Game Thread

[Cadogan Trahem]

After years of being raised in Japan, your family (almost unlovingly) shunts you onto a cargo ship which flies both the Japanese and your families flag and across the sea towards an unknown land. At first you feel mad, and then depressed and finally determined to fulfil your families needs.

Your goal, as explained to you, is to establish a regular trade route between and alliance between your family (and others if possible) and the Wu Kingdom. You know very little other then Wu was the last of the three kingdoms to appear and controls most of the chinese coast. Message was sent ahead to the overlords of the chinese castle of which you will be staying during your visit. What little monies you have you expect to be depleted early and you may be required to find an alternate means of income, as you suspect - with the war in China - your hosts will not support you for long.

It is early morning when you land, you are awoken by the captain of the ship who reports all is well and that it is time for you to depart.

Exiting the ship's sleeping quarters with your equipment you rise and look across the land. And a stunned shock comes to your face as you see the terrain dominated by a massive fortess over 10 times larger then your families home (one of quite a size). The walls are high and maned towers along them barely describe the castle for what appears to be several compounds inside the walls all reach high into the air, you are suspicious if this castle is one of a kind, or if it is chinese culture to build such large forts.

Around the castle walls there is a shallow moat, although it looks like it barely needs it, beyond that there are smaller buildings which you suspect the general populance live, the fields already being tended to by men, some of which appear to be soldiers you are vastly impressed already.

Turning your attention to the dock side you see a small man, atleast twice your age, wearing a long dress like outfit with a belt holding the material off the floor. His head is partial shaved and a long pony tail from the rear finishes the picture.

"Is everything alright?" He speaks Japanese elequently you think, this must be who you were to meet.

[Cadrius]

Drumming his fingers upon the rail of the ship, Koden spends his time half bemoaning his fate and half excited to travel to a new land. He knew why he had been sent here. His temper had got him into trouble again, and this time he was unable to smooth things over. Sure, if he was successful his family would be much more wealthy, but they also wanted him out of the country for a while.

Chuckling to himself the brightly dressed man can still remember the look on the other nobleman's face as Koden sent barb after verbal barb into him. He shakes his head in slow confusion. Some people just can't take a joke.

Thanking the captain for his safe voyage the young man from House Katori takes his first step upon the continent. He had never been off Japan before and it was rather overwhelming. He is struck by the large scale of everything. The castle! That alone must be at least ten times larger than his family's home.

Gazing upward upon the castle Koden inhales in wonder at the grand edifice. Dwarfing his home to such a degree boggles the shugenja's mind. Gathering his wits he proceeds to stroll further along the grounds only to see the fields being tended, some of them soldiers.

Already feeling at home with the grandeur Koden begins humming a merry tune to himself. He is so distracted by everything that he almost doesn't notice the shorter man when he speaks.

His eyes come to focus upon him, and he quickly analyzes the man for any potential threat. However he is too awed by the land to pay the paranoid part of his mind much heed.

Smiling, happy to hear his native tongue Koden replies, "Nothing at all my friend, just admiring the beautiful land. My name is Koden from House Katori. I take it you are my contact?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

"I am here to welcome you to the province of Wu, my name is Lo Chu, I am the lord of this pittiful castle." He turns and indicates the structure which you were in awe at moments before. "You must excuse me for my manners, we don't see alot of visitors and we've not seen combat in a while. The castle is well looked after, but was built far to fast for it to be of a worthy size."

He indicates that you should follow him, and you do.

"Your stay here is to be a short one, and in a few days you will be transported to Na King to speak with the diplomats of our Ruler, Sun Chuan. In the mean time I only ask that you enjoy your stay, remain out of the way of garrision troops and entertain yourself - you are not to worry much about any of these, as I have arranged some entertainment and with only seven thousand men, most of which will be farming this useless swamp, you wont need to worry about getting in their way. In the mean time if you have any questions you would like to ask..." he lets the question trail off.

[Cadrius]

Koden raises his eyebrows in surprise, he had not expected for the lord of the castle himself to greet him after his journey. Perhaps his family did carry a bit of weight behind them, even in a land where a "pitiful" castle dwarfed his family's estate ten times over.

He bows low in respect and deference to Lo Chu. Uncertain how to address him he eventually settles on saying, "Ah, Lord Chu, I had expected one of your vassals to do such a menial task as greeting an embassador such as me. You truly honor me with your presence," he says putting forth what respect he thinks a man of his station might deserve. Chinese culture was still a mystery to him.

"As for questions, well, I might have a few. I am in unfamiliar lands and I will be the first to admit that I am uncertain how to act. What are the rules of etiquette or station here? I shall do my best to stay out of the way of your men. Most seem most determined to wrench agriculture from the swamp, an admirable goal. I am most interested in what entertainment you have in store for me. I do hope some of it will involve learning more about this country."

[Cadogan Trahem]

"You may call me simply Lo Chu, for I am lord in name only." He indicates after several moments of awkward silence as you approch the castle.

"Chinese custom differs greatly from Kingdom to Kingdom, but here in Wu only warriors of exceptional tallent are truely worthy of titles and the power which goes with it. Customs im sure you'll need to be aware of would include arranged marrages, were the bride is usually married off to aid the family. Women are mostly burdens here, not strong enough to do hard work, and often ignorant of political affairs. Having said that I would assume as an embassidor you would respect that and keep away from the women eh?" The man laughs to himself lightly for a moment.

"If you wish I shall explain more when we're inside."

"Also, these menial tasks, as you call them are the only thing which keep me from going insane. One gets bored with signing papers and overlooking troops day after day." Another awkward silence follows.

