STAR-CROSSED BLADES OF THE GREEN PEONY SESSION XVIII

This is the eighteenth session of our Star-Crossed Blades of the Green Peony campaign for Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate (session I can be found HERE, session II can be found HERE, session III can be found HERE, session IV can be found HERE, Session V can be found HERE, session VI can be found HERE, Session VII can be found HERE, Session VIII can be found HERE, Session IX can be found HERE, Session X can be found HERE, Session XI can be found HERE). Session XII can be found HERE. Session XIII can be found HERE. It is set in Zhang Chang prefecture (which I hope to release a blog entry for). Session XIV can be found HERE. You can find session XV HERE. You can see session XVI HERE. You can see session XVII HERE. In this campaign, every player rolled randomly to determine who their family are, how many siblings they have and whether individual family members are still alive. The players also gave very rough sketches of their background (no more than a few sentences) and I secretly added a "20-year" backstory to each one. I have implemented a special rule in this campaign that every encounter has a 3 in 10 chance of being connected to their secret backstory in some way. Note in this session I was play testing a specific scenario and the players were made aware prior to play.

CHARACTERS

QI YUN (MASTER POET QI YUN): A roaming martial expert who has secretly learned his martial arts from two different masters (and the masters have no knowledge of one another). 

XING GE: A traveling pipa player and the son of Lu Guiying the Iron Flower. His father died when he was five, and his mother married Gongsun Yuan, the chief of Black Parrot Society. Gongsun Yuan despises Xing Ge. 

TU JIN SHI (THUNDER LEGS): A wandering fighter seeking to be the strongest and most upright hero in the region. His father, Tu Haitao sent his mother away when he was young, after being consumed by grief over the passing of Jin Shi's brother, Tian. Shortly after his father died consuming a lethal concoction in a misguided effort to become immortal. 

LU LI (THE UNFILIAL ARCHER): A traveling physician who comes from a family of successful fishermen.

LU LIN: This is Lu Li's younger brother. 

THE RISE OF KING LEOPARD 

The party fled through maze of woods surrounding Black Leopard Villa, but lost their way and ran into the path of a group of the villa's disciples and ladies being led by Tu Jin Shi. 

"What are you doing in my territory!" Tu Jin Shi bellowed. 

A little unsure of what was occurring, the Xing Ge laughed this off as an attempt at humor. Lu Li tried addressing him as Tu Jin Shi, and this made him furious. 

"How dare you speak my enemy's name," Tu Jin Shi screamed. "I am King Leopard and despise Tu Jin Shi!". 

Understanding now that he had been possessed by a Qi Spirit, they looked to the company of disciples surrounding him and saw some were uneasy. There were two Ladies of the sect, easy to distinguish for their white robes and leopard capes. One seemed kept eyeing the escaping slaves, who King Leopard appeared unconcerned with, the other eyed King Leopard and the party*. King Leopard also was not at all interested in the disciples of Black Leopard Villa the players had taken prisoner. When the party looked towards the junior disciples standing near Black Leopard, they saw fear in their eyes. 

"Since you are here anyways," Said King Leopard, "You are welcome to join our growing cause for glory, but if not, you must leave. 

"Our apologies King Leopard," Said Xing Ge. "We did not mean to trespass, but respect your offer, and would like time to think about it. May we return here in a few days?"

"Yes, I will post disciples here to meet with you when that time arrives."

The party bid farewell and departed from the woods. 

Here it must be noted because Tu Jin Shi was possessed by a Qi Spirit, his player was making a Meditation roll each day to determine who was in control of the body. Further, for the first week, they would have no shared knowledge, but as the possession took hold, it would slowly join them into one entity until the Qi Spirit had complete power over him. Another note will be made when Tu Jin Shi successfully gains control of his body (due to a very low Meditation rank, this does not occur for some time). 

The party went to the nearest Imperial Postal Station/Inn, where they used their connections to imprison the sect members they had taken prisoner. Then they had one of their men take the slaves and escort them back to their hometowns. Lu Li and Lu Lin's mother, Hua Mei, was given quarters to rest and recover.

