#Side Quest 09 — Broken Covenant (Mandatory Event · Weakening -3 Exclusive Path)

Contents

Core Rulebook References

- Required: Three Ways and Six Hearts · onmyoji · 10th-dan Renown Title

- Required: Non-Combat Checks · Sorcery schools

References within This Supplement

- Required: Side Quest Index · Recluse Onmyoji · Barrier System

- Required: Core Economy · Morale & Fear · Squad Limitations

- Required: Young Lord · 6 Retainers

- Reference: Spirit Realm Intelligences · Spirit Realm Topology

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#§ Overview

#One-Line Summary

Gensho collapses on the shrine dais. The weakening has crossed the limit line. His sealed fan opens halfway on its own. The shikigami white fox Kuzunoha (葛の葉), sealed in Kyoto 50 years ago, is trying to wake. The PCs must trace Gensho's past and enter the Spirit Realm. Weakening -3 exclusive path. Renew the broken covenant, or refuse renewal.

#Design Intent

A side quest that lets the PCs touch the link between Gensho's past and present with their own hands. Not mere salvation but reassessment of a past choice. As the only recovery opportunity within the weakening system, it is the cornerstone of strategic resource management.

#Mandatory Trigger Conditions — Detail

• Tuesday morning of the week in which onmyoji weakening reaches 6 or more
• Cannot be avoided. If weakening is kept below 6, the trigger does not fire.
• The Monday evening before the trigger, Gensho collapses on the shrine dais → messenger sent to the PCs
• Until this event ends, Barrier HP drain rate is 2× (-6/week)
• Weakening -3 can only be achieved by completing this quest

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#§ Scent — The Air of This Quest

#Opening Narration

"Monday evening. A messenger bursts out of the shrine. 'Master Gensho… Master Gensho has collapsed. The fan opened halfway on its own.'"

"The PCs arrive at the shrine. Gensho lies on the dais. His white hair has changed completely to silver overnight. It has grown long — long enough to touch the floor from the edge of the dais."

"The white fox statue placed to the right of the dais. Unmoved for the past 50 years. Its stone eyes slowly blink. Once. Once more. Then stop."

"Akihisa takes Gensho's hand. The hand is still warm. But the pulse is too slow. It beats only once in every two."

#Sensory Card — The Texture of This Quest

• Sound: The shrine is too quiet. No prayer-bead sounds. Candles do not flicker. Time seems partly frozen. Only the PCs' own heartbeats can be heard.
• Smell: Old incense. Different from the usual scent. The lingering trace of incense Gensho burned 50 years ago when he was still young. Rising from below the dais.
• Light: The blue light above the dais turns grey. The light linked to the Barrier is visibly fading.
• Touch: Gensho's hand alternates between warmth and cold every 1 round. His body is already straddling two worlds.

#The Core of the Scent

Suspended time. The time in which Gensho is alive and yet not alive. The PCs must act within this time. The GM must load every scene with the weight of time.

#Sample Lines

Akihisa (low, to the PCs): "Lose the master and we lose the domain. But to save the master I cannot lose a single one of you. I am saying both sentences at once. Solve this contradiction."

Gensho (low, when consciousness briefly returns): "...Kuzunoha… is trying to wake. She holds… a grudge against me. 50 years ago I broke… a covenant I swore I would not break. This is the price…"

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#§ Structure — 4-Act Scene Overview

#Act 1 — Collapse and Interpretation (domain shrine, 60 min)

Emergency treatment for Gensho. Temporary weakening hold. Fan analysis. White fox statue investigation. Inference about the past. Oath between Akihisa and the PCs.

#Act 2 — To the Place of the Past (Spirit Realm entry, day 1, 90–120 min)

Following the traces of Gensho's past into a specific Spirit Realm region. Illusory space of the Kyoto Onmyoryo. Indirect encounter with young Gensho.

#Act 3 — Confronting Kuzunoha (Spirit Realm interior, days 2–3, 90–120 min)

Meeting with Kuzunoha, the sealed white fox shikigami. Negotiation to renew the covenant. 3 choices. The price in cores, time, and relationships.

#Act 4 — Return and Awakening (domain return, 60–90 min)

Weakening -3 check. Reflecting the covenant-renewal result. Gensho's awakening or decline. Lord's and residents' reactions. Three Ways and Six Hearts confirmed.

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#§ NPCs

#Hoshino Gensho (Weakened · Unconscious)

• Status: Current weakening value (6 or more). Consciousness intermittent. Fan half-open.
• Role: Information source. Provides 1–2 sentences of context to the PCs each time consciousness returns.
• Key clue: The covenant made with Kuzunoha at the Kyoto Onmyoryo 50 years ago. Its content: Gensho's silence exchanged for Kuzunoha's freedom.
• Signature line: "I said… what I should not have said. She believed… my vow… that I would keep that silence…"

#Kuzunoha (葛の葉) — Sealed White Fox Shikigami

• Appearance (sealed): White fox stone statue on the dais. True form: silver fox. 9 tails. Can transform into a human woman (30s, white robes, golden eyes).
• Role: The heart of this quest. The PCs encounter her deep in the Spirit Realm.
• Status: Half-sealed for 50 years. Since Gensho's covenant breach, filled with resentment and betrayal. If fully released: possible yoma transformation · if fully resealed: returns to sleep.
• Stats (awakened):

• Three Ways and Six Hearts: 眞(Truth) + 慈(Compassion) — dual axis of covenant and relationship

#Vision of Young Gensho (Kyoto, 50 years ago)

The PCs encounter him indirectly in the Kyoto illusory space within the Spirit Realm. No dialogue. Observation only. His actions become clues.

