AD&D - OA4 - Blood of the Yakuza (1e)

Using the Master Family Chart

The Master Family Chart shows the
different relationships of the influen-
tial families of Nakamaru and the sur-
rounding area. Each family is
identified by its name and monogata.
The monogata is the crest or family
seal, much like the heraldry of the
European knight. Through it, others
are able to quickly recognize the affili-
ation of the person wearing the
badge. Monogata are used by family
members and their retainers in most
circumstances.

The arrowed lines show who owes
obligation or service to whom. All the
arrows pointing out from a family
show who owes them or whom they
can make requests of. Thus, the Mata-
suuri (the shogun’s family) can
demand service of the Funada. The
arrows present a complicated web of
loyalties and allegiances. Some of
these exist from blood relations and
marriages. Others are obligations
incurred by ancient friendships and
alliances or the sheer sense of duty
and honor.

You can use this chart to keep track
of the web of allegiances of the differ-
ent families as you play the plots of
this module. Furthermore, player
characters can elect to belong to
these families for their background
(subject, of course, to DM approval). A
player character samurai could
choose to belong to the Arao family,
for instance, and would immediately
be placed within the network of loyal-
ties shown.

Furthermore, clever use of the infor-
mation on this chart can increase dra-
matic tension and colorful
descriptions. When different families
meet, you might check the chart to
see if there is any relationship
between them. Those with strong ties
to the Funada might be hostile or sus-
picious of families with direct ties to
the Goshukara or the Emperor. If you
frequently describe the monogata to
the player characters, they will begin
to identify families by their crests. This
identification will strengthen the color-
ful feel of the campaign for your player
characters.

The Master Family Chart is
arranged to reflect the current power
struggle in Nakamaru. At one end is
the Matasuuri/Funada power group—
the forces of the shogun. At the other
end is the Goshukara/Emperor group,
their fierce rivals. In between are the
lesser families. The connections
between them give an idea of the
power each side might be able to mus-
ter in an open conflict.

Official Game Adventure

Blood of the Yakuza

by David “Zeb” Cook

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Life in Wa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Politics of Wa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Districts of Nakamaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Architecture of Wa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Factions of Nakamaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Encounter Construction Booklet
NPC Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
NPC Record Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

CREDITS Distributed to the book trade in the United States by Random
House Inc. and in Canada by Random House of Canada Ltd.
Editing: Christine Christensen, Distributed to the toy and hobby trade by regional distributors.
Karen S. Martin Distributed in the United Kingdom by TSR UK Ltd.
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, AD&D, PRODUCTS
Cover Art: Jeff Easley OF YOUR IMAGINATION, and the TSR logo are trademarks of
Interior Art: Richard Bennett TSR, Inc.
Cartography: Dave Sutherland
Typography: Kim Lindau This adventure is protected under the copyright laws of the
Graphic Design: Dennis Kauth, United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthor-
ized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohib-
Colleen O’Malley ited without the express written permission of TSR, Inc.

©1987 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A. TSR, Inc. TSR, Inc. TSR, UK Ltd.
0-00838-401-8 POB 756 The Mill, Rathmore Road
9203 Lake Geneva, PRODUCTS OF YOUR IMAGINATION©
WI 53147 Cambridge CB1 4AD
United Kingdom

Introduction

Blood of the Yakuza is the fourth in the background information on the city of Life in Wa
series of Oriental Adventure modules Nakamaru and its districts, descrip-
set in the world of Kara-Tur. Beginning tions of the important factions within Wa, like its neighbor Kozakura, is a
in Swords of the Daimyo and continu- its walls, and several interconnected, fiercely independent island nation. In
ing into Night of the Seven Swords, the interweaving plots ranging from politi- many ways the two have shared a
player characters have roamed cal intrigue to monstrous attacks. common history and background. The
through the lands of Kozakura and language of each is the same,
then set sail upon the Celestial Sea for The second booklet contains list- although each uses a different dialect
grim and mysterious islands in Ochi- ings of all the prominent NPCs the (comprehension between the two is
mo, the Spirit Warrior. Now, returning player characters are likely to 65%). Both have similar institutions,
from their sea voyage, they have come encounter, along with relevant statis- although those of Wa are much more
ashore in Wa at the city of Nakamaru. tics for monsters and frequently advanced. Kozakura and Wa even
encountered folk. These are arranged share similar ethical and religious atti-
Blood of the Yakuza is also the sec- alphabetically by family or organiza- tudes, a factor which has greatly
ond Oriental Adventures campaign tion. The Encounter Tables are for use affected their daily life.
adventure module, the first being in creating random encounters while
Swords of the Daimyo. In that module the player characters explore and Historically, Wa is somewhat mod-
a complete province of Kozakura was adventure in the streets of Nakamaru. elled after the early Tokugawa period
mapped and detailed to use as the of Japan — shortly after that nation
setting for player character adven- The large mapsheet has an over- had been truly unified under a single
tures. In Blood of the Yakuza, you are view of the city of Nakamaru on one leader. A great age of warfare had just
side. This shows the lay of the land, ended and tensions between the vic-
presented with a populous, indeed torious shogun, his allies and his
crowded, seaport rife with intrigue, arrangement of streets, and locations defeated opponents created a politi-
romance, and fell secrets. Your player of principal compounds. A number cal climate filled with intrigue, plots
characters can consort with the key is not given on the map, allowing and counter-plots.
mighty and powerful or slink through you to show it directly to the players
darkened streets with those of ques- The people of Wa are rather strictly
tionable repute. Here your characters without revealing anything. divided into four groups — the mer-
will find all the things to make their The inside of the module screen chants, the craftsmen, the farmers,
lives easier and all the perils to make and the lords. Each group supposedly
their lives exciting. has the Master Family Chart. This has greater status than those below it.
shows the names and relationships of While this status is reflected in favor-
The Blood of the Yakuza package the different families of Nakamaru, so able treatment and special laws, it is
contains two booklets, a mapsheet, you can keep track of the varying alle- not a true measure of the actual socie-
giances and conflicts among those of
and the charts found in the inside of ty.
the module folder. This 48-page book- the city.
let is the Background and Adventure
Booklet. It contains a history of Wa,

2

Eta ness, since they can always refuse to the spectacular beauty of the crafts-
pay the poor merchant. When this man. It is a plain and drudging exist-
The lowest of all classes, so beneath happens, there is little that can be ence, working in the fields day after
all the others that they do not receive done. Protesting to a higher lord is day. Still, because of his rank, the
even the most basic of considerations, risky, at best. At the same time, with farmer can depend on the protection
are the eta or outcasts. These poor their wealth, the merchants want to of his lord from bandits and the right of
souls are despised by all others, parti- live like the nobles, which may also his headman to seek redress for griev-
ally for their occupations and partially incur their anger. On rare occasions a ances. It is not uncommon for a village
for their parentage. Children born of merchant of wealth and power is headman to be granted the privileges
eta parents are automatically one of granted the rights of a samurai in re- of the samurai class in recognition of
them. There is little they can do to cognition of his power. However, this his importance to the social structure.
change this. Eta traditionally take on is the exception rather than the rule.
the jobs of butchers, tanners, under- Lords
takers, and executioners. These tasks Craftsmen
dealing with death and blood are tradi- At the top of the social ladder are the
tionally considered unclean by all oth- Craftsmen are those able to produce lords—samurai and daimyo. Of all the
ers. objects of usefulness and beauty. social classes, they have the most
Common among them are carpenters, privileges and, perhaps, the most
Eta have only a few ways to escape painters, weavers, dyers, stonemas- restrictions. The samurai (and their
their existence. They can join the ons, potters, and woodcarvers. While attendant bushi) are normally in the
yakuza and hope to better themselves supposedly the third of the four class- service of a single lord. This lord might
or they can move to a distant province es, an artisan’s status is really deter- be a samurai of greater status (who in
and begin a new life. On rare occa- mined by skill. A brilliant painter or turn would be in service to another) or
sions they can rise to another class by woodcarver is more in demand and is a daimyo. In either case, the samurai
money or skill. thus given better treatment than a typically is assigned a stipend in
mediocre carpenter. Influential samu- accordance with his rank. This sti-
Merchants rai and daimyo like to “collect” skilled pend is essentially his pay. It is nor-
craftsmen by supporting them with mally measured in koku. Thus,
Supposedly the lowest of the four money and favors. The craftsman in samurai do not grow crops or produce
“proper” classes are the merchants, turn is bound to the lord. This arrange- goods. Instead, they are expected to
whether they be rice merchants, lum- ment adds prestige to the lord and serve their lord in military matters-
bermen, silk merchants, or moneylend- security to the craftsman, a suitable warfare and keeping the peace being
ers. In this very agricultural society, the arrangement all around. Craftsmen, the two most common.
merchants neither grow crops nor make so valuable for what they do with their
useful items. They. buy and sell the hands, are seldom elevated out of Obviously, this system has flaws,
products of others. However, since the their class, but sometimes receive since large numbers of samurai only
unification of Wa, cities have been special favors as an encouragement serve to drain off money and produce
growing and the services of merchants to continue their brilliant works. nothing in return. In the old times of
to get the goods to the people have constant warfare, such men were nec-
become more important. Farmers essary. Now, with peace, many a war-
rior finds himself idle. Idleness leads
As is natural with merchants, they The structure of Wa is an agricultural to boredom and boredom leads to
have managed to amass money far society and the heart of this society is trouble. It is not surprising that the
beyond their social position. With their the farmer. Thus, of all the commoner greatest troubles are caused by these
new wealth, they have been able in classes, the simple farmer is one of samurai, who have nothing productive
turn to make loans to others, particu- the most respected. From his hands to do. A few have slowly been moving
larly the samurai and daimyo (who come the rice, fish, and vegetables into the merchant class, perhaps as
need the money to maintain their way needed for everyone else to survive. innkeepers or traders, but it is an
of life). This money has put the mer- He is the base and foundation of the unhappy and shameful process. Virtu-
chants in the confused position of daimyo’s rule and so must be treated ally no samurai becomes a merchant
being more powerful and necessary with respect. by choice. Instead, he is forced into it
than their social position dictates. by finances and circumstances.
Still, the life of a farmer does not
Because of their wealth, the mer- create the wealth of the merchant or
chants must also be wary. Loans to
samurai and daimyo are a risky busi-

3

Timeline of Wa

The first date given for each event 23rd year of Kuni: The wandering shu- Middle Nobunaga orders all but
below is taken from the Wa calendar, kenja Samon is forced to seek one of the impudent emissaries
which is measured from the time of shelter at a simple peasant’s hut executed. The sole survivor is
the first emperor of the Goshukara during a raging blizzard. There he refused any reply and sent back to
line. Emperors preceeding this date becomes entranced with the peas- Shou Lung. The chroniclers
are only recorded by their era, name ant’s beautiful daughter, a girl of record this as the beginning of the
and year. For example, the marriage obvious grace and breeding. Dur- Omi War.
of Samon to the serpent was said to ing that night he forgets his vows 140: Hearing reports that the King of
have occurred in the 23rd year of the Western Lands is amassing a
Kuni, during the reign of Emperor and woos the daughter. For three fleet, the Great Counselor of the
Nagazane. Dates given in parenthe- nights he continues the courtship Middle Nobunaga begins prepara-
ses are those that match events of until by custom it is decreed they tions for the defense of Wa. The
timelines in OA1, OA2, or OA3. The are married upon the third night.
calendar used is identified after the But with the dawn he discovers a master ninja Fukio is dispatched
date. great serpent coiled by his side — to Shou Lung to report and be
the true form of his new bride. ready to strike. The coastal cities
1st year of Chisho: The Sacred Wand Maddened by horror and remorse, are fortified and a grand program
and the Moonlight Arrow, he flees into the mountains where of castle building is begun. These
emblems of the imperial off ice, are his spirit is still sometimes seen. activities all place huge demands
given to the Emperor Kochi by the 1: When the Kasada line collapses for on the Imperial Treasury, and
Spirit of Wa, allowing him to estab- lack of an heir, the regency is
lish the claim to the entire island of established while the search is Nobunaga in turn places more and
Wa. commenced for a suitable relative.
The Goshukara line is finally cho- more of the burden on the local
412th year of Chisho: The Emperor sen and the first emperor of the chieftain (promising land and
Kochi dies. The War of the Spirits reward when the war is over).
begins. The spirit folk are divided Goshukara is enthroned. 141: Eye of the Law Kaian sees the
in their loyalties and split into two 3: The regent Toda no Nagamori
factions. One faction sides with Palace of the Sea Lord in the
the spirits while the other supports attempts to overthrow the Emper- deeps off Komei Bay. There he
the humans. The korobokuru or so as not to lose his power in the instructs the Lord of the Ocean
attempt to remain neutral, but court. The conspiracy is discov- towards the Path of Enlightment.
eventually join the spirits. The ered and all the plotters are slain 143 (975 Shou): The Omi War begins
hengeyokai take great delight in or captured. The regent’s family in earnest as the King of the West-
the resulting turmoil and manage clan is scattered. Unable by cus- ern Lands invades Wa with his
to fight for both sides with equal tom to execute his ex-regent, the
abandon. In the end, the unity of Emperor orders his wu jen to fleet of 100,000 ships. The fortifi-
Wa is destroyed and the island devise the most terrible fate they cations of Nobunaga are strongest
divides into petty clans engaged in can conceive. They create the Cell across the central part of Wa and
fairly constant warfare. The Age of of Perpetuity, where Toda no these areas resist the invasion.
Kochi, Master of the Peach Tree, Nagamori languishes to this day. However, the daimyo of the north
becomes a romantic ideal, which 24 (856 Shou): An emissary of the and south, angered at Nobuna-
foreverafter drives the nobles to King of the Western Lands (Shou ga’s heavy taxation, betray their
attempt the impossible task of rul- Lung), Cham Ko Hag, arrives in garrisons to the invaders. Shou
ing the entire island. Wa. He is brought before the Lung soldiers begin to march over-
Emperor Tsuba. Upon leaving he
1st Year of Koyo: Emperor Kasada promises to return with gifts from land on the capital. In the north,
regains the Moonlit Arrow from the the King of the Western Lands. only Nakamaru remains uncap-
Spirit of Yakamashi Mountain and 138 (970 Shou): The King of the West- tured, due to the cunning of Gen-
claims control of all Wa. The ern Lands offends the Emperor of eral Yoshibei. Shou Lung forces
southern korobokuru support the the Jade Throne Gokami when his
claim against their northern broth- emissaries demand the obeisance settle in for a long seige of the forti-
ers. Kasada is recognized as the of all Wa. They brazenly suggest fied manor that forms the city’s
first emperor since Kochi but that the Emperor has encouraged main defense.
refuses to name the era after him the activity of the wako who have 144 (976 Shou): The wu jen Kira and a
for fear of evil omens. been preying on the Shou Lung confederation of sorcerers cun-
coastline. Great Counselor of the ningly prepare a trap for the King
of the Western Lands Chin, who is
4 aboard his royal flagship. Through
their spells they conceal a danger-
ous reef from all aboard. Driven

forward by a summoned storm, erate and side with the various dai- is thwarted when the Great Minis-
the flagship breaks up on the myo of Wa. Resistance is spirited ter of the Left refuses to recognize
rocks. Before the Emperor Chin’s but essentially futile. A century of him and declares his support for
wu jen can whisk him away to warfare has destroyed the govern- the Empress’ youngest son. The
safety, the ninja Fukio, in disguise ment of Wa, leaving the Emperor capital is divided into two camps
and aboard the ship for two years, and the Great Ministers as little and violent skirmishing breaks
strikes. The Emperor Chin is slain. more than figureheads. Distrustful into open warfare.
Almost immediately the most pow- of and uncooperative with each 671 (1503 Shou): Emissaries from the
other, the daimyo are easily bro-
erful Shou Lung generals leave ken by the organized forces of the Twelfth Emperor Chin of the Kao
Wa to battle for the Shou Lung invaders. Dynasty arrive with a proclamation
throne. The Shou Lung forces are 669 (1501 Shou): The Shou Lung are declaring Wa as fellow states of
finally driven out of Wa by Nitta Shou Lung and further lifting the
plunged into leaderless confusion. Shogoro, the Hidden Shogun. In burden of tribute from the inhabit-
Fukio disappears in the ship- the midst of the final battle, the ants of that land. Further procla-
wreck. Some claim he is dead, Giants in Gray are seen watching mations grant citizenship to any
while others say Kira rewarded the carnage. Shogoro proclaims person of Wa wishing to settle in
him with‘ prolonged life and great this as a sign of doom for the
Emperor Chin. After the victory, Shou Lung, provided that person
powers for his services. there is growing contention can demonstrate Shou Lung
144: General Yoshibei breaks the among the victors as Shogoro’s ancestry. Trade agreements are
sway over them weakens. By the also reached allowing for open
siege of Nakamaru and recon- end of the year the government
quers the province. The Shou has split into several factions. ports between the two lands.
Lung governor of the north offers a 670: Nitta Shogoro attempts to force Nakamaru is named as one of
truce with Yoshibei. Cut off from the Empress Bishakammon to these and the Empress allows the
land communication with the name him regent of Wa. His move establishment of a small Shou
south, Yoshibei accepts the truce Lung community there. It is care-
and sets himself up as Sengoku- 5 fully guarded and watched, as the
daimyo (warlord) of the province. governor, a descendant of Gen-
For the next 100 years or so, the
island of Wa is wracked by spo-

radic warfare. At first it is between
the nobles of Wa and the Shou
Lung governors. Although the
nobles are able to drive the gover-
nors and their troops back, they
never fully defeat them. The men
of Shou Lung recruit new troops
from the countryside and defend

their lands. With time they adopt
more and more of the ways of Wa,
until they are almost indistinguish-

able from their subjects. By the
time the Emperors of Shou Lung
return, their governors owe more
allegiance to the Emperor and dai-
myos of Wa than they do to the
Emperor of Shou Lung.
240 (1072 Shou): Shou Lung forces
return to Wa and begin the recon-
quest of the island. At first the new

invaders attempt to command the
old Shou Lung families still on the
island. These families quickly dis-
cover that they lose power and
importance under the new
arrangement. Most refuse to coop-

eral Yoshibei, does not want the fare, the Nakori clan is forced to (the power of the Makino clan) is
return of Shou Lung occupation. retreat to Wa. At the same time struck down by ninja. Matasuuri
The commander of the Grey Blos- Shiro Tokuma deserts his com- begins the Summer March on the
som regiment petitions the gover- mand, a blot which hangs over his capital. Upon reaching a plain out-
descendants for the centuries that side of Tomo, the Matasuuri army
nor for permission to remain in follow. Likewise stained is the is faced by a coalition of other dai-
Wa. He has little desire to return to Shinkoku branch of the Tsurabaya
Shou Lung as the commander of a who are forced to swear alle- myo. The battle goes badly for the
defeated army. Many of his men giance to Honda no Mototsune. Matasuuri and they are forced to
also petition to remain. These 1358: Great Teacher Saizu (later retreat behind the defenses of
requests are granted and the Grey known as Saizu the Immortal)
Blossom mercenary regiment is appears over the capital standing Tomo. The enemy lays siege to
founded. Initially it is in the service the town.
of the governor of Nakamaru. on a cloud. Upon his landing spot 1662: Matasuuri Shogoro manages to
1229 (984 Koz.); Hidegari legusa sails is built a huge temple. Saizu
from Wa with a fleet of 1,000 ships. begins his teachings of the Winter convince the daimyo of southern
He lands on the southwestern tip Sect of the Path of Enlightenment. Wa to march on the lands of the
of Shinkoku and immediately 1572: The Tokiryo War is fought. central daimyo who are currently
secures the provinces as a base of Although only a short skirmish in besieging him at Tomo. The ene-
operations. Initial resistance to the this long period of warfare, it
invasion is thwarted when Hide- my is distracted and weakened,
marks the beginning of the rise of enabling Shogoro to bring in rein-
gari persuades several daimyo of forcements and break the siege.
the area to join his army. The win- the Matasuuri clan. By the end of
ter season forestalls further rein- the war, the Matasuuri and the He spends the rest of the summer
forcements from Wa and conquest Loyal. Families have conquered consolidating his position in the
stalls in the south. By the next the small provinces of the north. Tomo region.
spring, the Kozakurans have sta- 1663: In the middle of winter, Mata-
bilized the front and no more pro- However, the various lords still do suuri Shogoro makes the unprece-
gress can be made. legusa not cooperate towards further dented move of beginning a
appoints the Nakori, Tokuma, and ends. The Matasuuri begin a slow campaign. Catching his enemies
Tsuburaya families as governors effort to unite the north. off-guard, he reaches the capital
of the conquered provinces. Raid- 1624 (2456 Shou): Pirate activity in the in force and demands his recogni-
ing continues along the border for Celestial Sea has become quite tion as shogun. Armed with his
many years. Hidegari legusa troublesome after several years of
returns to Wa. petty raiding. Approached by official title, Shogoro persuades
1230 (995 Koz.): Hidegari legusa many daimyo to ally themselves
launches the Orchid Fleet, a com- envoys of Shou Lung, the Shogun with him. He faces his last major
bined force of ships from Wa and agrees to a joint expedition against
southern Shinkoku. His plan is to the wako. The Shogun’s contribu- resistance at the battle of Shido
tion is limited since the wako are Plain. Although there are several
strike at the capital of Kozakura, years of campaigns after this, Wa
but his fleet is intercepted at sea unofficially protected by Wa nobles. is officially considered under the
by Honda no Mototsune. During a To appease the Fifth Emperor Chin rule of the new shogun.
fierce storm that Hidegari’s sor- of the Lui Dynasty the Shogun signs 1757 (2589 Shou): New contacts are
cerers are unable to control, a over several small islands in the sea made between the countries of
bloody hand-to-hand battle is
fought. His ship ablaze= and his south of Wa. Wa and Shou Lung.
men dead or dying, Hidegari’s 1647: The Matasuuri clan, having con- 1760: A bitter feud between Funada
ship disappears into a sudden fog.
Thereafter, his gruesome ghost solidated several of the smaller Toragi and Funada Kazuo erupts,
ship is said to be seen on occasion provinces of the north, is offered reaching a bitter conclusion. Lord
by sailors. the opportunity to ally with the Kazuo contrives evidence that his
1231 (996 Koz.): The Kozakuran lead- Makino clan, who are at this time
er, Honda no Mototsune, reclaims the most powerful daimyo of Wa. brother is planning to support a
The pact is sealed and under the nephew of the shogun in a coup.
the southern provinces of Shinko- The shogun orders Toragi and
ku. After several months of war- generalship of Matasuuri Shogoro several other lords executed and
the process of unification is
exiles his nephew to the Island of
begun. The Matasuuri become the One Thousand Pines. The coup,
strong right arm of the Makino. while it had been discussed, was
1661: Upon the instructions of Mata- far from a reality at the time.
suuri Shogoro, Makino Mansaku 1777 (2607 Shou): The events of the
module take place.

