Without Troop Points
It has been a long, tiring day. You have been looking forward to sleeping in the village of Aika. Once or twice, your retainers have spotted strangers moving along the road, but you have spoken to no one, as you have been busy cutting your own swath through the gently rolling plains. In another hour no more than two, ... you will reach Aika.

Encounter
Suddenly, just as you are crossing a gully, a band of men spring out from the tall grasses and circle on all sides, surrounding you. They seem to out number your group two to one.

Combat: Withdraw or Duel

The lord may consider to withdraw from this fight. To successfully withdraw he must win one round of Rock Paper or Scissors

1. Win or Tie: The bandits fail to dismount the Lord and with a quick spur to his horse he makes for a rapid escape. You manage to Gallup away unscathed. You return to the nearest town or village that is still under the lords control.
   
2. Loss: The bandits are able to force the lord and any with him to be dismounted, there is no chance to escape and are forced to duel the bandits.

Aika Bandits
 Body Points: 3/3
 Damage Points: 2/2
 Resources:
The bandits have no true resources and their weapons are of poor quality.

Into Aika
After the early afternoon’s excitement, you are more than content to ride into the unassuming village of Aika. But you are also puzzled. Things are not going well in this region, certainly not if bandits can waylay travelers. With such impunity. You do not remember this area as being bandit country. Are they more than simple bandits?

While you speculate about these issues, your men find suitable lodgings for the night. Shortly thereafter, you are treated to that long-awaited bath. After this, you arrange for the evening’s audience with the local samurai, Michi Kamonstu.

“Great Lord Kenshin, we humbly give thanks for your presence in this tiny modest estate. I am most fortunate that you have deemed my household worthy of visiting and only pray that nothing may give offense in my simple surroundings. Times have been bad here, Great Lord. Bandits Have come out of the hills in great swarms. My brave warriors are too few to stop them. I requested you more warriors be stationed in this village to deter the activities of the lawless. For this I shall give you what wealth and services I can.” as Michi Kamonstu bows his head respectfully.

Michi Kamonstu
 Body Points: 14/14
 Damage Points: 3/3
 Resources: 8 Gold Bars

Benefit
If Lord Kenshin should show compassion, in return for a garrison of 1 or more Troop Points, Michi Kamonstu demands a special tax by the residents of Aika. This tax raises 5 gold bars from the merchants to be given to the Lord’s treasury.

With Troop Points
Encounter
Suddenly, just as you are crossing a gully, an army of men spring out from the tall grasses to surround you, and the area on all sides. They seem to out number your group two to one.

Combat: Withdraw or Battle

The lord may consider to withdraw from this fight. To successfully withdraw he must win one round of Rock Paper or Scissors

1. Win or Tie: The bandits surround the Lord and with a quick spur of the horses the army makes a rapid maneuver. You manage to Gallup away unscathed as your forces engage the bandit army. If you loss the battle you return to the nearest city that is still under the your control.
   
2. Loss: The bandits are focused on the lord and any with him to be dismount. There is no chance to escape and are captured at sword point. The bandits demand a ransom of 5 gold for his safe return.

A band of tattered men envelop the Lord, and drag him from his horse. He is slammed to the ground! Then, like a lightning demon, Toroka, one of Lord Kenshin's best men, leaps into their midst, his sword keening. Two drop in an instant with gurgling cries, but five more materialize to replace them. Toroka fights his way and reaches the Lords side.

Toroka fights at your side, his arms and legs now bleeding from unpaired blows. His face is an actor's mask, as if a fearsome expression had been lathered on. his throws one of your attackers off and struggle up to one knee.

Aika Bandits
 Body Points: 3/3
 Damage Points: 2/2
 Resources:
The bandits have no true resources and their weapons are of poor quality.

Prisoner!
Hissing, Toroka's blade slices over your head, embedding itself into a bandit next to you. Jerking back, he counters a blow aimed at you. Wrenching about, he sends his blade flying to block another thrust. Then, just below him, a spear-bearer lunges forward, impaling Toroka just below the ribs. With an oath of pain, Toroka tries to spin about, floundering madly. The spear-man gives the embedded blade a vicious shove. Toroka, his face twisted with jetting pain, kneels forward.

"Aaiii!" he howls as the blade twists free. Then staggering forward, he crumples, his lifeless weight crashing down on top of you. A sweaty knot of men descend upon you.

Helpless, you are pinned to the ground, knives and daggers appear ripping cords to your armor, slicing epaulets from you clothing, cutting the thick chunks of your hair. The ringleader of this gang or bandits steps into view. Gazing down at you, he grins wickedly.

"I am pleased by your presence, Lord. I can not claim we are accustomed to such nobility, but we will try to accommodate your needs. Now tell the rest of your men to stay back!

There are many leaves in the forest, but few float on the wind to fall at our feet. So Lord, what gust of wind brings you here?
Do you seek shelter?
Aid?
Or perhaps word of my fame has reached even your ears?
But C'ome now have you traveled so far just to beg favor of me?
I can not offer you very much," he say all of this and stops to actually listen to a reply.

Encounter
Lord Kenshin has fallen into the clutches of a vile bandit lord. He is his prisoner. He will taunt lord Keshin to bring as much shame as he can to the Lord, especially about fallen from his mighty position. He is a bandit, and a mercenary but more then anything a cut-throat of a fellow. He will listen to any deals Lord Kenshin might want to proffer. What he wants is many and even a title. If offered at least several gold bars he will release the Lord Kenshin unharmed. Of course, he will try to extract a village and more if possible.

Aika Bandit Leader
 Body Points: 6/6
 Damage Points: 3/3
 Resources: hideout holds 10 gold bars

With or Without Troop Points
All day you have been riding along the trail of a number of rivulets. Now the flowering fields and swollen irrigation ditches confirm that you are nearing Aika, a key crossroads of the western plain. It had always been a troublesome settlement for your father and there is no reason to think circumstances have altered.

