General Rokugani Weapons
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 3:11 pm
Weapons
It is said that the sword is “the soul of the samurai.” On the field, a samurai might wield numerous different armaments—a bow to hit targets from afar, a spear to strike from horseback, or a katana to cut down foes in the bloody fray. What differentiates the sword from other arms is its symbolic status in the Emerald Empire. Bushi wear the daishō, removing their blades only when courtesy demands it. Even samurai who serve as courtiers, artisans, and shugenja carry the short blade as a reminder of their responsibilities and privileges. Thus, many samurai specialize in swordplay, for if a fight breaks out, it is the weapon most likely to be on hand.
Nevertheless, countless martial traditions use other weapons, from knives and staves to spears and war-hammers, not to mention the myriad styles that have come from outside Rokugan’s borders.
Six Weapons of the Samurai
For the average Rokugani, the line between a tool and a weapon is murky; most will never need anything more lethal than a knife or a fishing spear, and while these can be dangerous, they were not forged for killing humans. Professional warriors outside the samurai class, such as militia members, guards, and ashigaru, know the value of their weapons, but many consider them without a great degree of sentiment. Weapons have a further degree of significance to samurai, however, as the symbol of their place in society, and some arms are considered nobler than others. While many bushi schools differ on specifics of preferred weapon, Akodo’s Leadership declares the six great weapons of the samurai to be the long sword, knife, short sword, great sword, spear, and bo
Swords
While the spear and the bow are perhaps used just as often by samurai in the field, the sword is the symbol of the Emerald Empire’s warrior caste. Most Rokugani weaponsmiths hold the sword to be the most sacred and honorable of weapons, and its creation is an intricate process—part art, part science, and part religious rite.
Though the katana and wakizashi are two of the most well known, swords take a variety of forms in the Emerald Empire. From the ancient chokutō, to the powerful nodachi, to highly specialized creations like the gao (hook sword), there is a blade for every fighting style
The sword is said to be the soul of the samurai, and thus it is not some blunt instrument. Rokugani sword technique generally does not encourage blade-to-blade parrying, as a katana’s razor edge is quickly degraded or even ruined by such techniques.
While a skilled warrior uses the flat of their blade to ward off cuts, their primary defense is usually positioning and evasion. However, when the choice is between losing one’s blade and losing one’s life, a samurai might dramatically intercept a blow with a readied weapon
Bokken
Bokken are swords carved of wood rather than forged of metal. Generally used as a training weapon, a bokken still can be deadly in a skilled warrior’s hands
Chokutō
The chokutō is an ancient design that predates the advent of the katana. Hung from a belt rather than tucked into a sash, a chokutō is roughly three feet long and has a straight, single-edged blade instead of the gentle curve found in newer Rokugani swords. Many of the clans’ most powerful nemuranai—weapons that were wield-ed by their founding Kami—have this shape, as do the blades used by the Yobanjin of the northern mountains.
Dao
Dao are weapons that look like a cross between a scimitar, a saber, and a peasant’s machete. They are one-handed swords two to three feet in length with a broad-bellied, single-edged blade designed for slashing and chopping, and are generally wielded in pairs
Gao
Known colloquially as “tiger hook swords” or “Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon swords,” gao are curious weapons. Usually wielded in pairs, gao are flat, solid iron or steel blades roughly three feet long with several unique features. Their main blade has a hook at one end and a sharpened spike at the other. The grip is protected by a crescent-shaped hand guard with its points facing outward. Gao can be used to slash, capture, and stab, making them appealing to certain Mirumoto duelists.
Jian
Known primarily as a duelist’s weapon, the jian is an ancient and elegant sword that has changed very little in design since Rokugan’s misty past yet remains dead-ly to this day. About the same size as a chokutō, a typical jian has a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a point; a small, thick, horizontal hand guard; and a heavy pommel with a tassel. Only slightly more common than the chokutō, it is used by some Mirumoto, Kitsuki, or Shiba swordmasters who favor its versatility.
Katana
As much a work of art as it is a weapon, the katana is perhaps the most revered weapon in Rokugan. It has an elegant, slightly curved blade between three and four feet long, made of steel that is specially folded during its creation. This unique forging style ensures that the inner part of the blade remains springy and soft while the outside is as hard as tempered steel. Each sword likely has a history and legacy, and it is a constant reminder of the weight that destiny has placed upon its bearer’s shoulders as a samurai of Rokugan
Symbolism of a Katana
Only samurai are allowed to wear the katana, and further, only dedicated warriors commonly do so in Rokugan—most courtiers do not bother to keep their katana on their person at all times, their lighter and more convenient wakizashi proving their status as samurai. Thus, openly displaying the long sword tells the world at large that the wielder is a dangerous individual who knows their way around a swordfight. Such a sword is often passed down through generations within a family, and some gain their own fame and reputation outside of their owners’. When not being carried for ceremonial use or war, a katana traditionally is displayed in a place of honor within its owner’s home.
