Shou for Mayor?
The Governor's missing mansion being somewhat lost in the chaos of the Downtown Occupation - verily ended by the PCs with the slaying of Mo Douqiu, leader of the monster insurgency - it begins to slowly become apparent that there is a political power void at the highest level of leadership within Willowshore, with two clear contenders to rise to the mantle: Shou "Old" Matsuki and Ban-niang “Granny” Hu, the respective leaders of the Southbank and Northshore sides of the Ceiba River that bisects the town geographically, as well as culturally and ideologically. And so, each leader begins working to muster their "base" as towards ushering Willowshore into the Autumn months, preparing to rebuild and reprioritize town efforts to weather what might become the longest Winter in the settlement's history. And so. Will the party pick a side?
➤ Level: Four (base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: Multiple rounds (depending on number of courses ((tbd))!)
➤ Timeframe: one hour
➤ Synergies: Courtly Graces
➤ List of Skills (easiest to hardest): Willowshore Lore (to understand and share stories of the “good old days”), Alcohol Lore (to share opinions about favorite drinks), Diplomacy or Society (as above but more generic, less specific info), Deception (far from a fool of a man, unless he is drunk, he can tell when someone is lying to him), Intimidation (perhaps years of dealing with Granny Hu have hardened his resolve against bullies)
R1
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 27+ ♥️♥️
Kazuki w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 17 @ 21 ♥️
Lan w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 17 @ 15 17 ♥️
Sigurd w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 12
Vekka w/ w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 19 ♥️
R2
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 20 @ 20 ♥️
Kazuki w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 18 @ 20 ♥️
Lan w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Sigurd w/ Society vs DC 19 @ 26 ♥️
Vekka w/ Society vs DC 19 @ 12
R2
Auntie Wu w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Kazuki w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Lan w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Sigurd w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Vekka w/ ?? vs DC ?? @ ??
Current Progress @ ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️, ♥️♥️♥️
When the tale turns to their efforts to rid the town of Mo Douqiu, Vekka recounts how he cut Auntie Wu out of the man-eating toad.Old Matsuki bows to the tengu "Your sword is gaining some renown among those who call Southbank home" he grins "Especially the youngest among us!" he allows his praise to be felt, then asks "You slew the devil Mo Douqiu - but did you discover whom he served?"
Vekka recedes into a shameful or apologetic expression that gives the answer before he can.
I did not... While the immediate threats to Willowshore are neutralized, the trail to greater threats has run cold.
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"Ugly Cute has been Guardian over Willowshore for a long time. At least a generation and a half have only known him as a statue. His reanimation is an omen! What do you think it foretells?"
"Willowshore will be safe again. But first, we must rebuild. Many farmlands were lost, and with winter just around the corner, we have only a single season to prepare for it!" he looks around the table "What do you think would be the best approach?"
Auntie Wu suddenly becomes still and quiet. For a moment her eyes stare into a void that only she sees, before shifting to meet Old Matsuki's intense gaze. It means the threat we face goes deeper than we know. And it will return."[/b] She shudders. "You are right that we need to prepare for winter. Everyone with any suitable land, or even a pot on a sunny doorstep, should plant quick-growing foods. I can arrange some workshops to teach those who don't know how, and share my seed stash."
Not seeking the answer he expected, Old Matsuki turns to the rest of the party.
"Ugly Cute and Zoudou both spoke of a veiled reality, some kind of wall or barrier surrounding us..."
"Do you suppose by 'veiled reality' he meant connection to the elemental planes?" the old farmer tries his best to guess...
"Of those faceless abominations, there were two leaders. One I dispatched almost immediately." Sigurd takes a sip of tea, careful not to go into too much detail as he knows Darius is scribbling every word down. "They were in charge of the direct kidnappings. But they had a spiritual leader, Zoudou."
"She was mad, spoke of a patron, Kugaptee. Filled my mind with visions of my own demise, driving her dagger through my ribs to pull out my heart as a sacrifice." Sigurd hears the sounds of a plate smashing. What is Sheela doing back there? "Nonetheless, I think she was young, and youngsters tend to be foolish. You and Ban-niang have wisdom to spare, and both of you would make excellent leaders. Perhaps a cooperative leadership?"
More tea. His siblings are better at negotiations- Sheela uses her charms to assert her way while Darius tends to insert ideas into people's heads without them realizing it.
"The wall looked like a mass of-" can't use the g-word "spirits, amassed taller than we could ever climb. Perhaps we are at the edge of some spirit's threshold."
This kind of information would frighten most of the villagers, but Shou is no mere villager. Besides, Sigurd knew killing the ghost faces would not be the end of it.
Old Matsuki seems to be taking in a lot of information quickly - he blinks rapidly.
”There is a Legend… I think it’s name was Kugaptee… but I did not believe it to be true… perhaps that is changing…” his face becomes grave, and take a few moments to stare into nothingness… like searching his memory for something…
…a beat…
”I will need time to compose my memory on the matter… but please… tell me more about this Wall… my rangers have no such reports to corroborate” he cups his chin with his fingers in an odd gesture of curiosity ”A spirit’s threshold to what, in your estimation? Where is it? How did you discover it?”
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Describing the location of the Wall, Auntie Wu also adds that, while blinded by Zoudou's foul magic, she was able to see Sigurd's spirit through the wall while he was affected by the ritual. "Zoudou and her acolytes claimed that we are living in a false world, like a dream, and that the real world was on the other side of that Wall. The only way to cross the Wall alive was to appease Kugaptee. While she spoke like a madwoman, there may be some truth to her words. We could not see an end to the Wall; I have a grim sense of foreboding that it goes all the way around Willowshore, albeit far enough out that it's hard to see from here. If your rangers seek it, tell them to stay back. During the ritual, it reached out tendrils to attack us."
