver for this attack.

Rank 3: One Shot, One Kill
The archer's aim must be true, and you need only a single arrow to strike with purity of purpose. You gain +2k0 to all Kyujutsu Rolls, and in addition, you may make a ranged attack as a Complex Action to gain a bonus of +4k1 to the total of both the Attack and Damage rolls.

[Togashi Saruko]

Jin Traveler [Shugenja]
Those who follow Jin's path put aiding others and exploring above all else. For those who focus their talents most strongly on the latter, The Travelers, amazing feats are possible. With the development of this technique they can even keep pace with Shinjo herself - if only for a short time.

Technique Rank: 3
Replaces: Jin Shugenja 3
Requirements: Athletics 2, Horsmanship 2

Technique: Where the Wind Wills - You possess knowledge of the most sacred Ki-Rin magic: the art of moving from one point to another without crossing the space in between. You may spend 1 Void Point and expend 1 spell slot of either Air or Water (Void may not be used) as a Simple Action to instantly teleport a maximum distance equal to your School Rank x 100 feet. This affects only you and the material you are carrying, but by expending a second Void Point you may also teleport any horse-sized mount on which you are sitting at the time of the effect. Multiple spell slots may be expended in this manner to move across greater distances.

[Togashi Saruko]

Path: Shinjo Highlander [Bushi]
Technique Rank: 2
Replaces: Any Ki-Rin Bushi School Rank 2

The highlander spirit of the Shinjo originating from the Tribe of Hikaru predisposes them to cope with many challenges with stubbornness and tenacity at the expense of polite conduct. You can substitute Strength with Stamina or Perception with Willpower for any Skill or Trait rolls up to your Earth Rank per session. For any session you choose to impose a TN increase on your Social Skill rolls equal to your Insight Rank you can decrease the TN of your Bugei Skill rolls by a number equal to your School Rank; this is treated as a Minor Breach of Etiquette.

[Togashi Saruko]

Advanced School: The Heart's Master [Courtier]
While in some times the Unicorn are best known for their large armies of mounted troops from the Moto, Shinjo, and Utaku families, in the Reign of Shiba, the Ki-Rin embraced the tenant of Compassion even more full heartedly than they were already known for. While Ide would eventually help perfect the techniques of diffusion and serenity, it was a young woman named Yozora that helped turn that serenity into a more open compassion. The Heart's Master dojo teaches how to move another's heart to find its own peace, through words, deeds, and sincere acts.

Requirements
Rings/Traits: Awareness 6, Willpower 4
Skills: Etiquette 5, Sincerity 5, any Perform or Temptation 5
Advantages: Paragon of Compassion. If you do not have Paragon of Compassion, you may instead have at least 3 Allies with Dedication 3+.

Rank 1 - The Heart's Desire
The student of the Heart's Master learns that one should always find a way to make others content, even smile behind their fans. You lose no honor for using the Temptation skill with the Seduction emphasis in service to the Clan. You gain the Voice advantage as well. If you already have the Voice advantage, its bonus becomes +2k1 rather than the normal +1k1.

Rank 2 - The Heart's Serenity
While Ide taught peace in one's self and others, a Heart'sMaster student learns to let others support them as well. If you posses a School Technique that requires an opposed Social Skill roll, you get a Free Raise to that roll for each Ally present, to a maximum number of Free Raises equal to your Insight Rank.

Rank 3 - The Heart's Purpose
The Heart's Master students are asked what the ultimate purpose of the heart is. By the end of their studies, they find their own answer for it, though all come to the same general conclusion; that it is for Compassion. As long as you remain honor 5.0 or greater, all of your Sincerity rolls (except with the Deceit Emphasis) and Etiquette rolls explode on a result of 9 or 10.

[Togashi Saruko]

Ki-rin Spell: Shinjo's Blessing

Ring/Mastery: Water 3 (Travel)
Range: 10'
Area of Effect: 1 target individual or creature
Duration: 8 hours
Raises: Duration (+1 hour per raise), Target (+1 per raise)

Devised by Jin and granted to Shinjo as a gift to bestow upon any she found worthy this spell calls upon the water kami to buoy a traveler and bless their journey with speed and ease. For the duration of their journey, as long as they do not cease traveling for more than half an hour, their speed is treated as if their Water was 2 ranks higher and penalties from terrain are reduced by one level. The spell ends if the traveler enters combat.

[Togashi Saruko]

Akodo Family: +1 Agility
The Akodo are the masters of battle throughout the Empire, drawn to Akodo's discipline and strength. The man is a master tactician, acknowledged by the other Kami for his skill in tactics. Only Hida rivals him, and only in the realm of defense. Akodo's followers tend to be calm and analytical.

[Togashi Saruko]

Makime Family: +1 Perception
Formed from one of Akodo’s first and most promising followers, the Makime family has already begun to build a reputation as skilled tacticians and shrewd merchants. Emerging from simple trader roots among the former Kuwagaya, the family has carved a niche out for themselves in the growing Lion clan. As Lord Akodo looks to build an army worthy of the new Empire, Makime and her family have turned to providing the foundations of that force. While trained in tactics, the family has truly begun to excel in managing all the minutiae of the army. They see themselves as the first and principal support of the Akodo bushi. Those taking up the sword doing so directly on the field, keeping the Lion lines organized and providing aid to their fellows. Many have also chosen to take up the fan in the new courts, working principally to acquire resources and build trade relations with the other clans. Their merchants are greatly aided in this task by the production of silk, though their forebears' stranglehold on the fabric has long since ended. Regardless of which route a Makime takes, they always believe in careful planning and analysis. This harkens back to their original founder, whose original obsession of patterns matured into a discerning and analytical nature. This has given them the unfortunate stigma of being overly cautious, as their nature makes them adverse to snap decisions...especially when they lack information. Still rare is the one who underestimates the Makime twice.

The mon of the Makime is a Lion curled around a silk moth.