Nodachi
Larger than katana, nodachi are long and lethal swords more at home on the battlefield than in a city or at court. Roughly six feet long, these blades are relatively rare due to the skill and strength needed to wield them effectively. There are those who prize the raw force of these blades, however, such as members of the Matsu school. Too large to be worn at the waist, nodachi are normally worn on the back and drawn over the shoulder or even carried into battle by a samurai’s attendant.
Omeka (Kakita Blade)
The renowned Crane warrior Doji Kuwanan holds the resplendent blade Omeka, which bears the mark of Ashidaka Sora, who forged it three centuries ago as a gift to one of Kuwanan’s forebears. Doji Kuwanan added renown to the blade’s legend when he used it to defeat the pirate Umitaka in the defense of Cold Wind City, cleaving through his foe’s blade to deliver the deathblow
Kakita Blades
Since the days of old, the Kakita have been the most renowned swordsmiths of the Emerald Empire, and their finest blades are said to be physical manifestations of the ideal upon which other swords are based. Each Kakita blade possesses unique characteristics and a legacy that elevates it above other arms.
A Kakita blade is a katana forged in an elaborate, secretive ritual, that results in a weapon that is lighter and more resilient than a standard blade—and far deadlier. The steel, mined in Crab lands and purified at great length in a crucible, takes on a pattern like freeflowing water. Each blade is forged in absolute silence, that it not be marred by a single word, and tested on a great stone at Kyūden Doji. Blades that fail to carve a chunk from the stone are said to be destroyed
Scimitar
Perhaps the most common among foreign-designed swords found in Rokugan, scimitars were brought from the Burning Sands to the Emerald Empire by the Unicorn Clan. Often carried in place of the katana by those warriors, scimitars are heavy swords with a long, broad, curving blade. They possess a deadly cutting edge thanks to the extra surface area provided by their curvature
Wakizashi
Whereas the katana represents a samurai’s status as a warrior, the wakizashi represents their place in Rokugan’s social order and strict caste system. The wakizashi is a small, katana-like sword usually two to three feet in length, with the same flexible blade and lethal edge. It is often made as part of a pair, with the same decorations as its matched katana. The wakizashi also fills another role: it clearly signals that its wearer is a samurai, and a person of honor who will make the ultimate sacrifice for their ideals and their master. It is the tool with which a samurai commits seppuku: ritual suicide, the last protest of an aggrieved and honorable samurai
Zanbatō
Larger even than mighty nodachi, zanbatō are swords with the reach of a spear. Zanbatō have a long, thick, katana-like blade roughly six feet in length attached to a two-handed hilt. They are dedicated anticavalry weapons—indeed, their name means “horse-chopping sword.” The Matsu school is famous for adopting them into the curriculum after their ill-fated encounter with the Utaku cavalry at the Battle of Plum Blossom Pass
Axes
Rokugani warriors do not routinely use axes. Developed from farming implements, these weapons are menacing despite their origins as tools of agriculture, and can deliver vicious cuts and crushing blows.
Masakari
Similar in size and shape to the humble hatchet, a masakari is a one-handed ax with a single-sided ax-head affixed to one end of a short wooden haft. Such axes are an ordinary sight among peasant militia and rōnin who cannot afford a more prestigious weapon
Ono
The ono is a dedicated, two-handed military ax, a rarity on Rokugan’s battlefields, at least outside of Crab lands. The ono consists of a broad, deeply curved ax-head mounted to a haft nearly as tall as a human. Opposite the ax-head is normally either an ornate peen or a long spike, which can pierce armor or monstrous hide
Blunt Weapons
Clubs, hammers, and similar weapons all fall under the blunt weapons category. Blunt weapons are often extremely effective at smashing through heavy armor, crushing powerful monsters, and otherwise inflicting substantial damage on the battlefield
Club
The humble club is perhaps the oldest weapon in Rokugan—at least among humans. Often little more than a length of stout wood or shaped stone, a club can be fashioned with available materials by nearly anyone. While a club can certainly be used to kill, doing so takes some work on the part of the wielder
Hammer
The simple hammer is used for driving nails and spikes and for other construction work. Throughout most of Rokugan, the hammer is only occasionally used as a weapon—typically in brawls or spur of the moment skirmishes when no other weapon is available
Kiseru
Kiseru are pipes used to smoke various herbs found throughout Rokugan. They consist of a metal mouth-piece and a metal bowl connected by a hollow wood or bamboo tube. Kiseru range in quality from a peas-ant’s rough-hewn pipe to a courtier or noble’s ivory-and-gold inlaid piece of art. Further, they can function as clandestine weapons. Since kiseru are not formally considered arms, it is easy to get them into places that forbid weapons
Ōtsuchi
The ōtsuchi is to the carpenter’s hammer what the ono is to the woodcutter’s ax: larger, deadlier, and obviously designed with lethal purpose. With a shaft roughly six feet long topped by a huge, barrel-shaped mallet head, it is built to breach doors and smash walls—but it also works quite well on monsters with rock-like hides, as the warriors of the Hida school often demonstrate
Tetsubō
Long and narrow, a tetsubō can be as tall as a human and normally is constructed of iron or hardwood. Above its grip, a tetsubō is covered in steel, iron, or even jade spikes or studs that add to the weapon’s lethality and crush armor or plated carapace with ease
Hand Weapons
These are simple weapons often adapted from tools. Many are still tools first and foremost, like the knife, but can be employed as weapons in a pinch. Hand weapons are easy to find and generally easy to operate, and are often not even viewed as weapons.
