Rishiri Island
Hokkaido, Japan
23rd February 2025
Idol group Δ+緑 hike the snow covered Mount Rishiri. Filming a music video in the scenic winter isolation for the release of ANTI-GENKI. The figurehead track of their upcoming kawaii-metal album; Howls of the Forgotten Ones.
Leaving Rishirifuji before sunrise to reach the forested base of the mountain, at Rishiri Hokuroku Campsite and trailhead they begin. Following the Oshidomari Route. The journey is four hours long including occasional pauses to film b-roll and individual performances. The crew are prepared even with such favorable conditions.
Mount Rishiri, is a stratovolcano at 1,721m. It is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The weather is clear, a break in the front revealing the blue sky and sun, clear enough to see all the way to Hokkaido for a day or two, perfectly aligning with their schedule
Idol Power:
When an Idol is seen succeeding a Test they gain 1 Idol Power.
Idol Power is a resource that can be spent:
- 2 = +10 bonus
- 3 = Reroll a failed test
- 4 = Automatic success
Production Staff:
Koji:
An aspiring director looking for recognition in the industry. He has scheduled the shoot tightly and helms the trip like a stern captain.
Zakuro:
A chipper tanned young woman handles makeup, styling and wardrobe.
Shinji:
A chubby professional photographer, he uses his expensive gear and drone for filming.
Heizou:
A quiet assistant in charge of the gear sled and three cameras recording behind the scenes footage. He gives two out for vlogs while wearing another on his chest.
Mountain Life:
Even in the off-season they aren't alone, the Oshidomari Route shows signs of activity. Reiko made the hike hours earlier tracks leading ahead.
Along the way the Idols spot a group of skiers enjoying the slopes and Twenty high schoolers and their two chaperones from the hiking club of the Yokohama International School.
The Summit:
Reaching the busy summit the Idols are surrounded by beautiful vistas in every direction. A flattened portion contains a shrine and a set of wooden benches. Reiko sits here focused on a notebook, while the Hiking Club finishes taking photos and are in the process of exploring.
The Shrine:
A well maintained and neat shinto some of the hikers have left offerings. A laminated piece of paper lists the prices for a small collection of trinkets orderly laid out.
- Omamori, simple lucky charms.
Those who purchase a charm are less likely to be attacked.
- Omikuji, strips of paper with random fortunes.
Contains only bad fortunes.
Early Lunch:
The Team recuperates and eats lunch before continuing filming. Besides the stunning scenery there is little that stands out however;
Search:
Below the Shrine is an upturned patch of earth, a filled in hole containing clumps of congealed blood, twists of knotty hair, smashed mulberries and bone fragments.
Occult:
The site of an Onmyōdō ritual, likely related to a planet parade. A rare seven-planet alignment that began on the 22nd with Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Mars visible in the night sky.
- Reiko ignores any attempt at conversation, hefting her heavy bag and descending.
- The boldest high-schoolers ask for selfies with the Idols.
Un-Idol-lic Circumstances:
By noon the Hiking club begins their descent and Koji has the Idols performing around the summit.
Once each Idol has an opportunity to perform the sky darkens as heavy clouds roll in unnaturally fast, unleashing dangerously powerful gusts of wind, threatening to carry off anyone on the mountain.
A moment of serenity follows. The wind halts and otherworldly singing in an alien language fills the air. Deafeningly it resounds, making the mountain shake. A dense veil of snow falls reducing visibility from midday to dusk as a blizzard materialises across the island.
Kitakaze no odoriko,
the North Wind Dancer:
Reiko's defilement has roused the Mountain Kami. It's Influence over the whole island stretching the landmass across the boundaries of reality and into alien dimensions. The first symptom is time moving at an inexplicable rate, conforming to the deity’s will as it awaits the ageless rites performed to appease it.
Descent:
Snatching wind, blinding snow, lethal footing, freezing cold and worse lay ahead for those escaping the freak storm. All tests suffer -10 from the overwhelming conditions.
On the way down they encounter:
- Privacy stations all along the route show signs of Violence. Torn clothing, abandoned equipment and bloody streaks leading off the trail.
- Imprints in the snow of bare hands and feet.
- Terrified high-schoolers scramble down the mountainside, stuttering about inhuman things in the blizzard and voices trying to lure them from the path
- An ornate lantern on a stick.
