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 The Empire is in danger. The Emperor is dead, and his young heir is a puppet of the scheming Minister of the Right. The Minister of the Left gathers forces to oppose the Minister of the Right - but none know whether it is to defend the throne or seize it, or to carve out a new kingdom from it. The Emperor had another, older child, the true heir - who went missing five years ago while commanding a military expedition. The champions of the downtrodden are restless, and demand reform. And there are those who desire an end to Emperors entirely. Meanwhile, rumors abound that a secret society seeks to restore the former dynasty. These internal concerns may all be dwarfed though, for the Northern barbarians are on the move. This age needs heroes. It needs you. But who shall you side with? What will you make of your destiny? ---------- It is a bright spring day, and the flowers are in bloom all throughout the city. Few of the great boulevards can match the beauty of the Avenue of Blossoms. Pink and white and purple petals float on the cool morning breeze in the golden light of the sun, the brilliant azure sky behind them. The smell of sweet and savory dumplings wafts up from the vendor's carts, and the screen windows of the tea houses are thrown wide. It would be a peaceful, pleasant scene - if not for the noisy demonstration underway just outside the office of the Bulletin of the Court. Torn paper floats through the air, hardly distinguishable from the flower petals. The Bulletin is controlled by the Minister of the Left - or was, until this morning, until it was shut down by a Magistrate whose alliance with the Minister of the Right is an open secret. Now, a court official, backed by neighborhood watchmen - low ranking martial artists and street toughs given a thin veneer of legitimacy by their red and black armbands - waves a document at a stone faced constable. The representatives of other factions stand at the edges of the crowd or watch from nearby tea houses or restaurants, but all are outnumbered by common people just trying to do their daily tasks. Tempers are starting to rise over the obstruction, and the whole situation seems poised on the edge of violence. You have come to Avenue of Blossoms on an errand of your own and found yourselves caught up in the disturbance. What task has been interrupted, and what are you doing now? Welcome to the Jianghu! Please include your character sheets in your first post. Rolls can be made on Orokos or on synirc. OOC thread is here. Comrade Gorbash fucked around with this message at 02:34 on Feb 20, 2014 |
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Feb 17, 2014 21:21
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Dramatis Personæ People and groups in order of importance. Imperial Government Lady Shanxiang [The Heir] - The Emperor's younger daughter, Heir to the Throne of Heaven and Earth. A girl of 11 years, timid and sheltered. Kang Hui [Minister of the Right] - Head of the civilian bureaucracy of the Empire, brother to the late Empress, official guardian of the Heir, known for his schemes and ambition. Called Serpent Hui behind his back, a nickname he is secretly proud of. White Scar [Minister of the Left] - Head of the Empire's military, half-brother of the late Emperor, bastard son of a barbarian princess and the Emperor's father, legitimized. Hot headed, self-assured, and stubborn, a skillful general but poor politician. Clear Skies [Minister of the Center] - Head of the Empire's courts and law enforcement, Venerable and Highest Magistrate of Legal Harmony, chief judge on the Court of the Sun and Moon. The ugliest man in the Empire. Honorable, incorruptible, loyal unto death to the Empire. The Minister of the Center's Subordinates Constable Wei - Head of the Stone Dog Bureau, a man who has the talent to remain unnoticed, Clear Skies' hatchetman. A man with a forgettable face, save for that scar on his jaw. Hawk-Eyed Jun - Clear Skies' personal secretary. Keeper of Clear Skies secrets, his second mind, the one who knows where all the bodies are buried. Sharp featured and wears glasses. Silver Cloud - Clear Skies' son, Captain of the Second Regiment of the the Imperial Guard Cavalry of the Pristine Lake. A rising star in the Court, considered one of the most handsome and fashionable men in the Empire. Reputed to be a master of the sword. Stone Dog Bureau [Group] - A paramilitary police bureau. Provide bodyguards to important officials who don't find their own, also the group deployed to put down internal disturbances, and to support other police bureaus in more combat oriented situations. Considered to be little more than legbreakers by regular police, but very loyal to the Minister of the Center. The Minister of the Left's Minions Assistant Subadministrator Xiao Jin - A very young official who seems to have more influence than one might expect from someone so junior. Possibly overreaching his authority in an attempt to gain power. Brotherhood of the Red and Black Lions [Group] - A gang employed by Assistant Subadministrator Xiao Jin. Possibly has connections to the Triads. Surprisingly good fighters for street toughs. Other Factions Iron-Clad Bureau [Group] - An investigative police bureau. Considered the best investigators and lawkeepers in the Empire, report directly to the Emperor. Small in number. Have an Empire wide mandate, often allowed great freedom of action in their investigations. Lead by Grand Marshal Autumn Moon. Comrade Gorbash fucked around with this message at 18:48 on Mar 29, 2014 |
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Feb 17, 2014 21:22
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Vivacious Yuequote:Name: Vivacious Yue Such a lovely day for a nice stroll in the Avenue of Blossoms--and Vivacious Yue is one of the loveliest blossoms on the Avenue today! Which, thanks to the commotion, isn't the accomplishment that it should be. Ugh, how dare these louts spoil Yue's stroll--and there, they're in the way of the restaurant that serves the very best dumplings, Yue's favorites! Ugh! Without a doubt today is going to be trouble. "Excuse me," Yue proclaims loudly, striding over. "I think you're blocking off traffic and inconveniencing all of these people. And me. Can't you just..." Here, Yue makes a dismissive hand-wave. "Out of the way?"
