#Rumor Mill — 100 Things Passed from Mouth to Mouth

Contents

What this document is. 100 rumors drifting through the Domain and the Spirit Realm. 60 Domain rumors + 40 Spirit Realm rumors. True 40 · false 30 · deception 30. d100.

Core references

- Required: Non-Combat Checks · Three Ways and Six Hearts

- Reference: Domain Management · Lands of the Sengoku

- In this supplement: Open World Index · Morale and Fear · NPC Index · Patrol Encounters

---

#Scent — Low Voices by the Well

Rumor is like water.

It is drawn from the well, drunk in the home, leaves as sweat, and seeps back into the ground. Even if the well is cleaned once a week, water that has already spread cannot be gathered back.

The Domain has 800 people. 100 rumors are moving through it.

Some rumors are right. The north-gate guard really does laugh alone every night. Some rumors are wrong. It is true that Akihisa comes from a kokujin (國人) family, but the claim that he is "not of the true bloodline" has no basis. Some rumors are spread deliberately. By whom? Why?

Rumor is a weapon. One rumor can raise morale. One rumor can make residents suspect their neighbors. One rumor can lure the PCs into danger.

This table organizes those rumors. Most of them are story seeds in their own right.

---

#Law — Rolling Protocol

#Basic Roll

• Die: d100
• Timing: When a PC declares that they "listen for rumors," or in a tavern, wellside, or castle conversation scene.
• Disclosure: Public by default. Secret when needed.

#Distribution

#Nature Distribution (Within Each Range)

#Modifiers

#Check: Distinguishing True, False, and Deception

• Distinguishing true from false: Target Number 13 (Wisdom)
• Detecting deception: Target Number 15 (Wisdom, or Six Hearts check)
• On failure, the character believes the rumor is true

---

#Table — Rumor d100

#Domain Rumors (01~60)

Rumors that arise inside the Domain. They concern residents, retainers, and the lord.

#Resident-Origin Rumors (01~40)

#Retainer-Origin Rumors (41~55)

#Lord-Origin Rumors (56~60)

#Spirit Realm Rumors (61~100)

Rumors that flow in from the Spirit Realm. Heard from patrols, drifters, and yoma.

#Patrol-Origin Rumors (61~80)

#Drifter-Origin Rumors (81~90)

#Yoma-Origin Rumors (91~100)

---

#Commentary — The Three Natures of Rumor

#Using True Rumors

The 40 true rumors are a reward for the players. When the PCs bring something back from the wellside, telling them "what you heard is true" gives the world credibility.

Note: A true rumor does not need to be confirmed immediately. It is stronger if confirmed days or weeks later. Have the PCs record rumors in their journals.

Use examples:

• Trigger an investigation quest from a true rumor.
• Build NPC relationships through a true rumor.
• Judge upgrades based on a true rumor.

#Uses for False Rumors

The 30 false rumors are the world's texture. If every rumor is true, the wellside becomes an information desk. Only when falsehoods are mixed in does it become a human space.

False rumors are usually harmless. However, if neglected, they affect morale by -1~-2. PCs can choose to explain them away.

Use examples:

• Test PC leadership in a scene explaining a false rumor.
• Emotional scene with residents who believe a false rumor.
• Reflect the Domain's atmosphere through the speed at which falsehood spreads.

#The Danger of Deception

The 30 deceptions are things someone spread deliberately. They are very dangerous.

Behind a deception, there is a cause:

• A traitor encourages division in the Domain.
• A Spirit Realm being lures the PCs.
• An eroded resident tries to make more people like themself.
• A hostile force tries to weaken the Domain.

When a deception rumor appears, the GM should always set a cause behind it. If the players dig behind it, who and why must become clear.

Use examples:

• Start a traitor-investigation arc through a deception rumor.
• Mini-scenario revealing the reality behind a deception.
• Story of a PC falling for the temptation carried by the deception itself.

---

#Discernment System

#Basic Check

When a PC hears a rumor and tries to discern "whether it is true, false, or deception."

#Check Assistance

• For each +1 Favor with the relevant resident, Target Number -1.
• A PC inclined toward Wisdom in the Three Ways and Six Hearts gets Target Number -2.
• With help from retainer Kobayashi, Target Number -2.

