The Master Smith

Bishamon’s Spear

Bishamon's Spear is given as a prize each year in a cross-clan tournament held

by the Akodo. The Spear is a finely crafted yari - the haft is always decorated

in the colours of the bearer's clan. The blade of the spear is surrounded by a

faint golden glow and is inscribed with holy symbols and images of the

Fortune of Strength.

Bishamon's Yari has a damage rating of 2k3 and the bearer may spend a Void

point to increase his Strength by 2 for a number of hours equal to his Insight

rank. This may only be done a number of times per day equal to his Glory

(rounding down).

Loyalty & Eagerness

These blades were forged by Kaiu Tsube some 300 years ago. They were

made specifically for a young daimyo of the Hiruma family, Hiruma Kagero.

The Crystal daisho is strangely set in a black saya and pommel. They are

exceptionally resilient to any sort of punishment, and for a good 7 years,

Kagero fought the Shadowlands Horde. After his escapades, he returned home

to find his brother following in his footsteps. The brother, Esai, had been

practicing with Boken and Tetsubo, but wished for his own daisho. One day,

he asked Kagero "Will you petition the Kaiu swordsmiths to forge me a set of

weapons such as your own?". Kagero smiled "Esai-ko, when you are ready, I

will petition the Kaiu. You are only 14, and still training with the Hida. You

will not want them to see a pretty daisho on your hip". Esai grovelled "They

all call me names, for I am the only one to not have a real sword". Kagero

smiled "Alright, I’ll let you carry my wakizashi until your Gempukku. Be

careful with it, and I will gift you with your own set then". Kagero untied his

obi and placed his wakizashi in his little brother’s hands. "I must go rest now,

for we will strike near the Black Finger River at dawn". With that, Kagero

went on to rest.

Esai practiced well through the night. When dawn came, he waved his brother

off and wished him a speedy return.

That would be the last they saw of each other.

As word of his brother’s death came to Esai’s ears, he ran faster than any

Hiruma into the Shadowlands. After a week of no word, Esai returned to his

family. Bleeding, broken, and dying, Esai placed his wakizashi upon his

brother’s stand and buried the only part of his brother he had found on the foul

shores of the damned river: his head.

Some days later, Esai’s village was attacked by the Horde. Esai defended his

home until his last breath, but he fell when his home was set on fire by a

Kyoso no Oni. The wakizashi blade was the only item found in the ashes, and

was immediately placed into a vault at the Emerald Champion’s castle. There

it would be in a long line of gifts to be given at Imperial events over the next

few centuries.

After 300 years, the daisho has been brought back together. The spirits of the

brothers remain within.

Loyalty: 3k2 (katana), +1k1 (defense of holder of Eagerness), Crystal sword

with 3 Str.

Eagerness: 2k2 (wakizashi), +1 attack when within 10’ of Loyalty, Crystal

sword with 1 Str.

Both are Void conduits, hence the wielder of one is able to use the other’s

Void Points, no matter the distance between them. The wielder of Loyalty has

'True Love' with the wielder of Eagerness and a 'Fascination' with the

Shadowlands. The wielder of Eagerness is 'Meddler' and has a 'Phobia' of Fire.

Note that no powers of the blades work (except Crystal properties) until the

daisho is wielded seperately by two different samurai (bushi or shugenja).

by

Johnny Truant

Rod of Broken Dreams

This rod is unlikely to ever be used for good, it is a 3 foot rod fashioned out of

finger bones wrapped with leather. Its sole purpose is to destroy the hopes and

dreams of the living. Any one who picks up this rod needs to make a

willpower test against a TN of 30 or be pulled into is sway (not to mention the

honour loss for touching such an unholy item). The rod, when used, takes a

rank of Void from its user and targets one sleeping person. That person makes

a Willpower test against a TN of 5x the Void lost by the user so far. Failure

means he is plagued by nightmares that show him betraying their most loved

and/or trusted friend. If they pass the test they are just disturbed for that night.

The next day any failure will cause the user to lose all Void upon waking up.

This Void will come back next time they rest. Also they will come across a

moment in their dream where they might fail or betray a loved one; all TNs

for this scene will be 5x number of failures higher. Once the user brings about

the nightmare (ie. causes the betrayal) the owner of the rod gets back half

(round up) of the Void ranks he lost using it on the victim and gains Taint

points (no save) equal to twice the Void he used in the first place. If the user

loses all his void he dies, his (by now) twisted soul becoming part of the rod.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Rolling Thunder

Cost: Inheritance 8pts

This naginata appears to a casual inspection as a Fine Quality weapon (DR

2k3), exquisitely wrought and with kanji invoking Osano-Wo etched into the

metal of the blade. However, if the roll to hit exceeds the required TN by 10

or more points, or the damage roll totals 20 or more, the power of the Fortune

of Thunder emerges from the blade, allowing the wielder to roll and keep one

additional die of damage for every ten points (or fraction thereof) of damage

dealt above twenty. This additional damage accompanies a bright flash and a

peal of thunder, which stand a 1-in-10 chance of disorienting any person

within twenty feet. The person struck by Rolling Thunder when its power is

invoked will suffer burns as a reflection of the weapons secondary damage.

by

Geoffrey B. Elliott

Sanctified Blades

The Sanctified Blades is the name given to a number of katana across the

Empire which display the same characteristics; their strength is a direct

reflection of the bearer's honour. These katana, when drawn, have a

distinguishing lightness to the metal of the blade. Many of these blades exist,

although many lie in temples and shrines dotted around the land.

