((If you do not play Tabletop RPGs, you probably will
not recognize this sort of writing. Much like 'flavor text', item descriptions
are a mainstay of any fantasy roleplaying game - an RPG rulebook may
contain hundreds of small descriptions like these, giving a verbal picture
of an item(or creature), and then citing the in-game rules that define
it. These were written using the rules for the 2nd Edition of Legend
of the Five Rings, by AEG. They are (until now) unpublished.))
Minor Nemuranai of the Phoenix Clan
Asako Suumen’s Clockwork Nightingale:
A carefully cultivated hundred-year-old bonsai forms the perch for this
tiny, intricately jeweled artificial bird. A tiny gold winding key hangs
in a small alcove carved into the living bonsai.
Admonition: “Lovely, isn’t it? And almost completely
useless. Asako Suumen wasted fifteen years perfecting this toy…
and all it’s fit for is to decorate a room. Shameful. Heed the
lesson, young samurai. Not everything that can be done is worth doing.”
What it does: When wound, set and triggered, the tiny little
bird flutters among the branches and sings for four minutes. The sound
is heartbreakingly beautiful. But that is not its primary purpose. Suumen
created the Nightingale as a security device, so he would be able to
continue his questionable research without fear of discovery or interruption.
A minor air kansen is bound into the mechanism by forbidden magic. The
spirit is bound to obey whoever knows the command words for the Nightingale,
and to remain silent to all others - a summon or commune spell will
not reveal its presence. When commanded, the kansen will recite in a
thin, reedy voice everything that transpired in the room since the last
time the song was played. It can also trigger the song as an alarm if
so commanded. A Scorpion courtier or Maho-tsukai cultist would find
this device incredibly useful - if only they knew the command words…
Bitter Scroll Case:
This drab little lacquered scroll case looks
like something borrowed from a first-year student. It is worn and shabby,
decorated with stylized bitter melon leaves and twining vines. Any shugenja
who picks it up will feel an odd tingling sensation for a moment.
Admonition: “Bah! A shabby enchantment for a shabby shugenja.
I wouldn’t use it, but then - I’ve no need to.”
What It Does: Scrolls carried within this case function as though
they are memorized - the Shugenja receives no penalty for casting the
spell without the scroll, so long as the case is on her person. (Of
course, she also receives no bonus for casting with the scroll.) There
is room for five spells within the case (and I don’t want to hear
any rules lawyering). It is waterproof and mostly fireproof.
Master Kotagi’s Set:
A small, beautifully lacquered box
with the Shiba Mon emblazoned on the outside. The box opens to reveal
a carefully preserved sword polishing kit. It is obviously very old.
Admonition: "Though he was of humble birth, Master Kotagi
had a special gift with the sword. He understood the link between steel
and soul. He honored us with his gift, and so we honor him.”
What it Does: The ritual of sword polishing does indeed cleanse
both steel and soul. When this kit is used properly - that is, to ritually
clean a sword, it will return up to 5 boxes of Honor to the sword’s
owner, at an equal cost of Honor to the polisher. This gain is permanent,
but the loss is temporary and will return with a full day’s rest.
The ritual takes four hours, and requires an AWR + an appropriate skill
roll (Sword smith, Etiquette, Bushido Lore, etc.) to complete. The TN
is 10 per point of Honor the polisher wishes to restore. Naturally,
there is no benefit to polishing one’s own sword (other than a
clean blade).
The Muneyuki Mirror:
No less than four Phoenixes dance around
the edge of this gaudily lacquered metal hand mirror. The surface is
absolutely flawless - it looks almost like gold, but the metal is much
too hard…it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Admonition: “Oh, that hideous old thing. I don’t
know why our family hasn’t gotten rid of it… It’s so...
frilly. Oh! Careful! Don’t touch it! It’s fragile, I’d
hate for you to break it.”
