Ryu

Ryu were Hengoyokai dragon spirits who originated from Tengoku. They were servants of the Elemental Dragons, and like the Fuschicho they were highly perceptive and honorable warriors. They were mighty beings, particularly difficult to control. Creatures of Rokugan, Third Edition p. 9
== Appearance and Demeanor ==
The ryu's natural form was that of a flying serpent covered with scales that shimmer in every color. These spirits might change their shape with ease, if necessary. In their human form, Ryu appeared as tall and slender Rokugani with noble features and dark eyes. They tended to insinuate themselves into the Crane, Dragon, Lion or Phoenix Clans, those that they found most honorable of the Great Clans. Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition, p. 160 Ryu could fly, undulating through the air without wings, Book of Air, p. 119 and could even breathe flame through their nostrils. Book of Fire, p. 122 They were calm and patient, content to rest unmoving atop the mountains until it was time to act. Book of Earth, p. 133 Water Ryu were the most likely to shift their form, but they always maintained a shimmering iridescence in their scales. They attended on Hachiman, Fortune of Battle, and they had been observed near battles. Book of Water, p. 125 Ryu of Void were more likely than others to remain in Ningen-do and observe mortal affairs. Book of Void, p. 126
== Origin ==
Ryu were fragments of the divine essence of the Dragons, born from a single scale of one of the greater Dragons. Secrets of the Empire, p. 211 From time to time the dragons separated a piece of their own intellect and sending it into Ningen-do seeking wisdom, usually serving as assistants for the Oracles. These shapeshifters had a great thirst for knowledge. In its natural form a ryu appeared as a wingless serpent the size of a horse, hovering in the air. Fortunes & Winds, p. 19
== Gifts ==
After the return of divine support to the Imperial Line with Empress Iweko I, the heavens offered other blessings. One such favor was the Armor of the Ryu. Armor of the Ryu (Glory of the Empire flavor)
== Yobanjin Wyrms ==
Ryu could be transformed in abominations called Wyrms by yobanjin sorcerers. Wyrm Raiders (Imperial flavor)
== Notable Ryu ==
* Natsumi
* Tsai-tsu
== See also ==
* Ryu/Meta
* Ryu (NPC)/Meta
Category:Rokugani Language
Category:Dragon Clan
Category:Articles with Pictures
Category:Ryu