Challenge, Focus, Strike!

Adventure Hooks for Legend of the Five Rings

VOLUME IV: CFS OF THE WEEK #36 THROUGH #52
Written by Isawa Nazomitsu (Scott Stockton) z Compiled & Edited by Pirate Spice (Sean C. Riley)
Following is the fourth volume of a series of documents collecting the "meetings" with other courtiers are actually updates on the security plans
esteemed Isawa Nazomitsu’s “CFS of the Week” feature in the L5R RPG of the player characters.
GMs section of AEG’s gaming forum ([Link]/forum). The troubles need not end with the exposure of Kouji's scheming,
For the sake of further organizing these, I have attempted to give each either. Saya's popularity is not the only reason he has not been
hook a title (also taking inspiration from suggestions on the forum). The promoted—his skill as a diplomat is sadly lacking. While Saya has been
hooks themselves are presented in the order that they were originally sequestered away for her own protection, he has managed to anger and
posted, edited for brevity and typography. In addition, you will find offend several powerful daimyos. If something is not done to mend
several headings denoting a category of scenarios, grouped by theme. relations soon the spring thaws may see a declaration of war, and the job
Some entries may include a section entitled “Shout.” These are simply is too big for Saya to handle alone.
extensions of the CFS presented to add more complications or hooks. Ah, the joys of Court…
This volume is longer than the others, for the sake of keeping all of
Nazomitsu’s acclaimed Winter Court scenarios (not to mention his 37. Poetic License
wicked oni scenarios) together. The weather continues to get colder and colder. Winter is almost upon us.
– Sean C. Riley (a.k.a. Pirate Spice) You have secured an invitation to Court, haven't you?

Winter Court CHALLENGE

A week or so after the start of Winter Court, one of the characters is
asked to give a private poetry recital for an important member of his clan
In August we faced haunting ghosts and restless spirits. In September we
who is present in the palace. The woman is quite old and has difficulty
fought roving gangs of vicious bandits. In October we battled bloodthirsty
leaving her room, but her grandson Tatsu is on hand to attend to her
hordes of zombies. Now it's time for something even more terrifying:
during the character's visit, and she is greatly appreciative of the gesture.
Winter Court.
FOCUS
36. Character Assassination When court is assembled the next day, Tatsu stands before the host and
recites the player character's best poem as if it were his own. The host
CHALLENGE reacts quite favorably, heaping ample praise on the young man. Tatsu
The PCs are asked to escort a popular young courtier to Winter Court. responds by reciting a few more of the character's compositions.
The courtier, Saya, is the daughter of a powerful lord and is an influential
figure in the Court in her own right. While her father will host guests in STRIKE
his own home, she will travel to visit another Clan. One of the many courtiers present remarks that the player character is
Just after reaching the palace where they will spend the winter, reported to be a skilled poet as well. Hearing this, the host of the Winter
however, the characters receive an anonymous message warning that an Court then turns to the character in question and asks if he can match
assassin will attempt to kill Saya sometime during Winter Court. Tatsu's display of poetic skill.

FOCUS Remember that everyone is watching this exchange as it happens. Winter

A number of people who could be considered Saya's enemies are present Court is a social affair, and just about everything takes place in the
in the court, ranging from childhood rivals to political opponents. Further, public eye. As such, there could be numerous consequences for the
several generals who have fought heated battles against her father are also character's actions.
there. And the ex-lover of Saya's betrothed. And the son of the maho-tsukai Dealing with Tatsu can be a one-time event, or a continuing problem
she gave testimony against last winter. And the list goes on! Every delegation for the character. He could be a talentless hack, or a skilled but unscrupulous
contains at least one person who seems likely to be behind the death threat. poet in his own right. Likewise, he could be a relative nobody within the
court, or have numerous connections to call upon if necessary.
STRIKE If possible, have the player of the character in question actually
The warning was actually sent by Kouji, one of Saya's aides. Jealous of compose some poems for the recital in the Challenge section (which you
the attention and praise she received, the young man blamed her for his can steal for Tatsu's big performance later on). Be careful if he or she
failure to gain recognition in the courts. Although he does not actually comes up with too many poems, however, because having a stock of
intend to have her killed, he does want her taken out of the picture long poems eliminates a lot of the pressure in this scenario.
enough so that he has a chance to shine. By instilling a sense of tension Colder than the snow,
and paranoia in Saya, Kouji hopes to create a chance to gain glory for This icy blade in my heart –
himself by taking over her regular duties. A friend's betrayal.
Saya's reaction to the death threat depends on the type of personality you
want to give her. If she takes the threat seriously, she agrees to any
38. Contagious Rumors
precautions the PCs suggest, even to the point of staying isolated in her I'm afraid I'm feeling a little under the weather this week. I suspect the
chambers if they believe it is necessary. This will make Kouji quite happy, cold I'm suffering from came from one of my students. One interesting
as he will be able to schmooze to his heart's content. On the other hand, if thing about the Japanese people I teach: When someone nearby is ill,
Saya insists on living her life as normal, it may cause the PCs some they react quite fearfully. When they themselves are sick, however, they
serious woes in their attempts to keep her safe. Numerous dignitaries and have no qualms about exposing others.
courtiers request private meetings with her every day, and her nights are But at least my suffering can bring some benefit for others....
often spent in romantic walks with her betrothed. Needless to say, these
are not settings in which armed guards are welcome.
CHALLENGE
During Winter Court, the party members find themselves in a position
Of course, for those who like the simple and classic "assassination
where they must negotiate with various emissaries from a number of
threat" style, the plot involving Kouji can be discarded in favor of
different Clans and families. They could be making a business deal to
another culprit. There are numerous people who would like to kill Saya,
secure vital resources for their Clan, arranging a marriage to cement an
and any one of them could have hired an assassin. Or perhaps, in a
alliance, exchanging military secrets about a rival Clan, or trying to find
moment of weakness, the ambitious Kouji became an accomplice, and his
(or hide) information about a political scandal. Whatever their mission, it
will require several meetings and a great deal of politicking.
FOCUS If you want to put a light-hearted spin on this adventure, increase
Early in the season, one or more of the characters are exposed to a Kawachi’s skill in the kitchen to make him a master chef. Then have his
sickness of some sort. It could be an allergic reaction to some harmless assistants fall ill. Instead of flexing their diplomatic skills to find a way to
substance, a cold caught while venturing outside in the winter chill, or make the banquet a success, the PCs will have to take an active hand in
just a passing sore throat picked up from a servant. Whatever the nature making the banquet itself. Of course, with Kawachi’s guidance there
of the illness, it is brief and non-fatal, but unpleasant enough to require shouldn't be any problem…right?
rest in private. You can also raise the stakes by playing up the social nature of Winter
Court. Important figures will want to know whether or not one of
STRIKE Kawachi’s feasts is worth going to in the future. Aspiring courtiers will
The court is soon filled with rumors about "the true nature" of the want to have a hand in its success. Rivals of the Clan will want to prevent
characters' illness. This could be simple gossip, or malicious lies spread him from gaining influence with his grandstanding. And the PCs will
by one of the party's rivals. One version says that the characters have have a good deal to gain from either side.
been afflicted by the Shadowlands Sickness. Another claims that it is an For more information about historical Japanese food (as well as some
outbreak of the Ebon Fever which swept the Empire fifty years ago. Even recipes) this site* is an excellent resource. Turns out some of our
the mildest rumors speak of infectious fevers and punishments from the "traditional" favorites like sushi and tempura aren't all that traditional
Fortunes, causing many to give the party a wide berth. after all. Definitely worth a look.
With such whispered warnings in circulation, how will the characters *[Link]/Japanese/Food/[Link]
manage to convince anyone to meet or speak with them and complete
their mission? BONUS CFS: THE IRON CHEF VERSION!
