Sorry not posted for some time, but been working lots. Getting back into the groove

Ronin level Plot nugget: This is meant for generic plots and outlines for Ronin or low ranking clan samurai that while they may be accomplished, they can still be overwhelmed, and at the end of the day, while the clans might be annoyed they have lost some young samurai, they really cannot be bothered to look too close at ‘embarrassing circumstances’ if the players are lost to more undesirable elements

“ A Fistful of Ryô Oban”

An out of the way village/town (Yaotsu) in (insert province here) has been taken over be two criminal gangs who have intimidated the local Yoriki (constable), a low ranking Bugeisha by the name of (inset clan name) Hasu, but the local thugs have nicknamed ‘Ahiru’ (domestic duck, or ‘Lame duck’) depending on the usage, a comparatively useless constable and a general embarrassment to her clan.

The two gangs are fighting for control of the town’s various businesses (sake works & silk production as primary), extorting what they can, but sending off the correct taxes so as not to draw notice from the local clan lord or the Imperial magistrates, who are notoriously humorless with regard to tax collection. But as long as things are not noticed, the life of the village will remain desperate and bleak.

Cast of Peasant Ne’er do wells in Yaotsu

Uma-san: Coffin Maker, who will look over the players and size them up, mentioning prices for his wares. If they die or the opposition dies, he makes money

Kaniza-san: Tavern owner, who will look over the players and see if they are worth anything and try to goad them to action if possible, while providing what information he knows about the gangs.

Shěmāo-San: local ‘Geisha’: While pretty, the gangs have not been kind to her. Currently addicted to ‘Liquid Void’ to get through the day. Very bleak outlook on life if pushed, but can fake being pleasant and cultured with the best of them.

Oyqkqta (Boss) Wanizame: Runs the sake works, The local ‘geisha’ house, and leans on what businesses he can. Cold, greedy, and not a fool. Currently employs a large gang to keep his side of the village/town. Constantly angling for control of Yaotsu from his rival, Boss Sasori.

Gama-san : A large brute of a man (6’6”), heavily scared, and uglier than most, runs the day to day operations with a cold eye. Has claimed to have killed samurai before. Or at least ronin. Uses blunt instruments to occasionally reinforce his points on whoever anger. A walking Rokugani stereotype of the unpleasant thug

53 or so odd gamblers, spies, drunkards, and other low scum comprise Wanizame’s gang.

Oyaktya Sasori Older man who keeps pet scorpions of several small particularly small nasty varieties that he farms poison from to use to make examples of people who anger him. More ‘civilized’ and intimidating than most criminals. Rumors that he has a Scorpion patron have kept him alive more than once. Very good at head games and would give the court trained a bit of a worry as he’s rather good at deceit. Has the Machikata (town police) under his thumb through bribes. Controls the local Sake and Soy breweies, currently has half of the textiles under his control.

‘ Somen’ AKA ‘Noodles’: A more normal looking man of middle 20’s that is whipcord muscled, and is head of the local stevedore/warehouse workers. Works for Sasori as the money is good (for him), can be brutal when need be and is very good at throwing blades (those experienced in such things would note and almost professional level. Fights dirty.

64 or so various workers he frightens into line, thugs, and other general scum

Just asking, but you are aware that 'Fistful of Dollars' is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's (IMAO superior) ' Yojimbo ', right

14 hours ago, Tenebrae said:

Just asking, but you are aware that 'Fistful of Dollars' is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's (IMAO superior) ' Yojimbo ', right

Well, yes. But not everyone has heard of Yojimbo

Well, playing Jojimbo would be fun, so thanks for the efford.

One point, though: Rokugan has no coffin makers, since all dead are burnt. He could give the PCs estimates on the wood that'll be used in their pyre, through, offer scented woods for a nicer funeral and advise to buy in bulk with group discount: Pay 2 funerals, get three.

Well they kinda do, because the whole touching dead flesh thing, it would make them easier to move (and contain if something like Taint got to them). And those that cannot afford the average pyre.

8 hours ago, TheWanderingJewels said:

Well they kinda do, because the whole touching dead flesh thing, it would make them easier to move (and contain if something like Taint got to them). And those that cannot afford the average pyre.

It's not a question of affording: the law says ALL dead must be burnt, to prevent another Iuchiban zombi army rising rom the graveyards.

The ashes are then buried, of course, so there are gravekeepers. But neither coffinmaker nor gravediggers really make sense, as ashed are not buried 6 feet deep.