#Chapter 5 Act 3 — Opening the Climax

Contents

1~1.5 sessions. Revisit the nameless door. 10th-dan Renown Title declaration point. Final battle with the sealing stone's avatar. Confirm the ritual branch.

Core references

- Required: 10th-dan Renown Title ★ highest importance · Yoma Bestiary Templates

- Reference: Enmadoji Seal

- In this supplement: Mugen Path · Act 2 · NPC · Yoma Bestiary

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#Act 3 Summary

At dawn on the day after Act 2 preparations are complete, the PCs cross the wasteland of Avici Hell again. This time, they are not certain whether they can return. Act 3 begins from the moment they arrive before the nameless door.

The structure of Act 3 is divided into three major thresholds:

1. Renown Title declaration (if present) — A potential 10th-dan Renown Title holder in the party declares their Renown Title here, only once in this campaign.
2. Opening the door and facing the sealing stone — The door opens on its own, and the sealing stone's body is revealed beyond it. The avatar "Mumyo(無明)" appears.
3. Final battle — Battle against the lord-grade antagonist "Mumyo," who carries the sealing stone's awakened resistance. The way the battle is resolved almost confirms the ending branch.

Act 3 final question (posed by the GM in the middle of the battle): "In whose name will you close this door?"

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#Act 3 Scene Structure — Timeline

Total: about 5~6 hours of pure play. It is fine to split it across two sessions.

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#Scene 3.1 — Dawn Departure

#Location

The central plaza of Kagamiyama Domain. Dawn. The mist is clearing, but the sky is gray. The Barrier light is thinner than yesterday (Barrier HP 10~15).

#Participating NPCs

• Hoshino Gensho (weakening 9~10): He was supported during yesterday's memorial rite, but today he is standing. His oldest onmyoji clothing. One talisman bearing Gensho's name on his chest. If route (2) is chosen, this scene is his final standing posture(立姿).
• Kamijo Akihisa: Formal battlefield armor. His face is set more firmly than yesterday. Akihisa accompanies only as far as the door (after 3.4, he returns to the domain).
• 3 of the 6 retainers: Apart from the 3 who remain to guard the domain, 3 accompany the expedition (combat support).
• The named resident representative: The 1 person named in Act 2. Akihisa's assistant.

#Akihisa's Departure Words

Unlike yesterday's farewell, today is brief.

"...You open the door. I will wait here. The domain waits."

"Go."

Only one sentence. He raises his hand to see them off. That hand trembles for a moment. But he does not hide the tremor.

#Gensho's Decision — Accompany or Remain

The branch check of this scene: Does Gensho accompany them to the door, or remain?

Accompaniment branch (Gensho weakening ≤9)

• Gensho suppresses his weakening 1 time through force of will. He is supported and carried along in a palanquin.
• During the Act 3 battle, route (2) Renown Title declaration becomes possible.
• While accompanying the expedition, Gensho's weakening accelerates by +1/hour.

Remaining branch (weakening reaches 10, or PC persuasion)

• Gensho sits seiza before the shrine altar. He devotes himself only to Barrier maintenance.
• Route (2) Renown Title declaration is impossible. Only route (1) PC Renown Title substitute after natural exhaustion or route (3) pact proposal remains.
• Gensho's last line:

"...I cannot go as far as the door. But the Barrier — I will hold it until you return. Please, return. In whatever form. Even if your form has changed, that is all right. If you return, I will recognize you."

The GM confirms this branch by discussing it with the players. An explicit choice scene.

#Departure Rite

At the center of the plaza. The resident representative takes a handful of ash from a small brazier and marks each PC's chest with it. (Continuity with the fire from yesterday's memorial rite.) During the Act 3 battle, this ash is a resource that can be spent 1 time for a +3 check bonus.

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#Scene 3.2 — Re-entering Avici

#Location

The Avici wasteland. The same space as Act 1, but the air is thinner. Yesterday's footprints remain — but there are twice as many footprints. Someone else passed through.

#Wasteland Description

"Avici permitted you yesterday. Today, it is waiting. You walk twice as fast as yesterday — the wasteland is pulling you. Your steps are light. Too light."

