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 Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:47 pm
PreludeThere was a time in the land of Ji-We when the Empire was little more than a city-state based around a fishing market looked over by an old fisherman others called governor. The Plains of Rolling Tranquility to the southwest was not even known to this little community except in rumors about monsters whom looked like men. The plains were also anything but tranquil. The plains were ruled over by a hundred tribes, or so they said. The tribes created a circle of alliances and entered multiple battles, though death was rare. They followed similar religions, praying to elemental spirits. The tribes, though so similar, never gathered into one mighty force, a force that could have taken control of the entire plains region, destroying the Empire thousands of years before they existed. Nu Huo was a visionary, a chieftain for the Nu tribe. He had set down several rules of engagement, and most tribes greatly respected him. His son, Nu Sou, took up where he had left off. Nu Sou became chieftain at the age of 16. His father became a member of the oligarchy behind the chieftain, supporting his son in all things and giving him strong guidance. Eventually Nu Sou gathered tribes together. The chieftains became part of his oligarchy, bringing peace to the people and allowing for policies that lessened the need for battles. They gathered their religions, teaching each tribe all of the names of their spirits. Nu Huo died, leaving his son on his own. Nu Sou, however, had become exceedingly wise. His advisers were the brightest from each tribe. At the age of 30, Nu Sou had united half of the plains, had many wives and concubines, and had an elder son, Nu Ling. This is the story of Nu Sou and his uniting of the final tribes with the help of his advisers. As his advisers, you will help write the future of the tribes. SettingThe world Ji-We is based upon Asian mythology with some twists. There were elemental spirits. There are tribes that war with each other and large political entities with such in depth intrigue that it would make a peasant's head spin. Rulers have multiple wives, concubines, heirs, and bastards. Heroes wield unbelievable power against foes of fantastic origin. This story takes place in the plains of a large continent. To the east is an ocean, to the north mountains, to the west a mighty forest, and to the south a scorching desert. However, these places are far away, and a rare treat indeed it would be if the journeys of these advisers ended up in any of these exotic lands. As for the tribes, they are a mixture of the Nanman from southwest China and the Native Americans. They are savage, brutal, but they also understand culture, religion, and tradition. They are elegant, clever, and powerful. They still pray to the spirits, and some with in the tribe are even blessed with some powers from the elements. Cultural Note: Tribes do not generally utilize specialization. Every member in a tribe must understand how to do anything. There are those who are better at certain tasks, some tasks are gender based, and in some cases tasks are elemental based. Example: Every man needs to know how to hunt, trap, create weapons, etc. Every woman must know what berries to collect, what herbs heal wounds, etc. Everyone must know how to mend clothing, tan hides, cook meat, etc. There is very little specialization in a tribe. One area of specialization, though, was magic. Those marked to practice magic and those who practiced magic were separated from the rest of the tribe. All but the Lou and Luchao tribes act in this way. Magic is a terrifying force and those who practice it are obviously different. Man is most afraid of the unknown, and these magic users are the epitome of the unknown. The Tribes of Nu SouLou: A peaceful tribe dedicated to religion. They are the most entrenched with the spirits, and they have the most practitioners of elemental magic. While many who use magic use it to augment their own combat abilities at the loss of power, the Lou use it to create great catastrophes, despite the use being immensely difficult to accomplish and taxing on the body. Due to supposed interaction with the spirits, the tribe elders were told to assist the Nu, becoming the first tribe to join. Yi: The Yi are a martial tribe based on the premise of might makes right. Jealous originally of the power of Nu, they often declared war. When the Lou caused continuous floods and earthquakes to their land, the Yi stopped their