A Guide to Rokugani Heraldry
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by David Horne
Heraldry in Rokugan is less formal than heraldry in the West. All samurai sworn to a Clan wear the mon, or Clan symbols and colours. Nobles often wear a kamishimo or small vest over the kimono that bears the mon, on formal occasions. A samurai wear his Clan’s mon the back, and the mon of his Family on his left sleeve close to his heart, or his right sleeve to guide his sword. A samurai usually incorporates his Clan ’s colours into his formal clothing; private clothing tends to be drab grays and browns. Samurai often wear hats for formal occasions, which can be very simple or very extravagant, depending upon the wearer’s mood. Heraldry can be broken by Clan, Family, house and individual. Typically, heraldry is done by a combination of two colours: a dark, and a light. The crest of the Family is a simple, elegant design intended to symbolically identify that house within the Great Clan to which it owes fealty. Usually, the colours are the same as the Clan’s, differing only in intensity and hue. Each major Family has its own mon, and each vassal Family has a variation of that major Family’s mon. This can become extremely complex, particularly for a courtier who attempts to determine if an approaching bad of bushi are friend or foe. Many of the motifs represented in the mon are based on nature, particularly animals with which the Clan identifies to (the Crab, the Scorpion, etc.). The Imperial mon is the Chrysanthemum, and only members of the direct Hantei line may wear that particular crest. Other representatives of the Emperor wear the crest of his Emerald Champion, the laurel wreath. The Imperial Court often flies flags over the current residence of the Emperor, to show his authority. These flags, known as ban, bear the Imperial mon, followed by the mon of the Clan and Family hosting the Emperor. Another type of ban is the smaller, rectangular-shaped banners carried during travel, or on the field. These ban, known as hata, are the source of the respected office of hatamoto, or “banner bearers”, for such advisors carry of the daimyo’s words to the rest of his Clan. It is not unusual for a samurai to be granted his own mon by his daimyo. Such things arise for notable honour or courage, and are not passed from father to son. To be granted one’s own mon is a personal honour, one which speaks highly of the samurai. If the samurai is particularly impressive, the mon may be extended to his house, and from there, to any vassals the samurai procures.
Example: If you were to see the mon of a lesser samurai, Shosuro Juti, it might follow this format: The top of his banner displays the mon of his Clan (the Scorpion). Juti’s own kimono would represent the col ours and mon of his house, the Shosuro. If a viewing courtier looked more closely, she would notice a smaller 2 mon on the sleeve of his kimono that stated his name (Juti).
The mon is not just the symbol of the people currently in the Clan. It also represents the souls of all the ancestors of the Clan, and therefore the mon should never be treated with disrespect. To do so would insult all the ancestors of that house or Family. When a samurai wears the mon of his Clan he always wears it on his back as a gesture of respect. The Family mon can be worn over the left shoulder so his ancestors are closer to his heart or over the right shoulder so they can guide his 3 sword arm.
The general Sun Tao once said that when a samurai sees himself surrounded by a sea of his Clan ’s colours, he cannot fail, and when he sees the horizon blanketed in a sea of his enemy’s colours, he truly knows defeat. It is thus that every Great and Minor Clan has colours that symbolize membership in their Clan. A samurai’s armour will always be crafted in the colours of his Clan, as will most of his courtly attire. While it is not expressly forbidden for a samurai to wear other colours in more casual settings, most wear their Clan ’s colours as often as 4 possible as a sign of loyalty.