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Feb 18, 2014 05:42
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Xu Lei "Alright kid, wheel up some more of those tiles! And I could use more plaster!" Xu Lei stands atop the roof of one the Shining Fingernail Teahouse, brushing off the sweat from his bead and admiring the work done so far. A long day's work so far, looks like the plaster is going to settle in just nicely. He just needs to lay out the rest of the tiles for the other side of the roof, and it'll be as if the storm never came down on it at all. A bang-up job, if he could say so himself. Turns out at a time like this, the city's got plenty of jobs for someone with his skillset. Not that it didn't come with it's own problems. Take that mess over there by the Bulletin. Not exactly good for business for the tea house. The Shining Fingernail's owner (and Lei's current employer) figures the same thing, and decides to run out there towards the crowd to complain. From his vantage point up here, Lei sees the thugs and the brewing violence in the midst of that very same crowd. There's no way this will end well. "Actually kid, why don't you get some food for me for when I get back?" He calls back down on the boy below. "Gonna have to keep your master from getting killed so he can pay me!" With that, he leaps from the teahouse towards another rooftop, following the disturbance from above. quote:
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Feb 19, 2014 07:48
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spectator posted:Shu Li The folded paper has a conspicuous feel tucked away inside Li's shirt as he strides along the street. It's not the physical form of the letter that nags at his mind, but the purpose behind it. Lucky Wu Rong is a criminal, should Li really be doing him a favour? The corrupt magistrate fled the city, but had been surprisingly honourable once Li caught up with him. No fight, no pleading or bargaining, just one simple request: to deliver a letter to his family. It still disturbs Li to think about how a man with some honour could sink into corruption in the first place, but he knows there's no unraveling that mystery. He promised he would deliver the letter, and so here he is doing just that. It's a courtesy to the family, if nothing else, he assures himself. "We must not lose sight of honourable action in fighting for its cause". Words he's heard somewhere, though he's too distracted to place them. A growing disturbance stops Li in his tracks before he gets much farther, though. Maybe he can just push his way through the crowd... But no, he's a constable, he has a duty to the public peace. Instead he pushes his way towards the front of the crowd, his fingers going to check that the letter is undisturbed now and then as he jostles his way forward. "Excuse me, constable," he nearly shouts from just behind the flailing arms of an irate court official. "Excuse me, but what's going on here?" He ignores the hostile glares from watchmen and shows his official seal to the constable. The square iron pendant is only a little larger than a coin, but bearing the four-dragon seal of the Iron-Clad Bureau. Like many Bureau constables, Li only wears it around his neck on more official occasions. At times like this, he keeps it tied carefully with a leather string around his forearm, just above the wrist. His baton itself would serve to identify him at least as well as the Iron-Clad sigil, but Li judges tempers to be high enough without him drawing the weapon. Hopefully the constable is savvy enough to recognize the seal. "What's the problem here?" he calls again, trying to convey enough authority to simmer things down for a moment. spectator fucked around with this message at 16:29 on May 1, 2014 |
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Feb 19, 2014 19:18
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K Prime posted:Centipede Hong A shoved body knocks the dumpling right out of Hong's mouth, much to his increasing irritation. He devours the remaining food, quickly, and stands. "Hey, what's the big fuss? Can't a man eat his food in peace?" He looks at the ridiculous scene with an annoyed expression. But merely annoyed. For now. "What the hell is the point of all this? Don't you idiots have something better to do?" He shouts toward the squabbling magistrates and constables. "Go chase thieves or something, it's all you're good for anyway!"
