Ikoma Itarabi Human Rogue/Courtier
Okay, Consider this now a final draft. I just got Secrets of the Lion today, so I may flavor the background a bit more this weekend, but basically I'm done. I got rid of the Mithril and pickup an Obsidian dagger in case that Oni ever shows up again.
Scotley
Ikoma Itarabi (born Sukui)
Male Human Rogue2/Courtier4
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Honor: 3
Glory: 1
Favored Class: Courtier
Clan: Lion
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 128 lbs.
Hair: Black, Short
Eyes: Black
Age: 29
Str: 12 (+1) [4 points]
Dex: 14 (+2) [6 points]
Con: 12 (+1) [4 points]
Int: 14 (+2) [6 points]
Wis: 14 (+2) [6 points]
Cha: 17 (+3) [10 points, +1 bonus for 4th level]
Class and Racial Abilities:
Bonus ancestor feat at 1st level, 4 extra skill points at 1st level, 1 extra skill point per level beyond 1st, Trap Finding/Disabling, Sneak Attack +1d6, Evasion, Wealth 50gp x cha mod. per year bonus, Style and Grace +4 bonus to cha skills in social setting, Gossip—special gather information check on meeting someone known in Rokugani society, Taunt and Rally (bless allies in 50’ radius and doom one opponent per 3 levels)
Hit Dice: 6d6+6 (80% after 1st level)
HP: 36
AC: 19 (+5 Chain Shirt,+2Dex,+2Dodge) 15 Flat Foot, 14 Touch -1 to skills where armor is a factor.
Init: +4 (+2Dex, +2Feat) Special roll two dice and keep the better for Quick advantage.
Speed: 30 ft.
Saves:
Fort +2 [+1 base, +1Con]
Ref +6 [+4 base, +2Dex]
Will +8 [+4 base, +2Wis, +2Feat]
BAB: +3
Weapon/Armor Proficiency—Light Armor, All Simple Weapons plus—Yumi (longbow), Daikyu (Great Composite Bow), Wakizashi (Masterwork short sword)
Melee Attack: +4 (bab +3, Str+1)
Wakizashi +5 1d6+1 s Crit 19-20
Jo +4 1d6+1 b Crit x3
Dagger +4 1d4+1 p Crit 19-20
Dagger MW Obsidian +3 1d4-1 (1 min.) p Crit 19-20
Sap +4 1d6+1 Subdual b Crit x2
Ranged Attack: +5 (bab +3, Dex+2)
MW Yami (Longbow) +6 or +4/+4 1d8+1 p Crit x3 Range 70’
Nage-Yari (Javelin) +5 1d6+1 p Crit x2 Range 20’
Dagger +5 1d4+1 p Crit 19-20 Range 10’
Skills: (8+2Int) Rogue—50, Courtier—40, +1 for bonus language, +9 human bonus
Appraise r +2 [0, +2Int]
Balance r +4 [0, +2Dex, +2Syn] ac
Battle r +3 [1, +2Wis]
Bluff*^ b +10 [5, +3 Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2] ls—falsehoods only
Climb r +1 or +3 [0, +1Str, +2Syn-using rope] ac
Craft c +2 [0, +2Int] ls
Craft-Poison r +3 or +5 [1, +2Int, +2Syn-herbal only] ls
Concentration xx +1 [0, +1Con]
Decipher Script b +2 [0, +2Int]
Diplomacy*^ b +9 [0, +3 Cha, +4Syn, Benten’s Blessing+2]
Disable Device r 7 [5, +2Int]
Disguise*^ r 12 [5, +3Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2, +2Syn] ls
Escape Artist r +4 [0, +2Dex, +2Syn] ls
Forgery r +2 [0, +2Int] ls
Gather Information*^ b +14 [9, +3Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2]
Games-Go, Shogi c +10 [7, +3Wis]
Games-Sadane*^ c +10 [5, +3Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2]
Heal xx +4 [0, +2Wis, +2Syn]
Hide r +2 [0, +2Dex] ac
Innuendo*^ r +6 or +8 [1, +3Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2, +2Syn—send or intercept message]
Intimidate*^ r +5 [0, +3Cha, +2Syn, Benten’s Blessing+2]
Intuit Direction r +3 [1, +2Wis]
