the knights of aidespar

8/10/2019 The Knights of Aidespar

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The Knights of Aidespar

Forward

Welcome, to the Knights of Aidespar creation project. Just a bit of

information for you to peruse before getting to the meat of this project

concerning intentions and goals. It was an idea I had ages ago to consider

creating/updating the lore and mechanics of the Thrane and Methrane

Gaijin in order to create a secondary play option. My goal was to do for the

romanticized fantasies of medieval knights what L5R's core rules do for

romanticized samurai fantasies. After some research I discovered that whileinformation about Thrane and Methrane was frustratingly vague, there was

just enough of it that rewriting the history for those groups would be a

slippery slope with all sorts of hidden pitfalls.

To that end I decided to start my project from scratch and created an entire

new nation of Gaijin to develop this idea, the nation of Aidespar. The

purpose of this material is to provide GMs and players alike with a what-if

style campaign. What if knights invaded or accidentally stumbled onto

Rokugani shores? What if Rokugani samurai found themselves lost orspecifically sent into the land of knights as scouts? How would these cultural

difference play out? To answer these questions I now set out to create a set

of rules and lore that allow GMs and players to pick up and play this

possibility out, while still hopefully leaving enough gaps for other to fill in

with their own visions and ideals of what such a world would look like.

So please browse, enjoy, leave feedback, and welcome to Aidespar...

KoA Character Sheet: http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa236/Aio-

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa236/Aio-chan/KnightsofAidesparCharacterSheet.jpg





chan/KnightsofAidesparCharacterSheet.jpg

Table of Contents

Post I:KoA News and Updates

The Land of Aidespar

Post II: The History of Aidespar

Cultural Customs and Superstitions of Aidespar

-Appearance and Equipment

-Alchemy

-Life and Duties as a Church Member

-Life and Duties as a Knight

-Life and Duties as a Noble

-Knightly Valours

-The Arcana

-The Art of the Insult

Post III:

Mechanical Changes -Currency

-Glory & Honor v Dignity & Valour/Status

-Void v Light

-Aidesparian v Rokugani Magic

-The Endless

-The Chaos

-Advantages/Disadvantages & Skill Changes

-Status in Aidespar

Rokugan Versus Aidespar

-Honor Against Valour

-Shugenja in Aidespar

Families of Aidespar

Schools of Aidespar

-Knight of the Earth

-Knight of the Fire

-Knight of the Water

-Knight of the Wind-Church Inquisitor






-Noble Scion

Post IV: Paths and Advanced Schools

-Advanced Schools

--Chaos Knight

-Paths

--Knight of Light

-Knight Errants

--Valour's Calling

--Longbow Master

--Heavy Knight Infantry

--Duelist Knight--Shield Knight

--Aidesparian Jester

--Noble Ambassador

New Rules

-Aidesparian Weapons and Armor

--Armor

--Shields

--Heavy Weapons

--Saber Weapons--Spear Weapons

-New Skills

--High Skills

--Bugei

--Low Skills

--Merchant Skills

-Advantages

-Disadvantages

Duels of Dignity and Valour in Aidespar

-Jousting

-Fencing

Post V: Creatures of Aidespar

-The Legions of Pandemonium

--Legion Soldier

--Vile Pawn



--Desecrating Rook

--Unhallowed Bishop

--Shadowed Knight of Darkness

--Infernal Queen of Wrath

--Genocidal King of Terror-Sorceric Creations

--Clockwork Replicants

---Clockwork Assimilators

---Clockwork Knights

--Golems

-The Undead of Aidespar

--Dullahan

--Reanimates

--Will o Wisp

-Spiritual Creatures and Elements

--Asrai

--Glastig

--Gnome

--Hödekin

--Pyrohippos

--Salamander

--Sylph

Post VI: --Undine

-Animals of Aidespar

--Donkey

--Horse, Aidesparian Riding Steed

Treasures of Aidespar

-Elemental Crystals (Liths)

-Excalidurge

-Light's Will

-Moonstone

New Rokugani Material

-Minor Clans and Factions of Rokugan

--Red Velvet Faction

--Sakura Clan

--Shark Clan



Post VII: New Weapons

-Henteko

KoA News and Updates

8-17-2010: KoA fully revised with new basic schools, an additional path,

new lore and some changes to the history, and additional material for

Rokugani players.

9-08-2010: New Henteko added.

10-06-2010: Knight Errants rules revised. Archery skill moved/added to New

Rules section.

12-11-2010: Major updates across all fronts and errata for existing classes

applied. Finally broke into the 6th post!

2-7-2011: The Shark Clan has been added and the Sakura Clan fleshed out.

Major updates and Errata have been applied to many items, skills, and the

Fencing Duel. Alchemy Rules have been added. Map updated and Symbols for

each major school added.

2-24-2011: New creature descriptions and data added. Posts shuffled

slightly to adjust for text limits; ToC updated to reflect this.

3-30-2011: Creature stat blocks completed. Knightly Valours added. New

animal, Donkey, added. Rough draft officially complete!

7-4-2011: History revised, Reanimates added, Light's Will added.

The Land of Aidespar

L5R KoA World Map

Map of Aidespar's Cities

Aidespar is a nation that occupies the eastern front of a continent several

weeks of northeastern sea travel from the furthest tip of Phoenix lands.

Territory ruled by Aidespar originally stretched hundreds of miles in every

direction, however at present Aidespar is composed of an elongated stretchof multi-terrained land estimated at 300 miles wide and 170 miles long. The

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http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa236/Aio-chan/aidesparmap.jpg






old territory is comprised of a J-shaped stretch which borders the

neighboring principality of Durian. This territory consists of ground that has

been corrupted by the influence of Pandemonium and the Archfiends,

rendering it unusable and impassable.

Present Aidespar territory consists of various environments from desert, to

forest, to mountain ranges, and even large stretches of coastal land. There

are hundreds of villages ranging from small to medium sized that stretch

over Aidespar. In total there are approximately 15 castle cities with no

capitol city presently declared. The old capitol was the first to fall when

Pandemonium scarred Aidespar and it is the knight's intention to take it

back, relocating the capitol would in their eyes be a sign of giving up this

goal.

A1- Paladin Castle: Old capitol of Aidespar. Originally housed a population

of 5000 citizens and 2000 soldiers. Presently a fortress stronghold for the

Archfiends.

A2- North Sky Keep: Original front line stronghold against the Archfiend

invasion. Housed a population of 3500 citizens and 1500 soldiers. Currently

in ruins.

A3- Melchior Stronghold: Northern city established by one of the early

Knights of Water. Housed a population of 2000 citizens and 500 soldiers.

Status unknown.

A4- Fort Tiridates: Western Fort established by an early Knight of Earth.

Located on top of treacherous mountain terrain. Housed a population of 500

citizens and 1000 soldiers. Status unknown.

A5- Costal Fort West: Military garrison established by the Nobles. Houses

1000 citizens and 1500 soldiers. Fortified with weaponry to repel invading

vessels. Sister city to Coastal Fort East.

A6- Caspar Stronghold: Southern city established by one of the early Knights

of Fire. Houses 1500 citizens and 500 soldiers. Has an advanced port nearby

to construct vessels of war.

A7- Balthasar Stronghold: Southern city established by one of the earlyKnights of the Wind. Houses 2000 citizens and 500 soldiers. Village resources



primarily devoted to fishing and costal resource gathering.

A8- Coastal Fort East: Military garrison established by the Nobles. Houses

1000 citizens and 1500 soldiers. Fortified with weaponry to repel invading

vessels. Sister city to Coastal Fort West.

A9- Citadel of The Light: Holy city that was built from the ruins of an old

village decimated by plague. Houses 2000 citizens and 1000 members of the

Church. Home to the largest library in Aidespar.

A10- Eastern Fort Paradigm: Border fortress to Durian, one of the first

major cities of Aidespar. Housed 1500 citizens and 1000 soldiers. Presently

garrisoned by the Chaos Knights as their home city.

KE1- Temple of Earth: Castle city devoted to the training and upbringing of

potential Knights of Earth. Serves as headquarters to the Knights of Earth as

well. Holds up to 2500 occupants.

KF1- Temple of Fire: Castle city devoted to the training and upbringing of

potential Knights of Fire. Serves as headquarters to the Knights of Fire as


KWa1- Temple of Water: Castle city devoted to the training and upbringing

of potential Knights of Water. Serves as headquarters to the Knights of

Water as well. Holds up to 2000 occupants.

KW1- Temple of Wind: Castle city devoted to the training and upbringing of

potential Knights of Wind. Serves as headquarters to the Knights of Wind as


N1- Castle of the Four Lords: Established by the Nobles as the headquarters

for their most elite members to rule over. Overseen the highest ranking

member of each family. Houses up to 3500 citizens and 2000 soldiers. One of

the most ornate cities in Aidespar.

P1- Pandemonium's Blight #1: The original scar upon Aidespar where the

Archfiends first opened a portal connecting Aidespar to Pandemonium.

Seems to be gradually expanding as if to allow for something truly massive

to pass through from the other side. Serves as the only passage that allowsthe Archfiend's armies to surge through to Aidespar.



P2- Pandemonium's Blight #2: This second portal to Pandemonium was

opened from Aidespar by the Chaos Knights. This portal is heavily guarded to

prevent any Archfiends from passing through. The Chaos Knights seem to use

it for their own experiments regarding the effects of Pandemonium's power.

The History of Aidespar

Pre-History (Myth): It is recorded in the doctrine of members of the Church that in times long

past there was only the Light. The Light was said to be the only source of

energy and power in the vast darkness that engulfed all existence. One day

a fragment of the Light broke off and shattered into thousands of tinysplinters, with each splinter forming into a different aspect of the modern

world. The stars, the planets, the elements; all of these were created in an

instant that day. However the world was still and silent for no life stood

within its domain. To this end the Light shone upon the world and invoked

its essence into all the elements. From this mystical combination the first

life was born into the world and humanity recorded history began.

Pre-History (Fact): In some of the most ancient tomes in Aidespar, a variant of the creation

story is recorded. The few who have discovered it believe to be the absolute

truth of how the world came to be. In the time before recorded history

there indeed was a mystical source referred to as the Light. The Light was

filled with the singular desire to bring life into the world and to this end

invoked its powers to form a world not so different than the one currently

existing. However the power used to create this first world was filled with

the aspect of the Light’s suppressed half, the desire of destruction simply

referred to as the Shadow. The Shadow spread rapidly across the worldcausing its inhabitants to wage endless and terrible war with each other. In

seven days the entire world was extinguished of all life by the unchecked

chaos that flooded through it like a poison. Saddened and enraged by this

the Light wiped away the ashes of the first world and tried once again to

create life anew.

During the second attempt the Light purged itself of the Shadow entirely

and converted its own body into the fabric of the new world. The

inhabitants of this second world shared a similar mindset to the Light itself;



peaceful, righteous, yet ultimately naïve and far too trusting. This proved to

be the world’s downfall as the expelled Shadow split into seven pieces and

formed physical bodies reflective of the vices this world lacked. The

Daemos, as they came to be called, systematically infected the world with

their cunning lies and deceitful natures until it was too late to stop them.Slowly this world too withered and perished under the Shadow’s influence.

When all was lost the Light collapsed the world and restored itself to its

original form; trapped the Daemos in a mystical prison box called the

Pandorica for all time as punishment for their misdeeds.

It was then the Light began to realize that even with the Daemos sealed

away they were only one of many forms the Shadow could take on. So long

as the Light existed, so would the Shadow. It could recreate the world a

thousand times over only to watch it be corrupted a thousand different

ways. To this end the Light undertook the only method possible to bring out

its desire of an everlasting world. It destroyed itself during the act of the

third world’s creation; splitting itself into three avatars in the process. The

first form was the Order, which gave birth to all that lives on the planet and

the laws that govern them. The second form was the Chaos, which sealed

the Shadow's influence within a parallel world called Pandemonium and gave

birth to the Archfiends. The third form was the Balance, which exists as an

arbiter between the Order and the Chaos to prevent either side fromdestroying each other and plunging the whole world into oblivion. With

these three aspects of the Light watching over the world in sealed physical

forms, life was allowed to prosper on the new world without fear of the

Shadow inevitably consuming it.

0-500 AL (After Light)

For the first 500 years after the Light created life, man struggled to make

his own place within society. The first makings of the society of Aidespar

began to take root, yet the progress was quite slow. Between constant

breakouts of illness amongst the people and the elements themselves

rebelling against their would be tamers; humanity faced near extinction

several times.

Then mankind discovered the art of sorcery. The earliest of sorcerers

discovered that with the right incantations the very elements of nature

could be manipulated to the will of the user. This led to many advancements

in civilization in a short time span. Cities began evolving in mere decades.The decline in sickness led to longer life spans which led to more time to



educate oneself about the world. With the help of the sorcerers Aidespar

soon build a civilization of magic and steel, certain to rise up and stand tall

as the shining center of the world.

Major advancements of this time period included the birth of Alchemy, acombination of science and magic that allowed those skilled in it to change

items of one element into another. Also this marked the creation of the

"Liths", a special stone that was used as a container to store the powers of

elemental manipulation. Aqualiths brought forth water even to the driest

regions, Aeroliths could bring down cooling winds to stop the raging storms,

Pyroliths helped utilize fire to its utmost potential, and Terraliths

transformed the very face of the earth itself.

During this time period those with great magical talents would rise above

their peers. With this power came the inevitable lusts for power and

recognition; seeded into their subconscious by the influence of the Chaos.

Many great and terrible things came to pass during this era. Every few years

a new sorceric war between feuding arcane masters would break out; with

tremendously powerful magical weapons such as the World Eaters and

Clockwork Replicants being created as a result of these. However for every

power mad Sorcerer waging war in a corner of the kingdom another more

benevolent one would be helping maintain peace; as such Aidesparcontinued to grow despite this constant civil wars.

501-746 SKR (Sorceror King's Reign)

The prosperous nation of Aidespar did not last forever though. In the year

501 a prodigy of the arcane arts was born, Hazeldurn Richelieu. Hazeldurn

showed himself to command a terrifying amount of skill over the elements,

a talent which earned him the praise of nearly all within the nation of

Aidespar. Yet this talent was not just an inheritance by birth, Hazeldurn has

an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that pressed him to delve ever deeper

into the history of his arts and of the nation itself. It was this thirst that

would ultimately give birth to one of the most horrifying tyrants in all of

Aidespar's history.

It was just before his 25th birthday that Hazeldurn, in his endless search for

more arcane knowledge, discovered a page from an ancient tome hidden in

the vast libraries of the Citadel of the Four Elements (before it was rebuilt

as the Citadel of the Light). As fate would have it the page he discoveredbelonged to a book many believed to be pure myth, the “Light’s Will”. A



book said to have been passed on to the inheritors of this world shortly after

creating it; explaining literally everything about the world. The multi-world

histories preceding it, how the world functions, and why things must remain

in balance.

Hazeldurn’s discovered page contained within it details of the Shadow’snature and vast knowledge of Fire magic. This knowledge poured out of the

page directly into his mind; unable to stop the flow of information he was

consumed both by insanity from the truth and the overwhelming influence of

the Order which came with so much knowledge of the arcane. With his soul

corrupted by the Order, Hazeldurn became Aidespar’s first recorded case of

an “Endless”. That day Hazeldurn rose up and declared himself the Sorcerer

King, ruler of all Aidespar for all eternity. Even with rival Sorcerers uniting

to fight against him the power the new Sorcerer King brought to bear was

far too great.

Seemingly immortal in terms of lifespan and power within 200 years

Aidespar was left in sordid state as the last great Sorcerer fell at

Hazeldurn’s hand. The people were without hope and both civilizations and

nature were razed to unrecognizable states. Over next two and a half

centuries heroes would rise and fall to Hazeldurn with no end to the tyrant’s

reign in sight.

747-800 YHM (Year of His Majesty)

Not all hope was extinguished under Sorcerer King's reign however. For the

past 200 years a small group of resistance fighters managed to remain out of

his grasp. These fighters, though heralding from all the different major

households of Aidespar and having vastly different fighting styles and skills;

had one major thing in common: They were blessed by the elements

themselves. Although unable to manipulate the elements like sorcerers,

these fighters drew strength from the either Air, Water, Earth, or Fire

depending on whom that particular element favored. This granted them

strength far beyond typical warriors and allowed them to survive their

skirmishes with the Sorcerer King.

Although too few in number to liberate Aidespar, these Elemental Knights as

they came to be called, worked in guerrilla operations and managed to turn

the Sorcerer King's forces in many critical battles. It was in the year 780 that

the knights intercepted what seemed to be a typical supply caravan that

would in fact prove to be the turning point of the way. Upon raiding thecaravan the knights discovered a small baby locked away amongst the



supplies along with a missive from the Sorcerer King. The missive revealed

that Hazeldurn had received a vision during his divinations of this child and

that somehow if left alone it would grow up to be the downfall of the

Sorcerer King's reign.

The caravan guard was questioned as to why they did not simply kill the

baby. Their reply was that anytime an attack was attempted against the

child a brilliant light would glow from a strange birthmark on his chest and

repel any harm. With this information, the Elemental Knights swore to

protect the child and sheltered him from the Sorcerer King's eyes. For the

next 19 years they trained the child in their ways and through that training

they came to discover the boy had been seemingly blessed by all of the

elements equally. The boy, named Paladin by the knights, revealed his true

powers on his 20th birthday; the day Sorcerer King Hazeldurn discovered the

knight's hideout. The battle lasted for three days and nights before finally

Paladin and Hazeldurn met on the field of battle in single combat. Paladin

lifted his blade to the sky and his body became engulfed in a brilliant and

blinding light. With the light he now commanded, Paladin destroyed

Hazeldurn in a single strike and purged the land of his destructive influence

once and for all. After that battle Paladin was heralded as a legendary ruler

and crowned king of Aidespar, as well as receiving the title: Knight of the

Light.

Although the citizens of Aidespar rejoiced thinking their troubles to be over;

no one discovered how Hazeldurn had risen to such great power or the price

they would soon pay for his defeat. Hazeldurn’s rise as an Endless had

caused a huge swing in influence for the Order, as even though he had been

a tyrant his end goal had been to unify the world under an iron fist. The

power that defeated him had simply been an even greater aspect of the

Order’s influence. As such the Balance began to allow the Chaos’ influence

to amass in even greater amounts; beginning the events leading to the rise

of Pandemonium.

801-1000 YHM

Great changes took place in Aidespar after Paladin's reign began. First, the

art of sorcery was forbidden to be practiced within the kingdom ever again

and those who knew the arcane arts were either placed under close watch

or banned from the kingdom entirely. Secondly, the Elemental Knights who

had raised Paladin and fought alongside him in battle were given the task ofprotecting the kingdom as well as given estates to train and foster future



generations of Elemental Knights. For 150 years Aidespar returned to a civil

state and thrived under the successive rule form the Paladin line.

During this time period, those who practiced the sorceric arts who did not

wish to be killed or exiled went underground. Many of these individualsgather together and swore a vow to never let the knowledge of their arts

die. Using the vast collection of historical tomes gather together by fellow

sorcerers before the Sorcerer King's reign and by discovering more pages of

Light’s Will, they managed to piece together a religious dogma that gave

birth to the Church of the Divine Light. Originally this group existed simply

to protect fellow sorcerers and continue the pursuit of knowledge and power

outside of the eyes of the new King.

However a few decades after their creation several researchers began

finding papers belonging to very old but incomplete tomes. From these

tomes they were able to discern that a great evil existed in the world in

ancient times and that it might be returning in the future. Fearing for their

country's future, these now priests of the Light search the country far and

wide gathering any and all information regarding this future apocalypse.

The fruits of their research yielded little, except for two things to be certain

of: The coming of this evil would be marked by an unholy phenomenon andthe Paladin line would be directly involved somehow. To ensure that this

evil did not enter Aidespar undetected the Church of Divine Light became

more directly involved in politics and became a major representation of the

people starting with King Paladin III's high council.

It was during the rule of King Paladin the 5th that a strange phenomenon

was reported along the northern border of Aidespar, just 10 short miles west

from the capitol city. King Paladin V rode out with his personal guard to

investigate this for himself. When he arrived, the border village of Golgangi

was seemingly trapped in a landscape out of a nightmare. The skies above

had been stricken orange and the grasses grew in unusual shades of blue and

violet. Those who lived in the village seemed to have digressed into a

riotous and primal state. The law and order Paladin's rule prided itself on

had devolved into something frivolous, uncontrollable, and in the king's

eyes, intolerable.

King Paladin V ordered the village destroyed so that the phenomenon wouldend here and not get the chance to spread. It was then the villagers



attacked him and his guard, all the while spouting blasphemies and taunts

towards the king. Paladin V found a wild anger stirring within himself at

these villagers and soon went into a battle frenzy, slaughtering them wildly

while screaming like a madman. After the battle he collapsed from

exhaustion and was rushed back to the palace for treatment. Uponawakening, the attendants of Paladin V found something unusual about the

king. Though none dared to speak it aloud the king now seemed more easily

irritable and whimsical than before; and those who looked straight into his

eyes now noticed a strange yellow hue that vanished the moment they

blinked.

Gradually Paladin V's attitude changes became more self-destructive and out

of control. Many times the ruler had to be escorted out from affair of state

meetings and often Paladin V made decrees and laws that either made no

sense or threw certain aspects of the kingdom out of balance. Before his

madness could ruin all that Aidespar had become, the Elemental Knights

attempted to remove Paladin V from power and place his daughter on the

throne. However when the knights burst into the king's chambers they found

a man unrecognizable from the wise ruler that had once been.

Paladin V stood before them with hair black as the night sky without a moon

and eyes blazing a more burning yellow than the sun itself. Clad in darkarmor Paladin V renounced his rule before all of the knights and declared

himself the envoy of the Chaos, prophesying an end to all who didn't follow

him into this new age. A battle ensued between the fallen Paladin V and the

knights, with this knights being unable to touch their former ruler. A strange

power unlike anything they had ever seen seemed to coarse through Paladin

V's veins and arc around him like a shadowy aura; giving him strength

unimaginable.

Just when all seemed lost a group priests from the Church of the Divine

Light burst into the chamber, as they had prepared for generations for this

moment, and summoned forth the power of the elements to drive Paladin V

back. Faced with the threat of both the knights and these new arrivals,

Paladin V fled by leaping out the window and fell to his death on the

courtyard below. At the very spot he landed, a pool of silver and black

sparkles formed into a large circle. This circle spread wider ever so slowly

and whatever it touched sank into the matter in an instant. Everyone

evacuated the capitol just as the sparkling dark portal engulfed the entirecity and the land began to alter as it had at Golgangi. As the skies sparked



and gleaned with mysterious colors a horde of figured began to emerge from

the ground. These beings with eyes of gold, dark violet armor, and figures

resembling beastly human form came in droves. First hundreds, then

thousands, and then more still; their numbers so vast the entire northern

border seemed to gleam violet under the malformed skies. The legions ofthe Archfiends had arrived, and the northern border was theirs.

1001-1200 YHM

Events following the emergence of the Archfiends can be hard to discern as

chaos and misinformation covered most of Aidespar during the height of the

invasion. The following are the few indisputable facts known from the war

thus far:

-After some years of constant debate, the story presented by the Church of

Divine Light (that the powers they had used to defeat Paladin V were Holy

Magics granted to them by the Light) was accepted as truth. This was

primarily aided by the holy tome the church presented to back up their

claims. To all present it appeared to be a completed copy of Light’s Will. No

one stepped forward to proclaim it as a false writing after inspection and

such it was accepted as the genuine article.

In truth though the Church’s copy of Light’s Will was mostly fabricated by

using the few fragments of the true Light’s Will the Church possesses inorder to give it legitimacy. Leaders of the Church did this because they

knew at present revealing the truths in the full pages would destabilize the

nation. Those highest up in the Elemental Knights know the public Light’s

Will to be a falsehood; as the original Elemental Knights learned their

techniques from four pages of the true Light’s Will (held as secret treasures

by each sect). Together they agreed not to publically dispute the Church’s

claims yet; both to gauge their intentions and because the public’s morale

would sharply decline if the Church were suddenly brought into question.

Although in general the rank and file Elemental Knights are still wary of the

Church and its activities, they do permit the casting of Holy Magic to aid

with the battle against the Archfiends and their minions.

-The crown princess gave up her authority at the same time Paladin V died

and vanished into the Elemental Knight's protection after having given them

the order to protect the realm at all costs. To this day the Elemental Knights

serve as both the forefront army against Archfiend incursions and as envoys

to other nations in order to try and secure help in this war. The princess'sdescendants are rare but they still do exist in the modern age, ensuring the



bloodline of Paladin and the Knight of Light still exists. At the princess's last

request, no attempts have been made by the Knights to reinstate the heir to

the throne as ruler of Aidespar lest the Chaos corrupts the King or Queen

again. It is unlikely the morale of the citizens could standing having a second

ruler killed in such a manner.

-To fill the power void left by the overnight disintegration of the monarchy,

a group of wealthy nobles gathered together and formed the Castle of the

Four Lords. Between having a vast city under their command and having the

funds to support the Knights and the Church in the defense of Aidespar, the

Nobility became a major political power in Aidespar. Behind the public

appearance of working to keep Aidespar's political structure alive and

working to support those who would crush the Archfiends sits a private face

which plans to ensure their societal position remains even should the

rightful descendants of Paladin return after the war's end.

-After the initial invasion the Archfiends attempted to cut a line right down

the middle of Aidespar with their legion of soldiers. The Elemental Knights

and the Church managed to prevent a direct invasion, but the vast numbers

of the Archfiend Legion have resulted in occupation of all of Aidespar's land

borders. Matters are complicated further by intelligence that the only force

Aidespar has seen so far is the foot soldiers. It is said the more powerfulcreatures leading this legion still lurk within the realm beyond the portal

from which the legion pours, a mystical realm dubbed Pandemonium.

-The Chaos is not only limited to the Archfiend foes however, as like Paladin

V before, many knights have fallen prey to the Chaos' influence. Those who

have become warped by the Chaos have begun to gather and form a faction

of their own. These Chaos Knights serve neither for Aidespar nor for the

Archfiends, rather they seem to have their own unknown agenda and have

been known to assault either faction at seemingly random points.

Additionally the Chaos Knights have driven the Archfiends out of Aidespar’s

southeastern corner and claimed it as their own. Through the aide of a page

of the Light’s Will they have managed to tear open their own link to

Pandemonium and shield it against invading Archfiends. Presently they use

this link to experiment with Pandemonium’s unbridled powers in hopes of

more quickly mastering the Chaos before it consumes them entirely.