6

The Politics of Wa

After centuries of chaotic warfare, daimyo’s family to live in the capital as criminal and is worthy of the same
occupation, and factional civil war, the hostage. Refusing either of these punishment. Therefore, anyone who
islands of Wa have finally been unified requests is a sure sign of treason: conceals the plottings of others must
into a single nation. This has not been Finally, the shogun can demand the be a part of that plot.
an easy process. daimyo surrender his lands, either to
move to another province and rule or No daimyo will make improvements
The current ruler of Wa is the sho- to be cast out altogether. Shoguns in his lands or recover new lands from
gun, Matasuuri Nagahide. The sho- commonly order daimyo to trade prov- the wilderness without the permission
gun is a military position—something inces, partially to reward close fol- of the shogun. Commentary: To make
like the commander-in-chief of all the lowers, but mostly to prevent the
daimyo from building strong alliances one’s lands better than a neighbor’s is
armies of the nation. Supposedly, the in any single area. to create discontent and strife. But to
actual head of Wa is the Goshukara show one’s lord your devotion and tal-
Emperor, aided by the ministers of his In general, the shogun tries not to ent is a worthy thing. So should all
court. Once, long ago, this was the impose too many laws on his daimyo, improvements be reported to the sho-
case, but those days have long since this makes them restless and gun that he might bestow his reward
passed. Now the most important and unhappy. His government also lacks and turn away from those who would
powerful thing the emperor can do is the ability to administer a huge num- speak badly of the lord.
ber of laws. As such, the shogun
approve the appointment of the new tends to issue sweeping edicts which No person of common rank shall be
shogun. Even in this he has no others then elaborate on in detail. allowed to ride in a palanquin. Com-
choice—the old shogun names his Examples of some of the edicts and mentary: There are four classes of
candidate and the emperor ceremoni- the commentaries of others are listed people in the land — merchant, crafts-
ously approves it. Still, the position of below.
the emperor is honored and respected man, farmer, and lord. Each class
as the heart and true center of the Excessive drinking and wan ton must know its place and cannot pre-
nation. The wise shoguns of the past behavior must be avoided at all times, sume upon the privileges of those
as this is unbecoming and leads to the greater than it. In only this way will
have carefully presented the emperor downfall of the state. Commentary: harmony be preserved.
as above the everyday concerns of For the state to remain strong, the
the world, leaving these in the sho- warriors must remain always vigilant. No lord or great samurai shall be
gun’s capable hands. Weak shoguns Drunkeness, gambling and other allowed to marry without the permis-
have let authority slip through their fin- vices cause daimyo to look weak in sion of the shogun. Commentary: Mar-
the eyes of the people. riage is the way of alliance and
gers, either back to the emperor or
into the control of others. Those who break the law must not plotting. This causes unrest in the
be harbored or given protection by state. Therefore, the shogun will say
After the shogun and the emperor anyone. Commentary: Those who pro- who is allowed to marry whom.
tect a criminal are criminals them-
come the daimyo. A daimyo is a war- selves and will receive the same The family of a daimyo will reside in
lord, the ruler of a province or group of punishment. If the murderer and his the city of the shogun. Commentary:
provinces. He is much more than a family are to be killed, then all of the To prevent the daimyo from becoming
mere governor. For nearly all pur- village who shelter him will meet the unruly, their wives and children are
same fate.
poses, the province is his to rule as he required to remain hostage in the cap-
sees fit. No repairs on any castle or temple ital. In this way the safety of all the
can be undertaken without the express land is assured.
The shogun has certain powers permission of the shogun. Commen-
over the daimyo. It is his right to col- tary: For a lord to build his fortifica-
lect taxes from the daimyo, either in tions is a sign of warfare and rebellion,
cash, goods, or labor. He could, for certain to create unrest against the
example, order a daimyo to build or shogun. Therefore, repairs can only
repair a castle within his province or be made with the shogun’s permis-
even at the capital (where it would be sion.
used by the shogun). He could like-
wise order a daimyo to contribute to Any conspiracy against the shogun
the rebuilding of a temple. Indeed, or another daimyo must be immedi-
these are tricks a crafty shogun uses ately reported. Commentary: To con-
to weaken daimyo who might threaten ceal a plot is the same as concealing a
him, forcing them to spend their
money on buildings. The shogun can 7
demand the attendance of a daimyo at
his court and normally requires the

The History of Nakamaru

The city of Nakamaru is located on the Nakamaru rose to any level of impor- tance. The province of Nakamaru was
coast of the northernmost province of tance. The city and the surrounding the original home province of the
Wa. Originally the city was little more land was one of few territories of the Matasuuri family. From this distant
than a fortified outpost on the edge of North to stand firm against the Shou
the korobokuru lands. With the grad- Lung invaders and the turncoat dai- and secure base, they slowly and qui-
ual retreat of the korobokuru into the myo. The city’s defense was steered etly built their power, bringing the sur-
mountains (where they still remain) by the resourceful and loyal General rounding provinces under their sway.
Yoshibei. Through tactics and clever When the Seige of Tomo was finally
the settlement of Nakamaru slowly strategems, he was able to maintain broken, the Matasuuri assembled
expanded, gradually increasing in the independence of Nakamaru. He
size and importance. Favored by a was also an ambitious man and, when their power and began the Winter
deep bay and prime forests, the vil- the government of Wa collapsed, he March which ended in victory on the
lage quickly became the shipping unhesitatingly declared himself in Shido Plain. Since then, the province
independent warlord. Given his suc- of Nakamaru has been awarded as a
point for the fine lumber of the region, cesses in battle, there were none able gift province to those greatly favored
especially the majestic cryptomeria to counter this bold move. Shortly by the shogun. Indeed, it is a great
used in many palaces and temples thereafter, the other lords followed his honor to be assigned to the rule of
throughout Wa. Nakamaru, once the shogun’s home
example and established themselves province. Under this sponsorship,
However, Nakamaru remained by as sengoku-daimyo. Nakamaru has grown into a thriving
all standards a small and insignificant
backwater for many centuries. While With the final collapse of the Shou port city.
the town grew to a modest size, it was As it is very far to the north, Naka-
isolated from the rest of the country by Lung rule, Nakamaru gained another
rugged mountains, thick forests, feature of importance—its foreign maru has a greater range in its sea-
inclement weather and hostile korobo- community. Through special dispen- sons than most other parts of Wa. The
sation of the Emperess Bishkammon, spring comes late to the area and is
kuru. So distant from the capital and the city was instructed to maintain a noted for the dense fogs which roll in
the Central Provinces, it became a quarter for the residences of foreign from the sea. The summers are pleas-
common place to banish those who merchants and dignitaries. Principal ant, neither too hot nor too cool and
displeased the emperor, regent, or the region is spared much of the tor-
of these was the Grey Blossom Regi- rential rains which strike further south.
shogun. To be assigned a post in ment, formerly a unit of the Shou Lung
Nakamaru was the same as living army. With this highly disciplined This combined with the natural beauty
of the countryside has encouraged
death. Nakamaru has seen more than troop Nakamaru has been able to dis- many southern nobles to build sum-
its share of treacherous ministers, courage several attempts by neigh- mer estates around the city. The fall
grasping generals, separated lovers, boring lords to overrun its province. however is bleak, chill and wet with
Indeed, the troop and its reputation leaden, gray skies. The winters are
over-popular princes, and wronged have added to the desirability of the much colder than the rest of the coun-
nobles. As a result, the city abounds province. try with freezing nights and heavy
with tales of failed heroes, tragic
affairs, madnesses, duels, wasting Now, the past century has seen a snows.
substantial rise in Nakamaru’s impor-
diseases, and mysterious deaths.
It was not until the Omi war that

8

The Calendar of Nakamaru

Nakamaru is a vital, living city, filled with First of Yu: Young girls are honored in are said requesting aid and blessing of
people who participate in myriad affairs. the Doll Festival. Each year girls are given ancestors. During this time unwholesome
Throughout the entire year there are regu- elaborate dolls and special performances spirits are particularly active.
lar events—festivals, holy days, special are held at the shrines. The dolls often
become treasured items to be passed on Sixth of Chuang: The festival of the dead
observances and the like. These events from generation to generation. is ended by a separate and distinct event,
are part of what makes up the life of any the Procession of the Lanterns. On the
place, be it a small town or large city. The First of Kao: The temples of the Path of night of the sixth day, the young men of
calendar below gives a listing of the regu- Enlightenment celebrate the birthday of the shrines march in a procession, each
their great teacher. The day is marked by group beginning at its own grounds and
lar, major activities that occur in Naka- special prayers and a procession of the converging on the sea. Each man carries
maru, along with a brief description. different mikoshi (portable shrines) of the a pole festooned with lit lanterns and each
These events can add a wealth of detail to temples, carried by sohei of the sect. temple vies to have its strongest youth car-
the game. Unfortunately, sohei of the different tem- ry the most lanterns on a single pole. It is
ples have been known to begin brawling normal for up to 50 lanterns to be carried
The events listed can be used in many and feuding when they meet in the street. by one man. Upon reaching the sea, an
ways. Any occasion where there is cele- elder shukenja of the shrine says prayers
bration is a good opportunity for trysts, First of Chu: The citizens of Nakamaru over the group and sets the lanterns afire.
conspiratorial meetings, gossiping, intro- celebrate the victory of General Yoshibei Blazing, the poles are hurled into the sea.
over the Shou Lung forces. Outnumbered, This is said to carry the prayers of the
ductions, and good old wheeling and deal- he used papier maché figures to deceive townsfolk to those who have died at sea.
ing. Festivals are also a time when the enemy as to his true numbers. Several Bad omens from this festival predict poor
shukenja and sohei must make observanc- months are spent in building elaborate fishing and ill luck on the ocean for the
es and take part in public rituals. They are papier maché floats, which are brilliantly next year.
also a time of skullduggery and villainy as lit by lanterns from the inside. All day the
the less upright of the community prey on floats are on, display in different wards. Ninth of Hsuan: The quiet and comtem-
the unsuspecting or over-indulgent. The festival is capped by a midnight pro- plative Chrysanthemum Festival is held to
Finally, player characters will gain a sense cession of brilliantly lit floats carried on the observe the blossoms and remember
of place and belonging as they become shoulders of the young men of the city. friends who are absent. Friends make pil-
familiar with the cycles of the year. The festival has become a grueling battle grimages to the peaks of nearby moun-
of endurance between different factions of tains and raise a glass of chrysanthemum
The New Year: This festival begins on the city. Each carries a different float and wine to their dear friends. People normally
the first day of the year with the ritual visit batters its way along the course, attempt- wear a sprig of holly in their belts or hair on
to the local shrines and temples. Prayers ing to harm all others as much as possible.
are made for fortune and good health in Furthermore, the carriers are traditionally this day.
the coming year. Streets and shops are plied with sake to the point where they can End of Yang: The end of this month (also
brightly decorated. Friends exchange barely stagger the last few blocks. At the
small gifts and special New Year’s cakes end of the procession, the great construc- known as the Godless Month) is cele-
are made. Shukenja and sohei have spe- tions are set ablaze. More than once the brated for the return of the deities to their
cial observances to make for the first 12 city has suffered from serious fires proper shrines and temples after having
days of the year. because of this. spent the entire month at the Celestial
Court. The temples and shrines are cere-
Middle of Tsou: The Tsuyoi-nokami Seventh of Hsiang: This day is known as monially cleaned to greet the deities and
Shrine holds a nighttime procession the Lover’s Festival and is marked by banquets are typically served.
through the streets known as the Lantern romantic liasons and small intimate par-
March. Young men carrying paper lan- ties under the night sky. It recalls the tale Middle of Ku: The young children of
terns on long poles wind through the of two lovers separated for every day of Nakamaru are taken by their parents to a
streets from the sea to the shrine. The the year but this one. Symbolic of this are shrine in the city. Afterwards there is a
march is usually boisterous and accompa- two stars in the sky united to each other on special meal for the family. The festival is
nied by much drinking. this night by the bridge of the Milky Way.
a somewhat solemn and serious affair as
First of Ju: The End of Winter festival First of Chuang: On the first day of the the parents pray their children will behave
takes place, although the weather of festival of the dead, special celebrations themselves correctly and properly.
Nakamaru will be quite cold for some time are made for the new harvest. A large ban-
yet. Families make a ritual visit to a shrine quet of fish and sweet rice cakes is pre-
or temple and enjoy a feast meal. pared and offerings of food are made to
the gods and ancestors of the family. The
Middle of Ju: The Snow Festival is temples hold special religious dances
observed by those with young children. which the nobles attend.
Families build small snow houses in the
First Five Days of Chuang: This long
garden with an altar at the center where
the children say prayers on behalf of the running festival is held in honor of the
family. The festival is usually accompa- dead. During this time special meals are
nied by snowball fights and snow-viewing prepared, tombs are visited, and prayers
parties. The festival normally takes place
on or near the first full moon of the month, 9
depending on the snow conditions.

The Districts of Nakamaru

The city of Nakamaru is a typical forti- tle are the twisting streets of Naka- who has loaned a great deal of money
fied port and samurai castle town of maru. The few broad avenues veer to the samurai families.
the period. At the center of the city is and turn at sudden angles, always
the castle with its mansions and fortifi- under observation from the top floors Player characters who are samurai
cations. Extending outward from this of the tenshu (castle donjon). Spread- can begin this campaign in one of two
are the different districts of the town. ing from these avenues like cracks in ways. If they have already played in
Each district is identified by name, porcelain glaze, the narrow side several adventures and have a back-
according to a main feature of that streets twist and wander through the ground, they could have been sent to
area. Unlike western cities, each dis- neighborhoods. The impassive build- Nakamaru by the shogun to enter the
trict in Nakamaru is a separate area ing fronts press up on either side, the service of the daimyo. Depending on
made up of several wards. What textures only broken by the plastered birth, level, wealth, and power, char-
makes the greatest difference is that and tiled walls of the samurai man- acters will either become the master
each of these wards is walled-off from sions There are few shops or store- of a compound and in direct service of
all the others and patrolled by armed fronts here, because the district is the daimyo or will be a lesser samurai
samurai police. Movement of the com- reserved for the retainers of the dai- in the service of a retainer of the dai-
mon folk between each ward is care- myo. myo. If the character is newly created,
fully watched. These draconian he can be a samurai serving the mas-
measures are not so much to prevent The main buildings of this district ter of one of the major compounds.
crime but to prevent any chance of a are the walled compounds of the
popular uprising on the part of the samurai. Within each compound are Market District
common folk. After centuries of tur- the mansions, barracks, stables, and
moil and rebellion, the shogunate and gardens of the the samurai owner. Liv- Outside the ring of samurai com-
the daimyo no longer take any ing within the compound are the mas- pounds the streets become even
chances. ter, his family, his samurai retainers more narrow and twisted. Wandering
and the servants. The master of such through the streets and back alleys,
Castle District a compound is himself a powerful one enters the living heart of Naka-
samurai in the service of the daimyo maru. For here are the markets,
Perched on a swelling rise, barely (and thus the shogun). In general, this shops, trades and craftsmen that sup-
higher than the surrounding plain, is district is tightly patrolled and com- ply all the needs of the city, keeping it
the jet black Crow Castle, so named moners do not wander its streets fed and clothed. One- and two-story
for its darkly painted walls. The except on specific business. buildings packed tightly together, the
gloomy tower juts over the twisting wooden walls and lattices hide tiny
mossy gray stone walls and red-tile The compounds are carefully con- gardens and homes of the common-
tamon. Far behind the heavy gates trolled by a complex series of laws and ers. The streets are brightly decorated
live the lords and rulers of Nakamaru, regulations. Based on the power and with colored banners proclaiming the
separate and distant from the hustle- wealth of the samurai, these laws dic- nature of the business.
bustle of the common folk. Cool gar- tate ownership, location, and size of
dens and lavish palaces share the the compounds, the heights of the During the day there is a constant
crowded castle grounds with the omi- buildings, the number of guards hustle of workmen—old women mak-
nous barracks of the daimyo’s sol- allowed, and even the style of gate ing deliveries of produce, fishermen
diers. that must be used. The greater the carrying their wares to market, serv-
number or more lavish the structure, ing girls buying vegetables for their
The castle is a hirayamajiro — a the more powerful is the lord within. masters, ox carts hauling lumber
castle built on a hill in the middle of the through the streets, roofers hammer-
plain. From here the daimyo of Naka- The few merchants and craftsmen ing down new shingles, giggling cour-
maru is able to observe and control allowed to live in this district are those tesans admiring the young men, and
the surrounding area. The main castle especially favored by the. daimyo. breathless messengers darting
is normally empty, only occupied in There are several ways to earn this through the traffic. And amid all this
times of siege, the nobles and samu- permission. Commoner families thronging activity come the haughty
rai preferring to live in their mansions which have provided supremely hero- processions of the nobles, beating
at its base. ic service can be elevated to this posi- aside those too slow to move out of the
tion. More commonly, the family way. On rare occasions there is the
Samurai District provides some service invaluable to spice of a bloody duel fought in the
the daimyo—painters, sculptors, and streets when a samurai seeking
Spreading from the base of Crow Cas- engineers are often favored this way.
Nor is it impossible to buy your way in,
especially if you are a rich merchant

10

vengeance finds his enemy, or rival rum is sometimes forgotten. ans upon the shores of their fair island
yakuza gangs meet. has been an emotional thing. No one
Shipyard on Wa has forgotten the humiliation of
Built on the main streets are the conquest. It is burned into the memory
major temples and shrines of Naka- Its narrow streets hidden by the thick of every warrior and noble and scholar
maru. Like the samurai district, these woods of the cold north, Nakamaru of the land. The memory fires their
are large walled compounds filled with has become a center of lumber pro- resolve to never let it happen again.
imposing buildings and cool gardens. duction. As a matter of course, a thriv-
Some are open to the public for wor- ing port and shipyard have grown in Now, with the power, of the law,
ship. Others are closed to the com- Nakamaru. The carpenters of the city,
mon rabble except on all but the most combined with the strong wood numerous and severe edicts have
holy of days. The most favored and brought from the mountains, have been made to control the movement
important of these temples are made Nakamaru ships famous and activity of all foreigners. Still, they
located near the samurai district on throughout Wa. During the spring and
the largest thoroughfare of the city. summer months, there is at least one cannot be ignored or denied. Many
ship being built in the yards. During possess valuable skills in the arts and
Pleasure District the height of the season, teams of car- crafts. Others bring new learning from
penters work nearly around the clock, the mainland. Traders bring rare
Wedged in close between the samurai by the light of the sun and the blaze of
district and the market district is this torches. The shipyard is a major goods unavailable in the island
small area noted for its entertainment, source of income for the daimyo and empire. And for the few great lords,
licit and illicit. Run-down, dank, and thus he guards it strongly with a per- the foreigners bring mercenaries
sleepy during the day, the district manently assigned unit of soldiers
blooms during the night. Gay lanterns under the command of a loyal samurai whose loyalties can be easily ensured
and brilliantly painted curtains prom- retainer. for a little coin and a few honeyed
ise enticements within each establish- words.
ment. The streets fill with people from The shipyard is also a foul and
every station of life — drunken revel- loathsome place, the site of dark Inside the walls of the compound,
ers, disguised nobles, belligerent deeds and sinister dealings. During the buildings are much like those
samurai, predatory thugs, strolling the day the rising and falling tide can found in the samurai district—for most
musicians, curious foreigners, and transform it from a pleasant lagoon to
bedecked courtesans. The streets a sodden brown mud-flat. It is a part of of the foreign visitors have the means
crowd with lantern boys, umbrella town the wealthy or powerful will visit to maintain themselves in high style.
bearers, scowling bodyguards, tat- only with good reason and they will During the day the streets of the dis-
tooed yakuza, watchmen, beggars, certainly never come here to be trict are busy with merchants, sailors,
and actors. The clothing is resplen- amused. It is a common place for servants and dignitaries of many
dent and garish, the laughter loud, secret meetings and conspiratorial lands—Kozakura, Shou Lung, T’u
and the offense quick. plots. Those who live here have an Lung, Koryo (a cold land of the north),
understanding they know better than and even barbarians from distant
Here you can find nearly any activity to interfere with dark figures in the
you desire. There are drinking night. places across the eastern ocean. At
houses, dining houses with exotic night, the streets are all but deserted.
menus, gambling dens, theaters, gei- Foreign Quarter The local help leave the district before
sha houses, tea stalls, and other busi- the fall of night. The law and regula-
nesses catering to all tastes. The A grim and carefully patrolled pali- tions include a strict curfew on barbar-
pleasure district is noted for its dan- sade delineates the boundaries of the ians. it is very strict—the punishment
gerous living and, indeed, this is part foreign district of Nakamaru. It is a is death by slow execution. Only those
of what makes it so appealing to the sight shared with only a few other cit- with special passes or escorted by the
wealthy of Nakamaru. Here you can ies of Wa—a special compound for
disappear for an evening, forgetting quartering the merchants, traders, samurai of a powerful noble dare
your identity and station. Here is the navigators, scholars, and diplomats of break this curfew. The few who risk
chance to live a moment of your life foreign lands. Ever since the nobles of the curfew are surely about on the
away from the laws and restrictions of Wa overthrew their hated Shou Lung most insidious of business.
the samurai world. Here samurai min- oppressors, the presence of barbari-
gle with commoners and proper deco- Players can choose to use charac-
11 ters who are strangers to Wa. Estab-
lished characters from a Kozakura
campaign will find it easiest to circu-

late among the people of Wa. The lan-
guage is nearly identical (65%
comprehension), the differences in

accent explainable as being from a
different province. The styles of dress
and behavior are almost the same. At

worst, characters from Kozakura are parley himself into a minor sensation, Eta Community
backward or provincial when com- the darling of the powerful. Likewise,
pared to the cultured lords of Wa. player characters with unique knowl- Outside the city of Nakamaru is a
Characters from Shou Lung will find edge or unknown spells (such as mag- small and squalid group of huts, the
themselves the objects of constant ic user or clerical spells) can become homes of the eta. To the eyes of, all
suspicion, if not scrutiny, the special “property” of a powerful others in Wa, the eta are almost less
samurai, his ace in the hole. Player than people. They are the outcasts. It
Unless characters are able to dem- characters in this situation will is their lot to do the work unfit or
onstrate some highly useful skill or unclean for others—butchering, tan-
undoubtedly be treated well, provided ning, grubbing in filthy places. Among
befriend someone powerful in the they do not step across an unwritten them live Korobokuru and from their
local government, they will find it diffi- line. The samurai will, after all, always ranks the yakuza find ready recruits.
cult (but not impossible) to move freely consider the player character his to do The good people will not eat with
through the city. Shou Lung player them, let their children marry them, or
characters should be advised to exer- with as he pleases, giving him away or associate with them if at all possible.
cise caution in all dealings with the even sending him to certain death if
people of Wa. he must. Of course, if the player char- The eta village is little more than a
acter fails to demonstrate any great collection of wood and thatch huts
Player characters can also come clustered around the road junction.
worth or value, his fate will be far less There the people make what living
from other lands, places much more romantic. Deemed less than worth- they can, while trying to avoid the
distant than across the Celestial Sea. less, they are consigned to the fate of notice of those more powerful than
the eta —that class of outcasts below they. Only an occasional shukenja
These can be barbarians from the and the yakuza show them any kind-
nomad lands or even strange men even the most common of the peasant ness or mercy.
folk. Among the eta they would spend
from across the Eastern Ocean. In the rest of their lives.
either case, the character will be treat-

ed as a true oddity. If the player char-
acter is bright and quick, he can

12

The Architecture of Nakamaru

The buildings of Nakamaru, like nearly the outside the building. In this way to be placed at their entrances (some
all the buildings of Wa (and Kozakura), rain water and snow are carried away thing many a destitute ruffian has great-
have a group of common features, from the insides of the house. Most ly appreciated). The noticeboards are
whether it is a peasant’s minka or the houses have wooden shutters, roofed to protect from rain and are plas-
tenshu of a daimyo’s castle. By studying extending from floor to ceiling, that tered by many official pronouncements.
this section, you will be able to create can be fitted under these eaves during With so many wooded buildings, fire is a
more realistic descriptions of the build- times of storm. Some have hinged great hazard and every district has its
shutters that swing up into the rafters fire company (led by a samurai) and fire
ings you need. when not in use.
The first thing most buildings have in towers. These spidery scaffolds of
Inside, ceilings are often not built and lashed bamboo rise above the sur-
common are the building materials. On the crosswork of rafters that support the rounding sea of roofs, providing firemen
an island given to earthquakes and as roof is exposed. Indeed, walls do not with a vantage point to watch for dan-
rugged as Wa, buildings of quarried always reach to the top. (You may wish
to consider this if, for example, your ger. The watchmen’s towers are of
stone are impractical and unsound. player characters were attacked by a wood and plaster, with shingled roofs,
Stone has no flex and is easily shat- group of ninja. Attacking from the maze and can hold four men at a time.
tered by violent quakes. Instead, the of rafters above can be a very exciting
most common materials are wood, and successful strategem.) The homes of the commoners have

whether it be bamboo, pine, cryptome- Harder to express than mere build- little more to add. The simplest type is
ria, willow, or some exotic tree; paper, ing details is the simple sense of style the minka or farmhouse. These are
from very heavy to translucent; straw, found in most buildings. Ornamenta-
for matting and thatch; plaster, to fire- tion is very simple and unobtrusive as not common to Nakamaru, found
proof walls; and clay, to strengthen a rule. Natural colors are favored, mostly on the outskirts. They normally
walls and fire into roof tiles. Stone is although brass and gilt are used by feature high-ridged roofs of heavy
reserved for important buildings—the those who can afford it. For most peo- thatch or reeds and simple earth and
defensive walls of castles, the founda- ple there is a deliberate attempt to wood floors. More often found in
tions of temples and towers. make the building harmonize with the Nakamaru are the simple row houses
natural surroundings as much as pos- of the city dwellers. At their poorest,
Second, nearly all buildings share sible. To help achieve this harmony, they are little more than wooden huts.
common construction features. The buildings are laid out according to The floors are earthen and there are
floors are generally built on raised specific proportions and arrange- one or two rooms at best. Each home
posts. This helps keep the building dry ments. There is normally a central
room or area around which all else is is separated from the others by a thin
in the rainy season, allows cool air to built. The proportions are normally on wooden wall. The entrances and inte-
circulate underneath when it is hot, the order of two units of length on two riors are screened by noren (curtains).
and discourages most vermin (rats, sides to three units on the other two. The roofs are simple planks. The front
mice, and snakes) from entering the Obviously, these proportions are not
building. The walls of these buildings absolute and there are many varia- of each house is used for business—
are thin and do not support the weight tions, especially in the homes of com- selling, craft work, etc.
of the roof (which is often quite large). moners. However, in the houses of
Instead, carved support pillars and samurai and nobles the rules of The streets are narrow and often
crossbeams hold up the roof. This dimensions and proportions become crowded with stalls. For those with a
allows many of the walls to be move- more and more rigid, since each little more wealth, the row houses
able, sliding or entirely removable. change reflects a change in the status become larger and slightly better fit-
of the owner. ted. Though still small, the houses are
Owners can reshape the interiors of divided into two halves. On one half is
their houses depending on need. There is a final group of common fea-
tures found throughout the city, one a door opening to an earthen-floored
Equally noticeable is the roof. This which is not a building detail. Tucked area and the other has a separate
is almost always built along a single away on many a street or in the corner room with a raised floor and window
ridge-pole, rising to a high peak in the of a market are small shrines, notice overlooking the street. One or two
center and sweeping down into huge boards, firetowers and watchmen’s rooms behind these are also floored.
overhanging eaves. The roofs of posts. The shrines, tended by the The outer walls, of woven willow and
Nakamaru are tiled whenever possi- neighbors, are almost like tiny huts. It is noren, again screen the entrance. The
ble (to reduce fire hazard), but wood- normal for offerings of incense or sake roofs are planked, reinforced by logs.

