Date (Y/M/D): 1000/10/08
Time: Night
Season: Autumn

You are in the middle of a fight... with a martial expert...! But let us first return ashes to the incense stick to retell the sequence of events that led to this dangerous encounter!

While in the middle of carousing in a restaurant after spending the last tael to your name, you noticed quite an icy beauty wearing a fine sword making her repast alone. She had a sort of regal aura, and carries herself like an expert of martial arts. But before you could even approach her, she finished wine and meal and left the restaurant.

Things would have just ended like that and you'd probably move on to frolicking with the other ravishing female entertainers in this truly remarkable establishment of Ouhan town to make full use of the last amount of money you just spent, but you noticed a strange pale man wearing quite a large sword and an ominous black cloak following her out of the restaurant. Your instinct and experience tells you that this man is no ordinary traveller giving off a faint stench of Demonic Qi, and the woman was most likely no match for her despite of her aura of formidability.

And of course how could you - the esteemed Lei Feng, with a righteous heart, simply stuff your hands in your sleeves and ignore the unfolding of likely tragedy?

Naturally you followed the two, hiding your presence as well as you can as they move outside of town. The woman, noticing that she is being followed tried to run into the woods to loose the pale man, but he gave chase - as did you for the pale man! After a few minutes of pursuit in the darkness of a nearby forest occasionally lit by the bright full moon high above, you begin to hear sounds of clashing blades as the pale man and regal woman begin their clash!

The skirmish was occuring in the clearing adjacent to steep cliff. During the pair's fierce exchanges, the regal woman managed to land a cut on the man's arm, but it only grazed his skin, leaving only a superficial cut on his skin... but what was unsettling was that from the cut emerged blood as black as ink even as the full light of the moon had shone upon it! Further, unfortunately for the woman, her successful hit left her open to a counterattack, causing her left shoulder to be severely wounded by the pale man's devastating draw cut...!!

It was as the woman let out a cry of pain as she retreated, still clutching onto her sword tightly, that you were compelled to step in and draw the attention of the pale man.

And now you, Lei Feng, now stand in the clearing with the full moon's light shining upon you. Having drawn the attention of the pale man, who turns about to you, standing just 4 meters from you. He takes a high stance with his long sword which reflects the cool light of the moon seated on a throne of clouds towards the west.

As he observes your every movement, you hear the woman shout.

"Run you fool! You are no match for this man...!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Thu 15 July 2021.

Perhaps Lei had been just one cup too deep when he had decided to tail this suspicious man, but now all his sobriety had returned to him as he was facing down the demonic martial expert.

On one hand, Lei was thrilled at the circumstances. He stood gallantly in the clearing of the forest. The night autumn air was fresh and fond. The moonlight danced along the scene, creating a gravitas Lei had only experienced when deep in his training with the scythe.

On the other hand, the woman had just given him his fair warning. If he went down now, it would be entirely his mistake. What were his other options? To flee would both go against his moral judgement but also not ensure his safety, if this man truly were leagues beyond him...

However, he had followed their fight. It was most likely the woman was just being overcautious, as she did not want to drag a stranger into the matter... Supposedly, she did not know Lei was anything more than a concerned civilian, either...

So, yes, he was nervous. But still, they outnumbered this man two-to-one? Even if the woman was too injured to propose a major threat, he would still have to be weary of her as long as she was conscious!

With his resolve set, Lei clenched his jaw and exclaimed to the fine lady, "Worry not for me, young lady! I have gotten a sense of this man's ability from your encounter, and I don't think he could handle the both of us!" he gave a beaming smile to the woman, then turned his attention to the man.

"Listen, I don't know the story between you two. But, would it be possible for you to let this whole thing go? Us three could go back and grab a drink instead!" that was a dirty lie, because Lei Feng had not a tael to his name. They might not know that, though!

He was still on guard and tightly grasped his rusty tool, and even though he was aware it was naive, he had to try and resolve things peacefully first!

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 2):

The woman winces in pain as she hears your words - as though she has now resigned herself to her fate, while the pale man pauses for a few moments letting your words sink within the cries of crickets in the surrounding forest.

Soon, you notice the pale man's lips curl into a smile, and his eyes narrowing disdainfully towards you as though you were some annoying fly pretending to be a hero that he would just swat away later.

Not even caring about your presence any longer, he relaxes his stance and rests his blade on his shoulder, turning about to reveal his back to you and begins walking towards the woman to land his coup de grace.

Based on your instincts, you can tell his strength just about levels with him, but for him to display such arrogance!!

Make a Rage self check. 1d100. If the roll is more than your rage limit (43), add 1d6 rage times two. (Whether you pass or fail this check should influence your actions, but there will be no consequences for suppressing yourself unless Rage limit is reached)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:37, Thu 15 July 2021.

As the arrogant man stepped away from Lei, his anger threatened to bubble up as it always did in times like these.

Instead, Lei smiled and took a deep breath of the lovely air through his nose.

'Yes, it is a good night...' Lei thought to himself calmly as he absentmindedly began to stroll forward, not realizing he was matching the pace of the man from before...

His hand felt lighter when he let go of what he was holding. Or rather, when he had pitched it at breakneck speeds towards the back of THAT BASTARD'S HEAD

"A good night... TO DIE" Lei thought to himself, still smiling.

---

OOC: I think I need to roll 1d100 + SPD for initiative, then 1d100 + Metal Spirit Arts (i think?) for the opposed attack (which he can counter), then 1d6 + 1 for the damage?

Regardless, I'll record each die in case I mess up and you can recycle the rolls properly.

quote:

14:10, Today: Lei Feng rolled 29,74,3 using 1d100+15,1d100+34,1d6+1 with rolls of 14,40,2.  is this how combat works?

So 29 initiative, 74 attack, and 3 damage

This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Thu 15 July 2021.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 4):

Your rusty scythe bursts from from your palm like a bolt of darkness - the rust upon it absorbing the moonlight cast upon it.

Just as you think the last word of your sentence in your head - you notice the back of the pale man tense up as he tries to turn about to block the strike - but he has thoroughly underestimated you...!

The scythe barrels towards his his head, but his movements instead cause it to make for his neck!! [This surprise attack deals twice the damage!!]

A ripping sound pierces the air - and you notice a thick black line forming from his neck!!

Seeing this as an opportunity, the regal woman unleashes an elegant sword form and makes a blinding thrust towards the pale man's side!! The Pale man, realising he is now subject to this unexpected pincer attack doesn't have enough time to dodge!!

The wet, sticky sound of violently thrice-splitting flesh punctuates a melodic phrase in this etude of singing blades, as you notice the other side of the pale man's ribs facing you burst into three small geysers of ink-like blood!

You notice the pale man's eyes widen as you clearly notice a flame of panic flashing through his eyes!!

Clutching his profusely bleeding wound, he tries to finish his job in slaying the woman, but the pain from both his wounds is too severe, and the woman deftly dodges the wild swing of his long sword!

---

Yup! You got it right! I should probably set it down in stone properly in the rules
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Fri 16 July 2021.

'Well, it's best to finish the job. Someone with his demonic energy knew what they were getting into when they stepped into this realm, that's for certain' so Lei thought.

However, he had tossed his only weapon! Fortunately, the man was pincered and so couldn't get out of Lei's range for his secondary attack method!

The index and middle finger of his mainhand struck out towards where his scythe had fallen, and unleashed a small flurry of weak attacks against his injured target.

---

quote:

21:16, Today: Lei Feng rolled 123,108 using 1d100+34,1d100+34 with rolls of 89,74.  twin attack.

So 123 to hit and 108 to hit. Total should be 1 damage each, I think. I would combine this with the damage boost one, but it says it only works when thrown from the hand, and not with the remote telekinetic attack unfortunately

Also, am I supposed to reroll initiative every round, or just once per combat? Feel free to roll for Lei if the former.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 6):

In reaction to the flying scythe, the man desparately tries to parry them with his sword - but perhaps due to the nature of his severe wounds, as he raises his blade to block, his fingers lose all strength! The force of your rusty scythes strikes the weapon out of his weak hands and lands two devastating cuts, and he falls to his knees and collapses to the ground motionless!!

With the battle finally concluded, the regal woman breaks from her formerly elegant stance and plants her sword to the ground, using her now freed hand to clutch the wound on her shoulder while catching her breath. She gazes at you warily, and you can clearly see the beads of sweat on her forehead glistening in the moonlight.

---

You just have to roll initiative once! No worries!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:19, Fri 16 July 2021.

Lei let out the breath he had been holding. Quite literally, actually. He didn't know much about Demon Cultivators, but they had some nasty magics, and he didn't want to give the man an opening to his lungs.

A funny, perverse thought came to Lei's head as they stood there, both panting with differing levels of exhaustion, he gave an earnest smirk and crudely remarked, "Look at us, a man and a woman covered in sweat after participating in the most filthiest of acts together!" clearly he was using innuendo in an attempt to cheer up the lady.

Then, he burst into laughter at his own comment. Overall, he seemed in high spirits as he went and picked up his tossed scythe.

"Ah, I feel calmer now. How are you called, miss?" he pointed to himself with the same fingers used in his art from earlier, "This one is Lei Feng, at your service" he gave a goofy bow.

Nearly tripping from the exertion, he gracefully (?) altered the fumble into a sidestep towards the fallen man, where he began to look for a coinpouch of taels, and any hidden change. He also checks if the man is breathing, and if he has a pulse. If he's still alive, Lei will keep his scythe at the ready in case he is unfortunate enough to wake up.

"You see, I lied earlier when I said I would buy this poor bastard a drink! I'm flat broke!" Lei laughed again. This guy really knew how to have a good time, regardless of the circumstances.

Realizing it may seem callous that he's laughing while the woman is injured, he also searches the body for any medicine the man might have been carrying.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 8):

Clearly unimpressed by your joking light hearted demeanor, a very cold expression appears on her face - which grows even more sour as she watches you search the man's body.
Quickly wiping the perspiration from her forehead she speaks, "there is no need for pleasantries - I bid you farewell!!"

While you are searching the body you can hear the woman pulling out her sword from the ground and returning it to her sheath, followed by the sounds of her hobbling away from the clearing. Based on a quick glance. It appears that the man is not breathing.

From the body of the fallen man, you find the following items:

- A fine silvery longsword (1d6+1) It bears the insignia of a centipede on its hilt and pommel. The scabbard is also covered in centipede motifs.
- A black porcelain bottle containing strange dark purple pills giving off a foul scent [5]
- A small jade medallion bearing centipede motifs with two incomprehensible characters - clearly in the common language, but stylized to the point that it is hardly recognizable.
- A purse of 10 silver taels

As you move your fingers towards the man's wrist - you indeed notice an extremely faint pulse....

But before you can react to land a finishing blow, the pale man's free hand suddenly reaches for your neck!!

---

Make a roll 1d100 + Strength. If it is less than 91 - your neck will be grappled by the Pale Man
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Sat 17 July 2021.

'Huh. I guess that's what I should expect from an icy beauty, no? Oh well, there are plenty of fish in the pond!' Lei was a bit puzzled, but didn't pry further or try to get in the lady's way. Frankly, it was probably best she go get some medical help, than waste time talking with him.

Shrugging indifferently, his positive attitude recovering from the female's rejection, he takes everything he finds. The centipede motifs are a bit creepy, and also a little suspicious, but if he can't safely sell them, he can always keep them to use.

The pills are a bit grotesque, so he probably won't ingest them at the moment. Maybe ever.

And lastly, the jackpot! Ten silver taels! He can finally pay off his tab from all the places that have blacklisted him, with this! He knows a few bartenders that really deserve to be paid back, by him.