Rounding an ox-bow in the stream, you behold Aika. There, fluttering over the village is evidence of your worst fear - the banner of enemy.

Without Troop Points
As you forge ahead, the danger seems real enough - there at the gates are the soldiers of Lord Kenshin. As you move toward the gate, a merchant slides in ahead of you. The soldiers stop him and carefully search his loaded wagon. Waiting with an air of patience. You hear them jokingly insist to the poor fellow that he must be the Prince or perhaps smuggling for the rebels. But as you listen carefully, you realize that the realize interrogation is very thorough. Then they let the merchant pass.

Turn Away from Aika
If you turn away now you should not arouse any suspicions, but you will not be able to enter the village. It will mean a night of intermittent sleep somewhere on the road.

Encounter
You turn away and head about an hour walk from the Aika Village. You make a small camp on the side of the road for the night. - Suddenly, just as you are about to fall asleep, a band of men spring out from the tall grasses to surround you, on all sides. There are only a few, and you fell confident you can take them.

Combat: Withdraw or Duel

The lord may consider to withdraw from this fight. To successfully withdraw he must win one round of Rock Paper or Scissors

1. Win or Tie: The bandits fail to dismount the prince and with a quick spur to his horse he makes for a rapid escape. You manage to Gallup away unscathed. You return to the nearest city/town/village that is still under your control.
   
2. Loss: The bandits are able to force you and any with you to be dismount, there is no chance to escape and are forced to duel the bandits.

Aika Bandits
 Body Points: 3/3
 Damage Points: 2/2
 Resources:
The bandits have no true resources and their weapons are of poor quality.

Pass The Gate of Aika
You can attempt to pass the gate, knowing that you may be discovered. If the guards do identify you, you will certainly have a fight or be captured. If you decide to attempt it, ...

Encounter
You prepare to take the risk. Assuming, as best you can, a self-deprecating manner, you move forward toward the checkpoint. A soldier dressed in in a smudged and torn uniform orders you to stop for inspection.

"Its has been decreed that none shall enter Aika without identifying and registering themselves. State who you are, your obligations in Aika, and how long you will stay. Sign it on this paper here" With self-importance he points to a table set with official paper, feather brush and squid ink.

With exaggerated deference you inform that you are the buyer of a lumber merchant passing through the district. You intend only to pause in the village overnight. Tomorrow you will travel on. Intentionally using a scrawly hand. you sign an alias and fake birthplace. The soldier studies your signature severely and then peers into your face.

Challenged at the Checkpoint
"How do I know you are who you claim to be? Perhaps you are an impostor!" he shouts, leaning threateningly toward you. The two other guards finger their weapons nervously.

Suspicious Guard
Any persons attempting to pass the gate will arouse suspicion, acting maybe more like a rebel then they thought. However, their suspicions can be allayed if, say 5-10 gold coins were to fall into theirs hands or if the person is a trained spy and gives the names and home of his supposed merchant contacts.

Combat: Withdraw or Duel

Should there be a duel, the 2 soldiers will stand their ground and wait for more help to arrive. The 2 soldiers will need to be dispatched in 5 rounds to enter the village or turn away from Aika. After the fifth round 4 more soldiers will arrival and enter the duel, 8 more soldiers will arrive every 2 rounds after that until they are captured.

Guards at Aika Gate
 Body Points: 8/8
 Damage Points: 3/3
 Resources:
The guards have no true resources and they are armed with spears in hand and a sword.

With Troop Points
If Both Prince and Lord has Troop Points
Combat: Battle

1. Prince Wins
   Benefit:
   Gain 5D6 Troop Points

If Prince has Troop Points and Lord does not
The Triumphant Entry
Leading your escort of soldiers, you sweep into the Village Aika, only to encounter empty streets and shuttered windows. You remain conspicuous in the town square, perfectly composed, until, gradually, the citizen's curiosity overcomes their fright and they begin to emerge. At last, the myusho of the village, a strapping laborer step forward.

"Forgive us, but we do not know who you are. If you are thieves, we have little to give, but whatever we have is yours. If you are not the bandits, then we do not know why you have come. If you are Lord Kenshin's men, you have only speak and our lord's will shall be done." as the myusho gently bows.

Painstakingly, you explain to them that you are neither the bandits nor Lord Kenshin's soldiers, but that you are the legitimate ruler of the province. The eyes of the dumbfounded myusho widen. Bowing precipitously, he turns and runs back to the rest of the villagers. After animated conversation, he returns, prostrating himself at your feet and emitting litany of florid praises in your honor.

"O wondrous pearl of a prince, straight as the tallest bamboo. O wisest of all nobles, swift as the running deer, .... we thank you for coming to save us from the bandit scourge. Little has the false Daimyo done to safeguard us. We are grateful for your generosity" as the myusho continues to bow again and again.

In the same manner he continues on, heaping together all the glowing phrases his simple mind can manage, he does this for nearly an hours or until stopped.

Encounter
If 1 or more Troop Points are garrisoned in the Village, the myusho say the citizens will assist you in very way they can, he will if asked for gold collect a tax with part of their harvest.

Myusho of Aika
 Body Points: 6/6
 Damage Points: 2/2
 Resources:
10 gold bars in the value of the village rice production.

Benefit
For the rest of the day and well into the night the myusho haggles with you on terms for a permanent garrison of 5-10 Troop Points. You are forced to listen to his long-winded speech. Finally, well after midnight, the two of you have reached an agreement. Beginning immediately they will pay 5 gold bars to your treasury, and 5 gold bars weekly to offset the financial pressures of your ongoing military campaign, and Aika will become your protectorate.

With or Without Troop Points
As you wind the narrow mountain trails, you think with pleasure of your impending arrival in Aizuchi. Though only a small enclave, it is noted for its fine and gallant horses. Indeed the spirited mount you ride now came from this village - a white, muscular beauty with a strong girth and fast gait. She, too, seems to sense your destination, for she strains at the bit and prances with excitement. It is only with difficulty that you are able to keep the beast under rein.

