Kaida concurs with Jinsei, then runs her long fingers lightly down his face, trailing over his eyes, then doing the same to Fuma. "You shall have the dragon's truth as you go in, seeing all things as they truly are. If the rumors of a haunting spirit are true, you can perceive it for the next hour. Ensure you avoid it, or signal for my aid if it assails you." Cast Shadow Eyes.
"The Spell grants subjects the ability to perceive invisible items or beings as if they were Hidden Things, with a bonus to the Saving Throw equal to the Caster's Level. This is an ""Augmentation Spell."""
Allowing that the others will specify their actions at the back wall, I'll kick off the distraction action at the front gate.
"Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu," demures the upper class girl at the door as it is opened before her, tucking her hair behind her ear with one hand. She straightens her neat travel kimono, soaked to the bone and shivering in the pouring rain. "Many apologies, I am Miura Aina, and travelled her from my home. I dallied to see the lovely wares in the stalls and became separated..." She looks anxiously down the road outside towards the guard posts, her gaze then also lingering on the large, dark, distance from estate to estate along this road. "The soldiers are rough and crude. I dare not move further until the morning. With a thousand thank yous, I must stay here where I am this evening, if you could offer a simply meal? Place to sleep?" She deftly maneuvers their inquiries with vague information on her home in Sagami, that her baggage went on without her when she was separated, and the introduction she is to give to the lord when she reaches him tomorrow, knowing it would be a grave offense to not offer her hospitality and keeping her demeanor both high-born and vulnerable to elicit both duty and sympathy. Kaida Rhetoric (BCS 15) [1d20]=8
Do Fuma or Jinsei still plan on climbing a wall or a tree to get a look inside the compound? If a tree, a wall would have to be climbed first, whether of the merchant's villa or a neighboring mansion. A successful karumi-jutsu roll is needed to climb, and a successful ninjutsu roll is needed to do it silently. Please see the modifiers to the ninjutsu base BCS below.
If a PC has a kyotetsu-shoge, they can try to use it as a grappling hook. A successful kusari-jutsu roll would be needed. If successful, a karumi-jutsu roll is still needed, but at +10 to BCS. If throwing the steel end onto a tile roof, the Effect Number of the kusari-jutsu roll would determine how much noise is made. (Effect number = the BCS minus the number rolled. For example, if the BCS is 11 and a 6 is rolled, the effect number is 5).
A failure, or a 0-2 effect number - a fairly loud clank
3-6 - a fairly quiet clack
7-9 - a tiny click
10 - 19 - silent
If throwing to a tree branch instead of a roof, +6 to the effect number.
Modifiers to the ninjutsu die roll include:
Ninja wearing correct "uniform" (see appendix 2): +1
Ninja wearing "unsilenced" Armor: -(Armor Class )
Ninja wearing incorrect "uniform": -1
Daylight: -2
Bright moonlight: -1 Stormy night: +2
Ninja Walking: -1 Ninja Running (or in this case, jumping or climbing): -3
Moving in to attack: -5 Trying to avoid contact: +1 Ninja in tree, on roof, etc. (in unlikely place): +2
Observer within 10': -3
(The House Rules thread has been updated with this text. Any thoughts or comments welcome).
Please let me know the sequence of events. Ninja going over the wall, do they go to a high place to see the interior of the compound first, then go over the wall? Or just climb the merchant villa's wall directly, take a look, and go in when ready? When does Kaida's knocking at the front gate happen, in relation?
Last edited by jemmus on Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
“Thank you Kaida,” said Jinsei, as his sight momentarily sparkled with the magic.
In the shadows of the east side alley way of the compound wall, near the tree on the other side, Jinsei placed his sheathed ninjato sword under the roof overhang 9’ up. He stepped on the cross hilt, gaining the three feet to reach the roof’s under-edge. Careful not to place hands on the above part of the edge in case there was glass or blades.
He peeked on the roof, and if clear, pulled himself up while grabbing the ninjato with his feet. (If there was glass or blades, let’s pause and play out.)
He reached down to help Fuma. Then crawled on his stomach to the tree.
Jinsei knew Kaida would be starting her distraction soon. He scanned the grounds for guards or dogs. Examining the main building for the best way in.
ffilz wrote: ↑Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:58 pm
What benefit does a climbing pole have? Minoru caries that instead of a Bo.