A second spear would also be nice, since he's currently fighting at half capacity with only one spear! The Martial Gods gave him two hands for a reason!

All this from the unbreathing man... Well, he should probably check for a pulse to be thorough... Huh, that's odd, he can feel someth-



"Ack!" he barely exclaims as his windpipe is clamped shut and he chokes on his own exclamation! Lei's heart suddenly raced with panic!

Gripped with fear, his hands coldly grasped his rusty scythe and plunged it directly down into the man's heart.

---

OOC: Do I need an attack roll for this? The man is on his back on the ground, barely breathing (if at all?) and Lei is literally inches from his face. Furthermore, I don't recall the man being described as wearing any Armor? I'll still roll if you need it, just didn't want to be too preemptively cautious.

Also, if I understand correctly with the newly-standardized combat system, the man would have used an ACTION to grapple? So, Lei should have a REACTION in addition to his ATTACK action, right?

Can a REACTION be used against a grapple? Or just against attacks? And, is the difference between 'dodge' and 'block' just which stat you roll with? Finally, is 'parry' a counter-attack of some kind, or just a third method with which to avoid an attack roll?

Oh, and a miscellaneous question (sorry lol): At what rate does Qi regenerate? This will definitely be important to know, since I have no idea at the moment, and should probably be more or less careful with my resource consumption depending on it's speed.

I think I've used 6 Qi, so far? 5 for the shooting scythe attack, and 1 for the single turn of finger brandish?

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 10):

Fortunately, your carefulness and preparedness by getting ready your scythe has saved your life! It was indeed fortunate that the pale man tried to choke you instead of arrest your scythe wielding hand.

Just before you begin to choke, your quick reaction sinks deep into the man's chest.

But even as you clearly see the man's chest expel gouts of ink-black blood, the man's hand seems to have no intention of relaxing its grip!!

As you feel yourself reaching your limit, you starting to feel as though you are blacking out - but suddenly, you hear a chopping sound and the pale hand that gripped at you, falls to the ground with a grassy thud.

As you regain your breath, you are surprised to discover that the regal woman had actually returned - but she only has her side shown to you. As she flicks the ink-like blood from her sword, she sheathes it with an arrogant "hmph!" and weakly walks away as she speaks.

"Now our mutual debts are settled... Farewell...!"

---

Reaction cannot be used against a grapple, you will have to use an action to break the grapple. Thanks for telling me this, will update the system to be more clear.

And yes, you have one reaction per round, which can be activated abruptly at any time. You get your action when it is your turn as well, so yes, reaction and action is available for you.

Qi can regenerate at 1 point per minute as long as takes a meditative stance. Meditating through the night recovers all Qi. Sometimes it can be faster if the air around you is rich in Qi.

Qi can also be rapidly regenerated in combat by using Qi or Spirit stones (doesn't consume an action, you just need to have it in hand)

And yes, you've used 6 Qi so far.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:54, Sun 18 July 2021.

Lei, light-headed, doesn't really have the energy to do much more than shamble up to his own two feet.

This woman is puzzling to him. In truth, Lei isn't an excellent judge of character or anything. He's getting a lot of vibes from this woman, and the cultivator finds it difficult to place them altogether, not least because his brain is a little low on life-sustaining air at the moment.

Frankly, at this point he was growing more and more intrigued in this stranger's affairs. He wasn't one to pry on personal matters, but there is a reasonable expectation he could be curious, right?

Thinking through what he believes to know about this woman so far, Lei will formulate a plan based on that...

1. She's damn attractive!
2. They 'met' in a restaurant filled with many pretty faces, perhaps she works there? (Don't get your hopes up, Lei Feng!)
3. She's at least a swordsman, if not a cultivator. She has an oddly regal standing, c-could she b-be a pri-princess? (Lei's always wanted to 'get to know' a princess!)
4. A black-blooded demon cultivator with a centipede fetish was chasing her, why?
5. Honorable and resilient to pain... Perhaps she is a white knight?
6. A little high-and-mighty; but that's probably okay
7. Her injury is pretty serious, maybe?
8. She stuck around after leaving? To keep an eye on Lei Feng? OR maybe on the body?

Thinking this through, a though comes unbidden to Lei's mind and he cannot help but exclaim breathlessly! "By the Gods... You... You are..." he says looking at her enrapturing side portrait (One of the best angles, Lei thinks!).

With a totally serious expression of wide eyes and dropped jaw, Lei 'reveals' the woman's 'identity' with a... "Are.... Are a Kuudere!?" he falls onto his back

Lei had heard tales of the mythical creature known as 'The Kuudere'. He had visited many brothels, but was yet to encounter one of their ilk... Could he perhaps be meeting with one right now!?

Outwardly, Lei had a stupid smile on his face and a nosebleed.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Sun 18 July 2021.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 12):

Be it the sudden return of blood by virtue of the freeing of your neck or improper fantasies blossoming through your youthful mind, the blood thankfully ceases after a few minutes as you regain your composure.

Unfortunately, despite your inspired exclamation - you seem to realise that your former silence from being choked likely had more of an effect in having the woman return than now - as you are only responded to by the chorus of crickets chirping in the surrounding forest.

It seems that indeed - the woman has left the place for good. And the only body accompanying you on this otherwise romantic night is the corpse of a Dead follower of the devilish Dao.

After that experience, Lei still wasn't confident the man wouldn't come barreling at him again despite not having a beating heart...

He didn't really like to make the choice to do this, but better safe than sorry... Holding back his vomit, Lei ties his hand-scythe to a long branch from a nearby tree and begins to hack away at the body (after removing the supplies) until it's fully dismembered.

Doing all this from a distance to avoid being splattered with blood, which would mean he'd need to find a stream before he can return to the comforts of town.

Then, as the flies begin to swarm, he covers the dozen body parts separately, so that they don't come crawling back together...

Truly disheartening work, but Lei is determined to keep himself in high spirits! Whistling to himself like a deranged undertaker as he kicks up tiny holes in the soil before not-very-inconspicuously placing rocks over the mutilated segments, while dumping the rest in bramble in different cardinal directions when he runs out of boulders.

A fair bit of time later, Lei wipes the sweat from his brow. He was uninjured, so he didn't mind doing the labor. A silly remark came to mind.

Lei began to laugh to himself; The situation would surely appear stereotypically horror to any voyeur, but in Lei's mind it was all completely innocent or out of necessity.

His comment was thus, "Hah hah... Good Gods, the next time I need to intimidate an enemy I can truthfully tell them that I 'scattered the remains of my last foe to the four corners of the World' and not be lying!! Oh oh that would be so damn funny hahaha"

Suddenly somber, realizing he had definitely just done so arguably 'evil' things, Lei pondered the situation. Was it evil of him to mutilate a corpse? It wasn't done out of spite or perversion...

Frankly, it was a decent burial to any eye but that of Man... Nature would more quickly accept the flesh in portions to decay back into fertile soil, right?

Not that he was a druid or really ascribed to many of those beliefs; but his parents were farmers and had buried a few critters in his lifetime, so he knew about the cycle of life...

With a shrug, Lei made sure he didn't have too much blood on him, and made his way back to town, straight to the restaurant he had just left! He actually had enough money to pay for a nice dinner and some female companionship tonight! That was a win!

A freshly-made murderer returns with a skip in his step and a smile on his face.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 14):

By the time you return to the restaurant, you notice that the number of patrons and beautiful entertainers inside have significantly decreased in number.

All that remains are a few Confucian Scholars discussing a few boring treatises with one another over a pot of tea, while the waiters are cleaning up the empty tables in the common dining area.

Alas, it is now quite late at night, and most people Ouhan have retreated to their quarters to conduct whatever business people conduct during the night.

The manager of the restaurant seems quite surprised to see that you've returned, and seeing the pouch of money in your hand, he waves to someone out of your sight from another room and then greets you.

"Ah, you have returned Master Lei... When you left all of a sudden previously, I was worried that you became tired of the services of our Earthly Crane restaurant!! Welcome back! Welcome back indeed! I imagine you are in need for another to be in your company for the rest of the night...?" the finely dressed manager you remember as Manager Sun greets you with cupped hands as he raises his eyebrows in rather funny manner.

"Hoh hoh, Manager Sun, did you really think just because I got a little bit of cash, I came to your establishment to blow it all away!?" Lei asks indignantly, before letting an awkward beat hang in there...

"Because you're absolutely right! You know me far too well! Your finest drinks and accompaniment, tonight!" Lei exclaims, relieving the pressure in the atmosphere and immediately forgetting he was planning on paying off some debts with this newfound money.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 16):

Suddenly you find that the pouch of taels that you were bouncing in your palm is nowhere to be seen.

In a blink of an eye you find yourself surrounded by two cheerful beauties, Xiao Yuan, who feeds you pleasant savory dumplings one after another by picking them up with chopsticks, and Xiao Zhen, who pours you cup after cup of wine while giggling at your teases and advances.

"Come Master Lei, here's another cup for you in hopes for your great fortune, so that you will return to our Earthly Crane restaurant time and time again...!" Xiao Zhen giggles as she puts a cup of wine in your hand and wraps her dainty fair fingers around your own.

"Say Aaah~!" Xiao Yuan holds up a savory egg roll with her chopsticks with her other hand at the bottom of the roll as she moves the food towards you.

You can't help but feel like a king, and even more so, when you notice the group of Confucian scholars discussing stuff glancing at you with looks of disdain and contempt.

Make a Drunkenness self check! 1d100. If the roll is more than your drunk limit, add 1d6 drunkenness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Wed 21 July 2021.

quote:

12:35, Today: Lei Feng rolled 99 using 1d100.  drunk check against 52.
12:36, Today: Lei Feng rolled 6 using 1d6.  adding drunkeness.

So, if I understand correctly, my drunkenness now goes up to 6/52? Does this have any effect on Lei?

Absolute losing himself in the atmosphere which he adores so much, Lei Feng does not even notice the burning disapproval coming from the nearby scholars.

By dawn, Lei's plundered taels are all but spent, and have been replaced with a pounding headache from being hung over.

Crawling out of the bed, careful not to disturb the two women as he leaves as hefty of a tip as he can still afford for the lovely ladies that accompanied and humored him last night.

Lei mentally makes a note of the Earthly Crane as a place he absolutely needs to return to, once his funds have regenerated. To think such an establishment was in the little podunk Ouhan Town! Lei thought he knew this town like the back of his hand, and is severely disappointed in himself for taking so long to scout this place.

While dressing himself, the young cultivator issues a silent apology to all the bartenders in Dingzhou that are still waiting for his tabs to be paid! He halfheartedly promises next time will be different!

Thinking on his next steps, Lei realizes he has a few opportunities available to him to make some taels and practice his cultivation. First, he should probably avoid Ning Zhen, because he really doesn't want to do unpaid labor at this time...

Instead, he will decide to travel to the closer of Minghe Bright River Province or Linyang Trampling Goat Province, to approach for work either Gao Li or Duan Xuan, respectively.

OOC: How many taels does Lei have left? He'd try and keep some coppers if possible, to accomodate for loding. If not, he'll be fine roughing it in the offroads, because he knows enough about the local fauna and flora to survive.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 18):

Date (Y/M/D): 1000/10/14
Season: Autumn
Time: Evening

Fortunately, you happen to find in your left sleeve a string of 62 copper cash. Probably enough to buy a few sticks of candied hawthorne or some simple snack like two steamed buns.

You manage to find a caravan to hitch a ride on in exchange for helping with some hauling and protecting the caravan. As such the travel to Minghe Bright River Province's Tianman City is reduced from 10 days on foot to 5 days on a caravan.

And much to your surprise, the entire 5 days of travel were completely uneventful, with no other travellers encountered en route to Minghe, and eventually the colossal undulating walls of Tianman Sky Eel City comes into view!

