TSR 9164 - OA1 - Swords of The Daimyo
TSR 9164 - OA1 - Swords of The Daimyo
TSR 9164 - OA1 - Swords of The Daimyo
Oriental Adventures
rules. Each adventure is set in the Koza-
kuran province of Miyama, described in
the accompanying Province Book. Also
included is a color map of Miyama Prov-
ince. On the inside of the adventure cover
is the Ocean Voyage Map for use with
Adventure 1. The remaining maps and
tables for the adventures are found in the
back of this book.
The adventures given here are
designed for use with a complete Oriental
Adventures campaign. With the exception
of Adventure 1 (Over the Waves We Will
Go), they are meant to be played in the
order listed. Characters are expected to
rise in level as they play. The level range
for each adventure is listed at its start.
Adventures of your own design (or other
TSR adventures) can be used between
the different adventures listed in this book-
let. The adventures given here do not
need to be played uninterrupted, but they
should be played in the order listed. By the
time you have finished with these adven-
tures, most player characters in your cam-
paign should have from five to seven
levels of experience.
Before playing these adventures, you
should read the Province Book up to the
Gazetteer section. You may also read the
Gazetteer if you wish, but it is not neces-
sary at this time.. You are now ready to
read the first adventure. While reading it,
you should also read any Gazetteer
descriptions of locations mentioned in the
adventure. Once you have read every-
thing thoroughly, you are ready to play the
adventure. At the end of this book (on
page 20) are some beginning characters
for use in an Oriental campaign. These
include character statistics, physical
descriptions, personalities, backgrounds,
ancestries, and families.
Adventure 1 (Over the Waves We Will
Go) is a special adventure that enables
you to introduce gajin characters to the
Oriental world. Play it first if you wish to
take non-Oriental AD&D characters from
your campaign into the world of Oriental
Adventures.
There is more to Swords of the Daimyo
than the adventures it contains. A number
of the maps at the end of this booklet are
not used in the adventures. Some of these
maps are keyed to one or more places on
the Province Map. You can use these and
the other maps for your own adventures.
Furthermore, the Gazetteer section of the
Province Book describes many locations
that are ideal for mystery and adventure.
These should provide you with campaign
activities for a long time to come.
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ADVENTURE 1
OVER THE WAVE5 WE WILL GO
This adventure should be used only if you
are introducing characters from a normal
AD&D
Oriental Adventures
rules. Obviously, you need the Oriental
Adventures rules and the Dungeon Mas-
ters Guide. In addition, it is helpful to have
the Monster Manual handy for easy refer-
ence.
This module includes a small color map
of the continent of Kara-Tur, a larger map
of Miyama Province on the island of Koza-
kura, a book of adventures and maps, as
well as the book of background informa-
tion that you are now holding. This book,
the Province Book, has information about
the island of Kozakura and the province of
Miyama. Most of this book deals with Miy-
ama, the starting point for your adventures
in the mystical Orient.
Before describing Miyama Province, it
is necessary to know something about
Kozakura. Thus this book begins with
some general information about the geog-
raphy, climate, government, and politics of
the island of Kozakura.
After laying this foundation, the Prov-
ince Book focuses on Miyama Province.
Information about Miyama includes its
geography, resources, history, govern-
ment, politics, towns, castles, monas-
teries, temples, landholders, monsters,
notable NPCs, and a gazetteer that gives
detailed information on many of the hexes
on the Miyama Province Map. Thus Miy-
ama Province can be the starting point
and center of your Oriental campaign.
Read this book before starting the
adventures in the Adventure Book. This
book enables you to provide your players
with the necessary background they need
for the various adventures. As you read,
feel free to highlight important sections of
text, make notes in the margins, or change
descriptions as you see fit. Miyama Prov-
ince is your campaign world and you are
free to shape it to your purposes.
The lands of Kara-Tur are inspired by
historical time periods of the Orient, using
the culture and way of life of those times.
Miyama Province is inspired by the Japa-
nese culture of the Kamakura through
Sengoku periods. This time of Japans his-
tory was marked by civil war and the rise of
the independent daimyos, each struggling
to gain and keep the title of shogun, the
supreme ruler of Japan.
Oriental Adventures is a fantasy game,
however, and the information here is not
historically exact. Furthermore, the for-
eign words (and their translations) are
meant to convey the flavor of the Orient
and are not necessarily exact Japanese
usages.
KOZAKURA
Gcngraphy and C!Imatc
Kozakura is west of Kara-Tur, the isle
that separates the Celestial and Eastern
Seas. Kozakura consists of the islands of
Shinkoku, Tenmei, Mikedono and Hino-
moto. Of these, Shinkoku is the largest,
forming a sweeping arc 1,400 miles in
length. On the northern side lies Tenmei,
separated from Shinkoku by the Inner
Sea. On the southern side are Hinomoto
and Mikedono. Between them runs Ama-
kaikyo, the Straits of Ama.
The islands of Kozakura rise from the
ocean abruptly, extensions of the moun-
tain ranges reaching down from the north-
ern peninsula. A mountain range runs the
length of Shinkokus inside arc. The range
was formed by volcanic action and several
of the peaks are still active, erupting at
infrequent intervals. While extremely
rough, the mountains are low and only a
few reach above the permanent snow line.
The sides are usually steep and heavily
forested, poorly suited to rice farming.
Narrow valleys of fertile land wind
through the lesser ranges, the slopes ris-
ing abruptly along the mountainsides.
Streams and rivers cascade down these
slopes, fed by natural springs, melting
snows, and the seasonal rains. These pro-
vide water for the rice paddies in the val-
leys.
Life in these small valleys is hard and
lonely, unappealing to the majority of
Kozakuras people. Most of the population
lives on one of three large plains. These
areas, although not perfectly flat, provide
broad expanses of fertile agricultural land.
The largest of these plains is centered
around the imperial capital. Rich in rice
production, the Dai Plain has been the
object of political struggle for centuries.
Whoever controls the Dai Plain controls
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the heart of Kozakura.
The second great plain is located on the
northern end of the island. This, the Jodo
Plain, is the second largest in size and food
production. Although far from the imperial
center and somewhat isolated, it has proved
a useful power base for rising warlords.
The third area of plains is a small group
of river valleys in Miyama Province.
Although not large in land area or food
production, these plains rest astride the
narrow neck of land connecting the north-
ern and southern halves of Shinkoku. He
who rules Miyama Province controls the
movement of trade, messages, and troops
to both ends of the island.
The land of Kozakura contains much
farmland and forest. The farmland is
divided into two types. Where the rains fall
heavily or mountain streams are diverted
to the fields, the farmers grow rice. The
fields are divided into small squares and
rectangles, crisscrossed by many dikes
and irrigation ditches, for the growing of
rice requires water. Each spring the pad-
dies become flooded, muddy pools, the
dikes narrow paths. As the rice grows the
fields are drained and become passable
again. The farmland that cannot be irri-
gated properly is given to the growing of
other cropsvegetables and millet.
Forest covers most of the islands of
Kozakura. Those who have the resources
and money gradually work on reclaiming
farmland from the woods. It is difficult and
expensive work. The forests are thick with
bamboo and trees and the ground is rug-
ged and broken.
Still, even in its wild state, the forest
holds a bounty of resources. Workers go
out every day and cut bamboo. Hunters
search for game. Loggers take trees for
lumber. Peasants gather mushrooms and
other exotic growths for food and medi-
cine. It is also a place of refuge for humans
and nonhumans alike. Bandits and
escaped prisoners hide in the mountains.
Korobokuru and hengeyokai live in remote
valleys, safely away from intruders.
Dragons haunt lakes and swamps.
Although located well north of the equa-
tor, the weather of Kozakura is generally
mild. The great length of the island allows
a wide range of climates, from semi-
tropical lands in the south to frigid winters
in the north. Warm ocean currents give
most of the island mild, wet winters and
hot, humid summers. The northern half of
Shinkoku receives heavy snowfall during
the winters. Spring is the monsoon sea-
son, when it rains virtually every day.
P!acc Namcs
Part of creating a campaign world is to
give places authentic-sounding names.
Normally this is not too difficult. The world
of Oriental Adventures, however, is unfa-
miliar to most DMs and players. Look at a
good map of Japan and note the styles of
names used. You can use these names or
you can create new names that have the
sound and feel of Oriental names.
You can also use the list of suffixes
below to help create proper meanings for
your Oriental place names. Simply add
syllables to the start of the proper suffix to
create an appropriate-sounding name. A
mountain could be named Ujoyama, using
the -yama (mountain) suffix. A river could
be named Furagawa, again using one of
the suffixes given below.