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Feb 20, 2014 01:01
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Zhang was listening to a lecture when everything went poorly. Well, "listening." The scholar wasn't very interesting and, let's be honest, most of what he was saying was rather incorrect, but the serving girl was fairly pretty and he liked the way she smiled at him. And then one rather brutish young man stormed in and started shouting. Something something ministers. Oh dear; politics. Everyone was got so upset and offended by the breach in politeness that most simply stood and left, and that was the end of the lecture. His afternoon quite ruined, Zhang found himself walking towards the demonstration, trying to see what was so important. ProfessorCirno posted:Beautiful Doctor Zhang ProfessorCirno fucked around with this message at 15:10 on Apr 18, 2014 |
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Feb 20, 2014 02:57
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Velyoukai posted:Zhu Qiang Lost nights hide sorrow Solace summons warm kindness A new day begins Qiang bowed his head before his bowl and clapped his hands together twice, giving thanks to the noodle shop's owner, and then to the spirits. His journey seeking the identity of his village's assailants had lead him to this city, a week-long traveling itself from his last place of rest. Though lengthy, he had been blessed with an otherwise pleasant wandering, with no crude bandits seeking to prey on the weak, and no spirits raised to unrest by some foul malice or abandonment. That he had not encountered his long-time mystery opponent yet had him slightly on edge, but equally filled him with appreciation for the simple journey. Now, it was time to enjoy a simple meal in ad- "Hoi! Looks like the magistrate's dogs and the peacekeepers are finally at ends!" Most of the noodle customers were quick to up and leave to get a look at the conflict, but Qiang remained in his seat, slowly sipping and savoring his noodles. While the incident had the potential to be interesting, for sure, Qiang had no desire to immediately throw himself into the line of sight of the local constable or any of his men. He had committed no wrong-doing lately, nor would any take place in the now empty noodle shop while Qiang enjoyed his meal, but should any of the constable's men be veterans with years enough to recognize Qiang's style, or even place some notion of recognition, then he had no desire to rush towards such a thing. Especially not when his old bones had noodles to enjoy~
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Feb 20, 2014 18:26
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The court official, a fresh-faced youth who must have just passed the exams, turns to face Vivacious Yue, waving the waxed sealed and ribbon covered official documents at her. "I cannot just out of the way! Not until this miscarriage of justice is corrected! If you have complaints, take them to-" He's interrupted by the arrival of Shu Li, who has been trying to get his attention. He turns around, his queue whipping around as the toughs make a little space for the man with the baton, eyeing him with unconcealed hostility. The constable takes the opportunity to jump in. "Constable Shu," he says with a slight bow, more an inclining of the head than anything else. The constable is a short man, but broad shouldered, with a common face save for a jagged scar under one eye. He has the symbol of the Stone Dog Bureau tucked into his sash. He takes off his conical straw hat respectfully. "I am Constable Wei. My orders came from Magistrate Chen, of the Second Circle. The Bulletin had been printing seditious-" "Baseless accusations!" The official butts in again, waving his documents, the small black hat atop his head threatening to fall off. "I am Assistant Subadministrator Xiao Jin, and this is an official order to reopen the Bulletin for the business of court, from Administrator Liu Chen, countersigned by Administrator Liu Chan, and witnessed-" Once again he is interrupted, this by the shouts of Centipede Hong - soon joined by numerous others, all demanding that the obstruction of the road be removed so business can be conducted. They in turn are shouted down by the political agitators and factional supporters with slogans and demands. Pushing and shoving starts at the edge of the crowd, and one of the ruffians takes a menacing step towards Constable Wei, who tucks his hand into his coat and adopts a fighting stance without giving ground... "PEOPLE OF YOUZHOU!" A voice shouts from just behind Xu Lei. Looking up, he spots a tall man with fine features standing atop the highest point of the roof. He balances easily, his pose conveying power and confidence, probably not accidentally. The wind blows his spotless white robe as he looks out over the crowd. A murmur passes through the crowd as everyone looks up. "Is that Stone-Leaping Yuan?" "What's going on?" "Hands of the Earth!" "I can't see!" Assistant Subadministrator Xiao Jin slinks away, disappearing behind his hired toughs. Constable Wei stares open mouthed, taken completely by surprise. Confident he has everyone's attention, Stone-Leaping Yuan makes a sweeping gesture with the jian in his right hand. "Is this what the leaders of the Empire offer? Petty squabbles over prestige, fought by duplicitious officials and corrupt police? Do the Ministers of the Right and the Left think so little of their duties that they obstruct the business of the People for such quibbling? And all to control," he points his sword at the Bulletin itself, "this font of lies?" As he speaks, members of the crowd don green headbands and hoods. Beautiful Doctor Zhang finds himself standing right next to a pretty flower seller who pulls a headband and several round, fist sized black orbs out of her basket. The crowd moves uneasily away from these madmen. "I say no more! The Hands of the Earth shall guide us into a new era of justice and peace! Break the chains that bind you! Sweep away the symbols of oppression! Revolution comes to Youzhou, and you witness the first act! Oppose the false emperor, restore the true Empire!" The Hands start running around, lighting smoking torches and bombs. They throw them in through the windows of the Bulletin, and into the buildings near it as well! One lands in Zhu Qiang's bowl of noodles and fizzes. It's about this time that the crowd dissolves into complete chaos. Most common citizens attempt to flee, as do many shopkeepers. Others through smoke bombs back out and try to close their windows against more. In moments the constables and the ruffians are fighting each other and the Hands. Black smoke begins to pour out of the windows of the bulletin. When Xu Lei looks back up, Stone-Leaping Yuan is gone. It's a challenge! You need to do the following things if you want to be big drat heroes - and you should.  You need to overcome the following obstacles: Calm the Crowd! (+6) Needs a social skill, unless you have a clever idea! Save the Shops! (+6) Can use Athletics and kung fu here! Stop the Fight! (+8) Can use Fight or other kung fu here! However there is a time limit to pull this off! If you take too long to clear all of these obstacles, the Bulletin will burn down! [F][I][R][E] You can create aspects or try to overcome obstacles - I would suggest creating aspects first and then trying to overcome, since you need to get a higher total to overcome an obstacle! I won't do an initiative order, but everyone should post once each round, at which point a box on the time track ticks off. If you don't overcome all the obstacles by the time all the time track boxes are filled, you lose!
