Challenge, Focus, Strike!
Adventure Hooks for Legend of the Five Rings
VOLUME VII: CFS OF THE WEEK #80 THROUGH #87
Written by Isawa Nazomitsu (Scott Stockton) z Compiled & Edited by Pirate Spice (Sean C. Riley)
Following is the seventh volume of a series of documents collecting the
esteemed Isawa Nazomitsu’s “CFS of the Week” feature in the L5R RPG
GMs section of AEG’s gaming forum (www.alderac.com/forum).
For the sake of further organizing these, I have attempted to give each
hook a title (also taking inspiration from suggestions on the forum). The
hooks themselves are presented in the order that they were originally
posted, edited for brevity and typography. In addition, you will find
several headings denoting a category of scenarios, grouped by theme.
Some entries may include a section entitled “Shout.” These are simply
extensions of the CFS presented to add more complications or hooks.
This particular volume includes only seven adventure hooks, as I
wanted to include all of the 2006 Winter Court scenarios into Volume
VIII together, instead of splitting them up.
– Sean C. Riley (a.k.a. Pirate Spice)
Allies & Enemies
We've had a lot of strange and unusual CFS scenarios this year. Oni and
goblins, nezumi and naga, and even some unusual storytelling methods.
This month, I'd like to get back to basics and present some adventures
that deal with life in Rokugani society. Thus, this month's theme is Allies
and Enemies. Each week's scenario will feature a chance for the PCs to
win a loyal ally, or gain a bitter enemy. Or even both at the same time!
By the way, it is also possible to use the adventure seeds provided this
month as backgrounds for PCs with either the Sworn Enemy or Ally
advantage. Just how did your character end up being owed a favor by
that Mirumoto general anyway?
80. The Sweetest Gift
We start off with a story about one of the most common ways of gaining
allies in Rokugan: through gifts.
CHALLENGE
The PCs are approached by a crippled courtier named Tousuke. He asks
them if they would do him a favor during their free time. He tells them of a
grove where they can find sweet strawberries. It is not far, but the terrain is
too rugged for his ruined legs to handle. He offers to tell them the location
of the delicious treat on two conditions. The PCs must deliver some berries
to him when they come back, and tell no one else of the grove's location.
FOCUS
Just as they are returning from their errand, the PCs hear that the daimyo's
wife, Lady Momoyo, also desires some fresh strawberries. It is growing
dark, and there is not time to go all the way back to the grove before
nightfall. If they wish to gather any more berries, they will have to wait
until tomorrow to do so, at the very earliest.
STRIKE
It was Tousuke's intention to give the strawberries to Lady Momoyo all
along, as a memento of their short romance when they were young. If the
PCs keep their word and deliver the strawberries to him, he will be
extremely grateful and lend them whatever support he can in the future.
On the other hand, if the PCs give the strawberries to the daimyo's wife
directly she will show her appreciation with a fine gift, but Tousuke will
be furious, and do everything in his power to make their lives unpleasant.
Depending on the area in which your campaign is set you may want to
change the object of Lady Momoyo's desire from strawberries to another
item. Seasonal fruits and flowers are easy choices. Small items like
wooden toys or polished stones might also evoke a sense of nostalgia. Or,
you could make things especially difficult and have her wish for a callico
cat just like the one she had in her youth, or the exact stone sculpture
from the garden where she met Tousuke.
It is possible that the PCs will attempt to bring back extra
strawberries to share with their friends or use as gifts, thus eliminating
the need for them to choose whether they will deliver their burden to
Tousuke or Lady Mamoyo. In that case, you may want to extend the
adventure a little further. If Tousuke and Momoyo are both present in
court at the same time, how do they make their delivery, and to whom?
Would they give credit for the gift to Tousuke if he asked them to? It's a
small gift, but it means a lot to the people involved.
Or you can simply rule that there are no more than ten berries left on
the bush by the time the PCs arrive. Do they trust Tousuke (or Momoyo,
for that matter) to give them anything in repayment, or will they take they
risk that their efforts might be in vain?
Keep in mind that the gratitude the PCs are shown for the gift they
bring has a lot to do with the manner in which they present it. If they go
straight to the daimyo's wife they will be praised, but unless she knows
them personally her appreciation is likely to fade over time. A single
favor is worth but a single favor in return. Tousuke's gratitude, however,
is much deeper. The PCs have helped him a great deal, and he will not
soon forget the aid they have given him.