Cultural Customs and Superstitions of Aidespar

Appearance and Equipment: To both the Church and the Elemental

Knights maintaining a proper appearance is very important. Ever since thefall of King Paladin V these two factions have become the stand in

representation of Aidespar as a whole. As such when not specifically going

off to a combat assignment both parties prefer to dress in the finest

ceremonial clothing available. This garb is intended to tell as much of their

country and family's history, usually by being covered in crests and other

finery to show the pride and power of their ancestors. It is often assumed

that if one is not dressed in their finest garb, then it shows an utter

disrespect for your heritage and that you do not true believe in the oaths

and vows you make as an individual.

Because of this and the very discomforting nature of Aidespar armor, most

Knights refuse to wear it unless they know they are going into a battle

where they will need it. Knights who do wear their armor into towns or

social gathers who are not specifically on guard duty for the hosting lord or

governor (denoted by a special crest given to those in such positions) will

often be chastised as being cowardly or idiotic. In contract, every Knight is

expected to carry his weapon of choice with him at all times (and theChurch their copies of Light’s Will). These items are the mark of the

individual's status and to not carry your weapon with you is an insult to

those who came before you. A Knight without his weapon or a Church

member without their tomes can expect public humiliation at best and duels

of Dignity at worst.

Alchemy: Some of the earliest Sorcerers in Aidespar's history discovered

that magic alone could not do certain tasks. Powerful viruses could still

claim a life despite the strongest healing spell and it could not be used to

alter existing objects aside from destroying them outright. From this desire

to go beyond the power of the arcane was born the purely human power of

Alchemy. Alchemy draws on the natural elements of the world such as

various minerals, herbs, and liquids to create fantastic concoctions with

capabilities limited only by the alchemist's imagination. Only a select few

bothered to take up the practice of Alchemy and during the rise and fall of

Sorcerer King Hazeldurn these few vanished out of the pages of history.

It wasn't until within the past century that knowledge of Alchemy was



rediscovered in various alchemist diaries found throughout Aidespar.

Eventually ambitious individuals began to practice the art and due to the

results it produced knowledge of Alchemy spread across the land. Once

rumors of this lost art reached the Elemental Knights and the Church both

groups immediately condemned its practice amongst any of their ranks. Forthe Knights viewed it as a foul relic of Hazeldurn's era, a symbol of the now

forbidden arcane arts; and the Church viewed Alchemy as a blasphemy

against the Light itself (as it's very foundation suggests there are things the

Light is not capable of doing in this world).

While this did highly limit the practice of Alchemy it did not stop it entirely.

The nobility of Aidespar has seen Alchemy as a something with great

potential and prevents both the Knights and the Church from banning it

outright. Those from the lower classes support the nobility in this as

Alchemy provides them with medicines and tools they might not otherwise

receive. This does not prevent both the Knights and the Church however

from looking down upon (and in extreme cases harassing) those who practice

it. If a member of the Knights or the Church is caught practicing Alchemy by

their superiors it is grounds for severe punishment.

Life and Duties as a Church Member: Those who have joined the

ranks of the Church of Divine Light are those believe to have (or havedemonstrated the ability) to use sorceric arts. Those accepted into the fold

spend many years as Initiates, studying the history of the Church and the

sorcerer's who founded it. They are not allowed to leave the Church until

they are properly educated on their techniques and the consequences of

letting the world know exactly what they are.

Once they pass this initiation, they are treated as "Priests" and allowed to

leave either for war against the Chaos, investigation for more of Aidespar's

"true" history, or to attend political courts run by the Nobles to ensure their

own political power is not diminished. Members of the Church often find

themselves welcomed by the Nobles due to their influence amongst the

commoners, but treated with some tension by the Knights due to suspicions

on the nature of their "Holy Magic". While not traveling members of the

Church often reside in one of the many monasteries scattered throughout

Aidespar, but their presence is often welcome in any city and it is

considered a great honor to have a Priest spend the night at one's abode.

Only the highest ranking members of the Church are aware of the truth



behind the false front of the counterfeit Light’s Will. Those amongst this

elite order have the twofold duties of searching for the missing pages of

Light’s Will and ensuring their contents never become public knowledge.

Life and Duties as a Knight: Those joining the legions of the

Elemental Knights go through a long and rigorous training process to ensure

their skills are finely honed before sending them out into the world. New

recruits begin as Squires underneath a Master. Their Master will often use

them for errands and spend the rest of their time training them the basics

needed to master their fighting style. Once the basics have been learned

knighthood is granted and training continues in between assignments that

the Masters will give to their pupils.

While in the Squire stage or freshly knighted, Elemental Knights will spend a

majority of their time residing in their temples or at nearby villages to get a

feel for the people they are sworn to protect. Once the reach a certain level

of training experience, an Elemental Knight can be sent out anywhere from

the courts of the Four Lords to the front line battles with Archfiends. The

Elemental Knights are welcome relatively everywhere, even amongst the

monasteries of the Church. However they are expected to pay for their own

lodging and are often subject to the influence any of their fellow

companions may have left of the populous before their arrival.

They enjoy a certain degree of privilege in that they are allowed to request

time to journey into the world and discover their true potential. These

travels often result in the Elemental Knights drifting from town to town and

handling problems that might be too small for the Knights to worry about as

an organization due to having to deal with the Archfiends and Chaos Knights.

Also Elemental Knights are often the individuals selected to go out on

delegations to foreign nations of behalf of Aidespar, to recruit help in

defeating the Chaos.

Although never publicly stated; the Elemental Knight’s penultimate duty is

still to the throne. Their members are always aware of the few who still

carry the pure blood of the Paladin line and will place highest priority on

ensuring their safety if forced to choose between any other present duties.

Failure in this obligation results in immediate expulsion from the Elemental

Knights.



Life and Duties as a Noble: While the Nobility may be considered to

lead a relaxed, if not spoiled life, due to the sheer amounts of wealth and

power their families command their lives could be considered the most

perilous in all of Aidespar. From the time they are of speaking age all those

within the Nobility are expected to start learning the social behaviors of

proper court and are groomed to set their ambitions as high as possible. A

Noble who is not trying to advance his own status in life is often considered

a waste of space and an embarrassment to the family they came from.

Those of the Nobility are introduced to the social scene on their 12th

birthday and from there have to deal with the many complexities of human

nature. There are people out there who can help them rise to power but

just as many who would stamp them into the dirt if it meant a rise in theirown personal life. These constant "attacks" by other Nobles ensure that one

has to adapt quickly and learn to take risks just to maintain one's own

position.

The Nobility very rarely leave the confines of the Castle of the Four Lords,

especially those who have obtained higher positions on the food chain. Yet it

is not unusual for younger Nobles to travel to other cities in order to

maintain political presence or to fulfill obligations. Quite often members of

the Nobility travel to the Elemental Knight temples and to the Church ofDivine Light to offer aid towards their individual goals.

Due to their social positions the Nobility never have to worry about

acceptance except by those of higher power than themselves. The Church

and the Knights both need the Nobility's funds and power much like the

Nobles need their influence and knowledge of the forces threatening to

consume Aidespar. However the Nobility realizes that the Knights and the

Church could eventually rise to be a greater political animal than

themselves once the war is over. To counter this, the Nobles will often play

the mistrust between the two factions against them in order to weaken both

sides once they become too powerful.

Knightly Valours: Much like the Code of Bushido in Rokugan; Aidespar

has its own set of virtues called the Knightly Valours. These ideas were first

drafted down by King Paladin before accepting the crown; and have been

the guiding principles behind anyone aspiring to follow the ideas of Valour.

Like Bushido, not ever aspect of the Knightly Valours is followed by anyone



of higher Valour. Some might focus on only one virtue and attempt to

master it; while others might only lightly follow all seven, or anything in-

between. Below is a list of the seven Knightly Valours and a brief summary

of the creed each one carries with it.

Courage: A Knight vows to always show Courage in the face of any threat,

to never back away from any challenge, and to serve his King with an

unwavering heart.

Justice: A Knight vows to always show Justice in a world that might not

always welcome it, to uphold the law of his King, and to ensure no wrong

ever goes un-righted.

Mercy : A Knight vows to always show mercy to his inferiors, to his enemies

who ask for it, and to his fellow Knights to ensure no needless blood is ever

shed.

Faith: A Knight vows to always show Faith towards his King and the

judgements he makes, to the Light and the life it has given to the world,

and towards his fellow man.

Diligence: A Knight vows to always show Diligence before the most menialof tasks, under any conditions might they be unfair or unfavorable, and in

the face of any other adversity.

Truth: A Knight vows to always show the Truth even if it would be

unfavorable to him, to ensure no lies are tolerated under his watch, and to

reward those who also uphold it.

Hope: A Knight vows to always show Hope regardless of how dire the

outcome appears, to be a symbol inspiring the hearts of the people, and to

show the world that Aidespar will never falter.

The Arcana: Almost as old as the tale of creation itself, the belief in the

Arcana is a core feature in Aidespar's history that remains steadfast to this

day. The Arcana are a group of 14 figures that Aidesparians believe govern

the various quirks of life such as fate or luck. Often if someone is gifted or

blessed at a particular aspect of their life it is said they were born under thefavor of the relating Arcana. Conversely if someone seems to have been



cursed at certain things, people refer to it as having the Arcana reversed, an

ill omen in Aidesparian society.

A popular use for the Arcana is a deck of 14 cards that those skilled in the

art of divination (or creative lying) use to foretell ones past, present, andfuture by interpreting the cards drawn and their positions. Two major

factors go into determining what each card presents; the Arcana drawn and

weather the card is right side up (good) or upside down (bad, often referred

to as "reversed").

Below are the 14 Arcana used in Aidesparian society and a brief, generalist

interpretation of their meanings. GMs are free to elaborate upon their

meaning and/or accuracy as is seen fit for the campaign.

Arcana 0- The Fool: The Fool is a representation of untapped potential and

a hard working spirit in search of experience to unlock this potential.

Arcana I- The Magician: The Magician represents an individuals talents and

resources and the constant pursuit to hone these resources into their purest

form.

Arcana II- The Priestess: The Priestess is often a symbol of inner intuition,pointing towards one who seeks to understand that which is beyond their

comprehension.

Arcana III- The Empress: The Empress is a reflect of the individual's outer

beauty, weather it is natural or a result of constant effort.

Arcana IV- The Emperor: The Emperor signifies power and the authority

that comes with that power. Often it is in relation to those who wish to use

that power to bend other wills to their own.

Arcana V- The Hierophant: The Hierophant symbolizes one who seems

knowledge for the purpose of enlightenment and furthering one's own

betterment.

Arcana VI- The Lovers: The Lovers is a symbol of all that is related to

attraction and charm. It deals more with the perception of beauty rather

than the phsyicalization of beauty.



Arcana VII- The Chariot: The Chariot reveals an individual's devotion to the

ideas of Valour and loyalty to someone or something.

Arcana VIII- The Justice: The Justice deals with knowledge like The

Hierophant, only this knowledge is often used more for personal gain or toshape the world rather than for higher callings.

Arcana IX- The Hermit: The Hermit appears to those who have often

reflected upon the world and have come to sympathize with the people who

struggle to survive in it.

Arcana X- The Fortune: The Fortune is a very powerful symbol as it can

influence the personal success of one's endeavors in life. Wealth and fame

are often tied to this Arcana.

Arcana XI- The Strength: The Strength foretells of one's ability to endure

and possible change the condition of one's circumstances through fierce

determination and strenght of mind.

Arcana XII- The Hanged Man: The Hanged Man governs all senses of duty to

a higher calling. This symbol often appears for those who would sacrifice

themselves for a cause.

Arcana XIII- Death: The Death is the only symbol in all the Arcana that will

never appear in reverse. This Arcana symbolizes the end of everything and is

considered the unluckiest Arcana in the set.

The Art of the Insult: Much like in Rokugan, Aidespar has it's own form

of socially acceptable insults. Often this battle of wits is played out during

social gatherings as almost something of a party game. However the game

has very real and potentially dire consequences for one's political career if

played poorly. A battle begins when one party says something mildly

insulting to another. It is then the insulted party's job to come up with a

retort that is slightly worse than the one given unto them. The original

insulter may then counter with a mildly harsher insult and so the pattern

repeats.

This continues until either one party cannot think of an insult to retort with,

or if one side throws out an insult so harsh it leads to either a duel of Valouror Dignity (depending upon the nature of the insult). It takes a finely skilled



tongue to toe the line between acceptable insult and challenge worthy

slander, so these final sections of the bout can create quite a tense

atmosphere for those observing it. Those who are skilled at this art often

receive high acclaim amongst the nobility and it can be said that one needs

to master this skill in order to have any hope of advancing up the socialladder.

Mechanical Changes

Before we get to the parts I know everyone's waiting for (character schools) I

need to go over some of the core changes you will have to incorporate when

dealing with Aidespar themes in your game.

Currency

Let's get the easiest one out of the way first. This is the currency conversion

compared to Rokugan.

Koku = Dolat (Large Golden Rectangle, size of two thumbs side by side)

Bu = Laral (Small Silver Square, size of a pinky)

Zeni = Met (Bronze Square, size of thumbnail)

Glory and Honor v Dignity and Valour/Status First let's cover some changes to the baseline stats. Status remains relatively

the same in Aidespar as it does in Rokugan. Glory and Honor have slightly

different functions however.

Starting with Glory, it is now called "Dignity". All Aidespar characters start

out with a Dignity of 5.0. Dignity is the respect given to you for your deeds

and behavior in public. In example a character with a Dignity of 8.0 is well

known for any combination of heroics, impeccable manners, or just being a

social grace where ever they might go. Where as conversely a character with

a Dignity of 2.0 might be known for cowardly acts, social faux pas, or just

being a rude barbarian that most proper lords and ladies will try to keep

well away from their dinner parties. Dignity is important when dealing with

members of the Church or higher status individuals. Without at least a 3.0 in

Dignity social interaction with these groups incurs a +15 TN penalty. All

foreigners are considered to have a Dignity of 0.

Honor in Aidespar is called "Valour". Your Valour starting value will dependupon your starting school. All foreigners are considered to have a Valour or



at least 2.0 unless they perform any immoral deeds, at which point it

automatically drops to 0. Valour is a general term used to describe the

moral behavior of an individual. Those who perform virtuous and acts for the

good of their fellow man will have higher Valour (such as defending the

weak, giving to the poor, ect.). Where as those with more sinful intentionswill have little to no Valour (extorting the defenseless, allowing misdeeds to

go unpunished). Valour is important when dealing with commoners and the

Elemental Knights. Without at least a 2.0 in Valour social interaction with

these groups incurs a +15 TN penalty.

Void v Light

In Aidespar's culture there is no concept of the Void like in Rokugan,

however a similar mechanic exists. Aidespar's founding belief is in a mysticalsource of energy and power known as The Light. They believe that because

humans are born from the Light's essence that a small bit of the Light's

power exists within every living thing. By attuning themselves to this power

they can push themselves to perform amazing feats under any

circumstances.

Light functions just as Void in Rokugan with the same mechanical benefits.

Just replace all instances of "Void" with "Light" when using L5R material.

(I.E: Light Ring, spending a Light point, ect.)

Aidesparian v Rokugani Magic

The magic used by ancient sorcerer's and modern members of the Church

functions exactly like Rokugani magic with some minor differences.

1. Rather than casting from a scroll, Aidesparian priests have an individually

customized copy of Light’s Will (differences are in the spells the priest has

been taught) they carry with them. Mastery rules still work the same.

2. Magic does not come from the Kami, as Aidesparians do not believe in

them. In Aidespar Magic is truthfully the power granted to those born under

the divided aspect Light known as the Order (the counter part to the Chaos).

Because this isn't known amongst Aidespar's few practitioners of magic,

invoking the power of the Elements is done so by calling forth the Magic in

the name of the Light. An example in character terms would be: "By the

Light I call forth the powers of Water to heal you of your wounds."



3. Spells like Commune still function when cast by an Aidesparian. However

they believe they are talking to an incarnation of the Light itself in

elemental form rather than an elemental Kami.

The Endless

Unique only to native born Aidesparian Sorcerers is the danger of being

turned into an “Endless”. In Aidespar magic is the result of beings tapping

into the Order’s power and allowing it to be channeled through their bodies.

The more spells a Sorcerer knows the more of this influence he is allowing

in. As all living things in Aidespar are born from the Order this is a perfectly

natural process; until the Sorcerer starts trying to advance their powers too

quickly. Whether it be through a desire for greater power or a thirst forknowledge once a Sorcerer has brought more of the Order’s influence in

than his soul can handle the Order overwhelms and consumes his mind.

When this happens the original soul is extinguished and a new one is born

within their old body. This soul can have any sort of personality traits as a

normal person; however they will be insatiably obsessed with the innate

impulses of the Order itself. A desire for law, harmony, and the utter

extinction of Chaos. These impulses are so strong than an Endless will

inevitably become tyrannical in nature and will go to any ends to bring

absolute Order to the world around it.

An Endless is created when any Sorcerer learns a number of spells greater

than his Insight Rank x 10. Their lifespans are extended to an average of

1000 years and can cast any spell they have learned as though it were of

Mastery Rank 1 for the purposes of actions required to cast. The ultimate

downfall of any Endless is they will always have a personal set of “rules”;

typically in the form that requires them to play out a form of “game” with

those who stand before them. However the Endless are never obligated to

explain these rules which leads to many perishing without standing a

chance. Because of how the Endless are created and the devastation the last

one caused (Sorcerer King Hazeldurn) the Church is very strict about limiting

the amount of additional spells their members learn outside of their

training. However due to natural born Sorcerers sometimes escaping the

Church’s notice there have been some cases of Endless popping up over the

years which the Church deals with as swiftly as possible.

The Chaos



Like Rokugan has Jigoku and the Shadowlands Taint, Aidespar has

Pandemonium and the Chaos. Chaos is a malevolent side effect of the

Archfiend's home realm of Pandemonium. Pandemonium is a plane of

existence founded on pure, unbridled Chaos. When beings from other realms

are exposed to this Chaos it has a chance of effecting their minds andgradually taking them over. Once infected by Chaos an individual's hair will

gradually turn the darkest shade of black and their eyes will turn yellow as

the Chaos spreads. Physical changes aren't the only alterations. Once

infected a person's ability to make rational judgements will slowly diminish.

This can be in the form of hypocritical logic or just pure insanity, in the end

all that will be left is an unpredictable and often dangerous individual.

Those who spend more than 30 minutes in any area effected by

Pandemonium's influence must make a Willpower roll against a TN of 10.

This roll is redone and increases by 1 for every additional five hours spent in

Pandemonium's domain. There is no known way to protect oneself against

the influence of Chaos except to avoid it at all costs. If the Willpower roll

has failed the individual gains 0.1 points of Chaos and gains an additional 0.1

once every month. The following stages of infection apply for Chaos points.

0.1-1.0 Chaos: The individual has begun to exhibit small signs of physical

change. Their personality begins to crumble and their temper is far lesserthan normal. Characters with this rank of Chaos are treated as having the

Brash disadvantage but may also harness the whimsical nature of Chaos at a

price. Once per game they may gain an additional 0.1 Chaos to re-roll any

roll and keep the higher of the two results.

1.1-2.0 Chaos: As the Chaos takes root in the very soul of the individual

their appearance continues to degenerate and their personality becomes

more unpredictable. Character with this rank of Chaos are treated as having

the additional disadvantages of Contrary and Disturbing Countenance. Yet

the Chaos is not without it's gifts and grants the player an additional re-roll

per game.

2.1-3.0 Chaos: At this stage in the Chaos's cycle the mind is all but gone.

Hardly anything of their original personality exists and the transformation of

hair and eyes is almost complete at this stage. No additional penalties are

invoked at this stage. The Chaos within you has grown to the point where

others afflicted in the same manner can recognize you for what you are andwill not attack you unless you attack them first.



3.1+ Chaos: When the Chaos point reach this level the character loses

themselves to the Chaos entirely and is reborn as a Rank 1 Chaos Knight.

Players should be aware that those of the Church and the Elemental Knightswill attack anyone they believe to be touched by Pandemonium immediately

and to the death. People may attempt to see the sparks of Chaos within

your eyes and words with an Investigation/Perception roll vs your

Sincerity/Awareness. You gain a +5 TN penalty to your roll for every full

Rank of Chaos you possess.

Advantage/Disadvantage and Skill Changes

Certain Advantages and Disadvantages will not function for Aidesparcharacters. Here is a list of said items as well as some that only require

minor changes.

Cannot Work as Written: Blood of Osano-Wo, Dark Paragon, Friend of the

Brotherhood, Inari's Blessing, Paragon, Sacred Weapon, Sacrosanct, Seven

Fortune's Blessing, Cast Out, Consumed, Dishonored, Disbeliever, Failure of

Bushido, Forced Retirement, Hostage, Lord Moon's Curse, Momoku, Seven

Fortune's Curse

All Advantages and Disadvantages: Aidespar characters do not get discounts

or have to pay extra points. Replace Honor with Valour and Glory with

Dignity. Replace all instances of Kami and other otherworldly stuff with "The

Light". Use Lore (Knightly Valours) instead of Lore (Bushido).

Absolute Direction: Does not work within any area touched by Pandemonium.

Crab Hands: Renamed Shifting Styles. (Until I think of a better name)

Different School: Renamed Foreign Sensei, applies only to Rokugani schools as

every Aidespar school is avaliable regardless of starting family. Worth 7

points instead of 5 due to difficulty in finding a sensei.

Forbidden Knowledge: Examples for Aidespar are: Pandemonium and Sorcery.

Gaijin Gear: Includes Rokugani items.

Heart of Vengeance: Applies to Archfiends, Chaos Knights, Foreigners, or

members of a specific household.

Ishiken-Do: Renamed Inheritor of the Light. Grants the player the Affinity for

Light Spells along with the ability to cast them.

Large: Example height now 6'3" to 6'7"



Bad Fortune: No Moto or Yogo curses.

Gaijin Name: Now includes Rokugani names.

Idealistic: Applies more to a personal Code of Valour than Bushido.

Infamous: Drops your Dignity down to 0. Worth 6 points as a Dignity of 0 will

hurt quite badly in Aidespar.Shadowlands Taint: Renamed Pandemonium's Touch. Gives 0.1 Chaos points.

Worth 5 points due to Chaos points having no way to avoid accumulation.

The Skill Kyujutsu is replaced by the Skill Archery, which functions

mechanically the same.

The Perform Skill now includes the following Sub-types: Harp, Pan Flute,

Ocarina, Organ, Trombone, Vielle (Fiddle).

The Games Skill now includes the following Sub-types: Backgammon, Chess,

Hammer-Toss, Horseshoes, Knucklebones (Dice Game), Rugby.

Courtier Skills learned from one nation suffer a +20 TN penalty when used in

a foreign court due to a natural lack of the cultures everyday standards. This

penalty is removed if one has spent more than 5 years attending a foreign

court regularly.

Status in Aidespar

The following is a list of examples regarding Status and the place of the

individual in Aidespar society.

Rank 0-0.9: If one has fallen so far down in status it is usually assumed they

have done something horrible to deserve it and have no place in proper

society. Members of the Status Rank usually include the traitors, the

hardened criminals, the blasphemers, or invading foreigners.

Rank 1-1.9: Within the lower tiers of Status lie your everyday common man

and their immediate superiors. Although still considered commoners or

peasants, these people who work out in the fields or in the cities every day

as part of their lives mostly fill out this rank of status. The higher end of this

rank being reserved for upstanding citizens or well known small shop

owners.

Rank 2-2.9: This rank of Status marks the beginning of the tall ladderleading up to high society. Here you begin to see more important people in



society appear. Squires in Training to become Elemental Knights or

inductees to the Church appear in this rank. Young children of high ranking

families also wield this level of influence along with more important

commoners such as a powerful merchant lord or local magistrate. (PCs

starting as Rank 0 Squire or Inductee characters begin with a Status of 2).

Rank 3-4.9: Here the gap begins to widen and more gaps can be seen

between people of similar station. Local town or city governors work within

this rank. Noble men and women freshly starting their adult lives often

occupy this rank of Status; and when an individual graduates from Squire to

Elemental Knight or from inductee to Church Inquisitor they inherit this

Status as well. (PCs generated as either Knights, Church members, or as part

of the Nobility begin with a Status of 3)

Ranks 5-7.9: Towards the middle and upper ends of the Status ladder you'll

find very few commoners unless they are servants underneath higher lords

and ladies working as their closest servants. This rank encompasses all the

lower to mid ranking nobility and contains members of the Knights and

Church who have occupied positions of great importance. (Such as Captain

of a small squad of knights, or a revered Bishop leading their own Church

branch.)

Rank 8-8.9: Only the true elite of Aidespar grace this upper step of Status.

Here lies the most powerful and wealth of lords and ladies, while only the

Church's Leader and Masters of each Elemental Knight academy hold these

grounds.

Rank 9-9.9: There is only one individual in all of Aidespar who can have a

status of 9-9.9, and that is the hero of the people: The Knight of Light.

Because this hero has only appeared once in Aidespar's history, this is not a

position often filled; if ever during an individual's lifetime.

Rank 10: The King (or Queen) of Aidespar is the highest ranking individual

within the entire social system. Even the legendary Knight of Light concedes

to the ruler's judgement. However since the fall of King Paladin V there has

not been any soul bold (or foolish) enough to claim ancestral right over the

throne. Even those aware of their heritage are reluctant to even consider

the thought, for ruling over the current state of Aidespar would come at a

very hefty cost...



Rokugan Versus Aidespar

Honor against Valour: One of the initial hurdles any mixing of Samurai

and Knights is going to incur is the philosophical differences of both groups.There is some common ground between the two that can be explored. Both

the principles of Honor and Valour express a desire to do what is best for

one's country. They both express a sense of duty that one has as well as the

importance of one's given word. Yet this is where the common ground ends

and both sides begin to tread in unfamiliar (and perhaps unwanted)

territory.

A very important difference between the two sides is to whom each faction

serves. Samurai are concerned with upholding the greater good for their

clans and Empire. They put the clan's needs before their own or other

individuals and the Empire's needs before all else. Knights on the other hand

stoutly believe that it is the well being of each individual that contributes to

the greater good of the Kingdom. Knights work for the most part as

independent individuals and will often perform their services to either

protect the common man or to follow their self-sense of justice.

This sense of Commonality vs Individualism will often cause tension betweenthe two factions. At the very least you can expect many a heated debate

between a Samurai and a Knight over the morality over any given situation

where this theme presents itself. Another major example of this comes from

their views about failure. If a Samurai fails an important duty given to him

or shames his charge, he is expected to commit seppuku to atone for this

and restore his Honor. The Knights on the other hand believe that if one fails

then it is the responsibility of that individual to redeem his Valour through

great acts or pledges of servitude to the ones he or she failed. The art of

seppuku would be considered to be a horrifying act and a great waste of awarrior's potential. It is not unlikely that a Knight witnessing a seppuku

might attempt to intervene.