Finally, you crest a ridge and there it is, the village of Aizuchi. It is set at the far end of a grassy plain, a mile or so distant. Yet even at this remove you realize how distinctive is it’s personality. Though the steeply pitched houses with their thick layers of thatch would seem to indicate a simple farming community, the absence of rice fields and the abundant grazing meadows are a reminder that the Aizuchi farmers breed a far more valuable crop in their famed horses.

But such perfection has its price. For the Spirit Of The Horses who dwells on this plain has sent a terrible creature to lord over this town. A vicious beast known as an oni, he stands well over seven feet tall, with three yellow eyes in his forehead and long fangs entwined in his thickly matted beard. His hands are horny talons.

Like the horses, the oni is wild of temperament, prone to uncontrollable rages. All the villagers live in dread of him. And for you to receive a steady supply of these fine horses, it has been necessary to entitle the oni with sovereignty of the plans. Should you encroach on his terrain, the Spirit Of The Horses would vanish and the wondrous horses of Aizuchi would never be seen again.

If the Prince has taken Aizuchi
You can only enter if you have Troops Points present. If you do, you must conquer the village back.

If the Prince has already taken Aizuchi, then he most likely has slain the oni. In a way he has done the Lord a great service - ridding him of this monstrous thing without risking the loss of the Spirit Of The Horses, the Aizuchi steeds. The agreement the shogun had was only that Lord Kenshin would not harm the oni, it said nothing about about his nephew.

If the Prince has not taken Aizuchi
Encounter
As you approach the outlying buildings of the village, a booming voice resounds from within. “Ho, what stranger approaches the realm of Dai-Oni under the banner of Lord Kenshin? Has the lordling sent a messenger to consult with Dai-Oni? Dai-Oni, servant of the horse spirit, commands to approach.” With these words a gigantic three eyed ogre, standing at least seven feet tall, lurches into sight. Maliciously, he observes your approach with his three blinking eyes, absentmindedly rubbing his horn and stroking his fangs. Bits of food are suspended in his tangled beard. This is the creature you must tolerate to rule Aizuchi.

Restraining your anger at his arrogant behavior, you send a rider forward to proclaim your arrival. After a short conference, the rider returns, “Great Lord, the Dai-Oni states that he gives you permission in enter his village. He asks why Lord Kenshin has arrived here without notifying the Dai-Oni of his intentions. These are his words, Great Lord.”

Restraining your impulse to lash out at the rider, you spur your horse forward. Greetings are exchanged between you and the beast, courteously but unsmilingly.

Clapping his hands, the Dai-Oni summons a servant, a young peasant girl, to escort you to the house he has set aside for you. The girl, barely more than a child, trembling leads you to a shabby hut on the far border of the village. At the door, she fails to the ground weeping “Pardon me, Great Lord, for bringing you to such a vile place. These were the instructions of the Dai-Oni.” Lead. Them to the hut of the tanner, he said. Forgive me, for I am bound to follow the orders of the Dai-Oni.”

Your men are furious! Barely tolerable was the Dai-Oni’s vain effort at intimidation, but now he has allotted you the house of an outcast as your quarters!

Refusing Such Insults, Pride!
Infuriated, you wheel about. This insult will not be tolerated! The Dai-Oni must be taught a proper respect. With sharp command, you order your men to burn this hovel to the ground. It is a command they hasten to obey with great pleasure.

The flames leaping behind you, you enter the Dai-Oni’s house unannounced. There is the great beast, lounging on the mats. As you burst in, he jumps up in astonishment. His three eyes flash with fire and his swords almost magically leap into his hands. “Insignificant man, I am the lord of this land! You shall obey my orders!”

It is clear the Dai-Oni will never accept you role. The only recourse is to kill or subdue him.

Combat: Duel - capture or slay

Three Eyed Orge “Dai-Oni”
 Body Points: 7/7
 Damage Points: 4/5
 Resources: Magical Daisho +1 Damage Points

Accepting An Insult
If you accept this insult, you will be shamed in front of all your men and the peasants of this village. If you demand the Dai-Oni adhere to the etiquette of rank, you will enrage him to turn against you further.

Humiliation
Maintaining an unruffled calm, you bid the girl to rise and carry a missive to her master saying that the lodgings will be acceptable for the night. Then, in a move designed to counter some of the shame, you order the Dai-Oni to appear before you. Relieved to escape without harm, the girl dashes a way. Your men look at you with poorly concealed embarrassment as you settle yourself onto the front step of the house.

Thirty minutes later the girl returns. Kneeling into the mud at your feet, she barely controls her tears as she delivers her message.

“Do not slay me, Great Lord! The Dai-Oni compels me to say. ‘As ruler of Aizuchi. It is not proper that I should come to the audience of another. Bid Lord Kenshin to come to me if he has business he wishes to conduct.’” The girl buries her face in the filth, awaiting the sword blow she is sure will come. Your men cast evil glances toward the house of the Dai-Oni, eargerly awaiting your word.

Stubbornness
The gall of the Dai-Oni is too much! Still you can not slay him or order his death without offending the spirits. You do not need to suffer his humiliations any further, however!

Angrily, you tell the girl that you will not come to the Dai-Oni. You are the lord of this province, not the Dai-Oni! He would do well to remember his place.

The rest of the day passes with you stubbornly remaining in the house of tanner while the Dai-Oni, equally stubborn, remains in his house. Neither of you resents. Finally, you retire for the night, deciding that nothing will ever be gained in Aizuchi.

A Surprising Gift
Encounter:
Play one round of Rock Paper or Scissors

1. Win: play out the Encounter
   
2. Tie or Loss: End of Day

In the middle of the night, you are rudely awakened by one of your men.

“Great Lord, there has been a terrible event! Moto Torodsudo, (one of your elite guards) has slain the Dai-Oni!”

