A Samurai’s Redemption

(Prologue)

 

by Rich Wulf



There is no clan in Rokugan that has not been touched by the foul seduction of the Shadowlands Taint.
Each clan can name heroes that have fallen to its foul caress, once shining examples that fell to the power of darkness. The faction that wins this tournament will redeem the soul of a fallen hero of their clan, as noted on the following list. This hero will forever turn his or her back on the Shadowlands and return to his clan at full strength, a beacon of light against the darkness.


Such redemption, however, does not come easily.
This reward is offered only if the winner’s deck is pure. Should the winner’s deck be tainted (any Shadowlands or maho cards) or corrupt (four or more Shadowlands or maho cards or the Dark Heart of the Empire Wind), their success will instead damn this hero forever, granting them the powers of an akutenshi, an unstoppable engine of corruption. Should the Shadowlands win, they are free to choose any of the following heroes from this list to become an akutenshi.


Crab – Hida Amoro

Crane – Daidoji Megumi

Dragon – Hitomi Kobai

Lion – Matsu Satomi

Mantis – Tsuruchi Hiro

Phoenix – Isawa Nodotai

Ratling – Mat’chek (will not become an akutenshi, but will instead gain a corrupt artifact of incredible power)

ScorpionSoshi Bantaro

Unicorn – Moto Sada