Flavor text

Flavor text appears in the text box of some cards. The small snippet of text it there to convey the the card's relation to the story of the game. Like reminder text, flavor text appears italic an has no rules relevance.

Cards

Name	Clan	Flavor Text
Above Question		"Excuse me, samurai-san, but you must be mistaken! It could not possibly have been her."
Adept of Shadows		There are dozens of ways to hide, and only one way to be seen.
Adept of the Waves		Water is flexible and yielding, yet none can withstand the crashing waves.
Admit Defeat		It is not only a question of defeating one's opponents, but defeating them in such a manner that they know they have been beaten.
Adopted Kin		Facing a crisis of children, the Dragon were willing to turn even to the peasantry to find new heirs.
Against the Waves		Water is ever changing. A gentle wave one moment and a torrent of force the next.
Agasha Sumiko		"I will not merely record history. I will forge it myself."
Ageless Crone		"It is good to see you again, Grandmother. You have not aged a day. Ever." – Ikoma Ikehata
Aggressive Moto		Moto can die but cannot yield.
Akodo Kage		"Thank you, sensei. Your wisdom has again guided me to the right path." – Akodo Toturi
Akodo Makoto		"I am sworn to the Lion. My former husband's acts with the Crane army are none of your concern."
Akodo Toshiro		"You are the most gifted swordsman of your generation. Why must you waste your time on this cowardly art?" – Akodo Gendo
Akodo Toturi (Imperial)		"I fear you are searching for the perfect answer. Sometimes there is none, and you must still make a decision." – Agasha Sumiko
Akodo Toturi (Lion Clan)		A lion is more than his roar, his mane, his teeth, his heart. A lion is all of these.
Alibi Artist		"No, noble Kitsuki-sama. I was having tea with the daimyo's son at that time."
All and Nothing		"It is what is not."
Ancestral Armory		"This is the spear of Matsu Okimoto. Do not dishonor his memory."
Ancestral Lands		"Our claim on these lands stretches back to the dawn of the Empire."
Apprentice Earthcaller		"The kami are already angry. It's not difficult to turn their rage to your advantage." – Kuni Yori
Asahina Takako		"Life is already fleeting. Why waste such precious time with war?"
Asahina Takamori		"A red sun in the hour of the Hare. Not a bird in the sky. Do you not see that the battle is already won?"
Asako Maezawa		"We all have our roles to play, Tsukune-sama."
Asako Tsuki		“History is fixed, but the future flows.”
Backhanded Compliment		"No one could accuse you of vanity with such a style."
Bayushi Aramoro		"This is for you, Kachiko."
Bayushi Collector		"Your gift to my family is most appreciated."
Bayushi Kachiko		"Which of us would bid this game to end? We are nearly perfectly matched, but there can only be one victor."
Bayushi Liar		"I sincerily doubt that asking you to trust me will change anything, and yet I ask anyway."
Bayushi Manipulator		"Victory does not always go to the strongest of two opponents." – Bayushi's Lies
Bayushi Shoju		"Believing what is true is only sensible."
Bayushi Yojiro		"If you will not believe a word I say, I may as well tell the truth."
Bayushi's Whisperers		Words traveled fast from city to city: the Emerald Champion was coming to visit.
Beastmaster Matriarch		"I have always heard that the Lion’s greatest weapon is their pride.” – Ikoma Ikehata
Before the Throne		"Your August Imperial Majesty, your humble servant comes before you..."
Benten's Touch		"Blessed Benten, Lady of Love and Beauty, shine your radiance upon me. Let my hands work your beauty in the mortal realm and my words spread your grace at all."
Blackmail Artist		"The real art in convincing your mark that you are bound by duty and honor, to expose him. At which point, buying you off becomes this idea."
Bonsai Garden		"Daily caretaking leads to a life of peace." – Tao of Shinsei
Border Fortress		The first stage of attack. The first line of defense.
Borderlands Defender		Even when faced with such hardship, the Crab Clan has never wavered, standing steadfast in its duty to protect the southern border of the Empire.
Brash Samurai		A samurai lives at all times three feet from death.
Bustling Academy		Peace ir far from tranquility when there is so much to learn.
Callow Delegate		"He already thinks himself so talented... but there is potential there."
