Shugenja

Shugenja were the priests and scribes of Rokugan, Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 22 as well as the envoys of the fortunes and kami and the keepers of their clans' secrets. Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 24
They were able to create powerful spells by offering prayers which were written upon scrolls called ofuda.
The magic of the shugenja was drawn from one of the five elements: Fire, Air, Water, Earth, and Void. Notable exceptions were the Agasha family who were known to have developed a method of using more than one element in a single spell (With the exception of the Void Element). Who then joined the Phoenix Clan and subsequently shared the discovery and research, allowing the Phoenix Shugenja the same methods. Some among the Mantis Clan were able to harness the power of thunder. All of the Great Clans had at least one family that trained shugenja. 
== Duty as priests ==
The shugenja were diviners who could communicate with the gods, in the Rokugani pantheon of the Kami no michi. They knew the rites of purification (performed at birth and at death) and the secrets of dispelling evil spirits. Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 136
== History ==
=== Origins ===
The Phoenix Clan made the claim that all other shugenja in Rokugan owed their origin to the Isawa family, because magic itself was discovered by them alone. Recent discoveries by the Dragon Clan in the Yobanjin City of Gold contradicted this, but that the Isawa were the source of magic within Rokugan was still plausible because of the Tribe of Isawa's original connection to yobanjin.
The Asahina family and Yogo family were started by an Isawa and an Isawa-trained Asako. Way of the Crane, p. 33 & Imperial Histories, p. 15 Iuchi's notes mentioned that he was taught "a few basic spells from Isawa." Way of the Unicorn, p. 41
During the War Against Fu Leng, Isawa sent one of his five brothers and sisters to each of the other clans (with the exception of the Scorpion Clan) to teach their families the ways of his magic. In the case of the Doji and Matsu, the lessons did not take, but during this time the Kuni and Agasha certainly learned much of the basics of magic from the Isawa.
A notable exception to the general idea that all magic came from Isawa were the Kitsu family of the Lion Clan, who originated from the kitsu race. Way of the Lion, p. 43
== Power of the Shugenja ==
Shugenja were not merely simple priests, but those who could draw power from the elements that surround them, causing the kami to manifest themselves in a very real and physical way. To be a shugenja required more than merely manipulating this power, but communing with it -- attaining unity with the universe and the willing assistance of the kami.
Kami interacted with the shugenja through magic. Some heard the kami more than others; some were even driven mad by the voices. However, the bond with the kami was what allowed the shugenja to develop. Powerful magic-wielders could even have several kami to help and serve them.
After a shugenja dies, the kami would try to find a new person, someone who closely resembled their former companion, often their son or daughter or a close family member. This in turn explained why the gift of a shugenja often appeared more frequent in certain lineages. Way of the Shugenja, p. 6
== Lifestyle ==
A shugenja's life was usually quite solitary, as great meditation and study was always required, and most shugenja would spend their lives in temples and shrines. Those who wandered Rokugan were usually doing so to fulfill a specific command of their daimyo. Like all samurai, it was extremely rare for a shugenja to live among the lower castes.
Because of their special place in society, shugenja were often given special recognition or respect above equal-ranked bushi, but it would be most inappropriate for a shugenja to ever attempt to use his training to demand such treatment.
Shugenja were generally treated with respect throughout Rokugan, although it was sometimes born out of fear. Rokugani knew that shugenja were uniquely attuned to the fortunes and elements, and some even believed that the fortunes themselves would watch over their chosen few. Because of these beliefs, shugenja were commonly given very good treatment by most. Peasants even more so, as they did not wish to incur the wraths of fortunes.
If a shugenja settled in a town or village that did not already have a resident shugenja, he would quickly become the de facto headman, with the population coming to him to resolve disputes, lead religious ceremonies, and teach the locals of the Tao and the fortunes.
=== Training ===
Almost all shugenja came from the samurai caste, and only when their talent was discovered did they receive proper training. Those who were born to lower castes would have a harder time seeking guidance, and many were simply sent to the Brotherhood of Shinsei. Shugenja were actually quite rare; one samurai in roughly a thousand was born with the gift, though aptitude could often be followed through family bloodlines. Some families produced more shugenja than others. The Hida family, for example, might only produce one or two shugenja in a generation, whereas the Isawa family would often produce a new group of students each year.
=== Shugenja and the Sword ===
This statement most accurately summed up the relationship of the shugenja and the ways of warfare. If a shugenja was to wear the katana, he would have to be prepared to use it, whether that be in a duel, on a battlefield, or in any other manner demanded of him. Instead, a shugenja might choose to wear only the wakizashi as a symbol of his status as a member of the samurai caste, or the shugenja could even choose to wear neither blade, simply letting his scroll satchel reflect his favor with the kami. Way of the Phoenix, p. 23
A shugenja was not typically taught the ways of kenjutsu or iaijutsu, so a shugenja that did not wear the katana could have a champion take his place in a duel and could refuse to fight in a battle. Many shugenja, especially those from the Isawa family, view the calling of the shugenja as of more importance than rank or awarded honor, and strive to use their powers only for peace, entering battle only when convinced that more lives will be lost if they do not act.
