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• Xian Quan Session 2 - 30-Jan-05

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In the Prefecture of Xian Quan (Spring Fountain), Lord Kung Aoshi has fallen ill. He sleeps a dreamless sleep from which none can wake him. His two sons (Gunlang and Huigong) and his men prepare for a quest to retrieve his soul, or at least see it safely to the afterworld.

In the Prefecture of (Xian Quan) Spring Fountain, Lord Kung Aoshi has fallen ill. He sleeps a dreamless sleep from which none can wake him. His two sons (Gunlang and Huigong) and his men prepare for a quest to retrieve his soul, or at least see it safely to the afterworld.

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Session Logs

Meanwhile, those loyal to Aoshi's sons, the buddhist temple, merchant guilds, and the neighboring fiefs are all looking to profit from the situation or shift it in their favor. Should Lord Aoshi pass on, many are angling to see that his heir is favorable to them.

Lord Kung Aoshi: the Prefect of Spring Fountain. He is a well-respected member of a powerful warrior Order within the Buddhist temples, but respects and observes several "festival days" that are holdovers from older religions.

Au Li: Lord Aoshi once saved his life. He is a loyal supporter of the Lord.

Lady Kai Ling: (open soul) Lord Aoshi’s Sister-in-law. They are very close. Probably in a relationship ever since Aoshi's wife (Kai Ling's sister) died, but they are handling things discreetely, so there has been no scandal.

Commander Feng Shirong of the Crescent Blade: One of Aoshi’s vassal knights (he runs the town of Bei Hu (North Lake)). He is a hard liner who handles the rough stuff for Aoshi. He is loyal to his lord, respected by his peers, and feared by the peasants.

Gunlang Kung: Aoshi’s eldest son and heir to Xian Quan. Well liked by most.

Etiao: Gunlang’s closest friend. Etiao knows how to make a good time for everybody.

Danliu: Etiao’s father. A merchant who controls the important dye monopoly.

The Abbot, Master Ro: has been a spiritual advisor to the Kung family line. Master Ro is strictly buddhist, and considers Aoshi to be a good warrior and servant to the (thriving) local temple, despite the fact that Aoshi condones (and even participates in) the traditions surrounding the Night of Bitter Scales.

Sister Jian: A young buddhist nun, and a major part of reform and improvement in Spring Fountain. She has helped restore churches, feed the homeless, etc. She has a major crush on Gunlang, and he seems to be the only one who has not noticed.

Imperial Magistrate Ratou: Ratou is the new intermidiary recently assigned to this prefecture by the Governor of the Provice to liason with Aoshi. He is young, ambitious, not wholly familiar with the area yet, and has been unpleasantly surprised by the degree of autonomy that Aoshi enjoys in his governance of the Prefecture -- Aoshi uses him in much the same way as he did the retired Magistrate -- as a messenger to the Governor, and nothing else.

Spring Fountain includes four vassal holdings: Bun Village to the south, Bei Hu (North Lake), Men Lan (Blue Gate) to west, and Qi Shan (Seven Mountains) to the north. Bei Hu (North Lake) is ruled by Shi Rong of the Crescent Sword, Men Lan (Blue Gate) is ruled by the elderly Man Xun. The two remaining noble overseers can be created by me, if necessary, but if one of the P Cs is a nobleor a petty noble, one of these lesser holdings may belong to them.

The Kingdom of which Xian Quan is a part is ruled by a king, closely allied to the Buddhist Temples -- the larger organized religion in this part of the Empire. It's a big, heirarchical religion, allied closely-but-cautiously with the King.

In this version of mythic China, we have basicly three separate, semi-connected belief systems. The common folk frequently follow all at once: the buddhist temples (represented by HQ's various "Wizardry" practices), the Taoist (and here I'm using the term fantastically rather than historically) reverence of ancestors (a mix of HQ theism), and the general "gods of heaven", "spirits of the world" serviced by travelling priests and wise men (generally a mix of HQ's animism and theism).

In principle, the three are separate, in practice the commoners mix them however they wish. To this day, they offer propitiatory worship (i.e.: "here's a sacrifice - please stay away") to Ruiban of the Slithering Dark, who was banished in mythic times, but who is said to still hide in the crevices of the world; brooding and vengeful. Should the peasants ever stop their practice, they believe the realm would again be invaded by fiendish Snake Things.