”What do you mean you cannot see and end to the Wall? Is it spiritually deep? Touching other planes? Please enlighten a poor old fool…” the joke he makes against himself a diffusion tactic, perhaps, Old Matsuki’s question is sincere.
It appears as though he hasn’t seen the Wall for himself…
"You speak of the Faceless Ones. Some of my rangers have spotted them. They have been drawn to Willowshore, for some reason. Tell me. Do you know what they want?""Zoudou and her acolytes claimed that we are living in a false world, like a dream, and that the real world was on the other side of that Wall. The only way to cross the Wall alive was to appease Kugaptee. While she spoke like a madwoman, there may be some truth to her words."
"It's possible that the world on the other side is no more real nor no less real that our world. It's also possible that whoever controls the wall may be appeased in other ways - or perhaps, they cannot be appeased at all. The faceless ones did not appear to have any more insight than we did. What we know is that Willowshore is safe, at least temporarily, and we have to study this phenomenon more."
ROUND 2
vs DC 17
"Ugly Cute has been Guardian over Willowshore for a long time. At least a generation and a half have only known him as a statue. His reanimation is an omen! What do you think it foretells?"
"We needn't guess! Ugly Cute speaks. In riddles, perhaps, but they speak!"
Lan will relay the contents of Ugly Cute's riddles, directly, and the "decoded" translations.
"They believe that the crimson mist that we see is the breath of a malign spirit behind a wall. The spirit can see us and alter our weather. It is possible that the wall is not our foe, but our savior, protecting us from this malign spirit's direct influence."
ROUND 3
vs DC 17
Kaziki nods in agreement throughout the conversation. Not really knowing what to say, he finally chimes in...
"Willowshore could possibly be connected to other planes. We have seen this 'wall' and the mysteries it holds. Perhaps we can travel to the world inside that wall. It could well be a very different version of Willowshore as we know it."
Final Party Progress @ ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️, ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️, ♥️♥️
The Governor's missing mansion being somewhat lost in the chaos of the Downtown Occupation - verily ended by the PCs with the slaying of Mo Douqiu, leader of the monster insurgency - it begins to slowly become apparent that there is a political power void at the highest level of leadership within Willowshore, with two clear contenders to rise to the mantle: Shou "Old" Matsuki and Ban-niang “Granny” Hu, the respective leaders of the Southbank and Northshore sides of the Ceiba River that bisects the town geographically, as well as culturally and ideologically. And so, each leader begins working to muster their "base" as towards ushering Willowshore into the Autumn months, preparing to rebuild and reprioritize town efforts to weather what might become the longest Winter in the settlement's history. And so. Will the party pick a side?
➤ Level: Four (base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: 3 rounds (1 base, +2 Earned from Cooking!)
➤ Timeframe: one hour
➤ Synergies: Courtly Graces
➤ List of Skills (easiest to hardest): Willowshore Lore (to understand and share stories of the “good old days”), Alcohol Lore (to share opinions about favorite drinks), Diplomacy or Society (as above but more generic, less specific info), Deception (far from a fool of a man, unless he is drunk, he can tell when someone is lying to him), Intimidation (perhaps years of dealing with Granny Hu have hardened his resolve against bullies), plus: Resistances Old Matsuki disdains appeals asking him to trust the younger generation. Utilizing such themes in conversation increases the DCs for all Influence attempts with him; Weaknesses Old Matsuki has great appreciation for fine food and drink. If the PCs ask to speak to Matsuki over a dinner they prepare (and succeed at a hard Alcohol Lore or Cooking Lore, or very hard Crafting check, as well as an expenditure of fine ingredients, to impress him), all Influence attempts made against him for up to several hours after the meal concludes gain an item bonus to the check for all who participated first-hand in the making of the meal.
R1
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 27+ ♥️♥️
Kazuki w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 17 @ 21 ♥️
Lan w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 17 @
Sigurd w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 12
Vekka w/ w/ Diplomacy vs DC 19 @ 19 ♥️
R2
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 20 @ 20 ♥️
Kazuki w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 18 @ 20 ♥️
Lan w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 18 @ 11
Sigurd w/ Society vs DC 19 @ 26 ♥️
Vekka w/ Society vs DC 19 @ 12
R3
Auntie Wu w/ Diplomacy vs DC 21 @ 17 25 ♥️
Kazuki w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 19 @ 23 ♥️
Lan w/ Willowshore Lore vs DC 19 @ 25 ♥️
Sigurd w/ Religion vs DC 21 @ 20
Vekka w/ Diplomacy vs DC 20 @ 15
Weakness
Retroactively applying his Weakness to fine food and drink will bump Sigurd's 3rd round failure to a success ♥️
Influence 3
Old Matsuki revises his initial assumption that the PCs have no respect for tradition and admits (if only to himself) they’re likable sorts. The start of this better impression grants the PCs 1 Reputation Point with Southbank.
Influence 6
Old Matsuki grows fond of the PCs and sees in them a bright promise for Willowshore’s future. To celebrate what he hopes will continue to develop into a lasting friendship, he both gifts each PC with a dose of his special medicinal wine and shares the formula for it with them.
