It was a pretty enjoyable ride while it lasted. I had a good time and wish you the best.
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With the snow and hail shrouding his sight, Baolin opens his third eye into the realm of the arcane. It is almost beautiful for a moment, seeing the way in which the sorcerer has woven the spell together. He hones his sight on the source of the magic, hoping to no longer be blinded by the storm.
The dragon roars and leaps at Chi You's last location. Its power and majesty cannot be held at bay by a mere storm. It stays low to the ground and falls upon him suddenly. Still, the buffeting of the storm makes it difficult for its claws and maw to rip him to shreds, even though he likely cannot see the dragon himself. The qinglong lets out a truly great roar, planning on slaying the wizard quickly!
Hu Baolin immediately launches into battle, drawing arcane power from the ley lines to fuel the speed and energy of his comrades. He lends speed to the great dragon and several of the other warriors. Each of them will be able to move faster and swing harder, becoming little more than a blur to onlookers! He himself does not feel the burst of energy himself, as he has barely discovered this arcane power in recent days and has yet to bring the spell to its full potential. "You fight for a false master! Surrender!" His shouted demand booms, announcing the commencement of battle.
The qinglong leaps forward into action at the behest of Hu Baolin, skirting around the rest of the warriors to close the distance between them and the wizard. Its powerful jaws snap shut as it leaps through the air, ready to unleash its full might of tooth and claw! Soon, the sorcerer will be doomed!
Hu Baolin points towards the small fort at the edge of the forest. "We have shown them our might at arms. Gaze upon the champion of the Stag Lord, who boasted that he could stand against us alone! He has fallen, as will the Stag Lord. His warriors will see that we are blessed by the gods and that he is thrall to nothing more than death! To battle, brothers, to glory!" With the great qinglong at his side, he leads the men to seize the fortress and throw down the sorcerer who holds it.
The problem is that I don't understand the map well enough to make an educated guess as to what we might want to do. Where the lieutenants are, for instance, or how much resistance we'll be facing.
Should we just... Describe victory? There doesn't seem to be any structure here.
I'm still extremely unclear as to how this should work.
Hu Baolin has returned to the art of war - but he leads the army now, with the great dragon striding beside him. The battle plan is clear - he will lead his troops up through the mountain pass, buttressed by the scouting of the shinobi under Hayashi. The others will seize the watchtowers in the valley, so as to deprive the Stag Lord of the ability to cut them off from behind or reinforce the troops. He spoke to the troops earlier, hoping to inspire them to fight their best for King Huang. Hayashi's scouting was invaluable, allowing them to develop a plan to assault an otherwise-impregnable stronghold and determining where his forces would be weakest and strongest. He knows that the entire plan is contingent on him quickly seizing the high ground of the mountains, especially the fortress to the north of the main stronghold. He leads his small force through the narrow winding pathway, trusting in Hayashi to pick off some of the archers that threaten them. He holds his crossbow rather than his spear, occasionally shooting at the enemy to force them into cover. He keeps his eyes open for a chance to find and defeat one of the Stag Lord's lieutenants, so as to drive a terrible blow to the morale of the men who defend the wicked warlord.
Where does the mountain pass lead? The map looks pretty squiggly on that topic.
Thinking about how to proceed. This is awfully open-ended.
Hu Baolin addresses the council of heroes, along with the leaders of the villages. "When the troops sent to us by the wise and noble King Huang arrive, we shall march on the so-called Stag Lord's stronghold. Hayashi, take whomever you feel is best equipped to accompany you and scout ahead so that we know how best to lead the attack. I will make the necessary logistic arrangements so that the soldiers are rested and fed before we make our attack. We have the chance to strike a great blow against an enemy of our king and secure this land for him. Let us not fail."
I'm pretty sure Hu Xiang Lun has left the game, since it has been three months since he last posted.
Sorry. No posting for a few days. Houston is badly flooded, and I'm out helping people.
