[Closed] 2: On the Road (Kenta, Senichi)

[ffilz]

Wait to see what happens sounds good.

[Starbeard]

That makes my job easy enough.



After an adequate amount of time Shintaro returns to collect you from your rooms, saying that the entertainment has ended and the lord of the castle would be honored to see you both.

Castles in Rokugan do not really have a 'main hall', but this one comes as close as you can get to one. The walls and low ceiling are covered in gilt images of pastoral scenes littered with cranes, and the large branches out into a wide variety of smaller alcoves and side chambers.




It is clear that the Kakita family is devoted to the high and noble arts. In one corner the ceiling is quite high to accommodate a full-scale Noh theater stage. In another corner is a stage for religious music, where the court orchestra is currently sitting in silence.






There is obvious tension in the peaceful setting, though. Nobles and guests are sitting on the ground against the walls, looking impassively at Yego and another samurai you do not recognize. The two are on their knees, bowing toward Lord Kakita so that their foreheads touch the floor. Soon you learn that the other samurai is Kitsu Sugonori, who has already arrived with his boisterous clansmen and made his official request to marry the young lady sitting in the corner of the room by her family. The evening's entertainment had been in his honor, and it is clear that Lord Kakita had pressured his younger cousin (the girl's father) to accept the suitor.

You notice that Yego has been healed back to full health, probably sneakily by one of the castle's shugenja. Yego begs forgiveness for imposing on the evening, but his sense of honor requires him to seek a fulfilling and noble death. He spends several minutes praising the young Kakita lady, then openly accuses Sugonori of dishonor and treachery, by keeping the other suitor delayed and winning her over with money instead of grace. Then the clincher comes—he accuses Sugonori of cowardice, by relating how he had challenged him to a dual on the road over the matter, but instead of respecting Yego's challenge Sugonori had his men chase after him to do away with him in the woods. You notice that Yego avoids mentioning you at all in his retelling of the events afterward.

I'll make this a contested Sincerity vs Courtier roll:
Yego's sincerity check (5k3) vs 15, making 1 raise to 20: [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 9, total 27.
Sugonori's courtier check (5k3) vs 15, making 1 raise to 20:
[1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 9, total 27.
Stalemate, so the winner goes to whomever has the higher Honor, which is Yego.

If Yego's words shock the audience, nobody shows it. Eventually Lord Kakita looks to Sugonori and asks him if he intends to address the challenge. Sugonori is visibly quite angry and shouts that he will cut Yego down, along with his petty accusations. With a quick bow to Lord Kakita, they take their positions in the middle of the room…

…it is clear that the Lion Sugonori is more experienced as a warrior, but that Yego is much more comfortable in the subtle art of the duel. After several minutes of tense waiting, Yego leaps forward to get in the first strike, channeling all of his rage upon Sugonori with a loud shout. He cuts Sugonori deep in the shoulder, but it is not enough—the Lion's own sword slides past his guard and slices him open in one cut, despite his heavy wound. Yego staggers backward and falls to the ground, happy to have died nobly.

Here are the iaijutsu rolls, for the interested:

Yego's iaijutsu strike
6k3 vs TN30, expending a Void Point for +1k1: [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 6, [1d10] = 5 [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 5
Rerolling 10s: [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 4
(Total 46, hit!)

Damage 5k2 (plus 5 raises for +5k0): [1d10] = 9, [1d10] = 6, [1d10] = 6, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 6 [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 6 [1d10] = 5
(Total 15 damage, dropping Sugonori to Wound Rank -3).

Sugonori's return strike
5k3 vs TN25, expending a Void Point for +1k1, -3k0 from wound penalty: [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 9
Rerolling 10's: [1d10] = 8
(Total 29, hit!)

Damage 4k2 (plus 4 raises for +4k0, -3k0 from wound penalty, +1k0 from Lion Technique): [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 5, [1d10] = 10 [1d10] = 6
Rerolling 10s: [1d10] = 5, [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 2
(Total 40, slaying Yego in one hit)

Yikes! I was expecting that to go the other way.