Of course, this may all change depending upon the actions and
attitudes of the PCs. If they try to haggle with Tousuke he'll see them
more as business partners than saviors. The daimyo's wife could become
a staunch ally if the PCs make an effort to stay in contact with her. And
both of them are certain to take a disliking to any who speak or act
without respect.
If you want to make things a little more dramatic, the PCs may not be
the only one's looking for the strawberries. Perhaps there are other
samurai who wish to curry favor with Tousuke. Alternately, there could
be those who wish to see him fail in his efforts. Perhaps the daimyo knows
of the relationship that Tousuke and his wife had in the past, and is not
about to let the courtier succeed in his efforts to impress her. Or maybe
their competitor is someone else entirely, like a rival noblewoman or one
of Lady Momoyo's servants.
Many times, the simplest gifts make the biggest impressions.
81. Unforgettable Gift, Unforgivable Gift
Like last week's scenario, this adventure features a gift that could bring
either friendship or hostility. This week, however, the story that unfolds is
a little more complex, and the choices it demands are more difficult as
well. Are you ready to enter the social arena?
CHALLENGE
The PCs find themselves playing host to a delegation of samurai from
another clan. The purpose of the visit could range from resolving a
dispute to a simple exchange of pleasantries. In any case, both groups
hope the meeting goes smoothly and ends well.
FOCUS
While there are several members of each delegation, two in particular
spend a great deal of time interacting with the party. One is Shiori, a shy
and soft spoken clansmate of one (or more) of the PCs. The other is
Hirohisa, a handsome duelist from the visiting clan. They both attend a
number of diplomatic functions with the PCs, and have numerous
opportunities to speak with them.
One night, after a few too many cups of sake, Shiori reveals that she
has strong feelings about Hirohisa. She might be hopelessly enamored
with him, or she might hate him with a passion. Whatever her feelings,
she has had them for quite some time and is quite frustrated that they
have gone unnoticed.
STRIKE
The next morning, a member of the visiting delegation approaches the player
character (or characters) who belong to the same clan as Shiori and tells
them that the gift their servant delivered "had quite an impact on Hirohisa."
If pressed for details, he can say only that "Hirohisa was speechless."
The PCs sent no such gift, of course. It was the work of Shiori.
Nonetheless, Hirohisa believes they are the ones responsible. Depending
on what was sent and the manner in which they handle the situation, the
PCs may make an ally or enemy of either Hirohisa or Shiori, or even both
of them at the same time.
Shiori's feelings toward Hirohisa have been deliberately left vague in this
adventure outline in order to allow GMs the freedom to alter the story as
they see fit. There are several different stories that can be told in this
situation, and each presents different choices and consequences for the PCs.
If Hirohisa liked the gift that Shiori sent, the PCs may let Shiori reap
the rewards of his admiration, or take the credit for themselves. While it
would be honorable to aid a member of one's clan, there is much glory to
be gained by securing allies among other families. Why not take the credit
for something that was done in their name? He is handsome, after all.
On the other hand, if Hirohisa reacts badly to the gift, the PCs must
choose whether they will take the brunt of his wrath or leave Shiori to
face the consequences alone. If they stand by Shiori's side or take the
blame themselves they'll certainly win Shiori's admiration, but they'll
likely make a bitter enemy of Hirohisa in the process.
Further variations include having Hirohisa react in a manner counter
to Shiori's intentions. If the floral arrangement she sent as a token of
affection is interpreted as an insult to his manliness, the PCs could have
to decide whether or not they will attempt to make amends. And if they
do, on whose behalf? Shiori's or their own?
What happens if Shiori's feelings toward Hirohisa and the PCs'
feelings toward Hirohisa are very different? A character who hoped to
win the duelist's heart could find herself challenged to a duel instead. Or,
a character who despises Hirohisa might have to put up with his
continual advances when he becomes convinced that she admires him.
A very strange twist could occur if Hirohisa's reaction to the gift echoes
the feelings of the PC more closely than those of Shiori. Would Shiori be
willing to let the man she hates find happiness with a member of her own
clan? Will she stand idly by as someone she confided in prepares to enter
a blood feud with her beloved?
And let's not forget the problems that may arise from differences of
opinion among the PCs themselves. Where one member of the party may
be perfectly happy to cut the lout down where he stands, another could be
intent on securing a valuable alliance. Or, even more devastatingly, both
could seek his hand in marriage, becoming rivals in the game of love.
