Tang and Chang seek the help of the Raging Wind School, but it seems the school has been attacked, together with other establishments in town. The local alchemist (and poisoner...) has also been attacked, and offers to help the two companions in their quest to free their friends. He gifts them with a few choice potions, unguents, and poisons.
Tang and Chang return to the Withe Stone School, and manage to free Fengbao, Chinmi, and Zao. The Heroes delve deep into the school, until they reach an underground lair belonging to the Leaning Pillar.
There, they face the leader of the school, a fearsome ogre, and a huge animated statue, infused with a demonic entity. After a difficult fight, Chang skewers the demonic statue one last time, and the demon dies in an explosion of blood.
The Leaning Pillar has been defeated!
The army of Qin is spreading to the four winds, and the Prince of Zhao is still in danger; will our Heroes overcome this next challenge? It seems this will be a story for another time...
THE END
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Session 12 (6 EP)
The Heroes investigate the Purple District, and eventually find a local fence. He has had dealings with the little thieves belonging to Opal's band, but has no way to contact them.
During their search, they save a couple of kids being attacked by a swordsman. The kids know of Opal, and are willing to leave her a message. Further investigation brings the Heroes to a fighting pit, where they actually spot Opal being dragged to the duelling grounds.
The Heroes intervene and save her, but only after she's been poisoned. They bring her to Raging Wind, who tries all she can, but it seems the poison coursing through her blood is of a magical or cursed nature.
In the meanwhile, Tang has been challenged to a duel, and loses all his belongings to a member of the White Stone martial arts school. The party had already heard of this school, and has a few leads connecting it to the Leaning Pillar. The Heroes go the school's grounds, to challenge the students of the school, and retrieve Tang's belongings, also hoping to glean more about a possible connection with the Leaning Pillar.
Unfortunately, one of the students of the White Stone, a huge brute well-versed in Martial Techniques and Taos, knocks everyone out, except Tang, who manages to escape his fury.
During their search, they save a couple of kids being attacked by a swordsman. The kids know of Opal, and are willing to leave her a message. Further investigation brings the Heroes to a fighting pit, where they actually spot Opal being dragged to the duelling grounds.
The Heroes intervene and save her, but only after she's been poisoned. They bring her to Raging Wind, who tries all she can, but it seems the poison coursing through her blood is of a magical or cursed nature.
In the meanwhile, Tang has been challenged to a duel, and loses all his belongings to a member of the White Stone martial arts school. The party had already heard of this school, and has a few leads connecting it to the Leaning Pillar. The Heroes go the school's grounds, to challenge the students of the school, and retrieve Tang's belongings, also hoping to glean more about a possible connection with the Leaning Pillar.
Unfortunately, one of the students of the White Stone, a huge brute well-versed in Martial Techniques and Taos, knocks everyone out, except Tang, who manages to escape his fury.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Session 11 (6 EP)
The Heroes begin their travel back to Leaping Frog, but are attacked by ghosts. The shades possess a few of them, and the Heroes only barely escape with their lives. They find sanctuary on a misterious hill, seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Even stranger, when they awake from their night's rest, the hill appears to have "moved", reaching the vicinities of Leaping Frog. The Heroes go to report to Raging Wind, and then they retire to their inn. Chang is accidentally poisoned by eating a fruit meant for someone else (an elderly woman named Opal). Luckily, the Heroes find an alchemist that possesses the antidote.
Back with Raging Wind, she tells them that, if they wish to portect the Prince of Zhao, they need the approval of Lord Kiang Zao, a former minister of the Prince residing in Leaping Frog.
They request an audience with the Lord, and are granted a chance to prove their worth. Lord Zao's daughter, known for her rebellious attitude, has gone missing into town. If the Heroes can bring her back home, they will have earned Lord Zao's trust. They are given a description of the girl, and her name: Opal...
Even stranger, when they awake from their night's rest, the hill appears to have "moved", reaching the vicinities of Leaping Frog. The Heroes go to report to Raging Wind, and then they retire to their inn. Chang is accidentally poisoned by eating a fruit meant for someone else (an elderly woman named Opal). Luckily, the Heroes find an alchemist that possesses the antidote.