"Determined, that's a good way of putting it. The soldiers I mean." he indicates to the farming people. "Wu is having some problems with food, and so all soldiers are ordered to aid the general populance in farming where ever possible. I too would be determined if my family and myself were nearly starving - But let us speak of these grim things later, as for Entertainment I have had dancers hired, and some men have offered to show us some martial combat. On top of that im sure I could entertain you myself for a few hours - you do have much to learn and quickly I take it?"

[Cadrius]

"I would indeed like to hear more on the etiquette within your society here, it is quite fascinating," he says as he looks around, admiring the landscape.

"Martial combat you say," he asks seeming neither intrigued nor disinterested, although secretly he shrugged. He found the wakizashi he carried to be rather burdensome. He never did appreciate his older brother's zeal for the samurai, but he did hold a bit of respect for the monks who spent so many years in their monasteries seeking enlightenment, "what sort?"

Smiling along with Lo Chu he says, "I certainly shall keep away from them."

It could be worse, we are not all that different.

"Well all these entertainments sound grand, and I do look forward to taking up any time you might have for me and my questions. You are absolutely correct that I have much to learn and only a little bit in which to learn it."

[Cadogan Trahem]

"I believe the martial combat will involve many techniques, and many more weapons. The purpose im told is to disarm or destroy your opponents weapon untill he has no weapons left at which time the combatant fights unarmed. Should either participant become injured or declared dead by the judge the combat ends, both combatants are known veterans, we expect the combat to last for an hour atleast. Music in the background keeps the pace of combat at a steady speed as not to ensue bordem." He pauses as they approch the gate.

"Its quite a sight I must say but im not much of a warrior myself and can easily be awed by simple skill unimaginable to myself." He leads into another sentence which at first shocks you, but then you realise he has simply changed dialect to Chinese.

"...Open the gate you bumbling fool, or find yourself working without sleep!

The threat seems to work as the gate, standing nearly 12ft tall creaks open into a bricked courtyard with several buildings near by. And then you see it, a monster by all proportions, twice the height of man and four fold long. Standing on four tree trunk sized legs. With a single long arm hanging from its head and two great spear like teeth jutting out of its mouth. With several men tending to it.

[Cadrius]

Koden nods, he can appreciate skill even if it is not of immediate interest. The idea of disarming and destroying a weapon does catch his attention however. Still dwelling upon the monks he recalled seeing one snatch a sword away from a well-armed and even more well-trained warrior. He grins inwardly as he recalls the look of bafflement on the samurai's face as the monk handed the sword back to him.

"Indeed? Well that promises to be most excellent. I'm sure it will be an interesting match. Although I would wonder why you would risk any warrior in a potentially lethal match."

He stifles a chuckle as Lo Chu yells at the guard in Chinese. He was glad for spending his free time learning the language. It was much different from his native tongue, but then again so was elven and he learned that as well. Although he had yet to meet an elf so he likely carried a horrendous accent, much like his Chinese would. He makes a mental note to listen carefully to the pronunciation of any who speak it around him.

As he sees the monster the young man from House Katori stops dead in his tracks. His eyes run up and down the beast attempting to comprehend what it is. The knuckles on one hand turn white as his hand clenches his bo, while the other reaches slowly down toward his ofuda hanging at his belt.

At last finding a voice he says, "Pardon me Lo Chu, but what is that," he asks, attempting to keep his composure despite the shock of seeing such a monster.

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Oh that, I forget what they are called. They are great beasts of burden which we have brought from a land. We hope to one day train them and use them was a means to fight, much like cavalery, but to a greater degree. No need to worry they are fairly docile creatures." He continues across the yard and indicates that you should follow.

"As you were saying, lethal matches yes. Generally a match will end with a wound, seldom with death. But it has happened... although these two combatants know when to cease. A blade to the throat, or a spear point to the chin is enough to have the judges agree on a 'death' and thus end the battle."

He moves aross the court and towards a long structure which stands at relatively equal height but is decorated much more then any of the buildings around. The guard the the door bows his head and opens the door, swinging it inward rather then sliding it as you're accustom. You also note Lo Chu doesn't remove his foot wear while entering another Japanese custom which appears not to have a common ground here.

[Cadrius]

"Ah," is all the man can reply, still not convinced of the safety of the beast. Yet he must admit there did seem to be a fairly gentle sense to the enormous creature. It looked down at him briefly and he almost thought he could see a great deal of wisdom reflected in them. Shaking his head he continues, but does look over his shoulder again at the animal.

He is again caught off-guard when Lo Chu does not removes his shoes, but nods to himself. Not everyone can have the same sort of manners or desire for cleanliness that the Japanese have.

Interesting, they wear their shoes and have their doors swing rather than slide. Perhaps we are more different than I thought. Especially given that spear-beast over there.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The room is aproximately 20ft wide and 10ft deep. There is two doors on either wall. The floor if of wood and a strange table which rests at about the hip with wooden items around them takes up most of the room. On the far wall there is a rack of strange weapons, with a book shelf near it and a variety of little peices of ary and items hanging around.

Lo Chu moves to the table and pulls back one of the wooden items, and sits on it before pulling out a strange smelling plant and stuffing it into his pipe and lighting it and taking a long deep puff. Without speaking he indicates to one of the other wooden items as though you're expect to know what to do.

"Breakfast is to be served shortly, as for now all we can do is wait and talk." He sits up straight. "You don't smoke do you?"

[Cadrius]

Perhaps I need to amend that thought yet again. We are much different than we appear. First that beast of burden, now this wooden table set at the wrong height, and what are those things? Wait, he seems to be...sitting on it. How odd, why not sit on the floor? Then again, why not remove your shoes at the door? Why have a castle that's larger than anything you've ever seen and then refer to it as small? Perhaps it is a good thing they are at war and do not have the time to visit our island. They could invade quite easily...although I'd question what they would want to take.

Suddenly understanding that he is to also sit on the wooden object he moves forward and attempts to mimic Lo Chu. He sits rather uncomfortably on it, but he hopes he manages not to look completely foolish.

