"Shizuru, the... sun god, is certainly not evil." Sigurd sheathes his katana as he finishes demolishing the door. "I could certainly show you more, maybe a bit of swordplay as well. It is a useful way to meditate and focus. We'll use the practice swords, of course."
➤ Level: Two (base DC 16)
➤ Complexity: 2 rounds
➤ Timeframe: 10 minutes
➤ Synergies: Streetwise
➤ List of Skills: Diplomacy (easy), Perception (hard), Society (moderate), Thievery (moderate), Willowshore Lore (easy)
Special:
Northridgers are -1 circumstance penalty to all rolls!
Southbankers are +1 circumstance penalty to all rolls!
Anyone Unfriendly with Zheng Peng is +1 to all rolls!
Anyone Hostile with Zheng Peng is +2 to all rolls!
Anyone Friendly with Zheng Peng is -1 to all rolls!
Anyone Helpful with Zheng Peng is -2 to all rolls!
Sigurd (for freeing them) is +1 to all rolls!
**Any bonuses / penalties above will all stack**
Round One
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 14 @ 13 (failure)
Kolphan w/ Diplomacy vs DC 14 @ 22 (success) ⭐
Lan w/ Diplomacy vs DC 14 @ 16 (success) ⭐
Sato w/ Thievery vs DC 16 @ 29+ (critical success) ⭐⭐
Vekka w/ Diplomacy vs DC 14 @ 24+ (critical success) ⭐⭐
Round Two
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 15 @ 23 (success) ⭐
Kolphan w/ Diplomacy vs DC 15 @ 17 (success) ⭐
Lan w/ Diplomacy vs DC 15 @ 28+ (critical success) ⭐⭐
Sato w/ Thievery vs DC 17 @ 27 (critical success) ⭐⭐
Vekka w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ?? (??)
Progress: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, ⭐⭐
Success Thresholds:
⭐⭐⭐: You learn what laws were broken that led to their imprisonment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: As above, plus additional context beyond simple "north vs south" dynamics
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: As above, +1 additional question
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: As above, +2 additional questions, etc
It becomes easily clear that the Uncaged Prisoners are starting to feel that they are amongst their people!
To Sigurd, one says, then another: "And I can show you how to wield a knife, proper" and "You know, you are alright for a preacher!"
To Auntie We, one says, then another: "I can help you get to the Mushroom House - I know Luda and Luda knows me" and "Granny Hu tryna git her fat ol' thumb over up on us, I swear!"
To Sato, one says, then another: "Ain't you the a##*!$% that punched me that one time? I still owe you one for that!" and "Ha ha HA yeah your nose is still crooked from that!"
To Vekka, one says, then another, and a third: "You don't talk much, do you pal?" and "Prolly because he's a bird an' people round here don't like no birds" and "Tough bird though. I say he's alright even for a bird"
To Lan, one says, then another: "You a true-bred northerner, I can smell it" and "Yeah but if these folks are okay with him, he cain't be that bad - just save the fancy schmancy talk for your own people"
And, as they begin explaining their stories, the party is able to put together a lot of pieces of the puzzle, granting insight into one of the most influential minds in all of Willowshore: !
The same for whom they are about to run an errand for!
Hey, I talk just fine! Look all of you, we're trying to help you. We need to know everything you know about what Peng's been dealing with, if it's not just the jinkins. No, it's not illegal for you to be in Northridge. Personally, I think of this as one big community and I'm not a fan of division. Nobody should see themselves as less.
To Sato, one says, then another: "Ain't you the a@+$$&~ that punched me that one time? I still owe you one for that!" and "Ha ha HA! Yeah, your nose is still crooked from that!"
Kazuki rubs the bridge of his crooked nose then leans into the guy's face.
"Yeah. I'm probably that @$$h0L3. I said I was sorry." he snarls, clenching his fists and then relaxing."Hey. We helped get you out. Now help us with any info and help Willowshore. You all could've died in that pen. The least you can do is redeem yourselves and help the town against this... invasion."
