Life in Bachuan is what it is. Some days the rule of Grandmother Pei is hardly noticeable, and others it is down right smothering. In the village of Yaksha, a small town near the border with Hwanggot, life has gotten more complicated. It wasn't that long ago when control of the small village, and it's residents was presumably given to one of Grandmother's Tiger Brigadiers. A mysterious Nagaji known only as Pytho. Since then, there is a strict curfew, rumors of troops moving through the village in the darkest hours of the night are rampant, and villagers feel the breath of Grandmother Pei on the back's of their neck.
You, have received a summons, you are attend the town pub, The Hidden Tiger, immediately after curfew. Your summons provides a 'pass,' to grant you movement to the pub minus harassment from the town guards. You have 8 hours to dwell on the summons, "What is this about? And why am I called?" runs through your mind. Regardless, no one will ignore a summons from Pytho. And if they do, they certainly won't see the next sunrise...
The Hidden Tiger is crowded, you quickly realize that you were not the only one to receive Pytho's summons. It appears at a cursory glance that every able body person was summoned to the Inn. Some look nervous, other's perturbed, and a few more seem right at home. From the shadows steps a large Nagaji wearing ceremonial armor, and armed with more than a few sharp weapons. He takes his time surveying the crowd, making eye contact with everyone in a meticulous appraisal. Finally he addresses those gathered:
The enemy is near. Your homes and families are not safe here. The Grandmother offers your only hope of survival through the Tiger Brigade's protection. You will return the favor. Service is demanded.
With that short introduction, he turns and talks quietly to a man in similar armor. This man is holding a bucket and nodding at whatever Pytho is telling him.
Pytho steps back into the shadows, and through the large crowd packed into the Hidden Tiger, he disappears from view. The man with the bucket steps forward with a malicious grin upon his face. His armor is very similar to what Pytho was wearing earlier. Heavy armor that looks more ceremonial than practical. Elaborated curves, large shoulder pads, and a long sash with orangish yellow and black stripes. He looks in the general direction of those who ask questions, but otherwise provides no reply. He surveys the crowd and then effortlessly speaks over them.
I am Guava Lei Yins, First Guard of the Mighty Pytho, I have been given ownership of this... town. a look of disgust and angst crosses his face as he spits the word 'town' from his lips If you are still here, you have been deemed 'capable' to fulfill the needs of the Grandmother through the generosity of Pytho himself. From here on, you will answer to me. I have been given ownership of your life.
A quick glance around the inn, you notice that there are fewer town citizens and more military troops, apparently that talk of soldiers moving through the town wasn't just a rumor after all.
You will each draw a tile He instructs as he lifts the bucket in the air Your tile will determine your future. Everyone must draw. Do not trade. Once drawn, your fate is sealed. The Grandmother and her Majestic Empire have many needs.
The bucket is passed around, it is filled with small ceramic tiles, one side bone white, the other marked with a brush stroke of color. Some are green, red, black, yellow, and purple. Those are the only colors you are able to distinguish as the bucket is solemnly passed through the crowd before making it's way back to Guava.
Anyone 'forget' to choose their destiny this day?
Looking down in the palm of your hand, you can see your 'destiny...'
