Monday, September 14, 2015

THE BLOOD OF THE DEMON MOON CULT III: DEATH OF THE MOON, BIRTH OF THE STORM

This is the campaign log for the second session of a google+run Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate campaign. The previous session is described HERE

Player Characters
Mofeng: A young wandering Hero who is frequently at odds with his traveling companion Zhang Wan
Zhang Wan (Bone Breaker): An unpredictable and violent martial expert who is the brother of Zhang San
Zhang San: A wandering hero and sister of Zhang Wan, more calm than her brother
Chen: A poisoner and healer known for his lazy ways. 

Chen and San were about to enter the forbidden shrine of the Golden Dragon Temple when they had second thoughts and decided it would be more prudent to negotiate with Bronze Master. The next morning they went to the Golden Palace and received an audience. They informed him of their real reason for coming to the sect headquarters, telling them San's brother had been poisoned by the Demon Moon Cult and that they needed the Manual of Changing to secure the antidote. Bronze Master said he would give them the manual if they agreed to work with his agent (San's brother, Wan) and help attack the Demon Moon Cult. They agreed and were given 100 taels, as well as guides and horses. He also made them take a poison to ensure their loyalty. He promised the antidote when they presented the heads of the Demon Moon Cult Leaders. 

They journeyed south and reached the pass between Hai'an and Heiping Mountain. They were once again asked by the Nuns of Heiping to make a donation, but rather than pay they offered employment. They were able to secure the help of 100 Nuns of Heiping and 12 of their Abbesses in destroying the Demon Moon cult for a substantial donation to the temple. They continued south to Zun City. 

Meanwhile Bone Breaker traveled back to the Demon Moon Cult and told Jade Priestess that the manual would arrive in a matter of days. She gave him the antidote and asked him to join her for an important ritual in the morning. He headed toward Zun City after rendezvousing with a group of thugs he hired and his manservant Iron Cub to help him take down the Demon Moon Cult. On their way out of the swamp they were encircled by several boats, all with archers aiming at them. A man calling himself White Crocodile stood on the rail and demanded they hand over all their belongings. 

Bone Breaker managed to convince him that they could work out an agreement that would be more profitable. He promised White Crocodile more money if he assisted them in an attack on Demon Moon Cult. He also promised to direct some merchant caravans through White Crocodile's territory for easy robbing. 

When Bone Breaker arrived in Zun City he met up with Chen and San. They agreed to attack the cult that evening at his signal. Chen and San had already made preparations of poison and secured several freelances. They lead the Nuns of Heiping into the swamp to get into position using boats. 

Fearing the reputation of Jade Priestess and Lord Moon, Bone Breaker sought out martial heroes in the city to help. He was able to gain the assistance of Jade Butterfly, who agreed on the condition that his sister become her student. He also heard about a man named Reckless Storm while talking to a member of Gold Dragon Sect. According to the man, Reckless Storm was one of the great martial heroes of the Banyan, but highly unpredictable and prone to outbursts. He gave Bone Breaker a wooden seal, and instructed him to present it to Reckless Storm. 

Bone Breaker found Reckless Storm at a nearby Tea House drinking from a wine gourd. He showed the seal and was permitted to speak. At first he offered Reckless Storm money to kill Jade Priestess. This only prompted rage, as the master stood up and smashed the table. He was incensed that anyone would ask him to harm a woman. Bone Breaker managed to calm Reckless Storm and suggested that he kill Lord Moon. He agreed to the terms provided he be given thousands of Spades and enough wine to last the entire battle. He told Bone Breaker that he would kill all the men in his boat if his wine ran low. 

Bone Breaker made a point of having Iron Cub position Reckless Storm as far from him as possible in the battle. He then got into position to make the attack. 

They opted to reduce bloodshed and force surrender. Bone Breaker, Jade Butterfly and Iron Cub went into the home of Jade Priestess and offered her mercy if she went with them willingly. Seeing that the swamp was surrounded and knowing Jade Butterfly's reputation, she agreed to their terms. 

They then used Jade Priestess as a hostage to force Lord Moon's surrender. After that it was a simple matter to get the rest of the cult to throw down their weapons. The party debated how to handle the two cult leaders, with Chen wanting to take their heads so Bronze Master would provide the antidote. Bone Breaker pointed out that their heads could still be on their bodies, their was no need to kill them, and Jade Butterfly expressed outrage at the idea of killing two masters who were unable to defend themselves (they were bound and drugged at this point). 

As they spoke Reckless Storm climbed up to a high walkway and sat, then laughed. "I am the new leader of the Demon Moon cult," he said to all below. 

Bone Breaker tried to dissuade Reckless Storm from this notion. 

This is where the session ended. 

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