Chapter 1: Races

Your journey into Kamigawa begins with seven playable races to choose from. Within the setting, there is a host of different races living within five different biomes. From these, four already existing have been chosen. Three more have been created and added to this list to expand player options and fill some of the missing roles.

There are also five non-playable races who inhabit the world and that the players' characters would be aware of. Their information is located in Appendix A. These other races are described in a similar manner to the playable races, but no names or traits are given. These may serve as inspiration for the Dungeon Master to use for NPCs, or perhaps you can create your own race.

Human

"IT IS IMPORTANT TO DRAW WISDOM FROM
many different places. If you take it from one
place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding
others, the other elements, and the other nations
will help you become whole."

Kitsune

"VIRTURE IS AN INNER LIGHT THAT CAN PREVAIL IN EVERY soul."

Kitsune Traits

Your kitsune character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of centuries of kitsune refinement.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity and Wisdom scores increase by 1.

Age. Although kitsune reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the kitsune understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical age to encompass worldly experience, as manifested by the number of tails a kitsune has. A kitsune claims adulthood when they grow their second tail, typically after achieving a certain level of skill or accomplishing a deed. This age varies widely, but few do not attain this in their first century. Kitsune may live up to 900 years old, though few live past 500.

Alignment. Kitsune value wisdom and balance as well as their communities. They often follow a way of life within the temple or military traditions. They are more often lawful and

good than not, though many remain independent of government institutions.

Size. Kitsune are slightly shorter and slimmer than humans. They typically range from 5 to 5.5ft tall and weigh 120 to 150lbs. Males and females are relatively the same size. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30ft.

Darkvision. Accustomed to the twilit Jukai forest and night sky, you have superior vision in the dark and dim conditions. You can see dim light within 60ft of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Meditative Healing. Your character knows a secret kitsune technique to heal faster. During a short rest, your character may decide to enter a deep meditation state and focus on healing. Double the result of hit dice (not the Con mod) used to heal while in this state. You may only decide to use up to half of your total number of hit dice rounded down during this meditation. You may not spend hit dice as normal after exiting the meditation within the same short rest. This ability may be used once per long rest.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Kitsune.

Subraces. Two subraces of kitsune exist as a result of their class culture, the Byakko and Shinryu. The Byakko make up the martial clans of the kitsune. The Shinryu make up the clerical clans of the kitsune.

Akki

"DEEP INSIDE THE SOKENZAN MOUNTAINS, A BAND OF AKKI discovered a cache of ancient items of power. Their ensuing spree of destruction became known as ‘The Three Days of Fun.'"

    Size. Akki range from 3 to 3.5ft in height. They weigh 40 to 80lbs, with much of the extra weight in their shells. Their limbs are usually slim and spindly, with disproportionately long hands and feet. Your size is Small.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 25ft.

Darkvision. Accustomed to the shadowy caves of the Sokenzan mountains, you have superior vision in the dark and dim conditions. You can see dim light within 60ft of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

City Outcasts

Most of the other races are fairly ignorant of or blatantly discriminatory towards Nezumi. This happens far more to Nezumi than towards any other race living within human settlements. Many see them as desperate street urchins at best and disgusting, thieving parasites at worst. Their reputation for using underhanded tricks hasn't earned them any favors, though one wonders if the discrimination or the dishonesty came first.

Nezumi Names

The naming conventions of the nezumi are very similar to that of the kitsune. They have two names, common and clan, with the first being based on a body part.

Common: Angry-Tail, Gray-Nose, Twitchy-Whisker, Ink-Eyes, Long-Claw, Marrow-Gnawer, Night-Eyes, Red-Ears, Silent-Paws, Sharp-Claw, Strong-Tail, and White-Fang

Clans: Fujibayashi, Fuma, Hattori, Iga, Ishikawa, Kido, Koga, Mochizuki, Momochi, and Tomo

Nezumi Traits

Your nezumi character has a variety of natural abilities, a holdover from the harsh life your ancestors lived in the swamps of Takenuma.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age. Nezumi tend to live about the same length of time as most humans, but reach maturity quicker around 11 years old.

Alignment. Most nezumi decide for themselves whether they are good or bad, but rarely do they follow the law. They tend towards chaotic alignments.

Size. Nezumi are significantly shorter and more wiry than humans. They typically range from 4 to 5ft tall and weigh 80 to 120lbs. Males are typically larger females. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 35ft.

Darkvision. Accustomed to the murky swamp and gloom of dusk, you have superior vision in the dark and dim conditions. You can see dim light within 60ft of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

 Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Sneaky. You have proficiency in the Stealth skill.

Thin Frame. Your body can squeeze into spaces as if you were a Small Creature.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Nezumi-tongue.

Subraces. Over time, the separation between nezumi in the swamp and those in the city have created two subraces, the Shimin and Gaijin.

Half-Ogre

"TOWARDS MIDNIGHT THE RAIN CEASED AND THE
clouds drifted away, so that the sky was scattered once
more with the incredible lamps of stars. Then the breeze
died too and there was no noise save the drip and tickle
of water that ran out of clefts and spilled down, leaf
by leaf, to the brown earth of the island. The air was
cool, moist, and clear; and presently even the sound
of the water was still. The beast lay huddled on the
pale beach and the stains spread, inch by inch.."

Half-Ogre Families

Half-ogres most commonly reproduce with humans. Their children are most often larger than average humans, but some will be half-ogres. Less likely, two half-ogres find each other and have a full family of half-ogres.

Surprisingly, it is known that half-ogres can procreate with ogres. In the Sokenzan Mountains, Godo has brought together ogres, half-ogres, humans, and akki under one banner. Naturally, intermingling occurs and half-ogres are born.

Half-Ogre Names

The naming conventions of half-ogres match those of humans. Clan names are rare for half-ogres to have from birth with so many being orphans. However, many take on the clan name of their martial school or future families.

Half-Ogre Traits

Your half-ogre character has certain traits derived from your ogre ancestry.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Charisma by 1.

Age. Half-ogres mature slightly faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 14. They remain strong for about half a century, but then noticeably age faster after that. They rarely live longer than 75 years.