The party then ventured back to Black Leopard Villa with the intent of rescuing Lu Li's father, arriving at the appointed meeting place on the fifth day. They were met there by one of the two Black Leopard Ladies and two junior disciples. Xing Ge and Qi Yun both sensed the same familiar appearance to their master in the Lady, they had seen in Golden Leopard. 

Xing Ge told the lady they wanted to have a duel with King Leopard. This was part of their plan for rescuing Lu Li's father. 

"I am afraid he is meeting with important sect leaders," She said. "I can take you to the gates of the villa and make a request. 

As they walked towards Black Leopard Villa, Xing Ge took the woman aside and spoke with her. She said her title was Eighth Lady of Black Leopard Villa. He mentioned the similarity to Golden Leopard he had seen in her. She was cautious but he earned her trust in the conversation and she revealed that Master Tu Yu, he and Qi Yun's master, was her son. Xing Ge pleaded with her to help them restore Tu Jin Shi. 

"He is too important right now," She said. "I need him. This will benefit your Master. I will place him in charge of our sect."

Xing Ge expressed concern that the longer the possession held, the more risk there was of Tu Jin Shi succumbing permanently to it. She agreed and told him she only needed him for another 8 days or so, after that, she would help them restore him. Xing Ge was still quite concerned about the matter but she assured him she had King Leopard under her control and was laying down a foundation for her son that would benefit them all. She also agreed to release Lu Li's father. In the conversation he also learned that Golden Leopard was Eight Lady's mother, and not a living being anymore. 

When they arrived at the gates, she had the disciples retrieve the father, and told them loudly "These men have agreed to an alliance. We will give them this slave as a show of good faith." 

Lu Li and Lu Lin reunited with their father and the party headed back to the imperial inn. On the way they encountered a swordswoman from Red Claw Gang who asked for directions to Black Leopard Villa, but they directed her towards Thirteen Star Sect instead. 

When they reached the Imperial Inn, Lu Li gave her father and mother two golden taels and said they should no longer resort to banditry. Hua Mei objected, saying it wasn't enough for a life. But Lu Li pointed out this was nonsense. Their father, Jikang, agreed it was plenty and they both left to go back and care for the rest of Lu Li's siblings. 

The party then took a boat to the Town of Laoshi, and from there walked back to the camp of Jade Moon Sabre Sect. When Master Tu Yu saw their Black Leopard Villa prisoners he laughed and mocked them, then kicked the back of the legs and mocked them further before having them sent off to a prison tent. 

Xing Ge told Master Tu Yu about his mother. He was skeptical at first because he did not know for sure she was still alive, but eventually was persuaded. Xing Ge told him about their plan and said they should go back to Black Leopard Villa so he can take over the sect. 

"I always felt I was fated to dominate the martial world!" Master Tu Yu said. He then said taking them as his disciples was a good decision. He looked at the party and screamed "Where is my other new disciples". 

It was quite clear he didn't recognize either of his new disciples by sight, so Qi Yun stepped forward. 

"You you will be my left vanguard!" He said to Qi Yun. "And you will be my right vanguard!" he said to Xing Ge. He then addressed the rest of his disciples and said their new home would be in the Yaoguai Forest.  

They traveled back to Black Leopard Villa, and on the way, they heard word that Hopping Ghost Temple and River Spirit Sect had allied with King Leopard. 

THUNDER LEGS AWAKES 

Ten days after his possession, Tu Jin Shi came to his senses (this was the product of a successful Mediation roll). He awakened inside a pavilion, in a cage, arms and legs shackled. A disciple of Black Leopard Villa gazed at him. He asked how he had got there and look of recognition appeared in the disciples' eyes. In the distance, The Armillary of the Thirteen Stars was burning (this is the headquarters of Thirteen Star Sect). 

"I am sorry for killing Jade Leopard," He said. 

"No need," said the disciple. "She was holding us back. King Leopard has restored our sect to glory and placed us atop the martial world**.

The disciple showed great contempt for Tu Jin Shi and grew angry when he insulted King Leopard. 

"He has made our sect powerful!" She told him. "Do not speak of him in this way or you will have no food today!"

Tu Jin Shi put on his wooden mask, which angered the disciple, who demanded he remove it. But when she went to the Eighth Lady to have her insist it come off, she was told he could wear it as it was a harmless piece of wood. 

