This game was fun while it lasted. Feel proud of the campaign you started. Better luck next time.
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Everything okay Captain Marvelous?
It wasn’t until I read “Hikaru No Go” a few years ago that I became familiar with Go. It’s definitely one of those things where I’d like to try learning it if I had more time.
”Well, you heard him,” Ji says with a laugh. ”I can fix the wall if you want to keep this incident quiet. In time we’ll learn your decision. Farewell.”
Ji grunts in annoyance at Ming-Yue’s threat but remains calm as Flying Sword handles the situation. ”Suspicious? Perhaps, but do you think we would hide in walls to spy on you? How insulted would your master be if the situation were reversed?” The young woman stares into his eyes. ”I was injured by the demon. If you could see qi you’d be able to tell.”
Ji waits for the boy to answer Flying Sword then asks, ”And what do you mean rebellion? What exactly do you think you heard?” Her demeanor is calm and patient, yet hinting puzzlement.
Realizing she didn’t have nearly the time needed to explore the narrow passages, Ji returned to the drama unfolding between Yong and the boy. Standing with her back to the hole in the wall, Ji asked, ”Remind me, how does the Kunlun reward failure?”
Ji laughs at the boy’s clear lie. ”Let me look in here,” she calls out. Slipping into the hole in the wall, she examines the narrow passage then follows it to determine which other rooms it visits.
”Looks like you caught a rat!” Ji says. Her sword is out and she looks around the room, suspicious that more men might be listening. Since there isn’t any other sounds so far as she can tell, she turns to address the man. ”I doubt this was your idea. Who sent you? Was it Sun Wuji? What information were you trying to discover?” She sheathes her sword, attempting to convey that she means the kid no harm. ”Perhaps we could help each other out. Let’s see what my brothers think.”
Ji approaches the Emperor and Ming-Yue as Zhang Yong begins his inspection. ”Ming-Yue is your shifu,” Ji whispers with a smirk, clearly enjoying the reversal of positions between the two. ”It’s conceivable that Ming-Yue and I were on our separate ways to a scheduled duel when the demon ambushed you and then us. Do you think you could feign animosity towards me, Ming-Yue?”
”Something we all need to remember Flying Sword,” Ji says. Walking around, she examines the furnishings and artwork of the sitting area. ”Impressive. Very impressive...I don’t think we should discuss our recent discovery,“ she enters the first form of the transitional stance, holding it for a moment, then continuing her perusal of the artwork.
Ji watches the verbal...dueling between Sun Wujin’s and her sworn brothers with a patient smile. How will the grandmaster respond to Flying Sword’s words. Her mind races trying to think of a decent metaphor. Seeds—grass—cow droppings—herds—crossing rivers—rivers in the forest—different trees make a forest...enlightenment of variety, indeed.
”A taoist priestess as well,” Ji says indicating herself to Little Divine Blade. ”A quarter of the Tiger Fighting Demons. Indeed, I was injured fighting a demon. She struck me with her staff and...I’ve felt diminished every since. A loss of qi, either slowed or blocked, I don’t know. Plus my soul no longer feels whole. I would like to see it restored. I’ve heard the sages of the Grand Celestial Pagoda can help me.” She gently claps her hand on the Emperor’s shoulder, ”He was injured in the battle too. He needs healing.”
I'll get the character sheet fixed tomorrow. For now, gaining two levels in Wudang: +4 skill points, +2 BAB, +1 Fort, +2 Ref, +1 Will, 5th level Neijing (Change Form, Exchange Place), 6th +1 Qingong (now Qingong 3), +2d10
Total hit points now 66. Not bad, but...one or two good hits and I'll be down for the count.
How does reading this book and the negative level Ji has interact? Does it wipe out her negative level? For today’s spells, would Ji know if Lesser Restoration fixes broken bones? Would she know if Neutralize Poison would help Wu-Yao? I know at this point it’s pretty much unneeded since he’s awake from the naga-dream, but at the time she acquired her spells for the day she’d be thinking about how to help him. She’d probably take three cure light wounds, 2 lesser restoration (if they fix broken bones), and 1 neutralize poison. For orisons 2 detect poison, 1 flare, and 1 detect magic. Thanks for the invitation to your other game. I would apply if I had time for another game.