He looks worriedly up at the sky filled with the crimson mist.
➤ Final Progress: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐/⭐⭐/⭐⭐/⭐⭐
➤ Outcome: You learn what laws were broken that led to their imprisonment, plus additional context beyond simple "north vs south" dynamics, +4 additional questions!
➤ The "Bamboo Boys" are Helpful w/ Kolphan, Lan, and Vekka, and Friendly w/ Auntie Wu, and Indifferent w/ Sato; overall Helpful w/ the Party (as a whole)
The "Bamboo Boys", in addition to being Helpful w/ Kolphan, Lan, and Vekka, and Friendly w/ Auntie Wu, and Indifferent w/ Sato, will now act in service to the Party, and will perform one Minor Favor for Lan ("the face") and one Minor Favor for Vekka ("the bird"), per their requests!
Turns out their crimes were deserved.
Burglary, vandalism, and smuggling black market substances (mostly drugs) - nothing directly violent (hitting a Northridge property when nobody was home - carving "BB" onto a structure in the middle of the night - trafficking inside of abandoned buildings downtown) - that sort of fare.
Spilling their guts, they decide to take their leave of the party, and with a special parting gesture for Lan and Vekka - a vague promise or two - skulk off into the night!
"Let's go get some smokes!"
Reading in between the lines, the party make the following discovery about Granny Hu:
In effect, she is a master manipulator who is expert at gathering "leverage" against nearly everyone she knows, and using that to effectively coerce loyalty out of them! For example, Kim Gu-won, her "right hand man" at the Ceiba-Duyue Exchange (where her "War Room" was), is most likely in service to her in such a fashion! And, her "grandchildren" (of which, she has many, and probably is using Zheng Peng to cultivate more - including this now-failed attempt to gain the Bamboo Boys) are most likely not even related to her - simply more "pawns" in her game whom she acquires over time!
She has the following ability:
"So Have You Heard?" (exploration)
Frequency: once per day
Effect: Granny Hu can shift a PC’s reputation in Willowshore over the course of 2 hours of work.
She attempts a Deception check against the target’s Deception, Diplomacy, or Intimidation DC, whichever is highest. If the target is admired or revered by at least one faction in Willowshore, Granny Hu takes a –1 status penalty to her check, or –2 if the target is admired or revered by both factions. The target is then temporarily immune to "So Have You Heard?" for 1 week.
Critical Success: The target takes a –2 circumstance penalty to Charisma-based skill checks when interacting with Willowshore residents for a week.
Success: As critical success, but only a –1 circumstance penalty and for only 1 day.
Failure: The target is unaffected.
Critical Failure: The plan backfires; not only is the target unaffected, but Granny Hu can’t use "So Have You Heard?" for 1 month.
"There are many opportunities to make art exhibits for the town that won't get you in trouble." Sigurd notes as they discuss their issues. "I will gladly tell you more once this is over, if you wish."
He turns to his teammates. "Is there something you wish to ask them?"
Granny Hu's skills as a manipulator astound him. Peng's relationship to her is not by blood. Nothing wrong with that but they seemed so... related. What leverage would she have over an outstanding constable?
Auntie Wu and Vekka know the Mushroom House well - although they have different experiences with it's Operator, Luda Bama , a spry, elderly halfling woman, head of it's illicit market smoothly run with the explicit permission of Granny Hu.
As the PC's make their approach (passing Mother's Coil along the way!), just around the bend of the road, the remote farmhouse comes barely into view...
Kazuki trudges along, visibly tired from such a hectic couple of days.
"There's that creepy Mother's Coil place," he says as the group rounds a bend. "I think the Mushroom House is about a quarter mile further."
He yawns and rubs his sleepy eyes.
"I hope we can get some sleep soon. I sure do miss my straw mattress at home. I miss my folks, too. I sure do hope they're okay...
That goes for all of our families." he says to the others.
