Wrath of the Kami

A One-Round Low-Rank Adventure for Heroes of

Rokugan (Champions of the Sapphire Throne)

Part One of Remorseful Seppuku

by Parvez Yusufji
and Rob Hobart

You are honored to attend and witness the Emerald Tournament. The harmony of this event is threatened,
however, by an inexplicable anger among the spirits of the Earth.
 Adventure Summary and Introduction: The Village
Background of Ginasutra
This adventure is the first part of the “Remorseful The PCs begin the adventure in the village of
Seppuku” story arc, a series of modules concerning a Ginasutra. It is a modest settlement in Scorpion lands,
samurai named Toritaka Yamamiya. Yamamiya has home to about 350 people, and the last outpost of
been extraordinarily unlucky his entire life, plagued by civilization before entering the Plains of Thunder,
every sort of bad fortune and evil chance. For years he where the Shrine of Osano-Wo is located. Samurai
has accepted this as his tragic lot in life. However, who will be attending (or competing in) the Emerald
during a recent visit to a Kuni shugenja he learned that Tournament are gathering here from all across the
there are spiritual forces surrounding him that are Empire. Everyone is waiting for the Emperor, whose
causing his bad luck. He is determined to learn the arrival will signify that it is time to proceed on the
nature of these forces and to find a way to appease two-day journey to the Shrine and begin the
them. In this adventure, the PCs will have a chance to Tournament.
help Yamamiya learn the first clue in his quest.
All of the PCs have arrived at the village
The backdrop for the module is the Tournament of the independently, although PCs from the same Clan or
Emerald Champion. The most recent Emerald faction, or with a shared background, may be traveling
Champion, Matsu Hoketsaku, was assassinated at the together if they wish.
Topaz Championship over a year ago. Now the
Emperor is holding a new tournament to select a All Clan and Imperial PCs have been honored by their
replacement for Hoketsaku. The PCs have been daimyos with one of their faction’s limited number of
fortunate enough to receive an invitation to witness the invitations to attend the Tournament. (None of the
tournament itself. They will travel to the Shrine of PCs are actually participating in the competition itself,
Osano-Wo, the traditional site for the tournament, of course.)
where they will be able to watch the competitions.
Ronin PCs have been hired by the Scorpion Clan, at
This adventure will cover the first two days of the the rate of 2 koku, to provide order and security for the
Emerald Tournament (the other two days are depicted journey from here to the Shrine. As an added bonus, a
in the adventure “Unrequited Love”). During these random selection of the ronin hirelings have been
two days, the PCs will be able to meet Toritaka honored with the chance to stay at the Shrine and
Yamamiya, learn about his problem, and possibly help watch the tournament – PC ronin are lucky enough to
him to take the first step toward a solution. be among those selected.

Adjusting for Party Strength The small village of Ginasutra is clearly a bit
overwhelmed by the number of visitors that have
This is a Low-Rank adventure, and can involve parties descended upon it. Villagers keep their heads down
of varying capabilities. The encounters have been and hurry about, trying to avoid crossing the path of
optimized for a party of average Rank One. strange samurai. The village’s single Inn is far too
small to accommodate such crowds, and the Scorpion
Although most of the challenges here are role-play Clan has set up tents and pavilions outside the village
oriented and thus not terribly dependent on party walls to handle the overflow. Many traveling
strength, a few changes can be made to adjust the merchants have set up stalls next to this tent city,
adventure difficulty for high-end parties, as follows: offering their wares to the growing crowds of
samurai, and Scorpion guards check the area
High End Party (half or more of the characters are frequently, reviewing the merchants’ papers and
Rank Two): watching for trouble.
 There are always two trolls. The PCs are housed in the tent city, but are free to
visit the Inn if they wish to socialize or drink. The
 The GM may, discretionally, increase Skill Roll place is crowded at all times, and the innkeeper is a
TNs by 5. harried-looking middle-aged man, struggling to keep
up with this massive surge of customers.

Wrath of the Kami Page 2

There are banners and mons identifying the tents for middle-aged man who is usually writing poetry or
each of the eight Great Clans. Most of the minor clans letters, and seldom leaves his tent. If he is asked about
do not have tents of their own set up, and will have to the Tournament, he will state only that Dragon have
stay with the ronin in the various unmarked tents on an excellent chance at winning.
the fringes – the exceptions are the Tortoise, Tiger,
and Monkey, each of whom have their own tent. Lion: Akodo Hideki. Hideki is a serious, handsome
man in his late twenties, and is still grieving over the
Notable Persons in the Village: the loss of his Clan Champion, Matsu Hoketsaku. He
believes this a horrible blow to the Empire and the
Daimyo Lion Clan, and blames the Crane for their lax security
The highest-ranking guests and daimyo are traveling in allowing Hoketsaku to be assassinated by a ronin.
with the Emperor, of course, and will arrive when he “At least these Scorpion won’t allow such a thing.
does. However, each Great Clan has also designated a They might kill you themselves, but they’re too skilled
mid-ranking provincial daimyo to be in charge of their and proud to let some madman get in with a knife.”
people at Ginasutra. The PCs will all meet with their Hideki believes it is vitally important for a Lion to win
respective superior when they arrive here (ronin will the Emerald Tournament, and mentions proudly that
meet with Bayushi Inaba). Akodo Soto, the son of family daimyo Akodo Gintaku,
is one of the contestants.
Crab: Kuni Kubota. Kubota is an irritable middle-
aged shugenja, with shaggy hair and a perpetual scowl. Mantis: Yoritomo Kawamoto. A short, muscular
He very much dislikes being in charge of the Crab man with a ready smile, an eyepatch, and skin
contingent here, and considers Crab participation in roughened by years at sea. Kawamoto isn’t so much
the Emerald Tournament to be a waste of time – the controlling the Mantis contingent as he is simply
last time a Crab won this position was over two providing them a rally point – he is the highest-
hundred years ago, and that is unlikely to change this ranking Mantis present, but has not been given any
year. Consequently he is doing little more than instructions or special authority. The Mantis Clan
babysitting the Crab here and keeping them out of seems to expect each of its guests and contestants to
trouble. Even worse, he must also keep an eye on the take care of themselves. However, Kawamoto will
large number of Yasuki merchants who have come introduce himself to any fellow Mantis out of
here. Kubota believes his talents would be far better camaraderie, and asks them for news and gossip.
used back in Crab lands, helping with the eternal
struggle against the Shadowlands, but he is a Crab and Phoenix: Isawa Ganaha. Ganaha is a young
he will do his duty properly, however distasteful it energetic daimyo, in his early twenties, and wears
might be. If any Crab PCs get too loud, boisterous, or shugenja robes and a traditional samurai haircut and
unruly, he come down on them harshly, publicly topknot. He leads daily prayer sessions to provide the
berating them for shaming their Clan. favor of the spirits and ancestors to the Phoenix
contestants. However, he is also an idealist who wants
Crane: Kakita Furuuchi. The Crane daimyo is a what is best for the Empire, and will show no
fine-featured man with a fierce gaze, his white hair particular anger at the prospect that another Clan’s
bound in a severe traditional topknot. He is very contestant will probably win. If he speaks with any
interested in the outcome of the Tournament, and shugenja or monk PCs, Ganaha will mention that
believes fervently that only a true Kakita-trained during his prayers he has sensed something amiss,
duelist deserves to be Emerald Champion. (Among some sort of minor disturbance among the kami. He
trusted allies, he will openly suggest that Matsu cannot tell what it is yet, and does not believe it is a
Hoketsaku’s reign as Emerald Champion was a threat to the Emerald Tournament (otherwise he would
“disgusting aberration.”) He is personally rooting for not hesitate to inform the Scorpion and the Imperials).
a fellow student from the dueling academy, Kakita He plans to continue meditating on the problem. (This
Ryusho, but also speaks highly of Doji Matsui, is actually the spiritual disturbance which surrounds
generally considered the best of the Crane contestants. the approaching Toritaka Yamamiya.)
He will be derisive about any of the other Clans’
contestants, and expresses irritation that Minor Clans Scorpion: Bayushi Inaba. Inaba is a quiet, serious
and ronin are allowed to compete at all. older man who wears a full-face wooden mempo
(mask), leaving only his mouth and eyes exposed. The
Dragon: Mirumoto Hiroto. The Dragon have one Clan has given him responsibility not only for the
of the smaller contingents here, but are very orderly, Scorpion guests and contestants but also for the
and their tents are neat and precise. Hiroto is a serene security of the region during the Emerald Tournament,