=== Shugenja Duels ===
Duels between shugenja were a way for two shugenja resolve an issue between them. The rules for such a duel were set down by Isawa Ujikki and Kakita in the work known as Shugenja Taryu-Jiai. Way of the Phoenix, pp. 53-54
== Shungenja in Rokugan ==
All the Great Clans had at least one major family of shugenja, and some minor clan were also known to have a magical lineage such as the Dragonfly Clan.
Clan 	School 	Speciality 	Elemental Affinity
Crab Clan 	Kuni Battle-Healer 	 	Water. Book of Water, p. 47
 	Kuni Command Staff 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of War, p. 61
 	Kuni Duelist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Art of the Duel, p. 31
 	Kuni Crystal Master 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 10
 	Kuni Shugenja 	 	Earth Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 120
 	Oni Slayer 	Advanced path 	As original school. Legend of the Five Rings; Fourth Edition, p. 251
 	Onisu Hunter 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, p. 1
 	Tokaji's Might 	Advanced path 	As original school. Secrets of the Crab, pp. 57-60
 	Tokaji's Power 	Advanced path 	As original school. Secrets of the Crab, p. 60
 	Toritaka Exorcist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Great Clans, p. 42
 	Kuni Witch Hunter 	 	Way of the Crab, pp. 43-44
Crane Clan 	Asahina Duelist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Art of the Duel, pp. 38-39
 	Asahina Feng Shui Master 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, p. 3
 	Asahina Fetishist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 14
 	Asahina Shugenja 	 	Air Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, pp. 122-123
 	Asahina Fire Sculptor 	Alternate Path 	Fire Book of Fire, p. 180
 	Asahina Artisan 	Advanced path 	As original school. Book of Air, p. 180
 	Asahina Sohei 	Advanced path 	As original school. Four Winds, p. 15
Dragon Clan 	Agasha Shugenja 	Until 1151 	
 	Dragon Spirit-Binder 	Advanced school 	
 	Student of the Tao 	Advanced school 	
 	Tamori Alchemist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 18
 	Tamori Follower of the Method 	Advanced path 	As original school. Master of Magic, p. 40
 	Tamori Master of the Mountain 	Advanced school 	
 	Tamori Shugenja 	After 1151 	Earth Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 126
 	Tamori Warrior Priest (Yamabushi) 	Advanced path 	As original school. Four Winds, p. 16
 	Tamori Weaponsmith 	Advanced path 	As original school. Book of Earth, p. 196
Lion Clan 	Bishamon's Chosen 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 23
 	Disciples of the River 	 	Water Book of Water, p. 51
 	Kitsu Shugenja 	 	Water Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition p. 130
 	Kitsu Sodan Senzo 	Ancestor magic 	
 	Kitsu Spirit Legion 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of War, pp. 116-117
 	Kitsu Votary 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, pp. 4-5
 	Stone Fangs 	Advanced school 	None. Vacant Throne, p. 73
Mantis Clan 	Acolytes of Thunder 	Advanced path 	As original school. Imperial Histories, p. 306
 	Champions of Thunder 	Advanced school 	
 	Children of Chikushudo 	Advanced path 	As original school.
 	Children of Thunder 	 	
 	Ivory Sahir 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic, p. 77
 	Kitsune Shugenja 	Formerly the Fox Clan 	Earth Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, pp. 147-148
 	Kitsune Spirit Guide 	Advanced path 	As original school.
 	Kitsune Summoner 	Alternate path 	Earth Second City - People, p. 100
 	Mantis Navigator 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic, p. 78 Legend of the Five Rings; Fourth Edition, p. 253
 	Moshi Shugenja 	 	Formerly Fire, Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 133 currently Air Way of the Shugenja, p. 50
 	Orochi Riders 	Advanced school 	As original school. Four Winds, p. 9
 	Sons of Kaimetsu-uo 	Advanced school 	
 	Storm Acolytes 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 26
 	Storm Riders 	Advanced school 	Water Masters of Magic, p. 76
 	Tsuruchi Shugenja 	 	
 	Yoritomo Shugenja 	 	Formerly Water, Four Winds, pp. 164-165
Phoenix Clan 	Acolytes of Snow 	Alternate path 	Water. Book of Water, p. 179
 	Agasha Alchemist 	Advanced path 	Formerly as original school, School & Ancestor Update, p. 21 currently Thunder. Great Clans, p. 169
 	Agasha Shugenja 	Multi-Elemental Spells 	Fire
Secrets of the Phoenix, p. 28
 	Asako Inquisitor 	Advanced path 	As original school. Four Winds, p. 18
 	Dragon Channeler 	Advanced school 	None. Four Winds, p. 10
 	Elemental Guard 	Advanced school 	Each assigned Element. Game Master's Guide; 2nd Ed, p. 100
 	Isawa Archeologist 	Alternate path 	As original school.
