Sunday, April 2, 2017

DISPOSABLE DISCIPLES SESSIONS 40 AND 41: GODS AND KINGS

This is a log for my ongoing Disposable Disciples of Bone Kingdom campaign. You can see the previous session HERE.  Note that I began recording sessions, so this has allowed me to do more detailed session logs.

Player Characters: 

Shen Chun/Crazed Raksha
Little Bai
Qui
Ong Lao
Min (Feiyan)

Disciples of the Sect: 

Red Eagle (Little Bai)
Mount Dao/Biggest Sister (Little Bai)
Filial Cricket (Little Bai)
Dim-Witted Chen (Shen Chun)

Sects: 

The Righteous Outlaws
Calamity Star
Ou Jinghzhu
Tea Master Houzhou

Stone Palace Sect (Also called Golden Way)

A gambling hall and criminal network in Yun Hu. Currently under control of party, with Weeping Lotus managing it. They've absorbed many other sects into this organization including Crocodile Sect, Blades of the Weeping Lotus, Temple of the Jade Mercies, Relentless Corpse Sect and more. Recently they joined with Relentless Corpse again when Shen Chun arranged a marriage with their leader Da Mei Mei. 

Members:

Shen Chun (King)
Da Mei Mei (Queen)
Weeping Lotus (Right Vanguard)
Silent Dagger
Feng (Accountant)
Gu (Head Chef)
Little Bai
Min
Scholar Shen (a scholar who has been writing a story about Little Bai's life)

Dancing Scorpions
Criminal network in Yun Hu

Relentless Corpse Sect

Da Mei Mei

Temple of the Jade Mercies (see Stone Palace)

Abbot Wei Zhao
Abbess Bao-Yu
Yao Tu-On
Yao Chun
Yao Ba

Southern Hill Sect

Yellow Mantis
White Chysanthemum
Green Mantis (Dead but important)

Twin-Fisted Eagle Sect

Twin Fisted Eagle
Jade Fist

Bone Breaking Sect
Destroyed and taken over by Drunken Hero Kang

Glorious Death Cult

Led by Supreme Master Tung, who says he is a god of death

DEE AND YUN HU
in Dee, Shen Chun hosted his banquet for the various faction leaders of the Dee Alliance, including Vermillion Sword and the Iron Kings. After pleasantries, Shen Chun signaled his servers to bring the poisoned teas and wine to the Iron Kings. 

He was using two kinds of Poison, one lethal (Murder's special concoction) and one that dulled the mind putting the victims under his control (Corpse Venom). Unfortunately the Iron Kings, famous for their hardiness, were more resistant to such things than Shen Chun anticipated. One of the Iron Kings vomited blood, while two others fell into a daze. The leader, Yao Yun, stood up and demanded to know what was happening to his brothers. 

He and Shen Chun started trading blows immediately, while the rest of the attendees to the banquet watched in silence. 

Shen Chun attacked with Fists of Unbridled Fury but Yao Yun quickly meditated and became like an iron rock. Shen Chun's fists were useless against him. 

The fight ended when Shen Chun paralyzed Yao Yun with Infinite Counter of the Phoenix. 

Vermillion Sword held up a drink and toasted Shen Chun. He then asked Shen Chun what their next steps were. They talked of Vermillion Sword's interest in the Temple of A'zhu, and Shen Chun told him to make his of Dim Witted Chen (who was there as an 'honored guest'). 

Murder came over to Shen Chun then he leaned in and whispered that his men had taken the Iron King's territory gloriously.

After the battle, Shen Chun had Yao Yun and his remaining brother (two of them had died from the poison) shackled and placed in a holding cell. 

In the morning he spoke with Yao Yun.

Shen Chun tried to negotiate a deal with Yao Yun and made some headway, or so it seemed. He asked Yao Yun to work with him if he valued his life. Yao Yun said he would consider it on the condition that he was permitted to kill Murder first. 

But the talk broke down when Yao Yun warned Shen Chun that he had a contingency plan.  He told Shen Chun his champions knew he had come to the banquet and had orders to kill Shen Chun if he didn't return. 

"I don't like threats," Said Shen Chun. 

"Release me and I can assure your safety," said Yao Yun. 

"What assurances can you give me?"

"I can only give me my word. If you release me and give me Murder, I will call them off and work with you. My word is more reliable than Murder's." 

Shen Chun became uneasy with Yao Yun's suggestion. He left and found the other Iron King, who was under the influence of his Corpse Venom. "Who are your champions?"

"How many are there?"

"Three."

"Are they powerful?"

"Yes. They are Flying Dagger, Crescent Moon and Devouring Wasp."

"When will they come?"