Lord Kakita acknowledges Sugonori's victory and rewards him with a public apology for allowing the ronin Yego to humiliate his court. The Lion refuses to be healed by a nearby shugenja. Kakita makes his pronouncement: "The ronin's baseless accusations were given in poor conduct, without proof or witness, against a superior whose own character is known to be above such suspicion. If they are untrue, these vulgar lies only blemish the ronin's own motive and character: his death would be welcomed, and would be buried anonymously with the serfs of the lowest caste without funeral rites, so that he is forced to roam the world of tormented ghosts until he is reincarnated into whatever pitiful form he manages to obtain."

You can see that Yego's love is only barely keeping a stoic face, overcome as she is with the sudden grief of seeing him cut down and forgotten. Lord Kakita then scans the room (and perhaps his eyes linger a bit on you?) as he adds, "Knowing this, if anyone can corroborate this ronin's story, they should speak now."


Actions?



登場人物

• Kenta, monk: no armor (TN10), naginata 6k4 (DR 7k3) | Honor 2;5, Wounds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2
• Matsumoto Senichi, Unicorn shugenja: no armor (TN10), wakizashi 3k2 (DR 4k2) | Honor 2;6, Wounds (4) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2 | Spell Slots: F2/3 A2 W2/3 E2
• Saburo, Senichi's Servant: 3E/3W/1F/1A/1V | TN5, DR 1k1 | Hn 2;5 - Gl 0;0 - Wds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 1/1

[ffilz]

OK, before Senichi speaks up, how well do his observations of Yego's condition and location when we found him support his story? Are they strong enough to corroborate his story, or will they just entangle us in the mess?

Senichi believes Yego acted with honor and integrity, however, Senichi's belief may not be sufficient...

Frank

[Rex]

Not sure, thinking I may try anyways and let the dice decide what happens.

[Starbeard]

Thanks for being patient, and apologies for the delay! Holidays and all.

I think, in this situation, whatever you choose is acceptable socially. Your action will just influence the outcome of the event, and whether you gain allies or enemies within the Lion and/or Crane.

Senichi's probably right, in that Yego was acting with honor, but also that your word as witnesses may not be sufficient proof, especially since the Lion is almost assuredly of higher Glory Rank & social standing. The highest Glory Rank in a dispute is the one whose testimony carries the most weight.

In other words: don't worry too about the appropriateness of your actions within the game's setting, just do what you want and I'll do my best to translate their intent into the rules of the culture if necessary. The NPCs will react how they will.

So, are you standing up for Yego in Lord Kakita's court, or staying silent?

[Rex]

Kenta

Here goes my attempt at standing up for Yego.

"I am but a humble Monk, but I can attest to what Yego said happened on the road. I came upon him as his attackers ran off. They out numbered him and certainly fought dishonorably. They clearly were attempting to prevent him from coming here."

[Starbeard]

Splendid! That pretty much sets everything in motion, so this will be another long post that breaks the rules steps down for everyone. The gist of it is that the tables turn on the Lion samurai Kitsu Sugonori, and he is forced to commit seppuku to save face and honor. The Kakita appreciate you, but the Lion/Kitsu are now rivals.



Kenta and Senichi attempt to provide positive witness for Yego, while sidestepping any outright accusations as best they can.

I'll call that a contested Awareness + Courtier or Sincerity, vs the opponent's Glory Rank x 5. I'll make the assumption that Senichi is helping and make it a group test, to better the odds.

Senichi has the higher Awareness (3), and no ranks in Courtier or Sincerity, so that's 3k3 vs TN15. Kenta doesn't have any skill in Courtier or Sincerity either, so doesn't get to add any bonuses (normally you add up skill ranks for both characters):
[1d10] = 6, [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 2 (11, that's a fail)
Kitsu Sugonori rolls 4k2 vs a mere TN5, adding insult to injury by making a single raise for TN10:
[1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 8, [1d10] = 8, [1d10] = 3 (16, that's a success)

He passed while you failed, so he wins the contest.