#On Failure

• The character believes the rumor is true (regardless of whether it is factual).
• If caught by deception, risk Exposure +1 (negated if Target Number 13 is passed).
• May trigger mistaken action (example: suspecting an innocent person).

---

#How Rumors Circulate

Rumors have places they leave from and places they gather.

#Places They Leave From (Origins)

• Wellside: Morning rumors. Information exists, but it is exaggerated.
• Tavern: Evening rumors. Strong, but unstable.
• Shrine front: Sacred rumors. Includes dreams and prophecy.
• Castle gate: Rumors from patrols. Spirit Realm information.
• Market: Mostly gossip.

#Places They Gather (Collection Points)

• Lord's reception room: Retainers organize and report.
• PC lodging: Nearby residents tell the PCs things.
• Physician: Deep rumors heard from the sick.

#GM Tips

Rumors change tone depending on their origin. The same rumor might be:

• A murmur at the wellside.
• A confident claim in the tavern.
• Part of a prayer in front of the shrine.

---

#Linking Rumors with Weekly Events

#Link Patterns

• 20-01 event 78 "Mad Cry" → chance of table 56 "The lord is considering surrender" +25%.
• 20-01 event 73 "Resident Disappears" → chance of table 17 "Someone who died yesterday is walking around" +20%.
• 20-02 patrol return → chance of this table's 61~80 Spirit Realm rumors +30%.

#How to Use Links

Plant a seed with the first event of the week, then let it return as a rumor a few days later.

Example: Monday "Resident Disappears" (20-01 73) → Friday "Someone who died yesterday is walking around" (20-04 17). Two faces of the same incident.

---

#Example — One Tavern-Scene Rumor

Friday evening, Chapter 3, Week 4. The only tavern in the Domain.

The PCs declare, "Let's listen for a few rumors." The GM rolls d100. Result: 24.

24 Hoshino is a Spirit Realm collaborator — deception. Spread by a traitor.

GM presentation:

---

In the corner of the tavern, a few blacksmiths sit with cups set down. When the PC takes the next seat, their voices suddenly shrink. Realizing they are being overheard, they begin whispering even more softly.

"... What I mean is, old Hoshino was doing something by the north side of the Barrier at night. Someone saw him, they say."

"No way..."

"Isn't it strange? Why does the Barrier keep weakening only over there?"

The PC grows suspicious. Use a Wisdom check, Target Number 15 to determine whether this is deception.

---

Check Results:

• Success: "The way they speak is strange. Someone is deliberately making them say this." Story clue: finding the traitor.
• Failure: The PC also suspects Hoshino for a while. Tension in the next core-infusion scene.

---

#Related Documents

• Morale and Fear — morale shifts caused by rumor.
• NPC Index — the protagonists of the rumors.
• Domain Weekly Events — seeds of rumor.
• Dreams and Nightmares — the spiritual form of rumor.
• Patrol Encounters — the source of Spirit Realm rumors.

---

#Appendix — Setting What Lies Behind Deception (For GMs)

Each time a deception rumor appears, the GM must decide who and why.

#Seven Possible Forces Behind Deception

#Behind-It Assignment System

When a deception rumor is rolled, choose what lies behind it with an additional d10:

• 1~3: Eroded resident
• 4~5: External collaborator
• 6: Spirit Realm being
• 7: Rival retainer
• 8: Yoma plan
• 9: Old grudge
• 10: Unexplainable (GM creation)

---

#Appendix B — Rumor Tracking Form (For GMs)

Rumor number: __
Week of occurrence: Year __ Month __ Week __
Type: True / False / Deception
Behind it (if deception): __
First spreader: __ (specific NPC)
Spread route: Wellside / Tavern / Shrine / Castle Gate / Other
Effect: morale __, Fear __, Exposure __
PC response: Ignore / Investigate / Explain / Other
Check result: Target Number __ Success / Failure
Follow-up incident: __

---

#Appendix C — Extended Commentary on 10 Important Rumors

#09 North-Gate Guard Laughs Every Night (True)

One of the heaviest true rumors in this table. It implies that an actually eroded NPC exists.