Captive Audience		"Now you must hear our demands!"
Cautious Scout		They told him to be careful, but there was only one way to know for sure.
Censure		"I bring word from the Imperial Chancellor."
Challenge on the Fields		"Face me, Shono! Fight me now! – Matsu Mitsuko
Charge!		A samurai must always be ready. Ready to fight. And ready, if need be, to die.
Chikai Order Protector		"I need not understand the Elemental Masters' wisdom, so long as it remains safe with them."
City of Lies		In Ryokō Owari Toshi, koku could pave any road.
Consumed by Five Fires		"By these fires be cleansed." – Isawa Masahiro
Contingency Plan		"The only thing that is certain is that something will go wrong." – Bayushi's Lies
Court Novice		"Each detail you reveal is another tool your opponent will use against you." – Sensei Nagori
Court of Deception		Where the truth lies.
Cunning Magistrate		"Let them fear the law and be better for it."
Curry Favor		"How could the Crane do any less for our honored allies?"
Daidoji Nerishma		"It's an ambush! Be ready!"
Deathseeker		"I shall redeem my name in service to my clan!"
Disguised Protector		Her face might be bare, but she was never without a mask.
Doji Challenger		"I hope you are prepared to defend your words with steel!"
Doji Fumiki		She would not even deign to look upon her lessers.
Doji Hotaru		"Were it not for the rule of kō, we would be trapped in this game for eternity. We are nearly perfectly matched."
Doji Representative		"I regret that I must decline your gracious invitation."
Doji Shigeru		"It is humbling to be mistaken for the beautiful Lady Shike."
Doji Shizue		"Mukashi mukashi..."
Doji Whisperer		"Lean closer, that I might tell you something only the willows should hear..."
Duty		"I will be your villain, Hantei." – Bayushi
Eager Scout		The first to fight, the first to die.
Enigmatic Magistrate		"Is it just to uphold an unjust law?"
Enlightened Warrior		In heart, air. In spirit, earth. In sword, fire. In body, water. In mind, void.
Entrenched Position		"It would take an entire Moto horde to break through here."
Fair Accord		"So long as there is the light of 'I want to make a deal,' even the most painful negotiations will eventually pay off." – Yasuki Taka, the Wily Trader
Favor of the Kami		“Like air, invisible. Like water, formless. Like earth, unchanging. Like fire, powerful.” – Isawa’s Elements
Favored Niece		Not once in her life she needed to ask twice.
Fawning Diplomat		Flattery is the currency of the court.
Feral Ningyo		The sea's embrace is cold and sharp.
Fertile Fields		"Inari-no-Kami smiles upon these lands." – Aiko, priestress of Inari.
Fiery Madness		They had considered every possible vulnerability save one.
Fight On		"If we rest, the entire Empire falls."
Fine Katana		Immortal steel waits Venerated divine blade The fires of the soul
Fire Tensai Acolyte		"I had barely bowed my head before the trees began to burn. What has drawn so many fire kami to this place?"
Fire Tensai Initiate		"Can you coax the mind from wandering and keep to the original oneness?" – Tao of Shinsei
Flooded Waste		Where none survive to cremate the fallen, rot and corruption reign.
For Greater Glory		"Our names shall never be forgotten!"
Forgotten Library		Truth cannot be lost, only forgotten.
Formal Invitation		"It would be an honor if you would join us."
Funeral Pyre		"We speed our fallen to Meido, that they do not rise again."
Fū Sui Disciple		"The energies of Sun and Moon, of the Five Elements—all must be balanced."
Gaijin Customs		"They stood, unmoving, each unsure how to proceed."
Gift of Amaterasu		"Even the Fortunes must recognize greatness."
Gifted Tactician		"If you are fighting only the present battle, you have already lost the war." – Kitsu Motso
Glorious Victory		"If we should be victorious, it is because the heavens will it."
Goblin Sneak		"Goblins? Impossible. Goblins have never been spotted this far from the Wall."
Guard Duty		"But mother," said the young Lion, "how am I to find glory if I remain behind?" "You will find honor," said his mother. "And a Lion requires nothing more." – Ikoma's Chronicles
Guest of Honor		"You wouldn't want to disgrace yourself in front of our distinguised guest, would you?"