Influence 9
Old Matsuki now fully trusts the PCs and values their input. If the PCs ask him to retract his bid for leadership of Willowshore, he does so with a nod of understanding, trusting the PCs have Willowshore’s best interests in mind.
Vekka recedes into a shameful or apologetic expression that gives the answer before he can.
I did not... While the immediate threats to Willowshore are neutralized, the trail to greater threats has run cold.
"Bah. That is a shame. Perhaps we could question that Jinkin you have seemed to have adopted. The one who is making all the townsfolk nervous!"
"We needn't guess! Ugly Cute speaks. In riddles, perhaps, but they speak!"
Lan will relay the contents of Ugly Cute's riddles, directly, and the "decoded" translations.
Old Matsuki drains his cup, pours another for himself and anyone who had been eyeballing it "Yes. Ugly Cute is our Guardian. But Willowshore hasn't needed a Guardian for... nearly as long as I remember..." he let's the thread die out, hinting at their being a story that he doesn't have the time to go into (if he can remember it fully!), but winks at Lan before he allows the subject to change...
"She was mad, spoke of a patron, Kugaptee. Filled my mind with visions of my own demise, driving her dagger through my ribs to pull out my heart as a sacrifice." Sigurd hears the sounds of a plate smashing...
"Kugaptee, Kugaptee... I recognize the name as Old. But..." he tries to rack his brain "There is a Legend... let me see if I can remember it..."
Auntie Wu suddenly becomes still and quiet. For a moment her eyes stare into a void that only she sees, before shifting to meet Old Matsuki's intense gaze. It means the threat we face goes deeper than we know. And it will return."[/b] She shudders. "You are right that we need to prepare for winter. Everyone with any suitable land, or even a pot on a sunny doorstep, should plant quick-growing foods. I can arrange some workshops to teach those who don't know how, and share my seed stash."
The old man's eyes brighten "I couldn't agree more. For even as Ban-niang would insist upon improving Willowshore's defenses and training her soldiers, you cannot stable an army without food in their bellies. Amiright!?"
Further "Perhaps I could Appoint someone as Minister of Agriculture to head up such a task?!" he winks again at Auntie Wu at the non-subtle mention of "someone"!
"You and Ban-niang have wisdom to spare, and both of you would make excellent leaders. Perhaps a cooperative leadership?"
"Ban-niang would not share power, and certainly not with me!" this seems to amuse him somewhat - as if he is remembering a secret which he had forgotten and intends to keep as a secret - and slugs down another gulp of wine "She is more stubborn than an ox. However..." you see the wagon wheels turning "Perhaps if someone who possessed something that she wanted - such as Renown in the village - which she might surmise that she could somehow Consolidate, well then, maybe then she may be willing to come around to some sort of Lop-sided Compromise?" he considers a moment more, then says "Nah" as if dismissing the idea as soon as he had it...
"The wall looked like a mass of-" can't use the g-word "spirits, amassed taller than we could ever climb. Perhaps we are at the edge of some spirit's threshold."
"Willowshore could possibly be connected to other planes. We have seen this 'wall' and the mysteries it holds. Perhaps we can travel to the world inside that wall. It could well be a very different version of Willowshore as we know it."
"It's possible that the world on the other side is no more real nor no less real that our world. It's also possible that whoever controls the wall may be appeased in other ways - or perhaps, they cannot be appeased at all. The faceless ones did not appear to have any more insight than we did. What we know is that Willowshore is safe, at least temporarily, and we have to study this phenomenon more."
"They believe that the crimson mist that we see is the breath of a malign spirit behind a wall. The spirit can see us and alter our weather. It is possible that the wall is not our foe, but our savior, protecting us from this malign spirit's direct influence."
Describing the location of the Wall, Auntie Wu also adds that, while blinded by Zoudou's foul magic, she was able to see Sigurd's spirit through the wall while he was affected by the ritual. "Zoudou and her acolytes claimed that we are living in a false world, like a dream, and that the real world was on the other side of that Wall. The only way to cross the Wall alive was to appease Kugaptee. While she spoke like a madwoman, there may be some truth to her words. We could not see an end to the Wall; I have a grim sense of foreboding that it goes all the way around Willowshore, albeit far enough out that it's hard to see from here. If your rangers seek it, tell them to stay back. During the ritual, it reached out tendrils to attack us."
Old Matsuki listens intently all the while. Absorbs what is being said to him. Which is clearly new information to him.
He looks towards Kazuki "Would you be willing to lead the Silvermist Rangers to confirm the parameters of this 'Wall of Ghosts'?"
ΩΩΩ
Descended from the elves that established the Silvermist Lodges, these Aiuvaran outdoorsman mostly keep to themselves at their outpost, coming to Willowshore mostly to trade their furs and snares for other needed supplies.
"There is a legend about Kugaptee?" Sigurd is so focused on Old Matsuki he doesn't notice Sheela reaching over to get some of his special tea into her slightly larger teacup.
Perhaps the old man is absorbing a lot of information. Sigurd may have to ask for more details at a later date.
"Ah yes, we will see what Granny Hu thinks about this situation. We are all part of Willowshore, after all."
"There is a legend about Kugaptee?" Sigurd is so focused on Old Matsuki he doesn't notice Sheela reaching over to get some of his special tea into her slightly larger teacup.
Old Matsuki fails to recall the legend... it seems... and then... he sips his wine once more thoughtfully... and...
"Ah, I may be pronouncing it incorrectly. She was hasty in her zealotry." Sigurd notices Sheela's look of concern when he mentions Zoudou. She quickly corrects herself and scoots to the kitchen.