Back with Raging Wind, she tells them that, if they wish to portect the Prince of Zhao, they need the approval of Lord Kiang Zao, a former minister of the Prince residing in Leaping Frog.
They request an audience with the Lord, and are granted a chance to prove their worth. Lord Zao's daughter, known for her rebellious attitude, has gone missing into town. If the Heroes can bring her back home, they will have earned Lord Zao's trust. They are given a description of the girl, and her name: Opal...
Session 10 (7 EP)
The Heroes investigate the Purple District, when they see panicked people running away from a house, screaming "the dead are walking!" They investigate, and they find a mob of undead creatures ganging up on a woman. The Heroes protect her, while she completes a ritual to destroy the undead.
After defeating the creatures, the woman introduces herself as Raging Wind, the mistress of the local Sword School. She is a skilled Taoist, and successfully exorcises Tang. In the house, the Heroes also recover a shard of the Eye of the Naga. Seeing they are destined to something more, Raging Wind tells them that something weird is going on in the nearby swamp, where an ancient temple used to be.
The Heroes travel to the temple, where they meet more acolytes of the Leaning Pillar, and a fearsome guardian: an Ogre! The beast is a difficult opponent, but eventually the Heroes prevail. In his lair, they recover a letter mentioning a plot to assault the Prince of Zao, soon to be visiting the town of Leaping Frog.
After defeating the creatures, the woman introduces herself as Raging Wind, the mistress of the local Sword School. She is a skilled Taoist, and successfully exorcises Tang. In the house, the Heroes also recover a shard of the Eye of the Naga. Seeing they are destined to something more, Raging Wind tells them that something weird is going on in the nearby swamp, where an ancient temple used to be.
The Heroes travel to the temple, where they meet more acolytes of the Leaning Pillar, and a fearsome guardian: an Ogre! The beast is a difficult opponent, but eventually the Heroes prevail. In his lair, they recover a letter mentioning a plot to assault the Prince of Zao, soon to be visiting the town of Leaping Frog.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Session 9 (5 EP)
The Heroes travel to the town of Leaping Frog, where they need to seek a Sword School that may be related to the Leaning Pillar.
Qin has invaded Zao, and the powerful nation is starting to spread its control on the region.
Their journey takes them through a haunted swamp, where they face a fearsome undead creature. Tang is possessed by a ghost, and the party is forced to restrain him.
Out of the swamp, they proceed until they reach their destination, where they finally rest at an inn.
Qin has invaded Zao, and the powerful nation is starting to spread its control on the region.
Their journey takes them through a haunted swamp, where they face a fearsome undead creature. Tang is possessed by a ghost, and the party is forced to restrain him.
Out of the swamp, they proceed until they reach their destination, where they finally rest at an inn.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Session 8 (7 EP)
The Heroes regroup, and manage to go through the stone doors. After avoiding a few traps, they find several acolytes of the Leaning Pillar plotting nefariously. It seems that the Leaning Pillar is helping Qin invading Zhao, hoping the chaos generated by the war will help them resurrecting their dark god.
The Heroes also glean that the whole mountain they're exploring is actually one of the Pillars of Heaven that fell to the mortal realm. The dark acolytes use shards of this stone to recognize each other. The party moves in, and faces the cultists, and the animated statue they're adoring. After defeating them, and destroying the statue, the Heroes capture one of them, learning that the Leaning Pillar has also stolen the Eyes of Father Naga, broken them into pieces, and sent them to different places in the Warring States.
The Heroes leave the compound, but not before having found several scrolls descibing the method to cure the weird curse affecting the miners.
Back in Sleepy Rock, they find the town occupied by the Qin Army. They deliver the cure, which seems to have positive results, and then depart after a few days, reaching a bigger town to the North, on their way to their next adventure.
The Heroes also glean that the whole mountain they're exploring is actually one of the Pillars of Heaven that fell to the mortal realm. The dark acolytes use shards of this stone to recognize each other. The party moves in, and faces the cultists, and the animated statue they're adoring. After defeating them, and destroying the statue, the Heroes capture one of them, learning that the Leaning Pillar has also stolen the Eyes of Father Naga, broken them into pieces, and sent them to different places in the Warring States.
