House Rule: Reach Melee Weapons and Range

“Reach” on a weapon makes it possible to defend against oncoming attacks. If two combatants move together to fight, the one with the longer-ranged melee weapon has a chance to attack first. This situation reflects either two warriors moving towards each other or one rushing an immobile fighter, such as a katana-wielding samurai (Reach 0) rushing an ashigaru with a spear (Reach 1) or a pike (Reach 2). 

As soon as one combatant is in range of the other, each rolls their Fighting skill in an instant contest of skills. If the combatant with the longer weapon wins the contest, they can bring their weapon to bear before their assailant can close the distance. They get a single “Free Attack” against the combatant with a shorter weapon. After this, combat continues normally. 

If the combatant with the shorter weapon wins the contest, they slip past the longer weapon’s dangerous end and close the distance. They can move into range and attack normally. After this, combat continues normally.

Yoroda 26: NPC List

These are the characters that the PC's interact with in their adventures. This list will be updated continually as new NPC's are introduced. 

Yoroda 26: Zansha Rank, Income, and Authority (expanded from Book 5)

Although Zansha rank is traditionally described in terms of the lands and warriors under a lord's authority, in practice the most useful measure is koku: the assessed productive value of the lands, offices, stipends, and revenue rights supporting a warrior household. One koku represents approximately the amount of rice required to support one person for a year, but a holding's assessment is an accounting measure rather than a literal quantity of rice collected. Mines, fisheries, forests, tolls, workshops, and commercial rights may therefore contribute income beyond, or be converted into equivalents within, the formal assessment. Koku does not automatically determine rank. An ancient but impoverished family may retain greater status than its revenues suggest, while a wealthy newly elevated house may lack comparable prestige. Court office, lineage, marriage, military reputation, and direct service to a Great Lord or the Daizanate can all alter a warrior's standing. Nevertheless, assessed income indicates what a Zansha's household can maintain, the military service expected of him, and the privileges he can reasonably exercise.

Yoroda 26: 登場人物 (PC's)

 Yoroda 26 Campaign characters; info added as available.

Ashen Reach: BLACKWAKE STATION (from Clint)

 A Spacer's Guide to the Reach

BlackWake is ancient. Nobody knows exactly how ancient.

Once a massive generation ship, the Wake has spent centuries growing into a sprawling independent station. Old habitation decks have become neighborhoods, cargo holds have become markets, and derelict ships have been permanently attached to its hull.

Black Wake has a reputation for neutrality, opportunity, and questionable legality.

Station saying: “Everything has a price.”

Yoroda 26: Revised "Zansha" Edge

 Zansha

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d6+, Strength d6+, Vigor d6+, Fighting d6+, Riding d6+, Shooting d6+, Obligation (Major - serve their lord)

Zansha pledge fealty to their lord, Gunzan, or the Daizan, serving as enforcers and, most importantly, warriors in whatever cause their liege demands. They have whatever authority their lord gives them over common folk in their realm. This is usually limited to food, lodging, and basic services required to fulfill their duties, but with express approval, may also include mustering militias, adjudicating disputes, and dispensing justice. They represent their liege, and as such, Zansha represent their master, adding +1 to Intimidation or Persuasion rolls with those who respect or fear authority, especially commoners. If taken during character creation, or with the GM’s approval afterward, the hero inherits or is granted a Yorodan war pony, spear, longbow, a full suit of medium armor, and most especially the Ryo-Ko, the paired longsword and short sword.

Note: Trait requirements are reduced from the original version in Book 5 to improve character creation flexibility

Yoroda 26: Zansha Clans in 830 IY

The Zansha, a class of warriors in feudal Yoroda, play a pivotal role in the country’s social, political, and cultural landscape. These aristocratic warriors are not only skilled in combat but also deeply influence the fabric of Yorodan society. They are the most feared warrior class in the Taohuan Realms, with a reputation that extends across Kethos. At the heart of their role, Zansha protect their lords’ lands and people, defending against external threats and maintaining law and order within their domains. With unwavering loyalty and a code of honor known as Zanshinjo, the Zansha uphold the stability of the modern feudal system. The following list includes the most significant Zansha clans in modern Yoroda.