Questionable

Pilgrimage
by Cory Mills
A Mid-Rank Adventure for
Heroes of Rokugan: Champions of the Ivory Throne

Month of Akodo, 1342 (Summer)

Module Number: CIT37

Release Date: 8/1/2019

Travel, Investigation

Part One of the Little Teacher

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth…

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS is a registered trademark of Fantasy Flight Games. Scenario detail
copyright 2019 by the author and Fantasy Flight Games. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This scenario
is intended for tournament use only and may not be reproduced without permission.
This module is written for the Legends of the Five Utemaro arranged the death of the Dragon who told
Rings Roleplaying Game Fourth Edition, originally him of the secret, and the Empire chalked up the old
published by Alderac Entertainment Group. monk’s demise to accident. He then stole the proof
from the Order of the Ebon Hand, to hopefully ensure
Please refer to the Heroes of Rokugan 4: Champions it did not spread further. A number of monks that may
of the Ivory Throne Campaign Primer for information have been getting close also fell to the Scorpion’s
on how to run official campaign modules. In addition blade, but in the last year his madness has grown, and
to the basic setting information and house rules for this three samurai have died. As far as anyone in the
campaign, it details the various administrative Empire knows, they simply disappeared, but this is
necessities of the living campaign. GM reporting is enough for the Emerald Champion to authorize an
crucial to players’ ability to engage with the setting investigation – as three separate clans are involved, the
and to increase their characters’ influence. potential political ramifications led to the assignment
of one of his more delicate agents.
Adventure Background and The PCs will be sent by their lords to assist Emerald
Summary Magistrate Bayushi Tamaki, and while she attends to
the politics around the nascent embassy, will be tasked
At the dawn of the Empire, the nascent realm of with following up the movements of the missing
Rokugan was saved from the threat of the Fallen Kami samurai. This should allow them to explore the exotic
by the guidance of an enigmatic little man from a location somewhat, learning about what has happened
distant land. Shinsei’s wisdom was inspired by the and following the clues to the ruined Hoshi Trading
Heavens, and he gave the Emerald Empire many of its House – the scene of Utemaro’s first crimes, and
traditions before he departed as mysteriously as he where proof of both his involvement and the secret he
came. What few samurai know is that he went to the has been trying to keep can be found. Confronting him
vast wastes of the Burning Sands to provide some of and bringing the secret to light will require finding this
the same guidance to the struggling peoples there, and proof, but the PCs will have the support of the Emerald
helped them found the city that eventually became Magistrate when they make their move.
Medinaat al-Salaam. A tradition has sprung up from
those with a particular devotion to the Tao of Shinsei, Upkeep
and who were studious enough to discover this fact
from the reports of the Scorpion Clan, to travel “on the The events of the modules are certainly of primary
Path of the Little Teacher” and follow his steps to the importance in the lives of the characters, but many of
desert city on a pilgrimage to honor his wisdom. them will have been working on a variety of tasks in
the times between modules. At the beginning of the
In recent months, the Unicorn Clan have petitioned the module, several things will need to take place (though
Imperial authorities for permission to open an embassy some are obviously dependent on the actual needs of
in the Jewel of the Horizon, and they have begun work the PCs at the table).
on the project with the assistance of the Scorpion Clan.
The Scorpion have a somewhat fraught history with
Medinaat al-Salaam, having been held in captivity Character Notes
there after their banishment during the early years of The GM should take a few minutes to examine the
the Toturi Dynasty. The Scorpion have kept a certain players’ character sheets in order to have an idea of the
amount of attention on the distant city, aware of the nature of the PCs at the table.
Unicorn’s presence but keeping their involvement as • Language: Mekham
discreet as possible. • Language: Ivindi