The city itself bears its name due to its strange colossal snaking aqueduct ruins constructed in aeons past when it was the capital of an ancient civilisation. Naturally, all is forgotten about its historical uses apart from the fact that it used to supply water from the nearby Cloud Reservoir atop Goldcloud mountain a short distance from the city.

While helping unload the caravan as your payment for hitching a ride, you happen to notice your acquaintance Gao Li looking at a ledger while checking some sacks of feathers that seem to be unloaded from another caravan that just arrived in the City's caravanserai.

As soon as Lei saw Gao Li, a huge smile spread across his face! The man was a talented merchant, and they were on very friendly terms after Lei had rescued him from an incident a few months ago.

After helping to unpack the caravan, Lei approached Gao Li while waving, calling the man's name, "Oi, Gao Li! Look who is in town!" Lei said, sticking a thumb to his chest with a goofy grin.

Gao Li was someone Lei would consider a friend, though they hadn't spent a lot of time together. Perhaps that would soon change.

"When you get a chance to put down those papers, come and have a chat with me, yeah?" he said to the man, not wanting to interrupt his work, which Lei knew he was very dedicated to.

Overall, Lei respected Gao Li greatly, and was very happy to have an associate like him.

---

When Gao Li got a chance to take a quick break from his work, Lei rose from his lazy lounging position to eagerly shake the man's hand.

After pleasantries, Lei would get to what he had come for, "Ya know, I've been looking for work for a while. Ya remember how when I first helped you out , I used that weird scythe trick? Well, I'm tryna get better at it, but I don't have time to train when I'm living from day to day, ya know?"

Lei had always been fully honest with Gao Li about his situation as a Cultivator and as a broke idiot, because he trusted him well enough. Lei knew the man was a great merchant, and so he definitely knew how to keep a secret or two.

It seemed Lei was proposing a long-time employment contract of some kind. The only thing he had specified to Gao Li was that he'd have time in a day (or at night) to cultivate. Lei also offered that if it was a possibility for Gao, Lei would appreciate it if he could organize a room and board deal, where the rent and food is supplied and cut from the payments.

Unfortunately, a set-up like this would mean less or no pocket money to spend on his favorite nighttime activities, but after his recent fight, Lei had grown determined to increase his power.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 20):

Gao Li happily invites you over to his residence and offers to have dinner with him prepared by his family cooks. Apparently his family members are all aspiring merchants themselves and are scattered all around Dingzhou, as such he has been quite lonely for the last few days and is quite happy to be in the company of a friend and someone he owes his life to!

While discussing your circumstances over quite a delectable spread of Braised pork, Vegetables in Oyster sauce, Silky Tofu with soy sauce, and a fine soup of pickled veggies, Gao Li eventually responds.

"So you plan to further your cultivation...?" Gao Li thinks for a moment and then his eyes open widely as though he was reminded of something all of a sudden.

"Yes... yes... of course... To be honest my residence here is quite empty and all my family members are faraway handling their businesses in other cities. While I was hoping that you might be able to accompany me on a caravan to Xujiang - where it is said that many cultivator sects are located - I have a feeling that some of my servants here that look after the residence might actually be stealing some things... But I am honestly too swamped to keep an eye on them...!"

"So I suppose, I will have you oversee my residence here after I leave on a journey for a few months, and perhaps you can help keep an eye for any theives and the like! Let's just say that I will hire you as a guard for my residence!"

"I just ask of you to avoid bringing... ahem... dubious strangers in here, as there is no shortage of people out there who wish to tarnish my reputation...!"

"What do you think, is this arrangement agreeable?" Gao Li smiles as he makes his proposal to you and takes a sip of soup from his small porcelain bowl.

Helping himself to the exquisite and equally expensive meal, Lei listens to Gao Li's offer as he not-so-quietly slurps some soup.

Without even a moment of pretending to question the offer, the overly-honest Lei agrees to the work immediately with an enthusiastic, "Certainly, I will watch over your home! How would you like me to deal with anyone whose hands get a little too sticky?" Lei wiggles his eyebrows, implying he's willing to administer any fate the merchant desires.

Lei also adds a warning to Gao Li, "Oh, if you plan on encountering other cultivators, be very cautious, my friend! Though they are likely to not bother you, if they are training, these are very powerful individuals that you should avoid making grievances with!" the man exclaims with a mouth full of chewed pork. His table manners were atrocious, but he was literally showing his gratitude for the meal with every bite.

Hearing Gao Li's condition of not bringing lovely ladies to the place, Lei winces overdramatically "Oh! How ever will I impress upon them my great manliness now, Gao Li! Boo hoo, you make me cry! Haha, I am just pulling your leg. Of course, it is good you tell me, because they say I am very oblivious! Don't ask me who says it, because I do not know!" he laughs at his own pun, clearly having a good time with a friend despite the talk of important business.

After quietly finishing the tender tofu and aromatic vegetables, clearly in an attempt to become more familiar with the concept of 'savoring your food', Lei wipes his hands on a dining cloth, before standing up from the floor to shake hands with Gao Li.

His big, goofy smile has a string of pork and a chunk of radish stuck between it's teeth.

Noticing this, he picks it out inelegantly before remarking, "Do not worry. These eyes sense dishonest intentions much better than they sense my own clumsiness." he says with a very serious expression for the first time, trying earnestly to assure Gao Li that his home would be safe under Lei.

To Lei it was less about being respected enough to land such a cushy job, and more about earning his friend's trust.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 22):


Gao Li laughs along with your pun, clearly appreciating the levity very much.

"Good! Good! It sure feels great to have the company of friends again...! I could see it in your eyes when we met on that fateful day that you saved my life that we had great affinity! Truly the heavens have blessed me! Come, come let me pour a cup of wine in the name of our great friendship, Gahahahaha!"

Laughing heartily, Gao Li pours you a cup of fine wine from a really fancy bottle and offers it to you. As the cup nears you, you can smell is very intoxicating and wondrous aroma - this is really good stuff!!

"This way I can embark on my caravan at ease.... And you can make progress in your cultivation... How about this Brother Lei. If you ever truly become an immortal, don't you forget about me! I'm counting on you to protect my descendants....! Gahahahaha!"

Picking up a cup himself, he offers a toast to you and downs a cup of wine.

---

If you drink the wine, make a Drunkenness self check and add 6d6 drunk on a fail (its a really high quality wine this time)

You may also preemptyively state your plans next, as Gao Li will leave the city for business after around 2 months.

Lei seemed to think intently on the cup of wine. On one hand, it was top shelf stuff... On the other hand, this could certainly clock even him out for a whole day!

Then Gao Li dropped that sack of damp rice on him, winding him more than his fight with the centipede fetishist! Even if it was delivered with levity, Lei felt that it was a heartfelt sentiment, so he responded very earnestly, "Of course Brother Gao, if I am ever blessed to reach such a stage, know that your children would be as mine, eh?" he gave a small smile and met the toast, but drank only a sip.

"I'm not of The Buddhists' school, but I'm afraid any more than a sip of this heavenly nectar could have me too impaired to perform as guard for some days! How about you drink up in my stead, if you plan to leave on your trip soon? 'Tis never good to be sober in a long carriage ride, hahaha" Lei reasoned, sliding the cup of devilish juice back over to Gao Li.

Lei was really tempted to drink the whole cup, because it was a rare opportunity, but even if it was a little rude, Lei felt it was important to show respect to Gao Li as he would be starting work for him immediately. Getting a little tipsy would be fine, but this stuff could knock him out, and that's an unfair risk to take if Gao Li was scheduled to leave in haste.

After chatting a while longer with the kindly and prodigal merchant, Lei would retire to whatever chambers had been prepared for him to rest off the despicable cramps that came after finishing an assortment of very rich delicacies unfamiliar to his tongue.

OOC: Not sure if a sip of wine requires a drunkenness check, but I can roll one if it's still necessary. It's basically that little mouth-swash you'd see from wine testers. Hell, Lei may have even spit it out (not back into the cup though, haha) if he felt that it wouldn't go down well.

---

By the time Gao Li would leave, Lei will see him off from his estate, scythe by his side.

Once the man had left for his journey, Lei will spend a couple days inspecting and briefly speaking the regular servants and other undertakers of the home. He would try his best to keep track of their schedules and daily chores, and keep an eye on them whenever possible.

If anything struck him as unusual, he would pay closer attention to those individuals.

Since the estate would not be expecting visitors during this period of absence, Lei would spend most of his patrol time near the main areas where the servants worked, such as the interior of the estate, and any gardens, fields or storage sheds that were regularly maintained.

He would also use his unique charisma to try and build a sense of trust amongst the other servants, partially in hope that they would be inspired to take the honest road and report any crimes they witness, and also just because he prefers to be in good company over sour, awkward company.

Lei would alter his sleep schedule to mainly patrol during the nights, since that is the most likely time for neverdowells to strike.

During the day, he would meditate in advantageous positions, such as on a balcony overseeing a large swath of field, or in a penthouse with glass walls. Anywhere with visibility would be a priority, and if it also had defensibility that would be a great bonus.

While meditating, he wouldn't enter it immediately, he would try and take breaks when he wasn't in the middle of cultivation to only pretend to meditate, just to throw off anyone who may be keeping track of his schedule and waiting to attack.

Overall, he was very cautious of his surroundings and everything he could be before entering a session of cultivation, when his self would be highly vulnerable to traitorous assassination.

Any questions that came up amongst the servants about his fighting prowess, and why he spent so much time in meditation, he would answer as they came. He may tell the truth, but he was also likely to avoid the question if he wasn't confident in the person's loyalty to Brother Gao.

During his long periods of cultivation, he would procure supplies from the vast surplus of the manor, and the regular trips that would be made by the estate's gofers.

His main cultivation goal was thus:

 - Try and meet the requirements for 'upgrading' Sequential Scythe, which should be a large amount of Xiuwei and a meager amount of prowess in his speed and strength of mind.

If possible with Gao Li's stockpiles, Lei had two small tasks he also wished to accomplish.

First, he would try and obtain a better scythe as a weapon. Even something lying in the garden would probably suffice. Best case scenario he could find two well-crafted scythes, but he had been born a farmer and had no issue with dual-wielding mediocre tools as weapons.

Secondly, if Gao Li had any books whatsoever on Inscriptions, Lei would like to learn whatever he had time for from them, while he wasn't paying to access them. This would be lower priority than his major cultivation.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 24):

Gao Li doesn't really pay much attention about you avoiding to down the whole cup as you notice his cheeks getting red from just one cup!

After finishing up your meal, you eventually bring Gao Li to his quarters, and he orders a servant to bring you to a fine guestroom which will be your residence.

....


Date (Y/M/D): 1000/11/14
Season: Late Autumn
Time: Afternoon

As the first month passes with Gao Li still around, though only at night after he is done with his business for the day, you keep an eye on the servants, and you actually manage to catch one of the gardeners attempting to steal an ornate porcelain pot from the residence!

It was on that same day that you managed to find two scythes - one a standard scythe (1d4) and another a slightly larger scythe (1d6) that looks quite sturdy.

Upon apprehending the gardeners, they try to beg you for forgiveness, offering 20 silver taels for you to not report them to the Merchant Gao.

Whether you report them or not, you manage to have some peace and quiet in your cultivation of the Sequential Scythe, praticing the forms diligently and meditating on them to improve your spiritual connection with the art. Unfortunately, you did not manage to improve your abilities, but still managed to consolidate your cultivation and gain 82 Xiuwei for Sequential Scythe.

It seems that despite what you thought, the spiritual Qi in the residence is not completely dry and you can tell it is slightly better than what one would expect from a place in a city.

