The Uraho school examines the Ura ("hidden aspects") of the Tao for inspiration and strategy. Uraho shugenja consider war, court intrigue, and crime to be manifestations of the same phenomenon - conflict - and seeks to understand them all in that light.
The Uraho train some of the few Ninja / Shugenja in Rokugan (no, this doesn't mean your character can be both a Bushi and a Shugenja!). Assuming that the character knows the training is available, it takes the specific permission of the family to do so (this permission is nearly always given to the Soshi, or a recommended vassal. The only exceptions have are based on trustworthiness, but the Soshi Daimyo's wishes are considered final). The character always learns Shintao and is instructed to look for the hidden aspects (though the instruction may be "less clear" for those of another clan), and Ninja are always indoctrinated with the inner code of honor. Ironically, this inner code of honor is often given to outsiders without explanation of why it might be necessary. The "code of hidden honor" (Ura Bushido) is based on the outward code of honor (Omote Bushido) and is as follows:
(Honesty) Honest Heart - To be honest with your enemy is to be a fool, but one must always be honest with one's self. Therefore the Uraho seeks an Honest Heart.
Courage - Most Samurai fear public dishonor or shame, but the Uraho fears nothing. Fear limits one's options, but the appearance of fear will expand them. Therefore the Uraho seeks to maintain a fearless heart.
Compassion - Many Samurai mistake kindness with compassion, and yet will not allow compassion for their enemy. The Uraho allow their compassion to save the enemy from themselves, such as by allowing their lord to "die of a heart attack" to prevent a battle that will cause needless suffering.
(Courtesy) Respect - Courtesy is a "pretty lie" without respect, therefore the Uraho seeks to respect all that they meet. Even an enemy is worthy of respect, and that respect will force the Uraho to know their enemy - a prerequisite to victory.
(Honor) Pure of Heart - The Honor of the world is a mask - a pretty lie and a fleeting illusion. Therefore the Uraho seek to be pure of heart. Even if one must do that which the world sees as dishonorable, the Uraho knows it to be the Way.
(Sincerity) Truth Seeker - The Rokugani value appearances over truth, however the Uraho recognize this as another weapon of conflict. It is the duty of every Uraho to seek the truth of a situation so that they may be better prepared for any conflict.
Kharmic Duty - Like all Scorpion, the Uraho know their first duty is to protect Rokugan from the darkness that seeks to engulf it. While the Uraho is loyal to those they have pledged their loyalty, and will not pledge their loyalty lightly, the duty that the Celestial Order has endowed the Uraho with must come first.
Core Skills: Calligraphy, Meditation, Shintao, Battle, Investigation, Manipulation, Sincerity
Common Disadvantages: Idealistic, Junshin
Three Trails, One Path:
The Uraho believe that all manifestations of conflict have many commonalties, therefore to study one is to study all. If an Uraho can not perform their duties in one aspect, then they do not truly understand it. Consequently the Uraho have divided the "advanced" studies into three "trails" on the same "path": War, Magistrate, and Intrigue.
Ura Shintao (Commonalties):
Advantages: Balance, Death Trance, Irreproachable
Skills: Ninjutsu, Chisaijutsu, Kenjutsu, Theology, Stealth, Spellcraft, Medicine, Advanced Medicine, Poison, Acting, Athletics, Cipher.
Techniques:
War Trail:
Advantages: Tactician, Student of Water, Combat Reflexes, Natural Leader, Quick.
Skills: Any Weapon, Hand-to-Hand, Siege, Horsemanship, Leadership
Techniques:
Magisterial Trail:
Advantages: Clear Thinker, Precise Memory
Skills: Law
Techniques:
Intrigue Trail: Clear Thinker, Read Lips
Skills: Seduction, Courtier, Etiquette, Poetry, Dance
Techniques:
Skill Levels:
Shoden Menkyo ("Beginner license") - Perception 3, Awareness 3, Shintao 3, Battle 2, Investigation 2, Manipulation 2, Sincerity 2, Ninjutsu 2, Two Ura Shintao advantages, three Ura Shintao skills (rank 1), Any three skills (rank 1) and/or advantages from each trail.
Chuden Menkyo ("Intermediate license") - Perception 3, Awareness 3, Intelligence 3, any other trait or ring at 3, Shintao 4, Battle 4, Investigation 4, Manipulation 4. Ninjutsu 4, Stealth 4, Sincerity 4, All Ura Shintao advantages, all Ura Shintao skills (three at rank 2), Any three skills (rank 2) or advantages from each trail.
Okuden Menkyo ("Advanced License") - Perception 3, Awareness 3, Intelligence 3, Void 3, any other one trait at 3. Shintao 5, Battle 5, Investigation 5, Ninjutsu 5, Stealth 5, Sincerity 5, All advantages from one trail, all skills from one trail at rank 5. All advantages from other two trails, all remaining skills at rank 2.
Menkyo ("Licensed") - One of Water, Fire, Air at 3, Void 4. Others as Okuden except all remaining skills at rank 4. The shugenja is permitted to teach at the Dojo.
Menkyo Kaiden ("Fully Licensed") - One of Water, Fire, Air 4, Void 4. Others as Menkyo, but all skills at rank 5 or higher. This is the training level that the shugenja becomes a Full Teacher.
Techniques: [Not dealt with at this time]