If you want to make things even more difficult for the party, this scenario C HALLENGE
can also be reversed. Infect one or more members of the Clans they must Kawachi has another problem. He's been called upon to prepare dinner
speak to with a disease such as influenza or typhoid fever and set up the for a distinguished courtier (Otomo Amato), his yojimbo (Yotsu Karami),
Rokugani version of Outbreak. Will the characters risk their health for and the Abbot of a temple to Hotei (Master Nigasa). He's gathered the
the sake of speaking to a potential ally? Will they risk being shunned by ingredients for his famous red miso soup, and he's selected a nice area of
other members of the court for speaking to an afflicted person? the palace in which to hold the event. But he's not sure how to keep the
Keep in mind that Rokugani medical knowledge is not equal to the trio entertained for the entire evening by himself, and he wants to know if
scientific expertise we have today. While healers can recognize it would be possible, maybe, if they're not busy, for the party to
symptoms, treat illnesses, and prevent diseases from spreading to a accompany him?
limited degree, the nature and causes of diseases are still a mystery to F OCUS
even the most learned scholars. People know enough to avoid victims As soon as the Abbot meets the party he becomes visibly excited. He
who are sick because they observe the sickness spreading to others reveals that his duties as a temple keeper have always kept him too busy
nearby. But the cause of the illness may as well be evil spirits, and even a to pursue his lifelong dream of traveling the Empire. While Hotei has
case of the flu can be fatal in such a society. Thus, the best advice blessed him with a warm bed and a full meal every night, he would dearly
possible is to keep one's distance and pray to the Fortunes. like to sample the cuisines of other Clans, and he asks the player
characters which type of food is the best in the Empire.
39. Don’t Bite More Than You Can Chew Upon hearing their ideas, Otomo Amato challenges Kawachi and the
For those of you who live outside the United States, today is player characters to prepare the foods they have suggested. After all, he
Thanksgiving. For those of you who do live in the USA, have a Happy claims, if those dishes really are as delicious as the player characters say,
Turkey Day! even the efforts of an unskilled cook would be a pleasure to try. Upon
And while the holiday may not be traditionally celebrated in Rokugan, hearing this idea, Abbot Nigasa jumps in with an offer to pray to Hotei on
there's no reason why we can't have a feast anyway. behalf of the person who could bring him such joy with their cooking,
and even Karami asks the characters if they really believe that their Clans'
CHALLENGE cuisines are the best in the Empire..
A friendly young man named Kawachi (or another friend or clan mate of Of course, if their suggestions were made not with confidence, but
the characters) approaches the PCs with an idea. He has noticed that simply misguided pride, they're welcome to back down…
recent bad weather has cast a dark cloud over Winter Court, and he wants
to do something to brighten people's spirits. To that end, he proposes an S TRIKE
elaborate dinner party with lavish food, and asks the PCs if they would Kawachi has a good relationship with the kitchen staff of the palace, and
help him organize it. is able to call upon just about any common ingredients or cooking
materials needed for the competition. While this is good news for the
FOCUS PCs, it also means that Kawachi can prepare just about any food he has
While Kawachi’s idea has merit, his guest list and his menu are both heard of. While the loser of such an impromptu and unorthodox contest
overly ambitious. He has asked several people from every clan to attend, faces no social stigma, the blessings of a monk of Hotei (and the respect
and while none of the guests are particularly powerful, they are all quite of allies in the Court) are not a prize to pass up lightly. Not to mention the
active in spreading gossip around the courts. Furthermore, the menu is pride to be gained from defending the honor of one's Clan.
also quite complex. Kawachi intends to serve sashimi, chopped seaweed
If the player characters are ill-prepared to deal with the challenge, you
salad, red miso soup, dried pheasant, pickled cucumbers, grilled fish,
can tone down the level of competition Kawachi presents by having him
chestnut rice, and marinated mandarin oranges. And, to better bring joy to
choose to prepare a dish other than his famous red miso. If you have a
his guests, he'll make the entire meal by himself.
few aspiring chefs in the party, however, you can take off the kid gloves
If the characters ask around, they can find out that while Kawachi is
and let them face off against a delicious soup featuring baby clams, tofu,
an aspiring cook, the only item on the menu he has any experience in
seaweed, and fine vegetables.
preparing is red miso soup.
The preferences and personality quirks of the three guests, unforeseen
STRIKE difficulties in cooking, attempts to outdo other characters, and outside
If the player characters let Kawachi go through with his plan to prepare interference can all add levels of complexity to this contest. Rather than
the entire feast by himself, they run a terrible risk. If the meal is not a success, boiling things down to a single die roll, breaking the challenge into
his reputation in the courts will surely be ruined. But if they come out and several different stages and asking the players for their strategy in each
tell him their concerns directly, he's certain to be insulted and dejected. stage can make the process more involved and enjoyable. And if someone
While his confidence in his own cooking skills may be overblown, he finds a way to use a bugei skill, school technique, or mystic spell to their
does sincerely want to make people happy through his own efforts. advantage, more power to them!
Perhaps the player characters can find some way to make everyone And of course, if you wished to build an entire campaign around this
happy at the same time. And enjoy some good food while they're at it. sort of thing, there are always new venues to aspire to. Why satisfy
yourself with being an Iron Chef when you could be the Jade Chef, or
even the Emerald Chef of the Emperor himself?
40. Good Fortune, Bad Company If you do not want to role play out the initial scene that involves the target
PC's social mistake (or your players are smooth enough to avoid making
Winter Court continues. For many, the court is filled with rivals and such mistakes), you can rule that the incident in question occurred at a
enemies. For others, it holds countless friends and allies. And for some, it different Winter Court when the character was much younger, perhaps
holds a number of annoying acquaintances. during their initial meeting with Yukio. This bit of history can also be
helpful in establishing feelings of rivalry toward Yukio, as his infuriating
CHALLENGE retelling of the same old story has continued since their youth.
During a courtly gathering, a shugenja from another family strikes up a Alternately, you could make Yukio's motivation much more malevolent
conversation with one of the player characters. He explains that his hobby in nature. Perhaps he is jealous of the character and his stories are his
is divination and offers to tell the character's fortune. way of lashing out. He might be using the character's blunder as a joke in
an attempt to make himself more popular. Or Yukio could be trying to
FOCUS ruin the character's reputation for other reasons. Maybe he's even
During the divination session, the shugenja claims that his own future is
working in tandem with another person within the court to set the
highly compatible with the character's future. He suggests that they
character up for further manipulations.
support each other as much as possible in order to benefit from this
One thing to keep in mind is to refrain from making Yukio's comments
harmonious coincidence. While this may sound like a harmless gesture of
to overtly insulting or offensive. As long as his stories are true and
friendship, the shugenja is quite enthusiastic about their "unbreakable
delivered in a light, off the cuff manner, the character in question should
partnership." He begins following the character around at all hours,
have no real justification to seek vindication. Of course, if you decide that
asking him for advice and trying to be helpful in return.
Yukio's true intent has been to goad the character into a duel all along,
STRIKE you can make his comments as biting and spiteful as you wish.
Be careful what you say (or write, for that matter). It may be brought
Besides his skill in divination, the shugenja brings no useful skills to the
back for all to see someday later.
party. In fact, his low stamina, lack of combat skills, social ineptitude,
and unlucky nature may even hold the character back from time to time.