Wrath of the Kami Page 3

and he is feeling the pressure – he will not have time Scorpion to pay his way to the Emerald Tournament,
to speak more than a few brief words to most of the and will not actually admit he is a contestant until
PCs unless they provide an exceptional reason (such as after he reaches the Shrine.
a threat to the area). Ronin PCs will be brusquely
informed that they share responsibility for the security Rumors
of the Tournament and the Son of Heaven, and any
failures will not be tolerated. During their time in Ginasutra, the PCs may decide to
try to catch up on the latest gossip and news about the
Unicorn: Shinjo Asakura. This is an older Empire. The GM can supply this via whatever means
samurai, approaching retirement, with white streaks in seems best, most likely through conversation with the
his hair. He wears a long mustache in the Moto style, daimyos or the contestants.
and is a strong supporter of the Moto family and its
leadership of the Clan. He openly roots for a Unicorn  Ikoma Kurai, one of the most promising young
victory in the Emerald Tournament, but also openly poets to come out of the Omoidasu school in
expresses concern that it is impossible for a Unicorn to generations, is reported to be attending the
win. (He will choose his words carefully enough to Tournament as a guest. His poetry has even
avoid any accusation of deliberate unfairness, but drawn comparisons to the work of the great
nevertheless makes it clear that he thinks the judges Rezan.
cannot avoid bias against the Unicorn.)
 The strongest contingents in the Tournament are
from the Crane, Lion, and Scorpion, and most
Notable Persons in the Village: the believe that a contestant from one of those three
Contestants Clans will win. Some hold out hope for the
Most of the Clan contestants for the Emerald Unicorn or the Dragon, although it is generally
Tournament are already at the Shrine of Osano-Wo, believed that neither Clan’s contestants can
undergoing prayers and purifications before the measure up to the task. No one expects the
Tournament. However, a few of the contestants are Phoenix, Crab, or Mantis to do more than make an
still here: honorable showing.

Yasuki Koruma, cousin of the Crab Clan’s Yasuki  Yogo Amasare, a successful playwright, is also
daimyo, and a descendent of Yasuki Hachi. Koruma is expected to be in attendance. PCs who roll
a friendly young man with a sharp intellect, and by the Intelligence/Storytelling at TN 15 know that his
far the most impressive of the small pool of Crab play “Honor’s Breath,” about the struggle of the
contestants. His fluid grace makes the brutal Crab Four Winds, is both successful and, among the
fighting style look almost elegant. Koruma is here more traditional clans, controversial, since it
with the large contingent of Crab Yasuki, and will portrays the Winds as fallible human beings who
accompany them to the Shrine. wrestled with questions of duty, honor, and
loyalty.
Shosuro Sora: A female duelist with a muscular
frame and a plain face, who wears her hair in a single  Kakita Saburashi, the Kakita family daimyo and
long, tight braid that stretches to her waist. Sora is the best duelist in the Empire, is not attending the
infamous for killing Shinjo Rokaro, the son of the Championship. The rumor is that the Crane were
Shinjo family daimyo, in a duel four years ago. (PCs afraid he would repeat the embarrassment from
can recall this with a roll of Intelligence/Lore: ten years ago (when he won the Tournament, but
History at TN 15.) She is unmarried, and behaves in a refused to take the office). Some extend the
cold and distant manner toward most men (unless she rumor further by suggesting that Saburashi took
is quite sure they have no romantic intentions). She is offense when he was not allowed to compete, and
usually friendly and even somewhat charming toward therefore refused to come even to witness the
women. fight.
Akuma, ronin duelist. One of only three ronin in the
tournament, Akuma is a lean, hatchet-faced man of  The Crane Clan Champion, Doji Sarutomo, is
indeterminate age – he might be 20 or 30. His face is attending the Tournament (though not competing).
seamed by a vertical scar down the right side, pulling Rumor has it that he has decided to marry again
his lip up in a sneer. Despite his menacing appearance (or perhaps his mother O-Doji Koneko has
(and sinister name), Akuma is actually a sociable man ordered him to do so) and that several courtier
with a sardonic sense of humor. He is working for the maidens have set their sights upon him.

Wrath of the Kami Page 4

 bows and takes his leave, and the three daimyo each
A Rumor of Trolls depart, in varying degrees of irritation.
The following scene will occur outside the Inn on the It is quite likely the PCs will want to know more. The
night the PCs arrive in Ginasutra. The GM should try only one who will speak with them about the matter is
to make sure that at least some PCs witness it. the Seppun officer, whose name is Masahito. He will
assure the PCs that everything is well in hand and the
A commotion will attract the PCs’ attention, along diligence of the Emperor’s guards prevented any
with that of many other samurai. Outside the Inn, in disaster. “The two trolls, although dangerous, were
the light of the lanterns hanging by the front doors, a not a challenge for our trained miharu. No such
confrontation is taking place between Bayushi Inaba, abominations will ever trouble the Son of Heaven.”
Kuni Kubota, Shinjo Asakura, and a previously He will not provide details, other than that there were
unknown Seppun guardsman with the rank badge of a two trolls found and killed on the Plains of Thunder.
taisa (captain). Although the Seppun is clearly of
lower social rank than the three daimyos, his position
as an Imperial officer allows him to put them “on the Scene One: To Shinden
spot.”
Osano-Wo
Shinjo Asakura (speaking when PCs arrive): “Hai, The day after the PCs reach Ginasutra, a large column
Bayushi-sama, it is our responsibility to ensure that passes through the village: the Imperial party,
the area from the forest to the Shrine is safe. accompanied by several Clan Champions and other
However, I respectfully suggest you cannot hold us prominent high-ranking guests. The Scorpion
responsible for this. Clearly the trolls bypassed the announce that all guests are now permitted to proceed
vaunted Kaiu Wall. The true failure of responsibility to the Shrine of Osano-Wo, and the PCs are free to do
here is with the Crab.” so. Behind them, the town abruptly shrinks back down
to its normal modest size.
Kuni Kubota (harsh and angry): “No, Shinjo-san. It
is not our responsibility that you are unable to patrol The two-day journey to Shinden Osano-Wo is
the forest. You cannot expect the Wall to stop every uneventful, but visually interesting. The terrain is
creature. Each clan must also…” more or less flat, with occasional rolling hills. The
ground is rocky, with many stones projecting up
Shinjo Asakura (interrupting): “So you are saying through the grass, and makes a difficult walk,
that the Wall is ineffectual?” especially for horses. The Emperor’s party, needless
to say, monopolizes the smoothest paths.
Kuni Kubota: “NO! I didn’t say that at all.” (turns
to the Seppun) “Seppun-sama, you cannot blame the The Sun shines brightly during the day, but dark
Crab. The Wall does not totally enclose our enemies. clouds often swoop through the area without warning,
The Crab stop the vast majority, but a few get unleashing downpours that last anywhere from a few
through, this is why we send the Witch-Hunters to minutes to half an hour. Imperial shugenja see to it
scour the Empire.” that no rain falls on the Emperor’s party.