Jump r +3 [0, +1Str, +2Syn]
Knowledge, Etiquette c +3 [1, +2Int]
Knowledge, History +3[1, +2Int, +1 Clan bonus skill]
Knowledge, Local c +3 [1, +2Int]
Knowledge, Nobility and Royalty c +3 [1, +2Int]
Knowledge, Research c +3 [1, +2Int]
Listen b +7 [5, + 2Wis]
Mimic*^ r +8 [1, +3Cha, +2Syn, Benten’s Blessing+2] ls
Move Silently +2 [0, +2Dex] ac
Open Lock r +3 [1, +2Dex] ls
Perform*^ b +9 [4, +3 Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2] Dance, Drama, Lute, Storytelling
Pick Pockets r +5 [1, +2Dex, +2Syn] ac ls
Profession-Herbalist b +7 [5, +2Wis] ls
Read Lips b +3 [1, +2Int]
Ride xx +2 [0, +2Dex]
Search b +11 [9, +2Int]
Sense Motive b +7 [5, +2Wis]
Spot b +12 [8, +2Wis, +2Feat]
Swim r + +2 [1, +1Str] ac special
Tea Ceremony c +3 [1, +2Wis]
Tumble r +7 [5, +2Dex] ac
Use Magic Device* r +10 [5, +3Cha, Benten’s Blessing+2]
Rope Use r +7 [5, +2Dex]
Wilderness Lore xx +2 [0, +2Wis]
* May be effected by “Voice” +2
^ May be effected by "Style and Grace" +4
Ls—low skill
Ac—Armor check
c—Courtier skill, r Rogue skill, b both class have as a class skill, xx cross class skill
Feats: Iron Will (bonus 2nd level Courtier)--+2 to will saves, Armor Focus (Light Armor)--+2 dodge bonus, Point Blank Shot--+1 to attack and damage with ranged weapons to 30’, Warrior Instinct (ancestor)--+2 Initiative and spot.
Languages: Rokugani
Advantages:
Benten’s Blessing (3)
People are attracted to you. It may be your looks or your charm, or it may be both. You just have that certain "something." Whenever you make a Charisma based skill check, you may add +2 to the die roll.
Quick (3)
You're just faster than other folks. When determining Initiative, roll two dice and keep the higher.
Servant (Variable--4 points: Spy)
Normally, a samurai has a single servant who manages his home and general needs. If you wish to have more servants than that, you can purchase it with this Advantage. You should not have more than your Glory x 3 servants. Monks may not have servants.
Voice (2)
A character with Voice has a +2 bonus for any skill rolls involving speaking.
Luck (3)
For every level (one for Itarabi) of Luck, you may re-roll one unsuccessful roll during a session.
Disadvantages:
Compulsion DC 15 (2) - Cannot pass up a chance to play and bet on games including Go, Shogi and Sedane. Must make a Will save every time you confront your compulsion to keep you from losing control.
Haunted (3 times a story--2) - Itarabi's brother often lets him know he is not living up to the family name. You are haunted by the spirit of an ancestor who is not happy with you. He is distracting, insulting, and irritating, but he is also your ancestor, which means all you can do is try to do better.
Wrath of the Kami—Water and Air (3 points per element)
There is something about you that the spirits of Rokugan do not like. Perhaps your soul was born unclean, your ancestors wish to show their disfavor of you, or you have offended them in some way. In any case, the kami of the Empire go out of their way to harm you when they are directed to do so by a shugenja. Choose one or more elements. Any time a spell of any element chosen is cast to harm or hinder you directly; it is cast as if the caster were 2 levels higher.