You also try to find books regarding the art of inscription in the residence, but as expected of the residence of mortals, you are unable to find any.

Near the end of the month, Gao Li announces that he will set off at the start of the next month and probably will not return until at least 3 months later.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Mon 26 July 2021.

Lei takes the two scythes for himself, thinking Gao Li wouldn't mind something like that, considering it's meager cost and high value to Lei in combat.

One day, he also catches one of the gardeners attempting to steal a valuable pot. The individual tries to both beg Lei for mercy, but also offer him a bribe. Lei thinks those two attitudes cannot work together, and his apology is thus insincere.

Also, if Lei is being offered 20 silver taels, this pot must be worth much more than that to Gao Li, either in true value or sentiment.

Lei considers taking the bribe and then selling the gardener out anyway, but he would feel guilty at behaving so dishonestly, even if the thief is totally in the wrong.

So, Lei rejects the offer and tells the person to keep their taels, because they will need them when they are out of work. Lei also drags that individual straight along to Gao Li, so that they don't get a chance to cause any problems while Lei reports them.

In truth, Lei doesn't like to put people out of work, but the mistake was clearly intentional and driven by greed, as someone who can lose twenty silver taels to keep a job is someone with enough money to be living well enough without stealing.

---

Later, after spending some time in meditation, Lei also realizes there is a fairly nice quantity of ambient Qi in the area. Hoping to locate the densest nexus or hotspot in the area, even if it's just slightly better than the other areas, Lei performs a Fengshui ritual to ascertain what he can.

13:14, Today: Lei Feng rolled 114 using 1d100+39.  Fengshui ritual for checking ambient qi at gao li's estate.

---

By the end of the month, Gao Li announces his extended departure. Knowing he will be in charge of protecting the area for some time longer, Lei is very happy.

For the next three months, if he can find a superior spot for cultivation, he will make further Xiuwei growth and upgrading of his Martial Arts the priority.

If that fails, Lei will instead split his time evenly between those tasks and attempting to find and learn new Inscriptions.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 26):

Upon apprehending the thief, Gao Li is very pleased, and gives you 2 Gold Taels as an allowance for the time he's away, hoping that is sufficient for you to buy any herbs or tools for your cultivation.

Date (Y/M/D): 1000/12/14
Season: Winter
Time: Afternoon

After conducting a ritual, you find that strangely enough the Qi seems to be the richest in your room. You imagine that you won't be able to find any better place in the compound, though you remember that buying some artifacts or incenses may help enrich the local Qi should you manage to procure some.

A month passes, and you spend your time cultivating diligently and keeping watch at the servants. Thanks to one of the thieving servants having been made an example of, thankfully this month seems uneventful - and thanks to that, your cultivation has considerably deepened, improving your depth of Body Tempering! (+167 Xiuwei).

The second month too allows you to make much progress in your cultivation (+107 Xiuwei)

Though eventually your progress slows on the 3rd month (+80 Xiuwei)

In total you made some progress in your cultivation and feel slightly stronger! [+1d2 ABL, +1d2 WIL, +1d2 Finger] [Total +354 Xiuwei]

While looking for materials related to inscription, you come across an odd book merchant wearing strange purple robes bearing patterns of strange stylized tortoise shells.
Setting up a stall in the Travelers' Market, you come across a range of strange sealed books. Of all the available books available, you find 4 related to Inscriptions:

1. Elementary Wood Spirit Inscription Manual (1 GT)
2. Basic Corpse Tool Inscription Manual (1 GT)
3. Intermediate Corpse Tool Inscription Manual (2 GT)

When asking about the contents about the manuals, the book merchant enigmatically says that the books are ancient artifacts whose contents are only readable by the ones who break the seal first, as such he himself doesn't know their contents, except that they were found from an ancient vault.

At the end of 3 months, you notice that Gao Li has yet to return. Though eventually, you receive a message from a courier that Gao Li will be staying at Xujiang's Penwei City for another 2 months.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:40, Mon 26 July 2021.

Happily taking his reward for stopping the thief, Lei continues his work for Gao Li.

Finding a slightly better spot to practice his Qi, Lei spends much time in his room, much like a moody adolescent of high status with no farm work to be doing.

By the end of the three months, Lei is very satisfied with his progress, even if he hasn't made any particular breakthroughs. His positive attitude guides his heart to feel fulfilled with the circumstances nonetheless.

One day, while he has rationed some time to go and look about for Inscription manuals, he comes across a man he is amused to think of as 'Turtle Merchant'.

Turtle Merchant is selling off a handful of inscription manuals, but cannot tell Lei anything about them beforehand. Choosing only by the name of the books, Lei is turned off by the reference to 'corpse' in the latter two, as they may involve Devilish Dao, which he doesn't want to be involved with, and so Lei opts to not spend all his allowed Taels like a shopping freak, and practice temperance by just buying one manual.

After purchasing an Elementary Wood Spirit Inscription Manual, Lei returns to the estate and finds a letter from Gao Li's courier. It explains his absence will last a while longer. Lei is slightly assured by this, but still wary about not seeing Gao Li for some time.

Lei decides that should he find anything suspicious about the merchant's prolonged absence at the end of those two months, he will head out to find his missing friend.

For now, the cultivator will spend half of his regular cultivating time in the next two months trying to learn the wood spirit inscription, after breaking the seal on the inscription manual and after borrowing a chisel from one of Gao Li's servants or from his storage shed, assuming those go well.

OOC - Just to be clear, how much Xiuwei has Lei gathered? 167, 107 and 80 add to 354 not 357. Was that a typo, or did you add an additional 3 as bonus prize? Perhaps you meant for him to gain 357 + 354, totaling out to 711? I'll leave the sheet without update until I'm sure of your intentions :)

quote:

09:23, Today: Lei Feng rolled 5 using 3d2 with rolls of 1,2,2.  ABL, WIL, FINGER.

So, +1 ABL, +2 WIL, and +2 Finger

Is this affected by Azure Dragon's Heart?

In reply to Dao Master (msg # 27):

Date (Y/M/D): 1000/12/30
Season: Winter
Time: Afternoon

From the Elementary Wood Spirit Inscription Manual, you learn 3 inscriptions that require Cherry Wood the size of a dagger upon which the inscription can be inscribed while making an oracular chant and applying salt upon the wood after inscription.

1. Insc. of Resplendence: Causes inscribed item to give off a bright azure light up to 1 hour. Duration depends on wood quality.
2. Insc. of Warding: Causes inscribed item to create an weak man sized barrier around it for 3 turns. Impassable by basic creatures and spirits.
3. Insc. of Binding: Causes inscribed item to grow weak vines that curl around a creature and bind them for up to 1 hour. Duration depends on wood quality.

According to the manual, inscribing will take up your Qi, and you can expect to have your Qi depleted on a failure, or less if successful.

At the end of the current, while looking around for rumors regarding Gao Li's absence, you are come to know of a shady looking place which apparently promises to share information about Gao Li's shady doings.

The place is apparently a gambling den called the Lambtiger run by the Lambtiger gang which is known for its loan shark business.
Of course they don't share info for free, but you can expect to know a nuggets of secrets should you perhaps entertain them with a few rounds of Dice or Wei Qi with money at stake of course.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Tue 27 July 2021.

Fairly disappointed by his new inscriptions due to their high cost and lack of use, Lei shrugs and stores them away for the time being.

Learning of a gambling den which claim to have information on Gao Li, Lei is intrigued. He doesn't particularly care if Gao Li is a gambler, or if he's even involved in giving out predatory loans. Lei considers not bothering, but then it occurs to him they may be involved with Gao Li's absence, and could perhaps even be a threat to his safety!

With this in mind, Lei decides he should probably show up. He doesn't want to cause any problems for Gao Li though, if he gets the wrong. It might not look great for him to be associated with this group, so Lei will make sure not to bring them to his home, and to only travel there from a third unassociated location such as the market, to throw off any spying eyes.

Of course, Lei doesn't have a grand amount of money, but in his opinion he is certainly a decent gambler. His current wealth is 1 GT 0 ST 62 CT. Not particularly impressive, especially for a group that can supposedly stand toe-to-toe with Gao Li in terms of monetary relevance.

Not that Gao Li's funds are unlimited, of course, but he is a fairly wealthy man, at least.

Lei decides that this amount of money won't cut it. He needs to grow his wealth, quickly. The best way to do this, is of course, gambling. However, it wouldn't do for him to show up to talk but excuse himself for some small-time gigs first, would it?

I mean, he could sweet talk his way into making the act look fine, but they were professionals and would get a bad idea about him.

So, Lei decides to spend the next week hitting up various, smaller, unassociated places. He won't restrict himself to anything in particular, even willing to bet money with random fellows, as long as it's in his price range.

Once he has managed to turn his gold tael into roughly ten times that, hopefully at least several gold taels, he will head for the Lambtiger Den proper to make his debut in search of information that could potentially harm Gao Li.

If this takes more than TWO week to build funds, he will drop the search and return to full-time cultivation of his technique, since he will consider this a task he cannot accomplish with his current means.

Lei has no mind to ask for money from the staff of the estate. This is a personal hunch and nothing more. Though, he will bring up the open-ended question of if there are any groups hostile to Gao Li in the area. He won't mention the den by name, in case it turns out to just be one of the merchant's leisure haunts, which is totally possible.

Gambling skill roll? I'll roll 1d100 and you can decide if it's a self check against or opposed check

quote:

19:26, Today: Lei Feng rolled 14 using 1d100.  gambling check.

So the total for an opposed roll is 58, and the result of a self roll is SUCCESS

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 30):

Date (Y/M/D): 1001/01/14
Season: Winter
Time: Night

You spend two weeks gambling at various dens in the city - and are surprised by your considerable luck.

Although you made some initial losses, you find yourself gaining a small fortune of 19 GT alongside a number of female admirers clearly lusting not over your tremendous manliness and gallatry but the bulge in your pants not caused by certain unspeakable supreme manliness but rather by the fat money pouch you now possess. Apparently with 20 GT you have enough money to start a small business or shop in the city - which is a pretty big deal.

You also seem to notice rumors of your small windfall spread through the streets and you strangely notice the servants of the Gao Estate treat you a little more courteously than usual. And thanks to this change in attitude, you learn that Gao Li's main enemies are the Abacus Association and the Zhou Family merchants, who are the main competitors of his general goods trade.

With your new reputation, you are readily allowed into the Lambtiger's Den, who even arrange two rather well endowed escorts to accompany you while gambling.
While you gamble, you learn a number of nuggets of information.

- Apparently, one of the members Abacus Association has hired a number of assassins to go after Gao Li's family members in other parts of Dingzhou.

- Gao Li is also apparently part of an underworld gang called the Four Locust Clan is said to be involved in the illegal trading of salt overseen by the Empire of Lan in this part of Dingzhou. Apparently some people seem to think that you part of the Four Locust Clan because of the way you dressed and the way you treated Gao Li's residence as your home. Of course no one dares to report him because of the strength of the Four Locust Clan.

- Gao Li owes the Lambtiger Den 10 GT. You can tell from the Den's staff's expressions that they would like you to pay up, but thinking that you're part of the Four Locust Clan, they are holding back.

Based on the current mood of the Gambling Den, you can gamble a few rounds (gambling self check) to return home safely, or treat everyone to a round of drinks (4 GT), or pay off Gao Li's debt - which would most likely afford a safe trip back after gaining this new information.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Wed 28 July 2021.

Lei was a little surprised and a lot happy with his luck with the various games of ante lately. With just a starting payment of a single golden tael, the rich can get richer in such games, wherein many families from hamlets local to but outside of his own had lost family members to the depths of the addiction.

