Kitsuki Evidence

A 1-1-Round Low Rank

Legend of the Five Rings
Living Rokugan Adventure

by Keith J. Weepie & Robert Hobart

A recently appointed Emerald magistrate has come up missing. His sensei requests your assistance in locating his
student. And adventure for low-rank characters.

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS and RPGA are registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast,
Inc. Tournament detail copyright 2000 by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This scenario is intended for tournament use only and may not be reproduced without approval of
the RPGA Network.
This is a RPGA Network adventure game. A four-hour
time block has been allocated for playing the game (or In addition to the text of the adventure below, you will
this round of the game), but the actual playing time will need to be familiar with the Legend of the Five Rings
be about three hours. rulebook.
It is a good idea to ask each player to put a name tag
in front of him or her. The tag should have the player's
name at the bottom, and the character's name, race, and
gender at the top. This makes it easier for the players to
GM's Information:
keep track of who is playing which character. THIS TOURNAMENT SHOULD NOT BE RUN
Scoring the game for RPGA points: The RPGA COLD!
has three ways to score this game. Consult your This adventure is a Low Rank adventure. This
convention coordinator to determine which method to means that only Rank 1 or 2 characters should be
use: allowed to play. This adventure was not written with
1. No-vote scoring: The players write their names and Rank 3 to 5 characters in mind and cannot anticipate
numbers on the scoring packet grid, you fill in the what these characters may bring to the table.
top of the grid. That is all. No one is rated. This
method is used for people who are just playing for (Low Rank indicates characters of Rank 1 or 2, Mid
fun. Rank indicates characters of Rank 2 or 3, and High
2. Partial scoring: The players rate the game master Rank indicates characters of Rank 3 to 5. There will
and the scenario on their player voting sheet, and also be Low-Mid Rank adventures.)
provide personal information, but don’t vote for
other players. The game master rates the scenario The world of Rokugan is a cross between feudal Japan
and completes personal and event information, but and China. It is set in an age of honorable samurai,
does not rate the players as a team or vote for serving their Lords (Daimyos) and Empire. Remember
players. This method is used when there is no that family names come before personal names. Akodo
competition, but the convention coordinator wants Toturi is from the Akodo family and his personal name
information as to how the game masters are is Toturi.
performing, or the game master wants feedback on
his or her own performance. A note on female designations: If a samurai has the
3. Voting: Players and game masters complete the designation of –ko, then the samurai is a female. For
entire packet, including voting for best player. If this example, if you see Samurai-ko, then this denotes a
method is used, be sure to allow about 15-20 minutes female samurai.
for the players to briefly describe their characters to
the other players, and about 5-10 minutes for voting. A note on commerce in Rokugan: Samurai are not
This method is used when the players want to know supposed to care about worldly possessions, especially
who played the best amongst them, or when the money. A samurai pays a commoner as if the money is
adventure is run in tournament format with winners meaningless, a concession to the commoner’s silly
and prizes. Multi-round adventures usually required needs. Between samurai, the exchange of money and
advancing a smaller number of players than played merchandise is an exchange of “gifts.”
the first round, so voting is required for multi-round
adventures.
When using Voting, rank the players in order of Background
your voting choice while they are completing their
forms, so that you are not influenced by their comments Doji (Kajitani) Fujizaka is a minor daimyo of the Crane
on your abilities. Clan. When he was just a child, an Emerald Magistrate
named Kitsuki Akira ruined his family. The Kajitani
The players are free to use the game rules to learn about family, who had been granted their name by the
equipment and weapons their characters are carrying. Emperor many years ago, were collaborating with the
Some of the text in this scenario is written so that you Mantis Clan to smuggle gaijin pepper (gunpowder) into
may present it as written to the players, while other text is Rokugan. Kitsuki Akira uncovered the Kajitani family’s
for your eyes only. Text for the players will be in bold involvement and reported it to the Emerald Champion.
italics. It is strongly recommended that you paraphrase As a result, Fujizaka’s family was ruined, their vast land
the player text, instead of reading it aloud, as some of the holdings reduced to a single village with a small castle.
text is general and must be adapted to the specific Fujizaka’s father was forced to commit seppuku and his
situation or to actions of the player characters. mother killed herself soon after. The family name was

