August Personages of the Empire at Large

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 fifteen 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. Still, his family has served the Emperor's for generations, so there is no refusal. 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.

Otomo Wampei
Wampei is the Voice of the Emperor. As such, he is at the highest levels of the court. His Honor is second only to that of the Emperor himself. His word is the Emperor’s word when the Emperor is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to speak it. Wampei is old, and not much loved by the representatives of the Clans that come to court. He is sly, but arrogant, and is well aware that he has the greatest protector in Rokugan. He is still a powerful figure in his own right, as the Emperor values his opinion. Those seeking to gain the Imperial Favor had best get on his good side, and quickly. He runs the Courts with a methodical mindset, seeking to ensure any one Clan does not have more power than the others. Or him. For this, he is particularly unloved by the Crane and the Scorpion. Many mutter that, thought the Collar claimed so many, it knew better than to try for Wampei.

Seppun Ryoske
Ryoske is a magistrate in service to the Empire, Hatamoto to the Emerald Champion. A powerfully built man of middle years, he carries himself well despite his leg injury. Born to the call of the 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 travels 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.

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 villainy 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.

Masuko
Masuko appear at Omanu’s side two seasons ago. She does not speak aloud, but occasionally will whisper to Omanu. There are rumors that they are romantically involved, but often those spreading those rumors are found beheaded, with their limbs cut from their body. Masuko is a skilled duelist, and has been known to make use of Crane techniques.