Alignment. A half-ogre's natural tendencies lean towards chaotic and evil alignments. However, many choose the opposite and resist these tendencies in an effort to gain full control of themselves. It's rare to meet a half-ogre that sits inbetween at neutrality.

Size. Half-ogres are significantly larger and bulkier than humans. They range from 6 to 7ft tall and weigh 200 to 300lbs. Males are typically larger than females. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30ft.

Darkvision. Thanks to your ogre blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see dim light within 60ft of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Menacing. You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Half-ogres, like the humans they live with, typically learn the languages of other peoples they deal with.

Subraces. Ogres are divided by region and have some traits differing between them. Depending on which ancestry you have, your instincts give a different benefit.

Oni-Touched

The oni-touched are humans meddled with by demons. Gifts and curses have been imparted upon the person. These irregularities go to the next generation too, creating a legacy.

Kami-Touched

"KAMI MANIFEST IN THE FORM OF WHATEVER THEY EMBODY
in the physical plane. Some tower in the shape of moss or bark, while others take forms beyond mortal imagining."

Elemental Manifestations

As kami-touched grow and develop, their bodies take on aspects of the element with which they are associated. Some manifestations add beauty and grace while others can be intimidating and ugly. Almost all have changes to their complexion and hair's coloration. Most also exhibit physical changes to specific body parts. Regardless of whether they're desirable or undesirable traits, the kami-touched must come to accept them as a part of themselves.

Kajin typically have physical changes in their eyes and facial expressions. Their eyes sometimes glow with light when they are excited. Their smile is always the warmest around. Their face radiates with a happiness that can change the mood of a room. Skin colors can range from orange and red shades to ashy and black ones. Some even have cracked char-like splotches on their bodies. Hair colors include

yellow, orange, and red shades.

Suijin usually have physical changes in their extremities. Webbed hands & feet are not uncommon. Scales or shell-like chitin on the forearms and shins may grow. Their skin may be moist to the touch or slightly slimy like an eel. Blue and green skin tones and hair colors are common.

Fujin commonly have physical manifestations related to their head and hair. Their hair constantly drifts about, making it appear as though it is without weight. Their temple and crown may grow small crystals that break and float into their hair. Small sparkles on their skin are not uncommon. Skin and hair colors include light blues, grays, and whites.

Chijin routinely have physical manifestations related to their body and muscles. They are larger than average with stocky builds. Their skin may be dusty like the dry earth, pebbled like rough hide, or hard & polished like a smooth stone. Some even grow hard, rocky protrusions on their bodies. Beige, brown, and gray skin tones are common. Baldness is common, even among chijin women. If they do have hair, it's always brown or black.

Kujin physical manifestations are a mystery. There are so few examples, it's unknown what physical traits they may typically have. One example though is the famed kujin philosopher Hiyozen, who had many odd manifestations. He was disproportionately tall and slim, reaching 6.5ft tall but weighing only 175lbs. His hair had streaks of dark purple and white. It was rumored his eyes would become like a starry night sky when he sleepwalked. As Hiyozen aged, it's written that his skin became thin and the bones of his face, hands, and feet could be seen to an extreme degree. It's possible other kujin may turn out like this, or perhaps they will manifest in other ways.

Kami-Touched Names

The naming conventions of kami-touched match those of humans. Many take on nicknames or titles related to the element they are associated with. Some leave behind their clans names, as a show of independence or to further strengthen their elemental bond.

Kami-Touched Traits

A kami's touch has changed you from human to something else. In place of your human traits, you have new ones based on what kind of kami affected you.

Age. Kami-touched mature at the same rate as humans.

Alignment. Kami-touched are a mixed bag, though they tend to avoid evil alignments.

Size. Kami-touched generally fit within the same size and build ratios as humans, even if some end up on one extreme. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30ft.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice. Humans typically learn the languages of other peoples they deal with, including obscure dialects.

Subraces. Kami-touched are divided into groupings based on their affinity for an element. This element often grants natural abilities a normal human wouldn't have, as well as a change in appearance.

Artificer

All existing artificer subclasses, except the battle smith (reflavored into the new subclass puppeteer), would fit in the Kamigawa setting. However, the armorer and artillerist have a leg up on alchemist. Armor and weapons feature prominently in the Magic: The Gathering sets and were an important part of Japanese history too. Magic potions are not significant in either, though alchemy itself did produce gunpowder and pursued the elixer of immortality.

Puppet Kugutsu

Medium Construct

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• Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 2 + your Intelligence modifier + five times your artificer level (the puppet has a number of Hit Dice [d8s] equal to your artificer level)
• Speed 40 ft. (must be within 10ft of mage hand, and 40ft of you by extension)

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	4 (-3)	4 (-3)	4 (-3)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +2 plus PB, Con +2 plus PB
• Skills Acrobatics +2 plus PB, Athletics +2 plus PB
• Damage Immunities poison, psychic
• Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned
• Senses blindsight 0 ft., passive Perception —

---

Traits

Antimagic Susceptibility. The puppet is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the puppet must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.

False Appearance. While the puppet remains motionless and isn't moving, it is indistinguishable from a normal puppet.

Mindless. The puppet is only animated because of you. It can't be surprised and attacks on the mind do not work on it.

Senseless. Your puppet cannot see, hear, smell, or taste. It can feel anything that it is touching or being touched by, even when invisible (blindsight 0 ft).

---

Actions

Force-Empowered Rend. Melee Weapon Attack: your spell attack modifier to hit, reach 5 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d8 + PB force damage.

Repair (3/Day). The magical mechanisms inside the puppet restore 2d8 + PB hit points to itself or to one construct or object within 5 feet of it.

Reactions

Deflect Attack. The puppet imposes disadvantage on the attack roll of one creature it can see that is within 5 feet of it, provided the attack roll is against a creature other than the puppet.

Puppet Core

At 5th level, you develop a new device to improve your puppet, a magical core. This core imparts a powerful trait depending on which you choose to construct. There are three cores to choose from: armor-core, spell-core, or strike-core.