Other quarrels between the two sides over Honor versus Valour are sure to

pop up, but to conclude let's compare the two sides on a scale to provide a

reference for how likely the two sides are to get along.

Worst Relation

Spider/Tainted Samurai



Honor Rank 10

9

8

7

65

4

3

2

1

0

Best Relation

Valour Rank 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

10

Chaos Knight

Worst Relation

Those between the two most likely to get along are the Ronin and the more

valourous Knights. The lower honor Samurai have a stronger sense of

individualism that meshes more easily with the Knight's views of Valour. As

the Samurai's Honor increases and the Knight's Valour decreases this gap

widens. At the higher ends of the spectrum are what each side considers to

be the worst possible view of each other.

A 10 Honor Samurai might be willing to sacrifice a village of small chidren

and kittens if his Emperor told him it would save Rokugan, a crime no Knight

would dare forgive. Such rigid adherence to Bushido makes it virtually

impossible for relations between the two groups.

Conversely a 0 Valour Knight is a man without any sort of moral compass orsense of justice that does what he wants, when he wants, regardless of



consequence. Such a Knight is the embodiment of every Rokugani stereotype

about Gaijin: A wild barbarian without any sense of refinement of

intelligence.

At the far ends of the spectrum are the Samurai and Knights whose directrelations are beyond possible. To the Knights the Spider/Tainted Samurai

represent a disloyalty to one's comrades that the worst of all sins. Due to

the dire nature of the Archfiend invasion the Knights treat loyalty to one's

countrymen as a vow above all else, as any inside attack would cause

Aidespar to soon crumble. So the Spider/Tainted's attempts to collapse the

Empire from within paint them as the worst kind of villain to the Knights.

The Chaos Knights are to Rokugani the stuff that their gaijin nightmares are

made of. With all the negative viewpoints of a 0 Valour Knight, Chaos

Knights also represent to Samurai two things a gaijin should never have:

Power and Unpredictability.

Shugenja in Aidespar: With the ban upon the arcane arts in Aidespar,

a Rokugani Shugenja might unwittingly find themselves in a dire situation

rather quickly. With their strange language praying to an unknown and

unseen force to produce elemental magic, a Shugenja will quickly stand out

to anyone from Aidespar. If seen by performing such magic by the Knightsthey might be arrested or executed on the spot for performing these illegal

arts.

If found by the Church however they will be quickly taken in from the prying

eyes of the Knights and peasantry to have it explained to them the present

circumstances in Aidespar as well as to inquire into their powers. The

concept of the Kami will not settle well with the Church's theology but in

the end those higher up in the Church's ranks will come to the conclusion

that the Kami are just another representation of the Light (and that

Rokugani are too far separated from their own history to recognize this).

If Shugenja are going to cast in public without drawing suspicion to

themselves they need to do one of two things. The first is simply to cast the

spell with the Stealth Emphasis and without a scroll. The other is to learn

from the Church the prayers they invoke to use their magic and integrate

that into their own chants to disguise what they are really doing (this

requires 1 Raise on the Spell Casting roll due to the difficulty of praying tothe Kami in Rokugani while uttering a few louder key words in Aidesparian).



Families of Aidespar

All families in Aidespar can trace their linage back to one of four great

ancestors who helped found their country and survived to pass on their

legacy. While the families might be more genetically diverse now then at

Aidespar's origin it is still customary to take your ancestor's name as your

families own, and some traits of the ancestors are still shared with those

who proudly bear their name.

Dantes: +1 Willpower

Those descending from the Dantes are known for being part of a proud and

willful family. Dantes are usually stout traditionalists who not only stronglybelieve in the values of the past but have the mental fortitude to back up

those beliefs. Traditionally Dantes family members have served in military

positions or harsh work environments where a steady head is needed to

succeed.

Richelieu: +1 Perception

Ancestor Richelieu was the forefather to the cruel Sorcerer King Hazeldurn.

No other holds this past blight against the Richelieus, but the family itself

does best to forget this past and keep it from ever being mentioned in

public. Like the Sorcerer King however, Richelieus are very keen on their

surroundings and are often the first people to notice weaknesses in both

things and people.

Medici: +1 Intelligence

Medici was the only family amongst the original four ancestors to see the

value of the arts and sciences. Their love of knowledge has spread

throughout the generations and is still largely intact today. The Medici areusually quiet and contemplative, but are hardly pacifistic by any means and

have alternate means of defending their honor. It is often said amongst the

other families that they would rather face each other's swords than a

Medici's tongue.

Villefort: +1 Awareness

Even from the start of Aidespar as a civilization the Villefort were the self-

proclaimed watchmen of their brothers. Villeforts are often raised on stories

of justice and great heroism, which works well with their natural ability to



notice their surroundings and hunt down injustices. Much to the delight of

some and the irritation of others, the Villeforts are infamous for churning

out just as many vigilantes as they do valourous knights.

Schools of Aidespar

Knight of the Earth [Knight]

Like the Earth itself the Knights of Earth are renown for being unmoving,

unbreakable, and stoic in the face of unspeakable perils. Clad in the

heaviest of armors and wielding weapons nearly as large as your average

Aidesparian; it is little wonder why most forces would seek to turn aside and

retreat then to face an Knight of Earth in direct conflict. Yet of all the

Elemental Knights the Knights of Earth are perhaps the most peaceful

branch. Often a Knight of Earth does not become involved in a direct

confrontation unless there is no other alternative. Many times they'll seek to

either talk down a situation or intimidate one side into capitulating. But

when forced to fight they do not back down, and they do not stop until their

task is completed.

Benefit: +1 Stamina

Skills: Lore (Oaths and Vows), Intimidation, Defense, Horsemanship, Heavy

Weapons, Medicine, Hunting

Valour: 5.5Outfit: Full-Plate, Ceremonial Clothing, any 1 Heavy Weapon, Knight's

Steed, Traveling Pack, 5 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: Gift of the Earth

The body of a Knight of Earth has been condition to endure the pressures

and constrictions of heavy weight. As a result the Knights of Earth are able

to don incredibly heavy armor and wield their massive weapons with an

unusual amount of precision. You may wear Full-Plate armor with none of



the typical penalties normally applied. Also you gain a +1K0 bonus to all

attack rolls made with Heavy Weapons and your Intimidation rolls.

Rank Two: The Ever Enduring Rock

It is true that a man can topple the greatest mountain with only his barehands, yet it is also true that such a task would take a lifetime to complete.

The same philosophy applies to an individual seeking to topple one of the

Knights of Earth. For the Knights of Earth are just as enduring and stubborn

as the mountains. You may treat your Wound Ranks as though the Earth

Multiplier were one rank higher. (I.E: If your game uses your Earth Ring x 2

to calculate wounds, you would now calculate your wounds at Earth Ring x 3

with this Technique.)

Rank Three: Thundering Avalanche

Not only is the Earth known for it's properties of endurance but it also

creates a force of destruction nearly rivaling that of Fire once it is set in

motion. Once a boulder begins its downhill journey, it is the only thing that

decides when it stops. Anything in it's path is left in ruins. You may calculate

the damage you deal with Heavy Weapons as if your Strength trait were 1.5

times higher than normal.(rounded down) (I.E A Knight of Earth with a

Strength of 4 would calculate damage as if his Strength were a 6 with this

Technique.) In additional you may roll an additional number of dice equal toyour School Rank on any Fear check.

Rank Four: Earthen Retort

While the Earth may not be as swift as the Wind, fluid as Water, or fierce as

Fire, it still has a way of getting things done in it's own due time. You may

now make attacks with Knight and Heavy Weapons as Simple Actions,

instead of as Complex Actions.

Rank Five: Roar of the Earth's Fury

Fire may spring up anywhere and consume all it touches, but without fuel it

burns out into cinders. Water may wash away all foolish enough to stand

before it, but the wise are beyond it's grasp. Air may wear away even the

eternal, but it is too capricious to focus on such a task. When the Earth roars

with its internal rage, the very world quakes and nothing can ignore its

wrath. The Knights of Earth have learned to contain their rage like the Earth

and release it in one furious burst that causes lesser men to faith on the

spot. You may spend a Light Point to unleash a bestial roar that travels 20 ftx your Earth Ring. Anyone within the path of the shock wave (deafness and



plugging your ears does not grant immunity) treats you as though you have a

Fear Rating equal to your Earth Ring for 5 rounds.

Knight of the Fire [Knight]

As is expected after being blessed by the element of Fire, the Elemental

Knights of this discipline are hot-headed, aggressive, and very effective at

cutting a swath through their enemies. It is a common saying by the Knights

of Fire that if you have time to breath, you have time to take another swing

at your enemy. Their fighting style consists of fighting with two weapons and

focusing more of offensive tactics than defensive ones. It is said the true

masters of flame can fight with the largest of weapons single-handedly

without missing a beat.

Benefit: +1 Agility

Skills: Lore (Oaths and Vows), Sincerity, Athletics, Horsemanship,Swordsmanship, Fencing, any 1 weapon skill

Valour: 4.5

Outfit: Brigandine or Half-Plate, Ceremonial Clothing, Bastard Sword, any 1

weapon, Knight's Steed, Traveling Pack, 3 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: Double Handed Strike

Those who wish to fight with two weapons must first learn to overcome the

balance issues striking with two blades presents. Only once this hurdle hasbeen surpassed can one begin to learn how to strike with both blade. You

may reduce the TN penalty for wielding an off-hand weapon by an amount

equal to your School Rank x 2.

Rank Two: My Strike is my Shield

While the two weapon fighting style the Knights of Fire teach encourages

direct attacks, this does not mean they completely abandon all sense of

self. A master of two weapon fighting learns to position their blades todeflect oncoming attacks while still going in for the kill. While wielding two



weapons, you gain a bonus to their Armor TN equal to your Insight Rank x 3

(replacing the normal Insight Rank bonus).

Rank Three: Twin-Headed Strike

Once the basics of balance and stance are learned, then the Knights of Firecan begin using their second weapon in a more offensive manner. You may

make attacks as a Simple Action instead of a Complex Action so long as your

first attack is with your primary weapon and your second is with your off-

hand weapon.

Rank Four: Sparking Strike

Now that the basics of two weapon wielding have been mastered the Knights

of Fire may begin learning how to hone their strikes. Aggression is the key to

their style, for a Knight of Fire stops moving only once the battle is over.

Regardless of the victor. When assuming Full Attack stance, you may either

gain +2K1 to your attack rolls while reducing the Armor TN penalty to -1 or

gain +2K2 plus your Fire Ring to your attack rolls. If you choose the +2K2

bonus the Armor TN penalty for Full Attack stance increases to -15.

Rank Five: Fire's Double Cleaving Edge

Only once a Knight of Fire has perfected their balance, stance, attack, and

mentality can they truly unleash the raw power of Fire into their skills. Aperfected Knight of Fire is not only skilled in both of his weapons for

individual attacks, but also in using both of those weapons to strike their foe

at once. As long as the you are wielding two weapons, you may attack with

both their primary weapon and their off-hand weapon at once as a Simple

Action. When this technique is used, the off-hand weapon only deals half

damage (rounded down). Damage rolls are done individually for the primary

and off-hand weapon.

Knight of the Water [Knight]

Those who follow the ways of Water believe in the insight to see through theworld's many lies and flexibility to accept the constant change happening



around oneself. The keen observations of the Knights of Water make them

not only a dangerous foe to face on the battlefield, but have led towards

their primary role as envoys to other nations. If one word sums up an

Elemental Knight of Water it would be: balance. Their fighting style

incorporates a shield along with their weapon and often they practice thesocial arts with equal emphasis to their combat prowess. Both on and off the

battlefield a Knight of Water is never to be underestimated.

Benefit: +1 Strength

Skills: Lore (Oaths and Vows), Horsemanship, Defense, Spears, Courtier,

Investigation, Meditation

Valour: 6.0

Outfit: Brigandine or Half-Plate, any 1 Spear, Wooden Shield, Ceremonial

Clothing, Knight's Steed, Traveling Pack, 4 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: A Serene Rhythm

The Knight of Water's philosophy of balance and insight applies to both their

views of combat and daily interactions off the battlefield. It is those who

understand this art that begin the path into Water's enlightenment. You may

use a Shield without incurring any of the normal off-hand TN penalties. Also

you may use your Perception in place of your Awareness for all Social Skills.

Rank Two: Water is Patient

Only the fool looks upon the still waters of the ocean and says to himself "I

see no threat therefore it is safe.". Water is a cunning and patient element

that can wait for years or decades before unleashing its fury upon the

shores. The Knights of Water have adapted this into a defensive tactic that

relies on waiting for the opponent to come to you. You may add your Water

Ring x 3 to your Armor TN against any opponent that is higher than you in

the initiative order. Additionally you may roll and extra number of dice

equal to your Water Ring on all Defense rolls.

Rank Three: The Rushing Tides

Just as the high tide rushes in to engulf the land so does the Knight of Water

devour his opponent with a flurry of precise strikes. You may make attacks

as a Simple Action with Knight and Spear weapons instead of a Complex

Action as normal.

Rank Four: Hidden Kindness



While the Water may appear to be a cold and cunning element in truth it has

a softer, nurturing side to it. Those who have pledged themselves to serving

this element will come to understand this in time and accept the blessings

that Water gives her children. Once per day you may make a

Meditation/Perception roll as a Complex Action against a TN equal to halfthe number of Wounds you are suffering. If you succeed you immediately

healed a number of Wounds equal to the amount your roll exceeded the TN

by.

Rank Five: Water Always Wins

Water is a wise element that never moves without purpose or knowledge of

its effects. Because of its deep self-understanding it can also perceive the

actions of those surrounding it and react accordingly. A true Knight of Water

has the ability to read a situation in a matter of seconds and determine a

course of action that will hurt his opponents in the worst way possible.

During a skirmish you may make a Perception/Investigation Roll with a TN

equal to 10 X the number of opponents you are targeting. This is the only

action you may take this round. If you succeed the following happens:

-Your initiative is altered so that you move immediately before anyone you

targeted with this Technique next combat round.

-You are allowed to know the exact moves the targets are going to perform

this round and against who they are being taken.-You gain a Free Raise for any action taken against any of the targets for this

round only.

Knight of the Wind [Knight]

There's only one thing constant about a Knight of the Wind and that being

that they come and go much like the wind itself. Those taking up the sword

under the Wind's banner are usually the most laid back and capricious of all

the Elemental Knights. While they share a same strong sense of justice and

valour like the Knights of Fire; the Knights of the Wind aren't as quick to

anger and more often take situations very lightly. This does not cheapentheir skills though, as there are none as skilled with a Saber in the entire



Kingdom of Aidespar. They may seem like good-natured buffoons at times,

but provoke a Knight of the Wind at your own peril.

Benefit: +1 Reflexes

Skills: Lore (Oaths and Vows), Horsemanship, Fencing, Swordsmanship,Etiquette, Athletics, Slight of Hand

Valour: 5.0

Outfit: Brigandine, Rapier or Short Sword, Ceremonial Clothing, Knight's

Steed, Traveling Pack, 2 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: Graceful Cross-Breeze

While not as durable or damaging as their other Elemental Knight brethren,

the Knights of the Wind learn the lessons of speed and grace from their

patron element. Not only are they light on their feet because of this, but

they also pick up a sort of playful charm much like that of a spring breeze.

You may treat your Water Ring as two ranks higher when determining the

distance of your Move Actions. Also you Add your Air Ring to the total of all

Social Skill Rolls.

Rank Two: Rolling Hurricane

While the Wind can cause damage where ever it goes, it hardly stays in oneplace for long. The true power for the wind comes from its ability to pierce

as it moves, ensuring a widespread path of destruction behind it. The

Knights of the Wind apply this idea into their strikes and seldom stay in the

same place for long. You may gain an additional +1K1 to your attack rolls

with Sabers if you have taken your full Free Move Action before making your

attack.

Rank Three: Wind's Swift Strikes

The Wind's quickness is something to be feared and respected, for the

blessing it gives those who serve it allow them a lithe agility not many can

match. You may now make attacks as Simple Actions rather than Complex

Actions with Saber Weapons.

Rank Four: Fast as the Wind Itself

If there's one idealistic, if not childish, dream that Knights of the Wind share

it's the desire to one day be able to outrun the wind itself. Never satisfied

with their current abilities, a Knight of the Wind will often refine his speedthrough many days of practice until the time in which he is forced to retire



his blade. You may add half of your Athletics Skill (rounded down) in kept

dice to your Initiative Rolls. (I.E: An Athletics Skill of 7 would give you an

additional +3K0 to Initiative).

Rank Five: Spiraling Twister Knights of the Wind are not as aggressive as the Fire counterparts, as well-

rounded as their Water counterparts, or as enduring as their Earth

counterparts. They know that speed is their only ally but for a Knight of the

Wind this is a matter to be proud of. Speed is their true ally and their

ultimate strength. Those who scoff the speed of a true Knight of the Wind

will be in for a very alarming lesson. In battle you may perform the Extra

Attack maneuver for only three raises against an opponent who has a lower

initiative than you.

Church Inquisitor [Sorcerer]

Those who form the Church's Inquisitorial Squad are those who have

inherited the talents of the ancient Sorcerers. Inquisitors use these blessings

to go out into the world in the name of The Light so that the Archfiend

scourge might be eliminated from this world. They consist of many types of

individuals from the aloof wanders to the highly ambitious and devout

pastors. But regardless of personality or heraldry they all share the common

goal of purifying Aidespar of Chaos' influence while hiding their true nature

under their holy garb.

Benefit: +1 to any Trait

Skills: Lore (The Light), Lore (Archfiends), Spellcraft, Temptation,

Divination, Stealth, any 1 High Skill

Valour: 3.0

Outfit: Priest's Robes, Ceremonial Clothing, Holy Tome, Symbol of the

Church, Mule or Donkey, Traveling Pack, 8 Dolats

Affinity/Deficiency: Church Inquisitors may chose any element, except

Light, as their Affinity and any element as their Deficiency.



Technique: Blessing of the Light- Those who have learned to manipulate

the elements from the Church have been taught how to channel their spells

without overexerting their own capacities. You gain an additional number of

spell slots for the element you have an Affinity with equal to your Insight

Rank. (If you take the Advantage, Inheritor of the Light, this does not applyto Light Spells.)

Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon, 2 Spells from your chosen Affinity, 2

Spells from a Second Element, 2 Spells from a Third Element, and 1 Spell

from any Element of your choosing you have the ability to cast.

Noble Scion [Courtier]

Those who tread the treacherous waters of Aidespar's courts are often those

belonging to the Nobility. The Scions are often trained in all the arts of

conversations, from social niceties to all forms of verbal manipulation. Inorder to survive a gathering of one's peers, a Noble Scion must be able to

adapt to any social situation and as such study every aspect of courtly life,

including the dueling arts of Valour and Dignity. The primary strength of a

Noble Scion however is not his words, not his tricks, but his Status. Position

is everything to a Noble and those of lesser station will bear the brunt of

their words with far less resistance then one of equal or higher station.

Benefit: +1 Awareness

Skills: Courtier, Etiquette, Fencing or Jousting, Games (any), Intimidation,Investigation, Sincerity, any one skill.

Valour: 2.0

Outfit: 2 sets of Extravagant Clothing, Fine Ceremonial Attire, 30 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: Privileged Position

A Noble Scion by nature of their upbringing has far more political clout than

any other member of Aidesparian Society. Noble Scions begin with anadditional full rank of Status. Additionally your TN on any Social Skill check



against a target of lower Status than you is reduced by 5.

Rank Two: Eyes on the Prize

One of the most important lessons a Noble Scion learns is how to distinguish

between those who can advance their own ambitions and those seeking totake advantage of them. You can roll an opposed Courtier/Awareness check

against anyone you have spent more than 5 minutes of conversation with to

attempt to determine any hidden meaning behind their words. You gain an

additional +1K0 to this roll for every full rank of Status you exceed your

opponent by.

Rank Three: Survival of the Fittest

While many courtly debates are solved through an extended exchange of

words, there are times where words go too far and one as to defend oneself

with either sword or lance. Your Fencing or Jousting skill (depending on

which you selected) now gains a bonus of +1K0 on all opposed checks. You

gain an additional +0K1 against any opponent with lower Status than you.

Rank Four: Perceived Superiority

One of the commonly shared traits amongst the Noble Scions in court is a

shared sense of perceived superiority. While what exactly makes them

superior to all others varies from person to person; but if an "inferiority" isperceived in others the Noble Scion almost instinctively becomes more

overbearing and efficient in their verbal arguments. Chose two of the

following keywords: Physical, Mental, Social, Spiritual. You may spend a

Light Point in order to activate this technique. On any social check against

someone possessing Disadvantages with your selected Keywords your

opponent must make at least one Raise for no effect in order for the roll to

succeed. In addition, if the opponent is of lower Status than you they roll

once less die on the opposing roll.

Rank Five: Position is Everything

In Aidespar's courts those who have survived the gauntlet of social

challenges being thrown at them on a day to day basis have come to

command such skill in the art of words that those below them respect it

without question. You gain an additional +2K0 to all of your Social skills. On

any opposed roll with your Social skills against an opponent of lower status

you gain an additional +0K1.



Church Inquisitor [Monk]

While the Church may do its best to reign in any viable source of magical

talent under its wings; there are still instances of powerful sorcerers who

either cannot control their powers or blatantly misuse them. For situations

like this were negotiation is impossible the Church calls in those from its

Inquisitorial Squad do deal with such rogue magics. Trained using techniques

derived from a page of Light's Will these monks of the Church of Light are

one of the only fighting forces in the world who specialize in withstanding

and neutralizing sorcery.

Benefit: +1 Light

Skills: Intimidation, Investigation, Lore: Sorcery, Meditation, Jiujutsu,

Spellcraft, any one SkillValour: 4.0

Outfit: Monk's Robes, Ceremonial Clothing, Bo Staff, Symbol of the Church,

Traveling Pack, 3 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: Expanding the Soul

In order to fight against the forces of Sorcery in Aidespar the Church

Inquisitors must first learn to become aware of the forces they deal with. Byallowing themselves to gain this understanding they can both sense Sorcery

as it is created and shield themselves against it with greater efficiency.

Whenever any spell is cast within up to 100 ft. X your School Rank you are

able to detect it and discern the general location from where it was cast

(this cannot tell you what spell was cast or who specifically cast it).

Additionally any spell cast against you has its TN to cast raised by your

School Rank x 3. (This stacks with any other form of Magic Resistance your

character may have.)

Rank Two: Parting the Mist

As the Inquisitors gain a better understanding of the forces they face; they

begin to unravel the methods in which Sorcery works. In doing so they can

piece together the hidden traces left behind by such magic in order to

determine in what way the elements were manipulated. When you are

within the general location of a cast spell as determined by Expanding the

Soul; you may make a Spellcraft/Intelligence roll against the TN required to

originally cast the spell. If you succeed you learn exactly what spell wascast, it's effects, and any raises made on it and their effects. You also gain



+1K0 to any attack and damage roll with the Jiujutsu skill; this is increased

to +1K1 against any school with the Sorcery tag or against Sorceric

Creations.

Rank Three: Spiritual Shielding The Inquisitors know that regardless of how prepared you are that it is

impossible to entirely stop the forces of Sorcery from working against you.

When this happens all you can do is brace yourself and endure the powerful

forces brought to bear. You gain Reduction equal to your Earth Ring x 3; this

Reduction does not stack with other sources of Reduction and works only

against Spells or any other source of magical damage.

Rank Four: The Fist of Man

Despite the strong threat that untamed sorcery can represent the Church

Inquisitors are taught the basic less that, with the aide of the Light, the fist

of man can strike down any threat brought to bear against it. You may now

make attacks as Simple Actions when you are unarmed or with any weapon

using the Staves skill.

Rank Five: Extinguishing the Source

Even the most powerful Sorcerers fear the Church's Inquisitorial squad

because of their penultimate technique. Utilizing the lessons taught to themfrom the Light's Will about sorcery the Inquisitors are able to completely

sever a Sorcerer's ability to cast spells for a short time. As a Complex Action

you may make a single attack against any school using the Sorcerer tag,

dealing damage as normal. If your attack hits you may immediately spend

two Light Points. The next spell the target attempts to cast will fail

automatically.

Paths and Advanced Schools

Designer Note: The Chaos Knights are intended more as NPCs then PCs and

the Knight of Light should be a campaign goal rather than a random

addition. You may do otherwise but doing so may create a power imbalance

within the party as these are intentionally designed to be powerful.

Advanced Schools

Chaos Knight [Knight]



The Chaos born from the realm of Pandemonium is wild and unpredictable,

yet there are those that draw power from this source at great risk. The

Chaos is not an easy power to master; for those that are unprepared are

consumed by its insanity and are reborn as hollow shells of their former life.

However there are those with the sheer will and determination to harness

the Chaos and make its power bend to their whims. Such individuals are the

true face of the Chaos Knights and a power unrivaled by any of any meremortal man.

Requirements:

*Skills: Lore: Pandemonium 5

*Other: Must have at least 0.5 Chaos Points and willingly embraced the

changes overcoming their body and soul.

*Special: If you gain in excess of 3.1 Chaos Points without mastering this

Path you are reborn as a Rank 1 Chaos Knight under GM control. (Losing all

school techniques gained up to that point.)

Techniques

Rank 1: Unpredictable Intervention

One immediate benefit the Chaos offers those who dare to tame it is a

seemingly sentient force of unpredictability that protects the Chaos Knights.

Those who have fought the Chaos Knights in combat and survived describe it

as an unholy curse that can cause the greatest catastrophes to befall even

the mightiest warriors. A number of times per day equal to your SchoolRank, you may force an opponent to re-roll any opposed roll against you,

keeping the second roll regardless of it being better or worse.

Rank 2: The Black Light of Pandemonium

It is said that those who are greatly touched by the influence of

Pandemonium's Chaos are enshrouded by a dark aura that glows faintly with

a black light. This light acts as a source of power for the Chaos Knights

which they may use to strike their enemies from afar. You may, as a

Complex Action, harness the power of the black light into a bolt of energy



rolling and keeping a number of die for damage equal to your School

Rank+Chaos Rank; up to a maximum range of 50 feet.

Rank 3: Order Born From Chaos

Those who have learned to master the Chaos within their souls before itconsumes them entirely are granted a magnificent gift of untold value: the

eternal protect of their very soul. A master of Chaos no longer has to fear

the power he wields; for it is now the Chaos who fears him and heeds his

every command. Upon reaching in excess of 3.1 Chaos Points you are no

longer subjected to a forced rebirth and may keep all your previously

learned School Techniques. In addition you may use your Chaos Rank instead

of your Light Ring for determining your maximum number of Raises and the

number of Light Points you have.