 	Isawa Duelist 	Advanced path 	Void Art of the Duel, p. 94
 	Isawa Ishiken 	Advanced path 	Void Prayers and Treasures, p. 30
 	Isawa Shugenja 	 	Any Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 136
 	Inferno Guard 	Alternate path 	Fire. Book of Fire, p. 182
 	Isawa Temple Guardian 	Alternate path 	As original school. Book of Earth, p. 197
 	Isawa Tensai 	Specialized Focus on one Element	Any but Void. Four Winds, p. 171
 	Mist Legion 	Illusion Magic 	Air Book of Air, pp. 181-182
 	Nameless One 	Advanced path 	As original school. Imperial Histories, p. 214
 	Shiba Illusionist 	Illusion Magic 	Air Winter Court:Kyuden Asako, p. 65
Scorpion Clan 	Fading Shadows 	Alternate path 	As original school. Book of Void, p. 183
 	Kuroiban 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 34
 	Soshi Deceiver 	Advanced School 	
 	Soshi Duelist 	Advanced path 	As original school. LArt of the Duel, p. 108
 	Soshi Illusionist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, p. 6
 	Soshi Shugenja 	Tejina magic 	Air Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 140
 	Yogo Duelist 	Advanced school 	
 	Yogo Shugenja 	Glyphs and Wards 	None. Four Winds, p. 176
 	Yogo Wardmaster 	Advanced path 	As original school. Secrets of the Scorpion, pp. 78-79
Spider Clan 	Ninube Shugenja 	 	Air. School & Ancestor Update, p. 41
Unicorn Clan 	Baraunghar Ghost Guard 	Advanced path 	As original school. Secrets of the Unicorn, p. 49
 	Baraunghar Shugenja 	 	Earth. Prayers and Treasures, pp. 38-39
 	Doomseeker 	Alternate Path 	As original school. Second City - The People, p. 101
 	Horiuchi Shugenja 	 	Earth. Prayers and Treasures, pp. 38-39
 	Iuchi Courier (Lords of the Plains)	Alternate Path 	As original school.
 	Iuchi Horse Lord 	 	Water. Book of Water, p. 48
 	Iuchi Shugenja 	Meishodo magic 	Water Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, pp. 142-143
 	Iuchi Traveler 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 39 Legend of the Five Rings; Fourth Edition, p. 255
 	Master of the Swift Waves 	Advanced path 	As original school. Art of the Duel, pp. 121-122
 	Moto Death Judge 	Advanced school 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, p. 10
 	Moto Death Priest 	Advanced school 	None. Four Winds, p. 19
Imperial Families	Hidden Guard 	Advanced Path 	As original school. Secrets of the Empire, p. 241
 	Jade Magistrate 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 45
 	Seppun Astrologer 	Alternate path 	Water
 	Seppun Duelist (Shugenja) 	Advanced path 	As original school. Art of the Duel, p. 150
 	Seppun Shugenja 	 	Air and Water
Bat Clan 	Komori Shugenja 	 	Air Four Winds, p. 187
 	Komori Summoner 	Advanced path 	As original school. Fealty and Freedom, p. 31
Dragonfly Clan 	Kawaru Sage 	Alternate path 	Water.
 	Tonbo Shugenja 	 	Water Four Winds, p. 188
 	Tonbo Mountaineer 	Advanced path 	As original school. Fealty and Freedom, p. 41
 	Tonbo Diviner 	Advanced path 	As original school.
 	Dragonfly Clan 	Advanced path 	As original school. Secrets of the Empire, p. 237
Monkey Clan 	Fuzake Shugenja 	 	Earth. Secrets of the Empire, p. 238
Any minor clan 	Minor Clan Defender 	Advanced school 	As original school. Four Winds, p. 13
 	Taryu-Jiai Duelist 	Advanced path 	As original school. Art of the Duel, p. 153
Ronin 	Forgotten Sons 	Advanced path 	None. Prayers and Treasures, p. 52
 	Fortune's Grace 	Advanced path 	As original school. Prayers and Treasures, p. 10
 	Grand Master of the Elements 	Advanced school 	All. Four Winds, p. 14
 	Kanosei Furudera Order 	 	Air
 	Militant Ronin Shugenja 	 	Earth
 	Order of Isashi 	Advanced path 	As original school.
 	Traditional Ronin Priest 	 	Any but Void Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 145
 	Self-Taught Shugenja 	 	Any but Void Enemies of the Empire, p. 205
 	Dutiful Disciple Shugenja 	 	Any but Void
 	Ronin Order Shugenja 	 	Air
 	Sisters of the Sacred Light 	Advanced path 	Air Book of Air, p. 182
 	Void Mystic 	 	None Book of Void, p. 184
Bloodspeakers 	Chosen Phoenix 	Secret Cult 	As original school.
 	Maho-tsukai 	 	Maho. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 268
Shadowlands 	Chuda Necromancer 	Advanced path 	As original school. Masters of Magic Web Supplement, p. 8
 	Chuda Shugenja 	 	Maho. Prayers and Treasures, p. 10
 	Chuda Subversive 	Advanced path 	As original school.
 	Ogre Mage 	 	None Enemies of the Empire, p. 237
 	Tsuno Soultwister 	Spirit Realms 	None. Four Winds, p. 77
Naga 	Naga Jakla 	 	Earth or Water Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition, p. 36
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