Within the great walls of the Imperial City, men plot in the shadows. The Emperor refuses to leave his quarters in the Forbidden Palace fearing assassins and conspirators seeking to kill him. He sees spirits in the night they whisper his name. He leaves the rule of the Ying Empire to a trusted eunuch who as so far kept his appearance hidden in a web of lies and deceptions. The mysterious eunuch keeps order in Zhai Cheng, his dao agents spreading a tale of deception to its people, while he ruthlessly engages the Song in the south. All is well in Zhai Cheng the troubles of the war seem distant, and the people feel content and safe within the thick stone walls of the metropolis.
The Northern Dynasty
Battle cries tore through the darkened skies. The winter snows have melted, and spring has given new life to the land. The terrible hordesmen harbingers of death galloped from their steppes north of the Grand Wall. Like locusts, they swarm the northern provinces, pillaging and raping all that they can. In the mining town of Wu north of the Zhao capital of Feng, a horrid faith is in store for the miners. The elder of the town refuses to bow to the barbarians a battle ensues.
The Wu are defeated, their town is burned to the ground their fields trampled over, their men slaughtered and their women, enslaved. Scarcely before news reaches Feng, the Horde as departed feted by their seized wealth. They gallop eastward eager for new pickings. By the time scouts are sent to investigate the carnage, all is lost, the rotting bodies of the dead scattered across the fields. A town of thousands lost for the time being.
Warlord Zhao Zan raises a host and marches eastward to find the barbarians responsible. But the Horde is constantly on the move, their swift four-legged beasts giving them the advantage of mobility. Village after village is raided and burned. All that remains by the time Zhao's men arrive are the smoldering ruins of once prosperous towns and villages. The Horde will meet Zhao Zan on their own terms and that is what is most terrifying to the warlord. He orders the feudal lords to prepare for battle, for the war has just begun.
The Southern Dynasty
Countless crossbowmen and siege weapons of the massive host marched in unison, hard from the north. Their boots shook the earth, their numbers where legion. They soon reached the Song-held stronghold of Jinguan. The commandant shouted HALT.The Sun crossbowmen readied their crossbows, the earth-shattering sound of thousands of men moving in unison was deafening.
The defenders unleashed their own arrows, now that the host was within range. The resolve of the Sun men was disciplined even as their comrades fell around them no mere peasants from the field. The Sun crossbowmen shouted a battle taunt that shook the foundations of Jingaun. FIRE and they unleashed their wrath upon the Song. The skies were blackened as the harbingers of death pummeled Jingaun with all their might.
The great siege weapons where readied, and the projectiles launched sky high onto the fortress, on impact, men were sent flying like ragdolls across the land.Jingaun had faced far worst then this in its centuries-long life as a stronghold. To seize the fortress from the Song would not be an easy task, even with the full might of the host.
Song Zhi marched with his armies from the south to engage the Sun host. He was confident in his abilities and believed that today would be the day a major blow would be dealt to the Sun Dynasty.
Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 6:43 pm
by Novas Arcanum
Characters
Qiaodou
Tang Hua recognizes the wretched state Qiaodou is in. Having recently been raided by barbarians, the village has fallen on hard times, and it is plain to see the terrible state of affairs things are in. The fields are overgrown with weeds, the roads, and most of the houses are decayed and overgrown with wildlife. Many peasants are already packing their few belongings and heading to cities such as Feng, or Hulan for a better chance of life. It will take a miracle to restore the village to its former prosperity.
Village of Qiaodou Population:2,500 Villagers Prosperity: Bad Points of Interest: Li Yu's Manor (Access Gained)
Tang Hua Inventory Ink brush, Ink, paper, stamp and seal, bureaucratic Robes. Bonus May perform administrative actions and manage the village of Qiaodou
The Breach
Boladjin and his band of hardy nomadic warriors start near the breach of the Grand Wall.Mountains stretched east and west before them. The snows had melted and the smell of spring filled the air, nigh was the age of war for him and his fellow horsemen. For so long these great stone walls had kept his warrior ancestors from entering the lands of the Middle Kingdom. Now that the walls had fallen he could ride south and raid and conquer to his heart's content. Opportunities like this were once in a lifetime, his brave warriors were ready to fight the southrons for wealth and the honor of their tribe.
Horde Horde Army: 3,500 Horsemen (Decent quality nomadic arms and armor) Bonus:+2 to Movement, may raid settlements for wealth.