Jitte
Typically just over a foot long, the jitte consists of a short steel or iron rod attached to a wooden handle. The rod tapers to a blunt point and has a single prong that extends from one side. This simple weapon is designed to disarm and subdue targets rather than to kill them. It is carried by law enforcement officers at all levels, from low-ranking town constables to high-ranking magistrates, as a symbol of their office
Knife
Knives come in a dizzying array of types and styles, from the familiar crudely constructed knife in a peas-ant’s kitchen to the deadly combat knives samurai take into battle. Those particularly designed for combat—like the aiguchi—are often equipped with small hand guards to make them more useful in the field
Clan samurai typically use two knives: the tantō and the aiguchi. The aiguchi is a short knife with a single-edged blade and a small, square handguard. The larger tantō has a long, straight blade that resembles that of a wakizashi, and it has no handguard. Primarily utility blades used for work rather than combat, these daggers can be wielded as very effective weapons. Most samurai carry a tantō that matches their daishō for both combat and utility
Nunchaku
Originally hailing from the Islands of Spice and Silk, nunchaku have been used in certain Rokugani martial arts schools for centuries. Adapted from a simple threshing tool, nunchaku consist of two wood or iron rods connected by a short length of chain or rope.
Tessen
Carried by courtiers and military leaders alike, tessen are fans specially built for fighting. However, they are not commonly viewed as weapons, and can be openly carried even into formal court chambers or negotiations. Usually made of wood with steel tines, they generally serve as defensive weapons, but wielders can also use them to deliver clubbing blows or to reinforce a punch.
Special war fans called gunsen are decorated with military symbols and used by battlefield commanders to signal troops and send messages.
Polearms
Polearms are a broad class of weapons that includes simple spears, sturdy staves, and a variety of other weapons. Polearms are excellent for keeping opponents at bay and striking from beyond reach.
Bisentō
The bisentō is a strange weapon not regularly seen on Rokugan’s battlefields. Essentially a scimitar with an extremely long hilt, the bisentō has a long, yari-like wood-en shaft topped by a broad and heavy curved blade. Though it seems awkward and top-heavy, the bisentō is exceptionally dangerous in the right hands. The length of the shaft gives the wielder incredible leverage, allowing them to deliver great chopping blows that can slice a person in half or cleave through heavy armor. Typically seen among the more militant orders of monks, such as the Perfect Land Sect, the bisentō is sometimes used by heavy infantry units, like those of the Daidoji family.
Bō
The bō, a humble staff, is a versatile weapon found throughout Rokugan. Roughly six feet long and made from sturdy hardwood, it is carried by travelers who need both a walking stick and an inconspicuous weapon.
Ji
Also known as the “dagger-spear,” the ji is a long polearm designed more for catching and controlling weapons than for direct attacks. Commonly used by the Dragon and Phoenix Clans, and a specialty of the Shiba Guardian School, the standard ji consists of a long wooden shaft topped by a hooked or crescent-shaped blade. Other ji have a head consisting of a single long, double-edged blade with one or two smaller crescent-shaped blades mounted to the sides
Naginata
Most samurai’s preferred polearm, the naginata is highly regarded. It has a long, flexible shaft made of bamboo or springy wood with a large, lightweight, slightly curved blade at the top. A naginata’s blade is forged with the same ceremony and meticulous craftsmanship as a katana’s, and commands the same reverence as the daishō. It is carried in elite units such as the Heaven’s Wing Brotherhood and the Utaku Battle Maidens
Trident
The trident is a long, triple-headed spear generally associated with fishermen and the sea. On land, the trident is a formidable polearm with excep-tional reach that can pierce, trap, and control opponents.