(Actually, now that we just rolled it out, I think the social skills are a great idea in this game. You don't have to really know the ins and outs of the setting's social rules, you just state what you'd like to have achieve, roll the dice to see if it works, and assume that everyone is following the basic social protocols. No need to worry about how well you fit in with what is or isn't appropriate, since your attributes and skill ranks determine that.)

"Are these religious men accusing me—a descendant of the enlightened samurai who first wrote down the warrior's bushido code—of treachery and dishonor?" exclaims Kitsu Sugonori in anger. Your attempts to beat around the bush have failed, and his forcing the question directly catches you offguard. You find yourself unable to back peddle and choose a more oblique statement—and in Senichi's case, he might not feel inclined to for the sake of this Lion.

Fortunately for you, it seems that Lord Kakita was hoping you would speak up. He interrupts and interrogates you formally, taking it upon himself to rephrase your statements in a way that puts the pressure on Kitsu Sugonori, casually citing Imperial laws to get around the fact that, as a Crane daimyo, he has no personal clan authority over the Lion. Now Kitsu is the one back peddling, doing his best to wriggle his way out of Kakita's passive-aggressive questions. It is now clear to everyone there that Kakita is on your side, and hoping that Kitsu Sugonori will bluster and betray himself.

Lord Kakita has always had a bit of a grudge match with the Lion daimyo, and he would rather keep the marriage within the Crane clan if he can help it—plus he's rumored to be a softy. At any rate, he was ready to pounce if you chose to bear witness.

Kakita will make an Intelligence+Law roll (7k4) vs Kitsu's Glory x5 (TN15), and he's making a single raise (TN20):
[1d10] = 5, [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 7 [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 5, [1d10] = 4 (24, that's a success with 1 raise)

Kitsu Sugonori will use Awareness+either Law/Sincerity/Courtier (4k2) vs Kakita's Intelligence x 5 (TN20), and he's spending a Void Point to bump up his roll to 5k3:
[1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 6 [1d10] = 1 (11, that's a failure)

Kakita clearly wins.

Because you failed your own rolls, I'll say that even though you were successful, you will both gain a negative reputation with the Lion Clan, particularly the Kitsu family.

Kitsu has argued himself into a trap. The Lion are prideful and detest cowardice most of all, and even without any hard evidence to prove his guilt, he knows that he has not only lost face, but will be punished by his own lord when he returns. In a rousing and defiant speech, he bows to everyone and demands that Kakita fetch a priest so that he can perform seppuku here and now, to prove his honor to the whole world.

Kitsu will lose enough Honor points to drop him a full rank, and his lord will take away his Glory as well. The only way to avoid this loss is to make an Honor save (which is risky because failing it means even more Honor is lost), and volunteering to perform seppuku, and choosing to end your life on a high note, so to speak.

Kakita lets the Lion retire to his room for two hours to meditate, and he asks for paper and a brush so that he can write a brief poem summing up the wisdom he has learned in this life. During this time Kakita moves the audience to the other end of the room, where his court musicians perform a religious piece to send off the dead into their next life.



When they are done, Kitsu returns with one of Kakita's priests, dressed all in white. He sits in the middle of the room before Kakita, and makes a speech pronouncing his intention to demonstrate the true meaning of Bushido to the Crane Clan. It is a good enough speech as these things go, but his boastfulness at the expense of the Crane Clan does falls on stony ears.



Kitsu's personal retainer draws his katana and takes his place behind him as his Second, and Kitsu draws his own wakizashi shortsword to draw three deep cuts across his own belly. The pain is too much for him, however, and he falters halfway through the first cut. His Second swiftly moves into action to finish the job for him, but he isn't quite quick enough and his master doubles over, crying out in pain before he can manage to behead him.

