Animal Empathy

3 points (2 points for Otaku and Kitsune)

The character has an exceptional rapport with animals; he understands them, and they seem to accept him. The character gets a free raise on any roll involving a wild animal, and two free raises on any roll involving a domesticated animal. Because the character is exceptionally close to animals, any roll that would harm an animal, except as an act of mercy, has its TN raised by 10. This advantage is most common among the Kitsune and Otaku because of the close bond those families have with the animals under their care.

Also, it must be noted that the bonuses from this advantage will also apply to Tainted animals, but these animals do not cause the character to experience the raised TN to injure them. Killing a Tainted animal is always seen as a mercy to it. It is also very important to note that if the character ever acquires the Onikage Stink Disadvantage, the bonuses from this advantage will forevermore apply only to Tainted animals. All normal animals will avoid any character with the Onikage Stink, no matter how close they may have been before.

Broad Study

2 points (Shugenja only)

The character has broadened his studies more than most shugenja in his school. He loses the Deficiency gained from his school, but also loses his Affinity. Students of schools that normally have two Affinities and two Deficiencies may choose which opposing set they lose. For these schools, this advantage may be taken twice.

Eagle Eyes

2 points

The character is capable of making out incredible detail. He gets a free raise on any Perception test involving vision. Also, the character is able to discern remarkable detail on items close up, such as reading microprinting or noticing almost invisible stains, and can discern objects almost twice as far away as normal bushi. An additional benefit for Unicorn and Naga, because they actually aim their arrows instead of shooting by reflex, is that these characters also gain a free raise on any Archery rolls; this free raise must be used on the shot and not for damage.

Focused Study

3 points (Shugenja only)

The character has focused his studies more than most shugenja in his school. The shugenja gains a second Affinity in one of the two elements in which he has neither an Affinity nor Deficieny, and a second Deficiency in that opposing element. For students of schools that regularly have no Affinity or Deficiency, the player may choose any of the four elements for the Affinity, and receives the Deficiency in the oposing element; also, students of these schools may take this Advantage twice. For students of schools that normally have two Affinities and two Deficiencies, this advantage may not be taken. Shugenja that do not use standard elemental magic (Ishiken, Sodan Senzo, etc.) cannot take this Advantage.

Varied Study

1 point (Shugenja only)

The character has chosen to follow a more unorthodox path than most shugenja that attend his school. The character's Deficiency can be changed to an element that does not oppose his Affinity. Only shugenja with only one Affinity and only one Deficiency may choose this Advantage.

Yasuki Blood

6 points (2 points for Yasuki, 3 points for Crab, 4 points for Crane)

The character is a natural merchant, good with koku and with bargaining. The character gets a free raise on all Merchant skills, and using Commerce is not dishonorable for him. This does not necessarily mean the character is blood-related to the Yasuki, it merely reflects his mercantile ability.