The leader of the Scorpion Clan in the city, Bayushi News from the Empire
Utemaro, returned to his post from a journey to the While the GM is looking over sheets, it’s a good time
Empire three years ago having unwittingly acquired to distribute the first player handout of most modules.
the Taint. Unaware of his affliction, his mind was The News of the Empire is an overview of the recent
gradually warped under the malign influence of the events of the Empire in a fashion that shares the
Realm of Evil, and when he discovered a secret hidden ongoing story with the playerbase without requiring a
by history, he saw no choice but to kill to keep it. The Skill Roll or interfering with the actual plot of the
secret is the true origin of Shinsei: the Little Teacher module. Any plot-relevant Rumors will belong in the
was born in the lands now known as the Ivory appropriate section of the module to be learned during
Kingdoms. play.
 Experience Expenditure
Inactivity Finally, the players should be given one last chance to
Time passes, and though the PCs’ deeds will earn them spend any experience they wish before the module
a reputation, the Empire is a large place and lasting begins. Unless the module specifically allows it,
fame is a long-term goal not easy to achieve. Each PC experience may not be spent during the adventure.
loses 5 points of Glory. This cannot reduce a PC’s
Glory Rank to less than their Insight Rank, and the
Fame Advantage increases their Insight Rank by one
Introduction
for these purposes.
Camels, they say, are the ships of the desert. You were
Taint Progression informed of this fact by the merchants who provided
you with the recalcitrant mounts, and if half the tales
If a PC possesses the Shadowlands Taint, they will
of the Empire’s trade routes to the Ivory Kingdoms are
need to roll at the beginning of the module to see how
to be believed, the parallels are painfully clear. Both
much it has grown over the intervening time since the
modes of transport are uncooperative, subject to the
last module. The TN of this raw Earth Roll is 10.
whims of the Fortunes, and far less than comfortable.
Failure on this roll causes the PC to gain a point of the
However, samurai do not perform their duty for
Shadowlands Taint. If a character is growing close to
comfort, but in the name of their daimyo, and so you
being Lost (Shadowlands Taint Rank 4.5+) , it is
find yourself on the vast, sere expanse of the Burning
recommended that the player have another PC ready
Sands, en route to Medinaat al-Salaam.
to replace them.
You are traveling with Bayushi Tamaki, an Emerald
Crafting Magistrate tasked with an investigation into the
The Crafting rules are detailed in the Campaign disappearance of three samurai in the last year. For
Primer, based largely on the Crafting rules in the core nearly two centuries, devout samurai and monks from
book (page 258). Unless explicitly indicated Rokugan have made pilgrimages to Medinaat al-
otherwise, a PC may only make one Crafting Roll per Salaam, “following the Path of the Little Teacher” and
module, and any Void Points or other character tracing the steps that Shinsei walked after he left the
resources (spell slots, Luck, etc) spent on the roll do Empire. Three of these pilgrims, in different groups,
not refresh for the duration of the module. Any have not been reported to have left the foreign city, and
successful roll is noted on the provided sheet with the Tamaki has been charged by the Emerald Champion
description. to determine what happened to them – likely to
forestall any political fallout among the clans.
Preparation Techniques
Techniques like the Agasha Shugenja or Yogo Wards The PCs will have several weeks of travel to get to
do not quite fall under Crafting, but still can benefit know one another, allowing them to exchange
from pre-planning and the Upkeep is a good introductions and basic information with little fanfare.
opportunity. However, unlike Crafting, this is not the If they have specific questions about the mission, they
only time these Techniques may be used during a can be shared at this time (the basic information can
module – this is just a chance for the GM to remind the be found in Part One, the “Scorpion Consulate”
players and get it out of the way. section on page 7 and Player Handout #2). The
purpose of starting the module slightly in media res is
Ronin Survival to get the process moving without worrying about the
Life is difficult for ronin in the Empire at the best of practicalities of what is a daunting journey.
times. PC ronin are no exception to this. At the start
of the module, a PC ronin must roll Hunting To that end, Bayushi Tamaki has arranged to have her
(Survival) / Stamina at a TN of 20. Failure on this party accompany a Unicorn caravan that travels
roll gives the ronin the Permanent Wound regularly between Medinaat al-Salaam and Bugaisha,
Disadvantage for the duration of the module. Koku providing knowledgeable guides, plenty of supplies,
may be spent on this roll to gain a Free Raise for every and a strong enough group of guards to give bandits
koku spent before the roll is made, or one Free Raise pause. Between the PCs, Tamaki and her yojimbo
for every two koku spent after the roll is made. (Soshi Tsuya and Soshi Heizo, a married couple who
are more than a little standoffish in favor of their duty),
a dozen guards and eight laborers, the caravan under
Ide Aman numbers nearly thirty people. Aman is an
experienced caravan master, and is happy to provide
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Questionable Pilgrimage
basic information to the PCs on what to expect if they interbred with some of the itinerant Ra’shari tribes and
ask. (Unicorn PCs are the only ones likely to be taken on a unique culture influenced by the mixture.
trusted with their own horses as mounts; even they will
be strongly recommended to stick with the camels The purpose of this encounter is more to indicate for
unless they have Horsemanship 5. Any PC with less the players that the language barrier is real and
than five Ranks of the Skill will do serious harm to significant, and to teach shugenja PCs what they can
their steed over the course of the journey if they insist expect from their abilities in the Burning Sands. Ide
on riding them.) Aman can roughly translate, though he is not terribly
familiar with their precise dialect of Mekham, and is
The principle issue the PCs are likely to encounter is more than a little frightened by their attitude – hostility
the language barrier; the common tongue of Medinaat at an oasis is largely outside his experience. (If the
al-Salaam is “Mekham”, linguistically related to players require a nudge, Tamaki will “suggest” they
Senpet but distinct enough to qualify as a different go find out, with Aman, what the problem is.)
Language Advantage. It is not possible to learn
enough of the language to be considered fluent on the While they are very rough around the edges, and their
journey, but any PC who spends time trying to pick up attempt to intimidate the samurai away from the oasis
some basic phrases and words may roll raw is absolutely the wrong approach, the nomads largely
Intelligence at a TN of 15 to gather enough to assist mean well. They believe that the oasis is haunted, and
with communication. (This allows them to reduce the dangerous for anyone who approaches without
penalty from Social Skill rolls from +10 to the TN to performing the proper ceremonies for the spirit that
+5.) Aman will specifically mention that, while resides there. Aman does not understand their speech
Rokugani is very rarely spoken in the city, Ivindi is not precisely but can get the gist across. PCs with 5 Ranks
as uncommon. “Between the merchants, the Ebonites, of Medicine (or those that can roll Medicine
the Ra’shari, and less reputable individuals, perhaps (Disease) / Intelligence at a TN of 25) can
one in ten people in Medinaat al-Salaam have a few recognize from the description of the rituals provided
words of the language of the Ivory Kingdoms. Our and the “wrath of the spirit” that the issue is disease,
tongue is only spoken by the few Rokugani present, not exclusively spiritual.
and perhaps a dozen scholars.”
The nomads will not attack unless the PCs start
Travel in the desert is hard and uncomfortable – the hostilities. However, they will be unfriendly and noisy
caravan starts out each morning shortly after dawn, all through the night if the PCs don’t make an attempt
pauses at mid-day when the heat becomes too much to to pacify them (this causes the PCs to fail to recover
continue, and resumes travel in the early evening. The Void for the night, though this is of no major
nights are cold, in painful contrast to the misery of the significance for the module and actually nothing more
day. You are specifically instructed in everything than an irritant). Pacifying them is fairly simple: a
from how much to eat, how often to drink, and how to Courtier / Awareness roll (TN 30 due to the
sit on the broad wooden seats of the camels. The translation issues), giving them at least three koku (one
evening camp is always at a covered well or oasis, so each for the nomads that approached, plus one they can
as to allow the water casks to be refilled for the next turn over to their companions), or any demonstration
day’s journey. There are occasionally other travelers of power from a shugenja will be sufficient to cause
present at these places, but they tend to leave your the nomads to back away to their own camp. Aman
group alone. One of the normally-inviolate rules of does not believe it wise to attempt to bypass the oasis,
the sands is that fighting is kept away from the oases, as it puts undue stress on the caravan’s water supplies
as it could all too easily damage the fragile safety (and and the party boils the water by habit already. (Tamaki
all-important water) provided by the locations. will back his decision if the players are recalcitrant;
again, this encounter is primarily for educating the
Thus, it is something of a surprise when, at an oasis players on the differences they will be dealing with.)
only a few days’ away from your destination, a pair of
aggressive horseman charge forward upon your Note for shugenja: any spell cast while the PCs are in
approach. They shout in a strange, unfamiliar tongue, the Burning Sands (essentially for the duration of the
but their insistence that you leave is quite clear. module) requires the shugenja to call one Raise with
no other effect. This is slightly worse than the Ivory
These hostile nomads are remnants of the Moto tribes Kingdom’s simple +5 TN because the number of
that wandered the sands before being unified under Raises that can be called is limited, but this is due to
Moto Gaheris and returning to the Empire. They do the spiritual difference between the Sands and
not speak Rokugani, or even Mekham, having Rokugan.
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Questionable Pilgrimage
If pacified, the nomads will leave the party alone. there was a combat, the following TNs are increased
However, any PC that goes out of their way to placate by 5 for more direct exposure.
them or make friends with them should be welcomed
to a reasonable degree. At the GM’s discretion, any Less than 5: the PC suffers the Fatigued condition for
samurai who makes a good impression with the the entirety of the module.
nomads will be given a gift of a janbiya knife with the Less than 10: the PC suffers the Fatigued condition
symbol of a running horse. (As noted in the through the first day in Medinaat al-Salaam.
“Rewards” section, this is a knife that does 1k2 10 or higher: the PC is uncomfortable, but not
damage but causes a D2 Honor loss every skirmish it mechanically penalized, with the degree of discomfort
is used.) largely judged based on the result of the roll (up to
absolutely minimal symptoms at 50)
Ersatz Moto
If a PC has the Disease Emphasis of the Medicine
Dusty nomads in sun-bleached purple robes, atop
Skill, they may attempt to ease the suffering of a
steeds as barely tamed as the riders.
character who failed the TN of 10 with a Medicine
Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 2 Water 3 Void 2 (Disease) / Intelligence roll at a TN of 25. Success
Reflexes 3 Agility 3
moves them up by one category of failure.
Honor 3.7 Status 0 Glory 0
Initiative: 6k3+4 Attack: 9k3e (scimitar,
Everyone in the caravan suffers to a greater or lesser
Simple, Mounted) extent. The symptoms are headache, shortness of
Armor TN: 20 Damage: 7k3 breath, cough, fever, and chest pain. This is a variety
(scimitar) of pneumonic plague, though one unknown in the
Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+0), 27 (+0), 33 (+5), 39 (+10), Empire and the strain the PCs are exposed to is very
45 (+15), 51 (Down, +35), 57 (Out), 58 (Dead) mild.
School/Rank: Moto Nomad 3
Techniques: Out of Sight: add Stealth to Initiative, However, the three days it takes to get to Medinaat al-
+1k0 damage when Mounted Salaam proceed without further incident.
Out of Mind: ignore 5 points of Wound Penalty, no
penalty to movement from Wounds Part One: No-Mind
Out of Control: Simple Action melee attacks
Skills: Athletics 4, Battle 2, Horsemanship 5, Hunting Medinaat al-Salaam was described to you as a large
4, Intimidation 3, Investigation 2, Kenjutsu (Scimitar) city, but it was difficult to lend credence to the
5, Kyujutsu 4, Stealth 4 descriptions provided by your guides. Until, that is,
your caravan crests a line of dunes and the sight of the
If a fight breaks out at the PC’s instigation, the rest of sprawling metropolis spreads before you. A mighty
the nomad’s group (around a dozen people of various river flows from the hazy north, bringing green life
ages and roles, mostly non-combatants) will flee the into the wide valley and the haphazard structures of
oasis and the two facing the PCs will retreat as soon as the massive city. Crammed together within the
it is clear they are overmatched. surrounding city walls, different districts can be
identified at a distance – though the pattern of the
The oasis is not haunted – all spirits present, even city’s quarters are a jumbled mess compared to the
those of fallen warriors from two hundred years ago, usual concentric harmony preferred in Rokugan. The
are slumbering peacefully. A PC who decides to dive buildings themselves are generally taller, and far less
deeply into the water of the pool may find the remains wood is in evidence, replaced with a strange dusty
of a long-dead Moto nomad and their corroded stone. The noise and smell of the city are almost
weapon (returning this to the nomads earns their physical assaults upon you as you approach, the sheer
gratitude and a knife). scale of the place providing an unprecedented sensory
overload.
The Disease
There are guards on the enormous, wide-open gates,
The nomads will depart well before dawn the next day. but they pay almost no attention to the traffic surging
The actual danger of the encounter is the airborne along the road into the city. Just past the gates, Ide
illness they bore. Speaking with them is enough to Aman pauses the caravan. “As requested, I have
catch it, however it is a fortunately weak strain. Every brought you to your destination. I would be honored
PC must roll Stamina upon waking the next day; if to be of service again, if you seek to return within the
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Questionable Pilgrimage
next week. Otherwise, there will be another caravan the center of trade. To the north is the Khesir, the Last
along in time.” He gestures to an approaching figure Stop slum area of the city that the underworld and less
in flowing red robes trimmed in black. “It appears you fortunate call home. The Scorpion Consulate is in the
were expected. Good fortunes follow you.” River District.

Customs of Medinaat al-Salaam

The figure is obviously a Scorpion samurai, though
one dressed in light robes pattered off of local fashions Medinaat al-Salaam is ruled by a lord called the
– they look cool enough, though traditional-minded “Sultan”, a hereditary title roughly analogous to the
samurai should be disapproving. His head is covered Emperor. They establish the law, while an official
in a black scarf, with light chains mounted on it and called the “Caliph” enforce it – this has parallels to the
crossing his face to provide his mask. He is wearing a Emerald Champion, in the Rokugani view. Local law
daisho, but more strangely, is carrying a small cat on enforcement is provided by an organization called the
his shoulder. The creature does not react as he bows Order of the Ebon Hand. The noble Houses of Dahab
deeply, keeping its eyes closed as he balances it with are the wealthy elite, though more akin to merchants
a practiced motion. than the military aristocracy of the samurai.