Alright, looks like we get to try out the seppuku mechanics with an NPC! This is a highly structured system, that goes in 7 steps:

1. First, the character must meditate at a proper place (Void+Meditation vs TN20).
   • [1d10] = 6, [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 3 (9, he fails to balance himself)
2. He composes an 'open letter to his loved ones' (Awareness+Peotry/Bard/Storytelling vs TN15), then writes it down as a memento (Awareness+Calligraphy vs TN15).
   • Awa+Bard (4k2): [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 2 (17+, he succeeds in spins a stirring yarn)
   • Awa+Calligraphy (2k2): [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 7 (17+, he succeeds and his writing captures the essence of his story)
3. A priest comes to dress him in white; he rolls his Glory Rank and records the total:
   • Glory Rank 3 (3k3): [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 9, 10's reroll: [1d10] = 7 — (total 29)
4. At the prepared site, he makes a speech hoping to stir the emotions of the audience (Awareness+Bard vs TN30):
   • Awa+Bard (4k2): [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 1, [1d10] = 6 (10, he fails to move his audience powerfully)
5. His designated Second takes his place behind him, and he now draws his wakizashi blade to make three cuts across his belly (Willpower vs TN20, then TN25, then TN30). As soon as a roll fails, his second must step in:
   • Willpower 2 (2k2), but he uses his last Void Point to get 3k3 (he's determined to get at least one cut in): [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 1 (7, failed—he begins the cut but can't finish it, so his second must step in to finish the ritual)
6. His Second makes a Reflexes vs TN15 roll to see if he can step in and behead him cleanly:
   • Sugonori's Second Reflexes (3k3), spending a Void Point for 4k4: [1d10] = 5, [1d10] = 2, [1d10] = 2 [1d10] = 6 (14, he fails and Sugonori has a fairly ungraceful death; either he has to try a couple of times, or Sugonori screams out in pain before the job can be finished, or whatever)
7. Sugonori now collects his Kharma to use in his next life (if he was a PC, these points would be added to the player's next character):
   • 1 point for each successful roll: 2 points
   • 1 point for every 15 pts in the Glory roll: 1 point (total +3 character points from Kharma)
   • His second does not gain any Honor or Glory from his role in the ritual, because he failed his roll.

After the ritual is completed, Lord Kakita publicly thanks you for bringing the truth to light, and helping Kitsu Sugonori to choose the right path and redeem himself.

Kenta gets 1-3 Honor and Glory for pursuing Gi, "Honesty and Justice": [1d3] = 1
Senichi is a Unicorn, and they only get 1-2 Honor and Glory for Gi: [1d2] = 1
I'll also award Senichi Honor points for fulfilling Chugo, "Duty and Loyalty", by doing his part to antagonize the Lion Clan (1-3 points for Unicorn PCs): [1d3] = 1

登場人物

• Kenta, monk: no armor (TN10), naginata 6k4 (DR 7k3) | Honor 2;6, Wounds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2
• Matsumoto Senichi, Unicorn shugenja: no armor (TN10), wakizashi 3k2 (DR 4k2) | Honor 2;8, Wounds (4) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2 | Spell Slots: F2/3 A2 W2/3 E2
• Saburo, Senichi's Servant: 3E/3W/1F/1A/1V | TN5, DR 1k1 | Hn 2;5 - Gl 0;0 - Wds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 1/1

[Starbeard]

Everything calms down, Sugonori's body is collected and his retainers prepare to take him home. They are solemn, because they know that if his lord or relations do not take them into their service, they will either have to commit seppuku or be cast out as ronin. Three of them even commit seppuku this evening, so that they following their lord into the next life.

The next morning the Lion troop sets out, and the young Daidoji Masayasu arrives, the man whom Yego praised as a worthy suitor of the girl he loved. He proposes, the family accepts, and your guide Shintaro invites you to stay for the wedding celebrations for the next two days. (there's no penalty for leaving, but you are sure to receive a small gift and recognition from the castle if you do).

Actions?

(Don't forget that you both gain 1 point of Glory)

[Rex]

Kenta

"Senichi, I would prefer to stay, but if you wish to travel sooner I will travel with you."

[Starbeard]

Ooh, almost forgot: the orchestra performs something like this (use headphones if you don't want your family to give you funny looks ).