The Heroes leave the compound, but not before having found several scrolls descibing the method to cure the weird curse affecting the miners.
Back in Sleepy Rock, they find the town occupied by the Qin Army. They deliver the cure, which seems to have positive results, and then depart after a few days, reaching a bigger town to the North, on their way to their next adventure.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Session 7 (4 EP)
The Heroes travel back to Sleepy Rock, with about 40 miners. The miners all seem to be affected by some kind of mental illness, since they're unresponsive, and tend to wander off. A few fall into a coma.
They manage to secure lodging for the miners in Sleepy Rock, and interrogate the Mine Inspector, trying to find a cure. But the villain is not inclined to lend any help, even under duress, and is executed.
The Heroes pay a visit to the former Mine Inspector's estate, where they find his mercenaries looting the place. They enter the palace, and find the Inspector's inner sanctum. There, they recover some supplies, and a few scrolls containing information about the Leaning Pillar, a sect whose goal is to bring down the Heavens, and resurrect their own evil god.
There's also mention of a mountain village, where there should be a cave leading to more information about the curse afflicting the miners. The Heroes travel there, but the local community of masons is not willing to help them out. They find the entrance to the cave, but heavy stone doors bar the passage. Luckily, they recover a key in the house of one of the masons.
The Heroes retreat temporarily, planning their next move.
They manage to secure lodging for the miners in Sleepy Rock, and interrogate the Mine Inspector, trying to find a cure. But the villain is not inclined to lend any help, even under duress, and is executed.
The Heroes pay a visit to the former Mine Inspector's estate, where they find his mercenaries looting the place. They enter the palace, and find the Inspector's inner sanctum. There, they recover some supplies, and a few scrolls containing information about the Leaning Pillar, a sect whose goal is to bring down the Heavens, and resurrect their own evil god.
There's also mention of a mountain village, where there should be a cave leading to more information about the curse afflicting the miners. The Heroes travel there, but the local community of masons is not willing to help them out. They find the entrance to the cave, but heavy stone doors bar the passage. Luckily, they recover a key in the house of one of the masons.
The Heroes retreat temporarily, planning their next move.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Session 6 (8 EP)
The Heroes defeat their opponents, and delve deeper into the mines. The excavation is actually the site of an ancient palace, and jewerly, gems, and other riches are being extracted.
The Heroes reach a huge cavern, where they face the Mine Inspector has the remaining of his guards. But the Inpsector has still a few suprises. He brings to bear four guardians made of stone, their skin almost impossible to breach.
Then suddenly, a huge creature, similar to a rattle-snake with spider legs and a humanoid face, makes his appearance. In the beginning, it seems to be allied with the Inspector, but when the Heroes finally knock him out, the creature is willing to make a deal.
The Heroes promise to seal the entrance to the caves, so that the creature and his "children" (all the spiders living underground), will not be disturbed. In return, the crature will not destroy the Heroes...
The pact is sealed, and the Heroes, together with the many slaves still alive (including the Mayor of Sleepy Rock), leave the compound.
The Heroes reach a huge cavern, where they face the Mine Inspector has the remaining of his guards. But the Inpsector has still a few suprises. He brings to bear four guardians made of stone, their skin almost impossible to breach.
Then suddenly, a huge creature, similar to a rattle-snake with spider legs and a humanoid face, makes his appearance. In the beginning, it seems to be allied with the Inspector, but when the Heroes finally knock him out, the creature is willing to make a deal.
The Heroes promise to seal the entrance to the caves, so that the creature and his "children" (all the spiders living underground), will not be disturbed. In return, the crature will not destroy the Heroes...
The pact is sealed, and the Heroes, together with the many slaves still alive (including the Mayor of Sleepy Rock), leave the compound.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Session 5 (4 EP)
The Heroes escape the mansion, and rest a few days to recover their strength. They travel to the Mayor's home in Sleepy Rock, to reunite him with his wife and daughter, but when they arrive the find the place has been ransacked. Corpses are scattered all around, but there's no trace of the Mayor. Searching the house, they find a note mentioning that they should still go and check the Mines out. The letter is signed "Opal".