Paths

Knight of Light [Knight]

In the days Sorcerer King Hazeldurn the world was without hope for the

future. Despite the best efforts of the Elemental Knights and the sorcerers

who rebelled against Hazeldurn his power seemed infinite and everlasting.

This all changed when the champion blessed by the Light came forth and

challenge the Sorcerer King to a final battle. The Light's hero claimed

victory in the end and thus was born the legendary legacy of the Knight of

Light. The Knight of Light has only appeared once within Aidespar's history,

yet the tales and legends claim this divine warrior will return whenever

needed to protect the kingdom's people against a great evil. So far in the

war against the Archfiends the Knight of Light has yet to make an

appearance, but many whisper rumors that the holy knight has already

returned to the world in a new body; waiting for the right time to awaken...

Technique Rank: 5

Replaces: Any Rank 5 school technique.Requirements: Air 4, Earth 4, Fire 4, Water 4, Light 5



Technique: Holy Power of the Light

While certainly a powerful warrior on his own merits, the original Knight of

Light was famous for his apparent connection to the Light. The Light would

bestow the hero with its boundless wisdom and bless him with its divine

power. You may commune directly with the Light itself at any time after 5minutes of uninterrupted meditation. Once you have connected with the

Light you may ask it any question and the Light will give you a completely

honest and true answer (although the answer is often cryptic in nature and

the solution to any task will never be easy). Also you may spend any number

of Light points to enhance a roll. Any Light point spend on a die

enhancement against an Archfiend or Chaos Knight bestows a bonus of +2K1

instead of the normal +1K1. In addition you are immune to all forms of

Chaos and any Chaos Points you have are removed permanently.

Knight Errants

In Aidespar there are a group of Knights who do not pledge loyalty to any

one faction in particular. Sometimes refered grudgingly as "sellswords" these

Knight Errants either fight for their own purposes or under the banner of the

highest bidder. Knight Errants can come from any social class, so it is not

uncommon to see both peasants and nobles working together in groups of

Knight Errants. Treat Knight Errants in a similar manner to Clan Ronin. They

use the same rules for character creation except they start with the Schoollisted below. They must either join an Elemental Knight School or seek out

the teacher for a higher rank Knight Errant path at higher Insight Ranks.

Valour's Calling [Knight]

The Valour's Calling school represents the skills and abilities of anyone who

has decided to follow their own path down the road of Valour. Because their

limited training most Valour's Calling students end up with the same general

abilities, although their individual skills can vary to a limited extent. Otherswho take the Valour's Calling school might simply be seeking to improve the

fundamentals of their training in an attempt to perfect the basics before

moving onto more advanced techniques.

Technique Rank: 1

Benefit: +1 to any Trait

Skills: Archery, Athletics, Defense, Hunting, Swordsmanship, any one Bugei

Skill, any one Low Skill

Valour: 2.0



Outfit: Brigandine Armor, any 2 weapons, Sturdy Clothing, Traveling Pack, 3

Dolats

Technique: Learning the Fundamentals- Those of the Valour's Calling school

have learned not only how to master the basics of their training, but also

how to keep themselves alive no matter what it takes. You may use any LowSkill without Valour loss. Also you gain a bonus of +1K0 to all your School

Skills.

Longbow Master [Scout]

In Aidespar virtually every Knight is trained by the sword or learns some

manner of swordplay during their learning experiences. However some

Knights have learned the value of the Longbow and swear to it almost morefervently than others do to their blades. At the cost of traditional swordplay

skills a Longbow Master instead learns to take out enemies before they can

even get anywhere near melee range. While some might question if there is

any Valour to be had behind this style of fighting; its effectiveness ensures

there will be no shortage of demand for those who have mastered it.

Technique Rank: 1


Skills: Archery 2, Defense, Hunting, Investigation, Stealth, any one Skill.Valour: 3.0

Outfit: Brigandine Armor, Longbow, Sturdy Clothing, Traveling Pack, 4

Dolats

Technique: Valour's Flight- The Longbow Master's training forsakes

traditional skill with the sword in exchange for skills with their trademark

weapon a typical Knight would never learn. The range from which you may

attack with your Longbow is increased by 150'. In addition attacks you make

with your Longbow ignore up 2 points of Reduction.

Heavy Infantry Knight [Knight]

While the Knights of Earth are some of the most renown and feared heavy-

armor Knights in Aidespar; they are not the only ones who have adopted the

philosophy of high defense combat. Those of the Heavy Infantry Knights have

learned to make the most out of the armor they wear and can be an

imposing force on any battlefield. They may not be able to hit as hard as

other Knights or be nearly as mobile; but you'd be hard pressed to find



another Infantry Knight that can take the beatings they do on a regular

basis.

Technique Rank: 1

Benefit: +1 StaminaSkills: Battle, Defense 2, Meditation, Swordsmanship, any one Bugei skill,

any one High skill.

Valour: 3.5

Outfit: Any 1 Armor, any 1 Weapon, Sturdy Clothing, Traveling Pack, 3

Dolats

Technique: Stronger Than Steel- The Heavy Infantry Knight's secret to

power comes from their ability to maximize the potential of any armor they

wear; transforming them into unstoppable juggernauts. You may increase

the Armor TN of any Armor you wear by +3 and increase it's Reduction by 1.

Additionally you add your Insight Rank in rolled dice to any Stamina Rolls to

avoid exhaustion from heavier armor usage.

Duelist Knight [Knight]

In Aidespar the art of social combat is a vastly popular sport where Knights

seeking to make a name for themselves can rise to fame or fall into

obscurity in the blink of an eye. However just as there is no shortage ofyoung men and women who would vie for fame (or for traditional

Valour/Dignity) there is no end to the demand for Knights who excess at the

Dueling Arts. The Duelist Knights are those who've trained specifically for

these styles of combat and are some of the most infamous fighters in

Aidespar.

Technique Rank: 1

Benefit: +1 Reflexes or Agility

Skills: Battle, Fencing, Investigation, Jousting, Storytelling, any one Bugei

skill, any one Skill.

Valour: 2.5

Outfit: Brigandine Armor or Half-Plate Armor, any 1 Weapons, Specialized

Jousting Spear and Fencing Saber, Sturdy Clothing, Traveling Pack, 1 Dolats

Technique: Master of the Games- The Duelist Knight specializes in the forms

of social combat that govern all of high society's arguments; typically serving

as chosen champions by Nobles who cannot compete for themselves. You

gain a Free Raise that may be used for any one Jousting or Fencing roll pergame. Additionally you gain or lose twice as much Dignity or Honor from



Jousting and Fencing matches.

Shield Knight [Knight]

Although shields are not an unfamiliar part of any Knight's arsenal not many

Knights elect to use them; favoring heavier weaponry or multiple blades.

Even of those who do use them many of that number have only a passing

knowledge of the shield's potential. The Shield Knights are a group of

individuals who have mastered the shield not only as a defensive piece of

armor but as a viable offensive weapon as well. Whether the Shield Knight is

using one or two of their favored weapons, they can be an unusually

versatile opponent that not many foes have an immediate answer for.

Technique Rank: 1


Skills: Athletics, Defense, Jiujutsu 2, Investigation, any one Bugei skill, any

one High skill.

Valour: 2.0

Outfit: Brigandine Armor, any 1 Weapon, any 1 Shield, Sturdy Clothing,

Traveling Pack, 2 Dolats

Technique: Bashing Brandisher- The Shield Knight uses an unconventional

tactic by typically fighting with his shield rather than any other weapon. Youmay now wear a Shield in each hand without incurring any off-hand

penalties. In addition, you may treat any Shield as an Improvised Weapon

that deals 2K2 damage.

Aidesparian Jester [Courtier]

Despite the high stakes natures of Aidespar's social scene there is also room

at a Court for entertainment. Almost as important as the hard-nosed tacticsof the Nobles are the light-hearted yet dangerous skills of the Aidesparian

Jester. Primarily they serve to entertain fellow Courtiers at important

gatherings and lighten the general mood; making for a smoother negotiation

process as nothing can lower one's social defenses than a good laugh.

However underneath the clownish exterior is a sharp, cutting wit that can

lead to great embarrassment and shame to any unprepared fool who walks

into a Jester's social jab.

Technique Rank: 1



Benefit: +1 Awareness

Skills: Acting, Courtier, Investigation, Perform, Sincerity, any one High skill,

any one Low skill.

Valour: 2.5

Outfit: Court Robes, Jester's Outfit, Traveling Pack, 6 DolatsTechnique: Biting Sarcasm- The Aidesparian Jester brings with him to any

court the traditional aspects theater; comedy and tragedy. When your social

actions cause someone to lose points of either Dignity or Glory, they lose

double that amount. Additionally you may add your Insight Rank in rolled

dice to any Perform Skill.

Noble Ambassador [Courtier]

Unlike Rokugan, Aidespar does not maintain an isolationist policy when it

comes to dealing with foreign nations. Due to the geography of Aidespar

foreign delegations have happened very often. However with the current

advances of the Archfiend armies their importance has taken a sudden turn

as those amongst the various factions all agree that allies will be required to

win this war. Noble Ambassadors are often trained specifically to cater to a

particular group or nation; however their skills in general allow them to

more easily interact with foreigners than their other Courtier counterparts.

Technique Rank: 1

Benefit: +1 Intelligence

Skills: Commerce, Courtier, Etiquette, Investigation, Lore (Foreign Courts),

Sincerity, any one High skill.

Valour: 4.0

Outfit: Ambassador's Clothing, Fine Court Robes, Traveling Pack, 10 Dolats

(can be split into different currencies)

Technique: Diplomatic Prowess- A Noble Ambassador's specialities in dealing

with other nations is often called upon for important delegations in a variety

of locations. Your Social Skills may be used normally in any court setting,

regardless of cultural differences. Additionally you gain a +1K0 to any Social

Skill used when dealing with foreign Courtiers.

New Rules

Aidesparian Weapons and Armor



Armor

Aidesparian Armor is primarily made from various metal alloys with only the

lighter weight Brigandine being made from heavy leather and bits of chain

mail. The armor philosophy of Aidespar warriors is not to evade a blow but

rather to withstand it so that a counterattack might be launched

immediately without the need for constant maneuvering. Aidesparian Armor

tends to be extremely hot and discomforting to wear, so this and other

reasons often it is only donned right before combat (see Customs and

Rituals).

Brigandine Armor

Essentially Brigandine Armor is a cloth garment, typically leather, lined with

small sections of mail or steel secured directly onto the fabric. TypicallyBrigandine only covers the chest of a warrior's body, this does not provide

much stopping power but does not greatly hamper the wearer's ability to

move quickly and dodge with their own skill. Special Modifications can be

made to extend the coverage area at additional costs.

Bonus to Armor TN: +5

Reduction: 2

Special Rules: Brigandine Armor imposes a +5 TN penalty to Athletics rolls

upon the wearer. If a called shot is made to the Arms or Legs of the Wearer

then the Armor TN is not applied during that strike. 10 Dolats may be spentfor Arm coverings for the Brigandine, negating the Called Shot: Arms penalty

and adding +1 Armor TN to the Brigandine. 15 Dolats may be spent to add

leg coverings to the Brigandine, negating the Called Shot: Legs penalty and

added +1 Reduction to the Brigandine. (Characters skilled as a Blacksmith

must still pay at least half the cost of the modifications in materials.)

Price: 5 Dolats

Half-Plate Armor

Half-Plate Armor is the standard choice of equipment for many of the

Elemental Knights and various adventurers in Aidespar. This solid steel

armor encompasses the upper body region and defends the entire body

except for the lower legs. While it might not be entirely comfortable or

mobile this armor provides exceptional defense against any direct attacks its

wearer would have to endure.


Reduction: 6

Special Rules: Wearing Half-Plate Armor increases the TN of all Agility andReflexes Rolls by 5. If Half-Plate is worn for more than a number of hours



equal to the wearer's Earth Ring, they must make a Stamina Roll equal to

the number of hours worn x 5 or else they pass out from heat exhaustion.

Price: 30 Dolats

Full-Plate Armor Some might call it awkward or unwieldy. Others might be discouraged by the

price or the sheer physical effort it takes just to wear it and move. But bar

none Full-Plate Armor is simply the best protection avaliable in Aidespar.

This metal behemoth is a full suit of steel plating that covers the wearer

from head to toe and withstand blows from even the heaviest of weapons.

However the physical requirements and constraints prevent it from being

commonly used.


Reduction: 10

Special Rules: Wearing Full-Plate Armor incurs the same TN penalties of

Half-Plate Armor as well as decreasing the wearer's Water Ring by 1 for the

purposes of calculating movement (this can cause it to hit 0). A Strength and

Stamina of 4 is required to even be able to move normally in Full-Plate. The

same rules for heat exhaustion apply to Full-Plate, however Stamina Rolls

occur after 1 hour of wear and the TN is the number of hours worn x 10.

Price: 75 Dolats

Shields

Shields in Aidespar are large circular plates with a grip handle on the

backside used to deflect attacks rather than directly withstand them.

Wielding a Shield incurs standard penalty for wielding a Weapon in each

hand without conveying any of the normal benefits for doing so. While using

a Shield that hand may not be used to attack with any weapons without first

dropping the Shield. Shields may be used as Improvised Weapons via

Jiujutsu, dealing 1K1 damage.

Wooden Shield

Wooden Shields are made from the hardest trees in Aidespar and are usually

strengthened to ensure they can withstand blows even from the metal

implements that cut down the tree to begin with.


Reduction: 1

Special Rules: If more than 40 points of damage is dealt in a single attack

with a Called Shot: Shield (2 Raises) the Wooden Shield will break.Price: 10 Dolats



Steel Shield

Steel Shields are heavier than their wooden counterparts and a bit harder to

fight with due to this weight. However they are far more durable and can

withstand far more punishment. Many consider this trade off worth thehassle.


Reduction: 3

Special Rules: Your Water Ring is considered 1 less for purposes of

calculating movement while wielding a Steel Shield (to a minimum of 1).

Price: 25 Dolats

Heavy Weapons Aidesparian Heavy Weapons are truly a sight to behold as they are usually

the length of a man's torso at least and as long as his body at most. Heavy

Weapons require two hands to wield properly and invoke a cumulative TN

Penalty of +5 if held in a single hand while striking. (Meaning holding two

Heavy Weapons single handedly creates a +10 penalty.) These weapons are

not commonly used due to their quirks and production costs.

Double Axe

A 3 foot steel shaft which bridges the gap between two large double-edgedaxe blades comprises the Double Axe. Despite its size and weight this

weapon's proper use it similar to that of a dance as one much twirl the

weapon or dance around its motion to avoid being cut while dealing damage

with both ends.

Keywords: Large

DR: 0K4

Special Rules: A Double Axe may not be wielded with one hand under any

circumstances. Using this weapon treated as if you had a weapon in each

hand for the purpose of using the Two Weapon Fighting rules. (It also

functions with the Knight of Fire's Rank 5 technique.)

Price: 20 Dolats

Grand Mace

With a rod as long as a man's arm and a massive orb as big as his skull, the

Grand Mace is the ultimate crushing weapon in all of Aidespar's arsenal. A

master of the Grand Mace can even place sizable dents in Full-Plate Armor

or a solid stone wall if given a clear shot to do so.Keywords: Large



DR: 2K3

Special Rules: The Grand Mace deals double damage to all inanimate

objects such as walls, doors, or statues. This bonus does not apply to any

armor or weapons if they are currently being worn.

Price: 15 Dolats

Seibore

This 6 foot long sword creates a massive gust of wind when properly swung

in a cleaving motion due to its sheer size. Proud traditionalists claim the

Seibore is the weapon that any Elemental Knight should master if he or she

wishes to claim themselves a true Knight.

Keywords: Large, Knight

DR: 1K4

Special Rules: The Seibore is a massive weapon that is not mastered easily.

A Strength of 3 is required to simply pick up and swing the weapon with a +5

TN penalty to their attacks. This penalty is negated if the wielder has a

Strength of 5 or higher.

Price: 30 Dolats

Saber Weapons

These slashing and piercing blades are the bread and butter of Aidespar's

society. Even if they are seldom used you will often see an Elemental Knightcarrying around a Bastard Sword as symbol of his place in society. Rapiers

are popular weapons amongst the lords and ladies due to their use in duels

of Valour. And Short Swords are so common and easy to master that it is a

typical self defense weapon for anyone wishing to travel to stave off bandits

(although the bandits do like them too).

Bastard Sword

This 4 foot sword is easily the most balanced and versatile weapon in any

arsenal. The first Elemental Knights used these weapons to combat the

forces of the Sorcerer King and it has been tradition ever since for a Knight

to seek out one of his own even if he has not the skill to use it properly.

Keywords: Medium, Knight

DR: 3K2

Special Rules: When wielded by an Elemental Knight, you may spend only

one Light point to increase the damage dealt by a Bastard Sword by 1K1.

Price: 10 Dolats

Rapier



While similar in length to the Bastard Sword, the Rapier is a much narrower

blade that is designed more for piercing thrust attacks that broad slashing

strokes. This is the only weapon used in duels of Valour so those who

regularly interact with the nobility become familiar with its uses fair

quickly.Keywords: Medium, Noble

DR: 1K2

Special Rules: Due to its design Rapiers are more easily turned by heavier

metal armor and receive a +5 TN penalty to attacks made against opponents

wearing Half or Full-Plate (or any other defensive exoskeleton like these

things) but receive a -5 TN Bonus to attacks against opponents wearing little

to no metal armor.

Price: 8 Dolats

Short Sword

Ranging anywhere from 1.5 to 2 feet in length, these blades are the perfect

starting point for anyone wishing to learn the ways of the sword. They're

easily made, simple to learn yet difficult to master, and offer a wide array

of options most Aidesparian weapons lack.

Keywords: Small

DR: 2K2

Special Rules: A short sword may be thrown up to 20 feet as a rangedweapon.

Price: 5 Dolats

Spear Weapons

Spear Weapons represent the more unusual and unorthadox style of

weaponry found in Aidespar. While Spears are not completely obscure due to

their use in Jousting tournaments, they are not commonly found on the

normal battlefield. They are trickier to use and not as straight forward as

most weapons but many find their unusual traits make up for the steeper

learning curve.

Heavy Lance

These elongated weapons are similar to the type found within Rokugan's

borders. However Heavy Lances employ a metal shaft and consist of a thick

cylinder near the shaft that narrows into a sharp tip at the end of the

weapon. Due to this design they are more durable than their counterparts

and do not break under stress, but in exchange they are not as damaging.Keywords: Large



DR: 2K2

Special Rules: Heavy Lances deal more damage if a charging momentum is

put behind the blow. If you attack with a Heavy Lance from horseback the

weapon deals 3K3 damage instead.

Price: 12 Dolats

Guisarme

A Guisarme is your typical spear by design but with a small twist. There is a

curved pruning hook on the spear tip itself that can be used for catching

unprepared opponents off guard. While this hook might prevent the weapon

from piercing as deeply as a normal spear, it makes up for this by providing

an excellent way to dismount a charging horseman.

Keywords: Medium

DR: 0K2

Special Rules: The Guisarme may be used to initiate and maintain a grapple.

You gain a Free Raise on Grapple checks with this weapon if your opponent

is mounted.

Price: 8 Dolats

Scythe

Originally used as a farming implement, it was discovered that the Scythe

could be refined into a terrifying weapon that could dismember opponentswith disturbing efficiency. This weapon, while seeing use amongst the

Elemental Knights, is actually the favored weapon of the Chaos Knights; and

they truly bring out this weapon's devastating potential.

Keywords: Medium

DR: 0K3

Special Rules: The Scythe rolls an extra die of damage when used for the

Called Shot maneuver.

Price: 13 Dolats

New Skills

High Skills: Fencing (Reflexes)

Sub-types: None.

Emphasis: Leading, Cut, Lunge, Thrust, Prime, Seconde, Tierce

Description: When an individuals Valour is brought into question in Aidespar

the tradition of a Fencing Duel is used to determine the truth of the matter.



Typically Fencing Duels are performed by those ranking amongst the mid to

upper class and are a private affair. For Fencing is a test of one individual's

skill against another; with no distractions from spectators to divert the

duel's focus. Those who wish to master fencing must not only be quick to

take the first action (known as Leading) but must also have a good grasp ofFencing's many styles. A poorly chosen stance in the face of a wise opponent

often leads to quick ending matches, where as duelists capable of reading

their opponent can fence for hours on end.

Rank 3: During a Fencing Duel, the character gains a Free Raise against any

Disarming attempts.

Rank 5: During a Fencing Duel, the character gains an additional +1K0 on his

Fencing (Leading)/Light rolls.

Rank 7: The character may chose one of the offensive and one of the

defensive stances assumed in a Fencing Duel. The character gains an

additional +0K1 to rolls made in those stances.

Jousting (Agility)

Sub-types: None.

Emphasis: Tilting, Grandstanding, Positioning

Description: Matters of Dignity are usually disputed with a quick banter of

insults between the parties concerned until one side is shamed too much torespond. However sometimes these bouts of words escalate to a point where

nothing more can be said in the face of such powerful taunts. It is at these

times that man and woman alike mount their steeds and face off in a duel of

Jousting to settle the score. Those proficient in Jousting seek to remove

their opponent from their horse as soon as possible (known as Tilting), but

often efficiency is dropped for a flashier match. This is either because one

party wishes to greatly humiliate the other, or the Joust is just one of many

tournaments held by the nobility for entertainment and political gain.

Rank 3: You may add +1K0 to any Horsemanship roll made during a Jousting

Duel.

Rank 5: The character gains a Free Raise for the purpose of Called Shots

during a Jousting Duel.

Rank 7: During a Jousting Duel, the character is considered to have 2

additional points of Reduction.

Bugei Skills: Archery (Reflexes)



Notes: This skill functions exactly the same as the Kyujutsu skill, however

the only ranged weapon that works with Archery is the Longbow.

Mechanically the Longbow functions exactly the same as the Yumi with

similar arrow types.

Swordsmanship (Agility)

Sub-types: Weapon Skill

Emphasis: Bastard Sword, Rapier, Short Sword

Description: Swordsmanship refers to the set of skills one learns in Aidespar

when mastering the Saber style weapons. Although favored by certain groups

of the Elemental Knights and nobility it is not unusual to find peasants with

some small skill in Swordsmanship. As one of the most flexible and deep

fighting styles in Aidespar, Swordsmanship is truly easy to learn but hard to

master. Those who command the blade with unparalleled skill are often held

in high regard by their peers.

Rank 3: A Saber may be readied as a Free Action rather than a Simple Action

Rank 5: Opponents with a Reduction rating have their rating reduced by 1

when attacked with a Saber.

Rank 7: The character's Status is treated as 1 Rank higher amongst Elemental

Knights and members of the nobility.

Merchant Skills:

Low Skills: Alchemy (Intelligence)

Sub-types: Artisan Skill

Emphasis: Potion Making, Transmutation

Description: The highly frowned upon art of Alchemy is a relatively new skill

amongst those with the time to devote to learning it. Through its uses onecan manipulate different chemicals and natural elements to produce

anything from different flavored wines to medicines capable of curing the

most virulent diseases. A skilled alchemist can create up to 3 lbs of potions

with a variety of effects (GM discretion). Also they perform the art of

transmutation on any object of up to 3 pound or less. Transmutation changes

one element into the form of another so long as the second form is similar to

the first. (GM Discretion; You could change sand into glass but not water

into steel for example, normally.)



Rank 3: Your Potion Crafting TNs are lowered by 5.

Rank 5: The amount of Potion you can create or material you may now

Transmute is limited to any object up to 10 pounds or less.

Rank 7: You may now perform "Legendary Alchemy".

Crafting Rules:

Alchemy actions are divided into four ranks.

Basic:

Basic Alchemy involves creating simple potions with similar base material to

the final product or transmuting a material into something similar to its base

form. Examples- Using juice to make wine is a basic potion. Changing oak

wood into pine wood is a basic transmutation.

Performing a Basic Alchemy action requires 1 Met worth of material for

every 1 lbs of potion or transmutation. The TN for success is equal to 1 x the

number of lbs you are attempting to transmute and requires 10 minutes per

1 lbs to complete. (At GMs discretion you may gather the materials needed

to perform a Basic Alchemy action at no cost.) Raises may be taken to

reduce the crafting time by 5 minutes per Raise.

Moderate:

Moderate Alchemy involves creating more complex potions, simple potions

with a dissimilar base material, or transmuting a material into something

slightly different than its base form. Examples- Medicine is a more complex

potion. Using water to make wine is a dissimilar base material. Changing oak

wood into a chair is a moderate transmutation.

Performing a Moderate Alchemy action requires 1 Laral worth of material for

every 1 lbs of potion or transmutation. The TN for success is equal to 5 x the

number of lbs you are attempting to transmute and requires 1 hour per 1 lbs

to complete. (At GM discretion you may gather the materials needed to

perform a Moderate Alchemy action at no cost.) Raises may be taken to

reduce the crafting time by 30 minutes per Raise.

Advanced:



Advanced Alchemy involves changing the nature of complex potions to make

them more powerful or have additional effects; or transmuting a material

into something quite different from its base form. Examples- Making a

medicine more potent or adding a unique flavor to a food item is an

advanced potion. Changing oak wood into a steel sword is an advancedtransmutation.

Performing an Advanced Alchemy action requires 1 Dolat worth if material

for every 1 lbs of potion or transmutation. The TN for success is equal to 10

x the number of lbs you are attempting to transmute and requires 2 hours

per 1 lbs to complete. (At GM discretion you may gather the materials

needed to perform an Advanced Alchemy action at half cost. Additionally

GMs may grant Free Raises on the roll if high quality materials are used or

excessive time is spent performing the Advanced Alchemy action.) Raises

may be taken to reduce the crafting time by 1 hour.

Legendary:

Legendary Alchemy involves making potions of extreme potency or

transmuting a material into something of an entirely different form.

Legendary Alchemy can only be formed by a character with 7 Ranks or more

in Alchemy. Examples- Recipes to create potions that can cure powerfuldiseases or restore a few years of youth are Legendary potions. Changing

water into steel is a Legendary transmutation.

Performing a Legendary Alchemy action requires 5 Dolats worth of material

for every 1 lbs of potion or transmutation. The TN for success is equal to 20

x the number of lbs you are attempting to transmute and requires 5 hours

per 1 lbs to complete. (At GM discretion you may gather the materials

needed to perform a Legendary Alchemy action at half cost. Additionally

GMs may grant Free Raises on the roll if the highest possibly quality

materials are used or excessive time is spent researching and performing the

Legendary Alchemy action.) Raises may not be taken to reduce the crafting

time.

Advantages

Descendant of Paladin (4 Points): Your bloodline is connected to the last

daughter of King Paladin V and as such the blood of the Knight of Light flowsthrough your veins. You begin the game with +1 Light instead of your normal



family trait bonus. However true knowledge of your heritage has been lost

to time and kept hidden in long forgotten records, so your family name is

still that of one of the major households of Aidespar.

