Mantis

in Characters

The Mantis Clan is the second youngest of the Great Clans of Rokugan. Prior to the Second Day of Thunder, they could boast of being the oldest Minor Clan in the Empire, though they were not officially recognized as such. They occupied a unique position in Rokugani history, as a former Minor Clan that rose up on the Second Day of Thunder to become a Great Clan. Until recently, they were the only Great Clan without a divine representative. This changed, however, when the great Mantis hero Yoritomo ascended to Tengoku. Later, the Thunder Dragon gave up a portion of her divinity to allow Yoritomo to remain as the Mantis' official representative in the court of Tengoku. Specifically, their duties within the Emerald Empire are to guard and patrol all the lands of the Empire which do not belong to any other clan, including the seas of Rokugan. They protect the Empire against threats from the oceans, particulalrly any potential gaijin invaders. The clan's motto is "Only a fool stands in the path of a storm."  

What Does Bushido Mean To the Mantis?

  The Mantis believe that everyone must prove themself—higher station of birth carries certain benefits, but comes with an expectation that an individual will achieve greater heights to match. Even the lowliest member of the clan can advance if they serve exceptionally. Courage (Yu) holds a special place for the Mantis.   Most members have ancestors who were born as commoners or fell from grace, so the Mantis is more tolerant of foibles than other clans. The Bushidō tenet of Honor (Meiyo) is less important to members of the Mantis Clan