- Dead skiers frozen mid action.
- Jikininki Attack, trying to drag the weak off the trail.
- Yuki Onna calls out to tempt all who hear.
Yokai:
Yuki Onna are immensely beautiful looking pale women in kimonos. They kill those trespassing on the mountain by draining their bodily heat with a freezing touch.
Jikininki are grotesque shambling horrors in clothing from throughout history, damned victims claimed by the Mountain Kami.
Rishiri Hokuroku Campsite:
The Camp Centre is closed during the off-season. Forcing the survivors to break inside, finding refuge within. A comfy common room and a back office is a makeshift bastion against the cold and horrors. They discuss their next actions. Half want to make a run for town, the rest want to remain and await rescue.
A glass display inside contains a selection of historical musical instruments necessary for the cleansing ritual. Ornately crafted Shamisen, Biwa, Koto and Taiko.
The vehicles parked outside are trapped in snow and ice.
Yokai openly stalk the roads and paths killing all fleeing.
Professor Reiko Mori:
An obsessive anthropologist and shinto theologist. Her pursuit for esoteric knowledge led to sealed records of Onmyōji rites used to sanctify the land and commune with Kami. She discovers Kitakaze no odoriko was once renowned for generously bestowing wishes during celestial festivals.
Last night she attempted to carry out the celestial ritual herself but failed and settled on ransacking the site. Stealing an artifact buried below the shrine for her collection.
Distraught Reiko rants madly about her failure while using a litter bin as a fire barrel feeding in handfuls of papers and notebooks. She loudly insists they're all doomed. Unless the Idols help her carry out the ritual correctly. Reiko covers all but one of the steps.
- The Mountain and Shrine must be cleansed.
- The Artifact returned.
- Completed during Sunrise.
- The Kami must be appeased with a human sacrifice.
- A wish is granted.
The Artifact:
Something heavy and solid swaddled in a cloth sack slowly leaking sweet crimson liquid, softly vibrates when touched.
Defending the Centre:
While Reiko prepares Ofuda talismans for protection the survivors must defend as skiers and hikers now Jikininki bound to the mountain try to break inside. Hauntingly begging for help as Yuki Onna calls out with the voices of loved ones promising rescue and safety.
The Ritual:
Led by Reiko and protected with paper talismans, the rites begin at the base of the mountain, requiring the Idols to recite the Amatsu Norito Incantation in rhythm and tune to music:
Taka ama hara-ni kamu zumarimasu
Kamurogi kamuromi-no mikoto mochite
Sumemioya kamu izanagi-no oo kami
Tsukushi-no himuka-no tachibana-no odo-no awagigahara-ni
Misogi harai tamahishi toki-ni aremaseru
haraido-no oo kami-tachi
Moromoro-no magagoto tsumi kegare-o
Hara-e tama-e kiyome tama-e tomo maossu koto-no yoshi-o
Amatsu kami kunitsu kami yaoyorozu-no kami-tachi tomo-ni kikoshi mese to
Kashikomi kashikomi mo maosu.
During the ascent seven stops are made where entertaining acts, usually dances or feats of skill, must be performed. The Instruments and performances are a component but not as integral as the Incantation. Pow Tests are made at each stop, requiring one Idol succeeds or the ritual fails.
If the Idols can maintain the Ritual they will not be attacked. The Yokai and ghostly figures gather and form a procession following them.
The Performance of a Lifetime:
Each step sanctifies the Mountain, reaching the shrine is the beginning of the end. Against the slithers of the rising sun a massive towering figure watches through the blizzard as its silhouette ripples with the wind.
Once Reiko returns the relic to the sanctified earth the inhuman singing of the Kami returns joined by the howling wind, a chorus of snowflakes and clamor of the souls of the damned. Attempting to drown out the Idols.
- The Idols must fight to be heard.
- Three opposed musical performance tests must be passed for the ritual.
As the dire situation seems almost lost, Reiko throws herself off the summit. Her obscured shape is carried into the storm and vanishes. Completing the final step.
Each Idol must make a Wish:
The Kami wordlessly grants the wish of the Idol with the Most IP before returning to slumber.
Conclusions:
- Completing the ritual halts the blizzard and with it the Yokai hunting the mountain saving those still alive.
