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.