Entrevistas semiestructuradas y observación participante

Qualities are character traits that make your samurai stand out from others, something that personalizes them beyond just Traits, Skills, and even Okuden. Qualities can either add a bonus to your natural abilities or flavor (Advantages), or represent aspects of your character that cause problems, flaws that must be overcome (Disadvantages). Whether beneficial or detrimental, Advantages and Disadvantages vary in magnitude: Minor or Major. Minor ones offer only a minor mechanical or social benefit, or no tangible benefit at all. Major ones offer a significant bonus, or reflect a supernatural influence on the character.

Every character at creation gains two Minor Advantages for free. Any additional Minor Advantages must be balanced with Minor Disadvantages; Major Advantages or Disadvantages are equivalent to two Minor Advantages or Disadvantages, respectfully. Thus, you could take one Major Advantage and one Minor Advantage by also taking one Minor Disadvantage, three Major Advantages by also taking one Major Disadvantage and two Minor Disadvantages.

Some Advantages can be bought after creation and some Disadvantages can be bought off, at a cost of 5 XP for Minor Qualities, 10 XP for Major Qualities. Each Quality has a descriptor in its title indicating whether it can be purchased or bought off during play:

 Inherent: Cannot be purchased or removed after character creation.

 Trained: Can be purchased or removed, but will usually require some time depending on its cost to develop or overcome. Minor Qualities require 2 Season Actions to purchase or remove, while Major Qualities require 4 Season Actions.

 Granted: Can be purchased or removed, but only if the opportunity presents itself during play, and often as a great boon or doom.

Advantages

Able Drinker (Minor) (Trained)

Your ability to hold your sake is impressive, and your stomach is ironclad. You never suffer the negative penalties of drinking sake or other alcoholic beverages. You cannot take alcohol as part of the Compulsion Disadvantage.

Absolute Direction (Minor) (Inherent)

You are never lost. You always know which way is north, even in a garden maze in the middle of the night—or even after hours of fleeing from enemies. However, there are places in the Shadowlands that mislead even those with Absolute Direction, so be careful beyond the Wall...

Akodo Armor (Major, Minor for Akodo) (Granted)

You have inherited or been gifted with a suit of light or heavy Akodo armor, replacing the light or heavy armor in your Outfit. If you don't have light or heavy armor, you cannot take this Advantage. The armor crafted by the Akodo are exquisite examples of art and utility, and famous for battle-readiness.

The Akodo are fond of saying that Matsu thrive on fighting, but Akodo live for war. The Akodo armor is finely crafted and always considered Fine Quality. Thus, light Akodo armor grants a +7 TN to be Hit bonus, and heavy Akodo armor grants a +12 TN to be Hit bonus. Additionally, the authority and legacy of an Akodo suit impresses all who are confronted with it and imbues the samurai with confidence, giving the wearer a Free Raise on all Awareness or Willpower rolls. Finally, the wearer reduces all Wounds taken from Battle at the end of a Wave (as Casualties) by 1k1. Thus, a bushi wearing heavy Akodo armor reduces Battle Table Wounds by 3k3 dice instead of 2k2. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Akodo samurai.

Ally (Major, Minor for Doji) (Granted)

You are connected. Through family, personality, or luck, you have the friendship of a useful person of influence. This person has some measure of influence and wealth, such a samurai with land or a significant political position in the uji, and would be willing to risk their honor in aiding you, but only in secret. The ally can be of considerably more influence, such as a member of the kuge or a Roju official, or whose devotion extends to nearly anything, regardless of honor; if so, the Advantage counts as two Major Advantages. If the ally is both extremely high in station and devotion, the Advantage counts as three Major Advantages. This is consider a Minor Advantage for Doji samurai, including its advanced costs (an ally of extremely high station and devotion counts as three Minor Advantages, for example). You may take this Advantage multiple times, each time for a different Ally.

Ambidextrous (Minor) (Trained)

You may use both hands without penalty. Any character who does not invest in Ambidextrous suffers a -0k1 penalty when using their off-hand.

Balance (Major, cannot be taken by Mosenshi) (Trained)

You have the ability to remain neutral, even level-headed, regardless of your inner emotional state. You may ignore any comments designed to taunt or impel you to react, ignoring any modifiers to Honor rolls or opposed Awareness and Willpower rolls. Your self-control lends itself well to dueling; during an Iaijutsu Duel you can Raise a number of times equal to your Void Ring + Earth Ring instead just your Void. You cannot take the Mosenshi Advantage or Brash Disadvantage, or any Disadvantage making you more prone to violence.