At the sound of the shout from Hayashi, Hu Baolin is up and out of bed in moments. His time at war kept him well-trained to fall asleep and wake up at a moment's notice. He emerges from the inn, barefoot and unarmored but otherwise dressed, with his spear in hand. The Qinglong is nowhere to be seen, as the dragon retreats into the world of yokai while Baolin sleeps. He runs through the gates to Hayashi's side, ready to summon his magics to assist should something attack. "What is it?" He raises a hand and casts a spell to light up his immediate area, as he is not blessed with such sight as some of his comrades.
Hu Baolin looks over the missives from the Three Trees village, taking stock of their assets and needs. With five score of men coming to the aid of their kingdom, he has considerably more latitude than before. Most of them will guard the trading post and turn it into a welcoming gate for goods from the south, but others will help secure the gains they have already made, freeing up defenders to work the mines instead. He scans the maps, plotting out possible routes to connect the trading post and the town. One possible route traces along the river, but cutting through the mountains, while the other moves along the open plains. It is a decision he does not have to make at this point, but something that he ponders. Baolin joins the others in the night, using the qinglong's senses in place of his own to keep watch. The spirit dragon longs to satisfy its enmity of the yokai!
I'm a touch busy at the moment, but I'll get something in soon.
"The great King Huang's generosity knows no bounds. One hundred soldiers, each one worth a dozen yokai of Shenmen, will help us secure the gains that we have made in his glorious name. Our mere thanks is insufficient to show the gratitude that we feel." Baolin says all the right words of appreciation, knowing that five score of soldiers is more than he could have possibly asked for. He maintains his position, knowing that the king will dismiss him when he is ready for them to go.
Baolin tries not to smile too heavily at the great omen, but he knows that he is blessed by the gods. His heart races at the prospect of being able to ask for aid, but he knows that he cannot be overly impertinent with his request. It must be sufficient to beg for aid that only the king can give, but not so great that it would be beyond his station. "We have brought some measure of civilization to once-cursed lands, bringing them under the banner of the glorious king. Many men and women rely on our aid and protection - but the brave defenders of this foothold of civilization are stretched thin. We beg for sufficient soldiers to protect the king's holdings from those who would gaze upon them with envy and engineers to bind the lands closer together with the construction of roads. We are humble servants of the king and beg his aid in this matter. Should we secure this land, surely many settlers will arrive seeking the markets that will surely open with the roads."
Do we have our players? It's been almost a month since anyone but Hayashi or Baolin posted.
Are they asking us what we could use? Any ideas? More men, trade markets, send up some settlers to begin a town?
Hu Baolin takes the lead for the Seven Warriors, taking three careful but confident steps forward before kneeling smoothly. He strikes a stirring figure, with his finely-made but practical uniform bringing out the light in his eyes. As he kneels with the other heroes of Shenmen, a truly auspicious omen enters the room: a lone magpie swoops in from places unknown, circling the hall. It lands on the ground in front of Hu Baolin, as if announcing him, and calls out three times with a happy chirp. As the bird flies off, Baolin reflects on his great fortune! Magpies are revered as good omens, and the number three is associated with birth. Some might even read it as an auspice that something great has been born on account of the group of great warriors! "We bring news from Shenmen to the revered King Huang. We set foot into the land to relieve it of its uncivilized cursed nature. We have freed men and women from the grip of yokai tyrants and allowed them to prosper. We have created a firm foothold into the land, in his honored name."
"Seven? You're sure it was seven?" Seven shards of the great dragon would be unusual, as there are only five aspects of the Celestial Dragon: the sovereign dragon, noble protector of harmony; the forest dragon, wrathful and fickle; the underworld dragon, covetous and proud; the sea dragon, protective and tempestuous; and the sky dragon, wise and good. The Celestial Dragon has all five aspects in equal measures, as a great and mysterious creature that cannot be understood by mere mortals. The qinglong is the embodiment of the sky dragon aspect of the Celestial Dragon, drawn to Hu Baolin based on his own innate goodness. "Well, you have given me much to think about. Your wisdom is without peer." He offers a final bow and sets back to rest before being called upon by the king.
