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    Toaz - Info l5r 5e Winterx27s Embrace Photoscan PR

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    rodrigo

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    ‘ampli With sone ‘ange te treats Canes heer ay WINTER'S EMBRACE Winter's Embrace WetersEmbyoo an arte forthe Leger ofthe Fe Roleplaying Game, Payers should not read mater: puslhcpant Overt coaseotisadvetre th payer characters mustnavigete the dangerovs politcal curents of ‘he Winter Court at Kyiden Do}, lst thoy nd themseves “rapped inthe whirlpool of cammeting politcal schemes of the tedtional Crane Clan, the uncerventonel Mantis Can, and th ale and cnerios ofboth. The reputations of both clans are at stake, asis the ontity ofthe future Empress, Its stronaly recommended that the game master read through Winter's Embrace in its entkoty to become {emiar with the eas and story lines before runing it. ADVENTURE BACKGROUND (GM ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT) ‘The year is 1122 of the Isewa Colendar. It has boon two. years snce a tenible tsunami buck Crane land, and ono {Year since @ massive typhoon hit the southem coast. The ‘once high-and-mighty Crane have begun to ‘eel the pain ‘of two successive filed harvests, althougi based upon the benity and marvels on daelay at ths yeors Winter Cour, ‘2 guest could scarcely guess the Crane had fallen on hard ties. For the Crane, is imporatb that they continue 12 seem unelected. ifthe Crane Clan fater, the Lon Can ie \waiting to smcop in and raciaim the Osari Plains and the city ‘of Toshi Ranbo, which have been contested for generations, To that end, the Lon Clan s2sia to ove a wedge between its enemy—the Crano-—and the Mantis. The Crene ‘and Mantis have sxzined reletins—he Crane suspect the ais ate Lehind several pirate attarkson thet coas., wile Mant are fusrated withthe Cane traconalisn The name fora Ul knows FT StF si te sage toputfomatd onal herounen nc ADVENTURE Ove ey, Soring is for sowing, summer for egg war harvest, and winter i forpaltce, While weve rimpezabie, the somui of Rokxgan wets castles ond continue thet politcal gamesmarsy less provincial and family daimyo hostawnter cee stronghold to honor their vassals and ereue ies Ata virtercoun, offi busrece conckete, pron and betrothals are announced, treaties ae regstans Alsputes are resolved, The tue Winter Court, honever 1. pce wherever the Emperor attend and each yeu ferent palace is selectx forthe heror The yon, Kyi oj hosts His imperial Majesty and is tinue, n on colebrate tho recent ascenson of Do Hotan to te vis. Grane Clan Champion. More in-depth information on Winter Cout can be found on pace 18 in Cours of Stne. This adventure represents © two-week span ot during the monthsslong proceedings, and ony ene « the many schemes being played out If tho GM w: ‘5 una full Winter Court, this could be used ae 7 int dctory intrigue for the playor characters leaving rary more plots to unravel after the conclusion of Winrers Embrace, {f GMs wish to add in an acklttonal stor line {© this acventure, they can find a free, donnlcedabe ‘supplement entitled The Soll ar the Blade at tip! vinwfantasy lightgames.com/en/legond.of-the-fve fingsoleplaying-game! to expand upon the intigue the Winter Cour. The adventure besins with en invitation to tee with the veneroble Kekita Ryoku, @ courtier of the Crane Ryoku humbly requests that the PCs determine why ‘and how the Mantis were invited to the Winter Cou, as they were not on the original guest lst as far os se Kawa. ifthe PCs do this for hei—and track down the Invitstion used to invite the Mantis—they will cury {great respect with the Crane Clan, and Ryoku will one ‘Sach PC or their daimyo a favor. As they conduct their investigation, the PCs must decide whom they can trust they should avoid. nthe process, the PCs and whom ate forced to balance the fine arts of nogotiation, sub- Uge, and even potentially romance. end of Act Ul, the PCs discover the real game of determining the future Empress. In Hfunhertheir ambstion to become = Hoth their own candite forthe ‘efown prince: none other than Yorite ® Lady Megami. At the samo time, Katia to Secure the betrothal of Deji Choe, ROMANCE AND PLAYERS a ERS This adventure presents opportunities fr PCs to gage in romantic relatonshis with NPCS Before play begins, the GM should gauge each plays terestin loplaying romantireiation- ship by asking drocty whether they would he interested in doing so during ths adventure. Orly players whe exprese dear interest soul be pro- ‘sented vith the opporunitylatorinthe adverure tohave their PC antor such 2 elatonshi pleyers who areunsure orhestant shoul note pressed. ‘The GM should be sure to emphasize thet the players can change ther mind at any tme for any ‘esscn, and without needing to supply a reason tothe @Mor group. Tho GM should checkinwith players who are pursuing courtship every other ‘Session 10 make sue thay ae sil intxested, ay with the tone of the courtship t ho tble, ond having fun, Additionally, tho GM should touch base with the group to seo # they are comfor- ble wth romance being replayed athe table, IFNEC:PC romanca woul be ankuardto d- ‘us with the group, the GM should not 2esume any of tho players are interested nor comfort- able with pursuing romantic subptos. if one of the PCs begins to pursue an NPC roranticaly, tho GM can take tha playor ase andl ask them ‘privately if they would be comfortable wit rlo- ‘playing the courtship ot the tablo or not, Even i ‘the players answer yes, the GM should contin- tue checking in with the group throughout the adventure to ensure everyone's comfort: Please note that al romance options can be eosiy ‘replaced with platonic friencships to avcid ary player decomfort, expecially if any pleyer are “experiencing ciscomfort fom being atthe teble _where 9 romance scene