The Snake Queen and her son Ruiban propitiated during the Night of Bitter Scales might be ancient earth spirits, belonging in equal parts to the myths of the gods of heaven (variably as monsters and an alternative pantheon of sorts) and taoist beliefs (as "ancestors of the earth", abstract god creatures). As far as the sophisticated temple buddhists are concerned, the spirits in question are demons, as are all spirits; the fictional buddhists of this setting consider all spirits either part of the cycle of reincarnation or outside it (the latter being possible only for the evil spirits and the buddha)

Lord Aoshi has managed to stay remarkably independent of his superiors. His liege lord is technically the Governor of the province that his Prefecture is a part of, but he is largely autonomous: most matters between Aoshi and the Governor are handled through an intermediary, a Magistrate appointed by the Provicial Governor (see Ratou, above).

And, hey, it's a http://cgibin.erols.com/mandarintools/cgi-bin/chinname.pl Chinese Name Generator (sorta)!

View the XQ Character Sheets for the P Cs.

Sir Man Xun (Satisfied Modesty): An old, old man, who was an advisor to Aoshi’s Master. He is now retired, living on his own manor, and technically in charge of the town of Men Lan (Blue Gate). He is a friend of Huigong, who is often invited to his home.

Lady Nulong Widower. Wife of one of Lord Aoshi’s old allies, she’s here to decide who gets to marry her daughter, Aimei. This marriage will give political clout to Nulong’s rule (until her son, now 5, is old enough to take control), and simultaneously link Xian Quan to her land’s greater resources.

Aimei Young woman of 17 years of age. Aimei is attractive, and has lived under her mother’s thumb her entire life.

Lord Kung Aoshi the Prefect of Spring Fountain __is in a coma__.

Auli Lord Aoshi once saved his life. He is a loyal supporter of the Lord.

Lady Kai Ling (open soul) Lord Aoshi’s Sister-in-law. They are very close. Probably in a relationship ever since Aoshi's wife (Kai Ling's sister) died, but they are handling things discreetely, so there has been no scandal.

Sir Feng Shirong of the Crescent Blade One of Aoshi’s vassal knights (he runs the town of Bei Hu (North Lake)). He is a hard liner who handles the rough stuff for Aoshi. He is loyal to his lord, respected by his peers, and feared by the peasants.

Gunlang Kung Aoshi’s eldest son and heir to Xian Quan. Well liked by most.

Etiao Gunlang’s closest friend. Etiao knows how to make a good time for everybody.

Danliu Etiao’s father. A merchant who controls the important dye monopoly.

Sister Jian A young nun, and a major part of reform and improvement in Spring Fountain. She has helped restore churches, feed the homeless, etc. She has a major crush on Gunlang, and he seems to be the only one who has not noticed.

Imperial Magistrate Ratou Arrived some weeks ago. Works for the bishop. Is here to assess Jian’s work to decide whether she will receive further funding or not.

Huigong Kung Aoshi’s younger son. More quiet than his older brother.

Brier A young girl who was taken in as a servant by Huigong when her mother (Huigong’s nanny) died.

Sir Man Xun]] (Satisfied Modesty): An old, old man, who was an advisor to Aoshi’s Master. He is now retired, living on his own manor, and technically in charge of the town of Men Lan (Blue Gate). He is a friend of Huigong, who is often invited to his home.

Zhi Wang Swordsmaster and trainer of the militia. He is also Huigong’s personal swordsmanship trainer.

Tianrong' Leader of the garrison of Kung Well (the largest town in Spring Fountain).

noella.jpg Lady Nulong''' Widower. Wife of one of Lord Aoshi’s old allies, she’s here to decide who gets to marry her daughter, Aimei. This marriage will give political clout to Nulong’s rule (until her son, now 5, is old enough to take control), and simultaneously link Xian Quan to her land’s greater resources.

aimee.jpg Aimei''' Young woman of 17 years of age. Aimei is attractive, and has lived under her mother’s thumb her entire life.

The Kingdom of which Spring Fountain is a part is ruled by a king, closely allied to the Buddhist Temples -- the larger organized religion in this part of the Empire. It's a big, heirarchical religion with clergy, bishops, archbishops, and the High Buddhist over all of it, allied closely-but-cautiously with the King.