Guidance of the Ancestors		"Oh blessed ancestors, hear my prayer! May the strength of your honor guide my steps and lead me to righteousness!"
Hand to Hand		"On the battlefield, all actions are honorable." – Akodo's Leadership
Haughty Magistrate		"There is the Tao and there is the Law. Both are the same under Heaven."
Heartless Intimidator		"A beautiful knife, isn't it?"
Height of Fashion		The tides of fashion ebb and flow. Stay ahead of them, or sink beneath the waves of obscurity.
Heroic Resolve		So long as he never lost his feet, he would never stop fighting.
Hida Kisada		"What need have I of glory to defend this wall?"
Hida Tsuru		"We cannot simply hide on our wall and wait."
Hiruma Kogoe		"Assume anything we see is probably dangerous."
Hiruma Skirmisher		"My lord, I bring grave findings from beyond the Wall."
Hiruma Yōjimbō		Enemies learned quickly: it was never wise to give her a reason to draw that awful blade.
Hurricane Punch		"Strike with one thousand fists and you need deliver only a single blow."
I Can Swim		"But scorpion! Now we will both die!"
Ide Negotiator		His eyes betrayed him, as the eyes of the sultan had in Safa Silib.
Ide Tadaji		"Without a worthy opponent, victory is meaningless."
Ignoble Enforcers		"I would trust them with my life. I would not trust them with yours."
Ikebana Artisan		"The art is in the flowers chosen, not merely position."
Ikoma Ikehata		"I like to think of myself as the 'mane' event."
Ikoma Orator		"I could go on for hours! And I will!"
Ikoma Prodigy		She was destined to follow the of her ancestors, the path of the true Go sage.
Ikoma Reservist		"Take arms! The Unicorn are at our door!"
Ikoma Ujiaki		"I remember."
Illustrious Plagiarist		“All good artists borrow. I am a great artist.”
Imperial Librarian		"Only the most esteemed of samurai may use this library."
Implacable Magistrate		"A failure before the law is a failure of honor."
Impulsive Novice		"You clearly have not seen what I can do."
In Defense of Rokugan		"Give her a proper funeral, with all honors. She honored her family, and served her daimyō well." – Hida Kisada
Inquisitive Ishika		"There was something formless before the universe was born. Serene. Empty. Infinite." – from the scrolls of Starry Heaven Sanctuary
Insult to Injury		"Surely, your blade must have been caught in its sheath for your draw to have been so slow."
Intimidating Hida		"Is that all you've got?"
Isawa Kaede		"All fates are one."
Isawa Masahiro		"The kami are my allies. How can you hope to stand against me?"
Isawa Tadaka		“As a mountain’s roots run deep, I shall not be moved.”
Isawa Ujina		Had she killed him? But there was no blood on the ninjatō's blade. Nor was there a body… He was gone–whoever he was.
Isawa Uona		"We cannot always see that which guides our way."
Ishiken Initiate		The void is nothing. The void is everything.
Itinerant Philosopher		"A student must learn every falsehood before they can learn the truth."
Iuchi Daiyu		Even the greatest amount of love for his firstborn daughter could not hinder his duty to the Emperor.
Iuchi Farseer		The water kami agreed to travel with her, to share in the wonder of discovery, and to show here they might yet go.
Iuchi Shahai		"I locked my heart away, my prince. I left it behind, that none could see it break."
Iuchi Wayfinder		Chase the sun. Discover the world.
Jade Masterpiece		"Beauty? Enlightenment? A tragic waste of jade? What do you see?" – Kitsuki Yaruma
Jewel of the Khamasīn		A tempest of sand and hate striving for liberation.
Kabuki Hero		"As a tear dew on a fallen leaf – as a glimmer of moonlight on a still lake – such is the impermanence of this life." – Asahina Ichikawa
Kaito Kosori		"An arrow, once loosed, cannot be recalled."
Kaiu Inventor		"It will work...eventually."
Kakita Kaezin		"For the coward, there is no life. For the hero, there is no death."
Kakita Yoshi		"I will not forget."
Karmic Twist		"This is not my fate; it is ours."
Kirei-ko		The deadliest poison produces the most beautiful shade.