“Greetings, my friends. I am Yogo Korin, translator Samurai are very rare in the city, though the Scorpion
and guide assigned to this wondrous place these last and Unicorn have both maintained something of a
ten years. She is Medinaat al-Salaam, the City of presence for their own reasons. The recent official
Peace. She is Kala Jahir, the City of One Thousand opening of an Imperial Embassy is unprecedented, and
Stories. She is Aliqet-Ra, the Jewel of the Horizon. has taken the number of Rokugani in the city to nearly
She is an oasis of life in a land of death, and she is my a hundred. The locals generally seem to interpret the
home. It is my honor to be of service to you in your samurai as a noble caste, and regard them warily for
time here. Be welcome, and peace be upon you.” their propensity for violence, while impressed by their
evident wealth.
Yogo Korin was sent by his superior Bayushi Utemaro
at the Scorpion Consulate (the unofficial title for the The local currency is a small copper coin called a
unofficial headquarters of Scorpion operations in the “dinar”, somewhat smaller than a zeni. It is possible
city) to assist the Emerald Magistrate and her yoriki. to live for a week on between 2 and 5 dinari. The local
He is happy to answer any questions he can about the merchants are not accustomed to trading in gold,
city, and will escort the group to the Consulate at though there is an uncommonly-used silver coin. It is
Tamaki’s request. (The Emerald Magistrate intends to possible to change a single koku for a hundred dinari
send the PCs into the city following the trails of the at a money changer, and even a bu will net around fifty
missing pilgrims with assistance from the local dinari. The PCs should not expect to have a lot of time
Scorpion, while she deals with the Imperial authorities to shop, but money is not generally an issue for the
at the official embassy.) samurai that have come to Medinaat al-Salaam.

On the way to the Consulate, Korin will give a brief The locals do not normally wear weapons more
tour in and amongst a few pointers about the city. significant than knives; samurai carrying swords
Medinaat al-Salaam is extremely cosmopolitan, with openly puts them in about the same category as
people from dozens of different nations living, mercenaries, earning attention from the Ebonites but
working, and trading within its walls. The southern usually not troubled. Anything beyond the daisho,
part of the city that the PCs entered into is however, generally earns greater attention and causes
predominantly given over to merchant bazaars of a concern among the locals unused to such weapons of
wide variety of wares. The mighty Nahr’umar River war. Armor is essentially unknown unless fighting is
that provides the city with life and water (“The two are imminent, due to the major discomfort caused by it in
the same thing, here.”) runs through the center of the the heat. (Mechanically, any PC carrying any weapon
city. The Caliph and Sultan have vast palaces in the other than the daisho or wearing armor will increase
central part of the city, slightly to the north and west, Social Skill Roll TNs by 10; additionally, wearing
and the Houses of Dahab keep their estates nearby on armor gives the PC the Fatigued Condition. Hida-
the west (and windward) side. The Embassy Quarter, trained bushi do not suffer the TN penalties associated
where the Rokugani Imperial Embassy is trying to with this condition, but may not enter the Full Attack
open, is just south of the Houses, while the River Stance.)
District and Merchant Quarters hug the River that is

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Questionable Pilgrimage
There are people from a wide variety of cultures in the
city. Korin will mention that he speaks “over a dozen Bayushi Utemaro meets the PCs and the Emerald
languages in common use here”, but that Rokugani is Magistrate in his office near the center of the
fairly rare. The local tongue is called “Mekham”, after building’s second floor. The office is packed with
the name that they knew the Prophet as (“Mekhem”). shelves laden in scrolls, though the writing desk
He is more than happy to provide his services, and in Utemaro sits behind through the meeting is
fact has been ordered to do so – this should prevent the immaculately clear and there is more than enough
PCs from being completely shut out of sources of room for the group to sit. Utemaro is a well-built
information. samurai swathed in dark red robes and a full face mask
of lacquered wood; a swirling pattern of red in the
Yogo Korin black lacquer evokes the image of a hand, though it
may simply be from where long years of use has worn
The man offering to be their guide may be a subject of the imprint of his own fingers. He speaks in a low,
curiosity for the PCs as well. He is fairly open, deliberative manner, choosing his words carefully.
particularly for a Scorpion, and has none of the usual
dour reticence common to the Yogo family. Korin is “I am certain that Korin-san has already extended you
in his late twenties, was born in Ryoko Owari Toshi a warm welcome to this city. If there is anything the
and misses his home (though he sees parallels between Scorpion Clan can do to be of assistance, you have but
there and Medinaat al-Salaam), and has been sent to to ask. I invite you to accept our hospitality – I assure
the Burning Sands as much due to his facility with you it will be more comfortable than you are likely to
languages as to the circumstances around the early find at any inn. While we do not have the staff that the
triggering of his Yogo Curse. While not eager to speak Imperial Embassy will eventually be able to put to
of it, the curse left him betraying Ryoko Owari, and work, we do have the advantage of being established
his current duty is something of a punishment. here already. I, my political adjutant Bayushi
Jinamaeru-san, and of course Korin-san, are at your
The cat on his shoulder is an indolent, silent creature disposal.”
that Korin refers to fondly by the name “Gengo”;
counter to usual Scorpion prejudice, as normally the Tamaki offers Utemaro an elegant nod and explains
clan views rats as blessed by Daikoku and are not the mission. “Doji Makibesu-sama has some concerns
generally cat people. In fact, Gengo is a Cat of Many about the disappearance of three samurai from three
Tongues, a feline demi-spirit from a line touched by different clans causing undue stress in the Empire,
the jinn. Her ability to speak when those present do particularly in the first stages of establishing our
not understand one another is largely immaterial as official Embassy here. I will attend to the Embassy,
long as Korin is alive (but can serve as a benefit should while my yoriki follow after the missing samurai.
something befall the Scorpion guide). Gengo is There are only so many places they might have gone,
independently sapient, and appreciates Korin’s being unfamiliar themselves with the area or the
scholarship, making the two friends and colleagues language. My information on the samurai is sadly
rather than master and pet. If her services become incomplete; if you have any further insights to provide,
necessary, she serves as an instant translation device, they would be appreciated.”
appearing to speak in the native language of any
observer. If the players have not already received Player
Handout #2: the Missing Samurai, they should be
The Scorpion Consulate given it now.

When the group arrives at the Scorpion Consulate, Utemaro shakes his head slowly, but does offer,
they will find a somewhat comforting breath of home “Bayushi Mushin and I spoke on several occasions.
inside the compound. While the exteriors of the He was a dedicated samurai, I thought, a skilled duelist
buildings and the central courtyard are entirely of local and though I have little need for that skillset on staff
design and somewhat strange to Rokugani eyes, some here, I had thought to find a post for him here when he
effort has gone to decorating the interior in a fashion was finished with his pilgrimage. He indicated to me
meant to evoke the standards of the Empire. Wall that he found focus in his meditations that helped him
hangings, delicate pottery, and most importantly, on the dueling field. I do not know much of his doings
subtly painted screens to block out the sights of the in the city, though I understand he spent some time at
strange gaijin city all help provide comfort for the Portals of Delight and Fancy – the local
travelers far from home.

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Questionable Pilgrimage
entertainment district. It did not seem proper for me them before she leaves that they can call upon her as
to inquire as to his affairs there.” soon as they know anything and are ready to act.

