Sibling Rivalry

by JP Chapleau
An Intro-Rank Adventure for
Heroes of Rokugan: Champions of the Ivory Throne
Month of Shinjo, 1343 (Fall)
Module Number: CIT58
Release Date: 11/11/2021
Combat, Investigation, Politics

Sailing between Rokugan and the Ivory Kingdoms is a colossal undertaking, one
that takes many weeks. Though the world is full of challenges, few are as
treacherous as those bound by blood.
Art by The British Shark for First Ones Entertainment©, used with permission.

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS is a registered trademark of Fantasy Flight Games. Scenario
detail copyright 2020 by the author and Fantasy Flight Games. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This
scenario is intended for tournament use only and may not be reproduced without permission.
This module is written for the Legends of the Five PCs. The following encounters happen two per day,
Rings Roleplaying Game Fourth Edition, originally in whatever order the PCs wish to resolve them.
published by Alderac Entertainment Group.
The Family Shrine where Ichi must clean the shrine
Please refer to the Heroes of Rokugan 4: Champions and the PCs talk about bushido with him.
of the Ivory Throne Campaign Primer for information
on how to run official campaign modules. In addition In Invindi Town, Ichi meets with a few merchants to
to the basic setting information and house rules for secure the required supplies for the castle. This
this campaign, it details the various administrative includes visiting a remedy/poison maker.
necessities of the living campaign. GM reporting is
crucial to players’ ability to engage with the setting They visit merchant warehouses where they can meet
and to increase their characters’ influence. a ronin in Reiko’s employ.

At the Shrine of Suitengo, the PCs are attacked by

Adventure Background and troops serving Niban. They want to secure the boy for
Summary their master. Ichi discusses the role of the kami and
spirits.
Chisanaka is a Scorpion holding between Rokugan
and the Ivory Kingdom, a small stronghold where During their second night, the PCs receive two
travelers between the two stop to break the trip's invitations to meet with Yoshi’s siblings. Both ask the
monotony. Surrounded by mountains and the sea on PCs for their help in securing the position of sensei
the other side, freshwater spring flows from into the for young Ichi. They blame each other for their
lagoon. Most travelers spend only a day or two here brother’s illness.
while supplies are loaded on board.
When the PCs are done escorting Ichi, they are
The current Lord, Bayushi Yoshi, has a son who is summoned back to the castle, where there is a
about to begin his training. His now-dead wife was an confrontation between Niban and Reiko, both
Otomo courtier. He wants to send his son to his accusing and demanding the PCs testify against the
father-in-law to train as an Otomo Courtier. His bushi other. The situation degenerates, and someone dies.
brother Niban and his courtier sister Reiko both claim
they should be the ones to train the boy by family I conclusion, a sickly Yoshi thanks the PCs for their
rights. Yoshi hates both his siblings because of past help protecting his son and uncovering his siblings'
offenses. He has no desire to send his son with either treachery. To avoid shame, he will send his son to his
of them. mother’s family for training.

