Rokugan

Rokugan is the focus of the Legend of the Five Rings setting. It is based heavily on feudal Japan, though it also includes aspects of other Asian cultures, as well as magic and mythical beasts. Rokugani society is based on a clan structure, with seven (and later eight) so-called "Great Clans", as well as several minor clans. Each clan also has areas of land bequeathed by the emperor under their control. The emperor retains ownership off all lands, however, and the clans essentially rent the lands they use by paying taxes annually.

There is no given name for the entire world which the setting describes, so "Rokugan" is used alternately to refer to the specific nation within the setting or to refer to the entire world. Strictly speaking this is incorrect, but as the Emperor lays claim to all that is as a right of being the descendant of Amaterasu and Onnotangu, the courtiers of the Emerald Empire would see this as an appropriate use. The citizens and rulers of the Burning Sands and Ivory Kingdoms might disagree, however.

The Great Clans
The Great Clans were each formed by one of the Kami after their fall from Tengoku. These clans' histories date back to the very beginning of the Empire. The exception to this is the Mantis Clan, which, until the Second Day of Thunder was actually a Minor Clan within the Empire. Through force and manipulation, Yoritomo was able to get his family granted Great Clan status.

Great Clans are made up of several family lines, each family with their own general purpose within the clan. Each clan also has a specific purpose within Rokugan -- some area of expertise or mandate that the specific clan can fulfil better than any others.


 * Crab Clan
 * Crane Clan
 * Dragon Clan
 * Imperial Families
 * Lion Clan
 * Mantis Clan
 * Phoenix Clan
 * Scorpion Clan
 * Unicorn Clan

Minor Clans
There are many minor clans in Rokugan -- clans that have been formed since the birth of the empire by those other than the seven Kami. New clans are not founded lightly. The founders of these clans generally performed some extraordinarily valiant deed or favor for the Empire. Unlike the Great Clans, minor clans generally only have one family, but like the Great Clans, each generally has a specific duty to fulfill.


 * Badger Clan
 * Bat Clan
 * Dragonfly Clan
 * Fox Clan
 * Hare Clan
 * Ox Clan
 * Sparrow Clan
 * Tortise Clan

Former Minor Clans
Throughout the history of the Empire, there have been several minor clans that no longer exist. Some have joined Great Clans as family lines, and some have been disbanded by the Emperors.


 * Boar Clan
 * Centipede Clan
 * Falcon Clan
 * Snake Clan
 * Wasp Clan