The Seppun: “That is a matter for another day, On the afternoon of the second day, the PCs spot the
Kuni-san.” (Turning to Bayushi Inaba) “Bayushi- Shrine ahead of them, a sprawling complex surrounded
sama. We killed two trolls. But it is possible that by a low wall, with a modest village next to it. Most
there are more. You will see to this matter.” of the guests are halted on the Plains while the
Emperor and the other high-ranking guests are
Bayushi Inaba (cold and distant): “Hai. Since the admitted and welcomed by the Abbot. It is after dark
Crab are unable to staunch the flow of invaders, and by the time the last of the guests make it inside.
the Unicorn are unable to patrol effectively, the
Scorpion will naturally ensure the safety of the
Emperor. I will send additional patrols to cover the
A Meeting with Toritaka Yamamiya
route and the surrounding area.” As the PCs finally approach the shrine, they notice a
lone Crab bushi just outside the side gates. (No guests
Although both the Crab and the Unicorn are angered enter through the front gates – see “The Shrine of
by Inaba’s choice of words, the gathering crowd Osano-Wo” below for the reason why.) The Crab did
prevents any further outbursts. The Seppun officer not accompany the rest of the guests here, and none of

Wrath of the Kami Page 5

the PCs will recognize him unless they have by shugenja from the Kuni family, who told him there
previously played an adventure with Toritaka was a dark cloud shrouding his chi.
Yamamiya (such as “Scholarship.” As the PCs draw
near, he is arguing with two other bushi, a Seppun and  The Kuni could not identify the nature of this
a Bayushi, part of the security detachment for the “dark cloud,” and suggested he seek help from the
Shrine. Brotherhood of Shinsei.

There is obvious agitation in the young Crab’s voice as  He has already been to several other shrines, and
he speaks: “As I said, Seppun-sa…ma, the reason I during the journey one monk strongly suggested
do not have an invitation for the Tournament is that he come here. The monk didn’t say why or
because I have not been invited. I am not here to see what Yamamiya might learn here, only to head
the Emerald Tournament. I only wish to study at the this way.
temple and consult with the monks.”
 The journey has been a difficult one (to which
The Bayushi quickly replies. “We understood you the Yamamiya adds the comment, “as usual”) and he
first time, Toritaka-san. The answer is still no. We intends to stay until he has a chance to visit with
will not have an incident repeated like the one that the monks here.
precipitated this Tournament. No one without an
invitation may enter the Shrine or the tournament  Statistically, Yamamiya has 3 Ranks of the
grounds at this time, for any reason.” Yamamiya’s Unluck disadvantage. For role-play purposes, the
rebuttal is forestalled by a raised hand. “Enough, GM should feel free to improvise any sort of mild
Toritaka-san. It’s your bad luck to arrive at the or humorous bad luck for him whenever he is in a
Shrine on the day of the Tournament. Had you come scene, such as continued harassment by his pet
a week earlier or a week later, you would not be falcon, obi strings and topknot cords breaking at
barred access. Good day.” He turns away, dismissing inopportune moments, and so forth.
the Crab. The Seppun observes silently, waiting a few
moments to make sure the Crab does not try anything Kuni Kubota will not provide any assistance to
foolish. Yomomiya on his own, and will be irritated if any PCs
suggest it. “I am already responsible for all of our
Dejected, the young Toritaka turns away from the guests and competitors, and now I must provide for
gates and sits on a nearby rock – only to spring back some wandering bushi as well? Why isn’t he back at
up as he accidentally sits on a sharp corner. He sighs the Wall where he belongs?” However, if fellow
and seats himself on a softer piece of ground. A pet Crabs make an appeal, he will relent and supply the
falcon swoops in to perch on his shoulder, bites his Toritaka with a small tent and some additional
ear, and then flies away again at his choked cry of provisions.
pain.
There is no way to actually get Yamamiya inside of
The PCs may choose whether or not to speak with the Shrine short of magically concealing him. He is
Toritaka Yamamiya, but obviously there will not be low-Status and has no political strings he can pull.
much of an adventure if they do not. Fortunately, he The Seppun and Bayushi samurai responsible for
will be waiting patiently outside the Shrine throughout security here are already aware of him (making a
the Tournament, so if they do not speak with him forged invitation impossible). The PCs will not have
immediately, they will have more chances to do so enough influence to get Yamamiya admitted.
later. In fact, immediately after the conversation
depicted above, he will unroll a tattered blanket and If the PCs are sympathetic to Yamamiya’s plight, he
pull out some meager provisions (he isn’t well stocked will be grateful, but will not presume to ask them to do
since he didn’t plan on being here long). He has anything on his behalf.
enough to survive until the end of the Tournament, and
will not ask anyone for help, but will gladly accept
anything offered (including a chance to sleep inside a The Shrine of Osano-Wo
tent). The Shrine of Osano-Wo is a large, sprawling facility
surrounded by a low wall. Seven torii arches line the
If and when the PCs speak with him, the young man main road that approaches the wall, but beyond them
identifies himself as Toritaka Yamamiya, a warrior of the path enters a bewildering and near-unsolvable
the Crab Clan. He explains that he has been sent here maze, intended to serve as a lesson in enlightenment.

Wrath of the Kami Page 6

Consequently, visitors pass through smaller gates on the Unicorn (Moto Temujin). O-Doji Koneko, the
the sides of the complex. aged mother of the Crane Clan Champion, is present
as well, but is not seen except when she joins the
The center of the compound is the surprisingly humble Emperor on the viewing stand, and by the end of the
temple of Osano-Wo, Fortune of Thunder: a three- first day there are rumors that she is unwell.
story structure crafted from limestone. To either side
of the temple are the monks’ facilities – barracks, a During the tournament, the PCs will not generally be
library, the dining hall, baths, several dojos, several allowed the opportunity to meet with such august
extensive gardens, and so forth. 314 monks reside personages, not even to go near them, since the
here, almost half of them militant sohei who shroud Emperor’s dais is guarded by Seppun and Scorpion
themselves in concealing cloths and ritually scar their bushi. The PCs are fortunate even to see the Emperor
flesh. again so soon after their brief meeting at the Topaz
Championship.
Outside the temple complex is a small, simple village
of about 200 peasants, who grow food for themselves Instead, the PCs are part of the very large crowd of
and for the Shrine. The monks regularly assist the guests (mostly courtiers, but with a fair mix of bushi
villagers in the work of the fields, and raise their own and a few shugenja) who are watching the tournament
animals and crops as well. and staying in the tents around the Shrine. There are
over 200 samurai guests here.
In order to facilitate the presence of so many samurai
guests, tents and pavilions have been planted During the evenings, when socializing and political
throughout the grounds of the Shrine, although none maneuver is the order of the day, the PCs will have a
are allowed too close to the Temple itself. Additional few chances to approach these august personages,
tents have been pitched on the fields outside the though they will never be allowed near the Emperor
Shrine’s walls. Colorful silk cloth and fluttering Clan himself.
banners turn the normally restrained and sedate Shrine
complex into a bright spectacle. A corresponding
cluster of merchants has pitched camp as well, in order Scene Two: The
to supply the needs of such a large groups of samurai. Tournament Begins
The PCs are residing in tents along with other samurai The Emerald Tournament begins at noon the next day,
from their Clans (typically four samurai per tent, on the tournament field half a mile from the Shrine.
segregated by gender). The Emperor is staying in the The field is divided into several rings where contests
Abbot’s quarters within the Shrine, while the handful of physical skill can take place, as well as a slightly
of other high-ranking guests (the Imperial Herald, raised dais, where tests of academic and artistic skill
several Clan Champions) each have their own large are conducted. The Emperor, the Imperial Herald, and
private tent and a generous array of personal servants. the four attending Clan Champions (Crane, Lion,
Scorpion, and Unicorn) watch from a special dais on
The Emerald Tournament itself does not take place the west side of the tournament grounds. The rest of
within the Shrine. Instead, it occurs on a special the audience, including the PCs, sits on lesser stands
tournament ground located about a half-mile away. which surround the other sides of the field.
The PCs are free to go visit it if they wish – it is
described in Scene Two: The Tournament Begins. Eighty-nine samurai have entered the Tournament, the
largest field seen in generations, and there is much
After arriving at the Shrine, the PCs have another barely-suppressed excitement among the audience as
evening to role-play and speak with NPCs. However, the contestants stride out onto the field.
since this is the night before the Tournament begins,
all of the contestants will now be in seclusion The Anger of the Kami
preparing themselves.
Just prior to the beginning of the Tournament, any PC
who is an Earth shugenja, and any PC with an affinity
The Notable Guests to spiritual activity (such as Friend of the Kami: Earth,
The Emperor himself is of course in attendance, as is an appropriate Inner Gift, or the Cloud tattoo), may
the Imperial Herald (Miya Shikan) and the Clan roll Simple Awareness at TN 20 to sense that
Champions of the Crane (Doji Sarutomo), the Lion something is slightly amiss.
(Matsu Nimoro), the Scorpion (Bayushi Tomaru), and