Again a look of puzzlement crosses the young man's face as his host poses another question to him.

"Smoke? I am afraid I am not familiar with it. What is it?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

He takes another puff before answering your question.

"There is a plant found in the wild, men often find them. Uproot them and plant them at home. The leaf and seeds of this plant, when dried can be smoked and can calm the nerves or sooth the mind. However if you smoke too much at once you suffer strange side effects, not deadly but strange yes."

[Cadrius]

Koden nods and says, "I see. Most interesting. I do believe I shall give it a try, if you would not mind giving me a bit of instruction."

How very odd. Lighting something on fire, and then inhaling the smoke. That cannot be very healthy, although I ought to try it. Hopefully I will not make a fool out of myself.

Shifting uncomfortably in the chair the shugenja blinks as he catches the odor of the smoke. It was not unpleasant, but it was most definitely strange. He shrugs and chalks it up to yet another cultural difference. He seemed to be discovering a new one every other second.

"So," he says grasping for something polite to speak about, "what delicious meal shall we be feasting upon this morning? I am quite eager to discover the culinary differences between our two peoples."

[Cadogan Trahem]

Lo Chu gives you instructions on how to smoke his pipe and as you inhale you begin to cough uncontrollably at first, the smoke was strong and sweet for a second, but the cough that follows really disheartend you from trying it again. From Lo Chu's laughter you take it coughing is not common accurance he suffers from.

"It takes some skill but soon enough you will get it, should you wish to." He ponders on your question for a while.

"I suspect breakfast will include, much fruit, some bread, and a little rice water." He adds with a wink.

A few mins pass quietly before finally some servants appear enter from the door you came through yourself. They bow to Lo Chu and yourself before setting the food down on the table, as Lo Chu predicted there are a few loafs of bread, and a bowl of fruit. As well as a large container of sweet smelling liquid.

Lo Chu takes a smaller bowl and picks at some of the cut up fruit and bread from the serving plate, atleast that you're accustom too...

[Cadrius]

Eyes watering, Koden attempts to place the pipe back on the table while trying to catch his breath. It had been nice for a moment, but he had no desire to repeat the experience. He hoped it was not a popular hobby or he would be in serious trouble.

As Lo Chu informs him of breakfast he smiles and says, "Ah, sounds delightful."

He cheerfully takes some bread and fruit and adds it to his plate. He politely waits for Lo Chu to pour any of the liquid, although he has a suspicion as to what it is. The wink tipped him off that perhaps the water would be a bit stronger than most.

As they eat he clears his throat and searches for another topic apart from the war and his business here to speak about. He always found people were more willing to speak on unpleasant subjects once their stomachs were full and he hoped it remained true here.

"So tell me, what do you do in your off-time? When you are not supervising the castle and your men."

[Cadogan Trahem]

Lo Chu sits on the words for a while and you think about repeating yourself, just incase he missed some words but he replies before you can.

"Entertain guests, or read. There is not alot to do other then my duties and reading. I am actually glad you decided to stop here instead of going straight to Na King it gives me a chance to socialise with someone other then these uneducated misfits they call soldiers." The scent of cynism seems strong with Lo Chu, however his words seem to compliment you and there is no sarcasm in his words which seems sad in a way. Before you can comment.

"I have a few books I could show you, wait here a moment." And with that he stands and moves to one of the doors on the left enters and disappears inside only to appear moments later.

"Your chinese reading skills might not be up to standards, so I will read it out aloud for both of us.." He holds up a leather bound book of shorts, although when he opens it you notice that it only holds scrolls of which he unrolls and reads.

"This is a book of basic Chinese history, something you should know..." He clears his throught.

Around 150 AD, cults and secret societies spread throughout the failing Empire. These groups, often led by Taoist magicians, established communes to protect their members from the hard times that bore down upon the land. In the captital, palace eunuchs continued their age-old power plays and political maneuvers, effectively ruling the Empire by themselves. Rich merchantsbought out bankrupt framers and then treated their tenants as serfs, emplying gangs of thugs to enforce their order. Common folk flocked to these wandering priests and magicians, hoping for aid from heaven.

"Not the happiest moment in our history as you can see," Lo Chu comments before he continues.

These cults often established communes where their members shared property. Priests cured the sick with miracles and heard confessions of criminals. Some, on the other hand, simply took what they wanted to build their homes. By the 180's, these uprisings had become such a problem that the eunuchs in the capital were forced to take action against them.

The eunuchs sought out General Tung Cho to suppress the revolt. Instead, however, he seized the capital and restored the Imperial Family to the throne. When rival generals rose to challenge his control of the Empire, Tung Cho kidnapped the Emperor and fled west. For several years, rival factions fought for control, winning and losing the Emperor untill 190, when General Cao Cao finally managed to come out on top.

"General Cao Cao is the leader of the Wei province, our lord Sun Chuan is a great rival of him." Lo Chu adds.

Cao Cao had the services of three great heroes; Lui Bei, Change Fei and Kuan Yu. They helped him supress the cults during the 180's, but, rather then see China's rulers return to their self-destructive political intrigues, Lui Bei seized his own lands and founded the Kingdom of Shu. Change Fei and Kuan Yu went with him to serve in his court. With the legendary warriors gone, other rival generals marshaled their forces and Sun Chaun set up the coastal Kingdom of Wu.

"I have great respect for the Shu province myself, but my bond remains with Wu, reguardless of what duties i'm forced to lower my self to do."

In 208, Coa Cao tried to reconquer the Three Kingdoms. He lost and retreated to his own capital and found the Kingdom of Wei.

"That'll teach him eh?" Lo Chu adds with a hint of humour.