The Heroes travel to the Mines, and they find out that the Inspector's men have assaulted the compound. Delving deep inside the mines, they have a few skirmishes with small groups of guards, until they reach a huge subterranean room, where the troops' General with a dozen of his men is stationed. The soldiers are alert, and easily spot the party. Blades are drawn, arrows are knocked.
The Heroes travel to the Mines, and they find out that the Inspector's men have assaulted the compound. Delving deep inside the mines, they have a few skirmishes with small groups of guards, until they reach a huge subterranean room, where the troops' General with a dozen of his men is stationed. The soldiers are alert, and easily spot the party. Blades are drawn, arrows are knocked.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Session 4 (7 EP)
The Heroes descend into and underground compound, where they find several prisoners beign tortured, and traces of dark magic. It seems that the dark cultists stationed here are planning to resurrect an evil god.
After facing more guards, and being tested by devious traps, the Heroes reach an hall where several acolytes, protected by guards, are chanting at the feet of the huge statue of a demon. In the same room, the wife and daughter of the mayor of Sleepy Rock are kept prisoner.
The Heroes fight their way through the cultists, when suddenly the statue begins to come to life! But it seems something went wrong with the ritual, since the stony demon soon crumbles to dust.
As the Heroes try to escape the compound, they're stopped by a powerful warrior, probably in charge of the defenses of the place. He's adept at many taos, and fatally injures all Heroes except Tang, who is allowed to recover his friends and the two women, and leave to safety.
After facing more guards, and being tested by devious traps, the Heroes reach an hall where several acolytes, protected by guards, are chanting at the feet of the huge statue of a demon. In the same room, the wife and daughter of the mayor of Sleepy Rock are kept prisoner.
The Heroes fight their way through the cultists, when suddenly the statue begins to come to life! But it seems something went wrong with the ritual, since the stony demon soon crumbles to dust.
As the Heroes try to escape the compound, they're stopped by a powerful warrior, probably in charge of the defenses of the place. He's adept at many taos, and fatally injures all Heroes except Tang, who is allowed to recover his friends and the two women, and leave to safety.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Chinmi Daichi
He finds he likes traveling around and now doesn’t really care about his lost memories anymore. He normally earns his keep by selling herbs and healing people in small villages.
Tang Lei
The son of a down-on-his luck merchant, Tang Lei grew up travelling with his father, until he decided to strike out on his own and become a wandering messenger. His talent with horses has earned him a solid reputation.Zao Bai Dong
I'm the son of a lord who lost his life and everything during a struggle for power. The nanny managed to save me in following order from my Mother. My Uncle, Kueng Yongzheng, found the dying nanny with baby me.
He and his wife raised me and having discovered my unusaual affinity with horses send me to an aquintance of him. There I learned a lot about horses (training, breeding,...). I also learned some martial arts from a Tao-master was very greatful for the great care I gave his horse. There I also lost my heart to the daughter of the local inspector. One day she was sent away.... where, what, who i don't know. I do know I want to find her.
So I set off and now I search for her across the land. First off visiting my uncle who appears to be "missing".....
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Session 3 (5 EP)
The Heroes travel in the direction of the mines, and are attacked by a group of barbarian bandits. They defeat them, and then follow their tracks to their village.
There, they meet with the local shaman, and they come to the conclusion that the barbarians were manipulated into attacking the caravan transporting the Mayor's family, most probably by the curent Mine Inspector.
The Heroes depart for the Inspector's mansion, and plan a night assault. Once over the walls, they enter the premises, and make their way to the Inspector's chambers.
There, they meet with the local shaman, and they come to the conclusion that the barbarians were manipulated into attacking the caravan transporting the Mayor's family, most probably by the curent Mine Inspector.