Shaoshui
Bu and her followers find themselves in a large and beautiful village of Shaoshui in the southern jungles of Ying. Tall palm trees swayed in the wind and large rice paddy terraces as far as the eye could see stretched before them. The villagers worked hard in the paddy fields hauling bountiful sacks of the rice grain that fueled their prosperity. Trouble recently stalked the land, however, and Sun and Song soldiers had clashed near here. The Song was victorious and the dead bodies, of the defeated, hung from the great trees that lined the roads an ominous sight indeed. The village itself was spared any bloodshed, but mothers and wives wept over the death of their sons, and husbands in the blood-soaked battlefield near the fields. The villagers look with hard and suspicious eyes at Bu a woman wielding weapons was a bad omen to these superstitious folk.
Village of Shaoshui Population:5,000 Prosperity:Normal
Bu's Squad Bonus +1 to rolls, when raiding settlements Squad: Thirteen bandits (Six Injured) (Low-quality armor and weapons) Inventory: Jian, leather armor, traveling clothes to sneak inside towns and a handful of coins.
Gaozong
Charles Fredrick, and his men have docked their ship in the bustling port city of Gaozong in southern Ying. Massive junk ships line the harbors, merchants haggled their wares smoke bellowed from the chimneys, and the rhythmic beating of hammers was music to the industry of this southern polis. Gaozong was a nexus of trade in this part of the world, and Charles noted how crowded the streets where with Ying and foreign traders alike. As a foreigner, he caught a hard eye or two mainly from the guardsmen who didn't trust outsiders, but Charles wasn't the only foreigner in this city, and he could keep to his business safely for now but he couldn't help but feel the creeping notion that he was being watched...
Port City of Gaozong Population: 150,000 Prosperity: Good Points of Interest Gaozong Port (++ Ship Docked)
Charle's Company Inventory Matchlock gun (Normal-quality),stock of sabers (normal quality),stock of donkies,200 Silver Coins Squad: 25 Soldiers (Degraded ++ gunpowder arms and armor)
Zhai Cheng Foriegn District
Philipe Beauchamp and his band of pious missionaries start their quest in the massive city of Zhai Cheng capitol of the Great Ying Empire. The streets are crowded with traders and merchants come to sell their wares in Zhai Cheng's foreign district. A great wall divides the foreign district from the other parts of the city, Sun guardsmen and Dao Agents keep the peace. The merchants grumble about the price of goods, with Warlord Song Zhi, and barbarian hordesmen disrupting the flow of trade but the markets still burst with goods brought from across the world. Smoke billows from the foundries and manufactories the chorus of industry and artisanship as well as the innumerable houses cluster together on the Huang River. Zhai Cheng is the largest city in the world and millions of people are ready to be converted to the true word of the Triumvirate if they are willing to listen.
City of Zhai Cheng Population:3,250,000 Prosperity: Prosperus Points of Interest: Zhai Cheng Foreign District.
Phillepe's Missonary Group Inventory: Normal arms and armor, foreign garb, holy book (+1 conversion ability),50 Silver Coins Missionaries- 25 Missionaries,1 Disiciple Bonus: May convert non-believers to Triumvirate Faith.
Province of Nanfai
Feudal Lord Zhang Tie rules the province of Nanfai from his manor in the lush forested hills south of Zhai Cheng. Once a prosperous land, the war has sapped Nanfai of its vitality. Bandits raid the hinterlands, and blood waters the land as Sun and Song forces have clashed here recently. Refugees flee north to Zhai Cheng escaping the terrible poverty that inflicts this land. The wretched state of Nanfai is easy to see decaying infrastructure and fields overgrown with weeds.It will take great efforts to restore Nanfai to its former glory.
Province of Nanfai Population: 20,000 Military Garrison:2,000 peasent soldiers (++ Decent Quality Arms and Armor) Prosperity:Bad. Special Resource: Iron Affaliation: Sun Dynasty
Zhang Tie Inventory:The Rod of the Steelclad, an heirloom of his house. A fine suit of officials clothes, llamellar armor of a commander,250 Silver Coins. Army: 2,000 peasant troops Bonus: Feudal Lord
Northern Steppes
Huliuru Kutuk Zhao and his horde of warriors start in the steppes far north of the Grand Wall. The winter snows have not yet melted but his fellow nomads are used to the biting cold, as well as his horses who are feted by their food storages. The warriors are ready to ride south, and take what is rightfully theirs from the civilized folk. To defeat the Ying warriors, trample over their fields and hear the lamentation of their women would bring joy to these hardy warriors of the steppe. They await their chief's orders, thirsty for blood.