is taking place. eaush to Dal Hotaru, tothe Emperor’ hen The =. estion that the Mantis are trying to betroth Lady | Magaritath conn price seandalos see tele of Empress is consicered far above theirstation. The FCs can ‘expose the Mant’ ambitions to the court and humiiate ‘contender during tho Kabul production of The Tale Fisherman's Daughter, set tobe performed during ond week. Alternatively, the PCs can shoke up the | persuading the Emper- WINTER'S EMBRACE The Apventure StrucTURE | emenaic ievmanons The adventure is dvided up into two wesks of ingame time, A quick guide to the main evenis of each day can be found es a fee download at vee fancasyflighigames. com/en/legend-ol-the-ivetingeolepleying-aeme/. Co tain days feature an intigue or challenge forthe PC: to ‘oxercome, while other days are quieter allowing te play «16 te pursue leads and relationships in thair ov fashion ‘The group can make use oF downtime sctivtes in com: binston with narrative econet as desired (sce page 248 of the core rulabook for more information on downtime: scenes) Each day or tot of daye ala incluses do events {or the PC to witness and rumor forthe PCs 10 uncever However, Gis should fel Fee to remove, add, or merge days ast fs into the thythm of their group. ng oie ‘he Cet Clans, the Fn | ert repo 0 permitied amr of lavas to bate tawever they wi Dh Satine, te cre ta Chanapb i ing ple fore he evens of Legend of the Sve ings Hezinner Game) i presently reese for such fer ell 8 dtp fo pret the Emperor dre ie event Cuaracter Goats While Wirters Embrace has plenty fintigue, the stakes risewhen the PCs ae crawn into the plot because ofthe persona interests and clans! goakr—end the prospect of Kakite Ryoku taking care of those matters for them. Each player should work with the GM to choose ore of the Clansbased goals Isted under their clan deleaetion (see ‘The Delegations of the Winter Court "The Delegetions to the Winter Coun’ on gege 2 through “Informal Delegations" on page 7). or invent one based on theit character's niniSend gir, These goals can also be used! to present complications (see page 39 inthe core rulebook}. “The Delegations to the Wetter Court ‘A delegation i collection of semua sent to the Winter Court © represent the wishes of the'r clan chempion and thoicclan 2 ashote n casos where the can champion fs ‘rotin atendonce, authonty to conduct business on behalf cof the clan hes been delegated to those indviduels: they ‘are able to meke end break promises, sign veaties, deiore duels, and arange mariages without fst having to write ‘to their champion 6 receive permission, While the delega- tions precent a unified front, they ae often internally dice ed regeiding what should bo done and priontized AUEGIANCES rahe gro cco posed oF smut om titre ans, they may find their yates ‘isd Aca group, the layers and GM should ‘eid whether they trent o play aea0- ‘cate or compete samen a cope une the payers ot act agains the ote yore, are they come fo a conamsie Bele moving forward they Sr ide In come pene same, the Ps ‘pay become aatognise {ee athe end nay Delgetons to the Winter Court peal comprise one_| mec c=h ‘or s9o dozen samurai and two to thee times es mary aer | Sens adacymicni ‘ants and guards who work behind the scenes. Delegation | the most fan for them, mic tt | Se calgesn enc rrybe dais» S800 cds sneha FEEEMMODATIONS AT THE eee en caren, 2 greats WINTER COURT Oe guess and seeping quar i sal fra eg Fan prt isc sn he Posi ees foctie delogaiorsin mae? | THE CRAB CLA : Sc eerie Gacens of The Cab Clon ical nee amont, ade, aed war serps fore Se reust The Crabs ki Bislegoh cs even 0 oe con pal ar ee texhove te sry licen pia 2 Possible individual goals for Crab characte long way, but 50,000 would help They have little to spare in oxchange por personal baile standard (Gashimor of your ancestors fll into the hands of ur bs ious resources retaking the standard thous} four lors rafus i far boatle, but you received a vision from th fe until the star dis @ The River of Gold, nhich runs betvieen Cra Gane lands, has been flooding since the fam soors, disnioparionately affecting the Cra abs which leck ary wetland! fall The Crab shuganja aro the danger at the Well 50 it fas to you to en the Cran: Aschina kam) either by direct intervention or by t you or eter Crab how to soothe # corto THE CRANE CLAN HOSTS Bs the lan hosting the court at Kyuder Doj, the Crane has the langest delegation, vith an entre place of sevan's 2nd guards at thoi dsposal, Ostensbly their aim is ide a comfortable plece to stay for the Quests, hile at the sa ces fi ‘ame time impressing al wth theif a7 their delicate performances, and the magrifcont Seaury of their garlens In wali, the Crane Cor Primary goa isto eserve the apees luential in Rokuce they are important elles forthe other clans t© have, despite that feling fortunes Thisyear th : 1g fotures. This year the Crane have ‘nly £0,000 koku ‘0 trace for allences and other bons wich is less than hath usuel supa Pessible individuel goals for Crare charecters: © Youseek to share your ait withthe west of Rokugan and earn fore for yourself ard yout school. Your lord has given you permission to petition ancther clan forthe chance to perform in urs in the nent year © Doj Chives, apprentice to Kakita Ryoky, must ‘make a good impression at this Winter Cour in carder to be considered for high eostion in the Forbidden City. Wherever possible, she must be put in postion to succeed and capture the tice of important Imeerial cignitares. THE DRAGON CLAN DELEGATION “The wintors have grown lange: and harder, and there ere fewor people In the Dragon lands to cultvete the ids What the clan needs most this year & rice: 10,000 kolaie worth to Feed its samural, or 30,000 total to feed the peas ‘ants os wel. exchange, the Dragon can accept students fo the Mirumoto and Kitsik schoo, end they con spare a