With that done, Sigurd is ready to move on when he sees Old Matsuki's look of pure recognition!
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"Ah Yes, I remember now. Like it was Yesterday..."
"Long ago, there was a hero by the name of who defeated a powerful fiend named . But as Kugaptee was immortal, upon defeating him, she had to sacrifice herself in order to prevent his inevitable return. The legend is that Tan Sui-Jing took the form of a Sugi Tree and presides over his grave to this very day, her deep roots containing the pure evil buried underground"
"I was told this story when I was young: Not to cut down too many trees when clearing land in case one of the trees unleashed an evil demon. But that children's warning is not one given today to the young of Willowshore - I think I was a boy of..." he looks around, and singles out "Darius's age" he pats the boy on the head.
"Perhaps it has faded into myth - the reason nobody tells that children's warning anymore as I had heard it. But. I have seen Willowshore transform slowly over time. There wasn't always a "north" and a "south", just... one village. In any case, there may be some documentation - I am no historian proper! - but it might be hard to sort the myth from the reality..."
Old Matsuki scratches his chin.
"What do you make of it?"
A Sugi Tree is an evergreen that, if ancient, can grow in excess of 200 feet height and have trunks with a diameter the width of two tall men lying down head to foot!
"Hmm. I would not be surprised if this story has some truth in it. Perhaps the fiend is trying to restore itself. If it is true, her sacrifice is incredible. Honorable."
The Kolphan family has always had to deal with death in one way or another. And it's never quiet. Insanity, dismemberment, curses... he's heard the gamut. Darius knows too many, more than any young boy should. Sheela swears she never spoke of them, even in her drunken stupors.
What Sigurd wished the most right now, is that he had an inkling on the Natural world. Sheela knew it instinctively but she's busy in the kitchen. And Darius is just a child. Hopefully his teammates had an idea.
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At the mention of the Sugi tree, Auntie Wu's eyes go wide in appreciation. "A Sugi tree, eh? They're evergreens, and can grow over 200 feet high, with trunks as wide as the combined height of two grown men-- and not halflings, mind you." She nods to the taller human men in the group.
"Yes. Ugly Cute is our Guardian. But Willowshore hasn't needed a Guardian for... nearly as long as I remember..." he let's the thread die out, hinting at their being a story that he doesn't have the time to go into (if he can remember it fully!), but winks at Lan before he allows the subject to change...
Once she senses the time is ripe for a change in subject, she respectfully urges Old Matsuki to elaborate on what he knows of Ugly Cute's past. "You mentioned the last time Willowshore needed a Guardian when we were speaking of Ugly Cute. Perhaps we can glean some wisdom from that time, if you'd be so kind as to share the tale with us."
"Perhaps I could Appoint someone as Minister of Agriculture to head up such a task?!" he winks again at Auntie Wu at the non-subtle mention of "someone"!
Me, a *Minister*?! Hahaha! Ooo, the Constable would burst a blood vessel over that! Hah! She almost laughs in his face, but instead ducks her face down in a slight bow to hide the little twitches at the corners of her lips. "Such a decision can be made once it is seen who would best serve our town in that capacity. We may have more capable people here than we realize." Noncommittal and indirect--not her forte, but since Old Matsuki only *implied* that he was thinking of her, it would be presumptuous to assume the position was already hers to decline.
"Ban-niang would not share power, and certainly not with me!" this seems to amuse him somewhat - as if he is remembering a secret which he had forgotten and intends to keep as a secret - and slugs down another gulp of wine "She is more stubborn than an ox."
Huh. Did they court long ago? She doesn't ask about that, but files the information away for later.
Trigger Someone in the party makes an NPC in Willowshore friendly; Effect Your reputation precedes you, even if you aren’t the one making the attempt to influence an NPC. The NPC is made helpful instead of friendly. Making an NPC helpful can unlock additional support from their location in Willowshore—your GM has
more information about this mechanic.
But perhaps he's already also helpful.
--------------------She would not share power, and I'm sure we all suspect she would favor the Northridge. I'm starting to regret, just a little bit, that we didn't keep her as appraised of our efforts. Keeping up connections wouldn't hurt.
"Yes. Ugly Cute is our Guardian. But Willowshore hasn't needed a Guardian for... nearly as long as I remember..." he let's the thread die out, hinting at their being a story that he doesn't have the time to go into (if he can remember it fully!), but winks at Lan before he allows the subject to change...Once she senses the time is ripe for a change in subject, she respectfully urges Old Matsuki to elaborate on what he knows of Ugly Cute's past. "You mentioned the last time Willowshore needed a Guardian when we were speaking of Ugly Cute. Perhaps we can glean some wisdom from that time, if you'd be so kind as to share the tale with us."
He looks at Auntie Wu "I was a still young man - about your age - when this came to pass" smiling now, for even if he was half the age he is now, it would hardly qualify him as "young" by humans standards - he continues to boast "I built the Monastery you know! Yup, I was there. But this was long after that, and yet, still a long time ago..."
"People from Away - Cityfolk" he barely spits out the word "come to town with their axes and carts. You see, around this time is when Willowshore started to change - the damned he shakes his fist vigorously! "Split into "north" and "south" - anyway - this upstart whipper snapper lumberjack potato sack comes to town and starts asking about the Sugi Grove - persistent in his quest, eventually finds someone willing to give him directions - and makes the three-day trek to claim it for himself. It did not go well for him" he smiles maliciously "Our town guardian - Ugly Cute - barely needed to awaken (no one remembers this because most folks aren't as old as I am, but, it happened!) until the monsters came for Willowshore!"