The PCs have an opportunity to ask a few questions Once Tamaki departs, Korin asks the PCs, “Where do
here. In general, Utemaro will attempt to mislead the you wish to go, my friends?”
PCs and the Emerald Magistrate without engaging in
outright lies. He never spoke with Shiba Mujo or Ancient Pillars of Qaharaba
Togashi Nehan (which is true, his interaction with
them was limited to killing them and hiding their An ancient city known as Qaharaba once stood where
bodies). He did speak with the Ebonites, the local Medinaat al-Salaam now does, destroyed in a massive
“magistrates” on several occasions, and they had cataclysm that ravaged the area and created the
nothing to say to him about the missing samurai Burning Sands. In recent years, irrigation has been run
(because he did not speak to them about the missing); to the ruins from the river, and the Sultan has opened
he will tell the PCs that he does not recommend the area as a sort of public garden for the city. Families
dealing with the Ebonites unless they must, as they are spend time here, merchants peddle their wares,
likely to be “unhelpful” (primarily to Utemaro’s entertainers perform for the crowds, and scholars
interests). study the mosaics and carvings still visible on the
stone pillars that give the park its name.
Utemaro speaks of the missing samurai in the past
tense, though most of the rest of the people the PCs Isawa Sadako can be found under a bright orange silk
will meet with use the present tense since they are pavilion flying the banner of the Phoenix. She is a
officially “missing”, not “presumed dead” yet. He stocky woman in her late thirties, and somewhat
knows they are dead, of course, though he is making distracted with her studies, but she welcomes the PCs
every attempt to prevent the PCs from realizing this politely enough. (Her work involves study of the ruins
(and his Shadowlands Power prevents Social Skills or of a civilization that may predate the Fall of the Kami,
courtier Techniques from getting further information so she is careful in how she discusses it with other
from him, though he does not realize it). samurai.) She will provide what help she can to the
PCs, especially if it means they’ll go away and leave
When the conversation is wrapping up, Utemaro will her to her studies, but apologizes for not having a lot
send the PCs to Isawa Sadako, since her involvement of information for them.
is a matter of public record that the Emerald
Magistrate will learn from the Imperial Embassy in “I do not generally meet directly with the pilgrims, you
short order. He will, however, not mention the see, instead relying on correspondence. I do not keep
specifics of the pilgrimage, claiming ignorance, and track of them in the city, though when these three went
absolutely will not speak of the Brotherhood monks missing, I of course reported it to the Imperial
(hoping the lower social order will lead the PCs to Embassy. I do provide something of a guidebook to
overlook them). the pilgrims, detailing and providing directions to a
few local sites that would be of interest to students of
“I would suggest you speak with Isawa Sadako-san. the Tao. I can provide a copy for you, though I should
She is the Phoenix samurai responsible for note it is a little out of date; the Hoshi Trading Post
coordination of the pilgrimages. I have not dealt with was destroyed three years ago. Burned down in a fire,
her much, myself, though I would imagine all the shame, but at least only one of the Dragon died.” She
pilgrims do at some point. She can be found at the rummages through one of her many chests of scrolls to
Pillars of Qaharaba, a sort of park or garden in the produce one that she hands over.
northern part of the city.”
This is Player Handout #3.
Tamaki will leave the PCs from this point, heading to
the official Imperial Embassy, where the Empire’s If asked about the missing samurai, she has little
diplomat Ide Nadah is attempting to establish the information on either Bayushi Mushin or Togashi
embassy under the oversight of Otomo Seiho. The Nehan. “I remember the names, I reported their
political issues surrounding the case, and the overall disappearances, but all I ever did was exchange letters
tensions in the city have her focusing on the bigger with them. Their correspondence struck me as devout,
picture while she entrusts the PCs with the immediate but that’s how all the pilgrims are. I suppose one
matter of the investigation. However, she assures doesn’t brave the Burning Sands without strong
reason.”

8
Questionable Pilgrimage
Shiba Mujo is a slightly different story: “I spoke with Shinsei in reverence, whatever name they know him
Mujo-san on several occasions. She is a well-known by.
historian, you know, and I actually attended a few
lectures she gave in the Empire, oh, ten years ago now. Speaking with the scholars, priests, monks, or wise
Her focus is on the deeds of Shinsei more than just on men that can be found at the site requires an
his words and wisdom. Trying to track down the Investigation / Awareness roll at a TN of 25 (this
historical fact behind the traditions we remember. The is treated as a Social roll). Success allows the PC to
more we understand, she says, the closer to his lessons find a few people who recall seeing Togashi Nehan,
we come.” whose tattoos and demeanor are more unique in the
local experience. Success with a 35 allows them to
Before the PCs leave, she should encourage them to go find some people that recall seeing Shiba Mujo. Both
to Duqaq’s School of Astronomy. “I work regularly samurai are noted as having an interest in learning
with Kiyonobu-san, the monk who leads the more about Shinsei’s doings in the city, and were
Brotherhood presence in the city. The Brotherhood referred to the Rebuilt University and the School of
also, obviously, has a great interest in the pilgrimage, Astronomy.
though they handle their affairs internally of course.
Still, there’s an overlap in our interest, and if one of us If a PC wishes to join the scattering of supplicants
learns something of interest to the other, we generally praying at the site, they may roll Lore: Theology /
share it freely.” Void at a TN of 25. Success gains them an extra Void
Point that may be spent at any point during the module,
even on a roll that another Void Point has been spent
Part Two: Impermanence on.
Following the leads that the PCs are given by Isawa
Sadako should provide them with the chance to speak
Rebuilt University
with people that remember the missing samurai.
Splitting the party is not recommended, as the best On the northeast side of the city lies a sprawling
option for communication is through Yogo Korin, who university campus, comprised of many buildings in a
can only be in one place at a time. That said, some of vast array of architectural styles. There are hundreds
the locations will have people that speak Rokugani of students and scholars present on the campus at any
(the Prophet’s Wall, Duqaq’s School of Astronomy, time, engaged in lectures, demonstrations of arts and
the Rebuilt University) or Ivindi (Temple of the Black math (or both at once), assembling feats of
Stone). engineering, or performing scientific experiments.