Favored by the Arcana (Varies): One of the thirteen friendly Arcana hasshown favor towards you and granted you with a blessing few share. Those

blessed by the Arcana in this manner usually carry a birthmark somewhere

on their body in a shape resembling the that Arcana.

*The Fool (4 Points): See Ebisu's Blessing.

*The Magician (5 Points): See Dark Paragon- Perfection.

*The Priestess (5 Points): See Dark Paragon- Insight

*The Empress (3 Points): See Dangerous Beauty. Dangerous Beauty may be

taken along with this Advantage with the same effect gained twice.

*The Emperor (5 Points): See Dark Paragon- Control.

*The Hierophant (4 Points): See Fukurokujin's Blessing.

*The Lovers (4 Points): See Benten's Blessing.

*The Chariot (7 Points): See Paragon- Honor.

*The Justice (5 Points): See Dark Paragon- Knowledge.

*The Hermit (7 Points): See Paragon- Compassion.

*The Fortune (4 Points): See Daikoku's Blessing.

*The Strength (5 Points): See Dark Paragon- Will.*The Hanged Man (7 Points): See Paragon- Duty.

Power Grasp (6 Points, 4 for Knights of Earth and Fire): Through many

long days of painful training both physically and mentally you have fashioned

your hands into powerful tools that can withstand abnormal amounts of

stress and strain. You no longer invoke a TN penalty for holding Heavy

Weapons with one hand. Additionally you gain a Free Raise to Athletics

(Climbing) Rolls.

Disadvantages

Cursed by the Arcana (Varies): One of the fourteen Arcana has seen fit to

mark you with a dire curse that will follow you until death.. Those cursed by

the Arcana in this manner usually carry a birthmark somewhere on their

body in a shape resembling the that Arcana like those who are blessed. Only

the "cursed" mark is in the reverse position.

*The Fool (3 Points): See Ebisu's Curse.



*The Magician (5 Points): See Consumed- Perfection.

*The Priestess (4 Points): See Consumed- Insight

*The Empress (3 Points): See Disturbing Countenance. Disturbing

Countenance may be taken along with this Advantage with the same effect

gained twice.*The Emperor (4 Points): See Consumed- Control.

*The Hierophant (3 Points): See Fukurokujin's Curse.

*The Lovers (3 Points): See Benten's Curse.

*The Chariot (3 Points): See Failure of Bushido- Honor.

*The Justice (4 Points): See Consumed- Knowledge.

*The Hermit (3 Points): See Failure of Bushido- Compassion.

*The Fortune (3 Points): See Daikoku's Curse.

*The Strength (4 Points): See Consumed- Will.

*The Hanged Man (6 Points): See Failure of Bushido- Duty.

*The Death (8 Points): See Momoku.

Duels of Dignity and Valour in Aidespar

Much like in Rokugan there are certain insults that cannot be resolved by

words alone. If an individual insults you in such a manner you have a right to

challenge them to one on one combat depending on the nature of the insult.

An insult towards your Dignity (topics include things like your heritage, your

manners, ect.) are settled by a Jousting contest. Insults directed towards

your Valour (topics your courage, breaking an oath, ect.) are settled by a

Fencing duel.

Jousting

Jousting is a competition of skill and courage performed by two individuals

with horses and lances. The two involved in the Joust mount their steeds

and face each other at opposide ends of a dividing rail. Then they charge

towards each other and attempt to knock each other off their horse withoutfalling off themselves. The last one on his horse is declared the winner. In

Jousting combatants use Armor that is more ornamental than defensive, as

it is more of a way to show off to the crowd and a boast of one's own skills

(the more ornamental the armor the more confident the wearer is in his own

prowess). A Jousting Lance is specially designed for these competitions, it

deals 3K2 damage but breaks after a single attack is made. It is not unusual

to go through multiple lances in a single Jousting match. Jousts are very

public duels and often draw large crowds to see the outcome.



Below are the mechanics for a Jousting match:

1. Once the combatants are positions across from each other on the rail they

may attempt an opposed Intimidation/Awareness Roll to get the crowd on

their side. The winner gains the support of the crowd and it boosts theirmorale, giving their opponent a +5 TN penalty to any future opposed rolls.

This stage is optional and more Brash opponents may fore go this stage in

order to settle the fight quickly. (This also applies to Jousts with higher

stakes, as this type of showboating is stereotypically for younger knights and

lords looking for their five minutes of fame.)

2. Then after the Jousters charge towards each other they must make an

opposed Horsemanship/Perception Roll to position their bodies and horses

and just the right angle for the strike and subsequent dodge. The Jouster

with the higher roll gains a Free Raise to the opposed Jousting Roll. If one

Jouster rolls more than 15 less than their opponent, they get a +5 TN

penalty to the opposed Jousting Roll.

3. When the two Jousters meet in the middle of the rail an opposed

Jousting/Agility check is made to strike their opponent. What happens next

depending on the total of the roll and the difference between the two rolls.

Raises may be made to increase damage.

If both Jousters roll less than 10 = Both Jouster miss and immediately lose

0.1 Dignity.

If the total roll exceeds 10 and is higher than their opponent by a difference

greater than 11 but less than 20 = The winning Jouster strikes a grazing hit,

dealing half damage (rounded down)


less than 30 = The winning Jouster strikes a direct hit, dealing normal

damage.


of 30 or greater = The winning Jouster strikes a devastating blow, dealing

double damage.

If the total roll exceeds 10 but the total difference is 10 or less = BothJousters strike each other at the same time, dealing normal damage.



4. If a Jouster has been dealt damage in the previous step, they must make

a Horsemanship/Strength check with a TN equal to the Damage Dealt. Any

Jouster at Down or Out Wound Levels automatically fails this check. If the

check is failed they fall off their horse and lose the Joust. If the check ismade then both opponents line up again and repeats steps 1-4 until a winner

is determined.

5. The winner of a Joust is considered to have his name cleared of any insult

and gains 0.1 Dignity points x the Insight Rank of his opponent. The loser of

the Joust loses anywhere from 0.1 to a Full Rank of Dignity depending on the

insult and the skill of his opponent at GM discretion.

Fencing

A Fencing competition makes use of the Rapier weapon and is typically a

test of skill to see who is more skilled in the weapon's finer applications.

Duels between Rapiers are fast-paced sword fights where the goal so much

isn't to outright strike your opponent down, but to remain engaged in blade-

to-blade combat and use your skill and finesse to turn their blade while

striking with your own. Because of this Fencing is a more complicated art of

fighting than any other method of combat in Aidespar and as such has a

method of tactics that can be employed to win. Once a match has begun itdoesn't end until one side cries out for mercy or is killed in the match.

Depending on the nature of the insult that prompted the duel, killing your

opponent even though they cry for mercy is completely acceptable (however

if you do so over a slight insult you may be looked down upon as cruel or

petty).

Below are the mechanics for a Fencing match:

1. Both combatants make a Fencing/Light roll in order to determine

Initiative. The winner may chose to assume the role of the Attacker or the

Defender.

2. In a Fencing match the determination of who gets damaged depends on

the players roles and their rolls. First the Attacker and Defender chose their

Stances in secret (given to the GM by note or by whispering). These Stances

determine who has the advantage for the strike part of the duel. Below are

the list of Stances and how they compare to each other.



Attack: Cut, Lunge, Thrust

Defense: Prime, Seconde, Tierce

Comparison of Cut Stance: +0 to Attacker's Roll vs Prime, +5 to Attacker's

Roll vs Seconde, +5 to Defender's Roll vs Tierce.Comparison of Lunge Stance: +5 to Defender's Roll vs Prime, +0 to Attacker's

Roll vs Seconde, +5 to Attacker's Roll vs Tierce.

Comparion of Thrust Stance: +5 to Attacker's Roll vs Prime, +5 to Defender's

Roll vs Seconde, +0 to Attacker's Roll vs Tierce.

Other factors such as High and Low terrain, Rough terrain, ect may be

applied at GM discretion.

3. Once the modifiers have been determined, both players make an opposed

Fencing/Reflexes Roll and the outcome is determined by the die difference.

Raises can be made for flashier moves or more skillful displays (along with

standard maneuvers).

If neither roll exceed each other by 10 or more: No damage is dealt as the

opponents parry each other perfectly. The Attacker and Defender roles are

exchanged.

Attacker wins by 10 or more: The Attacker over comes the Defender's parries

then deals normal damage + 3 x the number of rounds they have been in the

Attacking position and remains in the Attacker role for another turn.

Defender wins by 10 or more: The Defender manages to turn the Attacker

and may either counter attack, dealing extra damage equal to their rank in

the Fencing skill, or they may choose to not deal damage and exchange the

Attacker and Defender roles.

4. Once a victor has been determined the winner receives Valour points

equal to their opponent's Insight Rank. The loser loses Valour points equal to

their opponent's Insight Rank x 2. Additional points may be gained or lost if

one side has managed total control of the match or has performed some

spectacular feats of prowess.



Creatures of Aidespar

1. The Legions of Pandemonium

Archfiends

While the lessons taught by the Church detail the Archfiends as enemies of

the Light who seek to devour this world and turn it into an extension of their

own, nothing describes them in any great detail aside from vague

description and motivations. Most information about the Archfiends has been

gathered only since the war with them began and those reports tend to be

exaggerated or incomplete. However some solid facts about the Archfiend

menace have emerged over the years.

It is known that the Archfiends primarily consist of a virtually endless army

of shock troops referred to as the "Legion Soldiers". These represent the

weakest of the Archfiend's army but more than make up for it with their

sheer numbers and unrelenting determination to crush all who stand before

them. This army is led by a specific group of "elites" amongst the Archfiends

that are said to be nightmarish versions of the pieces used in the popular

Aidesparian game of Chess. Whether or not these Archfiends have alwayshad this form or they simply adopted it as some form of psychological

warfare is unknown. These more advance Archfiends rarely seem to leave

the realm of Pandemonium as their powers are unable to fully manifest in

any area untouched by the Chaos' influence. However they have been

recorded to appear during critical battles, particularly during the fall of

Golgangi.

In general the Archfiends all appear to have some ties to their home realm

of Pandemonium as those who survive battle report strange phenomenoneven in skirmishes outside of Chaos-influenced ground. Sometimes swords

are mysteriously bent before touching an Archfiend's body, or arrows will

decide to change direction once in flight. Some refer to it as a curse, some

refer to it as a special "power" these creatures possess, but none can deny

that some mysterious force works to constantly create havock on the

battlefield in favor of the Archfiend invaders.

With a few exceptions, nearly all Archfiends have a relatively human shape.

Their most notable features come from their physical builds. Most



Archfiends are covered in a skeletal armor much like that of a human body,

only with certain sections enlarged and distorted to provide coverage like

typical metal armor. The parts that aren't covered expose a fleshy substance

similar to muscles and tendons; typically red, blue, or green in color.

However regardless of whether this flesh or bone is struck the entire body ofan Archfiend is very resistant to any form of damage. All Archfiend's have

glowing red eyes that cannot be dimmed under any circumstances, this

makes it virtually impossible for them to ambush a wary opponent.

New Special Ability: Archfiend's Barrier

Having been born of the very founding energies of Pandemonium the very

unpredictable nature of that realm runs through every drop of their blood.

This unique tie to Pandemonium grants the Archfiends their most

devastating power; a barrier made from Chaos itself. Invisible to any form of

sight, this barrier manipulates the very fabric of reality at random and can

cause any form of attack against an Archfiend to fail no matter how

carefully aimed or skillfully executed. An Archfiend does not even need to

be aware of an attack for the Barrier to function.

On any Archfiend the Archfiend's Barrier will be listed under their Special

Abilities along with a number. For example: Archfiend's Barrier (1). When

any form of attack or spell is made against this creature, the player mustfirst roll a single d10. If the number rolled is equal to or less than the

number listed the attack/spell immediately fails by Pandemonium's

influence.

The Barrier may be strengthened or weakened depending upon where the

Archfiend is located. Archfiends on normal ground have a Barrier number as

listed. If the Archfiend is located within ground that has been claimed by

Pandemonium, it's Barrier number increases by 1. If it is located within

Pandemonium itself, this number increases by two. If the Archfiend is in a

church or another similar site that has been sanctified by the Light as Holy

Ground the Barrier number decreases by 1.

Because of this creatures can have an Archfiend Barrier (0). Meaning the

Barrier has no effect unless it is somewhere under Pandemonium's influence.

Other Special Abilities may raise the Barrier number (such as the Unhallowed

Bishop) however these Special Abilities are not cumulative.

Legion Soldier



One of the first amongst the ranks of Archfiends to emerge from the portal

to Pandemonium, the Legion Soldier is the rank and file units amongst their

numbers. While not as powerful as any of their higher Archfiend brethren

the Legion Soldiers make up for this in sheer numbers. The records of thewar with the Archfiends state that thousands of them marched upon

Aidespar during the first wave and despite numerous victories at the

defensive front line their numbers keep replenishing after ever battle. Some

theorize that there is no end to the number of Legion Soldiers in existence;

and that they will continue to advance endlessly so long as the path to

Aidespar lies open to them.

Those who have fought against the Legion Soldiers describe them as being

exactly alike down to the very notches on their bone armor. Most of a Legion

Soldier's body is exposed, revealing a purple flesh-like substance formed into

densly packed muscle tissue. The only armored parts of the Legion Soldier

are patched of bone-like armor in the form of greaves, gauntlets, and

pauldrons. Some say the heads are armored as well, covered by an also bony

helmet with small horns curving back along the Soldier's head; yet this is

debated as Legion Soldiers, like other Archfiends, have an unusual biological

trait. Their bones (typically in the chest, spine, and ribs) actually protrude

through the flesh and are had enough to provide additional protection. Assuch it is uncertain whether this "helmet" is true bone or bone armor. It is

also noted that the Legion Soldiers are the only archfiends to possess solid

golden eyes, similar to the infection trait of humans who are consumed by

Pandemonium and transformed into Chaos Knights. Many Chaos Knights fear

that the Legion Soldier is what they will ultimately become.

Air: 2

Earth: 3

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Initiative: 4K3

Attack: Claws 7K3 (Single)

Damage: 5K2

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 5

Wounds: Human-type Wound Ranks

*Archfiend's Barrier (0)



*Swift

Vile Pawn

At first glance one might mistake the Vile Pawn for the lowest member ofthe Archfiends. Compared to the Legion Soldier it is typically 1-2 feet

shorter and possesses a stockier, yet less muscular build. The exposed bone

trait of the Archfiend's biology presents its true nature here; as the dark

grey bone covers the creature almost entirely; shaped much like a suit of

armor (even forming a shield built into its very arm). The only exposed

points of their crimson-purple flesh are along its upper legs, upper arms,

"lungs", and throat. Like all Archfiends though these are not weak points,

but simply a quirk of the creature's natural state.

The Vile Pawn's exposed flesh along the arms, legs, and neck though hold a

unique trait that makes the Vile Pawn far more deadly than the Legion

Soldier. The fleshy sections of those limbs can stretch out and support the

Vile Pawn's full weight at distances of up to three times their normal length.

Many a terrified Knight has returned from the front lines with stories of

these creatures suddenly being able to manifest this ability and simply walk

over barricades or climb up steep fortress walls with relative ease. In terms

of numbers the Vile Pawn appears far less often than Legion Soldiers, butoften enough to be called a "common" member of the Archfiend echelon (it

is estimated they appear once for every twenty five Legion Soldiers). While

holding a position of slightly more prominence than the Legion Soldier, the

Vile Pawn has never been seen giving out orders and appears to simply obey

directives given to it by the Archfiend leaders.

Air: 3

Earth: 3

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Initiative: 5K3

Attack: Claws 8K3 (Simple) or Bite 7K3 (Complex)

Damage: 6K3 or 4K4

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 5

Wounds:16: +5; 32: +10; 48 +15; 72: Dead.




*Swift

*Unnatural Extension: A Vile Pawn's limbs and neck are able to stretch out

unusual distances while still being connected to the main body. Actions with

its Claw may be made up to 15' away and actions with its Bite up to 5'. This

Extension may be used to practically triple its height and reach, allowing theVile Pawn to reach up and climb higher ledges.

Desecrating Rook

Truly unique in appearance amongst the Archfiends is the bane of all

unprotected infantry, the Desecrating Rook. One of the largest recorded

Archfiends, the Rook stands at approximately 20 feet in height and is shaped

like a castle tower completely covered in the typical bone-like exoskeleton;

long and cylindrical. Along six sides of this "tower" are six long armored

tendrils with massive hooks at each end that the Rook uses to propel itself

forward. It is also said it can use these tendrils in unison to launch itself

several meters into the air, coming down with nothing short of devastating

force. In the center of the tower body is a large skull-like face with a

massive "grin" from all the exposed teeth and jaw line. Several fleshy

smaller tendrils with similar hooks grow alongside this face like a beard; and

it is theorized that when a main tendril is severed or damaged beyond use it

can grow one of these lesser tendrils to full size for a replacement. Atop thetower's top lays an arrangement of ten individual claws growing out of its

"head"; adorning the tower's topside like a crown.

The purpose of the Desecrating Rook in battle is two fold. In larger groups of

Archfiends it often acts as their form of siege weaponry as its uncanny speed

and ability to propel itself large distances via air allows it to flatter both

troops and fortifications without much effort. The second purpose is similar

in purpose to a field medic, although it rarely does this except for the more

powerful Archfiends in the command chain. When such an Archfiend falls on

the battlefield Desecrating Rooks have been observed leaping onto the

corpse and taking it within their own body; ignoring any other threat on the

field of battle to do so. Once the corpse has been absorbed the Rook

typically screams out in agony for several seconds before the Archfiend it

absorbed bursts forth from underneath it; freshly revived. Like the Vile

Pawn the Desecrating Rook appears to serve more as a higher level grunt as

it has never been observed commanding any Archfiends. Their total number

is uncertain as Desecrating Rooks typically only appear during larger siegesor alongside higher-level Archfiends.



Air: 2

Earth: 5

Fire: 3

Water: 2Initiative: 3K2

Attack: (See Special Abilities)

Damage: -

Armor TN: 30

Reduction: 8



*Crushing Leap: The Desecrating Rook may use its many legs to launch itself

into the air and land on any foe within 50'. This is a Complex action with 6K3

as the attack roll. If the attack hits the player takes 8K3 damage and is

treated as being Grappled with the Desecrating Rook in control. A Grapple

check may be made the following round but for every round the Rook

remains in control and does not move the Player takes 3K3 damage from

being crushing under the Desecrating Rook's weight.

*Sacrificial Restoration: As a Complex action the Desecrating Rook may

engulf the body of a fallen Archfiend and encase it within its own body. Forone full round it may energize the fallen Archfiend with it's own life energy

and release the Archfiend at the end of the round restored to full health. A

successful restoration deals damage to the Desecrating Rook equal to the

restored Archfiend's Barrier Number x 15.

*Swift

Unhallowed Bishop

Sometimes referred to humorlessly as the "dark preachers" of the

Archfiends; the Unhallowed Bishops are a powerful support unit that can

turn the tides of battle for any Archfiend group by its presence alone. The

nickname given to it by the front line forces originates from two aspects

about the Unhallowed Bishop: Its unique appearance and its equally original

abilities. This Archfiend chooses often to wear a long cloak draped from its

neck much like a priest's robe; in effect shielding the body from the torso

below from sight. In general the Unhallowed Bishops are no taller than a

typical man; yet they retain the typical exo-skeletal structure common tomost Archfiends, although their muscular tissue is sickly green in coloration.



All reports of them detail a unique "crown" shaped appendage seemingly

grown from the creature's own cranial skeleton; resembling that of a head

pastor's Mitre (ceremonial headgear). The final telling symbol of this

creature is a long staff it bears, with an unknown skull mounted at the top.

While the sight of the creature can be nauseating to the most devout of

Light-worshipers, the most terrifying aspect of the Unhallowed Bishop is not

its appearance, but its aforementioned power. Often on the battlefield an

Unhallowed Bishop (rarely is there any more than one at any given battle,

two at most have ever been reported at a singular skirmish) begins chanting

and waving its staff around like a priest on a tirade. Once this ceremony of

sorts begins the Unhallowed Bishop starts glowing a soft, pulsating red.

When this happens the natural effects of the Archfiend's Barrier become

more prevalent. Even the Legion Soldiers who seem to not possess a natural

barrier of their own suddenly manifest one once the Unhallowed Bishop

begins to chant. This action might best be described as a "battle prayer"; but

the thought of these creatures praying is considered blasphemous at best by

the Church.

Air: 4

Earth: 2

Fire: 3Water: 3

Initiative: 6K4

Attack: Staff 6K3 (Complex)

Damage: 3K3

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 4

Wounds: 12: +5; 24: +10; 36: Dead.


*Barrier Amplification: The Unhallowed Bishop has a natural power that

automatically empowers any Archfiend's Barrier up to 50' away from the

Unhallowed Bishop. Any Archfiend within range has their Barrier Number

increase by 1 (including the Unhallowed Bishop). The Unhallowed Bishop can

take a Complex Action to increase the range of this ability to 150' and to

increase the Barrier Number by 2; however it cannot take a move action if it

does so.

*Swift



Shadowed Knight of Darkness

Considered one of the elites amongst the Archfiends, the Shadowed Knight

of Darkness lives up to its name in appearance. The bone structure of the

Shadowed Knight appears to be an evolved form similar to that of the VilePawn, complete with a bone shield built into the arm. However the bone

around the body is formed into a set of half-plate armor very ornate in

detail but no less functional than the real thing. It's primary form of attack

is a Bastard Sword literally growing out of the Shadowed Knight's right arm

from the elbow joint.

Unlike any other Archfiend however the Shadowed Knight is almost human in

appearance. The external bone around the face is shaped as such that one

might think a sculptor tried to chisel out the appearance of a human skull.

In addition the Shadowed Knights also have hair growing out of this skull like

a normal individual and are capable of mimicking normal speech patterns

with the only "tell" being an unusually deep voice. Although the Shadowed

Knights are almost always guarding the highest ranks of Archfiends, there

have been instances where one has donned a hooded robe and infiltrated

human settlements in order to assassinate key figures.

Air: 4Earth: 4

Fire: 5

Water: 4

Initiative: 5K4

Attack: 7K5 Bastard Sword (Simple)

Damage: 7K3

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 8



*Swift

Infernal Queen of Wrath

Compared to the other members of the Archfiend's numbers the Infernal

Queen of Wrath may not immediately seem like a dire threat. Their body isfar more streamlined like an hourglass; with limbs that seem almost fragile



due to their thinness. However to underestimate the Queen is a mistake that

will quickly lead to a swift death. Typically the Infernal Queen is garbed

almost entirely in a purple robe and like the Shadowed Knight she too has

hair; only long, wiry, and similarly purple. The bone structure around her

shoulders has grown out into regally designed pauldrons and the skullactually extends out to for a "mock crown" in matched black and purple

colors.

In combat the Infernal Queen can hold her own with most Archfiends using

the serrated tips of her fingers as claws. Normally she prefers to stay out of

single combat though as her primary strength is not physical combat. The

true power of the Infernal Queen comes from her ability to significantly

boost the abilities of any other Archfiend within the immediate area. Even

the lowly Legion Soldier can become a nightmarish foe under the right

circumstances with the Queen's blessing.

Air: 4

Earth: 3

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Initiative: 7K4

Attack: 8K3 Claws (Complex)Damage: 6K3

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 5

Wounds: 20: +5; 40: +10; 60: +15; 80: Dead


*Queen's Blessing: As a Complex action an Infernal Queen of Wrath may

target any Archfiend creature up to 100' away. On their next action they

gain a number of extra rolled dice to any Attack or Damage roll equal to

their Barrier Number.

*Swift

Genocidal King of Terror

Towering over any of the other Archfiends; the Genocidal King of Terror

stands nearly 10 feet tall with a massive width generated by the layers of

thick bone armor on its body in Brigandine style. Any part not covered inarmor reveals the standard Archfiend style muscle; which bugles up in



unnatural amounts. Like the Infernal Queen the King of Terror's bone

structure sports a vast crown colored orange like the muscle tissue. However

unique to the King of Terror is a set of massive black wings it can use to take

flight at swift speeds.

Two things allow the Genocidal King of Terror live up to its title; the first

being it's primary weapon, a Seibore. Unlike typical Seibores the King of

Terror's is approximately 7 feet in length and is quite a bit thicker, including

an armored backside to give more weight behind the swings. When swung

the King of Terror's Seibore has been known to cut down dozens of men in

one stroke; although this number is only an estimate because the corpses

left behind were extremely mangled and dismembered in several areas.

The second power elaborates upon the "Genocidal" part of the title as the

King of Terror draws power for its greatest attack by annihilating its own

troops. It is theorized that the King of Terror is able to suck out all the

powers of Pandemonium from the body of any Archfiend and maintain it

within its body temporarily. Shortly after absorbing an Archfiend in this

manner the King of Terror can produce a golden beam of light highlighted

with black lightning along the beam emanating from its hand. This beam is

said to be incredibly destructive depending on which Archfiend has been

absorbed. It is theorized that if one King of Terror was able to absorbanother; the resulting beam could reduce a mountain into ash.

Air: 4

Earth: 5

Fire: 4

Water: 5

Initiative: 6K4

Attack: 8K4 Seibore (Simple)

Damage: 6K4

Armor TN: 30

Reduction: 10

Wounds: 12: +5; 64: +10; 96: +15; 124: Dead.


*Checkmate: A Genocidal King of Terror may touch any Archfiend Creature

as a Free Action and kill them instantly, taking their energy into his own

body. The following round this energy (as a Complex action) manifests as abeam of emerald light coming from the Genocidal King of Terror's hand,



striking up to two players up to 200' away. The damage Checkmate deals

rolls and keeps dice equal to the absorbed Archfiend's Barrier Number x 2.

*Flight: A Genocidal King of Terror may use his wings to take flight and move

while flying as normal.

*Swift

2. Sorceric Creations

Clockwork Replicants

During the eras of Aidespar when Sorcery was not forbidden many sorcerers

would often spend their time conducting experiments with their magic in

attempts to improve upon society. Many marvelous and wonderful inventionswere created during this time period; with the Clockwork Creations of one

sorcerer originally being counted amongst them. Before the proper tools and

techniques were created to do so, Aidespar relied heavily on its sorcerers to

perform tasks of great "physical" labor with their magics. They were able to

do so but such tasks often tired out the sorcerers quickly, and trying to

organize several casters to simultaneously work for larger tasks often proved

to have many problems of its own. A solution was needed for the problem of

providing a workforce easily able to do labour beyond human standards

without disrupting villages and towns due to their monstrous appearance orexcessive power (the primary issue with using golems for the work).