Kitsuki Shomon		"Governor Hyobu, on my honor, I shall share the fate of any student who uses my teachings to transgress."
Kitsuki Yaruma		"One cannot send the mountains to the Emperor, but one can send an artist."
Kitsuki's Method		Every detail, no matter how small, carries its own implications of the truth.
Kudaka		"It's tradition, this, just askin' the kami for their aid."
Kuni Ritsuko		“The kami of earth abhor corruption even more than we do. Their aid is ours for the asking.”
Kuni Yori		"I know our enemy."
Let Go		The material world is but a distraction.
Levy		"Every clan must aid in the defence of Rokugan."
Liar's Mask		"The face is the first traitor." – Bayushi's Lies
Lion's Pride Brawler		"Let me put it another way."
Magistrate Station		“We cannot be cruel, but taxes must be paid. The poor harvest has put everyone on edge.”
Manicured Garden		The perfect garden maintains all five elements in harmony.
Mantis Seafarer		"Nothing compares with a fresh sea breeze."
Mantis Tenkinja		"None exist in the whole of the Emerald Empire who are as talented as they." – Yoritomo
Marauding Oni		"No price could be too high for victory."
Master Alchemist		"The secrets of the elements are not kept by the kami alone."
Master of Gisei Toshi		There are strict rules regarding the behavior of guests. There have never been any guests.
Master of the Swift Waves		"When I call upon you, you will answer."
Matsu Berserker		When the rage come forth, none could stand against them.
Matsu Mitsuko		"You are a Unicorn without honor, just like your mother! You will fight me!"
Matsu Tsuko		"We take what we want by strength of honor, or not at all."
Meditations on the Tao		"Appreciation of beauty is the beginning of wisdom." – Tao of Shinsei
Meek Informant		Samurai seldom notice peasants. Peasants always notice samurai.
Meishōdō Wielder		"I know the kami's Name. I can bend it to my will."
Mirumoto Daishō		"When your opponent sees but a single blade, you have achieved victory." – Mirumoto's Niten
Mirumoto Hitomi		Had there been a time when Hitomi smiled? Perhaps before her brother had died, but rarely since then…
Mirumoto Prodigy		Each new opponent showed her more of herself.
Miwaku Kabe Guard		"This wall is as unassailable as the honor of the Lion."
Miya Mystic		"Most of my family speak to the citizens of the Empire. I speak to the kami of the land itself."
Miya Satoshi		"You who would speak to the Son of Heaven would do well to speak first to me."
Mono no Aware		Autum's voice falters Visions of days together Fade with the new snow
Moto Horde		Felled by swords or trampled by hooves: to face them was to face death.
Moto Juro		"I will follow you, and they will follow me. Even to Jigoku itself."
Moto Nergüi		"Honor is for those with no deeds to their name."
Moto Youth		Strike your enemies with such speed they cannot think to strike back.
Naive Student		"Your first lesson is to realize the facts alone cannot sway the soul." – Asako Hayate
Noble Sacrifice		There was no greater honor.
Obstinate Recruit		Others might question his pride, assuming it would be his downfall. For him, it was a source of strength.
Oracle of Stone		Pray it does not foretell disaster.
Ornate Fan		At times, the ornamentation is the point. At others, it is merely a distraction.
Otomo Courtier		"I speak with the voice of the Son of Heaven"
Pacifism		A peaceful environment leads to a peaceful mind.
Pacifist Philosopher		“Use your sword. You will only prove me correct.”
Perfect Land Ethos		"Shoshi ni kie." – chant of the Perfect Land Sect
Pit Trap		"My apologies, samurai-san. That pit was intended for goblins." – Kaiu Shuichi
Prodigy of the Waves		"To adapt and flow around any problem, this is the lesson of water." – Isawa's Elements
Reader of Omens		“I have never seen the birds this aggressive before...”
Ready for Battle		"We are prepared to pay any price."
Reclusive Zokujin		To see a Zokujin is a sign of great significance—the excitement of a myth sighted, and the dread of what drove it to the surface.
Reprieve		There is one more thing that must be done.
Ride Them Down		"We will bring the war to the Lion." – Moto Juro
Roving Michibiku		"The truth of the world can be found sitting at the riverside. The river never begins, the river never ends. All of life is like the river, lessons never begin and lessons never end." – Tao of Shinsei
Sadane Student		"How adorable that you would wear something your little brother made for you."