He takes another swig, leaving the party in mild suspense "They got what they deserved - slaughtered by the Sugi Grove itself - but came back as monsters - busted axes and all - and sieged Willowshore on the The Night of Broken Blades!" his tone changes here, as the memory of the violence comes to the fore of his mind "We lost a lot of folk that day - folks who would be grandparents today - but we prevailed - and Ugly Cute, having saved us, rested again for a long time until about one week ago, as you know..."
He looks around, knowing this story ought bring forth additional questions, and readies to answer them!
ΩΩΩ
Sigurd notices Darius is scribbling every note down. Where does he keep getting this paper and quill from? And where does he store them?
"Greed and youth are a dangerous mix." He shakes his head. "Such a majestic tree. May it grow forever. Our family was named after the guardian angel, Kolphanir. We believe she urged us to come to Tian Xia. My parents used the last of their funds to bring us here." He sips some tea.
"I believe our destiny is here. If anyone was foolish enough to disturb the tree..." he sighs. "I wonder what happened to them, exactly. How they could have turned into monsters. Kugaptee's greed may have corrupted them."
Old Matsuki helped construct the Monastery. Sigurd begins contemplating what must have happened out there...
Lung Wa... Lung Wa... Is that a family name?
Legend has it that a monk by the name of Zhi Hui, an avid follower of Sangpotshi, contemplated for 10 days under the tallest tree in the Tan Sugi Grove - the site where Tan Sui-Jing defeated Kugaptee - and decided to establish a monastery in the grove. Today - haunted since (or perhaps due to?) the Night of Broken Blades - it presumably lies in ruins.
Accessing the grove is a matter of making the 3-day trek across Pilgrim's Path, a winding, overly circuitous trail with multiple shrines posted along the way, inviting the traveller towards inward reflection as they contemplate the previous lives in accordance with Sanpotshi philosophy and beliefs.
Lung Wa is the name for the current empire that controls Shenmen, responsible for installing the now-missing governor Heh Shan-Bao several years ago into power. Willowshore for a long time has catered to their elite, seen as a quaint tourist destination and outpost in the untamed wilds of the Spectrewood hinterlands.
Economically, they made their money in lumber, and still hold a monopoly over most of that sector. However, they started to fall into decline a couple years ago - - 7106 by the local calendar - halting to a dead stop the visitation payed by politicians and bureaucrats on a seasonal basis.
ΩΩΩ
"Ah, yes, of course. the monastery." Sigurd hides his confusion. He was certain it was founded by the government as a propaganda site, but... no matter.
"Maybe we can visit there once we finish reconstruction?"
Sigurd finds himself unfocused and flustered.
Shenmen is the nation Willowshore is located in, known, from the outside-looking-in, as a lawless, monster-haunted region where humans are no longer top of the food chain: the "Cursed Land of Spiders and Ghosts".
Popular religions include Fumeyoshi, Lady Nanbyo, Lamashtu, Lao Shu Po, and Pharasma, and prominent languages include Aklo, Empyrean, Fey, and Common (Tien). It's major resources are Dyes, Lumber, Medicine, Ore (especially to smelt Silver), Stone, and Tea.
Politically within the Empire, Shenmen is used as a dumping ground of sorts for unwanted or disgraced politicians and bureaucrats who were simply told to keep the lumber from the Specterwood (the vast forest Willowshore is located in) and the silver from the Gossamer Mountains flowing. Despite being near the core of the Empire itself, Shenmen remains an unimportant backwater; the only thing the Empire seems to care about is that the timber and metal continues to flow.
Shenmen is under control of the Lung Wa Empire which is currently, as of recently, experiencing some decline.
"Would you be willing to lead the Silvermist Rangers to confirm the parameters of this 'Wall of Ghosts'?"
Kazuki suddenly looks up with interest.
"Yes. Yes I would!" he says while nodding his head enthusiastically.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I know of Sugi trees but I don't believe I have ever encountered a special grove during my hunting expeditions."
Kazuki tries to recall anything about the sugi grove...
"Ohhhh yeahhh, The Pilgrim's Path. I have crossed paths with it on hunts and have seen a shrine here and there."
Are there any former members of the monastery still around?
I suspect Lung Wa is in decline for reasons removed from Willowshore's influence. Are those reasons well known? I would imagine that keeps the seat of the Empire occupied and with less energy to enforce our town's speed of delivering resources.
What was at Sugi Grove before the monastery. Was that particular tree somehow marked and kept sacred?
The path is haunted as well. Folks don't go there. Fortunately, as the path was designed to slow the traveler down, the actual distance between Willowshore and Sugi Grove is about one day's travel, instead of three, avoiding the shrines and making a straight shot of it.
Are there any former members of the monastery still around?
"Not for a long time. But again, nobody knows. We don't go there since the Night of Broken Blades"
I suspect Lung Wa is in decline for reasons removed from Willowshore's influence. Are those reasons well known? I would imagine that keeps the seat of the Empire occupied and with less energy to enforce our town's speed of delivering resources.
"Bah! Those politics are beyond me. I'm just glad the statesmen no longer come around here treating our village like their personal vacationland" he pauses a moment "Too bad they closed down the brothel though..." he realizes this may be a mispeak, and changes subject...
What was at Sugi Grove before the monastery. Was that particular tree somehow marked and kept sacred?