Sanctified Blades have a damage rating of XkX where X is equal to the

bearer's honour rank (rounded down). To begin play with a Sanctified Blade, a

character must purchase a 6 point Inheritance advantage, and have a

background story of suitable quality (ie GMs discretion).

Sharp-Sharp Stick

Cost: 2

The Sharp-Sharp Stick may only be purchased by a Nezumi character.

Sharp-Sharp Sticks are carried by the strongest, quickest and luckiest Nezumi. These

short spears contain strong Name, placed in them by the most powerful Shaman of the

Tribe.

Sharp-Sharp Sticks are wielded with the Yari (Spear) skill and have a damage rating

of 2k2. When used by a Nezumi with a Name of 2 or greater, the Sharp-Sharp Stick is

able to damage opponents who are invulnerable to normal weapons. In addition, if the

bearer has a Name of 3 or more, the Nezumi may make an attack against a Tainted

opponent which, if successful, simultaneously destroys both the target and the Sharp-

Sharp Stick.

Silver Wave Cutter

Silver Wave Cutter, a little-known Kakita Blade, is passed down through a

minor branch of Kakita who have been emissaries to the Mantis for

generations. Although not hardy sailors, these Kakita spent a great deal of

time at sea and grew accustomed to life on the waves. These Kakita stood next

to their Mantis hosts during the Battle of White Stag, and fought with the

strength of five Mantis bushi against the gaijin invaders. The ancestral sword

of this particular bloodline of the Kakita has several abilities which it passes

on to it's wielder. The Silver Wave Cutter itself is a highly polished sword that

lacks the typical blue sheen of most Kakita blades, the current tsuba and saya

(both of typical Mantis design) were recent replacements, given as a gift by a

Mantis lord to cement the friendship between the emissarries and the

Yoritomo.

Silver Wave Cutter has a damage rating of 3k3 (3k4 against any gaijin

opponents) and it's user may reroll any die when attacking with the blade

which score lower than his Water ring. In addition, the bearer is considered to

have an additional 5 points of Glory while in Mantis lands.

Soshi Shadow Blade

Cost: 8

This blade is one of the few wakizashi made by the swordsmith Soshi Junichi.

Junichi used his skills in shadow magic to bind the object with the Shadow.

The cutting edge appears to be constantly merging with it's surroundings,

making it difficult to tell exactly where the blade begins.

Characters who wield a Soshi Shadow Blade may add their current Shadow

rank to their initiative scores. The Shadow Blade has a damage rating of

XkX+2, where X is the bearer's Shadow rank.

Uji’s Sabre

Uji's Sabre is the first recorded instance of a gaijin weapon becoming

awakened. Used by Daidoji Uji as a training tool, the sabre eventually awoke

to the greatness of Uji's soul. It appears to be a normal gaijin sabre,

undecorated, but in good condition.

Uji's Sabre has a damage rating of 3k2 and it's user can tap into the

unorthodox styles used by Uji when he trained with the blade. The user may

spend a Void point to gain the Sabre skill at rank 5 for a number of rounds

equal to his Stamina.

Kasezue

The kasezue, or 'Deer-staff', is an unusual weapon. The kasezue consists of a

haft, about as tall as a man, tipped with two prongs in a 'V' shape. These

prongs can be used to disarm opponents, if the bushi using a kasezue is skilled

enough. The deer-staff can be used in a similar manner as a bo, and the prongs

can be used to wound the enemy.

The kasezue has a damage rating of 0k2 when used as a bo, or 1k2 when the

prongs are used to attack. The kasezue gains the normal polearm bonus for

initiative. Characters with the Kasezue skill may make three raises to attempt

to disarm an opponent using the staff's prongs.

Kozuka

This small knife, often stored in the hilt of a katana, can be used in a similar

way as a tanto, or can be thrown using the Kozuka skill. These small blades

are often carried by resourceful bushi, and can often be found carried by

Scorpion or Mantis samurai.

The kozuka has a damage rating of 1k1.

Meteor Hammer

The Meteor Hammer is a length of strong, durable cord, over 10 feet in length.

At each end a heavy, solid metal weight is attached. This weapon is used in

the same way as the manriki-gusari, and those skilled with the Meteor

Hammer are able to create a zone around themselves where no-one can enter

without being struck by the heavy weights.

