A Spacer's Guide to the Reach
Black Reach is ancient. Nobody knows exactly how ancient.
Once a massive generation ship, the Reach 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 Reach has a reputation for neutrality, opportunity, and questionable legality.
Station saying: “Everything has a price.”
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
What You Need to Know Before We Play: Yoroda lies in the Taohuan Realms, the broad eastern cultural sphere of Kethos, occupying the Yoldo Islands on the region's southeastern edge, along with several associated territories, including Seibu, Nanto Rusak, and Betasho. Its position places it between the older civilizations of the Taohuan mainland and the wider maritime world of the Six Seas, making it both culturally connected and politically exposed. Mountainous, storm-prone, and geologically active, Yoroda’s islands have historically encouraged strong regional identities and difficult overland travel, while their coasts tie the empire into trade, piracy, diplomacy, and war with neighboring Taohuan states.
Yoroda is a fantasy empire inspired by medieval Japan. It is a land of warrior clans, castle towns, temples, pirates, assassins, ghosts, monsters, political intrigue, and frequent war. It is not historical Japan; Japanese history and culture inspire it, but do not restrict it. The empire is old, proud, heavily militarized—and currently coming apart at the seams.
Continuing Adventures of the Gang in San Francisco, 2145!
