Lan presses one palm to his heart and inclines his head toward Zheng, the gesture equal parts blessing and thanks. “Your generosity lightens more than my purse, friend,” he says, voice pitched for the small knot of companions. “Coin has grown skittish of my pockets of late—I would sooner keep what few pieces remain for poultice-roots and road bread. If fortune does not smile soon, I’ll be turning healer’s stall instead of pilgrim’s path.” The words trail into a barely audible murmur aimed at the lantern shards in his sash; Shí-Guāng’s unseen presence rustles like a lizard in dry leaves, and Lan adds under his breath, “Perhaps this mercenary hire is the quicker current, little stone-light.”
Lifting his gaze, he offers a measured smile to the circle. “Your company on tomorrow’s search is welcome—mist favors many eyes, and a wandering healer never scorns sturdy allies. When dawn glints on the Anyang we’ll head for the village; come evening, the Bazaar’s call for blades and steady hands may well refill every empty purse at this table.” His fingers drum a thoughtful rhythm on Stone-whorl’s spine, then he motions toward the staircase. “Shall we claim our bunks before the shutters close? Even those who do not sleep”—his eyes flick to Zheng—“must rest while we borrow the innkeeper’s dreams.”
(OOC: That happened quickly. Going to add a few things Zheng would have done before closing. After the interaction with Lan, Zheng would have offered to sit at a table with him and invited the other two individuals. Zheng is a Cleric of the Sun and has been looking for a reason that his life was spared. Zheng feels like this was meant to happen and wishes to see where this path leads. Zheng would have been open about all of this if asked and will reluctantly admit to being able to use holy magic. Assuming Lan gets a room Zheng will also get a room.)
After Heng finishes introducing himself and Zheng has a chance to look over the paper.
“Well met Heng, my name is Zheng. It seems like there is not much information attached to that paper.”
As a calligraphy expert Zheng will look at the paper and see if he can gleam any information from it.
(OOC: Arthuropodd it looks like you have not joined the campaign yet. Post #29 has the link if you want to add your character.)
Zheng stands up quickly, finishing his ale and slamming it onto the table(not too hard). Looking around the mostly empty bar, Zheng laughs with excitement.
“Heng, your reasoning is truly perfect! I will happily pay for your rooms for the night. Tonight we rest and tomorrow we start the hunt for mist man! Then we will have a job for the next day to recoup any funds we have lost! I need not sleep but it is far more comfortable spending time in a room rather than outdoors.”
Zheng will pay for the rooms and head to them(assuming each room has two beds and Zheng does not sleep we should only need 2 rooms?)
Upon inquiry, the rooms are found to be sufficient, two beds each. Handing over the four gold pieces, you head up to your rooms. These small rooms, filled nearly to the brim by the two large straw beds in each, look out over the city and the river, glowing slightly under the moon. A small bathroom is inside, giving you all the chance to 'freshen up.' Overall, it's a nice place to stay compared to the usual.
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Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
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It's been a while since I've watched the movie but I believe that the liquid sword in question is a supernatural liquid that when drunk let's the user spit blades or something that explode while also turning them into something like a vampire. Or it could be the other thing thing involving liquid to make a high pressure stream to cut through things. https://1921681254.mx/
Your dreams are peaceful, dreaming of the day ahead and of the comrades with whom you've just met.
You wake early the next day. Fog shrouds the city below, so much you can barely see it out your windows. Meeting in the hallway upstairs, you head downstairs after packing up your gear to get a quick breakfast (it comes with the room). You converse quietly while eating your food (Feel free to roleplay a bit).
The halfling bartender, same as last night, comes over. "A little bird told me you were meeting someone today, who lived on the Anyang?" He says this quietly and slowly, as if he was a father telling something to a small child. The bluntness of it does surprise you - he seemed like one for pleasantries, but people are not who they seem...
Lan eats in deliberate silence, sharing a nod or two with his companions while steam from the rice porridge pools beneath his chin. When the halfling approaches, he straightens almost imperceptibly and lets his amber gaze slide over the barkeep’s posture, hands, and eyes—reading the man the way a healer checks pulse before diagnosing fever, yet revealing nothing of his conclusions. (Insight 8)
“The little bird carries clever gossip,” he answers, voice mild. “I only planned to set my feet toward a riverside village on the Anyang, nothing more certain than that. If fate wishes me to meet someone there, I will greet the moment; predicting the future is work for those who cast bones and ink.” He tips his head in polite thanks for the meal, then returns his attention to the spoon cooling in his hand.
In the morning as Heng and Lan wake up (assuming they are the two that shared the room with Zheng) they see Zheng working on the floor. Papers on the ground around a piece of petrified wood that seems to glow slightly when Zheng presses a pen against it before writing strange symbols on the paper.
When eating Zheng will focus on listening and learning about his new companions. After Lan’s comment.
“We travel for understanding. What knowledge do you have about Anyang that you consider important for those new to the area?”
Lan pauses with his spoon halfway to his lips, sets it down, and presses a square healer’s palm to his own chest. “Lan Shi, wandering surgeon of road and river,” he says in his slow baritone, inclining first to Xi Lin Chi, then to An Ji-Ha. “May the day find your lungs clear, despite this blanket of fog.”