The solution came in the form of Clockwork Replicants; a glorious merger

between the forces of elemental magic and human engineering. Using the

same clockwork technology to power clocks and similar machines of the

time; the original creator managed to forge specialized gears out of the

Earth, to give the machine the strength and endurance to work from the

heart of Fire, the ability to move endlessly and methodically from Water,

and the ability to speak and emulate human behaviors from Air. These new

creations proved capable of doing the work ordinary humans could not, all

while maintaining a human-like appearance and mannerisms that allowed

them to interact easily in human society. Originally the Clockwork

Replicants worked perfect until a large group of them were ordered to

excavate a mine for raw materials in the western mountains. Several days

went by after the first team was sent out with no returning units or reports

from the dig site. The majority of the few dozen existing Replicants were

sent out to investigate and like the ones before they failed to report in.Finally a group of sorcerers and workers went out to investigate for



themselves.

Deep within the mine shafts they discovered all the Clockwork Replicants

standing inactively around a large chunk of glowing Moonstone. No matter

what the sorcerers tried they could not get the Replicants to respond sothey worked for over a day and night to extract seven Replicants out of the

mine and sealed it off, counting the other defective Replicants as lost

causes; proceeding then to return the seven salvaged Replicants back to

their laboratory for study. That evening in the lab while the sorcerers

prepared to understand what happened to their creations the Replicants

suddenly came back to life and slaughtered all the sorcerer's present.

Utilizing their latent Air magic, the Replicants managed to have three of

their number take on the exact appearance of the deceased sorcerers. No

one in the local village noticed the change, and the Replicants were able to

easily walk amongst society and snatch vulnerable targets; allowing their

other four brethren to don human personas. Together the seven Replicants

took on the dual roles of searching for humans to replace while building

more of themselves in the workshop. Eventually a child accidentally knocked

over a pile of heavy tools onto a Replicant in the market, exposing the true

clockwork body underneath the magical illusion.

Chased by the local militia (who had been slowly receiving reports of friendsand love ones exhibiting slightly unusual behavior) the Replicant retreated

back into the workshop where the door was soon sealed and unbreachable.

The militia set fire to the workshop and watched vigilantly as it burned

down into ashes. Although the ruins were searched thoroughly, no trace of

the Replicants were found as they had long vanished through a secret

passage into the night. No one knows exactly how many Replicants exist

currently or what their ultimate goal is. Every so often a Replicant hive will

be discovered when their snatching process goes wrong and they are starting

to develop different "evolutions" that are more suited for battle than

replacing. All that is known is that they still exist out there; waiting and

watching for the right opportunity to strike.

Clockwork Assimilator

Clockwork Assimilators are the original design of Clockwork Replicant that

was created nearly 1000 years ago in circa 213 AL. These are the Replicants

that hold a human-type design and are more suited for social infiltrationthan physical combat; although their amplified strength allows them to



defend themselves if required to. Clockwork Assimilators come in two grads:

Low Grade and High Grade.

Low Grade Assimilators are those who have not been properly maintained

for long periods of time (as the alchemical materials required to maintaintheir bodies are hard to come by ever since the ban on Sorcery) or have

been hastily constructed in order to bolster a colony's functioning numbers.

They are capible of taking on the form of any human it has observed; but

cannot absorb the entirely of its target's memories and often displays quirks

the person it replaces never had (such as verbal ticks or odd behavioral

patterns).

High Grade Assimilators are those who have been fortunate to have proper

maintenance of their magical components or have been freshly constructed

with proper procedure. Not only can a these Assimilators don their target's

appearance, but they can perfect absorb their memories and mimic their

targets natural state with virtually no odd quirks displayed. Their combat

abilities are far superior compared to their Low Grade counterparts, but

they will still avoid direct combat if at all possible.

It is also rumored by those who have knowledge of the Assimilators that the

original 7 that survived the events in the western mountains still exist andare some of the most powerful amongst all the Clockwork Replicators.

Low Grade

Air: 2

Earth: 3

Fire: 3

Water: 2

Initiative: 4K2

Attack: Fist 6K3 (Complex)

Damage: 2K2

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 5


*Assimilation, Inferior: A Low Grade Clockwork Assimilator can copy the

physical appearance of any human being it touches as a Complex Action. The

physical disguise is perfect in appearance; however only the basic imprint ofthe target's memory is transferred over. It remembers names, places, and



dates but not "trivial" things; such as birthdays or first kisses. Any physical

damage to the Assimilator removes the illusion in the area damaged;

revealing the clockwork machinery underneath until the Assimilator can use

this ability again. Once an Assimilator is reduced to under 50% of its Wounds,

it may not use this ability until repaired.*Vulnerability, Moonstone: When exposed to Moonstone of Grades I-III the

Clockwork Assimilator will begin to have problems functioning normally.

They will roll -1K0 dice per grade of Moonstone up to 20' away from their

bodies. If the Assimilator is within 100' or less of Grade IV or higher

Moonstone it will cease to function entirely.

High Grade

Air: 3

Earth: 3

Fire: 3

Water: 4

Initiative: 5K2

Attack: Fist 7K3 (Simple)

Damage: 5K2

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 7


*Assimilation, Superior: A High Grade Clockwork Assimilator can copy the

physical appearance of any human being it touches as a Complex Action. The

physical disguise is perfect in appearance; and it is able to completely copy

over the memories and behaviors of its target. If at least 15 points of

damage are dealt to the Assimilator it removes the illusion in the area

damaged; revealing the clockwork machinery underneath until the

Assimilator can use this ability again. Once an Assimilator is reduced to

under 50% of its Wounds, it may not use this ability until repaired.

*Vulnerability, Moonstone: When exposed to Moonstone of Grades II-III the





Original Model (The First Seven)

Air: 4Earth: 4



Fire: 4

Water: 5

Initiative: 6K4

Attack: Fist 8K4 (Simple)

Damage: 6K3Armor TN: 30

Reduction: 10


*Assimilation, Perfect: The Original Assimilators can copy the physical

appearance of any human being it touches (or spends 5 minutes observing)

as a Simple Action. The physical disguise is perfect in appearance; and it is

able to completely copy over the memories and behaviors of its target down

to the finest detail. Even when suffering under the effects of Grade III

Moonstone the Assimilator can still maintain the illusion without fail. If at

least 30 points of damage are dealt to the Assimilator it removes the illusion

in the area damaged; revealing the clockwork machinery underneath until

the Assimilator can use this ability again. Once an Assimilator is reduced to

under 50% of its Wounds, it may not use this ability until repaired.

*Self-Repair: An Original Assimilator is able to repair itself of any damage by

focusing the Water and Earth magics within its body to remake damaged

parts. As a Complex Action the Assimilator may heal 2K2 wounds.*Vulnerability, Moonstone: When exposed to Grade III Moonstone the





Clockwork Knight

While a typical Clockwork Assimilator can be a viable threat in itself; they

are not able to stand up to the rigors of direct combat on a regular basis.

For situations that call for a more enduring model the Clockwork Replicants

produce a model dubbed the Clockwork Knight. This variation of the

Replicant inhabits a suit of modified full plate armor with sections around

the elbows and knees removed entirely. This is to allow room for the larger

cogs used for powerful sweeps of the limbs.

As such a Clockwork Knight is incapable of performing the same roles as an

Assimilator. One look is all that is needed to spot the mechanical partssticking out and the gemstone eyes glowing within the helm. The inability to



infiltrate is made up for by the sheer combat power the Knight is able to

produce. Most Clockwork Knights attack in fluid but robotic motions;

utilizing a set of basic techniques based on the weapon they were created to

handle. However there is a set of specialized Clockwork Knights that are

able to emulate the many styles of fighting found in Aidespar; and theseKnights make for incredibly lethal adversaries.

Standard C-Knight

Air: 3

Earth: 4

Fire: 3

Agility: 4

Water: 2

Strength: 4

Initiative: 4K3

Attack: *Any Weapon* 5K4 (Complex)

Damage: - (Use the damage rating for the weapon chosen)

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 7


*Fear 2

*Self-Repair: Clockwork Knights heal a number of Wounds per round equal to

their Earth Ring.






Superior C-Knight

Air: 3

Reflexes: 4

Earth: 5

Fire: 4

Water: 3

Strength: 4Initiative: 6K4



Attack: *Any Weapon* 5K4 (Simple)

Damage: - (Use the damage rating for the weapon chosen)

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 10


*Emulation: A Superior Knight may utilize the Rank 1 Technique of any

school with the [Knight] keyword.

*Fear 3

*Self-Repair: Clockwork Knights heal a number of Wounds per round equal to

their Earth Ring.






Golem

In the early days of sorcery before the creation of the Clockwork Replicants

the ability to create a physical body from the elements was crude and

unrefined. Only those greatly skilled in the element of Earth couldmanipulate the sheer scale of rock and metal to create a body sturdy enough

to bind the Light's power. These creations were simply known as Golems;

towering, humanoid figures of earth useful for tasks requiring far more

strength than even a whole village of people could muster.

However strength was the only real advantage these Golems had over their

later replacements. The magic used to create the Golem's body taxed the

Sorcerers' bodies and left little room for any refinement beyond superficial

customization; as a result, Golems are not sentient beings. Rather they are

only capable of understanding a set of basic commands and carrying them

out until the command is revoked or replaced by their creator. As a final

result when Clockwork Replicants came to be; many Sorcerers either

destroyed their Golems or placed them on guard duty over their more

secretive workshops. It is not uncommon for an unwary traveler to

inadvertently invoke a Golem's wrath; as they are still following their guard

duty command to this day and seem to be unaffected by the passage of

time.



Air: 2

Earth: 5

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Strength: 6Initiative: 3K2

Attack: Fist 7K3 (Complex)

Damage: 6K3

Armor TN: 15

Reduction: 10

Wounds: 32: +5; 64: +10; 96: +16; 124: Down (See: Reconstruction)

Skills: Jiujutsu 4

*Absolute Obedience: A Golem will not take any action unless given a pre-

specified command to do so by the one who created it or someone sharing

the bloodline of the creator. Multiple commands may be give to follow in

order; however the commands must be simple in nature. (A Golem can not

understand "Put that rock down gently and slightly to the right." but it can

understand "Put that rock down there.")

If a Golem has been commanded to guard a specific area, it will only attack

if attacked first or someone comes within 50' of the area. The Golem will

continue to attack until brought to Down status of if the intruder movesmore than 200' away from the guarded area. The Golem will pursue further

if attacks continue; even from outside that radius.

*Huge

*Reconstruction: Inside each Golem is a fragment of the Light used to

animate the construct; as a side effect this makes a Golem practically

immortal to the passage of time and physical damage. When enough damage

is done to bring a Golem into Down state, its body will crumble into large

pieces of rock. The Golem will slowly heal itself of all damage at a rate of

10 Wounds per hour and will reform into its original state once it regains

half its total Wounds. This effect can only be stopped by exposing the

Golem's core stone (Identifiable with a Spellcraft check) to a shard of Grade

II or higher Moonstone.

3. The Undead of Aidespar

Dullahan

Dullahan are fully plated suits of armor that are possessed by the spirits ofdeceased Knights with a strong attachment to the mortal world. These



spirits are unique in that their head is not attached to their body. Some

have lost it entirely while most prefer to carry it in one of their arms. They

often haunt sites near where they died and are known to be extremely

capricious. Nobler Dullahans might try to convince passing travelers to help

them move on to rejoin the Light, while others have been known to raidvillages on nothing more than a random whim while slaughtering anyone that

crosses its path.

Often riding upon a dark horse, the Dullahan's severed head is said to have

the most fiendish of grins and there is nothing in all of Aidespar that can

impede its advance. Any form of barrier or locked door automatically opens

when a Dullahan approaches and they are practically immortal. The only

way to truly rid yourself of a Dullahan is to help it pass on peacefully.

Dullahan are often seen in the company of lesser spirit creatures called Will

o Wisps. It is theorized these spirits are kept around as the sole form of

company a Dullahan will tolerate.

Air: 2

Earth: 4

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Initiative: 4K2Attack: Sword 6K3 (Complex)

Damage: 7K2

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 8


*Fear 2

*Immortality: Dullahan cannot actually be killed. If they are ever reduced to

the Dead Wound Rank they vanish from the mortal realm and reappear in

the spot they were slain the very next night.

*Spirit

*Summon Allies: A Dullahan may, as a Complex Action, summon 2 Will o

Wisps to join it in combat the following round.

*Unstoppable: No form of barrier, either mundane or magical, can prevent a

Dullahan's movement. Any lock will unlock itself, barrier will self-collapse,

or magic will dissolve before the Dullahan's approach.

Reanimates



The multiple Sorcerery Wars during Aidespar’s formative years might have

ended centuries ago; but they left a mark on the land that has endured for

centuries and may last until the end of time itself. The vast quantities of

arcane energies used in their many experiments and creations had the

unintended side effect of creating “Ether hotspots”. These hotspots wreckedthe elemental balance around their centers and serve as vortexes that draw

in all form of spiritual matter before spitting it back out in a mangled mess.

As an end result a unique brand of undead will pop up from time to time in

Aidespar: The Reanimates.

These corpses rise from the dead like typical zombies; however the possess

special powers based upon the type of hotspot their souls were dragged

through after initially leaving the body. Presently there are four variations

of Reanimate known to exist. Metal Reanimates occur when someone dies in

the presence of iron or steel that has been corrupted by the Ether; usually

from their armor or weaponry. They tend to be coating in a liquid metal

substance that makes them virtually impervious to most forms of damage.

Toxic Reanimates come forth from the various diseases or poisons that have

been affected by a vortex. Any patch of land they pass over is blighted for

several generations and physically touching one can result in a very painful

death. Ice and Fire Reanimates require death through their respectively

named elements near or in a hotspot. Normally they tend to have the innateability to control their respective elements and create them in environments

where it would not naturally occur.

Air: 0 (Toxic Reanimates: 3)

Reflexes: 1

Earth: 3 (Metal Reanimates: 5)

Fire: 0 (Fire Reanimates: 4)

Agility: 2

Water: 1 (Ice Reanimates: 4)

Strength: 3

Initiative: 3K2 (Toxic Reanimates: 6K3)

Attack: Fist 4K2 (Complex) (Fire Reanimates: 6K4, Simple)

Damage: Fist: 3K1 (Ice Reanimates: 4K2)

Armor TN: 15 (Toxic Reanimates: 20)

Reduction: 5 (Metal Reanimates: 10)

Wounds: 72: Dead

*Ether Surge: As a Complex Action Reanimates can bring forth the residual



ether leftover from their creation to utilize special powers unique to each

type of Reanimate.

-Metal Reanimates can produce inch long razor sharp needles over their

entire body; dealing 3K3 damage to anyone grappling them and increasing

their Fist damage by 1K1 for five rounds.-Toxic Reanimates exude a sickly yellow cloud in a 10 ft. radius centered on

them. Anyone caught within this cloud is treated has having come into

contact with every disease all at once (use the Poison rules for Dripping

Poison, Fire Biter, and Night Milk) and must make the proper saves to avoid

infection.

-Fire Reanimates can cause any one target to spontaneously combust into

flames, even if they are completely covered in non-combustible material.

The target immediately takes 3K3 damage and must make a Reflex TN of 15

in order to put out the flames or suffer the damage again next round until

they make the TN.

-Ice Reanimates produce a solid orb of ice which flies towards any target up

to 50 ft. away. Upon impact it shatters into multiple sharp fragments and

deals 2K2 damage; ignoring all Reduction.

*Fear 3

*Undead

Will o Wisp Many stores tell of strange orbs of light floating around in graveyards and

other sites of conflict throughout Aidespar. These descriptions detail these

orbs as being anywhere from red, to blue, to green. Yet they all tell the

same story about them being enshrouded in an other worldly aura and

blazing with a cold fire. Will o Wisps are the spirits of humans who lost their

way on the path to rejoin with the Light. With no guidance they roam

Aidespar freely at night until they find a place to become attached to. Once

such a place is located the Will o Wisp will occupy that area indefinitely and

will very aggressively attack any intruder it perceives as a threat to its

sanctuary. For reasons unknown Will o Wisps will commonly become

attached to Dullahan as if there were some sense of kindred spirit between

the two.

Air: 2

Earth: 1

Fire: 4

Water: 3Attack: -



Damage: -

Armor TN: 10

Reduction: -

Wounds: 5: Dead

*Fiery Aura: Anyone who moves with 5' of a Will o Wisp during combat

suffers 1K1 wounds (re-rolled every round they remain in or re-enter the

aura) from a field of intense heat centered around the Will o Wisp's body.

*Invulnerability, Superior: Will o Wisps only take one point of damage

regardless of what the source of damage is.

*Spirit Fire: A Will o Wisp, as a Complex Action, may channel a bolt of fire

the same color as its body towards an opponent. The opponent takes 2K2

damage and has to roll a Willpower TN 10 or they else become Dazed.

*Swift

*Undead

4. Spiritual and Elemental Creatures

Asrai

Sometimes referred to as the "Daughters of the Undine"; the Asrai are a race

of unique female shapeshifters that live primarily in the waters south of

Aidespar. Another common name for them is "The Maidens of the IceBarrier". Back during Aidespar's creation the Undine and Asrai created the

massive glaciers that comprise the Grand Ice Barrier blocking most water-

front access into the country to prevent against sea-bound threats. Anyone

attempting to cross through these waters typically fall prey to this creation

but those than manage to pierce through the outer layers often encounter

the Asrai; who are known to test the spirits and powers of those seeking

passage and/or look for tributes of respect. Those that manage to please the

Asrai are given safe passage through the Grand Ice Barrier and are treated

with reverence; those that fail this test of character are either left to

inevitably crash into the unforgiving ice or are assaulted by the Asrai

themselves depending on the nature of the disrespect given.

The Asrai are a race of Shapeshifters, typically preferring to maintain a

hybrid form. Their upper torsos are described as being that of a maiden with

skin and hair paler than the moon with eyes reflecting the oceans they call

home. The lower body is comprised entirely of a dolphin's tail fin; much like

the descriptions of "Mermaids" within child's folk stories. Asrai have theoption of changing either into a pure dolphin form or a pure human form.



Very rarely will Asrai interact with humans face to face but they have been

known to venture into human cities only on cold winter nights with a

brightly lit moon. People who've actually touched an Asrai describe their

skin as being inhumanely cold to the touch, with the sensation not leaving

the point of contact for many days afterward. In general Asrai are a playful,if not slightly combative race; as they have been known to engage in light

combat with those who've already proven themselves for no reason other

than temporary entertainment.

Air: 2

Earth: 2

Fire: 3

Water: 4

Initiative: 5K2

Attack: Spears or Sabers 7K3 (Complex)

Damage: 4K3

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 5

Wounds: 16: +5 32: +10; 48: Dead

*Ice Manipulation: So long as an Asrai is within 200' of any substantial

amount of ice they can call upon it to form as a weapon of their choicewithin their hand as a Simple Action.

*Shapeshifting: An Asrai may shift between their three forms (Dolphin,

Human, Hybrid) as a Complex Action.

*Vulnerability, Fire: Asrai take an additional +2K0 dice from any damage

deal from a source of Fire.

Glastig

In the forests where Sylph prefer to roam on nights when their invisibility

fails sometimes a tree branch will scrape off a tiny bit of their wings. This

scraping is absorbed by the tree and in time creates a supernatural creature

known as a Glastig. When the metamorphosis is complete the Glastig

transforms from a tree into a pale green humanoid figure with only the

barest outline of a human face. With the powers of Air flowing through it,

the Glastig can shapeshift into any human design it wishes to; however the

disguise will always have telling features from its original body. (Green eyes,

nails, hair, lips, ect.)



Glastig often remain deep in the forests from which they were born and

protect the sacred areas rich in natural magic from those who would try to

abuse it, or harm the forest in general. However sometimes Glastig will use

their powers of transformation to lure in lone travelers on quite forest roads

and converse with them. The purpose of this is two-fold; to gain someentertainment and to judge the person. If the human succeeds in either

proving to be of good character or is able to entertain the Glastig they will

often find the Glastig's person gone the next day, but will often feel a sense

of welcoming by the forest and hence forth never be lost in it or in danger

from any natural elements within its borders. However those of impure

heart or those who bore the Glastig have had their twisted corpses

discovered dangling from roadside trees, as a warning to anyone who may

dare to enter.

Air: 4

Earth: 2

Fire: 3

Water: 2

Initiative: 5K4

Attack: -

Damage: -

Armor TN: 25Reduction: 5


*Captivating Allure: A Glastig gains additional dice equal to her Air Ring on

all Social Rolls against any individual within the boundaries of her forest.

*Forest Armory: Glastigs do not have any natural attacks (although they may

use any weapons they happen upon as though they had 1 rank in the

relevant skill). Instead they prefer to use the forest itself as their primary

offensive weapon. As a Complex Action Glastigs may command a nearby tree

to supernaturally strike at any target within reach with a limb; rolling 5K3 to

hit and causing 3K3 damage. Also as a Complex Action Glastigs may summon

a vine from the earth to bind and choke their foes. The vines have 4K4 to hit

and grapple automatically upon striking. They are treated as having a

Strength of 4, Agility of 3, and Jiujutsu of 2. Anyone grappled by the vines

takes 2K2 damage each round from being choked and exposure to the thorns

along them. The vines are destroyed after 15 Wounds are dealt or upon

receiving any Fire-based damage.*Shapeshifter: A Glastig may assume any human appearance she desires. This



form of disguise hides her supernatural form perfectly and cannot be

detected, even with magic. The only weakness in the disguise is the

excessive amount of green present (an unusually brilliant shade of green).

*Swift

Gnome

Unlike any of the other original four mythical races of Aidespar; the Gnome

continue to live in plain sight and in great number. The reason no one has

noticed is because the Gnome command a form that many would not think

twice to look at; an ordinary rock. Gnome exist in the mortal world as lumps

of rock the size of a grown man's fist and do not display any supernatural

features unless they chose to do so. A Gnome can manipulate their rock to

roll along the ground, give it facial features when it wishes to speak, or even

change its size ranging from a tiny pebble to a massive boulder.

When it comes to the affairs of the world the Gnome choose to simply let it

pass them by rather than get involved unless absolutely necessary. So

apathetic are they to human affairs that some of the larger ones even allow

themselves to be shaped into stone bricks or statues. This may be however

to give them easier access to their favorite way to pass the rare time when

they are not slumbering in dormancy; driving people crazy. A bored Gnomeis likely to find an unfortunate human and perform harmless tricks for the

ultimate purpose of making the human either breakdown or run away in

terror. One example of this is when a Gnome has been turned into a stone

statue, it will relocate itself when unobserved to a position the owner did

not leave it in. It will continue to do this daily; gradually choosing more

insane and unlikely places to turn up.

Air: 1

Awareness: 3

Earth: 6

Fire: 3

Water: 3

Initiative: 2K1

Attack: -

Damage: -

Armor TN: 10

Reduction: 10Wounds: Human-type Wound Ranks



*Earth Mastery: Gnome may cast any Earth Spell as though they were a Rank

4 Shugenja with an Afficiency for Water. (The most ancient and powerful of

Sylph may be treated as Rank 5.)

*Dormancy: Gnomes can place themselves into a deep slumber that lasts formany hours, days, weeks, or even years. While they are in this state Gnome

are treated as objects and gain an additional 10 Reduction against all forms

of damage. They cannot take any action and are not aware of their

surroundings in this state.

*Invulnerability, Partial: Gnome are Invulnerable to all forms of Air-based

damage and Air Spells.

*Spirit

*Vulnerability: Gnome have a natural weakness against the element of

Water. Any Water spell cast against them gains a Free Raise.

Hödekin

When one of the most ancient and powerful of the Gnome race decided to

take a century long nap he buried deep into earth to ensure he was not

disturbed; so deep that other Gnomes passed on the legend that he reached

the center of the world. While he slept those many years amongst the rock

and magma his power seeped out slowly and merged with the elements.Slowly it made its way to the surface above and after many decades it

reached the top. When that combination of rock, lava, and magic surfaced it

came forth in the form of a squat, humanoid, lizard like body that humans

came to call "Hodekins".

Hodekins are a simple race with simple desires, more like animals if not for

their unique beginnings. They prefer to live deep in the sides of hills or

mountains in extensive tunnels dug by community groups of typically 20-30.

Normally they live peacefully in their dark caverns and have little to do with

humanity. However when settlements are build near their tunnels problems

can occur in great number. Hodekins are carnivorous and prefer to obtain

food from the easiest source; as such human farm animals or even family

pets can wind up as meals for a Hodekin hunting party. Throw into the mix

an obsession the species has with shiny objects (like rare metal or or

gemstones) and Hodekin/Human skirmishes are bound to happen.

Air: 3Reflexes: 4



Earth: 4

Fire: 2

Agility: 4

Water: 2

Initiative: 6K3Attack: Stone Axes 6K4 (Complex)

Damage: 3K3

Armor TN: 25

Reduction: 7

Wounds: 16: +5 32: +10; 48: Dead

*Earth Mover: Hodekins are incredibly fast diggers and can almost appear to

dive through the earth as though it were water when digging. They can

move up to twice their Water Ring through the earth as a Complex action.

*Night Sight: Due to the environment in which they live, Hodekins are able

to see through any form of darkness (natural or supernatural) and take no

penalties from it.

*Obsession: Their obsession with shiny objects is so intense that a Hodekin

will lose focus even during a crisis if such an object is within their line of

sight. Any time a shiny object is within view of a Hodekin it takes a -1K0

penalty to any roll.

Pyrohippos

Born of the first Salamander; the Pyrohippos is a special creature that

wanders the boundaries between the mortal realm and the realm of the

spirits. The Pyrohippos is a black haired steed with a mane of flame and fire

coming from it's tail and hooves. It exhales fire while neighing and has a

glowing red chest with clearly displays an intensely burning flame within the

beast that can illuminate even supernatural darkness.

Traditionally the Pyrohippos can be see in areas where the boundaries

between realms are weak; as it watches over these locations to prevent

wayward souls from sliding between or unaware humans from falling

through. Like the Aidesparian Horses the Pyrohippos is unusually intelligent

and is capable of determining intentions by studying it's target. It is not

possible to "tame" a Pyrohippos for riding; rather the steed will very rarely

chose a being to align itself with for a temporary partnership (usually lasting

5-10 years). Literally anything from a human, to a Chaos Knight, to evenDullahans and Archfiends can be chosen on the Pyrohippos' whim.



Air: 2

Reflexes: 3

Earth: 4

Fire: 3Agility: 4

Water: 3

Strength: 6

Initiative: 4K3

Attack: Kick 4K3 (Simple) or Trample 6K4 (Complex)

Damage: Kick 6K3, Trample 6K4

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 5

Wounds: 16: +5; 32: +10; 48: +15; 64: Dead

*All-Terrain Travel: A Pyrohippos can walk on any substance as though it

were solid ground. This includes bodies of water or the air itself.