Kitsuki Evidence Page 2

stripped away, leaving them just one more set of minor required to pay, but failing to do so is, once again, an
Doji vassals. From that day forward, the young Doji act of ill manners.
Fujizaka learned to hate the Kitsuki. This is the PCs’ chance to introduce themselves
Fujizaka ruled his single village, brooding on the and enjoy each other’s company for a few moments.
possibilities for revenge, until he met a Ronin named Once the players have had a chance to establish their
Kit, a former Mantis. Fujizaka found he had much in characters and get to know each other, move to Scene 1.
common with this Ronin, for they both had been ruined
by the Kitsuki magistrates, and they both dreamed of
revenge. Together, they hatched a plot to make that
revenge a reality. Kit and her pack of bandits would
Scene I: Kitsuki’s Quandary
prey on lone Kitsuki samurai passing through the As conversation ebbs, everyone notices that a
region. In return, Fujizaka would cover up their samurai-ko dressed in the colors of the Dragon Clan
activities and help them convert their loot into koku. has entered the teahouse and is approaching your
This arrangement has been going on for five years. table.
Recently, a young Kitsuki named Benjiro passed
through Fujizaka’s village on his way to meet his sensei. An Intelligence+Heraldry roll at TN 10 will identify her
While staying at the local teahouse, Benjiro started as from the Kitsuki family. If the roll is 15 or better, the
asking questions about missing samurai. Kit was already PC also notices that she is wearing the sash of an
watching him, but had decided not to target him because Emerald Magistrate.
he was an Emerald Magistrate. When Benjiro decided
to stay an extra day to check into something “Greetings, honorable samurai. My name is Kitsuki
“interesting,” Kit reversed herself and ordered him Yumi, an Emerald Magistrate for our most glorious
captured. Benjiro was kidnapped, questioned, and then Empire. I an in need of assistance, if you could be
killed. Kit destroyed all of Benjiro’s clothing and kind enough to offer it.”
paperwork (including his Kitsuki journal), but kept his
money as well as his other possessions to trade for Assuming the PCs are not immediately hostile or
koku: his daisho set, bow and arrows, and an intricate unfriendly, she continues.
puzzle box. Kit spends a couple hours every day trying
to open the box. “I was to rendezvous here with my student, Kitsuki
Benjiro. He was recently honored with an
appointment as Emerald Magistrate and was to meet
me here before he began his duties. Benjiro is
Introduction normally very prompt, but it is now two days past the
Note: If there are any Emerald Magistrates in the party, time we were set to meet. If he was delayed, he would
give them HANDOUT #1. have sent word. I fear some danger may have befallen
him.” Yumi sighs. “I cannot wait any longer – I am
It is a beautiful day in the Dragonfly lands. The required elsewhere, in Lion lands, to continue my own
fortunes have brought you together at a pleasant duties to the Empire. Nevertheless, I am concerned for
teahouse, the House of the Sakura, each of you my student. As a personal favor, I humbly request
traveling this way for your own reasons. your assistance in finding him, or learning what has
happened to him.”
The only samurai in the teahouse are the player
characters. The place is run by a commoner named Kitsuki Yumi, Emerald Magistrate
Hoshin and his daughter Nina. As each PC enters, FIRE 3 AIR 4
Hoshin greets them and humbly offers a place to put Awareness 5
their weapons for safe keeping while they enjoy the
pleasures of his establishment. The PCs can, of course, EARTH 2 WATER 4
refuse to relinquish their weapons – they are samurai, Perception 5
after all, and Hoshin is only heimin. However, it is
considered extremely rude not to leave your weapons VOID 3
behind when entering an inn, teahouse, geisha house, or School/Rank: Kitsuki Magistrate 3
any other such establishment. Such uncouth PCs should Honor/Glory: 3.8/4.3
be charged a point or two of Glory, at the very least. TN to be Hit: 20 (25 in Light Armor)
The House of the Sakura offers tea (1 zeni) and
sake (2 zeni) of average quality. Samurai are not

Kitsuki Evidence Page 3

Skills: Battle 2, Battle Lore 1, Bushi Lore 1, The PCs will have to travel back along the road for
Calligraphy 2, Courtier 2, Etiquette 3, Herbalism 2, three villages until they find the one where Kitsuki
Heraldry 2, History 2, Iaijutsu 1, Ichi Miru 3, Benjiro last stayed. The villages are as follows:
Investigation 2, Kenjutsu 3, Law 3, Nazodo 3, Poison 2,
Shintao 3, Shugenja Lore 1 Starting Dragonfly village: Yoshi-Tsune. Where
Advantages: Clear Thinker, Higher Purpose (Justice), the adventure begins.
Social Position (Emerald Magistrate), True Friend Dragonfly/Crane border village: Tamura-
(Kitsuki Benjiro) Moro. Benjiro never arrived.
Equipment: Daisho set, light armor Fujizaka’s village: Shogi-Nezagi. Kit abducted
Benjiro here.
Kitsuki Yumi is an honorable and rather idealistic
Crane village: Nayamu-Wate. Benjiro was last
Emerald Magistrate, and is truly worried for her
seen traveling through here.
student. She has been ordered to the Lion/Crane border
to mediate one of their many quarrels; she will be able
to return in a week, and hopes the PCs can find Benjiro
(or at least learn what has happened to him) by then. Border Village: Tamura-
Tamura-Moro
Yumi will be especially friendly to other Emerald As your group tops a slow rise, you can make out a
Magistrates and appeals to their sense of duty. small village along the river bordering Dragonfly and
Crane lands. The village, nestled among many rice
If the PCs agree to help her, she thanks them with a paddies, appears to be quite small, with only a dozen
deep bow and shares all her remaining information. homes and one larger building that must be the
If they refuse, she thanks them for their time and headman’s dwelling.
excuses herself; “I must seek out some samurai who are
not so busy.” If one of the refusing PCs is an Emerald The village consists of fourteen farming families and
Magistrate, that PC can make a Simple Awareness roll the headman, Kinji. He is polite and humble, as befits a
(TN 10) to catch a glowering look from her, promising peasant, and offers to let the PCs use his house during
an unpleasant future career among the Emerald their stay in the village. Kinji and his family will
Magistrates for this failure of duty. This can be averted, relocate to another residence to make room for the
of course, if the PCs change their mind. If the PCs honored samurai. Everyone in the village cooperates
ultimately refuse to help, the scenario is of course over. fully with the PCs. They can report that it has been
weeks since the last samurai passed through their
Once the PCs agree, Yumi can supply the following village, and that was a group of four traveling together,
additional information: on horseback. They do not know what clan they were
• Benjiro’s planned route to Dragonfly lands would from.
have taken him through the northern Crane
territories.
• Benjiro was a bright and energetic student, but he
had a tendency to involve himself in investigations
Fujizaka’s Village: Shogi-
Shogi-Nezagi
which were not his responsibility (Meddler After leaving the village of Tamura-Moro, you travel
disadvantage). for a half-day before reaching the outskirts of
• Yumi has compiled a list of villages along another, somewhat larger village. The rice fields to
Benjiro’s route. Before her duties called her away, either side look reasonably well kept, but the small
she was hoping to trace backwards along the route castle to one side of the village has plainly seen better
until she found where he was last seen. days. Two bored, tired-looking bushi stand guard at
the castle’s front gate. The village is much more lively,
with peasant children playing in the streets while a
group of women stand chatting at the central well. At
Scene II: The Search for Kitsuki the sight of your group they quickly gather up their
Benjiro bundles and children, moving off to some unknown
task.
The PCs may purchase (or, for the less couth among
them, demand) any mundane equipment they wish A Simple Awareness roll (+ Ichi Miru, if any PC has it)
before departing the Dragonfly village. at TN 20 reveals that the peasants are more concerned
about the samurai’s presence than seems normal (even
for peasants).