Wrath of the Kami Page 7

If a shugenja PC casts Commune with any of the local With a flourish, holding his right sleeve in his left
spirits, this will reveal that all the Earth kami in the hand, Miya Shikan turns and gestures to the monks,
area are restless. The other kami (Air, Fire, and who immediately lift a small wooden gate that opens
Water) are also getting agitated because the Earth is a flow of water to a water-clock. A pair of monks
upset. If the PC asks the Earth spirits why they are seat themselves by the clock begin to silently mark
upset, they will not be able to answer directly, merely down the beats, tracking the passage of time. Each
intoning over and over again, “Why is he here…. Why of the contestants is brought a portable writing table
is he here…” with a calligraphy set. Without hesitation, each sits
down and begins writing.
Opening Ceremonies
A crash of cymbals followed by a frenzied beating of Rocks, Rocks, it is only Rocks
taiko drums brings the gathering of samurai to The first contest is long (a Rokugani hour is equivalent
silence. Miya Shikan, the Imperial Herald, speaks in to two Western hours) and not particularly exciting –
a clear echoing voice. the crowd soon occupies itself with low-voiced gossip
and speculation about the different candidate’s
“We are gathered here by the favor of the Fortunes chances.
and by the will of the glorious Emperor Totori the
XII – the Sapphire Emperor. On this most splendid About midway through the contest, have the PCs make
day, we begin the Tournament of the Emerald a Perception/Investigation roll at TN 15. Success
Champion. Today, and for each of the next three means they notice several Seppun guards, a Soshi
days, each Clan will put forth their best prospects to shugenja, and several Bayushi bushi heading from the
compete in a series of contests that will challenge the tournament grounds toward the main Shrine complex.
mind, body, and soul. From this competition, the If the PCs want to follow them, it will be easy for
Emperor in his infinite wisdom will appoint a new them to do so – in this large crowd no one will notice a
Champion to carry the Emperor’s laws through his few samurai slipping away.
lands.”
If the PCs follow the samurai, they hasten into the
“But before we begin the first contest, let us bow our main Shrine complex, where another Seppun bushi is
heads in prayer.” The thin, narrow-faced Imperial waiting outside the Temple itself. After a brief low-
Herald steps aside to make room for the Abbot of the voiced conference, they all hurry inside. The PCs are
Shrine of Osano-Wo, who is serving as senior judge of free to continue following them.
the tournament. The Abbot carries a great bowl, filled
with wooden chits marked with the names of the Inside the Temple’s main hall, a group of monks
contestants. He bows deeply to the Emperor, sets (normal monks, not sohei) are standing with their
down the bowl before the Imperial Herald, and then hands held out in a placating manner, while the
begins a prayer to Osano-Wo, calling on the Fortune Seppun and Bayushi bushi confront them with hands
of Thunder and the patron of Heroes to watch over this hovering near their sword-hilts.
contest and give victory to the contestant who can best
serve the Emperor. A dozen other monks from the Behind the monks is a creature that vaguely
Shrine join him in his incantations. resembles a bipedal hedgehog. It stands about four
feet tall and its copper-colored skin is covered with
The prayers completed, Miya Shikan steps forward intermittent patches of matted brown fur. Its snouted
once again. “Now, with the blessings of the great face displays large pupil-less eyes that glow a soft
Fortune upon us, we shall begin.” He turns to the pale green. The creature is slowly and methodically
ranks of contestants, who wait expectantly. rubbing two fist-sized stones on the stone floor of the
Temple in front of the great statue of the Fortune
“The first contest is one of knowledge. All Emerald Osano-Wo. It appears totally unconcerned with the
Champions must be well versed in the history of activities of the men behind it.
Rokugan. Above all, they must know the history of
the most central figure in all Rokugan… the The creature is a Zokujin (sometimes called a “copper
Emperor. Each contestant shall write the lineage of goblin”), a creature of the earth. The Seppun and
all the Emperors going back to the first Emperor – Bayushi samurai are totally unfamiliar with it. The
Hantei. The participants are given one hour to PCs can know something about it with an
compose their responses.” appropriately obscure Intelligence/Lore roll (such as
Lore: Creatures, Lore: Elements, or Lore: Ancient

Wrath of the Kami Page 8

Races) at TN 25. A roll of Intelligence/Lore:  If the PCs seem sympathetic, and the Seppun and
Shadowlands at TN 20 will determine that it is not a Bayushi guards are gone, the monks will tell the
Shadowlands creature. PCs that the Zokujin lives in a cave about an
hour’s walk from the Shrine. Some of the sohei
The monks know what the Zokujin is and know it is occasionally visit it there, trying to learn more
not a dangerous Shadowlands creature. They are about the ways of Earth.
trying to explain this to the samurai, who are
demanding that the monks step aside and allow them  If the PCs ask for directions to the cave, the
to dispose of this dangerous intruder. The monks monks can give them, but the PCs will have to
adamantly refuse to allow this, and the confrontation convince them that they mean the Zokujin no
will go on for some time, while the Zokujin continues harm. This will require role-play and a roll of
its strange stone-rubbing behavior. Awareness/Sincerity at TN 15.

 If some of the PCs assist the monks, the

confrontation can be defused more quickly. Scene Three: The Pain of
 If the PCs do not help, the stand-off will continue
the Earth
for about five minutes, until the Zokujin finally After the incident with the Zokujin, nothing further
finishes and departs, walking straight into the will take place until the second contest of the Emerald
ground (it can pass through stone as easily as a Tournament is underway. The GM should consult
man walks through air). “Appendix #2: The Emerald Tournament” for details
of the different competitions and notable performances
 If a PC tries to attack the Zokujin, the monks will by the various contestants.
immediately try to grapple or stun that PC. (They
will not use lethal attacks and will stop fighting After the first contest concludes, there will be a short
the moment the PC stops.) This is quite likely to pause (about a half-hour, gaijin time) before the next
trigger a brawl between the monks and the one. Nothing will occur during this time, other than
Seppun/Bayushi samurai. general gossip. PCs who witnessed the incident with
the Zokujin can discuss it with those who remained
 If a PC manages to land an attack despite the behind; even if none of the PCs saw the Zokujin,
interference of the monks, the Zokujin will rumors of the creature’s presence will soon spread
probably survive (it has a high carapace) and will through the crowd.
give the PC a blank stare before departing into the
ground as listed above. About a half-hour into the second contest, a sohei
named Inazami will approach each of the PCs. The
A fight may also occur if one or more PCs egg on the scarred, menacing, cloth-wrapped figure leans in close
samurai, insult them, or otherwise behave to each PC and whispers in their ears.
intemperately. Once a brawl begins, it will continue
unless a PC takes decisive action to stop it (e.g. “Forgive the interruption, samurai-sama. The
making a powerful speech, standing between Assistant Abbot, Sunami, would appreciate a moment
combatants, etc). Otherwise, the fight continues until of your time. If you would meet him in the Temple’s
Bayushi Inaba arrives and puts an end to it. If things main hall.”
go this far, all participants in the fight lose 2 points of
Glory and 1 point of Honor, and gain 1 point of His message delivered, the sohei walks away as
Infamy. silently as he came. The PCs can choose whether or
not to answer the Assistant Abbot’s summons –
If the PCs do not know what the Zokujin is, they can however, if they refuse, they are probably out of the
ask the monks about it once the confrontation is over. adventure. (They can still watch the rest of the
The monks explain that the Zokujin is a creature of the Emerald Tournament, of course.)
Earth, sometimes called a “copper goblin,” and that it
appears in the Temple and rubs its stones on the floor If they do answer, they will find Sunami waiting for
about once every month or so. Occasionally, it will them in the main hall. He is a tall but stout middle-
talk with them – it speaks Rokugani – put usually it aged man with a muscular build. His shaven head
just leaves when it is finished with the rocks. shows several scars, the marks of a former life as a
Crab samurai, but he is not a sohei and wears the
normal saffron robes of a monk. His voice is hoarse