What It Does: Created by a vain, petty Asahina who was forcibly
married into the Shiba family, this mirror is enchanted to reveal the
flaws of everyone BUT its owner. A person gazing into this mirror will
be able to see the weaknesses of those reflected therein. They can ascertain
the weakest Ring of a person, as well as signs of illness, Taint or
vice. These effects are visible to anyone who looks into the mirror,
though it takes practice to interpret them correctly. Regrettably, the
flaws of the Mirror’s owner are NEVER reflected. They appear ageless,
beautiful and perfect - always. The metal is a titanium alloy - So hard
it’s nearly impossible to scratch or melt, and so rare that there
isn’t even a word for it in Rokugani. If used as a weapon (not
advised) the mirror is 0k1 and uses the Tessen skill at -1 die.
Note: “Muneyuki” translates as “ugly”,
or “unclean”.
Eelskin Scroll Case:
This wooden scroll case is cleverly embossed
with undersea scenes and covered in cured eel-skin, complete with fins.
It is completely waterproof.
Admonition: “Ah. Yes. I’d advise against opening
that one. It has an… odd sense of humor.”
What it does: The Eelskin Case is the home of a mischievous minor
water kami and is attuned to its owner. Any other person who opens the
case will find the contents drenched in stinking saltwater and utterly
unusable. This effect does not actually harm the scrolls, however, and
when the rightful owner opens the case he will find all within quite
dry. The kami is very friendly, and may even assist in minor water spells
(GM’s option) - but only for its master. If the case is stolen,
the water spirit will make every effort to return to its master, using
its limited powers of illusion and transformation - the case may become
slimy, transform into a fish or simply reek until it is discarded or
discovered.
Tengu Scroll Case.
This scroll case is made of black lacquered
bronze and blued iron, cunningly textured to look like raven feathers.
The Mon of the Jade Champion is worked into the face of the lock. It’s
quite large, and has a black iron netsuke shaped like a raven chick
at the end of its strap.
Admonition: “The purpose of a scroll case is to hold
scrolls, not secrets. This one is no exception. Be careful how you use
it.”
What It Does: Concealed within a hidden compartment inside the
scroll case are three Tengu feathers. Casting one of these feathers
into a flame will summon a Tengu (Raven shapeshifter), who will use
all his wily arts to deliver the scroll case to the Emperor, or His
nearest representative. The summoner may request a specific representative
if several are nearby, but it is up to the Tengu (read: the GM) who
receives the case. The case is large enough to hold several scrolls
(tightly wrapped), or several small objects. The Tengu might be bribed
into taking something besides the case - but their tastes are notoriously
earthy, and the price may be higher than the PCs can honorably afford.
Each owner of the scroll case may summon a Tengu three times, after
which the case and its contents return to the Tengu, until they choose
to bestow it to another shugenja. The Tengu will be very angry if it
is summoned frivolously.
Minor Nemuranai of the Scorpion Clan
Yoritomo’s Agate Puzzle: This elaborately carved stone box is
large enough to hold 1,000 koku and is very heavy. It contains no visible
lock or hasp, merely a sliding cover with a grip in the shape of a crouching
mongoose, facing towards the opening. The top and sides are covered with
insanely intricate carved jungle foliage and twining vines - they almost
seem alive. Careful examination will reveal the outlines of several other
hidden compartments in the bottom and sides.
Admonition: “An honorable samurai is immune to curiosity.
Hold what has been given to you to hold, and do not attempt to pry into
its secrets.”
Background: This box was a gift to the Scorpion Daimyo from Yoritomo,
the Daimyo of the Mantis. Getting the box open completely cost the Scorpion
six of their most competent artificers - and the Daimyo reckoned it worth
the lesson. It stands in a place of honor in Shiro Bayushi, and is the
favorite toy of Shosuro Hametsu, who has been charged with creating a
suitable return gift for the Mantis Daimyo…
What It Does: There are seven different compartments within the
box, each trapped with progressively more subtle poisons. In fact, the
only way to safely open the box is the obvious way - to pull the grip
on the top. This triggers a very simple, but impressive mechanism - a
carved cobra rolls up out of the box and bites the mongoose - and, unavoidably,
the fingers of the person opening the box. There is no save for this action
- it is UNAVOIDABLE (if the PCs make a fuss, they may attempt a REF +Traps
roll - at TN75). The poisoned person will feel a numbing, tingling sensation
from the wound, but will take no ill effects - the fangs are smeared with
camphor, a harmless unguent. Under the cobra trap are a set of jewels
worth several thousand Koku apiece - and a tiny ciphered scroll, which
reads “the straightest path is swiftest.” The other six compartments
contain paste jewels - and progressively more lethal and equally unavoidable
poison traps.