#Akihisa (Standing by in the domain)

• Role: Defends the domain during the quest. Awaits the PCs' return. Commands the domain.
• Special status: During this quest, Akihisa accepts voluntary Energy loss (attempting to strengthen the link with Gensho). Energy -4 on the PCs' return.
• Signature line: "The whole domain is sustaining the master's breath. Every morning 800 people offer one breath to the master. This is the domain's promise."

#(Optional) Myoen or Lorenzo (outside Drifters)

May accompany the PCs. Each provides special support during deep Spirit Realm exploration:

• Myoen: Spirit purification Target Number -2 bonus
• Lorenzo: Foreign language interpretation (Kuzunoha occasionally speaks in an ancient tongue)

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#§ Each Act in Detail

#Act 1 Detail — Collapse and Interpretation

#Scene Setup

Inside the shrine. Gensho is laid on the dais. Akihisa, PCs, 2–3 retainers, and 1–2 outside Drifters gather.

#Emergency Treatment Checks

#Gathering Past Clues (when Gensho's consciousness returns)

#Decision Point

The PCs choose one of three paths.

Only Path A unlocks the weakening -3 exclusive path.

#Akihisa's Oath

"I leave what I can do in your hands. In return I will hold the domain until your return. If the Barrier trembles I will put my hand to it. I cannot stand in for the master, but I can keep the master's breath going for two more days."

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#Act 2 Detail — To the Place of the Past

#Scene Setup

The PCs enter the Spirit Realm. Not the ordinary Spirit Realm — the Spirit Realm's deep layer linked to Gensho's memories. A recreated space of the Kyoto Onmyoryo from 50 years ago.

#Spirit Realm Internal Movement Checks

#Kyoto Onmyoryo Illusion Scene

• Appearance: A large Onmyoryo from the Heian period. Red pillars. White walls. Grey roof tiles. Orderly but no people visible.
• Atmosphere: As if time has stopped. Yet occasionally a shadow passes — the ghost of young Gensho.

#Young Gensho Observation Scenes

#Decisive Clue

Kuzunoha is not only resentful — she is the wounded one. One betrayed by a friend. The PCs must understand this truth to achieve renewal.

#Escape from the Illusory Space

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#Act 3 Detail — Confronting Kuzunoha

#Scene Setup

After escaping the illusion, a garden deep in the Spirit Realm. Moonlight. A silver fox sits on the veranda of a cottage at the center. As the PCs approach, the fox transforms into the form of a woman.

#Kuzunoha's Opening Line

"...You came. Did he send you? Or did he die? Either way — I have been here 50 years."

#Negotiation Phase 1 — Understanding (15–20 min)

The PCs explain who they are and why they have come. Kuzunoha listens.

#Negotiation Phase 2 — Exchange of Truth (15–20 min)

Kuzunoha tells her story. The 50-year sealing. The nature of her resentment. What hurt her most.

"It is not the betrayal. I knew he was forced into betrayal. But — he never came looking for me afterward. For 50 years. Not once. That is the betrayal."

#Negotiation Phase 3 — Covenant Renewal (30–40 min)

The PCs present new covenant terms to Kuzunoha. Options:

#Per-Option Checks

#Option A — New Contract

Effect: PC becomes Kuzunoha's contractor. Can summon shikigami (gains special technique). However, PC maximum Wounds -1 permanently (life-force divided).

#Option B — Gensho Returns

Effect: Gensho weakening -3. Kuzunoha re-awakens and returns as Gensho's shikigami. However, Gensho's soul must remain in the Spirit Realm for a short time during this ritual, and upon returning to reality suffers physical weakening +2 (temporary · recovers in 1 week).

#Option C — Joint Covenant

Effect: Weakening -3. Kuzunoha becomes the domain's guardian. However, monthly offering of 1 core · long-term economic burden on the domain.

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#Act 4 Detail — Return and Awakening

#Scene Setup

Return from the Spirit Realm. The shrine dais. Gensho still lying there. But the fan is quiet — half-open, yet still.

#Weakening Update

Gensho's weakening is updated according to the path the PCs chose.

#Gensho's Awakening Scene (A/B/C)

Near dawn. Gensho opens his eyes. The white hair remains silver, but life returns to his expression. He bows his head to the PCs. (Deeply · almost a full bow.)

Gensho: "...For the first time in 50 years… my breath is light. You have… returned her to me. This debt… I will not be able to repay in a lifetime."

#Akihisa's Reaction

Akihisa beside Gensho, quietly nodding only. His hand rests on Gensho's hand. The bond between the two is felt across the whole domain.