Baolin glances over at the qinglong, gazing upon the inscrutable dragon. He turns his attention back to the librarian. "This is most unfortunate for Quain. Perhaps the Celestial Dragon still recovers from the attack by the dishonorable Burning Cloud Devil." His link to the Celestial Dragon is known only to his companions, and it is a matter that he would not discuss outside the presence of those trusted in such a manner. Still, he must know what rumors have reached him, if any of the other four aspects of the Celestial Dragon have been sighted. "You are wise and knowledgeable. Do you have any theories? I have a great interest, as you can see, in the study of dragons."
Baolin bows appropriately to Wei. The qinglong stands proudly, but bows its head ever-so-slightly as Baolin does. He introduces himself formally. "I have traveled far to seek your wisdom. I am Hu Baolin, son of Hu Aiguon, grandson of Hu Guowei, who rests with the ancestors." He knows that a scholar of any talent would be able to identify his lineage quickly. His father and grandfather may both be the third son of their families, but the family name and status still holds a fair amount of weight. Baolin's late grandfather was a cousin to the lord of the Hu province, and they were close in boyhood. "I seek knowledge of Quain. I am of the understanding that the Celestial Dragon has visited Quain every twelve years for many centuries. I traveled there as a boy to watch the ceremony, twelve years ago. I wish to know if word has come from the south as to this ceremony?"
The great city of Xiwu impresses Hu Baolin as much as the last time he visited with his father, nearly half a decade prior. The city stretches out in all directions, a testament to the ability of humanity to bend nature to its collective will. It is especially impressive in light of his years in the field in the Hu-Ma war and on the frontier in furtherance of King Huang's glory. In his previous trips, he never had the great honor of entering the palace, of course. His father's status as the third son of a third son of a third son did not give them the social status to call upon the more powerful noble scions, though their success in trade granted them slightly more leeway and respect than their nobility would otherwise earn. He knows of the great libraries and centers of learning of the Academies, with which he can learn what happened in Quain when the Celestial Dragon was supposed to return. After refreshing himself from the arduous journey, he dresses himself in his finest uniform. He sets out with the qinglong to learn what he can about Quain and the 12-year ritual. It has been several months since his twenty-fourth birthday, on the day that the Celestial Dragon was to reappear. The scholars will know the rumors and theories that spread from the Celestial Dragon's disappearance. He hopes to learn if there have been other sightings or rumors of the four other aspects of the Celestial Dragon, in addition to his own.
I am going on vacation starting tomorrow and will be back on Monday.
I vote for "By horse over the river: 19 days but, you run the risk of attacks". With 6 days added to secure Three Trees, that gives us almost a full week to spare.
Baolin quietly reads and re-reads the letter, looking for hidden messages and clues in the calligraphy. He has been watching the stars in recent days, checking for omens and auspices. "We are called to Xiwu. We must leave with sufficient time so that we do not dishonor ourselves in the eyes of the esteemed King Huang. We must send word to Tang Bohu to protect the Three Trees until Zhao Kui Xing's soldiers arrive to solidify their gains. This is a great honor."
Hu Baolin sits alone except for the qinglong in the pagoda, having made arrangements for the future of this cursed little town. A line of frowns crosses his brow. He looks over to the regal dragon, curled and serene. "I worry about the arrangement that I have made. We have freed this town, but what is to prevent another warlord or yokai from conquering these people as soon as we leave? It is many leagues from the heart of our land that we have wrested in the name of King Huang." The dragon raises its great head up to look back at Baolin. "I grow stronger as the days pass. The strength taken from me in Quain and scattered into the winds returns as we follow your quest. I believe that this shows that your actions are blessed by the gods. You have many friends and resources to call upon to aid you." "Thank you, my loyal companion. I will send a letter immediately to the court of King Huang, petitioning for aid." Baolin sits at a low table belonging once to the horrid Yaoren, putting out his ink brush and paper. He writes the letter to Zhao Kui Xing in Waigonshu, who set them upon this quest months ago. This is not his first letter updating the representative of King Huang of their progress in bringing civilization to this corner of the world, but this is the first one where he has asked for aid. Hopefully the successes that they have achieved in this short time has earned them some additional aid to consolidate their achievements. He writes the possibility of additional trade between the town and the markets of Waigonshu. His brushstrokes are excellent and his words are well-chosen. He hopes that the letter will bring the king's blessing to this poor town as he seals it with wax. He emerges from the pagoda with purpose in his heart and asks one of the villagers to bring it to the trading post with word of their victory, so that a more official messenger can carry it to its destination.
