Rokugan Overview
Rokugan is a land quite different from Jaern. Based on feudal Japan and taken from Wizards of the Coast oriental series "Clan War" and "Legend of the Five Rings". Rokugan is located on a far off planet. The only known access is a dimensional portal located in catacombs below Tanaka’s library. Some of the various teleport spells will also allow adventures to travel to Rokugan, such as Obmrovetur and Sun Port.
Geography:
Rokugan is the name of the only civilized human empire on the planet. The known landmass of the planet is quite limited. With the exception of a few sparse islands, all of the land is located on the central continent. The southern area is known as the Burning Sands, vast stretches of desert filled with nomadic pirates. The northern area is a bleak wasteland known as the Shadowlands. The only civilized and heavily populated area is the central empire of Rokugan. The climate is temperate and the land is fertile. The largest difference is that the ocean is salt water. They do have fresh water streams and rivers, but the ocean is salty. The land area of Rokugan is about the size of modern-day China.
Politics:
Rokugan has a strictly run caste system with a single emperor (Hantei the 39th) presiding over all. Beneath him are the seven Great Clans; Crab, Crane, Dragon, Lion, Phoenix, Scorpion, and Unicorn. The word of Hantei is law and the empire is shaped by his whim. The sworn enemies of Hantei and Rokugan are the minions of Fu Leng, the Undying Dark God of the Shadowlands.
Each clan has it's own responsibilities to the empire. The Crab of the north protect the Shadowlands border from invasion. The Crane work as the diplomatic voice of the Empire as well as having the most renowned sword fighting school in Rokugan (the Kakita Kenshinzo Dojo). The Lion are the warriors of the Emperor; they form and lead his armies to war with all that oppose Hantei. The Phoenix are the foremost shugenja (sorcerer-priests) of Rokugan. While the Lion and the Crab protect the Empire from invasion, the Scorpion protect the Empire from within, using spies and assassins at every opportunity. After a failed Coup resulting in the death of Hantei the 38th, the Scorpion clan has been somewhat disbanded and the samurai have been forced to become Ronin (literally "wave men", or masterless samurai). The Unicorn are the most gifted calvary and their steeds are renown through the land. The enigmatic Dragon are the philosophers and spend secluded lives studying the teachings of Shinsei.
The Shadowlands of the north constantly assault and corrupt Rokugani soil. Their only goal is to overthrow Hantei and awaken their dark master.
Caste System:
The class system is very strict in Rokugan. It is considered a dishonorable act for lower people to confront their betters without being first given permission. The system places the Emperor Hantei at the top, the Emerald Champion (head Imperial Magistrate) second, the samurai families next, merchants, heimin (half-people) such as peasants and hinin (meaning non-persons, including eta) at the bottom. It is possible to obtain higher status by changing professions to a certain degree. While geisha, musicians, kabuki, and undertakers are considered hinin, farm hands and typical laborers are considered heimin. By obtaining enough money to begin a trade route, one can become a merchant. The only exclusive class is samurai; you must be born samurai (unless given special commission by the Emperor himself). Though it is true that some hinin live better than peasants do, they have their hazards. As "non-persons" it is not unlawful for someone to kill them. They are not considered human, so it is not considered murder. Of course their friends and allies may take revenge, but the law will stay out of it.
Races:
Besides the human clans and the demonic oni of the Shadowlands, other races exist in Rokugan. The typical Jaern races are few and far between in the empire. The only existing dwarves, elves, orcs or lizards seem to be outsiders that found their way to the land. They do not exist in the caste system and are considered eta (lowly hinin). Unlike humans, no non-human will ever be able to rise in stature in society and will die as non-persons.
Non-Jaern races exist as well. There is a race that resembles a mix between humans and rodents known as Nezumi or Ratlings. They dwell in the Shadowlands and are rumored to be the only pure creatures that live there, uncorrupted by the taint of Fu Leng. Also there exists rumors of a mysterious snake-like race called the Naga. Though none have been seen, fables described them as the first race in existence.
Language:
The common tongue is not Paroli. Only the most educated or most adventurous know of the existence of more than two languages, let alone how to speak them. The common people speak a language known as Rokugi, and the nomadic tribes of the Burning Sands speak Sorvic (a distant cousin to Haoogh). The only people that may possibly speak anything else are scholars, rare shugenja, very rare clan leaders, the Emperor, and assorted merchants that travel off world.
Economy:
The economy of Rokugan is very much like Jaern. They operate on a gold standard with silver being the most common currency. Generally a silver piece in Rokugan is worth the same as a KSP. The only real difference is that every koku (Rokugan silver piece) is minted with the Imperial mon (a two headed eagle) on it.
Religion:
While religion is very important on Jaern, it is not so on Rokugan. Perhaps it is because there are not as many religions to choose from. There exist two major religions, Shintao and Fu Leng. Shintao incorporates much of the former myths of the area and reveries Hantei as the voice of god. Within it exist several minor powers, called the Fortunes, and few major powers, Hantei, Amaterasu, Onnotangu, and the Seven Thunders. This is the major religion of Rokugan. Worship of Fu Leng is a vile and entirely evil act. This Dark God will bring the end of the world, corrupting anyone he touches. Only the insane or truly sadistic worship Fu Leng.