This indeed is serious news! Storming out of the tanner’s house, you hasten to the Dai-Oni chamber. True enough, you find a scene of unbelievable carnage. Sprawled in the center of the chamber is the body of the Dai-Oni, without its head, which is no where to be seen. In the corner, restrained by your men, is Moto Torodsudo. His clothes are torn and he has several bloody bashes on his face, and arms.

Looking at his Lord, he bows as best as he can and then sits erect.

“Forgive me. Great Lord. For bringing shame upon your name and your armies,” he says calmly. “It was my duty to remove this blot from your honor. I only ask that I do not die as a common criminal.”

How much you would like to honor this brave samurai! He has solved a great problem for you - eliminating the disrespectful and rebellious Dai-Oni without you commanding it so. But he has also committed a great crime. He must die. He knew this when he did the deed and you know it now. Ah, if only your men were so selfless and valiant!

After the samurai is taken away, you reluctantly dictate orders for what must be done. Still, suck valor must be rewarded. The samurai has a young son, only five years old. You write a set of orders on a scroll. By your command, the son of Moto Torodsudo is to be adopted by the captain or you elite guard, and raised as his own son. Furthermore, you give the boy the special name, “Dai-Oni”, in honor of his fathers deed.

Moto Torodsudo
 Body Points: 14/14
 Damage Points: 3/3
 Resources: None

With Troop Points
If Both Prince and Lord has Troop Points
Combat: Battle

1. Prince Wins
   
2. Lord Wins
   Benefit None

If One Does not have Troop Points
You have ridden the heavily wooded slopes at the end of the northern valley all day, passing large groves of bamboo and twisted junipers. The road has finally level onto a high grassy plain. Dotted across the grassland are herds of horses - great sinewy stallion, feral and savage, and their females.

It had always been rumored that Aizuchi was the home of the horse spirit, and now it seems that the proof thunders before your eyes. Your own horse, succumbing to the infectious vigor of the air, she becomes headstrong, straining to break from the road and join her kind. Grudgingly, she accepts your rein and canters down the path to the small village ahead.

Suddenly a mob of peasants comes pouring out of the village ahead, scattering into the ditches and fields. From their terrified backward glances it is apparent that is is not your advance that has electrified them. Something or someone is hot on their heels.

Wheeling around the corner of a tumbledown shack is a three-eyed beast, all bellows and roars. Almost juggling two swords in his talon hands, he ducks his head and stoops beneath the eave, howling oaths and venomous curses. His three eyes blink from an obnoxious tic-first one, then another, then another then all three. Cracked yellow fangs hook down below his chin, lost in the matted mange of his red bread. A silver bauble dangles around the base of his horn. With a grunt of rage, he slashes the wall of the hut and revolves toward you.

The Three-Eyed Beast
Encounter
"Eh!" What? Who are the strangers who foolishly intrude on my domain? let their leader dare step forward and speak with me! May his luck be greater than his common sense, for he has blundered into the territory of one who knows the language of death!"

High into the air the horrible creature leaps, landing lightly on his feet just in front of you, and then with a screech he springs again directly at your face. There is no evading this brutish creature.

This is a duel to the end between the you and the creature. If their are any troops present they will not interfere. But bodyguards and other player may also enter the fight.

Combat: Duel - to the death

The prince enters deadly combat against a powerful spirit monster - this dreaded creature can attack twice in a round.

Three Eyed Orge “Dai-Oni”
 Body Points: 7/7
 Damage Points: 4/5
 Resources: Magical Daisho +1 Damage Points
 Attribute: SPEED

Benefit:
As the beast lies sprawled, wounded and left to die in the street, you notice as you start to turn away from it, a small iron flask that catches your eye, hung from a silk cord around its horns. If pulled free a strong odor of the herds fill your senses. It is surely medicine or a healing flask of some kind, it may prove valuable in future negotiations. If the prince wins and suffers many wounds, Sato Shintaro "Master of Kampo" will aid him with medicine allowing all wounds to heal in one day of rest. If the any player wins without help in combat, he will receive the special name, "Dai-Oni"

With or Without Troop Points
It is a pleasure to ride along the river banks, past the cool, languid waters. The reeds rustle gently in the breeze. It is reassuring to know that after a long day's ride, you will be furnished with tea, clean bedding and a refreshing bath at your summer pavilion.

By Evening, you have dined and reinvigorated yourself at your summer pavilion. Your messenger notified the servants well in advance and your retainers were awaiting your arrival. Everything was in order. Now, you even have time to rest and contemplate the beauty of your garden. It is relaxing. Slowly your thoughts settle and your mind begins to clear. Now is the time to sharpen your plans. You think of nothing, concentrating only on what you have seen.

Then there is a tap on the screen. At your displeased grunt, your bodyguard opens the screen.

"Forgive this intrusion, Great Lord. Kodoyashi Leyasu of your banner guard bears important tidings. I have heard his news and it is fit only for you to assess." With a low bow, he steps back, allowing you to see Kodoyashi. Seeing his face, you remember him - the son of a minor samurai who did you great service in the earlier wars. For this you elevated him to the rank of your banner guard.

From his kneeling position, Kodoyashi suborns himself, touching his head to the floor. With a wave of your fan, you signal him to enter. Your bodyguard quickly closes the screens to the garden. his quick command brings more or your trusted men to stand on guard outside. Apparently he feels this business is serious. Turning to Kodoyashi, you order him to speak.

"Great Lord, I am Kodoyashi Leyasu, son of Kodoyashi Minago of the house Elgo. I am a member of your Banner Guard, raised to my rank by your great generosity. For ten years I have served in your guard faithfully."

With a bored wave to gently urge him to get to the point.

"Great Lord, yesterday I had ridden to this village upon the orders of my superior to carry the news of your arrival. This I did as I was commanded. I then proceeded to arrange my own affairs while I awaited the arrival of the rest of the guard."

His voice takes on an excited tone. "The day was hot and my ride had been very tiring, so I crept into the garden where the shade was cool and fell asleep in the shade of the bamboo grove. I would have slept all day, for I was exhausted and the shade was seductive, but then I heard voices."

