From the land of Faerûn, a trade route known as The Golden Way leads to the far east. Most Faerûnian folk know only of the distand land of Kara-Tur by the silk, spices, and unique treasures that flow from the east. Rarely, a fighter known as a 'samurai' may come their way, but most Faerûnians know little of what that means, beyond a particularly well-mannered warrior. What even fewer know is that beyond The Golden Way, beyond the land of Shou Lung, on the other side of the Celestial Sea, lay the unique and beautiful lands of Kozakura and Wa.
Both in times of peace and strife, art is an oft-forgotten necessity. Bardic colleges work to preserve history in their own ways, through theatre, song, dance, and storytelling, and to pass on their traditions and artforms to generations to come.
Though the bardic colleges of Kozakura and Wa may seem very different from the flamboyant, outgoing bards of the west, it is important to remember that their discipline and dedication does not detract from their devoted love of the arts. A geisha's focused and elegant dance, a kabuki actor's explosive chanting, and a noh actor's trance-like performance, are all as passionate as any other bard the world over.
- from the publisher's blurb