few Mirumeto-tsined yojimbs and monks of she Togpcht Tattooed Ordor ta serve na court forayear Possible individual goals for Dragon characters: @ AtKytiden Do), the Crane Clan has in their pos session « fan whose sik was made from the robes of 2 gieat prophet ond is eid so possess miracu: Joushealing ebiltes. You, or someone you know, oul he filly healed of lasting injury if they ‘ould be touched by this legendary nemurenat @ You, or one of your relations, needs to find # spouso-—preterably one of lower status with ‘any childron fram a previous mariage. The Dragon Clan desperately needs more sorursi to protect its borders, THE IMPERIAL FAMILIES “The Imperial contingent pursues the same agence thet st usually does during Winter Cours: to keep the Great ‘Clans’ attention focused on each other s0 that no clan Zan tse to pose a threat to the Hentei line, and to dole ur enough boons to the Great Clans that they continee fo soe the Imperial familie favorably. The Imperals must ply the game of appenring excuse enough thet tei Ftention seeme special while et the same tere remaining approachable, For tho most part. they get 10 enloy the ‘entertainments ofthe host lan a¢ well 2 the good of ‘tha clans seeking to cury favor withthe Emperor WINTER'S J A QUICK GUIDE TO | THE MAIN ACTORS Asthine taker Daugroratite Aahinaiemy | | iy, up-and-coming aie, an priest oxersceing the ceremonies of he petition [page 30. Daj Chiyoe: Secand cousin to Doj Hotaru, i ‘eandidate for bewrothal othe crown erince apprenticed ta Kata Raku (page 20 ‘Doji Hatsuhina: Deputy seneschal of Kyusion oj, bitter courtier, Otomo Koryusa’s exlover page 29, ‘Boj Shigeru; Cane Clon rector and pares ‘who moonlight es the legendary Lady Shite, cx ren slated to sarin tha oo of Daj Miskin The “de ol the Fisherman's Daughter (age 30) tkeome Rumio: Famed abuk! actor cast as the island spirit in The Tale of the Fisherman's Daughter and secretly an koma Shadow shi- ‘nobi of the Lon Clan and ferger of the Mantis invitation (oage 26) Kekita Ryoku Legendary courtier and witer ef the fares novel Wirt, sil Healy involved in Rokugan lies (pane 25) Lady Magami: Nizce ofortome andi cancidate forbetothal to the crown prince (page 30. ‘Miya Satoshi lpia) Herald witha hidden 990° da and daimy6 ofthe Mis emily (pace 27) ‘Otomo Kerysal: Imperial buceaucr the ome attempted to bribe and exdorer of Bo) Hatsuhina (age 28), Susano:0 no Izen: Twisted captzin in the Mante ‘Skocm Fleet and ons of Lady Magers retainers [pane 2. Lord Yoritomo: Mantis Clan Champion ane jeader of the Storm Fleos, a8 well as Lady Megami uncle (page 31) Possible inaividual goals for imperial characters: {© tomo Koryuse!—e childhood fend! of your lord o- relatives tracted longing for he former fan ‘co, Do} Hatshina. They wil both be in attendance atthe Winter Coun ancl this represents the bost-— ‘and possbbly onl—opportunty to help them patch things up, renite as lovers, orrmove on. © Tho Miya Cartographers have the most extensive ‘map calecton in all of Rokugen, Copies of the tlan's historical maps of te Osari Plains would be invaluable in resolving the dispute between the Lion and the Crane over his region. You ‘are asked to acquire copies of those maps and censure their authenticity. ‘sons in wrens Fac groupa hn i nakonieat igen thes to theron ‘ou the GM ene theme tr bares ddecrbason pe Uset as eft Wire? Endre ‘tee ee downioud this conten avaiable Ringe Roleplaying came that offers GME another Stortine to ncaporate int thai Winter Court tnisepntenene as: fest iheacres the middle ofa dco atau scan ar fr the mlxvetypecetl Drozonand Thee WINTER'S ENBRACE ELEGATION THE LION CLAN D thon to see theie nals, “Tw tion Gan ves noting MO Te countdown Anrteu pacar he ae Oe arlene or tterytsce he hrtited Dae So ncrewer canary othe Wr Couto) S008 eg cion oso aan the one Tes Srna lar tergantha cy of Tal Roo ere —r = Cea on er endtmentboershred wih the Cane ‘they nil stop et nothing t0 sete inthe meantime, the Lon se lokre to p00 Koko opp th war eft Arse invicual goal fr choracors “@ Akeran embarrassing inden, yourtord has recommended the end ofthe Winter Cour 25 the tine to erborkon a mis shugyo—s saroys journey_-to restore your hone andthe omens bareo. The maybe yourchanco to vsta part of olugan youve never visited before orbeyond = the Sand Road the Islnd of Spice and Sik or the trounclesssoas, Honeverrecaving permission to ‘complote the ourney trough anather cla’ land recuies negotiators cing tit Winter Court © Thopessints ofthe Crane have taken to fishing Inthe Lake of Soron, which shares a border sth he Lion Clan andi sometimes haunved by the spits of the nearby Ros Laks. This saerlege ‘cannot be borne stent and the Crane must {ertid the vassal rom continuing te cisturb ‘the sacred naters. The Lion Clan would giadly ‘ake stenerdship ofthe lake shore vilaget to ensure these peosants ere provery ‘they no longer need te ih for thomoclves. __ THE MANTIS a CLAN DELEGATION ship, the Bitter Wind. itore’ fs Natron Tet for Mantis characters: Pesable indivicial gee! roor row or relations was mistakon ‘above the Ocean Village: pardon on ther @ One of ¥ arrested in Wall fmperative mat you receNe @ toh lest they be locked n the magistrates Eenmoone—or worse, executed for theicines “the Mants seek to estbish an embassy alo tre Crane coast —e smal parce! of land where thay can obida by theirown author'y ard be governed by thal ow lars. Lonely Shore Cty aes Port That Never Seaps are erm loca tions for this outpost THE PHOENIX CLAN DELEGATION ‘The Phownix wish to lear whether other clans have een sufe‘ing from elemental imbalances of the kar without alerting the others to the Imbalances affecting Phoenix lands. Gometimes, the Izawa shuganja have been unable to commune with the kemi of one cle rent, while the Kami of another element have respond fed forcefully and viclertly) The Phoenix usually