Tu Jin Shi learned that the Black Leopard Alliance had destroyed Thirteen Star Sect in a surprise attack, but Blue Star Empress, their leader, had in fact escaped. King Leopard had then inserted himself into the position once held by Blue Star Empress in the prefecture. 

THE RISE AND FALL OF KING LEOPARD 

The party, led by Master Tu Yu and his full retinue, arrived at Black Leopard Villa and met The Eighth Lady at the gates, who then bought them in for an audience. 

When they arrived, King Leopard greeted them amid his disciples. Master Tu Yu bowed respectfully. Eighth Lady nodded to Xing Ge. 

"You all can now pledge your loyalty to me." Said King Leopard. 

"We refuse," Said Xing Ge. "You have been deceived and you are as stupid as the man you have possessed. 

A look of fury crossed over King Leopard's face. "Yes, Tu Jin Shi's idiocy plagues me. But it will pass when I gain full control!"

"Surrender to us now!" Demanded Xing Ge.

"Why should I surrender?" He then pointed to all his disciples who clearly outnumbered them. 

"Because your sect does not support you," Xing Ge said. 

King Leopard charged at Xing Ge. The place filled with a plume of smoke as Xing Ge's Palm of the Dragon attack was unleashed upon the chamber. Within the opaque haze, a blue glow formed into a ball. King Leopard unleashed the orb, striking Eight Lady. She screamed but remained standing. 

In a blink, the room was upon him and he was subdued by a throng of Jade Moon Sabres and Black Leopards. King Leopard had been betrayed by the women of Black Leopard Villa. 

This is where the session ended 

*This information was gained through an Empathy roll. 

**It was clear she didn't mean the whole martial world, just the immediate sphere of influence in the prefecture. 

CLASSIC WEREWOLVES

This is a small variant for the werewolf entry in Strange Tales of New England, meant to capture the feel of classic werewolves from movies like Curse of the Werewolf (1961) and The Wolf Man (1941). The best werewolf movies in my opinion are the original Wolf Man, and the Howling. But most werewolf movies tend to follow the template laid down in films like the latter rather than the former. In the original Wolf Man, Larry Talbot played by Lon Chaney Jr. (the son of the great Lon Chaney), is tormented by his condition. The character appears in a number of Universal films, with Chaney reprising the role, and it seems he is perennially searching for an end to his existence. One major difference between him and more modern werewolves, is while he can bite, he tends to simply strange people to death with brute strength. Some of this was due to production codes at the time. There is a similar tendency in Curse of the Werewolf. It creates a much different style of werewolf, something much more human-like. 

CURSED WEREWOLVES

These are werewolves cursed through a bite, the nature of their birth or conception or through some great evil act of their own, to transform during the light of the full moon. During the full moon, they transform into a human-wolf hybrid (their 'werewolf' form). In werewolf form, they possess enormous strength and stealth. They turn bestial, with sharp canine teeth, and claws at the ends of their fingers, but are human-like enough to be mistaken for men at a distance. When they transform they are completely overcome by a desire to kill, and always target those they care for the most. Note that this stat block is for a creature's werewolf form. In human form they would have normal Wits and all their regular skills and defenses. 

Defenses: Hardiness 7, Evade 8, Wits 2

Key Skills: Bite: 2d10 (4d10 Damage plus infection), Arm Strike:  1d10 (2d10 Damage with claws), Speed: 4d10, Muscle: 4d10 (see Strangulation), Detect: 6d10

Max Wounds: 7

POWERS

Regeneration: In human form they heal all injuries in one day. In werewolf form, they heel 1 wound a round. 

Strangulation: Each round they succeed in making a Muscle roll against Evade, they strangle the target. Targets pass out after two rounds and die in a number of rounds equal to their Hardiness if the werewolf continues strangling. 

Super Strength: They can easily lift heavy objects (up to 600 pounds without rolling Muscle), can break open doors or bend iron bars on a Muscle Roll TN 7, and can roll their Muscle to Strangle or Grapple with foes. 

Contagion: Anyone bitten (not scratched) by a cursed werewolf, becomes a werewolf on the next full moon. 

Stealth: Werewolves blend with the night and it requires two consecutive Detect TN 7 rolls to see them before they attack. 

