The yakuza are many different things, depending on who is asked. Some call them protectors of the common folk, others think of them as thugs and extortionists, still others rely on them as an unofficial police force. They are simultaneously despised and respected, sometimes even supported by the local authorities. On one hand, they represent the shadowy underworld, directing and controlling local activities. On the other hand, they provide protection for the helpless and watch over those in their care. Of course, such care has a price, and that is how the yakuza make their living. (p. 65)
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Intimidation
Because of your life in the criminal underworld, you have a 5% change +intelligence modifier to discern instantly the nature of a criminal act or how criminals operate in a vicinity.
- Tool Proficiencies: Tattoos: This tattoo grants you +1 Strength but -2 Charisma.
- Languages: You speak a special coded slang useful for talking with others in your Clan. You speak most Thief Cants. You may choose one additional language.
- Equipment: A wakazashi, a set of fine clothes, and a pouch containing 25 gp and an unidentified finger.
You are -- or were -- part of a trusted circle of a Yakuza clan. This gives you a unique loyalty and obedience to your Clan's boss.
Why you adventure is up to you, but for some reason you are operating outside of the direct control of your Clan. Perhaps you are a plant, or an enforcer sent to do the Clan's bidding. Perhaps you quit the Clan and are on the run, looking over your shoulder at all times.
At any rate, if any Senior Member of your Clan directs you to do something, you are bound to do so. To go against him would be to dishonour your Clan. That means death for you and your loved ones.
| d8 | Yakuza Inner Circle |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blackmailer |
| 2 | Burglar |
| 3 | Enforcer |
| 4 | Fence |
| 5 | Highway robber |
| 6 | Hired killer |
| 7 | Pickpocket |
| 8 | Smuggler |
Your status in your Clan shows to other gangsters, even those not familiar with your Clan. There is something about the way you enter a room that warns others that you are to be obeyed.
Junior Yakuza Intimidation Bonus: If you identify a Junior Yakuza member, you gain an +2 bonus to Intimidate. For a Junior Member of your Clan, providing you are still in good standing with the Boss, this bonus is raised to +4.
You have +1 to Intimidate anyone when you are using gangster tactics.
Suggested Characteristics
Your image is life to you. At all times, you must radiate strength and confidence, or face danger.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong. |
| 2 | I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me. |
| 3 | The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden. |
| 4 | I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy. |
| 5 | I am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide. |
| 6 | I don’t pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds. |
| 7 | The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. |
| 8 | I blow up at the slightest insult. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I can help people in need. (Good) |
| 4 | Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. (Evil) |
| 5 | People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Redemption. There’s a spark of good in everyone. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor. |
| 2 | My ill-gotten gains go to support my family. |
| 3 | Something important was taken from me, and I aim to steal it back. |
| 4 | I will become the greatest thief that ever lived. |
| 5 | I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it. |
| 6 | Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | When I see something valuable, I can’t think about anything but how to steal it. |
| 2 | When faced with a choice between money and my friends, I usually choose the money. |
| 3 | If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it. |
| 4 | I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying. |
| 5 | I turn tail and run when things look bad. |
| 6 | An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that. |
Contacts
You have ONE colleague in your Clan who is your Big Brother/Sister. This person can be counted on to help you even at risk to themselves. If forced to choose between you and Clan loyalty, though, your friend may turn on you.
| d6 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Informant |
| 2 | Underboss |
| 3 | Fence |
| 4 | Hired Gun |
| 5 | Bribed Official |
| 6 | Sexual Conquest |
Although you are following the path of the Yakuza, you have not yet vowed your loyalty to a the Clan. You are still expected to follow orders of Clan Members, but straying from your duties will not necessarily mean instant death. You may consider choosing a different path ... if you can wrestle yourself away from the Clan.
Any time you are not sure whether or not to follow the Path of the Yakuza, you may opt to Stray.
If you Stray, you gain:
1. +2 on any skill used to deceive your Yakuza elders. This is reduced by 1 every time you use it.
Crossroads:
If you elect to escape from the Yakuza, it is possible that they will let you slip away eventually. You are just too small fish to fry.
First month: 60% chance of Yakuza attack
Second month: 50% chance of Yakuza attack
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