As the winter drags on, the player character must decide how he will deal 42. Child’s Play
with the hindrance his constant companion has become. Today saw snow (or frozen rain at the very least) in Osaka, and flurries
in several locations throughout Japan. It made me glad to know I had a
Two points that can significantly change the way in which the players warm home to return to, and I hope all of you can enjoy the same luxury.
react to the shugenja is the shugenja's age and gender. An older NPC Of course, this type of severe weather is exactly the sort of thing which
may be treated with more respect by some players, while others may show forces samurai to choose between braving the elements or braving the
more leeway to a younger and more inexperienced NPC. Likewise, a Courts. For those who are lacking in social graces and political
female NPC can often avoid trouble in situations where a male would be connections, Winter Court can be a fearsome place, but it is also a place
scorned. Know your players' habits and you can create an NPC which is where new alliances can be made.
likely to bring out the initial reaction you desire.
Of course, prophecies are much more interesting when they are true. CHALLENGE
If the targeted player character manages to get rid of the shugenja While attending Winter Court in the palace of another Clan, a player
somehow, you can have the shugenja come into some good fortune which character receives a mysterious message from an unknown source.
allows him to aid the player character later on. If the player character
sticks it out and accepts the shugenja as a companion, their continued Esteemed samurai,
association eventually allows the shugenja to develop skills and abilities First, let me say that it is a great shame
which let him aid the player character in a vital situation later on. that your prowess and skill are not
This scenario can also be used to introduce a new player character appreciated by the emissaries that dominate
into the party. If so, you may want to eliminate signs of weakness and the palace this season. Your power, wisdom,
incompetence from the new character, and instead have him plagued by and integrity are a credit to your Clan,
rivals, social conflicts and family problems. These can cause trouble for
and I believe the Empire would benefit if
the party while still allowing the new PC to be a viable member. After all,
there were more samurai of your caliber.
you wouldn't want the party to try to get rid of a new player.
At the risk of being overly direct, I
Keep the people you don't like close. Keep the people who really get
on your nerves closer. would beg your assistance in a matter of
great importance. A despicable villain stalks
41. Forgive & Forget the Court, plotting some evil mischief. Although
I have gathered a small group of magistrates
Today's Winter Court scenario was originally going to be about finding
strange allies in unexpected places. However, a recent rash of dabblings in to monitor his activities in the hopes of foiling
thread necromancy have given me unexpected inspiration. So instead, we turn his plans, our numbers are small, and his
our imaginations to examine what may happen when words are not forgotten. depravity boundless. If you could lend us
your strong arm and keen insight, it would be
CHALLENGE both a great help and a huge honor.
While at Winter Court, one of the PCs makes an unfortunate and Although I cannot yet risk revealing my
inadvertently humorous social blunder. While the incident is quite presence to the scoundrel and his cronies, I
embarrassing, it is thankfully minor and quickly forgotten. will send a servant to meet with you tomorrow
afternoon and explain the situation in
FOCUS
greater detail. I hope you will choose to aid
Or at least it would be quickly forgotten if not for the waggling tongue of
a court dandy named Yukio. The smiling courtier seems to think that the me in this matter, and look forward to
character's mistake is the most humorous story he has ever heard, and he working with you.
delights in bringing it up again and again. It quickly becomes his favored May the Fortunes watch over you this night.
joke, and any time the two are in the same room the character can expect The Judge
Yukio to ask "Hey, do you remember that time you…"
FOCUS
CHALLENGE The next day, the character is approached by a young girl named Mari.
As long as the story remains in the public mind, the character's image will She explains that she is a student of "the Judge," who has asked her to
suffer. And as long as Yukio is left to his own devices he will continue relay his directions while he coordinates with other magistrates in the
circulating the story. There are, of course, several ways to deal with Yukio. Court. She expectantly asks if the player character has decided to aid the
He could be told of an even juicier incident, reasoned with, stoically Judge in striking against evil and corruption, and does her best to secure
ignored, slandered to the point of losing all credibility, threatened into silence, an affirmative answer.
or even silenced permanently. In the end, it all depends on what kind of If the character agrees to help, Mari reveals that the suspect is a man
person the character is deep down, and how he or she deals with mistakes. of low character named Toshihide. While his smooth tongue and careful
manner allow him to enjoy a good reputation in the Court, the Judge has samurai from another Clan approaches Yukishima and offers his gift. It is
reason to suspect that Toshihide is not as honorable as he seems, and he almost identical to the gift the PCs have selected.
would like the PC to seek out evidence to that end. Mari volunteers to The PCs have one day to decide what they will do in the face of this
help, pointing out Toshihide and giving basic information about him. new development.
After a few days of observation, it becomes clear that Toshihide is not
a nice fellow. He is abusive to servants, drinks and gambles with ronin in The similarity of the other samurai's gift to the gift the party members
secret, tries to seduce married women, and lies profusely. However, his have selected may be coincidental, or deliberate. If they have a rival who
skill in navigating the Court and hiding his misdeeds allows him to avoid seeks to discredit them in court, their plans may have been overheard by
any negative consequences of his actions. a spy and their ideas stolen. The samurai might be a desperate individual
who latched on to the first good idea that caught his ear. Or it could
STRIKE simply be bad luck.
In truth, there is no "Judge." Mari is the only other member of the If a player wishes for his or her character to be a fan of Yukishima's
investigation. She founded the "secret group" for the sole purpose of previous works, you can let them make a Storytelling (Poetry) skill roll to
tormenting Toshihide. Two weeks ago, Toshihide carelessly stepped on recall some details. And if a player tries to compose a haiku poem of his
one of Mari's dolls and broke it. When she complained, he teased her until or her own, by all means, encourage them to do so. Yukishima is a
she cried, embarrassing her in front of a large crowd. Vowing to genuine lover of the arts, and appreciates even the simplest offering of
embarrass him in the same way, she formulated a plan and quickly sought talent (but not quite enough to waive the need for a present).
out allies who could serve as her voice in adult society. Once she and the
PC have observed enough of Toshihide's behavior, she will "accidentally" HAIKU SAMPLES
let slip some of his misdeeds in public. With the PC's testimony to back As a bonus for over-worked or under-inspired GMs, here is a selection of
up her claims, she figures she can finally expose Toshihide as the snake haiku poems you can use for the adventure above. They are arranged in
he truly is. sets of three, as any properly educated samurai knows enough to refuse a
gift twice before accepting it.
This adventure idea is best suited for a character who is less socially Don't forget to save one set for the present the player characters
adept than others. While a courtier with several allies and acquaintances eventually give!
in their web of contacts has little to gain from entering such an alliance, a
bushi with few friends in court may be more tempted to take whatever HAIKU SET 1
support he can find. I seek not your gifts.
Furthermore, Mari can actually become a useful ally to the player I wish only to delight,
character in her own right. She is cunning and resourceful, and quick- And brighten your heart.
witted enough to keep her ears open for news that may be important. Her
age gives her a great deal of leeway in the Court, and those who dismiss Your kind words alone
her as a mere child do so at their peril. While not as overtly powerful as Are present enough for me.
an ambassador or emissary, she can give aid to those who befriend her. Your words and your smile.
This scenario can also be useful as a change of pace from conspiracy
driven campaigns. Players who have read all about the Kolat, Gozoku, Generosity:
and Black Lotus may think they know all the secrets in Rokugan. In this virtue, you give all
Presenting them with a plot to expose the "vile crimes" of a single A great example.
dishonorable courtier, masterminded by a little girl, should turn any
HAIKU SET 2
preconceived ideas they might have upside-down.
You lend me your ears,
43. The Gifted Poet Appreciating my words.
I could wish no more.
There are only a few shopping days left until the holidays. Are you ready?
And while the holidays we celebrate are not observed in Rokugan, the In truth, I owe you.
custom of gift giving is no less important. In fact, it may be even more To hear a dear friend's laughter?
vital for one to find the "perfect gift" when honor and glory are on the line. Worth a hundred gifts.