How to confirm:

• Watch the north gate at night (Target Number 13 Infiltration).
• Witness the guard laughing alone without making a sound.
• When questioned, the guard answers, "I don't know why I laugh either." Their pupils shake.

Measures:

• Isolation + Hoshino's purification rite. On failure, permanent erosion.
• If neglected, 3~4 weeks later the north gate opens from the inside. Barrier HP -20.

Importance: This rumor connects to weekly event 73 (Resident Disappears). The disappeared person may be this very guard.

#24 Hoshino Is a Spirit Realm Collaborator (Deception)

The most destructive deception rumor. It attacks the Domain's spiritual pillar.

Possible causes behind it:

• Eroded resident (to make themself look normal).
• Rival retainer (to weaken Hoshino's influence).
• Spirit Realm being (aiming to remove Hoshino).

Measures:

• Quick explanation is required. The longer it is delayed, the more morale falls in chains.
• If Hoshino himself is told, he is saddened. Strength -1/10.
• Tracing what lies behind it begins a traitor-investigation arc.

#16 There Is an Informer Inside the Castle (Deception)

A self-fulfilling deception. The rumor itself creates the truth.

Development:

• PCs begin investigating → discover there really is an informer.
• Or they suspect an innocent person during the investigation → the Domain divides.
• The GM decides whether to set an informer as a result of this rumor.

Note: When this rumor appears, it is best for the GM to always set one informer. If not, the investigation becomes a false investigation.

#30 Dead Previous Lord's Phantom (True)

A story trigger for the lord's family. Directly connects to 20-03 event 96, "phantom of the old Akihisa."

How to confirm:

• Night visit to the previous lord's graveyard (Target Number 11).
• If Akihisa accompanies the PCs, the phantom is clear.

Measures:

• Speak with the phantom → hear the previous lord's words. Akihisa leadership +1.
• Ignore it → the phantom appears more and more often. Other residents also see it.

#38 Orin Sees Hell in Her Dreams (True)

Directly links to the 20-05 dream table. Young Orin truly has prophetic dreams.

Response:

• Listen to Orin's dream. Accept her as Hoshino's formal disciple.
• Hoshino raises her. She becomes central in the Chapter 5 story.
• If ignored, Orin risks approaching Spirit Realm erosion out of loneliness.

#61 Another Barrier Lies to the North (True)

A major turning point in the story. The Domain is not alone.

Confirmation:

• On a north-gate patrol, a blue light is seen in the distance.
• Contact possible in the Chapter 3 story.

Potential ripple effects:

• Allied Domain appears → resource exchange, information sharing.
• Hostile Domain → conflict arc.
• Already fallen Domain → tragedy arc.

#77 Lord-Class Yoma Learned the Direction of the Domain (True)

A warning rumor. Foreshadows a Lord-grade yoma attack 2~4 weeks later.

Response:

• Prioritize Barrier reinforcement. Core-securing mission.
• Strengthen patrols. 20-02 fatal segment chance +10%.
• Establish a resident evacuation plan.

#94 The Gate of Hell Is About to Open (True)

Chapter 5 story clue. Connects to 20-03 event 100.

Confirmation:

• Reconfirm after experiencing Glimpse of Avici (20-02 100).
• Hoshino sees it in a dream.
• Gather evidence during Spirit Realm exploration.

#99 A Being of Avici Speaks (True)

Final campaign story. Begins the Chapter 5 climax.

Content:

• A being of Avici speaks directly to one PC.
• Message: "There is a road back. But there is a price."
• After this rumor, the campaign tone becomes extremely dark.

#100 "The King Is Coming" (True)

Final warning. Same as 20-03 event 92.

Meaning:

• A ruler-class being of hell recognizes the Domain.
• Fear +3 (all residents).
• A large attack or Avici connection event occurs within 1~2 weeks.

GM Note: When this rumor appears, the campaign enters final-chapter mode. All event values ×1.2.

---

"A word from one mouth enters a hundred mouths. One who hears with one ear listens with two. One who hears with two tells three." — Kikue, old woman by the well.

"Rumor is not water. It is fire. We must watch it until it goes out." — Retainer Kobayashi Iwao, during the traitor investigation.

"I heard a rumor that I had died. I laughed. Until I die, there is nothing to worry about." — Hoshino Gensho, after deception rumor 24.