By 210 AD, China is an empire in name only. The center of the universe is divided into three rival states. Wei with its capital in Loyand is ruled by Cao Cao and the puppet Emperor. Rival warlord Sun Chuan rules Wu out of the coastal city of Naking, and the hero-princes Lui Bei, Chang Fei and Kaun Yu watch over Shu from their capital at Chengtu.

Wei, with its active economy and fertile farmland is the richest of the Three Kingdoms. Despite their political rivalry, Shu apparently maintains ties with the Tibetan trives to bolster its military strength. Wu, on the other hand, with its large barbarian population, has neither the wealth of Wei nor the strength of Shu. Its diplomats travel constantly between the other two kingdoms in an effort to prevent an invasion. Wu also trades with India by sea, which has made it the centre of Chinese Buddhism.

"Unfortunate it is that Wu has gotten the worst of the deal, while we do control most of the coast, we still do not have the benifits of either of the two other kingdoms." Lo Chu concludes, as he begins to roll up his scroll. and place it with others inside the leather booking.

"If there are any questions feel free to ask, I am most knowledgeable in areas. A Trait that does not bold well in the Wu kingdom.."

[Cadrius]

Koden listens attentively to the reading from the book. He was determined to understand as much as humanly possible regarding the land he was in. If he was to make a good impression he would need to be more knowledgable. He notes the tone of Lo Chu's voice as he speaks of the soldiers and Koden nods in understanding. He knew what it was like to be surrounded by people that you had no taste for.

Once Lo Chu finishes he says, "Ah, and I am equally glad that I stopped here and have a host who is so well-read. The history is most fascinating and I am beginning to gain more insight into this land. I am very pleased. It also provides more insight as to why your people now seek to trade with mine. Although I might ask, why garrison so many soldiers here when they could at least be used to swell the numbers near one of your borders? Although I do suppose an attack by sea is a possibility, I would daresay you would only have to fear pirates and I doubt they would have the strength to take this fine castle. "

"It does indeed seem that the Wu kingdom has its fair share of challenges. Yet you have persisted and endured thus far, that is commendable."

[Cadogan Trahem]

Lo Chu looks a little taken back by your comments at first.

"In truth there are only a few thousand men here, a small army. With Naking so close and already swelling with soldiers its just easier for his Lord to have the men close and yet not. If you understand." He takes a puff from his pipe while pouring himself some 'Rice Water'.

"In reality, we try to avoid conflict, as said before. We're not a strong economic power in China, any prolonged warfare would starve us dry. So while troops wait for the fights that do come, we use them as labour to ensure we have enough food for a war we currently cannot win."

[Cadrius]

Koden nods his head as the situation is explained to him. He had initially thought that the front was much further away. He now realized that if the soldiers here were close enough to be nearby then conflict was not far away.

"Indeed. That does make tactical as well as pragmatic sense to me."

He pauses a moment as he weighs his next question in his mind, "What is the cause for the current conflict?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

"The current conflict?" He questions you, just before you answer he continues. "The entire conflict has been sparked by the same issues that started the division of China, rarely do new reasons need to be used to spark the fires of war." Lo Chu takes a sip of rice water, and eats another piece of bread before standing his scrolls in hand.

"I have issues to attend to, you may however roam the castle freely and look around. My study is in here and can if you so wish read any of the books. I will come and find you towards midday." And with that he strolls into his study and emerges seconds later without his scrolls before he heads out of the building and disappears into another structure.

[Cadrius]

"Ah I see, some things never change, eh?"

As his host stands Koden immediately rises and bows to him for the courtesy he has shown him.

"My greatest thanks Lo Chu. Not only have you been gracious enough to allow me to stay here but you have been a veritable treasure trove of information. Hopefully your superiors will recognize your worth one day."

After he leaves Koden sits uncomfortably in the chair again and ponders his situation. He is currently in an unfamiliar land where virtually everything is different than his home: the food, language, etiquette, even beasts of burden. He shakes his head, partially bewildered and partially bemused by his fate.

Might as well take a look around, he thinks as he finishes off the last bit of bread and rice water. Once completed he leaves the room and attempts to go outside and find some fresh air.

[Cadogan Trahem]

((OOC: I'll need to draw a map of the fortress which might take a few days since im a bit busy right now))

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay for now please use this map.

Lo Chu Compound

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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1 Square = 30ft

[Cadrius]

The young man stretches and stands. It had been good to speak with Lo Chu but he was still restless from the boatride. Stretching his legs with a walk would do him some good. He heads out the door and begins to wander about the castle looking for anything interest.

He finally makes his way around and sees a doorway and decides to go through it.

((OOC: I'm not sure where he started but he'll head to numbers six and seven unless of course he started there))

[Cadogan Trahem]

What you first assume is a large square building turns out to be hollow in the centre with a large paved court and a small rim of a garden around the outside. There is an Archway of which to pass between the outside and the inside. The building itself appears to be 30ft wide and 10ft high around the entire court with several doors along the inside. The roof is paved and slopped with water marks leading down them to the garden. There are windows as well, and inside several of them you can see shadowy figures going through combat routines.

Several doors are closed tight although a few seem ajar and inside you can see several people sitting around and discussing something, although whatever it is escapes your ear.

The court itself is 90ft by 90ft, making the entire complex 120ft by 120ft. Large enough for whatever goes on here, you assume to yourself yes.

[Cadrius]

Koden sighs and rolls his eyes. Martial combat was definitely not something he was interested in. Although he would have liked to have heard the discussion he did not wish to intrude.

Turning about he makes his way to a row of buildings.

((OOC: Off to number eight))

[Cadogan Trahem]

These three large stone structures, each two stories tall and about 180ft long, is actually divided into small rooms of about 20ft by 30ft. There are several doors and a wooden stair way at the end of each. The second story has a veranda as to let men access their rooms. Each room looks as though its able to accomidate for two soldiers and possibly a third if need be with one door, and one window to each room. Obviously a barraks of some kind as several soldiers are lazing about outside of seperate rooms you press your investigation of the structures no further.