Quality Format:

Quality Name (Minor or Major) (Descriptor) Quality description and mechanics.

Blackmail (Major, Minor for Bayushi) (Granted)

You have information or evidence that you hold over someone's head. Blackmail is similar to the Ally Advantage, but far more dangerous—and less public, because a person being blackmailed is more willing to do terrible things than an Ally would. However, it should be noted that those being blackmailed don't like it, and overuse of this Advantage can lead to... unpleasant results. This person has some measure of influence and wealth, such a samurai with land or a significant political position in the uji, and would be willing to risk their honor in aiding you, or even violate it. The ally can be of considerably more influence, such as a member of the kuge or an Imperial official; if so, the Advantage counts as two Major Advantages. You can have any one favor within their power performed, no matter its publicity or consequences, by discharging the Advantaging and losing the benefits of Blackmail.

This is consider a Minor Advantage for Bayushi samurai, including its advanced costs (blackmail of an extremely high station individual as two Minor Advantages). You may take this Advantage multiple times, each time for a different subject.

Bland (Minor) (Inherent)

You are bland by nature and tend to be unassuming, a quiet one with average build and features.

Because you are not striking in any way, it is easy to forget your name and appearance. You have no real distinguishing features, and most people simply look away when you pass by. Being bland is both a boon and a flaw: being bland gives you a greater chance of success when disguised or trying not to be noticed, but it also gives you a smaller chance of being recognized for your accomplishments. You give a +10 TN penalty to any roll to recognize or spot you when not actively hiding, but you are treated as having 1 Glory Rank lower than you actually have in social situations. You cannot take any Quality that gives you a distinguishing feature (such as One Eye), nor can you take Blessing of Benten, Curse of Benten, or Dangerous Beauty.

Blessing of Benten (Major, Minor for Doji) (Inherent)

You fascinate people. It may be your looks or charm, or maybe both. You just have that certain

“something.” Whenever you make a roll involving persuasion, you gain a +1k1 bonus (+1k2 if the target is attracted to you). You may not take the Bland or Dangerous Beauty Advantages, nor can you take any other Blessing or Curse Quality. This counts as a Minor Advantage for Doji samurai.

Blessing of Bishamon (Major, Minor for Akodo or Matsu) (Inherent)

Your prowess in battle seems blessed by the Fortunes. You receive 1 Free Raise for every 2 Raises you make in combat. You may not take any other Blessing or Curse Quality. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Akodo or Matsu samurai.

Blessing of Daikoku (Major, Minor for Shinjo or Yasuki) (Inherent)

You have the golden touch. You gain 2 free Ranks in the Commerce Skill, in addition to nay gained by your Ryu or Qualities. You also gain a +2k0 bonus to all social Skill rolls with those below the samurai caste, and can always count on help from the common folk when in trouble. You cannot take any other Blessing or Curse Quality. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Shinjo or Yoritomo samurai.

Blessing of Ebisu (Major) (Inherent)

Ebisu allows no samurai of worth to fail their duty lightly. You gain a +2k2 bonus to all Honor rolls.

You may not take any other Blessing or Curse Qualities.

Blessing of Fukurokujin (Major, Minor for Isawa) (Inherent)

Your thirst for knowledge, both temporal and spiritual, is insatiable. All your Lore, Meditation, and Theology Skills above Rank 3 count double towards determining your Insight. You cannot take any

other Blessing or Curse Quality. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Isawa samurai.

Blessing of Hotei (Major) (Inherent)

The fortitude of the Fortune Hotei imbues your soul. Effects which cause you to lose Void Points or forbid you from spending Void Points do not affect you; this does not include any voluntary Void Point expenditure. Also, you gain a +1k1 bonus on all Void Ring rolls. You may not intentionally choose any Qualities that prevent you from spending Void Points, nor can you choose any other Blessing or Curse Qualities.

Blissful Betrothal (Minor) (Granted)

You are betrothed and couldn't be happier about it, especially since your spouse-to-be is well connected. For one reason or another, the arrangement works out to the benefit of both parties. The wedding is scheduled to take place in one year. Once married, you exchange this Advantage for one of the following Advantages: Ally (within the spouse's family), Ear of the Roju, or Wealthy. Of course, such a wonderful marriage doesn't come without its drawbacks. You'll have to see to your betrothed's welfare, and disgruntled suitors may eye your happiness with jealousy. Be on your guard.