"Legend has it that Zhi Hui identified it by it's sheer height, and confirmed it's spiritual significance by meditating under it"
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Night of the Broken Blades
Auntie Wu frowns, deep in thought. "I wonder why they rose after they were killed. If the Grove were truly containing Kugaptee's menace, something else would have had to cause it. But perhaps he found a way to leak his influence out of his prison. Hmmm... There's something more to this..."
A coldness is spreading deep in Auntie Wu's gut. She takes a careful sip of Old Matsuki's special wine, rolling it across her tongue for several moments to focus her attention. (It doesn't hurt that she's showing appreciation to the maker of the wine.) Taking a deep breath, she exhales slowly as the warmth of the wine fights to counteract the inner chill. "I have a bad feeling that the great Sugi tree has been harmed. We should go check it as soon as possible. Though I'm not sure whether taking the shortest route or following the Pilgrim's Path is the wiser course of action. There are arguments for both."
Lan explains the Silvermist Rangers to anyone who doesn't know: Descended from the elves that established the Silvermist Lodges, these Aiuvaran outdoorsman mostly keep to themselves at their outpost, coming to Willowshore mostly to trade their furs and snares for other needed supplies.
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Monastery (Religion): Sigurd (nat 1), Auntie Wu (30), Vekka (14)
Lung Wa (Society): Sigurd (20), Vekka (nat 20)
Sugi Grove (Nature): Auntie Wu (23), Kazuki (22), Vekka (9)
Sangpotshi (Religion): Sigurd (nat 1), Auntie Wu (22)
Pilgrim's Path (Survival): Sigurd (11), Kazuki (20), Auntie Wu (17)
Shenmen (Society): Sigurd (17)
"I agree with Auntie Wu, we'll need to check on the Sugi Grove. We'll also need to confirm the extent of the Wall of Ghosts. And Willowshore - North and South - will need to cooperate to secure the town - the entire town, not just the urban parts. We'll need to consider a long-term strategy to reduce wood usage, as well."
Night of the Broken BladesAuntie Wu frowns, deep in thought. "I wonder why they rose after they were killed. If the Grove were truly containing Kugaptee's menace, something else would have had to cause it. But perhaps he found a way to leak his influence out of his prison. Hmmm... There's something more to this..."
There is a tone of reluctance, almost automatic "We need to fortify Willowshore against Winter - to Rebuild!" before he appears to grant Auntie Wu - whom he has unfortunately become very fond of - the following concession "But if there is something more going on in Sugi Grove - if the legends are true - then a Deeper Darkness lurks at the old Monastery..."
He sips his wine gravely. Hoping, perhaps, it would go away. But Auntie Wu and Lan are firm in their determination. Shou raises an eyebrow when they agree:
A coldness is spreading deep in Auntie Wu's gut. She takes a careful sip of Old Matsuki's special wine, rolling it across her tongue for several moments to focus her attention. (It doesn't hurt that she's showing appreciation to the maker of the wine.) Taking a deep breath, she exhales slowly as the warmth of the wine fights to counteract the inner chill. "I have a bad feeling that the great Sugi tree has been harmed. We should go check it as soon as possible. Though I'm not sure whether taking the shortest route or following the Pilgrim's Path is the wiser course of action. There are arguments for both."
"I agree with Auntie Wu, we'll need to check on the Sugi Grove. We'll also need to confirm the extent of the Wall of Ghosts. And Willowshore - North and South - will need to cooperate to secure the town - the entire town, not just the urban parts. We'll need to consider a long-term strategy to reduce wood usage, as well."
His face contorts with further discomfort until Lan finally says "secure the town" - then visibly relaxes. Wonders aloud "Perhaps I underestimate you. For that, I apologize. If you all seem to think that all three tasks can be completed without interfering with eachother - Securing the Town for Winter, Mapping the Wall of Ghosts, and Visiting Sugi Grove - then I trust in your abilities. You have already done so much" he looks between Lan, Sigurd, and Vekka as he says "Too bad that fool Zheng Peng is constable. Bah!" crashing his cup onto the table, he spills a little wine.
Essentially, the belief that all life is connected through time with singular souls inhabiting subsequent bodies, each time learning from new experiences, seeking greater and greater enlightenment with each incarnation. In a word, Sangpotshi is faith in the cycle of reincarnation. While practitioners of Sangpotshi learn to access the memories of their past lives, and encourage others to do so as well, they do not tend to think of their beliefs as a "religion" per se, and many hold faith with other prominent gods as well. Amongst themselves, they call their belief system the "River of Life" - a purposeful parallel to the River of Souls - where individuals are simply thought to be making multiple trips onto and from different banks of the river along their way to judgement.
Counting their enemies are the Nindoru, creatures similar to undead who "break" from the cycle of reincarnation in order to put a violent end to other individuals' quests towards enlightenment.
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Auntie Wu frowns, deep in thought. "I wonder why they rose after they were killed. If the Grove were truly containing Kugaptee's menace, something else would have had to cause it. But perhaps he found a way to leak his influence out of his prison. Hmmm... There's something more to this..."
This thought troubles Vekka greatly, and he's disappointed in himself for not seeing it sooner.
Zoudou and her followers kept going on about Kugaptee. It could just be they had a fixation, but the emergence of the Wall of Ghosts suggests he has re-gained a foothold in this world.
He shakes his head and looks down, thinking of Tan Sui-Jing taking the form of the Sugi tree.
If entirely freed, a great sacrifice may be required to seal him away again...
He winces visibly as if it hurt to say it out loud, or maybe he regretted doing so.
