
Meishōdō Magic
Meishōdō, "the way of names,” was the style of magic wielded by the Unicorn Clan that used a spirit's name to bind and command it, [1] the talismanic name magic practiced within the Iuchi family, [2] a magical discipline learned by the Unicorn during their journey beyond Rokugan's borders, allowing them to draw upon the kami. [3]
Origin[]
When Shinjo-no-Kami and her followers ventured past the borders of the Emerald Empire and her head priest's prayers to the Kami went unanswered. To survive in other lands, [4] Iuchi learned name magic from sahir of the Burning Sands [5] to replace the Fortunes' blessings. Drawing on the power of the true names of things, this mysterious practice provides an advantage to the Unicorn's shugenja in the form of talismans. [4] By speaking the True Name of a djinni, demon, or other supernatural being, a sorcerer could compel the spirit into service or bind it to an object such as a lamp or ring. Some powerful sorcerers could use their Name Magic on mortals. [6]
Appearance[]
Many of the Iuchi talismans took the shape of hideous monstrosities: the human form corrupted with scale-covered tails, feathered wings, horned heads, and furry legs. [4] By invoking the spirit's true name, the properly trained could use the trinket to directly communicate with it. [7]
Phoenix Warning[]
The Phoenix Clan believed they had foreseen a great and powerful danger in the use of meishōdō. Their warning reached the Emperor himself, who confered with his counselors to determine whether this magic served the Empire or endangered Rokugan. [4] The Emperor saw fit to allow the Unicorn Clan to continue practicing meishōdō, but officially requested their assistance in teaching its use to his Hidden Guard. [5]
References
- ↑ Legend of the Five Rings - Roleplaying, p. 331
- ↑ The Rising Wave, by Marie Brennan
- ↑ The Great Clans (Learn to Play Rulebook)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Smokeless Fire, by Katrina Ostrander
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Most Suitable Teacher, by Katrina Ostrander
- ↑ Across the Burning Sands, by Daniel Lovat Clark
- ↑ Outsiders, by Robert Denton III
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