As always, feel free to change the names and genders of Shiori and
Hirohisa as appropriate for your campaign, and adapt their personalities
as needed. Some groups might find an outgoing samurai pleasant and
friendly, while others may react with suspicion. Knowing the tendencies
of your players is key to guiding their emotional reactions. If all else fails,
you can use details from their past to color their perceptions. There's
nothing like saying "This is the guy who killed your brother" or "He was
one of the soldiers who helped defend your home three years ago" to get
PCs interested in an NPC.
Gifts are nice, but they can be a lot of trouble too. Not to mention the
difficulty inherent in finding something for the samurai who has everything.
Next week we'll look at a completely different way of making friends.
82. The Honor Guard
This week's scenario is going to be short and sweet.
CHALLENGE
The local daimyo is making preparations to attend the Emperor's Winter
Court. As a high-ranking member of the nobility, he is entitled to an
Honor Guard of several samurai. The assignment is both prestigious and
comfortable, and those who are able to join the Honor Guard are often
offered other promotions later on. Needless to say, the few openings that
are currently available are hotly contested.
Ideally, you should select a daimyo who has authority over at least
one (possibly more) of the player characters. If you are dealing with a
mixed-clan party, a provincial magistrate or courtier with influences that
reach across clan lines can be substituted.
FOCUS
Takuya, a friend and clansmate of one of the eligible PCs, mentions that
he is interested in joining the daimyo's Honor Guard. It may be a passing
fancy due to his recent conversation with the cute young diplomat in the
daimyo's entourage, or a solemn vow he made to his dying father many
years ago. In any case, he is desperate to see his dreams realized.
STRIKE
The captain of the guard (or perhaps the daimyo himself) approaches the
PC in question and asks him if he would like to join the Honor Guard.
If the PC says yes he will have to be careful about how he breaks the
news to Takuya. If the PC says no he could recommend any other person
in his stead, but in doing so he would be staking his reputation on the
ability of the individual whose name he puts forward.
If possible, an established character who has a reasonably good
relationship with the PC in question should be used in place of Takuya. If
no such character is available, it might be a good idea to run a few other
adventures first, giving Takuya small supporting roles and occasional
appearances. The conflict is a lot more meaningful when the PCs have
some real connection to Takyua and respect for his feelings. Of course,
don't go too far. Honorable samurai won't even consider doing something
that would disappoint a friend who has saved their lives a dozen times or
more. Try to find the middle ground between "valued associate" and
"friend" without going too far in either direction.
Possible complications to the resolution of this adventure include the
reactions of the PC's family, sensei, other clansmates, and even Takuya's
friends and family. If the PC gives up his chance at glory too soon he may
draw ire from those in his family who seek political influence. His sensei's
response might range from concerned to insulted, and any members of
Takuya's family who have strong feelings will be sure to air them. Even if
he attempts to stay on Takuya's good side, the PC could find himself
accused of attempting to set Takuya up for a debt he cannot repay, or
overshadowing his long years of service with a "recommendation from
one of his betters."
The easiest way to make this adventure more challenging is to increase
the number of people who want to join the Honor Guard without changing
the total number of openings available. The easiest version would offer
enough positions for everyone interested, making landing an assignment
a simple matter of proving oneself. On the other hand, adding another
clansman with the same dream as Takuya to the mix practically ensures a
moral dilemma. Where Takuya is an honorable soldier and skilled with
the sword, Miki is a clever tactician and crack shot with a bow. The PC can
only choose one of them to accompany him (unless he gives up his own
spot in the Honor Guard completely). Who does he choose, how does he justify
his decision to the other hopeful, and how do they take the bad news?
Alternately, if you'd like to deal less with the political side of things
and more with the aspect of competition that surrounds the situation, hold
a contest. Takuya, Miki, the PCs, and any other able samurai in the
household's employ all have the opportunity to prove themselves worthy
of the position through a variety of challenges and tournaments. Of
course, the same considerations of who to help and who to hinder still
apply. Did someone happen to overhear secret details concerning the
scoring method...?
While I normally recommend against doing so, if you deeply feel that
you'd like to foster inter-party conflict, announce a similarly prestigious
assignment, open to all, calling for one or two less people than the total
number of player characters in the party. Even if the PCs don't take to
backstabbing each other, they're still likely to build rivalries. Be aware,
however, that such a move can significantly reduce the amount of fun that
the game offers for some players. Make sure that everyone at the table is
mature enough to deal with the consequences before going through with
such a severe course of action.
