Crab
Boasting the third largest fleet in the Empire and having their trade routes firmly secured, the Crab currently seem unassailable. Allied with both the Dragon and Scorpion, the Crab are busy preparing for a war they deem inevitable, the Kaiu forges and shipyards busier than ever. They also have a budding trade agreement with the Phoenix and have deployed a handful of older cruisers to protect Phoenix shipping lanes, earning them a fair amount of goodwill among the Shiba and Asako. In return, a contingent of Isawa and Asako engineers have traveled to Kyuden Hida Prima to instruct the Kaiu and Kuni on modifying the excellent Voidfarer class for military use in hopes of developing a multi-purpose vessel that could serve both as a fleet scout as well as an escort vessel. The seemingly never-ending Mantis-Lion war serves the Crab well, the Kaiu and Hida admirals perfectly happy to watch the other two great powers fight each other even as the Crab fleet slowly grows in size. Recently, seeing a potential ally in Kagami, Yasuki Taiki has dispatched Yasuki Michiko, his most trusted hatamoto, to the court of the Emerald champion to serve as liaison between the Emerald office and the Crab.

Crane
With their wealth and political capital backed up by the Mantis navy, the Crane are in a position of power. Both the Spider and the Mantis are in dire need of Crane resources, allowing the Crane to influence the terms of their budding alliance. Recently the relationship between the Crane and the Mantis has suffered a setback with the Mantis having commandeered some Crane merchant vessels for their campaign in the Crossroads system. While Yoritomo Akifumi is willing to pay reparations to the merchant patrons involved, no actual official apology has been offered, making the Crane seem weak. This has incensed some of the more proud and old-fashioned Daidoji lords, leading to heated arguments behind the screens. While the war in the Crossroads system continues, partially at the expense of the Crane, the Kakita continue low-level talks with the Otomo in hopes of seeing the current Emerald Champion removed from her post one way or another. Meanwhile, Crane-Spider relations are better than ever, Crane trading small quantities of rare earth metals in return for several genetically engineered rice cultivars and political marriages that see a number of prominent Kuchiki agricultural scientists marrying into the Asahina.

Dragon
The Dragon are closely allied with the Scorpion and Crab, trading extensively with both factions. Their embassy on World of Dreams hosts no fewer than half a dozen trade delegations at the moment. Having confiscated the badly battered Ide II as it returned from the galaxy that houses the Karushan civilization, ties between the Dragon and the Unicorn have soured. While the conflict remains one of diplomacy thus far, some bellicose daimyo on both sides have suggested deploying the legions over what is deemed to be a matter of honor. Behind the screens, the Dragon are preparing an expedition to Karushan space, both to allow the captain of the Ide II to uphold his promise to Taushirr nrr-Udatowyn and to properly explore the unknown galaxy. Recently, the Dragon have been in talks with the Lion and while both clans see potential in a mutually beneficial pact, negotiations remain unfinished.

Lion
The proud Lion stand strong, having used the Emerald Champion's campaign in Spider space to launch another invasion of the Crossroads system. Having crippled the 2nd Mantis fleet they are now fighting on three of the system’s four inhabitable worlds, having used ‘volunteer’ ashigaru battalions to force landings despite horrendous casualties. To support their war efforts, the Akodo and Matsu daimyo have sought out trade pacts with both the Crab and the Dragon. Unfortunately, a diplomatic incident with the Crab has complicated negotiations between the two military powerhouses. So for the time being, any sort of Lion-Crab cooperation seems to be off the table, with the Lion too proud to apologize for something they consider an ‘unfortunate incident'. Negotiations with the Dragon have progressed more smoothly, even if the Dragon have been hesitant to commit resources to the Lion cause.