Look at the puppet cores table to discover how each enhance your minion. Whenever you gain a level, you may rework the core to another.

Improved Core

At 9th level, you improve upon your core's design to add new effects, in addition to the ones already given.

Improved Puppet

At 15th level, your tinkering has upgraded your puppet to become more powerful. Your puppet gains +2 AC, and whenever it uses its Deflect Attack, the attacker takes force damage equal to 1d4 + your Intelligence modifier. Also, its core becomes more potent.

Kami Craftsman

In Kamigawa, there aren't just mortal artificers. Rarely, a kami will take up an art or industry and pursue perfection. Their products will be the best of the best, but their demands may be arduous.

(Rage of the Mountain continued)

gain 5 temporary hit points for each creature that accepts this feature. Until the rage ends, chosen creatures gains temporary hit points equal to your Constitution modifier when you deal damage to a common enemy. Remember, these temporary hit points do not stack, but they do refresh.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Bard

Entertainers like bards were popular around the globe, including Japan. There is overwhelming evidence that nobles and samurai appreciated theater and music. Most Japanese entertainers did not have any combat training though, and evidence is scarce that samurai learned how to play music. Drums and horns were used in war for signaling at least.

Japan's circus period did not include swords. Weapons, like swords and knives, were martial items not used in entertainment. Juggling was often balls or fruit. Sarugaku, japanese circus or early theater, became focused on comedy sketch and eventually transitioned to Noh theater. This was watched by samurai, but not participated in.

effect ends on a target after 1 hour, if it takes any damage, if you attack it, or if it witnesses you attacking or damaging any of its allies.

If a target succeeds on its saving throw, the target has no hint that you tried to charm it.

Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Cleric & Paladin

The peoples of Kamigawa revere the kami as more than just spirits. They are their deities, and rightly so. The greatest of the kami can level cities and destroy the land. Some can travel between the planes, reaching beyond Kamigawa. The most powerful kami holds up the barrier between the spirit and mortal realms, preventing annihilation.

Clerics and paladins of Kamigawa most often commit

themselves to two groups of great kami, the myojin and dragons. Depending on which group they follow, a cleric or paladin is known as kamisworn or dragonsworn. Some clerics and paladins choose to commit themselves to specific kami or ideals as well, though these are far fewer in number.

All domains and oaths fit within Kamigawa, as the kami can cover all of them. A deities table is provided to show the major kami deities and their respective domains or oaths.

Druid

In Magic: The Gathering, the druid-like cards are typed as monks or shaman. Almost all of the monks are green, while the shaman are split between green, red, and blue. In D&D, druids can be found anywhere nature is found and even rely on cosmic forces too. The druid subclasses focusing on nature and the land fit better into Kamigawa than the others.

The circle of the land desert druid is excluded from this. There is no desert in Kamigawa.

Fighter

Fighters are anywhere and everywhere. In Japan, the most important of these is the samurai, a distinguished class with a long history. They are renown for their code of honor, bushido. Kamigawa follows this closely, only deviating to add in magic.

Strength Before Death

Starting at 18th level, your fighting spirit can delay the grasp of death. If you take damage that reduces you to 0 hit points and doesn't kill you outright, you can use your reaction to delay falling unconscious, and you can immediately take an extra turn, interrupting the current turn. While you have 0 hit points during that extra turn, taking damage causes death saving throw failures as normal, and three death saving throw failures can still kill you. When the extra turn ends, you fall unconscious if you still have 0 hit points.

Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Samurai Stances

The samurai stances are listed in alphabetical order.

Counter Stance. When a creature you are within 5ft of misses with a melee attack against you, you may use your reaction to make a melee weapon attack against the creature.

Earth Stance. When you take damage, you may use your reaction to reduce that damage by 2d4. This increases to 3d4

Monk

Kamigawa has many monks, most of which are human and of green mana. They are called budoka, a reference to būdo, and live in the Jukai forest. These monks revere the kami and seek ascendance through wisdom. They are not good or evil and tend towards unarmed martial prowess.

Japan's history includes monks, called Sōhei. They were Buddhist warriors and scholars with extended monastic orders. They participated in Japanese wars and political feuds. While some adopted peaceful philosophies, warrior monks continued to exist up to the start of the 17th century.

at 10th level and 4d4 at 15th level.

Evasive Stance. The first opportunity attack on you each turn has disadvantage.

Fire Stance. After defeating an enemy, you gain advantage on your next attack.

Mindful Stance. You may add your proficiency bonus to Wisdom saving throws.

Sun Stance. You gain 2d6 temporary hit points. This increases to 4d6 at 7th level, 6d6 at 10th level, and 8d6 at 15th level. If you change stances, you lose what's left.

Void Stance. When you take acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage, you may use your reaction to store some of that damage for your next melee attack. The first time you hit with a melee attack on your next turn, the target takes an extra 1d6 damage of the triggering type. If you have not scored a hit and use this ability again, you may replace the damage type with the new triggering type.

Water Stance. The first ranged attack made against you each round has disadvantage.

Wind Stance. You may take the Dash action as a bonus action.

Way of the Budoka

The monastic tradition of the budoka is a path towards peace and connection with the kami and thus the world. In order to achieve this, you must train your body to defend, mind to calm, and spirit to open. Budoka must go and live near the kami to cultivate themselves. This leads them to the Jukai forest and developing a bond with nature.

No shrine is more famous than Okina temple beneath the Boseiju, the oldest and tallest tree of the forest. It embodies the spirit of the magnificent forest. Shimenwa ropes and shide papers hang from its body to mark its significance. The monks at Okina are some of the strongest and most knowledgeable in Kamigawa.

Boseiju's Wrath

At 17th level, your connection to nature
and its kami has reached it full potential. You can
now call upon the spirits of nature to rouse them against
your enemies. You can spend 6 ki points to cast the Wrath of Nature spell. Your ki save DC is used as your spell save DC.

List of Shōmyō chants:

The shōmyō chants are listed in alphabetical order.

Chant of Power. Expend 1 ki point. Energy surges through your party. Roll a Martial Arts die. When a friendly creature that participated makes their next weapon or spell attack, add the number rolled to that attack's damage.