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Winter Court - Kyuden Seppun, p. 57-58 Way of the Crane, p. 22 4 rd Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 3
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by Jason Engle
Sources and Credits Sources and Explanations
This document is a fan-made supplement for the Legend of the Five Rings setting. While it is not official all the information, save the introductory texts, is canon and referenced. This document is a compilation of information on heraldry. Heraldry is not just mon and chops. It is also about colours, shapes and words. Mon are the immerged part of the iceberg, but there are numerous ways to properly show, and discover, one’s allegiance. The intent of this document is to show all aspects of Rokugani heraldry. All pictures present an iconic aspect of heraldry in Rokugan, be it a banner, armour or kimono. The text information is from, in no particular order: the “Way of” clanbooks (Crab, Crane, Dragon, Lion, Phoenix, Scorpion, Unicorn, Minor Clans, Shadowlands, Brotherhood of Shinsei and Wolf) , “Secrets of the Crab”, “Secr ets of rd the Dragon”, “Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook”, “Bearers of Jade”, “Winter Court - Kyuden Seppun”, “Way of the Shugenja”, “Way of the Samurai” and from the fiction “To Change the World” by Rich Wulf. The art in this file are the sole property of Alderac Entertainment Group and their authors: Christopher Appel, Steve Argyle, Drew Baker, Miguel Coimbra, Edwin David, John Donahue, Jason Engle, David Horne, Ijur, Jaime Jones, Okita and Bagus Hutomoto from Imaginary Friends Studios, Michael Komarck , Lasahido, April Lee, Glen Osterberger, Terekjet, Charles Urbach and Mario Wibisono. Art pieces have a link to their Internet location or at least to the artist’s website when pin-pointing was not possible the piece. The pictures of mon in this document are from four different websites: Heroes of Rokugan, The Jade Hand, Evan’s Ville Gaming Guild and L5RWikia, and an artist SpookyElectric. A few mon are personal creations.
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In accordance with the timeline neutrality approach of the 4 Edition of the Legend of the Five Rings role-playing game, choices were made: The old Hiruma Family is considered gone with the death of Hiruma Sokokai and the loss of the advanced techniques of the Hiruma Family, in 755 of the Isawa calendar; the Hiruma Castle fell to the Shadowlands in 716. The Yasuki Family is associated to both the Crab and Crane Clan, each Clan getting a specific version. The Minor Clans who joined a Great Clan: Centipede, Falcon, Fox and Wasp, are recorded with the Great Clan they joined but get a double title, as Family and Minor Clan. The Agasha Family is presented in both Dragon and Phoenix Clans. The Utaku and Otaku Family are one Family section. The Spider are not considered a Great Clan yet, however that should be changing soon because of the MegaGame; once it is done, and when Spider Families get a mon, the changes will be applied. Colours of the mon may vary, depending on the book and the edition, when that is the case, both versions are presented. The black and white mon are for viewers to express their artistic vibes and create their own. It has to be noted that some mon from Wikia are non-canon representations. They use approximations of the design and different colours than those appearing or mentioned in the books. They are presented only to offer an alternative.
Credits and Contributors
The first thanks goes to the Legend of the Five Rings Story and Design Teams, for making Rokugan setting so rich we have to compile information not to get lost in it. A big thanks to Kakita Seigi and his website Kaze no Shiro, for hosting my files; the title of the document is his idea. Special thanks to Okuma, for finding obscure and hidden information where no man had ever been before; the “Dojo and Holdings ” section is shamelessly based upon his own work about heraldry in Rokugan. A design thanks to jim pinto, for his insightful feedback. Thank you SpookyElectric, for giving me permission to add your mon art. Thanks to Alderac Entertainment Group, for letting me use the art. A final thanks to the artists, for, well, the art.
Table of Contents A Guide to Rokugani Heraldry Sources and Credits
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Sources and Explanations
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Credits and Contributors
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Table of Contents
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Mons and Colours
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The Crab
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Crab Clan
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Hida Family
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Hiruma Family
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Kaiu Family
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Kuni Family
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Yasuki Family
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Toritaka Family and Falcon Clan
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The Crane
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Crane Clan
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Doji Family
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Kakita Family
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Asahina Family
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Daidoji Family
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Yasuki Family
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The Dragon
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Dragon Clan
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Togashi Family
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Mirumoto Family
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Agasha Family
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Kitsuki Family
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Hitomi Family
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Hoshi Family
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Tamori Family
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The Lion
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Lion Clan
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Akodo Family
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Matsu Family
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Ikoma Family
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Kitsu Family
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The Mantis
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Mantis Clan and Yoritomo Family
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Tsuruchi Family and Wasp Clan
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Moshi Family and Centipede Clan
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Kitsune Family and Fox Clan
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The Phoenix
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Phoenix Clan
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Shiba Family
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Isawa Family
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Asako Family
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Agasha Family
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The Scorpion