raids. When Nu Sou and his advisers presented themselves and bested Yi's champions, the Yi became the second tribe to submit to Nu. Ka Shu: The Ka Shu are known for their agriculture. They were the first tribe to stop roaming when they learned to plant crops. They are the most populous tribe, due to the ability to sustain a livelihood. The Yi, jealous of the tribe's success, suggested Nu acquire the Ka Shu next. Nu Sou, seeing the usefulness of their stable crops, agreed. What was unexpected was the fact their farmers also spent hours training in combat. Nu Sou soon put the farmers at ease, and seeing the potential for protection, the Ka Shu were the third to join the alliance. Luchao: Fierce monks deeply steeped in drugs and spirits, the tribe of Luchao is known for their use of magic in combat. Each child of the tribe at birth is dedicated to a temple of earth, water, air, or fire. From the time they are three they are taken from their family and trained in their given element. In youth, they train through chores. When older they actually learn magic to aid them in combat. Despite the martial nature, the Luchao do not start conflicts, but often finish them. Seeing that the Nu could bring peace to the tribes and possibly end the conflicts, the chieftain of Luchao approached Nu Sou and asked to be a part of the alliance. Nu Sou graciously accepted. Jin Lian (Golden lotus): The Jin Lian is a long standing clan of healers and shamans. Because of their exceptional skill, they are sought out and considered fairly wealthy for their time. Supposedly, their founding mother (named Yue) was tricked into eating a poisonous Golden Lotus by a woman jealous of Yue's beauty and husband. For every ten petals she ate, she would bear one son and nine daughters. This poison extended to her daughters and sons, which in turn caused most of the clan members to be women. Because there are few men in the tribe, most men have several wives, but very little power when it comes to making choices for the clan. Most women are trained in healing from a very young age, but few are any good at it. Fewer Jin Lian are born with magic, it is always Water or Earth based, and those who have it are often pushed twice as hard in their training. There are two dozen tribes in total. These are the first four to join. Should you wish to be from another background, you may create one of those other tribes. Creating an Adviser of King Nu SouPM the profile to me along with a short role playing sample. This is supposed to be pretty anime-esque, so you can be over the top. [b]Gaian Player:[/b]
[b]Tribe:[/b]
[b]Name:[/b] (The first part of your name is your tribe name)
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Weapon of Choice:[/b] (This is going to be a violent rpg. Weapons say a lot about a person. You can even name your weapon if you're really attached to it.)
[b]Elemental Alignment:[/b] (If any. For most it is a rather rare gift. The draw back is those who use magic in areas which magic is unusual are seen as severe social pariah, which includes the Nu tribe.)
[b]Magic:[/b] (Pick two points worth of your elemental alignment. They are just below the character creation.)
[b]Age:[/b] (At least 20)
[b]Background:[/b] (Include why Nu Sou found you worthy to be one of his advisers.)
[b]Personal Connections:[/b] (family/friends/horse/sword)
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Physical Appearance:[/b]
MagicIf you have suggestions for magic, you may submit it. There are many more spells than are provided below, both of raw power and power that supports. Remember that if you have magic, you are socially outcast. People are afraid of you except in a couple tribes. Also, magic is powerful. There are few people who know it and in a land of flimsy armor and weapons, someone with magical augmentations would seem almost god like. Any worth while sorcerer should be able to hold at least a dozen people off on their own. A sorcerer from Lou should be able to take nearly a full army. But remember, this is as much about combat as it is investigation and diplomacy. EarthArmor of Lu Ki, the Mountain's Guide (1 point): The earth climbs up the user's body and covers them in earth, causing most mortal weapons to be little more than an annoyance. Dice: Auto success. Hammer of Earth's Bosom (1 point): Create a great mace out of the earth around you. Dice: Auto success. Ni Kou's Lance (2 points): The user can cause the earth to spike up in large lances, impaling foes. This can be done multiple times, though is very tiring. Opening of Akima's Maw (3 points