Essence of Fire

by Alex Jacobs
A [Low]-Rank Adventure for
Heroes of Rokugan: Champions of the Ivory Throne

Month of the Dog, 1339 (Fall)

Module Number: CIT09

Release Date: 04/27/2017

[Investigation, intrigue, Role Play, Combat]

Part 1 of The Books of the Elements

What is worth sacrificing in the pursuit of power?

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS is a registered trademark of Fantasy Flight Games. Scenario detail
copyright 2017 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 spells require 2 such Raises. This is to reflect the
Rings Roleplaying Game Fourth Edition, originally neglect of the kami in general and the exhaustion of
published by Alderac Entertainment Group. the fire kami in particular. We have tried to place
reminders about this effect in areas where we
Please refer to the Heroes of Rokugan 4: Champions anticipate spellcasting but the GM should keep it in
of the Ivory Throne Campaign Primer for information mind for the duration of the module. This penalty is
on how to run official campaign modules. In addition
removed if and when Hideki atones.
to the basic setting information and house rules for this
campaign, it details the various administrative
necessities of the living campaign. GM reporting is Adjusting for Party Strength
crucial to players’ ability to engage with the setting This is a Low-Rank adventure, and thus can involve
and to increase their characters’ influence. parties of widely varying capabilities. The encounters
have been optimized for a party with a mix of Rank 1
and 2 characters.
Adventure Background and
Summary Although most of the challenges here are role-play
oriented and thus not terribly dependent on party
The players travel to the estate of Isawa Hideki, a strength, a few changes can be made to adjust the
powerful shugenja and daimyo of a small village, to adventure difficulty for low-end and high-end parties,
assist in a ritual that will greatly increase Hideki's as follows:
power. While there they discover that Hideki has been
neglecting his spiritual duties in favor of developing High End Party (most/all characters Rank Two
his own magical abilities leading to all manner of and Three): Increase all TNs (except in the ritual) by
suffering. This culminates in an attack on Hideki's 5. 12 successes are needed in the ritual. Increase the
vulnerable village by bandits. If the players can help bandits' weapon skill rank by 1.
Hideki rediscover his spiritual purpose, they may save
the village.

The GM should use the module to show the dangers of

Upkeep
a shugenja who acts as a wizard rather than a priest.
The events of the modules are certainly of primary
While this is written in the module text during events importance in the lives of the characters, but many of
such as Hideki's confession, the GM should keep this them will have been working on a variety of tasks in
theme in mind when depicting Hideki. the times between modules. At the beginning of the
module, several things will need to take place (though
This module assumes that the players will have have some are obviously dependent on the actual needs of
at least one shugenja or monk in their group. It is still the PCs at the table).
playable without one, but the GM should be prepared
to adapt some encounters (particularly in Hashitari Character Notes
Village) to account for different party make-up. There are no character notes for this section.

Note on Terminology: this module makes frequent News from the Empire
reference to the kami (small k), also known as the While the GM is looking over sheets, it’s a good time
mikokami, which are distinguished from the Kami to distribute the first player handout of most modules.
(big K). The mikokami are the elemental spirits that The News of the Empire is an overview of the recent
inhabit the world and whom shugenja call upon. The events of the Empire in a fashion that shares the
Kami are the eight children of Lady Sun and Lord ongoing story with the playerbase without requiring a
Skill Roll or interfering with the actual plot of the
Moon who fell to earth and founded Rokugan. Most
module. Any plot-relevant Rumors will belong in the
of the kami referenced in this module are the appropriate section of the module to be learned during
mikokami. play.

Note on Mechanics: Throughout most of the module Inactivity

all spells require 1 Raise to no effect (on top of any
Raises the player might call) simply to cast, and Fire

Essence of Fire
pg. 1
At the beginning of the module, PCs lose .2 glory. itself, to assist Hideki in a ritual of some kind. So far
This glory gain cannot reduce a PC below his insight the journey has been pleasantly uneventful – the
rank in glory. Kyuukai Province of the Asako was well-developed
and safe to travel, but now as you enter the forest
Taint Progression proper, the veneer of civilization drops away.
If a PC possesses the Shadowlands Taint, they will
need to roll at the beginning of the module to see how The players have been sent from their clans to assist
much it has grown over the intervening time since the
Hideki in completing a ritual of some kind, though the
last module. The TN of this raw Earth Roll is
details have not been shared. Ronin have been paid 2
10+(Current taint rank*5)
koku for this service. In addition, the PCs are
escorting a sealed box from the Master of Fire to
Crafting
The Crafting rules are detailed in the Campaign Hideki. They are not to open the box until they present
Primer, based largely on the Crafting rules in the core it to Hideki. If they do, there is a Symbol of Fire (L5R
book (page 258). Unless explicitly indicated core rulebook, p. 185) inscribed on the inside of the
otherwise, a PC may only make one Crafting Roll per box that will affect anyone who opens it other than
module, and any Void Points or other character Isawa Hideki. While this will probably not be enough
resources (spell slots, Luck, etc) spent on the roll do to kill a PC, it should alert the rest of the party if
not refresh for the duration of the module. Any someone does try to steal its contents (see “Stealing
successful roll is noted on the provided sheet with the the Book,” p. XX), who would be obligated to stop the
description. thief by any means.

Preparation Techniques This is also a good time for players to introduce

Techniques like the Agasha Shugenja or Yogo Wards themselves to each other and describe their characters.
do not quite fall under Crafting, but still can benefit They may wish to detail their journey through Phoenix
from pre-planning and the Upkeep is a good lands. All the PCs have been issued travel papers for
opportunity. However, unlike Crafting, this is not the
their journey, as they will be on their own. The papers
only time these Techniques may be used during a
module – this is just a chance for the GM to remind the include authorization to wear armor and openly carry
players and get it out of the way. weapons on their journey.

Ronin Survival Players may make a Lore: Heraldry / Intelligence

Life is difficult for ronin in the Empire at the best of check to learn about Isawa Hideki (TN 15). If they
times. PC ronin are no exception to this. At the start succeed they learn appropriate information; up to 3
of the module, a PC ronin must roll Hunting Raises may be called to learn additional information
(Survival) / Stamina at a TN determined by the (GMs should ask PCs if they wish to call raises on this
module. (Difficulties should range from 5-30, roll).
possibly higher for High Rank modules). Failure on
this roll gives the ronin the Permanent Wound Success: Isawa Hideki is a minor daimyo of the Isawa
Disadvantage for the duration of the module. Koku family. He is skilled with the kami and is well-
may be spent on this roll to gain a Free Raise for every respected by the few who have come across him.
koku spent before the roll is made, or one Free Raise
for every two koku spent after the roll is made.
1 Raise: Hideki is very reclusive, almost hermetic. He
does not shun the world, and in fact is the daimyo of
Experience Expenditure Hashitari Village, but spends most of his time in
Finally, the players should be given one last chance to
communion with the kami.
spend any experience they wish before the module
begins. Unless the module specifically allows it,
experience may not be spent during the adventure. 2 Raises: Hideki is very skilled with the fire kami.
While the wood of the Mori Isawa is normally used for
creating ofuda, the sacred scrolls shugenja use for their
Introduction prayers to invoke the kami, Hashitari Village uses the
wood to craft rare objects used in rituals.
You are traveling to the estate of Isawa Hideki of the
Phoenix Clan, oddly located within the Mori Isawa