en shingles, thatch, and reeds are 13 The modest, well-to-do commoners
also used. The eaves generally have houses quite similar to this, still
extend three feet or more beyond the built in long rows. There are more
line of the house, allowing for broad rooms and often a small garden is
sheltered verandas to be built around attached where vegetables and, per-
haps, a few trees grow. The outer

walls are wattle and plaster, making power of the samurai, this is an accommodate more. The furnishings
them more fireproof. Businesses are arrangement of one, two, or three rec- are sparse—with only mats on the floor
run from the front room or out the front tangular rooms arranged in a long row and the utensils necessary to make and
windows, which often have hinged from east to west. If there is more than serve tea. A small hearth is set in one
shutters that can serve as tables. one room, each succeeding one is a
Highly successful merchants and inn- step higher than the last. corner of the floor. Latticed windows
keepers have small compounds with provide light, the paper protected from
elaborate minka of two or three floors, The master or the most important the outside by wood frames. Guests
person present sits at the far end of the enter the soan through a small door, so
a small gate entrance, a stable, and last room on a low dais (jodan). Behind low they must crawl. Everything within
separate storehouses. These build- him lies a recessed alcove (tokonoma) the soan is designed to remind the par-
ings are well-crafted and built of good much like a low shelf, frequently deco- ticipants of their own humility.
materials, but are not elaborately dec- rated with a large picture and a set of
orated, since this is forbidden by law. staggered shelves (chigaidana). On one Accompanying the soan is the tea
side, the walls can be slid away along
Samurai, homes become much the length of the hall to reveal a view of garden. ideally, the soan is set in the
more elaborate. Each household is the garden or even a small stage. On garden just out of sight of all else and
organized around a compound where the other side, near the jodan, stand a reaching the teahouse requires a
pair of elaborately decorated doors cooling walk along the paths. The
the master, his servants and his (chodaigamae). Behind these lies a
samurai retainers and their servants small dressing room for receiving visi- designs of soan and gardens are
live. For a low level samurai, this tors. This room also serves as a conven- points of pride and envy among the
ient place to conceal bodyguards,
would be little more than his own fami- available at a moment’s notice. From upper classes. Masters of such
ly and his servants. Beyond the small here other doors lead to the rest of the designs are eagerly sought after and
house. their efforts are well-rewarded.
gate is a courtyard and the entrance to
the main house. To the side or rear of The shoin is used for nearly all Very different from the homes of the
the house is a garden (for pleasure, meetings and receptions and the very samurai are the buildings of the
not growing vegetables). traditional rules of its design reflect shrines and temples. Both range ‘in
the careful etiquette practiced by
Retainers of the samurai are samurai. Indeed, even the poorest size from small neighborhood struc-
housed in nagaya, or long house (a samurai master attempts to maintain tures and roadside stops to large com-
type of barracks), one or two stories a simple shoin; the powerful common- pounds filled with imposing buildings.
ly have more than one. One is used for In general, the shrines follow simpler
high. Servants of the retainers would official receptions, being large and
have the lower floor while the samurai lavishly decorated. Smaller ones are building styles with less ornamenta-
retainers lived on the second. These used for more personal and equal tion than those of the temples.
nagaya normally lined the outer walls meetings and tend to be much simpler
of the compound. If the samurai was in decoration. Neighborhood shrines are small
powerful enough to have retainers
who in turn had retainers, those closer In addition to the shoin, which is and modest affairs. Normally nestled
in allegiance to the lord would be sometimes a separate building from the amid a grove of trees, they can be
housed in separate buildings, screen- rest of the house, the remainder of the quickly identified by the red archway
ed from the sights by additional walls compound has what rooms and build- (torii) that leads to the shrine. These
or stands of bushes and trees. Ulti- ings the samurai can afford. Principal of shrines are not protected by walls or
these are the tea garden and the tea guards, since they are used by the
mately, a great samurai lord would house. In contrast to the shoin, which is people of the local neighborhood.
have a compound filled with several designed to be grand and elaborate, the Beyond the torii are the statues of
mansions for himself and his most tea house is a simple, quite rustic, little
important retainers. building. But there is nothing simple guardian spirits, set to ward off evil
about these soan (grass cottages). influences. Inside the grounds is a
The mansion itself is organized Their design is carefully planned for stone basin filled with fresh water, for
according to formal customs. Upon artistic effect. The soan are quite small, purification before prayer. Across
passing through the gate, a visitor almost tiny in size. Generally only two or from this might be a small covered
enters a small courtyard separated three people are inside at a time, stage for performing sacred dances.
from the rest of the grounds. The although the walls can be moved to In addition to the shrine building itself,
entrance to the house is by the car- there might also be a storehouse for
riage approach or kurumayose, a 14 keeping sacred wine, salt, and a port-
roofed entryway which leads to the able shrine.
genkan or entry alcove. Guests are
received in the shoin, an audience Shrines are made from wood and
hall. Depending on the wealth and thatch. No stone, plaster, or tiles are
used in the buildings. The roofs are
thatched and are steeply pitched. The
floors are set on posts 3 to 4 feet

above the ground. Inside one normal- top of the highest hill in the city. Fish- trusted!) retainers of the daimyo. Each
ly finds a single hall, decorated very ermen at the dock and farmers in their courtyard is separated from the others
simply. There are no statues or repre- fields can see the main tower rising by stone and plastered walls and
sentations of the deity to be seen in over ail the other roofs of the city. Sec- occasional moats. Complex gates
the shrine itself. The shrine is the cen- ondly, it is designed not only for show, allow entrance from one bailey to the
ter of the local community. it is not but for defense. Although the lord of next. Each courtyard rises higher up
unusual to find the old men or the Nakamaru does not live inside the the hill than the last.
young children here passing the time castle itself (his mansion is on its
grounds), he will quickly retreat to it in From this point on, the route of any
in talk and play. case of seige. attacker is forced into certain paths.
Temples, where money allows, are First, he must pass through ironclad
The castle’s features broad eaves gates while being hailed by arrows,
usually much more imposing struc- and wooden construction—have been stones, boiling water, and hot oil from
tures. Most are a collection of build- changed to better protect defenders. the gatehouse above. Beyond this is a
ings, centered around a single great The wooden walls have been heavily small courtyard with another gate on
hall. Built on a large stone foundation, plastered, covered several layers thick. the right side. All the time they are vul-
this hall is reached by a flight of broad Unlike most castles, whose walls are nerable to the archers firing through
steps. inside are huge statues of the normally whitewashed, the walls here the loopholes of the walls above.
deity or deities worshipped at that have been covered with black paint,
temple. These are often in arrange- creating a striking effect. The broad Once through both gates, the attacker
eaves have concealed trapdoors, used must charge up a narrow roadway,
ments of three—each a different rep- during a siege to toss down stones switchbacking several times and ail
resentation of the same deity or (ishiotoshi), boiling water, and other
complementary deities grouped deterrents atop an enemy. the while under attack from archers
together. Although such hails look to firing from behind loopholes. At the
be two or more stories tall from the The castle also uses a great deal of end of this road way is another set of
outside, they seldom have more than stone, far more than in any ordinary gates similar to the first and farther
one floor, the inside having grand pil- building. The main donjon or tenshu-
lars and lofty ceilings. Since the hall is kaku rests on a massive base of stone beyond is another deadly path. All this
used for a number of different 35’ high and approximately 130’ ends in a small ironclad gate that
purposes—sermons, instruction, cer- square at the bottom. Surrounding the opens into the main courtyard. But
tenshu-kaku are several sets of walls even from here to reach the main
emonies, and daily prayer—the spac- and gates. These too are built on solid entrance of the tenshu-kaku, the
es between the pillars are designed to stone foundations. attackers must pass through more
be closed off by portable screens and gates while under constant fire from
sliding shoji walls. The actual defenses of the castle the defenders. It is no wonder that
begin well away from the hill where attackers by far preferred to surround
In addition to the main hall, a temple the main buildings are located. The and starve a castle into surrender
compound will have several other first line of castle defense are the ram- than risk a direct assault!
buildings. To the right and left of the parts that run through the center of the
main hall are the drum and bell towers city. These earthworks are set behind The tenshu-kaku itself is four stories
a broad moat and divide the samurai
and in the center will be a huge district from the rest of the city. Past tall and 120’ feet square on the first
incense burner for offerings. Other this, down streets filled with sudden floor. The top floor of the tower is 55’
twists and bends is the second line of
buildings include imposing gatehous- defense, the outer wall. Inside this feet above the first floor and 90’ above
es with huge iron-clad gates, pagodas wall are the mansions of the more the ground. Within the tower are
with five, seven or thirteen stories, important samurai. The wall is pierced armories, granaries, storerooms, a
by several stout gates, each manned well, and council chambers. In times
quarters for the priests and monks, a by its own troop of soldiers. Beyond of war, these can be quickly and easily
library building for the holy sutras, and this, at the base of the hill, is a combi- converted into quarters for the lord,
a smaller lecture hall, mainly used for nation moat and wall. Wooden his family, and his men. The lower
the instruction of the clergy. A well bridges span this moat at three points, floors contain stores and the quarters
established temple will also have a passing through iron clad gates. for the lord’s soldiers. The second and
separate mansion for its abbot, quar- Inside are the different courtyards of third floors are reserved for the impor-
ters for the sohei and one or more gar- the castle. These are filled with the tant samurai and the lord himself. The
dens and soan. mansions of the most powerful (and fourth floor is a watchtower from
which the surrounding city can be
The castle of Nakamaru is truly dif- 15 observed. There is little doubt that the
ferent from the other buildings of the tenshu-kaku itself could withstand a
city. First, it is much more impressive long seige.
and imposing than any other building
in the town. It is built on the slopes and

The Factions of Nakamaru

Although the country of Wa has been can bestow more favors a temple will and to the shogun. Toyoo cannot
united under the rule of a single lord, support him. If a family interferes with afford to do anything to cause public
the shogun Matasuuri, it is a far cry support for the temple, the priests and embarrassment to Mitsuhide, for this
from being settled and calm. Although abbots will unhesitatingly do all they would mean the ruin of the entire fami-
he supposedly retains absolute can to destroy the household. Their ly. The shogun would have no qualms
power, the shogun is surrounded by concern is for the power and influence about sending the Funada to a new
schemes and plots, factions vying to of their sect, not the mundane affairs fief—one small, powerless and out of
of the common people. the way. Likewise, Mitsuhide cannot
gain his favor or replace him. The sho- allow division to be seen within his
gun is not an unquestionable mon- The Nobles family, lest the shogun decide he is
too weak to rule the province. Thus,
arch. He must be a consummate The Funada Clan both brothers play a very delicate
politician to retain his power and posi- game.
tion. The Funada family is by far the most
powerful clan of Nakamaru. The head In addition to the internal dissen-
The city of Nakamaru is no stranger of the clan, Funada Mitsuhide, is the sion, the Funada clan must also be on
to these plots and factions. Indeed, it daimyo of the province and a nephew guard against the schemes of other
is more familiar with them than most of the shogun. His brothers and their families. Although ail the nobles of
provincial cities. Its close connections sons are his advisors and aides. Nakamaru are subservient to the
Some command his soldiers and oth- Funada, history is too full of ambitious
to the lands beyond Wa has made it a ers hold important positions in the vassals overthrowing their unwary or
hotbed of plotting and counter- local temples. Among the other posi- weak masters. The Funada take no
plotting. Every faction has found it tions held by the family are Master of chances in this area. The activities of
useful to maintain some presence the Port, Eye of the Law of the Shining all their vassals are closely observed.
within the city of Wa. Mountain Temple and Captain of the All marriages must be approved (just
Northern. Barrier (a checkpoint sev- as the shogun must approve ail mar-
The factions that have intrigues on eral miles south of the city). riages of the Funada clan). Construc-
the national level, such as the emper- tion is regulated to control the
or and the shogun, find their allies in Normally, Funada Mitsuhide must fortifying of manors. The number of
the districts of the samurai and be in attendance to the shogun (where bodyguards is strictly limited. Spies
nobles. Lords petty and great are his wife and young children live). In his report on the activities of the most
courted and betrayed in the shifting absence, the affairs of the province powerful of the vassals. To accom-
dance of alliances and schemes. But, are managed by his brother Toyoo. plish all these things, the Funada
both groups also maintain ties with the There is a growing division between have close ties to the Higo clan of
foreign barbarians from across the the two brothers. Toyoo has been ninja and many of the lesser samurai
waves, particularly the merchants and working to advance his own son as the families, who see the chance to
scholars from Shou Lung. Finally, next daimyo of Nakamaru. This youth, improve their own position. Further-
the son of his concubine Miyagi, is more, the Funada have the aid of
there are secret connections between older than the eldest son of Mitsuhide Taichi, a mysterious wu jen who lives
the powerful of the court and those by many years. If Toyoo can gain in the mountains behind Nakamaru.
secret families—the ninja. It is always enough support at the shogun’s court His mysterious comings and goings
useful to have allies who can perform and in Nakamaru, the elevation of his normally precede fearsome events.
dark deeds and learn secrets not son will be guaranteed. Of course,
meant to be known. Mitsuhide is aware of Toyoo’s ambi- The Loyal Families
tions and is taking his own measures
But there are other factions in the to block them. By making careful Central to the Funada’s strength in
city, groups with interests much more appointments and rewards, he is try- Nakamaru are a small core of samurai
local than the grand schemes of the ing to slowly remove Toyoo from his clans known as the Loyal Families.
shogun and the emperor. These powerful position as administrator of These clans earned this title in the
groups, the yakuza, vie for control of Nakamaru. Both brothers are quietly Tokiryo War, 200 years ago. From the
the city and its lucrative business in lining up allies within the family which outset, these families had the wisdom
gambling and protection. Some of will sooner or later tear it apart. or fortune to side with the Matasuuri
these yakuza have semi-official rec- family in the final struggle that unified
ognition from the government. So However, the brothers know they Wa. With the decisive victory at the
great is their influence and power that must still present a united front to the Shido Plain, the Matasuuri emerged
they actually aid the local authorities other nobles of Nakamaru and Wa,
in keeping the piece.
16
Finally, there are the religious fac-
tions. Unlike the great rulers and the

local gangs, the great temples worry
about their own position. If the shogun

as the shogun of Wa. Those support- counting on the Oe rallying to their of his family toppling the shogun and
ing them were rewarded, in accord- support; this the Oe are not certain the puppet emperor currently on the
ance with their rank. While the about. throne. For now, however, he is wait-
powerful received fiefs, the lesser ing for the opportunity to strike against
families were granted stipends paid The Northern Goshukara the Funada. He is trying to engineer
directly from the shogun’s treasury. some disaster, embarrassment, or
Although far from the most powerful outright frame for the Funada family
The great families became daimyo; family of Nakamaru, the Northern that leads to their downfall. Further-
the lesser families became the Loyal Goshukara have a tremendous more, his own clan must be recog-
amount of political influence. Able to nized by the shogun as the proper
Families. trace their ancestry directly to the successor to the Funada, either for
The Loyal Families are a key faction emperor, this clan is given an appro- services previously rendered or
priate level of respect. Although the because Akinari exposed the sinister
of the Funada strength in Nakamaru. elders of the clan hold no positions at “plots” of the Funada.
The stipends they receive have made the court of the shogun or even within
the local government, they do have To reach this goal, the Goshukara
them dependent on the shogun and high-ranking positions within the tradi- family has made ties with the Phoenix
thus his allies. While not directly vas- tional, but generally ceremonial, offic- clan of ninja. This is as much to
sals of the Funada, they are his for all es of the Emperor. The head of the defend themselves from the Higo clan
practical purposes. He is the agent of clan, Goshukara Akinari is Regulator as it is to perform their own dastardly
and Great Counselor, Second Rank, deeds. The Goshukara have been
the shogun (and the shogun’s neph- Junior Grade. His brother is Great carefully cultivating ties at court and
ew) in Nakamaru and as long as he Counselor of the Princely Left, Third among the local samurai. They have
treats them with respect, they have lit- Rank, Senior Grade. Although these also granted what few favors they can
tle cause to complain. Of course, if positions have only ceremonial to the foreign community to gain eco-
any family should feel that it has been duties, their histories are such that the nomic support and magical aid. With-
treated unjustly, it can present its suit holder of the title is automatically due out realizing it, they have come to the
to the shogun, but justice is not always proper respect and etiquette. attention of the Royal Vagabonds,
fair. who have been instructed to use the
Akinari is not just attempting to Goshukara for their own ends. The
The Loyal Families in Nakamaru keep his clan alive, he is also attempt- Goshukara also have the quiet sup-
are the Gamo, Tsuga, Oe, and ing to restore it to its former glory. In port of the local shrines, who hold a
Sasabe. These provide most of the some areas this is not too difficult—it greater reverence for the emperor as
samurai in Funada Mitsuhide’s body- is entirely normal for a once-mighty the descendant of the gods.
family to seek to restore its fortunes.
guard and the garrisons of the prov- Few object to the family’s attempts to The Imperial Families
ince. Their status is such that they regain its financial and social position.
achieve minor ranks—Commander of However, the shogun is ever wary of Filling out the ranks of the more signif-
the Left Gate Guards, Left Gate the Goshukara, considering anyone icant samurai families in Nakamaru is
Guards Assistant, Master of the Sta- with a strong connection to the emper- a block known as the Imperial Fami-
bles, Warrior Grand Marshal, Com- or a potential threat. Political appoint- lies. These samurai clans can all trace
mander of the Right Gate Guards, etc. ments are made with great caution a lineage, albeit often very distant, to
done only after ensuring the Goshu- the Imperial bloodline. This is of no
The Loyal Families have so far kara appointee will be truly loyal to the small importance to these clans, for to
resisted any new allegiances, particu- shogun. Akinari, old fox that he is, will possess imperial blood, even for a
larly to the Goshukara. However, they not allow any disloyalty to the shogun
(a man he secretly detests), patiently simple provincial family, is a great
are the pawns in the battle between biding his time.
Mitsuhide and Toyoo as each maneu- mark of distinction. These families
It is Akinari’s ambition to topple the may find themselves allied with or
vers for their support. Currently, the Funada Mitsuhide as daimyo of Naka- courted by any one of several factions
Gamo, the Oe and the Tsuga are maru and replace him with a member and each has their own goals.
inclined towards Toyoo’s camp, while of the Goshukara family. This he for-
the Sasabe lean to Mitsuhide. All are sees as happening some time in the Dengyo: The Dengyo are driven by
not-too-distant future. His ambitions ambition to improve their lot, both eco-
aware of the power struggle now beyond this are to ultimately see one nomically and socially. Currently they
occurring within the Funada family are in the service of the Tsuga family
and all seek to profit from it in some 17

way. In addition, the Oe have become
more and more disillusioned with the
shogun and have politely heard over-
tures from the Goshukara. However,
they are far from ready to take action
against the Funada as a whole. When
the time comes, the Goshukara are

although they have hopes to establish less Flower Gang would seriously Takeshi is secretly hoping that some-
their own line through some act of dis- consider selling their note on Sada- thing will happen that will relieve him
tinction. The head of the clan is a moto to another for the right price. from the burdensome decision, that
middle-aged man of pliable opinion. Both Mitsuhide and Toyoo have con- someone will show him a way to sup-
The piloting of the family is more sidered this possibility as a way to port Toyoo and still preserve the hon-
decided by his wife, who manipulates gain the services of the Hino family. or of his family.
her husband behind the scenes. However, the situation has not yet
reached the point where either has to Nagoya: The Nagoya clan is an erratic
Arao: The Arao family is on the verge rely on one as undependable as Sada- star. The family has no overriding or
of internal collapse and it is quite likely moto. driving ambition, but many smaller
that within a month there will come an goals pursued by different members.
application to split the family. The Kidera: The Kidera are a samurai fam- Nagoya Hatano, the head of the fami-
head of the clan is a die-hard tradition- ily in the true classical sense. Kidera ly, only seeks to maintain its current
alist and is firmly resisting any sug- Takeshi, the head of the family, has level of prosperity in the upcoming
gestion that the clan might improve its taken great pains to see that his sons troubles which he foresees. His policy
fortunes by making a subtle shift in have been educated in all the proper on this is that it will be best accom-
allegiances. He sees his duty with Mit- cultivated arts. Once the Kidera plished by careful neutrality. His wife
suhide and none other. His youngest served at the court of the Emperor, for is concerned for her sons and daugh-
son maintains the family should con- the family claims a lineage as far back ters and is pressing him to arrange
sider the offers of the Goshukara. His as Emperor Kicho, Master of the advantageous marriages for their chil-
two older brothers, while less vocal, Peach Tree. Takeshi is determined to dren. Meanwhile the family is suffer-
agree with him but wish to delay do all he can to see that his family sus- ing from an outrage—a brother to
things for a little longer. tains the honor of this great tradition. Hatano was slain one night in the
Entertainment District. Now the sons,
Hino: The Hino are a family in decline. Takeshi’s sons have received all by the laws of vendetta, wish to seek
Once of modest means and optimistic the best training in the classical arts. out the killer and avenge his death.
expectations, their fortunes have They have studied military skills, cal-
been horribly squandered by the cur- ligraphy, painting, poetry, and the tea Unknown to the father, his youngest
rent head of the family, Hino Sadamo- ceremony under local masters. son has made the acquaintance of a
to. He is a wastrel and gambler with no Takeshi’s efforts have not been a fail- daughter of the Goshukara and has
apparent intention of ever planning for ure either. His eldest son, now a man, been enticed by her grace, charm and
the future needs of the family. What is a respected teacher to the Funada beauty. He knows that it would be diffi-
few retainers he can maintain are the family. His second oldest has entered cult if not impossible to conclude a
worst hangers-on and ne’er-do-wells. into the Winter Sect as a sohei, quick- marriage, for many reasons. But this
Every evening is spent in drinking, ly rising through the ranks to become does not prevent him from attempting
gambling, or worse. He is a poor a commander at the local temple. His to see her anyway. The Goshukara
example of a samurai and is scorned youngest son has shown a greater suspect what is happening and are
by others for his behavior. His son, a taste for poetry and writing than ‘war- hoping to use whatever comes of it as
young man of 14, is desperately seek- fare and is seeking an opportunity to a lever to persuade the Nagoya to join
ing adoption by some other family that travel to the capital and study under their schemes.
he might change his name and the great poets there.
escape his father’s shame. However, The Yakuza
his father is not about to approve the The Kidera are loyal to the Funada
boy’s adoption by another. To his clan, the absolute obedience to their The Big Head Gang
mind this would be nothing more than lords being part of what Takeshi has
base betrayal by the lad. drilled into his sons. They will not con- The Big Heads are a tekiya (street
sider any offers by the Goshukara. peddler) yakuza gang. Also called
Hino Sadamoto has recently gone However, the growing split within the yashi, the members of this gang travel
seriously into debt to the Worthless Funada places them in a much more between the local villages and the
Flower yakuza gang. For now they are difficult position. Takeshi’s natural city, selling goods and fake medi-
willing to wait before calling the debt, desire is to support Toyoo, who has cines. In Nakamaru, they control all
draining him of all they can. They see managed the military and province for the business of the small street stalls
no reason to protect a foolish samurai several years now while his brother and organize special “festivals” to
from himself, especially one who has has been off to court. However, his increase their own business.
so few important friends. The Worth- duty and obligation lie with Mitsuhide,
a man he does not care for greatly. The activities of the Big Heads are