You can't always get everyone to like you. Sometimes the best you can
do is avoid earning their undying hatred.
83. Reputation
We go through countless social interactions in our lives. Some of them
are positive. Some are negative. Look back on your day so far. Would
most of the people you've met today think of you as friendly, or as
something else?
CHALLENGE
While walking through town, the PCs are approached in broad daylight
by a group of scruffy young ronin. After watching the party from a
distance for a while, the ronin make their move, sending the smallest
member of their gang forward to speak with the PCs. He addresses them
respectfully, using the names by which they are known throughout the
area, and asks if they are really who they claim to be.
FOCUS
There is some muttering among the ronin once the PCs confirm their
identities. If the PCs listen closely they can hear snippets of the
conversation, such as "really him?" "incredible!" and "doesn't look so
tough." After a minute or so of deliberation, the leader of the ronin steps
forward and boldly announces his intentions. He is Ryuken, and he wants
to challenge the party's greatest fighter to a sparring match.
There is a temple with a dojo and practice field nearby which is open
to all. The only restriction is a prohibition against deadly weapons, as the
resident monks dislike bloodshed. Unless the PC who was challenged has
a good excuse there is no reason why the contest cannot proceed, and
Ryuken will press the point as best as he is able.
STRIKE
Ryuken is good, but he is no match for the PC he has challenged. The match
ends quickly, with Ryuken on his knees and the PC's weapon at his throat.
Their eyes meet for a moment, and then, reluctantly, Ryuken admits defeat.
This is, however, only the first of many times that the two will cross
paths. In the coming years they may meet as allies, or bitter enemies, and
the future of their relationship hinges upon the PC's reply.
There are a number of different directions in which the adventure can
continue, depending on the manner in which the PC treats Ryuken after
the duel. If he is dismissive or impolite, Ryuken may take an active dislike
to him. If he is outright rude to the young man it is possible that Ryuken
may devote himself to becoming the character's rival. On the other hand,
a character who is polite or friendly may find the ronin a helpful ally, or
even end up becoming Ryuken's role model. If his performance was
exceptionally outstanding the entire band of ronin could seek permission
to study as his pupils.
One way to extend this scenario is to provide a ronin challenger for
each of the party members. A burly young brawler might try his luck in a
sumai wrestling match against the most muscular of the party's bushi, while
a cocky adept with some small degree of mystic skill could challenge the
party shugenja to a taryu-jiai magical duel. Courtiers (or even bushi who
have gained fame in the courtly arts) might be surprised by the sight of a
ruffian calling them out for a poetry or ikebana contest. Do they encourage
their erstwhile admirers, or take the uppity youths down a peg?
While it is genre appropriate to begin a rivalry or friendship on the
outcome of a single duel, you will probably want to arrange future encounters
that build upon the first impression provided in this scenario. Perhaps the
ronin and the PCs could cross paths at the right moment to help each other
defeat some bandits. Or maybe they both want to buy the last rice cake in the
merchant's stall. Ryuken could be the eternal loser, forever struggling to
escape from the PC's shadow, or there might be opportunities for him to gain
the upper hand. Likewise, if the two become friends, it is possible for either of
them to lend the other some assistance in times of need.
What if the ronin have ulterior motives? Are they trying to set the PCs
up as enemies of the populace? Or looking to secure steady food and
lodging by joining their entourage? Maybe they've been hired to get close
to the PCs and learn their secrets. When the time comes to report to his
hidden master will Ryuken do so, or has the time he's spent with the PCs
changed his outlook on the situation?
And what do others think of the PCs associating with ronin? Will the
PCs be allowed to keep such unconventional allies? If it comes down to a
choice between Ryuken's friendship or political advancement, which will
the PC choose? And what if Ryuken is taunted for putting on airs and
trying to run shoulders with the "better" samurai? Will the PCs be able to
keep counting on his aid?
What if the rivalry was set up by the PC's sensei in order to spur the
PC into training harder? Will he still feel the same hatred he once had
for the ronin when he finds out the youth was simply manipulated into
serving as a training tool?
You can, of course, change Ryuken's gender as you see fit. If you think
a male NPC is likely to draw a reaction that is either too hostile or overly
amicable, a young swordswoman named Ryoko is equally useable. You can
also make Ryuken a member of a Clan if you wish, keeping in mind that doing
so greatly increases the chances that your PCs will treat him with at least
a minimum degree of civility. It's ironic, but people are more likely to show
their honest feelings to a wave man than to a member of a rival Clan.
