Akiara, Chilling Bloodspeaker

ADVERSARY | CONFLICT RANK: 5 6

Essentially nothing is known about Akiara, aside from the fact that they exist. Their name, which means “bright person,” is almost certainly a pseudonym. It isn’t even certain whether Akiara is a samurai or a commoner. All that is known is that Akiara is a Bloodspeaker, utterly devoted to the worship of Iuchiban in anticipation of the glorious triumph of his release from bondage and return to rule the world. If Akiara belongs to an existing cell, they make no mention of it, instead seeming intent on swaying people they believe may be open to the worship of Iuchiban. And Akiara is terrifyingly effective to that end, exuding an aura of suave, sinister charm with a terrifying sense of restrained power. This is almost enough to make the hints and suggestions of cosmic horror that thread their way through Akiara’s sibilant words tolerable…almost.

00 | 14 10 | 14 00 | 7

+2, –1, –1

DEMEANOR - ALLURING

4

HONOR | ENDURANCE

GLORY | COMPOSURE

STATUS | FOCUS

VIGILANCE

SOCIETAL | PERSONAL

3 4 3 | 3 4

ARTISAN 1 MARTIAL 2 SCHOLAR 3 SOCIAL 4 | TRADE 1

ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES

Forbidden Knowledge: Scholar; Mental

Strange Corruption: Martial; Spiritual

FAVORED WEAPONS & GEAR

Knife: Range 0, Damage 2, Deadliness 4/6, Concealable, Mundane, Razor-Edged

Gear (equipped): Sorcerous robes (Physical 2, Supernatural 4), second knife, wakizashi, personal chop

ABILITIES

WHISPERS OF HORROR Once per scene as a Support action, when speaking of Iuchiban or the abominations that will enable him to take over the world, Akiara may make a Theology (Air) check targeting one person, with a TN equal to the

target’s vigilance. If Akiara succeeds, the target immediately suffers 12 strife and becomes Dazed.

MASTER OF KNIVES Akiara may wield two knives without penalty. When Akiara makes an Attack action check with a readied knife against a target, they may immediately make a second Attack action check against the same target with another readied knife.

The Phoenix Clan

In the northeast of Rokugan are the lands of the Phoenix Clan, a region that varies from barren, forbidding mountains and rugged, storm-lashed seacoasts to silent, spirit -haunted forests. The contradictions displayed across this diverse terrain are a reflection of the clan: on the one hand, enigmatic holy people who commune with the spirits the way others might converse with friends and loved ones, and on the other, pragmatic guardians who would give their life in a heartbeat to save those they are sworn to protect. Most Phoenix are pacifists who eschew violence when they can, but they are also skilled warriors who march into battle when they must. With a word to the kami, a Phoenix shugenja can cause an origami bird to flutter to a semblance of life—or turn a gentle breeze into a roaring gale. Indeed, the contrary character of the Empire itself is mirrored in the Phoenix, which is fitting; in many ways, they are both the spiritual soul of the Empire and fierce protectors of everything that soul represents.

The Phoenix Clan’s role as protectors dates back to Shiba himself, who began seeking wrongs to right shortly after awakening in the Mortal Realm. Shiba came to the breathtaking mountains that would someday become Phoenix lands and found people living fleeting, harsh lives, and yet these humans somehow found the will to strive for more. Inspired by their determination, but believing only his power could change their world for the better, the Kami quickly established himself as a folk hero, tyrants and monsters falling by his blade. In time, several local rulers pledged themselves to him, seeing a chance to grow their domains under this seemingly invincible figure. Most of all, they hoped to expand into the lands of the reclusive and mystical tribe of Isawa. But Shiba refused to strike first, counseling coexistence, and this detente remained even after Hantei formally granted Shiba domain over the entire region. But the war with Fu Leng changed everything, and the balance of power in those lands was no exception.

Eventually, however, the War against Fu Leng became impossible for Isawa to ignore; he realized he needed to join Shiba and his followers, but he would only do so if Shiba knelt to him. The Kami did so, humbly prostrating himself before Isawa and vowing to protect his people.