A Champion’s Heart

A One-Round Mid-Rank Adventure for Heroes of

Rokugan (Champions of the Sapphire Throne)

by Rob Hobart

You are honored to visit Champion’s Shrine Village during the tournament to choose the new Mirumoto Family
Daimyo. However, your visit may prove more eventful than you anticipated.

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS is a registered trademark of Alderac Entertainment Group.

Scenario detail copyright 2008 by the author and Alderac Entertainment Group. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED. This scenario is intended for tournament use only and may not be reproduced without
permission.
A four-hour time block has been allocated for playing presented herein. However, at times the players may
this game. The actual playing time should be about three take extra actions which the GM judges worthy of
and a half hours. additional reward – or punishment. The following may
It is a good idea to ask each player to put a name tag be considered as guidelines:
in front of him or her. The tag should have the player's • Performing an act of selfless, sacrificial loyalty to
name at the bottom, and the character's name, race, and one’s daimyo or clan: +1 point of Honor.
gender at the top. This makes it easier for the players to • Abiding by the tenets of bushido when one could
keep track of who is playing which character. gain an obvious advantage from breaking them: +1
The players are free to use the game rules to learn point of Honor.
about equipment and weapons their characters are • Betraying or disobeying your duty, Clan, or family:
carrying. lose 1-10 points of Honor and Glory, and possibly
Some of the text in this scenario is written so that Status, depending on the severity of the failure.
you may present it as written to the players, while other Gain the same amount of Infamy.
text is for your eyes only. Text for the players will be in • Crying out in pain when injured: lose one point
bold italics. It is strongly recommended that you each of Honor and Glory.
paraphrase the player text, instead of reading it aloud, as • Using sneaky, underhanded, or treacherous
some of the text is general and must be adapted to the methods when at an Honor rank higher than zero:
specific situation or to actions of the player characters. lose 1-5 points of Honor. If caught, also gain 1-5
points of Infamy.
GM's Information • Using poison: lose 1-10 points of Honor,
depending on the circumstances (there is always an
Honor loss for using poison). If caught, also gain
THIS SCENARIO SHOULD NOT BE RUN COLD!
the same amount of Infamy.
Please read the scenario thoroughly before attempting
to run it. • Performing a socially acceptable public act of
extreme courage and skill: +1 point of Glory.
This adventure is a Mid-Rank adventure, and should • Drunk, insulting, or otherwise ill-mannered in
only be played by Insight Rank 2 through 4 characters. public: lose 1-5 points of Glory. For extreme
Characters of Insight Rank 5 or higher will be too abuses, also gain an equivalent amount of Infamy.
powerful for the challenges presented here. Characters • Playing entire adventure without doing anything of
of Insight Rank 1 are not prominent or skilled enough note: lose 1 point of Glory (this cannot reduce
to participate in these events, and should not be allowed Glory Rank below Insight Rank).
to play. • Made ronin: Status drops to zero.

All bulleted information is just that, pure information. Adjusting for Party Strength
Feed it to the players through an NPC when This is a Mid-Rank adventure, and thus can involve
appropriate. Sometimes, reading it straight just doesn’t parties of varying capabilities. The encounters have
sound right. been optimized for a party of average Rank 3.
Remember that family names come before personal Although most of the challenges here are role-play
names. Akodo Toturi is from the Akodo family and his oriented and thus not terribly dependent on party
personal name is Toturi. strength, a few changes can be made to adjust the
adventure difficulty for high-end parties, as follows:
A note on commerce in Rokugan: Samurai are not
supposed to care about worldly possessions, especially Low End Party (average party Insight Rank is closer
money. A samurai pays a commoner as if the money is to 2 than 3):
meaningless, a concession to the commoner’s silly
needs. Between samurai, the exchange of money and
• Kageko has Agility 4 and one less Rank in the
merchandise is an exchange of “gifts.”
skills of Defense, Kenjutsu, and Stealth.

Glory and Honor Awards and High End Party (average party Insight Rank is closer
Penalties to Four than to Three):
This adventure contains suggested Glory and Honor
awards (and penalties) for dealing with the challenges • Kageko has Earth 5 and one higher Rank in
Kenjutsu.

A Champion’s Heart Page 2

 to help protect Daikabe. After all, it is in the interests
Important Player Restriction of certain members of the Scorpion Clan for Miya
Shikan’s peace to come crashing down in ruins.
This adventure and “Harsh Lessons” form a diptych,
depicting different events that take place during the
great tournament to choose the new Mirumoto daimyo. Introduction
Since the events in these two adventures take place The great Mirumoto tournament is taking place at the
simultaneously, players cannot run the same character village of Yushosha Seido Mura (Champion Shrine
through both – they must choose one (Low-Rank) Village), located halfway between Shiro Mirumoto and
character to play “Harsh Lessons” and another (Mid- the High House of Light.
Rank) character to play “A Champion’s Heart.” This
restriction is absolute and cannot be bypassed or Nestled in between the towering mountains is a
ignored for any reason. surprisingly large village. The huts and other
buildings are perched on narrow terraces and small
Adventure Summary and clearings between jagged, rocky slopes dotted with
pine trees, and the town climbs up and down the
Background mountainsides on both sides of a frothing stream
Mirumoto Jinzaki, the daimyo of the Mirumoto family, which runs through the bottom of the valley. Steep
is an old and tired man, haunted by the sins of his past. paths – in many cases staircases – climb up and down
Childless and unable to bear his responsibilities any the slopes between the many huts and structures of
longer, Jinzaki has announced he will retire and hand the village. You can see at least two large Inns in the
town, and also what appears to be a prosperous
over the leadership of the Mirumoto family to the
geisha house which sprawls up and down a series of
winner of a swordsmanship tournament.
terraced slopes.
The leading candidate to replace Jinzaki is an
The Daimyo’s Road winds along the side of one
aggressive Dragon general who led the raids against the
mountain, skirting several narrow terraced rice
Badger Clan earlier this spring. Mirumoto Daikabe is a
paddies before turning and vaulting the valley on an
skilled warrior and an aggressive samurai who dreams
arched wooden bridge.
of leading the Dragon Clan to vengeance and victory
against the Lion Clan. He is also a devotee of the
Although Champion Shrine Village is not a large
gentle art of the geisha, and regularly visits the local
settlement – in total, only about 1,100 people live there
geisha houses wherever he travels. His enemies, led by
– its location on the route to the High House of Light
Miya Shikan, intend to take advantage of this weakness
means it is regularly visited by diplomats and pilgrims
to destroy him.
seeking audience with the Dragon Champion or visiting
the nearby Shrine of Fukurokujin. Consequently, the
For Miya Shikan, the Imperial Herald, the prospect of a
village has a full array of amenities for visiting samurai,
warmonger like Daikabe in command of the Mirumoto
including several Inns and sake houses, as well as a fine
family is appalling. With the Crab Clan already on the
geisha house, the Jade Reflection. The town is also
march under the command of the half-crazed Hida
home to the Dragon’s Flame archery school, one of the
Gojiro, letting another Clan fall into the hands of an
elite specialized dojos of the Dragon Clan.
aggressive man is intolerable. Shikan has appointed his
ruthless underling Miya Hanzu and his shadowy twin,
The PCs arrive in Yushosha Seido Mura in the early
Kageko, to the task of eliminating Daikabe in a suitably
afternoon, accompanying a large caravan of other
indirect way. After careful observation, Hanzu has
notable samurai and their escorts. Over two hundred
decided that Daikabe’s weakness for geisha supplies
samurai are descending on the Champion’s Shrine
the best opportunity for eliminating him.
Village, although not all of them are of sufficient rank
to actually attend the great tournament – many lower-
The PCs have been honored with invitations to attend
ranking guards and flunkies will be spending their time
the great tournament which will decide the leadership
in the village’s less-prestigious Inn, whiling away their
of the Mirumoto family. This will also place them in a
time until the tournament ends. (The fate of these
position to help save Daikabe’s life. Certain elements
samurai is depicted in the adventure “Harsh Lessons.”)
in the Shosuro family have become aware at the last
minute of Hanzu and Shikan’s plot, and their agent,
Shosuro Adoka, will attempt to recruit some of the PCs