havo surplus koku to trade, but this year, itis seeking to rise 20,000 koku to restore its shrings in an attempt to ple cate the disquieted Kami, The more it can raise, the ‘gratcler the renovations can b=. Possible individual goals for Phoenix characters: @ Your immediate family has safeguarded a small, ‘gemlike ega for generations. Recently, the i- ‘descent shell has begun to shine lke sunlight reflecting off waves. You have been tasked with ‘corrmuning with the spirit within the egg ond then tang it to Patch beneath the waichiul gaze of the statue of Suitengu, the Fortune of eo aMlic Paes be 2 plece is taboo to samurai from outside the Cre Can = © Ina rocont fire ata shrine to Kaze-no-Kami, the Fortune of the Wind, rare scrolls from the fourth ‘century mere lst and must be replaced. The ‘Grane’ Asahina family should have copies, 25 Its founder was Isawa Asahina, a Phoen Maste’ _ oF Airin the fourth century. However Ike most ~__shugsojafamlies, the Asahina are relctart ‘let others into their lbreries—much less to alow THE SCORPION CLAN DELEGATION Inept, ant Witor Cou clan tee an ue Bere ant teen ® One of your relatives wishes to make a bold fashion statement in the coming year, They have asked you to ebtain @ unigue robe ta lored by the silk weavers of the Mentis Clan, but they do not have enoush personal ‘unde to cover the expense, © Kokita Ryoku has been laid low, but she must not be allowed to rse to prominence in the Imperial Court again. You must prevent hor from achieving eny public success, end thvart er private schemes as well THE Darkest Tint If the GM fools that a more forceful hook is needed 40 bring togather a disparate panty or if a derker tone for the adventure is desired, the GM might substitute Kekite Ryoku with Bayush) Kachiko. In this version of the Winter Court, either the PCs must full favor the lord ones to Kechiko, of they or their lord are being blackmailed by Kachiko. If the PCs are all Scorpion, then they can be purauing their norma) duty. Kachiko stil wants to clscover how and why the Mantis were invited, but armed with that knowledge, she asks the PCe to suppor Lady Magemi against Doji Chiyos. Surely « backwater gi ill be easier to menipulete that someone who has benefited from Kakite Ryoktis tuto- lage—end Ryoku's connections, She alsc wants Mags: ‘mi to know the Scorpion can help her. WINTER'S EME THE UNICORN CLAN DELEGATION The Unicom seek alls and, mare importantly, accep. Unicorn hans ate tired of Being | downloaded fo hordes tanco of theie ways. teated Ice outsiders expecely when the TAN pol eit ery teers kdl Ge | ETUC ater Groot Gara Atte sane tine tie Unicom Cen || eyenunarauete many years now, and atheush eret wealth pours nto | Hs) cies Khanbuloe rr the west, 20000 extra kchus verth of gjain would help ensue the heath ofthowr sabe hands ted hed The Unicom delegation har 20,000 kos worth of luxuries from the ery Kingdoms and beyond | Kaxma RrOKU axallable to trode, including wool, calcoes, and seltpe= Fai invited to ter (sed for presen les ‘commonly, in alche jod on the Sand Road an ‘experimonts. Possible individual goale for characters include: tore the GN shoul pt the PC ind © You orone ot your close frends) ithe illite | al yous Resales mato chid of asamural of another Grea Clan, ner mat and your lord has granted you leave to attend Winter Court toy to gain your parent's recog ‘ oe then The Gabo take her 2 ie rare | | ikion—and forge a renewed alan family Werle with the GM to pick an appropriste NPC to serve as an estranged parent or create a | stnipsltve fa ban nna NPC 10 add to a Great Clon delegation. seen ea with your @ A.band of exiinals has fled int evel se pan Mountains to escape justice. Winters only | beginning, and they will inevitably journey to the mountainside vilages to restock their supplies "You ace askecito secure the Lion tance in capturing these fugitives and dolvening them to your clan Sekiteu ‘coal emphasize that | she cont ein sp the Nani joy | eno stay mare. INFORMAL DELEGATIONS If PC does not belong te one of the aforementioned. delegations but has nonetheless been invited to the Winter Court, they might be cursuing one of the follawing goels (© Your sensei was traveling in Grene Clan tarritory hen they went missing. You seek permission to conduct an investigation in those lands, and possibly sek the help of the locel magistrate in finding thom—or the remutanai they possessed © You (or one of your comradas) seek to begin or continue your studiee at another clan's schoo! ‘You must preve yourself worthy of the clans ‘teachings, or puttin your debt, to gain an invi- tation to train at its dj. ‘av ro pay ‘Here degre bead eration pst ne wire cour te (Meshal cto Fens ere ayant concen Poprgeco keep hae eer soup. HAPPENINGS £1 COURT aitencuee ieee oes lien una ae Tia rearing the ober CSM shed os srecousees many oF Sono hese as rset Tarde ter he Wnt Cot Daria the sing a Mia Sete ter emer thie Talos ages setifis he el hes the po get the aus rst espe eld ther wer pet cane He ileal espns pets 0 cote ty tb coin Stott rk Do WINTER'S EMBRACE Aet T: Storms Roll Ashore she POS are tasked with te Emperors lo know Inthe fist act ofthe adventure, finding out who invited tho Mants to x Court et Kyaden Daj. Howover, vary few peor ow the invitation got sent, and those whe do want 0 keep the vuth hidden. ifthe PCs fl, they wl lose ther ‘opportunity to rice thet staring with Kakita Ryoko ted the Crane Cian, As the PCs begin to navigate the politcal curents of the Winter Cour, they find ther elves swept into an even greater ntrgue than the £2 ‘woversial invitation ofthe Mant Can. DAY 1: A TEA CEREMONY FIT FOR AN EMPRESS “The PCs have received a formal invitation to amdday tea cerernony with the venerable witer and ‘egandary courier Kaklta Ryoku. Such an invitation isan honor > andl of tel, and the PCs are onarded 1 glory fr being