#Romance Endings — Marriage, Separation, Transformation, Tragedy

Contents

Romance began with rules. But the closer rules draw to an ending, the more they fall silent. This file is a map so that players and the GM can stand together in that wordless place.

Core-Book References

- Required: Three Ways and Six Hearts · Bonds and Relationships

- Reference: Daily Life — marriage and clan customs

References Within This Supplement

- Required: Romance System · Human Partners · Yoma Partners

- Required: Chapter 5 Ending — Endings A/B/C

- Reference: Domain NPCs

---

#Scent — The Meaning of Endings

A romance ending is a layer independent from the campaign ending. Whether the domain returns, settles, or undergoes Transformation, the relationship between the PC and a partner reaches a separate decision within that ending. That decision influences the campaign ending, and is influenced by it in turn.

There are four major branches:

• Marriage — the relationship becomes formalized and continues into the future
• Separation — the relationship is over, but the memory remains
• Transformation — the relationship changes the PC into a different kind of being
• Tragedy — the relationship ends in loss

Within each branch there are partner-specific endings. All nine partners each have their own ending.

---

#Overview of the 4 Major Branches

#Marriage

Conditions:

• PC and partner Affinity 10
• Ending A (return) or Ending B (settlement)
• Partner's "acceptance of marriage" (not automatic)

Character: The most stable ending. However, the most everyday — the dramatic weight is low. The realities of Sengoku-era marriage (clan, descendants, duty) apply as written in the rules.

#Separation

Conditions:

• Possible at any Affinity level
• Possible in any of Endings A/B/C
• Severance caused by values, distance, or circumstance

Character: The most common ending. The quality of the drama depends on the choices made. It may end in grudge and wounds, or in calm agreement.

#Transformation

Conditions:

• Affinity 10 with a yoma partner (some human partners also possible)
• Leads to Ending C (Transformation)
• Permanent physical change to the PC

Character: The most dramatic. The PC's character arc enters a new phase. Player's prior consent is mandatory.

#Tragedy

Conditions:

• Death, disappearance, or mutual incomprehension of the partner or PC
• The higher the Affinity, the greater the intensity of the tragedy
• The result of circumstances and choices (the GM must not force it)

Character: The heaviest. Use with care. No more than 1 incident per 1 campaign is recommended.

---

#Marriage Endings

#Common Rules

#Marriage Conditions

#Ceremony Types

• Core-world marriage: Ending A (return). The clan traditions of the core world. Matchmaking omitted (based on the parties' own agreement).
• Spirit Realm marriage: Ending B (settlement). The domain's own customs are still forming. Akihisa officiates.
• Half-blood marriage: Uta and yoma partners. A variant of traditional marriage. Elements of two worlds blended.

#Akihisa's Marriage (3 Years After Epilogue)

Prerequisites: Stage 4 "Night of the Marriage Promise" completed + Ending A or B.

Ending A (return) path:

3 years after returning to the core world. The PC visits Kagamiyama Domain again. Akihisa is 19, now the formal lord. He still wears the wakizashi at his hip.

"I knew you would come. I was waiting."

The wedding ceremony is in the 5th month. All 800 residents attend. Akihisa's diary ends on this day — the final passage reads: "Today, one more person came to my domain. Now I no longer have to wait until the very end."

Ending B (settlement) path:

Marriage immediately after Akihisa's coronation ceremony at age 18 in the Spirit Realm. The PC becomes the kokujin local lord's spouse of the Spirit Realm. Their descendants are born as "native humans of the Spirit Realm" — the first generation of humans to reproduce naturally in the Spirit Realm.

Life after marriage:

• 1–3 descendants can be born
• The PC can participate in clan policy (Heart influence +2)
• Given Akihisa's personality, the boundary between public duty and private life is unclear — the PC may sometimes feel that "the lord comes first and the husband second"

#Kagemitsu's Marriage

Prerequisites: Stage 4 "Night of Gyoei" + Ending A or B.

Narrative:

On the day of the wedding ceremony, Kagemitsu is unusually talkative. He keeps adjusting the PC's clothing. When they finally exchange the wedding cup, he cannot hide the tears he has shed.

"From the day my father died, I lived without knowing why I had to keep living. From today, you are that reason. It's fine — I can make better use of this reason."