Regardless, it was working out well for him, and it was very fun to do! Attracting a ton of attention wasn't necessarily bad, because being recognized felt good, but for an upcoming cultivator, lots of prying eyes could diminish his available meditation time.

At the lambtiger den, Lei obtains a lot of good information, while enjoying the lovely view of two buxom beauties leaving many of the other patrons jealous.

The first rumor is immediately very upsetting to Lei, who decides in his mind he will report this to Gao Li as soon as he returns, or through a letter if he has to.

Lei had heard of the Four Locust Clan, as he was very knowledgeable about Dingzhou as a region, due to the many tales travelers whom had visited him and his parents' compound had imparted them with.

Recalling they were responsible for smuggling salt, Lei figures that's not exactly a moral sin as much as it is economic fraud, probably to avoid tariffs. Nothing that changes his opinion of Gao Li, but he will keep quiet about it since it's not really worth to bring up.

The fact that many people seem to be assuming Lei is part of the Four Locust Clan might be problematic later, but for now it's not a hinderance, and probably not a big enough uproar to make any actual gang leaders indignant.

Lastly, it seems Gao Li owes the Lambtiger ten golden taels. That doesn't seem like a lot of money, since Lei got two taels as a starting allowance while Gao Li was away. Though, Lei had no real grasp of money on this scale, as apparently he was just one golden tael short of starting a business?

Most likely Gao Li either had forgotten he had an outstanding tab (Lei had been there many-a-time, after getting blackout drunk on liquors and waking up many taels lighter), or had deliberately chosen not to pay the price, probably to send a message? Lei wasn't sure.

Reading the atmosphere, Lei figures it's probably fine to spill some gold to keep his blood unspilled. Though, unless this place has cultivators on staff, they couldn't really pose a threat to him unless he's ambushed.

Regardless, making enemies is generally tiring and no fun, so Lei has no interest in such bothersome people. Unfortunately, all three routes he can think to settle the mood are either certain or plausible to cost him more than his actual allowance from Gao Li...

Thus, he reaches the decision to ease tensions but not pay the debt. It's not his responsibility to deal with. Lei would immediately do so for his friend if he knew that's what Gao Li desired, but if keeping such a debt was intentional on the merchant's part, Lei felt it would be awkward or possibly damaging to interfere with the politics.

Using some (relatively, given his upbringing) quick mental calculations, Lei approximates the cost of buying a round of drinks as four gold taels. Honestly, that sounds like a fun time... Yet, gambling too is fun?

Finalizing his decision, Lei decides to subtract four taels from his 19 taels, to buy a round of drinks, and then place 10 of his 15 remaining taels on a coupel rounds of gambling.

Here as how he approaches doing this:

It was bustling in the area, many older men draped in elegant fineries, and many younger woman draped in elegant fineries that were probably closer to undergarments than formalwear.

Drinks were being had, information was being sold, and the sound of rolling dice and moving tokens echoed throughout the multi-scented and smoke-filled space. An environment like this was still a little uncomfortable to Lei, as it was certainly different from a commoner's city pub or riverside inn. It was closer to an opium den, in truth. Despite being a little edgy and despite the signs of hostility, Lei still found the atmosphere pleasurable.

After gathering some information as he had come to do, Lei found one or a few of the individuals who had ownership or manager roles for this location, and began to discuss with them about the things on both their minds, "Greetings, Managers of the Lambtiger Den. I am called as Lei Feng. As your people have assumed, I am indeed a friend of Gao Li. " his words and tone left ambiguous what 'friend' meant. Most likely they would assume he was indicating he was a fellow clan member, without him particularly saying so.

"I've just come here to gather some information on Gao Li tonight, and I heard your sir's place has been cited as a good spot for such affairs." Lei said complimentary but without lowering himself. Being reach really was different! Even the servants back at the estate acted properly submissive now that he had wealth! Ugh, politics!

"This incursion was not meant to be a major expenditure for me, yet your company seems to hold different expectations?" Lei says with a bit of attitude, clearly displeased at being expected to spend a certain threshold of money just for showing up. Sure, even he wasn't so daft to be tossing around coppers in a full-on den like this one, but any minimum bets should be made clear in places such as these, he knew as much.

With a surrendering sigh, and an unbothered shrug of his shoulders, Lei remarked "Well, it can't be helped. Since this is the case - despite Gao Li's debts not being a problem of mine simply by assocation as though I were his next of kin to inherit - Would it please the house if this one were to buy the patrons amd staff a round of drinks to relax these awful tensions, and then engage in some wholesome gambling? I won't makes any claims of impropriety on the house's behalf if you win enough from me to pay this debt, and you won't send men after me even if I end up winning back the taels I'm donating out of goodwill?" Lei gave an affable smile and opened his arms in a gesture of honesty and offering.

Lastly, he adds, "This, of course, would not count as paying Gao Li's debts. I'm sure the man has his reasons for not paying, and I will speak with him about it when we next meet. This is simply for assurance of mutual trust in one another for the most basic of decency, which despite the gorgeous escorts you've supplied me with, I haven't been feeling since my arrival. Many eyes scream of threats during my return trip, you know?"

Lei was pretty proud of himself for navigating the situation. He felt his terms were very very generous, in fact absurdly so. From his view, he didn't owe these people a goddamned tael, and they should offer him a formal apology for their hostile attitude to an honest patron coming to deal with information brokers and maybe spend some money.

The whole antagonism was from them, so if they turned down his benevolence or tried to make extra demands for it, Lei would be extremely displeased with all of them. A less intense version of this exact sentiment was present in his final sentence, as he basically passed the blame for whatever situation existed onto them.

If all went as planned, Lei would end the night with anywhere from 5 golden taels to at least more than 15, depending on his luck at the tables.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 32):

"Such magnamity - as expected of the friend of Gao Li!" the manager of the Den gleefully smiles as he accepts the gold taels. "Everyone! Know the great generosity of this man who has treated everyone to a round of drinks!"

Upon hearing this, the excitement of the den rises signficantly as everyone cheers at your very generous display of wealth.

"Come, come, you've done us a great service by easing the tensions of our humble establishment. It won't do to treat you just as a normal guest...!" the manager introduces himself as Ping Zhun, who appears to be a rather strongly built man with a slight beer belly, who ushers you to a more fine room in which you see a three very finely dressed people playing a cardgame you recognize as Madiao.

After formally introducing you and offering the rest of the rich looking people a cup of fine wine - you notice the expressions of the people change as you can see their mood improving significantly.

You become acquainted with three merchants -

Lan You Jin: A corpulent merchant involved in the fur trade. He is completely bald and clean shaven. He has a distinctive large mole above at the end of his left eyebrow from which a single distracting strand of hair dangles.

Kang Jie Min: A young man who owns a metalworking business with fox-like eyes with is hair neatly tied in a rather tall topknot. He seems to always be smiling.

Wang Jiu Chi: An strongly built man with untied long hair and very colourful robes. He apparently owns a business of manufacturing scent bags which seems even more certain as you can smell a very powdery sweet musk-like scent from him. His mannerisms appear rather effeminate and he speaks in a strange forced high pitched voice as though someone with a deep voice was trying to speak like a woman.

One thing you notice is that most of the gambling token sticks used are largely placed near to Wang Jiu Chi. It seems that this merchant Wang was in the lead until you arrived.

Having made a good impression with the three - you go through a few games with them chattering about the various goings on in the city and you learn the following:

1. From Lan You Jin: There is a rumor that the price of raw metal and wood and their related goods is about the rise significantly in the Empire of Yoh in Dingzhou and its neighboring provinces, as the empire has recently been  been quite aggressive with its border conflicts with its nearby lesser kingdoms with the island kingdoms to the west in Ximiao.

2. From Kang Jie Min: There is a rumor of a crazy naked man in the forest of Xunzhu towards the north who has apparently attracting many fervent followers. It is said that the man has the ability to bring fortune to people by just touching them on their head.

3. From Wang Jiu Chi: There is the rumor of a travelling merchant who arrived from far south who has brought to Dingzhou a range of exotic fabrics and herbs. Following this happening, the royal court of the Empire of Lan is assembling an a group of envoys and their caravan to map out and secure a route to procure these exotic items which seem to be fetching extremely high prices among noblemen and rich merchants.

Through the game, you make a few losses, but miraculously rebound near the end of the game fetching literally 5x the amount of gold you put into the game (You gain 50 GT).

Clearly not expecting you to be of such great fortune, you sense Lan You Jin and Kang Jie Min gazing at you with rather forced smiles as they likely expected to regain their winnings now with you in this game.

The only one who seems to be pleased with your victory however appears to be Wang Jiu Chi who repeatedly praises you and frequently lightly taps you on your shoulders every once in a while with his muscly calloused fingers.

"My... such a man of great fortune~ You truly electrified my heart~!" the Wang swoons over you while shaking about in a rather strange manner, drawing the disdainful glances of the other two merchants. You feel the two escorts seated next to you hold your arms closer to their bosoms clearly creeped out by Wang.

After you cash out your tokens and leave the establishment with the manager beaming a smile at you to the quiet alleyway, you notice after a few moments Wang following you from your side and clasping hands. He is escorted by a rather elegant looking woman in tight fitting robes wearing a sword with a translucent blue veil covering her nose and mouth. You notice strangely that she is not looking at or studying you as you'd expect from an armed escort. Her hand isn't even at the hilt of her blade.

"It was truly a fine game~! I was impressed by your display of great gallantry in the game room. I admire your great talent and wish to get to know you a little better - would you find it agreeable to meet with me in my manor tomorrow? I have a fine proposal for you which I think will be greatly beneficial to both of us - and Gao Li..."

The man's voice trails in a strangely enigmatic way as he enunciates his last word which feels rather cold despite his silly manner of speech.

Everything had worked in his favor! Lei was ecstatic! The Martial Gods were truly smiling upon him, right now!

Things were going great... except for this strange Wang Jiu Chi fellow... The gambler was quite clearly a rather queer person, judging by how the others had been giving him stink eye all night long.

Lei hadn't really minded the man's eccentricities, and had even given some halfhearted awkward laughter with his constant compliments. The overbearing physical contact was more than a little discomforting, but Lei wasn't truly bothered enough to lash out at him.

The swooning was a bit over the top, and was clearly upsetting his escorts, since that was more or less what their job was supposed to be. Oh also it was creepy, that too.

Going back a bit; These new set of rumors were of less interest to Lei overall, but worth keeping in mind. The tariff on metal and wood from Ximiao was definitely of great import, but not to Lei personally. He would share the tidbit with Gao Li when he returned, on the off-chance the man wasn't already in the loop about it.

The single rumor that struck Lei as most relevant to himself was the tale of the luck-blessing forest nudist. What a strange tale. Lei figured if it was accurate, and not just a weird cult in the rising, the man was likely to be a cultivator. As for his 'nudity' and 'craziness' that could either be malicious words that had been seeded by the man's enemies, or it was actually the truth and the guy was both a cultivator and a menace.

Lastly, there was a tale of a lone merchant who had brought greatly rare goods from the far south, likely from Zhangnan Region, and now the Emperor of Lan seems to be plotting to get a direct line to those goods. How dastardly. Again though, not Lei's problem for the time.

Back to the present; The man named Wang Jiu Chi had followed Lei out of the building with a similarly odd woman by his side. There he was given a proposal to come to the man's manor and talk business...

What a load of horse dung. This was all clear enough to Lei Feng! This man was clearly into him in THAT way, and was propositioning him right now!

To be honest, Lei was more than a little tickled by it! To think that he was attractive to such a variety of people! Now he just had to get a confession from Ning Zhen or another beastwoman and he could reach his lifelong goal (citation needed) and begin to claim that he was the ultimate lover!