recognized by a courter of such high station [tthe starto! tne advonture,e2ch PC receives let ‘er that boars Kokita Ryola’s personal chop et the bot tom, dontfying horas is sence” (see Kekita Ryoku’s Letter sidebar) If cesired, the GM can modify the frst paragrach tasutthe PC recipient. The GM may wish to feference theinprevicus adventures ond currant goal, 45 nell as eny feme advantages or infamy, disadvan- tages Alter they have reed the letter, tno payors each have 2 chance to narrate what ther character does to bprepore, but this chould not be treated as a fullsiown dovintime acts. Teanouse Decor CGonnoieoure of cute and arity may ecogpize and femaric uzon the significance of the decorations in the ‘eahouse. A PC who does so cains a momen‘um point ‘ower the Be 2 Mede Guest cbjectve (seo page 9), | Characters who sete the parting may ater a “TN 3 Culture chock to cetermine that it depicts Lost Daughter no, ho sare! where the ist Empress was hd don by har fthor A TN 2 Culture check roves that tho sitorsin the alcove present rememerance inthe language ‘of flowers, Lookng closer at a pottery bowl requires a TN 1 Assthoties check to recognize the ste <= Knisugi The ‘bowl have eon reccired with go's, which high- Tights the beauty n what nould othewsse be imperfections. KAKITA RYOKU’S LETTER Resto ian towmne you 0 se sehen in he taokin of Lc 5 Te ae eg vwar to eating you | poe onto earth ly tho Pat the Hourof tho Horse Ee (sho ojcoeed map loco es RED encase. My apprentice, Dy Or oe itrccine youn te orders joboall ofteain class, The ceremory fs 2 grueling, threeshour ral Crenners but! done correctly, tcan a0 lead the panic Ipants to ealze deep insights about themselves, also prenis an opportunity forthe PCS 10 ty 10 earn mere bout Ryoku throush shij and the expendinure of ft the end of this encounter, Ryoku gives the #Cs the tacks of figuing cut why and how the Mantis Clan wvas invited to the Winter Court and of accuiing te physical invtation, Tho PCs have three primary averes Gf investigation to pursue: 1) they may ty to bein ‘blackmail the Mantis Clan delegation to get them to revea| hat happened; 2) they may ty to gain more insights from their Crano Clan hosts to leaen how the Gone accommodated the Mants after fining cut thet ‘thod been ited; 0” 3) thoy may ask the Imperial Hor ‘ald or anothor Imperial bureaucrat why tre Mantis were invited. This lest option is the most ciract, but itis aso the most difficult because ofthe hich status of those n the Imperiel bureauerecy. ARRIVING AT THE FLOATING TEAHOUSE As punctuality i¢ of tho utmost importance for tes sons of coremonies, the PCs must foreit 6 hono: ‘© artve Isto. Ifa PC forsakes personal pursuits to oto tho.ceremony, they are anaided 3hhonor for thei-cuith noes Read of parephase tha following alouc Ave distance, the teahouse seems to bs fcatng a small pond. if you did not know better, you could hhave mistaken the gentle snowbarks forthe cous “OF Heaven itself. A wor, wooden bridge arches between the shore and the foyer. A gentle breez? Blois, bringing with it the erin, pure scont of fies. ‘Aeross tha gardens, you catch glimpse of an orate Palanquin, and a figuie ina many-eyered kmove iho fire in the sunken heath in the center of the teahouse i a welcome sight, Hanging in the aleo. misty to your delicat serall depicting = land and a solitary fisherman's be alcove, an ikebana cisplay featuring astor Howes Wu knee! in Your ina oF gold catches fe tho rest ofthe tea ise prescribed placa, the faint spor the ceramics et of sping your eye: set hove faint ines of gold tracing RUNNING THE TEA CEREMONY “This scene can be handled as on intgue thal runs for ree rund (or four fttere are three o fener AS) Wn the PCs wiho ere ectivaly paridpating solecting a $220 tojocive they vis to complete Depensing I nBSr scr previous edventros orcirrent goals ney MS srecse one of he socel objectives dete In Sample Social Objectives, on pages 254 through 256 08 rulebook. They may also choose Fodlal abjective, wrich is unique to tvs soene. Be a Move Guest ly regorded eburt= soku is one of the most ri Kakita Ryok er ier in the service of the Crane Cle" tembarrase themselves in front of Ret Tamerk upen the misstep. A player ¥hO bjecive mst tae thei target at the Dea Socountor For exemple, aPC may wish (0 fl PC other than themself makes a goed M™P"aaglo” chgeses tis theta the Be 6 Model Gusst ofthe WINTER'S EM 7 Does It Take 70 ComPLeTe 19 maintain theircemposure end avoid 3s iy the PC must not bacame Compromized st any poi ofthis 20 udating 3 momentum points, Additonal during the scene. Note that for the purposes: fic, Ryoku's vigilance should be t aatvaly working agairst the PC the ceremony t9 proceed witheut incident Waa ie Acnieven wv Conearvive ‘atthe end al any round in which 2 character accur {ates 3 or more momentum pont to have succerded at thoir objective. If the intiqve this socal oboe ‘they are considered stil running, they may try to complete tive ancther time fora afferent sarge ‘Should they auecood, the PC is anerded 1 gio ry for exempliving the Bushido tenet of Courtesy in font of a penerful figure. They elso gain the Ally [Kakita Ryoku! cistinetion ifthe character fall at tno consecutive ‘achieve this objecthe, thay commit a faux pas duving hacks 10 the ceremony, such as handling one of the tea bowls imnoroperly a forgeting the ceremonial wordsto repeet tu thie objective cannot be completed in this scene. yok does Hot his norman snot oun: Sica She | ance obra | ra tecin erp | ree ter | thin cys me il reve ger fer pet sins es. erent a a ng ve snorting geal esi ae Iori pent et ee ole” WINTER'S EMBRACE age 287 In scition to the inigue action ‘of the care rulebook, the PCs have two other int aetions available to them duzing tis ing Fouuow Proper PRoTocot Description: You portiipate in the ceremony s¢ :5f0™ dictates, Tis rludes recng the