Equipment:
Royal Outfit (bonus)
Noble Outfits x3 (225gp)
Courtier Outfits x5 (150gp)
Jewelry (300gp)
Traveler Outfit (1gp)
Cold Weather Outfit (8gp)
Chain Shirt +1 (1100gp)
Tabi of Spider Climbing (2000gp)
Twilight Lantern (2000gp)
3 score arrows (3gp)
2 Sleep Arrows (264gp)
Quiver of Tsurushi (1800gp)
3 Daggers (6gp)
Masterwork Obsidian Dagger (2,302gp)
6 Nage-yari (javelin) (18gp)
Jo Staff
Sap (1gp)
Masterwork Mighty Yumi (Longbow) (475gp)
Masterwork Biwa (Lute) (100gp)
Masterwork Thieves Tools (100gp)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds (750gp)
Bone Shield Talisman (50gp) (Sanctuary)
Feather of the Crane Talisman (50gp) (Feather Fall)
Disguise Kit (50gp)
Healers Kit (50gp)
Magnifying Glass (100gp)
Masterwork Tea Service (100gp)
Merchant’s Scale (2gp)
Silk Rope 100’ (20gp)
Straw Mat (5sp)
Bedroll (1sp)
Pony x4 (1 wartrained) (190gp)
2 pack, 1 military and 1 riding saddle, 2 sets saddle bags, tack. (50gp)
Flint & Steel (1gp)
3 Waterskins, 1 Sake, 1 Plum Wine, 1 Water (23gp)
Tent (10gp)
Lap Desk (50gp) Black Lacquer with brass lion inlay—brushes, paper, ink stones, candles, seal,
Travel chest large (250gp) Cedar lined Black Lacquer with brass lion inlay—good lock, soap, razors, brushes, towels, silk pillow, paper lanterns x2, oils, perfume, mirror, storage for kits and clothes.
Money:
356gp +150gp for the good of the Lion clan and Ikoma family (refreshed annually), 16sp
Appearance:
Itarabi is a handsome young man of average height and build. He would be unremarkable merely for his appearance, yet there is something about him that makes him the center of attention when he enters the room. All eyes are upon him as he strides confidently past in the finest clothes. This is compounded whenever he speaks. His voice is compelling and people find that they want to hear what he has to say no mater how mundane. He is a favorite at society functions and always on the guest list for every occasion. The children flock to him when he fulfills his roll as a storyteller for his clan. He is clean-shaven and his hair is cut stylishly and never seems out of place. He is always clad in immaculately tailored black red silks with the Lion boldly stitched in Gold. The finely wrought Wakizashi with the ivory handle and golden lion’s head pommel is worn proudly at his side as a mark of his honor and station. Its scabbard is covered in painted silk depicting scenes of the pastoral glory of the Lion lands. A light chainshirt hidden carefully under tailored clothes serves to make him look fuller of chest and broader of shoulder.
Personality and History:
Ikoma Itarabi is living a lie. He is in fact an imposter. He is the illegitimate half brother of the deceased Itarabi and his real name is the more humble Sukui. He started life as an unrecognized illegitimate son of an Ikoma noble. He was a teenager before he even knew who his father was. His mother was not of the noble class and was a simple herbal doctor. His father had come to know her through her practice. Sukui was raised to follow in his mother’s footsteps, but he found the life of gathering and dispensing herbs to be boring and craved the excitement of the streets. He loved to play games and gamble from a young age. An expensive habit for a young man of limited means. He found that information about his mother’s patients’ medical concerns was valuable. He also had a gift for getting others to tell him their secrets. By the time he was twenty he had a reputation as an informant. He moved in noble circles, but always by the back door. Occasionally, he prepared more dangerous mixtures of herbs for clients—things that could cause sleep, illness or induce people to talk more freely than they should. He occasionally even acquired things from their rightful owner for others, but gathering knowledge and secrets was his forte. The gambling continued to be his favorite pastime and within a year of his mother’s death Sukui had lost his mother’s shop. He turned increasingly to the sale of information to feed his habit. Occasionally, he preformed other tasks for underworld figures to pay off his debts as well.
His brother Itarabi became a frequent customer and often employed Sukui to find out things for him. While Itarabi looked much like his brother he was somewhat dull and socially awkward. He needed the extra information Sukui could provide in order to succeed in his duties as Courtier. He began to take Sukui with him as he traveled so that his skills were always at hand. Thus, Sukui began to learn the role of a Courtier and get to know the appearance, habits and secrets of other important people, though he was always in the shadows. Itarabi’s career, which had been stalled by his limited ability, began to advance. The relationship proved favorable to both brothers for some years.