Lan pauses with his spoon halfway to his lips, sets it down, and presses a square healer’s palm to his own chest. “Lan Shi, wandering surgeon of road and river,” he says in his slow baritone, inclining first to Xi Lin Chi, then to An Ji-Ha. “May the day find your lungs clear, despite this blanket of fog.”
"Well, may the sun forever shine on your travels." The bartender takes his leave, and you all finish your breakfast uninterrupted.
The fog of the morning has mostly dissipated as you walk down towards the Anyang - although the slight chill still remains. The blue waters flow deep through ancient rock, producing an ambient, albeit jarring, out-of-tune melody. After a few uneventful hours of walking through a heavily wooded, rocky forest, following a path that constantly disappears, you crest a hill and see a small cluster of stone buildings ahead - your destination. As you approach the village, a man, leaning against a building, jerks up.
"Ho there, travelers! What brings you to our village today?"
Zheng is completely happy with Xi coming with them.
Zheng, unsure of how trustworthy this person is, attempts to see if they have any weapons on them. (Perception Roll: 18).
“Hello, my name is Zheng. How should we address you? We are travelers that seek knowledge and rumors. I must admit I do not know much about this area. Do you know of any interesting rumors?”
Zheng is completely happy with Xi coming with them.
Zheng, unsure of how trustworthy this person is, attempts to see if they have any weapons on them. (Perception Roll: 18).
“Hello, my name is Zheng. How should we address you? We are travelers that seek knowledge and rumors. I must admit I do not know much about this area. Do you know of any interesting rumors?”
(Can Xi roll a Sleight of Hand/Dexterity check to contest Zheng's?)
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Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
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(OOC: @Weslocks sorry that my post was not clear but the first line was for Arthuropodd's post and the other two lines was for your post. The trustworthy person I was referring to was the villager.)
(You notice the sticks in her hair look suspiciously ilke daggers. With permission her gear would be disguised, like her hairpins would be daggers & her Spear would look like a staff.)
The villager seems to just be carrying a spear strapped to his back, no other weapons. The only other thing you notice is that he has a large hat that droops down slightly with age, an easy place to conceal a small weapon. Other than that, they're unarmed, as far as you can tell.
(OOC: @Weslocks it was 100% my fault. I typed out a response to you and then noticed Arthuropodd's post so I just added an extra sentence without checking it was clear. Also the quote was directed to the villager if he wants to respond.)
(OOC: @Weslocks it was 100% my fault. I typed out a response to you and then noticed Arthuropodd's post so I just added an extra sentence without checking it was clear. Also the quote was directed to the villager if he wants to respond.)
(OOC: It's fine! Not your fault just a misunderstanding. Don't beat yourself up for it (heck, I do that a lot so I know that I should dissuade you))
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Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
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"Rumors, eh? I've heard plenty, but that depends on what you want to know. The wizard's tower has been abandoned, ghosts walk this village again, and soldiers have come inspecting, for no reason." He gestures violently while he speaks, emphasizing his words and nearly hitting Zheng. "What interest do you have in such a village as this? You must have seen hundreds in your time."
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Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
Lan presses one palm to his heart and inclines his head toward Zheng, the gesture equal parts blessing and thanks. “Your generosity lightens more than my purse, friend,” he says, voice pitched for the small knot of companions. “Coin has grown skittish of my pockets of late—I would sooner keep what few pieces remain for poultice-roots and road bread. If fortune does not smile soon, I’ll be turning healer’s stall instead of pilgrim’s path.” The words trail into a barely audible murmur aimed at the lantern shards in his sash; Shí-Guāng’s unseen presence rustles like a lizard in dry leaves, and Lan adds under his breath, “Perhaps this mercenary hire is the quicker current, little stone-light.”
Lifting his gaze, he offers a measured smile to the circle. “Your company on tomorrow’s search is welcome—mist favors many eyes, and a wandering healer never scorns sturdy allies. When dawn glints on the Anyang we’ll head for the village; come evening, the Bazaar’s call for blades and steady hands may well refill every empty purse at this table.” His fingers drum a thoughtful rhythm on Stone-whorl’s spine, then he motions toward the staircase. “Shall we claim our bunks before the shutters close? Even those who do not sleep”—his eyes flick to Zheng—“must rest while we borrow the innkeeper’s dreams.”
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Upon inquiry, the rooms are found to be sufficient, two beds each. Handing over the four gold pieces, you head up to your rooms. These small rooms, filled nearly to the brim by the two large straw beds in each, look out over the city and the river, glowing slightly under the moon. A small bathroom is inside, giving you all the chance to 'freshen up.' Overall, it's a nice place to stay compared to the usual.
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
It's been a while since I've watched the movie but I believe that the liquid sword in question is a supernatural liquid that when drunk let's the user spit blades or something that explode while also turning them into something like a vampire. Or it could be the other thing thing involving liquid to make a high pressure stream to cut through things. https://1921681254.mx/
Your dreams are peaceful, dreaming of the day ahead and of the comrades with whom you've just met.