Zoudou and her followers kept going on about Kugaptee. It could just be they had a fixation, but the emergence of the Wall of Ghosts suggests he has re-gained a foothold in this world.
He shakes his head and looks down, thinking of Tan Sui-Jing taking the form of the Sugi tree.
If entirely freed, a great sacrifice may be required to seal him away again...
Shou scratches his chin "Do you think Willowshore should be warned? Or should this be handled quietly? If Ban-niang found out, who knows what she might do..."
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A half-smirk flashes across Auntie Wu's face as Old Matsuki shares his opinion of the constable. She completely agrees.
But she turns serious when the question of informing Granny Hu (patooie!) arises. "Hmmm..." Auntie Wu ponders for a moment. "This is conjecture so far, so it would be unwise to inform her yet. That could distract her from doing her part to help rebuild Willowshore and prepare us for winter. For now, we should gather information to determine exactly what the danger is, how much to share, and with whom. Besides, Granny Hu tends to dismiss people who don't know what they're talking about. This is something that she must take seriously, if we're right. We can't afford for her to ignore it."
"We need to focus on rebuilding Willowshore, first and foremost." Sigurd chooses his words carefully. "I do not wish to start a panic, or even worse, convert our citizens to that fiend."
"...I do wish to find some way to help, Pick. Someone who died long ago, yet he cannot rest. He is bound to the same cave we found Ugly Cute within. If we can restore his memory, we may be able to help him find his rest. Elzabeth may know a thing or two, I'll have to converse with her afterward."
Sheela grins and glares at Sigurd when he mentions the Pharasmin priest, and Sigurd simply sighs. Sheela always enjoyed teasing him about his long conversations with her, always implying something impolite!
A half-smirk flashes across Auntie Wu's face as Old Matsuki shares his opinion of the constable. She completely agrees.
Shou notices, and shares, the half-smirk. He opens his mouth as if to elaborate, then decides the better of it.
"This is conjecture so far, so it would be unwise to inform her yet. That could distract her from doing her part to help rebuild Willowshore and prepare us for winter. For now, we should gather information to determine exactly what the danger is, how much to share, and with whom. Besides, Granny Hu tends to dismiss people who don't know what they're talking about. This is something that she must take seriously, if we're right. We can't afford for her to ignore it."
"Ban-niang is a long-retired Captain for Lung Wa - she knows conflict, and will act in accordance with what her training has taught her" he chooses his words delicately "She would have Willowshore militarized and upon austere rationing, prioritizing power over production. In some ways, she never left the lumber barons' mindset" he sighs... a beat... then a look of mischief - seemingly deciding against, then for, sharing the following "Her subtleties she learned on her own..." holding the rest of his tongue.
Then whirls on the cleric:
"We need to focus on rebuilding Willowshore, first and foremost." Sigurd chooses his words carefully. "I do not wish to start a panic, or even worse, convert our citizens to that fiend."
"Yes! That must be our priority!" He pleas now! "Please stay on for a time before heading out of town. There is so much to do. And we have lost so many" he adds, realizing that he may be sounding desperate "I mean, if you have to go, go. But. With your help, we could easily doible our efforts. Perhaps you don't know" he awaits everyone's full attention before speaking again.
"The people of Willowshore consider you it's heroes!"
"...I do wish to find some way to help, Pick. Someone who died long ago, yet he cannot rest. He is bound to the same cave we found Ugly Cute within. If we can restore his memory, we may be able to help him find his rest. Elzabeth may know a thing or two, I'll have to converse with her afterward."
"Pick?" Shou looks confused "Who is Pick? What do you mean 'Someone who died long ago, yet he cannot rest'? An abomination that must be destroyed?" his prejudice shows a little...
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Lan doesn't like the deliberate sidelining of Northshore, but he'll hold his tongue for now.
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""...I do wish to find some way to help, Pick. Someone who died long ago, yet he cannot rest. He is bound to the same cave we found Ugly Cute within. If we can restore his memory, we may be able to help him find his rest. Elzabeth may know a thing or two, I'll have to converse with her afterward."
Uncomfortably, Auntie Wu explains Pick. "Pick is a...former person...who talked to us in the caves. He was...not a threat at the time." She's clearly not happy about his existence. "I agree that he needs to be put to rest, but we have higher priorities. He's bound to the cave, so he can't hurt anyone outside of it, and he's not able to die while we work to ensure our people's survival. That's a 'later problem'."
"I propose we stay in town for three days before going to check on the Grove. We can ask the Silvermist Rangers if they'd be willing to map the Wall. We can organize the people, set up workshops to teach necessary skills, be seen helping, and make sure everyone knows how they can help." She pauses for a beat, then continues with a perfectly neutral voice: "Granny Hu should be a part of this as well. We should take this opportunity to try to unite the people of the North and South sides. ... I think our next stop should be to appraise her of the situation, minus our theories about the Sugi Tree. Once we return from that, we'll share any news we have with both of you."
"Regardless of how Granny Hu reacts to the idea of sharing power, there are enough people on both sides of the river who will respect the idea of unity, and any potential leader who is willing to share power rather than hoard it all for themselves." And we'll make sure to plant that seed in Granny Hu's ear as well, though whether any seed can sprout in that dry stone of her heart is anyone's guess. The people of Northridge deserve better, no matter how capable she is.
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Uncomfortably, Auntie Wu explains Pick. "Pick is a...former person...who talked to us in the caves. He was...not a threat at the time." She's clearly not happy about his existence. "I agree that he needs to be put to rest, but we have higher priorities. He's bound to the cave, so he can't hurt anyone outside of it, and he's not able to die while we work to ensure our people's survival. That's a 'later problem'."