exeectod lines, har ding the bows propeiy, and clsplevina proper fnc9 to tha has ard cther PCs according to statis Actin: Asa See ctor youroy aie 2TN 3 Co, ture (Earth 2, Aird) or TN 2 Performance (Water 1 Fire checks propery patipat nthe proceesinos ; Effects: you succeed, you add one momentum pot toward an appropriate secial objective, clus one add- onal momertum point for every two lzonus successes Furey, ary narrative omifiations of your check esol Consider the inner Self Description: You focus les on the protocol cf the cor temeny than the intent behind t: a conscious consider ation ofthe five elements and ona’ glace inthis word ‘Acthation: Asa Schamaccicn,you nay makea TN 3 The- ‘logy (Void 2, Air 4) or TN 2 Meditation (Void 1, Fie 3) thee fo flecon the symbolism inherent nthe coremony. Effects: F you aucceed, you add one momentum poirt tewarden speraprite social objociva plus one alditonal rementum porn for very two bonus suczasses, but only iF you dactres yourself as th target for the Be @ Moc: 61 Guest seca objective, Further you may aio igrere the effects af any one diachertage you possess for the remainder ofthe seene Some Marrer Concerninc TEA The PCa sina prescribed order based on stats, with the guest of honor situated opposite the hest, ond remaining guests seated to the let ofthe quest of hon cf The quest of honor (tho PC with the highost tatu, cor the PC with the highest gory if two or more PCs are ‘ied or statun| is empected to lead the quests aporeca tion ofthe ceremony by medaing the proper etiquette ‘and remarking upon tho qualty and saasonal details of the tea and decor. the coremory is being run as en intrgus, the quost of honor can tako the Foloe Proper Protocol Scheme action to represent their participation in and knowledge of the coremony,orthey can attempt TN 3 Performance check In the fist ound, the meal is sened, and then the chaicoal is changed fr the fist ime. After everyone has had a chance to ea. light sweets are served for doteert 4s pat ofthe second round, which presents a chnce for ‘them to converse with Ryck Doj Chiyoe then retums to the teahouse tonite the PCs 0 expiote the surrounding ‘aime, which also gives them ¢ chan gander for set 2 th Chiyoo oF confer vith each other converse WL qhiyor is particulry eager to so ie eaishot. YO Is Pet ei n to the teshouso for cant ieee nd of the intrigue. AP ted Sanka tom para bee enim fon ot the PEE in aso of res niopm each gost post ae or rn tea estar tough ops Pea ve pare ofthese bv sea ester tre ta bos been fiched, OF aie ted PC can forfait 3h he ages. Ryo sevesthe ved, After the n green 23 I ut amay, the hast leads the guests again, Now, ati Bp is ocer ty arved.sod ral bos Socemonel ectings re oxchar ged Ssh ih ofthe caeiony concise yaad eat wxaroption by seats or oer gues ane er tpomunees for convertion duirg the Mies i ato of ay possible expormes we ks iat the BCs do not as, Lay Ryolu Gein the Sarto ne fre ound by eupying her aon tervnyhove you ontired usher?” Why have you gathered us here? Read or paraphrase the ‘olloving aloud, adding ary flavortul moments fram the PCs! backstories or ac:o: pshments of which Ryoka: may the PCs belongs 20 the Mantis, she ditects some of hoi remarks concerning the clan to them aware. “Word of your accomplichmente precedes. you Though | would not cook to impose upon you, my clan and | would be greatly indebted to you if you ‘could halp mo with a simple metter. tenet often that we heve the pleasure of host ur southeast neighbors, the Mantis Clan. | wish to lenaure thet Lord Yoritomno and his retinue fee! most Welcome and at ease during their stay here—as j their etteridance was not wholly expected. "It would please mo greatly to understand thet wants and needs while they spend time es our hor cred guests. Would you be able to see to that for ‘me, honorable samurai?" ‘The PCs should got the sense that Kaito Ryole Politely suggesting that the Mantis were not intially invit ed. Moreover, she desies to know the Mants’ moive tion—hat do they aim to do here atthe Wirt Cau? Even fa PC sapartofthe Mants Clan deogation they do notioow of Yoriomo's gambit eonceming Lacy Maga Eceping a FE whose player hn mad tht theh Peo gh nea cual waned sect nillpoltly inte he PCs goal ana cuguest shows be able to assist ther. ee Where do you suggest we begin looking? “Lord Yorke, lee ofthe Mans Canis nko ly to reves a hand so Fe 20 fg bt you might gan the tust of he loyal cepain, len of ho Sano, Otherwee, you mish speck wih Boj Hats, vio has eon articulating theses in secur locgng for abo aur a.st iy an ausonce wth th ImperlHerl, Miye Sean You: esl discuss the matter with him. Ho pre siding over the posty competion mshe nox few aye ancl may boins postion to sccep secstanca, i “Ifyou could convince the Martito produce the mvt: tion—that would lend us great insight into this mattor” Aihough Kakata Rycku docs not cay £0 aleud) the PCs realize there must bo teazone why cho docen’t ack theco individuals herself Sha ie aso hint, subtly, that she would like thom to bring the invitation to her to review. Ryoku seams to suspect ts authonticy ‘What do you know about the others in attendance? Kakita Ryoky and her protégé, Doji Chyoe, are well ‘acquainted with the samurai composing the delegations (Of the Great Cans. If the GM wishes, these rumors can instead arse while the PCs are gathering information on their follow quests dring the tea ceremony. ® "Otome Koryussi once had itll. Now, he throws himeolf into his work in the Imperial [bureaucracy under Miya Satoshi, lest he have time to remember his loss.” © “Atahina Taksko is young but shows great prom: igo, As the daughter of the Azahina caimyd, she hee been honored with the tack of asssting Iimperil Herald Miya Satoshi as head priest tverseeing tho upcoming poetry competion. {@ “Doi Hatsuhina has sened as the palace sene- schal’s right hand, and sho personally oversaw the lodging arrangements for our quests. © “Izen of the Susano-o belongs withthe rest of the Mantis Fleet, fr from our shores. | pray he does not mortfy hinself or hs people before this cour is edjoured.