The Meteor Hammer has an effective range of 10 feet and can be used to

climb short distances in the same way as a manriki-gusari. The Meteor

Hammer has damage rating of 1k2, and is wielded using the Manriki-gusari

skill. If wielded with the Meteor Hammer specialist skill on Full Defence,

anyone who attempts to strike the wielder suffers 1k1 wounds.

Mirumoto Wakizashi

Cost: 5

The Mirumoto Wakizashi may only be purchased by a Dragon Clan character.

The Mirumoto have perfected the art of creating wakizashi specifically to be

used in the Niten style. These blades are perfectly balanced for their use in the

kata and techniques developed by the Mirumoto so long ago.

Characters using a Mirumoto Wakizashi may add their School rank to their

TN to be hit (this bonus is cumulative with the Mirumoto Bushi School's Rank

1 Technique). The damage rating of a Mirumoto Wakizashi is the same as a

normal wakizashi. Should the blade ever be lost or broken, the character loses

an entire Honour rank.

Monk’s Spade

The Monk's Spade is a strange weapon, often carried by Sohei. It consists of a

strong haft, with a spade-like blade at one end, and an upwards facing crescent

blade on the other. Some Sohei decorate their Spades with rings or tassels

hanging from the blades. This polearm is a versatile weapon, and can be used

to stab, pin, cut and bludgeon an enemy.

The Monk's Spade is used with the Monk's Spade skill, although it can also be

used less effectively with the Yarijutsu and Bojutsu skills. The Monk's Spade

has a damage rating of 1k2. The Monk's Spade does not provide a polearm

bonus to initiative unless it is used with the Monk's Spade skill.

Rogabo

The rogabo, or 'Wolf Fang Halberd', is a wicked weapon, but is not commonly

used. The robago consists of a haft, about as tall as a man, tipped with a

number of spikes and hooks, designed to pierce and tear at an opponent's

exposed skin. If used effectively, the rogabo is a very dangerous weapon

indeed.

The rogabo has a damage rating of 1k3. The rogabo gains the normal polearm

bonus for initiative. If the character has the Rogabo skill, it can also be used to

dislodge armour in the same manner as a sode-garami.

Tachi

Cost: 4 (2pts for Lion characters)

The Tachi, dating back hundreds of years, was the first Rokugani sword to

feature a long curved blade. Carried by those samurai from old, noble

families, the Tachi has become a symbol of status. These revered swords

typically have decorative sheaths and elaborate ornamentation.

The Tachi has a damage rating of 2k2 and is used with the Kenjutsu skill.

While carrying a Tachi, the character may add half his Kenjutsu skill to his

Glory rank (for example; Akodo Kenichi has a Kenjutsu of 4 and a Glory of 2.

While he carries his family Tachi, he is considered to have a Glory of 2.2).

Tiger Claw Knives

Originally imported from an unknown island somewhere to the South of the

Isles of Spice and Silk, these curved knives are incredibly sharp and can be

used with frightening speed. Tiger Claw Knives are commonly used as back-

up weapons by Mantis bushi, particularly those sailors who travel to distant

lands.

Tiger Claw Knives are used with the Tiger Claw Knife skill, although they

can also be used less effectively with the Tantojutsu skill. A Tiger Claw Knife

has a damage rating of 1k2, and if used with the Tiger Claw Knife skill, grants

a bonus of +3 to Initiative.

Tiger Fork

The tiger fork is a three pronged prident attached to a pole between 4' and 6' in

length. The prongs are typically straight, with no barbs, to allow rapid attacks,

although barbed examples have been seen. Matsu Gohei made the use of this

weapon popular among those samurai wishing to emulate 'the Butcher'.

The tiger fork has a damage rating of 2k2 without barbs, or 2k3 with barbs

(although multiple attacks may not be made in the same round with a barbed

fork). The tiger fork grants the normal polearm bonus for initiative.

Zamba-to

The Zanba-to is a very long, broad, flat blade, wielded with two hands. It was

developed shortly after the return of the Unicorn to Rokugan in an attempt to

create a weapon against the strong cavalry of the 'Barbarians'. The Zanba-to is

swung in wide arcs, preventing enemies from advancing too near. The

primary use for the Zanba-to is to kill the mounts of opponents, denying

enemy cavalry their advantage.

The Zanba-to is wielded with the Zanba-to skill, although it can also be used

less effectively with the Kenjutsu or No-Dachi skills. The Zanba-to has a

damage rating of 2k2 and, if used with the Zanba-to skill, deals 2k3 damage

to mounts and creatures of equivalent size - including Naga, Ogres and Trolls.

The Zanba-to can be used to perform the Horse-Cutting Stroke kata.

Iai-to

Cost: 5 (4pts for Crane characters)

Developed for use with the Kakita style of duelling, the Iai-to is specifically

designed for a quick draw, attack and return to the saya. Featuring a slightly

shorter blade than the katana, the Iai-to is a dangerous weapon that is used by

master duellists across Rokugan.

