The Three Fires of Kurohama
The Three Fires of Kurohama
“Three fires can turn the tide of a war.”
— Hook · Military mission
“General Ayame's army is losing the battle outside Tsukigata Fortress. She needs you to cross the enemy lines, cripple the siege convoy in Foxfire Pass, and light three signal fires before dawn. If you fail, the fortress falls and every clan in Kurohama will kneel to Lord Masanori.”
— Hook · Military mission
The adventure begins in a war tent beneath the walls of Tsukigata Fortress. Rain taps against the silk canopy while wounded soldiers pass outside. General Ayame places a charcoal map on the table and explains that the fortress can survive only if the enemy siege convoy is stopped before dawn. She offers the party a military seal, two trustworthy scouts, and whatever supplies they can carry, but warns that no relief force can reach the Foxfire Pass in time.
General Ayame Kisaragi
General Ayame summons the party privately after seeing them defend the fortress gate. She offers official authority, limited supplies, and a promise of political protection if they can turn the battle before dawn.
Rumours
d5 · table- 01The Red Crane army carries white-corded wagons that never open in daylight.
- 02Captain Goro has fought for three shoguns and betrayed none of them, but he has abandoned every losing commander.
- 03The Bell Shrine has been silent since the first siege began.
- 04Masanori promised his officers that Tsukigata would fall before the next moon.
- 05A masked mage travels with the siege convoy and never removes their lacquered war mask.
If the party fails, Tsukigata Fortress falls, General Ayame's army is scattered, and Lord Masanori gains control of the province. If they succeed, the fortress holds and the clans gain a chance to unite against the Red Crane army.
Background Lore
The island province of Kurohama is divided between two rival shogunates. Lord Masanori of the Red Crane has gathered a superior army outside the mountain fortress of Tsukigata, whose defenders serve the aging Shogun Haruto. The fortress can hold for only two more nights. A narrow valley called the Foxfire Pass is the only route by which Masanori can bring siege engines and fresh troops to the walls. If the pass is disrupted, Haruto's army can launch a decisive counterattack before the fortress falls.
Lord Masanori's Red Crane army has surrounded Tsukigata Fortress and is moving siege engines through the Foxfire Pass. The defenders need the convoy stopped, Captain Goro's mercenaries brought into the fight, and three signal fires lit at Bell Shrine before dawn. Success will allow General Ayame to launch a counterattack and preserve the independence of Kurohama.