Finally, this scenario can also be used to introduce a new player
character into the campaign by giving the new character a clearly and
quickly defined relationship with one of the existing party members. It
can be especially useful if the new character's school rank is lower than
that of the other characters, establishing either a student-mentor type of
relationship, or a friendly rivalry.
Ninjas
It's October once again, and that means it's time for some CFS scenarios
of the unsettling variety. This year the theme is ninjas—those shapeless
minions of the Living Darkness. So let the horror begin!
Unlike last year's October scenarios, I would recommend against
playing through all of this month's adventures consecutively. While
zombies become more and more terrifying the more you see of them,
shadowy ninjas actually lose a lot of their impact once their true nature is
revealed. Once the players know they are dealing with shapeshifting
minions of pure darkness they are able to plan and prepare. Better to
keep them guessing and unsure of what exactly is real.
84. First Impressions
This week's scenario will certainly keep them guessing.
CHALLENGE
After arriving in a new town, the characters meet the local magistrate,
Asako Fujiko. She greets them warmly, helps them find accommodations,
and even invites them to dinner at her home. Over the course of the next
two or three days the player characters have a number of opportunities to
spend time with Fujiko and get to know her, and she does everything she
can to make the PCs feel welcome and comfortable during that time.
FOCUS
One morning, Fujiko leaves town to run an errand. She sets off early in the
morning before anyone else is awake, leaving word that she will be back soon.
When Fujiko returns, however, it soon becomes apparent that something is
wrong. She is no longer warm and friendly toward any of the party
members. Instead, she is distant and withdrawn. She carries herself
differently, and seems to have no interest in the things she enjoyed before.
It's almost as if she were a completely different person.
STRIKE
The Fujiko that the players met upon their arrival was not the real Asako
Fujiko. It was actually a ninja shapeshifter impersonating her while she
was conducting an investigation elsewhere. After leaving town, the
shapeshifter sought out the real Fujiko, spent most of the day adopting the
appearances of the player characters, and engineered a "first encounter"
for each of them in turn. Needless to say, it did not leave the real Fujiko
with a good impression of party when it did so. Now that the real Fujiko
has returned to find the people she just met going about her town as if
they owned the place, she's more than a little suspicious.
Of course, while Fujiko and the heroes are busy figuring this out, the
ninja shapeshifter is already going about its nefarious plans...
The exact details of what the ninja shapeshifter says and does during its
meetings with Fujiko is up to you. If you want to keep things simple, it just
puts on a PC's face, approaches Fujiko, introduces itself on the PC's
behalf, then leaves. Or, if you prefer more complex situations, it can
cause more lasting trouble.
It might ask Fujiko for some favor, or offer to do her a favor. It might
boast about having done something questionable, or plans to do so in the
near future. It might try to befriend or seduce Fujiko, or insult and
threaten her. Maybe it just acts suspiciously, portraying the PC it is
impersonating just a little differently from their true character. Just
enough to make Fujiko worry about what's really going on....
Likewise, the ninja shapeshifter's portrayal of Fujiko is also tailored
to make the PCs suspicious. It could present a Fujiko that is completely
unlike the real thing, or one that is only slightly different. Maybe it
impersonates her as perfectly as possible in an attempt to keep the
uncertainty going for as long as possible.
Why is the ninja shapeshifter doing this? There could be any number
of reasons. Maybe Fujiko's investigation is bringing her close to
something better left unrevealed, and the entire ruse is designed to
distract (or even eliminate) her. Or it could be the PCs who are treading
close to dangerous territory and have been marked for termination. The
entire affair may be nothing more than a sick game. Maybe it's all the
shadow puppet can remember of its former life.
As always, you can change Asako Fujiko's name, gender, or Clan
affiliation as you see fit. If there is a Clan that your players are prone to
view less than favorably you might want to make her a member. And don't
forget that there are a number of other reasons for the PCs to distrust an
NPC that they've just met. Are those scars from maho, or simply old war wounds?
Everyone knows there are no such things as ninja. That's why they
never believe it when they really show up.
85. Noritada, Noritada
Ninja Month continues with another scenario filled with trickery and
deception. Why do these servants of Shadow plague us so? Will we ever
discover their true plot, or will we be forever left in the dark?