The Heroes depart for the Inspector's mansion, and plan a night assault. Once over the walls, they enter the premises, and make their way to the Inspector's chambers.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Session 2 (6 EP)
Further up the road, they spot the tracks of a cart, fallen down a ravine; upon inspection, they find a broken carriage, behind which are hiding a few travellers. Among them are a few guards, and an unconscious and seriously wounded mine inspector (a replacement for the one in charge presently). The group is taking cover behind the carriage, pinned by bandit archers sniping at them from nearby outcroppings. The heroes, with no possibility to reach their attackers, decide to make a run for it with the horses; they succeed without further injuries.
During the trip back to Sleepy Rock, they understand from one of the guards that the wife and daughter of the mayor have been kidnapped by the bandits. Back in town, the Heroes deliver the mine inspector to the care of the mayor's household. But the official needs professional medical attention, and it seems the only herbalist in town has left for the mansion of the present mine inspector. The Heroes travel to the mansion situated out of town.
On their way, they meet a few miners turned bandits, but they manage to bypass them without bloodshed. At the mansion, they are informed that the herbalist never arrived there, but the inspector will send his own private doctor to town to check on his wounded replacement. The Heroes are offered hospitality, but decline, since they do not trust the present mine inspector.
The Heroes travel back to Sleepy Rock, to make sure that, when the doctor arrives, he does not "accidentally" kill his patient. When visiting the wounded man and noticing his worsening condition, the Heroes start to believe he has actually been poisoned. Not sure on their next move, it seems their only open option will be to check the mines.
During the trip back to Sleepy Rock, they understand from one of the guards that the wife and daughter of the mayor have been kidnapped by the bandits. Back in town, the Heroes deliver the mine inspector to the care of the mayor's household. But the official needs professional medical attention, and it seems the only herbalist in town has left for the mansion of the present mine inspector. The Heroes travel to the mansion situated out of town.
On their way, they meet a few miners turned bandits, but they manage to bypass them without bloodshed. At the mansion, they are informed that the herbalist never arrived there, but the inspector will send his own private doctor to town to check on his wounded replacement. The Heroes are offered hospitality, but decline, since they do not trust the present mine inspector.
The Heroes travel back to Sleepy Rock, to make sure that, when the doctor arrives, he does not "accidentally" kill his patient. When visiting the wounded man and noticing his worsening condition, the Heroes start to believe he has actually been poisoned. Not sure on their next move, it seems their only open option will be to check the mines.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Session 1 (4 EP)
Our Heroes are in the town of Sleepy Rock, where trouble is stirring. The region has had problems with bandits, and the local copper mine seems to be behind with its production. Also, the family (wife and daughter) of a government functionary has gone missing.
Prompted by an associate of the local mayor, the Heroes depart the town to look for the woman and the child, and on the road they encounter an armed group, carrying heavy bags. The Heroes try to obtain information from the travellers, suspecting they're in league with the bandits, and a fight ensues.
The Heroes are victorious, and have a chance to interrogate the survivors. The armed party was actually in the service of the local mine's owner, and they were trasporting tin to the next village, to be hidden in a water pit. Suspecting foul play, the Heroes decide to travel further to the village.
Prompted by an associate of the local mayor, the Heroes depart the town to look for the woman and the child, and on the road they encounter an armed group, carrying heavy bags. The Heroes try to obtain information from the travellers, suspecting they're in league with the bandits, and a fight ensues.
The Heroes are victorious, and have a chance to interrogate the survivors. The armed party was actually in the service of the local mine's owner, and they were trasporting tin to the next village, to be hidden in a water pit. Suspecting foul play, the Heroes decide to travel further to the village.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Fengbao Long "Storm Dragon"
My Character Sheet He was born in a fishing village near the Fen River, in Zhao. In order to insure him a better life, and due to his poverty, his father put him in the care of an old travelling wu xia when he was no more that seven years old. Shifu Pai Tan Fei taught the young boy the way of the Jinshu, and a strict code of honor. They travelled together many years, never stopping too long in one place.
Eventually, old age caught up with the Shifu, and he retired to a mountain temple, where the son of a fisherman, now a brave young man, completed his tutelage. With his master's blessings, he left the temple, and began travelling the Warring States by himself, seeking to hone his skills with a blade, and righting any wrong he encounters in his path.
He keeps his real name a secret, but during his travels he's earned a new one... Fengbao Long, the Storm Dragon.
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