After marriage:

• Kagemitsu joins the PC's clan. Kagemitsu's family name is absorbed into the PC's.
• Takes up Swordsmanship instruction as a Livelihood. Can found a dojo.
• 1–2 descendants. If a firstborn son arrives, the katana "Gyoei" is passed to him.

#Komachi's "Marriage" (Formally Not a Marriage)

Prerequisites: Stage 4 "End of the Smoke" + any ending.

Narrative:

Komachi refuses a formal wedding ceremony. Instead she performs a "contract" with the PC — a shinobi oath. A promise in blood, and that promise is stronger than marriage.

The residents call the relationship "those two." Something that is neither marriage nor mere cohabitation. No one can attach a precise name to it.

After marriage:

• Komachi changes her name (the "Komachi" she had was a shinobi code name).
• Two rings made by melting down a silver ring — one each for the PC and Komachi.
• Whether to have children is Komachi's choice (generally she does not want to, reluctant to pass on shinobi blood).

#Minako's Companionship (Not a Marriage)

Prerequisites: Stage 4 "A Night Together" + any ending.

Narrative:

Minako refuses "the form of marriage." But she wants the same house, the same night with the PC. On the nights she prays, it is enough for the PC to sit beside her cross.

The residents take time to accept this relationship. Minako fulfills her obligations to the domain's people while quietly maintaining the relationship.

Ending A special:

• The ban on Christianity in the core world is a threat. Minako can choose to go into hiding when returning — exchanging letters with the PC occasionally.
• Or, moving together to the countryside to live in seclusion.

Descendants:

• Minako chooses not to continue her bloodline. An ending with no children.
• Or, adoption of an orphan is possible (1 orphan within the domain).

#Uta's Half-Blood Union

Prerequisites: Stage 4 "The Choice of Two Worlds" + any ending.

Ending A (return):

Uta's half-blood nature draws suspicion of being yoma in the core world. The PC explains and protects her to clan and friends. Their descendants are 1/4 yoma bloodline.

Ending B (settlement):

Being in the Spirit Realm feels natural to Uta. Founding of a "half-blood clan" in the domain. Akihisa grants a special status.

Ending C (Transformation):

The PC chooses a half-Transformation. Lives with Uta in the cottage. A space for just the two of them.

---

#Separation Endings

#Common Rules

Separation is not the same as Affinity dropping to 0. The relationship remains in memory, and the partner NPC continues to exist. However, they decide not to be together.

#Types of Separation

#1. Agreed Separation (Mature Separation)

• Both sides agree, citing values, distance, or duty
• Wounds minimized. Each goes their own way.
• Example: Minako separates from the PC to live as a Kirishitan

#2. Regretful Separation (Separation with Lingering Feeling)

• One side wants it, but the other does not choose it
• Exchange of letters and keepsakes
• Example: Kagemitsu in a situation where he cannot follow the PC (clan duty)

#3. Resentful Separation (Separation Marked by Wounds)

• Severance caused by betrayal, misunderstanding, or Heart conflict
• Recovery is difficult
• Example: The parting caused by Komachi's dual-loyalty problem

#Partner-Specific Separation Patterns

#Akihisa's Separation

• When Affinity 7 but Stage 4 was not reached: Remains as "trusted confidant." Akihisa will always welcome the PC but makes no marriage offer.
• Affinity 4 or below: Formal relationship only. Farewell exchanged when the PC returns.
• Regretful type: Akihisa wanted it but the PC refused. He records only "I was immature" in his diary.

#Kagemitsu's Separation

• Below Affinity 7: Ends as a comradely relationship. At parting, something like "Let's have a drink if we meet again."
• Marriage refused at Affinity 8–9: Regretful type. Kagemitsu is deeply hurt. "You are free. I have my own place."
• Resentful type: Almost never (Kagemitsu is not the type to hold grudges). However, he resents himself.

#Komachi's Separation

• If the PC forced "secret disclosure" after Affinity 8: Resentful type. Komachi disappears without a trace.
• If Komachi initiates the separation first: "You'll be more comfortable without me." She disappears after leaving just this one sentence.
• Regretful type: Komachi keeps her distance, citing that she is one who carries shinobi blood. The PC does not know her new whereabouts.

#Minako's Separation

• The most common form is the unavoidable separation caused by the ban on Christianity.
• Agreed type: Minako chooses to go into hiding when returning to the core world. Correspondence continues.
• Regretful type: Minako chooses to be alone because of the depth of her own wounds. She does not blame the PC.