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Scorpion Clan
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Bayushi Family
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Shosuro Family
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Soshi Family
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Yogo Family
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The Unicorn
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Unicorn Clan
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Shinjo Family
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Utaku and Otaku Family
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Iuchi Family
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Ide Family
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Moto Family
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Horiuchi Family
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Imperial The Emperor
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Otomo Family
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Seppun Family
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Miya Family
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Emerald Champion and Emerald Magistrates
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Jade Champion and Jade Magistrates
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Yotsu Family
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Minor Clans
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Badger Clan
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Bat Clan
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Boar Clan
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Dragonfly Clan
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Hare Clan
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Monkey Clan
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Ox Clan
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Snake Clan
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Sparrow Clan
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Tortoise Clan
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Other Factions
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The Brotherhood of Shinsei
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Toturi’s Army and Legion of the Wolf
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The Jade Hand
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Nezumi and One Tribe
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The Naga
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Shadowlands Horde
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The Moto Black Guard
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The Spider
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Dojo and Holdings The Crab
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Kuni Wastes
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The Witch Hunters
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The Damned
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The Crane Kyuden Doji
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Kakita Duelling Academy
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Kosaten Shiro
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The Dragon
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Mountain Home Dojo
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Togashi Testing Grounds
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The Lion Shiro No Yojin The Mantis Dojo Raiden The Phoenix Asako Inquisitors The Scorpion
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Dojo of Lies
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Dojo of the Closed Eye
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The Unicorn Gatherer of Winds Dojo
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Mons and Colours This section is the most prominent of the document, as mon account for the biggest part of Rokugani heraldry. However, as titled, official Clans’ and Families’ colours are in it too, and for Families or Clans having one; mottos are also presented. Each mon has a particular significance and history. Some are known Empire-wide, such as the Emperor’s mon and the Isawa mon, other s are so obscure they have gone forgotten, but every mon means the world to the Clan and Family members who wear it. Colours are primarily important for clothing, as samurai make a habit of wearing their Clan’s colours, especially in formal setting. Also, Families’ and Clan’s colours do not always match, even though, more often than not, Families use at least one colour from the Clan mon.
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by Bagus Hutomoto
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by Michael Komarck by Miguel Coimbra
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by Steve Argyle by Miguel Coimbra
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Crab Clan Gunmetal-grey, blue and brick red.
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Hida Family All Crab families, with the exception of the Yasuki, integrate the image of a crab into their mon – reflecting their position in a larger entity and their responsibilities to that entity. The Hida mon depicts a blue crab on a field of slate-grey, clutching a tetsubo in its pincers. It signifies both the Family ’s great strength and their duties 12 as sentinels for the Emperor.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 12 Way of the Crab, p. 36
Hiruma Family Since the Hiruma have taken back their ancestral lands, they no longer feel a burning shame attached to their Family name. Thus, they have adopted a crest and motto for their children to pass down the generations that symbolizes their 13 place in the Empire.
From the year 755 to the year 1130 No mon. No saying. The Hiruma do not live so long as their land is gone.
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Old Hiruma
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Secrets of the Crab, p. 36 Way of the Crab, p. 38 15 The old mon of the Hiruma Family can be seen on the back of a samurai, on page 58 of Bearers of Jade 14
Kaiu Family The Kaiu mon represents their sturdiness and position as the great foundation of the Clan. It portrays the blood-red claw of a crab, surrounded by bricks, on a field of white. The bricks represent protectiveness a shield against danger, while the claw represents hidden weapons, striking if their defence is ever 16 breached.
Kuni Family The Kuni mon is a pair a red crab claws over a cream-colored field and surrounded by a circle of blue. It represents the Kuni’s search for the great mysteries of the universe, and reminds them that such mysteries may often be 17 found within themselves.
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Way of the Crab, p. 39 Way of the Crab, p. 41
Yasuki Family The Yasuki mon is a stark contrast to the other Crab families. It depicts a golden carp surrounding a flower of deep azure. The car is considered an animal of good fortune, and the mon is intended to bring wealth and prosperity to all the 18 Yasuki under it.
Toritaka Family and Falcon Clan Dark gray and forest-green.
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Way of the Crab, p. 44 Way of the Minor Clans, p.3
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by Steve Argyle by Okita
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by Steve Argyle by Edwin David
Crane Clan Sky-blue and white.