- Failing the ritual results in death for all inhabitants of the island. The freak storm and accidents are blamed.
Japanese Idol Profession:
Profession Skills:
- Alertness - 60%
- Athletics - 60%
- Disguise - 40%
- Dodge - 60%
- HUMINT - 50%
- Occult - 40%
- Persuade - 40%
- Art: Dancing 60%
- Art: Singing 60%
- Art: Modeling 60%
Pick One:
- Art: Drum (Taiko) 60%
- Art: Guitar (Shamisen) 60%
- Art: Bass (Biwa) 60%
- Art: Harp (Koto) 60%
- 3 Bonds
- 100 Skill points to spend freely.
- Idols start with Idol Power matching Charisma score.
Outfits and Props:
A pretty face and nice voice isn't enough to stand out in the world of Idols anymore. A distinct eye-catching style and presence must be possessed to make it to the top.
Idol Outfits:
Pick one or have the Idols make their own.
- The Goth Miko Priestess
A gothic spin on divine traditional dress of purity.
The Idol suffers -10 to Luck tests for their blasphemy.
- The Gyaru Cultist
Tanned and coated in garish makeup and long colorful cultist robes. The Idol suffers -10 to Stealth tests for their eye-catching appearance.
- The Stylish Mofuku Kimono
A simple black mourning Kimono completely laden with extravagantly stylish accessories and trinkets. The Idol suffers -10 to Athletics tests for the restrictive clothing.
- The Gothic Lolita.
The iconic Frilly Gothic Lolita Dress is immensely impractical for the weather. The Idol suffers -10 to Cold related Con Tests.
Music Video Props:
Pick one or have the Idols make their own.
- Katana
Traditional and familiar with an honorable style
Melee Weapons (1D8)
- Gohei Staff
Divine and dutiful with a pure style
Melee Weapons (1D8)
- Daikyū Bow and arrows
Refined and noble with an elegant style
Firearms 60m (1D6+1)
- European longsword
Foreign and exotic with a chivalrous style.
Melee Weapons (1D10)
Idol Pregens:
Lady Tsuki - Yumi Tanaka
Japanese Idol - Lead Singer and Drummer of Δ+緑
STR: 9 CON: 10 DEX: 14 INT: 12 POW: 10 CHA: 17
HP: 9 WP: 10 SAN: 50 BP: 40
Bonds: Family: 17 Fans: 17 Idol Company: 17
Idol Power: 17
Skills:
Alertness - 60%
Athletics - 60%
Disguise - 40%
Dodge - 60%
HUMINT - 50%
Occult - 40%
Persuade - 40%
Art: Dancing - 60%
Art: Singing - 70%
Art: Modeling - 60%
Art: Drum (Taiko) - 60%
Drive -30%
Firearms - 30%
First Aid - 20%
Melee Weapons 50%
Stealth - 30%
Survival - 20%
Swim -20%
Unarmed Combat - 50%
Equipment:
Emergency Flares
Large Winter coat
Thermal boots
Mobile phone
Fire starting kit
Outfit and Prop.
Countess Voracious - Azumi Goto
Japanese Idol - Guitarist and Backing Vocalist of Δ+緑
STR: 10 CON: 11 DEX: 10 INT: 12 POW: 14 CHA: 15
HP: 10 WP: 14 SAN: 70 BP: 56
Bonds: Family: 15 Fans: 15 Idol Company: 15
Idol Power: 15
Skills:
Alertness - 70%
Athletics - 60%
Disguise - 40%
Dodge - 60%
HUMINT - 50%
Occult - 60%
Persuade - 60%
Art: Dancing 60%
Art: Singing 60%
Art: Modeling 70%
Art: Guitar (Shamisen) 70%
Drive -20%
Firearms - 20%
First Aid - 10%
Melee Weapons 40%
Stealth - 10%
Survival - 10%
Swim -20%
Unarmed Combat - 60%
Equipment:
Emergency Flares
Large Winter coat
Thermal boots
Mobile phone
Fire starting kit
Outfit and Prop.