Yari
A long-shafted spear, the yari is one of the most common weapons in Rokugan. Between six and eight feet long, its shaft is made of hardwood and topped with a leaf-shaped spearhead. Since it is easy to make, the yari is a customary weapon of ashigaru, but also elite clan samurai such as the Daidoji heavy infantry
Bows
After katana and perhaps the spear, the bow is likely the most iconic of samurai weapons. From the simple hunting bow to the deadly daikyū, bows are a customary sight among Rokugan’s samurai.
Daikyū
Daikyū are large composite bows designed to be fired from horseback. Conven-tionally around six feet long, these elegant weapons are constructed by gluing thin layers of wood, horn, leather, and sinew together. Daikyū differ from other bows in that they have an asymmetric shape. Their grip is about two-thirds of the way from the top, making the top curve longer than the bottom. This allows the bows to be fired easily from horseback in either direction. Each daikyū is made for a custom fit for a specific user
Shinjo Horsebow
Among the Unicorn Clan’s many adopted weapons is a small, sturdy bow used by the nomadic peoples of the steppes far to the west. Called the Shinjo horsebow in Rokugan, this weapon is a compact bow designed to be fired from the back of a moving horse. It is a short-range weapon intended for raiding and cavalry attacks.
Yumi
The yumi is perhaps the most common bow used by Rokugani samurai. Similar to the daikyū, it is a long, graceful bow made from a composite of horn, sinew, leather, and wood. Smaller than the daikyū, but only just, the yumi has an asymmetric grip, general shape, and long-range killing power similar to those of its larg-er cousin. Where the daikyū is a cavalry bow, however, the yumi is designed to be fired while standing
Arrows
Willow-leaf arrows are broadhead arrows used for both hunting and warfare. These are “typical” arrows.
Armor-piercing arrows end in a long, hardened spike. These arrows can pierce even the toughest armor to strike at the flesh beneath.
Flesh-cutters have espe-cially broad, multibladed, and often barbed heads designed to tear through unprotected flesh.
Humming-Bulbs have an egg-shaped, hollow head with slots cut into its surface. As the arrow flies, the bulb emits a sharp whistling sound. These arrows are good for signaling and creating a distraction
Crossbows
Most samurai who are not members of the Crab Clan view crossbows with equal parts disdain and distrust. The disdain is due to a crossbow’s reliance on mechanical principles rather than their wielder’s skill and training to fire their projectiles, and distrust because the weapon’s proliferation would put a powerful weapon capable of killing samurai into the hands of rebels and malcontents. Crossbows are rarely seen outside the lands protected by the Crab, where they are some-times temporarily issued to peasants levied to protect the Kaiu Wall.
Oyumi
Developed out of necessity to fight the deadly forces of the Shadowlands, this weapon consists of a recurve or traditional bow laid horizontally on a long, stout stock. Held to the shoulder, the oyumi is fired by squeezing a long lever on the bottom of the stock. It fires short, arrow-like projectiles called quarrels. Its existence is a matter of some consternation among the other clans, but the Crab maintain that its use—even in the hands of ashigaru and peasants in times of crisis—has been vital to the preservation of the Empire
Specialist Weapons
The weapons used by assassins and spies are a mix of improvised tools, modified agricultural implements, and bespoke weapons. They emphasize stealth and accessibility over sheer killing power, and have an unsavory reputation thanks to their association with assassination
Blowgun
Made from a length of hollow bamboo or river reed, the blowgun is one of the simplest weapons that ninja use in their work. The blowgun’s primary use is as a ranged weapon, usually to deliver poison. In addition to darts, the blowgun can also be loaded with sand, dust, or other powders to blind or disorient foes, and it can even serve to let its user breathe while underwater.
Kama
The kama is another weapon adapted from an agricul-tural implement: in this case, a standard sickle used for harvesting rice. It consists of a short, roughly foot-long wooden haft topped by a long, curved sickle blade. Kama are often used in pairs, sometimes linked at the handles by a length of chain.
Kusari-Gama
Extremely versatile and deadly, the kusari-gama is one of the more difficult ninja weapons to master. It is a hybrid weapon consisting of a long-hafted kama with a lengthy chain attached to either the back of the blade or the bottom of the haft. A heavy iron weight called a fundo is mounted at the end of the chain. In combat, a wielder typically spins the chain over their head with one hand while holding the kama in the other. They whip the chain forward, entangling an opponent’s weapon or limbs, then rush in for the killing blow with the kama. A wielder can also attack with the weighted end of the chain, striking opponents at range and keeping them at bay.