CHALLENGE Sincerely you give
The famous poet, Yukishima, has just finished a new collection of poems, This wonderful gift to me.
entitled "Winter Memories." This is the fourth set of poems Yukishima My thanks to your house.
has composed over the last fifteen years, completing the set he started
with "Spring Wishes," and continued in "Summer Dreams" and "Autumn HAIKU SET 3
Regrets." To honor this great occasion, the host of Winter Court has A sword fit for a king,
announced three days of feasting in Yukishima's honor. As powerful as your Clan.
A waste in my hands.
FOCUS
Yukishima is a celebrity in courtly circles and the completion of his This fine blade you give
greatest poetry series is an auspicious occasion. Many dignitaries and I must turn away, I fear,
members of the court have brought gifts of congratulations to offer at the Lest I seem too keen.
feast. Yukishima is famous for his practice of refusing gifts with appropriate
haiku poems, and many members of the court are looking forward to Your gift honors me.
seeing how he will respond when presented with unique and exotic gifts. Though I am far from worthy,
Needless to say, if the PCs do not prepare a suitable gift for I humbly accept.
Yukishima, their reputation will suffer most severely.
HAIKU SET 4
STRIKE A thing of beauty
The feast begins and a schedule is drawn up for the presentation of gifts Shines with the light of Heaven.
to Yukishima. Unless the PCs do something to change their position in Far too fine for me.
line, they are scheduled to give their gift to Yukishima on the second day
of the celebration. This gift before me,
On the first day they watch as many gifts are given, met with poems Fit for a prince or hero
of refusal, offered again, refused with new poems, offered a third time, Not one such as I.
and finally accepted. If they pay attention, they may notice that
Yukishima tends to react less favorably to gifts that have had little You stand before all,
thought put into them, or gifts that are similar to gifts he has already Your heart as pure as your words.
received. As the first day's festivities eventually begin to wind down, a How can I refuse?
HAIKU SET 5 • The geisha is inexperienced.
And if you want to show your players how Yukishima reacts to a gift that • The geisha has a steady client who is resentful of the new client.
is lacking in thought or is too similar to a present he has already received: • The geisha is a glutton for attention, and demands more and more of
his time.
Offer naught, my friend. • The house is suffering financial difficulties and needs more clients,
Worry not for simple things. regardless of the needs/wants of the geisha.
Your warm thoughts suffice. • The boy falls in love with the Geisha. (Marriage troubles anyone?)
• The geisha is a spy for [insert faction here].
Nay, again, I say. • The father thinks the geisha is a spy for [insert faction here].
Please be seated and relax. • The geisha wants to become an official concubine or even a spouse
It is no bother. and ruthlessly pursues that.
• The geisha house also hooks samurai on opium, and the poor boy
If it brings you joy, gets hooked.
I will accept this token
• Ninja geisha! (Not Lying Darkness, just a shinobi.)
And give you this poem.
• Oni geisha?
44. Under Pressure 45. Beauty & Wisdom
I hope this week's installment finds you all happy and well. It's all too
In his remarks on last week's scenario, the esteemed Akodo Akira
easy to become overwhelmed by the pressures and demands of the
managed to unwittingly guess the theme for this week's scenario. I speak,
holiday season, and remembering to relax and enjoy yourself can be
of course, of those most beautiful and graceful creatures: geisha.
more difficult than it seems.
Now, before we get into the scenario, there is one thing I must clear
Which is all the more reason to spend some quality time gaming with
up. I admit it's a pet peeve of mine, but I absolutely must insist that people
your friends.
who speak of geisha understand one basic fact.
CHALLENGE Geisha are NOT prostitutes!
An influential courtier from the Otomo family approaches the characters A lot of people think geisha are paid to provide such services, but that
in private. He offers them great favors and rewards if they agree to help is a misconception. And those who claim otherwise are doing nothing but
him, but he insists that they swear an oath of secrecy before explaining spreading ignorance. While the two professions may appear similar, they
further. are, in fact, completely different.
Now that we have that out of the way, we can get have a pleasant
FOCUS evening of delightful entertainment.
The courtier is worried about his son, Shigeki, who is behaving strangely.
He fears that Shigeki might be possessed, tainted, cursed, drugged, acting
CHALLENGE
under coercion, influenced by the Lying Darkness (if it has been revealed While staying at the Winter Court of another Clan, one of the player
in your campaign), the victim of an abduction and replacement scheme, characters (or someone close to the player characters) is introduced to
or even brainwashed. He asks the characters to investigate without Yumi, a charming and intelligent young geisha. While the other geisha
causing a big scandal or disrupting his son's duties. present are popular for their beautiful songs and dances, Yumi specializes
in the art of conversation, and has thus been overlooked by most of the
STRIKE guests.
The cause for Shigeki's strange behavior is a completely mundane one.
His duties in the courts have been extremely stressful as of late, and the
FOCUS
extra work has caused him difficulties with his family. Feeling like he has If the PC spends any time talking to Yumi, it becomes clear that the girl is
been assigned an impossible task, and unable to seek comfort at home, wise beyond her years and has a keen understanding of human behavior.
Shigeki is in the early stages of a nervous breakdown. After listening to a person's problems she is able to offer a solution and
If the party learn of this and inform Shigeki's father, the courtier is provide the right words of encouragement to motivate the listener to put
grateful and bestows upon them the promised reward. However, if the that solution into motion. If given a chance to use her skills on behalf of
PCs go the extra step and try to help Shigeki deal with his personal the party she can prove an invaluable source of advice on many topics.
problems (without overstepping the bounds of etiquette, of course), they
STRIKE
may also gain a permanently grateful ally in the courts.
Of course, such frequent meetings with a geisha will not go unnoticed,
Keep in mind that psychology is only a rudimentary science in Rokugan, and Winter Court is a breeding ground for gossip and rumors. If subtle
and society encourages samurai to deal with their feelings in a hints and hushed whispers are not enough to get the point across,
completely different manner than we are used to. While the effects of eventually other members of the character's family will confront him
pressure and isolation on morale are understood, methods of coping with directly and pressure the him to "curb his desires." Whether the character
those problems are not. A samurai must control his emotions, even if they (or Yumi herself) harbor any such feelings is irrelevant—in Rokugan,
threaten to tear him apart. image is all that matters.
If you want to add a more dramatic element to this tale, you can Will the character choose to save face, or continue to benefit from
combine Shigeki's normal stress with one of the other possibilities listed Yumi's wisdom?
above. Perhaps his work in the courts is being monitored by a criminal
Some players may be slow or wary to act on Yumi's advice. While this is their
overlord who is threatening to blackmail him unless he performs certain
choice, you can move things along by offering them a Free Raise on any
tasks. Or a rival might be lacing his evening tea with drugs to cause
rolls they make when taking an action she has suggested. This should give
horrible nightmares, disrupting his sleep. He could even be battling a
even the most reserved character a reason to seek her out again and again.
manipulative yokai for his very soul!
If the character who meets Yumi does not become close enough to her
BONUS PLOT HOOKS that he has to choose between his reputation and her advice, it is possible
Editor’s Note: Akodo Akira provided an excellent post on a possible for one of his rivals to do so instead. Or she may find another samurai
solution or further complication for this adventure. who appreciates her intellect, giving him advice that leads to success
Geisha. after success in the courts.
Geisha were the people that Samurai went to talk out their problems. Of course, if a lasting relationship should blossom between the
There were no psychologists, but there were great listeners. And you paid character and Yumi, there are a wide range of other problems. The
in advance, in gold, and always had references. coming spring will mark an end to their meetings, as the character's
Heck, just getting the poor guy an invitation to a geisha house, let home is far from the geisha house where Yumi lives. And even if they
alone a private meeting, would be an adventure in and of itself. Possible were to continue meeting each other, it could never work out…could it?
plot hooks: In the courts, even beauty and wisdom are weapons. Do you have
what it takes to resist them? To wield them?