Adventure Summary Three is the most unlucky number

The adventure opens as the PCs travel to the Ivory Although the Scorpions are often cold and
Kingdoms on a mission for their lords. On the ship, calculating, they are pretty superstitious. One
they meet two samurai traveling to Chisanaka, where Scorpion belief is the un-luck of the number three.
they expect to become the sensei of their nephew and Scorpions never go anywhere with three people,
bring him back to Rokugan for training. either finding a fourth or splitting into two parties.
The parents of the main characters did not heed the
A storm damages their ship and forces them to wisdom of superstition.
prolong their stop at Chisanaka. They meet Bayushi
Yoshi, the local daimyo, who invites them to travel to That being said, none of their children believe in that
local shrines with his son Ichi, curious about other superstition either.
samurai. He has some important matters to discuss
with his siblings. Dramatis Personae
To simplify and lighten the narrative, the first names
The PCs visit some local sites with young Yoshi as of the following NPCs will be used. Portraits of these
his father falls ill – likely poisoned. As they do so, NPCs appear in Handout 2.
Ichi discusses various topics about Rokugan with the
Bayushi Yoshi (Male Bayushi Courtier/Otomo
Courtier, Lord of Chisanaka): Yoshi married The module’s events are certainly of primary
Otomo Nozomi ten years ago, and they have one importance in the lives of the characters, but many of
child together, Ichi. Yoshi loves his son but hates them will have been working on various tasks in the
squabbling siblings. He promised both of his siblings times between modules. At the beginning of the
they would tutor his son, but he never intended to module, several things will need to occur (though
deliver on those promises. To that end, he came up some are obviously dependent on the actual needs of
with this plot to have them turn on each other and the PCs at the table).
disqualify themselves. The arrival of the PCs plays
into his hands by having independent samurai doing Character Notes
his work for him. The GM should take a few minutes to examine the
players’ character sheets to understand the nature of
Bayushi Ichi (Male child, son of Yoshi): Ichi is a the PCs at the table. It is frequently helpful to have a
curious boy of 6-to-10 years, who had only limited list of specific mechanics that come up in the course
interaction with other samurai. He is curious, full of of the module determined at the start of the module,
questions, and vivacious yet conscious of his role as so the GM does not have to slow down play to check
the local lord's son. He loves his father, and even if he and see which parts apply to which PC. These can be
is worried about his father, he puts up a brave face. Advantages, Disadvantages, Schools, Skills, or any
The adventure focuses on Ichi and who will become other particularly relevant mechanics.
his sensei. ● Language: Invidi
● Lechery
Bayushi Niban (Male Bayushi Bushi, brother of
Yoshi, middle sibling): Niban is a bully and News from the Empire
someone without his siblings' finesse and charm. This While the GM is looking over sheets, it is good to
boor is a good field commander and an accomplished distribute the first player handout of most modules.
soldier. Niban plans to make a show of force with his The News of the Empire is an overview of the recent
soldiers to force his brother into compliance. events of the Empire in a fashion that shares the
ongoing story with the player base without requiring
Bayushi Reiko (Female Shosuro Shugenja, sister a Skill Roll or interfering with the actual plot of the
of Yoshi, youngest sibling): Charming and sensual, module. Any plot-relevant Rumors will belong in the
Reiko is devious and sneaky, with no qualms about appropriate section of the module to be learned
using her feminine wiles to get what she needs or during play.
wants. She hires ronin to keep an eye on her brother
and his guests. As such, Reiko is well-informed of
the situation in town. She planned to use this as
Inactivity
Time passes, and though the PCs’ deeds will earn
leverage to ensure Yoshi’s support.
them a reputation, the Empire is a large place and
lasting fame is a long-term goal not easy to achieve.
Miruko (Female Ronin Seppun Shugenja, karo
The time between modules will see a slow drain of
and concubine of Yoshi, Nozomi’s sister): Miruko
Glory from the PCs, with the amount of time
is Yoshi’s karo and his trusted advisor. Born Otomo
generally relating to the amount of Glory lost at the
Miruko, she was the sister of Yoshi’s deceased wife,
beginning of each module – as a general rule,
Ichi’s mother. To this day, she blames herself for her
between one point and five points. This cannot
death, so she took her sister’s place in Yoshi’s bed
reduce a PC’s Glory Rank to less than their Insight
and as Ichi’s substitute mother. Since she is a ronin,
Rank, and the Fame Advantage increases their Insight
Yoshi cannot marry her, but they live together.
Rank by one for these purposes.
Otomo Nozomi (Female Otomo Courtier, Yoshi’s
deceased wife): Nozomi and Yoshi had a happy Taint Progression
marriage as they enjoyed the other’s presence. Her If a PC possesses the Shadowlands Taint, they will
pregnancy was difficult, and she did not survive need to roll at the beginning of the module to see how
Yoshi’s birth. much it has grown over the intervening time since the
last module. The TN of this raw Earth Roll will vary
depending on the time frame. Failure on this roll
Upkeep causes the PC to gain a point of the Shadowlands
Taint. If a character is growing close to being Lost
(Shadowlands Taint Rank 4.5+), it is recommended A few weeks prior, your Lord ordered you to travel to
that the player have another PC ready to replace Balishnimpur in the Ivory Kingdoms. You are to
them. make an act of presence on his behalf, fulfilling an
obligation of his, not the most prestigious of
Crafting assignments but one that allows you to travel out of
The Crafting rules are detailed in the Campaign Rokugan.
Primer, based largely on the Crafting rules in the core
book (page 258). Unless explicitly indicated The flotilla of six junks carries troops, supplies, and
otherwise, a PC may only make one Crafting Roll per samurai to the occupation forces. Samurai of many
module, and any Void Points or other character clans travel on the large junks of the Mantis.
resources (spell slots, Luck, etc.) spent on the roll do
not refresh for the duration of the module. Any Your ship has samurai from various clans, showing
successful roll is noted on the provided sheet with the the importance of the Ivory Kingdoms to the Empire.
description. Calling your quarters cramped is an overstatement.
Still, your tight space is more luxurious than the other
Preparation Techniques ships where the heimin are packed together in
Techniques like the Agasha Shugenja or Yogo Wards common areas.
do not quite fall under Crafting but still can benefit Allow the PCs to introduce themselves to each other
from pre-planning, and the Upkeep is a good before proceeding further.
opportunity. However, unlike Crafting, this is not the
only time these Techniques may be used during a 1: On the Ship
module – this is just a chance for the GM to remind
the players and get it out of the way. While on the ship, there are a few activities to engage
in, including playing games or gossiping with other
Ronin Survival travelers.
Life is difficult for ronin in the Empire at the best of
times. PC ronin are no exception to this. At the start Games
of the module, a PC ronin must roll Hunting While on the ship, the Mantis run a series of games to
(Survival) / Stamina at a TN determined by the break the monotony. Provided is the winner’s roll to
module. (Difficulties should range from 5-30, simplify running the operations
possibly higher for High Rank modules). Failure on Flight of Fancy: The goal is to fire an arrow as far as
this roll gives the ronin the Permanent Wound one can. All archers fire at the same time.
Disadvantage for the duration of the module. Koku Total of two rolls of Kyujutsu/ Strength
may be spent on this roll to gain a Free Raise for rolls. Bayushi Niban: 40
every koku spent before the roll is made or one Free
Raise for every two koku spent after the roll is made. Game of Sadane: Total of two rolls of Games
(Sadane)/ Awareness rolls. Bayushi Reiko: 45
Experience Expenditure
Finally, the players should be given one last chance to Go tournament: Total of two rolls of Games (Go)/
spend any experience they wish before the module Intelligence rolls. Bayushi Niban: 45
begins. Unless the module specifically allows it,
experience may not be spent during the adventure. Water Monkey: In water monkey, the contestants dive
off the fore of the ship, swim under it, and then climb
Introduction up the aft. Total of an Athletics (swimming)/
Stamina, then an Athletics (climbing)/ Strength.
The PCs are traveling from Rokugan to
Unnamed Mantis: 40
Balishnimpur. The weeks-long voyage is interrupted
by games and, most of all, gossip.
Gossip
The wide-open ocean is not to every samurai’s liking. On-board, the PCs meet two interesting NPCs:
Most prefer to remain firmly on land, but a few love Bayushi Niban and Bayushi Reiko. Both of them stay
the smell of salt and the open sea’s freedom.
well away from each other and do not hide their After a long time, the captain addresses the
disdain for the other. passengers. “My friends! We had a bit of a bother,
Both openly share the following: and our ship finds itself in need of some repairs. Luck
● Their family relation with the other is with us! Bayushi Reiko-sama assures me that her
● They are not on the “best of terms.” family has a holding nearby to anchor and affect
● They are traveling to Chisanaka to become their those needed repairs.”
nephew’s sensei.
“She promised accommodations for everyone while
Getting information out of either of them requires a the repairs are made. The rest of the flotilla will join
TN 15 Courtier (Manipulation)/ Awareness. Either us there over the next day or two.”
of them can reveal:
● They expect the other to perform some trick to A PC making a TN 15 Sailing/ Intelligence roll
take them out of the equation. recognizes that the ship’s damage is substantial but
● Their elder brother is the daimyo of Chisanaka, not critical; the ship is in no danger of sinking but
an outpost given to the Scorpion clan over a needs repairs.
decade ago.
● They do not expect to continue the trip to A TN 15 Lore (Mantis or Scorpion)/ Intelligence or
Balishnimpur but plan to return to their home in Sailing (Navigation)/ Intelligence roll reveals the
Rokugan to train their nephew. presence of a small Rokugani holding by the sea. It is
a supply point flotillas used as a meeting point or to
If the PCs follow Niban, they can make a TN 15 gather supplies. Chisanaka was an imperial holding
Battle/ Perception roll to discover the following: granted to the Scorpion Clan a decade ago.
● At night, he exchanges light signals to one of the
other ships. His interlocutor is impossible to Chisanaka
know (his troops on the other ship). A TN 20 Read Aloud.
Lore (Scorpion)/ Intelligence (Scorpions get a
An hour before sunset, your ship limps into
Free Raise while Scorpion bushis and ninja get
Chisanaka, passing sandy barrier islands. Built on flat
an additional Free Raise) reveals the message
ground between the sea and mountains, the town has
asked about troop readiness.
crimson and black banners floating in the wind.
If the PCs follow Reiko, they can make a TN 15
A long wooden pier covered with building supplies
Spellcraft/ Perception roll to discover the following:
extends into the bay where a veritable army of Invidi
● Every morning, she performs a short divination
workers in white skirts and turbans carry crates,
ritual. Someone spying on her can make a TN 20
barrels, and sacks. A single masked Rokugani in
Divination/Intelligence roll to understand the
crimson armor stands watching your ship dock.
omens point to family treachery.
● On the morning of the storm, she uses Legacy of
Once secured, the captain walks down the plank to
Kaze-no-Kami to send a short message. If the
speak with the official. A coin purse later, the
PCs avoid her detection, the message is, “I’m
Scorpion official waves the passengers ashore.
coming. Get me the poison I need.”
“Samurai-sama, welcome to Chisanaka! My Lord,
2: The Storm Bayushi Yoshi, to invite you to his home.”