A Champion’s Heart Page 3

The PCs for this adventure are presumed to be of host the man who will be the next Mirumoto daimyo!”
sufficient rank and significance to be invited to witness
the great tournament. This may be surprising to PCs
who are ronin, but the Dragon Clan is known for its Daikabe will stride around the Inn, introducing himself
eccentricity (especially since the individualist Tonbo to other guests, including the PCs. He will ask of their
family joined it) and ronin PCs are famous (or lucky) deeds and will invite them to attend the beginning of
enough to receive invitations. the tournament to hear him recount his own deeds. “I
am sure there are none here who can rival me as a
Arrival and Housing suitable candidate to lead our great family. Come and
listen for yourself!” He will also pause to inquire with
As the great horde of samurai guests stream down the the innkeeper about the Jade Reflection. “Tell me,
narrow mountain roads into Champion’s Shrine innkeeper, does the lovely Miyo still reside there?”
Village, they are met by a smiling tattooed man, Hoshi When the innkeeper confirms that she does, he grins
Ijisu. He is an older man with a face covered in smile- and claps his hands. “Most excellent! This will truly
wrinkles, dressed in a loose kimono of Dragon be a fine occasion, a tournament for me to win and
green/gold, and stands beneath the torii arch at the the company of a lovely lady in the evenings!”
entrance to the village, bowing to each guest.
“Welcome to the village of the Champion’s Shrine, If any of the PCs seem sympathetic or show signs of
honored guests! I am sure you will find places here to sharing his interest in geisha, Daikabe will laugh and
rest and cleanse yourselves. Our lord will accept clap them on the shoulders. “We must speak more
challengers for the tournament this evening, at the field later this evening, then, samurai!”
below the village Shrine, and would be pleased by the
attendance of those of rank.” • Some PCs may express hostility toward Daikabe,
especially if they are Badger Clan or Lion Clan.
This man is actually the daimyo of the Hoshi family, Daikabe will be loudly delighted with such
although he will avoid mentioning this. (PCs from the antagonism. “Hah! Your words are bold,
Tattooed Orders will recognize him, and other PCs can
samurai! Perhaps soon, when I am the leader of
identify him with a roll of Intelligence/Heraldry at TN the Mirumoto, we will be able to meet on the field
25 or Intelligence/Lore: Dragon at TN 20.) of battle and prove who is truly the greater
warrior!”
There are four Inns in the village. Low-ranking PCs
will be housed at the Two Brothers Inn (where they Daikabe is accompanied by a pair of underlings, two
will participate in the events of “Harsh Lessons”). PCs courtiers named Kitsuki Jomen and Tamori Fuzuke,
in this adventure will be housed at another of the Inns, who follow him around with writing kits, small wooden
the Golden Cup. boxes full of papers, and other clerk supplies. They are
thin, modest, self-deprecating men who find fulfillment
The Golden Cup is a two-story building tucked in in service to their boisterous lord.
against a shoulder of the mountains, shaded by several
large evergreen trees, and managed by a humble, kindly
elderly couple named Mio and Koji. They take a quiet Part One: Announcing a
pride in the excellence of their Inn and are quite
honored to have so many prestigious samurai staying Tournament
with them. An hour before sunset, all the higher-ranking samurai
in the village assemble for the opening of the great
First Meeting with Daikabe tournament:
While the PCs are settling into their rooms, bathing,
A great dueling circle has been inscribed in a flat,
and otherwise preparing themselves to attend the
open patch of ground on the southern edge of the
opening of the competition, Mirumoto Daikabe will
town. Forested mountains surround the field on three
arrive at the Inn. He is a tall, muscular man in his late
sides, while on the fourth side the local peasant huts
twenties, with a narrow, lean face and a perfectly-tied
have been dismantled and replaced with stands for the
samurai topknot. He is loudly self-confident, often
observers. Over a hundred samurai, including
downright boastful and boisterous, and announces his
yourselves, have gathered on these stands. On the far
arrival at the Inn with a speech: “Consider yourself
side of the field, sheltered by the overhanging cliffs, is
greatly honored, innkeeper! You are privileged to
a smaller wooden platform; two men and a woman in

A Champion’s Heart Page 4

Dragon colors sit cross-legged there, watching as the major city, the trade center of Higaisha. Three of the
crowd assembles. When all have gathered, the older other four are military commanders like Daikabe, but
of the two men rises to his feet and walks to the front the fourth man stands out, a smooth-faced middle-aged
of the platform. The crowd falls silent as it awaits the samurai with a lithe build and piercing eyes with an
words of Mirumoto Jinzaki, daimyo of the family. odd pale sheen. His speech, compared to the others, is
a masterpiece of brevity and simplicity: “I am
Jinzaki is a tall, lean older man with graying hair at his Mirumoto Kanjo, master sensei of the Niten style. I
temples and heavy lines of weariness graven into his would be honored to prove myself worthy to succeed
smooth-shaven face. He is strictly self-controlled, Jinzaki-sama.”
which is fortunate, for beneath his façade he is heart-
broken, guilt-ridden, and depressed. Despite his stiff, • A Mirumoto-family PC may wish to inquire about
impenetrable public face, in any lengthy conversation entering this tournament. This will not be
his underlying misery and despair will begin to seep permitted. All competitors in the tournament must
out. Consequently, he seldom allows himself to be at least Insight Rank Five.
participate in long conversations.
After the contestants have announced themselves,
The two people seated behind him are Tamori Gosuke, Jinzaki will declare that the initial round of duels will
the daimyo of the Tamori family, and Mirumoto be fought at sunset. “Each contestant will face all of
Chizuko, Jinzaki’s wife. They can be recognized with the others over the course of the next two days. At the
a roll of Intelligence/Lore: Heraldry or Lore: Dragon end of that time, the finest warriors will face each
Clan at TN 20. Gosuke is a stern-looking man, about other until only one remains. All matches will be
thirty years old, with a narrow face and a strict samurai fought to the fall, and the honored Tamori Gosuke-
topknot. Chizuko is a thin woman in her late thirties, san,” he gestures to the other man on his platform,
her hair carefully styled in the fashion of a proper wife, “will heal any who are injured.”
who observes the proceedings with a distant, polite
expression. Gossip and Talk
The Mirumoto daimyo speaks in a low, gravelly voice After the initial announcements and proclamations,
that nevertheless carries across the silent field. about an hour passes before the first round of duels.
“Welcome, samurai, to Champion’s Shrine Village. During this time, the many guests circulate and talk in a
Here we will choose the next leader of the Mirumoto buzz of gossip and fluttering fans. Major topics of
family in a contest of the warrior’s skills, the true gossip include the following:
measure of a samurai. Let those who would present
themselves for this honor step forward.” • There are rumors of a peasant uprising in the Lion
lands. If any Lion PCs are present, the Dragon
One by one, a total of eleven Mirumoto bushi step samurai will make a point of discussing this loudly
forward, each proclaiming their name and deeds. behind their fans, observing to each other that the
Daikabe is the first to come forward, practically Lion should not expect any better, given how
jumping up in his eagerness to present himself. “I am indifferent they are to the plight of their heimin.
Mirumoto Daikabe, commander of the Fourth Legion
in the Dragon armies, master of the Niten style, and • The general consensus is that Mirumoto Daikabe is
glorious warrior of the Dragon Clan! I have defeated the candidate most likely to win the tournament.
twenty-eight samurai in duels, and taken the lives of There is much talk among the Dragon courtiers
three of them who dared to question my honor! I about his warlike and aggressive attitudes. Among
have led the soldiers of the Dragon Clan against a the Dragon he is known for having led the raids
hundred foes, and slain Ichiro Hakatsu in single against the Badger Clan during the spring,
combat on the field of battle! No warrior is more although they will not mention this to any PCs who
worthy to lead the Mirumoto family than me, and I are not sympathetic to war.
shall prove it here with my blade!”
• Mirumoto Kanjo is considered the most viable
The other contestants are generally less flamboyant alternative to Daikabe, both in terms of skill and
than Daikabe, although they too boast of notable political backing. The Imperials and Phoenix in
achievements and skills. Their ranks include all four of the crowd are clearly favorable toward him. Miya
the Mirumoto provincial daimyos (three men and one Hanzu will specifically refer to him as a “wise and
woman), as well as the governor of the Clan’s one honorable man, well suited to leadership” and

A Champion’s Heart Page 5

 Otomo Hiroshi expresses admiration for his rank of Glory unless they offer an abject apology and
eloquence and dignity. Dragon PCs will hear that roll Awareness/Etiquette (Sincerity) at TN 25.
Kanjo is currently the sensei of the Hojatsu’s
Legacy school. Otomo Hiroshi is a rising young Otomo courtier and
historian, who has been privileged to attend a number
• The news of the Crab-Hare-Scorpion war has of notable recent events, including the confirmation of
recently arrived in the Dragon lands. The the new Crab Champion last winter. He is here to
consensus seems to be that the Dragon cannot record the results of the Mirumoto tournament for
allow their Scorpion friends to be the target of posterity. Hiroshi is a friendly and honorable young
unanswered Crab aggression. Most courtiers agree man who wears a formal samurai topknot and a neatly-
that the Dragon will likely intervene in the war no trimmed goatee. He is accompanied by his wife, a
matter who wins this tournament. former Crane maiden, daughter to the daimyo of the
Hanagensai vassal family. PCs should have
• There is also considerable talk about the impending encountered Hiroshi several times before in various
construction of the Shrine to Peace in Phoenix adventures – he will remember them and greet them in
lands, right across the border from the Dragon. friendly fashion, unless they have previously insulted
This is generally seen as a conciliatory gesture by or offended him.
the Phoenix, and some of the Dragon wonder
whether this is a sign that the Phoenix Clan’s Shosuro Adoka is a slim Scorpion bushi wearing a
friendship with the Lion may be weakening. pale, near-featureless mempo (mask) whose blank white
surface covers his nose and upper face, save for small
If the PCs look for notable or memorable individuals eye-holes. PCs may have met him before in the
here, they will note the following personages (aside adventures “Writ of Justice” and “Way of Death.” He
from the contestants): is soft-spoken and well-mannered, avoids
confrontation, and is unfailingly polite to everyone,
Miya Hanzu is a short, slight, unmemorable man, even those who openly insult him or his clan. He will
clean-shaven, who wears his hair in a typical samurai be watching and assessing the PCs for potential help in
topknot. He is very self-effacing, making an art out of dealing with the assassination plot against Mirumoto
appearing as nothing more than a humble, loyal Shisha Daikabe, and will make a point of introducing himself
of the Miya family. In actuality, he is the personal and to Scorpion and Dragon PCs.
special agent of the Imperial Herald, Miya Shikan.
Hanzu is a fanatic, a slavishly loyal believer in Shikan’s Ide Xhi Shou is the Ide family daimyo, a lean,
ideals of universal peace. He is willing to do anything handsome man in his late forties, with skin that shows
to further Shikan’s ideals – including arranging the the dark tone of foreign blood and hair that remains a
murder of Mirumoto Daikabe and framing an innocent rich, luxurious black despite his age. He wears a long
man for the crime. Hanzu sometimes takes on the but well-groomed goatee beard and dresses in a
identity of “Kageko,” a secret agent of Shikan’s goals, magnificent kimono of purple silk with embroidery in
but in fact the real Kageko is his twin brother, and the white, gold, and red. PCs who have played the limited-
PCs may be able to encounter and kill that singular release adventure “Voice of the Emperor” have met Xhi
individual during the course of this adventure. Shou before, but otherwise he will be a new person to
them. However, PCs who have played the adventure
Hanzu is quite adept at manipulating others, and has a “Grave of Heroes” have met his son, Ide Jhapuul, now
knack for presenting himself in whatever manner is an ambassador to the Scorpion lands. He will
best suited to gain their assistance and trust. Some PCs recognize any and all PCs who have met him or his son
may have become deeply suspicious of Hanzu’s nature (his memory is vast and infallible) and will speak with
and intentions as a result of previous adventures (most them in a friendly manner, commenting humorously on
notably “Charge of the Baraunghar” and “Journey to his son’s efforts to navigate the “tricky waters” of the
the Burning Sands”), but they will certainly not have Scorpion courts. Of course, if the PCs are Scorpions
any proof which can overturn the word of the Imperial themselves, he will phrase this in such a way as to
Herald’s personal assistant. If any PC is foolish make it complimentary toward their Clan.
enough to try to publicly accuse or challenge Hanzu, he
will dismiss their accusations with withering scorn (the Agasha Kimo is a short, slightly plump young
only proof they will have, after all, is the word of woman of the Phoenix Clan, with a face that would be
gaijin, hence worthless against him), costing them a pretty except for eyes that are too narrow and wide
apart. Kimo is a sad, inward-looking young woman,