The peasants of Spring Fountain have always followed standard Taoist spirit worship and held on to some of their ancient ways. To this day, they offer propitiatory worship (i.e.: "here's a sacrifice - please stay away") to Ruiban of the Slithering Dark, who was banished in mythic times, but who is said to still hide in the crevices of reality; brooding and vengeful. Should the peasants ever stop their practice, they believe the realm would again be invaded by fiendish Snake Things. If the church knew about the secret practices of the commoners of Spring Fountain, they would surely do their best to eradicate the heresy.

Lord Aoshi has managed to stay remarkably independent from his superiors. His liege lord is technically the Duke that his Prefecture is a part of, but he is largely autonomous: most matters between Aoshi and the duke are handled through an intermediary, a Constable appointed by the Provicial Governor.

The Prefect owns the fruits and hunting rights of all Spring Fountain as long as he can muster twenty-five foot soldiers, according to ancient custom (it is a small Prefecture). The Prefecture tithes wine, dressed venison, and several dozen bolts of it's finest dyed cloth during the year as well.

Obviously, neighboring powers, the Temples, and the mercantile community will all have a stake in the outcome of Xian Quan’s rulership. Once the news gets out, expect these groups to act for someone who benefits them, or against someone who is counter to their goals. The neighboring fiefs may make border incursions, appeal to higher political powers for the right to take Spring Fountain under their "protectorship", or annex it completely.

In the Prefecture of magical Spring Fountain, Lord Kung Aoshi has fallen ill. He sleeps a dreamless sleep from which none can wake him. His two sons (Gunlang and Huigong) and his men prepare for a quest to retrieve his soul, or at least see it safely to the afterworld.

Meanwhile, those loyal to Aoshi's sons, the Church, merchant guilds, and the neighboring fiefs are all looking to profit from the situation or shift it in their favor. Should Lord Aoshi pass on, many are angling to see that his heir is favorable to them.

LOCALE

The Prefecture of Spring Fountain, also known as Xian Quan. Your basic Chinese Feudal Society with captains, prefects, and magistrates ruling a large population of peasants, influenced heavily by a strong Taoist faith and the Buddhist temple that frowns on practice of the "Old Religion" that worshipped Old Gods.

SETUP

Your character concept needs to include ties to three of the NP Cs listed below, and it's important that something is at stake in the relationship. Be gutsy, because none of this stuff is so set in stone that it can't be altered a bit.

• If you want your character to be the third son of the noblein charge of running one of the towns, fine.
• If you want to BE that noblewith the three sons, that's fine too.
• You want to be the illegitimate son of Master Rui? No problem.
• You want to be Aoshi's only daughter? Cool.
• If you want to be the supposed third son of the noble of Bun Village, who's really the illegitimate son of Master Rui and secretly learning sorcery from Lady Kai Ling, while conducting an affair with Aoshi's only daughter? Now we're getting somewhere.

View the Character Sheets for the P Cs.

NP Cs

(I have more detailed information on everyone listed below -- feel free to ask me for more info on anyone listed.)

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/Aoshi.gif Lord Kung Aoshi: the Prefect of Spring Fountain __is in a coma__.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/alfan.gif Auli: Lord Aoshi once saved his life. He is a loyal supporter of the Lord.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/colette.gif Lady Kai Ling : Lord Aoshi’s Sister-in-law. They are very close. Probably in a relationship ever since Aoshi's wife (Kai Ling's sister) died, but they are handling things discreetely, so there has been no scandal.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/serge.png Sir Feng Shirong of the Crescent Blade: One of Aoshi’s vassal knights (he runs the town of Bei Hu (North Lake)). He is a hard liner who handles the rough stuff for Aoshi. He is loyal to his lord, respected by his peers, and feared by the peasants.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/guilbert.png Gunlang Kung: Aoshi’s eldest son and heir to Xian Quan. Well liked by most.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/etienne.gif Etiao: Gunlang’s closest friend. Etiao knows how to make a good time for everybody.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/deliam.png Danliu: Etiao’s father. A merchant who controls the important dye monopoly.