"At first I thought they were spirits of the bamboo scolding me for failing my duty. But when I listened more closely, though I could not see them I knew they were men. They spoke in whispers. First one recited a list of your crimes. Pardon me, Great Lord, but those were his very words! Then he asked the other to consider their possible courses of action. The second replied that there was no alternative, only loyalty to our Lord Kenshin. The second tried persuasive arguments, but it was without success. Finally, the first one compelled the other to swear by the obligations and loyalties that bound them to preserve the secrecy of the whole conversation. Then they left the garden."

"Lord Kenshin, I would have sprung to my feet at once and cut the traitor down, but I had heard the voices of one who was traitorous and the one who was loyal. I could not tell which had spoken for you and which had spoken against. Thus, I could not risk striking down he who might still serve you."

"I followed them carefully out of the garden. As they passed through the gate, I saw them clearly. They were Lords Daikura and Yoshi. Since then I have awaited your arrival to follow your instructions."

A Traitor Among You
The man's report is serious, and you are fortunate he was there to overhear the conversation. This man's crime is a complicated one. He should not have fallen asleep on duty in the garden no less, and for this he must be punished. Still, he has done a great service for you. Considering carefully, you order the man confined to his house for one month. The bodyguard shows him out. After he leaves, you issue a second order, making him captain in you banner guard. effective at the end of his confinement.

Now you must deal with the truly grave issue. Tersely, you order your bodyguard to form a group of men and escort Lords Daikura and Yoshi here. You must reconcile this manner immediately. Finally you decide to interview each separately to see what is said. Your man runs off to carry out the assignment.

When he return, Lord Daikura, looking surprised and bewildered, accompanies him. Seating himself in your presence. he awaits an explanation of why he has been summoned this way.

Encounter
Lord Kenshin may begin talking with and or questioning Lord Daikura. It is up to the Lord Kenshin to decide if he wants to subtle or forceful in his dealings with him. When he is finished with Lord Daikura, with a wave of his fan. he is ordered to leave, under guard is needed.

Then Kenshin's bodyguard escorts in Lord Yoshi. Like his counter part, he seems confused and nervous by this unusual audience. Again Lord Kenshin begins talking with and or questioning Lord Yoshi.

Benefts
If Lord Kenshin correctly figures out the traitor
The accused recoils back from you in shock and surprise. Desperatly, he reaches for his sword, but your men jump in front and defend you. They cut him down before he can finish his assassination attempt on you. Your suspicions are confirmed. 15 Troop Points and 10 Gold Bars of his household come firmly under your control

If Lord Kenshin fails to figures out the traitor
The accused leaps to his feet in shock and anger. On the verge of drawing his sword, he restrains himself. Bowing deeply, he requests time to put his affairs in order. This you should give. The next morning you receive word that the accused has fled your camp with his men, and many men. Word spreads and 25% (minimum 1 Troop Point to a max of 15 Troop Points) of your present and nearby forces flee. In one turn they travel to the Prince and join his army.

With or Without Troop Points
You are understandingly are jumpy as you ride toward the village of Dooka. Here you do not expect a friendly welcome. Dooka, you reason, lies near Fukijo, in the tapered end of the Central Valley. You would expect Lord Kenshin to exert tight control over this tactical population center for, no matter what else he is, ... he is no fool. Still, you must go through Dooka or lose a valuable time passing it through the uncharted peaks and ravines. However, you have acquired some mature caution since you launched this campaign.

Resting in the lush forest well outside of Dooka, you encounter some local people who recognize you and quickly volunteer their services. You dispatch two of them to assess the situation in Dooka. Patiently you wait at your campsite for their report.

If you have no Troop Points
The Prince and his exact travels and Troop Points will be announced to his opponent. But the prince is not required to fight any battles, Yet!. First, he most play out the encounter below.

Encounter
It is nearly dusk before the volunteer scouts return. Their opinion is not good. Checkpoints have been established on all main access roads to the town. There are innumerable soldiers wearing the colors of Lord Kenshin strolling around the town. There seems to be no way you can pass unnoticed. Even the two seemingly harmless yokels were stopped and question several times by alert soldiers!

Regardless, their efforts did bear some fruit. they pinpointed the whereabouts of a certain abandoned, unguarded trail that goes around the town. These trails are rugged and overgrown with foliage, yet are open enough to allow a military body to slip by. However such movements would have to be made at night - during the daytime an army would surely be noticed.

Combat: Evade or Battle

1. The Prince may consider to evade this fight. To successfully evade he must wait until dark and then bypass the town on the hidden path and move forward to the next town or village.
   
2. If the Prince stays to battle, the assault is seen coming well in advance and Lord Kenshin will have notice of the battle with accurate information on troop point and if the prince is with them.

Night March!
Shortly after nightfall, you set out from your hiding place, following your local scouts to the path that bypasses Doorka. For a brief distance your trek follows the main road. Then suddenly, the guides drop onto a thin, ill-defined, dirt path. This path crosses streams and rapids, falls off into gullies and ravines, takes you scrambling over fallen logs and craggy boulders, and slogging through marshy meadows.

In daylight the journey would be merly an exhausting trail. In darkness it is a brain-numbing nightmare of misery and endurance. It is made no happier by the need for silence. Several times during the march you are obliged to lie flat in high grass, not daring to breathe, while enemy patrols pass by. Finially, near sunup, your guides annouce the detour is complete. Yu have safely and successfully bypassed Dooka. Every muscle in you cllapses in relief.

Your night long march is over. However, you are frazzled by the journey yet you continue to travel along the highway leading away from Dooka to the next town and or village. When you reach the next location you are so exhausted you most recuperate and so you and your men (army) most stay on day for full rest.

With or Without Troop Points
It has been a long time since you have communicated with Lord Hoseki, you must ascertain if he is still alive.

1. If Lord Koseki is dead, Lord Kenshin must improve his strategy by occupying the village with an army.
   
2. If enemy Troop Points are present, a battle must be fought to take/hold/and enter the village regardless if Hoseki is alive or dead.

