Backgrounds

Backgrounds represent roleplay-focused elements that characters can choose to purchase during character creation. It is also possible to purchase a background as part of character advancement, however this is at the discretion of the game team, and will always require appropriate roleplay.

All characters may only have one background.

Allies

You have an ally or contact who may assist you in certain circumstances. Remember that the more highly placed an ally is within society, the less likely it is that they will be able to assist you.

You should write about your ally in your backstory. You may contact your ally through a referee, they may visit or contact you, and you may ask them for favours.

Forbidden Knowledge

You possess significant knowledge of something considered within society to be taboo or forbidden, such as the skill Lore [Shadowlands] or Lore [Madōshi]. You have learnt this information in secret.

You gain level 1 and 2 of that Lore. You should write about how you gained this knowledge in your backstory. You may receive a lore sheet and can ask a referee for information on the subject in the game.

Glorious Deeds

You have been recognised for your past deeds with a minor rank within your clan.

You gain +1 lasting Glory. You can start with a rank, talk to a referee to decide what it is.

Inheritance

You have received an item of significance. This should be something that you use daily – like a family blade gifted to a bushi, or a go set gifted to a courtier. This item will be recognised by courtiers and dignitaries.

You gain +1 lasting Honour. Please speak to the game team before selecting this background, so that your ideas can be discussed.

Instruction

You are a natural teacher, able to mentor even the most unruly student. It is up to you to establish your teaching style.

1 use per event, you may take 2 fleeting Influence from a character to train them in a non-specialist skill you know, allowing them to buy it for 1 XP later.

Inner Gift (Select One)

You possess a mysterious supernatural gift related to karma, Kami, or the spirit realms.

Empathy - You can connect to other people’s strong emotions.
Foresight - You are able to predict the future in limited ways.
Prophecy - Your dreams may show true events.
Visions - You can see the past through the memories of objects and places.

1 use per respite, you may ask a referee:

Empathy - Insight into a person’s past.
Foresight - An idea of the consequences resulting from a specific action.
Prophecy - A vague prophetic dream about the past, present, or future.
Visions - Knowledge of a significant person who touched an object or an event that happened in the area.

Karmic Tie

You are mystically linked to another, and will be aware of their spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. You both need to take this background for this effect to work.

You know if they are in mortal danger, are in their grace period, or are being affected by something that changed their perceptions; or controlled their mind in some way.

Kū (Void) Magic

You have opened yourself to the mystical forces, allowing you to cast void magic.

You are able to cast Kū (Void) magic if you have this background.

Ties to the Imperial Court

You trained within the Imperial Court and have made an enduring connection. You still exchange letters with them, and they may be able to help you out.

You gain +1 lasting Influence. You should write about your contact in your backstory. 1 use per event, you can ask a referee to get assistance from them.

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