A Champion’s Heart Page 6

still haunted by the suicide of her brother five years
ago. Formerly a mediocre student of the kami, she Part Two: Evening at the
remade herself into a skilled shugenja in order to
restore her family’s reputation, and competed in the
Jade Reflection
Tournament of the White Lotus two years ago. She The Jade Reflection is a single-story structure, but
may remember the PCs from that event, and will sprawls across a steeply sloping patch of ground, and
converse with anyone who had a positive relationship consists of half-a-dozen smaller buildings joined by
with her. Although she has heard that her brother died covered walkways and staircases, passing through
atoning for his own sins, his loss still haunts her, and dozens of tiny terraced gardens. Icy mountain streams
she feels very lost and alone in her life. feed the chuckling streams, deer-scarer water clocks,
and small, sculpted waterfalls which pass through the
gardens. Colored paper lanterns hang along every
The Tournament Begins walkway and from the eaves of each building, creating
The first round of duels are fought this same evening, a fairy wonderland effect. Beautiful women and young
under the golden light of sunset. Both Mirumoto apprentice maids scurry along the paths and up and
Daikabe and Mirumoto Kanjo win their matches easily, down the staircases.
forcing their opponents to concede after suffering a
serious cut. Daikabe celebrates his victory with a Daikabe and his guests (including the PCs) are
flourish, laughing loudly and clapping his defeated welcomed at the gates by a pretty young girl in a bright
opponent on the shoulder. Kanjo, on the other hand, red kimono, holding a small paper lantern. She leads
quietly sheaths his swords and bows briefly to his the guests into a large entrance hall, past a tall, bald,
opponent before striding off the field. hulking bouncer, Soko, who is dressed in a simple
peasant jacket and leggings. In the entrance hall, the
The other matches are closer and often quite dramatic, house okaasan (madam), Chikyo, sweeps forward to
with several of the competitors suffering severe wounds welcome them. She is a well-preserved woman in late
that leave them on the brink of death before Tamori middle age, heavily made up in the geisha style, and
Gosuke heals them. employs exaggerated gestures and obsequious
mannerisms as she welcomes her guests. “Such an
Evening at the Inn honor, to have so many great samurai in my humble
establishment! Please, be welcomed, enjoy our
After the PCs witness the first matches, most of the
company!” She claps her hands, summoning a small
samurai will return to their inns to spend the evening in
army of beautiful geisha maidens (and a handful of
socializing and enjoyment. Daikabe will lead the way
male geisha and jesters as well). “Bring sake, tea, food
back to the PCs’ inn, the Golden Cup, laughing and
and sweets! Music, dance, merriment! Here our
recounting his victory to the ears of eager sycophants.
guests may forget all their troubles for an evening!”
Once they reach the common room, he will hand his
swords to one of his clerks and then turns to the room,
The PCs and other samurai are quickly the center of
lifting his voice in a boisterous shout. “My friends, I
attention, as smiling geisha offer them drinks and
have secured an invitation to the Jade Reflection,
snacks, listen to their stories, dance and sing for them,
which I am told is a most splendid geisha house. I
and generally make them feel cosseted and
would consider it an honor if all of you joined me
comfortable. If any of the PCs brought their swords
there for this evening!”
with them (Daikabe does not), Chikyo will urge them to
leave such weapons in a special room near the front of
Refusing such an invitation is quite rude, not to
the house, where they will be kept secure until needed.
mention politically unwise, given that Daikabe is quite
However, if any PCs insist on keeping weapons, she
likely to be the next Mirumoto daimyo. Miya Hanzu,
will not press the issue. The PCs may notice that
Ide Xhi Shou, Shosuro Adoka, and Otomo Hiroshi will
Shosuro Adoka and Miya Hanzu both keep their
all specifically choose to attend, although Hiroshi will
wakizashi.
be the target of a glare from his Crane wife as she
departs for her quarters. Agasha Kimo will also choose
Mirumoto Daikabe will specifically ask the madam
to go along – the appeal of pleasant conversation with a
about the “lovely Miyo,” and Chikyo will smile,
sympathetic male geisha will resonate with her
fluttering her fan, and quickly arrange for Daikabe to
strongly.
have a private room with her finest geisha. The rest of
the guests, PCs included, remain in the larger common
room with the other geisha.

A Champion’s Heart Page 7

• The geisha will perform several dances over the • If any PCs take offense at a samurai (a ronin to be
course of the evening, accompanied by biwa, sure, but still a samurai) being mistreated in this
samisen, and flute. These are mostly traditional way by commoners, Chikyo will politely remind
serious dances, but also include comedic ones in the PC that they are in the Floating World. “Here
which the dancers are assisted by the house Jester. we are all merely men and women, honored
guest-sama, and the only rules which must be
• The Jester is a wrinkled old man named Sanzo. followed are those of good manners. I cannot
Unlike samurai jesters, who specialize in sardonic permit this loud oaf to trouble my customers.”
mockery and biting satire, Sanzo is a pure
entertainer whose main goal is to make his • If the PCs ask for more information about this
audience laugh, whether through jokes, song, young man, Chikyo will dismiss him with a wave
pantomime, or magic tricks. The geisha will of her fan as a “foolish ronin boy,” but the PCs can
participate in many of his acts, singing or clapping pry more information out of the other geisha with a
their hands to enhance the effect of his songs, roll of Awareness/Courtier (Gossip) at TN 20.
mimes, and pratfalls. “Oh, that is poor Mako-kun,” the geisha say with
winsome frowns. “The foolish boy is in love with
• Sake is served freely here, and within the “floating Miyo, she strings him along but of course it won’t
world” of the geisha there is no social penalty for come to anything, a girl as beautiful as her can’t
drunkenness, loud voices, or open emotion. Some marry some grubby ronin with no lord and no
of the NPCs will become notably outspoken in household. She’ll be the concubine of some fine
their feelings, such as Agasha Kimo, who openly samurai lord, maybe even Mirumoto Daikabe-
weeps for her lost brother, Ide Xhi Shou, who sama. That would be so wonderful, to be
becomes extremely boisterous and begins telling concubine to a family daimyo, ne?”
very crude jokes, and Otomo Hiroshi, who
complains to anyone who will listen that his Crane If a PC actually leaves the geisha house to meet with
wife is cold and unfeeling. PCs who similarly Mako personally, they can roll Intelligence/
express their emotions will not suffer any penalty Investigation at TN 20 to track him down later that
for doing so. However, some PCs may notice that evening in a small, run-down tea-house on the outskirts
neither Shosuro Adoka nor Miya Hanzu lose of the town, where he is drowning his sorrows in cheap
control of themselves while they are here. sake. He is a superficially handsome boy of about
sixteen, with a pouting face and a sharp temper which
Several significant incidents will happen while the PCs gets worse when he is drunk. He is deeply besotted
are here on the first night of their stay. with Miyo and will angrily declare to anyone who
speaks with him that he will not allow “some arrogant
Mako the Lover lord” to take her away from him.
Mako is a young ronin samurai who is obsessed with
Miyo, the finest geisha at the Jade Reflection. At some Adoka Recruits the PCs
point after Daikabe goes to a private room with Miyo, At some point during the evening, Shosuro Adoka will
the ronin will arrive at the house and begin demanding approach certain of the PCs and invite them to take a
to see her. PCs who roll Perception/Investigation at walk with him through the gardens of the Jade
TN 15 will notice the young man standing in the front Reflection. “The room is rather warm, samurai-
hall, arguing with the bouncer and the madam. samas, perhaps a turn through the garden would
Eventually he will lose patience and storm down the allow us to cool down and clear our heads.” Adoka
hall, flinging open doors and calling, “Miyo-chan! will pick which PCs he approaches according to the
Miyo-chan! Where are you hiding her, old hag?!” following criteria:

The bouncer Soko will grapple the young man while • Any Scorpion PCs, including former Scorpions
the madam sweeps in front of him, bowing low to the who have married into other Clans.
PCs and NPCs. “Honored guests, please forgive this
unseemly outburst,” she simpers. Behind her, Mako • Any PCs who have Allies in the Scorpion Clan or
shouts, “How dare you do this, I am a samurai, I who are under an Obligation to the Scorpion.
demand to see Miyo—Gahhgk,” as Soko wraps a
meaty arm around his neck and drags him outside.

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• Any Dragon PCs, including former Dragons who superiors only recently became aware of this threat,
have married into other Clans. and there has been no time to arrange additional
agents in this place. Thus I am forced to…
• Any PC who has Miya Shikan as a Sworn Enemy. improvise.”

