Rendezvous
A rendezvous is a role-played meeting between a PC or group of PCs and a specific NPC. Rendezvous are generally arranged by PCs or, potentially, key antagonist NPCs who arrange them. Similar to a Court Action, a PC may have one Public rendezvous during each sequence and, optionally, one Private rendezvous per sequence.
If they have a Private rendezvous, they are meeting in a time and a place that is not appropriate for two unmarried samurai to meet. If the rendezvous is willing on both parties, such as for a romantic interlude, there is the potential for GM-determined honor loss or negative rumors to be floated about the activities being engaged in during that rendezvous.
If the PC has forced the rendezvous upon the NPC by an ambush, stealth, or deception, the meeting is unwilling and the NPC may call the guards or otherwise capture or punish the PC.
In order to arrange a Rendezvous, the PC must spend Influence proportional to the status of the NPC.
Status of NPC |
Influence Cost to Rendezvous |
Lower Status than PC |
1 |
Equal Status to PC or within 1 rank higher status than PC |
2 |
Greater status than PC by >1 status rank |
3 + [NPC Status Rank - PC Status Rank] |
With Additional PCs or NPCs invited |
3 + [Highest Status Rank - Lowest Status Rank] + (2 * # of additional guests invited to the Rendezvous) |
PCs may make an Arrange court action during their sequence to decrease the influence cost of a rendezvous or increase the cost of a rendezvous for another character. PCs can arrange Rendezvous for others.
If a PC is targeted by an NPC's Rendezvous action, they must attend the rendezvous alone unless one of their allies has succeeded in a Stymie action.
Once the Rendezvous has been arranged, the character who arranged it can dictate the general circumstances of the Rendezvous. Then the scene is roleplayed out normally.
If a PC is targeted by an NPC's Rendezvous action, they must attend the rendezvous alone unless one of their allies has succeeded in a Stymie action.
Once the Rendezvous has been arranged, the character who arranged it can dictate the general circumstances of the Rendezvous. Then the scene is roleplayed out normally.
Type |
Rendezvous Examples |
Goals or Consequences |
Private |
Attempt an Assassination |
Kill the NPC Be captured or killed by the NPC guards |
Private |
A romantic engagement |
A successful seduction Being caught or shamed by guards Being caught or shamed by a current partner An unsuccessful seduction where the would-be lover is sent away |
Private |
Asserting a Blackmail |
Convincing the Blackmail Victim to lend you Influence The victim decides against assisting the blackmailer and is willing to face the consequences. |
Public |
Using an Ally |
Persuading an Ally to lend you Influence The ally decides not to accept your cause |
Public |
Reporting key news or information |
The NPC accepts your report and even potentially seeks your opinion on solutions The NPC does not accept your report |
Public |
Requesting a Task |
Receiving task that can be completed for the NPC in exchange for Influence or Favors. The NPC asks you procure a favor for him from another NPC in exchange for his assistance. The NPC refuses your request for a task. |
Public |
Cashing in Influence |
Spending Influence directly to procure a favor from the NPC The NPC determines that you do not have sufficient influence for the favor requested and refuses the request. |