Shou narrows his eyes. Sus. His body tenses. But. He lets it slide. Because:
"I propose we stay in town for three days before going to check on the Grove. We can ask the Silvermist Rangers if they'd be willing to map the Wall. We can organize the people, set up workshops to teach necessary skills, be seen helping, and make sure everyone knows how they can help." She pauses for a beat, then continues with a perfectly neutral voice: "Granny Hu should be a part of this as well. We should take this opportunity to try to unite the people of the North and South sides. ... I think our next stop should be to appraise her of the situation, minus our theories about the Sugi Tree. Once we return from that, we'll share any news we have with both of you."
"Regardless of how Granny Hu reacts to the idea of sharing power, there are enough people on both sides of the river who will respect the idea of unity, and any potential leader who is willing to share power rather than hoard it all for themselves." And we'll make sure to plant that seed in Granny Hu's ear as well, though whether any seed can sprout in that dry stone of her heart is anyone's guess. The people of Northridge deserve better, no matter how capable she is.
Three things slowly happen: Old Matsuki flushes a little red, he seems to notice that he does, and, embarrassed at being embarrassed, flushes even redder - primarily in his wine-stained nose!
It takes him a moment to recover: "That is..." is he lost for words? "Wisdom beyond..." is the conclusion of the sentence beyond him? "..." awkward pause, then finally, with onlt a modicum of grace "What do you need me to do?" he offers to support, rising from his comfortable seat, pacing, pacing, thinking, thinking - a new animation takes the aged Southbanker, a churning of gears that perhaps had been at rest for an extended sabbatical. He paces, thinks.
Speaks "How do you intend to contact Ban-niang ?" he posits "She is a military woman. Might I suggest you arrange the meet through her lieutenant, Kim Gu-won ?"
Kazuki is a bit out of it, of sorts. So much has happened since the beginning of the festival. Maybe he's still a bit shell-shocked from the entire ordeal.
A lot of discussion and he doesn't really know what to say. Luckily, his friends know exactly what to say and what questions to ask. Also, that wine is quite strong.
The creepy Wall of Spirits... Ugly Cute... Rescuing the townsfolk and his mother... Pick... The Sugi Grove... Uniting the town...
So much going on and quite overwhelming.
He finally pipes up...
"Yes! Kim Gu-won!" he exclaims with a finger in the air. He then glances about, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Uh... Yeah. Let's see how Mister Kim can help."
"I am quite anxious about checking out that Sugi grove." he states under his breath while regaining his composure.
"I propose we stay in town for three days before going to check on the Grove. ... We can organize the people, set up workshops to teach necessary skills, be seen helping, and make sure everyone knows how they can help."
Vekka lights up at this idea. It was past time for some true community healing. He straightens the sandalwood circle of spell drums at his back, stands up straight and takes a stance that exudes energy and confidence.
That's the best idea I've heard all day! Jubei and I could find some things to teach! I suspect the piles of books and scrolls at the Mother's Coil is not what you had in mind, but we know other things!
He holds out one taloned hand in a gesturing manner.
Tea making, and...
Cut Scene
And so, the Willowhore Heroes speak with the Willowshore Elder for the rest of the afternoon, making plans about what to do next.
Contact is made with Granny Hu, and she becomes made aware of the entirety of what happened - except that the party plans to secretly visit the Tan Monastery at Sugi Grove!
Kazuki, guiding the Silvermist Rangers, soon discovers that the Wall of Ghosts surrounds the entire village, out to about a several mile radius in all directions - and worse! - that the Pilgrim's Path passes right through!
After several attempts - perhaps a couple days and creative ideas - it is determined to be Impermeable - with would-be-passers merely disappearing and reappearing shortly thereafter with their orientation reversed. The anomaly is familiar...
...and so, given the apparent futility of that plan, the party decides how to proceed...
Secret Check!
Lying by omission to Granny Hu!
The PCs spend the remaining weeks (3 total) recovering from the events of The Summer That Never Was…
As promised, you can use this time to Retrain (rolling your Class DC or primary skill), to Research the Curse (rolling any Tradition skill), or to Rebuild the Village (I am open to suggestions on skills you can use). Each check will represent one week. Each of these checks will also double as checks to Earn Income, and will be immediately dispensed:
Retrain
One week per ability increase, feat, highest-rank repertoire spell, or skill increase. If you’d like a more extensive rebuild, you may eschew applying the rolls to Earn Income and instead use the entire three week to rebuild every mechanical aspect of your charater - ability scores, background, class and subclass, equipment, feats, skill increases, spells, all of it - so long as your character is still essentially the same narratively, and his “story” doesn’t fundamentally change. If you choose to do this, you don’t need to roll.
Research the Curse
With access to a “Library” (this could be a shrine, temple, scrollcase, tax records, collection of artifacts…) from a Local NPC at their Location, you can make one roll per week spent in study of the Curse, accumulating points which will unlock new thresholds of knowledge.
Rebuild the Village
Much of Willowshore was destroyed in the recent events. Choose a skill which you can imagine would represent “rebuilding” from the damage sustained by the inhabitants Willowshore - be that physically, psychologically, spiritually, etc - you can make one roll per week spent rebuilding.
Please do not actually roll, just declare intent - once I have everyone’s declaration, I will roll for you in one large batch using the macros sheet (update if you have not already!) - we will move into Autumn after these three weeks, and proceed with Book Two!