46. A Matter of Recognition One way to make the decision even more difficult for the characters is to
give them a number of opportunities to interact with and get to know the
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Spring various personalities involved. It's one thing to accuse a courtier you
can't be far off. Have you attended to all your business at Winter Court? have never met in order to shut up an old man you barely know. It's
something else completely to choose between two friends when you know
CHALLENGE you will have to betray one of them.
A peasant servant who has served one or more of the characters (or their Of course, the player characters have most likely been through tough
family) faithfully for many years approaches him and pleads for a favor. decisions like this before, and will no doubt deal with this one in stride.
Although it is not his place to make requests of a samurai, he is quite Alternately, player characters being the cunning and capricious beings
distraught and begs the character to at least hear his story. they are, they may take a completely unexpected course of action (such as
using magic to repair the vase, or framing a rival who was completely
FOCUS uninvolved). If this happens, you can keep the action moving by
The servant explains that his daughter is pregnant with the child of a
remembering that Winter Court is a place filled with clever and ruthless
samurai from another family. If the child is not recognized by the father it
people seeking political gain. An "eyewitness" may step forward to
will grow up as a heimin, or a ronin at best. But if the father accepts the
implicate one of the characters. Or other members of the court may
child as his own then the baby's future will be assured. Although the
become involved through bribery or blackmail. Which is sure to cause a
servant's daughter has asked her beloved to recognize the baby several
scandal. Followed by an accusation. Followed by a counter-accusation.
times, he has yet to do so.
Perhaps even leading to a challenge?
STRIKE And even if the matter of responsibility is decided, what then? Will the
groups and individuals involved remain angry and bitter with each other,
The servant asks the character to tell the entire court that the samurai in
or will they be able to "pick up the pieces?"
question has fathered the child his daughter is carrying. He hopes that by
No one ever said being responsible was easy.
bringing the matter to a head he can force the samurai to recognize and accept
the baby. As he lacks the social status to make the claim himself, the servant
places himself at the mercy of the character if he will do this deed in his stead. 48. The Play’s the Thing
It's been a long winter, and we've had many adventures together. We've
Depending on how difficult you want to make this scenario, you can give seen a wide variety of horrors, surprises, and wonders. We've gone through
the samurai in question much lower Status and Glory than the PCs, or a number of courtly CFS scenarios, sharing both good times and bad.
much higher Status and Glory. Depending on the way in which the PCs Of all the challenges we've encountered, this one is my personal favorite.
break the news and the samurai's reaction to it, a number of serious
political events could be set into motion. Remember that in Rokugan CHALLENGE
testimony from someone of higher Status always trumps the claims of The host of a large and mixed Winter Court, Akodo Minoru, proposes a
those with less influence. game to pass the time. A devout fan of the theater, he asks his guests to
Of course, your players are free to come up with alternate ways of perform various dramatic scenes from well-known plays for everyone's
accomplishing their goal. Bribery, blackmail, negotiation, compromise, enjoyment. He makes it clear that acting skill is in no way required—the
and persuasion are all viable alternatives to making a big scene in the game is just for fun and an unskilled but spirited performance will be
court, each with their own good points and bad points. sufficient.
If your players are comfortable being placed in difficult situations and
mature enough to deal with matters of romance, you could also try using FOCUS
one of them as the target of this scenario. If so, you may want to have the As the schedule for the performances is being drawn up, Minoru asks the
servant ask the other PCs to convince the father to accept the child, as player characters if they would present the story of his illustrious
players can often resent being forced to do something. ancestor's final duel. The story's climax, featuring Akodo Shujin's death
Never a dull day in Winter Court.... at the hands of Kakita Tairitsu, has been the subject of many famous
plays, and Minoru would like it to be performed for all to see.
47. Broken Trust
Today's scenario is a new twist on an old favorite. While the "tragic STRIKE
accident" and "difficult choice" are well established in previously Many versions of this warning tale exist. Some sources say that Shujin
published material, the politically charged atmosphere of Winter Court was defeated because he had been weakened by a Scorpion rival's poison.
allows for any number of deliciously evil twists and turns. Another version tells of how a Phoenix shugenja was hired to put a curse
Feel free to put on the pain. It's all part of the fun. on Shujin to cause his loss. One rendition claims that Shujin's foolish
pride led him to challenge a superior opponent, while yet another says
CHALLENGE that Tairitsu took unfair advantage of a loophole to set the conditions of
While at Winter Court, a visiting lord brings one of his prized possessions to the duel against his opponent.
show the host. As the host is a fan of fine arts, he is quite impressed with the As the night of their performance approaches, the player characters
unique treasure, a porcelain vase decorated with a floral design that was must choose which version they will present.
painted by the grandmother of the Kakita daimyo, and asks the visiting lord As always, feel free to change the Clans and identities of the NPCs
to display it in a location where everyone can gaze upon its sublime beauty. involved. Depending on the families Shujin and Tairitsu come from, you
may wish to come up with other versions of the story. Perhaps Shujin was
FOCUS a wise old Mirumoto who allowed his younger opponent to win. Or
During the course of their stay, the characters happen to witness a young
maybe Tairitsu was a tainted Crab who used maho to secure his victory.
courtier clumsily bump into and knock down the vase, causing it to crack.
You can also use the court setting to make the decision rougher on the
The courtier is the son of another visiting lord from a different family,
players. Everyone loves a story where their Clan is presented in a
and he flees before anyone else sees what he has done. The incident
favorable light, but negative portrayals can draw ill will and anger. Even
occurs quickly, and few (if any) other members of the court are present to
those who are not vilified may have something to say about the way their
witness what happens.
ancestors are presented on stage, and there is a thin line between "naive
STRIKE youth" and "clueless buffoon."
One final option for added fun is to have your players actually act out
When the owner of the vase discovers what has happened he demands
the scene as they perform. You can have them go for a full rendition, or
that the host of the Winter Court take responsibility for failing to keep his
let them simply recite the lines they will speak. The story and script, of
precious heirloom safe. He claims that he would never have brought the
course, are up to them to decide, with all the responsibility that such
vase to display if he knew that proper measures to protect it were not
freedom entails.
going to be taken, and goes on to point out that, since the host was aware
It's like I've always said: Noh theatre is good theatre.
of the vase's importance, his failure to keep it safe is a clear lapse in duty.
Editor’s Note: I can’t believe he went there. Anyhow, here is a website
If the PCs help defend their host or reveal the young courtier's secret
suggested by the esteemed Isawa Nazomitsu for researching Noh-Kyogen
they will spare the host further trouble. If the PCs say nothing they can
theatre: [Link]/NOH-KYOGEN/english/[Link]
save the young courtier and his family from shame and embarrassment. If
the PCs find some other way to settle the problem they may end up
making a number of new allies or enemies. It's their choice.
 Oni social event. His home sits on a high hill overlooking the farming village
he oversees, and is built like a fortress. Stories tell of how the building
was besieged three times by bandits, and how the defenders were able to
Those of you who live outside Japan may or may not be aware that hold out against superior numbers each time.
tomorrow is the day of the Setsubun festival. The main event of the It is, of course, impolite to bring weapons or spell scrolls into the
festival is a ritual to drive out the evil spirits that have accumulated in the home of someone who has invited you to such a ceremony. Those who
household over the long winter. Some participants wear oni masks, while arrive with swords on their hips will be politely offered the services of
others throw dried beans at them and shout "Good luck, come in! Oni get Lord Ueshima's armorer, who is quite adept at polishing blades. Shugenja
out!" It's really quite fun and interesting. are also advised to relinquish their scrolls and talismans to Ueshima's
Thus, in recognition of Setsubun, I hereby declare February to be Oni shugenja for purification, as a recent assassination attempt by a band of
Month at CFS of the Week! Yay, oni! maho-tsukai has left the magistrate suspicious of spellcasters.