or 2 points for Lou): The earth opens violently, causing earthquakes for miles away. A giant fissure swallows up anything along its one mile crack, then slams shut. This can be reduced in size, but cannot be larger than a mile in length. WaterLungs of Mizuko (1 point): The user's lungs are accustomed to water, so they may always breathe underwater. Water Breathing (1 point, need Lungs of Mizuko): The user may expel water from the lungs, providing a source of water. Tongue of Wu Lao, the Water Dragon (1 point): The user creates a whip out of a local source of water. Great Deluge of Chen, the Thirsty Beggar (3 points or 2 points for Lou): Water swells and floods a large area from sources with in ten miles. This may be underground water tables, the skies, rivers, oceans, or any other source of water accessible. When used more sparingly, it's useful in bringing forth water in an area suffering from drought. AirFists of Ci Ming, the Blind Monk (1 point): When the user strikes, they use the power of wind to back the strike. When close range, the strike is more painful and may cause lacerations. Otherwise, it gives the combatant the ability to strike a target at a distance. Winds of Fateful Watch (1 point): The user prays to the winds to guide them in a fight, and the winds assist the user. Whenever someone attempts to strike the user, the winds move the user out of the way as much as possible. Air flow also buffers the user, deflecting or dampening attacks. Lacerating Winds of Zhi, the Malevolent Storm (2 points): The user stores up large amounts of energy and hurls them towards enemies. These winds are visible shock waves. If they strike, it is the same as being struck by a sword, as the shock wave cuts the flesh of the opponent. This attack takes a great deal of time, concentration, and endurance compared to Fists of Ci Ming, but it is ideal for long range fighters. Tempest of Zhi's Rage (3 points or 2 points for Lou): The user calls upon the winds to whip up into a frenzy creating a giant tempest they may control for a couple minutes. If the user becomes fatigued before dissipating the tempest, it will rage on for a minute, entirely unguided. Often these tempest rages will engulf the user, supposedly punishment from the air spirits for overstepping the user's physical bounds. FireXi's Passionate Caress (1 point): The user is always immune to flame, and his skin has a slight red glow. His natural body temperature is about 20 degrees higher than a normal human. Blessing of Kaji, the Roaming Lantern Bearer (1 point): The user may cover their weapon in fire. It burns those it touches. If the weapon is wood, the wood burns to cinder with in a minute. If metal, the metal turns to slag with in 30 minutes. The Lantern of Kaji (1 point): The user creates a flame that floats in the air as they please. It is an actual flame and can light things on fire. Breath of Ki, the Keeper of the Furnace (2 points): The user is able to spew fire. Whether from the mouth, eyes, or palm of the hand, a constant, intense stream of fire pours forth on victims. Without Xi's Passionate Caress, this cannot be sustained for long as it is immensely painful to the user. Inferno of the Unspoken Spirit (3 points or 2 points for Lou): All of the fire with in an area rages for just a moment. However, in this moment, anything the flame licks is instantly lit on fire, creating an intense, obviously unnatural flame. The user can usually keep the inferno for a minute before becoming exhausted. Before the user reaches exhaustion, he can completely halt the flames. Once exhausted, the user is in the same peril as anyone else in the area.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:50 pm
Character profiles
Gaian Player: NPC
Tribe: Nu
Name: Nu Sou, King of the Plains
Weapon of Choice: Club
Elemental Alignment: None
Magic: None
Age: 30
Background: Nu Sou was born to a small but prosperous tribe. His father, the chieftain of the Nu, saw in his son visions he could only dream of, so he stepped down. Sou has since become strong, intelligent, and elegant. He is a warrior poet and has won as many battles with words as with arms.
Sou pampers his son, Ling. Ling has received all he could wish for, whether food, prizes, or women. Ling is strong, but not nearly as intelligent as his father. He is an easy target for jokes, and resents intellect because of this.
With so much land under Sou's guidance, Sou spends most of his time looking to domestic issues, while sending those he trusts out on errands to take more territory or take care or lengthy disputes.