Kitsuki Evidence Page 4

 • If the peasants do admit to Kit’s existence, they will
Besides the two dozen or so peasant huts, the village ask the PCs to protect them from Kit and her
contains an inn, a merchant’s shop, a stable, and the certain vengeance.
castle itself. • The peasants don’t know that Fujizaka is involved,
and fear insulting their master. If they are about to
mention anything that might be construed as
The Inn of the Happy Crane questioning Fujizaka’s ability to protect them or
provide for them, they will qualify their statements
This structure displays a sign depicting a crane in with something like, “Doji Fujizaka-sama
flight with a sake bottle in its claws. Inside, you see provides for our every need and is quite a capable
several peasants in the common room, eating and master, but it is our duty to inform you that …”
drinking at various tables. The room falls quiet as you • Ran will act ignorant of everything and will even
enter and all eyes avoid you. An older man, clean and try to mislead the PCs, but can be broken by
well-fed for a commoner, approaches you and bows persistence (he will only hold out so long before
deeply. “Welcome, mighty samurai! I am honored to breaking down) or by threatening his daughter
have such noble guests in my establishment. Please, Risa, which brings almost immediate collapse.
let me offer you a place to rest your weapons, and Threats to his sons will also work, but not as
then a place to rest yourselves.” The innkeeper stands quickly.
holding open the door to the weapon closet, a slightly
• If any of the other peasants break down, Ran will
anxious look on his face.
hurry over and suggest that the PCs accompany him
and a few others to a private room, where they can
After the PCs have chosen how to dispose of their
discuss these issues away from prying eyes. Once
weapons, the innkeeper leads them to their table. There
there, the peasants will seek to reassure the samurai
are no other samurai at the inn. Although the room is
of their loyalty and good will. Ran will do the
almost full, a wide space is left around the PCs; the
talking while all the other peasants will nod in
peasants speak in low tones, discussing mundane things
unison, repeatedly declaring: “We are loyal
such as their families, the weather, and the harvest.
subjects, master samurai. We know that you will
If any of the PCs are members of the Dragon Clan,
protect us from the wrath of Kit and her
the party may notice (Perception+Investigation, TN 20)
bandits. <<nod, nod>> We will give you
that the peasants keep eyeing the Dragons and
anything you need to find her .<<nod, nod>>
whispering amongst themselves. Some quickly get up
Please spare us for our ignorance. <<nod,
and leave the inn, almost running out the door. The
nod>>” In this case the peasants will give the
peasants know about the bandits, and know they have
players explicit directions to Kit’s base camp.
been targeting samurai, especially Dragons.
The innkeeper’s name is Ran. He runs the inn with
the help of his two sons, Shin and Chu, and his daughter What The Peasants Know:
Risa, who serves the drinks. His wife died years ago.
Ran is a good and loyal servant of his daimyo, Doji General Peasants, Risa, Shin, and Chu:
Fujizaka. He is alarmed by Kit’s activities, and by the • Kit has been attacking or capturing samurai for the
disappearances of Dragon samurai, but fears for the last five years.
lives of his children if Kit were to find out that he • Kit has been evading Doji Fujizaka’s efforts to
pointed the PCs in her direction. NO ONE IN THE INN capture her.
HAS ANY IDEA THAT FUJIZAKA IS INVOLVED • Kit ruthlessly eliminates any peasants who cause
IN KIT’S ACTIVITIES. They make every effort not to her trouble or get in her way.
question their lord’s virtues or to wonder why he fails to • Kit’s band numbers seven bandits total.
stop Kit’s depredations. • Kit has spies everywhere in the village and knows
what everyone is doing.
Notes on getting the peasants to talk: • The peasants believe that Kit captures the samurai
• The peasants will pretend there are no problems of and ransom them back to their families. They do
any kind in their village or the surrounding area, not realize that a samurai who was captured would
but if the PCs are persistent, or act like they know be shamed into seppuku for such a failing.
what they are talking about, then the peasants • All the Samurai captured or attacked have worn the
confess that the region is plagued by a bandit gang green armor or kimono of the Dragon Clan.
led by a woman named Kit.