He will specifically not choose any PC who has Miya • Adoka will carefully not reveal where he has
Shikan as an Ally. However, note that in order for the acquired his information, and if the PCs suggest he
adventure to proceed, Adoka will have to recruit at should, his voice will be audibly amused. “You
least one PC – if none of the PCs meet these criteria, are suggesting a Scorpion should reveal his
Adoka will select the one PC who seems most likely to secrets?”
oppose the assassination of Mirumoto Daikabe –
probably a Crane, Unicorn, or Phoenix PC of high • Adoka also will not reveal who he believes will
Honor or Idealistic nature. attempt the assassination. “It would be best for
your own safety to keep you ignorant on this
Once he has selected his chosen “recruits,” Adoka will matter.”
take a stroll with them through the terraced, multi-
leveled gardens of the Jade Reflection, eventually • If the PCs want advice on where the threat will
concluding at a small koi pond whose smooth surface come from and who they should be watching,
gleams under the light of moon and colored lanterns. Adoka will suggest the most likely location of an
“This is the source of this house’s unusual name,” attack is the geisha house, due to the lack of
Adoka observes. “Supposedly, many centuries ago, a security there. The Inn is another possibility,
powerful nemuranai called the Jade Mirror was especially late at night. He will not make any
briefly dropped in this koi pond. Supposedly, some specific suggestions as to who the PCs should be
echoes of its power still remain here, showing the true watching, and suggests the attacker will most
soul of anyone who sees their reflection in the water. likely be an outside assassin. “There are few in
A quaint story, though doubtless useful to the prestige the Empire who would be so unwise as to directly
of the house.” He does not look into the pool himself, involve themselves in such an action, rather than
and neither encourages nor discourages the PCs from employing a deniable outsider.”
doing so.
• If the PCs suggest warning the authorities, Adoka
• If a PC looks into the pool, s/he can roll will caution them against this. “We cannot offer
Perception/Meditation at TN 20 to see a brief any concrete proof of our suspicions, and our
change in his/her reflection in the water. This enemy would doubtless learn we had tried to
change will be reflective of the PC’s true nature – deliver a warning… which would expose our
if the PC has low honor or is afflicted with the sources of information.”
Taint, the reflection will appear uglier and more
threatening than the reality, whereas a pure-souled • Likewise, if the PCs mention the possibility of
PC of high honor will appear more handsome and bringing other PCs on NPCs into the effort to
noble in the reflection. Other PCs looking into the protect Daikabe, Adoka will caution them to be
water at the same time will not be able to see this careful who they recruit. “Only the most
effect. circumspect individuals may be trusted with this
information, lest our sources be compromised.”
Once the PCs have had a chance to look into the pool if
they wish, Shosuro Adoka will get down to brass tacks: Once he has explained the situation, Adoka will leave it
“I am sure you have noted the skills of Mirumoto up to the PCs how they wish to try to protect Daikabe.
Daikabe, who seems likely to win this tournament. He claims to be “more a courtier than a warrior” and as
However, it has come to my superiors’ attention that such not suited to such violent activities. (This is in
certain factions in the Empire would prefer not to see fact true – although his training is in the Bayushi Bushi
Daikabe-san attain the leadership of the Mirumoto school, he is not actually very skilled at combat, nor
family. We believe they may attempt an assassination does he have much talent for stealth, concealment, or
against him before the end of this tournament.” surveillance.)

Adoka is seeking the PCs’ help to watch over Daikabe

at the geisha house, which he suspects is the most likely
place for him to be targeted. “Unfortunately, my

A Champion’s Heart Page 9

Behavior of the Other NPCs While out in the gardens, they stumble across a strange
and unsettling sight: Mirumoto Jinzaki, the Mirumoto
Aside from this clandestine meeting with certain of the family daimyo, is sitting at the edge of one of the small
PCs, Shosuro Adoka will enjoy a quite unremarkable terraced gardens, looking down on the town and the
evening at the Jade Reflection, laughing at the jokes distant tournament grounds. His arms are wrapped
and antics of the geisha and the jester, drinking his around his body as though to warm himself, despite the
share of sake, and generally behaving like a normal mild spring air, and tears are running freely down a
samurai enjoying a “night off” in the Floating World. face grooved with sorrow and misery.
The other NPCs will participate in the evening in a
variety of ways, according to their nature: The first impulse of most PCs will be to ignore this
spectacle and move on. However, the GM should
• Agasha Kimo will eventually arrange a private allow the PCs to make a roll of Intelligence/Etiquette
room with a male geisha (maidservants from the at TN 15 to remember that within the Floating World of
house also attend, to ensure no impropriety), where the geisha house, the rules are different. Here there is
she will spend the evening pouring her heart out no Status, no rules of social position, no need to ignore
and enjoying the comfort of a sympathetic ear. spectacles and save face – to the contrary, here in a
geisha house is the one place a man may let down his
• Ide Xhi Shou and Otomo Hiroshi spend the face and be truly himself, without fear or shame.
evening in the main room, drinking copiously,
laughing at all the jokes, and flirting light- With that knowledge, it is possible that the PC may
heartedly with the geisha. Xhi Shou tells some decide to approach Jinzaki and offer him friendship,
bawdy tales of his own, while Hiroshi laments his comfort, or a shoulder to cry on. If so, he will break
cold, unfeeling Crane wife. However, anyone who down, spilling out a partial confession of his deeds. “I
watches them and rolls Awareness/Investigation have sinned, samurai, sinner unforgivably. My honor
at TN 20 can tell they are not actually flirting “for has been stained forever. How can I continue to
real,” but are simply relaxing and enjoying the live?”
evening. Both men are too honorable to seek
affairs with geisha. • If the PC suggests the possibility of redemption or
forgiveness, possibly even through the ritual of
• Miya Hanzu also spends the evening in the main seppuku, Jinzaki will nod slowly. “I have thought
room, and remains quite self-controlled throughout of this many times, samurai. But how can sins
the evening. He merely smiles at the jokes and such as mine be expunged, even with seppuku? I
dances, sips lightly at the sake, and participates fear there is no escape for me, no forgiveness.”
casually in any conversation. A PC who watches
him and rolls Awareness/Investigation at TN 25 • If the PC asks what sins could be so terrible as to
gets the sense that he is observing everything be unforgivable, Jinzaki shakes his head. “No, I
around him with focused and complete attention. must not speak it aloud, not even here. There are
However, if any PC asks him why he is so aloof, others who would be destroyed by this, innocents
he will blandly claim that he is simply not a who would suffer from my evil. Perhaps even the
demonstrative man. entire Empire. I cannot take that risk for my own
sake.”
None of the NPCs will discuss the tournament or the
future prospects of the Mirumoto family while they are • If the PC tries to offer help or assistance, Jinzaki
here. In fact, they will actively reject any such smiles through his tears. “I thank you, samurai.
discussions of serious matters. “We are in the There is no help for one such as I. But your
Floating World, samurai, this is not the place to compassion does you credit.”
discuss such mundane matters.”
• If a PC points out to Jinzaki that Regret is one of
Mirumoto Jinzaki’s Confession the three great Sins, he will nod slowly and bow
This encounter will only occur if at least one of the PCs his head, allowing his tears to drip down to the
is a member of the Dragon Clan. At some point, the ground. “Yes, it is. One more sin to add to all the
Dragon Clan PC with the highest Honor (choose others I have committed.”
randomly in case of a tie) will leave the main party for
a time, most likely to attend to the calls of nature. • If the PC mentions Jinzaki’s wife, or asks where
she is, he sighs. “My wife has long since ceased

A Champion’s Heart Page 10

 to expect anything of me. Our marriage was one window. Unlike the hallway, this option will be largely
of political and familial duty, of course, but even free from interruptions, although some PCs may feel
that duty I have failed, for I have no heir.” ethically uncertain about spying in this manner.

• A PC who attempts to get a “read” on Jinzaki • Either way, the prurient among the PCs may be
during this conversation can roll disappointed at what they see and hear – Daikabe
Awareness/Investigation (Interrogation) at TN is in the process of wooing Miyo’s affections, and
20. With a success, the PC concludes that Jinzaki the PCs will overhear a great many sweet nothings,
is in the grip of a deep, soul-numbing despair. gift offerings, and exchanges of poetry,
interspersed with Miyo’s performances of dance
• It is possible (though unlikely) that the PC may and music.
mention the Emperor, the late Empress, or the
Emperor’s children during a conversation with Ultimately, Daikabe will return to the Golden Cup Inn
Jinzaki. If this happens, he will go utterly still and late that night, after midnight, to sleep until the
silent for several heartbeats, then says only, “I resumption of the tournament the next morning. He is
shall not speak of that.” If the PC persists on this quite drunk and weaves his way up the street, singing
topic, Jinzaki will abruptly stand and walk away, to himself. If any PCs accompany him, he will talk
ending the conversation. with them in a boisterous and cheerful manner: “An
evening spent with a pretty girl, a noble tournament in
Eventually, assuming the PC does not drive him away, the morning – what more could any man ask of life?”
Jinzaki recovers enough emotional self-control to wipe When he reaches the Inn, his clerk Kitsuki Joman will
his eyes, stand, and leave the geisha house. He gravely meet him (having waited up for his return) and take him
thanks the PC for sharing some time with him and up to his room to prepare for bed.
enduring his shameful behavior. Any PC who rolls
Awareness/Investigation at TN 20 can tell he is still in Daikabe’s room is on the second floor of the Inn. PCs
despair, although he has regained his self-control for may wish to stand guard over it, either by lurking out in
now. the hall (in which case they must make excuses when
random samurai guests pass through) or by bribing the
Security Options Innkeeper to move them to rooms on one or both sides
of Daikabe. Smart PCs will probably set watches to
If some or all of the PCs have been recruited by ensure that someone is watching over him all night.
Shosuro Adoka, they will likely begin trying to find
ways to keep watch over Mirumoto Daikabe. While • If any PC openly tells Daikabe he is in danger, or
they are at the geisha house, this will be slightly suggests they be allowed to serve as his yojimbo,
problematic, since Daikabe is in a private room with he will dismiss such ideas contemptuously.
Miyo. If a PC tries to lurk in the hall outside, Chikyo “Someone try to harm me here, in the depths of
the madam will soon sweep in and usher the PC back the Dragon lands? Absurd! You insult me with
into the main room, or offer him a private chamber of such fantasies!”
his own for a gift of a koku. PCs who try to insist on
staying in the halls will eventually attract the attention
of the bouncer, and meet a fate similar to Mako. Spot the Ninja
Exceptionally paranoid PCs may decide to search the
Smart PCs can instead arrange to have a private room Jade Reflection, the Golden Cup, or the areas around
next to Daikabe’s room, by coming up with a suitable either of these structures. Allow such PCs to roll
story (“the ambience of this particular room meets my Perception/Investigation (Notice) at TN 40. With a
needs best, Chikyo-sama”) and offering Chikyo a little success, they notice a shadowy figure, dressed in an
extra money. Since the internal walls of the Jade enshrouding cloak and wearing what appears to be a
Reflection are paper, a PC in an adjacent room can black jingasa (straw hat), lurking in the darkness of the
easily keep track of what is happening in Daikabe’s Jade Reflection’s garden. The figure hurries away and
room by listening and watching the silhouettes through vanishes before the PCs can get close. (The spell By
the paper. the Light of Lady Moon, oddly, will not reveal the
figure.) It will not be possible for the PCs to catch up
Alternatively, a PC can choose to lurk in the gardens with this figure, since he is considerably faster and
outside the exterior wall of Daikabe’s room, watching more skillful than they are.
and listening through the paper screens of the room’s