There are relatively few people who speak Rokugani,

The Prophet’s Wall but the presence of samurai is not unprecedented, and
it does not take long for a burly scholar with a bristling
Medinaat al-Salaam has many walls, separating the black beard to track down the PCs. Speaking to them
districts, surrounding the city, or even just providing in broken Rokugani, he identifies himself as “Rilaki, a
decoration. The section called “The Prophet’s Wall” student of el-Faddil-sensei”, and will escort them to a
was once part of the outer wall of the city, when it was significantly less burly scholar with a much more
first established. Something, and accounts vary, bristling silver beard, introducing him as “the Master
happened to destroy the walls while the city was in el-Faddil, scholar of the words of the Prophet and the
danger. Mekhem spoke a few words and touched the way of the Tao.”
stones, and they sprang back into shape to defend the
tribes that had gathered together for protection. El-Faddil essentially lives in his office, which is
crammed with shelves groaning under the weight of
Today, the very stones tradition holds that Mekhem scrolls, books, tomes, papyrus, clay tablets, and even
touched are still there, and considered holy for both the more exotic forms of writing. He rests confidently in
miracle performed by the Prophet and the historical this academic nest, and in heavily-accented but
importance of the survival of the city’s founders. With passable Rokugani, asks how he can help the PCs.
relatively few direct historical records in the Empire,
even most Rokugani are impressed by the idea of Most of the samurai or monk pilgrims that come to the
touching the wall that Shinsei himself laid his hands university eventually are brought before el-Faddil for
on. It is obvious that a large number of people have an interview. He has transcribed several dozen
done so over the centuries, and the site serves as a conversations with Rokugani about their interpretation
gathering point for a wide variety of people that hold of the words of the Prophet – what Rokugan knows as
9
Questionable Pilgrimage
the Tao. As such, he has records of his conversations Mushin was the most common visitor, having had an
with both Shiba Mujo and Togashi Nehan. Mujo was interest in the Order’s law enforcement duties on
recognized as a fellow scholar, and the bulk of their behalf of the Scorpion Consulate. The others visited
conversation was on very esoteric interpretations of once each, but all three had expressed curiosity about
the Tao, or the Forty-Seven Sayings of Mekhem (the the Ebonites’ traditions concerning Shinsei’s
most famous local collection of the Prophet’s sayings). involvement in their founding.
Nehan, by contrast, was more relaxed in his theology,
but shared a deep interest in the deeds Shinsei Wisdom shared stories with all of them about the
performed while he was in the city, and where the founding of the Order, claiming that Shinsei helped
Little Teacher went after his time in Medinaat al- them seal away a great evil force and charged them
Salaam was done. El-Faddil has read reports that with guarding it. His lessons also gave them purpose
Mekhem went to the west, toward the Ivory once the evil was eventually destroyed, centuries later,
Kingdoms, and knows that the Order of the Ebon Hand informing the development of their Code. (The five
has traditions that talk about it as well. tenets of the Ebonite Code most likely resonate with
certain samurai, particularly Crab: “Suffer not the
Additionally, el-Faddil considers the monk Kiyonobu Darkness Within”, “Suffer Not the Darkness
at Duqaq’s School of Astronomy to be a respected Without”, “Shelter the Weak”, Stand with Your
colleague, and suggests the PCs confer with him on Brothers”, “Be True”)
any matter having to do with the pilgrims.
“This all took place in the Ivory Kingdoms, though the
Temple of the Black Stone kingdoms involved have long since fallen and now are
only barely remembered even by us. Mekhem led us
The city’s law enforcement has been managed by the with wisdom, and we eventually came to this city. We
Order of the Ebon Hand for two centuries. The Order have many tales, and are happy to share them with any
is a semi-monastic organization, though with a who are interested. Particularly the Rokugani, with
particularly martial bent. Their headquarters prove to whom we have a common enemy in the Cult of
be a large white building with black hand and sunburst Ruhmal.”
iconography. Membership in the order is fairly
cosmopolitan, as they draw membership from all of If the PCs inquire further, she will tell them that the
the city’s culture groups. The members of the Order, last samurai before Mushin who had come to them was
or “Ebonites” as they are known less formally, wear Togashi Zentai, the leader of the Hoshi Trading Post,
white tabards with a black hand on the left shoulder. before his death three years ago.
Sunburst emblems are also used to denote rank. They
do prove to be among the best-armed people the PCs If the PCs ask about anything else that might have
have seen in the city, with all of them wearing straight happened three years ago, Wisdom will share that the
longswords and even a few carrying spears or other Temple was robbed and one of their oldest relics was
polearms. stolen. “A box, of ivory and silver, with the black hand
on the top. Locked for centuries, no one now knows
When the PCs present themselves, they are escorted to what it contains, but tradition holds that it carries
a fairly spartan meeting room, where they are joined secrets of our founding.”
by a stern woman in her mid-thirties. She is lean and
moves with the grace of a trained warrior, but offers a If the PCs have already been to the School of
polite greeting in faltering Rokugani. She introduces Astronomy, they will likely have learned about the
herself as “Wisdom”, whether speaking in Rokugani missing monks. Wisdom knows about the issue, but
or Ivindi, indicating it is more of a title than a name. the case is ongoing and the Order has been unable to
If a PC speaks Ivindi, she will be more comfortable find anything useful. The only commonality among
conversing in that language, otherwise, relying on her the missing monks, and the missing samurai for that
grasp of the PC’s tongue and a translator will make matter if the cases are related, are that they were
some communication awkward. devout followers of the Tao who had spent some time
with the Order asking questions about Shinsei.
Once the PCs explain their mission, Wisdom is very
willing to help. She has spoken with several samurai Festival Grounds
over the years, though fewer in recent years. She does
remember all three of the missing samurai, having There are no festivals currently taking place, though
spoken with them in a timeframe that appears to have the area is still a popular place for merchants and
been within a week of their disappearance. Bayushi entertainers. If the PCs attempt to circulate here
10
Questionable Pilgrimage
regardless, they may make an Investigation / impediment to the efforts of the astronomers,
Awareness roll (as a Social roll) at a TN of 25. surrounded by a small compound of buildings – a few
Success allows them to find someone who knows low structures used by the Brotherhood as living
enough about the pilgrims to tell them they should “go quarters, a two-story library, and a Taoist shrine that
to the observatory to talk with Rokugani there.” looks like it was moved directly here from the Empire.
Failure means they learn nothing.
There may be some confusion about the connection
Jenna’s Shop of Wonders between astronomy and the Tao of Shinsei, but the
School was established by the Hooded Ronin, as one
The mysterious “Jenna’s Shop of Wonders” proves to of the tools used to fight against the darkness two
be a large, cluttered merchant post with all manner of hundred years ago. (The scholars here found the
goods for sale. Korin is somewhat nervous about Seventh Star, a mystical realm associated with the
going there, as there are a lot of local stories about the morning star – called “Amaterasu’s Handmaiden” in
owner and the terrible curses she has pronounced on Rokugan – and this was instrumental in resolving the
those who attempted to steal from or cheat her. Upon prophecies around the Awakening.)
entering, the PCs see that the proprietor is a tiny,
ancient woman with a piercing stare; she speaks no There are around sixty monks living at the School,
Rokugani or Ivindi, and even her Mekham is oddly- though at any point in time, most of them are out in the
accented. city going about their business. They are very happy
to see the PCs. “Oh! Samurai! You are here to do
One of the side rooms off the main floor of the store something about the missing people? We reported the
holds display cases containing items of mystical issue, but it seemed like nothing was being done for so
interest; Jenna describes them as “relics of power and long…” It may take a little time before the monks
mystery” to Korin, who translates skittishly. Of realize the PCs are not present to investigate the dozen
interest to the pilgrims are the artifacts left behind by monks that have gone missing in the last three years.
Duqaq, the Hooded Ronin, descendent of Shinsei – a
broken sword wielded by him in battle, a jingasa, and The leader of the monks is a spry sixty-year-old named
a tattered robe. These are actually legitimately relics, Kiyonobu. Normally possessing a wry sense of
and a shugenja or monk with sufficient spiritual humor, the situation has left him nervous and unhappy.
sensitivity (success on a Lore: Theology / Void roll, Once it becomes clear that the PCs were not actually
TN 20) will feel a stirring of power associated with sent to do something about the missing monks, he
them. However, they are also under the protection of sighs in disappointment but is absolutely willing to
the proprietor, a sahir with powers not understood by help out however he can.
Rokugani. The relics are not for sale on a scale
available to PCs. Attempts to steal from or intimidate Togashi Nehan had been living at the School, and
her will result in the offender simply being whisked Kiyonobu had spent quite a bit of time speaking with
outside magically and unable to re-enter. the tattooed monk about the stars, about the omens that
Nehan had spent a lifetime studying, and about the
Jenna has nothing to say about the pilgrims. Rokugani Tao. Nehan is described as a thoughtful man, not
come into her shop sometimes, even purchasing given to rash action, and much less martial than most
something every once in a while, but she pays them ise zumi who wander the Empire. Kiyonobu considers
little attention. PCs who wish to be pleasant and get Nehan to be a friend, and is very interested in learning
further information out of her may attempt to roll what happened to him. “He was close to Togashi
Etiquette (Conversation) / Awareness at a TN of 30. Zentai, before Zentai came to this city. I know Nehan
Success does not give them any more about the wants to do something with the old Hoshi Trading
missing samurai, but she will speak in a creepy voice Post, to honor his friend, but he hasn’t really told me
that seriously disturbs Korin. He translates what she what. He may not know yet himself.”
said as, “The place that is no more has the answers, but
the questions you must provide yourselves.” Jenna has The monk does not recall Bayushi Mushin, and will
nothing further to say. mention that Shiba Mujo came to the School a few
times but was less interested in the heavens than in the
Duqaq’s School of Astronomy histories the School has in the library. (This in contrast
to Nehan, who spent basically no time in the library,
A pair of observation towers on the west side of the preferring to learn by speaking with the monks.)
city, where the light of civilization provided less

11
Questionable Pilgrimage
There is little information on the missing monks. The
time frame can be established, with the first going Before the PCs can begin a more thorough
missing three years ago and the most recent about six examination, they may roll Investigation (Notice) /
weeks ago. Kiyonobu also knows of the destruction Perception (the Wary Advantage applies) at a TN of
of the Hoshi Trading Post around the same time as the 25 to spot a small gang watching the group from a
disappearances started, but given that everyone nearby alley. If no one notices the gang or
thought that an accident, has not put the two together. acknowledges them, the gang will move to attack
The missing monks are noted to be some of the most when the party finds the basement (PCs who are not
devout, but no other common element and there are no warned in some fashion are Surprised and suffer a -20
eyewitnesses as to what happened to them. The penalty to Initiative).
disappearances slowed when the monks started
traveling in groups, but have never really stopped. If the PCs acknowledge the gang watching them or
Kiyonobu will specifically mention that he reported move to confront them, the surly, ugly crew swagger
the issue both to the Ebonite guardsmen, who have had over to exchange words. Though the interpreter, they
no luck looking into the matter, and to Bayushi inform the PCs that they are trespassing and should
Utemaro at the Scorpion Consulate (who did not make leave. Their attitude is one of arrogance and
any mention of it to the Emerald Magistrate or the condescension, believing themselves to be in their
PCs). element (and having no idea what samurai are really
capable of). If asked who they are working for, they
Portals of Delight and Fancy laugh roughly and point at Korin’s clan mon (or that
of any PC Scorpion); Korin is very bothered by this,
There is little to be found in the city’s “entertainment” relaying “they said one of us…” The gang can be
district – at least, few of the things the PCs likely want intimidated (Intimidation / Willpower, TN 30; a
to find. Utemaro mentioned it specifically in order to shugenja casting a spell can add a Free Raise to this
bog the investigation down. The locals in this area do roll) or paid off (at least two koku and Temptation
not cooperate with the Ebonites, and are even less (Bribery) / Awareness, TN 25), at which point they
friendly toward strangers just arrived in the city but will slink off to report to Utemaro. If the PCs are at
asking questions. If the PCs can succeed at a roll of all hostile, it will likely move into a fight, with Imaad
Investigation / Awareness with a TN of 40, they and as many Ghost Blades as there are combat-capable
will learn that Scorpion samurai are at least recognized PCs at the table. The gang is not so devoted to their
for what they are in the area, but there is no one that is payment that they are willing to die to keep the PCs
willing or able to confirm Utemaro’s assertion that out of the basement, and any display of magic from a
Bayushi Mushin spent time in the area. shugenja PC will clearly unsettle them. In general,
they should retreat upon being put at the +10 Wound
Penalty or when it becomes impossible to miss that
Part Three: Nirvana they are outclassed.