Soshi Harite’s Hairpins
These delicately jeweled hairpins
are of pure silver, and would go well with any courtier or entertainer’s
outfit. There are two side combs, two sticks and a matching clasp in
the set. The gems are well-cut but of average quality.
Admonition: “Some jewelry really looks best on other
people. Won’t you try these on, my dear?”
Background: These hairpins are often used by Shosuro actors to
assume a disguise quickly. They can be used to impersonate an enemy
or provide a confederate with an alibi.
What they do: Putting on the hairpins makes the wearer’s
face, hair and form identical to the last person to wear them. The transformation
takes about ten minutes and a successful Meditation roll (TN10). This
effect cannot duplicate clothing, accessories, hairstyles or makeup.
The full set of hairpins must be worn properly, in the hair. A tried
and true method for these is to “play dress-up” with a minor
courtier or even a maid, telling them how pretty they look with the
borrowed hairpins, then quickly removing them before the mark notices
any change. Then, later that night, the actor will wear the hairpins,
letting the mark take the rap for whatever illicit activity they do…
Soshuro Kohari’s Brush Set
This ornate calligraphy set is much larger than an ordinary scribes.
It is used for creating large decorative scrolls and paintings, suitable
for display. Such wall hangings are often exchanged between nobles as
a gift, or in acknowledgement of a debt. The set is a large compartmentalized
box of lacquer and cloisonne. Extravagant floral designs and lifelike
nature scenes decorate the top and sides, interwoven with the Soshuro
Mon. The upper compartments hold a bewildering array of inks, brushes,
and gold leaf, while the lower drawers hold large sheaves of silk and
decorative paper. All the items in this kit are of superior quality,
but two brushes stand out - the largest, red-handled brush is made of
human hair. Incised into the handle are the words, “first ink”.
Its companion is a delicate black cloisonne-handled sable brush, labeled
“second ink.” Use of this set requires a Calligraphy skill
of 4 or higher.
Admonition: “Every artist must consider the repercussions
of her work. Each eye will view a scroll differently, and to each eye
she must convey a unique and deliberate message, distinct from every
other. Thus, it is in her best interests to use the finest tools.”
What it does: In addition to its non-magical properties (using
this set to create a work of art adds 0K2 to the artist’s Calligraphy
roll), proper use of the tools in this kit allows the owner to send
messages that can only be read by the designated target. By spending
Void Points equal to her Rank, the calligrapher can imbue a secret message,
activated by the touch of the person named in the scroll. To do this,
the artist must first write the name of the intended recipient using
the brush entitled, “First Ink.” This fades instantly into
the paper, leaving a blank surface for the “Second Ink”, the
secret message or image. This also fades into the paper as it dries.
This second image can only be recalled by the touch of the person named
in the first inking. After the second inking dries, the paper is again
blank, and can be inscribed with whatever innocuous poem, phrase or
artistic scene the artist desires. Making such a scroll requires 3 successful
Calligraphy +Void rolls at TN 40. Void cannot be spent to decrease the
difficulty of this roll, though additional Raises can be called to create
works of exceptional beauty. A missed roll means the Artist MUST start
over with a fresh sheet.
Note: It is up to the GM whether spells, Yogo wards, Maho etc.,
could be hidden in such a scroll.
Bayushi Ueno’s Trembling Flowers
A large, low container
with a cast-iron “flower grille” set into the center of it,
made of a brown, slightly imperfect glazed ceramic. The tiny incised
figure of a scorpion riding a koi carp flows elegantly along one side.