He turns to Auntie Wu,
"I'm sure you'll be able to get some tobacco at the Mushroom House, Auntie." he says with a smile, hoping to lift her spirits.
|
Her whole self dragging, Auntie Wu navigates the mists with Kazuki. She sighs as he talks about missing family, wringing her hands anxiously, and sighs again when he mentions tobacco, shaking her head with exasperation. "Oh, I hope so! But I saw Luda Bama at the warehouse, so who knows what we'll find in there. I just hope those dratted jinkins haven't helped themselves. What a waste that would be!"
Sigurd lets the bandits go. They do need to serve time for their vandalism, but...
There seems to be a rivalry between the north and south of the river. Such a waste. He wonders if they know anything about the disappearing mansion...
"I am not... too familiar with this location." Sigurd catches up to the scouts when they take a break on the way to the Mushroom House. "They sell tobacco? That explains a bit, I don't consume many... er, recreational items. My sister Sheela may be a customer here." He rubs his temples. Standing up to all of the tree pollen slowed him down. He can barely focus enough to keep his shield ready.
With Zheng Peng and his men back on the patrol, fewer wandering threats stalk the night!
Arriving shortly, the party comes upon a strange scene: several youths "trapped" inside of what looks like several rickety piles of sharp wood and metal rigged to "trip" and injure (or kill!) them if they make any sudden moves!
"Help!"
"Watch out—there’s all sorts of trip lines and triggers set!”
"The goblins built this!"
HAPHAZARD WOOD PILE
➤ Discovery w/ Perception (Trained) vs DC ?? or Hunting Lore (Trained) vs DC ??
➤ Disable w/ ?? vs DC ??
➤ Number of Successes: ??
➤ Triggers: ??
Approaching warily, the party tries to understand the mechanics of the trap without accidentally setting it off!
"Wh-what?" Sigurd watches the mess about him. The jinkins were clever in some ways yet brutal all the same. Their carpentry was impressive. If only they could learn to respect life...
"Alright. Calm down, children. We are here to help. I am trying to discover how to disable this contraption. One moment..."
HAPHAZARD WOOD PILE
➤ Discovery w/ Perception (Trained) vs DC 17 or Hunting Lore (Trained) vs DC 15
➤ Disable w/ Thievery (Trained) vs DC ??, Crafting (Trained) vs DC ??
➤ Number of Successes: ??
➤ Triggers: ??
➤ Special: If the pile collapses, youths can be pulled out with Athletics (Untrained) vs DC ??
Sigurd gets a better look at the boobytrapped wood and metal pile - he is careful enough not to hurt himself!
"I think he is trying to help us - Yay!" says the smallest youth amid the pack. As the party gets closer, several empty bottles litter the ground. And one of the youths looks to be significantly older than the rest...
|
|
"Okay, okay. Calm down boys. Let us take a look at this and see how we can help." Auntie Wu takes her time looking at the contraption, trying to figure out how to disassemble it enough to free the youths without the whole thing collapsing.
That's when she notices the age disparity of the youths. And remembers what the Bamboo Boys said about Granny Hu's "grandchildren". In a conversational tone, which could be construed to be simple chatting to put them at ease, she mentions: "Granny Hu sent us to check on you. She mentioned something about you being relatives, but it was rather hectic so I didn't catch everything. Which ones of her offspring are your parents?" Not that Auntie Wu has Granny Hu's family tree memorized, but she can figure that part out later.
HAPHAZARD WOOD PILE
➤ Discovery w/ Perception (Trained) vs DC 17 or Hunting Lore (Trained) vs DC 15
➤ Disable w/ Thievery (Trained) vs DC 17, Crafting (Trained) vs DC 17
➤ Number of Successes: Two to Disable
➤ Triggers: Collapse Inward (↺) If anyone inside performs a Move action, everyone suffers 1d6+5 blunt vs Basic Reflex DC 17, plus 1d6 persistent crushing damage. Collapse Outward (↺) If anyone critically fails a Disable check, they suffer 2d6+5 physical damage (blunt, slashing, and/or piercing) vs Basic Reflex DC 17, and those inside suffer 1d6+5 blunt vs Basic Reflex DC 15.