[Cadrius]

Remembering Lo Chu's request not to bother his men Koden quietly makes his way to the right of the barracks. There were three other buildings that looked somewhat interesting, hopefully he wouldn't be disturbing anyone there.

The more he walked around, the more he felt like a stranger. Certainly seeing the beast in the courtyard was a shock, as was the size of the castle, and even their manner of eating, but now he felt very alone. A shadow of doubt falls upon his normally bright and confident self.

He shakes his head, attempting to rid himself of the feeling, and proceeds to the next set of buildings.

((OOC: 9, 10, 11))

[Cadogan Trahem]

The large building towards the wall appears to be a wash house and toilet of some kind, with large rows of cubicals for men to clean and complete messy but nessesary business.

The building in the middle of all three is some sort of great hall, with many tables and chairs there is also the smell of food being cooked towards the rear where several severants are churning out food in large quantities. The hall remains empty for now however.

The third building is locked up tight, with two guards near the only door, a third and fourth patrolling the outside in opposite directions as simple measures. The only door is bared, locked and bolted but looks as though it could be opened given time. The only windows are small slits along the roof with bars running both horizontal and vertical. This either holds something very important, or someone not so. (its either a prison or a place to put wealth, or items of importance.)

[Cadrius]

Koden raises an eyebrow as he notes the armed guards and the building structure. Clearly there was something in there that people either didn't want to get out, or they didn't want anyone to get in. The more he walks through the compound the more he notices that there are many things barred to him. He makes a mental note to ask his host about some of the buildings next time they meet.

He continues his circuit of the grounds.

((OOC: Off to five))

[Cadogan Trahem]

This building is like the barraks you encountered earlier, however it is only one story tall, and contains larger rooms with more beds. These men obviously have something to do with the structure (4) adjacent to their living quarters which contains row after row of horses and even some of the stranger beasts you encountered earlier.

[Cadrius]

Still a little nervous around the strange beasts of burden, Koden makes his way back toward the central complex. He had emerged from one building, but there were two others left to explore.

[Cadogan Trahem]

One appears to be a libary of sorts, where Lo Chu retrieved his scroll about chinese history from. The other appears to be a combination of sleeping and working areas. Here Lo Chu goes over some paperwork quietly at a table in the far corner.

[Cadrius]

Leaving his host to tend his duties Koden heads into what seems to be a library. Perhaps there would be some interesting lore contained within. It could also help him become better acquainted with the land he is visiting.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The libary is plain enough, with several cases of reading scrolls and three writting desks around the room. It appears cossy enough.

Looking at the scrolls some that catch your attention are Life in China', 'Magic', 'Religion and Philosophy' and the one you've already been introduced to by Lo Chu 'History of China'

[Cadrius]

Koden glances around one finger to his lips as he ponders what to read first. He had hoped to speak with someone, but the opportunity to learn more without having to ask was simply too good to pass up. He carefully selects the scroll regarding magic first with a mental note to study the Religion and Philosophy scroll next.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Magic

To the people of the Three Kingdoms, magic (Ch'ishu) is very real, and rules many aspects of life. Every person's soul is divided into good Hun and an evil P'o, which Necromancers can bind to corpses to create the undead. The services of diviners and geomancers are highly prized and every Emperor seeks out alchemists to unlock the secrets of the fabled Elixir of Life. Chinese legends are full of wise and terrible dragons, beautiful ki-rin (unicorns), sorcerers, magic potions, spirits, monsters, demons, and great warriors who control of their Ch'i (life force) allows them to perform super superhuman feats in battle. The cosmic forces of Yin and Yang shape and balance all life, and the understanding of these interactions grants the enlightenment and power. The Yin/Yang symbol represents proportion, and that each contains a small part of the other. The balance of Yin and Yang affects the living by controlling the flow of Ch'i in all things.

Most magicians learn spells from elder family members or as apprentices. Elder Magicians constantly seek out students as trained assistants, companions for mystic quests or "volunteers" to test prototype Elixirs of Life. This last duty can often be very dangerous since most Elixirs contain poisonous ingredients such as mercury.

To the people in the Three Kingdoms, magic is as real as the ground beneath their feet. It is simply a fact of life. Neither inherently "good" nor "evil," magic is simply another tool. Clearly a potent one, but a tool nonetheless. Magic convinces dragons to bring more rain to help failing crops. It enchances the Ch'i flow in an area to bring good fortune on those who live there. It allows mortals to divine the future. It banishes evil creatures and vengeful ghosts, sending them to their proper place in Heaven. Perhaps the ultimate goal of all Chinese magic, however, is eternal life.

Unlike their western counterparts Chinese alchemists strive to discover the Elixir of Life, a magical concoction that allows the person who drinks it to live forever. Rulers surround themselves with powerful magicians and often drive them to pursue the heights of the magical arts in the hope of unlocking the secret of immortality. A spellcaster who manages to raise a person from the dead or restore youth and vitality to aging flesh is likely to be showered with riches and prestige. Even so Mythical China remains a land full of powerful mysterious beings that are privy to secrets that mortal magicians can rarely begin to comprehent. A wise magician treads carefully, for the spirits can be the greatest teachers, or the deadliest enemies.

The Five Elements

The Chinese believe in five elements: Earth (balance), Fire (greater Yang), Metal (lesser Yin), Water (greater Yin), and wood (lesser Yang). Each element signifies a different deree of Yin (cool, luminous, feminine) or Yang (warm, energetic, masculine). The Chinese base their entire understanding of magic on the balance of Yin and Yang and the cyclical influence of the five elements on aspects of reality.