#Uta's Separation

• Affinity 7 or below: Uta stays in the cottage. She silently accepts the PC leaving.
• Regretful type: "You were not my world. I protect my world."
• Tragedy tendency: After the separation, Uta can quietly complete a self-chosen death or complete the Transformation (GM's choice).

#Yoma Partner Separations

Kagura:

• If halted at Affinity 7: Kagura forgets a little more each day. One day she forgets the PC entirely. The PC still remembers. A quiet, regretful type.

Ryukage:

• Separation caused by Hakario's refusal. Ryukage follows the will of his master. A regretful type close to agreed.

Namibe:

• PC refuses the peaceful-passing petition, or fails a season's companionship. Namibe remains in the Screaming Hell forever. Not resentment, but remorse.

Homura:

• When Transformation is refused, Homura withdraws first. "You're not ready to ride. I understand." Agreed type. However, Homura does not seek the PC afterward.

#Formalizing the Separation

When a player explicitly declares "we separate," the GM:

1. Runs the separation scene (one scene, 10–15 minutes)
2. Records the relationship as closed — Affinity is marked "closed" as a value
3. Repositions the partner's role in the remaining campaign (not hostile, but at a distance)
4. Runs a Three Ways and Six Hearts influence check for the PC (±1–3 depending on the depth of the relationship)

---

#Transformation Endings

#Common Rules

Transformation is an ending in which the PC's physical being and Heart structure are permanently changed through a union with a yoma partner. Leads to Ending C (Transformation).

#The 3 Stages of Transformation (Repeated)

Each stage is irreversible.

#Transformation Patterns by Union

#Kagura's Transformation — Companion of the Revived Body

The PC becomes a being that disappears and reawakens every day. Only within the Reviving Hell. Return to the domain is impossible.

Kagura and the PC meet again in the flower field every day. Some days the memories are complete; some days they are hazy. Time flows by a different law for them.

Epilogue passage:

"Today I met you again. Today you met me again. I do not know which time this is for us. I only know that today exists." — Kagura's memory diary, date unknown.

#Ryukage's Transformation — The Pair of Measurers

Part of the PC's lower body becomes scaled. They stand side by side with Ryukage before the scales of Black Rope Hell. Two people who together measure all contracts throughout the Spirit Realm.

Epilogue passage:

"The scales hold no prejudice. Now the two of us must hold no prejudice either. As long as you are at my side, the scales will not tilt. That is our promise." — Ryukage, oath on the first day of their union.

#Homura's Transformation — The Merging of Two Flames

A seed of flame grows within the PC's body, and they acquire a half-nature of a flame spirit. They need almost no water, and their body temperature is always high. Living in human society becomes difficult.

Homura and the PC reside at the summit of Shonetsu's volcano. They become a presence that occasionally bestows blessings on the domain in winter.

Epilogue passage:

"If you want to burn, you can burn. If you don't want to burn, you don't have to. I'll regulate it. I learned how to regulate it because of you." — Homura's first act of restraint.

#Human Partner Transformation (Special)

Transformation with Uta:

The PC follows Uta's path in a half-Transformation. The two live in the Spirit Realm as successors of the cottage. Their descendants become 3/4 yoma.

Epilogue passage:

"The daughter of two worlds met one of two worlds. We are both. Because we are both, this cottage is our home." — Uta, diary after the union.

#PC Capabilities After Transformation

• Spirit Realm Adaptation: Reduced hunger and sleep. Energy maximum +2 (Spirit Realm only).
• Spirit Realm Perception: Yoma detection +3. Human emotion Perception -1.
• Discomfort in human society: Negotiation -1 when conversing with humans. The other party instinctively becomes wary.
• Heart realignment: The PC's Three Ways and Six Hearts can add a "Transformation" Heart (GM's discretion). A 6th Heart — a form of 魔 is added to the 5-Heart system.

#Transformation Endings and Relationships with Other PCs

• Automatic separation from human partners: When Transformation occurs, human partners automatically separate. They feel the PC is no longer "theirs."
• Fellow PCs' reactions: Fellow party members generally accept it (due to the bonds formed throughout the campaign). However, parting is inevitable — because the PC remains in the Spirit Realm.
• Relationship with Akihisa: Akihisa crosses into the Spirit Realm every year for a reunion. When he faces the transformed PC, he confirms the visible changes. "Are you still you?"