Essence of Fire
pg. 2
3 Raises: Despite his power with the kami, Hideki has around it in an orderly fashion, then thank the earth
never achieved much glory. Some say it is because he kami for watching over us.”). If the player succeeds,
is a lackluster administrator and others say it is the kami are somewhat appeased though still restless,
because his power has not reached its full potential. and she gains +1k0 to any single roll using that Ring
or one of its associated Traits over the course of the
In addition, players may make a Spellcraft / module.
Intelligence check (TN 20) to learn about the ritual by
piecing together clues from who is present and the It is also possible to appease to the kami by appealing
gifts they carry for the ritual. If they succeed, they to their nature. This requires casting Sense to locate a
figure out that this is a ritual intended to increase the kami and Commune (both spells taking into account
Fire of the ritual's performer. the extra Raises required) to speak to it. All of the
kami will complain of being lonely and alone for a
Part One: Isawa Hideki very long time. They will be grateful for the attention,
however, and will allow the PCs soothe them using
alternative means. An air kami, for example, might be
It is a strange experience going through the Mori
thrilled at the chance to race with someone (Atheltics
Isawa. Though not so alien a place as the Shinomen,
(Running) / Water), while a fire kami would be
there is no escaping the sense of being watched the
delighted at the chance to learn something new (Lore
entire time. It is as if the forest itself is aware of you.
/ Intelligence). In this case the TN will be the same as
The woods are dark, sunlight only occasionally
the Lore: Theology check.
piercing the thick canopy, and the road twists and turns
among the trees. It would not take much to become
lost, and if you were to lose your way, who would ever Hideki's Estate
find you? What would be left to find? It takes the PCs about a day and a half travel within the
forest to reach Hideki's estate.
The GM should describe the journey through the forest
as somewhat ominous, though not threatening. The Ahead of you, you see a break in the treeline and the
woods have the normal sound of wildlife, being sun (quite bright after so long below the leaves) shines
neither too loud nor too quiet, but as with many on a small but well-maintained house. This must be
spiritual locations of Rokugan there is always a sense the estate of Isawa Hideki. The house is beautiful,
of being watched. The woods are quite dark, with the with simple but elegant and functional beams and
thick forest canopy blocking out most light, and wise walls, a well-crafted slat roof, and all the amenities one
PCs will be on their guards. Let PCs set watches and could hope for in a remote forest home.
commend their wariness, but encourage them to move
on if they are becoming paranoid. The house is suitable for a daimyo of Hideki's status.
Clearly he is well-compensated for his position (thus
If a player has an appropriate Spiritual Advantage indicating favor from his own lord) without being
(Elemental Blessing, Enlightened, Friendly Kami, ostentatious, indulgent, or wasteful. If players explore
some types of Inner Gift, etc., or even some behind the house, now or later, there is both a
Disadvantages such as Wrath of the Kami) allow the meditation garden and an herb garden. The kitchen is
player to make a Meditation / Void roll at TN 15. If attached to the house, as is customary in such
the player succeeds she senses the kami are very active circumstances, with a small outdoor area for
in this area. If the player succeeds with at least 1 Raise preparation and for cooking in the hot summer months.
she senses that they are restless and neglected. An outhouse is located some distance away.

A player who takes time to conduct a ritual honoring No one comes out to greet the PCs, but when they
the kami may make a Lore: Theology / [Ring] using make their presence known, traditionally by knocking
the appropriate Ring for whichever kami they are or calling out, a servant comes out to greet them.
trying to soothe (TN 25). A player who describes a
suitable ritual gets a Free Raise on this check; this need The door slides open and an elderly heimin servant
not be long but should be evocative (i.e. “I find a large comes out to meet you. “Welcome, samurai-samas!
freestanding stone and arrange the smaller rocks

Essence of Fire
pg. 3
My lord, Isawa Hideki, will be most pleased to see Meeting Hideki
you. Please, come in and make yourselves welcome.”
Once the players have settled themselves an interior
wall slides open and Isawa Hideki appears.
Players are not relieved of their weapons, but there is
a rack outside the door for them to leave them. Polite
You hear the sound of scraping wood as one of the
behavior dictates they should be left there.
shoji screens slides open. Standing in the door frame
is a tall, thin man with a scraggly beard and long, loose
The PCs will be guests of Isawa Hideki while they are
hair, who looks to be in his mid-twenties. He wears a
staying here. The estate is small and so he will arrange
black kimono with only an orange belt to identify his
quarters for all of them. Traditional Rokugan houses
clan. Next to him is a woman of similar age and
do not have specific rooms, i.e. there is no dining room
features, wearing inverted colors: an orange kimono
or living room or bedroom except in the case of very
and a black obi, though her long hair is bound back in
specific functions (there is a bathing room and a
a maiden's foxtail. Together they bow and the man
kitchen); rather, walls and screens are moved around
speaks. “I am Isawa Hideki. Welcome to my home,
to divide and unify the house as needed, and eating
samurai.”
tables, sleeping mats, and the like are deployed and
stored at appropriate times. As such there is no room
for the PCs to refresh themselves in; instead the old Hideki introduces the woman as his sister and
servant will take their items and place them in storage, yojimbo, Shiba Aki, and exchanges pleasantries with
all while constantly apologizing for the lack of the PCs. He asks about their journey and, if he makes
amenities and the insufficiency of what they can offer. his check to recognize them (Lore: Heraldry /
Intelligence, TN 50 – (5 x target's Glory)), he asks
Players with at least Etiquette 1 will know that it is about their past adventures. Due to his high Fire, he is
appropriate to ignore any inconveniences of travel very curious and eager to learn. Hideki does not ask
when staying as someone's guests and if they ignore or out of simple curiosity, but will genuinely want to
dismiss such concerns will gain honor H6 for learn the “how” of everything the PCs have done. He
demonstrating basic courtesy, while those who make will not pry and accepts polite deferment for what it is.
an issue of complaining may lose honor D1 for the
same thing; a player with Disadvantages such as At last, Hideki will discuss the ritual itself. He is very
Greedy or Failure of Bushido: Courtesy may need to excited about it and will answer almost any question.
make a Willpower check to avoid complaining. His first order of business will be to thank the PCs for
in advance for their aid in completing the ritual. He
Once they are settled the old servant will come around cannot perform it on his own and needs the aid of
with tea and small foods, as well as towels and water others to do so. While the aid of spiritual characters is
for them to cleanse themselves. essential that is not enough. He is happy to discuss
further details (see p. XX: The Ritual).
Players who make an Investigation (Notice) /
Perception roll at TN 15 will realize that the way the The following information is intended as a summary
walls are set up, there is probably another room. of what Hideki can discuss but it is not an exhaustive
Because the walls are paper in Rokugani homes list. The GM is encouraged to embellish.
whoever is on the other side can no doubt here their
conversation and interactions with the servant. For • The ritual will greatly increase Hideki's fire.
anyone who has ever been in a Rokugani house, which The increased fire within himself will allow
him to better commune with the fire kami.
should include all the PCs, this is completely normal.
It will also extend their blessing to anyone
The polite thing to do is to ignore conversations one
who participates in the ritual.
can't help but overhear – a necessity in a world of
• Fire is a misunderstood element.
paper walls – but it doesn't take much to realize that Destruction is only one part of fire. What
Hideki is probably observing them now. matters more: the candle, the flame, or the
light?
• The ritual involves every aspect of fire:
change, energy, destruction, motion,
illumination, creation, and knowledge.