He cannot rest until a mortal martial artist is able to surpass his skill with the sword, and I intend to be the one to help him pass on." ”That’s a worthy goal. I wish you success! Maybe three hundred years from now wulin will be leaving your tomb having a similar conversation...though that’s not to say I hope you become a ghost and can’t pass on to the afterlife,” she adds with a chuckle. As dawn approaches, Ji prays and meditates. Her concern for easing the Emperor’s pain and Wu-Yao’s condition blossoms within her. The magic for neutralizing poison and for healing wounds form clearly, ready for release. She nods at Flying Swords invitation to spar with him as he demonstrates his new knowledge. When it’s her turn to study the manual with the others, she feels the knowledge opening a new path to a deeper understanding of martial arts. It helps to ameliorate the loss she suffered fighting the demoness.
"I suggest you all stand clear." Ji stands well away, her own sword drawn if the demoness should make another appearance. Looking for any clues as to what form he will use, she studies Flying Sword gathering his qi. Soft Snow Style...yes, but wh—Ice Cracks At Dawn?! Splendid technique. "We must tell them nothing of the society. We are merely Wulin fighters, injured from a battle with a demon, seeking aid." ”Of course, we will say nothing of your society. We are not members but that doesn’t mean we will expose you.” Along the way down the mountain, Ji asks, ”If you don’t mind, how did you acquire your sword? We discovered the reason our three swords are similar. They are Dugu’s former swords.” Floating in the center of the water is a single perfect star lotus. ”See, the star lotus society strikes again,” Ji says with a chuckle. ”At least this way I don’t have to transform into a mule to carry Wu-Yao.”
Ji answers Yong’s question about the poison. ”My taoist magic was inconclusive. Perhaps it’s not a poison, but rather something else. What that could be...” she shrugs. ”For now he’s asleep.” Ji studied the Emperor. ”Later I would like to hear how you passed the guardians that injured Wu-Yao. Ming-Yue is correct. You must not overexert yourself.” After mentioning the woman, Ji turned her attention to her. ”Allies nearby? No, we don’t. Our journey here was unexpected.” She smiles as if she just told a joke. ”Mount Emei, did you travel through Yuan or Bai? Do you have horses?” Ji nodded at the woman’s answer. ”We do need to decide where to go. I can scout as an eagle. Perhaps there is a village not too far away. As for healing, tomorrow I will be able to call upon the tao’s teachings and provide some relief to the Emperor and Wu-Yao...if that is what he needs,” her eyes rest on Wu-Yao’s form. ”I know I need to see an experienced healer at Mount Kunlun or Mount Wudang for healing. Facing that demoness was a terrible ordeal.” She rested her hand in the middle of her chest, a look of grave uncertainty on her face.
Ji watches the naga disappear; her mouth little more than a tight crease. ”Brother, we will return as soon as the Emperor is outside.” When she sees Ming-Yue, Ji gives a slight nod of thanks for her assistance. After seeing the miraculous pill take effect, Ji bows. ”Your majesty, excuse me but my brother needs —“ she stops talking as Wu-Yao’s message blooms in her ear. ”Help," Ji finishes and bursts into a sprint, back into the cave, her years of running and druidic practice making her swifter than most humans. She leaps from the last step to land next to Wu-Yao, half expecting the naga to attack again. Ji inspects the bite mark, marveling at its small size. She whispers some druidic words to detect if there is poison in her brother.
”Time to go,” she says, rolling him into a position where she can lift him. She gets her shoulder under his abdomen and pushes her legs against the ground while repositioning his body to align their centers of gravity. ”Let’s get you out of here.”
”Emperor, do you want us to take Red Dragon Slayer for you?He blinks twice, visibly frustrated by the limitations of this mode of communication. Ji winks. ”It was a little test. I didn’t think you wanted us to take it for you. How could you claim it properly as yours to wield? Please forgive me for my mischief.” Once the naga attacks Wu-Yao, Ji is unsure how to respond. Flee with the Emperor, put him down and fight? She secures her grip on the Emperor’s makeshift litter in case she needs to flee. The pain is so bad that Wu-Yao can no longer stand. As he falls to the ground, Ji calls out ”Warm blood? What do you know? Ignorance is yours if you haven’t experienced warm blood. Can you transform, leave your naga bodies? I can leave mine. I have spent time as a horse running the prairies, a snake hunting mice, a carp in a frozen lake. Trust me, I can speak of more adventures, but for now I will say, farewell.”