Chant of Regeneration. Life rushes through your party. Roll a Martial Arts die. A friendly creature that participated regains an amount of hit points equal to the number rolled.

Chant of Sensitivity. Your party's souls feel open to the world. Roll a Martial Arts die. When a friendly creature that participated makes their next skill check, add the number rolled to that check.

Chant of Serenity. Calm washes over your party. Roll a Martial Arts die. When a friendly creature that participated makes their next saving throw, add the number rolled to that save.

Ranger

In both Magic: The Gathering and Japan, archery and military animals existed throughout history. Archery, or kyūdō, was an integral part of warfare in Japan and samurai training. Horses archers were important too. Dogs, like the Akita, were used as guard animals.

In Magic, both archery and warhounds are shown. The Orochi snakefolk had a whole tribe devoted to archery and scouting. Also, Kamigawa specifically has nezumi shaman that kept swarms of insects, though they were closer to druids. Ranger subclasses focusing on archery and beast companions fit the Kamigawa setting better than others.

Rogue

The existing rogue subclasses have a lot of good choices. The ninja, a rogue with aspects of several of the subclasses, features prominently in Kamigawa. Ninja are a part of Magic's black and blue colors. In Japan, ninja and rogues are an important part of their history. They have grown from being mountain mercenaries into cultural icons. Magical techniques, mysterious methods, and flawless disguises are some of their legendary attributes. Any subclass which uses these tactics would fit in Kamigawa.

Sorcerer

The sorcerer class and its subclasses do not fit as well into Kamigawa as other classes. Most magic users were either bestowed powers from kami like warlocks or learned it through study like wizards. Japanese history doesn't help much either. The mages, called onmyōji, were concerned with astrology, divination, exorcisms, and warding. Offensive spellslinging wasn't practiced.

There is some hope though. Several cards in the Kamigawa set show descendants of mortals turned kami, essentially divine souls. Wild magic is also able to fit in pretty much any setting.

Warlock

Though there are a great many beings that could be patrons, the warlock subclasses do not lend themselves well to Kamigawa for one reason. Most are tied to another plane of D&D. This excludes almost all of the options if you want to remain in Kamigawa. Therefore, artistic license is needed to expand how patrons may manifest powers in your warlock.

A table of different kami who've appeared in Kamigawa with a suggested alignment and subclass. Kami aren't limited in form though. You may also pick a patron that you come up with.

Warlock Patrons - Oni

With the latitude given to the warlock patrons, there are a few inconsistencies. These should be discussed with your DM and decided before play.

For example, the Genie subclass has a skill called Genie's Vessel. This makes little sense in the Kamigawa context. Instead, it could be reflavored as Kami's Vessel and be a small totem or trinket representing that kami's home.

Wizard

Wizards feature prominently in Magic: The Gathering (imagine that). The soratami moonfolk of Kamigawa are famously peerless wizards. Other shaman-typed cards appear to have powers very similar to wizards. As mentioned in the sorcerer's section, Japan's mages were concerned almost entirely with divination. Thus, there are many great options for wizards to fit in Kamigawa.

Chapter 3: Equipment

Going out of the city of Eiganjo and into Kamigawa is dangerous. You've picked your class and are properly trained, but now you need the equipment to make use of that training. In Kamigawa though, you won't find your standard D&D weapons and armor. There aren't any crossbows or greataxes, nor half-plate or hide. Your lovable bagpipes don't exist. Katanas and tate are a samurai's sword and shield. The twang of a shamisen may be heard in the local tavern. This chapter will focus on the Japanese-style equipment Kamigawa has.

On a whole, there are more similarities (or at least analogs) to D&D than not. For balance reasons, many of the costs and stats will in general remain the same. However, there will be a few major differences, some reinforced by special cases from Magic: The Gathering. With both new and old choices, it can be fun to explore while having a solid foundation to fall back on.

Weapons

Kamigawa, due to its Japanese inspirations, have a host of new weapons that replace the normal European-inspired weapons. The weapons table has been modified to reflect this. For balance reasons, most new weapons took one of the original weapons stats entirely. There are a few key differences though.

Firearms have replaced crossbows. They've also been modified for greater damage, but with drawbacks in range and weather. Japanese history does not include crossbows, which were introduced by China in the 11th or 12th century and quickly rejected. Compared to bows, they were harder to maintain, required valuable metal, and had shorter range. Samurai thus preferred the bow. Firearms were introduced

Special Weapons

New weapons with special rules are described here.

Tessen. When not surprised, you may spend your reaction to gain +2 AC against one nonmagical ranged attack.

Yoroi-dōshi. When attacking a unit with heavy armor, add +2 to the attack roll.

Sai. You may take the Disarm action (DMG P.271). If already allowed, then you gain advantage on the attack roll.

Greataxe Damage Variant

Since there is no 1d12 slashing damage weapon, you may choose to use a 1d12 damage die with the Ōdachi instead of its normal 2d6 dice.

Tools

As a whole, the tools table could still be used in Kamigawa. While some of the kits have an odd item here or there for the setting and dragonchess might need to be called kamichess, they are good to go for the most part. If you do come across something odd in your game, bring it up with your DM.

However, there was one section that needed some work: musical instruments.

Mounts and Other Animals

For tack, harness, and drawn vehicles, everything is available except the chariot. There is no evidence of chariots in Japan nor the Kamigawa cards.

For waterborne vehicles, four of the six ship types will be available. The galley and longship are the odd boats out. The explanation has a fare bit of context.

Japanese history doesn't have very much in the way of ocean-worthy waterborne vessels before the modern era. Japan did trade with other east Asian countries and went on sea-faring conquests into Korea before the 16th century. During this long stretch of time, Chinese-style junks of varying sizes were the waterborne vessels used. Coastal and fishing ships were likely common too, as some Japanese peoples like the Azumi were famous for their maritime expertise. Pirates, called wokou, raided between the 13th and 16th centuries as well.

