Lean Time

The Lean Times of the nezumi were the time following the Terrible Day.

Surviving in the Shadowlands
The nezumi race traveled north to escape the Shadowlands, but found a new the humans inhabiting the land north of the Twilight Mountains, the Emerald Empire. Early misunderstandings between the two races convinced the Nezumi to remain south of the great mountains that once defined the northern border of their fallen empire.

Age of the Nezumi Tribes
Shortage of food and too harsh environment forced several of the Chieftains to sneak into Rokugan in smaller groups. And so the age of the Nezumi tribes was born. Some bands headed north into the lands of the humans. Many stayed within the lands they once called their own. One even marched south toward Heaven's Gate, vowing to reclaim their home.

Crab Alliance
Centuries ago many of the Nezumi tribes united to help a lone Hiruma Scout foil the treacherous plans of a corrupted Kuni Shugenja, thwarting an attack which could have overwhelmed and destroyed the Hiruma Castle. Since that day the Hiruma honored the nezumi as allies.