Bay . . . . . . . . . . . -wan
Beach . . . . . . . . -bama
. . . . . . . -hama
Channel . . . . . . -suido
Gulf . . . . . . . . . . . -umi
. . . . . . . . . -kaiwan
Harbor . . . . . . . . . . -ko
Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . -tsu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . -ura
Island . . . . . . . . .-jima
. . . . . . . . . . -to
. . . . . . . . .-shima
Island chain . . . . . -retto
Islet . . . . . . . -koshima
. . . . . . . -kojima
Lake . . . . . . . . . . -ko
. . . . . . . . -umi
Mountain . . . . . . . . -dake
. . . . . . -take
. . . . . . -mine
. . . . . . . -san
. . . . . . -yama
. . . . . -zan
Mountain Pass . . -toge
Mountain Range . . . . -
sammyaku
Peninsula . . . . . -hanto
Point . . . . . . . . . -bana
. . . . . . . . -hana
. . . . . . . . . . -kubi
. . . . . . . -misaki
. . . . . . . . . -saki
. . . . . . . . -zaki
Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . -ike
Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . -se
. . . . . . . . . . -ze
River . . . . . . . . . -gawa
. . . . . . . . . -kawa
Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . -ne
Sea . . . . . . . . . . -nada
Strait . . . . . . . . -kaikyo
. . . . . . . . . . -seto
Swamp. . . . . . . . . -numa
HIstnry
The deities presented in the following his-
tory are created specially to provide back-
ground for the campaign. DMs who are
familiar with Japanese mythology or who
have already created a mythology for their
campaign may want to substitute this for
what is provided.
No one knows when the first humans
arrived in the islands of Kozakura. The
korobokuru, who had inhabited the
islands for ages, keep no written records.
Their oral tales are filled with stories of
their heroes battling foreign chiefs and
gaining wondrous and rare gifts. The koro-
bokuru themselves maintain that the
humans came from over the sea. Humans
have no recorded history of this migration.
According to the chronicles of various
temples and monasteries, the islands of
Kozakura were the creations of one or
more gods, of which Shinkoku was first.
There is no agreement on which gods
were responsible, but a general consen-
sus maintains that it was Heavenly
Brother and Heavenly Sister. The korobo-
kuru believe the world (and thus the
islands of Kozakura) were created by one
of the Animal Spiritspossibly the Bear
God or the Eagle Goddess.
All agree that Shinkoku has been the
home of the gods for untold millennia.
Gradually, the other islands came into
being. Tenmei was created when Heav-
enly Sister was banished from Shinkoku
by Fierce Wind Son. Hinomoto was cre-
ated when Heavenly Brother declared his
retirement and Mikedono was created
accidentally in the war between Fire Bright
and Fierce Wind Son.
The korobokuru were the first settlers of
the islands and their stories tell how the
islands were given to Poinpeyuan, a great
hero of their race, as a gift from the gods.
The korobokuru could keep the islands so
long as they paid proper reverence to the
gods and obeyed special taboos. Later
stories tell how the korobokuru people
broke these taboos and the humans came
3
to take the islands away.
Recorded human history begins with
the accounts of several powerful family
tribes. Each tribe controlled a small por-
tion of Shinkoku and constantly struggled
with the other tribes and the korobokuru
for more territory. Then, the Akimatsu tribe
presented the claim that its tribal chief,
Mori, had been chosen by the gods to lead
all the peoples of Shinkoku. Several
miraculous events occurred that helped
substantiate his title as emperor.
THE POLITIC5
OF KOZAKURA
The way Kozakura is governed and the
politics that control it seem strange to
many outsiders. To understand how the
politics of Kozakura work, it is helpful to
know a little of their background.
The politics begin with the Akimatsu
clan and the Emperor Mori. The rise of the
Akimatsu family was accomplished by
skillful use of military might and diplo-
macy, primarily marriage alliances.
Through these marriages, the Akimatsu
wed their daughters to the powerful
nobles of other clans. From there, they
maneuvered and worked to see that chil-
dren of these marriages assumed control
of the other clans. Such maneuvers gave
the Akimatsu huge influence.
However, the Akimatsu family was
never able to put together a strong tradi-
tion of imperial authority. Too much of their
control relied on the cooperation of allied
families, who had to be rewarded with
titles, offices, and land. Alone, the Aki-
matsu lacked the might to defeat their
enemies.
To maintain the position of emperor, the
Akimatsu quickly dominated the Dai Plain.
There they gave lands to branches of their
own family, cadet families (lesser families
related to their line), and allies. Over time,
their daughters married into more outside
families, cementing the bonds of further
alliances. Lastly, the Akimatsu launched a
series of campaigns against the korobo-
kuru who still held large portions of the
various islands. The land captured in
these campaigns was dispensed to loyal
families or added to their own territories.
In time, the policies of the Akimatsu
worked against them. After the first sev-
eral decades, the family became quite
large and split into several branches.
Although only those from the main family
could become emperors, the other
branches sought to control the emperor.
Most often this was done through marriage,
wedding a daughter to the emperor or his
sons. A child of such a marriage could be
named emperor and the grandfather of the
child could effectively control the court.
Naturally, with such a system, the reign-
ing emperor was often too young to actu-
ally govern. This task was done by a
regent (sessho), almost always the child-
emperors grandfather from his mothers
side. This was the most powerful position
in the imperial court. The sessho con-
trolled most appointments, grants of land,
and tax immunities.
Furthermore, the old emperor had to
retire, since there could not be two emper-
ors at the same time. But the retired
emperor was not necessarily eager to give
up what little power he had. For several
reigns, the old emperor was forced into
retirement after a difficult power struggle.
With time, this retirement became a tra-
dition and the Office of the Retired Emperor
was established. The retired emperor
became a force to be dealt with. Usually
retiring in their twenties or thirties, retired
emperors controlled many of the functions
of the court. Indeed, at times there were
two retired emperors, the father and grand-
father of the current emperor. In such
cases, the senior retired emperor (In) held
the greater power of the two.
Thus there were sometimes three main
factions in the imperial courtthe regent
(sessho), the retired emperor, and the
emperor. Each held some degree of power
and influence, the regent having the most
and the actual emperor the least. At the
same time, other groups and families were
also striving to gather power.
The politics of the capital were compli-
cated and demanded all the attention of
the nobles. Indeed, to be forced to travel
more than 20 or 30 miles from the capital
was a terrible banishment. The provinces
were the home of the uncultured and infe-
rior and very little attention was paid to the
families in the provinces.
Forced more and more to manage without
assistance from the capital, provincial fami-
lies grew in armed strength and landhold-
ings. Temples also grew in power as they
were granted lands by emperors, regents,
retired emperors, and other nobles. They
attracted and trained sohei and often
engaged in skirmishes and wars with rival
temples. They allied themselves with those
nobles who would advance their cause (or
enrich their coffers). They sometimes
entered the capital in force, threatening dire
curses unless their demands were met.
The power of the Akimatsu and the
other nobles of the court eventually weak-
ened. They lacked both the trained troops
to win battles and the landholdings to
finance their enterprises. More and more
they called upon provincial families
related to their line. These families, in
return for more land and rights, provided
military muscle.
Blind to the danger, the noble families
kept courting their own destruction. Even-
tually, the provincial families, their ranks
swelled with samurai, were stronger than
the nobles. Seeing that the imperial court
was weak and in disarray, one family, the
Hojo, forced the emperor to grant their
family head the title of shogun. The sho-
gun became the supreme military com-
mander of the land.
Although of a lower position than the
emperor and the sessho, the shogun had
a great advantagemilitary might. The
shogun was the real ruler of Kozakura.
However, a careful pretense was main-
tained that the shogun obeyed the will of
the emperor. This was necessary since the
common folk believed the emperor was
descended from the gods (and indeed was
a god himself).
A daimyo could not just proclaim him-
self shogun. Only those of the proper fam-
ily line (one related to the emperor,
however distantly) could be shogun. He
also had to receive his title from the
emperor. While this was a mere formality,
it meant only those who controlled the
emperor could become the shogun.
Still, Kozakura was quite large and even
the shogun could not control all of it. His
power base was the same as that of the
early emperorsa collection of families.
These included the main family line, vari-
ous branch families, cadet families, and
allies. None of these alone were sufficient
to maintain control or defeat the others.
Retaining real power was a careful balanc-
ing act. Very soon the title of shogun
became hereditary, passing from father to
son or grandson. With this came all the ills
and maneuvering that haunted the impe-
rial succession. Other families used mar-
riage politics to dominate the shogun.