The first Japanese ocean-worthy ships were Atakebune built in the 16th century, though they were rarely ever used on open ocean. Later, Europeans introduced shipwright techniques that led to hybrid designs in the early 17th century. These had similarities to galleons. However, this was short-lived as Japan went into a period of isolationism from the mid-17th to mid-19th centuries. When shipbuilding did resume, the Imperial Japanese Navy was formed about a decade after in 1868.

Kamigawa has virtually no waterborne vessels present in the cards. The sets do show water features, such as rivers, waterfalls, and a lake. These are connected to either spirits or Minamo Academy. There aren't any pirates nor animals. There is an ocean in the books. It's to the west and has Mikokoro, the "center of the sea" and mysterious shrine for

enlightenment.
While D&D can
be a land-only
adventure, it has
some options for water-
based ones for good reason.
To allow for this, some artistic
license is required. Kamigawa
will have bekabune and maruko-bune
represent the rowboat and keelboat, respectively.
A Chinese-style junk and the Atakebune will represent the ocean-worthy sailing ship and warship, respectively. The galley and longship are not in the setting.

Waterborne Vehicles

Appendix A: Non-Playable Races

The peoples of Kamigawa aren't limited to just the seven races described in Chapter 1. There are several other races that were explored and then excluded for one reason or another.

The strongest reason to exclude a race was balance. For example, the soratami can naturally fly, a trait well-known to break the balance of battles and places a lot of strain on the DM. Another exmaple, the oni are spirits that might become ethereal and pass through walls, an ability reserved for mid-level spells.

Another reason to exclude a race was the nature of their society's interaction with the other races. The orochi are the prime example of this. From a balance perspective, they could probably work, barring the four arms. However, the orochi do not interact with the other races on a meaningful level. They don't leave their forest and are generally xenophobic. Another good example is the ogres. They are antagonists in MTG lore and generally interact solely with violence. It would be better to keep them as such than try to change their nature. Instead, the half-ogres were created, similar to the half-orcs of D&D.

Some might ask why the akki, who are territorial and generally act poorly with other races, was included then. I could claim artistic license, but honestly I needed to have a race that mirrored some of the role played by halflings, dwarves, and gnomes. Kamigawa doesn't have anything like this, so the akki's agreeableness and the other race's tolerance for them was increased to achieve this.

Another reason to exclude a race was a lack of regularity in the creature's traits. This primarily applies to the Kami. They are closer to monsters and vary so widely that typical trait categories may not apply. They might have tens or even hundreds of subraces, so it doesn't make sense to make them a playable race.

Last, I want to repeat the idea that this book is not the final authority on what's possible. I made these decisions, but you don't have to follow them. If your D&D group wants to play orochi snakemen with four arms, do it. If you want to be a reformed ogre or one who joined the ronin of Sokenzan, do it. Homebrew it and have fun.

Fable of the Mirror-Breaker

Kiki-Jiki was a mischievous akki, exiled from his family group, who stumbled his way into a dragon's lair. Keiga, the Tide Star, met him and sent him on a mission to recover their stolen treasure. He was to break into the palace of Meloku, a powerful soratami mage, and steal it back. Kiki-Jiki did this and broke a magic mirror in the process, creating a reflection that inadvertently helped him escape. After his success, Keiga made him their apprentice.

Flying Mages

   Soratami culture emphasizes the study of magic,
   producing some of the most learned mages in
   Kamigawa. They specialize in evocation, transmutation,
   and conjuration magics, especially those related to the
    weather and mirrors. Minamo Academy, the center of
   magic, technology, and research in Kamigawa, has some
   sort of agreement with the soratami to exchange
  wisdom for research. The soratami are more than happy
  to oblige and visit often.

   The soratami enjoy many intellectual pursuits as well.
   They like debate and wordplay. They like solving puzzles
  and complex problems. Cleverness comes naturally to
  them. They will respect those that can keep up and
  be delighted when they are pleasantly surprised, but are
  often arrogant towards those that cannot maintain the
  brisk pace their minds run at.

  It's rumored that the soratami write histories of the world in secret as they watch from above, all to be catagorized in endless libraries. A person who gets their hands on even a fraction of this may learn more than all of Eiganjo together.

Orochi

The orochi are anthropomorphic four-armed snakefolk who inhabit the Jukai Forest. They are fearsome looking on the outside, but like most other races on the inside. Their warriors and scouts protect their territory. Their hunters and gatherers feed the villages. Their druids lead them in worship of the kami. If they could simply trust others, they would be part of the whole.

Kami Worshipers

The orochi revere the forest kami and seek to always live in harmony with them. They see the kami as expressions and extensions of the land itself. If the kami are out of balance, then the world is too. Orochi rituals seek to please the kami. They believe that the kami would drive them out of the forest should they become displeased or enraged. This is the orochi way, a way other races do not seem to understand very well. Thus, the orochi see themselves as necessary protectors and caretakers of the forest.

Orochi magic is based on this reverence for the kami and land. Their spells are tied to nature and the seasons. They have some of the best druids and rangers in Kamigawa. These blessings have been taken as a sign of approval from the kami. The orochi are very proud to serve them, to the point that refrain from worship or leaving the community would be considered a betrayal to the kami and thus the world. This philosophy is often projected onto other races to their detriment. However, the orochi have little interest in going out and forcing this philosophy on others. They'd much rather keep their home free of those that do not follow their ways.

Ogre

The ogres of Kamigawa, also known as o-bakemono, are considered the main villians of the material world by other races. They are not the stupid, lazy, hungry thugs of other D&D worlds, but intelligent and sadistic servants of evil.

Hopeful Rejects

Though most of the ogre race has moved from Sokenzan
to Takenuma, there are a few who rejected the oni and
remained in the mountains. These ogres were cursed
and made outcasts by their brethren. Some live in caves
or small communities. Some have joined with the ronin
and bandits living in the mountains. Godo, the bandit
warlord, commands their fear and respect despite
his human heritage.

The ogres who rejected the oni did so for one
reason. They wanted to achieve in their lives through
their own strength and power, not through some
demon's. This hint at honor and independence is what
draws many to believe there is some hope for the ogre
race, though it is still undercut by the brutal "might
makes right" philosophy the mountain ogres continue to
live by. Outside of those ogres that follow Godo, you'd
be hard-pressed to find an ogre that follows any sense
of order.

