Spy

Being designated a spy is problematic for many samurai. By definition, a spy uses deception and subterfuge to gather information, and they may even employ more sinister methods, such as blackmail or extortion, to achieve assigned objectives. Such nefarious and underhanded methods naturally fly in the face of the Bushidō tenets of Sincerity, Righteousness, and Honor. Indeed, some particularly honorable samurai will commit seppuku before acceding to their lord’s wish for them to act as a spy, no matter how great the need. That said, many samurai have fewer qualms and accept the harm to their honor if that is the duty assigned to them by their superiors.

In reality, most spies do little more than simply observe and report on events and happenings of interest to their superiors. Some, however, go on to develop more sophisticated methods and techniques, including using stealth and disguises to enter places that are otherwise off-limits to them, and communicating crucial and sensitive information by means of complex ciphers and codes.

Assigned By: Daimyō, clan champions, magistrates, and clandestine organizations surreptitiously task a samurai with acting as a spy. Unlike other titles, of course, this is never announced publicly.

Status Award: –5

XP to Completion: 24

Ears Everywhere (Title Ability): Once per game session as a Scheme and Support action or as a downtime activity targeting a particular location or social group, you may gather and sift through the current rumors for credible intelligence by making a TN 4 Sentiment (Air) check. If you succeed, you discover the latest happenings relevant to your current location or social group, as well as which current rumors are false. If discerning someone’s qualities is your social objective in an intrigue scene, you score momentum points equal to your Air Ring plus your bonus successes.

: You plant a rumor that spreads among the characters in the scene or the targeted group (although they don’t necessarily believe it).