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Doji Family A crane holding an eight-pointed snowflake in its beak. The words which are the motto of the Doji Family where the last spoken by Lady Doji on the night of her death. It is said she came to the bedside of Doji Ochiba, Doji Nio’s wife, and revealed her several secrets of the Doji’s household 25 which have been passed down from each Crane’s daimyo’s wife to her successor.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 25 Way of the Crane, p. 24 26 by SpookyElectric
Kakita Family A crane’s wing, outstretched around an unsheathed katana. The unsheathed katana is the symbol of war, and to the Kakita Family it is also a reminder that they must always be ready to defend the Crane house and Imperial line from their enemies. For a thousand years, Kakita’s treatise, The Sword , has been one of two predominant works on swordplay, and is taught in 27 nearly every school of bushido in Rokugan.
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Way of the Crane, p. 28
Asahina Family A crane’s head, holding in its beak a peach blossom. The peach tree is the primary wood used in the creation of fetishes and nemuranai, and is used by the Asahina for many things. Because it is so integral to their work, there are tremendous peach trees which line the road to the Asahina temple. The peach blossom itself is the sign of change and of peace – two things 28 the Asahina wish their work to epitomize.
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Way of the Crane, p. 35
Daidoji Family 29
A crane, wings outstretched above a snake, wrapped about a yari. The Daidoji respect the spear as a weapon, and many of their bushi learn to use a yari before they learn to use a katana. Their creed speaks of their readiness to leap to the defence of the Crane – both in military and other matters. A Daidoji bushi has his Clan’s mon tattooed on his wrists on the day on his gempukku, to remind him of his sworn duty to the Crane.
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Way of the Crane, p. 42
Yasuki Family Old Yasuki 30
A crane with a chrysanthemum. This was the mon of the Yasuki before their break from the Crane Clan. Since then, their mon has been changed to reflect their new position within the Crab Clan, but the original Yasuki mon can still be found on ancient items. Many of these items were destroyed – either by the Yasuki themselves or by the Daidoji – but some few remain. They are considered very bad luck to the Yasuki; if at any time one is brought within the walls of the Black Crane palace, it is said to bring a year of bad trade and ill fortune.
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Way of the Crane, p. 47
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by Edwin David by April Lee
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by Edwin David by Miguel Coimbra
Dragon Clan Emerald-green and yellow.
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Togashi Family The mon of the Togashi Family is a dragon encircling and holding a plum blossom. When Togashi broke his fast after Shinsei’s famous words – “neither will 36 I ”, it was a plum that fell into Togashi’s hand for him to eat. These monks follow the teachings of Togashi, Kami and founder of the Dragon Clan. They embrace a philosophy of enlightenment through spontaneity, 37 and value, humility, compassion, and a sense of humor.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 36 Way of the Dragon, p. 18 37 Secrets of the Dragon, p. 69
Mirumoto Family The mon of the Mirumoto Family is dragon encircling and holding a daisho. For a thousand years, the Mirumoto samurai have employed their 38 patriarch’s technique, and it is reco gnized, if not respected, across Rokugan.
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Agasha Family The mon of the Agasha Family is a dragon encircling and clinging to a pomegranate. On the outside, the pomegranate is simple, appearing to be an ordinary fruit like an apple or pear. Once opened, it reveals its many, many seeds, 40 all of which represent a separate possibility, a hundred different potentialities.
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Way of the Dragon, p. 24 by SpookyElectric 40 Way of the Dragon, p. 30 39
Kitsuki Family The mon of the Kitsuki Family is a dragon encircling and clinging to a lightning bolt. The image is a curious one. The Kitsuki’s representation of lightning is like a swirling maze. Lightning cuts through the darkness, revealing what could not be seen before, and is representative of Osano-Wo, the Thunderer, 41 who brings the wrath of the gods to those whose deserve justice.
Hitomi Family The Order of Hitomi is the most feared and misunderstood of the Three Orders. They follow the teachings of Hitotni, Lady Moon, the Dragon Thunder. They embrace the philosophy of attaining enlightenment through physical and mental hardship. Members of this order seek out impossible challenges through which to prove their worth, and as a result the Hitomi have a reputation for 42 violence.