On the morning before the PCs’ ship reaches His words are interrupted by Bayushi Niban, who
Chisanaka, a sudden storm rolls in. The aftermath of stomps onto the pier wearing his armor and daisho. “I
the storm is that their ship is damaged, and the fleet is know where it is. I don’t need a lackey to guide my
dispersed. The storm is natural. hand.” His sister follows half a step behind as they
vanish into the crowd.
As the wind dies down and the waves calm down.
The main mast and sails are damaged. The water Turning back to you while readjusting his
barrels rolled to the side, and a large piece of the see-through mask, the magistrate bows once more.
railing was torn away. The sailors walk around “Welcome to Chisanaka, Samurai-sama. This one is
picking up pieces of debris from the deck. Soshi Kenji, harbormaster. My Lord, Bayushi Yoshi,
invites you to his castle as his guests. Please, bring Dinner at Chisanaka Castle
any weapon or armor that may comfort you.” The PCs are shown to the keep, offered clean
quarters, and allowed to refresh themselves.
A TN 15 Etiquette (Bureaucracy)/ Awareness roll Half-Rokugani servants inform the PCs that
reveals that Soshi Kenji informs the PCs that they Bayushi-sama expects them for dinner.
should wear armor, a sign that things may not be as
safe as if it appears. When the PCs are ready, they are shown to the
audience hall, introduced to Lord Yoshi, his son Ichi,
Soshi Kenji is a minor samurai stuck with doing too and Miruko, his karo.
much paperwork. Throughout the adventure, he deals
with the flotilla coming in and organizing the repairs Yoshi discusses with the PCs about the Empire. He
on the ships. enquires about current wars, recent marriages, births,
and glorious deaths. Most PCs should realize that he
lives pretty isolated from the day-to-day of Rokugani
life. A DC 15 Etiquette (Courtesy)/ Awareness roll
reveals this situation to be uncomfortably informal.
(This is one way Yoshi keeps his guests off-balance.)

Yoshi has no problem explaining the following:

● He got this post through marriage (His wife was
an Otomo princess)
● His wife left him their son, Ichi.
● He spends most of his time making sure rapports
between the Invindi and the Rokugani are
beneficial to both.

If his siblings come on the subject, he expresses

“frequent disagreements between them” and
promptly changes the subject.

During dinner, his siblings barge in, each accusing

the other of lying and spreading vile rumors about
them. They demand he announces, with the PCs as
their witness, which one of them will be Ichi’s sensei.
A DC 15 Etiquette (Courtesy)/ Awareness roll
reveals the scene to be disgraceful and that both act
unbecomingly.

Apologizing to the PCs, Yoshi promises his decision

“soon” and asks if the PCs would like to witness such
an announcement. Satisfied but unhappy, Niban and
Reiko withdraw to their rooms to brood.

Again, Yoshi apologizes for his family’s conduct and

asks if they would be willing to escort his son as he
shows them around town. He would go himself, but
he has “urgent family matters.”

He promises this will be an excellent opportunity for

the PCs to see the sights and understand the delicate
relation between the Rokugani and Invindi. If they
agree, he arranges for Miruko to get everything ready
for the morning.
 3: Morning
At the breaking of dawn, Miruko, hastily dressed and
poorly coifed, comes to the PCs’ rooms and asks to
meet them in a private room with all haste. She waits
outside for them to be ready.