One night a little over a year ago Itarabi was sent on an important mission to the Crane Clan. He was traveling with Sukui and Shinoba the master of his household as well as other servants and men at arms. They were camped by a lake in the mountains near the edge of the Lion lands. Itarabi had wisely forbidden his servants to gamble. During Shinoba’s watch Sukui convinced him and a couple of the men to slip away from camp to play Shogi and drink plum wine. As they played, one of the fierce Oni of the mountains slipped into camp and began to slay all the people sleeping in the camp. Itarabi and his surviving men fought bravely, but with so many already slain it was hopeless. When Sukui and the others returned to camp they found the bodies of Itarabi and his men floating in the lake where the Oni had taken great pleasure in drowning them. The men at arms immediately committed seppuku out of guilt for deserting their post. Shinoba was debating whether to commit seppuku or to kill Sukui and then commit seppuku when the spirit of Itarabi appeared to them. He demanded that they complete his mission to the Crane or great dishonor would fall upon his house for failing in such an important mission. In their drunken state Shinoba and Sukui agreed. Thus, Sukui took up his brother’s name, and the family sword that marked him as Ikoma. Itarabi came to the Crane as planned. Sukui felt as if the sun were rising for the first time in his life. He had always been in the shadows and now was in the glorious light. His natural charisma and gifts of personal magnetism and voice made him a better Courtier than his brother had ever been. He reveled in his new role and his brother’s mission was a great success. It involved complex negotiations over several weeks. By night Itarabi appeared to Sukui to berate him and insist that he continue until the mission was done. By the end of this time Sukui was comfortable in the role of Itarabi.
Upon returning home to the Lion Sukui had intended to return the sword of his brother and slip back into obscurity. However, reports of his success had preceded him. The Ikoma welcomed him as a hero. He was praised and asked to repeat the tale of his success many times and much drink was served. An idea that had been in the back of his mind began to grow. Why go back to the life of a failed herbalist and informer? Shinoba was furious and threatened to tell all, but Sukui was able to convince him that continuing the sham was the best course for Shinoba as well. Did he want to lose his job, his honor and perhaps his life? With the servants lost and Itarabi having know wife who would know? Itarabi’s father was old with failing eyesight and his only sister was married and far away. Shinoba quietly paid the families of the lost servants and set the household in order.
So far Sukui has been a success as Itarabi he tries to take missions far from home where he is less likely to be around people who knew either Sukui or Itarabi well. He has been an excellent Courtier and so his superiors are happy and disinclined to ask questions. The new Itarabi still needs confidential information, but finds it harder to get information from the street, so he has hired an old friend from the street, Toku, to spy for him and pretend to be a servant. Sukui as Itarabi is a less demanding and more successful employer than his lost master and so Shinoba is content.
But all is not well. Itarabi/Sukui must live in fear that someone will see though his deception. As Sukui he dealt with a lot of underworld characters who would use the knowledge of his deception to gain a profit. The life of a Courtier is equally dangerous with all striving to gain an advantage over their rivals. Itarabi’s raising star has earned the envy of many and they would not hesitate to use his deception to have power over him. He was known to others as Sukui in this realm as well. As much as the new Itarabi enjoys his role, he still has a Chaotic nature that is at odds with the formal structure of Courtly life. His compulsion to gamble remains strong and he knows that going to the old gambling dens where he was known as Sukui could spell disaster. His brother’s spirit still haunts him alternately haranguing him for his dishonorable deception and encouraging him to do his best for the family name. Finally, while mortal realm has accepted the new Itarabi, the Kami as not so quick to forgive. They do not take this slighting of the celestial order lightly. The Kami of water and air are powerful at the mountain lake where Sukui failed his brother. They have shown there disfavor. It seems that whenever he sleeps out a storm blows in. He finds that when he rides in a boat the wind and sea do not cooperate and the voyage is long and difficult. If he is the target of magic the cost could be dire. Somewhere in the mountains an Oni knows the real Itarabi is dead and might wonder at the sight of a new Itarabi.
Thus Sukui wears hidden armor and sleeps with an obsidian dagger under his pillow. A bag is packed with a Rogue's tools, simple clothes, rice cakes and a few coins in case Itarabi ever need flee back to his life as Sukui.