Shuriken
Favored by shinobi, shuriken are small metal discs with a sharpened edge that come in a dizzying array of sizes and styles. They are designed mainly to distract, but shuriken can also be coated with toxins for lethality, and any cutting edge can kill if used properly
It is said that the sword is “the soul of the samurai.” On the field, a samurai might wield numerous different armaments—a bow to hit targets from afar, a spear to strike from horseback, or a katana to cut down foes in the bloody fray. What differentiates the sword from other arms is its symbolic status in the Emerald Empire. Bushi wear the daishō, removing their blades only when courtesy demands it. Even samurai who serve as courtiers, artisans, and shugenja carry the short blade as a reminder of their responsibilities and privileges. Thus, many samurai specialize in swordplay, for if a fight breaks out, it is the weapon most likely to be on hand.
Nevertheless, countless martial traditions use other weapons, from knives and staves to spears and war-hammers, not to mention the myriad styles that have come from outside Rokugan’s borders.
Six Weapons of the Samurai
For the average Rokugani, the line between a tool and a weapon is murky; most will never need anything more lethal than a knife or a fishing spear, and while these can be dangerous, they were not forged for killing humans. Professional warriors outside the samurai class, such as militia members, guards, and ashigaru, know the value of their weapons, but many consider them without a great degree of sentiment. Weapons have a further degree of significance to samurai, however, as the symbol of their place in society, and some arms are considered nobler than others. While many bushi schools differ on specifics of preferred weapon, Akodo’s Leadership declares the six great weapons of the samurai to be the long sword, knife, short sword, great sword, spear, and bo
Swords
While the spear and the bow are perhaps used just as often by samurai in the field, the sword is the symbol of the Emerald Empire’s warrior caste. Most Rokugani weaponsmiths hold the sword to be the most sacred and honorable of weapons, and its creation is an intricate process—part art, part science, and part religious rite.
Though the katana and wakizashi are two of the most well known, swords take a variety of forms in the Emerald Empire. From the ancient chokutō, to the powerful nodachi, to highly specialized creations like the gao (hook sword), there is a blade for every fighting style
The sword is said to be the soul of the samurai, and thus it is not some blunt instrument. Rokugani sword technique generally does not encourage blade-to-blade parrying, as a katana’s razor edge is quickly degraded or even ruined by such techniques.
While a skilled warrior uses the flat of their blade to ward off cuts, their primary defense is usually positioning and evasion. However, when the choice is between losing one’s blade and losing one’s life, a samurai might dramatically intercept a blow with a readied weapon
Bokken
Bokken are swords carved of wood rather than forged of metal. Generally used as a training weapon, a bokken still can be deadly in a skilled warrior’s hands
Chokutō
The chokutō is an ancient design that predates the advent of the katana. Hung from a belt rather than tucked into a sash, a chokutō is roughly three feet long and has a straight, single-edged blade instead of the gentle curve found in newer Rokugani swords. Many of the clans’ most powerful nemuranai—weapons that were wield-ed by their founding Kami—have this shape, as do the blades used by the Yobanjin of the northern mountains.
Dao
Dao are weapons that look like a cross between a scimitar, a saber, and a peasant’s machete. They are one-handed swords two to three feet in length with a broad-bellied, single-edged blade designed for slashing and chopping, and are generally wielded in pairs
Gao
Known colloquially as “tiger hook swords” or “Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon swords,” gao are curious weapons. Usually wielded in pairs, gao are flat, solid iron or steel blades roughly three feet long with several unique features. Their main blade has a hook at one end and a sharpened spike at the other. The grip is protected by a crescent-shaped hand guard with its points facing outward. Gao can be used to slash, capture, and stab, making them appealing to certain Mirumoto duelists.
Jian
Known primarily as a duelist’s weapon, the jian is an ancient and elegant sword that has changed very little in design since Rokugan’s misty past yet remains dead-ly to this day. About the same size as a chokutō, a typical jian has a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a point; a small, thick, horizontal hand guard; and a heavy pommel with a tassel. Only slightly more common than the chokutō, it is used by some Mirumoto, Kitsuki, or Shiba swordmasters who favor its versatility.
Katana
As much a work of art as it is a weapon, the katana is perhaps the most revered weapon in Rokugan. It has an elegant, slightly curved blade between three and four feet long, made of steel that is specially folded during its creation. This unique forging style ensures that the inner part of the blade remains springy and soft while the outside is as hard as tempered steel. Each sword likely has a history and legacy, and it is a constant reminder of the weight that destiny has placed upon its bearer’s shoulders as a samurai of Rokugan
Symbolism of a Katana
Only samurai are allowed to wear the katana, and further, only dedicated warriors commonly do so in Rokugan—most courtiers do not bother to keep their katana on their person at all times, their lighter and more convenient wakizashi proving their status as samurai. Thus, openly displaying the long sword tells the world at large that the wielder is a dangerous individual who knows their way around a swordfight. Such a sword is often passed down through generations within a family, and some gain their own fame and reputation outside of their owners’. When not being carried for ceremonial use or war, a katana traditionally is displayed in a place of honor within its owner’s home.