The Hoshi Trading House Ruins Searching the lot requires an Investigation
(Search) / Perception roll, TN 20 (or a variety of
After killing the Dragon leader and setting a fire to automatic success options such as Light of the Moon
destroy any evidence he couldn’t find, Utemaro or Eight-Direction Awareness) to discover a trap door
quietly purchased the property the ruined building hidden under one of the fallen pillars where it rests
stood on. He has been using it as a hiding place for his atop another. The door leads down to what was the
misdeeds, and set a street gang to guard it. basement of the building before the fire, and is clearly
still in some use as there is no sign of fire damage on
When the PCs arrive, they will see little more than an the wooden slats. Failure to find the door leads to a
empty lot, with only a few stone pillars fallen to lay on confrontation with the Ghost Blades when the party
the ground and any scrap from the old building that leaves – in this instance, the fight is inevitable but the
could have bene taken long since gone. Korin is gang will say something to the tune of “they didn’t find
confused at the sight, and will tell the PCs that the door”, with a response of “kill them anyway” from
property is too valuable in the city, let alone this Imaad – Korin or his cat can translate this, giving the
district, to just lie unused for three years. He doesn’t PCs another chance to look after the fight, and
know who would own it now, but is certain he could reducing the TN to 15 since they have a better idea of
find out with a little time (and, should the PCs have no what they are looking for. (Failure on this one means
other leads to take them to Utemaro, Korin will Korin suggests bringing the matter to the Emerald
uncover papers demonstrating his ownership). Magistrate’s attention, reducing the Glory gain at the
12
Questionable Pilgrimage
end by two but involving her in the situation Armor TN: 26 (dual Damage: 5k2 (Knife)
immediately – she will not descend into the basement, wield)
especially after the PCs describe what they find, but Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39
will have everything not a dead body brought up.) (+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out), 58 (Dead)
School/Rank: Khesir Blades 1
Imaad, the Leader of the Ghost Blades Techniques: 1: no dual wield penalty with knives,
Leader of a moderately influential street gang, Imaad Free Raise to Extra Attack Maneuver with Knives if
has a lot of potential as a tool in Medinaat al-Salaam - dual-wielding, +1k0 Knife damage
this was recognized by Bayushi Utemaro and he was Skills: Athletics 3, Commerce 1, Defense 2, Hand-to-
brought under the Scorpion’s control for a variety of Hand 3, Intimidation 2, Investigation 1, Knives
tasks. (None would qualify as remotely honorable.) (Janbiya) 5, Lore: Underworld 2, Stealth 2
Air 3 Earth 4 Fire 3 Water 4 Void 2
Reflexes Agility 4 In the former basement of the building, the PCs will
4 find a large storage space filled with shelves (largely
Integrity 1.6 Status 0 Reputation 2.1
holding scrolls, monastic clothes, and a few tools). A
Initiative: 8k4 Attack: 10k5e (Knife, musty scent hangs heavy in the air, sealed away with
Simple); 9k4e no wind. At one end of the room, the shelves have
(Unarmed, Complex) been arranged away from the wall to display a grisly
Armor TN: 29 (dual Damage: 6k2 (Knife), sight: sixteen corpses, hanging on the wall by large
wield) 5k1 (Unarmed) pegs under their armpits to place them in a mostly-
Wounds: 20 (+0), 28 (+3), 36 (+5), 44 (+10), 52 upright position. The dry desert air has partially
(+15), 60 (+20), 68 (Down, +40), 76 (Out), 77 (Dead) mummified them, reducing the odor to a faint
School/Rank: Khesir Blades 4 unpleasantness.
Techniques: Way of the Streets: no dual wield penalty
with knives, Free Raise to Extra Attack Maneuver with In the same area as the corpses is a work table with
Knives if dual-wielding, +1k0 Knife damage several objects on it.
On the Ground!: Free Raise to Knockdown; if • A small travel shrine in the Rokugani style, with
succeeds with an Unarmed Knockdown attack, adds a place for offerings and the dedication plaques
blank. It appears to be an ancestral shrine, with a
Hand-to-Hand Skill in unkept dice to Contested
Scorpion daisho and a Phoenix wakizashi
Strength Roll (+5k0)
• A rack is built on the wall holding twenty four
No Holding Back: Simple Action Attacks with Knives aiguchi of similar construction. Sixteen of them
: Additional Free Raise to Knockdown (total 2), may are unsheathed (close examination reveals blood
make an Unarmed Knockdown as Simple Action; adds spots on the hilts or nicks in the blade indicating
Athletics Skill to Contested Strength Roll to resist use), while the remaining eight are still in their
Knockdown (+4k0) saya. (This may cause players to assume a ritual
Skills: Athletics 4, Commerce 3, Defense 3, Hand-to- of some sort is in play, but is due entirely to the
Hand 5, Intimidation 4, Investigation 3, Knives fastidious nature of Utemaro’s madness.)
(Janbiya) 8, Lore: Underworld 4, Sincerity 3, Stealth 3 • A black cloth mask lies folded precisely on the
Mastery Abilities: no off-hand penalty with Knives, table under the knife rack. While it does not
Free Raise to Extra Attack Maneuver with Knives possess any particular distinguishing marks, it
Advantages/Disadvantages: Quick, Strength of the resembles the sort of face covering worn by stage
Earth / Blackmailed, Bounty hands in larger productions. (It’s a ninja mask.)
• A medium-sized box, covered with a mosaic of
Ghost Blades ivory and silver in a sunburst pattern and with the
image of a hand worked in black stone on the top.
Somewhat skilled street toughs, more suited to scaring The box is approximately eighteen inches wide, a
local merchants than attempting anything whatsoever foot long, and eight inches deep. There is a
involving samurai. locking mechanism, but it is broken (and will
Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 2 Water 2 Void 1 clatter to the bottom of the box when opened),
Reflexes Agility 3 Strength having obviously been forced.
4 3
Integrity 1.1 Status 0 Reputation 2.1
• Inside the box is an ancient travel scroll in the
Rokugani style, with an embossed pattern of a
Initiative: 5k4 Attack: 8k3e (Knife,
white crow on the end caps. Reading it shows it
Complex)
to be a text in both Rokugani and Mekham (with
13
Questionable Pilgrimage
 the languages in columns, theoretically providing the nephew of the Scorpion Clan Champion to claim
a translation) that claims to show the location of that there is an insult to the entire Scorpion Clan on the
Shinsei’s tomb. (Player Handout #4) table, allowing Jinmaeru to accept the challenge so
that his champion may step forward. This is a lethal
All of the bodies are of Rokugani, four of them duel, however, and will require an official witness
samurai and the rest monks. Closer examination of the (like an Emerald Magistrate), so the matter may shift
corpses (and perhaps either an Investigation or once Tamaki arrives. If Utemaro is revealed as
Medicine roll) reveals that the oldest is three years Tainted before the duel happens, it will be denied by
deceased and was clearly a heavily-tattooed older Tamaki if she has the opportunity.
man; the most recent death is also of a heavily-tattooed
older man, though it likely took place in the last two If he PCs fail their rolls or attack, there are three guards
months. (Togashi Zentai, the leader of the Hoshi and Utemaro. The guards will attack to disable, if
Trading Post, and Togashi Nehan, respectively.) All possible, trying to de-escalate the situation, while
of the bodies were killed by a single knife blow, Utemaro will duck out the door into the next room and
though the locations vary from a slashed throat to a attack from stealth. Utemaro will be vicious and strike
thrust at the base of the skull or behind the ear – all as lethally as possible. When Utemaro is hit, his blood
surprise strikes from stealth, with basically no fighting is dark and thick (not black, but an obviously unnatural
involved. Bayushi Mushin and Shiba Mujo are looking shade of red), giving a clue as to his Taint.
identifiable by their mon as well as the swords by the
altar. Consulate Guards
Sweaty and miserable in their armor, but ready to
Confronting Utemaro defend the Scorpion Consulate with their lives.
Air 3 Earth 3 Fire 3 Water 3 Void 2
There are a number of ways this encounter can go,
depending on how the PCs enter into it. Ideally, the Honor 2.7 Status 2.0 Glory 2.0
PCs will have evidence in hand and at least some Initiative: 6k4 Attack: 8k3e-5
reason to suspect Utemaro of misleading them before (Katana, Complex,
they confront him. Having received a report from the
Fatigued)
survivors of the street gang, Utemaro is most likely to
Armor TN: 25/30 Damage: 7k2 (Katana)
be found writing at his desk (a confession/justification
for his actions should things go poorly for him, that he Reduction: 3 (light armor)
can burn if he prevails). If the PCs accuse him of Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39
misdeeds, he will call for the guards to claim that the (+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out), 58 (Dead)
PCs have stolen from the Ebonites, ordering the guards School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 2
to take them into custody and coldly informing them Techniques: The Way of the Scorpion: +1k1 to
that the “suspects will be slain attempting escape.” Initiative Rolls. +5 to Armor TN against any opponent
with lower Initiative.
Yogo Korin’s reaction is shocked denial, but he is not Pincers and Tail: Free Raise for any Maneuver
articulate enough to be of significant assistance. The Skills: Courtier (Manipulation) 2, Defense 2, Etiquette
guards are quite obviously ill at ease at the prospect – 2, Iaijutsu 3, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu (Katana) 5,
Scorpion loyalty is strong, but the PCs are acting as Sincerity 3; Athletics 3, Battle 2, Horsemanship 1,
yoriki to an Emerald Magistrate. If the PCs do not Jiujutsu 2, Lore: History 2, Stealth 2
immediately attack, it is quite possible for them to
convince the guards to wait until Bayushi Tamaki can Assuming the PCs don’t start a fight, they can engage
be summoned or arrive. This only requires a Utemaro in conversation to try to learn what he has
successful roll of either Courtier / Awareness (TN done and why. He is resigned at this point, willing to
25) or Sincerity (Honesty) / Awareness (TN 20). speak without requiring a roll. There is, however, a
Scorpion PCs gain a Free Raise on this roll, but if difference between “admission” and “surrender”.
Korin is not present, the TNs are increased by 5. Utemaro is conflicted, having regret for the deaths he
determined to be necessary (particularly the fellow
It is possible a PC may attempt to challenge Utemaro Bayushi), so talking him down is difficult but not
over his deeds, especially the lie about their actions. If impossible. While his Shadowlands Power prevents
a PC is not known as a duelist, he will accept such a the PCs from affecting his mind, when that mind is not
challenge himself. If a PC is known as a duelist settled, a Skill roll can convince him to stand down.
(Kakita Bushi-trained or Iaijutsu 7+), he instead
summons Bayushi Jinmaeru, his political adjutant and
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If the PCs provide reasons for him to surrender (the fully before his execution and will make no attempt to
reputation of the Scorpion Clan, keeping the peace escape or hide anything further.
between the clans, even obeying the Emerald
Magistrate’s wishes, as long as it’s more than Tamaki is pleased with the resolution, though possibly
accusations of his wrongdoing) and succeed at a unsettled by a trusted Scorpion in such a distant post
Courtier (Manipulation) or Sincerity / having contracted the mark of Jigoku. She will convey
Awareness roll at a TN of 35, Utemaro will give in the scroll to the Imperial Capitol, so the Brotherhood
without a fight or attempting to flee, providing all his of Shinsei may determine the best path to take forward.
explanations and justifications. If, somehow, the PCs Regardless, the PCs are sent back to the Empire on an
manage to prove Utemaro is Tainted, he will uneventful journey with the thanks of the Emerald
immediately surrender. Magistrate.