Personal Connections: Nu Ling (Son), wives (9), Cao Mai (high concubine)
Personality: Sou is even tempered and thinks most issues through. When in combat, however, he relies on others to work out strategies. Though capable as a strategist, Sou prefers to lose himself in the tide of battle, then to continuously think of his next move, and having more than capable scholars in his ranks, he no longer needs to play the role of strategist.
Physical Appearance: Sou wears a leather vest, leather skirt, and sandals. His bare arms and face show many scars from his past fights. His hair is a deep brown, thick, and parted in the middle. He keeps it relatively short, just long enough for the wind to take it from time to time.
Gaian Player: NPC
Tribe: Nu
Name: Nu Ling
Weapon of Choice: Sword
Elemental Alignment: None
Magic: None
Age: 16
Background: Ling was the first of Sou's children. Being a son, it was an auspicious day for the young Sou. The mother, Nu Sook Young, has always been noted as the "Queen" of Sou, and she rarely leaves his side. In public, she is always the one to be with him. This has caused Ling to disdain his father's other sexual interests, and consider any child not from Sook Young to be illegitimate. He often scorns them, despite his father's disapproval of such behavior.
Ling often spent his time studying texts and magic. Though he never used magic due to the Nu tribe's strong prejudices against magic users, he has a deep understanding and respect for its power. He also spent a good amount of time learning military strategy and fighting under the Yi.
Ling has his eye set upon the newest concubine, whom his father had quickly promoted to the head concubine, Cao Mai. Ling is currently considering wooing the concubine, and then asking for her hand in marriage, taking her from his father.
Personal Connections: Nu Sou (Father), Nu Sook Young (Mother), Cao Mai (Concubine of father's), Yi Jin (Mentor)
Personality: Ling is quick to anger and act. He rarely thinks through his actions, and, due to his father's protective nature, does not think harm will come to him no matter how risky his actions are. He is very intelligent, though, and often knows the best way to approach a situation in the short term.
Physical Appearance: A dashing young man, he is lean, with deep brown eyes. His brown hair is tied back into a pony tale. His face is soft and unscathed. He often wears long robes made out of the furs of exotic animals he has hunted with the Yi.
Gaian Player: NPC
Tribe: Cao
Name: Cai Mai
Gender: Female
Weapon of Choice: Whips
Elemental Alignment: None (Some rumors of air)
Magic: None
Age: 20
Background: Mai was born to a poor man. The man had few skills, he was not very talented, and he was viewed as a burden upon the Cao tribe. However, he impregnated an older woman when he was 14, and since then he had been excellent at taking care of Mai. However, when Nu Sou came to their village, Sou commented on the girl's unbelievable beauty when she was 16. The father, all too willing to make sure the tribe had good ties, and to prove that he could be of use to the tribe, offered Mai up to Nu Sou as a concubine.
Mai has served as Nu Sou's lover for the past four years, and he has found her the most delectable out of all his lovers. She is now the head concubine, and she regularly dances for visiting tribes. Recently she has taken to the martial prowess Nu Sou is so well known for, fighting with a whip made of leather. Nu Sou, enamored anew with her fighting abilities, allows her to do work for the tribe whenever she requests to oversee a matter. She rarely does, but whenever she does it shocks Nu Sou, and he's more than willing to let her.
Personal Connections: Nu Sou, Nu Ling, the Nu, the Cao
Personality: Cao Mai seems like a trained concubine. She keeps her tongue in public, conveying all her thoughts through a simple smile or cold shoulder. The few times she does talk, the room falls silent for her words are unexpected. Even then, it is usually only to request field work. Behind closed doors she's a soothing lover, full of calming words and gestures. She rarely offends, and then only when she was abused. When in the field, her comments are short, but not harsh. She is humble, and never wishes to impose upon those around her.