Essence of Fire
pg. 4
 • If the players make a good effort to get four and was won by Asashina Hira. The Book of Five
Hideki to open up (good roleplay or an Rings went to the truly enlightened soul who could
appropriate social roll), Hideki will admit accomplish all five of these things and was won by the
that Hashitari village is threatened by Jade Champion of the era, Asahina Sekawa.
bandits. Without any other samurai or a
sizable ashigaru force, Hideki must Hideki is delighted and calls upon his servant to
strengthen his magic in order to drive them provide sake for everyone.
off.
“Tomorrow I will begin the ritual, but for now we
The Book celebrate.”
Finally, Hideki will open the box they have brought.
Inside is a centuries-old tome book, a gaijin-like tome
rather than a traditional scroll. His eyes light up when
Stealing the Book?
he sees it – literally, as for a brief moment a bright It should go without saying that stealing the Book of
flame can be seen reflected in his pupils – and he Fire is a highly dishonorable act. It goes against the
reverently removes it from the box. PCs' orders to assist the ritual, it is a betrayal of their
host, and the book was given by the Phoenix Master of
“Do you know what this is?” asks Hideki. “This is the Fire and thus very well may start a war with the
Book of Fire, one of the six books through which Phoenix (thus there is no “stealing the book for my
Rosoku saved enlightenment.” Reverently he opens clan”). Any player who tries to steal it has their honor
the book but the pages are curiously blank. set to 0 and gains I20 Infamy. In addition, both Hideki
“Fascinating,” he says, placing the book back in the and Aki will defend the Book with their lives and other
box. “Perhaps the words will appear during the ritual.” PCs should feel similarly obligated.

If that is not enough to dissuade PCs, they should be

Players may make a Lore: Elements or Lore: History
reminded that the book is currently blank. Stealing the
roll (TN 25) to know about this, although Hideki will
book provides no benefit and has huge consequences.
be happy to show off his knowledge if asked. In the
This is Heroes of Rokugan and stealing the book under
mid-twelfth century, despite being the heir of Shinsei,
such circumstances – when there is no justification of
the prophet Rosoku chose not leave the Empire as all
service to one's lord or harm to one's enemy – is the
his ancestors had done. Instead he issued a series of
act of a villain.
six challenges to spur the Empire towards
enlightenment. The Book of Fire was awarded to the
warrior who could defeat a thousand enemies with a Dinner
single stroke and was won by Kakita Tsuken when his After securing the book in safety (Hideki places it back
duel against Yoritomo Yorikane turned aside a Mantis in the box and adds his own wards on top of it) his
army and saved a village. Although Tsuken gifted the servant serves a simple but well-prepared dinner of
book to his sister, it had disappeared from the rice, fresh vegetables, and game birds. Much of the
historical record until now. meal is prepared by wrapping it in large leaves before
roasting over open flame, giving the meal a very rich
Hideki does not know about the other books and flavor.
challenges (a sign of his fire imbablance) but players
may make additional checks to learn about all six While Rokugani are not vegetarian (they avoid red
books. The Book of Air went to the scholar who meat but poultry is quite common), anyone who makes
contained a thousand years of learning on a single page a Lore: Shugenja or Lore: Theology / Intelligence
and was won by Mirumoto Masae. The Book of Earth check (TN 15) will be somewhat surprised to see that
went to the smith who could crafted a helmet strong Hideki is eating it; many shugenja avoid meat entirely
enough to shatter a thousand blades and was won by to keep their souls pure. Hideki will dismiss such
Kaiu Sugimoto. The Book of Water went to the concerns, and even claim that it strengthens his ki
general who could lead his armies from one end of energy.
Rokugan to the other in a single night and was won by
Doji Jun'ai. The Book of Void was awarded to the
sage who could perform a greater task than the other

Essence of Fire
pg. 5
Shiba Aki will open up to the PCs a bit more during spent purifying himself in meditation so he will be a
dinner. “The forest is very peaceful. Things are poor host, and that he has Aki for protection. A PC
always peaceful here.” In truth she is rather bored and who insists on staying should be allowed but there
though she does not long for excitement – excitement truly is nothing for him or her to do at the estate for
might endanger her brother – she is grateful for the now.
change provided by the PCs' visit. She will talk about
her hobbies (painting) and her history (she was Part Two: Problems in the
fostered to a Shiba uncle after it become clear she
could not speak to the kami) but mostly she will ask Village
about the PCs. She is trying to gauge their character
and, if possible, will make a Lore: Bushido / Aki's Request
Intelligence check to determine their Honor. Just before they leave, Shiba Aki will approach one of
the PCs. Preferably this will be someone who
An Errand connected with her last night, but she will also
Hideki awakens early the next morning, eager to start consider a PC who has demonstrated compassion,
the ritual. PCs who are similar early risers for broad spiritual understanding, a monk, or another
whatever reason may encounter him going through his shugenja. “Please let me know how the villagers are,”
morning exercises which consist of extensive running she says. “It has been some time since we visited.”
and other calisthenics, and performing kata with a Players who make a Lore: Law /Intelligence (TN 15)
bokken (though Hideki does not wear the katana, or Etiquette / Intelligence (TN 25) check will know
which could be taken as a slight against his yojimbo, that this is not the way things are supposed to be.
he is skilled with the blade). Canny players may note Local lords like Hideki are supposed to watch over
that morning prayers and veneration are absent from their domain.
his routine; if questioned he will hand-wave these
concerns away and assure the inquiring samurai that Travel to Hashitari Village
he has too much else to do first but he will get to them Nothing happens to the players on the trip to the
later. village but there are still opportunities. The “road” to
the village is only just wide enough for a merchant's
Hideki will begin preparing a ritual area in the cart but is safe and serviceable. The players are not
meditation garden, raking sand into specific patterns attacked or otherwise impeded, but the strange feeling
and laying out various tools such as a three-ringed of spiritual neglect on the journey to the Hideki's estate
staff, incense, and anything the PCs may have brought, is even stronger here (Meditation / Void TN 15 to
and placing the Book of Fire on a ritual altar. He will detect and anyone can make the roll regardless of
politely decline any offers of assistance for now but Advantages) and cannot be so easily appeased
will encourage the PCs to have the breakfast his (performing a ritual soothes the kami slightly but
servant has prepared. confers no mechanical benefit).

After all the PCs have eaten Hideki will approach them PCs who make a Hunting (tracking) / Perception check
very sheepishly. at TN 20 see some indications of activity beyond the
normal supplies one would expect to be sent up to the
“This is somewhat embarrassing samurai-sans, but it estate. A branch that once extended over the path
seems in my haste to collect all the necessary foreign looks to have been chopped with a sword rather than
tools of the ritual I have neglected the local ones. broken off. A log is scratched as if someone in armor
Might I ask you to go down to the village to retrieve rested upon it. The players should be reminded that
some things for me?” samurai do not normally just walk around in armor;
anyone who makes an Intelligence check (TN 15) or
It is a simple list: amulets and prayer beads carved with the Precise Memory Advantage will recall that
from the great trees of the Mori Isawa, and should be Shiba Aki is the only other bushi in the area and they
easy enough to fulfill. If any players say they want to have not seen her wearing her armor.
stay Hideki will point out that there is nothing for them
to do until everyone else returns, that his time will be