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Feb 21, 2014 04:28
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Shu Li Stone-Leaping Yuan. Li glares at the instigator during his speech, but things are too well planned and there's no opportunity to stop it before-- --Chaos. There's too much going on, too much to do at once... But Li is not one to panic. His baton is out in a flash and he steps in next to Constable Wei. They need to achieve a firm centre if they're to get anything done. "Line tactics, with me!" he orders every constable in earshot. Inter-bureau rank can be a tricky thing, but this is no time for politicking. Instead he relies on the pressing need of circumstances and the sheer force of his steely will to unite them in common cause. The line is one of the most standard group tactics every constable knows, and Li trusts the others to hold with him as he takes up a defensive posture. Will to create "Riot Tactics" advantage = +1 1 Fate point spent on The Iron-Clad Bureau's Most Relentless Constable = +3 total spectator fucked around with this message at 17:23 on Feb 24, 2014 |
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Feb 21, 2014 16:44
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Vivacious Yue [20:18] <Ridley>: !fudge +4 Athletics [20:18] <Morphball>: Ridley: Athletics: 3 = 4dF(-,-,x,+)+4 As she realizes what she's seeing... "Bombs!" ...Vivacious Yue doesn't hesitate. Leaping into action, the beautiful dancer begins to move her body in what appears to be an impromptu performance, long ribbons of fabric splaying out and spinning in a rapid and near hypnotic pattern. The apparent randomness of the act gives way to sudden clarity as the ribbons lash 'round the scattered bombs and begin to bring them together into one area. Creating the aspect Pile of Bombs, to make disposal easier. MollyMetroid fucked around with this message at 03:41 on Mar 3, 2014 |
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Feb 22, 2014 03:14
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Centipede Hong Hong almost joins the Hands in beating up the useless and incompetent constabulary. Almost. He sees a man almost trampled, and hauls him to his feet. Better to get everyone else (and the witnesses) to safety, then beat up the idiots. "People, please! Do not panic! The street has not moved! You will be safe if you just stay calm and run toward the sun!" Hong stands tall upon an upturned table at the edge of the crowd, projecting authority. "You will be safe if you leave! Please, run toward my voice!" KPrime, -+/-+4 = 3 Rapport to establish Hong as A Man of the People
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Feb 22, 2014 14:32
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Placing an aspect is usually vs +2 unless there is active opposition or some adverse condition that can't be overcome itself. I'll mention those if they come up. Spectator, can you add your character sheet to your first post? Also please put your character name in bold at the top of your posts, it makes it easier for me to make response posts.
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Feb 22, 2014 19:32
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Beautiful Doctor Zhang While the others begin to placate or organize the crowd or head for the bombs, Zhang pauses and collects his energy, relying on his sifu's teachings to spread it outward. Did she not say? All life is a balance; increase the power within, and the world will set itself to maintain equilibrium. Minutes ago there was not a single cloud in the sky. Zhang simply stood there for a moment, eyes closed, focusing inwards...and then outwards. Chi!: 4dF+3 7 I succeed with ALL THE STYLE and apply Moment of Calm Zhang focuses outwards, and pushes it inwards. All around him a bubble seems to grow, invisible; a calmness and focus emanating from within and pushing/pulling out, drawing in negativity and replacing it with peace. It is now raining steadily - and every warrior in the area can feel energy in the rain, absolutely pouring down. Chi Flowing as Rain is also added - it grants us two aspects...but the challenges gain an invoke on it, too! Which I assume just translates to +2 to one of them.