Nodachi
Larger than katana, nodachi are long and lethal swords more at home on the battlefield than in a city or at court. Roughly six feet long, these blades are relatively rare due to the skill and strength needed to wield them effectively. There are those who prize the raw force of these blades, however, such as members of the Matsu school. Too large to be worn at the waist, nodachi are normally worn on the back and drawn over the shoulder or even carried into battle by a samurai’s attendant.
Omeka (Kakita Blade)
The renowned Crane warrior Doji Kuwanan holds the resplendent blade Omeka, which bears the mark of Ashidaka Sora, who forged it three centuries ago as a gift to one of Kuwanan’s forebears. Doji Kuwanan added renown to the blade’s legend when he used it to defeat the pirate Umitaka in the defense of Cold Wind City, cleaving through his foe’s blade to deliver the deathblow
Kakita Blades
Since the days of old, the Kakita have been the most renowned swordsmiths of the Emerald Empire, and their finest blades are said to be physical manifestations of the ideal upon which other swords are based. Each Kakita blade possesses unique characteristics and a legacy that elevates it above other arms.
A Kakita blade is a katana forged in an elaborate, secretive ritual, that results in a weapon that is lighter and more resilient than a standard blade—and far deadlier. The steel, mined in Crab lands and purified at great length in a crucible, takes on a pattern like freeflowing water. Each blade is forged in absolute silence, that it not be marred by a single word, and tested on a great stone at Kyūden Doji. Blades that fail to carve a chunk from the stone are said to be destroyed
Scimitar
Perhaps the most common among foreign-designed swords found in Rokugan, scimitars were brought from the Burning Sands to the Emerald Empire by the Unicorn Clan. Often carried in place of the katana by those warriors, scimitars are heavy swords with a long, broad, curving blade. They possess a deadly cutting edge thanks to the extra surface area provided by their curvature
Wakizashi
Whereas the katana represents a samurai’s status as a warrior, the wakizashi represents their place in Rokugan’s social order and strict caste system. The wakizashi is a small, katana-like sword usually two to three feet in length, with the same flexible blade and lethal edge. It is often made as part of a pair, with the same decorations as its matched katana. The wakizashi also fills another role: it clearly signals that its wearer is a samurai, and a person of honor who will make the ultimate sacrifice for their ideals and their master. It is the tool with which a samurai commits seppuku: ritual suicide, the last protest of an aggrieved and honorable samurai
Zanbatō
Larger even than mighty nodachi, zanbatō are swords with the reach of a spear. Zanbatō have a long, thick, katana-like blade roughly six feet in length attached to a two-handed hilt. They are dedicated anticavalry weapons—indeed, their name means “horse-chopping sword.” The Matsu school is famous for adopting them into the curriculum after their ill-fated encounter with the Utaku cavalry at the Battle of Plum Blossom Pass
Axes
Rokugani warriors do not routinely use axes. Developed from farming implements, these weapons are menacing despite their origins as tools of agriculture, and can deliver vicious cuts and crushing blows.
Masakari
Similar in size and shape to the humble hatchet, a masakari is a one-handed ax with a single-sided ax-head affixed to one end of a short wooden haft. Such axes are an ordinary sight among peasant militia and rōnin who cannot afford a more prestigious weapon
Ono
The ono is a dedicated, two-handed military ax, a rarity on Rokugan’s battlefields, at least outside of Crab lands. The ono consists of a broad, deeply curved ax-head mounted to a haft nearly as tall as a human. Opposite the ax-head is normally either an ornate peen or a long spike, which can pierce armor or monstrous hide
Blunt Weapons
Clubs, hammers, and similar weapons all fall under the blunt weapons category. Blunt weapons are often extremely effective at smashing through heavy armor, crushing powerful monsters, and otherwise inflicting substantial damage on the battlefield
Club
The humble club is perhaps the oldest weapon in Rokugan—at least among humans. Often little more than a length of stout wood or shaped stone, a club can be fashioned with available materials by nearly anyone. While a club can certainly be used to kill, doing so takes some work on the part of the wielder
Hammer
The simple hammer is used for driving nails and spikes and for other construction work. Throughout most of Rokugan, the hammer is only occasionally used as a weapon—typically in brawls or spur of the moment skirmishes when no other weapon is available
Kiseru
Kiseru are pipes used to smoke various herbs found throughout Rokugan. They consist of a metal mouth-piece and a metal bowl connected by a hollow wood or bamboo tube. Kiseru range in quality from a peas-ant’s rough-hewn pipe to a courtier or noble’s ivory-and-gold inlaid piece of art. Further, they can function as clandestine weapons. Since kiseru are not formally considered arms, it is easy to get them into places that forbid weapons
Ōtsuchi
The ōtsuchi is to the carpenter’s hammer what the ono is to the woodcutter’s ax: larger, deadlier, and obviously designed with lethal purpose. With a shaft roughly six feet long topped by a huge, barrel-shaped mallet head, it is built to breach doors and smash walls—but it also works quite well on monsters with rock-like hides, as the warriors of the Hida school often demonstrate
Tetsubō
Long and narrow, a tetsubō can be as tall as a human and normally is constructed of iron or hardwood. Above its grip, a tetsubō is covered in steel, iron, or even jade spikes or studs that add to the weapon’s lethality and crush armor or plated carapace with ease
Hand Weapons
These are simple weapons often adapted from tools. Many are still tools first and foremost, like the knife, but can be employed as weapons in a pinch. Hand weapons are easy to find and generally easy to operate, and are often not even viewed as weapons.