Climbing Pole (Shinobi-kumade): Task Value: 15. Task Turn: 5 days
Skills:,Gimmickry. Weight: 5. Cost: 75.
The Shinobi-kumade (literally, “Ninja Rake”) is a collapsible
bamboo pole with a claw at one end. Collapsed, it is barely 18” long,
but it can telescope out to 12‘ and is cunningly reinforced to support
the weight of a man. It may be used asa weapon (Jojutsu governs its
use collapsed, Bojutsu when extended).
The clawed end does 1D6 Lethal damage, the blunt end 1D6
Subdual. Used to aid climbing, the Shinobi-kumade turns Steep
Climbs into Easy Climbs. If used to aid an Easy Climb, the Ninja’s
base climbing rate is equal to his Level, rather than the doctrinal 1
yard per Detailed Turn.
I forgot all about the Climbing rules. The Climbing Capability is equal to permanent Deftness/2. Ninja
receive a Bonus equal to their Level for the Climbing Capability.
Steep Climbs concern movement on sheer, or nearly sheer,
surfaces: high walls, cliffs, etc., providing few hand and foot holds. A
successful Climbing die roll allows thecharactertosafelyclimb until
he has moved a total distance equal to hiscurrent Strength Attribute
in feet, at which point a new Climbing roll is required if he is still
trying to climb.Hemay move at a rate in feet per Detailed Turn equal
to the Effect Number of his Climbing Roll.
A failure on the die roll may indicate a fall.... (More at 1044.2a)
Easy Climbs concern movement on sloped but not vertical
surfaces, overgrown walls or other surfaces rich in handholds, trees
with limbs, etc. Ladders or knotted ropesareaIso"easyclimbs."The
Climbing die roll is optional. Without it, thecharacterclimbsata rate
of 2 yards per Detailed Turn.
Climbing may be used to enhance the rate, at the risk of falling. More at 1044.2b)
So the climbing pole eliminates the need for a karumi-jutsu or Climbing (Deftness/2 (+ level). Unless you want to climb faster.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
“Thank you Kaida,” said Jinsei, as his sight momentarily sparkled with the magic.
In the shadows of the east side alley way of the compound wall, near the tree on the other side, Jinsei placed his sheathed ninjato sword under the roof overhang 9’ up. He stepped on the cross hilt, gaining the three feet to reach the roof’s under-edge. Careful not to place hands on the above part of the edge in case there was glass or blades.
He peeked on the roof, and if clear, pulled himself up while grabbing the ninjato with his feet. (If there was glass or blades, let’s pause and play out.)
He reached down to help Fuma. Then crawled on his stomach to the tree.
Jinsei knew Kaida would be starting her distraction soon. He scanned the grounds for guards or dogs. Examining the main building for the best way in.
Need a d20 roll for karumi-jutsu (climbing and jumping) (BCS 9) or a steep climb (BCS 7). +2 to the BCS for use of the ninjato, so 11 and 9 respectively.
Then (whether successful or not), a ninjutsu roll if Jinsei wants to do it inaudibly and without visual detection. BCS: 10. +2 Stormy Night, +1 Avoiding Contact, -3 Running (or here, climbing), +2 Ninja in Unlikely Place (top of a wall) = +2. BCS 12. If succeeds, Jinsei becomes a Hidden Thing. A character needs a Wit saving throw to detect (see or hear) him throughout his action.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
I can jump up and grab a ledge that is 3 yards up, so would a ninja be able to do it easier (without a roll, or a large bonus?)
Being in the alley side at the northwest portion, and having checked the coast was clear, I'm assuming there's no one around to see him in the initial boost up? As opposed to creeping around inside the compound.
What? Even thinking that something can be done without a roll in OSR Bushido is heresy! We have to roll even to interact with an NPC. Here are the results of the rolls, (in more eye-easing color.
[1d20+2]=17+2=19 Jinsei's karumijutsu BCS is 9, +2 for the ninjato. He needs an 11 or under to succeed. The 19 fails. We'll say that since the wall isn't high, +4 to BCS. So 15 or below needed.
Ninjutsu [1d20+2]=4+2=6
Succeeds.
I posted a scene description in the Game Setting thread that Minoru and Kaida need to see. Jinsei and Fuma arrived earlier and it was posted to their private threads.
