Otomo Machiko shifted her weight ever so slightly from one foot to the other, ignoring the annoyed glance from her older colleague. Not for the first time, she cursed herself for her impulsive behavior. It had been such a simple thing, a game of court, to flirt with the young man. How could she have known he would react so poorly? The man had become so infatuated that he had argued with his father, an important Otomo lord, and rather than punish his son, the lord had taken his irritation out on Machiko. Hence the horrible duty she fulfilled today. It was a difficult lesson, and one she would make sure she never had to repeat. 

"He comes," the older man said. "Still your nerves, girl." 

Machiko felt a surge of anger at being called a girl, but there were much worse things, and she was about to encounter one of the very worst. A black palanquin approached surrounded by a dozen Imperial guards. As it approached, she forced a smile and adopted what she desperately hoped was a welcoming posture. 

The palanquin came to a stop and the curtains parted. A man stepped out, clad in violet and black. His attire was a strange mixture of traditional clothing and sohei wrappings. He favored a minimalist, highly-stylized mempo that consisted of a band of metal across his forehead from which two gleaming horns protruded. His eyes were brilliant and terrifying. "You are too young for this manner of duty," he said, his voice a low, rich tone. "Whom did you offend, to be relegated to such an unsavory task?" 

"Daigotsu Kanpeki," Michiko said, bowing deeply. "I am honored to be your guide during your time in the Imperial City. I have made arrangements for the remainder of the week, and..." 

"I will not be here for a week," Kapeki said firmly. "I will depart tomorrow at sunset." 

Michiko blinked and wondered what to say, but her comrade stepped in. "The nature of your obligations are such that you must report to the Imperial City once each year, lord Kanpeki," he said with obvious disdain. "The meetings you have scheduled with the Imperial families over the next few days require..." 

"My annual meeting with the Empress will take place upon my first morning of my return, as always," Kanpeki said. "Unless she finds fault with my purity or my person, I will conclude my business tomorrow. Any of your family who wish to speak with me can do so at my convenience following my meeting with the Empress." 

"That is not the nature of the agreement," the other man began again. 

"Your family is filled with nattering sycophants whose self importance is without limit," Kanpeki said. "Your approval is irrelevant. I am a Great Clan Champion, and I report to the Empress alone." 

"You have obligations..." 

Kanpeki took a step forward, causing a nervous rattling from the Imperial guards who had accompanied him. Michiko was sure that, like her, they were unsure how to intercede with a man such as this. "If you wish to speak the word 'obligation' to me once more, it will be something you deeply regret for the remainder of your life," he said, his tone remaining utterly calm and even. "My guide is this young woman here, and I do not wish to see or hear you again while I am within Toshi Ranno." He turned back to Machiko. "What is your name, young lady?" 

"It... uh... Otomo Machiko, my lord. I am at your service." She bowed again, mostly to hide the confused expression on her face. 

"Thank you, Machiko-san," Kanpeki said. "I have been travelling for several weeks, and I would greatly appreciate being taken to whatever accommodations you have arranged. I am sure they will be adequate." 

"I hope so, my lord, but if anything fails to meet with your approval, I will be happy to make alternate arrangements." 

Kanpeki finally smiled, but it did not bring Machiko any comfort. It was the look of a predator, the look of an animal on the prowl. "You seem a canny woman. I trust your judgement will be sufficient. When I depart tomorrow, if you wish, there will be a place for you in my entourage." 

Machiko stared at him, only her instinctive self-control preventing a slack-jawed expression. "I... thank you, my lord." She glanced at the scowling, intimidated courtier at her side and recalled the contemptuous attitude of the Otomo lord who had punished her with this duty. "I will certainly consider it. For now, if you would please follow me?" 

Bio cards that come in the starter: 

The Spider Clan 

We are the sons of Daigotsu and Fu Leng, the dark ones who had the power to take that which they deemed theirs from the Celestial Heavens. We are the irresistible force that Rokugan changed to accommodate, for we could not be resisted. We embrace the power that the others fear. We are the evil that they accept, for to deny us is to be crushed before us. We are Spider. 

Daigotsu Kanpeki 

Called by some the Shadow Emperor, the son of Daigotsu has come of age and taken control of his clan with a strong hand and an iron will. Those who hoped his Imperial training would tame him have found themselves sorely disappointed, for Kanpeki is the soul and embodiment of the Spider Clan. 

Daigotsu Gyoken 

Gyoken was born among the Lost some years before the Spider Clan came into existence, and was among the first to take his gempukku while bearing the mon. He has earned the Spider great glory, fighting duels and earning blood fueds with three clans. Among the other clans, he is both feared and hated. 

Daigotsu Ishibashi 

Ishibashi succeeded Daigotsu Shiraki, longest-serving officer in the Spider armies, a gunso of a squad of heavy infantry. He strives to rule as his predecessor did, with the same unshakable resolve that made her a hero. So far his command has been extremely effective, but he craves even greater success. 

Daigotsu Matsuda 

Matsuda's father was a villainous madman who created a pair of terrible gauntlets known as the Obsidian Claws. Many believed they were Kurai's actual hands, which may yet be true, but Matsuda bears them now regardless. In his hands they are no less deadly than in his father's. 

Daigotsu Shikenuro 

Shikenuro is a Scorpion who fell in battle in the Shinomen, and rose again to find his place among the Spider. He fights with such fury that his cold, dead flesh burns with warm rage, earning him the name Silk Fever. Some believe his will alone sustains his dead flesh. 

Daigotsu Kendo 

As a sharp contrast to his rival Misaki, Kendo is a smooth and manipulative leader. He addresses his men before every engagement, extorting them to greater achievements for which he generally claims all the glory. Some of his men despise him, but most are so swayed by his charisma that they adore him. 

Daigotsu Bofana 

Bofana is alleged to have traveled in the Northern Steppes to find the reclusive Dark Oracle of Fire and acquire his blessings. Whether this is truth or rumor none can say, but there is no denying that fire burns in Bofana's eyes, and his wrath consumes all before it like a wildfire. 

Daigotsu Misaki 

Born of the Crane, Misaki has abandoned everything associated with his former clan, cultivating an appearance that a Crab might envy. He lusts for the glory of battle, and the ambitious and bloodthirsty flock to his banner. His conquests in the Colonies are among the greatest of the Spider lords. 

Daigotsu Negishi 

Negishi is often silent, but his actions speak volumes. He follows every order without question, completing his duties quickly and moving to aid others with theirs. He is universally well regarded among his fellow Spider, the closest thing many of them have to a true friend. 

Daigotsu 

A corrupted scion of the Hantei line, Daigotsu was captured by the Bloodspeakers to create a weapon against the Empire. Instead he became the greatest lord of the Shadowlands ever known, and ascended to a position of divine evil to lead the Spider Clan from beyond the mortal realm.