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Feb 24, 2014 02:36
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Zhu Qiang The moment of peace and noodle-tranquility, broken by the stray bombs of yet more stray dogs. Was it to be of such reckless action found in the discontent even in the great and sophisticated cities? And just after he had quietly vowed to protect the shop owner's livelihood from danger... Qiang eyed his sizzling noodles with a displeased frown for a moment longer, then stood up with a heavy sigh. "Let it be so. Kiyam-pan." Outside the noodle shop, Qiang stood and surveyed his chaotic surroundings with a foul glare. The innocent fled from the aimless violence of the discontent while the responsible bickered and fought, leaving only young men and women to act in the name of propriety and sense. For a moment, Qiang despaired, and with his despair came a familiar, smoldering rage. Even in this day and age, even in the city of civilized people, still people acted without a care for their fellows and invited chaos to their homes without the good sense to constrain it! And what did the constables, the louts whose past inactions forced Qiang's own hand in meting justice, do to restore order? They fought in the streets like common thugs- Will to resist Qiang the Red-Mountain Demon (7:29:10 PM) Velyoukai: !r fudge+4 (7:29:11 PM) Krysmbot: Velyoukai, ++//+4 = 6 Enough. Qiang sighed, breathing heavily through his nose. Despite his misgiving for the constables, releasing his wrath upon them would accomplish nothing. Losing himself to his fury would accomplish even less, only adding to the strain that the young undertook to restore order. Qiang opened his eyes and glared at the chaos with a new focus; the sight of a pretty girl's dancing directing the remaining stray bombs immediately called for his attention. "Expertly done." Qiang hummed in approval, then marched forward to stand beneath the focal point of the dancing girl's bombs. He closed his eyes and breathed deep as the bombs reached close to his form, then exploded into action as the first bomb drew into reach. A swift exhale and his hands nearly glowed with Chi! Qiang held solid in place and struck out, seizing the first bomb with a powerful fist and piercing its core with a vicious, Chi-infused jab! His hands soon formed a slow, but static dance of grabbing and forcibly disarming bombs, one by one as the dancing girl's ribbons drew them forth. (8:27:22 PM)Chi to 'disarm' the bombs Velyoukai: !r fudge+3 (8:27:23 PM) Krysmbot: Velyoukai, -/+++3 = 4 Using Aspect: Pile of Bombs for +4 -> +6 Using Aspect: Chi Flowing as Rain for +6 -> +8 Let me know if this is erring~
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Feb 25, 2014 03:37
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Xu Lei "...That guy, huh?" Xu Lei recalls all the rumors about Stone-Leaping Yuan. The Stone Hand of the Earth. A rebel for the people, they call him. Also a big trouble maker who starts a riot like this, where unsuspecting people get caught in the middle and get hurt. Like his employer down below, who really needs to get away from those thugs. Can't worry about the Hands right now. Got a fight to break up. And a fire to quell. Seriously, that's too nice of a building to watch burn down. Lei leaps over to another rooftop, closer to the heat of the battle. Right between the battle lines drawn by the constables and the ruffians, another restaurant is undergoing renovations after the that storm. With a swift kick, he knocks down the structure and rides the collapsing debris to street level. With a mess of wooden planks and iron bars around him, Lei stands between the two fighting sides. And the rain falls. "Let's not do something you're all going to regret." He smiles. "Why don't we all calm down and talk this over?" Crafts to place A Line of Debris between these jerks: +++- +4 = 6
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Feb 27, 2014 19:13
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Ribbons flit through the air as Vivacious Yue leaps gracefully, snatching up smoking and sparking bombs and flinging them into the center of the street, where Zhu Qiang awaits, his practiced strikes snuffing out each and every one, struck out of the air as easily as catching gently falling leaves. As the sun shower called by Beautiful Doctor Zhang's manipulation of chi falls, glinting in the light, the teeming crowd begins to slow, if only to cover their heads and to hear what Centipede Hong is shouting. They are still frightened and angry, and teeter on the edge of renewed chaos. But there is a moment here to be seized. No such moment is found at the doorstep of Bulletin. Shu Li's quick thinking saved the constables from being overrun immediately, but things quickly break down into a wild melee. Constables and street thugs and Hands fight in a three sided battle, only partly impeded by Xu Lei's improvised barrier. But it is at least contained to the street in front of the Bulletin, where before it threatened to spill out across the entire quarter. The Bulletin still burns - the rain may keep the fire from spreading, but inside the old building are stacks and stacks of flammable rice paper. In the distance the ringing bells of the fire companies can be heard, rushing to the blaze, but they won't be able to get inside with a pitched battle going on. The bombs have been defused and the shops saved! Only two more to overcome. The following aspects are in place (underline still have free invokes): Riot Tactics A Man of the People Pile of Bombs Moment of Calm (x2) Chi Flowing as Rain (x2) (enemy invoke) A Line of Debris Don't forget you can only invoke a given aspect once per roll. Calm the Crowd! (+6) Needs a social skill, unless you have a clever idea! Stop the Fight! (+8) Can use Fight or other kung fu here! ∎[I][R][E]
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Feb 28, 2014 02:23
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Xu Lei "I said, CALM DOWN!" Xu Lei takes some of the iron bars from the collapsed scaffolding and hurls it towards the melee. The bars don't exactly hit any of the brawlers, but they sure do catch their attention. "If you're all looking for a fight so badly," He kicks up one of the iron bars into the air, grabs it and holds it up like a quarterstaff. "Why don't you try me? Huh?" He breathes in and out, his chi flows out of his stance like the roots of a great, fast-growing oak. A demon lurks underneath this simple-looking man. Projecting my Chi to Create an Advantage, rattle the thugs and Hands: ++/+ +3 = 6.