Physical Appearance: A beautiful woman with waist long hair tied in multiple braids. Three braids are braided once more down her back, while two others create circles starting above her ears, and ending at the bottom. She has bangs that come down the side of her face, framing the porcelain features. She hardly looks like she was raised in a tribe. Her body is slim and athletic. Her eyes are a piercing brown, and her lips are full and red. She is the pinnacle of beauty, and there is no woman in any tribe that would prove more stunning than Cao Mai. Some claim she was born of spirits, and this is the reason for her beauty and grace.
Gaian Player: Yuki Nagasaki
Tribe: Ka Shu
Name: Ka Shu Fa
Gender: Female
Weapon of Choice: Ssanggeom long swords ((Though she is skilled in masang Ssang Gum, the art of using the twin blades on horseback, she uses long swords, which has earned her a small reputation.))
Elemental Alignment: Fire
Magic: Xi's Passionate Caress & Blessing of Kaji, the Roaming Lantern Bearer
Age: 24
Background: Lou Fa's mother died giving birth to her. Because of her magic, no other woman in the tribe would take her in. So her father raised her. After her mother's death her father (a man of vague origins) was not the same. He was cold and distant, always sad. But he still loved his daughter and took care of her. Nursing her with mare's milk and teaching her to find for herself. She learned to ride a horse before she could walk (this is contributed to the mare's milk she was raised on) and under her father's tutelage, became a skilled warrior. However, unlike her father (who spends the time between attending to his duties in the tribe and training Fa mourning at his wife's grave), Fa spends much of her time, listening to people. Though many do not speak to her, she still listens to them speak as she works. She also listens very intently to holy persons and traders passing through. She is also very good at settling deputes between people.
Personal Connections: Ka Shu Chin-hae (father), Bon-hwa (Horse), Ka Shu Cho (Late Mother), Hy (a queer dog/wolf that sometimes fallows Lou Fa around; she likes to feed him sometimes), Ka Shu Jin (a friend and sparring partner)
Personality: Many people (opponents and fellow tribesmen) find it nearly impossible to read her. She is usually calm, placid, and steady. That is not to say she does not have the occasional outburst of rage, sorrow, or joy but they are rare. In battle, she prefers to keep her movements flowing and efficient. She will watch her opponent intently as she attacks, testing strengths and weaknesses until she finds an opening. Then she attacks with a swift blow. She likes to balance a good plan with thinking on her feet. She is never the first to attack.
Physical Appearance: While she is not beautiful, she could be called pretty woman, she is lanky but strong. Her straight black hair is long. She keeps seven small braids sprouting from her hairline up in a knotted at the back of the crown of her head. The rest she lets free. She bares a scare across her breast from a battle that nearly took her life. She take pride in it. She wears ao dai ((modern style)) and a fur lined leather coat. She is never without her blades and rarely without her horse.
Gaian Player: RisTesla
Tribe: Sing
Name: Sing Shu
Gender: Female
Weapon of Choice: Spear named Li
Elemental Alignment: Air
Magic: Fists of Ci Ming, The Blind Monk; Winds of Faithful Watch
Age: 22
Background: Sing Shu was seemingly normal from the time she was born up until she was about five years of age. Her parents had noticed there was something strange about her: She could manipulate the air around them. Her parents, not wanting to be seen with her, sought out the only member in the tribe who was a magic user, and gave Shu up to him, Sing Min. Since then he's been her master, teaching her to control and use the air. He taught her to use a spear, and since she made it herself she has become attached to it and named it Li. She still sees her parents once in a while, as well as what seems to be a younger brother. She doesn't go near them because they act as if she doesn't exist, so she just turns the other way and runs.
As of late, the tribe has been under attack by bandits that don't want them to join in with the alliance. When the attacks started happening, Shu has been wanting to save the village and capture the bandits, but Min tells her not to, and since he is her master and father figure, she listens to him, and lets the tribe's soldiers take care of it.
Personal Connections: Sing Min, her master, Li, her staff, and Won Ton, a stray cat she sets food out for.