Kitsuki Evidence Page 5

Ran have come to my shop in search of beautiful gifts. My
• Everything known by the other peasants. name is Jo and I am at your service.”
• “It all started about five years ago. Kit came rolling
into town as Ronin (wave men) do. She stayed for a Jo offers most standard items at the prices listed in the
few days until she was granted an audience with L5R rulebook, but there are also a few unusual items for
our lord Fujizaka, probably to offer her services. sale:
Kit must have insulted our lord, for he had her • A fine daisho set. A Perception+Investigation roll
thrown out of the village. She did not leave for at TN 15 will reveal that there are scarred blanks
long. She returned the following spring with her where the family mon would normally be worked
bandit gang, and began to harass the area. The into the sheaths and hilts.
bandits have not attacked the village or Lord • A large assortment of ornate puzzle boxes. An
Fujizaka’s samurai – she must fear our lord’s wrath Intelligence+Heraldry roll at TN 15 will reveal that
– but she has abducted many lone samurai who almost all the boxes bear the Kitsuki family mon.
were passing through the village. She must ransom
them back their families. I suppose the Dragon Jo cheerfully barters with the PCs and offer his services
Clan is the richest of them all, because almost all with a smile. However, a PC with the Ichi Miru skill can
the stolen samurai have been Dragon.” roll Perception+Ichi Miru at TN 25. If successful, the
• If a Kitsuki is in the party, Ran will be able to PC recognizes that Jo is a greedy, dishonorable sort,
identify his family mon as the one worn by almost and his shop has the feel of other’s possessions being
all the victims. picked over as if by carrion birds.
• Fujizaka constantly sends out parties to find Kit,
but they have never caught her. Sometimes they If the PCs start asking about Kit and the bandits, Jo will
have managed to bring back property from her claim no knowledge on the subject, but he is obviously
victims, however. shaken by the questions. He becomes more and more
• Kit may have a deal with the local shopkeeper, Jo. nervous, losing his taste for conversation, as the PCs
He seems to have been doing well since her arrival, prod him for information.
and sometimes sells items which Ran thinks are
similar to those carried by the vanished samurai. Getting Jo to talk:
• Doji Fujizaka is the son of Kajitani (Doji) Hideo. • If the PCs mention the peasants’ accusations
When Fujizaka was a child, the Kajitani lands were against him, Jo dismisses them as the jealousy of
large and prosperous, but there was some kind of his poorer neighbors.
scandal. Hideo committed seppuku and his wife • If the PCs draw attention to the daisho set and
died soon after. Lord Fujizaka called himself Doji puzzle boxes, Jo tries to shrug them off as things
after that, not Kajitani. which he purchased from traveling Ronin.
• Kat has sometimes boasted that she knows some However, if the PCs mention they are investigating
secret of Fujizaka’s. the disappearance of Kitsuki Benjiro, Jo will crack
• Ran and his sons know the location of Kit’s and start babbling, claiming Kit has been forcing
campsite, and are willing to guide the PCs there if him to sell her goods and pleading for lenience. At
they insist on it. They hope Kit can be captured and that point he will share everything he knows.
brought to face the justice of Lord Fujizaka.
Jo’s Information:
• The bandit Kit is forcing him to sell her wares for a
The Merchant’s Shop pitiful 10% profit. <<This is a lie. Jo is selling
The shop occupies an unimpressive building, its wood items for Fujizaka. Jo is earning a 25% profit and
faded and unadorned. However, inside the place is knows perfectly well that Fujizaka is selling the
completely different. Polished wood gleams from the items for Kit. However, Jo will NEVER say
bright light of the four lanterns hanging from the roof anything about this. If someone is able to detect if
beams. There is an amazing selection of merchandise Jo is lying, he will dance around the truth while
in the small room, all of good to excellent quality, and trying not to actually confess anything. After all,
skillfully arranged to catch the eye. From the back Fujizaka is his lord, and these samurai are passing
emerges a rotund peasant wearing fine clothes and a strangers.>>.
broad smile. “Welcome great samurai! I see that you