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Feb 28, 2014 08:07
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Zhu Qiang "Lethal petals fall / phantom spear plucks rage from flame / Apart, violence sleeps" Qiang seized the last of the bombs and plunged his Chi-laced fingers through its core. With a quiet hum to finish his haiku, he dispersed its ability to explode, then tossed the bombshell into the dirt to lie with its brothers. A quiet brush of hands covered in white flames across his robes and Zhu Qiang brought fist to palm and bowed halfway to the dancing girl. "My thanks for your quick thinking and acrobatics, young lady. You have done well to keep the peace." Qiang rose from his bow and looked to the side. A young man, training and intent clear as a summer's night sky, stood between the fighting taking place between constables and roughs. Good. There had been no desire to involve himself with the constables from the very start, and with that young man's stalwart bravery holding him between the conflict, it appeared Qiang would not need to. Instead... "People, listen to this young Great Name!" Qiang approaches the still, powderkeg crowd, hands extended and palms up, expressing his lack of violence. He gestures around, gathering attention, before focusing it entirely on another young man who had stepped up to quell the din. "He is one who bears the responsibility to defend your lives. Let his words be your guide and let him stand to protect what is dear all, great and small; Your lives are precious, far too precious to be consumed in the panic and madness of these ruffians! Heed his words, people!" Rolling Deceit to further mark Hong as a Great Name, worth heeding in these times of chaos. (I.E. helping make Hong super credible and worth listening to and get going your escort quests in waiting!) (6:36:36 PM) Velyoukai: !r fudge+2 (6:36:37 PM) Krysmbot: Velyoukai, +++++2 = 6 (6:36:42 PM) Velyoukai: que beautiful Something something with Hong's A Man of the People
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Mar 3, 2014 01:49
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Vivacious Yue Being compelled for to keep her Fresh Face pretty and made-up despite the stupid rain. Yue makes a little yelp as it starts raining and hurries for cover - she's not going to let her makeup and clothes get ruined! ...except there's a big fight in the way. "UGH! Why is everyone going to get in my way today! All I wanted was some dumplings!" The dancer pouts, twirling her ribbons above her to form a makeshift protection against the rain. "Everyone is just being so ugh today! Just...get out of the way!" [21:43] <Morphball>: Ridley: 3 = 4dF(x,-,-,+)+4 Generating chi armor, using the ribbons as protection vs rain.
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Mar 3, 2014 03:48
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Shu Li Having the other constables stand with him, few as they are, gives Li the support he needs to take action. Still holding a solid defensive posture, Li presses forward into the street-fighting chaos. He strikes no blow, not yet anyway, as his goal is to quell the violence, to smother it as one would smother a fire with a blanket. His baton become a tool for the moment rather than a weapon, for driving between people and keeping attackers at bay. "Enough! Stop! Go back to your homes!" he calls out by rote, with no real expectation of being heeded. He's jostled and shoved, and awkward by-blows rain off his unyielding stance, but he presses forward still. Li forces himself between scrapping opponents and presses would-be combatants back into their allies, making tight little knots of people momentarily too tangled up to swing a fist. The other constables follow in his wake, holding their line while Li makes himself into a bulwark between angry factions. The sheer volume of hitting, kicking bodies threaten to crush Li back, but he summons up all his might to weather the storm and stand firm. "Step... back!" he insists through gritted teeth. Physique: +4 Adding a free invoke to the Riot Tactics aspect
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Mar 3, 2014 17:18
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Centipede Hong In the moment of quiet, Hong shouts. "PEOPLE! PLEASE! THIS WAY!" He leaps higher into the air and with a grunt of concentration flings out his red sash, momentarily bright against the sky. "FOLLOW YOUR LUCK TO SAFETY!" The sash lashes out again and again, looking like a fluttering signal flag in Hong's lightning hands. KPrime, /-/-+4 = 2 invoking A Moment of Calm and A Man of the People to raise to +6 and get the crowd out of here.
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Mar 4, 2014 00:42
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Beautiful Doctor Zhang While the Storm Phoenix was primarily a defensive style, that didn't mean Zhang was entirely passive. Indeed, with a now fully calm heart and empowered by the rain, he swiftly moves from fight to fight. A block here. A leg sweep there. A hooked elbow turned to a throw every so often. Those who raise their hands to lash out found themselves up against an every moving wall - and those who actually threw punches swiftly found themselves on the ground, at least until they had calmed down. As he moved, the defensive line shifted with him, breaking up would-be fights he disarmed, and using the debris left by Xu Lei to divide the most hot headed. Fight! Break it up, guys!: 4dF+3 1 I tag: Moment of Calm (3), Chi Flowing as Rain (5), A Line of Debris (7), and Riot Tactics (9)
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Mar 4, 2014 02:40