Children too young to govern were given
the title, resulting in shogunal regents
(shikken). The position of shogun was on
its way to becoming what the emperor had
fallen toan empty title.
Currently the off ices of the imperial gov-
ernment of Kozakura are:
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In Order of Power In Order of Prestige
Shikken Emperor
Retired Emperor Retired Emperor
Shogun
Shogun
Emperor
Shikken
Shikken
Takenaka Okawa (NPC), male, age 42
The Takenaka family is currently the
most powerful in Kozakura. A southern
branch of the Hojo family, it gained the posi-
tion of shikken nine years ago when the
current shogun was named. The current
shikken is Takenaka Okawa, head of the
family and grandfather of Hojo Kawakubo,
the current shogun.
The position of the Takenaka family is
not yet secure. The family reached the
position of shikken through a favorable
marriage with the Hojo family and alli-
ances. These alliances range from quite
strong to extremely tenuous. In general,
the cadet families of the Takenaka and the
lesser branch families of the Hojo line are
strong supporters of the Takenaka. The
main Hojo line and the other imperial
branches are less loyal allies of the
Takenaka. Given the opportunity, these
families would seize power from the
Takenaka.
The Takenaka family was founded 87
years ago as a branch of the Hojo family.
At that time, the family held a small castle
and landholdings in southern Shinkoku.
For the next 72 years, the Takenaka
expanded their territorial base and sup-
ported the cause of the Hojo line.
When Hojo Kikutake died prematurely,
his son and grandson became candidates
for the title of shogun. Neither was of legal
age (18) and a power struggle ensued
within the Hojo clan for the position of
shikken. Support was divided between the
son and grandson and the Hojo War was
the result.
During this war, Takenaka Sugawara,
half-brother of Okawa, distinguished him-
self in support of the grandsons claim.
Thi s cul mi nated i n the battl e of
Norinoshima, where the forces of
Takenaka Sugawara were arrayed against
the armies of the Hojo alliance. In the
dawn just before the battle commenced,
the Hojo general Nikken Yamashita,
defected with his forces to the Takenaka
side, guaranteeing the defeat of the Hojo
alliance. With Hojo Kikutakes son ban-
ished and the grandson named shogun,
the Takenaka claim to shikken was
assured.
However, Takenaka Sugawara, having
no direct blood tie to the shogun, could not
become shikken. Thus the responsibility
fell to his half-brother Takenaka Okawa.
The Takenaka clan has been left in a diffi-
cult position. Takenaka Sugawara, an able
and competent leader, has been forced
aside by his brother. Although united
against their enemies, the situation threat-
ens to split the Takenaka family.
Shogun
Hojo Kawakubo (NPC), male, age 17
Hojo Kawakubo is the titular military ruler
of Kozakura. However he controls little
power. The grandson of Hojo Kikutake, the
current shogun was given his title at the
age of eight. Since that time he has been
carefully controlled by his mother and his
grandfather, Takenaka Okawa. He is now
close to coming of age and realizes his
future is bleak. His grandfather is not likely
to give up control. The choices for Hojo
Kawakubos future are early retirement or
sudden death. He cares for neither.
The shoguns only real hope is to some-
how break the power of the Takenaka.
Obviously, he has allied to him the main
line of the Hojo family. In addition, a num-
ber of once-powerful families are allied to
the Hojo cause.
Before the Takenaka regency, these
families were strong allies of the Hojo,
receiving grants of land and gifts accord-
ingly. Since the defeat of the Hojo, they
have been stripped of lands and weak-
ened in power as much as possible. They
have no love of the Takenaka, but cur-
rently have little power to act. Both Hojo
Kawakubo and his allies await some
appropriate event to act.
Retired Emperor
Gokammu (NPC), male, age 36
Gokammu is the current retired
emperor and head of the Office of the
Retired Emperor. Thus he wields signifi-
cant power within imperial circles. By tra-
dition, he has the power to grant the
governorship of some (but not all prov-
inces), grant tax exemptions for lands,
become the protector of lands, and
approve and disapprove of imperial
appointments (within limits). Since the rise
of the shogunate, the power of the retired
emperor has decreased significantly.
Although the office is still revered and
treated with respect, previous retired
emperors have found it convenient to with-
draw to temples or monasteries, taking up
a religious life.
Gokammu has no intention of disappear-
ing quietly. He has ambition of regaining the
title of emperor (retirement does not neces-
sarily prevent this) and restoring imperial
power. Although a grand dream, such a res-
toration is highly unlikely It would require
the defeat of not only the shogun, but of all
the lords who would have any hope of
becoming the shogun or the shikken.
Still, Gokammu has support from some
of the families, particularly the old noble
families whose fortunes have collapsed
with the rise of the samurai. He has also
been courting those families slighted by
the Takenaka, promising them land and
position. Some have responded favorably,
though each plans to betray Gokammus
dream in the end.
Currently Gokammu is playing a waiting
game. The division between the Hojo and
the Takenaka is to his advantage, as is the
growing rift between the Takenaka brothers.
He is carefully cultivating an image of neu-
trality.
Emperor
Gonijo (NPC), male, age 15
The emperor Gonijo is hardly a factor in
the current power struggle. His life has
been very carefully directed by Hojo and
Takenaka counselors. Treated with great
respect, his few tasks in life have been to
unquestioningly approve the edicts of his
advisors and perform the appropriate rit-
uals to ensure the welfare of the state.
Gonijo has little interest in the affairs of
state and has already indicated he would
gladly retire to a temple if allowed. How-
ever, as yet he still has no male child to
continue the imperial dynasty.
TIt!cs and Ranks
In thc ImpcrIa! Cnurt
Following is a list of titles, offices, and
ranks that are assigned in the Imperial
Court of Kozakura. You can use these
titles when you need to create an
important-sounding NPC or give a reward
to a player character. No explanations are
given of these titles. In most cases the
function of the office is clear, but often the
title was little more than an empty honor.
The true power of the office depended
more upon the resources of the holder.
Titles marked * should be available
only to powerful NPCs or extremely powerful
player characters. Titles marked ** are
inherited titles, passed from father to son.
5
Ajari* Head holy teacher
Chi-daijokanji* Acting great minister of
the council of state
Chue-taisho* General of the middle
imperial guards
Chunagon Middle counselor
Dai-ajari* Great holy teacher
Daijin* Great minister
Daijo-daijin* Great minister of the
council of state
Dainagon* Major counselor
Gon-dainagon Provisional major coun-
selor
Konoe-jisho Assistant head of the inner
palace guards
Konoe no shogen Lieutenant of the
inner palace guards
Kotaigo** Empress dowager
Kurodo no ben* Controller of the
emperors off ice
Minbu-kyo* Minister of peoples affairs
Nagon Counselor
Naidaijin* Minister of the center
Nairan Imperial examiner
Naishi no kami Chief of the palace
attendants
Nakatsukasa-kyo* Minister of central
affairs
Okura no sho Junior assistant minister
of the treasury
Sachuben Middle controller of the left
Sadaiben Major controller of the left
Saemon no kami Capt. of the left, outer
palace guards
Sakyo no daibu Master of the left
division of the capital
Sama no kami Director of the Bureau of
Horses, left division
Sangi Imperial adviser
Sataisho* General of the left
Shikibu-kyo Minister of ceremonies
Shinno** Imperial prince
Shonagon Minor counselor
Shuri no daibu Master of palace repairs
Sojo* High priest
So-tsuibushi* Chief of the military
police
Taisho* General of the inner palace
guards
Tandai* Shogunal deputy
Udaijin* Minister of the right
Uemon no kami Capt. of the right, outer
palace guards
Uhyo no kami Capt. of the right, military
guards
Ukon no chusho* Middle general of the
right
Ukyo no gon-daibu Provisional master
of the capital, right division
Utaisho* General of the right
Zasu* Chief priest
MIYAMA PROVINCE
GEOGRAPHY
AND CLIMATE
Miyama Province is located in the very
center of Kozakura. It is the strategic key
to controlling Shinkoku and Kozakura.
The province is divided into two main
sectionsthe Northern Plain and the
Southern Plain. Running through the mid-
dle of the province are the wooded peaks
and ridges of the Kurisammyaku (Chest-
nut Mountains). Twisting through the hills
and mountains, fast-rushing streams have
cut narrow valleys. Most of these valleys
are choked with the forests that carpet the
mountain slopes. Some slopes have been
cleared for farming.