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Way of the Dragon, p. 32 Secrets of the Dragon, p. 70 43 by SpookyElectric 42
Hoshi Family The Hoshi are the smallest of the Three Orders. They embrace a philosophy of enlightenment through balance and moderation. They see the Togashi and the Hitomi as the embodiment of dissonance, and maintaining harmonious relations between the two families is their greatest challenge. To the Hoshi, patience is the greatest of all virtues. Power, wisdom, and all other virtues are of little worth if one 44 cannot master patience.
Tamori Family
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Secrets of the Dragon, p. 70
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by Edwin David by Terekjet
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by Steve Argyle by Steve Argyle
Lion Clan Gold and earth tones.
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Akodo Family The Akodo mon is a lion’s face, full of dedication. It is a sharp contrast to the blunt fury of the Matsu mon; the division of the face presents the Akodo’s dual 50 nature, as both accomplished warriors and learned thinkers.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 50 Way of the Lion, p. 22
Matsu Family The Matsu mon was crafted with their simple passion for war in mind. It shows a sword, carried in a lion’s paw, raised to the heavens in defiance of any 51 who would challenge them.
Ikoma Family The Ikoma mon is an arched portal surrounding nothing. Though others may see the Lion iconography upon it as more important, all Ikoma realize the importance of the portal itself. Through each portal lies knowledge and ultimate understanding, along with another portal and a greater vista. The path to 52 comprehension is never-ending, as each discovery leads to more questions.
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Way of the Lion, p. 33 Way of the Lion, p. 38 53 by SpookyElectric 52
Kitsu Family The Kitsu mon bears a striking resemblance to their fallen ancestor, before he was made by Lady Sun to look like men. Kitsu remember the past, those who have come before, and what they have done. Their mon is a memory, both of fallen 54 Kitsu and his legacy.
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Way of the Lion, p. 43
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by Michael Komarck by Chris Appel
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by Edwin David by Steve Argyle
Mantis Clan and Yoritomo Family Sea-green and black. Teal-green and gold.
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Tsuruchi Family and Wasp Clan Black and gold.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 60 Way of the Minor Clans, p.3 61 Way of the Minor Clans, p.3
Moshi Family and Centipede Clan Orange, black and brown.
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Kitsune Family and Fox Clan Red-brown and silver.
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Way of the Minor Clans, p.3 Way of the Minor Clans, p.3
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by Mario Wibisino by Michael Komarck
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by Jason Engle by Steve Argyle
Phoenix Clan Red, yellow and orange.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72
Shiba Family The mon of the Shiba Family is a set of crossed swords, surmounted by the flames of the Phoenix. While the background is a stoic black, the flames and swords are done in vibrant gold and silver, symbolizing the eternal dedication of the Shiba to their foun der’s oath. There is a variant of the Shiba mon which is used by those bushi who serve Isawa shugenja as yojimbo – the central area between the 69 swords then also contains the symbol of Void, stitched in shining gold.
Shiba Yojimbo
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Way of the Phoenix, p. 37
Isawa Family The mon bears the symbol of the Five Elements, symbolizing the arcane ties which the Isawa have to the kami. The spiral pattern indicates their belief that all things in nature are part of each other, bound by the fabric of eternity. The mon of the Isawa may be the most widely known Family symbol in the Empire, save only that of Hantei himself. Certainly it is worn by hundreds of shugenja in all the Clans of Rokugan, showing their ties to the teachers of spellcraft. Students who graduate from the Isawa schools, and even those who simply for a few years after their graduation from the schools of other Clans, wear 70 the mark as a badge of pride.
Much to Temoru's shock, the symbol adorning the City of Gold was not the chop of Isawa as he had believed. Instead, the information he uncovered there indicated that Isawa may have been born within the city and adopted its symbol as 71 his own when he left for Rokugan.
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Way of the Phoenix, p. 23 Secrets of the Dragon, p. 41
Asako Family The mon of the Asako is comprised of a simple hand, holding a quill. The quill ends in flames symbolizing the Phoenix for whom the Family serves; the quill itself is the sign of their devotion as historians and keepers of information. Asako once used another mon – one with far more sinister overtones – but if it is true, 72 then that mon was lost long ago.