Essence of Fire
pg. 6
Just as disturbing are the signs in the natural world. A politely declined if the proprietor believes she can do
second Hunting (survival) / Perception check at TN 15 so without drawing the samurai's anger).
reveals that the land has not been kind lately. One part
of the trail looks to have been washed out by a flood, The sense of spiritual unease is even greater in the
which would be odd this time of year. In another part village than in the forest and no roll is required to sense
all the trees show scorch marks, as if from a forest fire it. If the PCs have not yet encountered the increased
that spread up the trail towards the estate. Closest to Raises required for spells, they learn of them now.
the village, the trees are withered and lifeless, as if
from drought, which again does not match the weather The players are able to locate the prayer beads and
and certainly makes no sense given the signs of carvings in short order and without difficulty. If they
flooding. call upon the village Headman he will come right away
and will order them brought for the PCs; they will not
Hashitari Village even have to pay for them since they are for his local
lord.
At first you think there's a break in the trees up ahead,
but then you realize the sunlight is actually filtering
through bare branches. It's only as you get closer to A Request for Aid
the village that the strangely-leafless trees open up. After the PCs have shown that they are not a threat,
The village is small and has clearly seen better days. someone will approach asking for help. The encounter
The houses themselves are in various states of below is an example and assumes that one of the
disrepair, and though the inhabitants of the village are villagers approaches the PCs, but it could happen just
diligently at work fixing them, it is with a kind of as easily if the PCs start talking to a villager.
listless energy. As you make your way through the Likewise, the encounter assumes the party has a monk
streets weary eyes turn to watch you. or shugenja in their number; if there is no such
character (or if they cannot be readily identified as
Players who spend time investigating the inhabitants such) the villagers will instead ask if Hideki is coming.
may notice the following observations. The GM may
award it for players who roleplay their investigation or As you make your way through the village a man with
simply award it to those who make appropriate rolls downcast eyes approaches you deferentially. He
(TN 15-20). bows, nearly prostrating himself in the dirt street, and
waits to be acknowledged.
• Many of the structures in the village are
damaged. This appears to be the result of
When the players give him permission to speak he
natural disasters of various types (fire, flood,
identifies himself as Sen and asks the PC to bless his
lightning strike, even earthquake, though
nothing terribly severe). field. If the PC agrees they can conduct a simple ritual
• Nothing is growing in the village. While this to do so and gain H4 Honor for demonstrating
is a lumber, rather than farming community, compassion. Sen will be profoundly grateful.
most heimin have small gardens to
supplement their diet, and these are all Casting an actual spell (including Communing with
barren. the kami or Importuning a unique spell to ask the crops
• The people are not starving (yet) but appear to grow, protect the crops, or something similar.
very worn down. Remember the required Raises) awards H6 Honor as
this is far beyond what any peasant could dream of. In
There is no marketplace in the village as Hashitari is this case Sen falls to his knees in wonder at the
too small and remote to have many merchants travel to invocation of the kami and witnessing the works of the
it; those that do are usually peddlers and other small- spirits with his own eyes.
time operatives. There are a few shops scattered
throughout the village but they purely functional: a Once the players have shown that they're willing to
blacksmith, a rope maker, and the like. There is a help, the floodgates open. Some requests are detailed
dingy looking sake house that a few of the heimin below but the GM should feel free to elaborate on them
make use of, and whose owner will be only too happy or invent new ones. Make sure to include the last one,
to take samurai coin (requests for credit will be however.

Essence of Fire
pg. 7
 powerful spasms. Everyone in the room must make an
• Will you bless my son? Earth roll at TN 10 or they will begin suffering the
• Please ask the kami to watch over my effects within a day. Healing water imbalance requires
garden! a Medicine / Intelligence TN 20, although magic (with
• Should I marry Yoshiko? the required Raises) offers other solutions.
• Is this a fortuitous time to have our first
child? If the players are able to save the woman they gain H8
• Is my grandfather at rest? honor, but they will also get a push towards Hideki.
• How can I calm the spirit of my hearth? Our As their treatment takes effect she asks them,
food keeps burning.
• Will the rains come early this year? “Why have the kami abandoned us? How did we
• Will you say a prayer for me? I'm pregnant! offend them? Why doesn't Isawa-sama help us?”
• Should we plant turnips or sweet potatoes
this year?
• My wife is sick. Please help her. Spiritual Misgivings
If the PCs have put the villagers at ease, they will open
Solving each of these issues is largely a role play up about what has gone wrong in the village. Because
opportunity. GMs should feel free to ask for rolls if this requires speaking ill about their daimyo they will
the PCs are stuck on something, but for the most part be very reluctant to do so. Getting them to say what is
the PCs should generally just have a change to be wrong will require good roleplaying and a social roll
helpful. of at least TN 25. If the PCs helped the villagers with
their spiritual requests they gain 1 Free Raise to this
The players should feel somewhat overwhelmed from roll (an an additioanl Free Raise if they helped the sick
this. It's clear that the village has not been served woman).
spiritually. At this point it should be obvious that the
neglect is causing the sense of spiritual unease. “Thank you, samurai-samas. It has been some time
Anyone who makes a Lore: Theology / Intelligence or since anyone spoke to the spirits for us.” He looks
Lore: Spirits / Intelligence (TN 15) knows that sheepish for a moment. “Well, really spoke to them.”
spiritual neglect would explain all of the village's
misfortunes including natural disasters, bad weather, The villagers have not had any spiritual guidance from
crop failures, and the like. A Lore: Hunting (Survival) Isawa Hideki in some time. When he first came to the
check (TN 20) might give similar information, for in village he was a very caring priest. He provided
Rokugan natural disasters are rarely natural. blessings and divinations, he was always happy to
dispense advice, and would even come to visit the sick
Sickness in the Village and elderly who couldn't go see him. This was a good
time and the village was very prosperous. Then he
As the PCs help the villagers, the heimin start to give
stopped visiting the sick. Then he stopped talking to
them gifts. They are simple offerings of food and
people. Then he stopped the blessings entirely. That's
home crafts but they are sincere.
when the village started to decline. The villagers do
not know why the change happened.
The last request to aid the sick wife is extremely
important. Anyone who answers it is brought to the
The last time they received “blessings” was about a
following scene.
week ago, but not from Hideki. A monk came to the
village. They approached him the same way they
You are brought to a heimin's house, seemingly just
approached the PCs, asking him to bless the crops and
like the others, but with an aura of foreboding upon it.
children and so forth. He agreed but he demanded they
The door opens and in the dim light you see a peasant
feed him first and then he demanded they pay him.
woman lying upon a blanket-covered pallet. She
They agreed and he waved his hands, said some words,
shakes and convulses on the pallet, moaning in pain.
and then got drunk and took a nap. Their fortunes have
not improved and the monk is still here, eating their
The woman is suffering from water imbalance, a food and drinking their sake. But what else can they
disease that causes the afflicted to be wracked with do?