Kitsuki Evidence Page 6

• Jo can give the PCs the location of Kit’s base are completely loyal. If the PCs question the guards,
camp. He will not personally show them unless he they can gain the following information:
is bodily dragged out there.
• Kit usually keeps the best items for herself and • Fujizaka is concerned about the bandits in the area,
destroys items which would be overly but so far has been unable to catch them. They have
incriminating, such as clothing. raided the bandits’ camp several times, but have
• Kit is a powerful and frightening samurai, formerly never caught them there. They have been able to
of the Mantis clan. It is rumored that she became recover some of the bandits’ loot, and have claimed
Ronin after an Emerald Magistrate tried to arrest it as reparations for the bandits’ activities.
her for some crime. According to the story, she • Fujizaka has never asked for outside assistance
killed a dozen Emerald Magistrates and wounded against the bandits. That may be because the
the Emerald Champion before escaping. bandits’ principle target seems to be the Dragon
• Kit continually mocks bushido and laughs at all the Clan, not the Crane.
samurai sitting in their castles talking out of both • The bandits always seem to know when troops are
sides of their faces. Of course, Jo will fervently sent out to deal with them.
remind the PCs that he, personally, does not share • Fujizaka has had a difficult and tragic life (the
her ideas and has nothing but respect for the guards know that his father committed seppuku, his
samurai caste. mother died, and most of the family lands were lost
along with the family name), but he has served the
Doji house with honor. If the party suggests
The Stable otherwise, the Daidoji will become angry and
challenge the offending PC to a duel if they do not
The stable is a small structure with four stalls. As you apologize.
approach, a boy is in the stable brushing down a pony.
The boy finally notices you, drops the brush and
rushes forward to bow at your feet. “Most honored
masters, please forgive me! I did not notice your Meeting with Fujizaka
approach. How may I be of service to you?” Remember that prior to any meeting with a daimyo or
similar august personage, the PCs will be expected to
The boy’s name is Tsu. He loves horses and has worked surrender their katana, along with any battlefield
here as long as he can remember. weapons such as bows, yari, or tetsubo. The weapons
Tsu can easily be cowed into speaking of the will be returned after they leave the meeting.
bandits, especially if the PCs have the innkeeper
or one of his sons along as guides. He knows the Despite its dilapidated exterior, Shiro Kajitani still
same information as the rest of the peasants. He shows a faded elegance in its interior chambers and
also knows that Lord Fujizaka’s men have always passages. Ancestral items and paintings of family
confiscated the horses of the missing samurai, members line the walls. Everything is clean and
claiming they were needed for “reparations.” carefully arranged. Doji Fujizaka waits for you in a
small audience chamber. He seems to be a man
prematurely aged, and his hair is thinning atop his
Castle Kajitani head. He smiles pleasantly as you bow to him. “I am
happy to meet such honorable samurai as yourselves.
Shiro Kajitani might have once been an imposing I do not get many guests here at Shiro Kajitani.
castle, but now it just looks tired. The tiles are in need Please, tell be of your travels.”
of repair and weeds grow high along much of the
wall. Two bushi stand guard out front. They look you Fujizaka will listen to each of the PCs tales, making
over appraisingly, then one of them steps forward. polite comments at appropriate moments. After some
“Welcome honorable samurai, how may we be of small talk he dismisses the PCs.
assistance?” If the PCs mention Kit, the bandits, or missing
samurai, Fujizaka stiffly informs them that the issue
If the PCs request an audience with Fujizaka, the guards addressed is being taken care of. He will not elaborate.
will take their chops (names). Fujizaka will let the PCs If any of the PCs are from the Kitsuki family, they
cool their heels for a day and then agree to see them. can make an Awareness roll (+Ichi Miru, if they have it)
The guards will absolutely not let the PCs inside until at TN 25 to notice that Fujizaka’s eyes linger on them
then. They have served Doji Fujizaka all their lives and with an unfriendly gaze that belies his polite words.

Kitsuki Evidence Page 7

 If the PCs return here with accusations against bandits try to flee. Kit will not attempt to flee unless all
Fujizaka, go to Scene IV. her bandits have already fallen.

Crane Village: Nayamu-

Nayamu-Wate
This village looks to be much more prosperous than
the previous two. There is a fine inn as well as many
other shops and artisans’ houses.

This village has all the services a samurai might require,

but there is only one inn. Everyone in town remembers
seeing Benjiro about five nights ago (or longer, if the
PCs come here after spending several days elsewhere).
He saved the life of the innkeeper’s youngest son. A
samurai accused the boy of stealing his daisho set from
the weapons room, but Benjiro intervened and proved
that a local Ronin had stolen the blades.

If the PCs mention why they are looking for Benjiro, the
villagers becomes very cooperative, and the innkeeper
will offer any information or supplies the PCs might
need. He knows the following:
• Benjiro saved his youngest son from certain death
at the hands of a very angry Daidoji bushi.
• The Ronin who stole the swords claimed he was
from a bandit gang operating somewhere near the
village of Tamura-Moro, near the Dragonfly/Crane
border. The Ronin claimed the gang had disbanded
last winter. Benjiro said he would check into the
Ronin’s story on his way through the village.
• The Ronin was hung for his crimes.
• Benjiro was traveling alone.

Scene III: A Search for Bandits

The peasants’ directions guide you easily to the
location of the bandit camp, which lies only an hour
outside of town. But when you arrive you find only an
empty clearing. Evidently Kit had word of your
coming… Out of the wind you hear the shrill whistle
of a humming bulb arrow arching through the sky. A
signal.

Kit has gotten advance word of the PCs’ approach, and

prepared a careful ambush. She is patient and will not
strike until the PCs arrive at the clearing. Two of her
band will fight as archers, firing from the woods at any
possible shugenja, while she and her remaining four
bandits advance on the rest of the party. If there are
fewer than six PCs in the party, adjust the number of
bandits as needed.
The bandits will fight until half of them go down
AND Kit is defeated, at which point the remaining