Wrath of the Kami Page 9

and gruff, but his manners are placid and serene – Communing with the Elements
years of contemplation have cleansed him of temper.
Shugenja PCs, or PCs with the Cloud tattoo, may
“My apologies, samurai-samas, for asking you to attempt to Commune with the local elemental spirits at
leave the tournament grounds. A matter has come to this point. Alternatively, they could ask the assistance
our attention which we believe concerns us all. Since of NPC shugenja who are watching the Tournament –
the Abbot is occupied with judging the contests, it there are more than a few such guests who would be
falls on me to deal with such things.” willing to help. Phoenix PCs could also seek the
assistance of Isawa Ganaha.
“I spend many hours per day in quiet contemplation,
listening to the spirits. I have noticed something... Air, Water, and Fire spirits will all report that the
unusual. The Earth here has become restless, Earth is disturbed and angry, and this bothers them.
agitated in a way I cannot explain. I fear that if do Earth spirits will, as mentioned earlier, do little more
not discover quickly why the earth itself is restless, than intone again and again, “Why is he here…. Why
the tournament may be interrupted.” is he here…”

If the PCs ask what could be causing the disruptions in If a shugenja is able to Commune with the Earth with
the Earth, or whether similar problems have occurred two or more Raises, the Earth spirit will tell the
before (perhaps thinking of the Zokujin), Sunami shugenja that it does not know why it is upset. “I was
explains: “It happens on occasion that the Earth or told to be upset because my brothers are upset. My
other elements are out of alignment. Usually that brothers are upset because their brothers are upset.
would mean that we as men have been thoughtless And those brothers are upset because their brothers
and uncaring; forgetting to venerate that which is all are upset.” It does not explain this statement, but
around is and is the foundation of the world. But this anyone rolling Intelligence/Theology or
is not the same. I can find no cause, no way in which Intelligence/Spellcraft at TN 15 realizes that by
we have been remiss, and the Earth refuses to speak “brothers” the kami means other, more distant, spirits.
with me.”
With three or more Raises, the Earth spirit will also
If anyone asks why Sunami sent for them specifically, add the statement, “His feet offend me with every
he responds: “Your absence from the tournament touch.” However, it won’t explain this remark.
would… go unnoticed.”
If a shugenja is somehow able to make six or more
Sunami does not want to bring the Abbot or the Raises, a very strong Earth kami will respond. It will
official tournament guards into this matter, fearing that explain the situation: “Him. Thousands of suns pasts,
they may simply shut down the Tournament (which when I was just a pebble, his kind offended my kind.
would be a great dishonor to the Shrine of Osano-Wo). Until he makes amends, all of mine will hate all of
He would like the PCs to look into the matter quickly his that were and will be.” It will not explain further,
and quietly with, in his words, “a minimum of nor will it say who “he” is or how “amends” can be
involvement from anyone else.” PCs who are made.
concerned about his motives can roll
Awareness/Investigation (Interrogation) at TN 20 to The only NPC who is capable of this many Raises, and
recognize that he is concerned about the reputation of who can help the PCs, is Isawa Ganaha – and he will
the Shrine. By having the PCs investigate instead of not bother to make that many Raises unless the PCs
his own monks, he protects the reputation of the specifically ask him to do so.
Brotherhood of Shinsei.
“Help” from the Authorities
Sunami is not really sure how to proceed in the Some PCs may decide to ask the Seppun or Scorpion
investigation, and will be reluctant to offer advice. guardsman to help. Unfortunately, the moment the
However, if the PCs seem “stuck,” he may suggest guards realize that the Earth spirits are upset, they will
consulting with the Zokujin – as a creature of the try to whisk the Emperor and other senior dignitaries
Earth, it may be able to understand the spirits’ anger away from this site. This will cause a major disruption
better than a human could. to the Emerald Tournament, exactly what the Assistant
Abbot hoped to avoid. The PCs can continue the
investigation if they wish, but they will suffer a loss of

Wrath of the Kami Page 10

Glory and Honor due to causing such a disruption and well, sometimes wide enough for the entire party to
failing the Abbot. walk abreast, other times narrowing until they must
squeeze along in single file.
Scene Four: The Zokujin The PCs will need light sources, since the natural
It should become clear to the PCs that their best sunlight disappears behind them long before they
possible source of information on the wrath of the reach their goal.
Earth is the Zokujin, which is itself a creature of the
Earth. Even if none of the PCs saw the Zokujin in the About 200 feet into the cave, the PCs will discover an
previous scene, they should be aware of it due to other open irregular hole in the floor. From below comes a
samurai gossiping about its appearance in the Temple. dim phosphorescent light and an odor of a living
Also, if the PCs get stuck and ask Sunami for help, he creature, along with faint scuffling noises.
will suggest speaking with the creature: “The Zokujin
are ancient creatures and it is said that they speak The PCs will need to lower themselves through the
directly to the Earth. However, this one seldom hole and drop about four feet to the floor of the
speaks with us – I am not sure if it would help you.” Zokujin’s lair. It will be obvious that it is impossible
to climb back up unless they leave a rope in place,
Assuming the PCs decide to travel to speak with the boost each other up, or employ magic. Cautious PCs
Zokujin, they can do so freely – as guests at the may decide to go in with weapons drawn, or to peek
Emerald Tournament they will not be obstructed by down into the cave before descending, but this will not
the guards. However, if they decide to put on armor or change what they see.
carry battlefield weapons (polearms, heavy weapons,
etc), they will be stopped by the Seppun and Bayushi The small cavern is covered with a luminous moss
guards. The guards consider such equipment to be which offers a soft, greenish-yellow light. A
both a threat to the peace and an insult against their humanoid creature with large, soft glowing eyes,
own ability to protect the Shrine, and will demand that copper-colored skin, and matted fur is seated in the
it be removed immediately. center of the room, next to a large pile of smooth
round rocks. It appears to be cleaning its fur with a
If the PCs wish to equip themselves for a trip into a small, crude comb made of some kind of dull metal.
cave (such as acquiring light-sources, ropes, etc), they Its large, blank, luminescent eyes turn toward you.
can easily avail themselves of the small city of
merchants who have set up camp outside the Shrine. The Zokujin will be mildly curious about these strange
Any reasonable mundane gear can be found here, for humans entering its lair, but will not initiate
typical prices as listed in the L5R 3rd Edition Rulebook. conversation, nor will it attack or threaten them. If a
Exotic equipment such as ninja climbing gear or gaijin PC is dim-witted enough to attack the Zokujin, it will
items is not available, nor are weapons. defend itself as best it can – it has a small metal club
lying on the floor – but will flee into the stone if it is
The PCs can get directions to the Zokujin’s cave from seriously injured. It can walk through stone as easily
many of the local monks, or even the peasants in the as through air.
adjacent village. The villagers will tell any samurai
who asks (or threatens). The monks, however, will Assuming the PCs are more diplomatic, the Zokujin
not give the cave’s location unless the PCs make it will wait for them to begin speaking before it replies.
clear that they do not have hostile intentions toward It speaks Rokugani in a pidgin fashion and with a very
the Zokujin. Finally, the PCs can track the Zokujin to slow, methodical, pedantic style. It never interrupts
its lair by having a shugenja Commune with a local and, if the PCs interrupt it, it will go back and repeat
Earth or Air spirit with one (Air) or two (Earth) Raises what it was saying before answering their new
for clarity. comments.