#Saigo Yukimichi — Possible Reunion

If the PCs spoke with Saigo in Act 1, they can meet him again in Act 3. But this Saigo is different — fainter. He stands beside the torii like a shadow.

Saigo's last line (on reunion):

"...You have come. This is my last greeting."

"Today — I dissolve into Avici and vanish. After 80 years... I let go. The fact that you open the door means my role is finished."

"One thing only. When the door opens, do not look back. Those who look back are bound inside the door. A moment when you want to look back — will certainly come. That moment is — the most dangerous moment."

Saigo disappears behind the torii. In that place, one small stone pillar has newly grown. On its surface, the name "西郷 幸道" is faintly carved. His name has returned.

If a PC succeeds on a Wisdom check, Target Number 13 at this moment: They can record Saigo's name recovery. Side material for the Act 4 Transformation Ending.

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#Scene 3.3 — Silence Before the Door (★ 10th-dan Renown Title Declaration Point ★)

#Location

Before the nameless door. A distance of 3 steps. The same as Act 1. But the air is different — the door is breathing. The traces on the pillar surfaces are a little clearer. Letters are trying to return.

#Time of Silence

All PCs stand before the door. The GM creates a long silence.

"The door has not opened. But unlike yesterday, the door is ready to accept you. One breath. Another. With this third breath, something may happen."

#★ 10th-dan Renown Title Declaration ★

This moment is the "single moment of 10th-dan Renown Title declaration" under the principles of core Renown Titles (威名).

#Declaration Condition Check

The GM internally checks Renown Title candidates:

• Reached 9th dan (confirmed at chapter start)
• Reached the narrative climax of this campaign (GM judgment)
• Weight of decisions accumulated over the previous 4 chapters
• Player intent

PCs who may declare: Those who meet the conditions above. However, the party cap is 2 people.

#Declaration Scene Structure

A PC who wants to declare their Renown Title takes one step forward before the door. The GM gives that PC a chance for a monologue — in 1~3 sentences, why this character declares their Renown Title here.

Example (onmyoji PC declaration):

"...I am an onmyoji who grew up holding old Hoshino Gensho's hand. Before his hand wears away, it is right for mine to run out first. — In my name, I will lull this door's seal back to sleep."

Example (shugenja PC declaration):

"...As a shugenja, I have walked many roads. If today is where that road ends, I will walk to the end. This is my choice."

#Immediate Effects After Declaration

The Renown Title declarer gains the following:

• 1~3 Renown Title miracles — Heroic actions under the core rules. Spent during Acts 3~4 of this chapter.
• Narrative status — Other characters recognize this character's decision. NPCs and residents call this PC a "hero."
• Scheduled exit — This PC exits at the end of this chapter (choose death, transcendence, retirement, or becoming legend).

#Ending Restrictions for Renown Title Declarers

Important: A Renown Title declarer can choose only Ending A or B.

• A (Return): Seal reinstallation through the Renown Title miracle. The declarer sacrifices themself or remains in the Spirit Realm.
• B (Settlement): Human-side guarantee of the Spirit Realm pact through the Renown Title miracle. The declarer ascends into a deified guardian of the domain.
• C (Transformation): Cannot choose. The Transformation Ending is only for those who have not gained a 10th-dan Renown Title. One who has already declared a Renown Title has no "room to transform" — they are already narratively complete.

#If 2 Declare Simultaneously — GM Warning

If 2 party members declare Renown Titles at the same time:

GM warning: "If both of you declare Renown Titles, this chapter accelerates through Act 4 in 1 session. Only ending choices A or B remain, and the epilogue becomes a crossed exit scene for the two of you. Confirm?"

If both 2 players agree, proceed. If even one holds back, use sequential declaration (only 1 person, the first speaker, declares, and the other gets another chance at the 3.7 Gensho choice point).

#If 3 or More Attempt Declaration — Block

The GM blocks the 3rd declarer:

"...Your name is already enough. This door accepts only two people's names. You will declare on the next path."

The blocked PC cannot declare a Renown Title within this chapter. They automatically shift into an Act 4 Transformation Ending candidate (if conditions are met).

#If 0 Declare — Onmyoji Opportunity

If no PC declares and Gensho is in the accompaniment branch, Gensho has an opportunity to declare a Renown Title in Scene 3.7.