This vase is used for the courtly art of Ikke bana, or “flower
arranging”. The iron grille (actually a collection of sharp spikes)
holds long-stemmed flowers and flowering branches upright in water so
they can be viewed indoors.
Admonition: “So often one focuses on the great plan,
and forgets the tiny details of life. It continually astonishes me how
often small things influence the great.”
Background/What it does: A simple enchantment causes flowers
placed within this vase to tremble slightly when a lie is spoken nearby.
This effect is very slight and likely to go unnoticed, unless someone
is looking for it. The enchantment can only detect deliberate and literal
untruths, but a knowledgeable person can use the information the vase
provides to ferret out truth from falsehood. Consider any Sincerity
Roll to be at -2 dice, against those who know the secret.
The Kinubari Kimono
This stunningly beautiful Kimono is meant
to be worn by an Actor, Dancer, Geisha or other professional entertainer.
Its rich fabrics and textures belie its lightness. The jewel-like colors
are meant to enhance the dark beauty of Scorpion Clan women. This garment
is easily the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.
Admonition: “This is the finest treasure our troupe possesses.
No woman wears it more than once.”
Background: The Kinubari Kimono bestows great beauty and grace
- at great cost. The Kimono’s fabric is imbued with thousands of
tiny hollow needles. The needles contain a carefully intermeshed variety
of magically-enhanced drugs and poisons that slowly kill the wearer
while enhancing their abilities. They also, after a moment of white-hot
agony, produce a euphoric effect so the wearer feels no pain.
What it does: The wearer of this Kimono rolls and keeps extra
dice equal to her Rank on all Noble/Courtier skills - at the cost of
1 Rank of Wounds per hour. The effects of this health drain are masked
- the wearer does not receive any minuses from their wounds, until they
reach the “Unconscious/Out” Rank. They will continue to take
damage unless the kimono is removed. Recovery is up to the GM, but should
follow the rules on poisons.
Yogo Sokotzu’s Netsuke.
A small black sculpture the size a of child’s fist, in the shape
of a reclining water buffalo. A knotted black silk cord runs through
the center of it, ending in a loop. This item is used to secure small
parcels or a purse inside one’s kimono.
Admonition: “The best-kept secrets are held in a box
with no key.”
Background/What it does: The owner of the netsuke can, for the
space of several hours, forget any series of information or facts they
choose. Successful Torture rolls, Seduction rolls, mind magic or other
forms of coercion will not reveal the information - they have truly
forgotten it. (If the owner is a PC, remind your player that they cannot
act on any piece of “forgotten” information once they’ve
triggered this effect.) The information will be recalled either at dawn
the next day, or at an earlier time that the owner predetermines. The
owner need not have the Netsuke on their person. This item will only
function for members of the Yogo family.
Minor Nemuranai of the Crane Clan
Tinderbox of Daidoji Masakira.
This small, elegant cloisonné
box is both fireproof and waterproof. It opens to reveal a flint striker
and is easy to use. A drawer at the bottom holds dry moss for tinder.
It looks elegantly appointed but otherwise ordinary.
Admonition: “Use this box only when you are in dire need.
Better yet, don’t use it at all. It’s a poor samurai who resorts
to magic to get out of a scrape.”
What it does: striking fire with the tinderbox will summon two
coal-black “spirit warriors” who at first appear as shadows,
then solidify and move off to attack the enemy. They are impervious
to normal weaponry, but can be harmed by cursed items or evil magic.
Jade does not harm them, as they are ancestor spirits and completely
untainted. They will be very angry if they are summoned frivolously.
This item will only work for members of the Daidoji family.
Money Purse of Doji Ayame.
A set of beautifully lacquered nesting
boxes strung along a knotted cord, designed to be tucked into a sleeve
or a belt. It is suitable for a man or a woman to wear. It can hold
about 3lbs. of money or small objects.
Admonition: “Beautiful, isn’t it? Always keep your
money in here, my dear, and those thieves will be in for a surprise,
won’t they?”