To the Cave In general, the Zokujin is willing to be helpful, but is

also somewhat irritated that these humans have
The cave is about an hour’s walk to the north of the troubled it over a problem which was caused by one of
Shrine. It is a low, weathered opening in the side of a their own. (It will be even more irritated if any of the
hill, forcing the PCs to go on hands and knees in order PCs attacked it in the Temple earlier.) Consequently,
to get inside. Within, the ceiling rises to about five the PCs will have to be polite and persistent in order to
feet, occasionally as high as six feet, and the passage get all the information they need. The GM should use
winds away down into the earth. It varies in width as

Wrath of the Kami Page 11

the following bullet-points to construct the
conversation with the Zokujin. Scene Five: Find Me a
 Its name is Kgjrt, but it will not give this to the
Troll or Marry Me a Matsu
PCs. “You can not speak our language, so there From speaking with the Zokujin, the PCs should
would be no purpose to telling you a name which realize that their best chance of learning what has
you can not say.” angered the Earth is to find a way to speak with
Osano-Wo, the Fortune of Thunder and Heroism.
 If the PCs ask why it was rubbing stones in the Happily, they are located in his Shrine, the best
Temple, it will seem mildly offended. “I pay possible place to seek his aid. However, attracting the
respects to the great spirit. It was once man. attention of a Fortune can be difficult. Any PC who
Strong man, stronger than most. Became a great rolls Intelligence/Theology (Fortunes) at TN 20 will
spirit. He knows much of the earth. I offer realize that they must not only pray to the Fortune but
respect. Do not men do the same?” also must make some kind of offering which he will
respect. Alternatively, any of the monks can offer this
 If the PCs start speaking about the wrath of the advice, as could a high-ranking shugenja such as Isawa
Earth, Kgjrt will agree that there is a problem. Ganaha.
“Oh yes. Earth very angry, stones very angry.
Their anger has grown from the pebble to the If the PCs are trying to figure out what sort of offering
boulder to the hill to the mountain. The stones to make, they can roll Intelligence/Theology
have become bitter to eat. And now it has no (Fortunes) at TN 15 or Intelligence/Lore: History at
room left for its anger to grow.” TN 20 to recall the history of Hida Osano-Wo. An
appropriate Lore skill (such as Lore: Fortunes or
 If the PCs begin asking why the Earth is angry, Lore: Crab Clan) could also be used, at TN 20. Or,
the Zokujin will allow its irritation to show. they can ask the monks at the Temple about the
“Men are deaf, dumb, blind. Can you not hear history of Osano-Wo.
its groans, moans, and laments? It has cried out
for hundreds of years. Each day slightly louder Hida Osano-Wo was the son of Hida and of the
than before. But men hear nothing. It is not for Dragon of Thunder. A gruff, brutally strong, rough-
me to be the voice of man or of the Earth, to and-ready man, during his mortal life he was best
speak between them.” known for his relentless war against the trolls of the
Shadowlands, and for his marriage to a Matsu
samurai-ko – a marriage which he initiated by
 Wise PCs will ask the Zokujin to reconsider, or
marching up to the gates of Shiro Matsu and shouting,
ask it who else can help them. It will eventually
“Where is my bride?” He was finally murdered by a
relent. “There is one that will tell you. The
Phoenix, but his soul immediately ascended to the
strong man, the great spirit. He is the bridge
Celestial Heavens to become the Fortune of Thunder
between the Earth and man. Speak to you, if you
and the patron of heroes.
call him from his holy place.”
Smart PCs will realize that an appropriate offering
 Some PCs may ask the Zokujin about the reports
would be connected in some way to the notable deeds
of trolls on the Plains of Thunder. It will agree
of Osano-Wo’s mortal life.
that the trolls are real and dangerous (“dark
things, angry things, eat flesh”) but denies they
are the source of the Earth’s anger. The Head of a Troll
The PCs should be aware from the scene in the
The PCs should eventually realize that the Zokujin is beginning of the adventure that there are trolls loose
speaking of Osano-Wo. (If they are stuck, a roll of on the Plains of Thunder – in fact, there are still three
Intelligence/Theology at TN 20 will solve the of them wandering out there. To actually find a troll
mystery.) If the PCs cannot figure it out, and ask for for themselves, the PCs will have to go out on the
more information, the Zokujin will become even more Plains and actively hunt for them. Again, the Seppun
irritated. “I venerate him with my stones. You find and Bayushi troops in the area will not readily allow
own ways to venerate him, not with rocks. Men know the PCs to go around in armor or to carry heavy
nothing about stone and rock. No patience.” weapons. If the PCs openly say they are hunting
trolls, the guards are likely to take this as an insult
(“are you suggesting we cannot ensure the Emperor’s

Wrath of the Kami Page 12

security, samurai-san?”). The PCs will need to handle qualify as an offering to the Fortune, the proposal must
this diplomatically, role-play well, and roll be delivered in the same fashion as Osano-Wo himself
Awareness/Etiquette (Sincerity) at TN 20 in order to (e.g. marching up and loudly demanding a marriage)
win approval for using such equipment. Otherwise, and the PC must mean it sincerely.
they will have to either find a way to sneak armor and
heavy weapons out onto the Plains, or do without. If the PC proposes to another PC, it is up to the object
of the proposal whether to accept (a refusal should cost
Once they are on the Plains, in order to find the tracks the rejected suitor some Glory, probably 2 or 3 points).
of the trolls, the PCs will need to succeed with two If the PC proposes to an NPC, it is up to the GM
rolls of Perception/Hunting (TN 20) or Perception/ whether it is accepted or not, based on the characters
Investigation (TN 25) before they fail three rolls. involved and the dramatic needs of the scene. In
general, if the GM suspects the PC was not being
Assuming the PCs succeed, the tracks will lead them sincere, the proposal should fail (and the PC should
to a small, muddy stream where one or two trolls are again lose 2 or 3 points of Glory for the public
squatting down for a drink. If the party is “high-end,” embarrassment).
or comprises five or more combat-capable characters
(bushi, shugenja of Earth or Fire), there are two trolls. Calling to Osano-Wo
Otherwise there is one troll. The PCs will be sixty feet
away (roughly two rounds of movement) when they Once the PCs have acquired a troll’s head (or made a
sight the trolls. successful proposal of marriage), they will still need to
go into the Temple and call on Osano-Wo with prayer.
Making an “offering” from a dead troll will prove This should be role-played out. Given Osano-Wo’s
problematic: how do the PCs get the head of a troll nature, the PCs should realize that a simple, direct, but
into the temple of Osano-Wo without the Seppun and respectful appeal will work best. If the call is too
Bayushi guards noticing? The guards will absolutely flowery or too long, Osano-Wo will not answer.
not willingly allow such a Tainted abomination
anywhere near the Shrine, and may even accuse the If the GM judges the PC to have role-played an
PCs of practicing maho or trying to Taint the Emperor. effective call, the player may roll Raw Willpower at
TN 20. Pacifistic, non-violent characters must roll TN
There are several possible approaches the PCs might 25, while militant PCs (those who have more Bugei
take: skills than other skills) must roll TN 15. Exceptionally
good role-play should award a Free Raise. Each PC
 Conceal the head inside a cloth, traveling pack, may make one attempt to call the Fortune – however,
etc. This will require a successful roll of if the entire party is totally unsuccessful the first day,
Awareness/Acting at TN 15 or they may return the next day and try again (Osano-Wo
Awareness/Stealth at TN 15 to carry the respects persistence).
concealed head into the Temple without attracting
attention. The PCs may decide to seek the help of the monks, or
of Sunami the Assistant Abbot. (This will require
convincing them that calling Osano-Wo can help solve
 Sneak in at night. This will require a roll of
the problem of the angry spirits.) The assistance of a
Agility/Stealth at TN 20 to slip past the guards
monk will award a Free Raise to the PCs when they try
unnoticed.
to call upon the Fortune.
 Conceal the head, or the PC carrying it, with
magic. The GM should adjudicate such efforts, Osano-Wo Appears
but in general, they will probably succeed. If the PCs successfully make the call, the great Fortune
appears:
If the PCs are caught trying to bring a troll’s head into
the Shrine, they will gain a point of Infamy. Needless A thunderous rumble echoes through the Temple.
to say, the troll’s head will be destroyed. The form of a huge, muscular man appears before
you, blazing with light and power. It is an effort even
Marry a Lion to endure his presence. He speaks in a booming
voice that seems to shake the very bones in your
A Crab PC could attempt to emulate Osano-Wo’s
flesh. “Well, mortal, here I am. Speak, and speak
marriage by openly and uncouthly proposing marriage
quickly.”
to a member of the Lion Clan. In order for this to

Wrath of the Kami Page 13

 should use these considerations to restrict PCs who try
Needless to say, this is a role-playing challenge. The to take advantage of the presence of a Fortune.
Fortune of Thunder will not tolerate weaklings, nor
does he have patience for flowery speeches. The PCs Presumably, after all this effort the PCs will quickly
will only have a few moments to get to their point. So ask Osano-Wo why the Earth is upset. “Hmpf. They
long as they are brief, forceful, and to the point, and are a good family who have persevered in spite of the
do not repeat themselves, they can ask several ill will of the kami. The Toritaka. His family line
questions. brings the wrath of the Earth. I was there for the
promise that went unfulfilled. Now the lineage pays
If they violate these principles, or if they behave for the broken vow. The sacred ground around the
helplessly or ask too many questions, Osano-Wo will temple is more sensitive to his transgressions.”
quickly lose patience with them, making comments
such as: Osano-Wo will not answer any other questions on this
matter. If asked for clarifying details, he will quickly
 “What? A weakling like you is not worthy of grow irate. “Enough. You asked. I answered!” The
being answered.” Fortune feels strongly that people should fend for
themselves, has provided enough information for the
 “Someone else speak, someone with backbone!” PCs and the Toritaka to figure things out.

