The Party

Otomo Toju (Male)- Brother of Otomoa Hana (the governess of the imperial tax district). He has been working with Seppun Izu who believes that there are instances of Gaijin magic in Rokugan. They've also heard tell of foreign spies in the country. He has gathered some clan samurai to help him investigate various areas of the country while under the cover story of being tax collectors and accountants.

His sister was removed from her position and he was accused of attempting to assassinate the emperor. The scorpion helped remove his sister from the imperial city. He is hiding out in the Shrine of Seven Thunders with Chan. 

Seppun Izu (Male): Was previously the second in command under the Jade Champion, though he was fired for reasons that are not altogether clear. Some say the Emperor was not fond of his fascination with gaijin magic, others say that someone else politically maneuvered him out of position so they could have the position. He is known to possess a magical item from the Yodotai Empire, so perhaps there is some truth to his falling out of favor with the Imperial Court. At this point, he has no official authority.

Chan(Male): A rokugani noble of some kind who stowed away with them during their egress of the imperial capital. He claims to be a member of the Toturi family, but the PCs identified that this is not true- though Chan believes it. He has shown insight, drawing a previously unknown 22nd version of the word Sword in calligraphy. He has been enchanted by a powerful form of foregin magic, which causes the numerani to turn dark blue. The party was able to overcome the enchantment, and saw that Chan is actually the Emperor, cursed to not be recognized by a foreign demon. He is hiding out in the Shrine of Seven Thunders as he seeks to gather his allies.

The Scorpion Clan:

• Yogo James (Male): (Mark) A one-handed courtier from the scorpion clan. He was given a gift from Otomo Hana to bring to his lord.
• Sohor Kaito (Male): (Jamie)- A (bushi??) from the Scorpion clan and blood cousin to Yogo James and Baushi Kagimi
• Baushi Kagimi (Female): (Paul)- A bushi from the Scorpion clan with a taste of fine arts, and surprisingly forgiving to clumsy peasants. 

The Crane Clan:

• Diadoji Megumi (Female): (Dave)- An air shugenja with an unusual magical heirloom.

The Mantis Clan:

• Tsuruchi Honzo (Male): (Rick)- A bounty hunter for the Mantis clan, hired on by Otomo Toju who expects there to be some fugitives to hunt down during their mission. 

The Peasants:

• Taki (Male): A bonge clerk who officially examines records during the tax audits, and handles travel papers and party identification. He also is in charge of travelling supplies for the expedition. He left the party after the tax collectors ruse was abandoned. 
• Murasama (Male): A peasant smith who handles the upkeep of weapons. 
• Yodo (Female): A large ashigaru bodygard. She wields a naginata and heavy armor, though she is surprisingly versed in the armor, and does not seem to have the standard penalties.  She last stayed in Kyuden Ashinagabachi- seeking the location of the Shrines of the Fortunes
• Sen (Female): A monk of the Seven Thunders temple, focusing on earth kiho. She has the ability to remove shadowlands taint from people, though the kiho inflicts terrible pain in doing so. She is studied in Theology. She sacrificed herself to steal a Sankhara stone and slow down the advancing destroyer army. 
• Yon (Male): Yon has studied foreign languages, including Thrane, Senpet, Yodotai, and Ivory Kingdom. He is there in case any translation is needed. He's very bookish and a bit cowardly.