Horde Horde Army: 3,500 Horsemen (Normal nomadic arms and armor) Bonus:+2 to Movement, may raid settlements for wealth.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 4:16 am
by Ralnis
Shaoshui
The smell of death lingered in the air as Bu and her gang passed through the village. It was only a few days ago after a skirmish between the Sun and Song forces. To the bandit leader, it didn't matter who was in charge as she followed the battles like a vulture or rat. They picked off the scraps from the battles and farms to feed themselves. Yet to take on a settlement of this size would require scouting to see where they could raid the village.
Action: Bu scouts out the settlement to see for a weakness in it's defenses.
Charles found himself on the ground and covered in cold sweat. He realized his eyelids were shut and dared to open them. All he found was the Arabs massive grin in his face. Charles yelped and sprung to his feet. "You like what you see?" It was now the Arabs table that had turned or however they said that. Charles should have been annoyed that the game was up but honestly? This opportunity was too good to pass up. "You were right. This flower is worth its weight in gold! One hundred of these!" Charles said in an excited tone. "Yes! Sold for its wight!" The Arab was now jumping up and down with joy. Then he realized that Charles was smiling. Too much in fact. Charles reached into his pouch and took out one single gold coin. The Arab now froze. "You said worth its weight. Did you not?" The Arab now looked confused. Then he thought back to what he said. "No, no, no Mr. Charles. I want twenty gold." The Arab was once more sweating. "I have a magistrate at the door that's been listening. It's official." Charles said with the utmost confidence. The Arab looked defeated. He had been tricked. He stared at Charles with anger and raised his fist. But before it came down and wiped the smug grin off Charles' face the door burst open. A man was standing there clad with a steel chest plate and a saber that winked at the Arab. But more importantly, was the magistrate. He wore a long yellow robe that touched the floor with ease. His long fingernails swiped around the room like the claws of an eagle. The Arab backed away. The Arab pointed to a group of crates on the other side of the room. Charles snapped his finger and eight men entered the room. It took only a minute and the group of crates was gone... Charles walked outside. The sky was beginning to darken as storm clouds gathered overhead. The men were now loading the crates onto a wagon nearby dragged by a donkey. Charles heads a gruff cough behind him and found the magistrate with his hand open. Charles smiled and reached into his pouch and put three gold hands into the magistrate's hand. "Pleasure doing business with you." The magistrate spoke the sentence in English though it was heavily accented. Charles nodded and tipped his tricorn hat before hopping onto the back of the cart.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 1:48 pm
by Novas Arcanum
Bu
Faith was on Bu's side that cloudy spring day. As she and her men scouted the settlement of Shaishui. Bu somehow escaped arousing the suspicions of the guardsmen who patrolled the muddy streets of the village. The place was scarcely defended, for Shaishui had witnessed few bandit attacks in its secluded existence, in the misty rice paddy hills. The marketplace was guarded by lightly armored men who wielded spears, the men looked to be daydreaming it was obvious they had never fought a day in their lives...
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 1:58 pm
by The Empire of Tau
The Actions of Tang Hua in talk.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, everything is fucked. People are fucked, the fields is fucked, houses are fucked, etc, etc. Now, it's time to unfuck it. First, look at the records. Second, grab the poor lads of the village and try to repair the fields. No taxes (yet). If the reccods are fucked then I'll have to do a another census now. Thus, that ends my turn.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 2:35 pm
by Novas Arcanum
Tang Hua
Tang Hua looked within the settlements civil service office which held within it a treasure trove of old dusty scrolls, a labyrinth of bureaucratic madness that would drive anyone insane that contained the records of the village of Qiaodou dating back centuries. Within the bureaucratic paperwork was an intricate layout of characters that only someone of his educational background could decipher. In it showed old tax records and a census of the village that was clearly outdated. It also contained vital procedural methods that allowed him to administrate the law of the land and manage the people of the village.....
Tang soon ordered the peasants to repair the fields. They followed his orders for now. Soon the fields would be restored, and Qiaodou would be on the road to recovery.