Of the two plains, the Southern Plain is
the larger. Located on the shores of Miumi
(Gulf of Mi), the plain is divided into two
fertile regions by a branch of the Kurisam-
myaku. To the east is the plain formed by
the Tara-gawa Basin. The other area is
watered by the run-off of a number of small
streams that rush out of the mountains.
Both of these areas are heavily irrigated
for rice crops.
In the hills between the two areas are
Nora-ko and Uji-ko, two freshwater lakes.
The larger of these, Nora-ko, is extremely
deep. Indeed, in its lowest depths it con-
nects with a vast network of subterranean
rivers and seas. Horrific and monstrous
things have been known to rise from the
depths of Nora-ko. Understandably, the lake
has an evil reputation and the local peasants
do not venture out onto it for any reason.
The Northern Plain is smaller and more
isolated. Most of the fertile land is close to
the coast, where the mountains descend
suddenly into the sea. The main growing
region is formed by the joining of several
stream valleys. Jutting out from this plain
is a rugged cape covered with forests and
marshy reeds. The end of this cape breaks
into a number of smaller islands, equally
unsuitable for habitation.
The weather of Miyama, although vary-
ing with the seasons, is generally temper-
ate. Springtime gradually warms the land
from winters below-freezing tempera-
tures to an average of 60 degrees F by the
end of spring. With the coming of summer,
the rainy season begins. The weather
becomes quite humid and oppressive.
There is little wind and much rain. Things
are continuously damp and mildewed. As
summer continues, the rain relents and
the temperature rises, becoming quite hot
(95 to 100 degrees F at times). The air
remains stiflingly humid in the lower val-
leys. In late summer, typhoons sometimes
strike the coast. These vicious storms can
bring 12 or more inches of rain in a single
storm. Huge tidal waves batter the coast
along with winds of gale force or worse.
The typhoon season marks the end of
summer. The weather once again becomes
cooler and more tolerable with the advent of
fall. The humidity drops and the lower slopes
and valleys are pleasant. The autumn foli-
age changes into its colorful array. As the
days grow shorter, heavy frosts come.
Almost at the end of the year, the first snows
of winter fall. Sweeping in from the Celestial
Sea, the cold winds bring heavy snows to
the highland regions of the province. As win-
ter progresses, a rare snowfall may cover
the province, lighter on the lower plains and
quite heavy in the mountains. The tempera-
ture drops below freezing and the lakes and
streams ice over.
The following table can be used to deter-
mine the weather at any time in Miyama. To
determine the weather, find the proper
month on the table. Note the average tem-
perature for that month. Then roll 1d10 to
determine if that temperature is adjusted
up or down. Roll 1d6 and add or subtract
that number of degrees from the average
temperature. Each day of the adventure,
MIYAMA CLIMATE TABLE
Month
Tsou
Ju
5
Yu
25
Kao
Kao II
Chu
Hsiang
Chuang
Hsuan
Yang
Ku
Tu
Av. Min. Max.
Temp Temp Temp
35 10 60
40 20 62
45
30
70
55 75
60 35 80
68 45 90
72 55 100
72 55 105
68 45 95
60 30 85
50 25 70
40 15 55
Temp
Gain
1-4
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-6
1-5
1-5
1-6
1-3
1-3
1-3
1-3
Change
No
Change
5
6-7
7-8
7
6-7
6-7
7
4-5
4
4
4-5
(1d1O)
Loss
6-10
6-10
8-10
9-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
6-10
5-10
5-10
6-10
Precip
(In-)
5% (1)
5% (1)
10% (1-2)
10% (1-2)
10% (1-2)
10% (1-3)
10% (1-3)
10% (1-3)
15% (1-8)
10% (1-8)
5% (1-2)
5% (1)
6
you can adjust the previous days temper-
ature (up or down) using the same
method. The temperature should never be
lower than the minimum listed for the
month or higher than the maximum listed.
The percentage listed under the Precip
column is the chance of rain per day during
that month. The number in parentheses is
the number of inches that fall. Rains last for
2d6 hours. If the temperature is below
freezing, snow falls instead of rain. The
number of inches of snow is triple that listed
for rain. Snow remains on the ground until
the temperature rises above freezing, so
several snowfalls can accumulate. For
every two days the temperature is above
freezing, one inch of snow melts. In addi-
tion, every 10 degrees above freezing
melts an additional inch of snow per day.
RE5OURCE5
The principal source of income in Miy-
ama, as in all other provinces of Kozakura,
is rice. It is used to pay the land tax, the
harvest tax, and sometimes even the labor
tax. It is used to pay for other foods, fin-
ished goods, animals, and servants.
Consequently, one of the principal
resources of every peasant or lord is the
rice he can produce himself or collect from
others. Peasants work hard to grow as
much rice as possible. Some even have
secret rice fields in the mountains, hidden
away from the tax collectors.
Nobles, officials, and temples gather
rice by collecting rents and taxes from the
peasants. They also fund massive projects
to reclaim land, transforming the new terri-
tory into usable rice fields. Such efforts are
not easy. Forests must be cleared, bogs
filled in, irrigation ditches dug, mountain-
sides terraced, streams diverted, and fields
builtall by hand. The rewards of more rice
production and more rent money make
such projects worthwhile.
Rice is not the only resource of Miyama.
Tea is rapidly becoming an important com-
modity. Recently introduced to Kozakura,
tea has quickly become highly fashionable
with the samurai and noble classes. It is
grown on the warm slopes of the mountains.
Currently the production is not large, but
more and more of the suitable mountain
land is being converted to this crop.
The third natural resource of Miyama is
lumber. Taken from the mountains and the
wooded valleys, most of this wood is used
within the province. Enough is harvested
to send some by ship to other provinces,
particularly the capital. Lumber is some-
times demanded as payment for taxes,
especially after fire has struck the capital
or a daimyos palace.
Of finished goods, Miyama produces
virtually every typecloth, woodworks,
paper, baskets, and pottery. This merely
allows the people to be self-sufficient, as
are most of the provinces of Kozakura.
However, Miyama does support a small
but famous pottery industry. Several small
families around Hiwasa Village (hex 0121)
produce a noted style of pottery. It is
renowned for its ashen blue cracked
glazes and textured surfaces. Well-made
pieces are found in the households of
samurai and daimyos.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION RATES
Resource Production Range
1 tan* of good 1-3 koku of rice
rice land annually
1 tan* of poor 1-2 koku of rice
rice land annually
1 tan* of tea 1-6 koku of rice
equivalent annually
1 day of lumbering 1 tree or 20 poles of
bamboo
1 potter family 10 pieces per week
* A tan is 1/10 of an acre, 4,356 square feet.
PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT
Like the imperial government, the govern-
ment of Miyama is a confusing, factional
affair. The power struggles at the top
between the shikken, shogun, and imperial
line are reflected in the official posts and
appointments made in Miyama. Each fac-
tion has some representative within the
province.
The top two positions in Miyama are the
shugo-daimyo and the kokushu, or provin-
cial governor. The shugo-daimyo is
appointed to the province by the shogunal
authorities. The kokushu is the imperial rep-
resentative. Each of these has a number of
minor officials under him. In addition, there
are the samurai jito of the many estates
(shoen) found throughout the province.
Shugo-daimyo
Niwa Hirotada (NPC), male, age 38
Niwa Hirotada is the shugo-daimyo of
Miyama Province. Appointed by the
shikken as a reward for assistance in the
struggles with the Hojo, Niwa is a loyal
supporter of the the Takenaka cause. He
and his family have been retainers of the
Takenaka for several decades.
Niwa is a small, wiry man of keen intelli-
gence and cunning wit. He is normally
quite straightforward and honest, although
he seldom reveals any unnecessary details
in conversation. He is extraordinarily
patient and has developed a long-sighted
view of affairs. Although concerned about
the immediate effects of his actions, his
main goal is to strengthen and maneuver
his family into a dominant position. To this
end, he is building a base of power in the
province. He sees that the factions of the
court and bakufu (shogunate) are slowly
destroying each other. The time is coming
when he will have to rule the province of
Miyama without outside assistance.
He is married and quite devoted to his
eight-year-old son, Yukiie. His wife, the
daughter of Takenaka Sugawara, is also
expecting another child. His loyalty to the
head of the Takenaka family and his wifes
relationship to Takenaka Sugawara place
Niwa in a difficult political position. Cur-
rently, he is attempting to remain neutral in
any family rivalries.
