The Romance of the River Kingdoms

[Dr Simon]

The Romance of the River Kingdoms
From Dictionary.com:
ro·mance
–noun
1. a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting.
2. the colorful world, life, or conditions depicted in such tales.
4. a baseless, made-up story, usually full of exaggeration or fanciful invention

OOC Thread
Rogue's Gallery

Overview
Romance of the River Kingdoms is a D&D 3.5 campaign set in the homebrew World of Conclave. It has a vaguely Asian feel to it, in that it has jade, spirits, fighting styles, elephant-headed gods, divinely-appointed Emperors, rice, bamboo, yen and ancient empires (etc.) but it is not meant as a Fantasy Asia. It has other elements such as worldwide banking and merchant empires, printing presses and clockwork that puts it closer to late 17th century Europe. It also draws upon a range of other influences such as Egypt, Polynesia and Imperial Russia.
Check here for more

The Background
It all begins, as these things often do, with a letter.

Dear Friend,
It is my sad duty to inform you that the Vashti of Cormondal has passed away. From her Last Testament I know that you have, at some point in your life, had dealings with the wise woman, and I’m sure that you will remember her as a sprightly lady, lively beyond her great years, always smiling, who always knew the right thing to do or the right thing to say. She applied the teachings of the great sage Manrupashnar, of charity, humility and respect for others, to her whole life, dedicating herself to helping the less fortunate. Whether you were one of those less fortunate whom she helped, or if you were one of the many people whom she persuaded to help (as only she could), I do not know. However, in my sad duty of executing her will I have discovered a reference to your name, and I can inform you that you may stand to benefit from her estate. You may smile to know that she has appended conditions to your inheriting anything – certainly she could push the definition of ‘charity’ sometimes! I do not yet know what she requires of you, nor what you stand to gain. Her possessions were meagre but her influence was great. I have in my possession a sealed document to be opened at her funeral, and I hereby invite you to attend. It is on the 5th day of Third Month. There is no need to reply.

Your Humble Servant,

Aru Leng, (New) Vashti of Cormondal.

[Dr Simon]

Blackrat as Three Flowers, Human Paladin of Beauty

Walking Dad as Growling Ape, Baboon Nai-nek-chai Spontaneous Druid (swift hunter variant)

Shayuri as Annika, Eagle Nai-nek-chai Sorcerer

Theroc as Shakou, Leopard Nai-nek-chai Rogue

Neurotic as Mystal Mar, Salsham'ai Swordsage

Formerly:
Hafrogman as Dirt, Human Monk

Redclaw as Xielt, Plains Tlaxu Ranger

Rolling Man as Jar'Thol, Salsham'ai Shaman

Passing Maniac as Ying Taramaya ('Raven'), Human Bard

[Dr Simon]

The last of the smoke from the Vashti's funeral pyre has drifted to the heavens. The wizened old husband and wife who serve as Cormondal's official mourners have swept the ashes off the ghat where the cremation took place into the waters of the Anhoi River¹.

The other mourners have gone home. The only figures who remain on the ghat are Aru Leng, already being called the 'Young Vashti', an anhoine man in the robes of a minor administrative clerk² and six disparate-looking individuals, human and otherwise.

"Well, we may as well proceed," says Aru. The clerk hands her a scroll, she breaks open the seal, unrolls it and reads it silently for a moment. "Right, *ahem*

To be read in the event of my death, in the presence of my successor, whatever legal representatives are required and no other individuals except for those known by the names of Three Flowers, Growling Ape, Xielt, Tam the Mystic, Jar'Thol the Wanderer, Annika and Dirt."

Aru Leng pauses to scan the group and make a mental count.

"One missing, but never mind. So...

To the aforementioned individuals I propose a task that I feel is suited to their skills, temperament and the touch of destiny that I see upon them. The old Cormondal Temple has long fallen into ruin, its treasures mostly saved, lost or looted. However, one important ceremonial item, the statue of the Grand Mutta, was hidden and I believe that the aforementioned individuals have the ability to retrieve it. I have left sealed documents with the local Magister Administory to be opened when the statue of the Grand Mutta is successfully returned to my successor, detailing remuneration for performing this task. You may be wise to pay heed to rumours of monsters, spirits or bandits dwelling in or near the ruins, and remember that what you seek can be found between dusk and dawn.