Farms: [4/5 Labor]
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 3:37 pm
by Ralnis
Bu the Cursed
It was obvious that the small village had vary little defenses. The majority of the soldiers for Song were off invading the Sun territory. The thing is that the guards were not paying attention to the suspicious people searching their village. They seemed to have never fought a day in their life, even the village itself has been hit by previous bandit raids.
The bandit leader decided that it would worth the risk of raiding the village and taking what and who they wanted so they can move on to the next village.
Action:Do a night raid on the village.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 4:05 pm
by Novas Arcanum
Bu
Roll: (1)+1+1=3
HALT. In the dead of night near Shaoshui, as Bu and her squad prepared to launch their raid they were quickly surrounded by Song patrolmen! Just as they prepared to attack the city, they ambushed the bandits, catching them off guard. These were no village guardsmen but troops who served under Warlord Song Zhi himself, keepers of law and order, warriors of the Southern Dynasty. Their regalia and weaponry gleamed menacingly under the moonlight.
"Hmm, a woman and I thought those guards were drunk when they told the wild tale." The leader stated.
"Tsk, tsk tsk a woman should be cooking for her husband not scheming in the night. No matter our men have heard reports from the villagers of thieves brandishing weapons, you're coming with us for questioning!"
Bu had but a second to decide what to do. These men were less in number than them, but their weaponry and armor were superior. They could flee, but being caught would mean torture, possibly execution for insubordination. Her followers looked to her for the final command.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 4:24 pm
by The Empire of Tau
We doing quick posts now, eh? Well, after unfucking the fields, we still need to repair it. Almost there. Thus, labor shall be used once again to fix the fields. Given that not much work can be done on the fields - next is fixing up the houses. Let's hope that RNG does not murder me or worse, have the damn horde raid me.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 4:39 pm
by Ralnis
Bu
The woman unsheathed her straight sword and the other bandits got their weapons ready to go. She grinned at the men looking at her and mocking her. She was used to this sort of talk as she was enslaved and humiliated because of her being a woman. She wasn't going to take any crap from the Song soldiers as she never took any crap as she fought underneath the same man who enslaved her.
"If your done talking, then how about you show me where I truly belong!"
Action: attack the soldiers.
Posted: Mon May 13, 2019 3:51 am
by Deutschess Kaiserreich
Charles looked at the peach tree as the pink fruits grew ever more plump in spring. He didn't know how but this tree reminded him of the lands he departed not too short ago. He remembered his time in the great northern empire. He remembered his scheming for riches in the capital and the woman he loved. All that taken away when the elders sent him to this godforsaken country. He was destined for power. Could they not understand that. Was not Charles Fedrick was the rightful ruler of the house of Slaicki? The elders must have seen that and that's why they sent him so far away. They were mistaken that distance from his rightful throne would prevent him from taking the power he truly deserved! He would return back to his homeland with riches untold and his elders would see that he was fit to take the throne! A series of rapid footsteps on the pavement cast away Charles' dreams of grandeur. He realized he was clenching his fist and loosened it as he heard the footsteps get ever closer. One of his guards, in full armor and his Blackpowder cannon at his side, entered the room through the archway into the small square in the middle of Charles' home. Charles spoke before his guard did. "What is it?" He said with a tinge of concern in his voice. He had every right to. His guards were not to disturb him during evening hours. That was his own time. It must really have been important if they dared to interrupt his own time. The guard wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead and stood straight. "Sir, a yellow merchant demanded your time. He claims it is of the utmost importance." "And what prevented him from making an appointment which I most certainly would have granted?" The guard froze for a moment then recollected himself. "He's not some mere trader, sir. He's the one. He's Wen Lin, sir." "Wen Lin? The man with the biggest sea fleet in the province? I've been trying to gain an audience with him for months to discuss direct trade with the homeland and now he comes to me? Why?" "I don't know, sir. He looked very distressed and even offered me four gold for an audience with you. I declined, of course." "Good, send for him to meet me in the guestroom facing the port." The guard nodded and turned his back and began to walk through the archway when Charles' spoke again. "Wait! I almost forgot!" The guard turned back to find Charles placing five pieces of gold in his hand. He smiled before saying, "I reward those that are loyal. Now on you go! It's showtime!"
Action: Charles meets with Wen Lin to find out what's wrong. They may possibly be an assignment.