18

many, but nearly all relate to the sell- ties arise in the city, such as a dispute frictions and difficulties, the different
ing of goods. Apprentices travel the over taxes, the Big Heads often serve games cater to different clientele.
highways carrying shoddy goods from as intermediaries, negotiating a set- Games where a samurai plays cannot
village to village, selling them at exor- tlement. Likewise, when the local be joined by a lowly commoner or
bitant prices—“snake-oil” medicines, police need information on a criminal even a well-to-do merchant. Likewise,
ornamental trees without roots, “valu- case, they will often turn to the Big the samurai would not even consent
able” pottery, etc. In this way they are Heads. The Big Heads cooperate as to take part in a game with the com-
similar to the hawkers and souvenir long as it will not hurt their own opera- mon people. The Worthless Flower
tions. Gang is very possessive of its territo-
booths found at fairs and tourist traps
today. In the city, the Big Heads The Big Heads recruit their mem- ry. It will not tolerate gambling opera-
“license” street peddlers and the bers from the lower walks of life. They tions by anyone else. Such attempts
booths outside temples by collecting will take in hunted criminals (unless often lead to violent street brawls.
the rent that would normally be paid to the pursuit is too hot) and offer a However, the Worthless Flower Gang
the local landlord or temple. Only part chance for the eta or burakumin to does not engage in the same types of
of this is paid out, the rest filling the escape their miserable lot. The poor of business as the Big Head Gang and
Big Heads’ purse. Their victims com- Nakamaru often seek out the Big so both exist side-by-side with no diffi-
plain little, however, since they are Heads (or other yakuza gangs) for
also buying protection. The Big Heads employment. Thus, the Big Heads culty.
ensure that no harm comes to those always have a pool of recruits to draw Like the Big Head Gang, the Worth-
who pay, either from rival yakuza, bel- upon.
less Flower Gang is organized accord-
ligerent samarai, or themselves. Of The Worthless Flower Gang ing to the oyabun/kobun relationship.
course, those who refuse have all Its rules demand secrecy and abso-
manner of misfortune—fires, beatings The second yakuza group in the city is lute loyalty to the oyabun. Also forbid-
and mysterious accidents. But still, the Worthless Flower Gang, a band of den are theft and other petty crimes.
the Big Head gang protects the com- bakuto (gambler) yakuza. Unlike the Gang members advance within the
mon people from the outrages of the Big Heads, the Worthless Flower ranks by experience—improving their
samurai. With the income gained from Gang specializes in gambling opera- gambling skills, demonstrating their
these operations, the Big Heads make tions of all types. The Worthless courage in street battles, and showing
loans at a suitably high interest rate. Flower Gang is trying to control all
This in turn makes the upper class forms of gambling within the city of their loyalty to the oyabun.
families—wealthy merchants and Nakamaru and the surrounding post The Worthless Flower Gang gath-
samurai—dependent upon them. towns. Most center around dice and
card games. In the post towns of the ers its recruits from many of the same
The Big Heads are organized in a highways leading in and out of Naka- places as the Big Heads—the eta and
family type relationship. At the head is maru, the Worthless Flower Gang the common folk. However, gambling
the oyabun (father). Under him are the organizes card games for the travel-
underboss, deputies, warriors, and ing samurai and noblemen, moving to is still a more respectable activity over
apprentices. They are all known as and from the capital. These games being a merchant, so poor and mas-
kobun. The Big Heads have three are not overtly dishonest, but the odds terless samurai have been known to
basic rules that govern what they do— are heavily in favor of the bakuto. Still, join the gang. Aside from their skill in
they are clever enough to see that weapons, these ronin provide the
not to have anything to do with the many of the players leave with a small bakuto with important contacts in the
wife of another Big Head, not to talk amount of winnings, enough to upper classes and a sense of samurai
about the Big Heads, and to abso- ensure their return. honor, which they try to live in their
lutely obey the oyabun. These rules
are final. If they are broken, the In Nakamaru, the Worthless Flower own way.
Gang operates regular gambling The Worthless Flower Gang has
offender is cast out of the Big Heads games at several of the houses of
and the oyabun sends out word that entertainment. Here their men super- received official recognition from the
no shelter or safety will be given him vise the games of the house, taking a local government and so their opera-
by any other yakuza group. cut of the profits for the gang. Their
customers come from all walks of tions are seldom troubled by the
Because the Big Heads have life—simple fishermen and carpen- police. Indeed, the gang originally
authority over much of the trade within ters to haughty samurai. To prevent came into being when the local dai-
Nakamaru province and hold IOU’s myo needed to swindle money from
on important officials of the city, they 19 his workmen while Nakamaru Castle
are semi-officially recognized by the was being built. The daimyo paid the
government of the area. When difficul- workmen their wages and then hired
gamblers to win the money back from
them. The gamblers and the daimyo
shared in the profits and the workmen

were left with just enough to care for followers, are better equipped to pro- The Hijo do not actually live in
their families. tect themselves. Nakamaru, instead claiming a small
village deep in the mountains. Here
Now, however, the situation is For all their influence elsewhere, the bulk of the clan lives, free to prac-
somewhat reversed, as the bakuto however, the Black Mist Gang has not tice their “mountain-style” ninjitsu
prey on the samurai and many have gained the official recognition of the away from prying eyes. However,
large gambling debts they must pay local government. This, perhaps more many members of the family can be
off. Meanwhile, the bakuto are careful than anything, has hampered their found in the city —if one knows where
to keep anyone from owing them too growth in the city. Where the Big Head
much money. Penniless commoners and Worthless Flower Gangs can to look. Some act as minor advisors to
would no longer come to their games count on the blind eye of the local the Funada family, others are lay
and samurai enraged over their debts authorities, the Black Mist must con- monks at the local monasteries. One
would simply refuse to pay. Both tinually be on their guard against the poses as the owner of a small tea shop
events would leave the Worthless police and local samurai. Thus, for in the entertainment district. They do
Flower Gang out in the cold. local support, they have positioned not have any special recognition sign
themselves as supporters of the For- or badge, since each knows all others
The Black Mist Gang eign District. Where the other yakuza of the clan. Thus, they are very diffi-
ignore or prey on this neighborhood, cult to detect in normal life.
Newly settled in the Nakamaru area, closing their ranks to foreign member-
the Black Mist Gang is both a tekiya ship, the Black Mist have actively The head of the clan is known as the
and bakuto yakuza group. The Black encouraged members from the scum sensei or master. He, with the advice
Mist have been trying to gain control that hover around the foreign mer- of other respected elders, decides all
of all illegal activities in the city of chants and captains. In return, they
Nakamaru, an ambition not well- provide special protection to the pow- the strategy of the clan and deter-
received by either the Big Head or erful Shou Lung traders, providing mines all assignments. No family
Worthless Flower gangs. Based in the them with contacts, information, and
Foreign District, the Black Mist has introductions normally beyond their action can be undertaken without his
viciously taken territory away from the reach. Unsuspected by the powerful approval, although he does allow the
other two gangs. The confrontations of Nakamaru, the Black Mist are just elders to handle and approve smaller
between the groups have led to beginning to gain high-level influence routine assignments. To come to the
bloody street battles, fought in the as the go-betweens in delicate mat- attention of the sensei can be very
middle of the night. Although an out- ters between Shou Lung and Wa con- good or very bad. For exceptional skill
sider to Nakamaru, the Black Mist cerns.
Gang apparently has powerful influ- and cleverness, he gives rewards of
ence elsewhere in Wa for, despite pro- The Ninja harder and more difficult assign-
tests from the oyabun of the other ments, a sign of great favor. But for
gangs, no action has been taken The Hijo Clan incompetence and failure he has little
against them. patience, often rewarding the bungler
Highly secretive but immensely pow- with death as an example to all others.
Like the other yakuza groups, the erful within Nakamaru are the Hijo. A He is a very hard man.
Black Mist use an oyabun/kobun rela- hidden clan of professional ninja, the
tionship and hold roughly similar laws Hijo have close ties to the Funada The Hijo primarily fill their ranks
and regulations. However, the Black family, acting as their sole agents in
Mist is divided into different branches, most nefarious activities. These ties from within their own families, adopt-
based on the type of activity. Some are more than simple loyalty or greed, ing only a few from outside the blood-
kobun specialize in tekiya-style work, having their roots deep in ancient tra- line. This has ensured the clan’s
others in bakuto activities. In addition, dition and giri — a sense of obligation knowledge and respect for the tradi-
the Black Mist has a third arm, the and duty. The Hijo are irrevocably tied
gurentai. These yakuza are thugs, to Funada whatever their fortunes. tions of the past, as well as increased
providing the muscle the other two And yet, at the same time, the Hijo are loyalty. However, not all in the family
arms need. Backed by the gurentai, free to pursue their own ambitions and are suited physically and tempera-
the Black Mist Gang has made violent schemes. It is only when these conflict mentally to the this life and there have
attacks on the headquarters of the Big with the plans of the Funada that the
Head Gang. To date they have not intolerable arises and the Hijo must been some who have left, never to
made a direct raid against the Worth- sacrifice their own aims to satisfy giri. return. Many such renegade mem-
less Flower Gang who, with their ronin bers have met with unpleasant
20 deaths, but in the city of Nakamaru

two have managed to become suc-
cessful merchants. These two are still
required to give aid and support to the
clan, but are otherwise left out of the
family’s darker affairs.

The Phoenix Clan skills, the youth is adopted, officially many sects that has grown out of the
becoming a son of the sponsor. He original teachings of the Path of
The Phoenix are the ninja of the changes his name to show this adopt- Enlightenment. Founded in the year
Goshukara family and have been so ion and may even move in with his 1358 by the great teacher Saizu, the
for about 100 years. While they do not new “father”. His old family, once the sect’s main temple is located just out-
have the tradition of the Hijo family, farewells are said, is forgotten and all side the capital. The sect, while adher-
they are very ambitious and deter- blood ties are considered to be lost. ing to the overall precepts of the Path
mined. They are also intensively He must be obedient to his new father of Enlightenment, places emphasis
secretive, even more so than the mys- as a proper son would be, following
terious Hijo. Their family name, if they his will in all things. on the intervention of various deities
have one is unknown as is their origin and great teachers, who ensure the
and current base of operations. Their When his father dies, the adopted well-being of their followers. The
operations in Nakamaru may only be son can have a reasonable expecta- sect’s practices are not too difficult,
a branch of larger schemes or may be tion of assuming the father’s role as making them popular with the com-
their true base. It is impossible to say. head of the household, claiming both moners of the city. Thus, the Shining
the name and the property, especially Mountain Sect has a great deal of
The members of the clan carry no if there are no other male children in popularity within the city.
sign to indicate their loyalty and only the line. In this way, new blood and
know a few other members. Their vigor is constantly brought into the The great teachers of the sect have
head is a woman, a shadowy figure Phoenix clan. However it also followed a vigorous program of build-
called the Serpent. Although all mem- increases the risks of bad judgment in ing, often with the support of the impe-
bers, natural or adopted, have met her adoptions and treachery by outsiders. rial, shogunal, or local governments.
at least once, none can identify her. Therefore, adoptive candidates are
She always speaks from behind a very carefully screened (in secret, of Each province has a provincial temple
screen in a faint and whispery voice. course!). Currently, there are about 30 under which are local subscriber tem-
Seen with her is a large hunting dog, members of the Phoenix clan in Naka- ples. Part of the donations collected
its head resting in her lap. This dog is maru. from these small temples are sent to
vicious and trained to follow all her the provincial temple. These in turn
commands. At meetings with low The Temples and use the money for building projects or
ranked members or grand councils, Shrines send it to the capital. Entrusted with
she is known to have four bodyguards this financial responsibility and the
on hand at all times. However, such is While the Funada and Goshukara
their skill that these men are rarely, if struggle for political power and the support of the citizenry, the provincial
ever, seen. yakuza vie for the rule of the city, the temples such as the one at Nakamaru
different sects of Nakamaru contend
The Phoenix ninja have decided for the greater glory of their temples wield great power.
that their best chance to prosper and and shrines. Although they claim to be The Nakamaru temple of the sect is
grow lies with the Goshukara family. politically neutral, most are actively
To this end, they have been helping involved in political life, seeking spe- a moderate-sized operation. The tem-
the Goshukara for a century now. cial favors and treatment for their reli- ple compound is the home for 100
Their ties are not nearly as close as gion. gakusho and shukenja and a monas-
those of the Hijo and the Funada, and tery of 10 monks. In addition, the tem-
the Phoenix have been known to act Within Nakamaru, the most power- ple maintains a force of 200 sohei.
purely in their own self-interest. But at ful religious groups are the temples of Nearly all of these are fiercely loyal to
the same time, they know they can get the Path of Enlightenment. These the temple, although there have been
away with this, for the Goshukara temples are more than local cults. rare incidents of treachery among the
need their services dearly and cannot Organized on a national scale, they sohei in the past. These sohei have a
afford to be without them. are rich and influential groups. Pri- traditional feud with the sohei of the
marily concerned with their own wel-
Unlike the Hijo, who recruit primari- fare, they side with whoever will best Winter Sect.
ly from within their family, the Phoenix support their temple. The current abbot of the temple is a
Clan freely adopts promising mem-
bers into its organization. When a The Shining Mountain Sect distant nephew of the shogun, a mem-
youth shows promise or natural talent ber of the Funada family, son of Mitsu-
in the arts of ninjitsu, he is sponsored The Shining Mountain is one of the hide. As such, his loyalties are very
by an older and more respected mem- much with the shogun and the dai-
ber of the clan. Upon proving his 21
myo. He, and his temple, have
received generous donations and tax
exemptions. The Shining Mountain

Sect is called upon to lead most cere-
monies at the local court, a presti-
gious honor.

The Winter Sect sons are tutored by the shukenja of god to the trials of everyday life.
the temple. The shrine receives a number of
The followers of this particular sect of
the Path of Enlightenment are com- The compound consists of a small offerings from those who come to
monly samurai and bushi. The teach- private temple staffed by ten shukenja pray—bundles of arrows and armor
ings, a mixture of the Path of and a larger public set of buildings. are common from warriors. The rest is
Enlightenment and the Way (found in Overall there are 40 shukenja of vary- money or goods useful to the shuken-
Shou Lung) stress principles of action ing levels in the compound. Attached ja and monks of the shrine. The shrine
and non-action. According to the Win- to the temple is a small monastery of is small, having only 10 shukenja and
ter Sect, true understanding is 10 monks. These monks are hostile to a monastery of 20 monks. However,
reached only when a person knows the monks of the Shrine of Tsuyoi-no- the monastery has a reputation for the
how to act without acting, to react kami school. However, due to its mili- skill and valor of its disciples. They are
without thought. For the perfect disci- tary ties, the temple is able to maintain often called to give special instruction
ple, every action is natural and a force of 250 sohei. These sohei are to the daimyo’s family or to the sons of
unplanned—it occurs simply because constantly feuding with the Shining his powerful retainers. Unique among
the disciple knows it is the right action. Mountain sect. They are commanded the monasteries of Nakamaru, this
Warriors see practical uses for all this, by Kidera Ujisato, the oldest son of one accepts women, training them
especially the art of learning to act Kidera Takeshi. In addition, in times of equal to men.
without thinking. They feel that mas- trouble, the temple could call for
tering this philosophy allows them to another 300 to 500 warriors from the Politically, the shrine of Tsuyoi-no-
strike with blinding speed in combat, local samurai families. kami has no over-riding ambitions.
as the hand moves the sword before However, it does have a tradition of
the brain has even commanded it. Politically, the temple is torn. The rebellion and conspiracy, dating back
abbot wishes to remain neutral in any to the times of the Shou Lung inva-
To reach this lofty state requires rig- impending struggles. However, sion. Since then the shrine has been a
orous, even draconian, training. The Kidera Ujisato comes from an imperial popular meeting ground for sedition-
disciple must practice for hours at family and so bears ancient and deep ists, malcontents, thieves and scoun-
releasing his body and mind, detaching ties to the Goshukara family. How- drels. As such, the Goshukara have
his thoughts and emotions from his ever, he is restrained from any rash been using the place for discreet
actions. If his mind is preoccupied by action both by his own loyalties to the meetings and the yakuza gangs have
troubles or fears, it will interfere with his Funada and the fact that many of his used the shrine as a neutral territory to
actions. Then he must work even longer sohei are related to the samurai fami- hold parleys. It is even said that one
to combine the two again making his lies of the city. The Goshukara are can find a ninja at the shrine, if only
now calm mind act as one with his body. making discreet but determined one knows where to look.
This is not easily done and requires attempts to win the temple over to
intense dedication. As such, the Winter their side through donations and quiet Other Temples and Shrines
Sect is not popular with the common support of any petitions the sect plac-
masses. They have little time to waste es before the government. Within Nakamaru, there are numer-
upon such philosophical pursuits. It has ous other small sects and shrines, as
become the domain of the educated The Shrine of Tsuyoi-no-kami many as you might care to add. How-
and the warrior. ever, none of these contribute greatly
Of all the myriad shrines of Naka- to the factions of the city. Instead, they
The temple of the Winter Sect at maru, who follow the beliefs of the are concerned more with the day-to-
Nakamaru is loosely tied to the sect’s Eight Million Gods, the shrine of day life of the people, seeing to their
temple at the capital. The organiza- Tsuyoi-no-kami, the War-God, is the needs and their own survival. There
tion is not as thorough as the Shining most revered. General Yoshibei, who are even strange temples in the For-
Mountain Sect, as the Winter Sect’s defended Nakamaru in the first Shou eign District, but these are not con-
philosophy is much more indepen- Lung invasion, has been elevated to cerned with the power struggles of
dent minded. Therefore, the Winter the position of a local deity. Samurai, Nakamaru. Still, the base of one of
Sect carries less influence in the bushi and even common folk come to these uninvolved groups may be used
courts of the shogun. However, the pray at his shrine. The prayers of the for any shukenja players in the cam-
local temple is strongly supported by warriors are simple enough—success paign. Sohei player characters must
the local samurai families, particularly in combat, fortune in duels. The com- either belong to one of the temples
the Kidera and the Nagoya. The sect mon folk come to pray for favor in listed above or belong to a temple
has potent indirect influence in the great endeavors—it is easy enough from another city. There are no other
daimyo’s court since many samurai for them to expand the role of a war- sohei groups in the city.