 “You have asked that already. Were you not

listening, or is your mind too feeble to
Conclusion: The Falcon
remember?” Flies
 “Is that foolish expression on your face At some point the PCs should figure out that the
permanent?” source of the Earth’s displeasure is the presence of
Toritaka Yamamiya. Once he is out of the vicinity of
the Shrine, the spirits of the Earth will relax again.
 “Enough! If I were still mortal, I would grow
old waiting for you to make your point!”
Toritaka Yamamiya does not want to leave – he is on a
quest to learn why his chi is unbalanced, and has
 “If you are going to ask me the same questions
traveled a long way to reach the Shrine of Osano-Wo.
twice, then waste more time by asking my
The PCs will have to offer him a compelling reason to
name!”
leave.
If the PCs continue to ask the wrong questions or to
The obvious choice is to tell him the truth. If they do,
behave badly after a couple of these warning remarks,
he will ask several questions, as this is his first hint of
Osano-Wo will bellow in disgust and vanish with a
why his family line is cursed. He will be especially
thunderclap. The PCs can try to call him again, but
inquisitive if the PCs spoke with Osano-Wo, and asks
the TN for their Willpower roll is increased by 10,
questions that PCs will have no way of answering,
and if Osano-Wo does reappear he will not tolerate
such as, “What oath or vow?” or, “Did Osano-Wo
any further foolishness. If the PCs anger him a second
mean me, my father, or the first Toritaka?” He will be
time, he will unleash a mighty thunderbolt that blasts
quite amazed, and more than a little envious, that the
the ground outside the Temple. The PCs will take 2k1
PCs actually spoke with a Fortune.
damage and must make a Raw Willpower roll at TN
15 or be deafened for the remainder of the day. This
Regardless, once the PCs make it clear that the spirits
will also draw the attention of the Scorpion and
of the Earth are angry at his presence, he will
Imperial authorities, who will demand to know what
reluctantly agree that he must leave. “I cannot have
has happened and will likely expel the PCs from the
my presence disrupting the Emerald Tournament. I
Shrine for angering the Fortune (lose 5 points of Glory
shall return to Ginasutra and consider what I must do
and gain 1 point of Infamy).
next.”

Answers from the Heavens The PCs may, for whatever reason, decide to lie to
Osano-Wo cannot answer every question – he is a Yamamiya or bully him into leaving. Both approaches
Fortune, but not omniscient. Furthermore, topics can be successful, if skillfully applied. A lie must be
which do not involve the struggle against the well role-played, followed by an Opposed Roll of
Shadowlands are liable to quickly bore him. The GM Awareness/Deceit (Lying) against Yamamiya’s

Wrath of the Kami Page 14

Perception/Investigation (note that his School Experience Points
Technique grants him a Free Raise on the roll). Playing through the adventure: 2 XP
Good role-playing: +1 XP
Bullying Yamamiya into leaving will require a PCs successfully appease the Earth spirits: +1 XP
credible threat (he is a Crab bushi, not easily cowed).
The GM should judge whether the threat is sufficient Total Possible Experience: 4 XP
to work – but remember that Yamamiya is young and
inexperienced, and outside his own territory. (Also,
Other Awards/Penalties
PCs with higher social position, such as Emerald
Magistrates, can be more effective with this tack.) PCs who fail to appease the earth lose 2 points of
Alternatively, the PCs can try to be subtly threatening Honor and are under an Obligation to the Brotherhood
and make an Opposed Roll of Willpower/Deceit of Shinsei.
(Intimidation) against his Perception/Investigation. PCs who get involved in a brawl at the Shrine of
Osano-Wo lose 2 points of Glory and 1 point of
Finally, the PCs can try to have Kuni Kubota order Honor, and gain 1 point of Infamy.
Yamamiya to leave. This will require that the PCs tell PCs who are caught trying to sneak a troll’s head into
Kubota the whole story, and do so convincingly the Shrine of Osano-Wo also gain 1 point of Infamy.
(Awareness/Etiquette (Sincerity) at TN 15). Once
the situation is made clear, Kubota will order
Yamamiya to leave, but he will be quite displeased at
having to leave the Tournament to attend to this trivial
matter, and will bitterly criticize any Crab involved in
this affair (all Crab, including Yamamiya, lose 1 point
of Glory).

Failure?
It is possible that the PCs will be unable to figure out
how to appease the Earth. If Toritaka Yomomiya does
not leave by the morning of the Tournament’s third
day, the Earth will express its displeasure. The ground
around the Shrine will begin to shake fiercely, rattling
bowls and cups at breakfast.

The Imperial shugenja will eventually succeed in

pacifying the Earth spirits enough to end the
earthquake and allow the Emerald Tournament to
continue. Intermittent earth-tremors will continue
throughout the remainder of the last two days,
however, badly disrupting the harmony of the area and
casting an ominous pall over the Tournament’s
outcome. The PCs will each lose 2 points of Honor as
they realize their failure, which has troubled the safety
of the Emperor himself. Assistant Abbot Sunami also
condemns them for their failure, and all PCs are left
with an Obligation to the Brotherhood of Shinsei.

Rewards for Completing

the Adventure
At the end of the scenario, any PCs with Shadowlands
Taint must make a Simple Earth roll with a TN of 5 +
(5 x Taint Rank). If the roll is failed, the PC acquires
one additional point of Taint.