*Fiery Aura: As a Free Action a Pyrohippos may activate or deactivate an

aura of light blue flames that deals 1K1 damage per round to anything within

10 ft. The rider is immune to this damage.

*Huge

*Swift 2

Salamander

It is said that the Salamander were the first of the original four mythical

races of Aidespar to come into existence; born from the flame forged in the

heart of the world. Salamander take the form of large red-skinned lizards

that can easily dwarf a small horse. Even when submerged in water

Salamander emit a blue flame that constantly heats up the air around it; but

does not burn or sear anything it touches unless the Salamander wills it to

do so.

Salamander prefer resting in the warmer pockets of earth; typically in hot

springs or thermal vents connected to deep underground lava streams. Those

who are lucky enough to encounter a Salamander will typically be treated

with indifference. Salamander have no real liking of humanity, nor any true

disliking either. They simply treat humans much like humans treat wild

animals; paying attention only is one provokes an attack or somethingspecial catches their interest. However if provoked a Salamander will raze



the earth to cinders in pursuit of the offender; chasing them only a set

distance from their resting place and attacking anytime the aggressor

returns.

Air: 3Earth: 3

Fire: 5

Water: 2

Initiative: 4K3

Attack: Bite 6K3

Damage: 3K2

Armor TN: 15

Reduction: 5

Wounds: 16: +5; 32: +10; 48: +15; 64: Dead

*Fiery Aura: As a Free Action a Salamander may activate or deactivate an

aura of light blue flames that deals 1K1 damage per round to anything within

10 ft.

*Fire Master: Salamander may case any Fire Spell as though they were a

Rank 3 Shugenja with an affinity for Fire. (The most ancient and powerful of

the Salamander may be treated as 4.)

*Invulnerability, Partial: Salamander are Invulnerable to all forms of Water-based damage and Water spells.

*Spirit

*Vulnerability: Salamander have a natural weakness against the element of

Earth. Any Earth Spell cast against them gains a Free Raise.

Sylph

When the original four mythical races of Aidespar came into existence

legend has it the Sylph immediately used their mastery of the Air to hide

their presence from the world; being instantly frightened of the other three.

Ever since then the Sylph have always stayed hidden from the vision of every

other creature whenever possible. Although there are two exceptions to

this. The first is the rare instance that an individual is born that can either

see through the Sylph's illusions. The second is during the climax of every

full moon the Sylph become completely visible for one hour.

Despite being created from the element of Air the Sylph can be incrediblesingle minded and stubborn when they want to be. Once a Sylph has made



up its mind about something or someone it can be virtually impossible to

change it; and due to their nomadic habits they are usually gone before such

opinions can be of any consequence. It is very rare for a Sylph to remain in

the same region for more than a day unless something has captured its

interest; and then it can be fascinated for months or even years. The fewfortunate enough to see a Sylph's true form describe it as a softly glowing

green light with traces of silver translucent wings on either side. It is

theorized that the Sylph might have an actual physical body hidden by their

aura of light; shielded from sight unconsciously by their naturally excessive

shy demeanor.

Air: 5

Earth: 1

Willpower: 4

Fire: 3

Water: 2

Initiative: 6K5

Attack: -

Damage: -

Armor TN: 30

Reduction: 5

Wounds: 4: +5; 8: +10; 16: +15; 32: Dead

*Air Mastery: Sylph may cast any Air Spell as though they were a Rank 4

Shugenja with an Afficiency for Water. (The most ancient and powerful of

Sylph may be treated as Rank 5.)

*Invisibility, Superior: Sylph are completely invisible and cannot be the

target of any attacks or spells unless an Awareness roll (TN 30) is made to

catch a brief glance of their aura; and even then Spells and attacks receive

a +15 TN penalty to hit (this penalty is negated if any supernatural effect

allows you to see Invisible creatures). This ability is negated for one hour

during the height of the Full Moon.

*Invulnerability, Partial: Sylph are Invulnerable to all forms of Earth-based

damage and Earth Spells.

*Spirit

*Vulnerability: Sylph have a natural weakness against the element of Fire.

Any Fire spell cast against them gains a Free Raise.



Undine

Of the original four mythical races of Aidespar, the Undine are said to be the

most beautiful yet also the most dangerous; much like the element of Water

they command. Often Undine are describe as taking the form of blueskinned, beautiful yet unnaturally thin women; clad typically in gowns or

armor made of foggy ice and with sapphire hair that flows gracefully like a

calm river. They generally prefer to avoid humans as Undine do not let go of

grievances easily (as such many of them have not forgiven humanity for the

crimes of the Sorcerer King). In fact it is said that a slighted Undine can hold

a grudge for centuries, passing the blame down from father to son across as

many generations as it takes for an offering of forgiveness to be given.

As Aidespar's living manifestation of water Undine very rarely leave their

homes, which are usually in hidden lakes or deep underneath the ocean.

Every so often though a curious (or vengeful) Undine will leave the confines

of their home to go explore the world around them and see for themselves

what the local humans are like. Those who are lucky enough to make friends

with an Undine may become privy to some of their secrets over their

mastery of Water, but only the most gracious and polite individuals will be

chosen for this gift. It is of note that a few ancient folk tales speak of a few

Undine every few centuries choosing a particularly worthy human to givetheir hearts to. It is said the children from these births possess magnificent

powers, superior to that even of their Undine mother. However such

children have never been officially recorded and most believe this to be

nothing more than a flight of fantasy for fools and storytellers.

Air: 3

Earth: 2

Fire: 2

Water: 4

Initiative: 5K3

Attack: -

Damage: -

Armor TN: 20

Reduction: 8

Wounds: 8: +5; 16: +10; 25: +15; 36: Dead

*Invulnerability, Partial: Undine are Invulnerable to all forms of Fire-baseddamage and Fire Spells.



*Spirit

*Water Mastery: Undine may cast any Water Spell as though they were a

Rank 4 Shugenja with an Afficiency for Water. (The most ancient and

powerful of Undine may be treated as Rank 5.)

*Vulnerability: Undine have a natural weakness against the element of Air.Any Air spell cast against them gains a Free Raise.

5. Animals of Aidespar

Donkey

While the Horse is the common choice of steed amongst the Knights and

Nobles of Aidespar, the Church prefers to use a comparatively modest formof beast; the Donkey. Donkeys are smaller steeds, no larger than 3/4th's the

size of a horse and typically about 1/2 the size or less; typically sporting

hair in shades of grey or brown. What they lack for in size the Donkey makes

up for in carrying capacity and general endurance. A Donkey, if forced to,

can a cargo load nearly its own size and requires far less feed than a horse;

also able to eat foliage that a horse wouldn't even touch.

However the Donkey has two primary downsides as a steed. The first is its

temperament. Donkeys can typically be cooperative and gentle; but if onedecides it's time for a break neither flood nor fire will make it stand any

quicker than it wants to. Also many an unwary rider have found themselves

on the wrong end of a Donkey bite trying to berate their stubborn steeds.

The other comes in the form of the Donkey's form of communication; a loud,

grating sound referred to as "braying". This noise can startle, and sometimes

frighten, anyone who is not expecting it or has never been exposed to a

Donkey before. Even those used to the sound can find it annoying and highly

distracting. So loud is the braying that people have reported hearing a bray

from over three miles away, making the Donkey a poor animal for covert

movement.

Air: 2

Earth: 4

Willpower: 5

Fire: 2

Agility: 3

Water: 3Strength: 5



Initiative: 3K2

Attack: Kick 3K3 (Complex) or Bite 3K3 (Complex)

Damage: Kick 5K3, Bite 3K3

Armor TN: 15

Reduction: 5Wounds: 16: +5; 32: +10; 48: +15; 64: Dead

*Annoying Bray: Whenever a Donkey begins braying it will continue to do so

for 3-5 rounds at GM discretion. Anyone within 100' of the Donkey who is

unaware of it or has never encountered one before is subject to a Fear 1

effect. Anyone else receives -1K0 to all rolls util the braying has ceased.

*Powerful Kick: Donkeys gain a Free Raise when using the Knockdown

maneuver.

*Swift

Horse, Aidesparian Riding Steed

Compared to the mighty steeds the Battle Maidens of Rokugan use the

Aidesparian Horse may not seem immediately impressive by direct

comparison. Physically they similar to a Unicorn Riding Horse but slightly

lankier and more streamlined. However the most telling features of an

Aidesparian Riding Steed is their elegant appearance and a stunningintellect. Aidesparian Horses are sights to behold as from the way their main

lays naturally and their graceful trot would lead one to believe they are

creatures from the realms of fiction.

Yet the one advantage Aidesparian Horses hold above any other breed is a

superior intelligence and ability to perceive that allows them to properly

react to situations even without direct orders. In battle Aidesparian Horses

are extraordinarily calm regardless of the situation and have been known to

come to the aide of their riders exactly when needed. However this higher

level of intellect makes Aidesparian Horses rather temperamental and

choosy about who rides them. Aidesparian Riding Steeds will automatically

take movement and attack actions in battle (even performing maneuvers

such as Knock Downs or Feints) as it best sees fit unless otherwise

instructed. If an Aidesparian Riding Steed does not like an individual (for any

number of reasons) it will do anything in its power to discomfort or remove

the rider should an attempt be made. (GM Discretion: Any sort of Animal

Handling, Athletic, or Horsemanship check may be performed at randomwhen the animal decides to "test" its rider). If the rider is able to stay on



and stick with his mount for a week; the horse will give in and accept them.

Air: 2

Reflexes: 3

Earth: 3Willpower: 4

Fire: 3

Intelligence: 5

Water: 3

Strength: 4

Initiative: 3K3

Attack: Kick 4K3 (Complex)

Damage: 4K2

Armor TN: 15

Reduction: 3

Wounds: 12: +5; 24: +10; 36: +15; 48: Dead

Skills: Hunting (Tracking) 4, Jiujutsu 1

Advantages: Favored by the Arcana (The Lovers)

*Elegant Appearance: Anyone riding a well-groomed Aidesparian Horse gains

a +1K0 to any social roll while within 5ft. of their mount.

*Huge*Swift 2

Treasures of Aidespar

Elemental Crystals (Liths)

A unique phenomenon of magic and nature occurs only within the realms of

Aidespar. Originally discovered in the year 240 AL; a deposit of coloredcrystals was uncovered by a group of nomadic farmers. Through

experimentation they found that these crystals were capable of manifesting

the various forces of nature depending upon their color and size. Blue

Crystals are called Aqualiths and govern Water. Red Crystals are called

Pyroliths and govern Fire. Golden Crystals are called Terraliths and govern

Earth. Green Crystals are called Aeroliths and govern Air. During the era of

sorcery studies were done on these crystals and eventually Alchemists were

able to create more refined versions of those found in nature; however the

knowledge of how this process worked was lost during the aftermath of the



war with Sorceror King Hazeldurn.

Anyone possessing an Elemental Crystal has access to following abilities

based on the type of Crystal they possess. Activating an Elemental Crystal's

abilities is a Complex Action.

Small Elemental Crystal (roughly finger sized): May use the Crystal to cast a

"Summon" spell for the element the Crystal is attuned to as if they were an

Insight Rank 1 Shugenja.

Medium Elemental Crystal (roughly fist sized): May use the Crystal to cast a

"Summon" or "Sense" spell for the element the Crystal is attuned to as if they

were an Insight Rank 2 Shugenja.

Large Elemental Crystal (roughly dagger sized): May use the Crystal to cast a

"Summon", "Sense", or "Commune" spell for the element the Crystal is

attuned to as if they were an Insight Rank 3 Shugenja.

Refined Elemental Crystal (various sizes and shapes): May use the Crystal

with the same abilities as a Large Elemental Crystal as an Insight Rank 4

Shungeja. In addition, at GM discretion, the Crystal may be able to cast a

single Rank 1 Spell of the element it is attuned to.

Excalidurge

A favorite pastime for any entertainer throughout the land of Aidespar is to

spin a song about heroic Knights of old. These tales often describe their

deeds, their words; and most commonly the great weapons that served

beside them. One could almost say the weapon of a Knight is held with as

high regard as the Knight himself once immortalized in song. To this end you

would think that songs about the renown Knight of Light, Paladin, would

include many long verses about the weapon he used to slaughter the

Sorcerer King Hazeldurn. It is true that Paladin's weapon is immortalized in

song; so much in fact that it has practically an entire song to itself. Yet this

is not a song sung for the masses' entertainment or even for a heroism

inspiring tale. But no, the Ballad of the Forlorn Sword: Excalidurge is a

somber melody told in times of reverence; for its contents hold the story of

what many consider to be Aidespar's greatest lost hero.

Originally the sword wielded by Paladin was called (by the Knight himself asa child) Exalibur, after the sword in one of Paladin's favorite stories. Despite



this youthful imagining the name persisted for the sword and became its

inherited birthright upon slaying the Sorcerer King. From then on the blade

was passed from father to son, with the future King Paladins inheriting it.

Rumors spread about the blade possessing mystical powers said to split the

heavens themselves, or that it was forged directly from the Light itself;although the greatest amount of power the blade ever manifested in its time

was an immunity to aging. For Exalibur ever rusted or wore despite centuries

of use across multiple owners. The last to hold the blade in its true form was

King Paladin V, and he was using the sword during his battle with the

Elemental Knights and the Church. Many originally said the blade had simply

vanished upon the King's defeat, yet this would be proven wrong in the year

833.

A bold scouting party ventured forth deep into Pandemonium tainted

territory in hopes of breaching the old capitol and retrieving many lost

symbols of the deceased kings. Their hopes were to bring these back to the

people and use them to raise the spirits of the frightened and weary masses.

However upon entering Paladin Castle the group discovered to their

surprised a sword very similar to Exaclibur hovering aloft in the courtyard.

Yet something was amiss, for the Chaos energy that commonly flickered

through the very air and ground that Pandemonium had tainted was

unusually gathered around the sword; seeming to flow in and out of it likewater. In addition the hilt of the sword had transformed into a darker,

edgier version of its previous incarnation with the blade itself consisting of a

solid silver metal that seemed to ripple if stared at for too long.

Against better judgement several of the Knights tried to retrieve the sword,

but many of them could not even grasp the hilt without being flung aside by

some unseen force. Even those that could grab the blade could not hold on

for long; describing their experience as the sword seeming to twist and

thrust in directions of its own volition in an attempt to defy the wielders

wishes. One Knight, who (unknown to the party) had been greatly corrupted

by the Chaos during their expedition managed to grasp the blade and to the

shock of all present; hold it without issue. The Knights cheered for their

comrade's accomplishment and began the return home with their findings.

Along the way they soon discovered the recovered sword was not entirely

the same blade that King Paladin had once wielded; for this blade displayed

many powerful and frightening abilities.

The first and most chilling was that, upon swinging the blade, an jointly



demonic and melodic sound would seem to come from the air the sword

sliced. Those who did not run away in fear from the sound described it as

though someone were singing a beautiful song while being gutted with a

knife all at once without missing a beat. The second noted power was that

the sword was unaffected by the mysterious powers of the Archfiends; forduring their many attacks the sword had been able to turn their assaults and

cut through them without the powers of Chaos being able to interfere. Yet

this is where the story turns tragic, as not far from the border the Knight

wielding the sword became consumed by the Chaos entirely and an

exceptionally bloody fight ensued. Of the returning party 35 of the 50 men

were slaughtered by the newly turned Chaos Knight before he could be

killed; the screams of the dying men resounding in chorus with the blade's

unholy cries.

Upon the wielder's death the sword began hovering in mid-air again, the

survivors describing the long emerald on the sword's base as staring right at

each of them; daring any man of them to come forward and attempt to

command its frightful powers once again. When none dared to try, the blade

hovered off back into the tainted lands and vanished. The story of those

survivors is now passed on in song as the Ballad of the Forlorn Sword; a

warning to those who fight against the Archfiends both experienced and

fresh of the other hidden dangers in those lands. And the new name thosesongs bestowed upon the altered blade of Paladin, was Excalidurge.

The sword Excalidurge functions as a semi-sentient Seibore. It is unable to

speak or communicate; but it voluntarily moves through the lands cursed by

Pandemonium; seeking a wielder it deems worthy to use its powers. Anyone

attempting to take hold of the sword Excalidurge must succeed in a Strength

TN 20 roll or else the sword violently wrests itself away from their hold,

dealing 3K3 damage in the process. This TN is reduced by 5 for every full

rank of Chaos points the attempter possesses. Even if the TN is successfully

made, this TN is repeated every time Excalidurge is used during an attack

action until it accepts the owner as its own. Excalidurge has the following

special abilities:

*Whenever Excalidurge is used successfully for an attack, the swinging

motion causes the sword to issue out a terrifying melody that quivers the

soul of any who hear it. Attack with Excalidurge is considered to generate a

Fear 2 effect.*Excalidurge is steeped in the energy of Pandemonium itself from such long



proximity to the portal created by the Archfiend invasion; as such it

naturally negates the effect of any rank of the special: Archfiend's Barrier.

The requirements for mastering Excalidurge come at a high price as the

sword will not except anyone except those who have mastered both theaspects of Light and Shadow within their soul. Excalidurge will consider its

wielder to be its true master only if that individual possesses a Light Ring of

5 and has reached 3.1 points of Chaos without having taken a single rank in

the Chaos Knight school. Mastery of Excalidurge bestows the additional

special abilities:

*Mastering Excalidurge will prevent the normal effects of reaching 3.1 Chaos

to occur and prevent the gaining of any additional Chaos points.

*Excalidurge will now deal an additional number of rolled dice in damage

equal to half your Light Ring (rounded down).

Light’s Will

In the moments before the Light fully split into its three aspects it recorded

everything about the world as it happened and as it would be into a singular

tome; with the intention of warning the people of this third world against

upsetting the balance of Order and Chaos lest everything be destroyed yet

again. However the book did not survive the creation of the world intact.The power binding the words to the pages kept the book from being

completely destroyed; but each individual page was torn asunder and cast

across the entirety of Aidespar.

Each page contains a different part of the Light’s knowledge which can be

split into three categories, with eleven pages each. The “History” pages

contain the precisely detailed history of Aidespar; from its formation across

eight pages up to future events yet to happen in two and the days of its

demise on the final page. Pages from the “Elements” section details the

working mechanics of the third world; referring to the balance of the

natural elements and how to draw power from them. Each page reveals the

secrets behind the Elemental Knights, the branching lists of Spells, the

Knight of Light, and a page supposedly detailing something known as the

“Knights of the Arcana”. The final section “Realms” details the “truths” of

the world as a whole. The creation of the first and second world, the

Shadow, the Daemos, and the other hidden powers of darkness and light

part of the world’s cosmology.



History Pages: Anyone possessing a page from the History section of Light’s

Will is instantly filled with the knowledge of every single event that

happened/will happen during that time period. Anytime a Lore roll is

needed for information that happened during that period; the owner of that

page automatically succeeds (including any number of Raises that might’vebeen required for obscure knowledge). However for every page that is read

a total of 15 years of the owner’s memories will be erased to make room for

this knowledge. (These years do not have to be concurrent. An owner of a

History Page can forget six months from one year, five days from another,

ect.)

Elements Pages: Anyone possessing a page from the Elements section of

Light’s Will is either granted access to an Elemental Knight’s school

techniques without having to take the Multiple Schools Advantage or learns

up to 10 additional spells they do not already know from an Element they do

not have a Deficiency in. An Elements Pages also will grant access to the

Knight of Light technique even if you do not meet the requirements. The

Knights of Arcana page is presently lost and unobtainable. An owner of an

Elements Page has the element related to the page they own destabilized by

the overwhelming knowledge (I.E: An owner of the Knights of Fire page has

their Fire Ring destabilized.) As such they suffer a +10 TN penalty to any raw

Ring rolls with that Ring.

Realms Pages: Anyone possessing a page from the Realms section of Light’s

Will becomes instantly privy to every bit of knowledge on a “truth”. Be it

the Shadow, or the multiple worlds, or the existence of the trinity of

aspects after the Light’s death, ect. This knowledge shatters a preconceived

notion that shakes the fundamental beliefs of any Aidesparian. The owner of

a Realms Page must immediately make a Willpower Roll with a TN of 30 or

else go permanently insane from the revelation granted by the page.

Should the entire tome of Light’s Will be reassembled the owner of that

tome would gain access to all the benefits of every History, Element, and

Realm page without any of the typical penalties.

Moonstone



In Aidespar exists a legend nearly as old as the country itself called "The

Night of the 21 Stars". The legend itself exists today as little more than an

old folk tale commonly retold through multiple songs, each with different

variations about the exact time, place, and person who recorded the event.

What each version of "The Night of the 21 Stars" does share however is a tale

where the full moon suddenly seemed to explode in a flash of light one

evening. In the wake of that flare several large shooting stars were

witnessed falling to the earth below. While there were many smaller stars

that fell, the song speaks of 21 lights that were brighter than the rest;

shining with an unearthly glow that illuminated the sky long after the

impacted with the ground.

Those who were bold enough to go searching after the sun rose mostly came

home empty handed. But a fortunate few found small craters where within

lie a small chunk of crystalline rock similar in color and composition to themineral quartz, only smoothed to perfect from its heavenly fall. Enough of

these gems emerged over time and were given the name "Moonstone" as

many who witnessed The Night of the 21 Stars believed the moon to be their

point of origin. Aside from looking beautiful, the Moonstone proved to have

no special properties at the time and was eventually considered a worthless

chunk of stone; only fit to be gathered by folklore scholars and people

obsessed with anything related to the moon.

However the Moonstone holds within it secret powers that are beginning to



emerge now that Pandemonium has made itself manifest in this world. Like

many have theorized, the Moonstone gems have indeed originated from the

Moon; for it is the physical manifestation of the Balance in this world

(unknown to anyone). When the world was created by the division of the

Light into its three forms, the Moon manifested above the Earth and sparepieces of it broke off and fell onto the landmasses below; almost entirely in

Aidespar (attracted to the land bless and cursed by both the Order and the

Chaos). When the Balance's intervention in the world becomes necessary,

the Moonstone's powers come to fruition.

Moonstone has one main purpose once active: To absorb the powers of both

the Order and the Chaos. The extent of this power is related to both the size

and quality of the Moonstone. Below is a list describing what the different

classifications of Moonstone are and their respective powers.

Class I: This classification of Moonstone comes in many shapes and sizes,

from as small as a pebble to as large as a man's head. It different from later

classes of Moonstone in that it appears as a white, glassy rock without any

transparency. This class of Moonstone is the most common, but also the

weakest type. Anyone possessing a piece of Class I Moonstone of any size is

granted the following protections:

*Magic of any kind cast against you has the TN to successfully cast the spellraised by 5.

*If you gain a point of Chaos, the Moonstone absorbs the point and takes it

instead of you.

Class I Moonstone shatters and turns into a white sand upon successfully

protecting you against 1 Spell or 0.1 Chaos.

Class II: This classification of Moonstone has only been known to appear in

the form of gemstones 3-6 inches in diameter. This version of Moonstone is

partially transparent and unlike Class I Moonstone comes in a dark purple

coloration. Not as common than Class I Moonstone, Class II occurs

approximately in one out of every four pieces of Moonstone collected.

Anyone possessing a piece of Class II Moonstone is granted the following

protections:

*Magic of any kind cast against you has the TN to successfully cast the spell

raised by 5.

*If you gain a point of Chaos, the Moonstone absorbs the point and takes itinstead of you.



Class II Moonstone shatters and turns into a white sand upon successfully

protecting you against 2 Spells or 0.2 Chaos. Class II Moonstone may be

grafted onto any weapon. The weapon it is grafted on to will now ignore up

to 1 Rank of the Special Ability: Archfiend's Barrier. (This does not stackwith multiple Moonstones.)

Class III: This classification of Moonstone only comes in sizes large enough to

forge pendants and amulets out of. Class III Moonstone is a completely

transparent purple gem that contains a softly glowing blue center. Most

consider this to be the rarest form of Moonstone, as only 60 pieces have ever

been recorded to exist in the entire country. Anyone possessing a piece of

Class III Moonstone is granted the following protections:

*Magic of any kind cast against you has the TN to successfully cast the spell

raised by 10.

*If you gain a point of Chaos, the Moonstone absorbs the point and takes it

instead of you.

Class III Moonstone has never been known to shatter, however upon

successfully protecting you against 3 spells or 0.4 Chaos; the blue glow

subsides and the Moonstone does not function again until the next full moon.

Class III Moonstone may be grafted onto any weapon. The weapon it isgrafted on to will now ignore up to 2 Ranks of the Special Ability: Archfiend's

Barrier. (This does not stack with multiple Moonstones. Class III's bonus

overrides Class II's.)

Class IV: Although it has been reported but never proven, it is said that a

Class IV variety of Moonstone does exist. Those that have claimed to see it

describe Class IV as possessing the same appearance as Class III, however the

Moonstone is reported to be boulder sized (anywhere from 4ft to 7ft in

diameter) and being unnaturally heavy. However the few who have claimed

to see Class IV were never able to lead anyone back to the site of their

discovery to prove its existence. Class IV Moonstone has the following

properties:

*Magic of any kind cast within a 300' radius has the TN to successfully cast

the spell raised by 20.

*Pandemonium's influence cannot come within 2000' of Class IV Moonstone,

therefore no threat of infection exists within that distance.

*Archfiends within 300' of Class IV Moonstone lose 2 Ranks of theirArchfiend's Barrier; this can stack with Moonstone grafted onto weaponry.



Class IV Moonstone never shatters or loses its power, no matter how many

spells or Chaos points are absorbed. Class IV Moonstone cannot be chipped

or destroyed via conventional weaponry.

Class V: While many have debated about it throughout the ages, none are

truly aware of the existence of Class V Moonstone. These are the original 21

Stars that fell to earth from the moon that fateful night. They bear similar

appearance to Class III Moonstone, only the blue light within burns like a

shrunken star and the gemstone itself could dwarf a dozen horses stacked

together. These Moonstones lay hidden in obscure and distant places all

within Aidespar's border; just waiting for someone to discover them or for

fate to call for their true purpose. Class V Moonstone has the following

properties:

*Magic of any kind within a 1000' radius has the TN to successfully cast the

spell raised by 20. No Magic can be cast within any location directly touched

by the Moonstone's glow.

*Pandemonium's influence cannot come within 5 miles of Class V Moonstone.

If Pandemonic energy even approaches the 5 mile mark it can be seen

twisting and writhing in the air from the indirect contact.

*Archfiends within 1000' of Class V Moonstone lose any ability to utilize their

Archfiend's Barrier.

Class V Moonstone never shatters or loses its power, no matter how many

spells or Chaos points are absorbed. Class V Moonstone cannot be chipped or

destroyed via conventional weaponry.