22

The Foreign instructions to Yin-kung T’o and hears of these plots have been aimed
any reports in turn. Its fearsome against the Society by the emperor’s
Factions appearance and fiery temper more command, but others have been more
than sufficiently terrify even the sinister, Gorath’s orders coming not
Royal Vagabonds stoutest of the Royal Vagabonds.
Rumors of the fates of traitors at the from the emperor but from his true
The Royal Vagabonds are a small hands of such a creature also help master, who remains unknown.
group of approximately ten members encourage the agents to be loyal.
who operate out of the house of Yin- Working with Chih in Nakamaru are
kung T’o, a Shou Lung merchant. The Many-Hued Peacock Society about 16 other members of the socie-
Royal Vagabonds are much like the ty, though none have the lineage or
ninja of Wa, secretly striking in the Another import from the Shou Lung reputation of Liu-hsai Chih. Some
night. However, the Royal Vagabonds Empire is the Many-Hued Peacock members are Shou Lung noblemen
are in the service of the Emperor Chin, Society. This group is part of a long fallen on hard times and driven into
reporting to the Shou Lung Imperial tradition in Shou Lung, a secret socie- commerce. Others are wealthy mer-
Censor, a bureaucratic secret police. ty with a centuries-old history and chants seeking advancement. A few
Those of Wa know naught of the exist- goal. The Many-Hued Peacock Socie- are humble traders, angered and frus-
ence of this group, but the prudent ty has for 500 years striven to over- trated by the numerous imperial
men of Shou Lung live in terror of their throw the imperial rule and establish monopolies, regulations, and taxes
very name. The Royal Vagabonds can the independence of those noble fam- that hinder them. All have been
each be identified by a magical sigil ilies that form its members. That it has instructed in the importance of
set on their chests. This sign is nor- not succeeded in 500 years has not patience and planning and most do
mally unseen to normal sight, but will dampened the enthusiasm of its mem-
appear as a faint pattern of welts when bers. Indeed, they are notorious for not expect great advancements dur-
the appropriate phrase is spoken. taking the “long view” towards any ing their own lifetimes. Some day,
Membership within the Royal Vaga- goal. Within the innermost circles however, they believe their families
bonds is a select and highly coveted plans are frequently charted for the will come into importance and power
position, for the word of any member decades and centuries ahead. And because of their association with the
carries great power in the capital. this is done with good reason, as Liu-
Such is the risk of abuse that each hsia Chih well knows. Many Hued Peacock.
member not only watches the activi- Currently, the Society is in Naka-
ties of those they are to investigate, Liu-hsia Chih is the leader of the
but also the activities of his fellows. Many Hued Peacock Society in Naka- maru to revive, foster and promote old
maru, an elderly man just reaching
This group of the Royal Vagabonds that point where others will see him as alliances with the ruling families of the
have been sent to Wa posing as a venerable sage. But, his looks belie, province. This is all part of the greater
clerks, seamen and couriers. Their his age, for he is far older than the 60 plan. While others on the mainland
orders are to seek out and learn the or so years he appears. Known only to
activities and intentions of the Many- a few is the fact that Liu-hsia Chih is work to obtain offices, special exemp-
Hued Peacock Society, an anti- one of the founders of the Many Hued tions, and favorable edicts (which
Emperor group. So far they have Peacock Society 500 years ago. Magi- over the decades will erode imperial
learned only a little, all of which has cal spells and potions combined with power), those in Wa are working to
been duly reported to the Imperial a rigorous life of contemplation and build a powerbase here for the day
Censor. philosophy have given Chih unnatural when the Many Hued Peacock will be
years. Unsurprisingly, he is one of the able to operate openly. This, however,
The chief operator of the Royal Vag- Inner Council of the Society, a group requires the protection and favor of
abonds in Wa is Yin-kung T’o himself. chaired by men and women like him- first the local samurai, then the dai-
However, the true leadership of the self. More surprising is that his prime myo, and finally the shogunal court.
group comes from a mysterious nemesis for nearly all his career has
being, known as the Gorath, who been the unrelenting creature Gorath. Currently the Society is only in the
claims to be an official of the Celestial Their first meeting was 457 years ago beginning stages of its plan. To reach
Bureaucracy. Its origins are unknown and they parted on less-than-pleasant the local samurai and conceal its
but it has faithfully conveyed the wish- terms. Chih has remained calmly intentions, the Society has been meet-
es of the Emperor Chin. The Gorath watchful ever since, delighting in foil- ing as a literary club to study the clas-
appears magically in the midst of ing the machinations of Gorath. Some sics of Shou Lung. Many samurai
group meetings, obediently gives any
23 send their sons to study these refined
arts and Chih and the others have
been slowly filling their heads with

anti-imperial views.
At the same time, Chih has been

making careful contacts with the com-
mon classes of Nakamaru. He knows

Gorath and the Royal Vagabonds are that Grey Blossom detachments are between Shou Lung and Wa. While
coming, if not already in Nakamaru, always paired with equal or greater they seldom bag immensely rich car-
and he knows they will fight him. He numbers of his own men. They do not gos (these are normally sent by magi-
has been looking for willing warriors command positions of great trust and cal means), they do quite well
and thugs for the coming battle. In are often used for the most arduous reselling the common goods they
addition, he would greatly like to and unpleasant tasks. The daimyo seize. These appear in markets
obtain the services of a ninja or vaga- and the soldiers of Nakamaru con- throughout Wa and Kozakura.
bond to scout out his enemy and do sider them expendable and will cer-
those things he cannot. He has made tainly not risk their own lives for a Grey What is not commonly known is that
contact with the Black Mist Gang and Blossom man. The regiment’s only Nakamaru is one of the wako bases.
considers them useful, if unreliable. protection is for its men to watch each From here they receive secret support
other’s backs, since no one else will of the Funada family who grants them
The Grey Blossom Regiment do it for them. The commander has use of the port in exchange for a por-
also found it very wise to remain apo- tion of all goods taken. Still, they try to
Unique to Nakamaru, the Grey Blos- litical in the affairs of Wa. He knows keep out of sight as much as possible.
som Regiment is a tightly-knit group of how the political winds blow, but will There is always a chance that a Shou
men. Originally a garrison troop of the not commit his regiment to a faction Lung merchant will recognize them or
Shou Lung occupation, the Grey Blos- unless he must. Even then, he doesn’t their ship. Too much notoriety will only
som Regiment remained behind when accept the best contract, he joins the bring the shogun’s agents down upon
the occupation was finally broken. cause most likely to win. them. Already there have been sev-
Applying to the local daimyo (with a eral complaints from Shou Lung
persuasive force of arms), the regi- As a mercenary unit, the Grey Blos- envoys.
ment was allowed to remain in Naka- som accepts small contracts from
maru under its own charter, provided most who offer them. Many such con- The principal concern of the wako is
it swore allegiance to the daimyo. This tracts are for bodyguards for travel- to stay alive and learn of new ship-
allegiance has now become little more lers, or marines to protect local ments coming and going from Naka-
than a formality since the Regiment shipping from pirates. The Funada maru. The various captains have their
has become a permanent mercenary family also employs them for various own agents within the city, particularly
troop, normally in the service of the tasks, particularly those that keep it in the waterfront and foreign districts.
local daimyo. outside the city. Of late, the Grey Blos- Wako sailors, when in port, are natu-
som Regiment has been sounded out rally drawn to the gambling rooms of
The Grey Blossom Regiment num- by the Many Hued Peacock Society the yakuza. Not surprisingly, many of
bers 500 men, normally bushi select- and under observation by the Royal them become involved in drunken,
ed from applicants who present Vagabonds. The Goshukara have swaggering brawls.
themselves before the commander. managed to subvert several junior
Foreigners are preferred and those officers and are hoping for the day The Goblin Rats
from Nakamaru are the least likely to when they will gain the loyalty of the
be accepted. The commander is regiment for their own ends. On the outskirts of the city, in an older
fiercely jealous of his regiment’s inde- section near the marshes, are a few
pendence and is constantly suspi- The Other Factions blocks of dilapidated and abandoned
cious of attempts to subvert the buildings. This area has a dark and
regiment’s purpose. None of the offi- Wako gruesome reputation. In one house
cers are natives of Wa. The men of the the mistress went mad; in another, the
regiment are encouraged to keep Plying the oceans mainly to the north children disappeared never to be
their own customs and are discour- and west of Nakamaru and to a lesser seen again. Across the street, the
aged from adopting too many of the extent the straits to the east, are the master was executed for treason,
native ways. wako — pirates of the ocean. Their rep- while the ruin several houses down
utation is well-known, heartless killers was once a prosperous mansion
Of course, the regiment is not fully who leave survivors only by accident. which was destroyed by fire. It is said
independent. Its every action is It is only in the past several years that there are spirits everywhere, moaning
watched over by the Controller Gen- they have become active in these through the willow trees.
eral, a samurai official appointed by waters. Always careful, they prey on
the daimyo. There is an uneasy truce ships well out tacking close to the pop- This area is the abode of a clan of
between the bushi of the daimyo and ulated shore. Their favorite victims goblin rats. During the day, the rats
his retainers and the men of the Grey are the merchant junks sailing generally remain in their rat form, pref-
Blossom. The daimyo makes certain erably out of sight. At night, they take
24 on their characteristic ratman shape

and slip through the darkest streets of attracted to the commotion. In the The Kuei
the city. They prey upon the weak, morning, Lord Funada’s men arrived,
unwary, and besotted, often cruelly only to find him dead. The shrine has Seventeen years ago, Lord Toragi,
teasing their victims before the kill. never been reopened, since all have uncle of Lord Mitsuhide (the current
They also lurk about the cemeteries been repelled by the horror of his daimyo of Nakamaru), secretly
and temples, awaiting the chance to deeds. pledged his aid to the Goshukara
desecrate the dead, an evil practice in cause. Before he could fulfill his
which they take great delight. Recently, disease has struck the pledge, he was banished at the orders
neighborhood. It is being caused by a of the shogun, framed by a plot cre-
The Oni tigbanua buso. True to his horrid spe- ated by his younger brother (see the
cies, the creature has taken residence Timeline). Now his kuei seeks to pos-
Lurking near the Temple of the Shin- in the old shrine intent upon causing sesses an able and noble warrior so
ing Mountain is a large and savage the destruction of humankind. The that he can fulfill his pledge of service
common oni. For many weeks, he has tigbanua’s goal is to steadily convert to the Goshukara. The kuei lurks on
been terrorizing those commoners as many locals as possible into taga- the grounds of the castle, particularly
who come to the temple during the maling buso. Given the timid nature of that of the second bailey where the
early morning and late night hours. the locals, he will succeed unless sentence was pronounced.
The creature has taken exception to some brave soul comes forward to
what he considers the noisy boastful- stop him. The Emissary of the Sea Lord
ness of the temple’s shukenja and is
exacting his revenge. Although the The Ikiryo Only recently arrived in Nakamaru is a
sohei of the temple have searched, strange youth, clearly one of the Spirit
the creature has managed to avoid Six months ago, Funada Mitsuhide Folk. He arrived at dawn and was car-
discovery. It is currently hiding in a brought a new wife into his household, ried in a palanquin to an old mansion
deserted watchman’s post on a desti- a charming and delicate woman, escorted by an armed retinue in the
tute and bleak street. barely more than a girl. Not unnatu- style of a powerful lord. Since arriving,
rally, Lord Mitsuhide has granted her he has done nothing but make his
The Human Oni more time and attention than his other presence conspicuous to the samurai
two wives, to whom he is somewhat of the city, never offensive but always
Sometimes seen wandering about the accustomed. This is not a situation visible.
city is a fearsome oni, who terrifies all that has set well with his Inner wife or
who see him. However, he does not his second wife. However, the Inner The stranger is a special envoy of
seem intent on particular harm. This wife is clever enough to bide her time the Sea Lord, the great spirit noble of
oni was human in a previous life and is in silence, knowing that this infatua- the oceans. He has been sent on a
now seeking out a particular holy man tion will pass. diplomatic mission to Nakamaru to
for guidance to attain a more perfect formally protest the failure of Wa to
spiritual self. The second wife is not nearly so make proper offerings to the Sea
patient or reasoned. Before the arrival Lord. As demanded by the etiquette of
The Buso of Lady Nyo (Nyo-ko), she held the his rank, race, and custom, he has
principal affections of her husband. made no attempt to contact the dai-
At the end of one of the poorer blocks Now she fears she is being pushed myo, waiting instead for a summons to
of Nakamaru stands a deserted aside. Her children will be forgotten in appear before Lord Mitsuhide. He will
shrine. The once raked yard is now favor of those of the Inner Wife and consider the employ of any well-
overgrown. The shingles of the roof Lady Nyo. She is terrified and furious disciplined warrior but is not directly
have begun to slough off. The floor- at the thought of this, but fears to do looking to provoke any hostilities. The
boards are weak and rotten. Sixty anything. Thus, she is being con- Funada have some general idea of his
years ago this was a flourishing site, sumed by secret jealous rage. mission but are loathe to do anything
well-patronized by the neighbors. But Unknown to her, this has released an until they receive a similar envoy from
then one of the shukenja committed lkiryo to plague Lady Nyo. It’s haunt- the shogun. Obviously, there is a
sacrilege. Breaking into the sacred ings have only recently begun and great deal of tension among the Funa-
sake, he became quite drunk and currently no one suspects the ikiryo’s da samurai concerning the Envoy’s
then, sword in hand, defiled the shrine presence. Lord Mitsuhide will not will- men.
with the blood of his fellows. Con- ingly begin an investigation, not wish-
sumed by his madness, he locked ing to admit any disharmony in his
himself inside after driving away those household.

25

The Hengeyokai Society not been able to effectively protest suggest they protest directly to the
these edicts and so have resorted to shogun—an honorable but ultimately
In the last two years, the restrictive forming bandit groups and secret fatal thing to do. Still another group
edicts of the shogun have been bands. wants to flee into the forests, aban-
increasingly directed at controlling the doning the world of men. Currently
hengeyokai. More and more the free- One such group has arisen in Naka- each view is held with equal force.
doms this race had, being outside the maru. Meeting under the pretense of However, the hengeyokai, whatever
normal society, are being taken away. studying the classics, the hengeyokai their opinion, are looking for more of
Not surprisingly, this has met with lit-
tle joy among the hengeyokai. Never debate among themselves as to their their kind to join the society. Any new
organized or overly social, they have course of action. Some advocate vio- recruits could swing the balance
lent protest so that they might at least towards one of the three views.
preserve their face and honor. Others

26

The Plots of Nakamaru

Within the city of Nakamaru are nearly enhance the overall story! Suggestions on ways the player char-
endless opportunities for adventure. acters can become involved in the
Many of these are evident just from The Plot Overviews plot.

reading the descriptions of the differ- The plot overviews given here are A. Blood of the Yakuza
ent factions of the city, their troubles, detailed descriptions of the events
and goals. Even more adventures can that will occur for any scheme to reach The Plot: The Black Mist gang is
be created by the DM, using Naka- its realization. In a way these are attempting to expand its borders
maru the way it is intended—as a set- much like little plays. Each is present- again, at the expense of the Big Head
ting for a campaign filled with ed with a cast of characters involved, gang. However, their bullying of the
various events that are used to play Big Heads has far greater repercus-
adventure of your own creation. In out the plot and detailed descriptions sions than anyone expected, drawing
addition, a main story plotline and sev- of the steps and schemes of each. samurai and yakuza alike into the
eral sub-plots are in this module. Play- What these descriptions do not take affair that threatens the daimyo him-
er characters may immediately into account are the actions of the self.
become involved in some of these, player characters. No attempt has
others may build slowly and patiently been made to calculate what the char- The Actors: Jirozu no Nakamaru,
until the player characters are in a acters might do in any situation or Goshukara Sadamoto, Goshukara
position to become involved in them. even what the possible reaction of an Akinari, O-Kaze, Phoenix ninja, Big
NPC might be to player character Head thugs, Black Mist thugs,
There may even be some plots in actions. The player characters are Worthless Flower thugs, Funada
which the player characters never simply too unpredictable. One group Mitsuhide, Funada Toyoo, Funada
become involved. Do not despair! might join forces on one side, another Hashiba, Kidera family, Winter
There is always another adventure group on the other side. It is even Sect sohei, Shining Mountain
around the corner. likely that a single group of player sohei, Tsuga family, Gamo family,
characters might find themselves split Sasabe family
The story plots given here are between two opposing factions!
Unlike most roleplaying adventures, The Story: For several weeks now, the
divided into two parts. The first is an this result is actively encouraged. This Black Mist gang has lain quiet, biding
overview of each plot, detailing who is is a module about schemes and plots its time for another move into Big
trying to do what to whom and what is and the player characters should Head territory. Now it seems the time
Iikely to come of it. These descriptions always be encouraged to become has come.
assume the player characters do not entangled in these webs.
become involved and that everything Taking advantage of a festival at a
happens according to plan. The plots of Nakamaru are constant minor shrine, the Big Head gang has
and ever-flowing. Before beginning, organized a small showing of ped-
The second part is the Events. be sure that you have read over sev- dlers and con men. They will cluster
These are the occurrences outlined in eral if not all these plots. These are not about the gate, hawking their cheap
the various plots, and will give your single adventures to be played out goods and promising great riches.
actors the setting they need to play before another begins. Several plots Among the tekiya are fortunetellers
out their parts. Some of these events should be happening at once. Ideally, and pick pockets. The peddlers sell all
are dangerous, filled with opportuni- your players will have to make notes manner of worthless items, lying
ties for swordplay, derring-do, and about who is who and what side they about their value and origin. Some
magic. Others are very social events are on just to keep things straight. pretend to be drunk; others have tales
This only serves to increase their of misery and hard luck, forcing them
that can only be played by acting out involvement in the game. to sell at low prices. Among them also
scenes and confrontations. Many are the “collectors,” gathering the
Each overview has its information rent from those honest stalls that were
players will find these very different arranged as follows: 1) A summary of “invited” to attend. Although their
from their normal roleplaying experi- the goal of the plot. 2) The NPCs who methods are cutthroat and crooked,
ences. will be involved in the plot. Others may the festival is generally a colorful and
become involved, but those listed are happy affair. Since it is small, the Big
These two elements, along with the definitely used. 3) A detailed descrip- Head gang has little concern that
descriptions of the factions and the tion of the plot and how it unfolds if the there will be trouble. They are wrong.
NPC book, are the basic tools needed player characters are not involved. 4)
to create intrigue and mystery in Into this happy scene come ten
Nakamaru. But only the basics. You, 27

as the director of this little play, must
provide life and inspiration to your
actors. Like actors, NPCs will only do
what you ask or make them do. Don’t
hesitate to create scenes of drama,
humor and excitement if they

Black Mist gurentai. Casually entering Naturally, this does not sit well with by those who wish to know. Two
at first, they start to throw their weight either gang. The Black Mist have little groups in particular are especially
around. Stall owners are told, “Pay choice but to temporarily disappear interested in this meeting. The Black
while their contacts in the Foreign Dis- Mist gang, paranoid and suspicious,
your rents to the Black Mist. Those trict (several of the larger Shou Lung decides the meeting must never take
weak-eyed fellows can’t protect you merchants) attempt to sway Lord Mit- place. Gathering the best of their
anymore.” There is a protest from one suhide’s opinion. Meanwhile, the tem- gurentai, they plot a raid to finally and
old fellow. Suddenly, there is a crash! ples and shrines of the city also begin totally eliminate the Big Heads. With
to work on the daimyo, this time in the tekiya gang destroyed, there will
His table has collapsed and his collec- favor of the Big Head gang. Without be no more dispute and the Black Mist
tion of wares are strewn into the the services of the gang, the temples will be able to operate freely again.
street. Before anyone can decipher and shrines will have to collect their Furthermore, the Black Mist will have
how, swords and knives flash in a own rents. Some temples welcome
brief, fierce battle. Three men drop, this, enabling them to raise the shop- solved Lord Funada’s problem for
owners’ rents, which is still less than him. Thus the gang should be able to
wounded or dead, and the Big Heads what the owners paid to the yakuza. replace the Big Heads with little trou-
scatter. Laughing at the cowardice of
the Big Heads, the Black Mist leave. Other temples are unprepared to do ble. However, first the Big Head orga-
their own collection, preferring the Big
When the Big Heads return, not Head gang handle the business. nization must be destroyed.
These groups strongly favor leniency The night of the meeting, the Black
only do they find their comrades dead, for the Big Heads. Gradually, the oth-
but they can plainly see their deaths er factions of the city are drawn into Mist gang will attack the Big Heads
were gruesome and cruel. A few hot- the dispute. throughout the city. Their goal is to

heads demand an immediate retalia- The lines are drawn into three destroy the gang in a single night,
tion, but the oyabun counsels camps. The smallest and least impor- quickly and before anyone can inter-
patience and planning. It is his inten- tant in the dispute are the Black Mist fere. However, things do not work out
tion to wait for the right moment and gang, the Shou Lung merchants, and as planned. The Worthless Flower
strike when crushing success is guar- thus, indirectly, the Many Hued Pea-
anteed. For a time his gang will lose gang has been waiting its chance and
business, but he calculates they can- cock Society and the Royal Vaga- when the Black Mist move, the Worth-
not win an open war against the Black bonds (although neither is aware of less Flowers strike. They do not want
Mist. the other). The group siding with Lord the Black Mist to win, since this would
Mitsuhide (against the Big Head and
Several days pass in inaction and Black Mist gangs) includes the power- make them the most powerful gang in
the discontent among the radicals of ful Funada family, the Shining Moun- the city. Shortly after the fighting
the Big Heads increases. Finally, thir- tain Temple and all the Loyal families, starts, the Black Mist finds itself under
ty of them, unable to bear the shame except the Oe (who are trying to attack!
any longer, seek out the oyabun of the remain uncommitted in the affair). The
Black Mist at his headquarters. They third faction (desiring clemency for the At the same time, Goshukara Sada-
don’t even get close to him. On the Big Heads) includes the Winter Sect moto sees a chance to totally ruin the
street outside another great bloody temple, the Tsuyoi-no-kami Shrine, Funada. He persuades his brother to
battle ensues. During it, several unfor- the Goshukara family, the Kidera fam- his plan and they contact the Phoenix
ily (due to their support of the Winter clan. They hire the Phoenix to slay the
tunate commoners are cut down. This Sect), and the Arao (who are showing Big Head oyabun, but not until he is
battle catches the attention of the dai- discreet support for the Goshukara within the grounds of the Funada com-
myo; indeed with about 50 brawlers without directly proclaiming them- pound. Furthermore, it must appear to
selves). On the sidelines, the Worth- all that the Funada were behind the
there is no way it can be ignored. less Flower Gang are patiently waiting deed. The Goshukara ask no details
Normally, he would not concern and scheming in order to profit from of the Phoenix clan, explaining only
the misfortunes of the other gangs. what they need done. The price is
himself overly with the affairs of the steep since the task is very danger-
yakuza as long as they keep to them- Lord Mitsuhide, in a serious bind, ous, but the Goshukara and Phoenix
selves. He has only minor information summons the oyabun of the Big Head manage to come to terms.
on the affair at the festival. However, gang to an audience so that he can
this last fight was too public—the explain himself. Although private, it is The Phoenix in turn decide Jirozu
unruliness in the streets is getting out at best semi-secret, easily discovered no Nakamaru must die by the hand of
a Funada retainer, or at least that it
of hand and he must act. Therefore, 28
he issues an edict calling for the arrest must look that way. They assign the
of all members of both gangs that can task to one of their best, a woman
known as O-Kaze. The day of the
be found. Once arrested they are to be meeting, she will enter the compound
imprisoned until he can decide the
disposition of the cases.

and hide. When Jirozu arrives, she da are likely to suffer banishment to the main plot outlined above.
will enchant one of the Loyal family some insignificant province on the The main plot provides many oppor-
samurai to attack! The man will almost edge of nowhere.
certainly be cut down, but while the tunities for player characters to get
Protecting themselves, the Funada involved. Yakuza characters can side
guards are busy she will make sure order the Hino ninja to watch the high- with any one of the gang factions, per-
that Jirozu dies. The plan is a risky ways into Nakamaru and report the haps leading their gang to dominance
one, chancing the exposure of the movements of any strangers. They over all others. Samurai, bushi, and
are to especially watch for any possi-
Goshukara’s role in the affair. How- ble ninja activity. The Funada want no kensai characters can belong to any
ever, if it succeeds, the rewards will be unfavorable reports to reach the sho- of the family factions, joining in the
great. gun. They also order a second mis- battles to come. Sohei can also be
sion for the Hino to carry out. It is clear easily involved in the action in the
By the night of the meeting, the city that the Goshukara were behind the same manner. Ninja characters may
teeters on the brink of chaos. death of Jirozu. To forestall further be recruited as spies or worse, per-
Although the samurai and bushi of the Goshukara schemes, the Hino are to haps becoming involved in the death
Funada patrol the streets, they are not spy on them and keep Mitsuhide and of Jirozu. Monks can either side with
enough to be everywhere. The secret Toyoo informed of their plans. Soon the Winter Sect (taking part in the
war of the yakuza rages at a bloody there are ninja positioned throughout
the province and one within the very defense of the temple) or join forces
peak. The temples of the city are gath- camp of the Goshukara. with the Tsuyoi-no-kami Shrine, per-
ering their sohei and the samurai fami- haps taking advantage of the confu-
Sure enough, the caution of Mitsu- sion to strike at their enemies. Wu jen
lies have placed their warriors on hide is rewarded. Incited by the
alert. The countryside is turning into Goshukara, the sohei of the Winter can aid and assist virtually any side
Sect plan a dawn raid on the Shining they please, the talents of a sorcerer
an armed camp. Unless the player Mountain temple. However, the ninja always being appreciated. Finally,
characters affect the outcome, O- among the Goshukara and another at shukenja have several interesting
Kaze’s plan will succeed and Jirozu the Winter Sect temple both alert the
will fall. Funada of the plans. With the agree- choices. Those more militant minded
ment of their cousin, Funada Hashiba, can join in battles, those with a politi-
Jirozu’s death will clearly seem an Eye of the Law of the Shining Moun- cal bent can act as peacemakers or
act of treachery by the Funada. He tain temple, Mitsuhide and Toyoo set plotters. There is much to be done in
was popular with the people and they a trap. Unknown to the attacking
will take his murder poorly. The Big sohei, those within are not sleeping Nakamaru before peace can be
complacently. Armed and armored, restored.
Heads, betrayed by the lord they trust- they have been joined by the retainers
ed, will split from the Funada (with of the Funada who slipped in secretly There is a second reason the main
during the night. The attack becomes plot remains unresolved. The out-
whom they had always had friendly a rout as the attackers are themselves
relations) and side firmly with the surprised. Driven back to the Winter come of all the intrigue in Nakamaru
Sect temple, the sohei prepare for the can result in a large shift in the bal-
Goshukara camp. Even the Worthless final battle. Meanwhile in the small ance of power, locally and nationally.
Flower Gang, who up to now had alleys of Nakamaru, the yakuza wage Any changes are at the discretion of
remained indifferent to all but their a war of their own, undisturbed by the
own survival, will be hostile to the preoccupied lords of the city. On all the DM. Perhaps removing the dai-
Funada. In short, the Funada clan will sides the call is made for allies! But myo would require other changes in
find that popular support has been cut who will come? the campaign—more than the DM
out from under them. may care to make. Thus, the coup
Player Character Involvement: The fails and the Funada remain in power.
The Funada will also be feeling conclusion of this plot is left undecid- Perhaps a change of rulers affects
pressure from the shogun. Reports of ed. The DM must decide the final out- very little. Indeed, the rise of the
increasing discontent and upheaval come. Much of this decision should be Goshukara might give player charac-
have been reaching the capital, some- based on the activities of the player
thing the shogun does not want to characters. Their actions, more than ters good opportunities to rise to posi-
hear. His rule depends on his daimyo anything else, will affect the course of tions of command and responsibility,
remaining peaceful and stable. This increasing roleplaying and adventure
clearly is not what is happening in 29 possibilities. Should this be the case,
Nakamaru. The Funada are well
a successful coup might be a very
aware that he will be sending officials desirable thing for the life of the cam-
and ninja spies to learn the state of
affairs in the city. His displeasure with paign.
the current situation is almost certain
unless it can be quickly brought under
control. If he is displeased, the Funa-