Wrath of the Kami Page 15

 Appendix #1: NPCs and Creatures
Toritaka Yamamiya, Accursed Crab School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 2
Bushi Rank One: Roll additional Initiative dice
Toritaka Yamamiya is a loyal young Crab bushi who equal to School Rank. Enemies
believes fervently in his Clan and its duty of cannot use Combat Reflexes to trade
protecting the Empire against the Shadowlands. As initiative with them. Add +5 to their
a member of the Toritaka family, his own role is to TN to be Hit against opponents with
watch for ghosts, a task he takes quite seriously. lower Initiative.
Yamamiya has been plagued by atrocious bad luck Rank Two: When you attack an opponent,
his entire life, a fate which he has come to accept declare Raises. If attack hits, each
with a weary, “grin and bear it” attitude. Only Raise forces opponents to make a
recently has he begun to realize that his poor fortune non-effective Raise if they attack
may be inherited from his ancestors, rather than you before your next turn. If an
being merely his own personal burden. This has opponent attacks you and misses,
made him slightly more hopeful for the future, gain a number of Free Raises equal
although he generally remains a serious, dedicated to your Air Ring on any attacks
man. against that opponent that occur
before the opponent’s next turn.
FIRE 2 AIR 2
Honor/Status/Glory: 2.5/1.3/2.0
Agility 3 Reflexes 3
Skills: Athletics 2, Calligraphy 1, Courtier 2, Deceit
(Lying) 2, Defense 3, Etiquette 3, Iaijutsu 3,
EARTH 2 WATER 3
Investigation (Notice) 2, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 3,
Willpower 3 Lore: Heraldry 2, Spears 2, Theology 1.
Mastery Abilities: Add +5 to any Opposed Social
VOID 2
Skill Rolls. May enter Full Defense when Initiative
TN to be Hit: 15 (20 with light armor) is rolled.
School/Rank: Toritaka Bushi 1 Advantages/Disadvantages: These are elite bushi
Rank One: One Free Raise per school rank assigned to guard the Emerald Tournament. As a
on all Perception rolls. May result, each of them has at least 1 combat-oriented
perceive invisible spirits with a Raw Advantage (such as Bishamon’s Blessing, Combat
Perception roll at a TN of (5 x Reflexes, Quick, Strength of the Earth, etc).
Spirit’s Air). Adds Water ring to Equipment: Kimono, light armor, daisho set, yari,
total of all Attack and Damage rolls. bow and 20 arrows.
Honor/Status/Glory: 2.5/1.0/1.1
Skills: Animal Handling (Falcon) 1, Hunting 2,
Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 3, Lore: Crab Clan 2, Seppun Guards (interchangeable)
Lore: History 2, Lore: Spirit Realms 2, Meditation These are elite guards assigned to the protection of
1, Shadowlands Lore 2, Spears 1, Spellcraft 1. the Emperor and his traveling companions. As such,
Advantages/Disadvantages: Combat Reflexes, they are extremely capable and thoroughly
Magic Resistance (rank 3), Quick, Sage/Phobia: incorruptible.
Enclosed Spaces (1), Unlucky (rank 3), Wrath of the FIRE 3 AIR 3
Kami (Earth). Reflexes 4
Equipment: Kimono, daisho set, light armor (not
worn), traveling pack, pet falcon, 3 koku. EARTH 3 WATER 3
Willpower 4
Bayushi Bushi (interchangeable)
FIRE 3 AIR 3 VOID 3
Reflexes 4 TN to be Hit: 26 (31 in light armor)
School/Rank: Seppun Guardsman 2
EARTH 3 WATER 2 Rank One: May spend a Void point to re-
Perception 3 roll any Test of Honor, as many times as he has
Void points to spend. Adds Honor Rank to total of
VOID 2 all attack, damage, and initiative rolls.
TN to be Hit: 26 (31 in light armor)

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 Rank Two: During the first round of a Equipment: Clothing, jo staff (0k2).
skirmish, gains a number of bonus dice equal to
Perception. These may be spent on any roll made Kgjrt, Zokujin
that round, including initiative, attack, damage, and FIRE 4 AIR 3
defense rolls. Add their Earth ring to the total of Reflexes 5
any roll made to resist disease, poison, or harmful
magic. EARTH 5 WATER 4
Honor/Status/Glory: 4.4/2.0/3.2
Skills: Battle 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 3, Hunting 4,
Iaijutsu 4, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu (Katana) 4, TN to be Hit: 31
Kyujutsu 3, Lore (Imperial Families) 2, Theology 1. Attacks: 6k4
Mastery Abilities: Adds +5 to total of Opposed Damage: 4k1 (fist) or 5k2 (club)
Social Skill Rolls. May enter Full Defense when Skills: Athletics 3, Defense 3, Hunting 3, Lore
Initiative is rolled. May Focus an additional time in (Earth) 4.
an Iaijutsu duel. Advantages/Disadvantages: Inner Gift (attuned to
Advantages/Disadvantages: Irreproachable. Each spirits)
guard also has 1 or 2 of the better combat-oriented Carapace Armor: 5 against all weapons made from
Advantages (Bishamon’s Blessing, Combat stone or metal.
Reflexes, Quick, Strength of the Earth, etc.) Wounds: 11: +3; 21: +5: 31: +10; 41: +15; 51: +20;
Equipment: Daisho, light armor, badge of office, 61: Down; 75: Dead.
kimono, bow with 20 arrows, steed (fine Rokugani
pony), 20 Koku. Trolls, enemies of Osano-Wo
FIRE 3 AIR 1
Monks serving at the Shrine of Reflexes 3
Osano-Wo
FIRE 3 AIR 3 EARTH 3 WATER 2
Stamina 5 Strength 5

EARTH 3 WATER 3 Shadowlands Taint Rank: 5

TN to be Hit: 25
Attacks: 5k3
VOID 4 Damage: 6k2 (club)
TN to be Hit: 21 Carapace Armor: 1
School/Rank: Monk 2 Wounds: 13: +3; 25: +5: 37: +10; 49: +15; 61: +20;
Honor/Status/Glory: 3.5/0/2.0 75: Dead.
Skills: Athletics 3, Battle 1, Calligraphy 3, Defense
3, Etiquette 3, Hunting 2, Investigation 2, Jiujutsu 4,
Lore (Heraldry) 1, Lore (History) 1, Lore (Osano-
Wo) 2, Meditation 4, Staves 3, Tea Ceremony 2,
Theology (Fortunes) 4.
Mastery Abilities: May enter Full Defense when
Initiative is rolled. Add +5 to total of Opposed
Social Skill Rolls. Roll an extra die of damage in
unarmed combat.
Kiho: Earth Fist (spend a Void point to gain free
Disarm attempts against any
opponent who misses you by 5 or
more, for a number of minutes equal
to your Earth), Way of Earth (spend
a Void point while in a Grapple to
roll Earth/Insight for grapple damage
for the duration of the grapple), Self
no Self (Meditate for 5 minutes to
regain all Void points).
Advantages/Disadvantages: None.

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 Appendix #2: The Tournament of the Emerald Champion
The PCs will probably end missing much of the first and possibly second day of the Emerald Tournament.
However, they may still be able to catch bits and pieces of the competition, or ask other guests how things are
progressing and what has happened so far.

Day 1, Contest 1: The Lineage of the Emperor

After writing down the lineage of the Emperors, the contestants must recite aloud what they have written, without
deviation. This proves to be challenging and embarrassing to many contestants, as their errors (and lack of
speechmaking talent) are exposed for all to hear. The more effective candidates (mostly Lion, Crane, and
Scorpion) include not only correct lineage but also the additional titles of each Emperor, such as “The Steel
Chrysanthemum,” “The Splendid Emperor,” and so forth.

Day 1, Contest 2: Clan Lore

“It is important for the Emerald Champion to understand the Emperor whom he serves. He must also know the
Empire that he protects. The second contest is one of history. Each contestant will be asked questions about
the Great Clans. The answers will be scored not only for correctness but also completeness.”

Each contestant is asked a series of different questions about the customs, traditions, and histories of the eight
Great Clans. The Dragon and Scorpion contestants do best in this competition, while the ronin, Mantis, and
Unicorn have the poorest showing.

Day 1, Contest 3: The Law

Each contestant is presented with a very difficult case that was previously brought to the office of the Emerald
Champion. The contestant must tell the judges how they would have handled this particular case, what sort of
investigations they would have made, and what sentence they would have passed on the guilty party.

The Unicorn, Crane, and Dragon contestants do exceedingly well in their answers, while the less educated and
knowledgeable (ronin, Minor Clans, many of the Crab and Crane) do poorly.

Day 2, Contest 1: Bow and Horse

The contestants must engage in a lengthy series of archery challenges, on both foot and horseback, followed by
riding their mount through an obstacle course. The contest lasts the entire morning and into the early afternoon,
and is followed avidly by the crowd, with many private wagers among the less fastidious in the audience.

Unsurprisingly, the Unicorn do best in this competition, but the Crane, Lion, Crab, and Scorpion also do
reasonably well, as do some of the Minor Clan competitors and even Akuma the ronin.

Day 2, Contest 2: Patience and Perception

For this simple contest, the contestants need only stand in a single spot, unmoving. As soon as a contestant moves
in any way (beyond blinking and breathing), they have failed. The Crab and Phoenix are noticeably successful at
this part of the contest, while the Unicorn, Mantis, and Matsu are least patient.

At the end of an hour, the Abbot steps forward, holding up a large pottery jar. “While you were standing with the
stillness of the mountain, I was placing pebbles into this jar. How many stones are within the jar?”

Surprisingly, the ronin Akuma answers perfectly. Several others do as well, and most of the surviving contestants
manage to at least get within three of the correct number (those who miss by more than three are considered to
have failed this contest).

Wrath of the Kami Page 18