Kitsuki Evidence Page 8

Kit, Female Ronin (former Mantis) anyone and will betray Fujizaka in an instant. She will
try to bargain her information for her freedom, or at
FIRE 3 AIR 2
least her life, but as a last resort she will talk to avoid
torture. She will also promise to testify against Fujizaka.
• Kit came to the village a little over five years ago.
EARTH 3 WATER 2
She was looking for work and checked with the
local daimyo. Evidently, Fujizaka had heard about
Kit and what the Kitsuki had done to her family. He
VOID 3
proposed that Kit gather a pack of bandits and
TN to be Hit: 15 (10 without armor)
operate under Fujizaka’s protection. The bandits
School/Rank: Mantis Bushi 2
would conduct small raids every once and awhile
Rank 1 Ability: Use any improvised or peasant
for appearance’s sake, but their true mission was
weapon as if Rank 1 with that weapon. No penalties for
revenge upon the Kitsuki clan. Whenever lone or
poor or unusual footing.
vulnerable Kitsuki samurai passed through the
Rank 2 Ability: When making a Full Attack, spend
village, Kit’s bandits were to make them disappear
a void point to maintain normal TN to be hit.
(kill them, loot them, and dispose of their bodies).
Honor/Glory: 0/0
In exchange for Kit’s services, she would be paid 1
Skills: Archery 3, Athletics 3, Battle 1, Commerce 2,
koku a month and any profit gained from the
Defense 2, Heraldry 2, Hunting 2, Kenjutsu 3, Kitsuki
missing samurai’s items.
Lore 3, Medicine 2, Poison 3, Sailing 2, Stealth 3.
• Fujizaka occasionally sends out samurai to “hunt”
Advantages/Disadvantages: Perfect Balance, Quick (roll
for her bandit gang. This is used as a cover for her
2 dice & keep the highest for Initiative), Strength of the
to hand over the loot she wants converted to koku.
Earth (Rank 2)/Bad Reputation (Bandit Chief), Brash,
Kit later sends one of her bandits to the store in the
Driven (revenge on Kitsuki family), Insensitive, Sworn
village, disguised as a peasant, to collect her due
Enemy (Kitsuki family), Social Disadvantage (Ronin)
from Jo.
Equipment: Katana (3k2), Light Armor
• Kit was once part of the Mantis clan. Her family
was involved with smuggling gaijin pepper
Bandits (6)
(gunpowder) to the Kajitani family. Kit does not
FIRE 2 AIR 2 know where it went from there. An Emerald
Magistrate by the name of Kitsuki Akira uncovered
their illicit dealings and brought down the wrath of
EARTH 2 WATER 2 the Emerald Champion upon both of their houses.
Kit escaped from the Emerald Magistrates,
wounding a pathetic Kitsuki in the process. She
VOID 2 would love to have gone back and finished the
TN to be Hit: 10 job...
Skills: Athletics 1, Archery 1, Heraldry 1, Hunting 2, • Most of the samurai that have disappeared in this
Stealth 2, Yarijutsu 2. area were victims of Kit’s bandits. All of her
Equipment: Yari (4k2), Bow (Str 2), Ya Arrows (2k2). victims were Kitsuki.
• All of the samurai Kit abducted were killed and
Captured bandits will offer the following information dumped in a communal grave. They were not
in exchange for a quick death: cremated and no ceremony was performed for
them; they were buried as animals.
• Fujizaka and Kit have made an alliance to kill
Kitsuki samurai that pass through the area. • Kit has a cache of physical evidence against
Fujizaka, both written text and physical items,
• The local merchant Jo is the front man who sells
showing his involvement with the Kitsuki
the stolen goods for Fujizaka and gives the money
abductions. She will use this as another bargaining
to Kit. He knows full well what he is doing and
point to try to save her life; at a last resort, to try to
why.
bring Fujizaka down with her.
• The bandits know where all of their victims are
buried, as well as where Kit keeps the items she has
saved for herself. Items to be found
found in the camp and in Kit’s
quarters:
If Kit is captured, she knows the following • Exquisite puzzle box with the Kitsuki mon. An
information. She does not have any allegiance to Intelligence roll (+Nazodo, if available) at TN 25

Kitsuki Evidence Page 9

 will open the box. Inside are Kitsuki Benjiro’s important information for me. And,” he pauses
orders and travel papers. carefully, “something else as well, it seems.”
• A fine daisho set with the Kitsuki Mon on the hilt
with Benjiro’s personal chop worked into the If the PCs arrive alone, Fujizaka greets them without
pommel. any break in his manners, and asks what information
• Various trinkets and items of jewelry, worth about they have brought him.
3 koku altogether. Many of these have the Kitsuki It is now time for the PCs to present their
mon worked or embossed into them. evidence and make their case. Besides them (and
any prisoners they have brought), the room
contains only Fujizaka and two guards. Of course,
other guards are readily available in nearby rooms
Scene IV: Confrontation with Doji should the PCs be foolish enough to attack the
Fujizaka daimyo.
If the PCs are unsure of their legal standing in this
Whether or not the PCs are admitted depends in large situation, they may make Intelligence+Law rolls (TN
part on what evidence they have collected, and whether 15) to remember the following about Rokugani law:
they have captured Kit. Normally they will have to wait
a day for another appointment, but if they do or say any To convict Fujizaka of any crime, they must first go to
of the following, they will be admitted immediately: the regional governor and file charges against
• If the PCs bring Kit with them. Fujizaka. The PCs must request an Order of
• If the PCs proclaim knowledge of the bandit Kit, or Appearance for Fujizaka to be arrested and questioned.
say that they have destroyed the bandits. Given that the PCs are probably of low Glory rank, the
• If the PCs say they have vital information on the possibility of success is very low, even with all of the
samurai disappearances or bandit troubles. evidence at hand. However, someone of higher rank
• If they claim anything which seems important to the (such as Kitsuki Yumi) could probably get the charges
well-being or survival of the village. pushed through.