Oni

If the ogres are the villians of the material world, the
oni are the villians of the spirit world. They are demon
kami, chaotic evil incarnate, and want to devour both
worlds.

Kami

The kami are spirits associated with anything and everything in the world of Kamigawa. They are the most powerful forces in the world and come in an overwhemling variety of forms.

Defenders of Balance

There are several greater kami in the material world that help maintain balance and prevent the material and spirit worlds from colliding or collapsing. These greater kami include the Kyodai, O-Kagachi, the five dragon-kami, and the five myojin.

The Kyodai is the worldsoul, a strange-looking dragon spirit who imprisoned the oni long ago. O-Kagachi is the oldest and mightiest kami and maintains the boundary between the spirit and material worlds. O-Kagachi is the embodiment of the world and appears dragon-like with many heads. The Kyodai and O-Kagachi are the same being; soul and body, separate but one.

The five dragon-kami are spirits that take the form of an Eastern-style dragon. These are Yosei, Keiga, Kokusho, Ryusei, and Jugan. Each one has pledged to protect mortals at a different place of significance. Yosei, the Morning Star, is the guardian of Eiganjo in the Towabara plains. Keiga, the Tide Star, is the guardian of Minamo Academy at Lake

Kamitaki. Kokusho, the Evening Star, is the guardian of an unknown location in the Takenuma swamp. Ryusei, the Falling Star, is the guardian of the Tendo Peaks in the Sokenzan Mountains. Jugan, the Rising Star, is the guardian of Boseiju in the Jukai Forest. These dragons are very powerful and worshipped by many. Clerics and monks create shrines and keep temples to them. Dragonsworn even pledge their lives.

The five myojin are the greater kami spirits of the different lands in Kamigawa. They encompass all aspects of that land and express a fundamental force in the world. These forces are justice, knowledge, power, passion, and creation. In a way, other kami are not lesser expressions, but specific partial expressions of the myojin. The Myojin of Cleansing Fire is the expression of justice and resides in the Towabara plains. The Myojin of Seeing Winds is the expression of knowledge and resides in Lake Kamitaki. The Myojin of Night's Reach is the expression of power and resides in the Takenuma swamp. The Myojin of Infinite Rage is the expression of passion and resides in the Sokenzan mountains. The Myojin of Life's Web is the expression of creation and resides in the Jukai forest. These kami are extremely powerful and worshipped by many. Druids, rangers, clerics, and monks follow their ways and receive their blessings. Kamisworn pledge their lives.

Appendix B: Deities of Kamigawa

The plane of Kamigawa is home to many powerful spirits that fall under the category of deity in D&D. The greater kami are greater deities, powerful and commanding respect of other kami, though they would lack the raw numbers of worshippers required due to kamigawa's relatively small scale compared to other settings. The Kyodai and O-kagachi could be considered an overdeity even, as they aren't worshiped but hold immense power. The lesser kami are lesser deities with a focus on their specific expression of the world.

Some kami deities were listed with relevant classes. For clerics and paladins, the two groups of five greater kami are listed. For warlocks, many lesser kami are listed. Druids and rangers may devote themselves to either or neither.

Some deities haven't been mentioned. For example, the kodama are tree spirits in the Jukai forest with large shrines. A cleric or druid may want to choose one of these kami to devote themselves to.

There is one important difference between D&D deities and the kami deities of Kamigawa. The power of many D&D deities increases and decreases based on the number of worshipers they have. This is not exactly the same in Kamigawa. Kami deities do not need worshipers and would exist without them. Instead, their powers are based on the strength of what they are expressing. This can be affected by the material world, though does not have to be. For example, some people's spirits turn into kami after death because they had a great conviction in their life.

This appendix gives more information on the kami in Kamigawa, their stories, and what kind of deity they may be.

Greater Kami

There are two groups of five greater kami widely worshiped across Kamigawa. These are the myojin and dragon-kami. There is also the Boseiju spirit and greatest oni that rank as greater deities, though they are not part of these two groups.

Myojin of Infinite Rage

The Myojin of Infinite Rage is the expression of passion and resides in the Sokenzan mountains. It seeks freedom through action. The ideals of chaos, pain, retribution, change, and freedom fall into its portfolio. It's associated with the elements of fire, air, and lightning. It manifests as a wild warrior with many arms and weapons in a ring of fire.

Adherents of the Infinite Rage follow their passions,
whatever they may be and not matter how
detrimental they are. They
put their all into their
next project, going to
extraordinary
lengths sometimes.
They rarely respect
authority and are
irritated by imposed
order. Many are
rebellious, in one
way or another. Some
may be evil, though
they don't have to be.

Myojin of

Life's Web

The Myojin of Life's
Web is the expression
of creation and resides
in the Jukai forest. It
seeks harmony through
growth and wisdom.
The ideals of life, beauty,
balance, and instinct
fall into its portfolio.
It's associated with the
elements of life, earth,
and nature. It manifests
as a wooden, woman-
faced figure with vines
and leaves making up
her body.

Adherents of the Life's
Web believe it is best to let
nature take its course and
give up a sense of control.

They seek to grow by accepting the world as it is, without desiring to change it. Fate and instinct are important ideas towards finding peace. Being in harmony with one's surroundings, whether its a wild forest or a civilized community, will give one their best life. Violence is a last resort.

Dragon-Kami

The five dragon-kami are powerful spirits sworn to protect mortals at five significant places in Kamigawa. They are not as strong as the myojin, but are independent and still dwarf many other kami in terms of power.

Ryusei, the Falling Star

Ryusei, the Falling Star, is the guardian of the Tendo Peaks in the Sokenzan Mountains. He has pledged to defend the freedom of the mountain inhabitants. It's unknown who's call he would answer should he be summoned. Some think that the yamabushi Kumano might be the one though.