Then again, he wasn't interested at all. Even if this were just a business proposal despite this effeminate man's flirty attitude with Lei all night, the cultivator had no reason to show up. He was already in the middle of a job with Gao Li, though that hadn't been revealed to the den.

Most offputting of all was how the man seemed to be unhappy with the prospect of benefitting Gao Li... his tone had changed, clearly. Perhaps his lack of enthusiasm was simply because he had no interest in sharing Lei with the other merchant (which Lei thought was totally understandable, because who would want to share the greatest treasure in the valley!?) or perhaps it was something more sinister.

Lei felt that it could be a good idea to go to the meeting to get more information on this man's position, but overall it would probably be less risky to stay at the mansion and not leave any openings for hostile forces to attack.

Thus, Lei quickly concocted a response. "While I've appreciated your kind words tonight, Merchant Wang, I have tasks of much import to be attending to, and so I cannot spare the time to meet with you for business nor for pleasure. Farewell, then." It was a polite but pretty simple shutdown of the possibility. Lei was a bit too tired to play coy after the whole night, and he didn't really like to lead people on.

Lei gave a single nod before returning to the estate of Gao Li.

---

Assuming Lei returns to his temporary homestead safely, he will enter the manor and ask the servants that are still awake at this hour what the proper place to store or hide taels in a home would be? In truth, Lei had never held enough gold to be forced to store it anywhere other than his belt.

Unfortunately, even if he was a cultivator, it was a bit tough to fight lithely while carrying a sack of heavy metal. Thus, he would ideally try and find a place to keep half of his fifty taels so that he didn't carry all of it on him and become both a target for thieves and a sloth that couldn't run.

Lei was happy to have such a great amount of money, it would make buying supplies for prolonged meditation much easier! Regardless, he still had much time left before Gao Li was to return, and so he would spend that time attempting to increase his Xiuwei in his special cultivation technique he had named a while ago as 'Sequential Scythe', and he would also try to increase his overall willpower and agility, which should help him in combat.

He would also exchange five golden taels from both stockpiles into their equivalent in silver taels, if possible. This would help to keep purchases fast.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 34):

Wang Jiu Chi after hearing your response simply reacts in a mild manner as though he had expected your refusal.

"Of course, of course - a man of your stature must truly be busy indeed! No matter! If we have had the affinity to meet once, there is no doubt we will meet again! Perhaps when that day comes you will see the value in my proposals~ Just remember this, the gates of the Wang family will always be open to you - if you ever find yourself in a pinch~"

Wang Jiu Chi throws you a kiss with his muscly palm, to which his escort seems to grimace at and leaves the place as you do.

...

After asking the servants about where to hide money, one of the servants named Qiu Huqian quite proudly proclaims while tapping his chest with his fist - "Of course, the best place to hide one's gold is inside the chamber pot! No one in their right mind would be willing to reach their hand inside such a filthy place. But... I know of an even better place to hide your taels... just leave it to me - and I'll make sure that your gold will never go missing! My name is Huqian after all - protector of money!"

Whether you decide to trust him or not, the remainder of the current month passes quite peacefully allowing you to make some progress in your cultivation and your abilities:

+153 Sequential Scythe Xiuwei
+1d2 ABL and +1d2 WIL
+1d6 Finger, Scythe, Metal on a respective skill self check Failure


As the season pushes on into midwinter, while cultivating in your room, you suddenly at the very last minute sense a dagger flying towards your chest! (Make a opposed roll. Success if more than 78, otherwise take 6 damage)

Whether you manage to dodge it or not, you suddenly sense the presence of 2 men dressed completely black infiltrating your room!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Fri 30 July 2021.

Lei ignores the man's creepiness, but cautiously appreciates his seeming hospitality.

In his ventures to hide his wealth, the servants end up being useless, which is annoying.

Lei decides to simply place half the taels tied underneath the bottom of the guest bed. This way, the servants are less likely to find it while cleaning.



Shocked out of his cultivation by a dagger aimed at his chest, Lei immediately bursts onto his feet and grabs the two scythes laying by his side as he was refining their art.

Sensing two presences, and knowing the layout of this guestroom, the assassins must be infiltrating through the single west-facing window (lovely for viewing sunsets!). The room, while nice, is not exceptionally large, being just a place to lay your head, not a hall of any kind. Thus, moving eighteen feet should be plenty for Lei to cover enough ground to get both foes within five feet of him.

Activating his favored art, Zhi Hui Finger Brandish [-3 QI] and using both hands and additional Qi to maneuver both scythes, Lei attacks each enemy twice.

OOC: What is the proper modifier to add to this? I could see Metal, Scythe or Finger being viable. I opted to add finger since it is the highest. If you decide scythe is more appropriate, subtract 15 from the attacks, if you decide metal is more appropriate, subtract 21 from the attacks

Each scythe attacks each opponent once. So the first enemy is taking the first and third attack, while the second enemy is taking the second and fourth.

quote:

13:41, Today: Lei Feng rolled 117,150,97,69,5,3,1,3 using 1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d4 with rolls of 62,95,42,14,5,3,1,3.  finger brandish.

117 to hit for 5 damage
150 to hit for 3 damage
97 to hit for 1 damage
69 to hit for 3 damage

This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Fri 30 July 2021.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 36):

Your scythe flies in the trajectory according to your finger's gesture, slashing at the infiltrators and letting some of their blood splash upon the slate floor.

Clearly shocked by this strange technique, you notice them back away for a moment but then quickly nod to each other as they attempt to flank you with daggers on both hands drawn!

To your right you sense a set of daggers slashing towards you - [>= 81 to react or 3 damage]
To your left you sense another set of daggers stabbing towards you - [>= 144 to react or 3 damage]

[You can only react to one of the attacks, and can only react to both is the reaction (dodge, block, parry etc) roll is more than the total of all opposing rolls i.e. 144+81 = 225]

Unable to dodge either knife, Lei takes two blades in both shoulders.

With a yelp of pain, and an angry curse directed at the two foes, he continues attacking them.

OOC: i have no dodge/parry/whatever skill, so I can't possibly beat anything over 100. no need to use a reaction

quote:

13:34, Today: Lei Feng rolled 60,134,147,100,4,2,2,4 using 1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d4 with rolls of 5,79,92,45,4,2,2,4.  zhi hui.

60 to hit for 4 damage
134 to hit for 2 damage
145 to hit for 2 damage
100 to hit for 4 damage

Lei's current health is 15/27
Lei's current Qi is 27/33

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 38):

The two men are further taken aback by your vitality and martial ability as your scythe whistles about your like the wind, slicing at their flesh. They stagger backwards now covered in blood as you see through their masked faces fear glowing in their eyes.

The one to your left hurriedly turns tail, scattering caltrops behind him as he leaps to a window and dives outside, while the other continues his flurry of dagger strikes at you [>= 84 to react or 4 damage]!

Its clear that the other is trying to keep you busy so that the other can escape!

quote:

14:59, Today: Lei Feng rolled 78 using 1d100.  dodge roll v 84.

FAIL.

Current Health: 11/27


As the man protects his fleeing comrade, Lei is moved by the show of solidarity, adn exclaims in an empathetic voice filled with his pain from the wounds, "Just leave!" and doesn't attack further with Zhi Hui unless the remaining man takes a hostile action.

It would be nice to know why he had been attacked, but Lei didn't know if he'd be able to pull his punches with this technique to capture the man alive.


Action: Prepare finger brandish to trigger on hostile action
Current Qi: 24/33

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 40):

As though made more confident by your sudden cease in attacking, the remaining assassin boldly advances again with another flurry of dagger attacks! [>=109 to dodge or take 4 damage]

From the lack of sound coming from the window outside - it seems that the other assassin has abandoned his companion and escaped by himself!

Cannot dodge.
Current Health: 6/27
Prepared Action would trigger before the start of my turn, causing the following attacks:

quote:

15:21, Today: Lei Feng rolled 132,105,118,58,6,6,4,1 using 1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d4 with rolls of 77,50,63,3,6,6,4,1.  prepared zhi hui.

132 to hit for 6 damage
105 to hit for 6 damage
118 to hit for 4 damage
58 to hit for 1 damage

On my turn, if the man is still alive, Lei Feng will attack him again with finger brandish.

quote:

15:24, Today: Lei Feng rolled 81,79,67,135,3,6,1,4 using 1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d100+55,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d4 with rolls of 26,24,12,80,3,6,1,4.  zhi hui on my turn.

81 to hit for 3 damage
79 to hit for 6 damage
67 to hit for 1 damage
135 to hit for 4 damage



Seeing the assailant spit in his eye after being shown way more mercy than he deserved, Lei roars explosively in rage and pain alike, "BASTARD ASSASSIN! DIE" hopefully alerting some individuals in the manor about his whereabouts. He was injured, it would be good for him to get healing soon. Those caltrops were also restricting his movement.

Unleashing his Zhi Hui as the dagger flies towards him, and then again once getting back his footing quickly after being struck, Lei attempts to shred the man to pieces.

The other, cowardly, traitorous bastard of a man could be caught and questioned.

OOC: Could I petition for Lei to make a rage self check or smth here? I feel like one is appropriate rn.

Current Qi: 18/33

With your prepared attack, the assassin finally falls to the ground weakly, rapidly bleeding - with some of the scraps of his flesh being literally torn from him as your scythes ravage his flesh.

As the assassin dies, you suddenly hear the sounds of running as you see servant Qiu Huqian rush to the scene hurriedly with an expression of panic.

"Master Lei! Master Lei! Are you alright?"

After seeing the assassin and your wounds, he yells to the other servants who follwed, "Get a physician!"

As the situation calms down, you unfortunately hear that the other assassin has managed to escape with only one of the manor guards catching him headed towards the north street. They of course did not pursue because such action was above their paygrade as they claimed.

Should you search the assassin's body, you find nothing by 11 throwing knives and a rather well drawn portrait of you done in ink. You even have your rather dashing smirk. Judging from the expression of glee on the portrait, you imagine whoever drew that saw you while you were rolling in the gold taels from that fortunate gamble night.

After the physician arrives and tends to your wounds, he says that you will likely need 2 weeks of rest and medicine to completely recover.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:22, Tue 03 Aug 2021.

Not one to argue with a medical professional, Lei thanks him for his work and then pulls aside Qiu Huqian later in the day and thanks him for his quick response, secretly handing him 5 Gold Taels from his pocket out of appreciation, out of the way of the other manor staff.

Lei requests of the servant to stay in this manor at least until Lei's wounds heal, before he quits to go spend or invest the money, if that is his decision. This is to make sure Lei has a good set of eyes and ears while he is unable to prowl the grounds for himself.

The cultivators feels that this mortal is a kindred spirit towards him, as they both have a very positive, carefree personality. Hopefully the man also has a strong sense of loyalty, or else Lei will revise his heart's opinion.

During these two weeks, if possible, Lei will meditate to also regenerate his spent Qi, which should only take minutes, while he also recovers from his terrible wounds. Beyond that, he won't practice any cultivation, since being bedridden has severely messed up his training plans to break through this stage.

Lei doesn't take any of the stuff from the assassin, and allows the manor staff to decide how to deal with all that after they clean up the blood and caltrops from the room that remain after the scuffle.

Lastly, Lei commands the house guards to increase their patrol on borrowed authority from their master Gao Li. He doesn't berate them for not giving chase, as he agrees that their lives are objectively more valuable being used as a network of intelligence rather than being thrown away to die to a superior foe in a dank alleyway.

He also gives the whole staff express information to increase their attentiveness to maximum, but also to refrain from any violence whatsoever, as Lei claims he cannot guarantee their safety against other cultivators, if they were to show up.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 42):

Date (Y/M/D): 1001/01/28
Season: Winter
Time: Morning

You see a rather serious looking expression on Qiu Huqian as he receives the 5 gold taels.