Remember the guards are honorable samurai, and their Results of Accusing Fujizaka:
duty is to their daimyo. If the PCs start spouting claims
of Fujizaka’s guilt, saying he is behind all of the • If the accuser is (somehow) of equal or higher
troubles, and so forth, remind them they are about to Glory rank:
mortally insult the guards. This will at the very least Fujizaka laughs and says the PCs are being
earn them a duel to first blood with the offended guards, misled by these lowly criminals, no doubt to try and
if not a challenge for a future duel to the death (pending spare their own miserable lives. He orders the guards to
approval by each of their daimyo). Even if the take Kit/Jo into custody, where they will be given the
accusation is proven true, the PCs have earned the opportunity to confess and then be hung in the morning.
enmity of these bushi. All PCs who offend the guards in Fujizaka calmly thanks the PCs for dealing with the
this manner receive the Sworn Enemy disadvantage bandit problem for him. There is nothing they can do
(rank 1) for these two samurai (Daidoji Konatsu and unless they challenge him to a duel (he will fight for
Daidoji Hiroshige). himself against such high-ranking accusers).
Remember that prior to any meeting with a daimyo
or similar august personage, the PCs will be expected to • If the accuser is a samurai of lower Glory rank, and
surrender their katana, along with any battlefield is not an Emerald Magistrate:
weapons such as bows, yari, or tetsubo. The weapons Fujizaka looks at all of you coldly. “How
will be returned after they leave the meeting. dare you accuse me of such a vile crime within
If the PCs bring Kit and/or Jo with them to the the walls of my own house. Your impudence will
meeting, read the following: not be forgotten. Guards, take their prisoner(s) to
be questioned and escort these...guests...from the
As you enter Fujizaka’s audience room, the Crane castle.”
daimyo stands and briefly smiles in greeting. His smile
turns to a scowl, however, when he sees your The guards will apprehend Jo and/or Kit and throw
“guest(s).” Quickly regaining his face, Fujizaka seats the PCs out of Shiro Kajitani, warning them not to
himself. “It is always a pleasure to meet with such return until they have learned some manners.
honorable samurai as yourselves. I hear you have

Kitsuki Evidence Page 10

• If the accuser is of lower Glory rank, but is an Equipment: Fine Daisho (Katana 4k2, Wakizashi 3k2)
Emerald Magistrate:
Fujizaka tells the Magistrate that s/he is young and
clearly still has much to learn about law in Rokugan. It
is clear that factions unfriendly to the Doji are
Scene V: Conclusion: A Meeting
misleading the PCs. Fujizaka’s guards apprehend Jo with Kitsuki Yumi
and/or Kit, again saying these criminals will be given Kitsuki Yumi is waiting for you in the same teahouse
the opportunity to confess and then be hung in the where you met a week ago. She sees that Kitsuki
morning. The Emerald Magistrate PC can, however, Benjiro is not with you and an expression of
make the argument that Jo and/or Kit are the disappointment crosses her features. For a moment
magistrate’s prisoners and must be taken elsewhere for you can see all her thirty-five years upon her face, but
questioning. The magistrate PC will be allowed to keep then she regains her composure. “Please, tell me what
the prisoners if s/he can succeed in a Contested you have found out about my student.”
Intelligence+Law roll against Fujizaka (the daimyo is
overconfident and does not spend a Void point). The PCs should describe, in whatever detail they see fit,
Regardless, Fujizaka has the PCs (with or without their the results of their investigation. Remember that Yumi
prisoners) escorted out of Shiro Kajitani. is an Emerald Magistrate, a Kitsuki, and Benjiro’s
sensei (teacher). She will ask questions on any point
• If one of the PC accusers is a Kitsuki: which seems unclear, and may offer to take over the
As you make your accusations to Doji case so that justice can be done.
Fujizaka, he suddenly flushes deep red, his whole
body shaking with fury. “How dare you accuse • If the PCs killed a maddened Fujizaka:
me!” he screams, spittle flying from his mouth. “I Kitsuki Yumi’s face goes as still as if carved from
will not stand by again as you Kitsuki dogs ruin granite, and her voice is icy cold as she says, “You did
another faithful family of the empire! It would be your duty well. Fujizaka was a mad dog who had
better if all Kitsuki were exterminated from the abandoned the path of a samurai. This was a serious
lands of Rokugan!” Fujizaka leaps to his feet affront to the Empire, the Dragon and Crane Clans,
and snatches his katana free of its scabbard. the Kitsuki family, and the Celestial Order. I will strive
to make sure this never happens again.”
Fujizaka’s guards are in shock and stand stunned,
unwilling to defend a master who has utterly lost his on • If the PCs could not force Fujizaka to admit his
(face). It is up to the PCs now to resolve the situation involvement in the conspiracy:
and restore proper honor by killing Fujizaka. Remember Kitsuki Yumi’s face hardens as you relate your
that, since they gave up many of their weapons before frustration with Doji Fujizaka. “This Fujizaka is a
the audience, their only armaments will be wakizashi mad dog who must be put down,” she grates, her soft
and daggers. voice gone hard and bitter. “This is a serious affront
to the Empire, the Dragon Clan, the Kitsuki family,
Doji (Kajitani) Fujizaka, Crane Daimyo and the Celestial Order. I will make sure Fujizaka is
FIRE 2 AIR 4 brought to justice!”
Agility 3
• If the PCs disposed of Kit, but did not find out
EARTH 2 WATER 3 about Fujizaka’s involvement:
Kitsuki Yumi sighs as she listens to your tale. “This
ronin Kit was a crazed monster. I thank you for
VOID 3 ending her terrible depredations. Still,” her voice
TN to be Hit: 20 turns thoughtful, “It seems strange that she could
School/Rank: Kakita Duelist 2 operate for so long without being captured by the local
Honor/Glory: 1.4/7.0 daimyo. Perhaps I shall investigate further.”
Skills: Archery 2, Calligraphy 2, Courtier 2, Etiquette 3,
Heraldry 3, History 3, Iaijutsu 4, Kenjutsu 2, Kitsuki • If the PCs did not solve Benjiro’s disappearance:
Lore 3, Law 3, Sincerity 3, Tea Ceremony 2. Kitsuki Yumi listens intently, and shows no further
Advantages/Disadvantages: Social Advantage disappointment at your lack of results. After you
(daimyo)/Dark Secret (alliance with Kit), Driven finish, she nods. “I thank you for your help. Now that
(revenge against the Kitsuki) my duties in Lion lands are complete, I will be able to

Kitsuki Evidence Page 11

continue the investigation myself. Thank you again,
honorable samurai.” Kitsuki Yumi bows and departs
Adventure Summary
the teahouse. Experience Point Awards
PCs play through the adventure: 2
• If the PCs succeeded in any way (whether or not PCs uncover the plot and report back to
they uncovered Fujizaka’s involvement), Kitsuki Kitsuki Yumi: 1
Yumi speaks with them further: PCs role-play well: 1
“You have all done a great service to the Empire,
Benjiro-san, and myself. If our paths should cross Total Possible Experience Points 4
again, I will aid you as you have aided me.”