She explains that Yoshi-sama has taken ill and that

such an illness is “unnatural” but refuses to expand
upon that, adding that he was the healthiest man she
knows. She asks the PCs to keep an eye for anything
that could threaten her Lord or little Ichi.

A TN 20 Courtier (Manipulation)/ Awareness roll

makes her slip that he is delirious and
“unpresentable” (a euphemism for vomiting heavily
and soiling himself). She tells them that she will take
good care of him and nurse him back to health and
insists the PCs take Ichi on her tour. The boy knows
where he has to go.

If the PCs refuse, she brings up that they agreed with

Yoshi-sama and tries to get them to act as such. A TN
15 Lore (Law)/ Intelligence roll reveals that, as
karo, she has her Lord's authority and could order the
PCs to do it, but she asks them.

A map to the domain of Chisanaka appears as

Handout 2.

Ichi
Ichi arrives a short time later to meet with the PCs.
He wears a simple crimson kimono and carries an
aiguchi at his belt.
● Although still a child, Ichi is not the “annoying
kid” trope. He is young but a serious samurai
child and the son of a daimyo.
● Ichi does not know what his father wants him to
visit these places. He thinks it has something to
do with his upcoming training.
● He only saw his uncle and aunt once. They are
friendly to him when the others are not around.

In each of the following encounters:

● Ichi has questions for the PCs, questions he
wants to get the perspective of other samurai.
The goal is for the PCs to discuss these aspects
of samurai life and views.
● Each has “clues” planted by Yoshi to incriminate
his siblings. None of the clues point to him, but
with great rolls, some appear “odd.”
● At no point in the adventure should he be in
danger unless the PCs directly endanger him.
5: Invindi Mura
(Everyone wants what is best for him)
● The locations are the family shrine (encounter 4), Location: A village outside the walls of the town
Invindi Mura (encounter 5), the merchant district itself. Travel there is done through footpaths between
(encounter 6), and the Shrine of Suitengu rice paddies
(encounter 7).
● They can only visit two locations per day. At the What to do: Ichi goes there and meets with several
end of the day, run Encounter 8: Night at local leaders, assuring them that their privileges will
Chisanaka. continue as long as they provide supplies to his
● After the PCs visited all four locations, at the end father.
of the second day, run Encounter 9:
Confrontation. Any PC with one rank in the Lore (Gaijin/ Invindi)
skill realizes this is a typical patronage visit. They
may provide pointers to Ichi on how to act to improve
4: Family Shrine relations.

Location: The Family shrine is located in a wooded Discussion Topic: While heading over there, Ichi
grove north of the castle. The small wooden building asks what role conquered people have in the Celestial
stands in the middle of a large zen garden. Order and how Samurai treat these people.

What to do: When the PCs get to the Shrine, Ichi Then, he asks if these people should be given the
cleans and maintains the shrine: he must say prayers, same recognition before the kami and afforded the
wipe the floors and rocks, and renew the incense. Rokugani way of life benefits. He wonders what the
Anyone with at least 1 rank in Lore (Ancestors, role of conquered people should be.
Spirits, or Theology) or Meditation knows what to
do. Clue: A TN 15 Craft (Poison)/ Perception, or
Medicine (Herbalism)/ Intelligence roll reveals
As Ichi (and maybe the PCs) perform his tasks, a TN many shops Ichi visits sell drugs and poisons.
15 Lore (Heraldry)/ Intelligence roll identifies the
family shrine as dedicated to the Otomo imperial If the PCs make a TN 15 Battle/ Perception roll,
family. If asked, Ichi says that his mother was from they realize that many locals are armed and act like
the Otomo family. an otokodate.