The Iai-to has a damage rating of 3k3 and is used with the Iaijutsu skill. When

rolling to strike in a duel, read all 1s as the bearers Agility.

Furizue

The Furizue appears to be a normal bo or staff, and can be wielded in the

same manner, however, in the hands of someone with the right knowledge

(Furizue skill), the secret weight and chain can be launched at the right time,

causing great damage to the enemy. Once the chain has been released, it can

be used to entangle a weapon as per the rules for a kusari-gama.

The furizue has a damage rating of 0k2 when used as a bo, and 2k3 when the

weight and chain are used.

Dotanuki

The Dotanuki, or 'Sword that cuts through torsos', is a heavy katana used

primarily in battlefield situations. It is a difficult weapon to use, requiring an

experienced bushi to use it effectively. The ronin assassin 'Lone Wolf' is

known to carry one of these blades, and other ronin are copying him in

increasing numbers.

The Dotanuki has a damage rating of 2k3 when used using the Katana or

Kenjutsu skills, and 3k3 when used with the Dotanuki skill.

Bear-Claw Gauntlet

The Bear-Claw Gauntlet (or as members of the Lion Clan call it the: 'Matsu-

Claw') is three slightly curving blades extending from the armour plate of a

gauntlet. When the hand is made into a fist, the blades jut directly forward

from the knuckles. It is common for a Bear-Claw Gauntlet to be worn on each

hand, as they are effective back-ups to the bushi's usual weapons.

The Bear-Claw Gauntlet has a damage rating of 2k1. The Bear-Claw Gauntlet

can be used in the off-hand without penalty.

Judgement

Here's an idea I had for an improved Bloodsword. The one they had in the

original book I felt was a little "lite weight" for a Bloodsword so I upped the

power and draw backs. This is a disadvantage: 10 pt. Bloodsword. - James

Beernaerts

Judgement's abilities are as follows:

Level 1: Lose one point of Honour upon receiving the sword. Also gain the

Brash disadvantage. It is a fine quality Katana (damage rating 3k2). Whenever

the wielder is rolling for damage, they may reroll any dice that roll equal or

lower then the level of the sword. Willpower checks involving the sword are

against a TN of 10.

Level 2: Lose two points of Honour when the sword reaches level two. Also

gain the Bad Reputation: 'Owner of Bloodsword' disadvantage. The wielder is

considered to have one skill rank higher in both Kenjutsu & Iaijutsu (this

ability could put these skill ranks to eleven, but only when using the sword).

Willpower checks involving the sword are now against a TN of 15.

Level 3: Lose four points of Honour when the sword reaches level three. Also

gain the Haunted (4): 'Ghosts of all the Dead taken by the sword'

disadvantage. The wielder is considered to have an additional Void point in a

battle or duel (only when using the sword). Willpower checks involving the

sword are now against a TN of 20.

Level 4: Lose eight points of Honour when the sword reaches level four. All

disadvantages are now permanent even if the wielder no longer has the sword

due to prolonged exposure to the sword's influence. The wielder is considered

to have one additional rank of Reflexes and Agility in a battle or duel (only

when using the sword). Willpower checks involving the sword are now

against a TN of 25.

Level 5: Lose one full rank of Honour when the sword reaches level five.

Also gain the Dark Fate disadvantage. The wielder can now make an

additional attack per round (only when using the sword). Willpower checks

involving the sword are now against a TN of 30.

Notes:

1. Willpower checks are required during stressful situations, or when trying to

return the blade to its saya. If the check fails, the wielder attacks the nearest

person until a successful check is made. Lose one point of Honour for every

person attacked in this manner.

2. The sword reaches the next level when the Welder kills a number of

humans equal to the next level x5.

3. When the sword is at ranks 1-3, the wielder will lose these disadvantages

when he loses possession of the sword for more then a month.

4. If a character Meditates for an hour per level, per day against a TN equal to

the sword's current Willpower Check, the TN for such Checks for the rest of

the day are at -5. There is no penalty for failed Meditation Checks.

5. When a character already has the same disadvantages, they are not allowed

to spend Void points on these checks.

6. No points are gained by the disadvantages provided by the sword.

7. When the sword changes owners, the sword resets to a Level one sword.

8. Total loss of Honor of a Level five sword = 25 pts or 2.5 ranks. Samurai

beware!

by James Beernaerts

aka: Isawa Kahita

Armour of the Midnight Sky

The Armour of the Midnight Sky is an ancient suit of armour, its heavy plates

are lacquered black, and its rivets are of finest polished steel. Its style seems to

be the result of a mixture of Kaiu and Dragon manufacturing techniques, and

in fact ownership of the armour alternates between the Crab and the Dragon

every three years.