Personality: Most of her life she's been wise and thought much about any choices presented to her. She always has unrealistic ideas and goals, though some aren't so bad. She becomes insecure and runs the other way whenever she sees her parents and brother. She'd rather not fight about anything, but will if she's pushed. With the attacks from the bandits lately, she's become hard-headed and stubborn, and wants to catch them.
Physical Appearance: Shu's normally short black hair already has gray streaks present. She has blue eyes, which is strange amongst the tribe, and has thin lips. She's of average height, and could use some more meat on her bones. She appears to be dainty, and wears thin cloths to cover her body. Her skin is tan from training outside in the sun.
Gaian Player: xXDarling-ViolettaXx
Tribe: Jin Lian
Name: Jin Lian Yue
Gender: Female
Weapon of Choice: Garrotes, poison, throwing knives, acupuncture needles, Leopard style Martial Arts
Elemental Alignment: Water
Magic: none
Age: 20
Background: Yue was born into the Jin Lian as a b*****d her mother brought home after an exceptionally long time in a distant mountain village. Her mother was of course the best of the best at what she did, and as such, Yue was expected to take after her mother as healer. However, when she was five, Yue's mother was found dead with her own knife in her chest. She had taken her own life out of the shame she felt at having become mother to Yue. Afterwards, Yue's great aunt and head of the Jin Lian took her in and began to train Yue as the next head of the clan. When Yue's cousin Jen returned from the the Nu tribe one day, she discovered her cousin had boasted of Yue's skills as a healer to Nu Sou one night. This resulted in Yue's summons to Nu Sou, and her meeting of Nu Ling. A man Yue would do anything for.
Personal Connections: Madam Lotus (Mother figure, great aunt, and teacher), Saya (Yue's apprentice and sister figure), Jen (gifted concubine and cousin)
Personality: Yue tries her very hardest to stay in the shadows and avoid notice, though often she can't help but go out into the middle of a lake and just relax in the sunlight. She has very good organizational, leadership, and surprisingly people skills, due to her upcoming role as leader of the Jin Lian. Her greatest fear is rabbits and her reaction to them is rather comical.
Physical Appearance: Yue has pitch black hair with a single white lock of hair on her right side. It is exceptionally long, reaching to her knees when it's down, though it is usually up in an intricate design. Her skin is porcelin pale and she has a classical figure, slender and womanly, and her eyes are an odd blue-violet color. Her clothing is always a very flowing gown with luminous folds, floor length sleeves. and a corset in soft and innocent colors with a small golden lotus embroidered over her abdomin. Her many weapons are found nearly everywhere on her person if one searches the many yards of silk.
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Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:39 pm
Nu Sou sat lazily upon his throne, slouched and pondering. His son to his right was picking at some meat, while leaning against his throne was an angelic vision, Ci Mai, a concubine whom won the heart of Nu Sou quickly. She was rarely seen away from him, and for the past couple months it had been rare for any of his wives to visit him at night.
A messenger rushed to the front door, speaking quickly to the guards. The guards allowed him to pass. When the messenger arrived in front of Nu Sou, he took a knee quickly, "My lord, I am sorry. I wish to report that there are issues with the alliance being forged with the Sing tribe. Supposedly rebels have assassinated our ambassador, and the Sing claim they shall be unable to deal with us if we cannot protect our own envoys."
Nu Sou stood and smiled. "I suppose I shall have to deal with it personally. I'll bring along my own entourage." He summoned his advisers, "Let's be on our way."