Mantis
The past year has seen the Mantis suffer several setbacks. The sanction of the Otomo upon the Emerald Champion's personal campaign in Spider space forced the Mantis to deploy two of their four fleets in defense of their allies. This left the heavily contested Crossroads system poorly defended, allowing the once defeated Lion navy to invade with impunity, inflicting heavy losses on the Mantis 2nd fleet. Meanwhile the Unicorn and Phoenix have managed to secure their trade routes, leading to several privateer lords losing their ships and lives. Despite these losses, the Mantis are still a force to reckon with, possessing three seasoned and well maintained war fleets. Following the success of the 2nd fleet's counter attack, Yoritomo Akifumi has summoned his bannermen, wishing to resolve the matter of the Crossroads once and for all. Summons for help have been extended to the Spider and the Crane and while the Mantis do not expect either to deploy considerable military forces, the Crane have already pledged hundreds of tons of supplies for this cause they deem righteous. Meanwhile, Ide and Yoritomo diplomats have been brokering a truce of sorts, with the Unicorn bartering some of the technology developed for the Ide II in return for wealth and vessels of war.

Phoenix
The recent deployment of Crab navy ships into Phoenix space as part of the trade pact between the two has given the small and beleaguered Phoenix navy some breathing room while allowing distant Phoenix systems to trade with fewer risks. Despite this arrangement, the Phoenix stands alone, having little to offer to the larger and more bellicose clans. Hoping to reconcile with the Unicorn, Asako Keiko has sent a delegation to Open Hand Castle to see if the two clans can cooperate in the increasingly hostile political climate. These diplomatic talks have yielded few results so far, the Unicorn suspicious of the Phoenix ever since the industrial espionage incident related to the construction of Ide. Despite this lack of progress, diplomats of the two peaceable clans maintain negotiations, convinced that a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be found. The past year has also seen the Brotherhood setting up several shrines dedicated to the Dark Fortunes on Phoenix worlds, a choice that has incised some of the more traditional Phoenix samurai.

Scorpion
The Scorpion remain allied with the Dragon and Crab, trading high-tech equipment and clandestine information for the raw resources they sorely lack. Yet with both the Dragon and Crab building several ships at the moment, many of the Scorpion forges have had to limit their operations due to lack of steel and titanium required. This development has led Bayushi Hazuki to seek trade pacts with both the Unicorn and the Crane. While such costly arrangements have allowed Scorpion industry to achieve its quotas, many Scorpion lords are unhappy with her passive stance regarding the success the Crane have had courting the Otomo and Miya. Fearing that Hazuki's inaction might endanger the Scorpion, the Shosuro hatamoto manage to convince Shosuro Ayami to take action, half a dozen of the most trusted infiltrators and shinobi are heading to World of Dreams masquerading as artists, merchant patrons, and tourists, all seeking to gather information regarding the daily routines of their clan champion--officially for counter-espionage purposes. In reality, the select agents are gathering information to facilitate the assassination of Bayushi Hazuki.

Spider
Besides the Crane and Mantis, the Spider have few friends. The massive and non-conclusive engagement fought with the Emerald fleet left the Spider navy badly mauled. Due to the losses suffered and need to reconstruct their forces, Spider are in no position to directly support Mantis efforts in the Crossroads system. However, Susumu and Daigotsu mercantile fleets are busy ferrying grain and processed spirits to the distant colonies of the Mantis, easing the logistics nightmare caused by the massive redeployment of Yoritomo fleets. To facilitate the rebuilding process, Daigotsu Mai has sent a large delegation of diplomats to Harusame in hopes of deepening ties with the Crane. While the Daidoji courtiers are more than happy to host their allies, the Crane are hesitant to sell all the raw materials the Spider want. Still, some progress is made as the Crane agree to trade small quantities of rare earth metals in return for several genetically engineered rice cultivars and political marriages that see a number of prominent Kuchiki agricultural scientists marrying into the Asahina.