Kaida has switched from the guise of a priest to a daughter of a Taira clan warrior. Grognardsw and Rex, sorry to assign you outside reading, but everyone will need to know about the Taira clan and the Minamoto clan. They're important to the Kumo clan's and the PC's place and decision-making in Nippon. The war between the Taira and the Minamoto that seemed eminent last year erupted six months ago. The Minamoto lost the first two battles of the war. The Takeda samurai clan of Kofu City and Kai Province are a part of the Minamoto. Which is why they're on a war footing, and so edgy with their checkpoints and traveler's permits. And the young ninja can surmise that the war is probably the reason the reason the aristocrat in Kyoto had to sell the lavish villa in Kofu. As well as the reason the merchant Tanaka Jiro was able to buy it. The war between the two great samurai clans of Nippon has disrupted about everything. Demand for a thing is extremely high in one province, while another one with a glut of the item can't move them before they spoil. With this situation, fortunes are being made. And much more often, lost.
Fuma's and Minoru's actions are up. Kaida at the gate needs an NPC reaction roll. She'd expect it to be vs. a servant, but one representing a High Rank Merchant Caste.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
What is the vantage point situation outside the wall? What might make the most sense is for Minoru to take vantage atop the wall against the front gate where he could lurk in shadow and be much harder to spot from the street. Or if there is a tree overhanging the wall, that would be a good spot.
The house across the street have trees that could be hidden in. But they're on the other side of roofed walls, so a climbing or karumi-jutsu roll would be needed. Then another out to jump to or climb the tree.
Kaida needs a Status roll as in 1062.4 for her request at the gate. A servant or assistant of the merchant Tanaka Jiro will treat the request from the perspective of Jiro's Status, not his own personal Status.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
jemmus wrote: ↑Thu Sep 14, 2023 1:08 amWhat? Even thinking that something can be done without a roll in OSR Bushido is heresy!
... The 19 fails.
Ninjutsu [1d20+2]=4+2=6
Succeeds.
What does one need to roll to walk and chew gum at the same time? I guess I assumed an act that is not a challenge would not require a roll or get a big modifier. I have nine foot ceilings in my house, and can jump up and touch them. So I figured a trained ninja would have no problem jumping vertically up and grabbing the edge of a 9’ roofline. The ninjutsu boost would allow a higher reach to more easily view glass or blades on the roof.
Before in my mind I envisioned the walls being like 20’, but learning they were just 3 yards my picture and the challenge simplified.
Anyway, what does the fail and success rolls translate to?
If necessary, Jinsei’s next attempt would be Fuma cupping his hands and Jinsei stepping up and onto roof, assuming it’s clear of dangers.
The rain drips as the Sun goddess goes down behind steep mountains city roofs. Jinsei clamors onto the wall at the northeast side of the merchant's house. There are no blades or broken along the wall's roof's ridgeline. Just red glazed ceramic tiles, going in a perfectly straight line to the left and right. Inside is a courtyard, surrounding an expansive building, similarly roofed. And identically tile-roofed outbuildings around it.
Minoru climbs a wall across the street from the merchant's wide villa. He crouches and observes.
The evening rain falls. The young ninja of the Kumo clan gazes around the interior of the compound. A Shikoku fighting dog rests on the boards of the closest veranda to Jinsei. It rises, looks into the rain, and listens....
At the time designated by Kaida, there's a knock on the villa's front gate. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu, demures the upper class girl at the door as it is opened before her....
Maps of observations coming soon.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
I revised the last post to clarify that the dog is closest to Jinsei. Maps and images of what Minoru and Jinsei each separately can see are in their private threads. The result of Kaida's action will be posted soon. Will need Fuma's action for this round.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
Hawk-eyed Jinsei studied the tableau before him, crouching cat-like on the roof, as quiet as a mouse, clever as a fox. Holding a wet finger to the air to judge wind direction, lest they tread downwind to the dog’s nose. The ninja spied shadows in which to creep, trees and shrubs in which to dart and hide. Hard ground which would leave no tracks. Determining the optimal spot to attempt building ingress.
