Five Highways

The Five Highways or the Emperor's Road was the collective name given to the largest and most well-traveled roads in Rokugan. These roads stretched into the hearts of all the clan lands, facilitating commerce, communication, and even war. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 123 The Emperor's Road led to Otosan Uchi, the Imperial City. Her Father's Daughter, by D. G. Laderoute It connected Kyūden Kakita to the Imperial Capital and granted access to the lower two-thirds of the Empire. Writ of the Wilds, p. 12
== Creation ==
The Emperor's Road extended into the territories of the Unicorn, Scorpion, Phoenix, Lion, and Crane, where it linked important holdings. They were built in the early seventh century during the rule of Hantei XVI, the Steel Chrysanthemum, expecting to drain the coffers of the allegued scheming Great Clans. The Steel Chrysanthemum chose the locations of the roads with Imperial control in mind. They connected areas loyal to the Hantei with areas where rebellion was simmering, enabling brutal police actions. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 130
== Highways ==
The Five Highways were maintained to this day by Imperial edict and enable swift travel between some of the Empire's major cities. Broad and level, the roads were generally well guarded and blessed with an unusual number of way stations. Virtually no trade flowed along the Emperor's Road, as they were mostly used by Imperial agents, courtiers,
magistrates, pilgrims, and scholars. Merchant wagons and carts were entirely disallowed. 
Category:Roads (TCG)