Failure on the roll likely sees him try to flee after The End
admitting his crimes. (Initiative is rolled; on his Turn,
he retreats into the other room to break line of sight
and use Stealth to attempt to go out the window and
avoid capture. Contested Rolls from that point of
Investigation / Perception against his Stealth / Agility
are required; if he wins three, he escapes, if the PCs
win three, they can surround him.)

Utemaro speaks in a tightly controlled voice, almost a

monotone, and only showing emotion when he speaks
of the reason for his actions. When he learned from
Togashi Zentai that the Ebonites had proof that Shinsei
had come from the Ivory Kingdoms, he decided that
he had to kill to keep the secret. He killed Zentai,
burned down the Hoshi Trading Post, broke into the
Temple of Black Stone to steal their relic, and kept
watch for any other Rokugani likely to uncover the
secret. Utemaro honestly believes that learning that
the Empire owes its existence, the victory over Fu
Leng, and everything that has come since the Day of
Thunder, to a gaijin interloper will be disastrous to
Rokugan. He is overreacting, largely because of the
madness the Taint is afflicting him with, though it will
be a difficult concept for some more traditional
samurai to deal with.

Conclusion
If Utemaro escapes or is slain, he still left behind a
confession, satisfying Tamaki on the resolution of the
investigation. There is still some mystery as to what
drove him to take such extreme measures, but it is less
important than that he was stopped.

If Utemaro is killed or captured, his Taint will come

out as soon as his mask is removed and the condition
of his skin comes to light. Any test with jade will burn
him, confirming the matter. He does not know when
he contracted the Taint, though his major changes in
thoughts and nightmares began three years ago (when
he began the murders). If possible, he will cooperate

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 Rewards for Completing the Other
Every PC should gain a 0-point Physical and
Adventure Supernatural Advantage: “Ekirei Survivor” following
their exposure to the illness at the oasis.
Surviving the Module: 1 EXP
Good Roleplaying: +1 EXP Any PC who receives a knife from the nomads, or buys
Located the missing samurai: +1 EXP a janbiya in the city (for 2 bu), may add the weapon to
Confronted Utemaro: +1 EXP their sheet – but this does not make it part of their
Outfit, so will not be replaced if it is lost. It is a knife
Total Possible Experience: 4 EXP requiring its own Emphasis but using the Knives Skill,
it does 1k2 damage and suffers a -2k0 penalty to the
Favors
Discovering the deaths of the missing samurai and attack roll if thrown. Additionally, it is a gajin weapon
publicly bringing Utemaro to justice for it gains each largely meant for street fighting and using it is
PC one Favor. dishonorable. In any combat where the PC uses the
janbiya, they suffer a D2 Honor loss (similar to using
Honor a Low Skill). This is once per combat, and if it
Successfully bringing a murderer to justice and matters, takes place when the weapon is readied.
uncovering a Tainted samurai in a position of power
gains the PCs an H7 Honor gain. GM Reporting

The GM may grant up to 2 extra points of Honor to a 1) Was there a fight at the oasis?
PC for actions not detailed in the module, though no 2) Did Utemaro escape?
PC should gain more than 2 points in this fashion. 3) Was the Account of the Last Disciple
recovered?
Glory
Though the distance from the Empire makes the
GM must report this information BEFORE
recognition difficult, the nature of the case will gain
attention for the PCs: G9 Glory gain. 11/9/2019 for it to have storyline effect

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 Appendix #1: NPCs

Bayushi Utemaro Shosuro Inazuma

Face hidden by a full wooden mask, lacquered black A lean young woman with an attitude of calm
with a swirling red pattern, clad in dark red traditional equanimity, except where Phoenix samurai are
kimono. He was once a loyal Scorpion, and still thinks concerned, Inazuma is Bayushi Jinmaeru’s yojimbo
of himself as one, though the madness brought by his and champion.
Taint has caused him to be even more paranoid and Air 4 Earth 3 Fire 3 Water 2 Void 4
untrusting. He does not realize he is Tainted, and if it Perception
is proven to him (by touching him with jade, for 3
example), his denial will break and he will surrender. Honor 3.8 Status 3.5 Glory 3.2
Air 4 Earth 3 Fire 5 Water 3 Void 2 Initiative: 8k5 Attack: 9k3e (Katana,
Strength 4 Complex)
Honor 1.9 Status 5.0 Glory 4.1 Armor TN: 25/30 Damage: 6k2 (Katana)
Initiative: 9k5 Attack: 10k5e (Katana, Reduction: 0
Simple) or 10k6e Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39
(Aiguchi, Simple) (+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out), 58+ (Dead)
Armor TN: 25/30 Damage: 8k2 (Katana) School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 3
or 5k1 (Aiguchi) Techniques: The Way of the Scorpion: +1k1 to
Shadowlands Taint: 3.2 Initiative Rolls. +5 to Armor TN against any opponent
Wounds: 15 (+0), 21 (+3), 27 (+5), 33 (+10), 39 with lower Initiative.
(+15), 45 (+20), 51 (Down, +40), 57 (Out), 58 (Dead) Pincers and Tail: Free Raise on any Maneuver
School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 4 Strike at the Tail: When assuming a Stance at the start
Techniques: The Way of the Scorpion: +1k1 to of Turn, may choose a target within 30’; the target is
Initiative Rolls. +5 to Armor TN against any opponent Fatigued if you hit them this Turn. During the
with lower Initiative. Reactions Stage, an affected opponent may attempt an
Pincers and Tail: Free Raise for any Maneuver Earth Ring roll against a TN of 25 to negate the effects
Strike at the Tail: When assuming a Stance at the start of this Technique. If he fails, the effects of this
of Turn, may choose a target within 30’. If Technique end during the next Reactions Stage (the
successfully hit them during that Turn, the target is second Reactions Stage after he was struck).
Fatigued as if he had gone without rest for 24 hours. Skills: Courtier (Manipulation) 2, Defense 2, Etiquette
During the Reactions Stage, an affected opponent may 2, Iaijutsu (Focus) 7, Investigation (Notice) 4,
attempt an Earth Ring roll against a TN of 25 to negate Kenjutsu (Katana) 6, Sincerity 3; Athletics 3, Battle 2,
the effects of this Technique. If he fails, the effects of Horsemanship 1, Intimidation (Control) 3, Jiujutsu 1,
this Technique end during the next Reactions Stage Stealth (Sneaking) 3
Mastery Abilities: ready swords as a Free Action,
(the second Reactions Stage after he was struck).
Free Raise to Focus, +2k2 to Focus if wins Assessment
Strike From Above, Strike From Below: May make
by 10+, +1k0 sword damage
melee attacks as a Simple Action. Advantages/Disadvantages: Heart of Vengeance
Skills: Courtier (Manipulation) 4, Defense 2, Etiquette (Phoenix), Wary / Disbeliever
(Bureaucracy) 2, Iaijutsu (Assessment) 5, Kenjutsu
(Katana) 5, Sincerity (Deceit) 5, Stealth 6; Athletics 4, Assessment: 10k6 w/Void
Investigation (Notice) 3, Jiujutsu 2, Knives (Aiguchi) Focus: 10k7e+9 w/Void or 10k10+11 v/Void and
7, Lore: Theology 3 Assessment by 10+
Advantages/Disadvantages: Irreproachable, Silent / Strike: 10k4, damage 8k4+4 w/Void before Raises
Dark Secret: murderer, Driven: hide the secret of
Shinsei’s origin, Shadowlands Taint
Shadowlands Mutation: Discolored Skin (pale, with
darkened veins – normally hidden by mask)
Shadowlands Powers: Master of Shadows (+3k0 to
Stealth rolls), Chosen of Fu Leng (immunity to mind-
affecting effects, including Social Skills, Techniques,
and spells)
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 Player Handout #1: News From the Empire

Samurai of Rokugan,

It has been quite an active spring this year indeed! And as the wheel turns, we are blessed with good tidings
from around the Empire!