Posted: Mon May 13, 2019 8:49 am
by Novas Arcanum
Tang Hua Turn 2 Roll: (3)
The peasants languished in the fields. Try as they might the overgrowth was too much for them to handle and thus there was no progress whatsoever on restoring Qiaodous farmland. Some of the commoners lost heart and began leaving believing the village had no future. Li Yu became disheartened, then furious with Tang Hua's work, a surprise turn from his quiet personality. He demanded action from Tang Hua or dire consequences would be had for the Ying official.
Result:500 peasents depart for greener pastures. Farmland: No progress.
Bu Turn 2 Roll: (10)-1+1=10
Bu attacked the leader with a vigor that surprised him. Never had he seen a woman fight before. Thus the element of surprise was on her side. She stabbed him in the gut, blood splattered onto the muddy ground, and he fell gasping for air. The Song patrolmen were shocked but then regained their initiative and attacked. Bu's men fought hard against the Song swords clashing in the night. The battle had just begun but it seemed Bu's men held the advantage with the patrolmen's leader dead on the ground...
Charles Fredrick Turn 1 Roll: (8)
Charles was led by "Wen Li's" courier from the bustling harbor district to the wealthy district of Gaozong. A beautiful estate was where he and his men were taken to which was where this Wen Li character conducted business. As they were led through the gates to the courtyard a gorgeous woman garbed in a beautiful dress and hair elegantly decorated with flowers bowed to them in a polite manner as Ying custom demanded. She blushed at Charles and waved her fan as the spring petals fell from the cherry blossom trees then led them inside the manor where they were instructed to take their shoes off.
"Wen Li will be out in a second, but in the meantime would you like any refreshments?" The young woman asked.
Posted: Mon May 13, 2019 1:06 pm
by Ralnis
Bu the Cursed
The stabbing of that patrol leader was like opium for her. She never had the taste for blood herself but it had to be conditioned into her. She always had a hatred for being insulted for something stupid like her gender or swordplay. This anger of hers was loud and explosive as well as primed on a short fuse. The men knew when she bore her fangs that it was bad news. She was always like this and her temper can get the best of her when making decisions.
Those were her fangs, sharpened by enslavement. The fangs of one who had to use every trick she knew to overcome her plight. The anger in her eyes as she drove the blade in the Song soldier's gut was surprising to the other guards. The eyes of Bu looked at them and there was the fear that she love to see. She drank in the sight like it was fine wine but it didn't last forever. The rest of them steel themselves and charged at her men.
The sounds of steel clashing against one another was a sound of melody to Bu. She rather be in the thick of things than be in the back. She rather die fighting than in some prison. It was her way of being free and doing as she pleased and she'll be damned if she dies on her first raid!
Action: Bu leads the attack and presses the advantage on the patrolmen.
Posted: Mon May 13, 2019 4:32 pm
by Novas Arcanum
Bu Turn 2 Roll: (3)+1=4
"You whore I'll kill you!" One of the patrolmen said as he raised his blade to strike at Bu. Bu had her back turned against the attacker but faith would have it that one of her men would jump in front of her taking the blow. He was sliced to pieces and fell to the ground blood splattering everywhere including on Bu.It was terrible sight but the fight raged on and Bu survived a potential death sentence, her men where being driven back but the death of one of their own, infuriated them and gave them the fuel to fight back against the dire odds...
1 Bandit killed in battle.
Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 6:03 pm
by Ralnis
Bu
The death of one of her men made her angry. She was angry because she wasn't paying attention to the guard that got around her. She had to think of something to end it. So she thought of a quick plan to try and enclose around them and force them to route or be cut off. She needed to end this before they lose too many men and their nerve.
Action: try to use superior numbers to flank the song troops and encircle them
Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 8:05 pm
by The Empire of Tau
Um, I'm going to make this very short. Just fix the fields.
