Emperor Toturi IV
Toturi IV shares many characteristics with his forbearers. He is a powerful, charismatic figure. A graduate of the Akodo Tactical school, he stood on the Carpenter’s Wall during the last great assault by the Shadowlands ten years ago. He assisted Mirumoto Yakuzi, the former Dragon Champion, and Hida Yasura, the former Crab Champion, in driving off the dreaded Kyoso no Oni. This is the conflict that cost him his eye. Since then he has taken a more administrative role, helping to negotiate the last problems between the Clans. When the plague struck, he sought to calm the peasants before mass panic set in and all order broke down. The Forbidden City at the center of Otosan Uchi closed its doors the winter of the plague’s second year. They are just now opening. It is known that the previous Emerald Champion succumbed to the plague. No word has been heard about Shinjo Tamaoko, the Emperor’s wife, or Toturi Dorai, the Emperor’s son.
Seppun Kuron
Kuron is the Imperial Herald. A young man just out of his teens, he has found himself, thanks to the Gaijin Plague, as the Senior Herald. This position is considered by many to be almost as powerful as the Voice of the Emperor. To Kuron, however, it often means long travel through dangerous terrain. While it is true that he sees many things and has spoken to heroes and champions that most only see from a great distance, he would rather not face marauding bandits, possible infection with the Black Collar, and the scrutiny of the Scorpion that comes upon all who know as much as he.
Warlord Omanu
Not much was known about Omanu before he claimed the second greatest city in the Empire as his own. Still, Ryoko Owari has, in its own way, thrived under his rule. He responds to any outbreak of the Black Collar by quarantining the section it occurs in and burning it, people and all, to the ground. This draconian measure has made certain elements feel safe enough to return to the city. Omanu is a brutal, cunning man. The City of Lies has become a hive of scum and villany since he arrived. However, he pays no attention to social rank, only talent and willingness to work, advancing the lowest caste eta while spitting on the noblest samurai. Too mercenary by half, he insists that all those within Ryoko Owari have at least one fair shot to make their on Koku.
Seppun Ryoske
Ryoske is a magistrate in service to the Empire. A powerfully built man of middle years he carries himself well despite his leg injury. Born a shugenja and trained in the ways of the Kitsuki Investigators, few details escape his notice or prey from his pursuit. Generally a jovial man, he throws off his opponents with his ever present smiling eyes and grinning face. He travells with another magistrate, the beautiful young woman Twilight Moon, who serves as his trusted bodyguard and companion. He took her under his wing when she was still a child and has come to regard her as a daughter.
Twilight Moon
Twilight Moon is a mysterious woman with an equally mysterious past. Her birth to a noble family was less than celebrated due to the ill omens that came with it. She is a young woman of remarkable beauty but she is without emotion. Cold and stoic she goes about her duties as a magistrate assisting her charge and companion, Seppun Ryoske, who took her under his wing. She does not speak and when she does its rumored that those who hear her will suffer from an insidious curse. Her greatest gift is her skill with the blade which is put to use again and again in service to the Empire.
Baron Klaus von Wulfenbach
Shadow Dragon
An evil spawned from the Lying Darkness and the Taint of the Shadowlands, the Shadow Dragon is a potent combination that is fueled by both the Nothing and corruption. Its body was destroyed and its spirit imprisoned almost a century ago, but last year it was loosened upon the world again by the Scorpion. Now inhabiting the body of Bayushi Ken'ichi, the Shadow Dragon is the dark power fueling the Scorpion’s drive for conquest.