We are not the footnotes of history. We follow in the footsteps of heroes. - Toturi Kyoji

While the Great Clans are the Empire's most obvious movers of great events, they are not the only ones. Almost since the Dawn of the Empire, the Emperor has retained the right to create Minor Clans as reward to those who have served him with great distinction, and they have carved out the right to be recognized as history. The Imperial Families - the Seppun, the Otomo and the Miya - have devoted their lives to serving the Emperor directly, and although they are small compared to the Great Clan Families, the pride that they take in their role as the Emperor's own retained servants makes up for their lack of numbers. And ronin, though despised as wave-men, are always useful to their betters as freelance soldiers and on occasion important parts of the social order.

Fealty and Freedom examines all of these Rokugani factions and gives them their due. Fealty and Freedom features:

Detailed histories of the Minor Clans, the Imperial Families and the role of Ronin in the Rokugan including profiles of notable characters

Advice and insight for playing characters from all of these factions and how their unique perspectives fit into the Emerald Empire

New and updated character creation and development mechanics for all existing Minor Clans, the Imperial Families and Ronin characters

Historical summery describing some of the factions that have disappeared from the Empire including the Hantei and Toturi Families and Minor Clans that have been absorbed into the Great Clans

Fealty & Freedom is the definitive source for the inner workings and character of Rokugan's minor factions. Players and game masters alike will find exciting new insight into life outside the Great Clans. With all new schools, paths and powerful items this book is an essential addition to any Legend of the Five Rings library.