B. Breaking the Arrow past failings, it is vital that a proper da clan. This is an intolerable insult.
reception be prepared for him. Meanwhile, Akinari, through the serv-
The Plot: The Goshukara family ices of a Phoenix ninja, will substitute
intends to cause the Funada to lose Preparing such a reception is no the seating diagram he secretly pre-
face. Through lies and deception, the simple affair. It is a potential minefield pared for the one Mitsuhide used.
Funada will be tricked into committing of social and political errors. Every-
a breach of etiquette before the Sho- thing must be considered — the Naturally, when the insult comes to
gunal envoy who is coming to Naka- choice of rooms, the seating arrange- light Masago will demand Mitsuhide
maru. This loss of face will force ments, the size of escorts, the color of account for this action. Mitsuhide will
Funada Mitsuhide to suffer, at the clothing, the proper greetings, the
least, a great loss of influence among decorations used; in short, every equally naturally attempt to blame
the nobles. detail counts. The Funada simply are Akinari. However, Akinari will protest
not prepared for so important a visit. that he created a correct seating plan
The Actors: Funada Mitsuhide, Funa- Fortunately, there is another family but that Mitsuhide evilly changed it to
da Toyoo, Goshukara Akinari, Oe with the knowledge and skill to advise insult Masago’s men. In his defense,
Shodayu, Lord Masago, a Phoenix the Funada, and therein lies the prob- he will demand that the papers he pre-
ninja lem. pared be brought forth. The correct
seating plan will be there (placed by
The Story: The arrival of the Sea That family, skilled in the intricate the ninja), confirming Akinari’s story.
Lord’s envoy has thrown the Funada forms of court etiquette, is none other
clan into a state of near-panic, as than the Northern Goshukara. To pre- At this point, Mitsuhide has suffered
much as can be perceived deep in the pare for the reception, the Funada a great shame, a blot that extends to
inner chambers of their mansion. have been forced to call upon the the entire Funada family. Unable to
Clearly the arrival of the envoy is a services of their known rival. And nat- withstand the obvious treachery of
great distinction for the Funada, but urally, Goshukara Akinari has agreed Goshukara Akinari, Oe Shodayu will
the envoy has not followed any of the to help. attempt to strike down Akinari! The
proper forms of etiquette. This has attempt will fail, although Akinari will
placed the Funada in a very unpleas- Akinari sees two possible gains to be wounded. The Oe family will be
ant position. come from Mitsuhide’s dilemma. imprisoned in their household for
First, Mitsuhide owes him some three years as a punishment.
Wittingly or not, the envoy has amount of obligation for this service.
insulted the shogun by not appearing This, however, is not what Akinari In the end, Akinari will have suc-
in the capital. Worse (for the Funada) wants. Instead, Akinari has set upon a cessfully humbled Funada Mitsuhide.
is that he chose to present himself in more devious plan, intended to shame However, the shogun will not replace
Nakamaru, implying that the Funada and humiliate Mitsuhide. the Funada family. Instead, Toyoo,
have greater favor with the Sea Lord seeing the winds of fortune will lay all
than the Matasuuri! Secondly, the Akinari knows that his actions and blame on his brother and will be grant-
envoy arrived unannounced. No plans will be carefully watched by the ed the position of daimyo. Mitsuhide
reception was prepared for him, no Funada. They naturally (and quite will be banished to the Outer Isles.
lodgings, ceremonies or servants pro- rightly!) suspect him of some sinister
vided, making the Funada look incom- scheme. Therefore, all his prepara- Player Character Involvement: Samu-
petent. Now he has shamed the tions for the reception seem to be per- rai player characters can choose to
shogun and the daimyo! fectly planned and coordinated. But take sides with either the Funada or
Akinari is subtle and has introduced the Goshukara. Goshukara body-
So, unannounced and unprovided an “error” in the reception. He has guards should defend Lord Akinari
for, the envoy has been waiting. The carefully prepared two diagrams of from Oe Shodayu’s attack. Funada’s
Funada, caught in the center, have the seating arrangement that will be men may either join Shodayu (precipi-
sent a messenger to the capital bear- used at the reception. The first he has tating a full-scale battle) or try to
ing the news. Now they have learned given to Mitsuhide’s men. The second restrain him. Ninja player characters
they have three weeks to prepare for he carries secretly on his person at all may be called upon by both sides to
the arrival of a powerful official of the times. spy on the other faction and get wind
shogun’s courts—Lord Masago, Chief of the scheme. What happens next is
Archivist and Great Subject of the When the shogun’s envoy arrives in up to the player character. A ninja
Grand Perceptorate. He is a man three weeks, the seating of his retain- player character may also be the one
many degrees higher in status than ers and those of Lord Mitsuhide will be used by Lord Akinari. Shukenja of
Funada Mitsuhide and so, in light of incorrect. The seating appears to high station can be invited to the
deliberately insult Lord Masago’s reception. Both shukenja and wu jen
men, placing them on a lower position can learn of the plot through spells,
in respect to their equals in the Funa-

30

and player characters can attempt to the results could be disastrous. It all Gang to post a small poem on the
convince Lord Mitsuhide to use spells depends on the wheels of fortune. gates of the Tsuyoi-no-kami shrine. It
to investigate matters. However, gently insults the bravery and honesty
since this plot involves the highest In the first step of his plan, he has of the Gamo brothers. It is unsigned
and most powerful citizens, player secretly summoned three brothers, and the style does not indicate who
characters will have to be important Hidenobu, Mitsutoshi, and Mochikuni. wrote it. But rumors quickly surface
personages to become involved. These men, black sheep of the Gamo that it was written by Oka Sanai, a sati-
family, have suffered for years, denied rist of some note. Worse yet, the poem
C. The Broken Flower lands, commands, and titles. A private is copied and pasted up throughout
drinking party is held, a great honor town by local wits. The Gamo brothers
Plot: At Toyoo’s urging, the Funada for the brothers. Gradually, he are furious. Toyoo meets with them
take action against the Northern describes how greatly and dearly he and coaches them in an even funnier
Goshukara. Through the Gamo fami- sorrows for their misfortunes and how, and more biting poem about Sanai.
ly, the Funada are going to contrive a would that he could, he would improve This too appears overnight at the
series of incidents that will outrage the their lot. But, alas, his hands are tied, shrine, but a witness saw Gamo
retainers of the Goshukara, goading for the brothers have incurred the Hidenobu post the poem.
them into some rash action, prefera- wrath of the Goshukara clan. Have
bly an attack. When this happens, the they done something to offend the Appropriately incensed, Oka Sanai
Funada will demand the Goshukara Goshukara? He instructs them to and his friends seek out the Gamo
make an accounting for the actions of think carefully upon this, that a recon- brothers to confront them and gain
their retainers. ciliation begin. justice. There is no doubt a meeting
would lead to bloodshed.
The Actors: Funada Toyoo, Gamo Several days later, Toyoo plans a
Hidenobu, Gamo Mitsutoshi, similar meeting with Goshukara Sada- If Sanai and his fellows find the
Gamo Mochikuni, Mashida Kowa, moto. This time, the topic of conversa- brothers, a wild duel will break out in
Oka Sanai, Oka Yoshinaka, tion will come around to the Gamo, in the streets of Nakamaru, started by
Goshukara Akinari, Goshukara Sanai. Unless the Goshukara move
Sadamoto particular the unfortunate brothers. quickly to deal with the situation, one
Someone has suggested that they be of three outcomes will occur.
The Story: The times have become too elevated to commanders of the guard,
dangerous to harbor vipers within the much against Toyoo’s wishes. Sada- If the brothers are slain, a vendetta
coverlets, or so reasons Funada Toy moto could do him a great service, to will begin between the Gamo and the
oo. The growing split between Mutsu- which he would be greatly obliged, if Oka and Mashida. Toyoo will accuse
hide and himself is encouraging the Sadamoto would remind others what the Goshukara of purposely breaking
plottings and designs of others. Fore- true villains these brothers are. Out of the peace, a dangerous crime. If the
most of these, both in danger and cun- politeness, Sadamoto agrees. How- brothers succeed (DM’s choice
ning, is the Goshukara family. It is ever, upon returning home, he dis- unless the player characters inter-
time they were removed. cusses the strange request with his vene), Oka and Mashida families will
brother. At this point, neither is sure of request a vendetta of the daimyo. This
Still, how does one destroy a family Toyoo’s game, so they will play along will naturally be refused and these
that once sent children to the Jade but very carefully. families will lose much prestige. If the
Throne and can call the emperor losses on both sides are about equal,
cousin? A minor family would be Over several weeks, truisms and the Goshukara will be accused of
easy—a contrived insult or the hint of rumors about Hidenobu, Mitsutoshi being unable to control their own men.
treachery followed by a swift and bru- and Mochikuni grow, but their source This is a grave charge, for should the
tal vengeance. At worst, there might can never be discovered. They do not shogun hear it, he would certainly
be a complaint to the shogun, but the come from Akinari or Sadamoto, who demand the execution of all involved.
Funada could easily lay it aside. This are careful not to become involved. At the least, Goshukara’s men will be
business of the Goshukara is more Instead, their retainers are spreading taken prisoner and Akinari’s authority
than Toyoo has ever attempted (not gossip about the three brothers. In will be seriously questioned.
that he isn’t devious enough). Form- particular Oka Sanai, Oka Yoshinaka
ing his plans late in the night, he has and Mashida Kowa (who have no love Player Character Involvement: First
chosen to proceed without informing of the brothers in the first place) voice and foremost, the role of any of the
his brother. If he succeeds, he knows their opinions loudly. It is at this point actors of this plot (other than the
that he will gain the glory. If he fails, that Toyoo takes the next step in his Funada or Goshukara) can be filled by
plan. a player character. Thus, if the player
characters are retainers of the Funa-
With little difficulty, Toyoo arranges
for a yakuza of the Worthless Flower

31

da, they and not the Gamo brothers be done and what better thing is there young maiden O-Shino and she
might be called to carry out Toyoo’s than a grand trick! agrees to her role in the scheme. For
scheme. Likewise, player characters several days Taichi prepares and
loyal to the Goshukara could be per- Quickly they formulate their plans. casts enchantments until the goal is
secuted instead of the Oka families Who shall the target be? Of course, achieved. Heavily veiled from the
and others. those self-righteous and insufferable sight of men, she makes her way to
monks of the shrine will be the target! the Shrine. There, in casually lifting
Even if the player characters are not How shall they suffer? A pricking of her veils, she reveals her face to the
directly involved in events, there is still their pride seems in order.
a vendetta that will occur. Here again monks as they practice. The effect
player characters can become The next day, Kogi and Bupposo works perfectly.
involved as friends of either side. begin their scheme. Bupposo seeks
Such affairs always need companions out Ichi, a yakuza of the Big Heads Two monks in particular are taken
to stand by the principals. In Wa it is who often visits the temple. He by her looks—Kaian and Anchin. One
not uncommon for a man to call on his requests lchi find him a young maiden is young and not unattractive, the oth-
friends to help him seek revenge. But of homely appearance but good back- er older and dignified. The actions of
remember, vendettas seldom end ground, for she is needed at the tem- youthful Anchin can be explained by
with a single act of revenge. Once ple. She must be able to keep quiet his age, but Kaian should have known
started, each side always feels it has and act a part well, for she will be better. As the days wear by, she
cause to continue the feud. engaged in affairs of the temple most returns to the temple several times
urgent and secret. Kogi meanwhile and their feelings grow stronger and
D. The Lady of the Summer sends a messenger to Taichi, the old stronger. Finally, both, within a period
Bamboo wu jen in the mountains. They have
long been friends and conspirators. of hours, break down and confess to
The Plot: The monks of the Winter The old man readily agrees to pay her the strength of their passions. O-
Sect intend to discredit the spirituality Kogi a visit. Shino is horrified, for she had not real-
of their rivals at the Tsuyoi-no-kami ized the strength of the spells cast
Shrine by secretly tempting them with For many days Kogi patiently awaits
the strongest of earthly emotions— his friend, while lchi pays visits about upon her. With her horror comes a
passion and jealousy. town, searching for a woman such as growing sense of shame and anger at
Bupposo requested. Finally, both are those who used her. Fleeing the
The Actors: Kogi, a Winter sect monk, rewarded. In a puff of pine-scented Shrine, she hides herself away from
Bupposo, a Winter sect monk, O- air, Taichi appears in Kogi’s cell. After
Shino, a young maiden, Ichi, a Big a walk in the garden and tea, Kogi her suitors. Anchin, broken, lan-
Head yakuza, Kaian, a Tsuyoi-no- explains the plan. guishes in his cell, letting his body and
kami monk, Anchin, a young spirit waste away. Kaian, however,
Tsuyoi-no-kami monk He and Bupposo intend to find an begins to comb the city for her. The
agreeable woman of less than over-
The Story: Kogi and Bupposo, elder whelming attractiveness and place city gossips about the strange mys-
masters of the Winter Sect Monastery enchantments upon her so that she is tery of Anchin and the outrageous
and incorrigible pranksters, have irresistibly attractive to men. Once behavior of Kaian.
spent the day in necessary relaxation, prepared, they want her to introduce
admiring the view of the ocean from herself to the monks of Tsuyoi-no- Meanwhile, Kigo and Bupposo
the slopes of the mountains outside kami Shrine. They, smitten by her decide that things have gone on long
Nakamaru. A warm jar of sake, judi- beauty and grace, will then prove that enough, that it is time to restore O-
ciously used, has helped soothe their they are indeed only men after all. She Shino and release the unfortunate
restless minds. Reminiscing on days will gain the pleasure of toying with monks. Knowing her hiding place, they
past, they remember some of their the hearts of men well beyond the
mare playful escapades before they hopes of other women. Will Taichi be summon O-Shino to return things as
became important and powerful so kind as to assist them with the
teachers at the monastery. They are enchantments? they were. She, however, has entirely
saddened by how they have changed different plans for Kigo and Bupposo.
and fear they have lost their sense of It is an offer Taichi cannot resist. His Taichi has offered her revenge, for rea-
balance about the flow of life around own sense of humor agrees with his
them. lt is clear that something must opinions of the Tsuyoi monks. That sons known only to him. Returning to
shrine is cool towards the Funada, his the Winter Sect temple, she purposely
patrons. He sees no harm in causing reveals herself to Kigo and Bupposo
them a little trouble. and they too become infatuated with

Meanwhile, lchi returns with the her. But she only mocks and scorns
the two, driving them to despair. Taichi
32 greatly enjoys the scene and with a sin-
gle spell maddens them forever with
passion. Then, knowing full well that O-
Shino is too dangerous to remain as

she is, he lifts his spells from her, free- The Story: Kidera Takeshi has always rumors against him. It is the only
ing Kaian and Anchin. As a final reward lived for the honor of his family. All his proper thing to do. But, it is something
for her part in this amusing little drama, life he has striven to perfect every he cannot do alone and for aid he has
Taichi returns to O-Shino a small por- noble quality. He is hard on himself come to Kidera Takeshi.
tion of that overpowering charm she and equally unrelenting on his sons,
held, making her a gracious lady, cer- demanding the entire household be a But for Takeshi the situation is not
tain to fare well in the world. model of tradition. For this he is called so simple. The man Teishi must strike
“The Mountain of Virtue”, great and against is Tsuga Mosuke, youthful pil-
Player Character lnvolvement: The powerful, hard and immovable. lar of the Tsuga family. The Tsuga are
story of O-Shino and her unfortunate
suitors can be modified to involve the Takeshi’s life has always been retainers of the Funada, particularly
player characters based on their sex, straightforward. He serves his ‘lord strong supporters of Toyoo. Takeshi is
more than their class. Female player and trains his sons. There is little else torn between his desire to serve Toy-
characters can easily take the part of oo and his need to fulfill the debt he
O-Shino, provided they can be per- that needs to be in his life, only his gar- owes Teishi. To his mind, there is only
suaded. At this point all thoughts of den and his meditation. There is little one solution, although it will certainly
revenge or mercy are left to the player time for anything else. He has no par- mean his downfall and death. Takeshi
characters and the plot may go in ticular political ambitions for himself, must assist Teishi to reach Mosuke
highly unexpected directions. and confront him in a duel. If neces-
thinking instead of the advantages his sary, he must even aid Teishi in strik-
Male player characters can take on sons can gain. With discretion and ing down Mosuke. When this is done,
equal (though more unfortunate) care, he will manage to avoid having he must present himself to Funada
roles. They could easily become the his family destroyed by the schemes Toyoo for judgment, for in striking
victims of Kogi and Bupposo—a chal- of others. But, with the arrival of Ueda down Mosuke he has raised his hand
lenging role-playing task! Again, the Teishi, all this may change. against his lord. There is no question
exact circumstances of the plot could in his mind that Toyoo will order his
change radically. Player characters Thirty-five years ago, in a minor
are much more likely to go out and skirmish so insignificant it is not death. Indeed, at that point Toyoo will
seek revenge on the merry pranksters recorded in the chronicles of the time, be as trapped as he is now. Toyoo
themselves! the youthful Kidera Takeshi was must pass the sentence to satisfy the
struck from his horse and encircled by Tsuga. If Takeshi is lucky, Toyoo will
Furthermore, the escapades of his foes. It was then that a samurai
Kogi, Bupposo and O-Shino need not named Ueda Umaki leapt from his be lenient and only grant the Tsuga
end here. With such devious wits, horse while at full gallop and sprang permission to carry out a vendetta
Kogi and Bupposo can certainly into their midst. Clearly superior to all against Teishi and himself.
devise other entertaining schemes to others, Umaki rescued the fallen
keep life from getting dull! Further- Takeshi and saw him to safety, there- The choice is one that Takeshi can-
more, O-Shino may decide to remain by performing a deed of valor remem- not hope to win, but it is unthinkable
as she is, using her “charms” to exact bered ever since by Takeshi. Since for him that there be any other course.
an unrelenting price on all men. that time the ways of the Kidera and All his life he has acted as the “Moun-
tain of Virtue.” He cannot change
E. The Mountain of Virtue Ueda have drifted apart and the brave now. Should he refuse Teishi, his per-
man Umaki has died. He is survived sonal honor and that of his family
The Plot; Kidera Takeshi is placed in a by his son, Teishi. would be dragged down, disgraced.
difficult position by the need to honor This cannot be allowed and so only
his obligations and his duty to his lord. A Unfortunately, Teishi is neither as
longtime supporter of the Goshukara heroic or as clever as his father. For the grim alternative remains.
comes to him seeking aid and shelter. several years he has made foolish and But not everyone in the family is
Normally such a man would be turned indiscreet comments about the Funa-
away, but this one is Ueda Teishi, a das and the shogun. Most went unre- pleased with Takeshi’s decision. In
man from Takeshi’s past. Takeshi must ported or ignored, but just recently, particular, his youngest son seeks
choose between loyalty to his lord and Teishi simply became too vocal about
loyalty to his family traditions. his distastes. Rumors began to grow some way to prevent what seems to
about his associations with the be inevitable. If Teishi were forced to
The Actors: Kidera Takeshi, Ueda Goshukara. Now, he risks being flee or slain, the problem could be
Teishi, Tsuga Mosuke banned from the province. Should this solved. If banned, Takeshi could dis-
happen, all who harbor him would be charge his obligation by helping
subject to death. But, there are old Teishi escape. It would be a risk for
the family, but, if undiscovered, could
scores he must settle. For honor, he solve the problem. Even better, if
must destroy those who spread
Teishi were slain by bravos or thugs,
33 Takeshi would not need to confront

Mosuke. Instead, he could request reveal and prove the role of Takeshi’s ness and cruelty. And the mind of this
and almost certainly receive permis- son in the whole affair. Any other
sion to hunt down Teishi’s killers. action will only lead to more deaths inhuman creature has found a plan to
Again, this would fulfill the obligation and vendettas. carry out his ravages on more than
he owes Teishi. Thus he has begun just a person or a family. His goal is no
searching Nakamaru for someone F. The Dark Father
willing to carry out his schemes. less than to destroy the entire city of
The Plot: A creature of evil and dark- Nakamaru!
Meanwhile, to fulfill his obligation, ness, a tigbanua buso has set on a
Takeshi arranges a meeting between course to destroy not just a person, Destroying Nakamaru is easy, at
him and Mosuke at a teahouse in the but an entire city. Through its special least to Getsu’s mind. All he needs to
entertainment district. It is there that powers, it is seeking to gain control of
Teishi will confront his enemy with the Worthless Flower Gang, so that it do is infect enough of the population
Takeshi at his side. There will be a can wreak its havoc throughout the with the disease carried in his claws—
swift and bloody duel and Teishi’s city. the disease that transforms a man into
honor will be avenged. But the end will a hideous tagamaling buso. Each
have begun for Takeshi. The Actors: Getsu, a tigbanua buso, tagamaling in turn will unknowingly
Grandfather Uruma, oyabun of the
Player Character Involvement: This Worthless Flower yakuza carry out his plan, becoming raging
plot is specifically designed to give the creatures of death and horror. Soon,
player characters a direct role. How- The Story; Getsu is a creature of Nakamaru will be helpless before his
ever, you (playing the part of ancient age and great evil. Once a
Takeshi’s son) must convince them to helper and aide to man, he long ago horde of creatures.
act. If you are successful, the player became perverted and foul, a relent- For his plan, Getsu needs a vehicle,
characters will suddenly find them- less destroyer of man and his works.
selves in a deeper web of duplicity as But unlike others of his kind, Getsu something that will allow him to
Takeshi and his sons seek to avenge has been blessed (or cursed) with a spread his disease throughout the
the death of Teishi by killing the player mind, active and functioning far city. Ideally, it should allow him to
characters. The only way the player beyond the normal ranges in clever- reach all levels of society and move
characters can escape this fate is to about freely. The Worthless Flower
yakuza suits his needs perfectly.