Sake House Confidant		“Would you like to concede?”
Savvy Politician		For each of her accomplishments, she defended the praised to those around her, and in this manner their loyalty was secured.
Seal of the Crab		In the name of Lord Hida Kisada, Defender of the Wall
Seal of the Crane		In the name of her Elegance, Lady Doji Hotaru, Trusted Left Hand of the Emperor, Beautiful Mistress of the Arts, Skillful Daimyō‏‎ of the Doji, and Indomitable Champion of the Crane Clan.
Seal of the Dragon		In the name of Togashi Yokuni, the Enlightened, Master of the High House of Light, and Champion of the Dragon Clan
Seal of the Lion		In the name of His Excellency, the Right Hand of the Emperor, High General, Champion of the Lion, and Daimyō of the Akodo, Toturi, son of Daio, son of Kozue, daughter of Yokutsune...
Seal of the Phoenix		In the name of Lady Shiba Tsukune, the Soul of Shiba, Protector of the Council, Keeper of the Tao, Daimyō of the Shiba, and Champion of the Phoenix Clan.
Seal of the Scorpion		In the name of Lord Bayushi Shoju, the Most Dutiful, Master of Secrets, among other titles known and unknown, Daimyō of the Bayushi, and the Champion of the Scorpion Clan
Seal of the Unicorn		In the name of Lady Shinjo Altansarnai, Seeker of the Setting Sun, Khan of Khans, Mistress of the Five Winds, Daimyo of the Shinjo, and the Champion of the Unicorn Clan
Seeker of Enlightenment		"What is not wisdom?"
Seppun Guardsman		"Our cousins, the Otomo, secure the Empire. We secure the Emperor."
Seppun Ishikawa		"You are not worthy of her, Toturi-sama."
Seppun Truthseeker		"The number of Scorpions in our Emperor's counsel concerns me. I am certain they do not operate without an agenda."
Serene Warrior		The real battle is fought against one's self.
Shiba Peacemaker		A lifetime of peace is worth a moment of war.
Shiba Tetsu		“All that matters is that I serve my clan as best I am able.”
Shiba Tsukune		"I will do my best."
Shiksha Scout		"We have seen much that is strange from the world. That our allies might be called strange is merely a compliment." – Shinjo Altansarnai
Shinjo Altansarnai		"This steed will not be broken to rein and saddle, nor will I compromise my clan in the name of peace."
Shinjo Outrider		"I'm on my way."
Shinjo Saddle		Among the Unicorn, one inherits more than just a daishō.
Shinjo Scout		“The Scorpion have eyes in every court. We have eyes everywhere else.”
Shinjo Trailblazer		"Do you fear what lies beyond your sight?"
Shiotome Encampment		"We need not mar the purity of our intentions with mere words."
Shosuro Hametsu		Through blackmail, lies, and poison, he schemes to see his sister fall.
Shosuro Sadako		Beneath the mask of the shinobi, nothing.
Shosuro Takao		Yojiro paused, unsure of how to read the next word. The characters read "shadow" and "form," but that introduced a paradox. Shadows had no form.
Shrine Maiden		"My family has protected this shrine for generations, and we shall protect it for generations more."
Silver-Tongued Magistrate		“A beautiful Empire can only be build upon beautiful laws.”
Smoke and Mirrors		"What was that!?"
Smuggling Deal		"I never thought I would be outmaneuvered in a deal twice in one day… or that would I find myself grateful on both occasions." – Yasuki Taka
Sneaky Shinjo		"Conceal yourself like the desert viper within the dunes."
Soshi Aoi		"You are volunteering to show me how to best interpret an old man, Yojiro-san?"
Soshi Illusionist		"People only see what they hope to see."
Soshi Shiori		"The clans cannot strike at what they cannot perceive."
Speak to the Heart		"Let this be a token of good will, that a prosperous future awaits us both."
Spreading the Darkness		"Feast, kansen, upon this offering."
Stay Your Hand		"Another time, perhaps."
Steadfast Witch Hunter		"The Shadowlands Taint can poison any soul. It is my duty to cleanse it from our ranks."
