A Pirate's Life for Me - Yoritomo Ochiba Q&A

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Acknowledgements

Before I launch into the Q&A more fully I'm keen to thank Boogie and Hatoful GM for their hard work preparing, coordinating and running this game! I know a huge amount of effort went into Nakahama and the community is fortunate to have passionate GMs willing to donate their time, money and effort.

You created a really fun, memorable and at time innovative campaign and I know we are all hugely impressed by such a successful game. Hats off (or maybe in Boogie's case, feathered hats on.)

I'd also like to send my thanks on to Yoritomo Yakura's player, who I know was battling both work and family obligation no-oni but still made time to be the best Mantis partner anyone could ask for. Finishing with the most gentries per capita was a good reward, but it's the fun scenes along the way that will stick with me.

A bow too for Kaiu Ryosei's player for a sweet romance, not something I was expecting coming into the game but I quite like the vibe our characters ended up with.

And of course a more general thanks to everyone I enjoying RPing with throughout Nakahama. Quite a number of those scenes were memorable and I immensely enjoyed the laid-back and warm attitude from many of the players.

Reflections

After a few banners I was keen to build a character that was suited to the chill relaxed air of Nakahama and that mechanically could do something that was only possible within the Banner ruleset. After umming and ahhing about a full metal crab for a while I decided that with a fairly busy schedule I'd go for something simpler, and so Yoritomo Ochiba, the Mantiest Mantis to ever Mantis was born.

My initial goals for her were:

- To be a shameless greedy pirate
- To err closer to the chaotic evil side of things
- To be a total outgoing hedonist, a good excuse to get involved with other characters (and I hoped) shenanigans.

Ultimately while I think the greed got across okay and she was definitely an outgoing hedonist, she ended up being a bit nicer and friendlier than the original image. I think this is mainly because (a) it's not much fun being a dick to people IC unless everyone is in agreement on it and (b) a lot of the characters she ran into were people she would naturally feel some affinity for. Still, she did get to often display her laissez-faire approach to violence.

Quirks that she developed over the course of the game included:

- Horrendous driving and parking
- Being deeply superstitious (as a stereotypical sailor often is)
- Becoming a life coach whenever she felt samurai needed to be told to shoot and or seduce an issue.
- Becoming a lowkey fan of 'nerd' culture

Ochiba was a blast to play from the RP perspective, just this little trouble goblin driving around with a huge wad of bills and a 'fuck the world' attitude. Mechanically she was also good fun, although at this XP level I think we are leaving behind the 'any character has a chance' era as you hit the fully optimized builds (outside of the PC mechanics free events, which were a fun incorporation). She was built to be good at combat and she ended up fighting extremely successfully, bodying pretty much everyone she ran into off the base power of simple action attacks and a workable build.

One last reflection I might offer is that Nakahama was not designed, built or run as a cutthroat high stakes PvP competition. Games are often most fun when played in the intended spirit (certainly for our GMs). Food for thought.

Ochiba's next steps

As captain of a true warship Ochiba will be out there terrorising the space lanes...but she's also going to give this whole 'normal relationship' back on Green Carp a real shot, Nakahama has not seen the last of her, the noise violations will continue. Whether she is in turn shot and defenestrated with her ship stolen or ends up rich beyond even her wildest dreams is beyond the scope of the game, but it's fun to imagine.

In the event the Boogie one is willing to grace us with a future Banner will Ochiba return? I rarely reprise characters so it would have to be the right game with the right theme. Still, she's always out there...double parked and waiting.

Thanks to everyone who made it this far, and I hope you have some good holidays coming up at the end of 2025!

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Ochiba Gentries

The New Orochi - Katana Class Battleship


After the untimely passing of Yasuki Nagsia her old battleship was left without a legal ownership. This posed something of a logistics and PR problem regarding sweeping the shenanigans it was involved in under the rug. Enter Ochiba who proposed to take very, very good care of the ship under a new name and paint job.

Now the New Orochi serves as her ship (the first hopefully, of many) as it raids the supply lanes and outskirts of the Mantis' enemies. It's crew a mixture of young and hungry Mantis from lower rank samurai backgrounds and Crab deserters trying to avoid imprisonment or worse after the failed coup. It can often be seen working alongside the infamous privateer The Great Orochi, hunting like two sharks in the great star ocean.

When battle is joined the crew fight fiercely for the generous share of plunder they will earn upon successful capture of a vessel, but there is a strict adherence to the captain's rules:

- Everyone gets a chance to surrender (saves on ammo)
- Only shoot a nerd if you really have to
- Don't shoot this ever growing list of samurai the captain personally likes

The Governor's Hunt


This hunting lodge and expedition center hosts visitors in luxury inbetween 'dangerous' expeditions into the jungle and waters of Green Carp. Guests can wrestle sharks (after signing a comprehensive waiver), chase terrors of the deep or even hunt the elusive Jigoku Flower.