CHALLENGE
The player characters are invited to accompany Lord Noritada on a
hunting excursion. Noritada is an important figure in the area, and
depending on your campaign might be a local governor or daimyo, one of
the PCs' superiors, or even a high-ranking official. Whether the PCs have
been selected as guards or fellow members of the hunt, to be included in
such an outing is a great honor, and to refuse would be most foolish.
FOCUS:
Although the hunting trip starts off pleasantly, it soon takes a strange and
unexpected turn. While the party and their charge are walking through the
woods, a disheveled figure jumps from the bushes and denounces
Noritada as an imposter. He claims that he is the true Noritada, and has
managed to escape from a secret prison nearby. Save for his unkempt
appearance and the bruises he suffered during his "incarceration" he is
physically identical to the other Noritada in every way.
The Noritada who invited the party on the hunting trip responds by
accusing the newcomer of being the imposter, and orders the PCs to seize
him. The escaped Noritada replies with his own command for the PCs to
"seize the charlatan" and what started as a walk in the woods soon
degenerates into a shouting match.
STRIKE
One of the two men is actually a ninja shapeshifter in disguise. The other
is the real Noritada. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any simple
way to tell the difference between them. Both have detailed knowledge of
Noritada’s personal history, his relationships with others, his likes and
dislikes. Both have convincing stories, and both lack any corroborating
witnesses or evidence that would prove their identity. Furthermore,
neither of them will permit the PCs to obey the other's commands until
the matter is settled.
Unless the PCs do something to end the impasse, they may find themselves
stuck with two angry men arguing in circles for quite some time.
It is up to you which of the two men is the impostor and which is the true
Noritada. The man in the bushes might have been hoping to find Noritada
alone and replace him with a minimum of fuss. Will the presence of the
PCs ruin his plans, or will he convince them to believe his lies about
being captured and escaping?
On the other hand, his story could be true, and the Noritada that the
PCs started their journey with might be the fake. Depending on when he
was kidnapped and replaced, the real Noritada may never even have met
them. Will he still be able to prove that the man they know by his name is
a spawn of the Shadow?
If your party has played through CFS of the Week scenario #2 it is
possible that the shapeshifter is their old nemesis Goju Ryosuke. Sowing
doubt and suspicion matches his modus operandi, and managing to
replace a high-ranking official like Noritada would certainly further his
agenda. Alternately, if you dislike the Lying Darkness, the imposter could
simply be a skilled actor who has done a bit of research and happens to
look a lot like Noritada. Could he be a long lost twin?
Certain skills, techniques, spells, and abilities may make determining
the identity of the true Noritada quite easy. Courtiers who can detect lies,
shugenja who can read minds, and monks who can sense the presence of
the Lying Darkness have the potential to bring the adventure to a
screeching halt before it even begins. There are, however, some ways to
deal with these problems.
The first method is to give the ninja some resistance or immunity to
such information gathering methods. Courtier techniques do not work on
him, and magic refuses to function in his presence. While this approach
keeps the players in the dark, it can be especially annoying for those it is
used against, as having one's abilities nullified out of hand is never fun.
Telling players outright that they must ask some questions and gather
clues before their techniques will be effective enough to overcome the
shapeshifter's resistance can keep them from becoming frustrated.
Another way to keep the adventure from ending too quickly is to have
an NPC who is familiar with Noritada accompany the party. When the
question of which Noritada is the real one is brought up, have him make a
decision and stick to it. In this case, the aim of the adventure changes
from "find out which Noritada is real and which is the fake" to "convince
the advisor that the Noritada he believes is genuine is in fact an
imposter." Why should he believe that some shugenja (who likely has his
own agenda and may even be in league with the pretender) knows the
true Noritada better than he does? What proof does the party have to
back up their claims of being able to detect lies?
And even after the adventure ends, there's always the question of
whether or not the Noritada the PCs chose was actually the real one....
TAMERLAN’S SUGGESTIONS
What if both are the genuine article? Lord Noritada could have been
magically duplicated or the imposter is deranged and actually believes to
be the real deal, too. Maybe the real Noritada is deranged and believes
he is the imposter (which he doesn’t want to confess, of course). In any
case, finding the real lord (techniques and spells or not) might be much
harder this way.
(Editor’s Note: This next one is my personal favorite. I’m a big fan of
seemingly supernatural conundrums with a mundane twist.)
What if Noritada vanished long ago and was believed to be dead. An
imposter was found by the lord’s aids that took over control. Now the real
Noritada has returned (or so he claims).