* WINTER'S EMBRACE © “koma Ruriho is wel sited tothe garish ‘of Kabuki Soon we shall all see her acting for ourseves in the upcoming performance of The Tale ofthe Fishorman's Daughter” betwen ins oA 2 ae THE GAME OF LETTERS | sets ache sey saroritg m onypoistiee wiveskrece | Soon ee ofthe PCs, The GM may choose between the two sample letters (see page 12) or craft their own. This lettcr ep resents the fist overtures of tation or friendship, and it ‘ames nith en unwisen invtation to respond 2s pare of the Gare of Letes (see the Optional Rule: Lettars and Techniques sdsbar on the ight and the A Political Game: fering te ety Fa secede sidobor found on page 11). Since tho leer can be sent | ov xen ali enn by ory NPG, tis up to tho GM ta determine which char | svar er sector would be most arpropiaie—oF most dramatic—for_ | ‘0tNe NCH fengaging he PC. Formxe information on the motivations | shusnjs cy ako the ete alsbooke ofthonNPCs,sewallas on some oie nays PCacon dent | fy one NPC asthe lttecwriter see Appendix: A: Non-Play- ‘at Characters, on page 24 trouch pege 31 inresporseapleyermay choossto daft eter ofthat ‘onn fwtich meens they con add Ye arto the rerus of thet heal) orto summarias the contents cf tir rely. Reply ing requires a TN 1 Composition or Games check, ard the pleyer may spend $i on 0 o Inuocations if desired (coe Optional Rule: Lattere and Techniques on ths rig Letter wnting requires. callgrephy set and { bu's worth of ‘wash’ paper ifa letter isnot replied to, the gare is cons trod ever, and the last perscn to have sent a letter “ins.” “The GM may chocee to summatze ett= contents steed ofventing out a ul ota fr subsequent replies The presumption of anonymity in the game is 2 conceit: the letters are never sealed, meening thot their contents ace known by all the servants who have: passed them along ard, by extension, by thelr mas: ers although they only know the identity of the recip ‘ent not the sender, 2s the recipient often must leeve their reaponses in locations where the sender might find them). Whon a letter is sent as part of the Game of Lettets, ll players havo a chance to toad i, and al NPCs ate ewore of te contents as wall. To determine the identity of the sender, PCs can make Aesthetics checks to gain clues via the quelty of tho Ink, paper, attachments, and fragrances: Composition checks 10 ‘gain clues via turns of phrase or handwriting; or Cul- ture checks to gain clues based on the subject metter referenced, Generally, theso should be TN 1 checks, ‘with higher numbers of bonus successes yielding more epocific clues. Although it would be gauche to diracty confront a suspected letter writer, PCs can attempt to {question NPCs more inairacly. WINTER'S EMBRACE terand ler he loerhashad chance tfc the et eres EDU | tne sion eo page 248 Fhe core vio Tubal etcitiooct | for orl op esi, he GM soul an he cee stypeenicise chat feats | described in the lotter as an afternoon of evening scene sutcrloveni dion. | eco Tho Clifide Archery Demonstration on pose 1? ci steteston | Foo at eter of The Snow Lantern Calera 07 shpat Sa | page 1 fe he econ he GM & umn te te cele die | toon cane ie archery demon ho Peebaveone ue aetorengerertsas | cevtime activity to use beforehand. ifthe GM is running ae temic | eyanng sce {he lanier celebration), tha FCS have ‘bono amergenentihyyve | tne to undertake two different downtime actiities ifthey: Senrolicerinche | ul te The dmbine acy maybe unas ararave ‘ProicusWaterGart | scene if desired. Note thet it docen't matter whether the Atatetecinevntos | echo demonstation or lato elobran sane edi fyiam:| frst Th unused sare can ba od Lorin th akeriize ‘noxatar faldania is | during what would otherwise be downtime or a bill in the Inieasiiteats owe | Soa acon letoraring fra cifereat FC. hnedind serene Ore os Sone ‘oon, aac ott foie ha ery ese eine se he recent edad The Fins Lerrem Cuurrsme WaRNing Drawn froma quiver Sent to strike the quarry vue Messengers of peace Hide dreadful tings ef wor us swinune Tempests brew dark overhead he pas ee Rls Tie SECOND LerTeR: A SUDDEN SQUALL ees yer pz [eh ie E SECONDLLERREREA SUDDEN SUBLET: sire creat was Suddenly we find eee Tiana art chon ite pe ee Colbie gerard A : Aaright lr nore son “trie gi at bot ey one cee ‘THe CLirrsipe ARcHEery DEMONSTRATION ‘This scenario appeals to marly inclined characters, who may otherwise find themoelves restless during the -oaty,intrigue-heawy partion of the adventure. As merely _a demerctiaton ofthe Asshiro archers’ ski it ators {evar attordees than the peety campettion. Howner ‘titiques on the archer’ form and techniqua, es nell as of ‘the ip of their bows and arrovrs thernsalves, low martal PCeto shin in converston. ifthe GM wan's. to runtho spectator conversion as an intigue, FCs may ‘moka TN 2 Martial Arts Ranged] check usirg one of Beene Investigation o ‘core rulebook) to momentum ee per two, oS ccessct) to achieve the Appeal io Pe'son o- Group bjectve.O conversations canbe fun lout conflicts, instead. A POLITICAL GAME TheGame atractional Winter Cour game" involving the exchange of conocp dance, Coustiers end poernsto one another to flaunctheirpoetic sil an: fs, Usually, the letters aro thirty-one sy aoe ‘9 5-7-8-7-7 pattern, but other iablesiong, using fe used to threaten, ante, 2% ‘ther distinguished guests of the cou tantly, none of the later are sealed, and the gare comes from the fat that contents of the leters ae releyed from the couror to ther inaetors Theidentity ofthe sendor rrsins hi don, but the recipients known to all tho cour ‘Ths s achieved by the sonder leeving the let: tor iva puble space, or having a senant doco. ifthe