Blood of Osano-wo (Major, Minor for Hida or Yoritomo) (Inherent)

You are a descendant of the great Osano-wo, the Hida warrior whose stamina and battle-fury rivaled the fury of nature itself. His blood has rendered you resistant to cold, heat, and extremes of weather.

You cannot be harmed by any weather-related phenomena and always succeed at any Stamina rolls involving temperature changes. Anyone attempting to cast a spell involving lightning or weather (GM's discretion) on you against your will has a +10 TN penalty. You are also considered to have a +1 Glory Rank when in lands ruled by the Hida or Yoritomo uji. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Hida and Yoritomo samurai, except for those with only the respective Discipline.

Chosen by the Oracles (Major) (Granted)

Occasionally, a child is noticed by the Oracles and guided gently through their life. While it does not mean the child will become the next Oracle, it does mean the Oracle has a definite interest in such a person's life and well-being, to the point of interfering with their life if they aren't doing what the Oracle thinks best. You are one such person. Choose a Ring, whose Oracle is interested in you. When making any roll involving that Ring, you a gain a +Xk0 bonus, where X is equal to your Insight Rank.

Additionally, your Glory Rank is considered 1 rank higher when dealing with shugenja or gakusho if an Oracle of Light is interested in you, or your Glory becomes Infamy if an Oracle of Darkness is interested in you.

Clear Thinker (Minor) (Inherent)

It isn't easy to trick you. Whenever someone tries to confuse, befuddle, or lie to you, the TN has a +10 TN penalty.

Combat Reflexes (Minor) (Trained)

You are quick to react under the stress of combat. You may reroll any 1 die when rolling for Initiative, but must keep the new roll.

Crab Hands (Major, Minor for Hida) (Inherent)

You have a familiarity with many forms of weaponry, and wield even the most foreign with some degree of effectiveness. The legendary Kami Hida the Crab was renowned for his ability to turn anything he touched into a weapon, and those who see you fight believe his spirit watches over you.

When using a Bujutsu Skill you gain a +1k0 bonus, and your dice still explode even if it is a Skill you

are unskilled with. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Hida samurai.

Curse of Jurojin (Major, Minor for Bayushi) (Inherent)

The Fortune of disease deems you unworthy of his attention, which is a boon. You gain a +2k2 bonus to all rolls to resist poison or illness. You may not take any other Blessing or Curse Quality. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Bayushi samurai.

Dangerous Beauty (Minor) (Inherent)

There is something mysterious and dangerous about you that people find alluring and fascinating. It could be your haunting eyes, your crooked smile, the rugged scar on your cheek, the way you flirt shamelessly... You gain a +2k0 bonus on all Sincerity Skill rolls or when otherwise using less-than-honorable temptations to persuade others with your allure. You cannot take the Benten's Blessing, Benten's Curse, or Bland Qualities.

Daredevil (Minor) (Granted)

You are a born risk-taker. Whenever you do something exceptionally risky, dangerous, foolhardy, or seemingly impossible, the GM secretly rolls a die. If the die is even, you receive a +10 bonus to your roll (unknown to you). Otherwise, there is no benefit. Those who try the same thing twice discover it's not so daring once it has been done before.

Darling of the Court (Minor) (Granted)

Recently, you did something clever or heroic and one of the kuge thanked you personally, much to your surprise. You never met or spoke with that person again. Still, the countless teishin and hangers-on have begun harrying you at every turn, hoping some of the kuge's favor will rub off on them. It's a bit of an annoyance at times, but you must admit it's fun to be popular. For the next 6 months, your Glory is effectively (but not actually) 2 Ranks higher in social situations, and you may spend a Season Action to make any of your sycophants a permanent Ally (per the Ally Advantage; if you wish to increase the station or devotion of the Ally, spend an additional Season Action appropriately). After 6 months, this Advantage vanishes. Fame is fleeting. Make the best of it.

Death Trance (Minor) (Trained)

You understand that death has no hold over you, taking the philosophy of Bushido to heart. When you face death, you enter a thoughtless trance giving you great courage in the face of adversity. By spending an Action, you enter the trance until the end of the Scene. While in the trance you are immune to all attempts to intimidate or otherwise invoke fear (even magical) in you during combat. This detachment also causes you to automatically fail any Awareness rolls.

Ear of the Roju (Major, Minor for Otomo or Seppun) (Granted)

You have a semi-direct line to the Roju, whether through familial connections, favors, social or political influence, or simple respect. The terms of the connection must be clearly defined before beginning play. You gain +1 Glory Rank, and a Free Raise on all social rolls within sight of the city Otosan Uchi, or involving teishin and metsuke. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Otomo and Seppun samurai.

