The Black Heron’s Bargain
The Black Heron’s Bargain
Read Aloud
The trapdoor opens onto a dead laboratory beneath the shrine. A man in a travel-stained robe steps from behind the distillation table, one hand resting on his katana. He studies your faces, then says, "If you came for a reward, you are late. If you came for justice, choose your words carefully."
The Scene
NEUTRALParley under threatBase DC 13Stakes The hideout contains evidence of a criminal network, but exposing it may force the Black Heron to abandon the only place where he can protect his witness.
20 to 30 minutes
Learn whether the party is connected to the criminal organization, preserve the ledger, and secure protection for Mina before leaving the city.
The party can offer protection, reveal knowledge of the organization, produce proof that Mina is safe, or promise to expose the organization instead of the Black Heron.
- Point out that the lab is failing and cannot remain hidden.
- Offer to hide or escort the witness Mina.
- Mention the organization’s victims by name.
- Refuse to draw weapons and place valuables on the floor as a sign of trust.
- Search the lab openly, risking the collapse and destroying the chance to bargain.
- Ask direct questions about the organization.
- Offer a specific deal with a clear cost.
- Challenge his claim that he protects people by hiding alone.
- Appeal to the samurai code of repaying a debt.
- Threaten to expose the shrine, which makes him reach for his katana.
- A respectful question earns a short, useful answer.
- An accusation makes him name one crime the party has committed or permitted through inaction.
- A promise involving Mina makes him lower his hand from the katana.
- A threat against the shrine shifts him to HOSTILE.
- A precise offer to destroy the organization earns the party a chance to inspect the lab.