• If the players recovered and returned Benjiro’s

Honor Award
belongings, she is more enthusiastic: If the PCs found out about Fujizaka and
“If Benjiro-san were here, he would want to thank informed Kitsuki Yumi: +1 point of Honor
you as well, but since he cannot, I will do so for him.” (+2 points for Dragon PCs)
Yumi solemnly picks up Benjiro’s puzzle box and
presents it to <<appropriate PC, see “Gifts” at the end Items
of the scenario>>. “Benjiro-san would want you to Technically, the PCs may keep any items they find, but
have this puzzle box. It was one of his most valued personal family items such as daisho sets and so forth
possessions and a fitting reward for such an should be returned to the families of the deceased. A PC
honorable servant of the Empire.” who keeps such items for him/herself loses a full Rank
of Honor; any other PCs who know about this and fail
After the proper round of offers and refusals (Rokugani to stop the offending samurai lose a half Rank (5 points)
etiquette demands that a gift be refused twice before it of Honor. For Ronin PCs, the losses are 5 points of
is accepted), Yumi continues: Honor for taking the item(s) and 2 points for knowing
about it and doing nothing.
“Our paths will cross again. It is my hope that it will
be in a happier time. Farewell, my friends.” Gathering Gift: Ornate Puzzle box with Kitsuki family
Benjiro’s belongings with the gentleness and care mon.
given to sacred items, Yumi departs the teahouse. Benjiro’s puzzle box requires an Intelligence
roll (+Nazodo, if available) at TN 25 to
open. Kitsuki Yumi will give this item to the
Epilogue (Fujizaka’s Fate) PCs if they returned Benjiro’s belongings
to her. The PC chosen to receive the
If the PCs were unable to bring Fujizaka to justice puzzle-box will be (in order) an Emerald
(which is the most probably outcome of the scenario), Magistrate, or the most enlightened PC
Kitsuki Yumi pursues the case. The PCs soon hear the (highest Shintao skill), or the PC with the
results of her investigations: highest Honor, in that order. If more than
one PC is an Emerald Magistrate, she will
A few weeks later, you hear that the Kitsuki family has use the other two criteria to break the tie.
brought charges against Doji Fujizaka for the murder
of over 20 Kitsuki samurai. A political battle begins Rank 1 Favor: Kitsuki Yumi
over these charges, but before it can be resolved, If the PCs learned Benjiro’s fate, reported it
Fujizaka insists that he be allowed to personally refute to Kitsuki Yumi, and did not offend her in
the absurd Kitsuki accusations before the Emperor any way, they may write down that they
himself. But when the Doji daimyo stands before the have a Rank 1 Favor from Kitsuki Yumi.
Light of Heaven Himself, he is no longer able to stand This will only be applicable in future
the burden of his deeds and succumbs to madness, scenarios in which she may appear.
drawing his blade and attacking Kitsuki Yumi in the
very presence of the Emperor! Of course, the Emerald
Champion dispatches him in an instant. Such is the
end of Doji Fujizaka’s plot.

Kitsuki Evidence Page 12

Player Handout #1

Right of Investigation

This Emerald Magistrate is hereby invested with the right to free passage between the Dragonfly Lands and Crane Lands on
official business of the Emerald Champion, serving the interests of his most radiant Emperor Hantei the XXXVIII

<<Seal of Doji Satsume>>

Emerald Magistrate’s Name

<<Separate Note>>

Congratulations on your recent appointment as Emerald Magistrate. You will serve the Empire with both honor and
duty. Your first mission is to look into the disappearances of several samurai over the last 5 years along the
Dragonfly/Crane border. Assist any other Emerald Magistrates also investigating the disappearances in the area.

<<2 Koku are included with the order>>

Right of Investigation

This Emerald Magistrate is hereby invested with the right to free passage between the Dragonfly Lands and Crane Lands on
official business of the Emerald Champion, serving the interests of his most radiant Emperor Hantei the XXXVIII.

<<Seal of Doji Satsume>>

Emerald Magistrate’s Name

<<Separate Note>>

Congratulations on your recent appointment as Emerald Magistrate. You will serve the Empire with both honor and
duty. Your first mission is to look into the disappearances of several samurai over the last 5 years along the
Dragonfly/Crane boarder. Assist any other Emerald Magistrates also investigating the disappearances in the area.

<<2 Koku are included with the order>>

Kitsuki Evidence Page 13

 Adventure Results Summary
To be used at the Premier run of “Kitsuki Evidence” at CogCon 8, September 22-24, 2000.
Return with the scoring packet.

Did the PCs uncover the plot of Doji Fujizaka?

Was Kit captured or killed?

Did the PCs earn a Favor from Kitsuki Yumi?

Kitsuki Evidence Page 14