If no PC declares and Gensho is also in the remaining branch, the seal reinstallation route closes → the Transformation Ending becomes the only return route.

#End of the Silence

After the Renown Title declaration (if any), or after the silence passes without a declaration, one PC raises their head. At that moment, the door moves.

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#Scene 3.4 — Opening the Door

#The Door Opens on Its Own

The PCs do not open the door. When a PC raises their head — the absent door panel between the pillars opens to both sides as if it exists. There is no sound. Only the air is pulled. Dust beneath the PCs' feet is drawn toward the door.

"The door does not open. The door — lets you pass without opening."

"You walk. Between the pillars. Saigo's warning rings in your ears — 'Do not look back.'"

"You do not look back. — The first trial."

#Temptation to Look Back — Check

While passing between the pillars, all PCs make a Mental Save, Target Number 13.

• Success: Pass without looking back. Move to the next scene.
• Failure: Look back. Gain a permanent -1 check penalty + cannot act for 1 round in the first phase of the next battle (their mind is bound to what they looked back at).

A Renown Title declarer succeeds automatically (spend 1 Renown Title miracle). Or they may make the normal check without spending a Renown Title miracle.

#Spatial Transfer Beyond the Door

The moment they pass between the pillars, the PCs transfer into the inside of Avici. Sensations:

• The ground beneath their feet disappears. But they do not fall. It feels like standing in midair.
• There is no up or down. Everything is black in all directions. Far away, there is one white point.
• That point grows larger. It is the sealing stone.

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#Scene 3.5 — Facing the Sealing Stone · Avatar Appears

#Sealing Stone Description

"It is not stone. It looks like stone, but its surface breathes. About 3 jo(丈) tall, 2 jo wide. From around shoulder height to near the waist, a single horizontal crack runs across it. Very faint purple light leaks from that crack."

"The sealing stone. One axis of the Enmadoji Seal from 100 years ago. The root of why this domain fell."

#Avatar of the Sealing Stone — "Mumyo(無明)"

Purple smoke flows out from the sealing stone's crack. The smoke gathers on the ground (spatial ground) and takes human form.

He is a human of black stone — 180cm tall, looking like Japanese official dress carved from stone. His face is a mask — expressionless like a Noh mask. But beyond that mask, eyes are visible. The eyes are purple fire.

"Mumyo" is built from the lord-grade antagonist template in core Yoma Bestiary (妖魔圖鑑, Monster Templates). See Chapter 5 Yoma Bestiary — Residents of Avici for detailed stats.

#Mumyo's First Line

"...You have come. At the 100th year, someone comes. This time, is it you?"

"I am the will of this stone. For 100 years, this stone held your domain in place. That was my work. Today, you intend to end my work."

"I ask one thing. — In whose name do you intend to close this door?"

#Conversation Possible — 2 Counts Only

The PCs can have 2 counts of conversation with Mumyo. When 2 counts pass, Mumyo begins attacking.

Mumyo answers the following questions (answers are brief):

Q: Who are you?

"I am this stone. 100 years ago, I was planted beneath the land of your domain. The will of the sealing stone. My name is — Mumyo(無明). Mu(無) and myo(明). That which is not light."

Q: Why did our domain fall?

"Your land was above this stone. When this stone shook, the land above it shook as well. You did not fall because you were chosen. You were dragged along by my shaking."

Q: Can we return?

"You can. By one of three paths. The paths you have already seen. I have nothing to teach you."

Q: Do you want to die?

"...I do not. But I will fight. I fought for 100 years, and I will fight today. This is my work."

Q: Is there no other path?

(A long silence.)

"...If I give up my work — there is one more path. But that is my choice, not yours. Today — I receive only your choice."

(※ Hidden route: the possibility of Mumyo's "giving up" in the latter half of the battle. See Act 4.)

#End of Conversation

When 2 counts pass, Mumyo bows his head once. Then battle begins.

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#Scene 3.6 — Final Battle Phase 1

#Battle Space

The space inside Avici around the sealing stone. There is no gravity, and all directions are black. There is no sense of direction. However, the PCs, Mumyo, and the sealing stone can recognize each other.