The Governor herself is a patron of the establishment with a penthouse always kept in her name but otherwise the business caters primarily to offworlders. Unusually there are a number of shrines and even a small library and science center focusing on 'nerd' stuff, i.e all the interesting flora and fauna that it's not much fun to hunt.

Prices vary according to season and level of service with a number of the cheapest bungalow options catering to poorer samurai looking to build experience in the area or just enjoy travel on the cheap.

Alliance Hotel - Shared with Yoritomo Yakura


A beachfront hotel focusing on providing the most relaxing and luxurious vacation possible, The Alliance Hotel is open to samurai of all clans but with discounted rates for Mantis, Crane and Spider. Famous heroes from all the clans are depicted in art throughout the venue, including a shirtless Crane oshidama legend by the beach and a number of spider in the conference room.

Visitors are invited to take advantage of a number of partnerships with local businesses, particularly those looking for antiques or other local culture knickknacks. Staffing is strictly merit based and there are rumours that the position of head maître d' is determined by a nighttime yacht duel. Management does not comment on such matters but has taken advantage of the glut of yachts locally to offer sailing expeditions as a regular treat.

A large copper statue of Osano Wo has been placed outside (thankfully, fenced in) and it seems to attract more than its share of lightning when a storm passes over the island. Ochiba thinks this is sick as hell.

[Yoritomo Yakura]

O-chan!

Thanks for Mantising with me! I loved our threads, I think the two hit it off quite well and complimented each other in the worst/best fashion.

Also, I hope Ochiba is taking the MegaCup with herself to the New Orochi!

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Ochiba was the Shonen Protagonist among all us, inspiring everyone around her to be their best selves!

The plunderer of hearts was critical to Ichitaiyo's development, and without her, her story would have been terribly different. I'm so glad we got to write together, and here's to some post-campaign writting!

[Tamori Kanna]

Ochiba was so much fun, and I loved her and Kanna becoming good friends! The unlikely friendship of a rough space pirate and the sheltered nepo-baby!

Any unfinished business for Ochiba at the end of the game?

[Hatoful GM]

Oh, Ochiba. The violence/hedonism goblin energy was strong and fun. Speaking as a GM, I appreciated that there was a character who was strong enough to do quite well in the combats without breaking them. Therefore, I could be assured that the badguys would probably all die sooner or later, even if the next best combatant was rolling 5k3 or something.

Who or what had the biggest influence on how Ochiba changed this game?

[Kaiu Nagisa]

The fact she could make such ridiculous acronyms on the spot… Amazing.

Also please learn to park.

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

O-chan!

Thanks for Mantising with me! I loved our threads, I think the two hit it off quite well and complimented each other in the worst/best fashion.

Also, I hope Ochiba is taking the MegaCup with herself to the New Orochi!

Two sides of the greater Yoritomo experience! I did very much enjoy their vibes together. And you can be sure the MegaCup is in a place of honour on the New Orochi!

Ochiba was the Shonen Protagonist among all us, inspiring everyone around her to be their best selves!

The plunderer of hearts was critical to Ichitaiyo's development, and without her, her story would have been terribly different. I'm so glad we got to write together, and here's to some post-campaign writting!

Thank you so much! We had some very fun scenes together, I got a little more experimental than I usually do so thank you for indulging me. I thought the two had a very fun dynamic, Ochiba definitely has shonen protagonist vibes, at least in terms of the ultra-violence. To the writing!

Ochiba was so much fun, and I loved her and Kanna becoming good friends! The unlikely friendship of a rough space pirate and the sheltered nepo-baby!

Any unfinished business for Ochiba at the end of the game?

Kanna's position as a great and powerful fortune teller certainly sealed her place in Ochiba's affections. That and of course Kanna just being pure sunshine, and bringing gifts! I think Ochiba managed to complete her list of activities which mainly amounted to:

- Having a good time; and
- Having a very good time.

I had wanted to write up a yacht jousting event, but life ended up being too hectic, c'est la guerre!

Oh, Ochiba. The violence/hedonism goblin energy was strong and fun. Speaking as a GM, I appreciated that there was a character who was strong enough to do quite well in the combats without breaking them. Therefore, I could be assured that the badguys would probably all die sooner or later, even if the next best combatant was rolling 5k3 or something.

Who or what had the biggest influence on how Ochiba changed this game?

I really appreciate that you brought us a volcano lizard to fight! Sakkaku just apparently doesn't like volcano lizards.

There were a lot of competing influences on Ochiba this game. I think I might actually throw to the events there, beforehand she basically had no interest in 'nerd shit' which I think was a combination of struggling in school and not being particularly bright, at least in that direction. But now she's actually had a chance to play cards, LARP and go to conventions she really enjoyed it. A newly developed appreciation for the finer things in life.

The fact she could make such ridiculous acronyms on the spot… Amazing.

No better way to get her point across

Also please learn to park.