Kokushu (Provincial Governor)
Tsu Gonsuke (NPC), male, age 42
Miyama is a gift province of the retired
emperor. He can give the governorship of
Miyama to any he desires, normally as a
reward for service. The position has very
few required duties and allows the
kokushu to collect a salary of rice from the
taxes on the province. Currently the posi-
7
tion is held by the Tsu family. This family is
nonaligned in the developing power strug-
gle in the capital. The retired emperor is
both courting the Tsu family and building a
power base in Miyama:
Tsu Gonsuke, head of one of the larger
noble families, is a particularly gruff man,
little given to artistic pursuits. Extreme
arthritis does little to lighten his personality.
The Tsu family has a long history of
involvement in imperial affairs. Indeed,
Tsu Gonsukes ancestors were one of the
original supporters of the imperial cause.
Since that time, the family has fallen on
hard fortune, losing its prominent position
in imperial favor to more vigorous families.
During this decline, the family was
forced to focus its attention on provincial
affairs, much to its ultimate advantage.
While other noble families gradually weak-
ened and collapsed, the Tsu strengthened
their military might and political influence
in the harsh provinces.
Tsu Gonsuke, like all kokushu, spends
nearly all his time in the capital. The actual
governing of the province is handled by the
mokudai (governors deputy) at the rusudo-
koro (provincial office of the governor). This
office is located in Tamanokuni of Miyama.
Mokudai (Deputy Governor)
Igi Tajima (NPC), male, age 55
The Igi family is a branch of the Tsu line.
Originally a warrior family of the prov-
inces, the Igi managed to make a favor-
able marriage of a son to a daughter of the
Tsu family. The arrangement has worked
to the advantage of both. The Tsu have
gained military power while the Igi have
gained the mantle of respectability.
Igi Tajima has been given the position of
mokudai, deputy governor of Miyama. He
actually lives in the province. Officially his
duties are to handle the civil government
of the province, particularly of the public
lands. However, most of these functions
have been usurped by the shugo-daimyo.
Still, the mokudai retains enough power
that the shugo-daimyo must consult him
on some affairs. In return for his work, the
mokudai receives a portion of the taxes
from the province.
Igi Tajima is well aware of the declining
power of his position and the growing
power of the shugo-daimyo. He has no illu-
sions about the likely outcome of any
struggle between him and the shugo-
daimyo. Therefore, he is working to gather
as much power as possible, in the form of
land and followers. When the time comes,
he is prepared to defy all authority and
establish himself as a powerful daimyo in
his own right. Ambition has made Igi
Tajima sly, venal, two-faced, and corrupt.
Outwardly he is very pleasant and trust-
worthy. Inwardly, he will do anything to
reach his goals.
OrganIzatInn nf Lnca! Gnvcrnmcnt
In addition to the officials listed previ-
ously, each has a number of lesser offi-
cials to handle the everyday management
of the province. The following diagram
lists these lesser officials and the chain of
command to the kokushu or shugo-
daimyo. If a location is listed in parenthe-
ses after the title, it indicates that official
does not reside in the province.
The shugo-daimyo is the samurai mili-
tary governor of a province. Most of the
territory in the province is held by his fam-
ily or related families (hence the title
daimyo). As shugo, his family was
appointed to its post by the shogun of
Kozakura. Now the position passes from
father to son almost automatically. The
shogun could step in and reassign the title
of shugo, but seldom does. Such a punish-
ment is reserved for families that threaten
the shogun, either through treachery or
ambition.
The shugo-daimyo spends nearly all his
time in the capital of the shogun, keeping
himself at the center of the political scene.
One or more samurai (usually of the
same family as the shugo-daimyo) are
appointed shugodai, or deputy shugo.
These men split their time between the
capital of the shogun and the province.
Each is responsible for a province or a dis-
trict of a province. They are appointed to
their position by the shugo-daimyo and
are accountable to him. The shugodai
handle most of the administration of the
province and carries reports to the shugo-
daimyo in the capital. Immediately under
him are a number of offices, boards, and
councils that handle the necessary affairs
of the province.
The shugo-matadai is the lowest level of
shugo, the sub-deputy shugo. Player
character samurai are sometimes given a
shugo post at this level. Shugo-matadai
usually belong to the main family, or a
branch family, of the shugo-daimyo. In
some cases, the position of shugo-
matadai is given as a reward for loyal serv-
ice. The shugo-matadai is responsible for
the administration of a district within a
province.
Daikan are often samurai, the local
agents of the shugo-matadai. They collect
the taxes and oversee the public lands.
Their duties are similar to those of the jito.
Unlike the jito, daikan are not bound to a
single estate.
The jito are samurai representatives of
the shugo-daimyo to each estate, whether
the land is owned by the shugo or some-
one else. They oversee the collection of
taxes and the implementation of edicts.
They are often in conflict with the civil offi-
cials and nonshugo landowners.
The civil governor (kokushu) has virtu-
ally no power in the province and thus
spends all his time in the capital. Nearly all
his duties have been assumed by the
shugo-daimyo. However, as governor, he
is entitled to a certain amount of the taxes
from all public lands, provided that the
8
shugo-daimyo can be convinced to give
up this tax money.
The deputy governor (mokudar) actually
lives in the province. There he exerts what
little authority the civil governor has. While
theoretically in control of all public lands,
these are more often managed by the jito
of the shugo-daimyo. The mokudai is sup-
posed to protect the interests of the gover-
nor, emperor and the people. However,
with no authority, he can do little more
than file formal protests and rubber stamp
documents. Indeed, his main purpose is to
give official approval to the actions of the
shugo-daimyo for the sake of appear-
ances.
Seal bearers assist the deputy governor
in the details of administration. The posi-
tion has no power and very few duties. As
such, it is given as a reward to local men in
the province, especially those not favored
by the shugo-daimyo.
THE ARMIE5
OF MIYAMA
As military governor and principal land-
owner of Miyama, it is the shugo-daimyos
responsibility to keep the peace in Miyama
and protect it in times of war. In addition,
the shugo-daimyo must also be ready to
field troops at the command of the sho-
gun. The numbers and types of troops the
shugo-daimyo has available or can raise
are listed below.
On Constant Duty
AT CAPITAL RESIDENCE
50 Mounted samurai (2d or 3d level)
150 Samurai (1st level)
100 Bushi (1st level)
Troops Available in Province*
FORCES UNDER
NIWA FAMILY COMMAND
3,800 Bushi (1st level)
800 Mounted samurai (1st level and
commanders)
THE RELIGION5
OF MIYAMA
370 Foot samurai (1st level and com-
manders)
135 Marines (1st-level bushi)
9 Warships
FORCES UNDER
HIRO FAMILY COMMAND
2,000 Bushi (1st level)
200 Mounted samurai (1st level and
commanders)
200 Foot samurai (1st level and com-
manders)
FORCES UNDER
SHOGUNAL/SHIKKEN COMMAND
400 Bushi (1st level)
30 Samurai (1st level and commanders)
FORCES OF OTHER ALLIES
360 Sohei from shrines and temples
(1st level and commanders)
* These numbers are approximations of
the forces available from the various
estates held by the shugo-daimyo.
In addition to these troops, the various
other estates and temples of the province
maintain their own troops. Depending on
the situation, the shugo-daimyo may be
able to use them in times of emergency.
Many of these troops are given under the
specific listings for each estate or temple.
Finally, the shugo-daimyo can raise a levy
of 1,000 additional bushi (1st level) and
5,000 poorly trained soldiers in times of
emergency.
In Miyama, as in all of Kozakura, there
are two principal religionsthe Way of
Enlightenment, and the Eight Million
Gods. The Way of Enlightenment is
divided into several schools while the
Eight Million Gods is split into many sepa-
rate shrines. While different schools (or
shrines) may hold essentially similar
beliefs, the exact methods of worship, dei-
ties, and outward manifestations may be
radically different.
Within each school or shrine, there are
two groups of worshipers. The first group
is more or less devoted to that particular
school or shrine. This includes the priests,
monks, shukenja, sohei, and devout wor-
shipers of the group. These people do not
entertain or practice the beliefs of other
schools or shrines. In other lands, such
devoted worshipers are very common; in
Kozakura, they are somewhat rare.
The second group of worshipers, those
who practice the rituals of more than one
school or shrine, are far more common.
This group includes the majority of the
common people. They make offerings to
one or more of the Eight Million Gods at
planting time, pray for their departed
according to the rituals of the Way of
Enlightenment, and make donations and
offerings to temples of both religions.
Of the two religions, the Eight Million
Gods is by far the older. Indeed, it is not
really a religion as such, but rather a col-
lection of rituals and beliefs that relate to
various gods and goddesses of nature.
There is no great teacher or book for the
Eight Million Gods; there are no set prac-
tices, either. The observances and
rewards vary from shrine to shrine and
deity to deity.