Ji smiles in affirmation. ”Yes, we’re ready to go. Take the branches by his feet, please. We’ll lift on three.” Taking one last look at the tomb, Ji inhales deeply. ”Emperor, do you want us to take Red Dragon Slayer for you? Perhaps someday we can return. It would be a fitting place to study Dugu’s manual.” Kneeling, she grabs the two branches near his shoulders, counts, ”One, two, three,” and lifts. She and Yong carry the Emperor. As they approach the exit, she listens for birdcalls or any sound of wild animals. She doesn’t think Ming-Yue would make enough noise for her to hear.
I’m all for renaming spells. I don’t think there’s any compelling reason not to. If the others agree we should make a list in the campaign notes section for spell names as they are used. Not all of them need to be renamed. Frostbite and feather step are good enough to me. Hmm, I’ll double check, but I don’t think Ji is capable of healing ability damage. Good to remember about taking ten. I usually forget about that aspect of the rules.
”We should ask Ming-Yue about this ring once she returns from getting the pill. When he started to wear it. Did it affect his behavior? Things of that nature.” Ji sorts the strips of fabric and the branches to get the best ones for splinting the broken bones. [b]”Forgive me, Emperor, but I do not know the proper address for you. Highest Majesty, Most Exalted Majesty, Shining Dragon Breath Majesty,” she shrugs. [b]”Of course I will be as gentle as I can, but there will be pain.” Ji starts with his legs, sliding fabric under one leg, placing two sticks along it, and then tying it snuggly at three places. She performs a similar technique with his other leg and his arms.
Ji shares a look between Flying Sword and Wu-Yao. ”You saw Dugu? My experience claiming one of his former swords didn’t have anything so auspicious.” Ji places a hand on the sheath of Golden Celestial Aura. ”I can detect the magical aura of the ring. That may give us a hint of the power within though Wu-Yao has more experience and knowledge with powerful items like this.” She concentrates, casting detect magic and focuses on the ring.
Good use of pills with rare herbs and preparation times. Do you want to rename some spells as well? For example, Cure Light Wounds could be Minor Meridian Balance and the somantic portion of the spell requires the caster to touch a few acupuncture points on the person. Also, concerning how Ji acquired Golden Celestial Aura, would it be acceptable for her to have claimed it after defeating a demon who wielded it. Maybe it was a demon who didn’t mind the pain and disabling aspects of wielding the sword since he was perverting the holy nature of the sword.
I like the way you’re handling xp and level advancement. It feels appropriate to the setting.
Red Dragon Slayer,” Ji nods in approval. ”Very fitting. My sword is Golden Celestial Aura. Dugu’s fourth sword apparently. I did not know it had such a splendid history.” Ji examines the ring on the Emperor’s finger. ”You’ll have to save the story for how you acquired this for another day. Do you want me to remove the ring?” She stands and counts the cloth strips she made from her pants and the Emperor’s clothing. ”Before I go fetch branches for the splints, I wondered, Wu-Yao, is there any word on the master smiths who made the swords?”
”It is an honor to meet you. I have been told we are cousins. Wong Bi Hao is like a father to me.” She gives the man a comforting smile. As Wu-Yao describes what he discovered, her hand touches Golden Celestial Aura in special reverence. ”Did you come for a particular sword?” she asks the Emperor. Next, ”Did the demon attack you when you claimed the book?” Ji then stands, looking at the others, ”I will get some branches for his splints and warn Ming-Yue about his injuries. Does the sword balance with your qi, Wu-Yao?”
”Please, Wu-Yao,” Ji says. ”Any information we gather can only help us.” Turning her head towards Flying Sword, she says, ”Now that I think about this, we should splint his broken bones first before moving him. We’ll need to get stout sticks if we don’t want to use our scabbards. Hopefully he has a comfortable bed in a tent near by. Anyone want to warn Ming-Yue?” Her face is clearly worried as she looks at the numerous wounds. She uses her dagger to cut her pants at the knees then tears the fabric into long strips. ”Are you Emperor Xing Zei Long?” Ji asks. ”Forgive me, but I need to cut your clothes somewhat to help us bind your broken bones to the splints.”