Each element's influence is inevitably overcome by that of another. In time, the new dominant element is replaced by a third, and so forth until the cycle is renewed. Additionally, each element's influence is controlled and restrained by two others. The cycle of ebb and flow repeats endlessly and ultimately results in a perfect ballance of Yin and Yang in all things. The cycle turns in the following order.

1. Wood supplants Earth. Metal controls wood and Fire limits its influence.

2. Metal supplants Wood. Fire controls Metal and Water limits its influence.

3. Fire supplants Metal. Water controls Fire and Earth limits its influence.

4. Water supplants Fire. Earth controls Water and Wood limits its influence.

5. Earth supplants Water. Wood controls Earth and Metal limits its influence.


Each dominant element is controlled by the one that later replaces it and limited by the element that controls its successor. Chinese magicians, especially diviners, take advantage of the cycle to aid their magic, but ultimately, all Chinese recognize that the cycle maintains the important balance between Yin and Yang and that all are subject to its influence. The Chinese believe that those who live according to the cycle will have good luck and that trying to resist its influence can bring dire consequences.

Feng Shui

Literally translated as "Wind and Water," Feng Shui is the Chinese art of understanding the Balance of Yin and Yang in the landscape. Practitioners of Feng Shui, sometimes known as Hsien Shang or geometers (or geomancers), can divine the balance of Yin and Yang in an area and help to arrage things to optimise the flow of Ch'i. The Chinese believe that because the landscape is created by the action of wind and water (i.e. erosion), Feng Shui experts can understand the beneficial and negative forces that lie hidden within an area. By consulting with builders, Feng Shui experts help to ensure that both the construction process and the building itself will remain auspicious for years to come. Feng Shui is usually viewed as a way to live in harmony with the natural world rather than attempting to master it. In Mythical China, where magical forces and spirits can be understood and controlled, geometers can not only understand the flow of Ch'i in an area, they can also manipulate it to aid those who heed their advice. By understanding the nature of Yin and Yang in an area, the mythic geometer can positively align the fortune of an area with the Tao - the way of harmony with the universe.

I Ching

The I Ching (book of changes) describes the Chinese art of divination. Soothsayers in the Three Kingdoms use it to advise their noble patrons by predicting the consequences of their actions. 64 hexagrams fom the basic of the Changes. Each hexagam is a stymbol composed of six lines divided into an upper group of three lines and a lower group of three lines (the upper and lower trigrams). Skilled diviners consult the I Ching by throwing size sticks. Each stick has a broken line on one side and a solid line on the other. The combined layout forms a hexagram.

Readings can become very complex. A detailed analysis of the I Ching would fill an entire book many times the size of Jade and Steel (and damned if im typing that out!). For game purposes, successful readings may be used to gain insight about the possible outcomes of the event in question. I Ching readings can be very detailed, but the results are almost always cryptic.

[Cadrius]

Koden strokes his chin as he reads about the arcane tradition of China. It is extremely interesting as it is both like and unlike his own culture's ways. China has elements, but not the standard earth, wind, fire, water, and void. Instead it disregards wind and the unifying element of void and adds metal and wood. Odd.

He pauses for a while on the section about Feng Shui. It was a fascinating philosophy and he guesses that there are more than a few monks in his homeland that would find it similarly appealing. He wonders for a moment if it has spread to his own country before continuing to read.

He puts the scroll down and ponders what he has read for a time before picking up the next scroll on religion and philosophy.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Philosophy and Religion

The people of the Three Kingdoms recognize over 30,000 gods. Most believe in all of them. Additionally, many Chinese have great respect for the philosophies of Buddhism, Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism. These different schools of thought, while often opposing each other, generally coexist peacefully and can even be complementary. For example, Animist priests claim that Lao Tsu, the founder of Taoism, was the mortal manifestation of the elemental forces of Earth. In many legends, the gods often turn to Buddha for advice. Taoists believe that gods were spirits of humans who had discovered unity with the Tao and become immortal. Confucius and other philosophies rearely spoke of the supernatural, prefering to restrict their teachings to mortal affairs. The Chinese can easily take their pick of belief systems, all free of hypocrispy. Ideological differences are things for scholars to debate and not reasons to fight wars. This is not to say that religious persecution does not occure, only that it generally has many pragmatic goals. For example, rulers might close down Buddhist monasteries in times of famine in order to conscript the monks into the work force or to disband religious societies in order to ferret out cells of revolutionaries hiding among them.

[Cadrius]

Koden sighs and puts the scroll back. He felt like he had been reading for the better part of a month. Blinking and stifling a yawn the young man from House Katori stretches and walks outside.

((OOC: Effectively Koden will kill time until Lo Chu is available again for whatever demonstrations and whatnot he has scheduled))

[Cadogan Trahem]

It is a suprisingly short time before Lo Chu enters the study where you are in. He nods in a greeting before putting some scrolls away and placing some important looking papers on a desk on the far side of the room.

"Did you enjoy your free time?" He starts ushering you out of the study and out of the building itself.

[Cadrius]

"Oh indeed I did. I perused part of your library and I must say it is quite fascinating. Particularly the pieces on magic, religion, and philosophy."

Koden smiles and moves along quickly as Lo Chu ushers him out of the buildings.

[Cadogan Trahem]

<Sorry for the Delay>

Lo Chu smiles as you both walk towards the large square, but hollow building you investigated before. Upon entering you find yourself in a nearly completely different place. Weapon Racks now line the court yard, a large wooden table has been placed at one end and three seats have been placed behind. On the table there is beef, chiken, and fish dishes to be eaten. Around the yard several men loiter chating to themselves, while a few sit in meditation.

"Please, sit. I must fetch out other guest." Lo Chu indicates you to sit at one of the chairs before leaving. It appears you will have a show to enjoy while you eat lunch. Soon Lo Chu returns escourting a female of sorts, as she gets closer its clear that she is Japanese in origin, although the clan behind the markings escapes your mind. Lo Chu and the mysterious women make their way towards you.