Jitte
Typically just over a foot long, the jitte consists of a short steel or iron rod attached to a wooden handle. The rod tapers to a blunt point and has a single prong that extends from one side. This simple weapon is designed to disarm and subdue targets rather than to kill them. It is carried by law enforcement officers at all levels, from low-ranking town constables to high-ranking magistrates, as a symbol of their office
Knife
Knives come in a dizzying array of types and styles, from the familiar crudely constructed knife in a peas-ant’s kitchen to the deadly combat knives samurai take into battle. Those particularly designed for combat—like the aiguchi—are often equipped with small hand guards to make them more useful in the field
Clan samurai typically use two knives: the tantō and the aiguchi. The aiguchi is a short knife with a single-edged blade and a small, square handguard. The larger tantō has a long, straight blade that resembles that of a wakizashi, and it has no handguard. Primarily utility blades used for work rather than combat, these daggers can be wielded as very effective weapons. Most samurai carry a tantō that matches their daishō for both combat and utility
Nunchaku
Originally hailing from the Islands of Spice and Silk, nunchaku have been used in certain Rokugani martial arts schools for centuries. Adapted from a simple threshing tool, nunchaku consist of two wood or iron rods connected by a short length of chain or rope.
Tessen
Carried by courtiers and military leaders alike, tessen are fans specially built for fighting. However, they are not commonly viewed as weapons, and can be openly carried even into formal court chambers or negotiations. Usually made of wood with steel tines, they generally serve as defensive weapons, but wielders can also use them to deliver clubbing blows or to reinforce a punch.
Special war fans called gunsen are decorated with military symbols and used by battlefield commanders to signal troops and send messages.
Polearms
Polearms are a broad class of weapons that includes simple spears, sturdy staves, and a variety of other weapons. Polearms are excellent for keeping opponents at bay and striking from beyond reach.
Bisentō
The bisentō is a strange weapon not regularly seen on Rokugan’s battlefields. Essentially a scimitar with an extremely long hilt, the bisentō has a long, yari-like wood-en shaft topped by a broad and heavy curved blade. Though it seems awkward and top-heavy, the bisentō is exceptionally dangerous in the right hands. The length of the shaft gives the wielder incredible leverage, allowing them to deliver great chopping blows that can slice a person in half or cleave through heavy armor. Typically seen among the more militant orders of monks, such as the Perfect Land Sect, the bisentō is sometimes used by heavy infantry units, like those of the Daidoji family.
Bō
The bō, a humble staff, is a versatile weapon found throughout Rokugan. Roughly six feet long and made from sturdy hardwood, it is carried by travelers who need both a walking stick and an inconspicuous weapon.
Ji
Also known as the “dagger-spear,” the ji is a long polearm designed more for catching and controlling weapons than for direct attacks. Commonly used by the Dragon and Phoenix Clans, and a specialty of the Shiba Guardian School, the standard ji consists of a long wooden shaft topped by a hooked or crescent-shaped blade. Other ji have a head consisting of a single long, double-edged blade with one or two smaller crescent-shaped blades mounted to the sides
Naginata
Most samurai’s preferred polearm, the naginata is highly regarded. It has a long, flexible shaft made of bamboo or springy wood with a large, lightweight, slightly curved blade at the top. A naginata’s blade is forged with the same ceremony and meticulous craftsmanship as a katana’s, and commands the same reverence as the daishō. It is carried in elite units such as the Heaven’s Wing Brotherhood and the Utaku Battle Maidens
Trident
The trident is a long, triple-headed spear generally associated with fishermen and the sea. On land, the trident is a formidable polearm with excep-tional reach that can pierce, trap, and control opponents.