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Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:05 pm
~Flashback~ Ka Shu Fa and Bon-hwa had chosen to take the day away from the tribe. Ever since she had been a child, she had been scorned and feared but as she grew, so to did the fear and hate. She was not sure how much longer she would be able to live with her people. She listened to the talk and had heard disturbing rumblings. It may have been the only home she ever knew but if she stayed much longer it would be her end. She nearly let out a sigh but before it could leave her lips, a sound brushed her ear. "Did you hear that, Bon-hwa?" She asked her faithful horse. He let out a quiet snort and turned towards the disturbance. As they made their way through the unfarmed outskirts, it soon became apparent that it was a battle of some sort. Kicking Bon-hwa into a gallop, she quickly made it to the scene. She recognized the dress of the Nu immediately and took action. Taking the assailants by surprise, she -- together with the Nu warriors -- made short work of the other men, despite their greater number. Dismounting and removing the cover over her face to better address the men, she asked, "Is anyone here in need of a healer? The Ka Shu tribe is not far from here. I can take you there." A man taller than she with the build and scars of a warrior approached her, "I owe my life to a woman?" he asked in disbelief. "You owe me nothing, the Nu protect my people, it is only right we do the same when we can." ~End Flashback~ Ka Shu Fa watched the messenger carefully as he passed the guards. She found it hard to believe that someone had managed to kill the ambassador. Nu Sou stood and smiled. "I suppose I shall have to deal with it personally. I'll bring along my own entourage." He summoned his advisers, "Let's be on our way." Ka Shu Fa was looking forward to the trouble to come and fallowed Nu Sou closely.
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:20 pm
Nu Sou mounted his horse. He smiled, looking at Ka Shu Fa, "Looking forward to stretching your legs? It feels like we've been working on domestic issues since the heavens birthed Ji-We." He spurred his horse and started singing a call to arms, his advisers behind him.
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:15 pm
Ka Shu Fa mounted Bon-hwa and fallowed closely, a light smile on her face. It really had been far to long since they had gone anywhere. Than she frowned and pulled Bon-hwa beside Nu Sou's horse.
"You must be careful! These people mean business taking out a diplomat like that. They are surely after your head. I don't want you charging into just any old battle."
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:44 pm
Nu Sou grinned, slinging the iron, spiked club over his shoulder, "Oh, but I've been itching for a good old fight. Gets boring just sitting on that throne listening to the people. It's important, don't misunderstand, but by the elements, it's just so boring." He winked at Ka Shu Fa. "Now let's hurry this journey to bring an end to this turmoil." He spurred his horse on, quickly running across the fields.
Two days later
The journey was mostly uneventful. The group was well known for their prowess in combat situations, and no bandits were willing to attempt a mugging.
The Sing tribe seemed to be in shambles when the group did arrive. A few tents were singed on the outskirts of the village. Several bodies were being buried. Nu Sou halted his horse when he arrived at a man whom seemed to be a warrior. Their warriors were not well armored, wearing reed armor from a local river and a loin cloth. Their spears were rather primitive as well.
"Hail. We come in peace from the Nu. I am Nu Sou. What happened?"
"There are rebels who do not want us to join the Nu. They want the Nu destroyed. But we hope you can help. You promise protection to those who...."
A man came out of a tent, a large man with a barrel chest. He was covered in white hair, and had a large mane upon his head. His beard was braided and reached his navel. "Silence, Sing Zhou. You're a guard, and he's a king. Now go back to patrol." The guard nodded and took off. "King Nu Sou...."
"Just Nu Sou, Chieftain Sing Ku Young. You are having issues with an unknown force of rebels, or do you know who they are?"
Sing Ku Young shook his head, "We do not recognize the men and they wear no seal. We know they come from the north. Their boats are found regularly on the river. Any scout who has gone past the river, though, has not returned."
Nu Sou nodded, thinking, "I'll send a small party to the north to investigate. I think my men might be better prepared for such an issue. Meanwhile, I will keep a small contingent here to defend us while we come to terms of agreement." Nu Sou dismounted and walked to Sing Ku Young. They shook hands vigorously, "I do hope this can be the start of an auspicious relationship. Ka Shu Fa, you will take five others and head north. Investigate the threat. If you can manage, destroy them. If you can't, come back for reinforcements." He smirked and winked, "Remember, I've been itching for a fight."
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:06 pm
Fa glowered, "I'll be sure not to bring one back." Quickly picking five men she thought would server her best, she lead them north.
