Welcome to the Winter Court.

Being invited to the Emperor's Winter Court is daunting enough, but an invitation to tea with a legendary member of the Crane Clan thrusts you into the thick of a devious scheme. Your group is tasked with uncovering the truth behind how a dangerous band of scoundrels from the Mantis Clan secured a coveted invitation to the event, and, more importantly, what plots they hope to accomplish while they are here.

This adventure takes you and your fellow samurai to the beautiful grounds of Kyūden Doji, where you are introduced to the hazards of court politics. Here, you are surrounded by the political power players of the Emerald Empire—diplomats, artisans, shugenja, bushi, magistrates, and daimyō fill the lavish halls. Certain samurai have been selected to attend based on their skills and positions, while monks also serve as counselors in difficult matters of state.

But somehow, a few select members of the Mantis Clan are also present. This is unusual, not only because Minor Clans are not typically given the honor of participating in events so close to the Emperor, but the Mantis in particular are seen by many as mere pirates with flippant disregard for social grace. It is well known, however, that their leader seeks recognition from the Emperor, perhaps even an ascension to Great Clan status. Yet a strained relationship with the Crane Clan, the true masters of the court, makes such desires seem foolhardy.

But now their chance may have finally arrived, and Kakita Ryoku wants you to ensure that does not happen. As the course of history may be decided over just a few days, the race is on for you to determine truth from rumor of the Mantis Clan's motives, and potentially upset their plans before it is too late and you become trapped in the competing political schemes of the Crane and Mantis Clans. The reputations of both factions are at stake, and your decisions can shape the future of the Emerald Empire. As the plots begin to unravel around you, the more you will find that a whispered word can kill as easily as a sword. Can you survive the poisonous lies and shadow politics of the Rokugani elite?