Ji kneels next to the broken man and salutes. She rests her hand lightly on the man’s forehead. ”I’m a priestess. My name is Ji. Tomorrow I can help heal you. For now, can you understand me? Blink once if you understand.” She carefully attempts to move the book from his grasp. She hands it to Flying Sword. She turns to her companions, ”If he can get him to a bed, then that’s what we should do.”
Well Ji's level drained so that wasn't too easy...but 72 points of damage! That's scary. A deathblow to Ji. I'm glad I didn't hold up the fight. Sorry for the delay.
Ji feels a slight amount of satisfaction as the demoness’ spinning staff flies from her hands. She knows the demoness poses a mortal threat, but she believes that the harmony and balance her siblings and her share in combat can defeat her. She sees an opening in the demoness’ defenses but knows that Flying Sword sees it too. The two slashes across her back are a marvel, testament to his proficiency. Before she can strike, Wu-Yao’s serpentine strike dispatches the demon into mist. She doesn’t sheathe her sword as she watches the mist coalesce into a ring on the man’s finger. ”Now, what shall we do with you?” she asks, leveling her sword towards the man. Is this part of the demon’s illusion, or is the man enchanted by some foul magic? she thinks. "You can't speak, can you let go of the book and write your name?"
Welcome and thank you for substituting F.N.G. I hope you find the game’s setting as interesting and rich as I do. As far as fighting the demoness, yes let’s disarm her. Get that staff away from her. That was going to be Ji’s second attack after the frostbite touch attack.
The rules for negative levels are straightforward enough. Thanks!
As she realizes what the demoness’ strike has done to her, Ji’s deep gasp of sorrow echoes in the chamber. Her latest growth in neigong vanishes as if she’s lost it perhaps forever. Deep within, part of her knows nature has always brought solace to her. An image of the plains stretching seemingly forever to join the sky at the horizon flashes in her mind. She recalls the icy bite and lash of the wind blowing across those plains in winter and summons that power into her left hand with a few taoist words and gestures.
I understood that from your description of the demon. Sorry if my post wasn’t very clear.
I thought I posted this earlier, after your great explanation of wulin honor and Ming-Yue’s philosophical outlook. Thank you for that explanation. It really helped. Also, I liked the naga's manner of speaking. If we do need to get a replacement player for Flying Sword, consistent posting is the main factor for me. It doesn't need to be everyday, just consistent; meaning 4 or 5 times a week usually around the same time of day.
Ji calls out, ”Prepare to meet your doom, like so many others who have faced the Demon-Slaying Tigers!” She rushes to stand between the true demon and the bound-demon illusion that is probably hiding the Emperor.
Ji watches Wu-Yao’s naga interaction with respect and humility; how honored she feels to have witnessed it. She doesn’t want to give any offense in the situation so she remains silent. The nagas’ words are somewhat confusing...and difficult to understand. Later she will ask Wu-Yao if he understood what they were speaking about, “genetic time sculpture” and “this tendril” leap to mind. The word “demon” was clear enough, and she prepares for an encounter with one before she leaves this place. She knows she will need her wits about her. Once in the sarcophagus room, beholding the scene, she draws Golden Celestial Aura and stands in a defensive stance.
From her dealings with the “beggars” and Ming-Yue she didn’t expect the Emperor to be so happy to see anyone come to find him. ”We are sorry for the delay. Ming-Yao’s husband, Huang had difficulty finding us. Just in time though! We arrived to help Ming-Yao defeat assassins seeking to follow you into the tomb. Your cousin is here to help you,” she says indicating Zhang Yong and wondering if the man will see through her misinformation.
Ji stares at her sword standing upright in the ground while Flying Sword starts his duel. After a few moments she turns to witness her sworn brother unleash a furious series of sword strokes upon Ming-Yue. She remembers the first time she dueled Flying Sword. How many ribbons did I lose? she thinks. I lost both of my sleeves to his sword the first time. Only one sleeve the second time. The third duel I finally won. "For better or for worse you have proven yourselves to be the true wielders of these swords.” She salutes her opponent. ”Worse in my case. There will come a day when we duel again. My poor display is an insult to my shifu’s instruction and my own skill.” She sits before her sword, legs crossed and hands forming Tai Ji. ”I will be ready when I am,” she tells her companions. Her eyelids are half closed as she begins breathing deeply; stomach pulling in tightly to force the air in her lungs out then expanding in a slight bulge as she fully relaxes her diaphragm. Synchronizing her breath and qi, she sends qi to her lower dan tian. The past year’s training in the desert helps her clear away any meridian blocks or restrictions. Eventually her breathing eases, indicating Ji has reached a calm and relaxed state. A few minutes later, her eyes open. Her siblings recognize the subtle signs in her face and posture that confirm she reached a level of deep emptiness. She salutes her sword, draws it from the ground, and sheathes it. ”Now I am ready for Dugu’s tomb.” As Ji passes Ming-Yue to enter the cave she pauses. ”I thank you Ming-Yue for protecting the Emperor so admirably. Until we meet again.”