Essence of Fire
pg. 8
 are within their right to use force, bullying a peasant is
Monk-y Business below a samurai and entails a D2 honor loss.
The monk in question is named Yorokobi and is the
Yorokobi will shamelessly beg for the PCs' mercy –
quintessential “bad monk” of eastern literature. He is
he has been beaten and driven from more than one
ostensibly in service to Hotei, the Fortune of
village – and will even try to bargain by admitting a
Contentment, but has abandoned his Fortune and has
very shameful truth: he was hired to scout Hashitari
been abandoned in turn. Yorokobi uses his position
Village. A group of bandits had paid him to do his act
and the trappings thereof to travel to remote villages
in the village in order to ascertain that the village truly
and lives on their largess as long as he can while
was forsaken by the kami and abandoned by its lord.
offering worthless spiritual aid.
The PCs may deal with Yorokobi however they wish,
Currently Yorokobi is sleeping off a drunk (and is
but they should note that there is no real effective way
about to wake up with a massive hangover) in one of
to imprison him and they are too far from civilization
the peasant's homes. The players can find it without
to turn him over to another authority (ideally he would
too much trouble (especially if they have already
be given over to a temple who would deal with him).
helped the villagers). As the players approach the
If they keep him with them Yorokobi will cause no end
house where he's staying they can overhear the
of trouble and will regularly try to escape (he may even
following exchange from two heimin with an
join with the bandits in the final fight). A Lore: Law /
Investigation (Notice) / Perception check (TN 20):
Intelligence check (TN 20) gives some guidance but is
still limited in its utility.
“We didn't have to give him all our cash, did we?”
• Monks are technically heimin and as such
“Don't be silly, of course we did.” they have authority over him. While monks
in a monastery are considered vassals of the
“Yes, but now we're putting him up in our home? And local lord the same as any other heimin,
he's going through every last drop of sake we have. wandering monks (like Yorokobi) have no
Why did you do that?” such protection.
• Technically the samurai have the authority
“Because he looked mad and started muttering and to treat Yorokobi however they wish, up to
waving that staff of his. He was looking at my and including killing him. That said,
chickens. I like my chickens they way they are; all mistreating true monks often brings curses
unexploded and alive.” from the Fortunes and spirits they serve.
• Ideally, if a monk is causing trouble, one has
his abbot deal with him. That is not an
The two heimin are discussing Yorokobi who, as they
option in this instance.
say, is currently in their home. The villagers will
• Monks who defraud people are normally
explain that Yorokobi showed up a week ago and beaten and driven away whenever they are
announced that the village was now under his spiritual discovered. Brandings and tattoos are not
protection. Since then he has been living it up at their uncommon punishments.
expense.
Canny players may ask Yorokobi to perform a ritual
It is easy enough to see through Yorokobi's ruse and with them to reveal him as a fraud (Lore: Theology /
he has no effective way to retaliate – while he is a Intelligence vs. his Sincerity (Deceit) / Awareness).
monk none of his kiho function at the moment as he Others may Commune with the kami to ask about him
has utterly turned aside from enlightenment in favor of (they hate him; he offends them in every way). Still
his own appetites – but the villagers will be harder to others may find other means to reveal him as a fraud.
persuade that he is a fraud. They have their doubts, of
course, but are unwilling to risk being wrong and The GM should adjudicate PC responses and may give
drawing the Fortunes' wrath. They will try to defend Honor awards or penalties as appropriate (Keeping in
him unless threatened with violence or with mind the standard of up to 2 honor given outside of
appropriate social rolls (TN 20). While the samurai listed mod rewards).

Essence of Fire
pg. 9
Yorokobei When asked about it Hideki will explain that the
The Worst Monk practice is intended to draw forth his inner fire and is
School/Rank: Thousand Fortunes Monk/1 preparation for his ritual. Now that they have returned
Initiative: 3k2 he is ready to proceed.
Armor TN: 15 Reduction: 0
Wounds: 10 (+0), 14 (+3), 18 (+5), 22 (+10), 26 As Hideki finishes whatever it is he is doing, Shiba
(+15), 30 (+20), 34 (Down, +40), 38 (Out) Aki will ask the PCs about their experience in the
Attack: 3k2 (Fist, Complex) village. If they tell her the truth she becomes visibly
Damage: 2k2 (Fist) distraught (Investigation (Interrogation) / Awareness
Air 2 Earth Fire 2 Water Void 3
10 to tell; she has little experience wearing her on). If
2 2
Awareness pressed and the players are able to draw her out (good
3 roleplaying and social rolls at TN 15 or more), she will
Honor: 1.1 Status: 0.0 Glory: 0.1 admit that she is worried about Hideki.
Primary Skills: Etiquette 3, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: History
3, Lore: Superstitions 3 (minor Fortune worship), “I have been concerned about my brother for some
Meditation 3, Sincerity (Deceit) 3, Theology 4 time. He has become obsessed with Fire, more so than
(Fortunism) any shugenja I've known. I'm worried that he is
Advantages/Disadvantages: Hands of Stone, Lucky succumbing to the sin of Desire, Desire for power as
(x2) / Compulsion (Sake), Lechery, Seven Fortune's he forgets himself. He treats the kami as his servants
Curse (Hotei) and forgets that he is to serve them and our people.”
Special Mechanics: Due to the impurity of his
lifestyle, Yorokobei does not benefit from techniques She has tried to talk to him about this but he has
or Kiho
dismissed her concerns. Perhaps he will listen to them.

Part Three: Lessons for the At this point players may want to confront Hideki
Misguided about his failure to see to the spiritual needs of his
village. If not, proceed to The Ritual below.
The Return
When the PCs return to Hideki's estate they are greeted
Confronting Hideki
by a strange sight. All of Isawa Hideki's warmth disappears as you
proceed and he begins to smolder. “You know
As you turn up the path to Isawa Hideki's home, you nothing,” he hisses, he voice hot with anger.
see something strange. The outer screens of the house
are open – something quite typical on such a hot day – Hideki is out of balance and his fire has overwhelmed
but you see Hideki lying face down on a futon, him, causing him to react angrily to any perceived
stripped to the waist. Several of what appear to be aggression (represented mechanically by his Brash
glass balls seem stuck to his back. Hideki's old servant Disadvantage, but the GM should not bother rolling
takes a glass ball from beside him and now you can see for it at this time; Hideki automatically fails). He will
that the ball is cut open on one side, like a very tall deny any wrong-doing or neglect on his part citing
bowl. Carefully, the old servant takes a ball of cloth both the privilege of his position and ignorance on part
with a pair of iron chopsticks, lights it with a candle, of the PCs (“You know nothing about the matter. You
and places it in the ball. After a few moments he pulls think you understand the kami? You are like children
it out then quickly slams the glass ball down on compared to me, so I suggest you watch your tone.”).
Hideki's back where it now sticks. If pressed he will cite a need to increase is his power
to defend the village from bandits (note that if the PCs
This is a very strange practice and PCs may have a have confronted Yorokobi they will know that the
variety of reactions. Anyone with Lore: Maho may bandits were not an issue until the Hideki began to
make a check using Intelligence at TN 15 and will neglect the village).
determine that it does not resemble any such practice.
The best way to get Hideki to admit his failure is to
challenge him. This may be to a duel of either taryu-

Essence of Fire
pg. 10
jiai or iaijutsu. If the PCs are particularly provocative If Aki duels on his behalf, all of her stats are similarly
– which given Hideki's nature should not be very lowered as the kami reveal truth through her blade.
difficult – he may challenge them. See: The Duel for Note that this will affect Armor TN, Wounds, and
more details. Void Points, though players may reduce damage to
avoid killing anyone in a non-lethal duel by either
A powerful social roll (using an appropriate Skill keeping low dice or choosing to keep fewer dice.
based on the PCs' roleplaying, TN at least 40) may also Regardless, players have no way of knowing this
get him to admit his failure. Other solutions are, of before the duel; they should go in assuming that they
course, possible and the GM should be receptive to are facing a powerful shugenja or his devoted yojimbo
player creativity. (GMs are encouraged to keep their dice hidden/roll
extra dice to push the illusion).
Dueling Hideki
If the players win the duel:
The prospect of fighting Hideki should be a daunting
one. Players who do so without reservation gain H11
You see shock on Hideki's face. “I lost...” he mutters,
Honor for demonstrating courage in facing a superior
seemingly unable to believe the truth. “But how?”
opponent.
Then, as illumination dawns, “I was wrong.” He turns
to you and for the first time his eyes see clear. “Thank
Players may be concerned about becoming involved in
you, sama,” he says, stressing the high honorific. “In
a duel. While normally a samurai requires permission
your strike it is as if I have driven a thousand demons
from his or her lord to take part in a duel, due to the
from my mind. Now I see that I had become obsessed
risk of death, when a duel is part of their duties
with my quest for power. I neglected my duties as a
permission is assumed. If they are to take part in the
priest. I thought that I could command the kami for
ritual, as they have been ordered to do, they must
my own purposes but in the end that only lead them to
ensure that Hideki is not spiritually compromised. As
abandon me. If you will permit me, I would ask for a
such they may assume permission from their lords.
chance to redeem myself.”
There are two ways to duel Hideki. Normally iaijutsu
is considered the most appropriate way to resolve The fact that he lost the duel at last allows Hideki to
disputes, but since this dispute involves spiritual see that he has been failing as a priest and that he needs
matters, the most appropriate method of resolution is to care for his people more. He will ask the players to
a duel of taryu-jiai, the magical dueling style of accompany him as he goes to see to his villagers (after
shugenja. Mechanics are included in Appendix 1. they have a chance to heal and meditate after the duel,
Note that the casting penalties remain in effect for the if needed).
duel but effectively the two duelists' penalties cancel
each other out. If the players lose the duel:

