Introduction to Rokugan
Rogugan is a majestic landmass that stretches nine hundred miles from the pine valleys and snow-capped peaks of the Great Northern Mountains at one end, to the austere Carpenter Wall standing vigil along the country’s desolate southern border. Beyond the Carpenter Wall lies the Shadowlands, a land blighted by the influence of Hell itself, and dangerous for even the most legendary heroes to step foot within. At its widest point, Rokugan measures six hundred miles from the Sea of the sun Goddess in the east to the Burning Sands in the west. Within its borders, bountiful plains ripple gold in the sunlight, and primordial forests hide mysterious spirits and treacherous creatures.
The various clans that serve the Emperor are far from monolithic. Even with each clan’s specific culture, many families and individuals choose to deviate from the norm. While matters of philosophy and taste are largely inconsistent, one thing is universal in Rokugan: the value of a person’s character.
Chivalry is alive and well. citizens of all genders are taught from a young age to stand up for what is right and protect their homeland until their dying breath. Doing so promises improvement in the circumstances of their next life. Some choose to serve the Emerald Empire by becoming soldiers, engineers, artisans, servants, and the like. Rarer, though not unheard of, are those who choose to make their own way by living the life of an adventurer. Whether this is out of a desire for spiritual enlightenment, exploration, completion of a quest, or perhaps even revenge, adventures have made substantial contributions to Rokugan’s history.
There is great need for heroism throughout the land. With the constant threat of the Shadowland, many adventurers choose to travel south to conquer unholy menaces. Yet, there are pressing matters to attend to within any clan’s land and beyond. Some battles are fought with a quick wit and friends in high places. Quests often require investigative genius to secure important information, save innocents, or foil the nefarious plans of an enemy. Outright war occasionally looms on the horizon with clans clashing and bitterness working its way into the hearts of influential lords. In the direst times, a courageous band of heroes is the only thing standing between the Emerald Empire and catastrophic ruin.
Magic and spiritual power have a substantial impact on Rokugan, even as it goes largely unseen by the masses. Those trained in invoking the spiritual powers are revered throughout Rokugan as the foremost among the land’s priests and religious authorities. Although this power is seen as wholesome and divine in origin, the same cannot be said of all such abilities. For those who seek the forbidden power of heretical sorcery have almost brought Rokugan to its knees more than once. The Phoenix Clan has the task of understanding the regulating mystical power within the Emerald Empire. Unsurprisingly, there has been centuries of debate on what types of magic should be acceptable in the Emerald Empire. The Unicorn Clan’s return with mysterious magics several centuries ago disrupted this status quo, and while some within the Emerald Empire are intrigued by the possibilities presented by this “way of names,” others believe it to be a dangerous threat to the realm’s spiritual stability. One thing is certain: magic is as important to Rokugan as any other precious resource and must be cultivated with care.
Folklore and mythology come to life within this world. While details of the origin story of Rokugan are sometimes argued by scholars, most agree that the arrival of Hantei and the other divine siblings was the beginning of what has become one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Legends are told of heroes that fought the odious host of Fu Leng, quelled rebellions led by would be usurpers, and make impactful discoveries of science and magic. The skilled musicians of Rokugan’s courts continue to compose ballads of strife and victory. The Emerald Empire thrives on tales of valiant adventures and there is always room for another. Destiny belongs to those brave enough to stride into the darkest night and persevere though failure to claim victory over all that dared stand in their way.