---

#Tragedy Endings

#Common Rules

Tragedy must be the result of choices, not something forced. No more than 1 per campaign is recommended (excess causes emotional fatigue).

#Categories of Tragedy

#1. Partner's Death

• Affinity 7 or below: PC's sense of loss, Morale -1 (chapter-lasting)
• Affinity 8+: PC's Three Ways and Six Hearts tilts 虛 +3. Energy maximum -1 (lasting 1 chapter)
• Affinity 10: Confirmed as ending branch. Details below.

#2. Partner's Disappearance

• Komachi type: Disappears without a trace. Whether alive or dead is never known.
• The PC can pursue a search quest in a follow-up session.

#3. Partner's Transformation (PC Does Not Transform)

• PC remains human while the partner becomes a different species: mutual communication breaks down.
• An extremely rare scenario in which Minako becomes yoma-infested (Chapter 4 medical overwork → yoma encroachment).

#4. Mutual Incomprehension

• Both the PC and the partner are alive, but they can no longer recognize each other.
• Kagura's complete memory loss (Senmangu's intervention fails).
• The human partner cannot recognize the transformed PC.

#Partner-Specific Tragedy Endings

#Akihisa's Tragedy — "The Lord's Sacrifice"

Condition: Akihisa sacrifices himself at the campaign ending ("I will go in your place")

Narrative:

Akihisa gives his own life to save the residents and the PC in the final battle. The last words of a lord who has not yet turned 18:

"I could not make you wait. Forgive me."

The wakizashi remains with the PC. The inscription still reads "soundless."

Aftermath:

• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 虛 +5
• The PC stays in the domain or returns to the core world. In either case, they carry the wakizashi for life.
• Akihisa's grave is built in the domain. The PC visits on every anniversary.

#Kagemitsu's Tragedy — "The One Who Went First"

Condition: Killed in battle at Affinity 8+ (frequent)

Narrative:

The result of Kagemitsu repeatedly saying "I'll go first" in the siege and the decisive battle. Fatal wound. He dies in the PC's arms.

"You live. Live and … just call my name once in a while. That was what I could do. Use Gyoei too."

Aftermath:

• Gyoei in the PC's hands. Additional attack +1, Defense -1 (the excess of grief).
• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 虛 +3.
• Kagemitsu's clan is incorporated into the PC's. Only the name remains.

#Komachi's Tragedy — "Suicide from Betrayal"

Condition: When dual loyalty is not resolved and reaches the ending

Narrative:

In the decisive battle of Chapter 5, the moment when Komachi must betray the PC. She cannot carry out the betrayal. Instead, she chooses to take her own life.

"The best I could do to protect you was this. I could not go to you. But I could not abandon you either. This path … I'm sorry."

Aftermath:

• A bundle of letters in a lacquered box goes to the PC. The PC fully learns Komachi's past.
• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 虛 +5 (deep loss).
• The PC removes the silver ring from Komachi's finger and keeps it.

#Minako's Tragedy — "The Fire of the Ban"

Condition: Kirishitan secret exposed + refusal to renounce faith under compulsion

Narrative:

Immediately after returning in Ending A. Enforcement of the ban on Christianity. Minako refuses to renounce her faith and chooses execution.

"I am going to my mother. I am grateful to you. For letting me live as a human being for a brief time."

Aftermath:

• The cross necklace is delivered to the PC.
• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 慈 +3, 眞 +2.
• The PC launches a political petition to reconsider the ban — possible theme for a follow-up campaign.

#Uta's Tragedy — "The End of the Abandoned One"

Condition: Separation with Affinity below 5 after encountering Uta

Narrative:

After the PC leaves, Uta stays in the cottage alone. Half a year later, she quietly completes the Transformation — by her own will. Or she ends her life.

When the PC visits the cottage later, it is empty. A third grave beside two.

Aftermath:

• "The Song of the Half-Blood" disappears from this world. A permanent cultural loss.
• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 虛 +3.

#Yoma Partner Tragedies

Kagura:

• Transformation union is impossible because Senmangu does not permit her to leave the record.
• Kagura does not wake one day. Absorbed as a common soul in the Reviving Hell.
• The PC returns to the domain carrying only her name.