Old Asako The first man who had spoken was called Sagoten, another of the many who created me. He bore the name of his mother, Asako. The symbol on his chest was that of an open hand, the fingers stained in blood, the symbol his father created to symbolize his family’s dedication to the magic Isawa taught them. That symbol 73 has long been forgotten. I wonder why?
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Way of the Phoenix, p. 43 the old mon of the Asako Family is depicted in the fiction “To Change the World ”
Agasha Family The mon of the Agasha Family is a dragon encircling and clinging to a pomegranate. On the outside, the pomegranate is simple, appearing to be an ordinary fruit like an apple or pear. Once opened, it reveals its many, many seeds, 74 all of which represent a separate possibility, a hundred different potentialities.
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Way of the Dragon, p. 30
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by Miguel Coimbra by Edwin David
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by Michael Komarck by Miguel Coimbra
Scorpion Clan Blood-red and black.
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Bayushi Family The mon of the Bayushi Family is a scorpion surrounded by water. It is 80 often accompanied by the kanji “I can swim”.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 80 Way of the Scorpion, p. 24
Shosuro Family The mon of the Shosuro is an endless loop of intertwining ivy. It is the 81 eternal maze, the puzzle that may never be solved.
Soshi Family The mon of the Soshi Family is a scorpion with claws outstretched, a net 82 between them.
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Way of the Scorpion, p. 28 Way of the Scorpion, p. 29
Yogo Family The mon of the Yogo Family is a mask made of flaming feathers, 83 representing their lost heritage to the Phoenix Clan.
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Way of the Scorpion, p. 33
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by Steve Argyle by Lasahido
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by Miguel Coimbra by Drew Baker
Unicorn Clan Purple and white.
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When the Unicorn meet with outsiders, they tend to use the Unicorn mon. However, in the Unicorn Clan, each Family has its own mon. A Family’s mon is most often prominently displayed during Unicorn Clan gatherings. Finally, each person or nuclear family within the Clan may have their own mon. Usually this is simply the kanji character of their name, but other symbols have been used, and are 89 too numerous to be listed here.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 89 Way of the Unicorn, p. 35
Shinjo Family The Ki-Rin design in the Shinjo mon, is regarded by the Family as a portrait of the original Shinjo in her true form. The Ki-Rin faces West, representing Shinjo’s journey into that mysterious land. The flaming mane is swept back as the creature runs free, a symbol of the Family’s spirit of free dom and exploration. The 90 colour scheme is black on bright orange, with fiery red around the edge.
Utaku and Otaku Family The Otaku mon is the simplest of Rokugan: a plain field of pale purple. It represents the original Otaku’s silence, but can als o be taken to represent her purity of purpose. Many opponents, have learned, in some cases quite briefly, how terrifying this banner can be when carried by a formation of charging, silent 91 shiotome, none of whom wish to dishonour their ancestor by uttering a battle cry.
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Way of the Unicorn, p. 44 Way of the Unicorn, p. 42
Iuchi Family The mon of the Iuchi Family clearly represents their devotion to the study of magic. An open scroll flows across a deep blue field. The spirals incorporated in the design represent the dynamic, fluid energy of magic, while the scroll symbolises the Tao of Shinsei, on which the Iuchi base all their magical 92 interpretations.
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Way of the Unicorn, p. 41
Ide Family from the Ide Family standard banner The Ide Family mon shows a gold-coloured hand open in friendship and giving. The green octagon that forms the background represents the Emerald Empire and the eight children who founded it. There is a variant of the Ide mon also in use: those of the Family who choose to pursue magic (or, more rarely, war) display the Ide mon with the fingers pointing up, as if it were poised to deliver a 93 jiujutsu strike.
Non-courtier Ide
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Way of the Unicorn, p. 40
Moto Family from the Moto war banner, during the Blood War from the Moto war banner, present day The mon of the Moto Family bears the face of death – a stylized mask of intimidating determination that matches the ghostly white make-up worn by the Moto samurai into battle. The mon is stark and grim, as the Moto are themselves, and its appearance on the battlefield always seems to be followed by a disconcerting chill and a mournful keening of the wind. The Moto wear white armour with purple used only as highlights.