The Armour of the Midnight Sky provides its wearer with an almost infinite

well of Void to draw upon. Every time the wearer makes a raise, he gains a

temporary Void point. The maximum number of temporary Void points is

equal to the wearer's Insight Rank x 3. Upon removing the armour, all unused

temporary points are lost, and new points cannot be gained until the suit is

worn once again.

Hiroyuki’s Kote

Cost: 5

Originally worn by the first grand executioner of the Mountain's Shadow dojo,

Hiroyuki's Kote has passed down to the holder of that post ever since. Made

from deep blue lacquer, Hiroyuki's Kote conceals many useful tools of the

Harrier's trade:

Lockpicking tools

Garotte wire

2 Kozuka throwing knives

4 Wari-bashi throwing knives

Finely made rope - 1 metre, with hook (to be used to aid climbing over short

obstacles)

Hirouki's Kote also provides the wearer with a bonus of +3 to their TN to be

hit.

The Jade Menpo

The Jade Mempo is an ancient artefact of the Crab, shrouded in mystery. The

mempo is made out of four pieces of purest jade, and it is fashioned to

resemble a grimacing Oni. The Jade Mempo protects its wearer from the

Shadowlands (as per a normal piece of Jade, but it never corrupts). In

addition, the wearer can use his hatred for the Shadowlands by shouting a

warcry through the mempo, the very words of his anger burn at all tainted

creatures within 10 metres. To perform a warcry, the wearer must spend a

Void point and nominate a particular target. The wearer must then make an

Oratory/Willpower roll against a TN equal to the Taint rank of the target x 5.

If successful, the warcry deals 3k3 damage to all tainted creatures/characters

within 10 metres. This warcry can even target and effect Oni and other

creatures with innate Taint (consider their Taint to be level '5').

Kabuto of the Lost

The name given to a number of similar helms across the Empire, these helms

appear to be slightly battered, although still in fairly good repair. These helms

are frequently found seemingly discarded at road sides, where desperate ronin

or playful children often pick them up and make use of them. These helms are

not what they appear to be; for every hour that they are worn, the wearer gains

a point of Shadowlands Taint.

Kaiu Armour

Cost: 1-5

This type of armour is based on a design originally developed by Kaiu's first

apprentice. It uses many secret Kaiu family techniques to reinforce the

armour, making it offer more protection to it's wearer.

Kaiu Armour may be either light or heavy type (no points difference), and has

the usual benefits/penalties of it's type, however, for each point spent on the

creation of the Kaiu Armour, it offers an additional +1 to the bonus it provides

to the wearer's TN to be hit.

Oni’s Fate

Oni's Fate is a set of armour crafted by a forgotten smith many years ago. The

armour found its way into the hands of a Lion that later gave his name to an

Oni. The armour shielded its owner from the taint long enough for the Lion to

redeem himself and slay the demon. The armour however was terribly twisted

by the taint which it protected its wearer from.

The powers of the Oni's Fate armour depend on the wearer's Shadowlands

Taint rank. Oni's Fate is considerd Light Armour, granting +10 to the wearers

TN to be hit.

Rank 0 (Taint): Honour Lost is Power Gained

The most basic power can be used by anyone... if they are willing. The user

can choose to lose a rank of honour to gain a rank of Taint if they currently do

not have a rank of Taint. This can only be done once.

Rank 1 (Taint): The Deep Well of Hate

Hate is that from which you can draw power. It is deeper then the ocean, more

powerful than the mountains. Any time the user uses his Taint to enhance a

physical trait, treat it as twice the level.

Rank 3 (Taint): The Blood is the Way

Blood powers many of the Dark Lord's favours. The wearer of this armour can

choose to wound himself, bleeding onto the armour before battle. The number

of wounds taken, adds to all damage and to hit rolls for one day. You cannot

take more then your Taint rank x2 wounds in this matter.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

The Golden Fan

This item and many like it have been found scattered across the Empire. This

finely crafted tessen is a boon to the honourable user. The powers granted by

the Golden Fan are dependant on the bearer's Honor rank.

Rank 3 (honor): Honour is a Shield

The honourable user of this fan finds that when used in the off hand he can

add his honour to his TN to be hit.

Rank 5 (honor): Honour Knows Not Death

Only for the most honourable of users, this tessen will give the power to finish

what must be done. When the owner of this fan is battling someone with less

honour then him (over a full rank of honor) this power automatically works.

The owner if taken to down, out or dead, he does not suffer from wound

penalties as long as he is still fighting in the name of honour. Once the battle

ends however the user will die, no amount of healing can save him once the

battle is over.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Obi of Many Things

This obi, made for a Dragon maiden by an unknown creator, has been around

for at least 100 years. It has a number of places to put things, it seems that

almost anything can be tucked into the Obi with out it adding to its size or

weight. The Obi of Many Things can hold any item that can be placed in a 2

foot cube. It can hold up to 20 items at any one time.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Hunter’s Cloak

The items known as Hunter's Cloaks are nothing more than simple green

mantles for those that do not know of their secret. Asahina Tomoko created

them as a gift for her new husband in the Wasp Clan, since then she has

created about a hundred of these artifacts for her new family, which gladly

accepted them.