recipent chooses to ceszond, they must Ioave thet ltter inthe open Byviiie othe letterbeng publicknowlocce, ‘he ltr wt il hear about or ead the letter thomsalves eventually. This continues the gere nil the senders clscovered cone a the part pans concedes. Beyondhe contents othe ter the wight ancl qualty ofthe paper the color arc cont ofthe ine and theneturecfany atachments all combire to send an indirect message to the recipient. Game masters shou favor each fete to conespond wih te NPC thoyhave choosan at the author Faling to respond to a ltr i tarta- mount-to forfeting the game, as it concedes the ther lettorurters supener wt and ving stl. impo: woves crash agsinst the cliffs The masts ofa to of vex ‘el crewed by Daido} sailors ae topped by noboci bar fos of different colors: cne Hue, another cyan, and a ‘third white, These ee the archers’ thiee targets, which are f6t at an impressive 100, 150, andl 200 yards avy, The ‘cen bieeze steady and relatively tranqul for tho ai ‘ami and the banners bob up and down withthe weves. ing nm achrs must teach of the Hogs int, sr ing with the blue, proceeding to the cyen, and ending vith the nike banner The sows ae ped wh pouches of cifferent-colored owdered inks that matk ‘the landing spot before the shaft pierces tho cloth andi lostinto the depths below. ‘The scone features the following NPCs, but the GM Should feel ee to add charecters as desired, espedill {0 onsure thatthe letter sender makes a cameo appear ence. For easy roference, see A Quick Guide to the Main Actors on page 5 Otome Koryusal ison imperial Miya fo the Hera as pa his duties. Ho appar fori though ho orks the office of Inoetal Heal Satoshi ond h snd melancholy, 8 looking out tothe horizon instead of at spicuously absent fom the audionee. ‘Asthe demenstration nears te s ration near ts ond, Susano-o no lzen starkis ip and aperoacies the archor, stanlng the entie audience inthe proces rng asthe wind pls up, leer amounces that he sal dems the Marts Clan, Not wan scene, the Asche act irate the silof cake ay more of dadly welcome to | try hshand at the chalence. A PC who successfully seems bie desire lear thats anit onthe cme leelosthe Ganon ‘ by dete, though the GM may chooee toro form if they 3 tohalpmitgat Aeshna achore etond thee invitation te anyane elze who would Ike t> test tho draw tnd craftsmanship of thir bau. A pating charac teremay stake 3 gory on succeacing at successive TN3,TN, 4 ond TN 5 Martial Ars (Ranged) checks oh the Hee flags. Anyone wha suceaeds at al veo ears the attention and admiraton of Susare-a na en ae! gains2 glory What Susano-o no Izen Knows SSusena-ono lzen (or another highly placed Mentis samy: TaINPC) & anare the Mantis received theirinvitetion rl tively lat, but given the varabilty of shipping ‘mes ‘ross the Soa f the Sun Goddess, wholly unexpected. tt was delivered by Captain Kuro ‘board the Hurricane, The ship ves ferying a woupe Jay wes not mance, Infact, the troupe incuded koma Ruri & also attending the Winter Coun. lzan does conceal ha fact that the Meni were surprised but extremely share information about Lady Magoms presonce orher purpose atthe court until he tues the PCs. What Otomo Koryusai Knows Otomo Koryusl maintane theofficial ine ofthe thatthe: Man cacy if quostioned by the PCs o guest course the Emporot i peased tohave or this Winter Court, ond nice Homever Ifthe PCshve alteady zockon with Dj tatsshina, they Know this is not the casa. IF Konus confronted with Hatsuhina’s conficing testimony, orf the PCs ave al on his (0 use sot othorov0"39 nas the prospect of reparnng hi relationship with Hatsuhina fr Konyusa’e own feolngs for 2 PC who has been pus ing him romantically he caroberates her ston. Koryusai admits he was instructed to doiver the ews to Hatshiria personally that a delegation fiom the Mantis Clan mere being eddes to the ist of quests H ‘does not want to reveal who gave hin this instruction saying only that it vas he ary. In uth, Miya Sato himsol ordoroc Koryuai to relay the news to the Crone Koryuen won't admit, unless blackmailed or compelled that a secretive offical i Mantis Can, 19 bribe hien to invite the site refused to entertain the oer Te SNow LANTERN CELEBRATION ‘The lester the PC received reference the provous rights orm, which bleiketed the Fantastic Gardens of the Crane in difts of evs, Thega/er taken ta be a blessing ‘of lips, arminor Fortune’! snovina Asahina Artilicers WINTER'S EMBRACE and Kokita Ariane have spat the day honoring her by ‘renefornng her snow and Ice into works of ‘The Fantaste Gardens have become o lentern-lt labyrinth, Lover, friends, and acquaintances may ale through the lebyrinth and marvel at ice sculptures of ‘bonsai tees, pkitorolantarns made of snow ond ove seulpturas of miniature castles and heroes of lagen “The works of art seam to glow in the moonlicht. Because of the twihg and turning paths, the PES om -uninto” ary NPC the GM destes, For adcltiona kare, the GM can fave a PC erally bump ito an NPC (how arid asin. The flwirg NPCS are featured in this se0ne, but the GM shouid fou flee to add characters 20 doors esp aly torensre hat he letter sender mekes an sppoarance © Dojt Hatsuhina makes the rounds mong her guests playing the gracious host and providing “ninter coats and shoes fr any who do not have winter ate, She's shah ofendes by any Sug {gestion that the PCs nent to help her ensure the Gamfort ofthe ouests Because itimpiios she can- not do her job hersl,ahough a TN-2 Courte- 57 (Ai) chedeet a PC avai causing intation or “can salage the conversation. © The PCs might congrtulete Aschina Taksko on her her fry members, end the Kekita work cn the ce sculptures, One or more PCE may offer {0 asst herivth heron curing the posty om- petition, which she vil accept ater donating “inice, She reauests that thoy meet ith herst

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