The loss of their Family’s honour through the vile sorceries of the Shadowlands has had a profound effect on the remainder of the Moto Family. They changed their Family mon to reflect their change of attitude. Instead of the optimistic red chrysanthemum, their new banner bore a grim and threatening kabuki face; and they replaced the motto on their war banner. In spite of their grievous losses during the Blood War, the Family has rebuilt. They have formed the White Guard, a military unit that embodies the implacable determination and unyielding mettle of the Family. Their armour is white and battered, ghostly white plumes and manes adorn their helmets, and their faces are painted with stark white and black in frightening 94 masks of death.
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Way of the Unicorn, p. 44 to 46
Old Moto
Horiuchi Family
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a mon can be seen on the “Shinden Horiuchi” card, however it is unclear if it is a stylised Unicorn mon or the Horiuchi Family mon; the former is more likely
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by Steve Argyle by April Lee
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by April Lee by Chris Appel
The Emperor
Otomo Family
Seppun Family
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Miya Family
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by SpookyElectric
Emerald Champion and Emerald Magistrates
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Jade Champion and Jade Magistrates
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the mon of the Emerald Champion and Magistrates can be seen on the “Test of the Emerald Champion ” card 102 the mon of the Jade Champion and Magistrates can be seen on the “ Mantle of the Jade Champion ” card
Yotsu Family
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a mon can be seen on “ Yotsu Dojo” card, however it is unclear if it is the mon of the Yotsu Dojo or the mon of the Yotsu Family
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by Glen Osterberger by Ijur
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by Steve Argyle by John Donahue
Badger Clan Brown and black. Pale grey with stripes of black and white.
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Bat Clan Black.
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Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72 109 Way of the Minor Clans, p.3 110 rd Legend of the Five Rings 3 Edition revised core rulebook, p. 72
Boar Clan Dark blue and green.
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Dragonfly Clan Blue, brown and gold.
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Jewel tones, in a rainbow of colour.
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Hare Clan Red and white.
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Monkey Clan Orange and brown.
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Ox Clan Blue and black.
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Snake Clan Silver, black and grey-purple.
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Sparrow Clan Shades of brown. Dun-brown and black.
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Tortoise Clan Light green and white. Blue-black and gold.
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The Brotherhood of Shinsei
Toturi’s Army and Legion of the Wolf
Nezumi and One Tribe
The Naga
Shadowlands Horde The newest symbol borne by the minions of darkness is the scowling oni emblazed upon Yogo Junzo’s battle standard. Junzo claims that the design of the mon came to him in a dream, a vision in which the diverse creatures of darkness were unified beneath a single leader. He call this army the Shadowlands Horde. When the true leader of the Horde returns, Yogo Junzo intends to make certain his 126 armies are waiting.
The Moto Black Guard The mon of the Moto Black Guard is a hideous caricature of the mon utilised by the Unicorn Moto. The colours of the mon have been inverted and the kabuki’s mask trademark frown has been replaced with a sinister grin. The mon was not created as a parody of the Moto mon, as many believe. The two were developed independently, at the same time. The Tainted Moto believe it signifies the brotherhood they share with their “confused brethren”. The Unicorn Moto 127 would rather not think about what the coincidence symbolises.
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The Spider Black and white.
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The Jade Hand
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Dojo and Holdings Unlike Clans and Families, which all follow the same pattern of mon and colours, dojo have another mean for individuals to show their allegiance. Every way of honouring the school and sensei is unique to each schooling facility. However, Rokugani heraldry extends further than the personal display of loyalty on clothing or banners, and holdings play their own part on the heraldic scene. By having easily identifiable buildings, Clans and factions make it clear to outsiders whose territory it is, while strengthening the unity of those living in them.
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Kuni Wastes The Kuni Family practices a ritual of face painting, similar in many ways to the kabuki make-up worn by many Kakita actors. Under ideal circumstances, the make-up is applied each day after awakening. The methodical application of the paint can take up to an hour, as each line on the face has a meaning known only to the individual in question. Even the Kuni do not know where this tradition originated, or what purpose it serves.
Kuni shugenja show respect to their sensei’s by wearing a style of face paint similar to their sensei’s. Those familiar with Kuni heraldry can identify a Kuni’s sensei, and his sensei’s sensei, by the style of his war paint. Due to Kuni tendency to relocate children to live with their sensei from an early age, Kuni are 131 often closer to their sensei than their parents.