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With the words of Zhu Qiang to support him, the crowd answer's Centipede Hong's direction. Certain now that he has their interests at heart and that matters here will be dealt with, they stream away more or less calmly, and help each other when they stumble instead of trampling heedlessly to escape. Soon enough they have cleared the area, with nothing more than a very interesting story to tell. Meanwhile, Shu Li and Xu Lei hold the line in the ongoing street fight. Vivacious Yue's arrival in the fray gives them a moment of breathing space, and opens the way for Beautiful Doctor Zhang. The combined weight of such skilled youxia is too much for the thugs and the hands, and they fall back before things get any worse - the Hands first, ducking down alleys and around corners, discarding their masks and headbands and becoming anonymous peasants again as they scatter. The thugs maintain better order, staging a counter attack to push the constables back enough that they can flee en masse. One of them, the one who nearly started things by going after Constable Wei, stops to shout at you, shaking his club above his head for emphasis. "You haven't seen the last of the Brotherhood of the Red and Black Lions!" He turns and runs after his fellows before the constables can regroup. A pair of fire companies come running over and begin putting out the fire, the two leaders engaging in a heated argument until they realize that they're saving a government building, and that by working together they can extract an extortionist rate from the clearly flustered white bearded official who comes over to speak to them. The two fire men gleefully turn on the official and set about ruining him - or at least putting a major black mark on his annual report. Constable Wei wipes his brow, tucking his chui back into his belt. "Thank you, Constable Shu. I think those gangsters would have overrun us if you hadn't been here. And your... friends helped as well, though their methods were a little, uh, unorthodox. I have to take care of things here and report back to my superiors, clearly we've gotten thrown into politics up to our noses. I would be honored if you would join me at the Grateful Golden Plum for dinner." The Grateful Golden Plum is one of the best restaurants in the entire city - and well beyond Wei's means. He passes Shu, Yue, Xu Lei, and Zhang calling cards, in such a way that a casual observer would miss it, and so the name on it is hidden. "It would be... enlightening for everyone." He makes a short bow and moves off to check on wounded constables and make sure the fire men don't gouge the official too badly. And there we go! Nice job, all obstacles overcome and you saved the Bulletin! You have some time to talk and introduce yourselves to each other. Four of you got handed cards, but all six of you are invited to the meeting later. ∎∎[R][E]
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Mar 4, 2014 03:56
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Vivacious Yue "Ah, thank you. And, because I was rude earlier, thank you for your praise, grandfather." She bows politely to Zhu Qiang, looking a little ashamed. "I was, uh, caught up in the heat of the moment, really. I am Vivacious Yue!" She seems to expect that people have heard of her.
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Mar 4, 2014 05:41
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Beautiful Doctor Zhang Zhang gives a confident, yet humble smile. It's annoyingly perfect, at least for one person. "It is always a pleasure to help where I am needed. Is it not said, 'a great doctor must vow to rescue the sufferings of all sentient beings'? I am Doctor Zhang, though some add...more to the name. I rather enjoy being enlightened. I would be grateful if you would all welcome me." quote:Beautiful: When Zhang enters a scene, he may place an aspect on an NPC in that scene. He may place either Infatuation or Jealousy with one free invoke on that NPC, or may add a free invoke to either of those aspects if he has placed that aspect on the NPC before. He cannot use this stunt on an NPC who has overcome the aspect I place Jealousy on Ridley's character
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Mar 4, 2014 07:00
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Centipede Hong Hong sees the two prettiest people around chatting and strolls over, because who wouldn't? "Greetings! My family name is Hong and my usage name is Centipede, and I am glad to make your acquaintance!" He bows, fractionally lower than really required. "I am happy that this incident was resolved without harm to anyone who didn't deserve it." Whoops. Maybe keep that last bit quiet next time, Hong. He thinks. They did deserve it, though...
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Mar 4, 2014 12:55
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Xu Lei "Oh." Lei throws away the makeshift staff. "That should do it, then." At least the chaos blows over. He winces at the scuffle between those fire companies, but gives a sigh of relief afterward once they work to save the building. Whether a root of corruption or not, a building of that splendor doesn't deserve to burn for it. Lei takes a moment to glare at the card in his hand, long enough to make out the elaborate handwriting. The Grateful Golden Plum. Now why would anyone from there want anything to do him? Odd. "Ah, well..." He notices Hong bow down, then sees why. Lei turns to the group in a snap, then smiles awkwardly at the two gorgeous figures nearby. "Yes, um, what he said. Hello. Just call me Lei. Carpenter Lei." Idiot, he doesn't have to say what he is! Mitama fucked around with this message at 13:39 on Mar 4, 2014 |
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Mar 4, 2014 13:37
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ProfessorCirno posted:I place Jealousy on Ridley's character Yue can decide if she's jealous of Doctor Zhang on her own. The stunt is for manipulating NPCs, not PCs, and is worded as such because I wouldn't have allowed one that would affect PCs. That being said, I'm pretty sure that's how Yue is going to react anyways.
