Saturday, April 8, 2017

GAMEMASTERING WUXIA

On the podcast I talk with Kenny about running Wuxia Campaigns. This is the first of several episodes. We will revisit this topic again in the future. 

Kenny and I both run wuxia campaigns but have slightly different approaches to preparation and keeping things flowing at the table. I thought it would be interesting to have a conversation about some of the challenges to running wuxia. 

You can listen to it here: 

Friday, April 7, 2017

DISPOSABLE DISCIPLES SESSION 42: TAKING OF THE SPIRAL THRONE

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


LI FAN 
At the Golden Way headquarters Shen Chun had just finished speaking with Da Mei Mei on the subject of the sect's reputation. He was informed that Iron Clawed Lion King and Beggar Wong were both waiting to speak with him. 

Iron Clawed Lion King bowed in respect and told Shen Chun that he came because he wanted help Shen Chun rise to the top of the martial world. He said they shared an enemy in Kang, who had killed his daughter with the help of Zhi Zhu. He wanted revenge and would pledge his support if Shen Chun helped him obtain it. 

They talked, and Shen Chun told him that he still had important matters to deal with regarding Kang, but would consider it. He also pointed out that Kang seemed to be on the verge of retiring from the Martial World. Iron Clawed Lion King dismissed this as Kang just being eccentric but expressed satisfaction with the meeting and when he left it seemed their organizations would find common ground in the coming months. 

When he was done speaking with Iron Clawed Lion King, Beggar Wong entered and began prodding around his hall. 

"You had asked about Little Red Mantis and his allies?" Beggar Wong asked. 

"Yes."

"I heard they went south."

"Where?"

"Beyond Mount Bao."

Shen Chun then summoned Xiaomin and when she arrived he said "A while ago we were trying to find her father. Do you have a name for me?"

Beggar Wong walked over and whispered "Ping Wu" in his ear. "And the mother is Wu Gaolin, a nun at Purple Lotus Temple."

"Is this well known?"

"Most people of high standing in my sect are aware of it."

Shen Chun told Beggar Wong to ask the chef for whatever he liked and dismissed him. 

"I have the information you asked for but must know your intentions," Shen Chun said to Xiaomin.

"I intend to kill my father."

"What about your mother?"

"I have not given much thought to my mother."

Shen Chun nodded and said "Who your father is could cause problems for us if you take revenge but I will leave it up to you. Your father is Ping Wu."

"I would like twenty days to handle this matter on my own and then I will return."

SOUTH OF HAI'AN
Min, Ong, Qui, White-Browed Tiger and Jagged Blade went with the Buffalo Men to the City of the Spiral Crown. Once in the city they planned their attack. They decided to have Qui go with the Buffalo Men and Jagged Blade to cause a disturbance at the front gate, while the rest of the group would take the hidden exit Min found earlier. Both groups decided to synchronize their actions. 

Qui approached the front gate and saw two Ogre Demons at the front gate, with many others inside the courtyard. He told the buffalo men and Jagged Blade to stay out of view in an alley. Qui then moved toward the gate as if drunk and started banging on the gate with a cup. One of the Ogre Demons walked over and said "What do you think you are doing?"

"Just enjoying the courtyard; any problem?"

The Ogre Demon went to prod him with a spear, but he swiftly backed away and said "Hey are you trying to stick me with your pole?"

"Your not allowed here."

"Can you answer a question for me?"

"What?"

"I heard the Queen is a demon and I have never seen a demon, so maybe you could show me demonic items."

The Ogre Demon charged toward Qui and chased him through the streets. Qui ducked to where his friends were and his men surrounded the Ogre Demon as soon as it came into view. 

Qui said "Drop your weapon and surrender, it isn't worth dying for."

The Ogre Demon threw his spear to the ground and they tied him up, then knocked him out with a few solid blows to the head. 

Qui went back to the gate to do the same thing, but found that another Ogre Demon had taken the post of the one he'd drawn out. 

As soon as they saw him, they gave chase, forcing him to flee. Once again he lead them toward the alley and had his men surround them. However when he told them to surrender, they refused. One of them released a terrible whining sound. 

Qui and his men battled with the Ogre Demons. The buffalo men charged forward and attempted to gore them. They divided into two groups, each taking one of the Ogre Demons on and digging their horns into them. 

The Ogre Demons speared one of the buffalo men. Jagged Blade then cut down the more heavily wounded Ogre Demon. 

Qui swung his sword at the remaining Ogre Demon and missed but the Buffalo Men brought it down with their horns. 


When Qui went back to the gate to continue his method of drawing out the guards, he saw a wave of Ogre Demons marching out of the entrance toward him. He ran with his men into the city bringing the Ogre Demons on a chase as they tried to loop back toward the entrance where two more Ogre Demons had taken up the post. He and his men engaged the Ogre Demons in a massive brawl. 