If the players pursue a duel of iaijutsu, Shiba Aki will Satisfaction twists Hideki's features into a mocking
serve as Hideki's champion. Though she does not grin. “Now that that's settled, get up. We have a ritual
agree with her brother, and may in fact have even to perform.”
spurred the confrontation, she will not concede the
duel out of love for her brother. Victory makes Hideki even more but certain in his
righteousness. He demands they complete the ritual
In both cases, this will be a non-lethal duel unless the immediately.
players specifically ask to make it lethal, in which case
Hideki will oblige though Aki will try to find an out. Making Amends
If the players convince Hideki of his failure, either by
Unfortunately for Hideki, his neglect of the kami has
dueling him or Aki, or using some other method, he
weakened him substantially and they will not stand
will be filled with remorse, though not exactly
behind him or his champion. All of his stats, including
overcome. Still, he will return with them to the village
Traits, Rings, Skills, School Rank, and Honor, are
and provide whatever spiritual aid he can.
considered to have a maximum value of 1 for the duel.

Essence of Fire
pg. 11
You can see the gratitude in the villagers eyes as Isawa The Test of Resources (Commerce) – Though trade
Hideki travels around Hashitari village, offering his is considered to be the domain of water, assigning
blessings and insights to everyone within reach. The resources requires fire. The participant must arrange
change is immediate and profound. At his command the tools of the ritual to last for its duration.
the kami repair damaged walls and homes, gardens Commerce / Intelligence TN 15.
spring into bloom, and even the air itself seems
cleaner. The people openly rejoice at the miracles they The Test of Construction (Engineering) – Fire is not
witness. just the element of destruction but also creation. The
participant must build the bonfire even higher.
Several approach you and thank you profusely for Engineering / Intelligence TN 15.
returning their lord to them.
The Test of Meaning (Calligraphy) – Calligraphy is
The happy celebration goes on for some time. used to convey subtle meaning along with knowledge.
Afterward Hideki will ask that the players perform the The participant must draught an appeal to the fire kami
ritual with him. Any concerns about the ritual (Is now and offer it in the flames. Calligraphy / Intelligence
a fortuitous time to do it? Is Hideki worthy? etc.) will TN 20.
be answered in the affirmative.
The Test of Adeptness (Games) – Games test both
By starting to make amends, Hideki has begun to mental acumen as well as physical coordination. Two
cleanse the lands. Extra Raises are no longer required participants must each make a Games roll using
to cast spells. Intelligence or Agility as appropriate (games that use
other Traits may not be used). Their combined scores
must meet a TN of 40.
The Ritual
You gather in a circle around a great bonfire. The The Test of Knowledge (Lore) – Fire is the element
flames reach up to the heavens and waves of heat wash of knowledge. The participant must demonstrate his
over you. Sparks from the flames dance around you knowledge by teaching the kami of some aspect of the
but instead of soaring upwards they remain among world. Lore / Intelligence TN 20. Theology may not
you, an embodiment of the fire kami themselves be used for this test.
visible to everyone, even those without the gift of the
kami. The Test of Wisdom (Lore: Theology) –
Understanding all the lessons of the spirits is the
The ritual is a long process designed to strengthen ultimate test of this ritual. Lore: Theology /
Hideki's fire. It involves a variety of tasks not just to Intelligence TN 25.
appeal to the fire kami but also to draw out the nature
of fire in the participants. After the ritual begins each The Test of Flesh (Medicine) – The body must be
participant must undertake at least one test. At least prepared to draw out the flame. Medicine /
11 of the 13 tests must passed in order to complete the Intelligence TN 20.
ritual. Participants may attempt multiple tests but each
participant must undertake at least one; cooperative The Test of Coordination (Perform) – While air is
and cumulative rolls are not permitted except where connected to the beauty of a performance, fire is
explicitly allowed. Failed tests may not be re-tested, responsible for its technical acumen. The participant
even by another PC, unless the player has some ability must perform for the kami in a way to show off their
that allows re-rolls or retries. technical proficiency (i.e. dance, musical instrument,
etc.). Perform / Agility TN 20.
If the PCs have gotten Hideki to atone and make
amends in the village, they may choose two tasks The Test of the Spirit (Spellcraft) – Calling upon the
which automatically succeed regardless of the roll elements requires understanding the means by which
(they must choose these tasks before rolling). The GM they work. Spellcraft / Intelligence TN 20.
should share the list of tests with the players before the
ritual begins. The Test of the Body (Jiujutsu) – Though there are
many approaches to unarmed combat, all of them

Essence of Fire
pg. 12
require coordinated movement of the body. Jiujutsu / If Hideki did not make amends, when he opens the
Agility TN 20. book it is still blank. Continue reading.

The Test of Martial Power (Kenjutsu or Knives) – As he slams the Book shut Shiba Aki draws a long iron
No other weapons embody fire so much as the rod from the fire, the end cast in the kanji for “flame”
flickering movements of a knife or the sharp cut of a and glowing white hot from the coals. Without
sword. The practiced motions of a kata demonstrate hesitation she presses it into Hideki's skin. There is
both coordination and knowledge. Kenjutsu or Knives the sickly sweet smell of searing flesh as his mouth
/ Agility, but players may add the mastery of any one opens and he screams wordlessly.
kata their character knows that may be used with that
weapon; if they use Striking as Fire, they may add If the Ritual succeeds (11 tests passed):
double its mastery. TN 25.
As the brand is pulled away, however, the skin is
The Test of Skill (Athletics) – There are as many undamaged. Instead, the kanji glows golden and
ways to draw forth the power of the self as there are beautiful, outshining even the bonfire.
elements. The participant must perform an acrobatic
display for the kami. Athletics / Agility TN 20.
Hideki's fire is raised by 1 and all PCs gain +1k0 to all
rolls using Fire, Agility, or Intelligence for the rest of
The Test of Adroitness (Slight of Hand) – Though
the module.
not so in need of entertainment as air kami, the fire
kami appreciate amusements. The participant must
If the ritual fails (10 or fewer tests passed):
perform a skillful trick for them. Slight of Hand /
Agility TN 15.
As the brand pulls away you see the sickening site of
Once the ritual is complete read the following: blackened, smoking flesh. Hideki collapses to the
ground and Aki rushes to his side.
Hideki leads you in chanting, your voices rising
together almost as a song of appeal to the fire kami. Hideki takes 30 Wounds that cannot be healed through
At various points in the ritual he turns to the bonfire magic; only time can heal this.
and offers gifts to them, placing the sacred objects
within the flames and consigning them to ash. At last Regardless of its success, at the conclusion of the ritual
his voice reaches a fever pitch and he opens the Book a runner appears.
of Fire.
The young man is nearly completely out of breath.
If Hideki made amends read the following: “Bandits!” he manages to get out. “On their way!”