➤ Special: If the pile collapses, youths can be pulled out with (◆◆) Athletics (Untrained) vs DC 17 after a transition to Encounter Mode
Auntie Wu encounters a turn towards the taciturn.
"Granny Hu said not to talk to strangers" the eldest among them speaks.
"I'm an orphan" squeaks the youngest one.
The other three look towards the eldest one, then remain quiet.
"By the gods, how did this happen?" Kazuki wonders to himself.
"Damn jinkins."
He approaches very carefully and tries to figure out the trap the kids are caught in and how to safely get them out.
"Hold still, kids."
After Sigurd and Auntie figure out how to disable the trap, Kazuki gets to work on extracting the kids...
"Oops."
Nearly tripping over a spring wire, at the last minute Sato treads lightly, removing some of the tension safely.
But his work os only half done.
The little one scoots a little closer to the party by the tiny allowance created by Sato's partial disassembly.
Extremely nervous, Kazuki wipes his brow with his sleeve and continues...
"Almost got it..."
"I think I got it."
The little one runs out as soon as it's safe, and hugs Sato's leg, right about at the knee.
The other three hesitate, awaiting the eldest.
Who just crosses his arms!
Vekka is unsure how to feel about the vague reference to a favor from the bamboo boys. It surely caught him off guard.
He believes in reform, but he remains unconvinced they've turned a new leaf. Perhaps he can utilize the favor to subtly guide them in the right direction at some time in the future.
With the inability to now ask them where they will go, in detail, he makes a mental note to keep his ear to the ground for any vibrations their activities might make in town.
--------------------
Granny Hu's manipulation and meddling abilities worry Vekka far more than the bamboo boys.
One person silently affecting so many lives... it is not a healthy element for a community. She gives and takes opportunistically, but does not teach or empower any of her pawns. Yet, I'm not sure fully removing her outright would be the right result either.
He makes a note to ask Jubei what she thinks of Granny Hu. As the group passes the Mother's Coil, Vekka asks the party Do you mind if we stop in here on the way back from the Mushroom House?
Then hearing Sato's remark, he gets a confused look inquiring Really? I visit there every day to spend time studying scrolls. I do it as part of my daily training, but for my mind rather than my katana. My friend Jubei runs the place. She's really quite proficient in the arcane arts. I can introduce you on the way back and show you all that it's really just a place for particular expertise!
--------------------
As they approach the Mushroom House, Vekka scowls to himself thinking about Luda.
There is another soul who could stand to think harder about the poison she releases into town. How concerned do you think she is when her pawns such as the Bamboo Boys pay a price!
Realizing the thought is getting him worked up a bit, he shakes it off for now. He starts wondering what the limits might be of the Bamboo Boy's favor, realizing he might need it to counter Luda's influence.
Vekka chuckles as the older boy coerces the younger ones into silence.
I understand strangers can represent a degree of danger. You understand though, your Granny sent us and we are here to help! Once we all rejoin with her, she can facilitate proper introductions and we won't be strangers anymore! I for one, am Vekka. I came to this town some time ago from a village in the mountains, but I call this town my home now! I have friends here, and a life here!
He hopes they'll abide a "bird-man."
So what do the rest of you say? Come on out of there and we can see you safely back with her.
He looks particularly at the eldest as he says this.
Sigurd relaxes as Sato manages to clear the mess without it collapsing. "Excellent. Let us return to the northern camp and ensure their safety."
With the crimson moon above them, he does wonder if it's time to return and rest...
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|
Auntie Wu cocks her head in surprise. She'd honestly expected some rehearsed lies about relations, but the outright taciturn silence and refusal to exit the trap are...intriguing and troubling. "Oh, my apologies! I meant no offense. Just trying to get the young 'un's mind off the danger that's all. Sigurd, perhaps if they see the note they'll feel better? Now, as for you--" She turns to the orphan who exited the trap. "--let's check. Do you have any wounds that need tending?"