"Please meet Honaki Teto." Lo Chu indicates, and you suddenly feel ill. Honaki, one of the strongest families on the western coast. They are one of the three families which are in high contention for the first shogunite. They simply dwarf the size of your families estate both in size and military power.

"The pleasure is mine, im sure." She replies, greeting you in the traditional Japanese style.

[Cadrius]

Koden's breath catches in his throat for a moment as the woman from Honaki is introduced. What was she doing here? Likely the same thing he was, securing trade alliances. Still, her appearance was unsettling. Her House could likely offer far more lucrative deals than House Katori ever could.

Unwilling to be beaten before the game has begun Koden bows and says, "I am afraid, my lady, that the pleasure is also mine."

He straightens and smiles, glad he was able to bite back an impolite, scathing remark. If their houses were on at least somewhat friendly terms, all the better. Perhaps kindness would go further than a sharp tongue.

((OOC: Due to the fact that I'm completely unfamiliar with formal Japanese greetings, that one will have to suffice))

[Cadogan Trahem]

After greetings are exchanged, Lo Chu indicates that Teto had just arrived a few hours prior to Lo Chu finding you in the Study. Possibly when you where out looking at the fortress.

You all sit down and begin to enjoy lunch, after the meditation process is complete both warriors step forward and greet their guests and host Lo Chu. They then retreat to select their weapons.

The man to the left chooses some sort of sword, with two edges and a tassel, He seems to be skilled with it as he flicks it about and examines its weight and sharpness. He then drops his shirt and ties his pant legs to his shins.

You look at the second man, slightly smaller but no doubt just as experienced. He goes over the weapons and studies them, never touching one. Finally he pulls out a bow and quiver! You nearly choke on your water.

Lo Chu asks; "What appears to be the problem?"

[Cadrius]

Koden allows the brief meditation to soothe and relax his nerves that had been put on edge with the introduction of the newcomer. As he draws breath he accepts his situation and attempts to create new plans, as he exhales he expels his paranoia and anxiety.

As he opens his eyes he finds himself much refreshed, that is, until he sees the combatants selecting their weapons. One picks a sword, a typical choice, yet the other decides to use a bow and it is here that Koden almost spits his water out in surprise.

Looking quickly at Lo Chu he says, "No-no, I just find the bow an odd choice when facing down an opponent in melee."

[Cadogan Trahem]

Lo Chu ponders for a moment as the fighters prepare. He however does not forget your comments, just before the fight is to begin he questions you.

"How so? I mean why do you find the Bow such a strange choice. If one is not skilled with the bow wouldn't it be benificial for oneself to choose it above all other weapons, despite the circumstance?"

The archer draws his string arrow ready, the Swordsman readies his sword. A Gong is sounded and and Arrow is sent flying across the arena, the Swordsman dodges low, meanwhile the Archer jumps back drawing another arrow and sending it flying towards his opponent who advances speedly through the barrage of arrows. The swordman swings and the Archer leaps jumping over the blade and the man landing behind drawing another arrow on the fall and sending it flying again. The swordsman reels backwards and deflects the arrow high into the air.

The Bowman makes a sweeping pass at the Swordsmans legs while he is distracted, tripping the man who lands flat on his back. The bowman raises his Bow and swings it downwards like a Staff, however before it can hit the prone man he curls up and flips backwards dodging the incoming attack just as the bow hits the stone floor and shatters. The bowman stands, from his attack and tosses aside his broken bow and quiver. The swordsman bows and offers him to retrieve another weapon. This gives you time to answer Lo Chu.

[Cadrius]

Koden watches in awe as the bowman skillfully engages the swordsman. It had occurred to him that the bow could be used like a staff, but it didn't seem all that effective. Still the man does quite well considering his choice of weapon.

Turning to Lo Chu he says, "That much is true, but I was surprised to see a ranged weapon chosen given such a small area in which to fight. I had always thought of ranged weapons to be used until your enemy closed with you. Yet I must admit he fought well."

[Cadogan Trahem]

Lo Chu listens to your words.

"I see the wisdom in your words, but we do not live in such a forgiving world where everything goes as well as it should. Often archers find themselves in melee before having the chance to draw their secondary weapons." He indicates the bowman. "And thus many train to use anything and everything they can."

"Your words are as wise as they are true." Interupts the Honaki women. "Kyudo (The Way of the Bow) is very much an intricate part of my families training as Kenjitsu (The Art of the Sword)." He sips her drink. "The bow is just as important as the sword." She concludes and Lo Chu nods.

In the area the man returns with an axe of sorts, he holds it in two hands. It looks awefully slow and heavy. They take their stance and the gong sounds. The swords man advances, and the other man raises his axe bringing it down. This apparently shocks the swordsman as he tries to parry the blow and instead finds himself on the ground holding the flat of his sword up as the Axe is pressed hard towards him.

As a counter, the downed man kicks the other, sending him back a bit, the sword is swiped around and a definate tearing sound is heard. The gong is sounded and two men enter the area to inspect the mans leg, the open the tear in his mands and peer inside. Shake their head at Lo Chu and retreat quickly, the Gong goes off again and the battle continues.

"We need to make sure people dont cheat you see, often pride is an issue with these soldiers and we need make sure injury is minimal." Lo Chu says.

[Cadrius]

"Indeed, pride can cause a man to do many strange things," Koden says as he watches the competition. Truth be told he never found such things to be entertaining but the two combatants clearly posessed a great deal of skill and that itself was admirable.

He silently berates himself for not realizing the truth of the situation. Of course an archer could use a bow like a staff! More importantly he displayed his lack of experience and wisdom with making such a theoretical and idealistic remark. Vowing not to do such a thing again Koden resumes his role as a spectator.