Due to the timing PCs will not have an opportunity to

Words appear on the formerly blank pages, words
written in flame, and he intones, “Each man and recover any Void they may have spent on the ritual.
woman carries a Fire inside. It burns dimly through
most of their life, carrying them through their daily Bandit Attack
actions. And yet at times of strife it can lead one to The bandits are a group of small raiders led by the
incredible feats. Learn to control that power and biggest and strongest bully among them. They have
anything is possible. Walk as if the fate of the Empire no profound tactics and seek only coin to spend and
and your soul depended on your every step, and you rice to fill their bellies. If the players have the kami on
shall never fall again.” their side and Hideki has been redeemed, this will be
an easy fight. If not, this will be considerably more
In striking the “thousand demons from my mind” challenging.
during the duel, Hideki has become worthy of the
Book of Fire and the words appeared before him. A filthy man in dirty armor stands forward. “Stand
They will fade again after the ritual. aside,” he says. “There's no need to die for this rabble.

Essence of Fire
pg. 13
We don't even want what's yours samurai, just let us Forest Killer Novitiate
take their rice and koku and we'll be on our way.” School/Rank: Forest Killer / 2
Initiative: 4k2
Any PC who gives in to such demands suffers a D-3 Armor TN: 15 (20 in armor) Reduction: 3
Wounds: 18 (+0), 27 (+0), 36 (+2), 45 (+7), 54 (+12),
Honor Loss for cowardice and abandoning their duty
63 (+17), 72 (Down, +40), 81 (Out)
to protect the peasants.
Attack: 8k3e (Parangu, Complex)
Damage: 6k2+3 (Parangu [if the parangu deals more
It is extremely unlikely that the bandits will back than 30 wounds, it breaks])
down. Due to the reports from Yorokobi they believe Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 3 Water 3 Void 2
the kami have abandoned the village and Isawa
Hideki. A powerful Intimidation roll or other social Honor: 0.0 Status: -5.0 Infamy: 3.5
roll (TN 30) will cause one bandit to abandon the fight, Primary Skills: Battle 3 (Mass Combat), Commerce
plus one for each successful Raise. 3, Defense 3, Hunting 2, Kenjutsu (parangu) 5,
Kyujutsu 3, Lore: Underworld 2
The players will have themselves, Isawa Hideki, and Advantages/Disadvantages: Strength of the Earth /
Shiba Aki (though Aki will spend the battle Guarding Antisocial (2 pts), Greedy
Hideki). The bandits have their leader, 4 bandits, plus Special Mechanics: Forest Killer Technique
1 bandit for each PC present (including non- (+stamina to wound ranks and damage rolls)
combatants). They do not fight with any particularly
clever tactics and will focus on bushi rather than the Bandits
shugenja due to Yorokobi's intelligence that the kami Cannon fodder for the big bad
had abandoned the village. If the leader and at least School/Rank: None / Insight Rank 1
half the bandits are killed, the rest are likely to Initiative: 3k2
Armor TN: 15 (18 in armor) Reduction: 1
surrender.
Wounds: 10 (+0), 14 (+3), 18 (+5), 22 (+10), 26
(+15), 30 (+20), 34 (Down, +40), 38 (Out)
In addition, there may be two modifiers: Attack: 6k3 (Yari, Complex)
Damage: 4k2 (Yari)
If Hideki has not made amends: All spells still Air 2 Earth 2 Fire 2 Water 3 Void 2
require 1 extra Raise (Fire spells require 2). Hideki's Agility
stats are reduced as in the duel which will affect not 3
only his spellcasting but also his Armor TN and his Honor: 0.0 Status: 0.0 Glory: 0.0
Wounds. Primary Skills: Battle 2, Commerce 2, Defense 3,
Hunting 2, Kyujutsu 3, Lore: Underworld 2, Spears 3
If the ritual was successfully completed: Hideki is
considered to have +1 to his Fire (and all associated If the PCs decide to search the dead Bandit Leader
Traits) for the fight. All PCs gain +1k0 to all rolls (causing them a D0 Honor Loss for becoming unclean
based on their Fire Ring, Intelligence, or Agility by touching a corpse. They gain half of this honor
back by undergoing ritual cleansing), or manage to
Traits.
capture and question him, he has a note in an inner
pocket. The note is barely folded on dirty white paper
Regardless, if Hideki did not make amends, the and reads as follows:
bandits will likely cut him down during the battle due
to his low Armor TN (even with Aki guarding him) “More recruits are needed. I am growing tired of weak
and reduced Wound Points. underlings. If you do not find me worthy men, you
will be the next to feel my Rage.
Hideki will begin by casting spells to boost the PCs
(Never Alone, Relentless Heat, Hungry Blade, Shining Gekido”
Light) on whomever can benefit from it. If the PCs
look to be in trouble, he will start utilizing direct
damage spells to end the fight quickly (Fires from Conclusion
Within with multiple raises for target, etc.)

Bandit Leader

Essence of Fire
pg. 14
As the sounds of battle fade away you hear cheers from tested for Taint themselves or put to the sword just to
the villagers. You feel a warmth in you and know the be sure.
pride of your doing your duty.
The End
If Hideki made amends and lived:
Rewards for Completing the
Isawa Hideki smiles at you and speaks warmly. Adventure
“Thank you, my friends, for reminding me of my true
duty. In pursuing my own power with the kami I Surviving the Module: 1
forgot that it is their strength that they share with me. Good Roleplaying: 1
Thank you for giving me a chance to make things right Persuaded Hideki to make amends: 1
and standing by me today.” The ritual is successfully completed: 1

If Hideki made amends but died: Total Possible Experience:

Favors
The eta come and take away Isawa Hideki's body to, If the ritual is completed, the PCs gain 1 favor
appropriately, a cremation pyre. Though he fell, in the
end, he did what was right. A prayer is whispered to Honor
Emma-O that mercy is shown to him. Honor gains are listed in the module. In addition to
the ones listed, if the PCs successfully complete the
If Hideki did not make amends but lived: ritual without persuading Hideki to make amends, they
gain H3 Honor but suffer a D5 Honor Loss for
completing an order despite personal misgivings.
Out of breath, Isawa Hideki looks at the battlefield, at
the fallen and the wounded, and back at you. “Thank
Glory
you for being here, samurai-sans. I... I thought my Successfully completing the Ritual gains the PCs a G4
power would be enough to see me through but in the Glory gain.
end it failed me. It was never really mine, was it?”
Defeating the bandits gains the PCs a G3 Glory gain.
If Hideki did not make amends and died:
Allies and Enemies
The eta come forward to take Isawa Hideki's body but If the PCs successfully complete the ritual, they gain
Isawa Hideki as an ally. He is Influence 2 / Devotion
before they can reach it something goes terribly
2.
wrong. The sense of unease that has always been
present in the village, the displeasure of the kami, Other Awards/Penalties
becomes stronger and more palpable. Those of you If the PCs persuade Hideki to make amends, they
with the ability to hear the kami's voices now hear receive the Book of Fire Cert as they hear him read
them wail. They scream in pain and horror... and from it during the ritual.
hunger. All of you see the sky turn red as the fire kami
manifest and dive towards the bodies of the fallen. GM Reporting
1) Did Hideki make amends?
The spiritual failure in the village is complete and the 2) Did Hideki Survive?
neglected kami turn towards the last source of 3) Was the ritual completed?
4) Did the kami become kansen?
sustenance for them: they take the blood of the fallen
Isawa Hideki and become kansen, corrupted spirits
The GM must report this information by 07/29/2017
that fuel maho. All players must make an Earth roll for it to have storyline effect
(TN 15) or gain 1 point of Taint. The village will have
to be abandoned and burned, the inhabitants either