Those that follow Ryusei would devote themselves to defending the freedoms of others, even from recognized authorities or the law itself. They could be rebels or protectors. However, it's unknown whether there are any adherents though as Ryusei stays high in the Tendo peaks, far away from civilization.

Jugan, the Rising Star

Jugan, the Rising Star, is the guardian of Jukai Forest and Boseiju, the tree which is inhabited by the spirit of the forest. He has pledged to defend the denizens of the forest and those that seek its shelter. The orochi especially admire Jugan. Either their druid leaders or perhaps one of the kitsune village elders could summon him. The human monks at either Okina or Fudaiju could summon him too.

Those that follow Jugan devote themselves to nature and balance. Some become hermits or hunters that take care of wild places. They take only what they need and give back in due course. Many work towards simple happiness in the community. A few promote environmentalism. Regardless of where they express themselves, their ultimate goal is always peaceful coexistence with that which is around them.

Boseiju

The Boseiju is the oldest and largest of trees in the Jukai Forest. It's spirit is the kami of the forest itself. It has great power, though little will to use it for direct confrontation. It's power truly lies in nurturing others. The forest grows strong because of it. The Boseiju relies on other kami of the forest, like the kodama or Jugen, to defend it.

The Okina temple is located near the Boseiju.
It is the oldest shrine within Jukai. A legion
of monks live there in quiet reverence.

Though almost all of them are human, the emperor holds little power this deep into the forest. They would only answer the call of the kami, if asked. They are also the only people to have had any meaningful diplomacy with the Orochi.

The All-Consuming Oni of Chaos

The most powerful, ravenous, and craven demon is the one called the all-consuming oni of chaos. It manifests as black clouds or mist full of gnashing mouths. Its visage still has the characteristic horns and three eyes of all oni. The ogres have long fed it in return for vile powers. It's so old in fact that its shrine resides in the Sokenzan mountains from when the ogres were first tempted by demons. If released, it would try to consume the world, causing widespread death and decay.

During the Kami War, the oni was released and challenged O-kagachi. However, it was quickly defeated and ran away like the coward it is. Its ogre shaman, Hidetsugu, was greatly displeased by this. He forced Toshiro Umezawa to transport him into the oni's shrine, where he planned to make the oni suffer. What emerged though was some combination of the two. Hidetsugu had consumed the great oni himself and now embodied chaos and hunger. He wreaked havoc for a short time until the Sisters of Flesh and Spirit imprisoned him in the spirit realm.

Intermediate Kami

Outside of the greater kami, several others play a larger role in Kamigawa than the generic spirit. They have more power and independence than the average kami, though not as much as the greater kami. They are still held in high regard by the general population, and they garner more worshipers and offerings for it.

The Kodama of Seasons

Besides Boseiju, there are five other powerful tree kami, or kodama, in the Jukai forest. They represent the seasons and a different aspect of forest life. They are located by the four cardinal directions.

The Kodama of the Center Tree is the oldest of the tree kami. It is the tree of all seasons and values the history of the forest. Thus, it knows more about Jukai than any other forest kami. This kodama either hides or avoids others. Many have gone searching, but no one claims to have found it.

The Kodama of the East Tree represents spring. It values growth and uses its influence to expand the forest. The tree spirit's personality is impulsive and lively, like a fey prankster might be. Fudaiju, one of the two big monk shrines in Jukai, is located near this tree.

The Kodama of the South Tree represents summer. It values community and uses its power to care for the forest. The tree spirit's personality is like that of a strict mother. It wants everyone to follow the rules, be safe, and be happy.

The Kodama of the West Tree represents fall. It values the hunt and holds a "survival of the fittest" attitude. The tree spirit's personality is gloomy and feral, ready to lash out or kill trespassers and fools.

The Kodama of the North Tree represents winter. It values survival and wants to be left alone. If provoked, it will strike with deadly force to retake its isolation.

Patron Kami

Five sentient species in Kamigawa have a kami representing their collective consciousness. These are the akki, kitsune, moonfolk, nezumi, and orochi. These kami were prayed to for guidance and given offerings for blessings. A few people are said to have had audiences with their patron kami, such as the kitsune elder Eight-and-a-Half-Tails.

It's unclear if a patron of the humans or ogres exist. The patron of the Towabara plains, Terashi, may be the patron of the humans who inhabit it. The ogres may have lost or even fed their patron to their oni masters, or perhaps their patron became an oni. Unfortunately, the kami are too enigmatic to confirm such theories.

The Kirin

The Kirin are a group of kami who travel mortal lands and discuss their experiences with each other every 1000 years. They manifest as hybrid beasts with aspects of horses, dragons, deers, and goats. They can change shape to appear humanoid. They are praised and given offerings when sighted, as their appearance is an omen of good fortune and long life.

Kirin can express the five colors of mana. For example, the infernal kirin Scale is of black mana and sometimes travels as a disease called the weeping plague.

Kuro, Pitlord

Kuro the Pitlord is an oni overlord with many minions. His influence in the world is larger than the average oni. He's proven to be clever in his deals with mortals. His most tempting offer is also the most simple; eternal life for eternal service.

He is most famous for being master of Ink-Eyes, the most feared ninja in Takenuma swamp. She is a sociopathic nezumi, left in the swamp to die by her clan and raised by an abusive ogre named Muzan instead. When older, she killed Muzan and offered his blood to Kuro. The oni was expectantly pleased with this treachery and gave Ink-Eyes necromantic powers. She can now enslave the spirits of those she kills to serve Kuro's dark purposes. As punishment to Muzan, Kuro then resurrected the ogre to serve Ink-Eyes as her apprentice.

Lesser Kami

There are a menagerie of lesser kami with narrow portfolios and epitomize the power of what they expression. Their powers, number of worshipers (if any), and blessings vary widely.

Divine River

One japanese to english translation of the word kamigawa is divine river. However, its namesake isn't on the map. There are three rivers that run through Kamigawa; the Yumegawa, the Akagi, and the river in Kawabe province.

  Horobi, Death's Wail

   A sorrowful spirit born from the massacre of Reito city
   during the Kami War. It's haunting wail can still be
   heard by those in the midst of mass death.

  Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks

   A mighty forest kami who grows in the body of a simple
   monk. It appears as the upper half of a large muscular
   cyclops with tattoos on blue-gray skin.

  Ichikawa, Great River

   The spirit of Yumegawa river, the largest and longest in
   Kamigawa. It is associated with Minamo Academy and
   its wizards, though it is not its defender.

  Iname, Aspect of Life and Death

  A kami expressing the cycle of life and death. When
  expressing life, she brings new growth and rejoices. When
  expressing death, she cuts life short and laughs in glee. She chases the pleasure she gets from each, flipping between them. She appears as a skeletal siren with wings.

Jaraku, the Interloper

A kami of manipulations that resides in a simple wizard, waiting to cause trouble. She appears as a centaur-like puppet made of wood with a huge bow for a hand and an eye on the side.

Jiwari, the Earth Aflame

The kami of earthquakes. It manifests as a large worm made of earth with a giant maw. It has many tentacles on its head, each with an eye at the end of it. Its manifestation always brings shinen in the form of fireballs.

Kagemaro, First to Suffer

The first human to become an oni in the afterlife through evil deeds. It appears as a huge bloated mass of flesh with a torso sticking out. A skull head lies on top of the torso and many arms sprout out from it.

Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty

A kami of protection that grows out of the lingering loyalties of samurai attendants. It appears as floating tatami-dō and conical hat with a ring of spearheads around it.

Kakkazan, Mountain Fire

A mountain kami who commanded several other kami. He manifested as a crocodile-like humanoid with eight arms and
        carried a tetsubo. He is most famous for
          challenging the master yamabushi
            Kumano to learn his secret.
              Kumano defeated him though.

Kaminari, Thunder and Lightening

The kami of thunder and lightning. It appeared as raw energy in the sky, striking down as bolts of lightning. Those who are struck die, but claim to have seen god's face when brought back alive by healers.

Kataki, War's Wage

A kami of weapons and armor, who was prayed to by smiths and warriors to keep their blades sharp and their armor impenetrable. He appeared as glowing weapons and armor animated into the shape of a samurai. He was also known as a kami of retribution, who sought vengeance on warriors who offended it.

Kira, Great Glass-Spinner

The infamous kami of warding. She created protective shells of glass that would counter or contain spells, often thwarting the machinations of wizards. She manifests as a small, gray lump with a big head and tiny appendages.

Kiyomaro, First to Stand

The spirit of the first emperor of Eiganjo. He appears as he did in life, an old wizened man clad in white noble robes and royal regalia. His descendants still defend Eiganjo.

Kyoki, Sanity's Eclipse

A dreaded oni of madness. He induces insanity on those he gazes upon. He appears as a tall, multi-armed humanoid with a mask for a face, grossly slack jaw, and spiky protrusions growing from its joints.

Mannichi, the Fevered Dream

A kami of hallucinations caused by fever. When it finds a host, it causes them to become ill and see the future during their delirium. It appears as a tumor-like mass with blood vessels reaching out.

Masumaro, First to Live

The first human to live by kami ways, becoming a kami himself in the afterlife. He appears as a bald monk in ancient robes. His descendants still follow in his footsteps.

Mochi, Smiling Kami of the Crescent Moon

A mischievous spirit with his own agenda. In unusual ambition, he is attempting to upset the hierarchy and become the next patron of the moon. He appears as a fat, naked man with blue skin and yellow eyes.

Oyobi, Who Split the Heavens

An enormous eagle-like spirit that commands and manifests other bird-like kami. She is made up of golden feathers and ribbons. She was the bane of the samurai mothriders during the Kami War.

Seizan, Preverter of Truth

An oni of deception with a knack for leading others to ruin with half-truths and lies. It manifests as a hunched-over, minotaur-like humanoid with a disproportionately large head and mouth.

Sekki, Seasons' Guide

The kami of the turning of the seasons. It manifests as enormous pieces of the land, similar to a genju, when it is time for the season to change.

Shimatsu, the Bloodcloaked

A minor oni overlord. He appeared like an ogre with blood-red skin and wore a bone mask. He practiced frost magic.

Shirei, Shizo's Caretaker

The kami who shepherds the dead. He manifests as a floating, hooded cleric in white robes bound by red, tasseled ropes. His skin is black like charcoal with eyes all over, blinded and fogged by cataracts. His title comes from his common appearance at the battlefield of Shizo, an ancient and tainted place where a great battle once took place. Souls with unfinished business still walk the area.

Soromaro, First to Dream

The spirit of a half-human, half-soratami wizard from long ago. He is respected for his knowledge and wisdom. He appears as an old four-eyed, four-armed moonfolk in blue Minamo robes.

Terashi, Sun and Justice

The kami of the sun and patron of the Towabara plains. It appears as a large lantern-like bulb of light with metal bones and many small strut-like legs. Tentacles of light reach out from its bulb and blasts of energy come from its mouth.

Towazu, the Unspeakable

The kami of forbidden and unspeakable things. It appears before great scholars and librarians to impart secret knowledge, but leaves them comatose or insane in the process. It manifests as a large, long torso with bat-like wings for arms and small centipede-like legs growing out of its body. Its head has small horns and its mouth has tusks. Appropriately titled, those few that know of it do not like to speak its name.

Urami, of Insatiable Hunger

A powerful oni of ravenous hunger. He manifests with a classic winged devil appearance. He is famous in Kamigawa for his tomb in Takenuma swamp. In order to lure people into his territory, his ogre servants constructed the tomb and told rumors of his demise. This is a lie. He is still alive and eats those that wander nearby.

Yukora, the Prisoner

A terrifying and murderous oni with an ogre-like appearance. At one point, he was defeated and imprisoned by 99 kannushi, or shrine maintainers. They bound him in chains deep below the earth and cast a spell to immobilize him. When all 99 died though, the spell broke and Yukora was set free to wreak havoc once again.

Yomiji, Who Bars the Way

The kami who guards the passage from life to death. He is considered sacred and revered by many, hoping that their loved ones make it safely to the afterlife. He can also prevent a soul's passage and send them back to life.