The heroes arrive in Minkai and find an Empire on its knees. The Jade Regent has twisted the functioning government to suit his despotic whims, and throughout the kingdom the people suffer. Before the PCs can attempt to oppose the tyrant and free Minkai, they must first earn the trust of its people and recruit aid throughout the tormented Empire; all while avoiding homicidal oni and deadly ninjas controlled by the Five Storms. Defeating bandits attacking from a hidden fortress, rescuing a famous geisha from a deadly island prison, and confronting the corrupt samurai army of a daimyo are tasks that potential liberators of the Empire must complete.