Essence of Fire
pg. 15
 Appendix #1: NPCs
If any NPCs require statblocks not listed elsewhere in the module

Isawa Hideki
Ambitious Shugenja
School/Rank: Isawa Shugenja (Fire Tensai) / Rank 3
Initiative: 5k2
Armor TN: 20 (Defense stance) Reduction: 0
Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39 (+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out)
Attack: Spells (See Below)
Damage: By Spell
Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 5 Water 2 Void 3

Honor: 2.1 Status: 3.0 Glory: 4.1

Primary Skills: Battle 3, Calligraphy (Cipher) 2, Defense 3, Iaijutsu 2, Lore: History 3, Lore: Theology 3, Kenjutsu
3, Meditation 5, Spellcraft (Spell Research) 5, Tea Ceremony 1
Advantages/Disadvantages: Elemental Blessing (Fire), Sage / Brash, Driven (increase magical power)
Special Mechanics: Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon, Fire (9k5/10k6): Dearth of Flame, Defense of the Firestorm,
Destructive wave, Enticing Dance of Flame, Everburning Rage, Extinguish*, Fiery Wrath, The Fires From Within*,
Fires of Purity, Hungry Blade, Hurried Steps, Katana of Fire, Light of the Sun, Never Alone, The Raging Forge,
Relentless Heat, Shining Light, Tail of the Fire Dragon Earth (5k3): Earth’s Stagnation, Elemental Ward, Water
(4k2): Path to Inner Peace Air (4k2): Blessed Wind

Shiba Aki
Loyal Yojimbo
School/Rank: Shiba Bushi / Rank 2
Initiative: 6k3
Armor TN: 20 (30 in heavy armor) Reduction: 5
Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39 (+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out)
Attack: 8k3e (Naginata, complex)
Damage: 5k2
Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 3 Water 2 Void 3
Reflexes
3
Honor: 5.6 Status: 1.0 Glory: 3.1
Primary Skills: Battle 3, Calligraphy (Cipher) 2, Defense 3, Iaijutsu 2, Lore: History 3, Lore: Theology 3, Kenjutsu
3, Meditation 5, Spellcraft (Spell Research) 5, Tea Ceremony 1
Advantages/Disadvantages: Bland, Quick, Kharmic Tie: Isawa Hideki, (3 pts) / Ascetic, Idealistic
Special Mechanics: +5 initiative in the first round of a skirmish. +1k0 damage against larger or mounted targets. +5
to all agility and reflexes rolls while wearing her heavy armor. Add reflexes to initiative at the end of every round
until she is at the top of the initiative order.

Essence of Fire
pg. 16
 Appendix #2: Taryu-Jiai Dueling

Full information on Taryu-Jiai dueling can be found in The Book of Fire, pages 61-63 and 184-185. Mechanics are
summarized here.

In step one, Selection, each duelist will select a ring. In step two, Assessment, each duelist will attempt to learn about
his opponent. In step three, Empower, each duelist will channel the elements and have a chance to disrupt his
opponent. In step four, Strike, each duelist will channel the elements with a contested casting roll, then inflict damage
based on that roll.

Elemental effects
Choosing specific elements has specific effects during the duel:

Air – A shugenja who has chosen Air, the least violent element, inflicts non-lethal wounds that immediately disappear
after the duel.

Earth – A shugenja who has chosen earth, the element of protection, is considered to have Reduction equal to his Earth
during the duel.

Fire – A shugenja who has chosen fire, the element of destruction, gains a +1k0 bonus to his damage roll.

Water – A shugenja who has chosen Water, the element of clarity, gains a +1k0 bonus to the Assessment roll.

Step One: Selection

Before the duel begins each duelist chooses which Element he will call upon for the duel. Void may not be chosen.

Step Two: Assessment

The two shugneja make a contested Spellcraft / Void roll. The winner learns the Ring his opponent has selected and
the opponent's Rank in that Ring. If he wins by at least 10, he also learns either his opponent's School Rank or his
Void Rank (his choice).

After the Assessment, either shugenja may opt to acknowledge defeat and thereby end the duel. If neither shugenja
concedes, the duel proceeds.

Step Three: Empower

Both shugenja begin praying to the kami and gathering the energy of the Elements around them. This is often
accompanied by fantastic visual effects. During this stage of the duel, both shugenja are considered to be in “full
concentration” and may only take Free actions. They can potentially be disrupted by outside distractions, enemy
attacks, etc.

During this step, duelists may attempt to disrupt one another's energies. Each duelist makes a Contested roll of
Spellcraft / [Element], using their chosen element. If one duelist beats the other by 10, she gains a +1k1 bonus to the
Strike roll.

Step Four: Strike

Both shugenja make a Contested Spell Casting Roll using the Element of their choice. Affinity/Deficiency apply as
normal, and spell slots are likewise used. Other aspects of School Techniques do not apply since the shugenja are

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pg. 17
unleashing raw Elemental power rather than using specific types of prayers such as Illusion or Jade. The only
exception is Isawa's Gift which applies to all spells in an element.

The shugenja who wins the Contested Roll inflicts 2k2 damage on his opponent, plus an additional 1k1 damage for
every 5 by which he beat the opponent's total Spell Casting Roll. The shugenja who lost the Contested Roll inflicts
half as many dice (rounded down) of damage on the winner (i.e. if Iuchi Akiko wins by 27 she inflicts 7k7 dice on
Tamori Iwao. Iwao then inflicts 3k3 dice on Akiko).

If the duel is non-lethal, the winner is whoever inflicts more Wounds in the Strike after applying other effects such as
Reduction or reducing the Wounds through Void Points. If it is a duel to the death, the shugenja will continue to
Empower and Strike until one opponent falls. Any duelist who is reduced to Down or out in a lethal Taryu-Jiai duel
will be immediately overwhelmed and slain by the opponent's kami.

Essence of Fire
pg. 18
 Player Handout #1: News From the Empire
“Excellent news, Samurai! As the promising youth of our Empire return to our Empire, so too are we blessed with a
great gift. It seems that some great treasure, enough to fill out many Miya’s Blessings, has been brought to us from
many a Brave Samurai who had spent their time in Balishnimpur. We must all thank Ide Shusendo for his
generosity and bravery in the face of what must have been terrible danger.

“It seems that the Honorable Crab Clan have earned themselves the majority of this treasure and, while I am not
given to understand many of the details regarding matters South of the Wall, it seems they will be focusing their
efforts on those… South of the Wall-y projects. I suspect in the next few months we will hear more from the Crab
about these endeavors.

“The Crane were also able to obtain a significant portion of this treasure, but the reports I have received suggest that
they have chosen to present the treasure to the Imperial Families to start another Miya’s Blessing, with treasures
committed by the Crane, Dragon, Mantis, and Unicorn, along with the personal shares of one of the brave Samurai
who committed to the excursion proper.

“One wishes that there was more to speak of regarding the Empire proper, but it has been quiet thusfar. The Dragon
have brokered peace between themselves and the Lion and Unicorn, and so it seems that the next summer will be
another quiet one if the current path pushes forward.”

-Otomo Yusuke

Essence of Fire
pg. 19