At the secret entrance Min, Ong and White-Browed Tiger spotted two Ogre Demon guards. Min expressed interest in trapping one of the Ogre Demons in her conch shell. White-Browed Tiger suggested it could be dangerous because of their nature but said they could attempt it with one of his orbs. White-Browed Tiger sat in meditation and a massive wave of energy fell from the heavens, crushing the entryway and pinning the Ogre Demons to the ground while cracking their bones. 

The Ogres got up and the party charged forward. Ong used Lashing Tiger and wrapped the Ogre Demons with his Chain Whip. 

Min used Blazing Hands of Hen-Shi on her hook swords and struck them, causing their flesh to burn. One of the Ogre Demons dropped dead. White-Browed Tiger then used his orb, reciting a sutra and drawing the Ogre Demon into it. 

He held the orb aloft and it swirled with purple and red mist, but also sparked with electric energy, causing hairline cracks to form on its surface. 

Back at the entrance Qui and his men tried to attack their way through the guards. Qui struck at two with the Flaming Dao of Propriety, bursting through their armor and scorching their flesh. 

The Ogre Demons responded by striking at Qui, their attack was like ice striking flame, and his Qi energy bled from his body. 

Min, Ong and White-Browed Tiger then dug through the rubble to find their way into the palace. Min and Ong snuck into the Queen's reception hall where they found a row of Ogre Demons standing before her and a cluster of officials trying to hold the main door shut against an inevitable onslaught. They snuck back down and informed White-Browed Tiger of the situation. 

White-Browed Tiger once again summoned the crushing heavenly energy, collapsing the palace ceiling. 

From outside, Qui and his men witnessed the destruction. 

Rubble poured down into the prison chamber where Ong, Min and White-Browed Tiger were. From the dust, the queen rose up into the sky, her form was enormous and wholly skeletal. 

The party and the Buffalo Men approached her. Ong said "Queen Su Qian, you are herby relieved of your throne and I am commanded to kill you on the orders of Granny Ox Tail."

Her eyes burned red with fire and she said "Do you think that just because you destroyed my palace you can end my reign?"

"I am a servant of Gushan."

"He is the weakest god of all," She replied. 

As they stepped forward to attack she launched ribs at them like massive spears, impaling Ong. 

Min unleashed a a blasting Qi breath causing the Ogre Demon guards to smash against the stones. 

Ong used hands of the Ox Tail, forming heavy blades on his forearms, and cut through several of the Queen's ribs. 

The Buffalo Men and Qui charged forward bringing down the remaining guards at the entrance. Qui made his way to the Queen and struck her with his Jade Valley Fist. As the energy of his attack swirled around her, she launched a rib at him which he dodged. 

"Restrain her!" Shouted White-Browed Tiger. 

Min launched at the Queen with Blade of the Dancing Fox, cutting through her rib cage. 

Ong grabbed the quee with his Chain Whip and White-Browed Tiger held up his orb and recited the sutras, drawing her into it. 

Ong shouted for the king, who stumbled from the rubble and said "Please spare me, I was enchanted!"

Ong then beat the king to death. 

This is where the session ended. 























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. 






























Wednesday, March 29, 2017

BEDROCK PODCAST REVIEWS: A MOMENT OF ROMANCE, TIGRESS OF SHAOLIN AND MY YOUNG AUNTIE

I started a Bedrock Podcast at Podbean where I mainly do reviews and design discussion. Occasionally I also do interviews. You can check it out HERE.

This week I reviewed three movies. The first was My Young Auntie, a classic martial arts comedy directed by Lau Kar-Leung and starring Kara Hui (who won a Best Actress award for her role). This is a very fun movie that brings together numerous genre elements. The fight sequences are great, with strong performances, but there is so much going on in this one, they can be easily overlooked. 



The second was Tigress of Shaolin, directed by Law Kei and also starring Kara Hui. I wasn't as big a fan of this one, though it has some cool concepts and the fight scenes were entertaining. 



The Third was the action film, A Moment of Romance, directed by Benny Chan and starting Andy Lau. This is another classic and well worth checking out. 

Saturday, March 18, 2017

STORMS OF THE MARTIAL WORLD SESSION 15: THE DANCE OF KE-YEN

This was the Fifteenth session of a new Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate campaign. See the THIRTEENTH SESSION LOG to read about the previous session. 

Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate is our wuxia RPG. It is available HERE in PDF. 


Characters
Peng Ke-Yen: Eccentric daughter of a merchant who goes against conventions and is notable for her white and black streaked hair. From Dashen village. 

Peng Pei: Daughter of two low Yen-Li priests. Also from Dashen village. 


Peng Biyu: Peng Pei's mother. 

Zhendao: A former slave of a man named Zhao. 


Shin Du: A performer and actor who is a perfect shot with the bow. 


Song Pei: A one-armed physician.


Sister Fox: Brother Wolf's Sister who is ailing from Life Ebbing Venom. 