A Champion’s Heart Page 11

• If a PC somehow has a strung bow and an arrow There is no official meal break, but various guests (and
ready to hand, it may be possible to hit the target contestants who are not expecting to fight soon) drift
with an arrow-shot at a TN 45. They will not be away periodically during the day to visit the local inns,
able to inflict enough damage to seriously harm the tea-houses, and restaurants for food and drink.
assassin. Mirumoto Daikabe does not do so – he wishes to
observe all the matches in person. Instead, he sends his
• A shugenja PC who tries to hit the distant target aide Tamori Fuzuke to fetch him rice, tofu, vegetables,
with a ranged spell will need to either cast an and tea from the town. Mirumoto Kanjo will depart the
Innate spell, or make two Raises to cast with speed, scene between his own matches, returning about a half-
in order to get the spell off in the few instants that hour before his fights to warm up and perform kata.
the figure is visible. At that point, a bizarre event
takes place – the spell is cast properly, but then • Paranoid PCs may worry about Daikabe’s food or
simply fails when it reaches its target. If the spell drink getting poisoned – they can, if they wish,
has a visual component, the PCs can literally see it follow Fuzuke to make sure nothing untoward
“splash” away from the target and vanish. A roll happens. Clever PCs may even be able to figure
of Intelligence/Spellcraft at TN 20 suggests the out a way of taste-testing the meals before they are
spell was somehow Counterspelled or otherwise delivered to Daikabe (he will not permit such
dispelled. However, a roll of Intelligence/Lore: precautions if he actually knows about them – he
Shugenja at TN 25 confirms that a normal believes no one would dare to actually poison
Counterspell does not work this way, and no other him).
known magical effect produces this result. If the PCs are watching for the ninja they spotted last
night, they will see no sign of him today. PCs who
• Likewise, if shugenja PCs interrogate the spirits in watch the crowd or the other contestants for signs of
the area with a Commune spell, none of them guilt, conspiracy, or other mysterious behavior can roll
remember a man in a cloak and straw hat passing Perception/Investigation (Notice) at TN 30 to realize
through. The spirits have not been deceived – they that Miya Hanzu is actually paying only superficial
literally did not perceive the man. This should attention to the matches – his mind seems to be
certainly be an unsettling discovery for the PCs. elsewhere, although he will deny this if asked or
accused.
• If the PCs check the ground for footprints
afterward, they can roll Perception/Hunting at TN Talk and Conversation
30 to detect a few faint, barely-noticeable marks The long day and the many pauses between matches
from geta (wooden sandals). There are not enough will offer the PCs their best chance to speak with the
tracks to follow them. If a PC successfully shot the various NPCs (including Daikabe).
target with an arrow, there are also a few tiny
droplets of (human) blood. The blood is not
• If the PCs track down Mirumoto Kanjo during his
Tainted or otherwise unusual.
absences, they will find him meditating in one of
the small shrines scattered around the town. He
Part Three: The Second will be unhappy at being interrupted, but is polite
and well-spoken nevertheless. He will not
Day of the Tournament explicitly discuss the future of the Dragon with
On the second day, three matches are fought, one each non-Dragon PCs, but with members of his own
in the morning, at mid-day, and in the afternoon. Clan he will suggest that the Dragon should stick
Unsurprisingly, both Mirumoto Daikabe and Mirumoto to their traditions of isolation and contemplation,
Kanjo win all three of their matches. Since they have rather than involving themselves in the wars and
not yet faced each other, there is considerable struggles of the Empire.
anticipation that they will fight in the final round of the
tournament tomorrow, and the observers gossip and • Mirumoto Daikabe will be much more open in his
speculate happily about what will happen when these speech, although he avoids saying much to Lions.
two warriors finally face each other. Since at this point To others, he makes it plain that he thinks the time
they are the only undefeated contestants, it is clear that has come for the Dragon to win revenge for the
whichever of them wins tomorrow will also win the War of Bleeding Flowers. If any PCs mention, or
tournament overall. have already mentioned, the possibility that he
might be targeted for assassination, he will laugh

A Champion’s Heart Page 12

 aloud. “The Lion would surely wish to see me 25 to conclude that the beard and moustache are
dead, but I doubt they would be so bold as to hire fake. If the PC makes TN 35 or higher, s/he
an assassin!” reaches the unsettling conclusion that Kageko’s
face, beneath the beard, seems to resemble Miya
• If anyone speaks with Ide Xhi Shou about the Hanzu’s face.
tournament or the future of the Dragon Clan, he
will cheerfully observe that Daikabe is a • If a shugenja PC attempts to listen in on the
magnificent warrior and will surely lead the conversation with the help of the Air kami, the
Mirumoto to greatness and glory. He will not spell will fail – the same protection which warded
criticize Kanjo, and will certainly express the assassin the night before will function here as
admiration of the Dragon sensei’s skills. Still, it well.
should be clear from speaking with him that the
Unicorn would prefer to see Daikabe as the victor. Speaking with Hanzu: Some PCs may try to disrupt
Hanzu’s activities by sitting down at his table,
• Otomo Hiroshi is carefully neutral with respect to interrupting his meeting with Kageko, or similar tactics.
the tournament and its potential outcomes. Such acts are violations of hospitality, which Hanzu
However, he is tied in to the gossip network in the will point out in the iciest of tones. If the PCs persist,
Imperial capital, and a PC who speaks with him he will send for the local magistrate, Kitsuki Yodo, and
about the tournament and rolls complain of the PCs’ crude and offensive behavior.
Awareness/Courtier (Gossip) at TN 20 can get Yodo will require the PCs to apologize for insulting a
him to divulge it is “common knowledge” in the valued Imperial guest of the Dragon Clan, and then
capital that the Imperial Herald, Miya Shikan, escorts the PCs out of the Gold Fan tea-house. Such
favors Mirumoto Kanjo, while the Chancellor, PCs lose a half-rank of Glory for their social
Otomo Kazuma, favors Mirumoto Daikabe. misbehavior, and PCs with Honor Rank 2.0 or better
also lose 1 point of Honor for violating Etiquette.
Miya Hanzu Makes His Plans
If the PCs speak with Hanzu after his meeting with
In early afternoon, Miya Hanzu will slip away from the Kageko, perhaps hoping to interrogate him or catch him
tournament to visit one of the local tea-houses, the out in a misstatement, he will smoothly deny any
Gold Fan. There, he meets with Kageko the assassin, improper activity. “I was speaking with a wave-man,
who arrives dressed in a nondescript ronin’s garment, about prospective employment, samurai-san. What
carrying a wakizashi, and wearing a straw hat that business is that of yours?” He will relentlessly
shades his face. A scruffy moustache and beard further stonewall any and all inquiries and will maintain an
obscure his facial features. The two speak for about ten implacable face throughout the conversation.
minutes, after which the assassin leaves. Hanzu
remains, drinking tea and eating pickled vegetables, for PCs who can actually defeat his Awareness/Deceit
another fifteen minutes before returning to the (Lying) with their Perception/Investigation
tournament. (Interrogation), or who employ lie-detecting magic,
will be personally satisfied that he is lying. However,
If any PCs follow Hanzu, they can do so easily enough actually accusing or even merely suggesting this will be
– he does not conceal where he is going. However, it most unwise, since Hanzu is an esteemed Imperial
will not be possible for the PCs to sit close enough to figure and will demand an immediate apology. Failure
overhear the conversation – the two speak in low to deliver a suitably abject apology will result in Hanzu
voices and with heads lowered, moving their tea-cups remarking coldly, “My champion will attend you soon,
to obstruct their mouths. samurai.” The PC must duel Hanzu’s designated
champion, Seppun Nakanu, after the adventure is over.
• A PC with the Read Lips Advantage can attempt to See Appendix #2 for details.
listen to fragments the conversation from another
part of the room by rolling Pursuing Kageko: Some PCs may try to pursue,
Perception/Investigation at TN 25. With a trail, or capture Kageko when he leaves the Inn. This
success, the PC catches the words “task,” “Jade will prove difficult, since it is the middle of the day and
Reflection,” “master,” “private,” and “complete.” the village’s streets are full of peasants, ronin, and other
folk. Kageko is a master at the art of vanishing into a
• A PC who carefully tries to examine Kageko’s face crowd – a pursuing PC will have to overcome his
can roll Perception/Investigation (Notice) at TN Awareness/Stealth (Sneaking) with the PC’s