You wake early the next day. Fog shrouds the city below, so much you can barely see it out your windows. Meeting in the hallway upstairs, you head downstairs after packing up your gear to get a quick breakfast (it comes with the room). You converse quietly while eating your food (Feel free to roleplay a bit).
The halfling bartender, same as last night, comes over. "A little bird told me you were meeting someone today, who lived on the Anyang?" He says this quietly and slowly, as if he was a father telling something to a small child. The bluntness of it does surprise you - he seemed like one for pleasantries, but people are not who they seem...
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
Lan eats in deliberate silence, sharing a nod or two with his companions while steam from the rice porridge pools beneath his chin. When the halfling approaches, he straightens almost imperceptibly and lets his amber gaze slide over the barkeep’s posture, hands, and eyes—reading the man the way a healer checks pulse before diagnosing fever, yet revealing nothing of his conclusions. (Insight 8)
“The little bird carries clever gossip,” he answers, voice mild. “I only planned to set my feet toward a riverside village on the Anyang, nothing more certain than that. If fate wishes me to meet someone there, I will greet the moment; predicting the future is work for those who cast bones and ink.” He tips his head in polite thanks for the meal, then returns his attention to the spoon cooling in his hand.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
In the morning as Heng and Lan wake up (assuming they are the two that shared the room with Zheng) they see Zheng working on the floor. Papers on the ground around a piece of petrified wood that seems to glow slightly when Zheng presses a pen against it before writing strange symbols on the paper.
When eating Zheng will focus on listening and learning about his new companions. After Lan’s comment.
“We travel for understanding. What knowledge do you have about Anyang that you consider important for those new to the area?”
Xi awakes and does her morning routine before going down to breakfast. As she eats her rice, she greets everyone with a smile.
"Good foggy morning everyone, I'm Xi Lin Chi. (bows) How are you all?"
"I am An Ji-Ha. I do well."
Lan pauses with his spoon halfway to his lips, sets it down, and presses a square healer’s palm to his own chest. “Lan Shi, wandering surgeon of road and river,” he says in his slow baritone, inclining first to Xi Lin Chi, then to An Ji-Ha. “May the day find your lungs clear, despite this blanket of fog.”
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
"Well, may the sun forever shine on your travels." The bartender takes his leave, and you all finish your breakfast uninterrupted.
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
The fog of the morning has mostly dissipated as you walk down towards the Anyang - although the slight chill still remains. The blue waters flow deep through ancient rock, producing an ambient, albeit jarring, out-of-tune melody. After a few uneventful hours of walking through a heavily wooded, rocky forest, following a path that constantly disappears, you crest a hill and see a small cluster of stone buildings ahead - your destination. As you approach the village, a man, leaning against a building, jerks up.
"Ho there, travelers! What brings you to our village today?"
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
Weighing her prospects, Xi decides that teaming up would suit her needs for the moment.
“Hey!”, she says as they leave the Inn.
“I hope you don’t mind if I tag along. I think I can help you, if you’ll accept it.”
Zheng is completely happy with Xi coming with them.
Zheng, unsure of how trustworthy this person is, attempts to see if they have any weapons on them. (Perception Roll: 18).
“Hello, my name is Zheng. How should we address you? We are travelers that seek knowledge and rumors. I must admit I do not know much about this area. Do you know of any interesting rumors?”
(Can Xi roll a Sleight of Hand/Dexterity check to contest Zheng's?)
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
(OOC: @Weslocks sorry that my post was not clear but the first line was for Arthuropodd's post and the other two lines was for your post. The trustworthy person I was referring to was the villager.)
(You notice the sticks in her hair look suspiciously ilke daggers. With permission her gear would be disguised, like her hairpins would be daggers & her Spear would look like a staff.)
(OOC: My bad I didn't realize that)
The villager seems to just be carrying a spear strapped to his back, no other weapons. The only other thing you notice is that he has a large hat that droops down slightly with age, an easy place to conceal a small weapon. Other than that, they're unarmed, as far as you can tell.
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
(OOC: @Weslocks it was 100% my fault. I typed out a response to you and then noticed Arthuropodd's post so I just added an extra sentence without checking it was clear. Also the quote was directed to the villager if he wants to respond.)
(OOC: It's fine! Not your fault just a misunderstanding. Don't beat yourself up for it (heck, I do that a lot so I know that I should dissuade you))
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana
(OOC: Anyway...the show must go on!)
"Rumors, eh? I've heard plenty, but that depends on what you want to know. The wizard's tower has been abandoned, ghosts walk this village again, and soldiers have come inspecting, for no reason." He gestures violently while he speaks, emphasizing his words and nearly hitting Zheng. "What interest do you have in such a village as this? You must have seen hundreds in your time."
Religious frisbee player, writer, goofball, and nerd. Some may say professional for the latter two.
Extended sig here. Send me a PM if you want to chat.
DM: Westeros - A Homebrew D&D Campaign, Liquid Swords - A Historical Wuxia Campaign
Player: Marcus Aquillus Arcade (Quil) - 1st Rogue - Pax Romana