Mist curls around Hachiman Gate as Hidetada catches up, breath ragged. He presses a small, unmarked map into Arimari Tiarasan’s hand, then points toward the road beyond the estate.
Hidetada
Nomaru’s scouts watch a hidden checkpoint here. If you use the wrong road, they will turn you back, or worse, report you before you speak.
Reina steps closer to Arimari, her gaze moving from the map to the misted path. The gate behind them stands half-lit, half-lost, as if the estate itself is listening.
Hidetada
Nomaru respects honesty more than ceremony. Tell them what Matsudaira needs, and tell them what it costs. Do not hide behind polished words.
Arimari Tiarasan
The checkpoint controls the road to Nomaru, and the road controls Matsudaira’s chance to win them.
Hidetada bows once, then withdraws into the mist. Arimari and Reina are left with the map, the sealed scroll, and a choice that binds their private future to the fate of the clan.
+ New Item Acquired
Small unmarked map
“I study the map with Reina”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled +3)
Arimari lowers the map between them, and the thin ink lines suddenly make sense in the mist.
Arimari Tiarasan
The hidden checkpoint sits off the main road, where the cedar fence bends north.
Reina leans in, one finger tracing the safer turn beneath the gate shadow. Her ear lifts toward the road, then settles.
Reina
This branch keeps us below the scouts. If we pass the bend quietly, Nomaru will hear us before they see us.
Arimari folds the map with care and tucks the sealed scroll more securely at his side, his stance already shifting toward departure.
Reina
Then we take the lower path together. If Nomaru asks why Matsudaira sent you, tell them plainly, and let the seal do the rest.
Mist parts just enough to reveal the road's fork, and a fresh set of wheel ruts leading toward the cedar bend beyond the gate.
“I take the lower path with Reina”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +2)