New Rokugani Material

Minor Clans and Rokugani Factions

Red Velvet Faction



Founding

When the civilizations of Aidespar and Rokugan first encountered other the

Empress deemed all dealings with them to be kept secret. The war with the

Destroyers had already greatly weakened the morale of the publish and

distrust of everything gajin had hit an all time high. However as the two

groups began to interact more and negotiations began the inevitable

happened. News of the Aidespar Gaijin leaked out of the Empress' court and

slowly began to trickle its way across Rokugan.

While many samurai faithfully stood by the Empress' decision and trusted in

her judgement to let these strange foreigners into their lands; there were

several amongst the samurai caste who clung tightly to their traditional

values. These samurai detested these new invaders and saw them as nobetter than the gaijin filth that had invaded Rokugan from the Shadowlands.

As those of like mind became more dissatisfied with the gaijin presense a

group began to form hidden from the public eye.

This group of samurai deemed that any gaijin presence in Rokugani lands

was a treat of the highest caliber and they swore to purge the threat by

force. Secretly they gathered more and more to their ranks, primarily by

spreading propaganda that the Empress had become ensnared by gaijin

sorcery and they were soon to take over the throne using her as their

puppet. Eventually their numbers swelled to the point where they could be

covert operations as a serious threat to the Aidesparian visitors.

The Red Velvets use any knowledge obtainable about gaijin and their

customs to infiltrate and assassinate their leaders without raising any

suspicion. They have already installed several operatives in Aidespar and the

Empress' court willing to execute an unwary gaijin at first opportunity. Their

symbol is that of the now absorbed Wasp clan, only reversed and coloredwith a crimson and black pattern.



Red Velvet Assassin (Ninja)

The ranks of the Red Velvet Assassins are lined with those who have studied

target gaijin cultures and all its intricacies. They use the gaijin's own

cultural flaws to infiltrate, cause trouble amongst the chains of command,

and eliminate high profile targets. What make the Red Velvet truly

dangerous are their abilities in gaijin cultural etiquette are matched quite

equally by their skills in subterfuge and assassination.


Skills: Acting, Athletics, Courtier, Craft (Poison), Lore (Gaijin Culture),

Ninjutsu, Stealth, any one Skill

Honor: 1.0Outfit: Light Armor, Sturdy Clothing, and one weapon, Daisho, Bow or Knife,

Traveling Pack, 3 Koku, 3 Dolats

Techniques

Rank One: The Buzzing Nest

A Red Velvet Assassin treats a gaijin's court like a buzzing nest of wasps. One

simply does not approach it with a stick, beat upon it, and expect to get

away without several painful stings. You suffer no penalties for using your

Courtier Skills in a foreign court. Also you are treated as always having onerank in any weapon skill from a gaijin nation.

Rank Two: A Silent, Burning Sting

Once within reach of a target it is all but over for those marked by the Red

Velvet Assassin. Their strikes are not only quiet and precise; but their

talents in poisons ensure a wound that will burn and boil painfully. You may

roll an additional +1K1 to your Stealth rolls. Additionally all your poisons

have their Heal TN raised by your School Rank x 2.

Rank Three: A Wasp Sting Twice

Although the assassins of the Red Velvet are taught to take out an enemy

with one blow whenever possible, there are times that a more enduring foe

can take multiple strikes to bring down. When attacking from ambush you

may make a melee or ranged attack as a Simple Action.

Rank Four: Deceitful Wings

There are times where direct elimination is not the optimal way to bringdown a gaijin. Using their own customs and faults can be just as effective, if



not more so when used in the correct manner. After spending 5 or more

minutes in conversation with someone you may make an opposed

Courtier(Manipulation)/Awareness against an opponent's

Etiquette(Conversation)/Awareness. If successful the opponent must make 1

Raise for no effect or their Social Skills automatically fail for the next hour.You may call 2 Raises to increase the amount of Raises your opponent must

make by 1.

Rank Five: Red Velvet's Toxin

When stung by a red velvet the venom it injects causes a burning sensation

from the contact point that increases over time. Eventually the victim feels

like their very blood has been set aflame. Those of the Red Velvet Assassins

have perfected a poison that emulates this effect to a more lethal degree.

You may now craft the Pulsing Flame poison.

Pulsing Flame

Using a combination of special herbs gathered from the corners of Rokugan

and Aidespar with a bit of Shugenja magic worked into the vial used to store

it; Pulsing Flame toxin directly attacks the victim's inner Fire and uses it

against them. The victim's inner Fire becomes active and overpowers his

other elements. This causes an imbalance which eventually physicalizes as

boiling blood and burning flesh unless treated.

Effects: Upon introduction to the skin this poison causes a mild burning

sensation, almost as though one had been poked with a red hot needle. For

the next 60 seconds this burning sensation will gradually increase until it

feels like the victim has a blazing fire where the contact point occurred.

The pain will the cease until one hour later when the victim's Fire increases

and causes their blood to slowly boil. The victim takes damage in rolled and

kept die equal to their Fire Ring. This damage recurs every hour unless the

poison is cured. Healing spells cast upon a victim of Pulsing Flame only

regain half the amount of wounds healed.

Craft TN: 30

Heal TN: 35

Sakura Clan

Motto My dancing is considered the finest of the refined arts; while my fighting is



called the pinacle of discipline. My greatest secret is that these two things

are not separate skills.

Foundation

When the nation of Aidespar became a group of individuals the Empressconsidered to be worthy of a potential alliance, she pondered how to

introduce Aidespar to the rich cultural history of Rokugan without

overwhelming them with too many new things at once. Sending over

representatives from each clan would only flood the gaijin with too much

history and inner quarrel, presenting the image that Rokugan was weak and

divided by ancient rivalries. However sending just one or a few people from

each faction might give the Aidesparians a biased view of Rokugan that

would be quickly shattered once they spend time in their potential ally's

lands.

The solution came to the Empress while watching an evening performance

by a renoun performer named "Sakura", who had helped calm the turbulence

over Rokugan with her graceful performances that seemed to transcend

physical description. Sakura not only happened to be an elegant dancer, but

also a fierce samurai-ko who integrated her dancing techniques into her

swordplay for a dangerous combination. Confident that this was the correct

front to present to Aidespar, the Empress charged Sakura with founding asmall Minor Clan specifically devoted to replicating her art and serving as

Cultural Ambassador to the overseas gaijin. Within a few short years the

new clan champion Sakura Tsuki led her small group overseas and now

serves her role faithfully within the walls of Aidespar's Castle of the Four

Lords.

The Sakura Clan has no direct lands of its own, save for that the Nobles of

Aidespar have granted them as diplomats of the Empress. Their skills in both

sword and cultural performances serve to create a bridge of understanding

between the two cultures that words alone could not hope to create. While

they spend a majority of their time within court demonstrating the finer

points of Rokugani culture, they are not beyond getting their hands dirty and

serving alongside the Knights or Church in depending the homeland of their

potential allies.

Geography & Economy

While an official Minor Clan of Rokugan's Empire, the Sakura Clan do nothave any native lands to call their own. Instead they exist as permanent



ambassadors to Aidespar and as such claim their few embassies as their "clan

lands". While most prefer to reside within these makeshift quarters the more

adventurous members of the Sakura Clan have managed to purchase a small

partition of land several miles north of the Temple of Water. Here they have

built a small , yet constantly expanding village and share this domain withmany local Aidesparians; making it the melting pot for the two cultures.

The village has two names depending on whom you ask. If you ask a

Rokugani they'll refer to it as "Iweko no Mura" after the Empress who allowed

the expedition to take place; while the Aidesparian's call it "Sakura's Villa"

after the Clan Champion who founded it. Either name can be used and

anyone from those cultures will know where you are inquiring about. The

village serves many purposes for the Sakura Clan functioning as a center of

trade for intercultural exchange and as a cultural experience. Those wishing

to travel between countries will often visit this village first because the two

cultures interact on a more casual level and are more used to accidental

social missteps that may happen because of the differences between groups.

Due to their distance the Sakura Clan has a hard time receiving direct funds

from the Empire. Instead the Sakura Clan makes their living by acting as an

economic broker of sorts between Aidespar and Rokugan. Rokugani traders

who brave the trip often fence their good through the Sakura Clan, who hasa better understanding on who wants what items and who will pay the most.

In return they also have better connections to gain rare Aidesparian goods to

send back with the traders to sell to the more eccentric Rokugani. This

service usually generates a good cut for the Sakura Clan to subsist on as it

generates both Aidesparian and Rokugani currency. Because of this unique

position the Sakura Clan also is the group to go to if you want to exchange

currency between the two nations; as they have established a set trade rate

within their village's boundaries.

Demography

Although living on another country far away the Sakura Clan has a pretty

standard demographic for a Minor Clan. The members of the Sakura Clan are

mostly 21-35 years old with the ungempukued and the retired samurai

making up a minority of the population. However there are two key

difference between the Sakura Clan's demographics and a typical Minor

Clan's. First is that the "retired" samurai often do not go into a monastery or

anything like that. They actively help their clan by passing on their uniqueartistic or athletic skills onto the next generation by teaching anyone who



comes to them; ensuring that the Sakura Clan's cultural heritage is spread as

far as possible.

The second difference comes from their genetic make up. While almost

entirely of Rokugani decent, there are those of the clan who have fallen in

love with and married Aidesparians. This has led to some children being bornthat are half Aidesparian/half Rokugani. The Clan Champion has estimated

that perhaps within one or two generations the Sakura Clan will be made up

predominantly of mixed blood children.

Customs

Rather than forming a truly unique set of customs of their own, the Sakura

Clan both adapts some of the general customs of Rokugan (their high arts,

standard manners, ceremonies, ect) and takes on a complete "non-

traditional" stance. Meaning that they allow themselves not to be tied down

to any one set of customs so they can adapt to the foreign culture as easily

as possible. In fact they will publicly eschew the more disturbing customs

and perform those in private, away from any foreign eyes (such as Seppuku).

However their lack of internal customs has allowed them time to master and

perfect the ones they do practice. Sakura Clan members are all known from

being almost mechanical in their performances of things such as tea

ceremonies or poetry readings; having honed these arts almost into aperformance level so other cultures can observe and learn from these

experiences.

Unlike other Rokugani Clans though, the Sakura are completely open to

experiencing foreign customs and sometimes will adapt a few of them into

their own lifestyle to better blend into the culture. One of the greater

examples of this can be seen in person to person interaction in the form of

physical contact. Physical contact is not seen as a problem in Aidespar like it

is in Rokugan and the Sakura have adapted this into their daily standards.

Families

The Sakura Family: +1 Awareness

The Sakura Family is a group devoted to the pursuit and refinement of

Rokugan's cultural arts. As such they are raised from birth to perfect a

performance skill and taught in the ways of reading and manipulating an

audience.



Schools, Paths, and Dojos

Sakura Bushi School [Bushi]

Amongst Samurai there are those who have seen the performing arts and

scoffed at them. For a proud warrior something as simple as dancing to be

frivolous and a waste of time that could be spent further training one's body.

However the Sakura Clan has integrated the art of dance into the core of

their fighting style. The graceful movements one must perfect through

rigorous training often translates into fluid body motion that can just as

easily carry a sword strike through to an unprepared enemy.

Along with this unnatural grace the Sakura Bushi are quite light on their feet

and quick on the battlefield. Some would argue they could even match theHare in a footrace. Their real talent however comes from the skills needed

to read an audience's emotions and reactions to a performance. This skill

allows a Sakura Bushi to read their opponent and judge what their next

move might be or how to make them expose a weakness.

Benefit: +1 Perception

Skills: Athletics, Defense, Investigation, Kenjutsu, Perform (Dancing),

Perform (Any), any 1 Social Skill.

Honor: 4.5Outfit: Light Armor, Ornate Kimono, Wakizashi, Traveling Pack, 8 Koku

Techniques

Rank One: Opening Steps

The Sakura fighting style lends itself to irregular movements that many

samurai are not trained to follow without difficulty. You may add your

Perform (Dancing) skill to your Armor TN during the turn in which you have

performed a Feint Maneuver.

Rank Two: Quick Legs, Light Feet

Practicing the art of dancing along the art of the sword increases both the

body's speed and reaction time. You may add +1K1 to your initiative rolls.

Additionally your Water Ring is considered 1 higher for purposes of how far

you can move with Move actions.

Rank Three: Whirling Dervish

Those who practice the art of dance are taught to watch their fellowperformers moves as well as their own; this lesson helps the Sakura Bushi



fight against those physically stronger than themselves. Performing the

Knockdown Maneuver requires one less Raise. Additionally you may use your

Awareness in place of your Strength for Combat Maneuvers.

Rank Four: Rushing Towards the Climax Through constant practice and determination, the Sakura Bushi will hone

their skills to near perfection. Your attacks with unarmed strikes, knives, or

Samurai-keyword weapons are considered Simple Actions.

Rank Five: Final Performance

Dancing and swordplay make for a very unpredictable and lethal

combination when the two styles have been perfectly blended. Those caught

in the Sakura Bushi's final dance will likely not survive to see the last steps.

Any opponent that has been successfully attacked by a Sakura Bushi is

considered Dazed until one round after they have not suffered any damage

from your attack. You may make Raises to increase the TN to overcome the

Dazed status during the Reaction Stage by +5 for every two Raises.

Shark Clan

Motto

Hohojirozame? Those who travel our shores wish they were still the mostdangerous creature in these waters.

Founding

The discovery of the nation of Aidespar led to the call for two plans to be

put into motion. The first being a diplomatic mission to ascertain the powers

and abilities of the new gaijin. The other being a call for a military buffer

between Aidespar and Rokugan, serving as both an early warning system and

a first strike unit should the gaijin prove to be as dishonorable as many

feared. With the discovery of the newly christened Iweko Archipelago

between the two nations a group of samurai was needed to colonize and

construct a front line military base designed to stop gaijin attack forces at

all costs. The leader for this task was given to a brash ronin named Aoizame.

True to the creature he was named after, Aoizame was a man who chased

down his prey and ravaged it without any mercy. Aoizame was also known

quite well for his hatred of gaijin, having lost his home village to assaults

from the Yobanjin and many men during his efforts against the cultists of

Kali-Ma. When Aoizame was presented with option to take on thismonumental task, he accepted quite readily. Before setting out to construct



this new base Aoizame first took time making some very important decisions

such as selection of the samurai to take with him. Only the roughest and

hardiest samurai were selected to join what would be known as the Shark

Clan. The other important move Aoizame made was to forge a close alliance

with the Mantis and the Tortoise.

Once preparations were made the Shark Clan set out across the ocean with

the aid of the Mantis and soon began building a new home on the Iweko

Archepelego. Due large in part to the plentiful natural resources the Shark

were able to construct a port city fairly quickly, additionally aided by supply

runs by the Mantis and Tortoise. Since the construction of Aoizame no

Kuchisaki the Shark have spread out over the islands, building various watch

towers while constantly fortifying their own offensive and defensive

capabilities. Presently their current project is the construction of a fleet of

swift ships capable of darting out to attack before returning to port before a

counter offensive can be launched.

Geography & Economy

The Shark Clan inhabit a cluster of 8 islands known as the Iweko Archipelago

located several hundred miles northwest of Rokugan and approximately 100

miles south of Aidespar's Grand Ice Barrier. Their home city of Aoizame no

Kuchisaki resides on the largest island, which is in turn surrounded by theother seven, smaller islands which range from 2-5 miles away from each

other. Sea travel to Aoizame no Kuchisaki is notoriously difficult. The close

proxiemty of the smaller islands generate constantly shifting currents and

several walls of coral reef grow under the surrounding waters. An

unprepared sailor can easily sink their ship long before reaching the city's

ports, so all but the most experienced sailors wait just outside of the

archipelago until a Shark Clan representative arrives to lead them into port.

Weather around the Iweko Archipelago is usually tropic all year long with

rainy seasons lasting typically for the last three months of the year. During

these times typhoons can sometimes engulf the area, making travel to or

from them all but impossible. All of the islands share the same

environmental traits; typically heavily forested by tropic plants with very

little change in elevation. Only the central island has a noticeable mountain,

which can be climbed up and down from in less than a day.

The economy for the Shark Clan is relatively stable despite being so far from

their homeland. Resources on the Iweko Archipelago are plentiful and often

many rare spices, materials, and animals are found here that none inRokugan have ever experienced before. Between the Mantis and the Tortoise



anything the Shark need can typically be traded for; with the Shark

sometimes gaining a little Koku in the process. This Koku is typically saved

up for times the Shark need to purchase extra supplies for expansion, or for

their less than legal purchases.

In an attempt to keep up with their original purpose of being able to act as

an offensive force against the gaijin Aoizame has adopted the theory of

fighting fire with fire. As such the Shark often use their connections with the

Tortoise to smuggle in gaijin weapons and implements to further bolster

their position. Typically these purchases are paid for with excess Koku from

supply trading or in exchange for some of the unique plant life that makes

for potent poisons or drugs. Their biggest export is a small, red flower than

can be ground into a red powder much like opium, only more potent. On the

mainland this new drug is known as "Firecracker Powder".

Demography

Those of the original Shark Clan were hand picked by Aoizame himself.

Typically these individuals were young samurai, many fresh out of gempuku

age who had yet to determine their lot in life yet were brash, eager, but

also tough enough in both mind and body to withstand the rigors of island

life. Due to the dangerous nature of the place they reside this demography

has not changed at all. Shark Clan samurai grow up fast and typically dieyoung in the line of duty. Travel between the islands in taxing and the

dangers existing both in the water and on land can end the unprepared man

or woman's life in a heartbeat.

Customs

In part due to their exotic location and in part due to an obsession with

survival, the Shark Clan has developed a series of odd customs pervading

every part of their life, starting even at child birth. The sea is extremely

important to the Shark as their daily life involves constant interaction with

it, as such new born children are taken to the sea soon after birth and are

escorted into the water to form a spiritual bond with it. Once the child is

old enough to walk, swimming lessons become a regular part of every day

training and exercise. Because of the close proximity of the other islands

most Shark see it as a waste to use boats and so they swim from island to

island when they want to travel anywhere. A Shark who cannot swim is likely

to spend a life in humiliation, so most parents are extremely adamant about

teaching their children as early as possible to master swimming.



Another custom unique to the Shark has primarily to do with their diet. The

climate of the Iweko Archipelago is not well suited for growing rice and only

a limited amount can be imported in, as the Shark have other things higher

on the priority list to import from Rokugan. As such the Shark have taken to

eating whatever is readily avaliable to them, which is often fresh meat fromthe local wildlife. While options such as fruit and fish are available the time

and energy it takes to gather these semi-limited resources is not worth it

when compared to the short time in which a group of Shark samurai can

hunt down a few wild beasts to feed several families for days. Some of the

more prominent items on a Shark's daily menu include wild boar, giant

constrictors, and oxen.

A final custom of note is the Shark's ritual of gempuku comes with an

additional level of challenge. Those wishing to prove themselves "truly"

worthy of the Shark Clan's symbol are taken out to deeper waters and given

only two things before they dive in: A knife and a rotting fish head. The fish

head attracts a local shark (sometimes more than one) which the young

samurai must fight and kill. If he succeeds the dead shark's skin and teeth is

then woven into an obi for their kimono as proof of their worthiness of the

Shark's image.

WarWhile the Shark have not been involved in any wars as of yet; their entire

clan was founded on the principle that at any moment they may be called

upon to be the first to wage war upon Aidespar. As such they are always on

alert and have adapted some unusual tactics that most Rokugani would

deem dishonorable, if not outright unforgivable.

Because the Shark do not have a vast navy like the Mantis they have settled

on adopting certain gaijin weaponry from other nations to make up for this;

as the Shark generally despise the gaijin themselves but not their

technology. Hidden in carefully selected locations across the archepelego

are several well maintained canons. The Shark have imported these from

what remained of the Thrane and Methrane cultures via the Tortoise; and

they are specially designed to be hidden completely on short notice should

any of the more honorable clans from the Empire visit.

Additionally, the Shark have been experimenting with a new form of navel

warfare. In addition to the vast natural defenses of the Iweko Archipelagothe Shark have reinforced their island with inventions Aoizame calls



"Bakuretsu Saya" (Exploding Pods). These contraptions are wooden spheres

made from imported bamboo then filled with gaijin powder and another

substance discovered on the islands that generated a lesser explosion when

sharply impacted. In theory whenever an invading ship bumps into one of

these it will explode violently, severely damaging the offending vessel. TheShark have deployed several of these in their harbors for testing but the

prototypes still have issues; as quite often a heavy wave or an unfortunately

curious shark has set one off prematurely.

Families

Aoizame Family (Trait Bonus: +1 Stamina)

A strong mind is needed to endure island life, but an even tougher body is

required to survive it. Those of the Aoizame family have adapted to the

hardships their environment constantly throws at them. As a result they

tend to literally be more "thick-skinned" than most samurai and can shrug off

physical assaults more easily. Their physical prowess is most notable in their

ability to swim for many miles at a time without stopping, despite being

pulled in every direction by the local ocean currents.

Schools, Paths & Dojos

Aoizame Berzerker School [Bushi]

Those of the Aoizame Berzerker School look to the shark as the inspiration

for their fighting style. Once they've made the first blow they go into an

unrelenting rage, not stopping until that target has dropped. Striking back

against an Aoizame Berzerker only incites them to attack more intensely; for

once they've "tasted" their opponent's blood they want more and more of it.

Even the infamous Hida Berzerkers are hesitant to provoke an Aoizame

Berzerker into their full frenzied state.


Skills: Animal Handling, Athletics (Swimming), Defense, Hunting, Knives,

Sailing, any one Bugei skill.

Honor: 1.0

Outfit: Ashigaru or Light Armor, Sturdy Clothing, Daisho, any 2 weapons,

Traveling Pack, 1 Koku.

Techniques

Rank 1: First Bite As one bite is all a shark needs to unlock their feeding frenzy instincts; one



strike is all an Aoizame Berzerker needs to focus on their opponent

relentlessly. For every Wound Rank below Healthy you presently suffer, you

may add +1K0 to your damage rolls. Additionally your Water Ring is

considered 1 higher for purposes of calculating movement while swimming.

Rank 2: Rip and Tear

When a shark strikes out at its opponent it does so without caring what part

it gets; but it makes sure to completely eviscerate whatever is does catch

between its jaws. Upon a successful attack and after damage is calculated

you may spend a Void Point. Roll a single d10 that will not explode. A

number of wounds (up to the maximum amount of damage inflicted) equal

to the number rolled cannot be healed by any magical means. If these

wounds are not healed within one day, they become Permanent Wounds.

Rank 3: Blood Fueled Appetite

A shark's greatest motivation is the smell of its victim's blood. One drop can

motivate a shark into a demonic uproar, a gallon can nearly drive it insane

with lustful hunger. You may now ignore a number of your target's Reduction

point up to an amount equal to their present Wound Rank during an attack.

(Example: An opponent at the Grazed Wound Rank would have 2 points of

Reduction Negated, Hurt 3, Injured 4, ect.) Additionally you may add your

School Rank in rolled dice on any Hunting roll.

Rank 4: Second Taste

Once a shark has taken that first bite of its prey it is guaranteed to come

back for another. You may make attacks with Knives or weapons with the

Samurai keyword as Simple Actions.

Rank 5: Killing Bite

Though it may play with its food and taste several times to make sure it's

the right meal, eventually the shark will close in and deliver one final, fatal

blow; no matter how injured it may be. After immediately hitting the Down

or Out Wound Rank you may spent two Void Points. By doing so you may

deliver one final attack as a Complex Action ignoring all Wound Penalties,

Armor Penalties, and treating your Strength Trait as double for the attack.

New Weapons



Henteko

Born from a combination of Aidespar blacksmithing techniques and Rokugani

tradition, Henteko are a new breed of weapon that some say combines the

best of both worlds, while more traditional samurai look on in sheer horror

at the "strange" combination. Regardless of personal stance about the morals

of wielding these weapons, no one can deny they prove themselves to be

unique assets on the battle field. Henteko are rare to find in any

blacksmith's shop and often have to be custom ordered for the user.

Hooksword (Kenjutsu)

The Hooksword is a unique specimen of a weapon that proves itself to be

highly versatile in any circumstance. The weapon itself consists a set of

back-edged blades curved into a J. These blades are set into a pair ofcrescent shaped guards. This allows for both an offensive and defensive

weapon that can slash, entangle, and also guard against glancing blows.

Keywords: Medium, Gaijin

DR: 2K1

Special Rules: The Hooksword may be used to initiate and maintain a

grapple. In addition it provides a bonus +5 to the users TN to be Hit.

Price: 40 Koku or Dolats

Ring Blade (Chain Weapon) The Ring Blade is an unusual beast that many Rokugani find hard to

comprehend. It is a pair of large metal circles, not unlike Aidesparian

shields. However this circular weapon is hollowed out in the middle, leaving

a large ring with three evenly spaced blades protruding from its

circumference. While it may cut like a sword and sit like a shield, those who

have mastered it often compare its battle movements to that of a chain

weapon.

Keywords: Large, Gaijin

DR: 2K3

Special Rules: The Ring Blade may be thrown as a ranged weapon up to a

maximum distance of 20'.

Price: 55 Koku or Dolats.

Talon Gauntlet (Jiujutsu)

The martial art of Jiujutsu has not flourished in Aidespar like it has in

Rokugan. Needless to say those who have traveled to Aidespar and

performed martial art exhibitions can attract quite a wide range ofinterests. One of those interests was a bold blacksmith who found a way to



enhance the damage generated by a Jiujutsu strike without encumbering the

wielder. The result was a light metal gauntlet locked around the wrist with

three metal claws extending about 2' long past the edge. This weapon can

cause terrible slashing damage in the hands of a skilled Jiujutsu fighter.

Keywords: Small, Gaijin, UnarmedDR: 0K3

Special Rules: While wielding a Talon Gauntlet, the user is considered

unarmed for all Jiujutsu bonuses and other abilities that require the user to

be unarmed.

Price: 25 Koku or Dolats

Furugasa (Staves/Spears)

Even amongst the Henteko the Furugasa is a unique specimen. The Furugasa

is parasol attached to a long steel rod that has had all the cloth and paper

replaced with loose steel mesh while still remaining functional as a parasol.

As a result the Furugasa can be used in two completely unique styles

depending on it's current configuration. With the parasol closed the weapon

becomes a heavy staff that can be used to bash an opponent with it's

weight. However once the parasol is opened the weapon functions more like

a spear with the steel mesh acting as a shield for the bearer. Because of this

different skills are required to use the weapon depending on if it is closed

(Staves) or open (Spears). Opening or closing a Furugasa is a Free Action.Keywords: Medium, Gaijin

DR: 1K3/1K1

Special Rules: When the Furugasa is in the "open" configuration, it provides

an additional +2 Armor TN to the wielder and 2 points of Reduction

the knights of aidespar

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