Yes, Fuma is on the wall's tile roof. But need a d20 ninjutsu roll for Fuma to have climbed quietly. Fuma's base chance of success (BCS) is 11, so he needs an 11 or under to climb completely silently. The lower the roll, the quieter the climb.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
The words of Kawaishi-sensei passed through Jinsei’s mind as he surveyed the estate.
jemmus wrote: ↑Wed Sep 20, 2023 12:44 am
Kawaishi-sensei had shown the young ninja of the Kumo clan her rough drawing of estates similar to Tanaka Jiro's…
“This type of mansion is distinctive for having two open air galleries overlooking a pond and stream…
The central building of the shinden zukuri is the place for entertaining guests indoors. Here is where tea is served and meals are taken. And it is where the owner displays his expensive works of art. It's the natural place where the merchant Tanaka Jiro would show off his fine tea vessel. Perhaps on a shelf on a wall. Or perhaps in a tea set box with other cups, the brazier and kettle for boiling water, and other implements for brewing and whisking frothy green tea.
Such a man of low origins and hard ways and means may have a suspicious mind. Such a man may not leave a precious item in open display or in an ornamental tea cabinet. When he's not displaying it to guests, he may keep it under lock and key in a chest or a closet. On the other hand, he may have an artistic temperamental enjoys viewing the work of art every day. We don't know…”
“Shall we approach the central building, where they take tea?” whispered Jinsei to Fuma.
In the dripping rain at the waning of dusk, Kaida at the front gate calls out in the polite level of the language of Nippon, Dozo, yoroshiku onegai shimasu. I humbly ask for the favor of your help." Before long the sound of straw sandals swiftly enough crunching on gravel approach the three yards wide oaken gate of the villa's front wall. A hinged oaken window at face height swings open. The face of a man about Kaida's own not-tall height, under an umbrella. It's underlit by the flickering of candle apparently held in an unseen hand. He appears to be in his early 30s, and has the look of a street smart peasant townsman about him. As well as the look of a newly made bully and snob.
Kaida straightens her neat travel kimono, soaked to the bone and shivering from the pouring rain. "Many apologies, I am Miura Aina, and travelled far from my home. I dallied to see the lovely wares in the stalls and became separated... She looks anxiously down the road outside towards the guard posts, her gaze then also lingering on the large, dark, distance from estate to estate along this road. "The soldiers are rough and crude. I dare not move further until the morning. With a thousand thank yous, I must stay here where I am this evening, if you could offer a simply meal? Place to sleep? She deftly maneuvers their inquiries with vague information on her home in Sagami, that her baggage went on without her when she was separated, and the introduction she is to give to the lord when she reaches him tomorrow, knowing it would be a grave offense to not offer her hospitality and keeping her demeanor both high-born and vulnerable to elicit both duty and sympathy.
The servant under the circle of the umbrella not so subtly raises the candle to brow level and leans forward a little to examine Kaida's garb through the window. Buke-sama, you're soaked, he says. A lady forgot her umbrella with her luggage? You can stay for the night, Miss. But you'll have to go to the laundry. The east building, where the servant sleep and wash clothes. Then to the west building, where guests of the villa sleep. You'll be helped into comfortable cotton. He opens the gate, and Jinsei, Minoru, and Fuma each ascend their own section of wall, scan the compound's layout, and see their own scenes. Kaida feels the eyes and ears of a dog inside the compound on her. But she can see from one already lit stone lantern inside, it is observing its territory at least. About to stand and bark.
"Just a girl" is a 10pt member of a Samurai clan, and assuming it's a lesser clan is x.6 so a total BCS of 2 for her.
Assuming he is a Manager (not head of all merchants) is 60, but x.1 for being a merchant leaves him also with a BCS 2.
Her Rhetoric influences the status check by its Effect Number (for better or for worse): Rhetoric (BCS 15) [1d20]=2
So... that's a +13 to the effect.
Status [1d20]=12
Assuming her status BCS is actually 2, that's an effect number of -10, modified by +13, for a +3 ending effect number.
That breakdown looks good (1062.3). Complete copy and paste from the ancient rulebooks' PDF text isn't behaving, so I'll just add this.
More benefit to requestor than requestee: -3
More benefit to requestee than requestor: +3
The servant isn't sure. On the one hand it's a wet girl off of the streets. On the other hand, she's of the buke warrior caste, and the boss is always on the lookout for connections or talent. If connected and also talented would probably be especially happy find. -3 plus +3 = 0. Requestor is higher: +Difference/0
Other character is higher: - Difference/10
Requestor as low samurai caste is higher than anyone of merchant caste. +3 effect number goes to 3.3. Not enough for the next rung reaction category.
Last edited by jemmus on Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
Here are the results of the rolls, (in more eye-easing color. 