Unicorn
The raids on Ide and Moto shipping lanes have fallen dramatically following Kagami's invasion of Spider fiefdoms and the Lion invasion of Crossroads, allowing the Unicorn some respite. The news of the Ide II's return was widely broadcast on Unicorn networks, the celebrations coming to an abrupt end as the Dragon allowed the crew to return while retaining the ship. Incensed, Shinjo Seo-Yon sent a letter to Mirumoto Yorimitsu, demanding the Dragon return what the Unicorn consider rightfully theirs, only to receive a curt reply from one of Yorimitsu's hatamoto citing ancient laws that allow them to take possession of the vessel--at least as the Dragon interpret them. Moto Tai-Zong and many of his retainers insist that the Unicorn go to war - or at least launch a punitive raid to avenge the insult to their honor, their voices louder every day. However, without allies, the Unicorn have little leverage, leaving the Ide to broker a truce and pact of sorts with the Mantis. This deal sees the Unicorn bartering some of the technology developed for the Ide II in return for cold hard koku and a promise of military aid should the allies of the Dragon invade Unicorn space.

Imperials
While the irreproachable and honorable Otomo daimyo openly supports the Emerald Champion and has sanctioned her actions so far, behind the screens the Imperial families are looking for a chance to oust Kagami or at least curtail the power she can wield. Unwilling to openly act against the Emperor’s Chosen Sword, the Otomo and Seppun lords are building a network of allies, seeking to deepen their relationships with the Crane, Mantis, and Lion in hopes of maintaining the proper balance of power should Kagami ever commit her forces against the wishes of the Otomo. Eager to oust Kagami, the Crane have sworn to aid the Otomo should a need arise while the Lion and the Mantis have been careful to avoid making any promises, the two clans embroiled in a prolonged conflict with each other. Meanwhile, the Otomo that still trust Kagami are working to weaken the Crane-Mantis alliance, seeing that powerful block as a considerable threat to peace, with the Seppun prognosticators predicting a major war within the next five years should things remain as they are.


Minor Clans

Fox: The Fox are small and somewhat isolated from the Empire’s politics. They share some of the Lion’s concerns, as they dwell deep within their territory, safe with the knowledge that as long as they keep providing the Lion with crops they have little to fear. They have also recently established several trade pacts with the Phoenix, turning exotic flora into new perfumes and experimental medical products. While far from lucrative, the arrangement allows the Fox a steady income most minor clans, other than the Hare, can only dream of.

Shark: The Shark remain a Scorpion proxy with Bayushi diplomats telling Same Minami what to think and how to act. This has the Shark in an awkward position, owing several obligations to the Mantis that the Scorpion would prefer to leave unmet. With little to offer for anyone, the Shark are seeking allies with the hope of somehow securing some semblance of independence.

Hare: The Hare find themselves pulled in two directions, with both the Crane and the Crab seeking to employ their famous drop troops for the war both deem near inevitable. This leaves the Hare in the unenviable position of either choosing one of their allies to sell their services to--alienating the other--or declaring neutrality and losing a major source of income. The situation is particularly awkward as Hare hold assets on both Crab and Crane worlds, facing the risk of having their possessions repurposed should their former clients find their actions unsatisfactory.

Osprey: The small Osprey clan, closely affiliated with the Phoenix, are slowly recovering from massive losses their mercantile fleet suffered during the past year. The presence of Crab cruisers along the Phoenix trade routes allow the Osprey to continue to trade, and now the small clan is seeking to establish some sort of formal ties with the Crab.

Firefly: Largely independent and enjoying Imperial protection, the Firefly have avoided involving themselves with politics as much as possible. Working under Imperial mandate, the clan continues to trade with those offering the best prices for their minerals with no real worries of getting involved in the looming war, even if such a conflict would inevitably hinder the Firefly operations.

Sparrow: With their mandate to guard and maintain Rokugan’s sacred and historic locations, the Sparrow clan has little to fear. Given that their work is tied to this one world, and their ancient vows of poverty, Sparrow are a rare sight in the rest of the Empire. Because of all this, the impending war is of a little concern to the clan.