Most often the shrines are associated
with some site of natural beauty or legend-
ary significance. Thus there are shrines
on the slopes of major mountains, along
the banks of rivers, by the ocean, or hid-
den away in forests. There are also impor-
tant shrines to the sun goddess and the
emperor (who is assumed to be of divine
ancestry).
Normal worship at these shrines is fairly
simpleritual purification, offerings of
food, donations of money, and prayers. At
least once during each year major shrines
have more elaborate festivals, involving
sacred dances, bonfires, and processions
through the streets. These festivals,
intended to entertain the deity, can
become quite rowdy.
Within Miyama there are several differ-
ent shrines devoted to the Eight Million
Gods. Unlike the temples of the Way of
Enlightenment, each shrine of the Eight
Million Gods is independent, unrelated to
the others. Although the practices are
generally similar, each shrine has its own
unique features and beliefs.
The other major religion is the Way of
Enlightenment. This religion was intro-
duced from the mainland of Kara-Tur cen-
turies in the past (see the Timeline in the
Adventure Book). After initial resistance,
the Way of Enlightenment has become the
religion of the ruling class and has been
accepted by the majority of the Kozakuran
population.
Unlike the Eight Million Gods, the Way of
Enlightenment is a well-organized religion.
Drawing lessons from the life and speeches
of its great teacher, the Way of Enlighten-
ment guides men to spiritual perfection.
9
Over time, however, this religion has
divided into several different schools. Cur-
rently there are three main schools active
in the Way of Enlightenment. The most
popular school (Toro-dai) simply requires
the repeating of a single verse over and
over. It is very popular with the common
folk, since it is very easy to follow.
The next school (Kanchai) reveals to its
followers an elaborate structure of invisi-
ble spirit creatures, some good and some
evil. These creatures seek to help or harm
according to their natures. Worshipers
hope to gain the favor of good spirits and
avoid the wrath of evil spirits.
The Kanchai school freely uses many
ideas and beliefs of the Eight Million
Godsdeities, spirits, and fantastic crea-
tures.
Finally, there is the highly esoteric
school of Konjo. This school uses the strict
methods of meditation and contemplation
to show that material things are only pass-
ing illusions that will change and decay.
What matters is the strength of the per-
sons spirit.
This school of the Way of Enlightenment
is very popular with samurai and the ruling
lords. Much of their thinking is affected by
the Konjo school. Of all the schools, it is
the most difficult and most true to the origi-
nal intention of the Way of Enlightenment.
There are many shrines and temples
throughout Miyama. The shrines are usu-
ally associated with the Eight Million Gods
and are divided into First Shrines and nor-
mal shrines.
First Shrines have been officially recog-
nized and supported by the Emperor and
other nobles for centuries. They are often
located in the old district and provincial
capitals. The First Shrines are larger and
more powerful than other shrines. Outside
of Miyama Province, many First Shrines
establish branches throughout other prov-
inces to promote their particular beliefs
(and get more money). This has never
happened in Miyama.
Normal shrines are often built and sup-
ported by the local peasantry. These
shrines may commemorate past events,
ensure good harvests, ward off evil influ-
ences, or even appease powerful evil
beings. Local nobility also support
shrines, particularly in towns or villages
near their home. Most often the site of
both First Shrines and normal shrines
have some special meaningthe place
where one of the Eight Million Gods
washed his hands, the slopes of the moun-
tain spirits home, etc.
The temples are associated with the
Way of Enlightenment: Temples are built
to venerate a specific deity or group of dei-
ties. Sometimes the site of the temple has
a special meaningthe village of a
famous holy man of the school or a place
where the deity manifested itself to
humans. In almost all circumstances, the
temple is connected with a particular
school. If the same site has meaning to
several schools, there will be several dif-
ferent temples clustered around it. It is
possible for the same deity to appear in
two different temples, sponsored by differ-
ent schools of the Way of Enlightenment.
The sponsorship of temples allows the
various schools of the Way of Enlighten-
ment to be far more organized than the
local shrines. Each school is a nationwide
organization. In or near the imperial capi-
tal is the main or original temple of the
school.
Provinces contain a provincial temple
and subscription temples. The provincial
temple is a branch of the main temple and
part of the taxes it collects are sent to the
main temple. In return, the main temple
acts as a protector of the provincial tem-
ples property and rights.
The provincial temple in turn sponsors
subscriber temples. These have an
arrangement similar to that of the main
temple and the provincial temple. The
subscriber temple makes donations and
obeys the commands of the provincial
temple. In return, the provincial temple
protects the interests of its subscribers
within the province and acts as their
spokesman to the main temple.
The arrangement has enormous advan-
tages for all. The main temple, located
near the capital, ensures that the school is
always represented in the affairs of the
court. The provincial temples give the
main temple a broad power base. The
subscriber temples receive political pro-
tection they could not otherwise get. The
various payments guarantee enough
money for construction and adventurism,
and the network of temples allows the
school to quickly raise a large force of
sohei in times of trouble. The main temple
simply calls upon its provinces (who in
turn call upon the subscribers) and they
provide the troops.
The power of the temples has not been
overlooked by the powerful families of
Kozakura. Many noble families have gen-
erously endowed the temples with money,
land, and special privileges. With these
gifts, they hope to sway the temples to
their side. But it takes more than just gifts
and money; the nobles must also have a
commitment to the school and its beliefs.
All this does not guarantee the support
of the temple; several noble families have
collapsed into ruin through the stubborn-
ness or treachery of a temple ally. To pre-
vent this, powerful nobles and samurai
(particularly of the imperial line) some-
times retire to temples and monasteries
and rise within their ranks. This allows the
family to control the temple from the
inside. Many temples have thus become
associated with particular families.
This domination by family factions and,
to a lesser extent, the natural differences
in religious beliefs have led to long-
standing feuds between different temples.
Normally these feuds take the form of
political maneuvering. When such politi-
cal dealing fails, however, direct action in
the form of raids and temple-burning is the
frequent result. The sohei of each temple
are necessary to actively protect the tem-
ple from attackers.
Also associated with each school are
monasteries. Generally built on secluded
mountain slopes or other places well away
from cities, monasteries are centers of
training and religious instruction for those
within their walls. Because of these quiet
and peaceful surroundings, emperors,
nobles, and samurai find it fashionable to
retire to monasteries when they grow tired
of the physical world. This retirement is
often permanent, but many a retired war-
rior or statesman has returned to the world
when needed by his family, emperor, or
cause.
Many monasteries are no more than
meditative centers, while others incorpo-
rate harsh training in the martial arts.
Those coming from such monasteries
compose the monk character class. These
monks are zealots, fiercely dedicated to
their cause.
In addition to the shrines, temples, and
monasteries, there are also a number of
hermits or religious recluses in the forests
and mountains of Miyama. These men
have cut themselves off from the rest of
the world and do their utmost to avoid dis-
covery. In their lonely mountain huts and
caves, they put themselves through gruel-
ing trials to purify their minds and bodies.
Their lives are difficult and extreme.
Many live on simple diets of nuts, roots,
bark, berries, and water. They live unshel-
tered through freezing cold and pouring
rain. They sit under waterfalls, enduring
the battering torrent. They fast for days,
10
meditate for hours, and generally put
themselves through extreme hardships.
These hardships cleanse their minds,
enabling them to rise above pain and
desire.
After long periods of such cleansing,
hermits may reach an enlightened state.
Of the few who reach this state, some
come down from the mountains to found
new schools or shrines that are based on
the enlightenment they have received.
They may also bring new styles of martial
arts as part of their teachings. Hermits are
rare and hard to find, but sometimes take
pupils to train in their esoteric beliefs.
THE E5TATE5
OF MIYAMA
The farmland of Miyama is divided into
publicly owned land and private estates
(shoen). The public land is owned not by
peasant farmers or local nobles, but rather
by the emperor who then gives charters
for the land to lesser nobles. These lesser
nobles hold the right to use the land and
collect the harvest from it. The actual work
is done by the peasants, who pay taxes to
the emperor through the noble who holds
the charter.
Most of the nobles who hold charters to
public land are related to the imperial line.
Thus the emperor, his family, and his
branch families control the majority of the
public land under a system similar to that
used for the shoen lands.
Most of the farmland of Miyama is under
the control of the shoen (estate) system.
This, technically, is also public land. How-
ever, the estate owners have gained spe-
cial tax exemptions and rights, effectively
making the shoen land private property.
As is normal with affairs in Kozakura, the
ownership and management of shoen is a
complicated business.