Duchess Claire - Aoi Hamamoto
Japanese Idol - Bassist and Backing Vocalist of Δ+緑
STR: 13 CON: 13 DEX: 11 INT: 11 POW: 12 CHA: 12
HP: 13 WP: 12 SAN: 60 BP: 48
Bonds: Family: 12 Fans: 12 Idol Company: 12
Idol Power: 12
Skills:
Alertness - 60%
Athletics - 70%
Disguise - 40%
Dodge - 60%
HUMINT - 60%
Occult - 40%
Persuade - 40%
Art: Dancing 60%
Art: Singing 60%
Art: Modeling 60%
Art: Bass (Biwa) 60%
Drive -20%
Firearms - 20%
First Aid - 50%
Melee Weapons 60%
Stealth - 10%
Survival - 10%
Swim -20%
Unarmed Combat - 50%
Equipment:
Emergency Flares
Large Winter coat
Thermal boots
Mobile phone
Fire starting kit
Outfit and Prop.
Empress Junko - Kanako Wakabayashi
Japanese Idol - Harpist and Backing Vocalist of Δ+緑
STR: 12 CON: 12 DEX: 10 INT: 10 POW: 12 CHA: 14
HP: 12 WP: 12 SAN: 60 BP: 48
Bonds: Family: 14 Fans: 14 Idol Company: 14
Idol Power: 14
Skills:
Alertness - 60%
Athletics - 60%
Disguise - 40%
Dodge - 60%
HUMINT - 50%
Occult - 40%
Persuade - 40%
Art: Dancing 70%
Art: Singing 60%
Art: Modeling 60%
Art: Harp (Koto) 70%
Drive -20%
Firearms - 50%
First Aid - 10%
Melee Weapons 40%
Stealth - 30%
Survival - 10%
Swim -20%
Unarmed Combat - 60%
Equipment:
Emergency Flares
Large Winter coat
Thermal boots
Mobile phone
Fire starting kit
Outfit and Prop.
Yuki Onna
Freezing femme fatales.
STR: 12 CON: 10 DEX: 10 INT: 10 POW: 5
HP: 20
ARMOR: 1 Frozen exterior.
SKILLS: Alertness 60%, Stealth 50%, Dodge 40%, Freeze surroundings 80%, Inhuman Mimicry 80%.
ATTACKS: Freezing Touch 50% Lethality 50%.
San Loss: 1/D6
Absolute Zero:
Coming into direct contact with an Yuki Onna prompts a -30 Con Test. Failing results in 1D10 reduction to Con.
Mimicry:
Yuki Onna uses otherworldly magics to perfectly mimic friends and family to lure prey further into blizzards.
Jikininki
Japanese Zombies?
STR: 9 CON: 9 DEX: 6 INT: 9
HP: 9
SKILLS: Alertness 50%, Athletics 50%, Stealth 30%, Dodge 20%.
ATTACKS: Claw Slash 1D6 40%, Ravenous Gnawing 1D8 20%
San Loss: 1/D4
Kitakaze no odoriko, the North Wind Dancer
Angry mountain deity
Celestial Choir: Music Skill 60%
Kitakaze no odoriko's extra dimensional form can emit hypergeometric notes that interfere with magical Rituals.
Command Weather:
Kitakaze no odoriko has complete control over the weather on Rishiri Island.
Command Yokai:
Kitakaze no odoriko has complete control over the Yokai on Rishiri Island. Using them to attack trespassers on it's mountain.
San Loss: D6/D10
Reiko Mori
Mad Professor
STR: 9 CON: 9 DEX: 10 INT: 18 POW: 15
HP: 9 WP: 15
SKILLS: Anthropology 75%, Alertness 60%, Athletics 55%, Computer Science 50%, Dodge 40%, Drive 50%, Firearms 40%, First Aid 50%, HUMINT 60%, Melee Weapons 30%, Occult 80%, 80% History 70%, Stealth 50%, Unarmed Combat 60%, Unnatural 15%
Hikers and Skiers
Everyone else
STR: 10 CON: 10 DEX: 10 INT: 10 POW: 10
HP: 10 WP: 10
SKILLS: Alertness 60%, Athletics 55%, Dodge 40%, First Aid 50%, Stealth 50%, Unarmed Combat 60%, Melee Weapons 30%.
Credits
Δ+緑 was written by Lovecraft's Cat Herder for the 2025 Shotgun Scenario contest.
Source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RcO7DbMl7Xq4z_SxlQW6vu33gsSVBrxpa-ooc-Barbk/edit