Yodha of the Ghostlands

The Ivory Kingdoms, described in detail starting on page 196, are bordered along a large portion of their eastern edge by a region of thick, gloomy, tangled forests inhabited by evil spirits and terrifying monsters. These “Ghostlands” are, in fact, a natural rainforested area affected by the southernmost and westernmost reaches of the Shadowlands, the vile realm that borders the southern margin of Rokugan. A dedicated group known as the Yodha, which is organized into cadres of supremely skilled warriors, wages a never-ending struggle to hold back these evil forces, just as the Crab Clan does in Rokugan. More details are provided about the Ghostlands, and the Yodha, on page 202.

All Yodha are skilled warriors adept at fighting in the most closed and inhospitable terrain imaginable. They are also adept at recognizing and combating corrupt supernatural powers, using mystical substances such as gold and coral to enhance their formidable fighting skills. However, the grim nature of their endless battle against the Ghostlands has permeated the Yodha psyche. They tend to be dour and taciturn and are particularly suspicious of those they do not know well. To the Yodha, this distrust is justified; among their most fearsome opponents are the shapeshifting monstrosities known as rakshasa, whose queen harbors a relentless hatred for the Ivory Kingdoms. Due to the nature of their enemies, the Yodha are supremely careful, thoughtful, and deliberate, spending days—sometimes weeks— stalking and observing their enemies, striking only when the moment is right.