Akihisa (to the PCs): "You have restored this domain's breath. As lord I can give you a reward. But giving a reward feels shameful. What you have done is — greater than any reward."

#Resident Reaction

• Morale +3 (decisive crisis overcome)
• Residents visit the shrine · make donations
• Barrier HP drain rate restored to -4/week (normalized)

#Three Ways and Six Hearts Tendency

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#§ Step-by-Step Progress Guide Table

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#§ Success/Failure Branches

#Full Success (A/B/C option success + weakening -3)

• Gensho weakening -3 (minimum 3)
• Kuzunoha returns · 1 shikigami available
• Barrier HP normalized
• Morale +3
• Three Ways and Six Hearts 2-axis tendency
• Resident trust permanent +1
• Special: If Option A chosen, PC becomes Kuzunoha's contractor · gains shikigami summon technique (permanent, maximum Wounds -1 cost)

#Good (Resealing)

• Weakening -1
• Kuzunoha resealed (temporary peace)
• Weakening begins rising again (normal +1 instead of +0.5 per 1 week)
• Morale +1
• Long-term risk continues

#Average (Breakdown · quest interrupted)

• Weakening unchanged
• Kuzunoha free in Spirit Realm · may threaten the domain
• Morale -1
• Forced follow-up side "Kuzunoha's Return" may occur in 1–3 months

#Failure (all renewal checks fail)

• Weakening +2 (current value +2)
• Kuzunoha's yoma transformation risk increases
• Gensho remains unconscious
• Morale -2
• Campaign-ending course entered

#Catastrophe (1 PC dies or is permanently sealed)

• The above failure, plus 1 PC remains in the Spirit Realm (bound by Kuzunoha)
• Domain rescue expedition required as follow-up
• Three Ways and Six Hearts 魔 +2 (depending on choices)

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#§ Rewards

#Basic Rewards

#Special Rewards

• Kuzunoha's covenant document: On Option A/B/C success. Permanent document. Domain historical record.
• Shikigami summon technique (Option A only): 1 PC can summon Kuzunoha. 1 time per 1 day, lasts 1 hour. Permanent maximum Wounds -1 as the cost.
• Gensho's lifelong debt (all successful options): Gensho promises the PCs "one favor in a lifetime." Can be used in later sessions.
• Special entry in Akihisa's record: PC names fill 1 full page of the lord's diary. Special authority in future domain politics.
• The 50-year clue: The full past of young Gensho is revealed → part of the background history of the core rules and supplement is disclosed.

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#§ GM Controls

#GM Cautions

1. Make clear that this is a mandatory event. Let the PCs know in advance that "this quest comes when weakening reaches 6." Unexpected ambush is not the essence of this quest.
2. Keep the 50-year density in real time. Do not shorten time in the Kyoto illusion scenes. Each scene compresses Gensho's 50 years and delivers it to the PCs.
3. Portray Kuzunoha's wound as human. She is not an avatar of resentment. She is a friend who was betrayed. If the GM handles this emotion carelessly, the negotiation becomes mechanical.
4. The weight of Option A. PC maximum Wounds -1 permanently is a very great price. Explain its meaning to the player repeatedly. Let them decide without regret.
5. Uphold the Gensho awakening scene. This scene is one of the emotional peaks of the campaign. Do not treat it lightly.
6. The flow of time. During this quest's 5–7 days, Barrier HP drains at 2× speed. Let the PCs feel this time pressure.

#2-Session Split Recommended

#Risk Table

#Meaning of the Weakening -3 Exclusive Path

This quest is the only path in the campaign capable of reducing weakening by -3. Every other quest, ritual, and core expenditure achieves at most -1 or +0. Accordingly, success on this quest decisively determines the chances of survival in the campaign's later half.

#Follow-Up Seeds

#Session End Checklist

• [ ] Gensho's final weakening value
• [ ] Chosen option recorded (A/B/C/Resealing/Breakdown)
• [ ] Kuzunoha's status (shikigami / sealed / free / yoma transformation)
• [ ] Domain morale updated
• [ ] Confirm Barrier HP drain rate restored
• [ ] Three Ways and Six Hearts tendency per PC
• [ ] Apply permanent maximum Wounds -1 (if Option A)
• [ ] Akihisa record entry
• [ ] Follow-up seeds recorded
• [ ] Gensho's lifelong debt recorded

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#Related Links

• Parent index: Side Quest Index
• NPCs: Recluse Onmyoji · Young Lord
• Barrier: Barrier System · Core Economy
• Related side: 21-04 Night of Barrier Weakening (twin mandatory event)
• Core rules: onmyoji · 10th-dan Renown Title · Three Ways and Six Hearts

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What is broken can be mended. But the gold in the mended seam remains for a lifetime. This quest is a side that shows the beauty of that gold. 50 years of silence and 5 days of reunion — together these carry weight. Gensho's silver hair is the visualization of that weight. If the PCs cannot feel this weight, the quest becomes number-matching. If they feel it, the quest becomes the spine of the campaign.