"I will make sure the guards remain more vigilant to make sure this does not happen again," Qiu Huqian speaks as he bids his farewell with cupped fists and rushes to somewhere else in the manor.

...

Thankfully the next two weeks are rather uneventful, giving you your much needed time to recover from your wounds completely.

When you emerge from your room finally to survey the manor - you notice that the manor ground seem to be devoid of anyone. You it is impossible that everyone would have just spirited away as you recall having had a rather nice Dinner of roasted lamb last night.

Even after calling for Qiu Huqian, there is no response.

Eventually, you hear sounds of synchronized marching from outside the walls of the manor and coming into the entrance grounds of the manor appears to be a strange palanquin with various flower motifs in shade of garish pink, held up by what appears to be a procession of what appears to be asura women in rather simple sleeveless robes. They gaze ahead disinterestedly as from the palanquin descends none other than Wang Jiu Chi, who this time wears a strangely translucent robe that shows off his rather sinewy torso underneath. FOr some reason, despite being rather cold in winter, he doesn't seem to appear cold in this hiemal snowy weather. As usual he is escorted by his female bodyguard who seems to look as disinterested as ever.

Taking out a fan bearing the illustration of chrysanthemum flowers, he greets you.

"Good morning Master Lei! I heard that you and Merchant Gao fell into quite a pickle recently, so I took the initiative and lent you some aid. Well to say I took this matter into my own hands for selfless purposes would be a lie, but I figured that it was a good opportunity to foster some friendship between you and I! Ohohohoho!"

Laughing in a strange manner, Wang ushers you into the visitor's hall as though he was now the owner of the place. And as you would have guessed, it seems that Gao Li was recently imprisoned by the Naked Pangolin gang in the City of Ningchuan in Xujiang. Apparently the gang has a tight grip on the city as the governer's son is a high ranked member of the gang. This has lead to the gang being in cahoots with the government officials and esentially convicting Gao out of court with the intent of repossessing all of his properties.

It was at this moment that Wang had used his self professed powers of seduction to somehow get the deed for Gao Li's property here in Tianman city to exchange hands and end up in his possession.

"Here is my proposal: I will send my escort here, Lan Fei to accompany you in a mission to rescue Gao Li."

"Ha...? What...?" the disinterested looking escorted next to Wang suddeny snaps her head towards Wang with just slightly widened eyes.

"Oh pretty pretty please...?" Wang clutches Lan Fei's fair dainty hands with his muscly fingers while trying to make a pleading expression.

"Ugh, whatever," Lan Fei swats her master's hands away while giving a disgusted expression, to which Wang only laughs at.

"Lan Fei is quite the expert, and normally I would just send her alone. But as Gao Li likely doesn't know her, so I think it would be better to have you accompany her. Though I am confident in her skills, I am not sure if there might be other experts in the Naked Pangolin gang, and knowing that you survived an encounter with the Needle Palm Clique assassins makes me certain that you would make a compatible duo in combat!"

"So, what do you think about this situation?" Wang asks you.

Waking up to an absent building, Lei Feng immediately entered battle mode. What in the name of the Martial Gods was going on? Soon, the cultivators questions were answered. This was not an ongoing attack, whatever was happening was just the aftermath...

Lei Feng was never one to judge a man by his aesthetics, but cumulatively recalling all the off-putting vibes he had been getting from Wang Jiu Chi since they recently met as the man approaches in an implicitly militant and overtly domineering manner, Lei Feng's disgust towards this individual fully manifests.

The man's words of introduction to Lei were highly suspicious... The fact that he knew so much could be excused as an obligatory fact from his presence in information broking, but the way he spoke of things reeked of dishonesty.

Did he really try and claim that 'friendship' was applicable with 'selfishness'? This man clearly had a black heart, unlike the noble merchant Gao Li.

Lei was shocked when the man begin to take control over the manor grounds... The cultivator almost lost himself to a fit of rage and charged the bastard right then and there... but then he began to supply helpful information, and Lei kept his jaw clenched to keep himself quiet.

At the moment, it was his duty to Gao Li to hear the slime out, even if he hated to do it.

However, the information he got did not settle his temper. Rather, it worsened it greatly.

Gao Li had been unjustly imprisoned, and his assets illegally seized! This was a huge problem, and one which Lei Feng couldn't begin to think of a way to resolve? He was a simple farm boy with a good heart and a blessing from the Martial Gods, he didn't even know what game to play in order to navigate such a situation as this...

The arrogance of this slug! This filth had knowingly purchased a deed from such a source? Lei didn't know how this was being allowed to happen? Either it was all being kept quiet in just a few circles, or the whole damn system in Dingzhou was corrupt!?

Lei thought back to the noble Ma family, who had grown Ouhan Town from dirt to prosperity. He had always believed such was the behavior befitting of true aristocrats. Yet, if these black acts were indeed widespread and not explicitly forbidden by the governance, how could Lei be sure that the hands of any political figures were clean and not soiled with such grime?!

Back to the present, this criminal even knew the identity of his assailants? How could he know such a thing, unless he had called it? A single enemy had escaped. The odds that he 'just so happened' to be caught by Wang Jiu Chi or any of his forces was close to zero. Even if that were the case, it would mean they almost certainly had to be up to suspicious business around the estate...

Perhaps the servants had leaked information, Lei had no idea what had happened to all those regular people. Judging from the lack of theft after the first perpetrator was tossed away, the remainder should have been honest people, right?

Then again, a peasant's honor was only as good as the security of their selves and their families. If this man had extorted, or even bribed them for information on the appearance of the attackers, he could have made his own conclusions using his superior knowledge.

Still, it was too suspicious. The most likely truth would be that this was all orchestrated by Wang Jiu Chi and the Naked Pangolin gang in conjunction...

The situation was too confusing and unclear? Yet, Lei could not trust this hateful pus ball to give him a rice grain of truth!

Thinking through everything quietly, his eyes and temples simmering with hot anger, Lei finally came to the conclusion that the situation was terrible and there was no easy path to a good outcome.

The man considered this woman to be equal with Lei in terms of combat prowess. Perhaps the other individuals who had moved in with him were similarly powerful. If that were the case, Lei could not defeat them in a fight...

Yet, this was all assumptions made from a lack of confidence... Lei was overwhelmed. He couldn't make this decision with his own guidelines... So, he would have to borrow someone else's...

Lei thought of what the Martial Gods, whom might now be looking down on him would hope for him to do...? Yes, they would tell him to be prudent, and not lose his temper. Yet, he must not be a coward and let this person force Lei to dance in his stinking palm.

Thus, Lei spoke with what little authority he could muster given the situation, "Hm. Before I agree to anything, I must say that this is all very suspicious. I don't mean to wound the gentle Master Wang, but I must question even in your line of work, how you have so much knowledge of the given events. Worse of all is your disrespectful attitude towards my sworn friend Gao Li? Is such business not frowned upon by those in power, that you would deign it financially responsible to purchase a deed that you know to have been captured unrightfully?"

After gaging the man's reactions, Lei looked around and continued, "Furthermore, I find your concept of friends to be inaccurate. Why would you bring an armed guard if this were a simple meeting over tea? Most damning of all is your timing on the matter, as if you are not even trying to hide any potential involvement?"

Lei was frowning now, clearly distrustful of the opposite party without directly accusing them. Lastly, Lei finished with, "Why have all the servants of this recently-acquired estate of yours suddenly vanished? How can you know the identity of our assailants, even though no loose ends were left to grab? How can I be certain your words are truthful, and you are not working with these bastard criminals who you say have Gao Li imprisoned? If you know such things to be true, should you not at least ACT a little distressed?"

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 46):

Wang looks quite surprised by your exasperation, but soon you see his smile fade and turn into one that appears rather apologetic.

"Well, I am afraid if I did not use my charms, it would have been likely impossible to obtain it from the frightful Heiress that is Madame Er Lian..." Wang makes a rather solemn expression and seems to slightly shiver as he quickly shakes his head and continues. "Of course, my love and admiration for you was greater, and I couldn't bear for you to be evicted from this place and have Gao Li loose all chance of regaining his home..."

"I have no excuse for my bringing an armed guard. As I have many enemies - it is only natural that I have someone close by in the case assassins come after my head. I have been careless a number of times and nearly lost my own life and have determined that it is wise to always be cautious. I give you my word though that my guard has no intention of attacking anyone unless I am in direct threat."

"Formerly when I met you at the gambling den, I made the incorrect assumption that you were quite formidable on your own - perhaps I was too deluded by fog of infatuation... And I had confidence in Gao Li's ability to get out of the slight trouble he was in at the time. Of course it was inappropriate to mention it considering the location we were in that day... And alas, my indecision to not insist on a discussion of the matters that were about to transpire had led to yours and Gao Li's current state. As such I have no wish to hide any involvement."

"I only knew of the assailants' identities yesterday. And found out they were loosely connected to a number of servants and paid for by stakeholders eyeing  possessions. I found it especially strange when I found that none of the servants were even touched by the assassins when I heard of the attack on Gao Li's manor."

"If I were working with the criminals, I would not even have to lift a finger and would not have gone through the trouble of obtaining the manor and providing these new servants to look after the property," Wang motions towards the Asura servants who all bear rather austere looking expressions.

"I understand that perhaps it is difficult to take in all of this at once, and should you have any more questions I shall answer them. But for now, maybe it would be a good idea to cool off for a moment," Wang sighs as he motions to the new servants who respond with cupped fists and head towards all the different areas of the manor, while he walks towards the small fish pond pavilion in the manor and gazes wistfully into it.

The Lan Fei just glances at you for a few moments in reticence and follows her master from behind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:20, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

Lei listened to Wang's explanations. Indeed, they seemed reasonable. Lei grew less and less sure of his assertations...

Rather, the fact that the man had even bothered to answer his questions left Lei with a lot of trust in him, despite his previous interpretations...

He held the urge to bow down on the floor in apology immediately, and took the reasonable advice to cool down given the circumstances, that were reasonably hard for Lei to endure.

Later in the day, perhaps ten minutes or in a couple hours, once he felt the time was appropriate, Lei approached Wang, making sure his guard was around when he did so. He didn't want to come off as a direct threat, right now.

Getting on his knees, Lei bowed his head and spoke fervently, "I apologize for my suspicions, Merchant Wang! You see, it's hard for me, who was born on a farm in a small hamlet to know if a merchant is trustworthy like my friend Gao Li, or if they are an enemy who seeks to manipualte me."

Taking a breath, Lei continues "If you will still allow me, I would be very happy to use the information you have given to me for free, despite the fact you could have charged for words of such value!"

If Lei judged that his apology had been accepted, he would stand and raise his head, giving a mischievous smile to the enigmatic but hopefully benevolent merchant, "Also, not to be rude to a benefactor, but you too made one unforgivable mistake." his grin widened as if he was holding back a laugh, "I, Lei Feng, AM a very formidable fighter!" he said, fist to his chest with mock pride. Trying to relieve the tension, Lei told a joke.

If Wang was willing to speak more on their plans, Lei would put forth the fact that before the assassins attacked the estate, he had been making plans for breaking through to the next stage in his cultivation. He says that it is something he may be able to do while on the road, but if Wang judges that time is in their favor for saving Gao Li, Lei thinks it would be better for him to stay here for a short while, less than a month for sure, probably one or two weeks, in order to make an honest attempt to climb the wall in front of him.