His plan is simple. He will start by
infecting the oyabun, Grandfather
Uruma. From there he will work down-
ward through the organization, affect-

ing the sub-bosses and lieutenants

34

until he finally reaches the ranks of the what effect he has had. If unsuccess- tions mean little. The citizens of the
kobun. With luck, he will control the ful in reaching or infecting Grandfa- area need proper protections.
entire gang before anyone realizes ther Uruma, he will attack again,
what has occurred. Then, since the attempting the same goal. If the activities of Getsu are not dis-
covered, he will reach his goal. It will
Worthless Flower gang circulates Once Uruma is infected, Getsu con- take a long time, perhaps a year or
throughout the city, he will use their tinues his ambitions, working through more, and there are many potential
power to infect samurai and common- the sub-bosses and underlings. setbacks along the way. But Getsu is
ers alike. By this time he boastingly Always he waits for a distraction to virtually ageless and so a year or more
feels he will be unstoppable. improve his chances. The turmoil in is of little matter to him.
the city provides many of these. At the
But first, Getsu must reach Grand- same time he cannot resist infecting Player Character Involvement: It is
father Uruma. This is no easy task, for any who come across his path. This is clear that the player characters must
his great weakness. take an active role in hunting down
Uruma is no fool. He knows his life is and destroying the tigbanua and his
filled with enemies and takes great The activities of a tigbanua buso are creations. The intrigues of the city pre-
precautions to protect himself. Thus, hard to conceal and almost never go vent the daimyo’s men from taking an
Getsu must wait for an opportunity to unnoticed. Thus there have been effective role in the search. Of course,
strike. Some distraction must occur, increasing reports of strange attacks Getsu is aware of the attempts to find
and bizarre creatures. Some of these him and will counter them by attacking
something that will get Uruma to lower are due to Getsu’s activities, others his hunters, moving his base of opera-
his guard. Getsu is patient, he can are rumors and wild exaggerations. tions frequently, and preparing final
only wait so long. However, the attacks of the tagamal- defenses against his attackers. Stop-
ing buso are impossible to conceal, ping him will not be easy, but should
The opportunity will finally occur lacking Getsu’s cleverness and cau- the characters fail, the price Naka-
tion. Thus, it is clear to authorities that maru pays will be grim.
and Getsu will strike. Alarms will be something is happening.
raised throughout the household as
Getsu moves from room to room. He The authorities react by increasing
knows he cannot rely on a single the watch in the affected areas and
ordering a curfew. However, in these
scratch and so tries to infect as many troubled times these laws and precau-
as possible. In some the disease will
take. His desire is not to kill and so 35
after his attack he flees. Then he
patiently waits and observes to see

G. The Waves of the Ocean Nagoya Kenko, however, is a cad. ter lest all come to light. He realizes
Callous and vain, he has been pam- that he cannot directly intervene.
The Plot; A daughter of the Funada pered by his parents, given all the best Attempts to dissuade his sister are
family has fallen madly, obsessively in they could afford and forgiven for eve- useless. Genzo has decided to hire
love with a son of the Nagoya family. ry transgression. He has never men to drive the worthless Kenko out
He, however, cares nothing for her, learned to respect his parents or hon- of town, or, failing that, he will buy the
considering her little more than a play- or his family. In short, he considers his man off. However no hint of what has
thing and toying with her affections. birth to the Nagoya a curse and pun- happened must ever reach his father.
While the match would be advanta- ishment from the gods, absolutely cer-
geous (it would bind the Nagoya clos- tain that he is truly socially above Sumi-ko, for her part, has come to
er to the Funada), he has little desire them. He is completely bereft of a realize that Kenko does not share her
to see it completed, dreaming of a sense of morals, obligations, or affection. Distraught, she has asked
greater and even more advantageous duties. He is a handsome and well- her personal maid to help realize
marriage someday. His ambitions and bred swine. some solution. The maid Cho has
cruel affections may bring about the sought out the services of a fortune-
ruin of the poor girl and an irreparable After the moon-viewing party, Sumi- teller and wu jen. She has prepared
rift between the two families. ko secretly sends a message to Kenko charms to ensure the affections of the
through her maid requesting she meet wayward Kenko, they are however
The Actors: Sumi-ko, a daughter of him. Thus begins a long series of ineffective. Not realizing this, Sumi-ko
Funada Toyoo, Nagoya Kenko, a secret meetings—an illicit romance. has staked all her hopes upon these.
son of Nagoya Hatano, Nagoya His vanity pleased by her attention, he So deluded, she is indiscreet and the
Hatano, Funada Toyoo, Funada affair is exposed to her father and all
Genzo is always gracious and loving, con- of the city. Heartless to the end,
cealing his true nature. Still, he is pos- Nagoya Kenko flees the city, aban-
The Story: Sumi-ko is a fair and shel- itive he can make a better match than doning Sumi-ko for all to see in
tered daughter of Lord Toyoo, only this, so sure that he has refused all shame. Sumi-ko, her dreams shat-
just now coming of age. Many years marriage arrangements of his par- tered, loses grip on herself and flees
ago her father arranged that she mar- ents. They, browbeaten, have acced- into the wilderness in maddened pur-
ry the son of a neighboring daimyo, ed to his whims. Thus, he passes the suit of a lover she will never again find.
but then misfortune struck. In a child- time toying with the love and affection
hood illness the son died and he had of Sumi-ko. Player Character Involvement: The
no brothers to fulfill the arrangement. exact involvement of the player char-
Thus, unwittingly, she was released However, their meetings have not acters will depend greatly on their
from the bonds of arranged marriage. gone unnoticed. Sumi-ko’s maid has social position and loyalties. Sup-
Now her father, Toyoo, fearing she will gossiped and this has come to the porters of the Funada may find them-
become a spinster (at the age of 17), is ears of Funada Genzo, Master of the selves aiding Genzo in his attempts to
searching for an advantageous mar- Port. Protective of the reputation of deal with Kenko, perhaps even to the
riage for the family. So far, he has not the Funada family and watchful over point of carrying out extreme mea-
found the right arrangement. his sister (though by a different moth- sures. However, killing Kenko will cer-
er), Genzo and a few of his closest tainly create political difficulties for the
To provide entertainment for the advisors pay a “pleasant” visit to Funada and will bring about a vendet-
nobles of the local court, Mitsuhide Kenko. They know full well the youth’s ta on the player characters. Other
has prepared a moon-viewing party. reputation. Hooded, they demand to options are possible—shanghaiing
To this have been invited members of learn his intentions. His response is to Kenko and shipping him out, buying
all the local refined samurai families, mock them and their precautions. He him off, seeing that his infamy is
including Nagoya Hatano and his son knows they dare not expose his meet- revealed to his father, Nagoya
Kenko. It is at this party that Sumi-ko ings unless they want shame brought Hatano. Other player characters may
first spies Kenko as he sits drinking in down upon the Funada. Thus he bra- become involved from Sumi-ko’s end,
the garden with the other men. He is zenly refuses to end his affair. A fight perhaps trying to persuade her to see
fair, graceful and witty and she is ensues, and Genzo barely manages the truth or even using magical means
instantly taken by him. That night she to escape with his life. The line of to prevent the disaster. Finally, player
spends watchful at the shoji screen, characters, if all other methods have
hoping to learn more of him. The few hatred between the two is implacably failed, can assist the Funada in the
glimpses she catches convince her drawn. search for Sumi-ko when she flees
that he is the one she desires. into the surrounding countryside.
The next morning Genzo receives a
warning of his own. In a curt note sent
by messenger, Kenko warns him to
avoid further involvement in the mat-

36

H. The Birth of Tora-san was and began crying. Gorath consid- lost to the trap of the Many Hued Pea-
ered the incident minor and withdrew cocks. On each side men fall.
The Plot: Using the happy occurrence confident of his charade.
of a birth, Gorath, the true power Gorath, unlike the puny men, knows
behind the Royal Vagabonds, plans to However, the child’s cries had been that its prey is watchful and clever.
discover the location of his old enemy noted by Lui-hsia Chih. Knowing the Simple human guards do not deter it.
Lui-hsia Chih. Once he has found him, perspicacity of innocents, Chih notes The beast bypasses or disposes of
he will personally see to the destruc- the visitors of the moment. Most are them with ease. Likewise, so close to
tion of the Many Hued Peacock socie- relations and friends of the family, but the goal, it has no concern for those it
among them is Yin-kung T’o. This, to is meant to serve and abandons them
ty. Lui-hsia Chih, is clearly significant to their fate. Crashing through the
and he resolves to immediately inves- screen of Chih’s room, it bursts upon
Actors: Gorath, a men-shen (see end tigate the matter. the magical meeting of the Inner
of module), Lui-hsia Chih, leader of Council. With a scream of satisfaction
the Many Hued Peacock Society, Upon returning to T’o’s compound, Gorath hurls itself across the cham-
Yin-kung T’o, Royal Vagabond Gorath resumes his natural form and ber, blue energies crackling between
leader, Yen-ch’eng Tzu Yu, a wu begins to plan his destruction of Lui- its talons. Wheeling, Chih and the
jen, Nan-kuo, a monk, Royal Vaga- hsia Chih. Chih meanwhile calls the Inner Council screech out a spell...
bond men secret society to a special meeting.
He knows that if Gorath has found him From the outside, it seems that the
The Story: Goshukara Sadamoto’s he has little time. From among his center of the mansion erupts in a
first wife has given birth to her third members, he orders two with special surge of blue and gold fire. The blast
son, a healthy strapping boy. As is the talents, the wu jen Yench’eng Tzu Yu peels the roof away and sweeps the
custom, messengers have been sent and the monk Nan-kuo, to go to the outer pillars aside. The many shoji
to announce the birth to the important house of Yin-kung T’o and secretly screens flash and crumble to powder.
folk of Nakamaru. Sadamoto, crafty read his aura. This they manage to do With a squealing grind, a glowing ball
and political as ever, has neglected no by devising a simple subterfuge to flashes over the compound and dissi-
possible ally. Thus, he has even sent conceal their purpose. The reading, pates. A wave of bone-numbing cold
notice to the important merchants of however, is not unusual (or at least not follows. When the wreckage is
the Foreign District. Among these are what Chih expected). T’o is clearly a searched, no sign is found of Liu-hsia
Yin-kung T’o and Lui-hsia Chih, lead- normal man, not some being in dis- Chih or the creature Gorath.
ers of the two foreign factions in the guise.
city. However, neither man has met Player Character lnvolvement: For-
the other, nor are their secret roles This only succeeds in unnerving eign characters can become involved
known. However, Gorath, that myste- Chih. He is convinced his suspicions in this plot right from the outset, either
rious agent of the emperor, has that Gorath has found him are true as supporters of the Many Hued Pea-
learned through Yin-kung T’o of the and cannot accept that T’o is a normal cock Society or members of the Royal
invitation. He knows that his quarry, man. Unable to prove his belief, he is Vagabonds. Beside the specific
Lui-hsia Chih, has certainly been plagued by the fear that Gorath has actions mentioned here, there can
invited. Although he does not know outwitted him. Still, he has not sur- also be scouting missions on both
what Chih looks like now, he is posi- vived his enemy for centuries through sides in preparation for the final battle.
tive he could spot the old imposter cowardice. Reacting to his fears, he It is even possible that player charac-
Chih by his aura. Thus, magically orders the best members of the Many ters may be able to affect the outcome
transforming his appearance, he Hued Peacock Society to remain the of the climactic encounter between
takes the place of Yin-kung T’o. Tak- night and stand guard. As darkness Gorath and Chih. Player characters
ing a suitable gift (rice and eggs falls he retires to his room and magi- who are not part of the foreign com-
wrapped in delicate imported clothes), cally calls the members of the Inner munity can still become involved in
Gorath visits the proud family. Council to warn them of his peril. the final battle. Watchmen will surely
arrive on the scene shortly after the
As Gorath expected, Lui-hsia Chih It is just at this moment that Gorath battle begins. Yakuza, who always
arrives with his present. And, as and the Royal Vagabonds attack. have their eyes everywhere, will learn
expected, Gorath was able to detect Anticipating an unsuspecting target, of the movements in even before the
the aura of his foe. Noting the man the Royal Vagabonds overconfidently battle begins. Other characters can
carefully, he did nothing to reveal him- blunder into the guards Chih has post- be introduced to the situation as need-
self. Yet when Gorath approached the ed. A violent night battle erupts with ed.
child, the little boy sensed what he neither side giving or gaining ground.
The advantage of greater numbers
the Royal Vagabonds possessed was

37

Events

Events are the key to all the schemes to end on a flat note. Try to make sure 3. What are the player characters
and plots of the different factions on that each night ends interestingly. doing? This is the most important part
Nakamaru. Events are the action, the This may be a big fight, a surprise of pacing adventures such as these.
mechanics that keep each story going. attack, a mysterious visit or offer of The plots only cover the actions of the
They set the stage for direct player aid, or an unsolved puzzle. Be sure non-player characters with no allow-
character involvement and participa- that all player characters are involved ances for anything else. However,
tion. at the end. You do not want any play- your player characters could change
ers leaving while the others wrap things drastically. You MUST be very
The Dungeon Master must choose things up. In adventures full of intrigue flexible when following the plots. Do
the sequence and timing of the differ- such as these, ending the night with a not hesitate to change the order of
ent events. While the sequence within mystery is particularly effective. It will events, skip events or create new
any given plot is already set, multiple give the players something to ponder ones. Personalize your adventure and
plots require certain decisions. over until the next session. your group will have even more fun.
Should the big battle scene come
before the personal duel? Should 2. What is the physical state of the Random Events and
there be time for investigation inbe- characters? Clearly you do not want Encounters
tween the two? You must decide the the player characters hopelessly
pacing of this adventure. defeated because. you didn’t allow Since Nakamaru is a fairly large city, not
them any time between different every person the player characters will
Pacing is more than just “Are their events. At the same time, you do not meet or every possible incident can be
spells recovered; are their wounds want to always give them the chance described in detail. Thus, a random
healed?” Several factors should be to recover fully before the next event encounter table and random events
considered when pacing an adventure. is played. The tensest and most excit- table are provided. The random
ing encounters are those that push encounter table provides a sampling of
1. How much playing time is left in this the player characters to the limits of non-player characters likely to be met
particular session? Obviously, if the their abilities, without necessarily on the streets in different districts of the
game must break up soon, you do not throwing them over.
want to start a big battle. But at the
same time, you do not want the night

38

city. Little information is provided about Random Encounter Table
these encounters. As DM you will have
to provide most of the information about District/Die Roll Mar Ent Wat Eta For Encounter
the encounter.
Cas Sam d20 d12 d12 d6 d12 Child
Random events are little incidents d10 d12 Clerk
and scenes, also played out in the 11 1- 1 1 1 Courtesan
streets. Each of these has the poten- -- 2 1- 2 2 Craftsman
tial for player character involvement. - Farmer
The scenes do not particularly further 22 3 2 - - Grocer
the action of any of the plots, but can -- 4 - 2 - - Laborer
sometimes provide complication, -- 5 3 - Mercenary
amusement, and excitement to the -- - 2 Merchant
player characters’ lives. -- 6- 4 -- Messenger
-3 7- 5 33 Monk
Unlike many random tables, neither -- 836 - 4 Musician
table is checked at any particular time— 34 Peddler
you do NOT make a random encounter 45 10 4 - - 5 Sailor
check once every ten turns, for exam- 56 Samurai, high
ple. Use the random table when you -- 11 5 - - 6 Samurai, low
see fit and only when you see fit. Do not -- Shukenja
let the dice or the players bully you into 12 - - - - Traveler
encounters and events you do not want 67 Tutor
to use. The tables are your tool—to pro- 78 - 6- -- Watchman
vide a quick answer to a simple ques- 89 Woman
tion or a bit of action in a dull moment of -- 13 - 747 Yakuza
the game. Do not let the tool get the bet- 9 10
ter of you. - 11 14 7 8- 8
- 8- - -
10 12 15 9 - - -
-- 16 - - -
17 - -
9-
-- - - 9
10
18 10 10 - 11

19 11 11 5 12
209 12 12 6 -

39

Random Event Table burning cloth out until outside again.
Clearly, the family the character res-
District/Die Roll Event cues will be friendly to the character
thereafter.
Sam Cas Mar Ent For Wat Eta
Duel: The player characters encount-
d6 d4 d8 d8 d6 d6 d6 era violent confrontation between two
- - 19 - 1 - - warriors. The rank of the duelers will
- 21 211 Urchin depend on the district. In the Samurai
district, they will be samurai or bushi
1 1 - 2- 2 - Fire! retainers of different lords of some
note and importance. The duel, while
2 Duel not a formal affair, will be fought with
- - - 3 - 3 2 Gambling the proper regard to honorable con-
2 3 4 343 duct. The duelists will announce
3 Spirit themselves (and their ancestry) and
- - 4 5 - - 4 Dead-beat state their grievances. Friends of the
35- 4- - duelists (including the player charac-
4 Palanquin ters) can join either side, but must
- - 6 6 - - - Pickpocket state their intention from the start.
5 4 - 7 5 - - Assignation Entering into the fight after the duel
- 78655 has begun would be dishonorable,
6 - 8 -- 66 Quarrel both for the one who entered late and
- for the duelist one wants to aid.
Beggar
A duel in the castle would be con-
Random Encounters player characters (as is common in ducted with the same degree of for-
lots of B grade movies). mality, except that the guards will
Urchin: A small youth, his or her intervene—to the death if necessary.
clothes filthy and torn, comes rushing Fire!: One of the most dreaded occur- The duelists will accept surrender,
out of a small shop, the owner in hot rences of Nakamaru (or any city made which can be done without the mas-
pursuit. Grabbing the child by the hair, entirely of wood) has just occurred— sive loss of honor since it is bowing to
he begins to beat the child while berat- fire! In the next street over are billow- the authority of one’s lord. However,
ing it for some petty theft. The child ing waves of grey smoke! A blaze has drawing a sword against another in
screams and howls. If the characters started. Alarms are hammered and the castle is a serious offense, dishon-
do nothing, the owner will eventually the locals are running to the scene. orable in itself (since it shows a lack of
force the child to give up some stolen The player characters are pushed and control) and subject to severe penalty.
trinket and leave, uttering dire threats shoved in that direction as it is expect-
should the youth ever return. If the ed that all will do their part. The char- In the entertainment and waterfront
player characters intervene, his reac- acters can attempt to slip away (at the districts, the duel could involve virtu-
tion will vary according to their appar- loss of 1 honor point for samurai char- ally any player character type
ent station. If they seem no higher acters) or they can stay and help. (although it is not likely that wu jen or
than him, he will brusquely tell them to Helping fight the fire will take several shukenja will be involved). For a
mind their own business. However, if hours and involves carrying water, samurai (or bushi with social ambi-
they are higher, he will cease and pro- pulling down neighboring buildings, tions), the duel will retain the formality
test his case. The urchin has stolen shoveling, etc. described previously. Certainly a
from him, after all. If the goods can be crowd will watch the battle from hid-
returned and the merchant is assured Trapped in the blaze are 2-3 people. ing, none wanting to get too close to
the youth will be dealt with properly, If the player characters attempt a res- madmen with drawn weapons!
he will stomp off. He is not a warrior cue, they must enter the burning
and will automatically cease if threat- building and search. Each round Duels between yakuza are even
ened with arms. He will be no friend of spent searching allows the player more chaotic affairs. They usually
the player characters, however. character to make an ability check consist of a yakuza of one gang acci-
against wisdom. Success means the dentally meeting another in the street
The youth, boy or girl, if rescued character has found a victim. For each (one will typically be a Black Mist
proves to be bright, audacious, and round spent in the blaze, the charac- member). There are no formal rules to
cheerful. He or she is a fountain of ter automatically suffers 1-10 points of such a meeting, although the person-
knowledge about the district and can damage. There is also a 10% cumula-
be a very useful guide. However, the tive chance the character’s clothes
player characters will find it virtually will catch fire (causing an additional 2-
impossible to get rid of the child, who 12 points per round for three rounds).
will have a disconcerting ability to turn Characters can shed burning clothes
up at the most amazing moments. while in the fire, but cannot put the
Properly used, the urchin can become
a loyal and entertaining sidekick of the 40

al honor of the yakuza may cause him be open to all characters due to social The troublesome deadbeat is an
to refuse any aid. Sohei duels are status. Games in the entertainment easily irritated man and will resist any
inter-temple affairs and the aid of non- district may be very restricted. Those attempts by the player characters to
sohei is not appreciated. Likewise, in other areas are not likely to be very remove him. At your choice he could
kensai duels are tests of skill and no picky. Of course, the player charac- be a drunken barbarian, a cantanker-
outside help will be tolerated. Ninja ters may consider those at the game ous old wu jen, a noble shukenja (who
duels, while extremely rare, are the below their station. has been cheated by the shop owner),
most dangerous as the combatants or a powerful samurai traveling in dis-
have no regard for the safety of any Spirit: A strange, mysterious, and pos- guise. In any case, he will prove quite
others and do not fight by any rules at sibly deadly creature has appeared in a problem to remove, more than the
all. the district. This event can be a simple player characters bargained for.
monster combat or a more involved
If a duel involves any family mem- mystery. The creature can be a Palanquin: A noble procession passes
ber or relative of higher rank than a marauder, seeking to cause destruc- down the street. A herald comes first
player character, it is expected that tion, or a helpful guide that has to clear the street. After this comes a
his family will conduct a vendetta to appeared to give the player charac- small group of bodyguards, followed
exact revenge. Vendettas have formal ters some mysterious advice. Obvi- by the palanquin (kago), borne by two
laws, and if conducted according to ously, you can select any creature you men. A few servants and a second
these laws, are perfectly legal. First, a desire or you can roll again on the fol- group of guards follow. The proces-
vendetta can only be carried out by a lowing table. sion has 20 persons in all. Those of
relative of lower rank than the person lesser status are expected to clear the
killed. A character could avenge the 1: 4-20 bakemono making a night- way without argument, while the self
death of an older brother, or father, time raid. will yield to those of higher rank. The
but not for a younger brother. Second, 2: Hu Hsien attempts to seduce one greatest difficulty comes when the
the killer must be known. Before tak- of the player characters. procession meets another of equal
ing up a vendetta, the character must 3: A lu nat has settled among the ranking. Then neither group cares to
be able to name and identify the killer tombs of a nearby temple. yield the way, as it is an issue of some
or killers. Finally, upon locating the 4: A lesser nature spirit appears. If pride.
killer, the character must have the properly approached, it will provide
permission of the local lord. Many a good advice. Furthermore, riding in the palan-
killer has avoided a vendetta by flee- 5: 1-4 jiki-niku-gaki are terrorizing a quin is a young woman of exceptional
ing to the province of his own lord. block of the city. beauty. She will discreetly flirt with
There, his services valued, he is pro- 6: 1 jiki-ketsu-gaki and 3 jiki-niku-gaki one of the more striking player charac-
tected by the daimyo. There is little the have taken up residence in an old inn. ters and if possible have a maid deliv-
avenger can do but wait for his victim There they prey on foolish travelers er a message, suggesting a
to enter another province where per- who arrive late at night. rendezvous. The exact rank and posi-
mission will be granted. Thus, some tion of the lady is left for you to decide
resort to all types of subterfuge to lure Clearly, encounters with spirits as best fits the situation of the cam-
their targets beyond the confines of could result in mini-adventures of their paign.
safety. own.
Pickpocket: A yakuza of 5th to 8th
Gambling: The player characters The Deadbeat: While the player char- level attempts to relieve one of the
come across a game of cards or dice, acters are in the street, they are player characters of his burdensome
being run by a Worthless Flower or approached by a servant at a local tea possessions. A skillful fellow, he will
Black Mist yakuza. This in itself may shop, drinking house, inn, noodle only make his move when the charac-
create trouble if there is a yakuza of shop, etc. The servant has been sent ters are appropriately distracted by
another gang in the party. There will by his or her master to find some har- some other event. He will trail them
be 1-3 yakuza and 5-10 customers. If dy types who might want to earn a little waiting for the best opportunity and
the game is honest, the player charac- cash (meal or whatever). The master will observe them, choosing the best
ters will win on a die roll of 12 or has a troublesome deadbeat cus- (richest) target. Of course, watchful
greater. Each bettor must roll sepa- tomer that needs to be taught a lesson player characters may notice the
rately. Winnings are paid on a 1 for 1 by having the player characters per- yakuza following them. He will con-
basis. If the game is crooked, the play- haps pick a quarrel and then throw the tinue his observation for half a day or
ers win on a die roll of 14 or greater on bum out. until he learns where they are staying.
a d20. Of course, the game may not In the latter case, he will return some
41