Before they leave, Auntie Wu looks around for anything she'd like to purchase.
Boarded up for now, there is no sign of Luda Bama.
Athletics or Thievery check to Force Open or Pick a Lock!
adventuring gear, drugs, poisons, tattoos
The older kid softens, and the other three children gather around Vekka "Can you take us back to Granny Hu?" they ask, grabbing their backpacks and getting ready to move!
The party leads the children back to the Ceiba-Duyue Exchange where increased security - a few of the liberated guards - stand watch. They quickly run inside, but Granny Hu comes out, embracing them first one-each before scolding them harshly second one-each. She nods to the party and heads back into her "War Room", dragging the eldest youth by the ear who protests dramatically.
Moving along, the party soon makes tracks for Mother's Coil ...
Critical Success > One chance for Random Encounter
Success > Two chances for Random Encounter
Failure > Four chances for Random Encounter
Success > Eight chances for Random Encounter
Pre-rolled (Open)
...ahead, the Nagajor styled tower of dark basalt looms ominously!
"I think that creepy coiled house is this way. I had no idea you study there, Vekka. It just seems like a very creepy place to me. Then again, I don't venture this way all that much. I tend to stick to the Southbank mostly."
Hmm. Maybe that's just from the outside? You'll see!
He approaches and enters, greeting Jubei.
Hey Jubei. I... brought some others with me. Much has gone on today. But first, introductions...
He proceeds introduce the party, and then recount their encounters from the day to his friend.
So, as you can tell, not a normal day. We still have much to do, but I wanted to ask what you think of Granny Wu and if you've had any dealing or run-ins with her.
"Ah Mother's Coil." Sigurd waits for Vekka to enter and then tries to follow his customs. Shoes off, weapons stowed and sheathed. "We can bless one of the copper coins here. The >Shrine of Shizuru< is here."
Sigurd bows to Jubei. "Greetings. It is good to meet you."
Auntie Wu - with the help of Kolphan and Sato - quickly brings the party to Mother's Coil.
Vekka is able to easily retrieve his
Jubei has pored herself over her books - seeng her friend, she looks up with concern in her face she says ominously "I wanted to say earlier that I was glad to see you back, but I've grown very concerned that Dark Forces are at work. I need to get to the bottom of it - would you help me to go through this library?" she indicates the massive trove of arcane literature collected by the builder of the tower over their long (and recently expired) life "Too much to do on my own, but I have some leads..."
She eagerly awaits Vekka's answer!
Meanwhile, Kolphan notices the , and Auntie Wu offers up a coin...
[ dice=Auntie Wu's Religion (T)]1d20+8[/dice]
[ dice=Ho Lan's Religion (T)]1d20+4[/dice]
[ dice=Sigurd Kolphan's Religion (T)]1d20+6[/dice]
[ dice=Auntie Wu's Diplomacy (T)]1d20+5[/dice]
[ dice=Ho Lan's Diplomacy (T)]1d20+8[/dice]
[ dice=Sigurd Kolphan's Diplomacy (T)]1d20+5[/dice]
[ dice=Vekka Tchakon's Diplomacy (T)]1d20+3[/dice]
"A curse? We will break it, then." Sigurd is a matter-of-fact. "Nothing will threaten this community while I still breathe."
He looks at the shrine. "Ah, Empress of the Sun. It is good to meet you." Sigurd is prepared to Invoke Blessing, unless someone else wishes to bless the coin instead.
Hai-Er Hua catches up again with the party here.
"Granny Hu gave me an important task which I have now completed - I hear you are headed South next - I have family there, and can assist you now that Zheng Peng's men have relieved me of immediate duty"
She bows, keeping her Arbalest close in hand, and watches out.
"Empress of the Sun." Sigurd Kolphan kneels. "We ask for your help. The Crimson Mist descends upon our community. I will not betray them. I must protect them. And for that, I need your blessing."
"Please, bless this coin. We will use your blessing to light the lanterns and with your grace, the town will be safe. Praise be."