Shinjo Hazumi has miraculously recovered and resumed control of the clan. She has thanked Moto Sartaq
for his exemplary service during her period of incapacitation and declared a renewed focus on foreign
magics that night threaten the empire in the future. With the Unicorn having committed to avoiding war with
the Dragon, it seems that the northwest, at least, has calmed for the time being.

The same cannot be said within the Owl lands, however. The Scorpion have begun their incursions in
earnest, engaging with the First Heichi Army in several minor engagements. The Owl, for their part, seem
to be stalling for time while Owl Courtiers try to calm the situation. Unfortunately for the Owl, going against
the Scorpion in court is fraught with peril, and word is a couple of Owl Courtiers have committed seppuku
for various failures in dealing with experienced Scorpion Diplomats.

We should end on good news, though, yes? I am happy to bring to the Courts that Toturi X and his wife
have announced the birth of Twins! Young Ichiro and Ichiko are both very healthy young children, and the
Astrologers already have very optimistic things to say about their divined destinies.

Blessings of the Summer Upon us all.

Otomo Yusuke

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 Player Handout #2: Missing Samurai
Bayushi Tamaki has only basic information on the missing samurai, and no real reports of their doings in Medinaat
al-Salaam. It is known when they left the Empire, and by extension, when they arrived in the city. The last known
reports of their presence in the city come from witnesses associated with the Imperial Embassy or the Scorpion
Consulate. The disappearances may have gone unnoticed in the Empire but for the expanded presence brought by the
Imperial Embassy.

Bayushi Mushin
A Bayushi-trained bushi in his early thirties, Mushin has a reputation as a moderately successful duelist with seven
victories to his name (one of them a lethal duel). He has served as a yojimbo, court champion, personal guard, and
battlefield champion over the course of his career. It is known that he arrived in the city nine months ago, and was
last seen eight months ago. Mushin is described as a tall, lanky man with a small scar on the left side of his lower lip;
his mon is provided, and appears to be a pair of scorpion pincers folded in prayer.

Shiba Mujo
Mujo is an Asako Loremaster more known for her time spent in the libraries of the Empire than its courts. She is a
noted historian and theologian, and has published more than a dozen treatises on Shinsei and the Tao over the last two
decades. She arrived in the city six months ago and was last seen three months ago. Descriptions of Mujo indicate
she is an almost monastic woman in her mid-forties, with short-cropped hair and usually a bit of ink somewhere
unexpected. Her mon is a stylized series of elongated triangles, worked into a pattern evoking a feather.

Togashi Nehan
All ise zumi are somewhat enigmatic, though Nehan has been more active in the Empire than most. In his early fifties,
he is more known for having traveled the Empire gathering observations on the heavens and learning local
superstitions. He arrived in the city four months ago, with the last reported sighting two months ago. A short, wiry
man covered in tattoos, Nehan has a distinct appearance. His personal mon is a simplified star pattern with a single
curved line representing a dragon’s claw.

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 Player Handout #3: Isawa Sadako’s Guidebook
Isawa Sadako has prepared a scroll with a rough description of a few sites of significance to pilgrims following in the
steps of the Little Teacher. Details are scanty, and summarized below. Sadako does note that one of the locations –
the Hoshi Trading House – no longer exists, having been destroyed in a fire three years ago. However, the scrolls
were prepared before that happened, and they have simply not been updated since.

The Prophet’s Wall

Perhaps the most important site for the local residents of the city, there is a tradition that Shinsei rebuilt the city walls
with a word and a touch in a time of need. The location of the “miracle” is a destination for pilgrims from across the
region, and is of significance to the history of Medinaat al-Salaam. Priests, scholars, and wise men regularly can be
found here, and much can be learned about the way that the city views the deeds of the Little Teacher, who they call
“Mekhem”.

Duqaq’s School of Astronomy

Founded by the Hooded Ronin, the descendant of Shinsei, in 1132, this school has two towers for observation of the
Heavens and a small shrine devoted to the Tao that would not be exceptional in the Empire. The Brotherhood of
Shinsei maintain the facilities, though scholars with an interest in astronomy travel from far and wide to learn of the
stars and what their patterns may mean for the mortal realm.

Rebuilt University
The city once had a university with a history stretching back to the time of Shinsei, but it was destroyed by the Senpet
in 1132 during a particularly tumultuous time. It has been restored in the last two centuries, to something of note if
not quite to its former glory. Scholars on all topics can be found here, in particular one by the name of “Master el-
Faddil”, who has devoted his life to understanding the teachings of the Prophet.

Temple of the Black Stone

The Order of the Ebon Hand serve as city guards and magistrates for the Caliph, keeping the peace of the city, but
they also have a tradition that they were founded by Shinsei. More a military order than a religious one, there are
some similarities to the monastic Brotherhood that lend credence to their claims. They are generally willing to share
their knowledge of the Little Teacher, though the mixed nature of their organization makes it difficult to judge their
reliability.

Festival Grounds
Much like in Rokugan, there are a variety of celebrations of a religious or cultural nature that take place regularly in
the city. The many different traditions held by the city’s inhabitants ensure that there is almost always something
taking place on the area set aside for such celebrations, even if there is no formal festival scheduled. However, there
are several dates held to be of importance to the Prophet: the first day of spring, the entire first month of summer, the
week leading up to the autumnal equinox, and a day in the second month of winter claimed to be the birth of Shinsei.

Hoshi Trading House

A unique combination of monastery and merchant, this location is of interest to anyone studying the deeds of Shinsei
in his time in the city. The Dragon have had a minor presence in the city since the events of the twelfth century,
though their focus has been primarily on spreading the Tao and doing good works for the less fortunate of the city.

Jenna’s Shop of Wonders

Many superstitions and stories surround the establishment known as “Jenna’s Shop of Wonders”, among them that
the founder still operates the business despite it having existed for centuries. Whatever powers the gullible ascribe to
the proprietor, she does have several relics from the time of the Hooded Ronin on display.

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 Player Handout #4: The Account of the Last Disciple
This is the introduction of the scroll found in the broken Ebonite lockbox. It continues for what would be more than
a hundred pages, divided into columns of Rokugani script in an ancient style (on the left) and writing in the local
fashion (on the right). It is a mostly scholarly work, in a very religious style.

Know that wisdom is the blessing of the heavens, ‫ التي جلبتها علينا‬، ‫اعلموا أن الحكمة هي نعمة السماوات‬
brought upon us by the words and deeds of the ‫ الذي يعرف باسم مكهام في هذه‬، ‫كلمات وأفعال النبي‬
Prophet, he who is known as Mekhem in this city, he
‫ والذي كان يعرف باسم شينسي في أرض‬، ‫المدينة‬
who was known as Shinsei in the land of the rising sun,
he who was born as Sayid-art in the lands of the setting ‫ الذي ولد كما قال سيد الفن في أرض‬، ‫الشمس المشرقة‬
sun, and who has returned to the realm of his birth to .‫ وقد عاد ذلك إلى عالم والدته للراحة‬، ‫غروب الشمس‬
rest.

This is the account of Abdul Tarkan ibn Qazai, the last ، ‫ آخر تلميذ للنبي‬، ‫هذه هي رواية عبد التاركان بن قزاي‬
disciple of the Prophet, and a full and true tally of the ، ‫ورواية كاملة وحقيقية لأليام األخيرة للمعلم الصغير‬
Little Teacher’s final days, and the place where his
‫والمكان الذي تكمن فيه رفاته ليكون بمثابة مصدر إلهام‬
remains lie to serve as inspiration for those who would
follow after. .‫لمن يتبعهم‬

[A large map is drawn across both columns, recognizable by coastlines as being territory in the Ivory
Kingdoms; the location of the Tomb of the Prophet is noted in a Kingdom near to, but not bordering,
Balishnimpur]

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