TERAN NO ONI’S S UGGESTIONS
Both of them are fake. Lord Noritada is either dead or captive and a
Shosuro Actor has taken his place. And now a shapeshifter has come to
steal from the thief? Or did it simply want the actor "unmasked" to
achieve another goal.
Or perhaps it is the other way around. Lord Noritada was to be
replaced by a skilled Actor, but what he did not know that Noritada
himself has already met his end—and that his place is now filled by a Goju.
Or maybe Lord Noritada never survived his infancy—devoured by a
Pekkle-no-Oni in his crib who then took his place. And he just starts to
consider that the whole event might draw too much attention to him, and
that everybody else involved (including the characters) should have a
rather nasty accident....
86. Drafted By Darkness
Things are not always as they seem. This is especially true when dealing
with minions of the Lying Darkness, as deception is their stock and trade.
Players who rush in may find themselves dealing with something
completely different from what they expected, and possibly even more
than they bargained for....
CHALLENGE
While traveling in the evening, the party comes across a group of monks
locked in battle with a gang of bandits. The fighting is fierce and bloody,
and the monks appear to be outmatched. Unless the player characters
interfere, the bandits will most likely be victorious.
FOCUS
If the PCs aid the monks they are able to dispatch the bandits without
much trouble. Ayashiku, the leader of the monks, thanks the PCs
profusely, and offers them shelter at his temple nearby.
If the PCs do nothing, the bandits slay all the monks within the next
round of combat and turn their attentions on the party. The leader,
Ayashiku, commands his men to take them alive, and the bandits fight
until every member of the party has been subdued.
Yes, the leader of the monks and the leader of the bandits have the
same name. But don't let the PCs know that just yet. It's a secret.
STRIKE
The monks and the bandits are all ninja shadowspawn. The entire battle
was staged for the benefit of the PCs in order to get them involved and
reduce their fighting capability. Once they are in his clutches, Ayashiku
will use torture, dream manipulation, threats, temptation, or any other
means possible to convert the PCs into pawns of the Lying Darkness. And
while his minions may not be perfect actors, he is confident that even if
the PCs see through his plan they will not be able to escape.
Will the heroes be able to recognize the danger they are in? And will
they be able to escape it?
Depending on how the initial battle turns out, Ayashiku may take a
number of different approaches to converting the PCs to the cause of
Nothing. If he is playing the part of a wise monk he may offer "special
training" in the guise of meditation techniques that empty the mind and
spirit of outside distractions. Or he could offer mystic power to those who
are brave enough to open their spirits. If he is a bandit lord and the
player characters are his captives he might threaten or cajole them into
agreeing to serve him. Alternately, he may attempt to bargain with the
player characters, saying that he will give them their freedom if they
agree to do him a small favor.
If the PCs are captured by the "bandits" it is important to remember
that many players can become quite upset if their free will is taken from
them. Some would even prefer to see their characters mangled than give
in to an NPC's demands. If you feel that your players will not react well
to their characters being captured and tortured, you can take another
route. Make Ayashiku a monk who was also captured and (conveniently
enough) placed in the same cell. As the bandits speak of their plans to
ransom or slaughter the PCs, Ayashiku can appeal to them as a fellow
prisoner. He can help them escape. All they have to do is drink the
special "reflexes-enhancing herbal stimulant" he has with him and call
upon the favor of the "Fortune of Night" to guide them. When the
alternative is torture who could possibly object to that?
 As with the other ninja-related adventure ideas presented this month,
exactly why the player characters are receiving such special attention is
up to you. Maybe they are in a position to advance through the ranks, and
the Lying Darkness has decided to get influence over them while they are
still relatively unknown. Is there a plot that requires the Darkness to have
agents within their Clans? Does it already have other agents? Or maybe
the PCs were targeted by this recruiting drive just because they were
unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Even if Ayashiku manages to trick some of the party members, there
may still be hope. It's possible for a samurai to resist the whispers of the
Lying Darkness for quite some time if he is strong. Unless they are very
far gone, the PCs should still be able to retain control of their actions in
most situations. And rumors tell of men who escaped the contracts they
made with evil spirits by tracking down and killing the creature before it
completed its hold on their soul. Might the same feat be possible with an
agent of the Shadow?
Human beings have been afraid of the dark for countless centuries.
And for good reason. Next week we'll see what happens when every
shadow holds danger.
87. Familiar Strangers
Halloween is just around the corner, and while we don't have any
zombies this year there are other things you can use to scare the pants off
your players. Things that go bump in the night and take you away while
you sleep. Things that are much more subtle. Things that can go anywhere,
or look like anyone. They could even be behind you right now....