Unbreakable Friendship
This day's journey has wound through rolling hills, terraced slopes and whispering glades. The destination is Doru, home of the famed samurai Hoseki. Such a beneficent man - indeed, you wish there were more of his ilk among your followers.

Your remember back to the days when he was as attendant to the provincial court. No other retainer paid such attention to the forms and customs of his position! you and he formed an unbreakable bond of friendship. This warmth you count upon in your visit for, although Hoseki has already met the requirements of men and money that you have imposed, you accelerate your timetable for collection and make new demands. It pains you to have to do this, but times are urgent, and you must muster resources against Prince Sato Yotaro

If the Prince does not have Troop Points present
A Warm Reception
Arriving in town, you are greeted by an honor guard hoisting the crescent-moon banners of Hoseki family. Reining up before you, they dismount and pay ceremonial respects. Turning about, they clear a path for your formal entrance into the village.

Hoseki salutes you at the entrance way of his villa. He is buoyant and visibly pleased to see you. Everything has been prepared according to your whim, for he is attentive and thoughtful as ever. As an added alongside his. Knowing your preferences, he has foregone trivial entertainments. Instead, taking you by your sleeve, he leads you on a stroll through his beautiful garden.

In the cool, hushed privacy there, you reminisce about the bygone days. Finally, with tact, you bring up the present difficulties. He falls silent and mulls over your comments for a while. Finally he speaks.

"You have put to me a reasonable request. My duty is to respond as befits a lord of my stature. But giri prevents me from acting rashly. Prince Yatori is your enemy, it is true, but he was also once my dearest childhood friend. You understand my failings and vulnerabilities, so you know I am loath to betray my emotions, I cannot act upon your needs, but neither can I act against you. I am compromised by this dilemma. I must do what honor demands of one in my position. I beg you to give me this day to set affairs in order"

If you grant his request
Inescapable Fate
Lamentably, you realize that you can not coerce your friend into lending his crucial support. Should you even try, it would transform your relationship into something sour and threatening. "There is no enemy more dangerous than a friend," goes the old saying.

That night you appoint a new commander for the forces of the Doru regiment then, await the news you know will come-that Hoseki, your fond comrade, is dead. From this tragic circumstance, you gain the Benefit.

Benefit
You receive the loyalty of Hoseki's men, gaining 10 Troop Points

If you refuse to accept his request
You refuse Hoseki's request. Angrily, he turns to you, "Do not be so foolish, Lord Kenshin! Do you think your words can change what must be? You would condemn me and my family to live in censure or you would force me to slavishly follow your dictates. And what honor would that gain you? Where once you had a ardent and loyal friend, a flower in your garden, now you would have a bitter and misbegotten enemy. No, you cannot change what must be!"

Never has Kosehi seemed so sharp and blunt with you. You are quite taken back by the vehemence of his emotion. It seems there is nothing you can do but relent. Continue to Inescapable Fate above.

If the Prince does have Troop Points present or soldiers of any kind.
The Battle of Doru
Advancing in columns upon the village, you see the heraldry of purple and gold representing Prince. His army is present!

With or Without Troop Points
Your spy will issue an early report on the state of health and any knowledge of Lord Hoseki. If Hoseki is dead, You can revise your strategy and either break for the night or battle to reconquer the town.

If Hoseki is alive, ...
Late in the day you reach your goal - the village of Doru, Sequestered in the hill. There, you hope to find material aid and benefit in the form of your old friend, Lord Hoseki. You and he played together as children in the imperial court. With luck, your childhood bond can be parlayed into a treaty of alliance. However, people change. Hoseki may no longer care about you. It is a chance you must take.

Descending the rugged slope, you enter the vale of Doru. As a child, Hoseki spun richly detailed yarn about life in Doru. In your imagination it has always seemed bigger, brighter, more magnificent than any place else. But now you see it for the first time - and find it to be just a cluster of unassuming houses around the unpretentious manor of the local samurai. That manor is your destination.

If Lord Kenshin has Troop Points
Advancing in columns upon the village, you see the banner of three arrowheads - lord Kenshin’s army is present! There is little doubt they have spotted your advance - his foot soldiers are streaming out of the village and taking position on low ridge to you right. If there are any new allies to be gained today, they will be hard won.

For another hour, you and the enemy maneuver your respective armies into battle position. In the flush of excitement you remain optimistic about seizing the day.

Encounter
Suddenly, the military equation is distributed. A third force emerges from the village waving the banners of the Hoseki Clan. Courageously, they dash into the narrowing gap detention you and your foe. A messenger sprints to your tent.

“My master, Lord Hoseki, request a conference with you. Your safety has be assured. You may bring five of your trusted escorts with you.”

He waits while you assemble your escorts, then leads you down to a clearing screened by a muslin fence. There Lord Hoseki and the commander of the opposing force awaits you. Both you and the other commanders are equally startled.

Hoseki’s message is terse: “To one I owe the duties of a servant to his master. To the other I am bound by the feelings of honor and friendship. I can not allow either to strike a hand against the other within the boundaries of my domain. Therefore, I say to you, remove your forces from this land and conduct your dispute elsewhere. Do you agree.”

Combat: battle or negotiate

1. Winner receives the benefit
   
2. Negotiations
   * both commanders come to an agreement benefit stay in play until village is captured
   * only one willing to agree to terms receives the benefit

If Lord Kenshin has no Troop Points
You parade your soldiers through the gates of the town, cleaving a path through the jostling onlookers. Your route takes you directly to the samurai manor in the center of town. A quintet of guards formally salutes you.

“My master has instructed me to tell you that only five of your men may accompany you inside,” says the spokesman. His tone leaves no room to question his instructions. Though it is his master’s right to limit your retainers, few have the nerve to oppose those of your standing. Is this your old friend speaking, or is it a samurai made uneasy by the times?

