Perhaps it is merely rumor, or legend. The stories vary, to number them between seven (one for each clan) and thirteen, or even more. The one place where the legends do agree is that the tactical genius of those chosen for use in this manner came over completely intact. It is believed -- nay, hoped -- that only Iuchiban had the power to call up such beings. Their return to Rokugan would be a serious matter indeed.
[Addenda: One suspected Dark Champion was present at the Battle of Kyuden Hida in IY 997. Others are unknown, but seemingly irrelevant after the arrival of Bayushi Shoju and Yogo Junzo. Only one thing mentioned in my records has the power to do what they did, and if they did indeed bring what I think they did, then we should prepare for worse to come.]
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This was inspired in part by the Obsidian Champion posting by someone on the l5rrpginfo list (if it's you, let me know so I can properly credit you), partially by Tolkien's Nazgul, and out of a desire to scare the stuffing out of Kakita Yokuni's player. The Nazgul are actually not too far off, but the Dark Champions will have distinct personalities not too far removed from that of the original character, as well.
Return to the Intelligence Bureau.