Campaign Metagame
The total number of in-game metagame points each player earns may be divided between the Left and Right Hands, as the player assigns. Points that are not assigned go to the Underhand. The Backhand receives a number of points equal to the difference between the Left and Right Hands, to a minimum of half the lesser of the Left and Right Hands and a maximum of half the greater.
For reference:
Broadly, there are four power blocs:
- The Right Hand- The peaceful, idealistic Hantei Daisetsu should ascend the Throne, as was bidden by his late father and endorsed by the Emerald Champion Akodo Toturi. Was not the First Hantei the youngest of his parents’ children?
- The Left Hand- The elder son, Hantei Sotorii, should ascend the Throne, as tradition holds and as the Princes were trained should happen, the declaration of Daisetsu’s heirship being a forgery or a deception.
- The Underhand- The Shadowlands threat remains ever-present. In the absence of clear victories by any of the other three, the Underhand will rise up and throttle the body politic.
- The Backhand- Some other thing happens. Perhaps there is an Imperial Bastard Princess out in Rokugan? Perhaps Empress Hochiahime is, in fact, pregnant even now? Perhaps there is a new Child of Sun and Moon, since husband and wife have met again from time to time? Perhaps a massive peasant revolt takes place? Might it be that another gaijin expedition is on its way?
The overall metagame will point toward one of these four power blocs winning out, influencing the future history of Rokugan.
Please note that players may opt to support the Shadowlands. Be advised, however, that PCs that go that way are subject to discovery in game, with appropriate consequences. Be advised, also, that PCs who go this way will
not be allowed to return to play as PCs after the present game concludes, but will be made NPCs for GM use. We're aiming for a heroic game, folks, telling heroes' stories to remind ourselves that we can be great.