"I do not know, they have left Flying Mantis Manor and are no doubt deciding what course of action to take next. I imagine they will soon come here."

Shen Chun decided to leave Dee for their headquarters in Li Fan. He gathered his retinue and placed Jade Priestess in charge of the Baos. He then asked Murder to put out a bounty of 1 Million Spades each on Devouring Wasp, Flying Dagger and Crescent Moon. 

He then took a ship to Yun Hu. As they were boarding he was informed that an odd man was asking to speak to him. He went on deck and saw a man dressed in red with flame-red hair. 

"I am Little Red Mantis and have valuable information and will give it to you for 1 Million Spades. Also, I require that you remove the bounty you've recently taken out."

"What sort of information."

"Information concerning a Spider Demon you had dealings with. I know where she can be found."

"How do you know about the Spider Demon?"

"Where I get my information isn't important."

Shen Chun waved the man away dismissively and told him he was not willing to negotiate. Then left for Yun Hu with Xiaomin, Fearless Dagger, Iron King Yao Kang, and a shackled Iron King Yao Yun. 

When Shen Chun reached Yun he went to speak with Weeping Lotus to ask about the sect and make sure everything was operating smoothly. 

Weeping Lotus gave his report and told him that the Senior Grand Councilor of the Empire was in the city and wanted to speak with Shen Chun. 

Shen Chun went to the government palace with Xiaomin and spoke the Senior Grand Councilor. 

The Senior Grand Councilor received Shen Chun. He told him that the Kushen had united under a powerful king and were building an army, posing a threat to their western borders. "The Empress is reaching out to the various sect leaders. I want to know more about your organization."

They talked about Stone Palace sect. Shen Chun claimed they enjoyed power and money but treated the weak well.

"Are you loyal to the Empress?"

"Yes."

"The time will come for us to defend the borders against the Kushen," Said the Senior Grand Councilor. "My understanding is you are a favorite to rule the martial world after Kang. Would you help us protect the border when the Kushen pose a threat? They have a very large army and their generals are all martial heroes."

Shen Chun said he would help the empire defend against Kushen invaders. 

The Senior Grand Councilor was pleased and dismissed Shen Chun. 

He then went to his new manor on Stone Forest Hill and spoke with Da Mei Mei. There he explained what had transpired in Dee and asked her what they should do with Yao Yun. Da Mei Mei felt he posed too great a risk and suggested killing him, which Shen Chun did. 

They talked about taking control of the Marital World. They discussed their sect's reputation and the need to at least create a veneer of virtue. Da Mei Mei suggested plausible principles given their past history and actions. 

THE SOUTHERN LANDS
Min escaped from the Palace with White-Browed Tiger. They found a passage that led outside of the city where they confronted an Ogre Demon. White-Browed Tiger called forth a cloud of swords that disintegrated the moment they touched the creature. 

The Ogre Demon lashed at them through the bars and White-Browed Tiger once again raised his hands and sent a hail of swords into the body of the Ogre Demon, leaving it dead on the ground. 

As they traveled Min noticed that White-Browed Tiger had a large tattoo of a white tiger on his chest. From there they went to the fields where Min told White-Browed Tiger to wait because they might recognize him in town. 

Min then went back to the inn and told her companions what happened. They talked about the challenge of taking on the Queen and her Ogre Demons. Min and Ong felt that they stood a good chance against the Ogre Demons with the help of White-Browed Tiger, but that it would help to acquire more resources against them. Qui suggested they go south, as he had an idea of where they could find something to help. 

They met up with White-Browed Tiger in the indigo fields and spoke with them. He explained that he was a servant of the Holy Killers in Dee and showed them a number of red orbs (he had gathered his things while he waited for the PCs). In the conversation he hinted he strongly disliked both Dee and the Holy Killers but was duty-bound to serve. His role was binding demons to the orbs and bringing them to the Pavilion of Spirit in the Temple of A'zhu. There the demons were imprisoned to work off their bad karma. He had been sent to the city to capture the Bone Demon Queen.  

He also explained that it was unwise to touch his orbs, that only someone with a tattoo like the one he had on his chest could safely handle them. Qui asked what might help them form better relations with the Holy Killers. White-Browed Tiger said that if they helped him find more demons it would give them more leverage. 

They agreed to work together and headed south to South Wind River (where Qui hoped to find the Jade Tortoise and South Wind King). They decided to go to the Silken Tomb of Gushan and capture a notorious moth demon, to bring to South Wind King as an offering. 

They made their way through the the dense forests, dealing with local tribes a long the way (and avoiding their attempts to use magic upon the party). Then they reached a lake and made a small raft that carried them to the island of the tomb. 