Discussion Topic: Ichi asks the PCs about their Rumors

families and what they value most. He then asks them If the PCs attempt to gather rumors by making a
which of the virtues of bushido is most important. Courtier (gossip)/ Awareness roll and comparing
Ichi relates them as a schoolboy relates them by the result to the chart below. They must call two
heart. If asked, he replies, “duty and loyalty are all Raises for no result if they do not speak Invindi. The
that matters; the rest are mere guidelines.” locals are reserved and keep to themselves, not
● Chugo (Duty and Loyalty) speaking to Rokugani unless they absolutely must.
● Gi (Honesty and Justice)
● Jin (Compassion) ● 10: Bayushi Yoshi-sama is kind to the Invindi,
● Makoto (Sincerity) and because of him, the community thrives.
● Meyo (Honor) ● 15: Bayushi Yoshi-sama comes here often and
● Rei (Courtesy) pays those in his service well.
● Yu (Courage) ● 18: Bayushi Yoshi-sama encouraged and
equipped the local otokodate.
Clue: A TN 15 Artisan (Bonsai, Gardening, or ● 20: Bayushi Yoshi-sama pays good money for
Ikebana)/ Awareness, Divination/ Perception, or local merchants to provide him supplies.
Meditation/ Void roll detects an imbalance in the ● 25: The militia (the otokodate) must defend
garden, a tear among family, a personal dilemma, or a Chisanaka in times of war.
self-inflicted wound.
 ● 25: The ronin received a talking bird a few days
6: Merchant District ago.
Location: In the city, within the docks.
House of a Thousand Petals
The Thousand Petals is a tea house that offers maiko
What to do: Ichi meets with Rokugani merchants to
shows. Drinks are cheap and plentiful here, and the
ensure their continued efforts for his father and the
dancers are competent if exotic. They include a few
Scorpion clan. The Rokugani are either from the
Invindi dance moves in their routine, distracting to
Mantis or Scorpion clans. These samurai trade or
the purist but intriguing and exciting to the average
oversee local workers.
watcher.
PCs with one rank of Commerce can provide
When the PCs ask for the ronin, the mama-san’s first
guidance to Ichi. The boy welcomes the assistance
response is to say that her house is not involved in
and comments.
whatever he was doing. If reassured the PCs are not
after her house, she brings the ronin to them.
Discussion Topic: Ichi asks which profession is best,
which provides their clan the most benefits: artisan,
The ronin is named Tetsumaru. He is well-groomed
bushi, courtier, or shugenja. He asks the PCs how
and dressed in quality clothes. He has no qualms in
they chose their path and who decided for them.
asking for payment for any information he gives.
Each is worth 2 koku. However, a DC 15
He wonders which path his father will choose for him
Intimidation (Bullying)/ Awareness roll can force
and who will be chosen as his sensei. He asks the PCs
him to reveal the following:
which path they would recommend to his father if he
● He was hired by a member of the Bayushi family
asked them. He wants to interact with the samurai of
– though he does not know which one.
every clan like he does now.
● He was paid handsomely, enough to live
comfortably for many months
Clue: A TN 15 Commerce/ Perception, or Craft
● He received his order by letter, which he
(any)/ Perception, or Engineering (Construction)/
destroyed.
Perception roll reveals that most warehouses and
● He was asked to report any new samurai coming
workshops are neglected. By contrast, hospitality
to town and write their names.
businesses like geisha or tea houses are prosperous
● Yesterday, his employer sent him his final
and well-stocked.
payment, and now he is ready to leave with the
next ship.
Rumors ● His employer sent him a magical bird instructing
If the PCs attempt to gather rumors by making a him to send his correspondence to the palace,
Courtier (gossip)/ Awareness roll and comparing addressed to Bayushi Reiko.
the result to the chart below. Mantis and Scorpion ● For no less than 5 koku, he offers that Reiko
PCs get a Free Raise on the roll. asked him to buy a deadly poison, which he
bought from one of the Invindi merchants. (It is
● 10: Bayushi Yoshi-sama favors the Invindi. He gu poison)
sends them large amounts of money to do his
bidding. The guards can confirm that they received a package
● 15: In the past year, ronin have been cycling in from a ronin shortly after everyone arrived. It was
and out of town, staying a month before moving delivered to her room.
on. They all came to town with a lot of money to
spend, and they spent generously.
● 18: Only the karo, the ronin Miruko, remains in 7: Shrine of Suitengu
town for long. She has been here for many years.
She arrived shortly after Ichi’s birth. Location: The shrine is located on one of the barrier
● 20: There is one ronin in town who stays at the islands off the port of Chisanaka. It serves as a
House of a Thousand Petals. navigation beacon for ships out to sea.
● 22: Miruko acts like a mother to young Ichi. It is
odd for a Scorpion to let a ronin raise his son. What to do: As soon as the PCs reach the shrine,
● 23: Miruko shares Yochi-sama’s bed every night. they should make a TN 15 Battle/ Perception roll to
notice the troops' presence. Ichi knows his father does Niban’s Ashigaru
not have troops on the island and that the monk
These warriors wear tatters of clothing and
passed months ago. The place should be deserted.
armor and ship sank. They are waiting for a
signal to move into town and secure the boy.
Niban’s Troops They all have a description of Ichi and strict
A troop of ashigaru soldiers assists Sugo. He begins orders not to hurt the boy.
the fight using his han-kyu to target the softer targets Air 1 Earth 2 Fire 1 Water 2 Void 0
at the back, particularly shugenjas. He leaves his Ref 2 Agility 2
troop to engage the samurai as his Quick advantage Honor 1.0 Status 0 Glory 0.7
helps him. If engaged in melee, he shifts to his Initiative: 2k1 Attack: 4k2 (tanto)
katana. Armor TN: 12 Damage: 3k1(tanto)
Reduction: -
There are two ashigaru per Bushi PC. If there is no Wounds: (Using the thug rule, each ashigaru can
bushi, then there is 1 ashigaru per two PCs. They use take 14 damage before being taken
the Thug rule (L5R 4th edition rule book p. 317). This out.)
is to make them into disposable combatants. School/Rank: None
Techniques: None
At the start of the fight, Ichi runs back to the ship to Skills: Athletics 2, Knives 2, Polearms 2, Stealth 2
hide, leaving the PCs to their own devices. Advantages/Disadvantages:
Outfit: assorted weapons, archigaru armor
Sugo, Ronin Officer
Formerly Bayushi Sugo refused to assassinate Aftermath
his True Love; he became a ronin serving under What to do: After the fight, Ichi cleans the
Bayushi Niban for months. lighthouse, including cleaning the mirror, and takes
Air 3 Earth 2 Fire 2 Water 2 Void 2 out the ashes. Anyone with at least 1 rank in
Agility 3 Engineering or Sailing knows what to do and can
Honor 1.0 Status 0 Glory 2 guide Ichi through the proper procedures.
Initiative: 6k2 Attack: 7k3 (katana)
Armor TN: 20 Damage: 7k2 (katana) Clue: Sugo has letters describing Ichi and how he
must be taken for his protection without harming
Attack: 6k2 (han-kyu) him. A TN 15 Calligraphy (Cypher)/ Intelligence
Damage: 4k2 (han-kyu) roll identifies the handwriting as Niban’s.
Reduction: 3
Wounds: Either a TN 15 Lore (Bushido)/ Intelligence or
10 (+0) Craft (Weaponsmithing)/ Intelligence roll identifies
14 (+3) the ashigaru’s badges as belonging to Niban’s unit.
18 (+5)
22 (+10) 8: Night at Chisanaka
26 (+15)
30 (+20)
When the PCs return to the castle after visiting the
34 (Down, +40)
first two sites, a servant comes with a message from
38 (Dead)
Miruko. She invites them for dinner in the audience
School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 2
hall.
Techniques: Pincer and Tail, Way of the Scorpion
Skills: Iaijutsu 3, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 4, Stealth 2 Ichi retires to his apartments after thanking the PCs
Advantages/Disadvantages: Quick, Lost Love for a wonderful day. He is looking forward to
Outfit: han-kyu with 20 arrows, light armor, daisho tomorrow.