Reluctantly, your men agree to linger outside. Flanked by Hoseki’s men, you and your chosen escort cross the compound. Inside the house, a servant takes your soft boots a few fur-trimmed outer robe. The chamberlain of the household leads you to the reception hall where plump cushions invite you to rest.

Without speaking, the retainer crosses the shoin and opens a screen making up part of the far wall. Five samurai in ceremonial garb come through the opening and take their seats along one side. Not a word or glances is exchanged as the screen is closed. You know better than to show any restlessness.

After a few minutes of silence, the screen slides open again. Your old friend, Hoseki, grandly enters the hall and takes his seat on the raised platform at the front. A servant places brazier of coals next to him. He nods in your direction and then speaks.

“It shall be known that the Prince has come to visit me in remembrance of our fond boyhood relationship. We welcome him out of this memory and for no other reason. Now, welcome, Prince Sato Yotaro. The time had been too long since last we met.” He speaks elaborately and precisely, as if guarding against mistakes. What is happening here?

“Your men, Prince Sato Yotaro, have camped outside my gate. They bring arms within the boundaries of my domain. What makes a friend truly a friend? Does friendship come calling with a army to tow? Yet I will remain your friend and not your enemy. You have come to seek my collaboration. This aid I can not deliver. My honor to my ruler demands that I refuse you.”

“Still you are my guest for the night. Send word to you men. Tell them you are enjoying my goodwill. They should camp this night outside the village on the border of the rice fields. As you are my friend, I trust they will not ravage the crops. In the morning you and your men must go.” Hoseki rises and leaves the hall, the audience is over. Within his own house and surrounded by is attendance, there is little you can do but remain in comfort as his guest. With your army outside, he is not likely to attempt any mischief. And perhaps his kindness is genuine.

You send one of your men to the gate with Hoseki’s message. Then you resign yourself to a watchful night.

Night in Doru
Your messenger returns to report that your men have obeyed, although not without first protesting the likelihood of a trap. Factotums show you to a spacious suite, indicating nutmeats and candies; incense and quilts, for your indulgence. You are delighted by the opportunity to soak in a bath.

The evening passes. Hoseki does not appear, but sends a mine who proves an amusing storyteller. If it were not for the tension that preoccupies you and your retainers, the evening would be quite refreshing. When you retire for the night, one of your hardiest men volunteers to spend the night outside your door. Sometime well after midnight, a hand nudges you awake. Drowsily opening your eyes, you discover your guard bending over you. Before you can speak, ge stoops low and whispers in your ear, ...

"Quietly, Prince. Lord Hoseki himself is outside and wishes to speak with you. He swears no violence will be attempted and that secrecy is vital."
Hastily pulling a robe about yourself, you prepare to receive Hoseki. The samurai enters, alone and armed. In hushed tones, he quickly informs you "There well be spy in the household, a spy in the pay of Lord Kenshin. That is why I give you such a strange welcome this day."

Now that you are alone, the two of you can talk openly. You sketch your intentions and goals he listens thoughtfully. Finally he says "I am willing to support your cause, but if I do so close to Fukijo for well-being. It would take only two days' march for Lord Kenshin to bring an army here to scorch my estate."

"Therefore let us do this, .... Word shall be spread that I drove you out of Doru and vowed loyalty to Lord Kenshin. But know this - in my heart, I shall always support your endeavors. You need only send a Clandestine message and i and all those I command will speed to your side. Let us pray that your enterprise succeeds, otherwise we will all be doomed."

Benefit Hoseki will defect along with all his army (Troop Points) and all under his command whenever the Prince dictate it. Simply put the defection is immediate and it occurs with no way to stop the event. It can take place at any time even just before or during a battle.

If Lord nor Prince have Troop Points
Into Doru
Who knows how Hoseki regards you now? It is wiser to operate under a clock of darkness. So you wait until twilight before penetrating Doru. You pass through the empty streets, finally locating Hoseki’s manor. At the lofty gate, you announce yourself in the nickname you were teased with as a child. Perhaps it will evoke some sentiment from Hoseki.

After several minutes, the door swings open and you beckoned into the courtyard. Five samurai in ceremonial garb escort you into a sumptuous garden where your host relaxes in a bamboo pavilion, sipping sake. Hoseki gestures to a cushion near his. As you seat yourself, he gives a nod, and his servants leave the two of you alone.

"It has been too many seasons since I was last so gratified by your presence. In the intervening time we have heard your name spoken in wondrous praise. We are honored today by your company. Please to join me in a toast to your arrival."

And so the night flows on, Lord Hoseki courteously offering you hospitality and sustenance, while generalizing all the while about the old times. But never does he talk about the present era and the situation that has brought you to his door. In the end, you hesitantly broach the subject or discontent under Lord Kenshin's rule.

"To these things I do listen and yet I do not hear" he replies. "For you I nourish the bond of my heart. To Lord Kenshin I am also bound, as indeed is right. It is no crime to serve one's lord and it is a grave offense not to. Thus I can not act against you for there are years of camaraderie between us."

"Know then that I will not raise my hand against you, My Prince, though I will continue to serve my master as best I can. This is as it must be. Messengers have been dispatched, and by tomorrow Lord Kenshin will know of our conversation. Once they arrive, I too will go to my death. There is no other option for me. But tonight, please enjoy my privileges, and let us toast the innocent past."

With a heart bursting with sadness, you spend the rest of the evening with the noble Hoseki. If only there were some way to compromise, but his fate has already been sealed. In the morning the messengers will arrive and you will have to leave. Alas you will never see him again.

Benefit
As you spoke with Hoseki, you made note of bits of intelligence that he let drop. Apparently, Lord Kenshin is facing some obstacles in the provincial capital itself. Hoseki told you stories about a daring gang of outlaws within its confines called the Rice Straw Men. Also, he had heard that the priest of Oga are in an uproar over the thief of sacred sutras in their possession. They do not know who the thief was, but until the sutras are recovered, they will not become involved in local politics.

Early Report to Lord Kenshin, Prince is in Doru and Hoseki, lord and samurai of Doru, is dead.