While worn in a natural environment, the cloak aids the wearer's attempts to

remain unseen. The wearer recieves two free raises on all Stealth related rolls.

The cloak grants a +2 bonus to the wearer's TN to be Hit.

by

Asako Chris

Azusa’s Geta

Cost: 4

These geta, made by the skilled Asahina Azusa, are carved from a single piece

of pine from the Phoenix mountains, with black straps carefully stitched with

spun silver. Besides their obviously superior level of quality, they are totally

indestructible. It is said that even Amaterasu's Furnace would be unable to

consume an item of such beauty and workmanship.

Azusa has made ten pairs of these geta, eight of which she distributed amongst

the great clans last year. She wears a pair herself, and it is said that the last

pair is owned by a dashing gaijin who has stolen the Asahina maiden's heart.

Takeko’s Scroll Case

This scroll case, fashioned by the Moshi shugenja Takeko out of wood from

the Valley of the Centipede and exotic lacquers and turquoise dyes from the

Mantis Isles, appears to simply be a well-crafted scroll case. In truth it is

enchanted through spells cast during its creation by Takeko, and it will not be

harmed by water. Even if it is opened under the sea, the scrolls inside stay safe

and dry as long as they remain in the case. In addition, the case acts as a focus

for the kami, giving the bearer of Takeko's Scroll Case a free raise on all

Water and Air spells.

If Moshi Takeko has made more of these special scroll cases, she has not told

anyone, although it is known that Takeko presented Moshi Jukio with a

unique golden scroll case at a recent festival to honour the departed

Amaterasu.

The Steel Eye of Motoko

Motoko was a near legend in her time. Today, her clan status is unknown,

having been struck from Imperial records. Some believe she was a Lion,

others point to the Crab. It is said she was a great warrior and that many men

and oni fell to her skill. They also say that she fought not for her clan or her

lord, but for her love. This proved to be her downfall. Her love was used to

bring about the death of her lord, and later still her love betrayed her.

The only proof of her existence, and the link to the stories that survive outside

the Imperial records, is her crafted Steel Eye. When and where her eye was

replaced is unknown but it is rumoured either a great battle or her love took it.

The Steel Eye grants its user great insight into battle, but may blind him or her

to the most painful of betrayals.

Motoko’s eye grants sight as if it was a real eye. The bearer of the Steel Eye

gains a bonus to battle related skills (GMs discretion), but at some point the

one whom they love the most will betray them.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Sheko’s Bracelet

This craved jade bracelet once belonged to a lovely courtier of the Mantis.

Sheko's grace in the courts lasted for many years, but it was ten summers ago

that she rose to the height of her power and influence. She tragically died over

jealousy and love, and her story will forever be told.

The powers granted by Sheko's Bracelet grow with the School Rank of the

wearer.

Rank 1: To Trap the Eye

The most basic of all powers is that of attraction. Once per day the wearer can

choose to be noticed, all within eyesight will automatically notice the user.

However, unless the user has some way to keep their attention, it will pass

quickly.

Rank 2: To Trap the Body

The more skilled cannot only catch someones eye, but also catch something

deeper. Once per day with someone that is actively paying attention to the

wearer, the wearer can make a seduction test without actually doing anything.

If this skill check works, the target will desire the wearer and all future real

seduction skill uses by the user on that 'target' will get to roll and keep an

additional 2 dice. The desire will pass in a number of days equal to 10 -

Honour of target or half that if the user has true/lost love or something else in

that line (GM's discretion).

Rank 3: To Trap the Heart

This is the final power known, and the one that caused Sheko's downfall.

Once per month the wearer can target someone that has been successfully

seduced. The target makes an Honour test versus the wearers seduction skill

(highest scoring roll wins). If the target loses, they become truly in love with

the wearer of Sheko's Bracelet, often to the point of obsession.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Ronin’s Hat

This straw hat is an odd item. Useable only by a true ronin, it grants the user

the luck to never be too badly looked down on. He will always be viewed

(unless his current actions reveal him to be otherwise) as being a respectable

ronin. This will not buy him much, but it will at least keep him from being

blamed for crimes he did not commit or being run out of town.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Demon Cords

Demon cords are an odd item of unknown creation. They vary in appearance,

but all are basically silk cords used in armour for binding and decoration.

When weaved into a set of armour they remain there unnoticed until someone

who is aware of them commands them to action. Demon cords, when

commanded, shrink tightly, becoming as hard as steel. This counts as a

grapple attack that if not fended off can sever the limb tied by the cord.

While they seem evil, they do not detect as anything but slightly magical cord.