Baolin nods at Hayashi's suggestion. "You are wise. Perhaps I was overly cautious - and now is a time for boldness." He turns back to the people of the village. "Of course, we do not wish you to leave if that is not your wish. My concern was the distance between our home, many leagues from here. Yet we will protect you to the best of our ability, and send for more aid from our liege. You are free men and women now, with the ability to decide your own futures! We will stay here to protect you and help build your defenses, as well as help you forge your own path. The fruits of your labors will be yours! The markets of our people will be open to you, and you can prosper under the peace of King Huang." Baolin turns to the dirty miner, treating him with the respect one gives an equal. "Tell me, friend, what is your name? would you call yourself a leader of your people? We cannot stay indefinitely, and we will need a just leader to organize the men and women of the village in our absence."
I'm fine with any option. Baolin would prefer to bring them back so that we can all be at one place for defense purposes, but anything else works.
"This place is cursed. Gather the people. I will invite them to abandon it for a new home, one where they can be free, if they will but follow us." Baolin nods to the others to continue caring for the mentally addled mayor. Only the gods know if he will be able to be freed of the dark grasp of the evil witch.
Once the people of the village are gathered, as word spreads of the death of Yaoren, Baolin and the majestic dragon emerge to greet them. The downtrodden mass seems hopeful and scared, all at once. He stands tall to greet them. A gust of wind carries his voice far. "What you have heard is true! You are free! The sorceress who enslaved the mayor, who forced you to live in squalor, is dead! Your lives are yours now, to do with as you see fit. We have not replaced one ruler with another. We do not seek your wealth or your labor. But, there is a place for you with us, if you choose freely. We offer protection and freedom to farm and trade. We will return soon to our home, but we invite anyone who longs for freedom to join us. We ask for nothing but loyalty."
"I suppose that depends on him," Baolin replies. "For now, be on your guard. Who can tell how long her treacherous sorcery will last? Jade Moon, can you tell how deep his mental corruption runs?"
Baolin and the dragon both struggle to free themselves from the sticky webs. The soldier has trouble, but the dragon tears free easily and charges towards the nearest spider to rip it into shreds. The qinglong roars loudly at the sorceress and her minions.
The qinglong bursts into its full size, roaring with power! Baolin rushes to the side of the dragon, knowing that they are stronger in one another's direct presence. He calls forth the power of the spirit world - the spirits of goodness and harmony in direct opposition to the vile dark yokai spirits. He points at the nearest visage of the sorceress. "We reject you! You will return to your world, never to threaten ours again!" He envelops himself in their power, to ward off the evil ones. The qinglong reaches over, using its great size, to snap its teeth and slash its claws at the nearest image of Yaoren. Even the dragon seems affected by the song of Jade Moon, and its slashes are faster and stronger!
As the illusory images of the vile Yaoren appear, Baolin springs into action. He begins to reinforce his connection with the Celestial Dragon, temporarily increasing the size of his connected spirit. His eyes shine with the night sky as he draws forth the arcane might necessary to enlarge the dragon. For its part, the qinglong leaps across the room at the closest of the visages - wisely taking care to avoid stepping into the dark taint that has spread across the ground. Baolin speaks with a voice that is both his own and the ancient dragon's. "This is the world of mortals now, and we have no use for dark spirits!"
Don't the spiders and Yaoren have to go before we do?
Hence why I have not acted.
"I do not call you a monster," Baolin says with sadness and pity. "We seek only to live in peace, to prosper in harmony. We sought an audience for understanding and dialogue, even as we have been beset with attacks from a hidden enemy since the day we set out to bring civilization to this small stretch of land. That is what we seek. What do you seek?" Baolin seems relaxed even as he speaks to this creature, knowing that she is likely immune to the temptation of forging a peace. He can feel the qinglong coiled to strike behind him, as well as the tension of the other brave warriors. Yet he hopes to learn more about their enemy, so that they will not be so blind in the future.
