Welcome to the Imperial City
Otosan Uchi - Imperial Capital of Rokugan, the heart of the Emerald Empire. With over 700 locations it's no wonder that the Alderac team decided to place this city in a three-book boxed set. Anything less would not be doing this magnificent city, its history, or its inhabitants justice. Also included in this set are two maps, with Master Location Tables located at the back of the first book for ease of reference. Although developed primarily for GMs, players will also find ideas for customizing both their characters' histories and future actions. Welcome to Otosan Uchi - would our honored guests care for a tour?

Book 1: The Imperial Capital : A Location Guide. A rather self-explanatory title, yes. But between these green-and-gold medallioned covers lie a veritable treasure trove of adventure hooks, character composites, scenarios, and opportunities. It begins with an overview of the common elements for the entire Outer City, such as politics, law enforcement and punishment, military presence, architecture, and religion. Following that are brief synopses of the twelve districts of Otosan Uchi and the under-city (a web of subterranean caverns filled with thieves, smugglers, and other less savory characters like Kolat agents). One thing that GMs will notice about this book is that the NPCs have neither Spells nor Glory attached to them. This is just one of the built-in 'gaps' in this set which allow for the greatest amount of interpretation and flexibility on the part of both GMs and players.

Book 2 : The Forbidden City : A Walking Tour. This is a closer look the core of the city and its four surrounding districts. This book contains much more detailed and complex scenarios and characters. Some are not even from the Emerald Empire! Once again, this book begins with an overview of the Ekohikei, and is followed by an actual 'walking tour' led by Miya Yurikago. And yes, the customs, mannerisms, and people do change from Outer City to Inner City. There are a great many more things expected of characters in the Ekohikei - this is the backdrop for the Imperial Court and the Emperor himself, after all!

Book 3: The Scorpion's Sting : A Game Master's Guide to the Scorpion Coup. Yes, this story has been told before. But that was in the Customizable Card Game (CCG) - here your players can live through one of the most telling moments in the history of the Emerald Empire! In this ten day adventure you will discover some of the greatest secrets of the Empire. The Emperor's death at the hands of one of his staunchest allies. The Phoenix betrayal. The true dishonor of Akodo Toturi. Ree Soesbee has created three ways for your players to experience the coup: The Courtier's Tale, for those who were inside the Imperial Palace when the coup occurred; The Skirmisher's Tale, which chronicles the experiences of those who were within the city and fought to get free; and The Soldier's Tale, following the exploits of the armies outside the walls. This isn't, however, a detailed telling of the tale. You as GMs are given the tools to connect 'canon' with your own campaigns. If an element doesn't work, toss it out. You and your players can forge a place in Rokugan history - if you are strong enough to face your destiny and embrace it.

Even if you will never use any of the adventures or scenarios in this set, I encourage you to pick it up. It's a vital component of any GM's Legend of the Five Rings library, and has stories that will keep you entranced for hours (I'm speaking from personal experience here). Will you come to explore the secrets of the Empire? Will you join us, honored samurai, at the heart of Rokugan?