other time to rob their rooms while may be able to cause them severe 1. The Festival at the Shrine
they are gone. harm.
This event, the trigger for much of the
Assignation: One or more of the player Business arguments can also occur action to come, takes place just out-
characters receives a message to between commoners, such as two side the torii of a small neighborhood
attend a secret meeting. This meeting shopowners. While these are mostly shrine in the Market District, in one of
could be with a secret admirer, with a comical and noisy, they sometimes the quieter wards of that area. It is the
secret society the player characters burst into comical violence. If the play- day of a local festival and the enter-
are trying to contact, with someone er characters intervene, they can gain prising members of the Big Head
seeking to do them harm, etc. Note favors and special treatment from the gang have organized a small collec-
that since this event revolves around merchant they protect, although they tion of street stalls, entertainers, and
the situation in your campaign and cannot expect the same from the oth- charlatans to milk the crowd.
requires more than normal prepara- er fellow!
tion on your part, you may not want to The afternoon has been wet and
use it if it is randomly rolled. However, Beggar: A poor mendicant is on the humid for a late spring day. The sky
since the event does allow you to street, asking for the charity of others. has been free of rain, but the
involve player characters in the plots Of course, this being a fantasy world, branches of the trees drip with dew
of the city, provide them information player characters can never be sure if and small muddy patches dot the
when they are stuck, and generally he is what he seems. That poor, old narrow street. A faint breeze flaps
keep a story going, it is a useful tool to beggar might only be a beggar, but he the bright red and blue banners of
have at your disposal. might also be a wise man who can pro- the merchants and spins the lan-
vide advice to the kind and generous, terns of the sake sellers. The crowd
Quarrel: The player characters blun- a ninja sent to spy, a powerful spirit is thin, but cheerful and merry.
der into a domestic or business argu- testing the goodness of the citizens of
ment. In the common districts, this is Nakamaru, a noble samurai curious At the entrance to the shrine
likely to be an overbearing husband about the conditions of the common stand two shukenja, keeping the
cruelly berating his wife or an enraged folk, or a master kensai devoted to a hawkers outside the actual
shopkeeper yelling at a servant where life of simplicity and frugality. While grounds. Their brows are beaded
all the neighbors can hear. The man’s these are very rare occurrences, they with sweat and their red and gold
rage is intense and he has lost all should happen every once in a while robes hang damply from their
sense of propriety. His wife or servant to encourage the player characters to shoulders. They give a gentle wave
is in tears and is clearly trying only to pay attention to such simple events. of their tasseled wands as each
escape his savage rage, but he will supplicant enters the shrine. Fur-
not allow it. If left unchecked, it seems Plot Events ther down the street from them is a
that he will become violent and may medicine peddler, his portable
do great harm. If the player characters The following, unlike random events, chest of powders and infusions
intervene, they will be able to restrain are those that occur at set times and opened before him. His monkey, a
him. However, they will also have pub- places and complement one or more symbol of his calling, clings to his
licly shamed him. The wife or servant, of the plots described previously. jacket and greedily eats a plum, the
while grateful to the characters, will These events describe the setting, juice soaking its little white beard.
urge them not to interfere. The master including descriptions you can read to Thumping a tinny drum, the old
or husband will thereafter hate the the players (or adapt to your needs), man drones on about his wares,
player characters and if he is in any the NPCs and forces involved, and the attempting to drown out the calls of
position of influence will attempt to probable tactics (or actions) that will his neighbors.
cause them any harm he can, even if be used.
only to ruin their credit or spread One neighbor, his goods spread
unpleasant rumors about them. Of Not every event that is described in out on mats, sells envelopes.
course, there may be little he can do. the plot section can be detailed. Another sells fortunes printed on
Those given here provide examples of slips of paper. A small bush nearby
In the more noble districts, all of the how to create different types of events is festooned with knotted fortunes
events above can occur, although in for the various plots, in particular of those who wish to leave their bad
not quite such an obvious fashion. swordfights and battle scenes. Fur- luck behind. Further down the
Should the player characters inter- ther events can be constructed from street are the boisterous stalls of
vene, they will earn a lifelong and bit- the materials in the NPC booklet. sake dealers. The owners scurry
ter enemy. If of sufficient position, he
42

about, scooping up wooden mea- intercept him and give him a “polite” terns highlight shop entrances on
sures of sake, plopping a hefty draft warning to stay out of their business. the other side of the street. A dog
and a measure of salt before eager sniffs around the corner at the end
customers. Through the crowd This is what the rest of the Black
wander other peddlers, their goods Mist have been awaiting. Seeing the However courageous the hot-
piled high on their backs—fabric Big Heads (whom they have already tempered Big Head faction may be,
and pots and kettles and bonsai marked) approach their leader, they they are sorely lacking in skills. Their
and charms and more—all guaran- cast off their jackets to reveal their tat- concept of the Black Mist lacks all
teed pretty but worthless. Through toos and whip out short swords and sense of subtlely and surprise. Led by
all this peek and probe the small daggers from the folds of their cloth- Kura (yakuza 8th level), the 30 mem-
crowd of men and women, little ing. With a shout, they leap to the bers of his group (five 4th level, ten
children scampering between the defense of their leader. Stationed as 2nd level, and fifteen 1st level) march
legs of all. they are throughout the crowd, they to the gates of the compound and
are able to intercept most of the Big shout out a challenge to those within.
All told, there are five members of the Heads closing in on the fight. Further- This has the desired effect but also
Big Head gang working as peddlers at more, the Big Heads are taken by sur- gives those inside plenty of time to
the festival. Two are first level yakuza prise and waste at least one round prepare. After fifteen minutes of
and two are second level. Their activi- getting weapons out. Not intending a shouted threats, the gates open.
ties are supervised by a 4th level fight, they are not as well-prepared as There in the entrance are fifty of the
yakuza. In addition, there are two the Black Mist gang and only carry Black Mist gurentai (3rd level yakuza)
more members of the Big Head gang, knives. armed with swords and spears. The
both 5th level yakuza, collecting rent foolish Big Heads charge and the
from the ten other merchants (who are As people flee the street, the con- Black Mist set to receive them.
not associated with the Big Head flict quickly erupts into a battle. Stalls
gang in any way). There are 45 men, crash down and in the end, several Foolish as this tactic is, the Big
women and children who form the members of the Big Heads are Heads do even worse. Attempting to
crowd of customers here. The two sprawled on the ground. Out- force their way into the yard, several
shukenja at the entrance to the shrine numbered and out-fought, the rest members hurl lighted lanterns onto
are both 3rd level. All told, there are 62 flee, leaving the street in the hands of the roofs. Certainly, they reason, the
people on the scene. the Black Mist yakuza. The latter free- Black Mist will have to send some of
ly takes what they want of all that is left their men to deal with this threat. The
While the turnout for the festival has behind and grotesquely arrange the Black Mist ignore the fire, leaving the
not been amazing, the day has been bodies of the fallen Big Heads. servants to deal with the blaze. Sev-
good for the Big Heads. They have Approximately an hour after the fight, eral die in the flames before the fire is
gained a reasonable profit for their they leave. The city watchmen never brought under control.
efforts and have even managed a bit appear on the scene.
of gambling behind one of the sake However, it is the fire that ultimately
stalls (which is technically the prov- 2. The Big Head Counterattack saves the Big Heads. The threat to the
ince of the Worthless Flower gang). It surrounding buildings alerts the
is this profit that the Black Mist gang Pushed on by the outrage at the neighborhood and the alarm bells are
has heard about and intends to move shrine, the hothead elements of the rung. Both sides break off the fight. By
in on. Big Heads, led by Kura, stage a night- the time the battle ends, the Big
time attack on the headquarters of the Heads have lost 17 men and have had
When the Black Mist arrive, they Black Mist yakuza. This, the oyabun’s another 10 wounded while the Black
come in force. There are ten of them, house, is located on the edge of the Mist have only lost eight men and had
led by a 7th level yakuza. Under him Foreign District. The house is natu- seven more wounded.
are one 4th level yakuza, two 3rd level rally well guarded and, unless there is
yakuza, three 2nd levels and three 1st some outside intervention, the attack Clearly, the disaster could have
levels. They show up in small batches is a disaster. been prevented if the Big Heads had
of twos and threes and position them- better guidance. They made no
selves along the length of the street. The street to the oyabun’s house is
When their leader arrives, he begins narrow and dark. There are no attempt to maneuver or achieve sur-
pressuring the local merchants. This watchmen in sight. Along one side prise. With stronger leadership, they
does not go unnoticed by the Big of the street is a narrow gate, lit by a might have been able to out-fight their
Heads and several of them move to pair of torches. Faded paper lan- enemy, but allowing themselves to be
trapped in the gate against superior

43

odds was sheer foolishness. ten the proper title or made some rendously botched attempt at a poem,
slight about an ancestor of the family. the result will be even worse than if he
3. The Moon-Viewing Party There are many ways characters can had never tried. Not only will the char-
get into trouble. acter become the mockery of the city
Part of the court life is an endless in the days that follow, the other
series of social obligations—prettily In addition, there are also guests will barely suppress their
concocted but painfully refined. There impromptu contests held at the laughter at the moment. The player
is no opportunity to escape these for- party—expected by the guests. Prin- character will lose two points of honor
malities and everyone is expected to cipal of these are a poetry contest and immediately and will have earned a
take part in them. Those who cannot, a calligraphy contest. All are expected blot upon his name for weeks,
through lack of desire or, for some to participate as refusal would open months, or, if truly unfortunate, years
occasions, skill are the objects of ridi- the character to humiliation and to come.
cule and low respect. mockery in the days and weeks to
The calligraphy contest is a differ-
The garden of the lord’s palace is come. ent matter. While all refined persons
brightly lit by lanterns, the walks The Poetry Contest: Warmed by are expected to have a fine hand, the
sparkling in the dark night. Body- contest is really only a test of skill
guards and servants lurk in the drink and the pleasant evening atmo- between those who are masters of this
shadows. A special platform has sphere, the host proposes a poetry demanding art. Any player character
been set up and covered with mats. composition contest using linked can choose to enter (with the conse-
Low tables and small braziers for verse. This is a popular form of refined quences of failure described above) in
grilled meats and warmed drinks entertainment. The host begins the hopes of gaining honor and influence.
have been set out. contest by preparing a couplet Each entrant writes out a section of
describing the beauty of the evening. the linked verse just composed. The
The moon-viewing party begins in the The next guest adds a rhyming coup- finished writings are passed from
late evening and continues until near- let that continues the verse and the hand to hand, receiving comments
ly dawn. Attending it are the Funada sentiment. This continues until all the from the onlookers. The final winner is
brothers, the Goshukara, the heads chosen by agreement. Of course, the
and respected members of the Loyal guests have added a couplet, chang- choice of paper and skill of execution
Families, and a few other samurai ing and expanding the poem’s original are all vital factors in the judging.
families. All told, there are fifteen peo- intention. If your player’s have the tal-
ple at the party. ent, they can provide actual couplets The moon-viewing party is also
as their entries, creating their own more than a simple social function. It
A function such as this offers sev- linked verse. is a time when much of the real busi-
eral entertainments other than just ness of ruling Nakamaru is conduct-
watching the glory of the rising moon. While prizes are not given for this ed. Various lords and factions will use
There are musicians and story-tellers. contest, and judging is informal, all the party to sound out potential allies,
There is eating and drinking. There the other guests will be listening to make truces, arrange weddings,
are events that also involve the partici- each effort. Thus, the performance of reach understandings, propose deals
pants directly. the player character’s should be and offer terms. As such, the player
determined according to the rules. If a characters should be encouraged to
Drinking is a natural part of the player character refuses to partici- mingle and circulate. Likewise, non-
moon-viewing party, especially potent pate, there will be a titter of surprise player characters may seek out the
drinks. Player characters must take and an arched eyebrow, but nothing characters for these purposes. When
care to exercise moderation. Such more will be said at the time. How- preparing for this event, it is helpful to
parties are extremely delicate affairs, ever, the next day and in the weeks have a list of whom the player charac-
bound by rules of etiquette. Charac- thereafter the character will be ters may be trying to contact and who
ters who drink to excess should be mocked among the social circles of may be trying to make a deal with
required to make an ability check Nakamaru and will earn a particularly them.
against their wisdom. This die roll can unflattering nickname. It may even be
be modified if the DM wishes. If the that allusions to the character (puns) 4. The Death of Jirozu
ability check has failed, the player will appear in popular songs or
character has managed to say or do poems. These will gain a wide circula- This event occurs late in the night
something particularly offensive and tion throughout the city. The player (past midnight) just beyond the outer
rude in front of one of the other attend- character will retain this unenviable gates of the castle. The attack will only
ees. The character may have forgot- position for several weeks or until happen once Jirozu’s party is clearly
some new event captures the public
attention.

If a player character makes a hor-

44

on Funada property. and must make a normal to hit roll. In (Perhaps rash and impulsive in this
addition, Jirozu is allowed his normal attack, Kidera Ujisato is not a com-
The night is dark and the move- saving throw. If the darts fail, the wu plete fool.) The sohei are organized as
ments of the group have been jen/ninja will use her spells to best follows:
cloaked in silence and secrecy. affect. She will avoid area effect spells
Taking a roundabout route, the if possible, as she only desires to A: Ten 7th level sohei
bodyguards, dressed in simple strike down Jirozu and would prefer B: Eighty 1st level sohei
dark robes, met Jirozu and led him for it to look like the act of the Funada. C: Sixty 3rd level sohei
back to the Funada palace. Ahead Failing all these, she will attempt to
of the group has slunk a dark clad, drop down behind Jirozu, strike him Each unit has its own 8th level com-
silent figure—a ninja of the Hino down with a backstab and then flee. mander and Kidera Ujisato acts as the
clan—scouting ahead of the main army commander.
party. Reaching the gate, whis- Unless the player characters are
pered passwords are exchanged involved, the Phoenix ninja’s plan will However, the battle is not the sur-
and the doors are barely parted. work perfectly. If the player characters prise the Winter Sect sohei think it will
The group passes within. Then, are present, the event could end in vir- be. Armed and awaiting them are 100
just as the doors swing shut, a tually any way. If Jirozu dies, the of the Shining Mountain sohei and
brightly robed figure attacks—one Funada will reap the blame regardless Funada retainers, who arrived during
of the Funada clansmen! of the circumstance of his death. If the night. Having the advantage of
Jirozu lives, the attack will have con- position and possibly surprise, the
The attacker is a Funada relative in vinced him that the Funada cannot Shining Mountain Temple has only
the ranks of the samurai retainers. He give him adequate protection. He will risked a part of its force for the
is an 8th level samurai and is armed not participate in any discussions with defense of the temple, holding the rest
with a katana. See the NPC book for them. While the gangs of the city will back as reserves for a counterattack.
information on him. Guarding the not turn on the Funada, they will not The Shining Mountain sohei are orga-
oyabun Jirozu are 8 samurai. One is cooperate either. nized as follows.
7th level and the others are all 3rd
level. They are surprised by the 5. The Sohei Trap #1: Fifty 2nd level sohei bowmen
attack, coming as it does from an #2: Twenty 5th level sohei
unexpected foe and after they had For this event you will need to use the #3: Thirty 4th level bushi
thought they were safe. Also on the tactical map provided in the NPC
scene, though not in the immediate booklet. If you have and want to use The first two units are commanded by
area of the attack is the Hino yakuza/ the BATTLESYSTEM™ rules, you may 7th level sohei and the bushi are led
ninja (4th level in each). Charged by want to resolve this event by setting by a 6th level samurai. The whole
his sensei to ensure that no other up the terrain and playing out the com- force is led by a 9th level sohei.
ninja make an attack on Jirozu, he will bat according to those rules. Unit
not leap into this fray. However, if the organization for BATTLESYSTEM™ When the Winter Sect sohei reach
Phoenix ninja takes direct action rules is listed below. the temple, the trap has already been
against jirozu, the Hino ninja will real- set. The main gates stand slightly ajar
ize his presence and begin to hunt for The streets of Nakamaru have and it will be an easy matter for the
him. become a confused armed camp! sohei to force their way in. This is just
Banners fluttering, the sohei of the what their enemy wants them to do.
Although the samurai is making the Winter temple have set out to Just beyond the gate are units #2 and
attack, he is not its true source. Rath- attack their cowardly enemies at #3. Their task is to prevent any further
er, the real reason for the attack is a the Shining Mountain temple! advance of the attackers. In this they
Phoenix wu jen/ninja, O-Kaze, hidden Cheerful and chanting their prayers have the advantage, since they were
on the roof of a nearby nagaya. From they set out through the winding able to amass more men than their
here she has managed to charm her streets. In no time they reach the attackers. Meanwhile, the #1 unit will
victim and has directed him to attack red and orange gates of the Shin- rise up from their hidden positions on
without ceasing. While the bodyguard ing Mountain temple. The battle is the walls to fire on the attackers who
are busy defending against this about to begin! have still not passed through the gate.
attacker, the Phoenix ninja will use a With the advantage of surprise and
blowgun with poisoned darts to elimi- The Winter Sect has advanced with cover, the Shining Mountain warriors
nate Jirozu. She has only three darts 150 sohei, leaving the remainder at are confident of success.
their temple to guard against disaster.
Meanwhile, unaware of the trap, the
45 plan of the Winter Sect commanders

is simple. Once the lead unit, C, forces It is at this point that the rest of the of shame, how they had boldly
the gate, the bulk of the force (unit B) trap is sprung. The second rank of the charged forth into a trap. It is clear
will rush into the courtyard and spread sohei attempt to retreat, since forward you must prepare for the worst.
out to defeat the ill-organized and advance is impossible. However, the
unprepared defenders. The elite unit, units behind them are still pressing Even as the sohei are in the
C, will remain in reserve should there forward. Confusion begins to grow. midst of their preparations, the first
be any unforseen setbacks. Confident Suddenly, with a single voice, the of the enemy arrive. Staying a
sohei of the Shining Mountain charge respectful distance back, well out
that they will achieve total surprise, no forward. The foremost of the attackers of bowshot, they settle in. Several
contingency plans have been pre- panic, turning headlong into their own runners come forward, requesting
pared nor has any scaling or seige ranks, but those behind will still not the surrender of the rebellious
equipment been brought along. give way. Then, rising up from their sohei within the temple. They are
concealed positions behind the walls, refused but no attack comes. It
If the event is to be fought as a the Shining Mountain archers pour seems that the Shining Mountain
BATTLESYSTEM™ game encounter, arrows into the rear formations of the commander is quite prudent and
the referee should assume the overall Winter sect sohei. With a shock, the carefully gathering his forces sur-
command of the Winter Sect sohei. attackers realize their surprise is lost. rounds the temple.
Other players can command specific Confusion and panic take their grip.
The front ranks are trapped between Of course, the above scene will be
units (if desired) although the bulk of their friends and their enemies, while much different if the player characters
the forces is not large. The majority of the back ranks are picked off by the are among the Shining Mountain
players should assume command of well-protected archers from above. sohei or Lord Mitsuhide’s men. Then
the Shining Mountain troops, using The battle ends in a tragic rout. The you can give vivid descriptions of a
attackers break and flee, pursued by wild chase through the streets of the
the set-up positions described. Once the fresh reserves of the Shining city, swift furious duels with sohei too
the battle begins, however, players Mountain temple. Only 30 of the Win- exhausted or ashamed to run any far-
can exercise command as they see fit. ter sect warriors make it back to the ther and finally the sudden halt at the
temple. The others lie dead in the very gates of the Winter Sect temple.
However, if you do not wish to use streets or are scattered throughout
the BATTLESYSTEM™ game, you can the city. The Shining Mountain forces are
still resolve player character participa- keenly aware that they are too few to
tion in the battle. Unless the player 6. The Final Battle capture the temple compound of their
characters are influential enough to enemy. Thus, their first goal is to gain
change the deployments of troops, Only the beginning situation can be the support of the Funada family and
the sohei on both sides will arrange given for this event, since the out- then seal the temple off from the sur-
themselves as already described. The come is as yet undecided. The Winter rounding neighborhood. At the same
player characters can then react to Temple Map can be used for this time, those inside are hurriedly send-
event. ing out messengers requesting aid.
the situations according to their loca- Who will come and who will win
tion. The general course of the battle Even before their return, reports should depend on the actions and
is described here. have already begun to filter through. diplomacy of the player characters.
the barracks about this morning’s
The first wave of Winter sect sohei battle. The attack on the Shining
charge through the gate in great Mountain temple was a disaster!
enthusiasm. Hoping to maintain their Hastening to the walls, you see the
surprise, they utter no war cries or banners of the great sohei regi-
ments bob and fall while those of
shout challenges. They press each your enemy wend their way
other close, pushing forward, eager to through the city towards you. With-
get into the compound. Thus, when in minutes the first of your com-
the front rank suddenly sees the ene- rades, those most fleet of foot,
my formed in lines ahead of them, return. Stumbling to the ground of
there is nothing they can do but the courtyard, they pant out a story
charge forward. Meanwhile, the ranks
behind them, unaware of what has 46
happened, continue to push forward,
denying their own front rank any fight-
ing or maneuver room. The leading
troops of the Winter sect crash into the
set lines of the Shining Mountain
sohei and, unable to fight, effectively
are cut down.



Glossary

Bakuto — A gambler, a type of yakuza Hirayamajiro — A castle set on a hill Ronin — A samurai without a master,
gang that specializes in gambling and that rises above the surrounding either through death, dismissal or
games of chance. plain. Other classifications include requested severance.
yamajiro (castle on a mountain) and
Burakumin — The village people or hirajiro (castle on a plain). Sake — An alcoholic drink made from
eta, outcasts from society. fermented rice.
Ishiotoshi — Chutes built into the out-
Chigaidama — The distinctive stag- er walls of a castle through which the Sengoku-daimyo — A daimyo who,
gered shelves found on the back wall defender can drop stones on the while supposedly subservient to the
of the traditional samurai shoin. attacker. shogun, was for all practical purposes
an independent warlord.
Chodaigamae — A small pair of doors Jodan — The highest section of the
along one side of the shoin, near the shoin, where the lord receives guests. Shogun — The rank of supreme mili-
jodan. The doors lead to other sec- tary commander which eventually
tions of the samurai’s mansion and Kobun — The “son” or follower of the became the true ruler of the nation.
bodyguards may be stationed behind oyabun in a yakuza gang.
them, out of sight. Shoin — A formalized style of recep-
Koku — A measure of rice (approx. 1 tion hall found in samurai homes. A
Cryptomeria — A tall, thick-trunked bushel) that is used as a measure of series of one or more rooms, each
type of cedar that is often used for wealth. slightly higher than the last, where the
beams, pillars, and major supports. lord holds audiences, receives guests
Kurumayose — The carriage entrance and conducts certain official ceremo-
Daimyo — The military governor of a or main entrance to a mansion, often nies.
province or group of provinces who in an open archway where a guest can
turn serves the shogun. reach a palanquin. Soan — A “grass cottage,” a style of
garden tea-house noted for its simplic-
Eta — The lowest social class, they are Mikoshi — A portable shrine carried ity and rustic nature.
almost non-people, performing the on two poles by teams of bearers.
tasks considered unclean by all others Tamon — The long narrow buildings
of the society. Minka — A commoner’s farmhouse or built on top of castle walls. Tamon
village house. They normally have were commonly used as storehouses
Gakusho — A non-adventuring priest, high-peaked roofs covered in thatch, and armories and gave protection to
one who is mainly involved in schol- shingles, or tile. defenders atop the wall.
arly pursuits.
Nagaya — Long houses of one or two Tekiya — Those groups of yakuza who
Geisha — A female entertainer and stories that serve as barracks, armo- specialize in protection rackets and
hostess highly trained in courtesy, ries or storehouses. They usually line selling shoddy goods.
singing, dancing, and other sophisti- the walls of a compound or castle.
cated social graces. The skill of a gei- Tenshu — The tower of a castle.
sha lies in her ability to relax and Ninjitsu — The study of the arts of the
entertain her guests. ninja. Tenshu-kaku — The main tower or
donjon of a castle.
Genkan — A small alcove near the Noren — Curtains used to screen off a
entrance to a house. doorway. Storefronts often have col- Tokonoma — A narrow, recessed
ored noren, marked with a symbol of shelf at the back of the shoin. It usu-
Giri — A person’s sense of obligation, the business within. ally takes up most of the wall and is
loyalty, and duty to others, particularly decorated by a large painting.
superiors or traditions. Oyabun — The “father” or head of a
yakuza gang who guides and looks Torii — The characteristic red archway
Gurentai — Hoodlums, members of a after his children, the “kobun.” found at the entrance to shrines.
yakuza gang who specialize in
enforcement and strong-arm work. Pagoda — A tower of one or more sto-
ries built on temple grounds as a mon-
ument to the deities of the temple.

48