Upon entering the main hall, guests are met by Lord Ueshima's son,
49. Keep Your Enemies Closer Akamaru, and his second-in-command, Shouichiro. They explain that
Lord Ueshima went to the next village to personally escort the shugenja
CHALLENGE who will perform the blessing through the valley, and is expected to
An ally or superior of the PCs asks them for help on behalf of an old return some time in the afternoon. The characters are invited to mingle
friend. She explains that Inoue Sadahiro, a minor vassal of the Asahina with the other guests and relax until lunch is served. This should give
family, has gone into hiding. Over the past six months his only them enough time to get to know everyone else present.
communication with anyone has been to send out a call for capable and
resourceful samurai. Naturally, the PCs fit the bill, and she would like
FOCUS
them to give her friend Sadahiro whatever aid they can. Although she Lunch is served at noon in the main audience chamber of the central
does not know the nature of Sadahiro's dilemma, she can give them building, a spacious room overlooking a small garden. All of the guests
directions to the village where Sadahiro is staying. and most of the household's staff gather to enjoy an extravagant meal
which has been specially blessed to fortify the body and harmonize the
FOCUS spirit in preparation for the ceremony that will be held afterward. Several
If the PCs meet Sadahiro and agree to help him he explains that he is the of the older guests are gossiping away, while young mothers try their best
victim of a dark curse. Thirty years ago, his grandfather, the magistrate to keep their children from bothering their neighbors. The soft sound of a
Daimon, defeated a hated rival. Mad with rage, the rival swore he would musician's flute can be heard over the din of conversation that fills the
have revenge by wiping out every member of Daimon's family. Over the room, and servants bustle about with trays of food and pots of tea.
years, the killer systematically hunted down and butchered Daimon and Indeed, the scene is so peaceful and normal that everyone is taken
his kin. Sadahiro, his wife, and his unborn child are the only surviving completely by surprise when the oni leaps forth and grabs Akamaru's
members of his line. beloved bride, Moemi!
All is not lost, however, for Sadahiro has a plan. He has found an The oni lifts the girl by the throat and threatens to snap her neck
ancient ritual called the Rite of Hospitality. Designed to secure and unless the castle guards promise to abandon their weapons, sit down, and
preserve peace in the days before the kami, the ritual prevents an remain seated. With several paces separating the samurai from the oni,
individual from committing violence against anyone whose hospitality he there is no way Shouichiro and his men can save the girl before the oni
has accepted. Sadahiro has already retained the services of a shugenja to makes good its threat. Reluctantly, they comply with its demands. No
perform the ritual and bless a cup of sake on his behalf. All he needs the sooner have they done so than a squadron of the oni's spirit slaves (see
PCs to do is track down his rival, lure him back to Sadahiro's home, and below) appear, gathering the weapons and disarming any other guests
trick him into drinking the blessed sake. If they do that, the curse will be who might try to resist. The oni retains its grip on Moemi's throat, using
broken and the killer will be rendered forever unable to harm Sadahiro or its poison (again, see below) to cause her to cry out in pain. Only after it
his family. has coerced her into promising not to move does it release her to join Akamaru,
who has sat through the entire scene in a kind of paralyzed shock.
STRIKE As lunch comes to an abrupt end, Lord Ueshima's samurai, servants,
The individual who swore to extinguish Daimon's family line is none and guests, including the player characters, have all become hostages.
other than the infamous Oni no Toketsu, the Demon of Blood and Bile.
STRIKE
Feel free to make Oni no Toketsu as threatening as you wish. It may be Once the estate is secured and its spirit slave guards are in place, Oni no
possible for the PCs to slay it through conventional means, or it could be Kyohaku introduces itself and issues its demands. Although it first recites
nigh impossible to cause the monster any lasting harm. If the PCs do them to Akamaru, it goes to the main gates to repeat them when Lord
destroy the monster before the ritual is complete, Sadahiro may be safe Ueshima returns. It asks first for nearby Engyoji temple to be completely
for a while, but eventually the oni will return from Jigoku to complete its cleared of all holy items and religious trappings. Once this is completed,
vengeance. In which case it may also decide to pay the player characters it calls for several maho-tsukai who are being held captive and awaiting
a visit for old times' sake. sentencing in nearby villages to be freed and escorted to the temple.
Another way to make the scenario more difficult is to give the oni an Finally, it forces Lord Ueshima (and any others it can threaten into
idea of what Sadahiro has planned. While your typical slavering oni may or complying) to enter the abandoned temple and let the maho-tsukai bind
may not be open to the idea of a drink before tearing out your liver and their names to oni. If this is done, Oni no Kyohaku promises to let all
feasting upon it, Oni no Toketsu could have enough sense to avoid anything remaining hostages leave unharmed. Otherwise, the demon makes no
he is offered. Do the PCs force the sake down his throat, or do they find guarantees.
another way of "showing hospitality" and try to cast the ritual again? In between negotiations with Lord Ueshima, the oni spends its time
And do they remember to have the sake blessed in their own names as well? manipulating and torturing the other guests for its own enjoyment. The
"Good luck, come in! Oni, come in! And have a drink too!" PCs and the other hostages are given freedom to move throughout the
Editor’s Note: For more information on the Setsubun Festival, check living quarters and the main audience chamber, but the oni's spirit slaves
out: [Link]/users/stever/[Link] patrol the other areas of the estate, making access to the armory and
barracks difficult. While it is possible for small groups to gain some
50. My Word Is My Bond degree of privacy, the oni and its guards are seldom far away.
This week marks the fiftieth installment of Challenge-Focus-Strike of the Outside, Lord Ueshima is powerless to do anything, lest the oni slay
Week. To mark that milestone, we're going to have an extra large, extra his son and his honored guests. His only recourse is to attempt to bargain
intense adventure seed today. with the oni for either a more acceptable offer (which is not likely to happen,
I hope you brought your best armor. as the oni holds all the cards) or for more time. The hostages inside can
do even less, for they are completely at the oni's mercy. The oni need
CHALLENGE only bide its time and wait. If its demands are met, Oni no Kyohaku will
The player characters, as well as several of their friends, family members, have gathered itself a number of mortal slaves and several oni servants,
rivals, and other notable members of the community are invited to visit which will only further its reign of terror. If its demands are refused, the
the home of Lord Ueshima and participate in a ritual of blessing. Ueshima oni will still be able to slay a number of helpless mortals, causing chaos
is a member of the Emerald Magistrates, and is quite influential in the and despair. It's a win-win situation as far as the demon is concerned.
politics of his Clan, so a ceremony at his home is considered quite the Unless something can be done to foil its plans.
Once the situation is established, there are several ways you can take this THE POWERS OF ONI NO KYOHAKU
adventure. You can let the characters attempt to slip away and sneak MASTER AMBUSHER: Oni no Kyohaku's only real combat ability is its
around the fortress looking for weapons or some way to evacuate the incredible speed, which it uses to get the drop on opponents. You can
other hostages. Of course, Moemi has already promised not to move, and express this ability either by giving the oni the Combat Reflexes
Akamaru will be loathe to leave without her, but no one ever said it would advantage, letting it roll and keep any number of extra dice for initiative
be easy. rolls, or simply dictating that the oni always has the option to go first in a
You can put them in the role of negotiators, trying to find and exploit combat round.
a loophole that the oni did not expect. Through quick thinking and fast Of course, the oni prefers to take hostages or hide behind non-
talking, it is possible they could find a way to use the oni's own power combatants rather than face enemies in a straight fight. After all, what's
against it. the advantage in fighting with honor?