The Kami, if asked, know what they do, but are unaware that they might be

used for a negative purpose.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Azusa’s Ohgi

The young Asahina Azusa made this ohgi for her beloved Liam Roberts. It is

a small fan, and the Avalon diplomat treats it as though it is made of the most

delicate crystal. Its handle is decorated with a deep maroon lacquer, and on

the fan is painted a scene of blossoming cherry branches.

Azusa's Ohgi has only one power, but it is of particular use to gaijin; the

bearer of the ohgi can understand any language as though he were a native

speaker. However, it does not allow him to speak the language any better!

Hope

Description: A beautifully simple cherry wood box, about two palms in size

and about a thumb in height. The top of the box has a single decoration: the

kanji for "Hope". It is said that when you reach the point where you need

hope, you should open the box. The box was created by a Crane shugenja

some 250 years ago and gifted to a compassionate Akodo bushi for his aid

during a battle.

Effect: Within the box rests a single origami crane of exquisite paper and

made by a master of origami. When the box is opened, the origami crane flies

out, circles once or twice and then flies off, quickly getting lost from sight.

The person who opened the box regains their Void and spell slots, as do those

in the immediate area, due to the gentle beauty and ephemeral nature of the

event.

The box can be "reset" by spending a Void Point and creating a single origami

Crane at a TN of 20 + 3 raises (i.e. TN 35). Exquisite paper or technique (e.g.

a more complex crane origami) might give a free raise. At most the box may

be used once per session. If it is abused, the effect fades as those who witness

it become jaded.

by

Mark Watson

Juro’s Jade Coins

Juro was a ronin and a madman to many, but he left behind something great,

and for this the Crab name him one of their own, even after his death.

He was said to have studied under the Master of Earth and although

something shattered Juro's mind, he still kept his skill in Earth magic. His

parting gifts to the world are twelve jade coins. These coins cannot rot and are

nearing impossible to break. Ten are held by the Crab and are valued as some

of the greatest of treasures. Someone taking one out into the Shadowlands

need not worry about his jade running low.

It is only partly understood how to make these coins. The Kuni used one of

these coins to develop their Eternal Jade spell, a less powerful version of the

enchantment on these coins.

Each Jade Coin counts as one piece of jade, but they cannot rot or be broken

by 'normal' means.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Mosouka’s Pipe

This pipe looks like many of its type. It is small and made of a deep red wood.

Its magic is small and can easily be unnoticed by its owner for many years. It

works in all ways like any other pipe, but when the user blows though it onto

a burning bowl, it creates large amounts of smoke. This smoke is up to

Voidx5 cubic feet and reduces all vision to five feet. This smoke also blocks

tracing by smell. The smoke lasts for the users Void in hours, and will not

move even by strong winds. It takes 1 turn per 5 cubic feet to create. Once

fully used the bowl will be empty and needs to be refilled and lit to use again.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Night Silk

This cloth is an incredibly rare item. Stories tell that it was cut from night

itself at the dawn of time. It is not known how much of this silk exists.

Anything made from this silk is blacker then any mortal dye, if you look at it

long enough, you can almost see stars as light reflects off the cloth. All

clothing made from Night Silk is considered light armour (if worn under light

armour, you have the effect of heavy armour but without the penalty). All

stealth test have their TN lowered by 5 at night. Night Silk can not be burned

by even magical means. Making something with this silk requires special tools

and a very skilled master.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Osano-Wo’s Two Zeni

No one knows if the story that these two zeni once belonged to Osano-Wo is

true or not, but they are powerful items indeed. These two coins for all intents

and purposes look like normal coins, but when their owner comes to an

obstacle or a puzzle that he cannot overcome or figure out, their magic comes

to life. He will be given a simple insight from what seems like his own inner

thoughts. This might be something as simple as some common sense he's

overlooking, or it might be a single clue that is the turning point for the whole

thing. Its always short and simple to understand. Once the magic has been

used the coins vanish, later they will be found elsewhere by someone else that

will need them some day.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

The Panoply of Iuchi Jafuri

This is an 8-point Inheritance, and may only be taken by an Iuchi character,

preferably a shugenja. Characters with Jafuri as an Ancestor may take this

Inheritance for five points, or for six points during the course of the game (to

represent the character reclaiming the items "I have come to claim the arms of

my forefather").

The Panoply consists of Jafuri's daisho (3k2 Katana, 1k2 Wakizashi), his bow

and quiver (Fine Quality bow, default Strength of 3 for damage), his scroll

case, and a set of armour made by Iuchi Kachina (Fine heavy armour, only

suffers a +2 penalty instead of the standard +5). The Panoply has upon it the

mon of the Unicorn, the Iuchi family, the Emerald Magistracy, and a token

bearing Doji Hoturi's chop. This may be removed from the armor and

presented to the Doji to gain one favour (Rank 3 or less on the Favour Tables

in Way of the Crane), and will gain goodwill from the Crane until it is

redeemed. This favour is a one-use only item; you only get one favour, ever.