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 1:58 am
by Hastiaka
Monsignor Philippe Beauchamp Missionary-General of the Triumvirate Zhai Cheng Foreign District
The city of Zhai Cheng was the largest in the world. No other city in the west would've matched its glorious form. The thick great walls defended the city from the outside, it was at least in the eyes of Monsignor Philippe Beauchamp, impregnable. In an alleyway the missionaries set up their new home. They were safe here at least for now. Msgr. Beauchamp bought a small house that would be renovated into a small church. It was at least a start because for sure, soon people will embrace the true faith by the tens of thousands. As the renovations of the house of worship began, Msgr. Beauchamp was accompanied by Fr. Bertin at the market to buy some fresh food. En route, they encountered many diverse people of all colors and faiths. It was an opportunity for them to spread the true faith of the Triumvirate. At the market, Msgr. Beauchamp and Fr. Bertin stood out. Wearing their missionary garments they toured the stalls, passing through, picking some apples, barley and some meat. While in the market Fr. Bertin and Msgr. Beauchamp encountered a lady that goes by the name of Ping
"Mister, you are wearing such foreign dresses. Where are you from?" asked the lady.
"We are from the west. We bring good tidings to your homeland for we are here to spread word about the salvation of men." replied Fr. Bertin
"Salvation of men?" she asked again.
"Yes, in fact we have a humble church a few blocks away. Mind if you listen to our words?" Msgr. Beauchamp asked
Actions: Small House of Worship built, First potential convert to be indoctrinated.
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 5:30 am
by Deutschess Kaiserreich
Novas Arcanum wrote: Charles Fredrick Turn 1 Roll: (8)
Charles was led by "Wen Li's" courier from the bustling harbor district to the wealthy district of Gaozong. A beautiful estate was where he and his men were taken to which was where this Wen Li character conducted business. As they were led through the gates to the courtyard a gorgeous woman garbed in a beautiful dress and hair elegantly decorated with flowers bowed to them in a polite manner as Ying custom demanded. She blushed at Charles and waved her fan as the spring petals fell from the cherry blossom trees then led them inside the manor where they were instructed to take their shoes off.
"Wen Li will be out in a second, but in the meantime would you like any refreshments?" The young woman asked.
Charles smiled. This lady was truly polite unlike the many he encountered on the streets. They gave him looks, sometimes swore at him, and even once threw stones at him but the hulking masses of guards drawing their sabers quickly drove them away. He groaned internally as he remembered that moment. He had to bribe the magistrate to forget the incident and give his guards a stern chewing out on discipline and common niceties. Charles nodded, he was after all thirsty from his journey here.
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 7:42 am
by Novas Arcanum
Events
Battle of Jinguan
Sun forces are victorious in seizing Jinguan. The walls of the great stronghold have fallen, blasted to smithereens by the cannons employed by the Sun Dynasty. The battle between both forces was great, and many tens of thousands of men were slaughtered or injured, and the blood of the Sun and Song dynasties flowed like the mighty Red River itself. The Red Turban Army is forced to retreat eastward, but this is not the end far from it. In the east the Song forces lick their wounds and prepare for battle.
Battle of Qinyaun
In the northern prefect of Qinyaun, Zhao and Horde forces clash in an epic battle. Heavy rain fell that day, turning the ground muddy and slippery. The Horsemen were not at peak strength because of that, and Zhao forces managed to score a victory against the Horde. Many barbarians were slaughtered that day, and for now, the Horde is weakened. The horsemen that managed to survive have retreated to the north and plan to attack again once the weather permits it.
The Great Ying Empire
Bu Turn 2 Roll: (5) The two forces continued to clash in a great battle. Encircled the Song lash out, six of Bu's men are injured one is slain. Bu leads the fight her jian slicing them to pieces. They fall bloodied and wounded, their armor having protected them from the shoddy weaponry Bu's forces used. A single Song man flees the scene no doubt to tell his comrades of the battle that occurred. If Bu doesn't stop him, dire consequences could be had.
Tang Hua Roll: (9) Turn 3 The villagers work hard day and night repairing the fields. It is brutal and back-breaking labor, but a sense of duty fill the hearts of the peasants and with the administrative abilities of Tang Hua, the fields are repaired in no time. The peasants soon get back to work cultivating the land as their ancestors did before them. Now that the farmland has been repaired Qiaodou is capable of growing once more.
Prosperity Change!: Terrible ===> Bad Farms [5/5 Labor]
Philippe Beauchamp Turn 1 Roll: (8) Philippe manages to buy a small house in Zhai Cheng's foreign district. Before receiving the deed from a Ying official, he paid a hefty sum of coin for the small house of worship that would be his. The official spoke of regulations and taxes to be paid, but Philippe couldn't help but feel that he was being cheated by a corrupt bureaucrat out of his coin. In any case, this small and humble adobe would serve as a place of worship for all disciples of the Faith to flock to. Ping is moved by Philipes words of salvation and soon joins the missionary group a convert of the Faith.