#Gimmick — Avici Spatial Distortion

• Distance is meaningless: The distinction between melee and ranged becomes blurred. Ranged weapons can also apply like melee attacks.
• Taboo against looking back reapplied: If a PC attempts an action that "looks back" during combat (retreat, defending toward the rear, and so on), they take -2 to the check.
• Silence reactivates: Avici's silence strengthens again. Conversation checks between PCs are Target Number 10.

#Phase 1 Mumyo Battle Pattern

See Chapter 5 Yoma Bestiary — Residents of Avici for detailed patterns. Summary:

• "Nameless Fist(拳)": Melee attack. The target forgets their own name for 1 round (checks -3).
• "Purple Fire": Area attack. All PCs evade with check, Target Number 13.
• "Stone Regeneration": When hit, Mumyo replenishes stone from the sealing stone and recovers Wounds. Near the sealing stone, Mumyo's Wounds regeneration is strong.

#Gensho's Support (Accompaniment Branch)

If Gensho accompanies, he provides each support 1 time during battle:

• Barrier talisman throw: Mumyo's regeneration -50% (1 round).
• Sutra spear: All PCs +2 to checks (1 round).
• Shikigami summon: Summon 1 White Fox, allied with the PCs (Wounds 4).

Gensho's support accelerates his weakening by +1 each time. After 3 supports, 70% chance of reaching weakening 10.

#Phase 1 Completion Conditions

Transition to Phase 2 by reducing Phase 1 Mumyo's Wounds to 0 or succeeding at the resealing rite 3 times. This is the halfway point of the overall boss battle. Battle time is about 30~40 minutes (2~3 rounds in tabletop play).

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#Scene 3.7 — Mid-Battle · Gensho's Choice (Branch Point)

#Situation

Immediately after Phase 1 ends. Mumyo withdraws for a moment and places a hand on the sealing stone (regenerating). The PCs catch their breath. At this moment, Gensho moves.

#Branch A — Gensho Accompanies + Renown Title Declarer Exists

Gensho looks at the PC Renown Title declarer. He nods once. Then he remains on the PC side and continues support. (No separate event in Act 3 of this chapter.)

#Branch B — Gensho Accompanies + No Renown Title Declarer

Gensho has the chance for voluntary Renown Title declaration. This is not the PCs' decision, but Gensho's decision.

#Gensho's Renown Title Declaration

Gensho climbs down from the palanquin. He refuses support. He stands on his own feet. He trembles. But he stands.

"...Wait, only a moment. This old man... will do one more thing."

"I am Hoshino Gensho. Onmyoji. One who guarded the Barrier of Kagamiyama Domain for 100 years... no, for 60 years of this body."

"Today, in my name — I will close this door."

Gensho's 10th-dan Renown Title declaration. His resolve is the decisive move that confirms Ending A (Return) as "sacrifice variation."

#"Sacrifice Variation" Effect

• Ending A (Return) automatically confirmed — regardless of condition satisfaction.
• Endings B and C cannot be chosen.
• Gensho becomes the officiant of the seal reinstallation rite.
• Gensho dies instantly when the rite is complete.

#PC-Side Response

The PCs may try to stop Gensho in this moment. Negotiation check, Target Number 18 (very hard).

• On success: Gensho holds off on the Renown Title declaration for a short while. Battle resumes. Possibility of redeclaration in Phase 2.
• On failure: Gensho Renown Title declaration confirmed. The flow moves toward Ending A.

The GM states the weight of this check to the players: "If you stop Gensho, Ending A becomes unstable. In exchange, the possibility of other endings opens. But Gensho — either way, exits in this chapter."

#Branch C — Gensho Remains

If Gensho is in the remaining branch, there is no event in this scene. However, include one GM narration line that Gensho's weakening is surging in the domain:

"...Far away, toward the domain, the Barrier ripples once, greatly. Old Gensho is holding. But it will not last long."

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#Scene 3.8 — Final Battle Phase 2

#Mumyo's Awakened Body Form

In Phase 2, Mumyo shifts into an awakened body. Changes:

• Body swells to 2 times its size. Stone cracks.
• The mask breaks. The face is — the inner view of the sealing stone. The Avici wasteland and Saigo's torii are projected on the face.
• The voice changes. It is not one person's voice, but many voices overlapping — voices of those the sealing stone has met over 100 years.