[Cadogan Trahem]

<Just to skip ahead a little>

Over an hour passes and both combatants still go strong, having changed weapons several times. The Axe soon shattered the Sword, and a Fighting Rod was choosen which soon broke the shaft of the Axe which lead to the Spear which outreached the Rod and lead to the choice of a Kwan-Do (Polearm/Sword of sorts.)

The battle continued for several minutes stopping now and then for drinks of water and meditation. And finally it looked like it was nearing its end.

The man who had started with the bow was now using quarterstaff, and the man who started with a sword was using a pair of fighting wheels. The Staff man lunges at the man who has less reach, barely missing his head. In return the exhausted man with the wheels rolls under the man and slices upwards - hitting the staff just as the man parries. The staff cracks and shatters, the man with the fighting wheels, continues to roll an stands before spining with frightening speed on the spot and sending the wheel flying through the air. The other man with no weapon - his staff broken, attempts to dodge, but instead takes a deep gash to his chest as the wheel flies over. He falls down, and blood pours out from his chest. Just when you think he's dead he shudders and stands, taking a traditional Chinese stance of defeat and acceptance.

A Man walks out onto the field and examins the wound, before laying his hands on it and watching it seal up and stop bleeding.

"Its the Healing Magic of our Shamans which lets us hold these events, without them we would have outlawed this type of entertainment a long time ago." Lo Chu explains as he stands.

"We have a few minutes to walk about and get the blood flowing before we see some Fireworks and then head to sleep." He explains as he aids the young Honaki women to stand - She clearly has drunk far too much Rice Wine.

[Cadrius]

Koden nods with appreciation as he watches the match. Both men were clearly very skilled and had the endurance to continue ferocious assault after ferocious assault. However in the end, when the one is injured Koden's hand grips the side of his chair. He had feared something like this would happen, fortunately one of their healers was on hand.

"Quite remarkable," Koden says as he supresses a smile at the woman's inebriation.

Fireworks? Have I seen these before?

[Cadogan Trahem]

After an intermission of a few miniutes, you return with Lo Chu alone. As the Honaki women was taken to her room and put to rest to sleep off the effects of the wine. When you return the weapons are gone, and in their place are large items, which no doubt are the fireworks or rockets you've heard of.

When you seat again, Lo Chu Addresses you.

"Take note, these are delightful to watch but loud." The end of his sentence is drowned out as the first rocket launches itself into the air with a screach and then roars as it explodes in a brilliant display of colours. That was the first time you've seen such a display and the next 50 or so rockets where just as spectatular.

After the display Lo Chu escourts you to your room and informs you that a boat is due to dispart for Na King (your original destination) early in the morning and that it would be best if you got some sleep. Laying your head down you drift into a dream of wonders and delight...


(Chance for Bonus EXP, write a medium-long post about what your character dreams about and I will award EXP based on it - Feel free to be creative :).)

[Cadrius]

Cadrius watches in wonderment as the fireworks are set off. Incredible, and to think that they had the resources to create such things. Something so wonderous must also be quite expensive. Thanking Lo Chu profusely for his hospitality Koden happily heads off to bed and quickly finds himself asleep.

A flash of azure light following by a deafening bang. Koden tries to figure out where he is. Another explosion, this time crimson following by a loud hissing. The fireworks. He attempts to look around but finds himself stuck while he watches some of Lo Chu's workers setting each of the fireworks off.

Another goes off, this time a deep verdant green. The sound that follows crackles and slides across the sky. He looks back at the workers again and sees one approaching him with a torch. He is able to look just far enough down to realize there is a fuse coming out of him. He is a firework.

Fear grips the young man. He was to be shot into the air and then explode? Panic sets in and he desperately tries to move, even when he knows he cannot. His heart is racing, a concept that might otherwise confuse Koden. If he were an inanimate object, how could he think? Or see? Or have a heart beat? Yet he does not have time for these thoughts and the worker stoops to light the fuse beneath Koden.

It flares into life, shooting of tiny sparks as it rapidly burns its way toward the base of the firework, where Koden's consciousness was currently stored. The young man finds it grimly humorous that a shugenja whose elemental focus was fire should die in an explosion.

The fuse burns into the firework and Koden is shot up into the air. He travels at incredible speeds as the small rocket soars upward. The chemicals within are lit and Koden explodes. Red, orange, and yellow flame shoot outward but he is no ordinary firework, no mere trick to impress.

He is the Phoenix. He is life itself, reborn.

A thunderous scream errupts from the great firebird's beak as it casts its wings wide. His eyes burn hotly as he burns. There is no pain though, only joy, on ecstacy, only revelment in being the reincarnation of life.

The wings beat twice and he is off, flying higher into the night sky. He can no longer see the ground below him, but that's all right, he is lost in the fire.

Suddenly he feels another presence, amidst the darkness of the night. Despite the flames enveloping him, Koden suddenly feels very, very cold.

He hears, or more appropriately, he feels a voice in his mind.

IMPRESSIVE, LITTLE BIRD, BUT IT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD.

What is this? His mind reels from the booming voice inside his head. The Phoenix whips its head back and forth, seeking the source of the noise, but there is nothing. He is alone in the darkness and the cold. He is the one point of light and warmth left in the sky.

Suddenly he is falling, his flames extinguished, and a smoldering Koden plummits toward the rapidly growing landscape below. The air rushes and howls in his ears as he drops.

Koden bolts upright in bed just before he hits the ground in his dream. It had been a dream, hadn't it? He looks out his window, stars are in the night sky, there is no cold void. It is an hour before dawn but he does not sleep again, not this night. He merely sits in a chair and looks out the window at the stars and the slowly brightening sky.

[Cadogan Trahem]

((Well Done! Add 550 EXP to your sheet for this, also add 250 EXP for advancing to Chapter 1: Arrival in Naking, also check the new thread of same name (when it gets posted) :) ))