What it does: This purse has only one property: It is attuned
to its owner, and anyone else who puts a hand or a finger inside it
will find the offending part permanently stained bright blue. This stain
does not fade, bleach, dye or wash off, and bleeds though any amount
of covering greasepaint or other make-up. Cutting off the affected part
will cause the stain to spread to the adjacent body parts as well. The
stain will last until the thief returns the stolen property (or sincerely
apologizes, if nothing was taken). This purse only works for those of
Doji descent.
Clockwork Doll of Asahina Manji.
This is an intricate clockwork
puppet about 18” tall, made to resemble a beautiful Crane noblewoman
in full Court costume. It is carefully wrapped in a large, compartmentalized
box that also contains a miniature tea ceremony set and a large winding
key.
Admonition: “This is a terribly fragile, wonderful device.
Try not to break it.”
What it does: When it is wound and properly set, the doll sits
up and performs the Tea Ceremony, serving magically filled miniature
cups of tea to all present. Those who drink the tiny cup of tea may
regain up to three Void. The Doll can be wound once per day.
Note: Asahina Manji crafted the Doll as an amusing toy, but his
descendants have noted one important side benefit of the Doll’s
magic. While the Doll is wound, it senses and reacts to everything
in the room, including hidden or invisible persons. Thus, the Doll
is often used to make certain a private discussion is truly private,
and no spies are present. The Doll cannot speak.
Sea Shell of Bayushi Namaru.
Nestled within a plain silk-lined
wooden box, this resembles an ordinary seashell. A tiny, detailed scorpion
is carefully inlaid into the mother-of-pearl inside the shell. Shell,
box and all are small enough to be concealed in one hand.
Admonition: “Don’t even touch the cursed thing.
Your ancestor, may he be blessed eternally in the afterlife, took this
from the corpse of a Scorpion spy, and the Scorpion must never, ever
have it back.”
What it does: This enchanted shell belonged to the famous Scorpion
playwright, noted for the verisimilitude of his characters’ dialogues.
If put to the ear, the listener will hear snatches of conversation in
which his name is mentioned. If the listener is loyal to the Scorpion
Clan, these whispers will actually be true, and the listener will even,
after some practice, be able to choose what conversations to listen
to. Unfortunately, anyone who is not a loyal Scorpion will hear false
whispers. This item has driven many a Crane Courtier insane…
Daidoji Ujiwa’s Go Set. This miniature traveling set consists
of two lacquer bowls of go stones, one white, one blue, enclosed within
a small folding board. It is obviously well cared for but otherwise
unassuming.
Admonition: “This is no toy, and it isn’t meant
to be shared with others. Contemplate it in solitude.”
What it does: This item will work for any person of noble or
bugei ancestry, but only when they are alone. The act of setting up
the go board invites one ancestor to visit. The GM controls which ancestor
appears, either by choosing an appropriate ancestor, or rolling randomly
on the table below. The ancestor, slightly transparent, will sit down
and engage the character in the game, playing according to his or her
nature. Conversation is possible, but bear in mind that the ancestor
came to play, not to talk. At the end of the game, the ancestor returns
from whence he came. If the PC wins the match, he may (with the GM’s
permission) earn EXP points equal to half the Go skill of his opponent.
The phantom will instantly vanish if another person enters the room.
Roll
10 - Famous Ancestor. The GM picks a name from the Clanbook Sidebars.
Roleplay it! (Unless noted otherwise in their stats, their Go skill
is 4.)
9-4 - Ordinary Ancestor. This Ancestor has no real claim to fame,
but is willing to play and chat. Their Go skill is 2.
2-3 - Forgotten Ancestor. This ancestor turned Ronin, died shamefully
or was otherwise dishonored. They are likely to cheat or offer unusually
practical advice. Consider their Go skill 3.
1 - Tainted Ancestor! The horribly corrupted shade of an ancestor
who died fighting the Shadowlands shows up to play. They will not attack,
or talk (other than those awful gargling sounds), but the character
must make a Fear check a/or an Honor roll in order to keep from screaming,
fainting, etc. Though this ancestor will still vanish in the company
of others, it will not leave its opponent alone until the game is played
to the last move... Go Skill = 1D10/2, rounded down.