Miruko
Goal: This is the PCs’ one opportunity to speak with
Miruko outside of open court. Through her, they get a
chance to discover about the family’s life and their
ties. She also provides the PCs with a prophecy of
what is to come. Bayushi Niban
Niban waits for the PCs in the family dojo. He invites
The meal mixes Rokugani cuisine with a few of the any PC who wishes to partake in a personal test of
mildest Invidi delicacies tolerable to a Rokugani skill by engaging in a friendly iaijutsu duel.
palate. It is served with sake and invindi liquor.
If the PC wins, Niban is impressed. Regardless, he
Miruko knows nothing of Yoshi’s plan, and she is relaxes and calls for saké. As everyone drinks, he
genuinely concerned for him and Ichi. After asking asks what the PCs think of young Ichi and what skill
how Ichi behaved and what they think of the boy, her set would be in his best interest to acquire. He draws
demeanor and actions betray someone raised among closer and implies that Reiko may be behind Yoshi’s
the great clans (in her case, the Otomo family). “sudden illness” and warns the PCs from kissing a
snake.
She keeps the conversation away from herself and
Yoshi as much as possible, not wanting to betray her During the conversation, he explains the following
lord or his secrets. A TN 15 Courtier things.
(Manipulation)/ Awareness roll can get her to open ● As the eldest, it should fall on his shoulders to
up about her fears of giving away her Lord’s secrets. train Ichi. He was trained by his own uncles.
She reveals the circumstances that brought her here, ● Reiko tricked Yoshi into offering her the sensei
her relation to Ichi, and how she raised the boy. position, ever since she “helped secure Yoshi’s
wedding.”
If the conversation turns to her, she may reveal that ● After his wedding, Yoshi came to Chisanaka, and
she is Ichi’s aunt. She avoids talking about her he grew distant, and they rarely met after that. In
relationship with Yoshi, ending such talk with simple letters, he was assured he would train his son. He
words such as “yes, we are close, I am his karo. It is does not have these letters here.
my role to watch over his health.” ● Reiko frequently works with ronin, and he would
not be surprised if the karo worked for her.
Asked about the gifts, they were a daisho stand from ● He implies that he would be very grateful if
his brother and a kimono from his sister. Seeing how Reiko was forced to remove her claim, thinly
they made Yoshi sick, she had them burned. hiding his offer to grant them an obligation if
they remove her from the equation.
She can describe his symptoms if asked: severe fever, ● He admits he gave his brother a daisho stand
chills, and vomiting vile white substance. He had no made by a master artisan in Ryoko Owari Toshi
symptoms before last night, until after his sibling as a memento of home.
gave him gifts to garner his favor. A TN 25 Medicine
(Antidotes)/ Intelligence roll identifies them as a To thank the PCs for a beautiful evening, Niban
powerful version of gu poison, a poison the combines offers them sake cups with his name lacquered “as a
the venom of a centipede, a snake, and a scorpion. memento of a burgeoning friendship.”
Few who come into contact with the poison recover,
and many become debilitated for life. Bayushi Reiko
Reiko receives the PCs in a private shrine dedicated
Before you leave… to Natsu-togumara, the Fortune of Travel and
Towards the end of the meal, two servants come Experience. She is dressed scantily, her kimono
bearing messages, inviting the PCs to meet “at their enhancing her beauty. She offers tea to the PCs in the
earliest convenience.” One is from Niban, inviting peace of the shrine.
the PCs to drink sake with him in the family dojo.
The other comes from Reiko, who invites the PCs to After the ceremony, she asks about Ichi and if the
tea in the castle’s shrine to Natsu-togumara. PCs think he would make a good shugenja. She
points out that he is intelligent and curious about the
Before the PCs leave, Miruko tells them that her world around him. Clearly, such skills would be
divinations lead her to believe that a family member well-adapted to dealing with spirits.
will die. She asks the PCs to protect Ichi while she
looks after Yoshi. During the conversation, she explains the following:
● She arranged and presided over Yoshi’s wedding
with Otomo Nozomi, serving as a matchmaker. When you enter the audience hall, you find Miruko
To repay his obligation to her, Yoshi promised kneeling next to the Lord’s place. Before her,
her she would be able to train his firstborn. Bayushi Niban and Bayushi Reiko stand. The chill in
● Niban thinks the honor belongs to him merely by the room is palpable as both siblings glare at each
order of birth, which is preposterous. He never other, daggers in their eyes.
did anything for Yoshi to deserve that honor.
● After his wedding, Yoshi came to Chisanaka. He As Miruko sees you, her demeanor brightens up.
grew distant, and they rarely met after that. In Both Scorpions command Ichi to come to them, but
letters, she was assured she would train his son. Ichi runs into Miruko’s arms instead.
She does not have these letters here.
● Niban brought soldiers to kidnap the child if Miruko stands, pulling the boy behind her while
things did not go his way. She has no idea where keeping a protective hand on him. “Samurai-sama. I
they are now or how many there are. was just waiting for you. Both Bayushi-sama had
● She implies that she would be very grateful if questions I found myself unable to satisfy. Please, if
Niban was forced to remove his claim, thinly you could answer those questions, I would be
hiding her offer to grant them an obligation if extremely grateful.”
they remove him from the equation. (She makes
a Temptation (Seduction)/ Awareness against Without giving you a chance to answer, the questions
each PCs’ Etiquette (Courtesy)/ Willpower, come all at once.
offering private pleasure for “later.”)
● She gave her brother a kimono made by the “Did he/she plot against Yoshi? Did he/she plan to
monk at Hotei Seido. steal away with Ichi? Did you find anything about
[the other]?”
She offers each PC a poem by the Scorpion poet
Yogo Tsukiko about family ties to thank the PCs for Each of these questions is loaded, and the PCs are
the evening, stuck with having to answer. Rokugan does not
function based on physical evidence but on samurai
Any PC interested in nighttime activities with Reiko testimony. After everything the PCs point out or
is well-rewarded. explain, Miruko asks the rest of the party to confirm.