If they keep from causing any direct trouble, Oni no Kyohaku might MIND READER: Oni no Kyohaku is able to read the emotions and surface
even dispatch them to help Lord Ueshima complete the preparation of thoughts of individuals nearby. It uses this ability to determine what
Engyoji temple (under suitably powerful oaths to return, of course), buttons to push when making a threat or offering a deal. Keep in mind
giving them a chance to help plan a siege. If you're feeling particularly that while the oni is unable to read anything more than a target's
kind you can even have the oni let them go without making any kind of emotional reactions or immediate intentions, it is a master of
vow. After all, it still has their families in its clutches. psychological manipulation. It has a great deal of experience in dealing
One point to be wary of when running this adventure is to keep the with mortals and generally knows what to say or what type of questions
players from feeling as if they are powerless to do anything. While the oni to ask in order to get victims to think about their plans, fears, or desires.
is cunning and powerful, it can and should make the occasional mistake. POISONED GRASP: Oni no Kyohaku is able to inject a poison into victims
It may forbid a samurai from using his sword, but forget to levy a similar through its claws. Although a single strike cannot deliver a sufficient
restriction against his courtier companion. It may accept an old woman's amount of poison, anyone who is grappled and held by the oni will suffer
promise "not to walk through that door," but neglect the possibility of that its effects. While the poison is not lethal, it causes extreme pain and
same woman being carried through by a heroic player character. And agony, increasing in severity the longer the victim is exposed. Assume
while the oni will try to secure promises of non-interference from most that the oni is able (if it so wishes) to make an automatic Anatomy
guests before it leaves for its talks with Lord Ueshima, it cannot possibly (Torture) skill roll against anyone it grapples, gaining a Free Raise with
predict everything that the PCs might try while it is absent. each subsequent round. As with its Mind Reading ability, Oni no
The lack of initiative or creative thinking shown by the spirit slaves is Kyohaku uses this power to force uncooperative victims to accept the
another weakness that the player characters can exploit in their struggle bargains it offers.
against the oni. A command not to let anyone leave a room says nothing BINDING OATH: Oni no Kyohaku's most feared ability is the incredible
of people entering. Slaves who have been ordered to "attack anyone with influence it holds over those it speaks with. Any promise or bargain made
a weapon" may not realize the destructive capabilities of a serving tray within 100 yards of the oni is rendered inviolate. The speaker is not made
until it is too late. A daring and clever group of players should be able to aware of this enchantment when the oath is spoken, and even if the
find something to do, if you give them the proper opportunities. speaker or the oni move out of this range the effects remain. Only the
The situation may seem hopeless, but dark times are when heroes death of the oni or complete fulfillment of the bargain end the oni's hold
shine most brightly. over the target (which is why the oni prefers agreements which last
Of course, player characters being the consummate heroes that they indefinitely to those that require a single action). If a character attempts to
are, your group may go the exact opposite route. The shugenja with Fires break the promise he is struck by a flash of incredible pain, effectively
that Cleanse as an Innate Ability, the bushi with Crab Hands, and the bringing him to the Down wound level until he stops resisting. Those who
ninja with hidden weapons might just decide to rush the oni straight on. If defy this power repeatedly are struck dead (although the oni can, at its
they really feel this is a good move, let them go for it. Oni no Kyohaku is discretion, simply render such victims unconscious). The oni is also
smart enough to keep human shields within handy reach, and completely affected by this power, and will always attempt to ensure that any
without regard for other living creatures. The heroes may win the day promises it makes have no negative consequences for itself.
when all is said and done, but Oni no Kyohaku will be sure to send a Some bargains that the oni might offer include:
number of their friends and loved ones to the grave before it is driven • "Do what I say and I'll put down the child."
back to Jigoku. • "Break your sword and I'll stop hurting your daughter."
One last note on the timing of this adventure: The socialization that
• "If you promise not to attack me, I promise not to attack you."
takes place between the Challenge and Focus stages is highly
• "If you swear to obey my orders, I'll let a fellow prisoner of your
recommended, as it gives the player characters a chance to sympathize
choosing leave this place."
with their fellow guests when the oni attacks. If the various NPCs you
gather are seen as nothing more than nameless extras, your heroes may • "I'll spare this man's life if you tell me what those bushi over there
not feel any obligation to rescue them. The beginning of the Focus stage, were planning before I came in this room."
however, has a lot of action that does not involve the PCs directly, and • "If you can cut off your own leg, I promise not to harm your family.
may cause some players to get bored. If you think this may be a problem, Otherwise, I make no guarantees."
you can deal with things in media res, cutting directly from the time just • "You can have medicine for the wounded, if you give one of them to me."
prior to lunch to the point where Oni no Kyohaku has gained control of • "Kill that woman. Then I'll let these others go free."
the building and revealing in the details of what has happened as you go Note that while the oni is likewise bound to honor the promises it
along. If you feel really dramatic, you can start the action at the Strike makes, it is not above twisting the spirit of such agreements. For example,
stage, filling in all of the background later. in the case of the first bargain listed above, the oni may tell the target to
stand motionless for the next 10 minutes, put down the child it is holding,
ONI NO KYOHAKU and then, having fulfilled its part of the bargain, pick the child back up
Known as "the bargaining demon," Oni no Kyohaku appears as a tall, and devour it.
slender man with pale skin and yellow eyes. Its facial features are slightly Note that a good way to reveal the unbreakable nature of promises
elongated, causing its nose and ears to come to sharp points, and its made to the oni (if you choose to do so) is to have one of Shouichiro's
completely hairless head is crowned by seven short horns. If the oni guardsmen from the Focus section of the adventure outline above attempt
wears a hooded robe or wide brimmed hat, it can pass for human under to break his oath to remain seated. Letting the PCs watch the poor man
cursory inspection. Its long fingernails appear bright red, and its tongue is writhe in agony while the oni chides him for breaking a promise should
completely black. give them an idea of its powers.
The oni's Traits and Skills may be adjusted depending on the Rank SPIRIT SLAVES: The price for breaking a promise made in the oni's
and abilities of the party. Its mental Traits and Social Skills are quite presence doesn't just end with pain, however. Victims who die as a result
developed, making it more than a match for any courtier present. Its of the Binding Oath power are forced to serve the oni in death. Oni no
physical attributes are more geared toward speed than brute strength and Kyohaku may summon the ghost of any character killed in such a manner
stamina, but if pressed it will be more than able to put up a fight. Its most and press them into service. There is no chance for a spirit slave to resist,
terrifying weapon, however, is the uncanny power it holds over the minds for they are unable to take any actions besides those dictated by the oni.
and hearts of its victims. By the time the adventure begins, Oni no Kyohaku has already
trapped the spirits of thirty samurai from across the Empire (give or take,
depending on the power level of the party), which it will summon as soon
as it has secured a hostage and forced the guards to lower their weapons.
If the PCs try to engage a spirit slave in combat, assume it has the stats it Although the oni is able to regenerate any normal injuries, the jade
had in life. Again, you will want to adjust the School Ranks of the spirit spike affixed to its back is a constant source of damage. Eventually, the
slaves the party faces depending on how much of a challenge you want injuries become too severe, and Oni no Saisei melts back into the ichor
them to present. In most cases, the fact that spirit slaves are fully armed from which it came, leaving only the jade spike behind. Once it has died
and armored while the player characters are clad merely in kimono should in this manner it may not be summoned again for a full day.
be a sufficient deterrent. If you want to drive things home even more you
can give the spirit slaves a Free Raise on any attack roll they make STRIKE
against an opponent who is unarmed. Or, if you want to give the PCs a The spike is actually a piece of the oni's flesh encased in jade. Because
break once they get their weapons back, you can give any character who Oni no Saisei's regenerative powers prevented him from being killed in
is using a proper weapon a Free Raise on attacks against the spirit slaves. the normal manner, a ritual was enacted upon one of the spikes broken
This makes the oni's guards fearsome in the early stages of the adventure, from his back, turning it to jade. As long as the last piece of the oni's
but gives the player characters a chance to turn the tables later on. body remains sealed in jade the monster will be unable to regenerate
If killed, a spirit slave is dispelled and cannot be summoned until after fully. Each time the oni reforms it suffers damage from exposure to the
the next sunrise. The only true way to give such tortured souls peace, jade, which eventually causes it to melt back into sludge. However, the
however, it to slay the oni. incredible power of the oni's taint is slowly wearing down the
OTHER ABILITIES: If you feel your party needs more of a challenge, you effectiveness of the jade. Each time the oni is summoned the jade
can give Oni no Kyohaku spellcasting abilities similar to those of a becomes a little more tarnished and black. One day the jade will melt
shugenja, Shadowlands Powers, or even techniques from one or more away from the broken spike completely and Oni no Saisei will be free
Courtier schools. once more.