A Champion’s Heart Page 13

Perception/Hunting. Multiple PCs pursuing Kageko Miyo and will angrily declare to anyone who speaks
will not be able to combine their efforts. In the with him that he will not allow “some arrogant lord” to
unlikely event that one or more PCs manage to keep take her away from him. Of course, now that he is
pace with Kageko, they must attempt to avoid his completely drunk, his petulant anger and declarations
notice, pitting their Agility/Stealth (Shadowing) of devotion will amount to little more than mumbles,
against his Perception/Investigation (Notice). Most accompanied by wild, sweeping gestures. The PCs can
likely, Kageko will notice them, in which case he will try to persuade him to calm down (and perhaps sleep it
abruptly break into a sprint, running down side-streets off) by rolling Awareness/Etiquette (Sincerity) at TN
and dodging in and out between buildings. Chasing 25, if they’re being polite, or Willpower/Deceit
him at this point will require an Opposed Roll of (Intimidation) at TN 20 if they are trying to
Agility/Athletics against Kageko. psychologically dominate him. If they fail, he will
stubbornly remain in the tea-house and continue to
It is extremely unlikely that the PCs can successfully drink, possibly even trying to start a fight if the PCs
tail or chase Kageko. His amulet makes him immune to insult him. If they succeed, he reels off to sleep in the
any sort of magic, and his skills are such that very few, tea-house’s back room, and the PCs earn the gratitude
if any, PCs will be able to pursue him. In the unlikely of the owners, along with +1 point of Honor.
event that two or more PCs manage to keep pace with
Kageko, he will drop a smoke-bomb behind him and After mid-afternoon, the PCs will not be able to locate
then use this as cover to dodge through a peasant house Mako – the assassin Kageko will find him and make off
– this will allow him to make another Stealth roll, with with him, planning to frame him for the murder of
a Free Raise, to escape. If only a single PC manages to Mirumoto Daikabe.
keep pace with him, on the other hand, he will lead the
PC into a back alley, abruptly turn, drop a smoke bomb, • If the PCs did not locate Mako before this time,
and then try to kill the PC (or at least reduce the PC to they can roll Intelligence/Investigation at TN 20
Down/Out – he will not bother to stick around and to learn that he was at the tea-house drinking until
finish off a downed PC when others might come upon mid-afternoon. “Another ronin, a little man in a
him at any moment). straw hat, came in and talked to him, and they left
together.”
In the unlikely event that the PCs really do manage to
keep pace with Kageko, he will fight them to the death, • If the PCs got Mako to retire to bed, Kageko will
attempting to flee (and continue his mission) at the first still come and retrieve him from the room unless
opportunity. If the PCs truly defeat him, they have the PCs are watching over him – in the latter case,
effectively succeeded in the adventure, saving the life the watching PCs can roll
of Mirumoto Daikabe. Perception/Investigation (Notice) against his
Agility/Stealth (Sneaking) to catch of brief
See “Conclusions” for details of what the PCs can learn glimpse of someone looking through the window.
about Kageko if they successfully defeat him in Kageko, if spotted, will retreat as outlined in the
combat. previous section.

Tracking Mako the Ronin • Once Kageko gets hold of Mako, it will be
If the PCs did not track down Mako the ronin the night impossible to track him down. Remember that
before, they may decide to do so now. If they search Kageko cannot be perceived by spells, so shugenja
for him prior to mid-afternoon, they can succeed with PCs will not be able to track Mako once he leaves
in Mako’s company – the spirits will, somewhat
an hour’s effort and an Intelligence/Investigation roll
confusedly, report that Mako “left” and will have
at TN 20. This will track down Mako at a small, run-
no explanation for what happened to him after.
down tea-house on the outskirts of the town. He has
been drowning his sorrows in cheap sake since the
night before, and is now severely drunk and causing Part Four: The Second
something of a commotion, causing fear and anxiety to
the proprietors. Night in the Jade
Mako is a superficially handsome boy of about sixteen, Reflection
with a pouting face and a sharp temper which gets After the conclusion of the tournament’s second day,
worse when he is drunk. He is deeply besotted with Mirumoto Daikabe will return once again to the Jade

A Champion’s Heart Page 14

Reflection, urging one and all to accompany him there 5. Kageko drags Mako’s unconscious body into
for the evening. “My victory tomorrow is assured, so the room and arranges him so it appears he
let us celebrate tonight!” he booms. Agasha Kimo will broke in through the window and murdered
refrain from attending this evening, but Miya Hanzu, Daikabe (smearing the ronin’s sword with
Ide Xhi Shou, Otomo Hiroshi, and Shosuro Adoka will blood, etc). The assassin departs out the
again accompany Daikabe to the geisha house. window, leaving the grisly crime scene to be
Presumably, at least some of the PCs will do so as well, discovered by a maidservant about a half-hour
in light of Adoka’s warning. later.

Initially, this second evening will progress much like The easiest way for the PCs to disrupt this plan will be
the first one, with most of the visitors enjoying for one or more of them to stand watch in the garden
hospitality in the Jade Reflection’s main room while outside Daikabe’s room. This will force Kageko to
Mirumoto Daikabe returns to the same private room to adjust his plan:
resume his courtship of Miyo. Wise PCs will watch
over him to the best of their ability, and in doing so will • If there is only one PC in the garden, Kageko will
be subject to the same constraints and restrictions listed try to silently kill that PC and frame Mako for that
in Part Two. Shosuro Adoka will certainly subtly death as well. In this case he will sneak up – an
encourage the PCs to keep watch over Daikabe, using Opposed roll of his Agility/Stealth (Sneaking)
raised eyebrows and other such signals. against the PC’s Perception/Investigation
(Notice) – and try to strike by surprise, maximizing
Miya Hanzu will remain in the front room, watching his Raises for damage with the goal of killing the
the geisha entertainments, smiling faintly, and drinking PC (or at least reducing him/her to Out).
modestly from his sake cup.
• If there are two or more PCs in the garden, Kageko
Kageko Strikes will instead sneak into the Jade Reflection through
one of its many side doors, carrying Mako, and
The assassin will take action about two hours after the
attempt to slip into a room next to Daikabe’s room.
guests arrive at the Jade Reflection, when there has
From there he will proceed with his assassination
been plenty of time for everyone to have a few drinks
plan as normal, but cutting through the adjoining
and become loud and merry. (Ide Xhi Shou and Otomo
paper wall instead of coming in through the
Hiroshi will certainly conform to this goal, as will
window.
Daikabe himself within his private room.)

In the absence of PC interference, Kageko’s plan will • Truly paranoid PCs may be watching the gardens
be as follows: in force and also have placed at least one of their
number in each of the two rooms adjacent to
1. Kageko will place a drugged and unconscious Daikabe’s room. If they have done this, but are not
Mako, soaked in cheap sake, in the gardens watching the hallway outside Daikabe’s room,
outside the window of Daikabe’s private Kageko will take the highest-risk option: he will
room. carry Mako inside, down the hall, and then go in
through the door when Miyo is playing her
2. He will make a small hole in the paper samisen. This approach will require him to succeed
window of Daikabe’s room and observe, in an Opposed roll of his Agility/Stealth
waiting for his opportunity. (Sneaking) against the Perception/Investigation
(Notice) of any PCs who are lurking in adjacent
3. A suitable moment arrives when Miyo is rooms. The PCs gain a Free Raise on this roll due
playing the samisen for Daikabe’s to Kageko’s awkward situation (walking down an
entertainment. At that point Kageko slides open hallway).
open the window and enters the room.
• If the PCs have been so thorough as to somehow
4. Kageko swiftly murders Daikabe and Miyo. manage to station someone in the hallway,
The geisha will normally be unable to utter a someone in each of the two adjacent rooms, and at
scream before Kageko kills her. least two people in the garden, Kageko will be
forced to give up on his assassination plan. Mako
will be found passed out, apparently drunk, in a
side-street of the village next morning.

A Champion’s Heart Page 15

 to notice him approaching, they can still potentially
• Clever PCs may be able to figure out ways of overhear the sounds of his killings by rolling
spotting Kageko without revealing themselves. Perception/Investigation (Notice) at TN 25. This will
For example, a PC who waits in a room next to allow them to intervene in time to catch Kageko before
Daikabe and watches through an eye-hole in the he can escape the scene of the crime.
paper wall will be able to spot Kageko when he
enters the room. Such PCs will not have to make If the PCs intervene after Kageko strikes, but before he
Opposed rolls against Kageko, since they will be can flee the scene, Mirumoto Daikabe will not yet be
able to clearly see him when he enters the room. quite dead – although he is unconscious and is one
Wound away from Dead, his Great Destiny will keep
• Some PCs may also think of other defensive him alive for five rounds before he bleeds to death.
measures, such as planting sand in the corridor to The PCs can save him by treating him with
make noise, placing a snare or trap outside the Intelligence/Medicine (Wound Treatment) at TN 30,
window of Daikabe’s room, or buying a dog and or by successfully casting a healing spell such as Path
posting him in the garden. The GM must to Inner Peace or Regrow the Wound on him.
adjudicate such unusual methods, but in general,
creativity should be rewarded. If the PCs intervene while Kageko is in the room, but
before he attacks Daikabe, the Mirumoto daimyo will
If the PCs managed (purposely or not) to prevent first snatch Miyo the geisha to a position of safety
Kageko from kidnapping the ronin Mako, the assassin behind him and will then try to defend himself with
will have no-one to take the blame for the murder. Jiujutsu (his swords have been left with his aides back
However, he will still attempt to carry out the at the Inn, of course).
assassination, since killing Daikabe takes a higher
priority than being able to pin it on someone. In this Regardless of Daikabe’s fate, once the PCs intervene
case, he will simply try to sneak into the room, kill they will have to deal with Kageko. The ninja’s
Daikabe and Miyo, and escape before anyone can see physical appearance is described along with his stats in
him. This will require an Opposed Roll of his Appendix #1. He will fight without mercy or quarter,
Agility/Stealth (Sneaking) against the to the very best of his ability, so long as there is a
Perception/Investigation (Notice) of any PCs in chance for him to complete his mission. If this appears
adjacent rooms, outside the window, or otherwise hopeless, he will look for a chance to flee, but if that is
positioned to overhear or notice him. Again, PCs who not available he will fight to the death. He will always
are able to directly observe Daikabe’s room will not reserve one Void point in case he has to use his “None
need to roll, since they will see what he is doing. Shall Know Me” technique to erase his own features
before death (see his stats in Appendix #1).
Magical Surveillance
Due to his gaijin amulet, Kageko will not be detectable
Aftermath
with spells like By the Light of Lady Moon. However, If the PCs save Daikabe, he will be quite grateful, and
PCs may be able to use magic in a more creative way to praises their courage and quick reflexes. He is
thwart his plans. In particular, shugenja PCs can use typically not quite imaginative enough to wonder why
spells like The Eyes Shall Not See or Mists of Illusion to they were able to spot the attack (he assumes it was
place hidden observers close to Mirumoto Daikabe. luck).
(Such acts of covert surveillance might potentially cost
the participating PCs a point or two of Honor, though.) Shosuro Adoka will be quietly satisfied with the
Kageko’s amulet will not dispel such effects – it outcome if Daikabe survived. He will deny any
protects him and those around him from magic but does involvement in saving Daikabe and will expect the PCs
not “reach out” to deactivate others’ spells and to do the same – those who try to credit him with
protections – and thus he may potentially walk right helping save Daikabe will earn only his irritation and
past such concealed PCs without realizing they are disgust.
present.
If Daikabe is killed, but the PCs succeed in spotting
Fighting the Ninja and/or defeating Kageko, the Dragon samurai’s murder
will be blamed on an unknown “ninja.” However, if
If the PCs do succeed in noticing Kageko, they can the PCs fail to interrupt or disrupt Kageko’s
intercept him before he strikes at Daikabe. If they fail assassination and frame-up, the crime will be blamed