Nighttime Activities The PCs are stuck in a legal quandary; if they testify
In this section, some PCs may decide to investigate about what they found, they incriminate them. If they
the rooms of either of the siblings. Because of the deny, then they lose their chance of presenting that
wide variety of actions, no skill checks are provided. evidence.
However, the PCs may find a used vial of gu poison
in either Niban or Reiko’s room. Anyone merely Both siblings wait for ONE accusation to level
touching or tasting it must make a TN 25 Stamina roll against the other and do not wait for the PCs to
or take 20 damage and become dazed for 6 hours. present evidence against THEM. So the first person
Every 6 hours, the TN and damage drop by 5. the PCs mention as having done something triggers
the Final Confrontation. If they present evidence
If the PCs find their way to Lord Yoshi’s room, they against Niban first, proceed to Final Confrontation:
find him precisely as Miruko described it previously. Niban. If they present evidence against Reiko,
She is by his side, caring for him, giving him water to proceed to Final Confrontation: Reiko. If they refuse
drink. She samples everything she gives him. She to present against either of the siblings, go to Final
does this out of love, more than simple duty. Confrontation: Miruko.

9: Confrontation The following “evidence” triggers the

confrontation
final

● Presence of Gu in a room
When the PCs return to the castle at the end of the
● Letters from Niban’s ronin lieutenant
second day, they are immediately called to the
● Testimony about the Tetsumaru
audience hall. They find Miruko kneeling next to the
Lord’s seat.
● Having overheard Reiko’s casting of the Legacy
of Kaze-no-Kami on the ship. The guards, who until then remained in the
background, now appear with weapons drawn. Niban
Again, circumstances. glares at them with a triumphant smile on his face as
he is escorted out of the hall.
Final Confrontation: Niban
Read Aloud. Miruko thanks the PCs for their help with Ichi’s
training and duties. Then she asks them to stay in
Niban turns to you, visibly angry. “You forgot what town behind to explain to them that their testimony
she,” but never finishes his sentence as a yari of air will be needed to punish the crime they just
strikes him in the temple. After a few disjointed witnessed. She explains the “three testimony rule” to
spasms, he collapses to the ground. the PCs before asking them to retire. She assures
them that they will be summoned when the matter is
“His guilt was proven before the court,” Reiko says, discussed again.
dismissing her spell. “He plotted against the family
and got his fair reward.” Proceed to Conclusion B.

Horrified, Miruko sends Ichi running before bowing Final Confrontation: Miruko
to the bushi. “Bayushi-sama, please allow the guards Read aloud if the PCs do not wish to present any
to take you to your quarters. I will speak with these evidence before Miruko and the court. Of if they
young samurai.” accuse someone else or make sure not to implicate
either sibling.
The guards, who until then remained in the
background, now appear with weapons drawn. Reiko Niban and Reiko turn to you. “What? How
glares at them with a triumphant smile on her face as incompetent must you be not to find the poison in
she is escorted out of the hall. his/her room? What about the poison/troops?”

Miruko thanks the PCs for their help with Ichi’s Miruko stands and extends her hands towards the
training and duties. Then she asks them to stay in two. “Lord Yoshi’s envoys have spoken! If they
town behind to explain to them that their testimony found nothing, there was nothing to find. Please stop
will be needed to punish the crime they just with the unproven accusations.”
witnessed. She explains the “three testimony rule” to
the PCs before asking them to retire. She assures A katana and a yari of air strike Miruko’s body at the
them that they will be summoned when the matter is same time; the karo’s eyes grow wide, and she says
discussed again. but one word before collapsing on the ground, dead.

Proceed to Conclusion A. “Ichi.”

Final Confrontation: Reiko Horrified by the scene, Ichi looks at aunt and uncle
Read Aloud. before turning tail and running out of the hall, tears
Reiko turns to you, visibly angry. “You forgot what running down his cheeks.
he.” But never finished his sentence as a katana
strikes the shugenja in the temple. After a few The guards, who until then remained in the
disjointed spasms, she collapses to the ground. background, now appear with weapons drawn. Niban
and Reiko glare at the guards as they are escorted out
“Her guilt was proven before the whole court,” Niban of the hall.
says, returning his blade to his scabbard. “She plotted
against the family and got her fair reward.” A guard stays behind, ordering the PCs to stay in
town to explain that their testimony will be needed to
Horrified, Miruko sends Ichi running before bowing punish the crime they just witnessed. He explains the
to the shugenja. “Bayushi-sama, please allow the “three testimony rule” to the PCs before asking them
guards to take you to your quarters. I will speak with to retire. He assures them that they will be summoned
these young samurai.” when the matter is discussed again.
Proceed to Conclusion C
Conclusion A
Reiko killed Niban in court.

In the morning, you are summoned to the audience

hall for a most urgent meeting.

You arrive to find Bayushi Yoshi wrapped in a thick

blanket, shivering. Next to him, Ichi and Miruko
kneel in silence.

Behind you comes Bayushi Reiko. “Dearest Brother!

I see you in better health! My heart swells with joy at
your speedy recovery.”

But Yoshi silences her with a single question, his

weak voice straining to project across the hall. “Did
you strike Niban in my court?”

The shugenja is suddenly at a loss of words, not

expecting to be greeted that way. She mumbles and
stutters a few sounds before Bayushi Yoshi turns to
each of you and asks the same question.

“Did Reiko strike Niban in my court?”

Allow the PCs to answer and confirm.

“I was to give you the charge of training my one son

Ichi. But you robbed me of the right of justice that is
mine by the will of the Emperor. I cannot grant you
your wish. As my sister, I give you one day to leave
Chisanaka forever, or my people will behead you as a
murderer.”