(Skip to 5:50 if it doesn't already load there)



https://youtu.be/KG9efSXLGDw?t=350

[ffilz]

Kenta

"Senichi, I would prefer to stay, but if you wish to travel sooner I will travel with you."

How are we doing on timeline? We have to take a couple days of non-travel for Death days. Assuming it doesn't make our end goal too risky, I'm happy to stay.

I'm happy with the way things went. I really thought it a long shot that we could fully vindicate Yego, but the end result is good (and I certainly don't mind the bad blood with the Lion folks...).

[Starbeard]

It is the 26th. Tomorrow is Evening Day, then Death Day. You still have 2 and a half weeks to reach Beiden Pass.

"It will take thee two days to reach the Castle at the Crossroads," warns Daidoji Shintaro. "Thou wouldst be stuck in the countryside during Death Day before you could continue on to the castle, Master Senichi."

Deciding to stay on as guests, you retire to your rooms for the evening.


Falling Leaf Month, 27th and 28th (Evening Day/Death Day, Low Week)


Kakita Castle comes alive for the hasty wedding of Daidoji Masayasu and the maiden Kakita Hoso. Dowries are exchanged, trade agreements are signed by the daimyos, and there are many formal parties of different kinds. The ceremony itself is fairly short and formulaic, but magical. The priest purifies the castle summons forth the kami of the castle's shrine, and everyone gives it a small gift to send to the bride and groom's ancestors. Then the couple are purified, the bride removes her white gown to reveal a red one underneath, everyone drinks three cups of rice wine together, and the ceremony is complete.

After the ceremony, everyone sits in the garden by the shrine, with Lord Kakita sitting above everyone else. The bride and groom walk through the garden to deliver wedding favors to each guest from their families. When Hoso and Masayasu reach you, they stop and bow. "We must humbly apologize, for we have no gifts to give ye, honorable fathers. We are in your debt and have no way to repay, except to beg you to ask us for a favor, and we shall do whatever we can to aid you."

Rolled 40 on the gifts table: "The giver grants a favor to the PC. This is a grand gift and should not be squandered."

Receiving a gift provides the NPC's Glory Rank ÷ 2 in Glory Points. The family is Glory Rank 4 (major vassal family), so both Senichi and Kenta gain a further 2 Glory.


Falling Leaf Month, 29th (Luck Day, Low Week)


After you have finished interacting with the denizens of Kakita Castle, you are free to travel on to Crossroads Castle, a journey that should take two days along the opulently named "Road of the Faint Echo of Glory." This is still within Senichi's Way of the Land advantage territory.





登場人物

• Kenta, monk: no armor (TN10), naginata 6k4 (DR 7k3) | Honor 2;6, Wounds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2
• Matsumoto Senichi, Unicorn shugenja: no armor (TN10), wakizashi 3k2 (DR 4k2) | Honor 2;8, Wounds (4) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2 | Spell Slots: F2/3 A2 W2/3 E2
• Saburo, Senichi's Servant: 3E/3W/1F/1A/1V | TN5, DR 1k1 | Hn 2;5 - Gl 0;0 - Wds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 1/1

[ffilz]

Continue on then.

[Rex]

Kenta

Kenta will thank his hosts and then continue his journey.

Please check my glory and make sure I am adding it correctly.

[ffilz]

Kenta

Kenta will thank his hosts and then continue his journey.

Please check my glory and make sure I am adding it correctly.

Yea, I'd appreciate that confirmation also.

Frank

[Starbeard]

Yep, looks good to me. Once you reach 10 points, you'll go up a rank and drop back to 0 points, to 2;0.

[Starbeard]

Falling Leaf Month, 29th (Luck Day, Low Week)


Travel along the Way of the Faint Echo of Glory is uneventful. The warm, pleasant temperatures you've been having are replaced by a hot, humid, uncomfortable heat wave, forcing you to cut your journey short at a tiny unnamed hamlet of 22 people. The peasants here are virtuous enough, but the place isn't even worth putting on a map. They rely on subsistence farming and weaving, and are in a perpetual state of famine and poverty, especially now that their weaving industry is falling out of favor. It's most likely that the only way they can get by is by being "protected" by a local bandit gang. As a samurai it is Senichi's prerogative to be put up by the village headman, and you all stay in his house as guests for the night.