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Mar 5, 2014 01:00
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Shu Li My friends... Li ponders as constable Wei makes his exit. "Thank you for your help," he says with a bow, acknowledging each of the others and introducing himself in return. "I am Constable Shu Li, of the Iron-Clad Bureau. It's lucky you were here, this city could use more honourable citizens." Li recalls the folded letter, battered now but still tucked into his jacket. The calling card in his hand, too, lingers in his attention--too many unresolved questions for his comfort. "Can I offer anyone tea? If any of the shops around here are back to business, that is. I'd be interested to hear if you know anything about the Red and Black Lions..." spectator fucked around with this message at 12:33 on Mar 5, 2014 |
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Mar 5, 2014 05:42
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Vivacious Yue Yue pointedly ignores the pretty doctor and smiles at the carpenter. "That is a good profession! Very, um...stable! And," turning to Centipede Hong, making a face, "Centipede? Truly? That's a strange name. I'm a dancer, with the Waxing Moon troupe. I would love tea--tea and dumplings! There's a shop over here, just past the whole mess..." Yue totally hopes that the constable will buy her dumplings! Or the carpenter. She's a pretty girl and turning on the charm! And pointedly ignoring the other pretty person. (spectator you forgot to put your character name in bold at the top of your post)
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Mar 5, 2014 07:02
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Zhu Qiang Qiang nods to Yue, and then to Li, bowing his head slightly with open palm pressed to open palm. "My name is Zhu Qiang. Well met, young ones. Your daring and skills speak well for you all, to leap to the aid of the people with such conviction." "Some tea would be lovely. A balm for tense nerves and a fresh field for conversation to venture."
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Mar 6, 2014 01:09
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Beautiful Doctor Zhang "I would be most pleased to accept your invitation to tea, constable. In such chaotic times, fellow warriors of virtue are rare but exceptional friends."
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Mar 7, 2014 01:10
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The Wind Blown Grass Pavilion is only a few doors down. It serves excellent tea and passable dim sum, but is best known for the having a courtyard carefully arranged to create the illusion of taking tea out in the empty steppes of the north. A more-beautiful-than-life part of the steppes. The passing rain squall chased out much of the clientele, but as it passes and the sun comes back out, the staff is out on the steps trying to beat up business. They're more than happy to give you a table, no charge, hoping that the instant local heroes will act as free advertising. And out of a sense of actual gratitude - at least two firebombs were thrown through its front door. You find yourselves seated around a very carefully carved stone table at the center of the atrium, on comfortable chairs tall enough for support but short enough to disappear into the soft, carefully manicured tall grass. A plate of dim sum appears and tea is poured all around, with more promised of each as needed.
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Mar 7, 2014 01:28
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Shu Li "This is more civil. I could almost forget about the city," Li smiles and settles in, though his posture never quite relaxes. He had been hesitant to accept the generosity of the staff--a constable doesn't do his job with the expectation of rewards from citizens--but they had been so eager and really, what was the harm? "I hadn't realized Stone-Leaping Yuan had the Hands of the Earth quite so... organized," he says to no one in particular, simply leaving the open-ended comment hanging while he takes his time with a delicious dumpling.
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Mar 7, 2014 14:53
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Vivacious Yue Finally, finally, dumplings. Delicious, wonderful dumplings. Yue frowns slightly as the constable ruins her dumpling-time with talk of the unpleasantness that nearly prevented her from getting dumplings at all. "Well it makes sense," she ventures. "After all, it's not like there's not unpopular decisions being made by those silly ministers and stuff, and while they argue it's only making life worse for people who are just trying to get by. That's what I've heard, anyway," she adds, devouring another dumpling. "I hear a lot of talk, in my line of work. I'm the star dancer of the Waxing Moon troupe, after all!" She smiles charmingly. Talking about herself is a much more pleasant topic, and hopefully she won't have to listen to any more politics if everyone is telling her how great she is!
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Mar 7, 2014 17:08
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Shu Li "Waxing Moon troupe?" Lei pauses to eye Yue momentarily. He studies her quickly, thinking, his tea forgotten. The moment stretches, while Li considers the reputation of the troupe and what to make of their "star dancer." "Hrmm," is his only response after a short while. Li turns his attention back to the table, and the welcome tea cooling in his hand. Maybe it's nothing, but he makes a mental note of the association and a resolution to keep his eyes open about Yue's role with them, one way or the other. spectator fucked around with this message at 13:31 on Mar 8, 2014 |
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Mar 7, 2014 20:38
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Xu Lei Lei quickly counts the coins in his hand, sets some aside for a tip, then pockets the rest. It's pretty nice for the owner of the Shining Fingernail to give him an advance on his payment. Then again, Lei did save the old man from all that ruckus earlier, plus his store didn't get the worse of those firebombs. A good day's work. "Oh!" He smiles at Yue. "Your troupe passed by my village before! I remember seeing a truly graceful performance that day." Of course, half the time, he was also fixing the wall after a mudslide. His father allowed him to watch eventually, though. "I should have recognized you much sooner. "
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Mar 8, 2014 04:43
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Centipede Hong "ayum harum gulp mmgh" says Hong. Then he swallows, grabs another plate, and tries again. "I'm afraid I've never heard of your troupe." Or much of any troupe at all, minus robbing and killing them... "I'm sure it's a wonderful troupe, though! Do you do "Sunset Over the River Pillars?"
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Mar 8, 2014 14:01
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Vivacious Yue Smiling charmingly, Yue places her hand over Xu Lei's. "If you like you could come see me dance again! All of you. I'm sure you'd be welcome to, once we deal with...whatever this is about." She indicates the calling card. "Did anyone get what that was about? I guess we should look at these, huh?"
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Mar 11, 2014 22:56
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