She turns and storms out of the room. “He was guilty,
not me! I only did what was best for the boy!”

The guards remove Reiko from the hall as she

protests her innocence and loyalty.

Yoshi turns to you and apologizes for the scenes you

were involved in. He invites you to return to
Chisanaka as his friends.

Proceed to the Epilogue.

 Conclusion B Conclusion C
Niban killed Reiko in court. Miruko was killed in open court.

In the morning, you are summoned to the audience In the morning, you are summoned to the audience
hall for a most urgent meeting. hall for a most urgent meeting. You arrive to find
Bayushi Yoshi wrapped in a thick blanket, shivering.
You arrive to find Bayushi Yoshi wrapped in a thick By his side, Ichi kneels, tears flowing down his
blanket, shivering. Next to him, Ichi and Miruko cheeks.
kneel in silence.
Behind you comes Bayushi Niban and Bayushi
Behind you comes Bayushi Niban. “Dearest Brother! Reiko. They exclaim as one. “Dearest Brother! I see
I see you in better health! My heart swells with joy at you recovered! My heart swells with joy at your
your speedy recovery.” speedy recovery.”

But Yoshi silences him with a single question, his But Yoshi asks only a single question, his weakened
weak voice straining to project across the hall. “Did voice straining to project it across the hall. “Did you
you strike Reiko in my court?” strike my karo in my court?”

The bushi is suddenly at a loss of words, not Both samurai are suddenly at a loss of words, not
expecting to be greeted that way. He mumbles and expecting to be greeted that way. They mumble and
stutters a few sounds before Bayushi Yoshi turns to stutter a few sounds before Bayushi Yoshi turns to
each of you and asks the same question. each of you and asks the same question.

“Did Niban strike Reiko in my court?” Allow the PCs to answer and confirm.

Allow the PCs to answer and confirm. “I made my mind to send Ichi with one of you, but
your actions leave me no choice but to remove this
“I was to give you the charge of training my one son honor from the both of you. Striking my karo is like
Ichi. You robbed me of the right of justice that is mine striking me, as a representative of our clan, of the
by the will of the Emperor. I cannot grant you your Emperor himself. Ichi, give them their reward.”
wish. As my brother, I give you one day to leave
Chisanaka forever, or my people will behead you as a The boy places a wooden knife before both samurai.
murderer.” Both storm out without the weapon. Claiming their
innocence and accusing their sibling or you of
He turns and storms out of the room. “She was guilty, misdeed and conspiracy.
not me! I only did what was best for the boy!”
Yoshi turns to you and apologizes for the scene you
The guards remove Niban from the hall as he protests were involved in. “You cost me the best and most
his innocence and loyalty. loyal karo a man could want. My sister-in-law was
devoted to Ichi as much as his own mother would.”
Yoshi turns to you and apologizes for the scenes you
were involved in. He invites you to return to “My son reported of your kindness and candor as you
Chisanaka as his friends. traveled with him. Thus, I will give you one day to
leave Chisanaka before I convince myself you had
Proceed to the Epilogue. something to do with this plot that left my dear
Miruko dead.”

Proceed to the Epilogue.

 Epilogue Rewards for Completing the
Adventure
From the window in his room, Bayushi Yoshi
watched as your ship sailed away from Chisanaka. “I Surviving the Module: 1xp
overdid it with the poison, perhaps, but the arrival of Good Roleplaying: 1xp
these young samurai facilitated my plan. Now I don’t Helped Ichi succeed in at least 2/4 locations: 1xp
have to send my son with either of these reckless Uncovered at least one clue pointing to Niban or
fools.” Reiko: 1xp

A shoji screen opened, allowing young Ichi to enter Total Possible Experience: 4xp
the room. Putting a hand on the shoulder of his son,
Yoshi added. “Ichi, my boy, I never wanted you to Favors
learn from your aunt or uncle. Your mother and I If Ichi leaves the adventure with a positive
agreed that you would serve our clan differently.” impression of the PCs (regardless of the final result).

Ichi looked at his father, unsure of what to respond. If the PCs helped Ichi complete all four tasks
“You will become a courtier from the Otomo School, successfully and Miruko survives the adventure, they
trained by your grandfather, your mother’s own get an additional favor.
father. You will keep your enemies fighting each other
and not you.” Honor
Helping Ichi on his task is an H4 Honor gain.
Ichi frowned. Looked over the ocean then back to his Refusing to choose a sensei because neither is
father. “I understand, father. I can swim.” acceptable is an H8 Honor gain.
The End Glory
Serving as Ichi’s bodyguard during the adventure is a
G3 Glory gain.
Winning a game on the ship, the PC gains 1 pip of
glory, regardless of how many games they won.

Allies and Enemies

If Miruko survives the adventure, the PCs earn
Bayushi Yoshi as an ally (Influence: X Devotion: Y)

If Miruko does not survive the adventure, the PCs

earn Bayushi Yoshi as a sworn enemy.

GM Reporting
1) Did Miruko survive?
2) Did Ichi complete all four tasks?
 Appendix #1: NPCs
If any NPCs require stat blocks not listed elsewhere in the module
Bayushi Niban
Bayushi Bushi 3
Competent at Iaijutsu
Advantages/ Disadvantages: Bad Eyesight,
Insensitive, Sworn Enemy (Bayushi Reiko)

Bayushi Reiko
Soshi Shugenja 3
Competent at Seduction
Advantages/ Disadvantages: Crafty, Dangerous
Beauty, Insensitive, Jealousy (Bayushi Niban)

Miruko
Ronin, former Seppun Shugenja 2
Advantages/ Disadvantages: Dependant (Ichi),
Irreproachable, Sage, True Love (Bayushi Yoshi)
Handout #1: Map of Chisanaka
 Handout #2: Dramatis Personae
Bayushi Yoshi

Bayushi Ichi
Bayushi Niban

Bayushi Reiko

Miruko