Exceptional Honor (Minor) (Inherent)

You have always held yourself to a higher standard than others, and your dedication to Bushido utmost in your heart. You begin the game with an additional Honor Rank.

Gaijin Tongue (Major, Minor for various factions) (Trained)

You have the rare knowledge of a foreign tongue, either a gaijin language or one of the rare languages used by Hachigoku's nonhuman inhabitants. You are considered fluent in the language, even if your Hachigoku accent can never be lost, and literate if the language has a written form. Be careful, though, for consorting with gaijin is punishable with death under Hachigoku law, even if simply knowing their language is not. Revealing your knowledge unless specifically commanded to will likely result in odd stares at the least, heinous dishonor at the worst. Some languages are considered Minor Advantages for certain samurai, and are noted appropriately. You can take this Advantage multiple times, each time for a different language.

Languages among the gaijin include:

 Mekhet: tongue used throughout the Burning Sands. (Minor for Shinjo)

 Ruumal; language of the Ivory Kingdoms, has a written form. (Minor for Yoritomo)

 Senpet: language of the Senpet Empire, has a written form.

 Ujik-hai: language of the Ujik-hai nomads. (Minor for Shinjo)

 Yobanjin: language of the Yobanjin, has a written form. (Minor for Kasuga or Isawa) Languages among the nonhumans known to Hachigoku include:

 Ashalan: shares a written form with the Naga.

 Kenku: has a written form only readable by shugenja.

 Mokujin (Minor for Yasuki)

 Naga (Nagash); shares a written form with the Ashalan. (Minor for Kitsune)

 Nezumi; has a written language, but the reliance on scent as part of both speech and reading diminishes human fluency. (Minor for Hida)

 Ningyo (Minor for Yoritomo)

 Ogre

 Oni (Minor for Kuni or Isawa)

 Zokujin (Minor for Akodo or Ikoma) Gift of the Togashi (Major) (Granted)

You have found favor with the Togashi, and been granted their highest honor. The ise zume have blessed you with one of their mystic tattoos. You gain one ise zume Tattoo (see the Togashi Ise Zume Discipline), and cannot take this Advantage if you are already a Togashi ise zume. If you are not an Agasha or Mirumoto samurai, you must have the Ally Advantage, with the ally being a member of the Togashi who presumably pulled the strings necessary.

Great Potential (Minor) (Inherent)

You are naturally talented in a certain skill, and will one day be a true master. Choose a Skill. When using it, you may make any number of Raises, regardless of your Void Ring.

Hands of Stone (Major, Minor for Gakusho) (Trained)

You are a prodigy at hand-to-hand combat. In bare-handed combat, your damage rating is 0k2 instead of 0k1. This is considered a Minor Advantage for Gakusho.

Heart of Vengeance (Minor or Major) (Granted)

For some reason or another, a particular faction has earned your wrath, whether the injury was real or imagined. They view you with the same distaste. Choose a faction; if it is a a Dainagon uji or Fudai uji this is considered a Major Advantage. If it is any other faction, this is considered a Minor Advantage.

Whenever you use a Skill against a member of that faction, you gain a +0k1 bonus. You Glory is always considered Infamy when dealing with that faction.

Heartless (Minor) (Trained)

All attempts to woo or sway your heart to pleas of compassion, love, or courtesy fall on deaf ears. Any appeal to your heart shall find it made of stone. Any Skills used with Awareness in such an attempt (such as seduction, poetry, acting, or sincerity) have a -1k1 penalty. You cannot take the Insensitive Disadvantage.

Heisho (Minor) (Granted)

You have suffered some traumatic experience, such as being trapped in a burning castle and buried alive, or the sole survivor of an oni attack. Every day you expect to die. You are immune to all attempts to intimidate or otherwise invoke fear (even magical) in you. Also, you get a Free Raise to detect traps, concealed weapons, and similar dangers. However, this tends to make you fatalistic and numb, giving you a -1k1 penalty to all rolls for detecting lies or resisting another's Sincerity. It's not like it matters, after all.

Hero of the People (Major, Minor for Ronin or Mirumoto) (Granted)

You have overcome the class barrier between the samurai and the peasantry. Peasants identify with you, viewing you as a leader and hero. Through years of hard work and devotion, you achieved a degree of

You have overcome the class barrier between the samurai and the peasantry. Peasants identify with you, viewing you as a leader and hero. Through years of hard work and devotion, you achieved a degree of