Small church gained +1 Conversion ability.-150 Silver Coins. +1 Disciple gained
Charles Fredrick Turn 2 Roll: (8) "Wen Li" emerged from the doors, just as the beautiful lady poured tea into Charles and his men cups. She bowed to the both of them then left the business to the men. Charles noted how Wen Li wore robes made of the finest silks. This man was one of the richest if not the richest man in Gaozong.
"Greetings Charles Fredrick, I have heard of your exploits and have a proposition. I have a caravan that is supposed to travel to Gaoyu, they carry many valuable goods, but as you know with the war going on, I fear my goods will be seized from bandits and vagabonds. I will pay you three hundred silver if your men protect my traders in their journey north."
Charles couldn't help but feel that something was a little off about this man. Still, three hundred silver was a lot of money and could be useful down the road for his ambitions.
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 10:42 am
by Ralnis
Bu
Despite the heavy injuries of the loss of two of her own, they had defeated the patrol. The sight of the bloodied bodies was intoxicating to her but that all went away as one was running. She thought he was cut down like the rest but that was a mistake on her part. She had to take chase him down or he would alert the garrison to what has happened. That would be the end of her before she even had a chance to strike out on her own.
Action: chase him down before he get's away.
Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 4:19 pm
by G-Tech Corporation
"From the sign of the setting sun to the apex of the rising moon the hand of a brother was raised, brother against brother.
The noble lord sat in silence his mind fixed on the things of what should be at long last he sprang up shouting unwilling to stay quiet and abide the disaster."
Citadel of the Scarlet Fire, Nanfai Province Third Moon of Sudden Storm
Down into the veil of Ikang the lord Zhang Tie stared, his eyes hard, his veins ice. Next to him the Willow-Dragon stood, lord of the forces of Nanfai, his gaze as somber as his master's. As the two looked the moon rose from her bed in the eastern sea, flitting over the meadows and acres of the Blessed Land, Son of Stern Mothers, weeping at the devastation of her children. Far afield to the south smoke curled over the face of the earth, where the hills turned into the rolling lowlands of Bai Jurtai, the Green Wandering.
But in Nanfai, all was silent. The worst fires of the most recent bandit raid had been doused, the fields cleared of bodies. Zhang Tie had only recently awakened from rest long deserved, having been awake for almost three days driving off the Warriors of the Yellow Hand from the west, brigands of a petty and cowardly but disorderly sort. Rebuilding, yes, it was time to begin. There was no more time for poetry, or dreams of peace. It was time for the Iron Bastion to earn his name once more, to impose the Rod of Steel upon those who would oppose prosperity and order.
Away from the vista the Prince of the Seven Fountains turned, and with quiet words he instructed his ministers. The next day, in work parties escorted by soldiers, the peasants moved to the nearby forests - a wealth in timber carefully husbanded was a part of the birthright of the Lord Tie, now to be put to work no longer as pleasant meadows and cracking pines, but shields for the homes and souls of men. Shovels fell into the dirt, woodland giants firmly placed around the three hamlets of Nanfai that nestled atop the Sister-Hills of the Singing Mountains. Palisades, such as had not been needed since the Age of Shadow, to hold back the disorders of the land.
Zhang Tie labors to erect palisades around the homes of peasants that remain in Nanfai, to guard them against sudden raids and depredations.
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:23 am
by Pentapolitan Kyrene
The Beixian Steppe The Advance South
Snow curled like serpents as it fell in the driving wind, landing in shimmering dunes of crystal. For league after league of the wild Beixian the steppe was marked, as if by wounds, by streaks of serpent-snow. Distant now were the rich lands of Ying, or even the thick grass of the steppe in summer. The bronze-eyed horses of the Beixia were far from delicate, born in such a land, and so too were the men who rode upon them. For weeks at a time the land heard naught but the wind and the singing of the sky.
Not in times such as these, though. Now, the air shuddered like a child swaddled only in silk at the thundering of hooves. It was said that every patch of ground north of the wall had held horse-flesh once at least, and to the young men who believed such tales the host seemed only to confirm it. Older men knew of the endless expanse of the north, where the desperate went to trade with the Xiayou, the seal-skins, who rode on Elk twice the size of horses, or at least they had heard of such. The oldest knew clearer; Beixian was a land of trade and transit in the main, along with war. Nomads raided in Ying, and sold their wares to traders from the west or in exchange for furs and meat from the northern savages.