CHALLENGE
The player characters are stationed in a small town to oversee the training
and outfitting of a unit of ashigaru soldiers. Several of their comrades
accompany them, and due to the lengthy period of the assignment their
families may also be relocated to the town until the mission is complete.
While the town has no other purpose than to support the training camp
located near it, it is a pleasant enough place to live, and the PCs should be
able to adapt to the new area fairly quickly.
FOCUS
While things seem to go smoothly at first, several problems arise as time
goes by. Fights break out in the barracks between trainees who were
formerly the best of friends. Brothers accuse each other of having become
completely different people. Children from the town complain that their
mothers are no longer their mothers. A healer from the training camp
disappears for an entire day, and acts as if nothing is wrong when he
returns. Eventually, someone close to the party expresses concern that
some of the trainees may be having trouble adjusting to life as soldiers.
He or she cites severe changes in personality, paranoia, and feelings of
isolation, and worries that these mood swings may be a sign of serious
morale problems.
The next time the PCs encounter this particular individual, he or she
has succumbed to the same problem. Instead of having some new insight
into its cause, however, he or she claims it is not a problem at all. There's
no cause for concern. Everyone is fine. Everything is fine. It will all be
settled soon.
That's what everyone says. The exact same words.
STRIKE
The training camp is under siege from within. One by one, the soldiers
are being consumed by the Lying Darkness and replaced by identical
copies. As the night of the new moon approaches, the shadowspawn step
up their efforts, taking over more and more of the populace, and as the
moonless night falls the PCs may find themselves surrounded by enemies
on all sides. Alone against the world, and unable to trust even their closest
friends, will they be able to escape the clutches of the Darkness? Or will
their very identities be stolen away?
A great way to catch your players off guard with this scenario is the bait
and switch routine. Make it seem like tensions with another Clan are
building, and the town's residents must be trained as ashigaru as soon as
possible. Focus the players' attention on the immediate challenge and you
can deceive them into believing that the goal of the adventure is to
prepare for a military campaign. They might even think that the changes
in some of the NPCs are thanks to their leadership. Then, when they're
worried about the external threat (which may or may not be lies spread
by the Lying Darkness itself), spring the trap and show them just how
much trouble they're really in.
The classic movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers provides excellent
inspiration for methods of running this scenario well. The feeling of being
overwhelmed by enemies and completely cut off from any hope of outside
help is quite frightening. Add the fact that it is effectively impossible to
tell friend from foe until it is almost too late and you have a perfect
formula for terror.
If your players are comfortable with inter party conflict you can take
the idea of being unable to tell who has been replaced and who is still in
control of their own actions a step further. Hand out notes to certain
players. They might give damning information like "You are a
shadowspawn duplicate who has infiltrated the party in the guise of one
of their friends," or "You notice that Mike's character is acting oddly," or
they could say something harmless like "No one else notices, but you find
a golden hairpin on the ground." Even if all of the PCs are free from the
Shadow's influence, the fact that you are passing notes with secret
information to some players is enough to sow suspicion in many cases.
Splitting up the party is another great way to build suspense and
mistrust between characters in this type of situation. Is that samurai
really your trusted companion, or just a shadow wearing his face? Just
what happened to the others while you were away? Of course, dividing
your attention between two different groups of players can lead to
complications. Players may feel neglected when they do not receive your
attention, or even become distracted. One solution to this problem is to
round out each group of PCs with an appropriate number of NPCs. If
your party of four players splits into two groups of two members each,
you can have them encounter some other survivors along the way, with
the players whose characters are in the other group taking on those
NPCs as "loaner characters." That way, each player has a "character" in
each group, even if the character is not actually their own.
And if a PC or player controlled NPC should turn out to be a ninja
shapeshifter in disguise? Why, there's no better Halloween gift than the
opportunity to play one of the bad guys.
If you don't want to kill off the numerous NPC allies, rivals, and
contacts that have accompanied the PCs on their mission you can rule
that victims of the Shadow invasion are not actually consumed, but are
merely being abducted and replaced with skilled impersonators. Not only
must the PCs foil the Lying Darkness' plans and escape with their lives,
but they must also find and rescue their captive loved ones. I would also
recommend this approach if you try to recruit one of the players to play a
ninja spy within the party, as the promise of recovering one's beloved
character later on makes turning to the dark side much more enjoyable.