Yari
A long-shafted spear, the yari is one of the most common weapons in Rokugan. Between six and eight feet long, its shaft is made of hardwood and topped with a leaf-shaped spearhead. Since it is easy to make, the yari is a customary weapon of ashigaru, but also elite clan samurai such as the Daidoji heavy infantry
Bows
After katana and perhaps the spear, the bow is likely the most iconic of samurai weapons. From the simple hunting bow to the deadly daikyū, bows are a customary sight among Rokugan’s samurai.
Daikyū
Daikyū are large composite bows designed to be fired from horseback. Conven-tionally around six feet long, these elegant weapons are constructed by gluing thin layers of wood, horn, leather, and sinew together. Daikyū differ from other bows in that they have an asymmetric shape. Their grip is about two-thirds of the way from the top, making the top curve longer than the bottom. This allows the bows to be fired easily from horseback in either direction. Each daikyū is made for a custom fit for a specific user
Shinjo Horsebow
Among the Unicorn Clan’s many adopted weapons is a small, sturdy bow used by the nomadic peoples of the steppes far to the west. Called the Shinjo horsebow in Rokugan, this weapon is a compact bow designed to be fired from the back of a moving horse. It is a short-range weapon intended for raiding and cavalry attacks.
Yumi
The yumi is perhaps the most common bow used by Rokugani samurai. Similar to the daikyū, it is a long, graceful bow made from a composite of horn, sinew, leather, and wood. Smaller than the daikyū, but only just, the yumi has an asymmetric grip, general shape, and long-range killing power similar to those of its larg-er cousin. Where the daikyū is a cavalry bow, however, the yumi is designed to be fired while standing
Arrows
Willow-leaf arrows are broadhead arrows used for both hunting and warfare. These are “typical” arrows.
Armor-piercing arrows end in a long, hardened spike. These arrows can pierce even the toughest armor to strike at the flesh beneath.
Flesh-cutters have espe-cially broad, multibladed, and often barbed heads designed to tear through unprotected flesh.
Humming-Bulbs have an egg-shaped, hollow head with slots cut into its surface. As the arrow flies, the bulb emits a sharp whistling sound. These arrows are good for signaling and creating a distraction
Crossbows
Most samurai who are not members of the Crab Clan view crossbows with equal parts disdain and distrust. The disdain is due to a crossbow’s reliance on mechanical principles rather than their wielder’s skill and training to fire their projectiles, and distrust because the weapon’s proliferation would put a powerful weapon capable of killing samurai into the hands of rebels and malcontents. Crossbows are rarely seen outside the lands protected by the Crab, where they are some-times temporarily issued to peasants levied to protect the Kaiu Wall.
Oyumi
Developed out of necessity to fight the deadly forces of the Shadowlands, this weapon consists of a recurve or traditional bow laid horizontally on a long, stout stock. Held to the shoulder, the oyumi is fired by squeezing a long lever on the bottom of the stock. It fires short, arrow-like projectiles called quarrels. Its existence is a matter of some consternation among the other clans, but the Crab maintain that its use—even in the hands of ashigaru and peasants in times of crisis—has been vital to the preservation of the Empire
Specialist Weapons
The weapons used by assassins and spies are a mix of improvised tools, modified agricultural implements, and bespoke weapons. They emphasize stealth and accessibility over sheer killing power, and have an unsavory reputation thanks to their association with assassination
Blowgun
Made from a length of hollow bamboo or river reed, the blowgun is one of the simplest weapons that ninja use in their work. The blowgun’s primary use is as a ranged weapon, usually to deliver poison. In addition to darts, the blowgun can also be loaded with sand, dust, or other powders to blind or disorient foes, and it can even serve to let its user breathe while underwater.
Kama
The kama is another weapon adapted from an agricul-tural implement: in this case, a standard sickle used for harvesting rice. It consists of a short, roughly foot-long wooden haft topped by a long, curved sickle blade. Kama are often used in pairs, sometimes linked at the handles by a length of chain.
Kusari-Gama
Extremely versatile and deadly, the kusari-gama is one of the more difficult ninja weapons to master. It is a hybrid weapon consisting of a long-hafted kama with a lengthy chain attached to either the back of the blade or the bottom of the haft. A heavy iron weight called a fundo is mounted at the end of the chain. In combat, a wielder typically spins the chain over their head with one hand while holding the kama in the other. They whip the chain forward, entangling an opponent’s weapon or limbs, then rush in for the killing blow with the kama. A wielder can also attack with the weighted end of the chain, striking opponents at range and keeping them at bay.
Shuriken
Favored by shinobi, shuriken are small metal discs with a sharpened edge that come in a dizzying array of sizes and styles. They are designed mainly to distract, but shuriken can also be coated with toxins for lethality, and any cutting edge can kill if used properly