Immunities: They can only be permanently harmed by silver weapons. Other weapons harm him but are subject to his regeneration ability. In his human form However even if killed, this is not necessarily a permanent state, as they are cursed to rise if full moonlight touches their grave.

Variations: Some cursed werewolves can suppress their transformation in the presence of a true love. Some are also only harmed by silver forged into a weapon from a melted crucifix. Others transform into werewolf form during intense emotional states in addition to transforming during the full moon. 

STRANGE TALES INSPIRATION: WIDOW'S BAY

Widow's Bay is a wonderful new show set in a small New England island. It is unclear in the series whether this is in Maine or Massachusetts, but it is a bit of a throw back to classic horror and classic shows. It is rare I come upon a new show I enjoy so I was skeptical going into this one. Created by Kate Dippold, Widow's Bay is a seamless blend of comedy and horror, with pitch perfect atmosphere for a small New England town. It is also a perfect fit for Strange Tales of New England. 

After my first viewing of the show, I posted by initial thoughts on the podcast (HERE).  I was very impressed, but had fallen asleep in sections because I watched it late at night. Since then I have finished the series and rewatched most of the episodes where I missed things. Going back and rewatching just strengthens my impression of the writing and direction, as well as the performances. I also have to amend my criticism of the accents. When I first watched it, I was a little disappointed at the lack of New England accents in the show. I understand one of the reasons they gave for not including them as much (that the Boston accent is so associated with humor and parody it would affect the tone), but the other explanation (that the accent is basically going away) didn't seem justified (it is a fading accent but still quite prevalent, especially in old isolated towns like this one). But I n
oticed that there are more accents than I caught at first, primarily among the local townies (the show refers to them as hicks, but townies is more the word you would hear in this region I think). 

I decided to do a Widow's Bay inspired one-shot for Strange Tales of New England. I know the basic background, and that the adventure will be a mystery with ticking stakes. I am going to employ an approach to mysteries I have been calling the sediment layer model. This is just an easier way for me to wrap my head around the backstory and clues, where instead of doing a trail of clues chart, I am going to draw a diagram that is a cross-section of sediment layers with the bedrock at the foundation (this is where the backstory and history go). Each layer builds on further history and clues. For example if the bedrock backstory is the spirit of a woman who drowned at sea, perhaps in one of the layer layers, a local writer penned a poem about her (this would serve as a potential clue). This will help me track clues over time as well. It is basically just a visual guide I intend to use for the timeline of strangeness in town over the years. If that doesn't work, I may just use a literal timeline, but this seems like it will give me more space to provide a sense of geography to things. 

Something else I want to incorporate, which was directly inspired by the show, is rumors about the PCs themselves. The adventure is a mystery and so investigation and finding rumors in town are key. The players will be able to go to a local pub and gather gossip. But people will also gossip about them, because this is a provincial Massachusetts town (I am going to use Marblehead as my location). This is what I have so far for handling rumors about the party: 

RUMORS ABOUT THE PCS

Not much has changed since the witch trials in the region. Rumors are silent forces that can bring harm, even death, to the characters. The more they interact with the community, the more they displease locals, the greater the chance people whisper about them. You should use your judgement in deciding what rumors spread and their effects, but you can roll on the following table, sliding results up the more positive an interaction is (so a very positive interaction might be +5). Below are descriptions of different levels of rumor, with an example of what it might mean 

1               Terrible Rumor: The players have committed crimes while in town, perhaps even murder 

2

3               Very Bad rumor: The players are outsiders come to cause problems or dig up dirt to sew discontent 

4

5               Bad rumor: Players are untrustworthy outsiders 

6               Good rumor: The players are reputable and not here to cause problems  

7

8               Very Good rumor: The players are here to help the town

9

10            Great rumor: The players have been making life better for the town since their arrival 

I decided to have my central evil be based on real events. This has opened up a number of interesting possibility for handouts. For example there is a history book about Marblehead written in 1880 that directly mentions the events, and so I will use a portion of this as a handout, but the players can also have access to the book and inspect it for themselves because it is available online. And there was a poem written about the events in the 20th century, which can also serve as a clue that helps create atmosphere. I am going to be playing around with history here, leaning into darker readings of the events to make them more fitting for a horror adventure. 

After the session I should be able to post the adventure itself here.