The flow of horse, man and clattering lamellar was broken only as the horde approached the Blue Serpent river, which flowed with ice and black-seeming water like a sabre run along the face of the world. Headed by the Black Dragon, the horses paused, bottlenecked by the ford. In this cold, few of the horde spoke. The more timid in fear of their commander's discipline (The Black Dragon, he had said, had not been made by the idle prattle of soldiers who should have been marching) but the more experienced in knowledge of how quickly the ice would fill their lungs if they made the mistake of raising their voices.
Old friends whispered between horses and chattered of the riches to come. Before long, they read at each other's lips, they would pass the wall, and into the land of the fat southerners. All had heard of the city of Feng, but with so few the siege of a real city was a distant dream. All expected a simple raid on the villages beyond the Imperial Road Network and thus out of the easy reach of the northern armies. All but the Dragon, his breath steaming and mixing with that of his great black stallion as it rose into the sky. On his lips and in his eyes danced more ambitious thoughts by far.
Action: Move south, cross at the breach in the wall and ride out to the west of Fang, in search of local villages. (Move to 2,4 via 4,2 and 3,3 (I'd assume 4 movement, given my bonus and the two from riding horses))
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 8:46 am
by Novas Arcanum
Bu Turn 2 Roll: (4)+1=5
In the dead of night, the patrolman ran to the Song stronghold to tell his comrades of what occurred. Luckily for Bu, the man was injured, and he left a trail of blood that was easy for her to follow. She caught up with him, but this man was not going down without a fight. They fought amongst each other, and he manages to strike her, with his blade. She bleeds, but the injury is not life-threatening at least for now. She strikes him herself he shouts in agony and falls to the ground unable to move.
"Once my comrades find you, whore, they'll show no mercy!" The song man said as he spat in her direction. -1 Injury
Zhang Tie Turb 1 Roll: (5)
Arduous is the task laid before the people of Nanfai. They labor day and night to build the palisade that their lord commanded them to construct. It was necessary to defend the hinterlands from bandit raids, and a sense of duty filled the peasants in their task, especially as their lord labored with them. Still, an issue confronted the feudal lord. Lacking any bureaucrats of skill, the management of resources, and labor fall to despair. The consequences of inefficiency could be seen as clear as day as the wooden wall rose slowly from the dust. Hiring a bureaucrat would do wonders for resource management.
Wooden Palisade (1/10 Labor)
Huliluru Kutuk Zhao Turn 1 Roll(8)
Hard from the north, the nomadic warriors arrive in the southern lands of Ying. Many leagues they travel west of Feng avoiding the eyes of those fiendish Ying scouts. Before them lies a humble village surrounded by a stout wooden palisade. Towers alert the villagers of the impending force approaching them and the farmers flee within the safety of the walls and prepare for the worst. A few farm hands are snatched up by Zhao's horsemen, but they'd hardly be worth anything in the slave markets. The horsemen await their orders from their leader.
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 12:18 pm
by Ralnis
Bu
The patrolman spat his threat to Bu, who was breathing heavily after the chase and fight. She knocked out the man runaway and got back to the gang. In the jungles near the isolated village the ground was doused with blood as the bandits killed the Song soldiers one by one. It was same thing that Bu did to the one that tried to get away as his throat was slit with her Jian. Bu had sat down against the bamboo tree as her men do as the patrol itself was dealt with but at the cost of half of her men.
Already the night raid was a bust in her eyes. While she and her gang managed to take out the patrol that spotted them, it cost them dearly. Two of her men already lie dead on the ground amidst the outskirts of the farming village. Though many things were coming across the bloodthirsty woman's mind. What would happen if the patrol didn't report in? What would happen if someone from the village found the bodies? Many more of these questions came up and she just sighed as the pain started to wash over her.
"Hey boss," one of the bandits who weren't wounded called to her,"what do we do now that we had to fight a patrol?"
She looked at the Song soldiers," loot their bodies of anything valuable and strip them of their equipment and clothes. There's still a way to salvage this raid and move on before the Song pick on what happened here."
Action: Strip the dead patrolmen of their everything they have and see if theirs anything valuable on them