Jafuri earned this token during a Festival of the Kami he attended at Kyuden

Doji while serving as a Clan Magistrate.

by

Geoffrey B. Elliott

Puzzle Box of Yogo’s Answers

This odd item comes from a Yogo whose name has long been forgotten. This

box has one simple power, yet it is hard to use by all but the sharpest of

minds. The Puzzle Box is of an unusual make, carved of black and red wood,

it has a number of sliding panels and places that are pushed or pulled to move

the box around. Unless there is a reason the box cannot be opened by even

those most skilled in puzzles.

How it works... The user needs to ask it a yes or no question, then go to work opening the box.

Starting with a TN of 10, every use of the box raises the TN by 5 for that

particular user. This TN never goes down, even if the box changes owners and

years pass. Once the box is opened it will have a small red or black stone

answering the question, yes on red, and no on black. If no stone is within the

box then the question can not be answered. Asking the box if Ide Mojo is a

kolat might give you no stone if there is no Ide Mojo. While the answer would

be no, the fact that the subject does not exist will make it come up empty.

Once done the box closes it self (with or without the stone in side) and you

may ask it a new question. (It will have a new stone even if the user takes one

out).

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Shakaraii and Hametsu

Shakaraii Shakaraii is a fine quality Katana (DR 3k3) but has some special abilities.

Shakaraii's sheath is woven directly into Hametsu the mantle of a mighty Kuni

Shugenja about 300 years ago. Shakaraii grants the wielder the ability to

remove a single box of Shadowlands Taint each time he kills a tainted foe.

Furthermore, the wielder gains a free raise when attacking tainted opponents.

Hametsu Hametsu is the simple grey-blue mantle of the Kuni Shugenja who created

both Hametsu and Shakaraii. Many people who know of their abilities claim

that Hametsu is useless without its partner sword and vice versa. Others say

that this is the perfect outfit for a witch-hunter. Hametsu grants the wearer +3

to his TN to be hit and the powerful spells used to craft the mantle protect it

from natural harm. In game terms, the mantle never gets stained or wet. When

rolling to determine if getting the Shadowlands Taint, the wearer of Hametsu

may add his Rank +1 to the result.

Both items were protected by a mighty spell which grants the items a nearly

unique immunity to the corruption of the Dark Lord. Shakaraii and Hametsu

can never be corrupted or be possessed by a kansen or other evil spirit.

by

Asako Chris

Box of Secrets

Description: This item was crafted by the Phoenix Clan master of Earth 50

years ago, Isawa Hitsu. His lumbering nature disallowed him to be stealthy,

and with the Scorpion courtiers visiting, he took it upon himself to craft a tool

that allowed him to survey conversations and whatnot from afar. While the

method of use has been lost, the side of the box states: 'Do you see what I

see?'. It is small and mahogany, and looks rather worthless to the untrained.

Soon after his assassination, this box went missing for some 25 years, then it

ended up in the hands of a Crane magistrate. With it and superior investigation

techniques, the magistrate thwarted the murder of Doji Satsume, then just a

young man. The box disappeared again shortly thereafter, as well as the

owner.

Effect: Allows user to see into rooms if he looks into the box and presses the

bottom against a surface. He can hear just as well as if he were listening

through a hole at his location. With a Void Point, he may reach inside and

tamper with anything on the other side of the wall for one round, including

taking things from the room. Those inside will be able to see an arm sticking

out of the wall, though. The owner of this box has two ranks in the Unluck

disadvantage.

by

Johnny Truant

Bag of Mist

This small bag is made of gossamer, it looks full but weighs nothing. Once per

day, the bag can be opened and mist will pour out. This mist fills an area 20

by 20 feet but is only a few feet high. All within the mists must make an Air

test against a TN of 25 or they will fall asleep (you can willingly fail this test).

The sleepers cannot be harmed in anyway and will awaken at sunrise fully

healed of any wounds they had before. If tainted, they will also lose all taint

points (but not any ranks). Things lost to the taint (ie Taint higher then highest

ring or shadowland/shadow creatures) have a different effect; if they fail their

test they also fall asleep but will only awaken at the next sunset. They are not

safe from damage and do not heal when waking. If the subject is seeking to

redeem themselves from the taint they will get one test of Earth VS there

Taint rank X 5 and if they pass this, when they wake up they will have lost

one rank of taint and will no longer be considered lost (NB this can only ever

be done once per character!).

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*

Ashoso’s Paper

These simple sheets of paper look like any other of the sort used in origami.

The original paper was made by a particularly skilled Crane artisan years ago.

Even today, some are still being made from notes Ashoso left. They have a

simple trick; anything made of this paper will come to life (as per the rank one

artisan power) for a number of minutes equal to the creator's skill.

by

Jason Saice Aka Soshi Saice *Exp The Saice*