There are three different forms of shoen
land ownership. The simplest occurs
when a samurai or daimyo holds the entire
charter to the land. The samurai or daimyo
oversees the peasants on the shoen, col-
lecting rent from them and paying any
taxes the emperor (or shogun) requires.
The samurai or noble either lives in the
province or has close ties to the region.
His family may have risen to power in the
area or he may have conquered the terri-
tory from an opposing daimyo.
The second type of ownership is for a
noble to hold the charter to the shoen but
The noble usually has a local represent-
ative on the estate to handle the actual
work. If the property is under the control of
the shugo-daimyo, this representative is
the jito. If not, the representative is the
zussho (who is normally a samurai). In the
latter case, the shugo-daimyo of the prov-
ince appoints a jito to keep an eye on the
shoen too (just to make sure there are no
secret threats to his power). The zussho or
jito has powers very similar to that of a sim-
ple owner. As representative, he is allowed
to keep a portion of the rent before send-
ing the remainder to the manager. The
manager, in turn, must pay whatever taxes
are due on the shoen.
not directly control it or live there. This
noble has managerial rights to the shoen.
He collects a portion of the crop as rent in
return for providing the necessary admini-
stration for the shoen.
The third type of shoen owner is the pro-
tector. This person is an extremely high-
ranking noblethe dowager empress,
emperor, or retired emperor are not
uncommon protectors. The protector
holds the charter to the shoen, but does
not become involved in the actual man-
agement of the property. Instead, he uses
his influence to secure special privileges
for the shoen (tax exemptions, etc.) and
supports any legal claims involving the
shoen. In return, the protector receives a
share of the rent.
A protected shoen has a manager (who
usually does not live on the shoen) and a
local representative. These two are also
allowed a share of the rent.
The original intentions of the land-
ownership system have become cloudy. It
is possible for the zussho or jito to defy his
lord, keeping all the rent. In such cases,
there is little the manager or protector can
do unless he has the might or connections
to force payment. Indeed, many now-
powerful samurai and families rose in
wealth this way.
The entire estate system is currently in
turmoil. Complicated legal claims, weak-
ening imperial authority, and conflicting
loyalties have made shambles of the once-
orderly system. Some shoen in Miyama
are still run by the old system of protector,
manager, and representative. Others have
been taken over by jito of the shugo-
daimyo, ignoring the complicated old sys-
tem of ownership. This turmoil allows
adventurous player characters ample
opportunity to rise in power and wealth.
It is also possible for a person to hold
more than one position. Thus a samurai
might be the local representative of one
estate and the manager of several others.
A shugo-daimyo might be jito of one
shoen, the manager of 13 others, and the
protector of 23 more. The only limit to the
number of shoen a person can hold is
given by his power and influence.
Because land rights and land ownership
matters are so complicated, proper char-
ters and papers are vitally important. Each
type of ownership has its own set of
papers recording the rights of the family.
Some of these papers are centuries old.
Without these papers, a family has no
legal claim to any estate.
If a fire were to destroy the charters of a
shoen then, although a family might have
managed the shoen for decades, it sud-
denly has no legal proof of its rights. The
emperor, shogun, or even shugo-daimyo
can suddenly take the property and give it
to another family.
Thus the safety of its charters is the
paramount concern of a family. To protect
them is one of the primary duties of a true
samurai. A vivid example of this is that of
the samurai Niwa Ozuchi who forfeited his
own life to save the charters of the Niwa
family when a disastrous fire swept their
castle compound. For this valorous deed,
he is a revered ancestor of the Niwa family
and is still consulted (via speak with dead
spells) on critical policy decisions of the
Niwa family.
In part because of Niwa Ozuchis
actions, the majority of shoen in Miyama
are held by the Niwa family or its branch
families. The Hiro family, staunch allies of
the Niwa, have the second largest hold-
ings. The rest of the arable land is divided
between various temples of the province,
the emperor, the governor, and various
other nobles who have holdings in the
province. The Shoen Map (in the Adven-
ture Book) shows the location of major
holdings within Miyama.
THE 5OCIAL
ORDER OF MIYAMA
Kozakura is a land where social class is
of importance. The differences between
nobles, peasants, craftsmen, and warriors
are found throughout the land, both in cus-
toms and laws. Listed below are the levels
of social importance within Miyama. At the
top of the scale are a few powerful families
who hold the ruling power within the prov-
ince. Below these families are general
groups of people organized by occupa-
tion.
Thc NIwa FamI!y
As noted before, the Niwa hold most of the
land, the position of shugo-daimyo, and
several of the shugodai posts. In addition,
a number of the lesser family members
hold jito positions on the largest shoen in
Miyama. The Niwa family is the most pow-
erful in Miyama. Its efforts are aimed at
retaining that power and perhaps some
day conquering their neighbors.
Thc HnrI FamI!y
The Hori are a branch of the Niwa fam-
ily, founded 32 years ago. The Hori hold
posts of shugodai and shugo-matadai
within Miyama. They control Hori Castle
on the Northern Plain. They have less
property than the Niwa, but act as jito on
many Niwa shoen. Today, all members of
the Hori family are distantly related to the
Niwa. Thus the Hori are part of the Niwa
family council, advising on major family
decisions. The fate of the Hori is closely
connected to that of the Niwa. The Hori
hope to someday acquire control of the
Niwa family, either through marriage or
might of arms.
Thc IgI FamI!y
As mokudai, the Igi have managed to
gain control over several shoen of public
(imperial) land. The Igi have been espe-
cially lax in making the payments to the
emperor and the distant nobles who hold
manager and protector rights. Although
these nobles have filed many complaints
with the shogun, little action has been
taken. The Igi make certain the shogun
and the shugo-dai both receive their
proper payments, perhaps ensuring their
neutrality in the matter of property rights.
The Igi are working hard to convert public
land into private shoen, installing their
own zussho wherever possible. In the
future, the Niwa may be forced to deal with
the Igi, but currently they are blind to the
threat.
Thc Tsu FamI!y
Once a powerful court family, the Tsu
now retain only a limited presence in Miy-
ama. Although they hold the title of
kokushu, the Tsu have left most affairs in
the hands of the Igi. Once they were
greater and more powerful than the Igi;
11
now the situation is reversed. The Tsu are
now considered an ally family of the Igi.
They have only a few possessions in Miy-
ama and these are carefully controlled by
the Igi.
The Tsu would dearly like to see a return
to the days of imperial authority, since they
could then regain their old power. They
know, however, that the chances for this
are slim. They are dedicated to preserving
their declining power within the province.
Thc 5amuraI FamI!Ics
In addition to the four principal families
listed above, there are a number of
smaller samurai households. Most of
these are retainers of one of the four listed
above. They are either unrelated to the
main family or only very distantly related.
Those in the service of one of the main
families are listed below. Player character
samurai can choose to belong to one of
these families or they can create one of
their own.
Niwa Hori Igi Tsu
Matsue Daidoji Inoue Kato
Ishii Kadokawa Ebisawa Sakai
Naoki Fukuda Koda Ikeda
Kishimoto Ooka Nogami
Sato Kuroda
Mushakoji Maeda
Nogami
Watanabe
Thc C!crgy
Ranking below the ruling samurai are
the various clergy of the shrines and tem-
ples. At some of the shrines, the position
of priest or caretaker has been in the same
family for centuries. It is the occupation of
that family. Such families include the
Wajo, Mizuno, and Takeuchi. Some of the
temples are dominated by the Niwa and
Tsu families who control the political
power of that temple. In most temples,
however, people from all ranks of life are
found.
Within the ranks of the clergy may be
found retired samurai, peasant sons, and
even widows. Monks and shukenja also
belong to this social group.
Thc Pcasants (Hyakushn)
The hyakusho are the peasants of Koza-
kura. They form the bulk of the population.
They are divided into several groups,
listed below:
Farmers: The farmers of Miyama are the
backbone of the province. Miyama is an
agricultural province and the farmers are
responsible for its production. As farmers,
they are more important than craftsmen or
merchants, both of which are relatively
small groups.
Farmers, like all other groups in Miy-
ama, are organized into families. Most
families are quite large and include very
distant relations. The head of the family
group is the myoshu. He is responsible for
the collection of rent and taxes and is con-
sidered the cultivator of the land. Player
characters may be the sons or daughters
of farmers, particularly if they are bushi,
monks, or wu jen.
Craftsmen: The social status of craftsmen
depend on their craft and skill. Workers in
common crafts (carpentry, silk production,
etc.) seldom rise to great heights or
achieve great notice. Those involved in
more artistic crafts can sometimes
achieve great fame if they possess nota-
ble skill. Still, while such fame increases
their wealth and acceptability, it does not
alter their social level. The children of a
famous craftsman are still craftsmen,
regardless of how high the father rises.