Maybe the oni can be summoned many more times before it becomes
Wow! That was a whopper! I hope you enjoy this extra special dangerous. Maybe it will break free the very next time it is called. There
installment of Challenge-Focus-Strike of the Week as much as I've is no way to know for sure. All that the party can be certain of is that
enjoyed the challenge of writing it. Oni are one of the signature monsters controlling the power of the oni is their responsibility.
of L5R, and I tried to make this one as menacing and threatening as
possible while still offering a unique type of adventure scenario with For a party that is normally used to fighting oni, the chance to use one
more punch to it than "an oni attacks a village." If you go all Die Hard on against their enemies may be quite tempting. On the other hand, you may
its butt and take it down hard, more power to you! If you end up getting find your players hesitant to call upon a source of power that could cost
your elderly uncle eaten somewhere along the way, well, you were them their lives and their very souls. Both lines of thinking can bring
warned. about some excellent role-playing opportunities.
If necessary, you can press the issue by placing the PCs in situations
51. The Oni’s Prison where using they must choose between calling upon the oni or facing a
threat that is more immediate. Whichever course of action they choose,
The Month of the Oni continues, bringing even more carnage and
they will have to accept and deal with the consequences of their choice.
destruction. Armed with great strength, incredible size, powerful abilities,
And if they do call upon oni one time without suffering any ill effects,
and the blessings of Jigoku, oni are capable of causing massive amounts
why not a second?
of damage.
Calling upon an oni when things become difficult is certain to have
Sometimes, this is a good thing.
political ramifications, however, even if the PCs act for the right reasons.
CHALLENGE The PCs may find themselves accused of crimes against the Empire if
The party is summoned before an elderly and esteemed shugenja. The they are not careful, and even if such claims cannot be substantiated they
shugenja is either a member of their Clan, a former officer in the are certain to have a negative effect upon their reputations. Another point
organization to which they belong, or simply someone who has reason to that may draw unwanted attention is the nature of the jade spike itself.
trust the player characters. The shugenja starts the meeting with a barrage The magic that was used to encase an object in jade, and the spell
of questions, asking about the characters' willingness to protect the binding the oni to the will of the spike's holder are unknown throughout
Empire even at the cost of their own lives, and what they know of the the Empire, and shugenja will want to examine and study the magic for
dangers of the Shadowlands. At last, she gives them a jade spike about their own purposes. Furthermore, the potential for using the oni as a
the size and shape of an ox's horn. She explains that the spike is a weapon of destruction is certain to make an impact on any who know of
powerful artifact that has been handed down to worthy protectors through its existence. Thieves may attempt to steal it. Generals may command the
the ages. She entrusts it to the party to do with as they will, but warns party to use it in battle. Inquisitors may try to destroy it. And rivals may
them never to use it unless there is no other course of action. decide that it is too dangerous to leave in the hands of the PCs, seeking
There are three lines of symbols carved around the base of the spike. either to gain it for themselves or nullify its power. Even if the PCs never
The first two are indecipherable to anyone not trained in the history of call upon the oni at all, the spike may still be a source of great danger.
magic, but have something to do with blessings and bindings. The last Oni may be troublesome opponents, but they are even more
line, however, can be clearly read by anyone. distressing allies. Next week we'll wrap things up with another festival
and a good old-fashioned slaughterfest.
B
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onn 52. Baby Dolls
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d Oni Month started with a festival, so it is only fitting that we end it with
y
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l one as well. Many families here in Japan are already preparing for
Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival. It is an especially important festival for
FOCUS young girls, who often dream of growing up and meeting a handsome
If the player characters ever become desperate enough to use the jade man to marry, just like the Empress in the traditional display.
spike, they witness a gruesome spectacle. Tiny pieces of skin, flesh, and Of course, things don't always end so happily…
bone fly through the air, racing toward the party from far away. The bits
of flesh adhere to the base of the spike and clump together, forming a CHALLENGE
misshapen body that gradually becomes larger and larger. Before long, As the city where the player characters are stationed prepares for the Doll
the body of Oni no Saisei becomes fully formed, revealing a four-legged Festival, a merchant begins selling ornately crafted ceramic doll sets. The
centaur-like beast with four arms, two reptilian tails, and a gaping mouth beautiful dolls she creates are quite popular, and soon become the talk of
like a shark. The oni stands four meters high, and has two rows of sharp the town. Almost every family aspires to buy a set, and with prices
spikes running down its back, including the jade spike from which it was running from inexpensive to extravagant there is hardly a young girl in
originally called. the city without at least one of the merchant's new dolls for this year's
The oni obeys the commands of the character who held the jade spike festival.
before it was summoned, and will fight or perform other tasks on his If any of the PCs have a young daughter, sister, niece, or cousin, they
behalf. Although it is a ravenous, violent creature, it is completely unable will notice one of the merchant's dolls on the display stand in their home.
to harm or threaten the character in any way while the jade spike retains Otherwise, a well-connected PC may receive one as a gift from a friend
its enchantment. This protection may be extended to anyone the or admirer.
summoner names as an ally, but constant attention is required to keep the
oni from striking out at any targets that present themselves.
FOCUS You could even leave the doll unbroken, giving the player characters
On the eve of the festival, the player characters are awakened in the no advance warning of the danger that is waiting for them. Whether they
middle of the night by a crash and a shriek coming from the main are at home or not, the sight of small yet dangerous oni bursting forth
chamber of their estate. It turns out that one of their servants has from the dolls should shake the PCs up quite a bit.
accidentally knocked over and broken the largest doll, revealing an One the crisis is past, this adventure can also be expanded by
underdeveloped (but still living) oni fetus sleeping inside! assigning the party to search for the merchant who created and sold the
If the other dolls in the set are searched, they are all found to contain dolls. Who or what is she, and why did she strike in this way? Why would
gestating oni. Depending on your mood, some of these oni may even have anyone attack young girls? Is this a random act of violence, or is there
matured enough to survive and fight after being discovered. some method to her madness?
If you want to be especially devious, you can make this event the first
STRIKE stage of an invasion attempt by Pekkle no Oni spawn. Perhaps only
Although dawn is fast approaching, most of the city is still asleep. There certain homes received dolls with oni inside. While the characters run
is not enough time to find and visit everyone who bought a doll set from around warning every household they can find, the oni in other homes
the merchant, and the early hour makes spreading the news difficult. The break free, slay the children of important figures, and assume their
characters must act quickly, lest the Doll Festival be marked by a identities for some nefarious purpose.
gruesome slaughter, and it is up to them to choose what they will do and Editor’s Note: Take a look at this website for examples of hinamatsuri
who they will save first. dolls: [Link]

One way to add more drama to this scenario is to have the player
characters be visiting another person's home when the doll containing the
unborn oni is discovered. Not only does this cut down on the amount of
time they have in which to act, but it also makes the danger a lot more
personal. Their home might be all the way across town, and any number
of problems could delay them as they rush to save their loved ones. Do
they investigate the screams from a house they pass along the way, or
continue on their mission to save their own families?