#Awakened Mumyo's Dialogue

"...You have come this far. From here — this is the section where I weaken. But weakening does not mean I want to die."

"My name is Mumyo. But the moment you decide the name by which you will call me, I — become something else. Your choice decides my name."

#Awakened Body Battle Patterns

See Chapter 5 Yoma Bestiary — Residents of Avici. Additional patterns:

• "Name Bestowal": Forcibly gives a PC a new name. While called by that name, the PC's checks are -2. Remove: the PC shouts their own name loudly (spend 1 round).
• "Sealing Stone Fragments": Mumyo summons small stone fragments from the surrounding space to surround the PCs. Movement checks -3.
• "Time Distortion": Mumyo performs a 1-round action as if it were 2 rounds. Round counter confusion.

#PC Counterattack Opportunity — Laying Rite Foundations

During Phase 2, the PCs can perform an action to lay the foundation for one of the three rites. This is separate from combat actions (1 time per round, Sorcery/Wisdom check, Target Number 13):

Rite A (Resealing) foundation

• Required: 10th-dan Renown Title declarer (PC or Gensho).
• Action: Raise the sealing fan/sutra and place it against the sealing stone's crack. Threads of the seal begin to grow.
• Foundation complete after 3 accumulated successes.

Rite B (Pact) foundation

• Required: Spirit Realm pact wording (prepared in Act 2).
• Action: Unfold the wording and read it to Mumyo. Build an answer to Mumyo's awakened-body phase dialogue.
• Foundation complete after 3 accumulated successes.

Rite C (Transformation) foundation

• Required: PC who meets Transformation conditions (has not declared a 10th-dan Renown Title, Three Ways and Six Hearts 慈 confirmed or close).
• Action: Place the PC's own blood directly on the sealing stone's crack. The sealing stone begins to "recognize" the PC.
• Foundation complete after 3 accumulated successes.

#Simultaneous Progress on Multiple Rite Foundations

Possible. PCs may work on different rites in parallel. In that case, at the end of Act 3, they make the final choice of which rite to begin (early Act 4).

#Phase 2 Completion Conditions

Phase 2 ends when Mumyo's Wounds are reduced to 20% or lower. Or it forcibly transitions when one rite foundation is complete.

#Mumyo's "Giving Up" — Hidden Route

If the PCs achieved a very high Negotiation check (Target Number 18 or higher) in the two conversations with Mumyo (Scene 3.5), or made specific statements while in a confirmed Three Ways and Six Hearts 慈 state, Mumyo may give up on his own at the end of Phase 2.

On giving up:

• Mumyo collapses into the form of stone. Battle ends.
• Automatically proceed to Ending B or C (A requires battle victory).
• The GM does not hint at this route. The players must discover it independently.

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#Scene 3.9 — Rite Begins · Branch Confirmed

#Situation

Battle ends (Mumyo Wounds 0 or giving up). The sealing stone's crack has widened. Purple light leaks out. The PCs must choose — which rite to begin.

#Choice Scene — PC Will

The GM asks all PCs the official question:

"Which rite will you begin? A Resealing, B Pact, C Transformation. The three rites cannot begin at the same time. Choose one."

#Choice Condition Check

• Ending A (Resealing): Requires at least 1 Renown Title declarer. Completed rite foundation is favorable.
• Ending B (Pact): Requires Spirit Realm pact wording. Requires Akihisa's presence or delegation.
• Ending C (Transformation): Requires at least 1 PC who meets Transformation conditions. Requires 0 Renown Title declarers, or voluntary will from a PC other than the Renown Title holder.

#Rite Start Scene After Choice

The PC side begins the chosen rite. This scene is short — one sentence of dialogue, one motion.

A Resealing Rite begins: The Renown Title declarer steps forward and places a hand on the sealing stone's crack. Threads of the seal begin to grow. Gensho's or the PC's 10th-dan miracle activates.

"...In my name, I close this door."

B Pact Rite begins: A PC representative (usually a Negotiation PC) reads the pact wording aloud. They stamp Akihisa's copied seal (prepared in Act 2) onto the sealing stone.