Lord Kenshin can has one or more allies, which he can appoint one of them as arbiter of doru, but he is mot required to appoint a new master. This ally must immediatly go to Doru along with any troop points under their command. The journey will take 6 day no matter where he is located in the province.

Benefit
Once the ally reaches Doru, they will gain command of 30 Troop Points. If, for any reason no ally is assigned to Doru the Prince can immediately claim this Benefit.

With or Without Troop Points
With an irritated sigh, Lord Kenshin reads over the scroll one more time. He already knows what it says, but somehow he hopes in reading it again that the message will have alerted. His nephew has come to claim this title-making war upon Kenshin and his retainers. Things should hot have sunk to this! Kenshin did not steal the title of his brother-he was young and foolish and could not control the family allies. The family needed a strong-armed leader or the federation was doomed. It was not pleasurable to send killers after his own kin, but it was necessary. Not to mention the fact that they failed. Now he will have to subdue his own nephew. This is sure to impact on the clan's mystique, dividing the allies into factions-unless he acts quickly.

And all because the young Prince feels slighted, thinking that his uncle usurped his title. How little the jealous pup truly understands-the title is Kenshin's by a tradition older than lineage. It belongs to those who are strong and courageous enough to grasp it and hold it against all enemies. Yotaro's father appreciated this. The shogun knows this too. But this spoiled, impetuous boy has never learned the harsh realities.

Lord Kenshin peruse the report again and again nothing has changed. is spies tell him Prince Totaro is landing somewhere on the coast, but he does not know precisely where. Yotaro brings no military and so must raise volunteers among the uneasy allies. If he attracts enough support, he can certainly be counted on to try to seize the province by force.

Now, here in the luxury of the Daimyo's mansion, Kenshin must decide on a strategy. He can take only one action this day. Then that option will no longer exist. But he may return to Fukijo in the future and choose another of the alternatives.

Encounter
a.) Since Fukijo is the lords capital, he has many resources available here that he can exploit. He has 4 Samurai commanders, each with 5 Troop Points. They are:

1. Hiroyasu Monabe
   
2. Seigahara Notsue
   
3. Domo Ieuga
   
4. Matsudo Toyotami

Some, none, or all of these men can be sent to towns within two day's march.

b.) He has 3 spies available who can supply the lord with reports on where his nephew may be. Simply Name the place the lord wishes to spy upon. The other prince must say if any of his Troop Points are present there. The prince does not have to tell the lord how many. Once a spy is used, that spy is gone from the game.

c.) The lord has gifts of currency he can send to reluctant lords (as indicated by his gazetteer) in hopes of improving his relations with them. At least 5 gold bars must be spent to appease them. If Kenshin sends a gift to a lord, immediately play one round of rock, paper, scissor with the other player. If he sent a gift of less than 15 gold bars, he loses ties. If the gifts was 16 or more gold bars, he wins ties. If he wins the round of rock, paper, scissor, he will always win ties in any actions involving that particular lord, even battles. The lord is hesitant to breach Kenshin's relationships. The player should note this down as a resource after the first time it is used.

d.) Finally, Kenshin can collect special taxes to raise more money. If he does this, play one round of rock, paper, scissor with you opponent. If he wins, he collects 15 Gold Bars. If he lose, See Below OVERTAXATION!.

With the exception of leaving Fukijo, Kenshin must play one round of rock, paper, scissor with his opponent after each turn of action. He loses ties. If he wins, he can institute another action. If he loses, it is end of day. Kenshin thinks long and hard this day before he acted.

OVERTAXATION!
Encounter
The day has been a long and a trying one. It has taken most of the lords ingenuity to prepare the proper documents for the next tax privileges; this lord is too powerful to upset unnecessarily; it goes on and on. And now, one of his retainers has urged the lord to grant him an audience.

Enterinf the eception hall, he comes forward and kneels obligingly to Lord Kenshin. Then, sitting upright, he gegins his solicitation.

"O Great Lord Kenshin, I and the people of my lands have served you loyally for many years, I have striven to be a proud warrior in you name. If i am to be a worthy warrior, I must speak now! Do not do this thing. Do not raise these tariffs, The people of my lands cannot meet these new levels-The peasants will foment against you and join the camp of you enemy. You must not do this."

Those near him draw back, horrified at the impudence of his words. Several instinctively reach for their swords, ready in an instant to cut him down. Lord Kenshin stiffens, his face hammered like steel, his muscules fighting agaunst the impulse to leap at his throat,

All of a sudden, a young warrior gives a kiai, there is the hiss of scabbard and blade, a grint, and the chop of the deed. The speaker topples. A thicket of blades fills the room, with your men momentarily frozen in uncertainty.

"STOP!"

The murderer lets his sword drop and collapses to the floor at lord Kenshin's command. Your retainers freeze, their muscles trembling with rage, poised for you command. "take him away and see to his fate," you say, pointing to the abject killer. "The audiences for the day are over."

That night Lord Kenshin receives word that the killer has redeemed the honor of this family. He also receives word that the planned tax collection has met with resistance in some quarters. Kenshin sits musing over the day's events. Sadly, he crosses the names of the two retainers off his roster. He wonders, did he somehow trap each of them onto dying for their duty?

No, their Daimyo decides, it was their fates.

Into Fusai

By the time you reach Fusai the sun is waning. It is immediately clear that this settlement as fallen upon hard times. Many of the houses are in pathetic disrepair. A large percentage of the rice paddies surrounding the town are barren and intended, while others have disappeared under a layer of foul, stagnant water. Garbage and refuse are heaped outside doors.

From your vantage at the rim of an embankment, you observe the routine of Fusai. Hideous, frightening creatures drift through the streets. One is stooped and gnomish with a purplish bulbous nose. Another is tall and scarecrow-thin with an extraordinarily elongated nose. A third has a huge, bloated belly. More and more file by, each displaying some new grotesqueness. All carry a motley assortment of weapons.