The isle was layered in heavy canopies of silken web. They came to a tomb encased in the webbing and cut open an entrance. Upon the entrance was a depiction of the Enlightened Goddess cutting her hair, which was turning into a person. When they opened the tomb, a massive moth demon flew out from the depths and spit webs on them. Within a matter of moments everyone except for White-Browed Tiger and Min were encased in the threads. 

Min leapt up and walked upon the threads of silk to deliver an attack against the Moth Demon. 

White-Browed Tiger called forth another swarm of swords and let them fly at the moth. He shouted "restrain it!".

Qui freed himself and then the others.

Min used a ritual, dripping her blood onto her hook swords and struck the Moth Demon causing its flesh to burn. 

White-Browed Tiger pulled out an orb and began recitations. 

The Moth Demon swooped down on Min and tried to bite her head but missed. But in that moment she saw that is mouth was filled with spiraled teeth. 

White-Browed Tiger drew the Moth Demon into the orb and they set off for the rest of their journey. 

They made their way into hotter and thicker jungles. After many days, they sensed a presence. An enormous tiger head, the size of a great hall, emerged from the trees, unleashing a roar so powerful they felt the hot breath washing over their skin. Everyone drew their weapons. 

Qui stepped forward and said "We are here to see the South Wind King and have a gift for him."

"Do you have a gift for me?"

"What would you like?"

"What were you going to bring South Wind King?"

"A Demon Moth"

"Then I want a Demon Moth!"

"Yes, of course," Said Qui. "What is your name?"

"I am Suo Pa," said the tiger. "Give me my moth!"

Qui told White-Browed Tiger to give him the moth. White Browed Tiger brought him the orb and said he may harm him due to an enchantment. 

The tiger took the orb in his teeth, it sizzled and departed. 

They decided to use Min's peacock demon demon imprisoned in the conch shell as a gift for South Wind King. They released the Peacock Demon and it groveled before Min and said "What does the master wish for me to do?"

"Give me information. What is your name?"

"Burning Phoenix."

"How long have you been in the shell?"

"For eight months."

Min explained that she was going to gift him to South Wind King, and the Peacock Demon accepted. 

They headed to the South Wind River. They spent many days traveling to the River and searching for the Jade Tortoise. Ong spotted a large island in the middle of the river that sunk beneath the waters. They stalked it and announced their intentions to bring a gift to South Wind King. 

The tortoise rose from the river, water pouring down its side like massive falls. Its head extended to the shore and it opened its mouth saying please enter and bring forth your gift. 

Inside they walked upon a path that lead over a lake to an island with a walled city. They spoke to guards in golden armor who allowed them to bring their gift to the South Wind King. 

"You are about to meet a god, you should be well behaved."

In the center of the city they were brought into an ornate hall made from beautiful white stone. The South Wind King was dressed in flaming armor with blue waves painted upon it. 

They kowtowed and observed all the formalities then presented the gift, releasing the Peacock Demon, which the South Wind King sucked into his palm, forming a shiny pearl prison. 

"This is a worthy gift," Said the South Wind King. 

He thanked them. Qui asked for a private audience, which he was granted. Min and Ong went outside and when they returned, Qui was holding a flaming red sword (the Flaming Dao of Propriety). 

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Asked the South Wind King. 

"I would like to ask a question if I may," Said Ong.

"Yes, speak."

"My name is Ong and I am building a sect temple to Gushan. Can I learn some of your techniques to teach my followers?"

"You are not worthy to teach my techniques," Said the South Wind King. 

Ong bowed quickly and thanked him. 

The rest of the party bowed and left. 

They were escorted to the shore and the tortoise departed. 

They began heading back to the City of the Spiral Crown. Along the way they found themselves surrounded by men who looked like bulls or buffalo. Who demanded they come with them to appear before King Sharp Horn of Wa Meung. 

Ong leapt into the fray and attacked, wounding many of them with his chain whip. The Buffalo men charged to meat the party in battle. White-Browed Tiger used Burning Winds upon them, causing many to catch on fire. 

As the flaming buffalo men died, Qui said to one of them "I will give you a chance to live if you surrender."

Looking over at his burning companions, one of them dropped to his knees and surrendered. 

They spoke with the buffalo men for a time. Ong asked about Lord Sharp Horn, and they said he was the god of Buffalo men. 

Qui told them to guide them through the area. "Ong asked how they felt about Ogre Demons."

"We despise them," they said. 

On the way they agreed to work together to kill the Ogre Demons of the City of the Spiral Crown. The Buffalo men said they would do it as their lives had been spared and were convinced that it would help them reclaim some shred of dignity after losing to the party. 

This is where the session ended. 






























No comments:

Post a Comment