Along the river, they found the boats Sing Ku Young had spoken of. One of the men was even able to get a very good look at one and the men on board. However, when they attempted to cross the river, they got no further than a large warrior's camp before being spotted and chased. Another of their group was wounded badly. Fa prepared his wound for travel and made haste back to the Sing, to confirm the Sing Ku Young's story and to tell of what she saw.
"There is a great many of them, my lord, and they grow in number. I believe they are preparing for battle."
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:22 pm
Nu Sou nodded, "Chieftain, send your fastest runner back to my village. Warn them to bring back up. I'll need your capable men and women. We're going to the river."
"To the river?" Sing Ku Young was surprised.
"We will build small fortifications there. It is the easiest place to keep them back. Once built, your warriors will fall back to the village, along with most of my men. A small force will thin out the people at the river, fall back once they are overrun, and then we make a final stand here. Hopefully the first attack will be derailed after we show some ability, and we'll have an extra day or two for reinforcements from the Yi. Fa, would you lead the river fortification?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:38 pm
Fa bowed her head, "Yes, my lord. But, may I speak with you in private for a moment?" she asked, uneasy to bring the subject up before the Chieftain. She wasn't sure the small, rather primitive village would have the resources, much less the knowledge, to build proper fortifications. And with what she had seen, they would need good fortifications.
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:46 pm
Nu Sou nodded, "Yes, that is fine." He went with her to the outskirts of the village. "Speak. You know I value your opinion."
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:53 pm
Fa sighed, "These people deserve our protection but they are lacking in many things. You saw their weapons and armor! How are they to make proper fortifications? And it will be difficult work, the river banks are mostly mud. I don't want the Sing to turn tail and run when they see my powers either." She sighed again and shook her head, "I would feel much better if you would take a small portion of your men and fall back to meet the Yi." She admitted, already knowing it would not go down well with her Nu Sou.
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Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 1:57 pm
Nu Sou smiled and stretched, looking off towards the river. "It should be fine. You and there others will hold the fortifications. Take someone with some water ability, they can make the crossing difficult. You should at least keep them back a day. Perhaps a little sabotage on their camp would help as well. A wind sorcerer would be useful." He pondered this, stroking his chin. "Either way, start the fortifications. Use what little wood they have here to create it. Make the shore steeper than it already is. Do whatever is needed to deter them. I'm sure we have a day or two before the try to charge us. Anyway, we have to show the Sing we won't just run away when they have a problem. They just finished being a nomadic people and this is their first village. Would be mighty horrible for them to have to become nomadic once more so soon."
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Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 2:04 pm
Sing Shu was sitting outside, petting Won Ton, who was eating the food she had set out, greedily. She heard people whispering, at first she thought they were whispering about her, until she listened, and heard that someone important was at their tribe. I bet they're here for the bandits, she thought to herself, she got up and wandered over to the ravaged part of the tribe.
The Chieftain of the Sing tribe, Sing Ku Young, was there so she kept her distance from everything. She saw horses, and other people on more horses, she felt her eyes go wide. She wanted to go up and pet the horses, she's never done so before. Shu also saw two people, a guy and a woman, around her age, talking a distance away. She wanted to know what was going on, but was afraid to step closer.
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Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:01 pm
'I forgot he knows how to guilt me into things.' Fa glowered, folding her arms over her chest.
"Well... at least they have the man power for all this work. But where in the four winds am I to find a water or wind sorcerer? Much less both!" Drawing in a deep breath she calmed a little, "I will see what we can salvage and put together. As you command, it shall be done." turning to begin construction, she added stubbornly under her breath, "Even if I have to die trying."
As she made her way towards Bon-hwa, she narrowed her eyes, "Oi! You! Away from my horse!" She yelled. Though the girl wasn't actually very near Bon-hwa, Ka Shu Fa was notoriously overly protective of her horse and dear friend, Bon-hwa.
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