Throughout their talks, Lei wanted desperately to bring up how Gao Li could get his estate back, but since he was not a money-minded person, Lei could only hope that Wang would give Gao Li a favorable deal. By now, Lei still didn't know if forty five golden taels could buy the estate back with no fuss, he just knew it was more money than he has ever had.

Presumably, Gao Li had much more wealth (well, before it was stolen), and would be able to barter a better trade than Lei throwing his pittances in the air.

OOC: Shame on you, Lei! How could you make assumptions about this guy! Really, he comes off as so totally normal and innocent! Not at all a little creepy, nooo!

Basically, if Wang thinks Gao Li isn't in immediate danger, Lei will try and increase his ABL by spending 12 hours each day in the garden, exercising heavily the litheness of his muscles and quickness of movements. I don't know how long this will take, as Lei only needs 2 more ABL to ''level up'' his sequential scythe!

If Wang expresses there is a time limit to this rescue mission, Lei will try and make time for the exercise while they travel, however he can. For example, if they go by carriage, he will try and sprint alongside it for at least one hour each day. Since he's mortal, he has limits and only 24 hours in a day. It will probably be harder if they hurry to get there first, but maybe still possible, i think/hope.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 48):

"Please! Stand up! A man should genuflect so easily!" Wang looks rather shocked as he tries to get you to stand when you drop to your knees.

"I understand your caution. It is something that is necessary, especially for someone like you who lives in the martial world. Your reaction is completely understandable, and I believe I would have reacted similarly albeit with slightly more elegance if I were in your shoes!"

As you exchanges those words with you, Merchant Wang too laughs at it and pats you in the back as you continue to discuss the situation regarding Gao Li.

According to Wang, Gao's life is not in immediate danger, but he is likely suffering under the hands of the governor of Ningchuan, Hu Bao, in secret. Considering the merchant's association with the infamous Four Locust Clan, the governor Hu is not likely to act rashly. Based on his estimates, this should by Gao Li around a month of guaranteed survival, after which his state might depend on the consequent interactions between the Four Locust and the government at Ningchuan.

Regarding the topic of the estate, Wang mentions that it is not particularly of much value - with it only worth around 40 gold taels in the market. But since he managed to seduce his way to obtain it from the Madame Er Lian for a meager 15 gold taels, he says he could virtually return it to Gao Li as an expression of friendship.

....

For the remaining month you have to prepare for Gao Li's rescue, you focus your efforts in training. As Wang observes you do this, he offers his escort Lan Fei to spar with you, which she does with a training sword made of wood.

As you train with her, you get a rough feel of her abilities, and come to the conclusion that she is indeed extremely formidable with the sword, and makes extremely experienced motions using minimal movement, only using her feet as opposed to her arms to bring out rather surprising strength in her strikes.

The regular spars between the both of you affords you considerable insight regarding movement in combat and improves your martial abilities significantly!

[+2d2 ABL, +1d6 Scythe, +34 Xiuwei]

As you meditate on the Sequential Scythe every night after training, you miraculously attain martial inspiration!!!
With the thoughts of sparring and your previous combat encounters swirling in your mind as you meditate, your eyes, seemingly turn to the back of your head and your body seems to vibrate at rapid intervals as you feel the warmth of inspiration melt from your brain into your body!!

[Your existing martial arts all gain 1 extra dice of damage. If damage depends on a weapon's damage, it also gains 1 extra dice. E.g. 1d6 -> 2d6]

[+ 1d4 Qi]

Lie Lian - Ardent Scythe [QI: 7]

Use footwork to draw additional Qi from the ground, transfering it to your posture to intensify the rotation of your scythes. This gives all scythes under your control or in your hand +3 damage dice. Due to the sheer rotational force and axial wobble of the scythe, it is difficult to parry (+10 to scythe roll during opposed check) and creates a messy, painful wound on hit that causes rapid bleeding.

[To Next: ABL 17, WIL 17, Finger 20, Scythe 20, Metal 20]


....

Now ready to make the journey, Wang asks if you require any additional supplies or equipment before you leave. He says he is more than willing to cover the cost of most equipment that you need to buy. He suggests that bringing along a few salves, pills and tools like rope, throwing weapons and smoke bombs might help with the rescue of Gao Li from the Ningchuan Yamen (prison).
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:17, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

"My father was a man who never apologized to anybody, and my mother was a woman who would apologize for the sun rising in the morning and for it setting at night! They came to an agreement to teach me never to bend my back except when my heart truly regrets a decision! I live by this very often, because my liver has a direct line of complaints to my heart! Ha ha ha!" Lei's guilt has been eased, it seems.

Pleased and refreshed by the peaceful resolve to the situation, Lei fully devoted himself to training with Lan Fei in Gao Li's courtyard, no other worries except the absolute necessity of his friend's safe recapture the sole thing on his mind.

Thanks to that, he manages to focus on training even though a beautiful woman is accompanying him! He is very proud of himself for his resistance; He briefly thinks maybe he was a Buddhist in a past life!

When the day of departure comes, Lei once again thanks Merchant Wang and requests if he could find any well-made scythes, showing the stronger of the two he owns as an example of a solid gardening tool slash martial weapon.

Lei Feng will take any miscellaneous goods the merchant will supply, but even if he has nothing to spare, he will leave with Merchant Wang the black pills that he has had in his pocket since taking down the centipede fetishist cultivator quite a few months ago.

He tells the man he doesn't need them back, but if Merchant Wang can find out what they do, Lei would like to know about them as well.

With that, Lei Feng makes his way with Lan Fei to Ningchuan, constantly making jokes about how they should fall in love since they will be traveling together for so long!

OOC: Comedy roll for making Lan Fei show Lei her laugh.

quote:

20:31, Today: Lei Feng rolled 3,6,2,28 using 2d2,1d6,1d4,1d100 with rolls of 1,2,6,2,28.  ABL, Scythe, Qi, Comedy.

+3 ABL
+2 Scythe
+6 Qi

Comedy as a self-roll is a success, as an opposed roll the total is 71

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 50):

In response to your query about scythes, Wang replies, "Scythes... well this is quite an uncommon weapon and I'm afraid I have only seen ceremonial scythes made of wood, silver or gold that I imagine will not be very helpful unless you are using them for some ritual... If you still need such a scythe though I am willing to procure them for you."

[You can decide which you want and I will retroactively add the scythe(s) to your inventory]

Wang will accept the black pills and manages to quickly hire a herbalist to determine its effects. Apparently they are pickled centipede eggs which seem to have a mild effect of restoring one's Qi if one can stomach its vile taste.

In preparation for your journey, Wang offers 10 healing salves, 3 bottles of antidote, 2 weeks worth of dried rations, and 2 fine horses. On horseback with minimal luggage, you expect to reach Ningchuan in 5 days.

...

While on horseback, you exchange a few words with Lan Fei whose mood appears to be surprisingly good despite her often aloof demeanor.

As you jest with her, she stays silent for a few moments before snorting at your comment and laughing in a somewhat condescending manner. Though you can tell from her eyes that she is genuinely entertained.

"It seems that you really are a fool. That is truly a relief. I happen to like the company of fools," she smiles as you ride together at moderate speed.

After a few hours of travel, while you take a break at a small brook to quench the thirst of your horses and make your repast, you find a rather short young lady with sandy brown hair in rather oddly extravagant robes. She appears to be along the brook as well allowing her ox to drink along the brook.

Noticing the two of you she greets you with a small bow while clutching her belly and speaks, "Big brother, Big sister - do you have any food to spare?"

"... Who's your big sister..." Lan Fei mutters under her breath as she disinterestedly munches at her dried biscuit.

Noticing that Merchant Wang had supplied him with more rations than he will need to make it to Ningchuan, Lei figures he can afford to be charitable, as he has plenty of taels and can resupply on road meals once he arrives in Ningchuan.

Though he notices the woman is wearing oddly luxurious robes, Lei still goes and prepares a week of rations from his pack. "I don't know your situation, but if you are truly hungry, you should not wear such expensive cloth. Most people would not trust a beggar in fine drapery to be legitimate."

Realizing he may actually be playing the fool inadvertently, Lei adds quickly, "Of course, one should know that to take advantage of a generous man is to steal from the mouth of the truly needy?" Lei attempts to convince the 'beggar' to come clean if they are not actually in need, basically saying they would cause others to starve just to satiate their needless greed.

Having an idea, Lei finishes with "Our horses are just stopping. How about we eat lunch together and share our tales?" of course he doesn't mean to share his taels, just their tales. Thus if she accepts the offer, Lei keeps his money bag on his person and makes sure the stranger eats at a reasonable distance, away from their supply cart.

After the meal ends, if Lei believes this woman is telling the truth, he will give her the other six days of rations before continuing the journey. He doesn't say anything out loud, but he hopes Lan will also spot the behavior of their temporary conversation partner.

If she turns out to be a total liar, Lei will condemn her actions and tell her to do better with her life, and won't give her any more food.

In reply to Lei Feng (msg # 52):

"Okay, I will share my tales," the extravagantly dressed young lady nods as she holds out her open palms to accept any of the rations you offer.

Lan Fei will just shrug when you hand over a few dried biscuits from your ration pack to the young lady, who stands at a distance away as you return to where you horses drink and extremely ravenously wolfs down the dried biscuit you offer to her.

You notice her deliciously consume the food extremely quickly and notice a few crumbs on her cheeks due to the sheer speed at which she ate.

It seems that she was truly starving.

After finishing eating she shares a short tale.

"You are very generous big brother, so I will share with you a secret that I found out recently," she faintly smiles as she speaks.

"Have you seen a statue of a Bodhisattva carved from Salt? Normally you would find them carved from regular stone or wood, but while wandering I stumbled upon a strange cave made of rock salt..."

It seems that this young lady once travelled in a mountainous region southeast of the Empire of Lan, and in a maple forest west of the remote village of Huanli where a strange white maple tree grows, there is a cavernous entrance to a cave of rock salt at the end of which is a large statue of a Bodhisattva carved from the same rock salt. It seems that in the walls of the cave is carved thousands of lines of sutra and the air in the whole area has a strange energetic scent.

She suggests that it may be carved by some reclusive hermit that secluded himself there for aeons as she also discovered the hermit's body in deep meditation encased in rock salt as well - which must mean that he has achieved Nirvana though meditation.


"There, I found the teachings of this hermit. Its useless to me, and I'd rather have food instead of a scroll made of rock salt... Since you're a good person, I'll give it to you."

From her robes she retrieves a strange scroll made of flat sticks of white hued translucent looking stone.

"I'm not sure how exactly how to read it either. Well, at least it can be used as a portable source of salt," she shrugs. "But salt can't fill my belly."

As she is done telling her tale, Lan Fei looks towards you with a rather troubled look as though she can't tell whether the young lady is telling the truth or not. Seeing the scroll seems to confirm her tale however which likely confused Lan Fei as you notice her raised eyebrows as she looks towards the translucent scroll.

As the woman spoke, Lei Feng recalls stories from his youth of immortals who would pretend to be beggars to test the hearts of travellers, and reward them based on their judgement...

Lei wasn't sure if that was what was happening, but even if he was the one who had been being tested, the woman had also passed the test he set in his heart.

Taking the scroll appreciatively, Lei opens his bag and offers his surplus rations to the young lady. "May the Martial Gods bless you in the future." he had never been confident in saying grace or giving blessings, but this was enough for someone who had never trained a day in a monastery and had no monastic status in any sects.

When Lan Fei was ready, Lei would rally their horses and they would set off to continue their journey towards their destination.

"I wonder how this is read... Lady Lan, you're the brains of our group; do you have any ways to interpret these strange teachings?"

Thinking, Lei also adds "If this is more useful to you than it is for me, I will gift it to you. I am not a buddhist cultivator, and so would probably sell such a thing if I could not learn from it."