"The building sure is creepy looking, but this Jubei person sure is pleasant."
Kazuki thinks to himself as he is introduced to the Keeper of Mother's Coil.
"Willowshore is very cursed, indeed." he concurs.
He follows the group, preferring not to get involved with the blessing at the shrine. He intently observes the ritual, however, and possibly offers his own silent blessing
----------------
"Nice to see you, Hua. Yes we plan to head to Southbank soon."
A divine ray of sunlight erupts from the sky - and for a moment, the Crimson Moon seems less scary - a flash of solar power infuses itself into Sigurd Kolphan's katana - he holds it in his hands, and feels a connection to his deity stronger than his most devout prayer!
Saving Throws vs Crimson Moon (DC 15)
Shizuru smiles not upon Sato (perhaps he is unworthy), but eases the anxiety in Auntie Wu's and Ho Lan's hearts, that they might find their way in the dark, and bolsters Sigurd's heart against his diametric celestial body!
Party Status
Auntie Wu @ Fatigued
Kolphan @ Fatigued plus Bolstered vs Crimson Moon (next increase to frightened lowered by 1)
Lan @ Fatigued
Sato @ Fatigued + Frightened 2
Vekka @ Fatigued
Eternal Lantern Status
Blessed Coins to Re-Ignite @ @ (Shizuru, ??, ??)
"Blessed be." Sigurd remains quiet for a moment before sheathing his katana and returning to the group.
"This coin is blessed. Thank you, Auntie Wu."
If the team is still doing research, he is glad to help.
Jubei has pored herself over her books - seeng her friend, she looks up with concern in her face she says ominously "I wanted to say earlier that I was glad to see you back, but I've grown very concerned that Dark Forces are at work. I need to get to the bottom of it - would you help me to go through this library?" she indicates the massive trove of arcane literature collected by the builder of the tower over their long (and recently expired) life "Too much to do on my own, but I have some leads..."
Though happy to see his friend, Vekka's expression falls at her words.
I cannot deny that. Whether a proper curse or not, I can certainly see the underpinnings of a Dark Force. The red mists announce it plainly. What we have seen... these are no haphazard assailants. Of course I will help you get to the bottom of it! You let me into the scrolls every day. It's the least I can do. Now... tell me about those leads...
Once she has caught him up, Vekka will ask One more thing, Jubei. I am a bit fatigued and a little tea certainly wouldn't hurt in helping me through!
--------------------
Hai-Er Hua catches up again with the party here.
"Granny Hu gave me an important task which I have now completed - I hear you are headed South next - I have family there, and can assist you now that Zheng Peng's men have relieved me of immediate duty"
Welcome! We'll take all of the help we can get. We haven't even touched the South side of town. If you don't mind my asking, what has Granny Hu kept you busy with? Do you know if she's allocated others to check into the South side ahead of us?
In his heart he knows the answer, but he wants to hear it anyhow.
--------------------
Vekka watches Sigurd's procedure with aww.
And this coin gets us closer to a functional lantern? Can any of us similarly help and get us further? I admit I am not an active devotee of Shizuru. Currently Nethys, a mad paradox of magic observed moreso in the West, resides in my reflections and training.
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|
"Oh, thanks, Vekka. We'll have to try again at some other shrines. I think each coin must be from a different one."
With her head pounding, Auntie Wu isn't excited about spending a lot of time reading dusty scrolls. (There are other things she'd rather do with rolled paper.) Still, actual information could be really useful. "We'd love to help, Jubei, but we can't stay long. There are people we need to check on in Southside. So how about just a quick peek?"
Jubei begins telling Vekka (and all) about what she has been able to discover, and soon enough, it becomes very clear to Vekka (and all) that she is embarking on what will most certainly amount to an extended research project...
...She begins handing Vekka books and scrolls with pages marked with feathers and snaketeeth, leveraging her anticipated scholarly companionship to broaden her search, and grabbing even new tomes from her shelves by reach of rolling ladder and sometimes minor prestidigitation!
She also begins making tea.