Baolin subtly instructs the shinobi to stand down for now, but to remain vigilant, with a motion of his hand. "You are so kind, jiexia, to make such an offer. Truly, we are humbled. Yet we must decline. We have a duty which we must uphold. Fealty and loyalty, I am certain, are something that you understand quite well. How long have you advised She of the Jasmine Mists?" Baolin speaks with a conciliatory tone, yet holds back any warmth or generosity. He has no illusions about Yaoren, nor about their respective places in this cursed place.
So I'm not sure why we're here or what we want from her. Anyone know?
Baolin bows to Yaoren, fully appreciating the danger that they are in. Xiang's warning seems to echo through his mind. He pays particular attention to the statues. If she is an illusionist, they may be in greater danger than they understand. "We cannot impose your gracious kindness. Our only thirst is enlightenment, to understand more about yourself and this fine village."
Baolin and the qinglong both know that they are walking into a vile place. The dark aura of the yokai affects the dragon in particular, putting the great being on edge with a low growl. Baolin reassures the qinglong with a subtle nod and an acknowledgement that he understands the danger of the situation. Baolin's cousin nudges him to open his third eye to the see the auras of the place for himself. When he sees the illusion that overlays the palatial residence, he understands. "We are pleased to make the acquaintance of your wife. Please extend our compliments to her. This is a fine and beautiful house."
The stars enter Baolin's eyes. With them, he sees those who would hide from them, weapons in hand. He points to the strangely-armed men. "Step from the shadows! We have not come here to harm you. Return your arrow to its quiver, and let us speak as friends." He gazes upon the mayor of the town. "You were asked a question, and I expect an answer. Who looks upon us through your eyes?" While his words are an offer of peace, he stands ready to summon a constellation of magic should the others attack.
Baolin bows in respect to the mayor of the town. "Good day, Chao Si." The rain dribbles upon him, getting into his eyes. "It would certainly be good to have respite from the elements." He moves to follow the mayor into a place where they can be free from the dreary rain - until the qinglong steps in front of him. The dragon speaks - as he so rarely does - with a great booming voice. "Another sees through your eyes. So many of our enemies have been led astray by false spirits. Who gazes upon us?" The dragon coils with readiness to pounce if some ambush should fall upon them, and Baolin moves his stance to a more ready one. They do not attack, but rather wait for a satisfactory explanation.
Coming up for air from law school. How's it going over here?
Can you remind me - what do we know about Jiao Xi at this point? To measure if she can be rehabilitated?
"It seems that we have started a collection," Baolin quips. He beckons the great dragon towards him. The qinglong appears pleased with its size. Baolin can feel the dragon growing stronger each day, and knows that the day is coming where it will remain that enhanced size at all times. He turns his attention to Hayashi, as he examines the leader of the bandit group. "Does she live?"
One of the bandits simply stares in awe at the incredible display of the heavens themselves. He is lost in the constellations as Hayashi does battle with the other. Baolin draws forth inspiration from the night sky and the starry night, forcing the enormity of the universe upon the other bandit. He places the visions in the man's eyes. He may have resisted his first brush with infinity, but Baolin will force him to truly understand the concept.
The qinglong rears up onto two legs before falling upon the marauder in a fearsome flurry of feral attacks. Its teeth flash time and again - though drawing no blood as the man desperately tries to avoid the great dragon - as its claws slash through armor and flesh alike. Blood drips from the man's stomach as the qinglong growls to signal his end!
Baolin emerges from the trees, holding the starry night in his hands. He rounds a tree to see the pair of bandits attacking Hayashi, though the shinobi dodges their paltry assaults easily. He raises his hands and spreads the stars out over them. The effect is immediate and overwhelming as the void fills their eyes and ears, leaving them in shock as they gaze upon the universe.
The qinglong rushes back into the forest, bounding from place to place in great leaps. He bursts from behind a tent with a growl, falling upon one of the remaining bandits with a great snap of his powerful jaws!
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