Ni Rao: A merchant with big city connections. Danliu’s competitor and rival.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/josette.gif Sister Jian: A young nun, and a major part of reform and improvement in Spring Fountain. She has helped restore churches, feed the homeless, etc. She has a major crush on Gunlang, and he seems to be the only one who has not noticed.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/ratier.gif Imperial Magistrate Ratou: Arrived some weeks ago. Works for the bishop. Is here to assess Jian’s work to decide whether she will receive further funding or not.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/hugo.gif Huigong Kung: Aoshi’s younger son. More quiet than his older brother.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/brier.gif Brier: A young girl who was taken in as a servant by Huigong when her mother (Huigong’s nanny) died.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/maslin.png Sir Man Xun (Satisfied Modesty): An old, old man, who was an advisor to Aoshi’s Master. He is now retired, living on his own manor, and technically in charge of the town of Men Lan (Blue Gate). He is a friend of Huigong, who is often invited to his home.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/xavier.gif Zhi Wang: Swordsmaster and trainer of the militia. He is also Huigong’s personal swordsmanship trainer.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/trencavel.gif Tianrong: Leader of the garrison of Kung Well (the largest town in Spring Fountain).

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/noella.jpg Lady Nulong: Widower. Wife of one of Lord Aoshi’s old allies, she’s here to decide who gets to marry her daughter, Aimei. This marriage will give political clout to Nulong’s rule (until her son, now 5, is old enough to take control), and simultaneously link Xian Quan to her land’s greater resources.

http://random.average-bear.com/img/springfountain/aimee.jpg Aimei: Young woman of 17 years of age. Aimei is attractive, and has lived under her mother’s thumb her entire life.

RULERSHIP

• Ruler: Lord Aoshi of the Fountain, Prefect and Protector of Spring Fountain
• Population: 1750 adults, and about as many children.
• Settlements: Bei Hu (North Lake), Men Lan (Blue Gate), Kung Well, Qi Shan (Seven Mountains), and numerous lesser villages.

Spring Fountain includes four vassal holdings: Bun Village, Bei Hu (North Lake), Men Lan (Blue Gate), and Qi Shan (Seven Mountains). Bei Hu (North Lake) is ruled by Shi rong of the Crescent Sword, Men Lan (Blue Gate) is ruled by Old Man Xun. The two remaining knights can be created by me, if necessary, but if one of the P Cs is a nobleor a petty noble, one of these lesser holdings may belong to them.

RELIGION

The Kingdom of which Spring Fountain is a part is ruled by a king, closely allied to the Ecclesiarch of the "One Church" -- the largest organized monotheistic religion in this part of the continent. It's a big, heirarchical, patriarchal religion with clery, bishops, archbishops, and the Ecclesiarch over all of it, allied closely-but-cautiously with the King.

The peasants of Spring Fountain have always held on to some of their ancient religious practices ways. To this day, they offer propitiatory worship (i.e.: "here's a sacrifice - please stay away") to Rascarl of the Slippery Dark, who was banished in mythic times, but who is said to still hide in the crevices of reality; brooding and vengeful. Should the peasants ever stop their practice, they believe the realm would again be invaded by fiendish Snake Things. If the church knew about the secret practices of the commoners of Spring Fountain, they would surely do their best to eradicate the heresy.

POLITICS

Lord Aoshi has managed to stay remarkably independent from his superiors. His liege lord is technically the Duke that his Prefecture is a part of, but he is largely autonomous: most matters between Aoshi and the duke are handled through an intermediary, a Constable appointed by the Duke.

The Baron owns the fruits and hunting rights of all Spring Fountain as long as he can muster twenty-five foot soldiers, according to ancient custom (it is a small Prefecture). The Prefecture tithes wine, dressed venison, and several dozen bolts of it's finest dyed cloth during the year as well.

Obviously, neighboring powers, the Church, and the mercantile community will all have a stake in the outcome of Xian Quan’s rulership. Once the news gets out, expect these groups to act for someone who benefits them, or against someone who is counter to their goals. The neighboring fiefs may make border incursions, appeal to higher political powers for the right to take Spring Fountain under their "protectorship", or annex it completely.

TOWNS

Kung Well Kung Well is Lord Aoshi’s personal demesne, centered around the town of the same name. It is the focus of the military, spiritual, and economic might of the fief.

• Army: 3 captains, 7 sergeants, 38 foot soldiers.

Bun Village

• Adult Population: 180.
• Army: 1 captain, 4 foot soldiers.

Bei Hu (North Lake)

• Ruler: Shi Rong of the Crescent Sword.
• Adult Population: 380.
• Army: 1 noble(Shi Rong), 2 sergeants, 14 foot soldiers.

Men Lan (Blue Gate)

• Ruler: Man Xun.
• Adult Population: 320.
• Army: 1 Noble(Man Xun), 3 sergeants, 10 foot soldiers.

Qi Shan (Seven Mountains)

• Adult Population: 150.
• Army: 1 noble, 2 foot soldiers.