Steward of Law		"There is no better armor then the editcs of Hantei-no-Kami."
Stoic Gunsō		"We are the Wall."
Stoic Magistrate		"There is no justice. There is just us."
Stolen Breath		"You truly have nothing to say on the matter?"
Student of War		Each scar teaches her more than would a library.
Swift Magistrate		"It is our duty to temper the law with compassion."
Tactician's Apprentice		"Chart us the fastest route through the city. We move at dawn."
Tainted Koku		"Some say greed is an illness. They don’t know how right they are." – Ikoma Ikehata
Tattooed Wanderer		It is said that Dragon shugenja and courtier are warriors, their warriors are monks, and their monks are inexplicable.
Teachings of the Elements		"You cannot balance the elements when you are without balance." – Tao of Shinsei
The Art of War		"Let your enemy see what he wishes to see, so that he will underestimate you." – Akodo's Leadership
The Path of Man		“It is the nature of man to walk the path. It is the nature of man to turn from the path. This is the nature of man.” – Shinsei’s Gift, apocryphal
The Perfect Gift		He had refused twice, but could not bring himself to refuse a third time.
The Stone of Sorrows		There is no sorrow greater than wisdom.
Third Tower Guard		"Swords will break and spears will shatter, but our courage shall never falter."
Tireless Sōdan Senzo		"The spirits cannot rest, so why should I?"
Togashi Initiate		"What is wisdom?"
Togashi Mendicant		“It was but a little I spent to save the kit, but had it cost a Fortune I would not have grudged it.”
Togashi Tadakatsu		"The ant and the beetle are equal beneath the sun. The beetle and the ant are equal beneath the moon."
Togashi Yokuni		"What transpires in our mountains is a mere pebble against the avalanche that is coming."
Tranquil Philosopher		"Enlightenment is the unbent blade of grass amidst a raging storm."
Tranquility		You have entered a state in which nothing can harm you.
Utaku Mediator		"It is difficult to speak clearly to those who have seen so little of the world."
Utaku Tetsuko		Not even her own sons were immune to her judgment. Morito and Tokei now wander Rokugan as mercenaries for daring to break Utaku law.
Vanguard Warrior		"You will have the time you need. Use it wisely."
Venerable Historian		"Only by looking to the past can we hope to conquer the future."
Vengeful Oathkeeper		"When a samurai has said he will perform an action, it is as good as done." – Akodo's Leadership
Waning Hostilities		"Knowing your advantages does you no good if your enemy is able to keep you from employing them." – Tao of Shinsei
War Dog Master		"If samurai were as loyal as dogs, there would be no need for Bushidō."
Way of the Chrysanthemum		As Lady Sun's brilliance illuminates the land, so too does her chosen son radiate peace and prosperity to all Rokugan.
Way of the Crab		Courage. Duty. Sacrifice.
Way of the Crane		There is a proper technique for all things.
Way of the Dragon		Find your own path.
Way of the Lion		"War is the most noble pursuit of a samurai. It gives him purpose and brings honor to his ancestors." – Akodo's Leadership
Way of the Phoenix		Master the elements and be reborn.
Way of the Scorpion		To combat the liars, the thieves and the traitors within the Great Clans, Bayushi's followers would have to lie, steal, and cheat in turn.
Way of the Unicorn		One cannot capture the wind.
Web of Lies		"You're sure this is not the home of Bayushi Shuzo?"
Wholeness of the World		"The Master understands that the universe is out of his control. Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him." – Tao of Shinsei
Winds of Change		"You cannot take back your words any more than you can bottle the evening breeze."
Windswept Yurt		"After a week in the saddle, it felt like the Imperial Palace." – Shinjo Yasamura
Written in the Stars		"The time has come." – Togashi Mitsu
Yasuki Broker		“We must make do with what little the Empire can spare.”
Yasuki Procurer		"Have you considered a blade forged by Kakita Ashidaka to add to your family's heritage?"
Yasuki Taka		"I find the best use of my mouth is to bargain with it."
Yogo Kikuyo		“Not on my watch.”
Yogo Outcast		Long ago, the Dark Kami himself cursed those carrying the Yogo bloodline to inevitably betray the one they love most.
Yoritomo		"Simply saying it does not make it so."
Young Harrier		To do what we must.