A Champion’s Heart Page 16

on Mako the ronin. Kitsuki Yodo will be summoned He carries an assortment of “ninja gear” which
and will promptly convict Mako for the murder – he is includes smoke grenades, knives, climbing claws, and
present at the scene of the crime, his weapon is covered lockpicks.
in blood, and numerous witnesses can testify to his
threats against Daikabe. Mako cannot remember The most intriguing item on Kageko is the small brass
anything since the previous afternoon, and thus can amulet which he wears on a chain around his neck,
offer no testimony or alibi for himself. Although underneath his clothing. This amulet is carved in a
magical investigations can suggest that Mako was strange, alien style, unfamiliar to the PCs, but appears
framed, Yodo knows perfectly well that magical to resemble a heavily stylized human face. A PC who
evidence is inadmissible, and the rolls Intelligence/Lore: History at TN 15 will realize
physical/circumstantial evidence against Mako is the item is foreign, but cannot tell what culture
overwhelming. He will be hanged the following day. produced it. Shugenja who Sense spirits or try to
Commune with the amulet will discover there are no
Regardless of the outcome of Kageko’s attacks, Miya spirits whatever in it, and other spirits in the area will
Hanzu will remain in the common room of the Jade see the amulet as a “hole” in their reality. However, the
Reflection with the other guests, and will deny all item has no other powers now that Kageko is dead (it
knowledge of the assassination attempt. If the PCs was tied to his life-force) and the PCs will have no way
recognized the similarity between Kageko’s features of reactivating it.
and his own, he will firmly state that he has no living
brothers or other relatives who share his features, and Researching Miya Hanzu
will deny any involvement whatsoever with the
incident. If the PCs insist on the resemblance, or if they After this adventure, some PCs may have questions
somehow managed to kill Kageko before he could use about a mysterious assassin who looks like Miya
the “None Shall Know Me” technique, Hanzu will Hanzu. They can attempt to research Hanzu’s
shrug and suggest the killer was probably using magic background by rolling Intelligence/Lore: History at
to frame him. TN 25 (or Lore: Imperial Families at TN 20). With a
success, they learn that Hanzu supposedly was born as
one of a pair of identical twins, but his brother is
Conclusions reported to have died in his early teens when the
If the PCs thwart the assassination of Mirumoto kobune he was sailing on sank in a storm.
Daikabe, the tournament will conclude the next day
with the match between Daikabe and Kanjo. Daikabe The End of Mirumoto Jinzaki
will narrowly win, and is proclaimed the victor in the Two hours after the tournament concludes and a new
overall tournament. daimyo is chosen, Mirumoto Jinzaki will quietly
prepare to end his own life. This will normally be a
If Daikabe died, the tournament still proceeds, albeit private act – he will not invite his wife to attend, since
under a shroud of uncertainty and loss. Kanjo is he considers her a too-painful reminder of his own
matched against another opponent and easily wins. shame. However, if any Dragon PCs spoke with
Jinzaki in a sympathetic and compassionate manner on
In either case, the victor is proclaimed by Mirumoto their first night at the Jade Reflection, and did not
Jinzaki to be the new daimyo of the Mirumoto family, antagonize him, he will approach those PCs and ask
and he declares his own intention of retiring. them to accompany him.

Kageko Slain? Mirumoto Jinzaki leads you up a narrow path

If the PCs manage to kill Kageko at any point during through the trees to a small shrine, tucked into a
the adventure, they will be left with the body of a small shelf on the mountainside. The daimyo of the
mysterious ninja. In all likelihood the body is lacking a Mirumoto strips off his formal outer kimono,
face, but the PCs can still have it searched for anything revealing a white garment underneath. You notice
of interest. (PCs who perform the search personally that he carries only his wakizashi, not his katana. He
should lose Honor and Glory for touching dead flesh.) kneels and prays at the shrine, then rises and turns to
you, bows, and pulls a polished wooden puzzle-box
Kageko is dressed in ronin garb, and at night he wears a from inside his sleeve. “I entrust this to you, samurai-
dark cloak. He always wears a straw hat to conceal his sama. It has been warded by Tamori Gosuke-san, but
features, and when he operates at night the hat is black. nevertheless I cannot leave it where others might
meddle. Therefore I ask you to swear, on your Honor

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and your loyalty to the Dragon Clan and the Empire,
that you will not attempt to open this box unless the A PC who witnesses Mirumoto Jinzaki’s death and
fate of the Toturi Dynasty and the Empire itself seems accepts the puzzle box from him gains the cert,
to hang in the balance.” “Mirumoto Jinzaki’s Secret.”

If the PCs swear as required, he will present them with

the box. If more than one PC is present, he will give
the box to the PC with the highest Honor, favoring
Mirumoto over other families.

Jinzaki prays again at the shrine before kneeling, facing

out from the mountain, and preparing to commit
seppuku. “If you would observe, please, samurai-
sama.”

• If one of the PCs offers to serve as his second, he

shakes his head. “I require no second. This much,
at least, I will complete honorably.”

• If any PCs look at the shrine, they can roll

Intelligence/Theology at TN 15 to identify it as a
very old shrine to Nagiroko-to, the Fortune of
Forgiveness.

Mirumoto Jinzaki completes the three cuts, silent save

for a few faint gasps of effort. Tears run down his face
as he topples over, his mouth moving soundlessly. A
PC with the Read Lips Advantage can roll Raw
Perception at TN 20 to make out his words: “Forgive
me, Amika-chan.”

The PC who received the box gains the cert,

“Mirumoto Jinzaki’s Secret.”

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.

Experience Points
Playing through the adventure: 1 XP
Good role-playing: +1 XP
PCs save Mirumoto Daikabe: +1 XP
PCs kill Kageko: +1 XP

Total Possible Experience: 4 XP

Other Awards/Penalties
PCs who successfully save Mirumoto Daikabe from
assassination gain +2 points of Glory.

A Champion’s Heart Page 18

 Appendix #1: NPCs
Miya Hanzu (sometimes will also automatically inflict enough
Wounds to kill him, regardless of his
”Kageko”), Agent of the Imperial current Wound Rank.
Herald Honor/Status/Glory: 0.5 (2.5)/5.0/1.6
FIRE 4 AIR 5 Skills: Acting (Disguise) 5, Athletics 3, Battle 2,
Calligraphy (personal Cipher) 5, Courtier
Agility 5
(Manipulation, Political Maneuvering) 5, Deceit
(Intimidation, Lying) 7, Defense 5, Etiquette
EARTH 4 WATER 3
(Bureaucracy, Sincerity) 7, Forgery 4, Games (Go) 2,
Willpower 5 Perception 5
Horsemanship 4, Investigation 6, Knives 6, Lore:
Heraldry 5, Lore: History 4, Medicine 2, Meditation
VOID 4
4, Peasant Weapons 4, Stealth (Shadowing,
TN to be Hit: 35
Sneaking) 5, Storytelling 4, Tea Ceremony 2,
School/Rank: Otomo Courtier 3/Herald’s Assassin 2
Theology 3, Underworld 4.
(Insight Rank 5)
Mastery Abilities: May disguise himself as a
Otomo Rank One: No involuntary loss of
member of another Clan/profession/social
Honor for using the Deceit skill. Any
caste/gender. Adds 10 to the total of any Contested
time he successfully uses the Deceit
social roll made against him. Adds his Defense skill
skill against someone, he gains a Free
rank to his TN to be Hit, and may go into Full
Raise on a future Contested Social
Defense as soon as Initiative is rolled. When using
Skill Roll against that person. These
Knives, Wound penalties are reduced by Rank in
Raises may be “saved up” and used
Knives skill, and gains a Free Raise. Free Raise with
together, but he may not use more at
all other skills at Rank 5 or higher.
one time than his School Rank.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Allies (many),
Otomo Rank Two: If an opponent in an
Apparent Honor (rank two), Blackmail (many),
Opposed Social Skill Roll makes a
Bland, Heartless, Higher Purpose (to serve Miya
Test of Honor, he may spend a Void
Shikan), Multiple Schools, Social Position (aid to
point to force the Test to fail. He
Miya Shikan)/Dark Secrets (many), Driven (to serve
does not need to spend the Void point
Miya Shikan).
if he is speaking on behalf of the
Equipment: Fine kimono, fine court dress, tanto,
Emperor.
fan, steed, 20 koku.
Otomo Rank Three: May roll Awareness
at a TN of target’s Insight x 5 to learn
all of a target’s Allies and Enemies. Kageko (Miya Hanzu’s twin
May publicly demand Allies from the brother), Assassin for the Imperial
target by making three Raises on a
Contested Courtier roll.
Herald
Herald’s Assassin Rank One (Darkness is This man is, in fact, Miya Hanzu’s twin brother, and
My Ally): Adds his Stealth Skill appears exactly like him aside from a number of
Rank to his TN to be Hit at all times scars scattered around on his body. He normally
(unless unaware/helpless). When disguises this fact by dressing as a ronin and
striking a surprised or unaware concealing his features beneath a false beard and
opponent, he gains a number of Free wearing a wide jingasa (straw hat) which shadows
Raises equal to his Herald’s Assassin his face. During the day he dresses as a nondescript
School Rank. ronin. When performing a mission at night, he wears
Herald’s Assassin Rank Two (None Shall a dark cloak and switches to a black jingasa. He
Know Me): By spending a Void always wears his wakizashi and also carries four
point, even if he is at Down or Out, knives concealed in his sleeves and leggings. His
he can take an action to physically gaijin amulet, which protects him against Rokugani
destroy his own facial features – magic, is worn on a chain around his neck, beneath
using a weapon if one is available, or his clothes.
his bare hands otherwise. This act FIRE 4 AIR 4