[Suzume Hitomi]

Thanks for dragging Hitomi out of her shell (and occasionally me out of writing funk land)! It was very entertaining watching Ochiba chaotically pinball across Nakahama. Good to know evil Nagisa's ship is in good hands...well, chaotic evil ones, but they'll take care of the ship.

It was interesting finding the headspace Hitomi would be in with Ochiba's extreme everything. Probably for the best that she didn't pick up on the 'is an actual pirate' element.

Did she manage to blow through her starting allotment of koku? Is her 'home' when on Green Carp a fancy suite at the hotel? Does she ever 'retire' from piracy to enjoy her ill-gotten gains watching yacht races and being the wild 'aunt' to the kids that invariably show up as her island friends start families?

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Thanks for dragging Hitomi out of her shell (and occasionally me out of writing funk land)! It was very entertaining watching Ochiba chaotically pinball across Nakahama. Good to know evil Nagisa's ship is in good hands...well, chaotic evil ones, but they'll take care of the ship.

It was interesting finding the headspace Hitomi would be in with Ochiba's extreme everything. Probably for the best that she didn't pick up on the 'is an actual pirate' element.

Did she manage to blow through her starting allotment of koku? Is her 'home' when on Green Carp a fancy suite at the hotel? Does she ever 'retire' from piracy to enjoy her ill-gotten gains watching yacht races and being the wild 'aunt' to the kids that invariably show up as her island friends start families?

And when that ship needs a luxury interior refitting who better than Hitomi to provide some class drip for the meeting rooms? Thank you for many fun threads and good vibes! It was a very enjoyable back and forth (I was also amused pretty much everytime they met Ochiba had killed something new).

Ochiba would have said she's not a pirate, she's a privateer. Clearly solving the problem!


Didn't even come close to blow through the koku, I should have bought another yacht! But it was fun having the fluff of 'more money than she knows what to do with'.

I think when on Green Carp it will be alternating between the penthouse and Ryosei's home. Having the penthouse is important to her sense of self worth ('Look, I made it to the top!'), but it's not really cozy or lived in.

Ochiba really does want it all so whether she retires I think depends on how successful the privateering life is. There might be a number out there where she calls it quits, but it's a very very big number, enough to thumb her nose at all the snooty kids in the dojo! Naturally she'd be the most enthusiastic aunt ever, trying to convince the kids to chase their dreams and be badass at any opportunity and spoiling them like crazy.

[Boogiepop]

Hello! Thank you for joining us once more and playing Banner!

Despite not doing the evil thing, I think Ochiba managed to do her fill of things and leave her triple-parked mark on the island! Really glad that Ochiba and Ayame managed to hit it off on Day 1, they narrowly avoided going into a footsies war and kept the peace between their Clans. Thank you for the mountain hike scene, enjoyed the hostess governor getting hosted! The camp scene was pretty hilarious. Oh, and you definitely filled the gap in a lot of combat scenes.

I think you are right about the XP level, however. Kind of feel tempted to go back in XP to be honest, double attack territory is like uber scary. Some Bushi schools play fine in the RP space, but combat really painfully differentiates them a lot.

Was there any way Ochiba could have been convinced to go to the DARK side? Could Umiko have curried her favour to side with her? Maybe even Yasuki Nagisa?

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Hello! Thank you for joining us once more and playing Banner!

Despite not doing the evil thing, I think Ochiba managed to do her fill of things and leave her triple-parked mark on the island! Really glad that Ochiba and Ayame managed to hit it off on Day 1, they narrowly avoided going into a footsies war and kept the peace between their Clans. Thank you for the mountain hike scene, enjoyed the hostess governor getting hosted! The camp scene was pretty hilarious. Oh, and you definitely filled the gap in a lot of combat scenes.

I think you are right about the XP level, however. Kind of feel tempted to go back in XP to be honest, double attack territory is like uber scary. Some Bushi schools play fine in the RP space, but combat really painfully differentiates them a lot.

Was there any way Ochiba could have been convinced to go to the DARK side? Could Umiko have curried her favour to side with her? Maybe even Yasuki Nagisa?

And thank you again for running

The scenes with Ayame were a lot of fun, Ochiba really didn't think she actually had a shot, so there was a bit of 'dog catches car' initially. Ayame ticked an awful lot of boxes (hot, rich, powerful, skilled warrior) which was the source of her initial attraction. Then they seemed to get on well together! Hopefully friends into the future even with a more responsible governor.

Simple action attacks are definitely a big power shift (particularly when some bushi still do not have them at IR 3) it makes balancing much more difficult as the system hits full rocket tag.

Ochiba could probably have been convinced to go to the dark side, she's very money motivated and cunning rather than intelligent, if Nagisa or Umiko had promised her a big enough reward (and the people Ochiba cared about wouldn't get hurt) she might have considered it. Unfortunately they were going up against Ayame and that meant they were going up against Ochiba and then defenestration is all she wrote.