Feiyan: A yen-li priestess who is acquainted with Sister Fox. 

The party had recently been in the House of Paper Shadows where they rescued Hero Feng. They debated what to do, knowing that if they didn't bring him to Dawa of the Ten Talismans, then Ke-Yen's agreement would be broken. They decided to head north and trek through the mountains with Hero Feng to Heaven Palace Sect. 

The second day of their journey they awoke to find Zhendao missing with a note that read: 


I lied about sword.  Want tear all Gods from sky.  Will not danger rest for this.  Cave woman told me of symbols carved into hands.  Maybe you can know what they mean?  [Strange Symbols]

No care for Wolf, but Ke Yen should saved at all costs.  You no cower from that or I will know.

They continued on but as they traveled through Hai'an they were approached by men wearing unusual clothing who claimed to be disciples of Majestic Lion Cult. They demanded 300 spades worth of tribute to their Iron Clawed Lion King for safe passage through their territory. 
Iron Clawed Lion King

Shin Du spoke saying "I have something better than mere gold, I have the most exquisite performance for you king."

It was decided the group would go to Majestic Lion Palace to perform for Iron Clawed Lion King. 

They arrived and Shin Du instructed everyone in their roles. It should be noted only Shin Du understood the full array of skills required for such a spectacle and the material they were working with was notoriously terrible. Still Ke-Yen managed to dance exceptionally well and Shin Du, as always, sang and put on athletic feats that dazzled the audience. 

Iron Clawed Lion King stood and approached the group. 

"What a tremendous dancer," He said. "I have never seen such beauty in my life."

He asked for the dancers name and was told she was Ke-Yen. 

Iron Clawed Lion King said he'd like her to join his sect. She said they had matters to deal with. But Shin Du stepped in and promised the group would return for another performance if the Majestic Lion Cult could help guide them to their destination. 

Iron Clawed Lion King agreed. That night they stayed in Majestic Lion Palace and Ke-Yen received fine teas and foods. In the morning there was a sedan chair awaiting her. She refused it, but the guide had it brought for the journey in case she needed it (he explained that Iron Clawed Lion King was concerned her legs would be damaged during the trip). 

The men guided them to Heaven Palace Sect. They brought hero Feng to the entrance and were told to wait. When they reached the central hall the group was brought before Dawa who was wearing a phoenix crown and standing next to a red robe and hat suspended in the air. As hero Feng approached she flicked her wrist and the robes wrapped around him, forcing him to act out the marriage ceremony. When the ceremony was over, she dismissed the party and they debated what to do while in the canyon. 

As the party debated the next course of action, Sister Fox and Shin Du snuck into a shaft above the door and found a small passage leading into Dawa's chamber. Sister Fox hurled bombs of Divine Powder into the room as they consummated their wedding. Dawa was naked except for the talismans. A massive explosion rippled through the chamber and Dawa screamed "Hero Feng, my love!"

Shin Du fired a hail of arrows at her but she climbed into the shaft and struck him with a blue energy attack causing him tremendous pain and cold. He fired another hail of arrows upon her. She swirled her hand, rage burning in her eyes and a blue vortex throttled Shin Du's body, nearly killing him. He leapt forward and gripped the Talismans, then spun her in the air. When she landed it knocked her out. He took the Talismans and left. 

Disciples reacted and chaos broke out in the wake of the explosion. The party, for a time managed to not draw too much attention to themselves and act like they were helping. Shin Du even commanded some guards to head outside and find Dawa. They went to the main chamber and Shin Du asked Qinwen (who was suspended on the wall with all his limbs cut off) how to destroy the Talismans. 

"They cannot be destroyed," he laughed. "They are fundamental to the world."

Shin Du fired an arrow into Qinwen's head to release him from his suffering and joined the group to flee from the area. As they were making their way up the mountain side, disciples called after them and told them to remain where they were. They were chased and ran as best they could. Shin Du fell behind and was encircled. The party leapt to his defense and Song Pei helped him escape by calling forth a plume of smoke. 

They eventually outran the disciples and made it to the Banyan. Along the way, Ke-Yen fashioned a talisman to enhance her dancing as her skills were not that great and she felt she had just been lucky the first time she performed. In seven days they reached Heaven Palace Sect and Ke-Yen performed once again for Iron Clawed Lion King. 

This time he was moved to tears (the player got a 10 on the Talent: Dancing Roll). He walked around the chamber and said:

"Such unspeakable talent. Please join my sect so I may see this dancing every day."

Ke-Yen explained that they had other matters to tend to and that she was already the disciple of another Sifu. 

"Very well," he said. "Then please return for another performance in the future."

Ke-Yen nodded. 

Iron Clawed Lion King announced "I pledge that if anyone harms Ke-Yen's legs, I shall remove theirs." He looked at the party and said "If anyone ever bullies her or gives your group trouble, you can call on me for assistance."

This is where the session ended.