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 Agility 5 Reflexes 5 Special Item (Gaijin Amulet): Kageko’s foreign
amulet is imbued with power that protects him from
EARTH 4 WATER 3 all forms of Rokugani magic. Any Rokugani spell
Willpower 5 Perception 4 (including Meishodo spells) cast against him will
simply fail, the spirits scattering away from him as
VOID 4 though repelled by a magnet.
TN to be Hit: 35
School/Rank: Herald’s Assassin 3 (Insight Rank 5) Mirumoto Daikabe, Boisterous
Herald’s Assassin Rank One (Darkness is
My Ally): Adds his Stealth Skill
Dragon General
Rank to his TN to be Hit at all times FIRE 5 AIR 4
(unless unaware/helpless). When Agility 8 Reflexes 7
striking a surprised or unaware
opponent, he gains a number of Free EARTH 4 WATER 4
Raises equal to his Herald’s Assassin Willpower 6 Strength 5
School Rank.
Herald’s Assassin Rank Two (None Shall VOID 7
Know Me): By spending a Void TN to be Hit: 58 (63 in light armor)
point, even if he is at Down or Out, School/Rank: Mirumoto Bushi 4/Hojatsu’s Legacy 2
he can take an action to physically Honor/Status/Glory: 1.8/4.0/2.0
destroy his own facial features – Skills: Athletics 5, Battle (Mass Combat) 6,
using a weapon if one is available, or Calligraphy 2, Courtier 3, Defense 7, Etiquette 3,
his bare hands otherwise. This act Games: Go 3, Games: Shogi 4, Iaijutsu 3,
will also automatically inflict enough Investigation 2, Jiujutsu 2, Kenjutsu (Katana) 8,
Wounds to kill him, regardless of his Knives 2, Kyujutsu 4, Lore: Battle 3, Lore: Bushido
current Wound Rank. 4, Lore: Dragon Clan 2, Lore: Geisha 3, Lore:
Herald’s Assassin Rank Three (Strike Heraldry 5, Lore: History 3, Lore: Shugenja 1, Know
Without Mercy): Gains an the School: Matsu Bushi 3, Know the School:
additional attack per round. Mirumoto Bushi 3, Medicine 3, Meditation 4,
Honor/Status/Glory: 0.5/1.0/0.0 Storytelling 5, Theology 2.
Skills: Acting (Disguise) 5, Athletics 5, Battle 2, Advantages/Disadvantages: Bishamon’s Blessing,
Calligraphy (personal Cipher) 3, Deceit Combat Reflexes, Social Position (general)/Brash,
(Intimidation, Lying) 5, Defense 5, Etiquette Compulsion (geisha).
(Sincerity) 3, Forgery 5, Horsemanship 3, Equipment: Kimono, daisho set, traveling pack, 28
Investigation 4, Kenjutsu 5, Knives 6, Lore: Heraldry koku.
2, Medicine 4, Meditation 5, Peasant Weapons 4,
Stealth (Shadowing, Sneaking) 5, Underworld 5. Otomo Hiroshi, Imperial Historian
Mastery Abilities: May disguise himself as a
member of another Clan/profession/social FIRE 3 AIR 3
caste/gender. Adds 5 to the total of any Contested Intelligence 4 Awareness 4
social roll made against him. Adds his Defense skill
rank to his TN to be Hit, and may go into Full EARTH 2 WATER 2
Defense as soon as Initiative is rolled. When using Willpower 3 Perception 3
Knives or Kenjutsu, Wound penalties are reduced by
Rank in the skill. Gains a Free Raise with all skills at VOID 3
Rank 5 or higher. . TN to be Hit: 15
Advantages/Disadvantages: Allies (Miya Hanzu, School/Rank: Otomo Courtier 2
Miya Shikan), Blackmail (many), Bland, Heartless, Rank One: Does not lose Honor for using
Higher Purpose (to serve Miya Shikan), Quick/Dark the Deceit skill unless he chooses to
Secrets (many), Driven (to serve Miya Shikan). do so. Any time he successfully uses
Equipment: Ronin clothing, wakizashi, four knives, the Deceit skill against someone,
dark cloak, traveling pack, two jingasa (normal and gains a Free Raise to be used in a
black), gaijin magical amulet, pouch of six smoke Contested Social skill roll against that
grenades, climbing claws, 10 koku. individual (must be used within the
next day).

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 Rank Two: If an opponent in an Opposed Skills: Acting 3, Athletics 3, Calligraphy 3,
Social Skill Roll makes a Test of Commerce 2, Courtier 3, Deceit 4, Defense 4,
Honor, he may spend a Void point to Etiquette (Sincerity) 4, Investigation 3, Jiujutsu 2,
force the Test to fail. He does not Kenjutsu 3, Knives 2, Kyujutsu 1, Lore (History) 1,
need to spend the Void point if he is Lore (Imperial Families) 1, Lore (Law) 2, Medicine
speaking on behalf of the Emperor. 2, Ninja Ranged Weapons 1, Poison 2, Stealth
Honor/Status/Glory: 3.4/3.0/2.1 (Sneaking) 3, Theology 2, Underworld 2
Skills: Calligraphy 2, Courtier (Manipulation) 4, Mastery Abilities: May disguise himself as a
Deceit (Intimidation) 2, Defense 2, Etiquette member of another Clan, profession, or social caste,
(Bureaucracy) 5, Horsemanship 2, Investigation 1, and can put on a female voice. TN of any contested
Kenjutsu 1, Lore (History) 4, Lore (Heraldry) 3, Lore Social Roll made against him is increased by 5.
(Law) 2, Medicine 2, Meditation 2, Storytelling 4, Advantages/Disadvantages: Allies (Otomo Sojin,
Theology 2. many others), Crafty,
Mastery Abilities: Adds 5 to the TN of any Equipment: Fine kimono, ornamental mempo,
Contested social roll made against him. Free Raise wakizashi, travel pack, 5 koku.
with Etiquette.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Great Destiny, Social Seppun Nakanu, Dueling
Position (Imperial historian).
Equipment: Fine kimono, wakizashi, traveling pack, Champion of Miya Hanzu
steed, 25 koku. FIRE 4 AIR 4
Agility 5 Reflexes 6
Shosuro Adoka, Scorpion Clan
EARTH 4 WATER 3
Agent Willpower 5 Strength 4
FIRE 3 AIR 4
Intelligence 4 VOID 5
TN to be Hit: 35 (40 in light armor)
EARTH 3 WATER 2 School/Rank: Seppun Guardsman 4
Perception 4 Rank One: May spend a Void point to re-
roll any Test of Honor, as many times as he has Void
VOID 3 points to spend. Adds Honor Rank to total of all
TN to be Hit: 26 (school technique) attack, damage, and initiative rolls.
School/Rank: Shosuro Shinobi 3 (wears the school Rank Two: During the first round of a
mon of a Bayushi Bushi) skirmish, gains a number of bonus dice equal to
Rank One: Roll and keep additional dice Perception. These may be spent on any roll made
equal to School Rank on all Stealth that round, including initiative, attack, damage, and
rolls. Full Defense does not interfere defense rolls. Adds his Earth ring to the total of any
with movement. Always considered roll made to resist disease, poison, or harmful magic.
to be on Full Defense unless declared Rank Three: May take an additional action
otherwise. per round (may be used for an attack or a complex
Rank Two: Raises on Stealth rolls and action). Honor bonus from Rank One technique is
attacks against unaware opponents doubled (two times Honor added to attack, damage,
are not limited. Two Free Raises and initiative).
when using skills which have Great Rank Four: Any attempt to mislead or
Potential. May add Fire x 2 to TN to deceive him requires a Contested Awareness roll, to
be Hit when not wearing armor. which he gains a +10 bonus. He now adds twice his
Rank Three: May increase TN to be Hit by Earth ring to the total of any roll made to resist
any amount up to Fire x 5 by taking disease, poison, or harmful magic.
an identical penalty to all TNs except Honor/Status/Glory: 3.8/2.0/4.0
Stealth, Defense, and Athletics. Skills: Athletics 2, Battle 3, Courtier 2, Defense 5,
Sneaking no longer interferes with Etiquette 4, Hunting 2, Iaijutsu 6, Investigation 3,
movement. Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu 3, Lore: Heraldry 3,
Honor/Glory/Status: 1.3/1.0/2.0 Lore: Imperial Families 2, Meditation 3, Spears 2,
Theology 2.

A Champion’s Heart Page 21

Mastery Abilities: TN of any contested Social Skill
roll made against him is increased by 5. Add
Defense skill rank to TN to be Hit (except when
incapacitated/unaware, or in Full Attack), and may
enter Full Defense when Initiative is rolled. Gains a
Free Raise with all skills at Rank 5 or higher. May
Focus an additional time in an Iaijutsu duel.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Strength of the Earth
(rank one).
Equipment: Daisho, light armor, badge of office,
kimono, steed (fine Rokugani pony), 20 Koku.

A Champion’s Heart Page 22