(assuming you have no pressing concerns here and wish to move on…)


Falling Leaf Month, 30th (Horse Day, Low Week)


The heat wave has passed and the weather is once again pleasant, but you've lost time and will have to push yourself hard if you want to make it to the castle at the end of the road today.

Kenta Earth vs TN15: [1d10] = 3, [1d10] = 10, [1d10] = 10
Saburo Earth vs TN15: [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 4
Senichi doesn't need to roll since he's on a horse.

You are able to push forward, traveling well into the night and arriving at Crossroads Castle by moonlight. Senichi mulls over his knowledge about the place…

The Daidoji family are the most powerful vassals of the Doji, and provide the rank and file soldiers for the Crane Clan. Crossroads Castle is the Daidoji’s first line of defense against a Lion invasion. It is well fortified, but not nearly as strong as they would like. Crane political maneuverability and the gruff honor of the Lion Clan are often enough to keep the northwest borders safe from invasion.

It seems that news has already come this way about your role in cementing the marriage of Daidoji Masayasu and Kakita Hoso. You are greeted as honored guests, and Kenta's forged papers are not questioned.


Long Month, 1st (Morning Day, High Week)


You rise early to find the castle in a state of heightened activity. You stop a passing lowly footsoldier who bows and rattles off the news: "The castle's lord received an anonymous demand to dismiss his new court weaver a short while ago, and now it seems the weaver is missing. Our shugenja has communed with the kami in her bedroom and learned that she was taken in the night and led northward! The kami would not say anymore. We are trying now to determine how the kidnappers entered—please, stay in your rooms until we know for sure that the castle is safe!"


Actions?



登場人物

• Kenta, monk: no armor (TN10), naginata 6k4 (DR 7k3) | Honor 2;6, Wounds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2
• Matsumoto Senichi, Unicorn shugenja: no armor (TN10), wakizashi 3k2 (DR 4k2) | Honor 2;8, Wounds (4) 0;0 | Void Pts 2/2 | Spell Slots: F2/3 A2 W2/3 E2
• Saburo, Senichi's Servant: 3E/3W/1F/1A/1V | TN5, DR 1k1 | Hn 2;5 - Gl 0;0 - Wds (6) 0;0 | Void Pts 1/1

[Rex]

Kenta

Kenta will thank the foot soldier and heads to offer his services to the castle lord.

[ffilz]

I'm not sure there's much I can do other than offer my services, however, likely the house Shugenja is just as good or better with Commune as me. I don't see any way to use any of my spells.

[Starbeard]

For audience with the lord, we'll say it's an Glory+Courtier or Etiquette roll vs the lord's Glory Rank x 5. Even though this is a secular situation, we'll still count Kenta's Glory Rank as 1 here instead of 0. Take +1k1 for already being received as guests, and +1k1 for being honored guests.

TN15: [1d10] = 7, [1d10] = 4, [1d10] = 4 — total 15, success!



You request audience with the castle's lord, Daidoji Fusaaki, and it is granted. Fusaaki is a man very near retirement who clearly has suffered from poor health over the years. He looks visibly distressed.

"Thank you for your kind offers. We are doing everything we can here to protect the castle, and will strive to keep you safe. We haven't yet discovered how the vile dogs broke in or disappeared unnoticed. As for where they went—*cough*—that is to the North. It causes me to suspect the hamlet just north of us, a wretched village of destitute weavers long past their prime, who are no doubt friendly with yakuza bandits. If my own men were to approach they would be recognized—you are under no obligation, but if you wish to help, I would ask you to use your anonymity to investigate this village."

Lord Fusaaki seems a straightforward man. The Daidoji family has a strong reputation of being devilishly cunning and unorthodox on the battlefield, but straight players in the court. You get the impression that if you were to refuse the request, he would be disappointed, but not insulted.