"...Kagamiyama Domain promises to settle in the Spirit Realm. Sealing stone, become the boundary of this land."

C Transformation Rite begins: A PC who meets Transformation conditions kneels before the sealing stone. The pattern drawn in blood is absorbed into the sealing stone's crack.

"...I will remain here. The domain — return."

#Moment of Branch Confirmation

The moment the rite begins, Act 3 ends. Transition to Act 4. See Chapter 5 Act 4 — Final Endings.

The GM is encouraged to end the session here (transition to Act 4 next session).

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#Act 3 Check Summary

#2d10 Support Check

Resistance to "Name Bestowal" during the Mumyo battle: 2d10 vs Will. On success, remove the check penalty.

#d100 Looking-Back Resistance Variation

After a failed Mental Save, roll d100 for the specific effect:

• 01~40: checks -1 (lasts through Act 2)
• 41~70: checks -2 (lasts through Act 3)
• 71~90: cannot act for 1 round + checks -2
• 91~100: cannot act for 2 rounds + permanently lose 1 memory fragment

#d10 Time Rounds (Inside Avici)

Inside Avici, the "flow of time" is adjusted with d10. Roll 1 time at the start of a round:

• 1~3: time normal (1 round)
• 4~7: weak time distortion (all actions -1 check)
• 8~9: strong time distortion (1 PC skips their round)
• 10: Mumyo's count occurs 2 times in a row

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#Act 3 Accumulated State

#Ending Branch State

#Casualties

• Gensho: If he declares a Renown Title, instant death is confirmed. If he does not declare, weakening may reach 10. If he remains behind, Barrier maintenance reaches its limit.
• PCs: No deaths by this point (ideal). However, fatal wounds are possible in Phase 1~2 battle.
• Retainers: 1 of the 3 accompanying retainers may suffer a fatal wound (GM judgment).

#Resources

• Handful of ash (departure rite): +3 1 time, usually spent during battle.
• Family relic (secured in Act 2): 1 item used. Effects vary by item.
• Saigo's mirror shard: +5 when facing the sealing stone. Favors Rite A.
• Memorial rite emotional bond: +1 reroll 1 time.

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#Act 3 GM Operating Principles

#Principle 1 — Weight of the Renown Title Declaration

A 10th-dan Renown Title declaration is a character-ending device under the core rules. Do not allow it lightly. But when the player decides to declare, respect it and receive the dialogue with the weight of a formal recitation.

#Principle 2 — Gensho's Exit Route

It is fixed that Gensho exits in this chapter. But how he exits depends on play. The GM should decide on one of routes 1~4 at the end of Act 2, then present it naturally in Act 3. Avoid sudden "cut" deaths.

#Principle 3 — Mumyo's Dignity

Mumyo is not a villain. He is a being who has worked for 100 years. In battle, his lines should hold both fatigue and dignity. If the GM presents Mumyo as a "simple boss," the emotion of this chapter collapses.

#Principle 4 — Autonomy of Ritual Choice

None of the three rites is the "correct answer." The GM should not imply a preference. Act 4 changes according to the rite the players choose, but the GM should prepare all of them.

#Principle 5 — Pacing

Act 3 is a long chapter. If the 2 battle phases and rite-foundation actions proceed in parallel, the session gets long. The GM should:

• Resolve combat rounds quickly (choose narration instead of rolling dice).
• Limit rite-foundation actions to 1 time per round.
• Keep conversation scenes short, with dialogue only at decisive moments.
• If the session runs over, allow the session to end between Act 3 and Act 4.

#Principle 6 — Presenting the Block on 3 or More Renown Title Attempts

When blocking the 3rd Renown Title declarer, frame it positively for the player: "Your character shines on another path, not through a Renown Title." This is not a simple refusal, but repositioning.

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#Linked Documents

• Chapter Overview
• Act 1
• Act 2
• Act 4
• NPC — Mumyo, Gensho, Saigo details
• Yoma Bestiary — Mumyo stats
• Ending Resolution
• 10th-dan Renown Title ★ core highest importance
• Mugen Path

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"The door opened on its own, and beyond it was — my work. Until today, it was so." — sealing stone avatar "Mumyo," during Act 3 conversation.