”If I do not end up holding my entrails, I would like to discuss our philosophies at some later time. I think we have fundamental differences in how we view the world, that I’d like to explore,” she unsheathes her sword. ”We don’t disagree, however when it comes to honor and living by the dictates of Wulin. As I said, we are not members of the Star Lotus Society. We are not honor bound to remain outside Dugu’s tomb.” She nods at Wu-Yao for giving her and Flying Sword space for their combat. ”Three stances, agreed,” she says. She stands four strides away from Ming-Yue. After collecting her qi, she exhales forcefully and springs into action, launching two swift attacks.
She changes her footwork to display her prowess in wielding Golden Celestial Aura, switching to the form Dancing Porcupine.
Once again she changes her form, shifting into Taoist Sword, clearly attempting to disarm Ming-Yue.
I'm attempting to really get the flavor of the setting and roleplay right. I think a taoist priestess would also make the argument that even an Emperor with the mandate of Heaven, etc. is still human and capable of making a mistake. Disregarding such a mistake wouldn’t be a dishonorable act. Would that be too at odds with Wulin concepts of honor?
Ji gasps in surprise when she beholds Ming-Yue’s sword. She glances at Flying Sword and thinks that he too notices what she sees. ”Is this what you expected?” she says, slowly drawing Golden Celestial Aura and flicking her gaze at Flying Sword’s Black Metal Sword. Her stance is relaxed, not threatening. As if to convince Ming-Yue that the last thing she wants to do is fight, she laughs brightly, sound born of joy and surprise, and she holds her sword flat in her palms. ”These are clearly a set. What serendipity! The three swords reunited for the first time in...who knows how long. This is Golden Celestial Aura. We must discuss this, but first let us speak of the Emperor.” She sheathes her sword. ”Let me counter your admirable defense of the Emperor’s desire with this. We are not members of the Star Lotus Society. Therefore we are not prohibited from entering the tomb by the Emperor’s decree.” She pauses to give time for the white-haired woman to respond.
Ji glances at her companions for a moment, surprised that they didn’t introduce themselves. Of course the Demon-Slaying Tigers is enough of an introduction, she thinks. She radiates calmness against the terse speech of the the woman. ”An honor to meet you, Ming-Yue. As to why we’re here, one could ask the same of you,” she adds with a smile. I won’t mention my familial relationship. ”Will the honor of testing ourselves here and recovering Dugu Qiubai’s teachings suffice? If not, would the mention of a star lotus reassure you?”
”Greetings,” Ji says with the traditional Wulin salute to the white-haired woman. ”We are the Demon-Slaying Tigers. I am Chu Zhu Ji, often called Waving Grass Harmony, student of Lee Sun-tsi. We have come to find the tomb of Dugu Qiubai. It appears we have found it.”
Robot roll call LOL. Good memories. Anyway, I’m here. Will post tomorrow.
”To the caves then,” Ji says. ”Looking for an inscription by Dugu himself. Perhaps you will learn something of the man just from that, eh, Flying Sword?” As she walks along the side of the mountain, she express of a chain of thought. ”This is the territory of one of the most infamously treacherous sects of Wulin. Other than treachery, they’ve been forgotten. Why do you think Dugu would have his tomb here?”
Ji listens attentively to the song, smiling at his performance. ”If you trust us this with this secret, we will keep it,” she says with a sincere bow. "Oh, I'm ready now. I hope all of you are." Ji gasps as she realizes what has happened. ”I didn’t know such a feat was possible. Unless this is an illusion...though it feels real enough. Could this night get any stranger?”
I’m really impressed with the song. Great piece of GMing. Same with the languages!
Ji nods her head to Shazi. ”Where did your companions go?”
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