Ryukage:

• If Hakario's trial fails, Ryukage follows his master's will and does not meet the PC.
• The PC is left in a half-transformed state (irreversible).
• "The young scholar" once again becomes the Nameless One.

Namibe:

• If peaceful passing fails, Namibe is fixed as a part of the Screaming Hell. He forgets the PC.
• Even when the PC visits again, Namibe asks "Who are you?"
• The fishing net is passed to Kirenu.

Homura:

• If the Transformation fails, Homura saves the PC by extinguishing their own flame.
• Homura's existence is annihilated. Permanently gone from the Scorching Heat Hell.
• PC Three Ways and Six Hearts 虛 +5. Recovery is difficult even after the campaign.

---

#Crossing Matrix: Endings and Romance

#Ending A (Return) × Romance

#Ending B (Settlement) × Romance

#Ending C (Transformation) × Romance

---

#Multiple Partner Endings

#Multiple Partners at Affinity 8+

By the rules, only 1 partner can be maintained at Affinity 8+. If multiple partners all have high Affinity at the point of ending:

• Choose 1: The PC takes one partner as a "union," and the rest drop to Affinity 7 (Separation)
• A pact of three (extremely rare): The PC and two partners accept a non-conventional companionship. Example: Kagemitsu and Komachi acknowledge each other and share the PC. In this case it collides with Sengoku-era social problems (clan and bloodline), and the drama continues.

#Human + Yoma Simultaneously

• Generally, human partners separate automatically upon Transformation
• If the PC undergoes only a half-Transformation, maintaining both is possible (special ending)

---

#Epilogue Structure

Each partner's ending benefits from a short epilogue narration. Standard structure:

1. 1 scene: Immediately after the ending (the ending scene)
2. 1 year later: A glimpse of new everyday life
3. 5 years later or a lifetime: The final destination of the relationship

Example — Akihisa's Marriage Ending:

Immediately after the ending: The morning after the wedding ceremony. When the PC steps into the courtyard of the lord's chamber, Akihisa returns the wakizashi to the PC's hands. "This is yours now."

1 year later: The birth of their first child. Akihisa begins writing his diary again — the entries are far longer, and far more candid.

A lifetime: The PC and Akihisa both remain in the memory of the domain's residents as the lord and spouse of this era. Their descendants pass down their story as the myth of "the night of the Drifter."

---

#GM Operations — Managing the Weight of Endings

#Designing the Ending Scene

• Time allocation: Set aside 30–60 minutes within the ending session for romance endings
• Space: Each partner gets a unique ending scene space. Other PCs step briefly to the background.
• Density of description: The ending scene is the most concentrated place in the narrative. Put care into dialogue, scene-setting, and sensation.

#Managing Tragedy

• Advance warning: 2–3 sessions before the tragic development, seed ominous signs. So that players can prepare and intervene.
• No force majeure: Do not kill partners through "fate." Connect it to the player's choices — tragedy as a consequence.
• Room for recovery: After tragedy, prepare a recovery arc for the PC. Allocate time in the campaign continuation or epilogue.

#Respecting the Diversity of Endings

• Not everyone needs a happy ending: Some PCs end a campaign with Separation. That may be the answer for that narrative.
• Tragedy is also a completion: Do not treat a tragic ending as failure. Grief is also a form of maturation.
• The dignity of Transformation: Do not treat a Transformation Ending as a "grotesque ending." It is the result of that PC's choices — a new form of life.

#Player Care

• Post-ending debrief: After the ending session, 5–10 minutes for players to talk about their own ending.
• Handling skeptical feelings: If a player is dissatisfied with their ending, negotiating an alternative ending is possible. However, the campaign's internal consistency must be maintained.

---

#After the Ending — Possibilities for Side Stories

Each romance ending provides material for side-story (follow-up) scenarios:

---

#Connected Documents

• Romance System — rules
• Human Partners — 5 human partners
• Yoma Partners — 4 yoma partners
• Romance Index
• Chapter 5 Ending — Endings A/B/C main file
• Domain NPCs — the stage for follow-up narratives

---

"Someone once said that a love with an ending also has a beginning. But if something remains even after it ends, that must mean the weight of the ending is greater than the weight of the beginning. I chose the heavier thing. That is my narrative." — The last session of a certain campaign, spoken as the PC player's character's final words.