Merchants: Since Miyama is mainly an
agricultural province, it has little need for
merchants. Indeed, this class is treated
with a touch of contempt by all. These are
the people who make a profit from the
effort of others.
This social group also includes the
moneylenders and financiers. These in
particular are in an awkward situation.
Even the powerful samurai houses find it
necessary to borrow money from these
merchants. However, due to the difference
in social class, the merchant often finds it
impossible to recover his investment, let
alone collect any interest, unless he has
extraordinary resources.
Entertainers: Of all the common people,
entertainers are by far the lowest in social
status. These include actors, singers,
musicians, and other groups. They are
simultaneously favored for their skills and
despised for their tawdry occupation.
The higher classes find the entertainers
seductively attractive. The entertainers
live by imitating the life of the nobles, but
are free of the social restrictions that sur-
round and restrict the higher classes.
They often dress in garish imitations of the
powerful and wealthy. Indeed, they often
set the styles that are later copied by the
samurai families.
Yakuza often come from and live among
this social group. The town of Tamanokuni
is the only major center of artistic life in
Miyama.
Outcasts (Eta): Below all other social
groups are the outcasts. They are the low-
est of the low. Indeed, in most instances,
they are literally nonpeople. All other
classes despise them. Marriages are not
permitted with outcasts and even contact
with outcasts is undesirable. The outcasts
exist primarily to fill occupations unthink-
able to the other classes, occupations that
are ritually unclean or forbidden by the
various religions. These include execu-
tioners, butchers, tanners, and morti-
cians. Yakuza sometimes come from this
class.
12
THE GAZETTEER OF MIYAMA
This section lists specific information
about places of interest within Miyama
Province. This information can be used to
create adventures and provide the basis
for an Oriental campaign.
The type of information given for an
entry varies depending on the nature of
the site. Thus the entry for a hermits cave
describes the surroundings and gives
details on the hermit, while that of a town
describes the factions, major establish-
ments, and notable NPCs who reside
there. A castle description lists its military
forces. An ancient ruin may be populated
with creatures suitable for an adventure.
Entries in the gazetteer are arranged
according to the hex number found on the
color province map. Lower-numbered
hexes are listed before higher-numbered
ones. Not all hexes have an entry; only
those hexes that contain one or more
notable features are listed. In some cases,
a hex has more than one featurea town
with a castle overlooking it, etc. Each is
described separately under the listing for
that hex number. Proper names of loca-
tions, structures, and people are also
listed in the index for your convenience.
EMPTY
PROVINCE HEXE5
Not all hexes on the Miyama Province
Map are listed in the gazetteer. Such
hexes lack notable sites that are shown on
the map. This does not mean the hex is a
blank void, however. Many of these hexes
contain small features, such as mura
(small villages), tiny shrines, beautiful
glades, or even skeletons. To see if there
is a minor feature, roll 1d10 and use the
table that matches the terrain of the hex
(or the terrain the characters are in).
AgrIcu!tura!/FcrtI!c
1-5: Fields The landscape is criss-
crossed by a rectangular pattern of rice
paddies. Irrigation ditches and dikes mark
the boundaries of each field. Water flow is
carefully controlled by a series of sluice
gates and run-off channels. There are
always peasant workers in the fields dur-
ing the daytime.
6: Small Shrine Located in the center
of the fields or along the roadside is a
small, dilapidated shrine. This can be a
row of statues, a tiny pagoda, or a small
bamboo hut. The shrine is dedicated to
one of the deities of the fields or a protec-
tor of travelers. There may be a small,
carved plaque dedicating the shrine in the
memory of some person or local event (the
spirit of a virtuous villager or the defeat of
an evil monster).
7-9: Mura A mura is a small village
community, the home of the local farmers.
Each mura contains 10-100 (1d10x10) vil-
lagers of all ages. The village has one
minka (peasant house) for every 10 vil-
lagers, plus another 1d10 minka. These
vary in quality and size from impoverished
to small (i.e., no samurai mansions or
houses of wealthy merchants).
Each mura has a myoshu, or village
head, who represents the mura when
dealing with the landowner or other offi-
cials. In the center of the mura is a gather-
ing place, often with an alarm (a wooden
block and mallet) for summoning the peo-
ple of the village.
The services available vary from mura
to mura, but are generally quite limited.
There is always food and shelter (usually
of simple or poor quality). Other possible
services include a mill, a drinking house,
smithy, carpenter, fishermen (always
present on the coast), boatbuilder (on the
coast only), and possibly even a wise old
man (who always lives on the edge of the
mura or in the nearby forest). Villagers of a
mura can be hired for simple tasks
porters, servants, groomsalthough only
a few are willing to leave the area of their
village.
10: Deserted Building Located in an
out-of-the-way place, deserted buildings
may be the remains of a destroyed village,
the former abode of a hermit, or even the
remains of a temple. Most often they are
dilapidated, in sad repair. However, some-
times they are occupied by hungry bake-
mono or other hideous creatures who
keep the building in reasonable repair.
They do so in hope of tricking the unwary
traveler into staying the night. Naturally,
they do not intend to offer kind hospitality
to their guests.
Fnrcstcd
1-6: Forest The area is ordinary
forestbamboo thickets, cryptomeria,
cypress, pines, and other trees. Sunlight
filters through the overhanging branches
to dapple the leaf-strewn ground. Mush-
rooms and fungi grow around the bases of
trees and over fallen logs. Rivulets wind
through small channels.
7: Deserted Building This is the same
as for Agricultural/Fertile terrain.
8: Hermit The small bamboo shack of a
hermit is tucked away on the edge of a
clearing. The shack is in good repair. The
hermit, usually an old man with long,
white, stringy hair and beard, has retired
from the world to contemplate the mys-
teries of the cosmos and seek his own
path to enlightenment. Hermits are sel-
dom evil or malicious, although a few may
be possessed by evil spirits or may be evil
spirit creatures in disguise. Hermits nor-
mally welcome strangers and offer to
share their simple fareboiled nuts,
buds, bark, roots, berries, and mush-
rooms. Many hermits are quite adept at
martial arts.
9: Hengeyokai Abode Located deep in
the woods is the well-made home of an
NPC hengeyokai. Such houses are in the
style of samurai or nobleshengeyokai
do not dwell in common minka. The hen-
geyokai has prepared defenses against
intruders to the best of its ability (taking
into account its character class). If the
hengeyokai is good, it extends hospitality
to nonhostile visitors and may even
reward visitors who show exceptional
grace or kindness. If neutral, the hengey-
okai gives shelter to characters overnight,
most likely without revealing its hengey-
okai powers. If the creature is evil, it
attempts to deceive the characters about
its true intent, which is to destroy them
through trickery or ambush.
10: Creature Lair The characters come
across the den of some wild animal or the
tracks of a creature (which lead to its lair).
Such creatures are seldom intelligent,
although they may be quite fantastic. If
cornered in its lair, the creature attacks
with ferocity, especially if it is female and
has young.
13
HI!!y/MnuntaInnus
1-8: Rugged Ground The ground is
very rough off the paths and trails. The
slopes are thickly wooded (with bamboo at
the lower elevations and various trees
higher up). The ground is broken by
ravines, bluffs, and boulders.
9: Hermit This result is the same as that
for Forested terrain.
10: Creature Lair This result is the
same as that for Forested terrain.
Wastc
1-9: Reed Plain The area is a marshy
flat, with reedy thickets four to seven feet
high. The ground is boggy and characters
may often sink three to four feet into the
muddy water. Narrow, barely discernible,
channels wend through the reeds. Flat-
bottom boats can travel these channels.
Out of the channels, however, characters
must pull their craft through the mud,
struggling through waist to shoulder deep
mud. Movement on foot through the flats
is virtually impossible. Characters will
progress 900-1900 (2-12 x 100 + 700)
yards per day! Movement by boats allows
the characters to move at their normal rate
of travel, provided the characters have a
guide. Without a guide, boat movement is
half normal.
10: Hut Built on stilts in the midst of the
reedy plain is a small thatched hut. The
hut may be deserted or occupied by an old
crone, hermit, hengeyokai, spirit creature,
sage, or even a banished samurai. If good
or lawful, the occupant welcomes visitors
(although evil occupants attempt to cause
harm later during the visit). Otherwise, the
reaction depends on the type of occupant.
Banished samurai often refuse visitors out
of shame at their condition.
GAZETTEER OF HEX
LOCATION5