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The Witch Hunters The Jade seal carried by the Kuni Witch Hunter is a combination of the crossed claws of the Kuni Family mon and the open eye of the Asako Inquisitors. The crossed claws represent the ever-present defense offered by the tsukai-sagasu. The open eye symbolizes the eternal vigilance of their allies, the Inquisitors. These seals are only carried by the Kuni, and are often enhanced by the Jade Eternal spell so that they are more difficult to corrupt. The Witch Hunters are quite unforgiving 135 toward the rare fools that dare to lake counterfeit Witch Hunter badges.
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The Damned The Damned have their own peculiar heraldry, mostly to warn friendly units of their presence. The mon of the Damned is simply the mon of whatever Family the bushi belonged to before, marred with a splash of blood-red. The default mon of the damned is that of the Hida, as more Hida have fallen to the 138 Taint than any other samurai.
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Kyuden Doji Students at Kyuden Doji can be recognised by the symbol of the court fan 141 spread beneath the Family mon on their kimono.
Kakita Duelling Academy The symbol of the Academy is a single strike of silver, signifying the lightning strike of Kakita himself. The strike appears on the right side of the 142 students’ Family mon on their kimono.
Kosaten Shiro The students of Kosaten Shiro are easily recognisable by the twin crossed 143 yari beneath the Family mon on their kimono or armour.
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Mountain Home Dojo Students of Mountain Home may display their dojo by placing the mountain in front of the dragon on their Family mon, instead of the usual dragon design coiled in front of the mountain. This shows that the mountains are their protection and their home, and also symbolises that they are the mountain that 145 defends the Dragon Clan.
Togashi Testing Grounds Those tattooed monks who survive a passage through the Togashi Testing Grounds receive a special badge to display their capabilities. This badge is a (nonmagical) tattoo of a dragon scale on the tattooed monk's body for every day he 146 survived in the Testing Grounds.
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Shiro No Yojin Notorious for their aggressive and unforgiving nature, the students of Shiro no Yojin are equally renowned for their unbridled ferocity in battle. They are noticeable because of the red edge on the sleeve of their otherwise traditional kimono. The red signifies the blood of the enemies the samurai will slay in the 148 name of his Clan.
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Dojo Raiden The training that each student receives at Dojo Raiden places a great deal of emphasis on the non- combat portions of a samurai’s duty. Many students choose to tattoo the “mon of the cliff -face” onto their wrists after their gempukku, to honour their school. The mon is not official, and does not appear in any heraldic record, 150 but can be easily recognised by anyone familiar with the dojo.
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Asako Inquisitors The Phoenix order of Inquisitors was founded in response to the corruption of Isawa Akuma, though for many years they were little more than Clan magistrates defending the Phoenix Clan from internal corruption. After the rise of Iuchiban, the jurisdiction of the Inquisitors was extended across the entire Empire, and they become an official sub-group of the Emerald Magistrates. Over the years, the Inquisitors have worked alongside the Kuni Witch Hunters and, for the past few decades, the magistrates of the revived office of Jade Champion. The Asako, left largely to their own device by the Phoenix, have assumed the responsibility of overseeing the Inquisitors as they continue their crusade against maho and corruption. The Inquisitors can be readily identified by the strange eye tattoos that they bear on their palms. These tattoos are magical, enhancing the Inquisitor’s already great perceptive talents. In the past, when the Dragon and Phoenix were allies, the Togashi Family provided these tattoos. In recent times, the Agasha have taken up the duty of crafting these tattoos. (The Agasha are not able to recreate the Dragon tattoos; they have mastered only the 152 relatively simple Inquisitor tattoo).
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Dojo of Lies The preeminent school of the Scorpion courtiers is home to both the most affable and the most dangerous members of the Clan. This reputation leaves many wondering if their pleasant Scorpion companion is plotting their downfall or is truly fond of them. Students of the Dojo of Lies honour their dojo by removing the tail from any Scorpion appearing on their garments (save those on the Clan 155 mon).
Dojo of the Closed Eye The Soshi Family is hesitant to admit those from outside their Family. Other Scorpion occasionally gain admittance into the shugenja dojo, but arte never truly accepted as one of the Family. Students of the Dojo of the Closed Eye honour their school by removing the 156 eyes from the Soshi mon.
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