So say I, Vasu Leng, Vashti of Cormondal, Thirty Second Day, Eighth Month, 150th Year of Independence"

His work as witness done, the clerk takes his leave of the group with the smallest required depth of bow. The Young Vashti re-rolls the scroll and taps her chin with it.

"The Old Temple is about a mile upstream along the banks of the Leng," she says. "I was told that there was a flood about thirty years ago and it was deemed unsafe since then. It's up to you whether you'll take the old lady's task. If I know her, your remuneration may well be a homily on the virtues of charity." This last said affectionately. "I'll be here on the funeral platform for the next five days, conducting the necessary prayers. After that, ask for me in the New Temple. What are your thoughts?"

¹ The most common form of Imperial funeral is the cremation. The ashes are then disposed of in a form appropriate to the deceased. The Old Vashti, having ties to the healing powers of water, has been cast into the river.
² His elaborately embroidered silk robes proclaim him to be a Clerk of the Glittering Waters, the second rank of administrative clerk. Quite junior.

OOC

Pick a colour for direct speech from your character. Footnotes will be used for background details from time to time.

[Walking Dad]

Ape does not look at anyone special as he answers the question about his thoughts in respect of the temple and the dangers: "If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub."

Meaning

You can't do anything without risking something.

[The Rolling Man]

Jar'Thol was moved by the funeral ceremony for that late Vashti. During his previous brief stay at Cormondal, he had come love her generous spirit and welcoming manners. Holding back a few tears, he hopes that the water spirits will guide her safely to the wonderful afterlife she deserves.

Originally Posted by Walking Dad

Ape does not look at anyone special as he answers the question about his thoughts in respect of the temple and the dangers: "If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub."

The small salsham'ai seems somewhat amused by Ape's remark and he returns his usual jovial self. "Wisely said stranger but I wonder why we would want tiger cubs. Nothing but trouble, I tell you." Jar'Thol chuckles as he climbs to a higher spot on the river banks. "I'm Jar'Thol by the way but, like our Young Vashti said, some do call me 'The Wanderer'. Let me offer you another saying. Amongst my people, we would say treacherous is the weak branch which holds a sweet fruit." He turns to Aru Leng. "I'm ready to honor the desires of the late Vashti but I wonder why she sending us after a statue. And why did she needed that errand done after her death? Is there anything you can tell us about this statue of Grand Mutta, Young Vashti?"

[Redclaw]

The hair on Xielt's back stands on end at the words of the Salsham'ai. He struggles not to let a threatening growl creep into his voice as he spits back a reply, More trouble than you know, small one, especially for one who would likely be taken for prey.

Slowly pacing along the bank of the river, he lets his feline eyes size up each of the others, taking their measure with the expertise he had gained through years of guiding others through numerous dangers. It seems the old Vashti was as good a judge a character as ever when she selected this group. You all show the trappings of competent explorers, of one sort or another. I am Xielt, guide and hunter, and now a willing member of this expedition.

Decision made, he turns his back on his new companions, regarding them as dealt with, and focuses his predatory gaze on the only one with more information than the rest of them. What can you tell us of these rumors the old Vashti mentioned? What dangers are we most likely to encounter in this temple, and how would we be best advised to deal with them? He can't help letting his whiskers twitch and his teeth show a little as he gives voice to the question.

[Blackrat]

The young handsome man in elaborate clothes stands silently long after the new Vashti has ceased speaking. He looks like a perfectly chiseled statue in his carefully taken pose.

"Many flowers gone
Unknown to me this lady
Winter has now come"

He finally moves with a grace of a dancer to regard the other quests. He looks some of them with contempt that he can't quite hide but finally adresses Jar'Thol. "You knew this lady? The message I got said that I had had dealings with her, but I do not remember ever meeting her. Is there truth to the new Vashti's words?"

[Dr Simon]

"I'm ready to honor the desires of the late Vashti but I wonder why she sending us after a statue. And why did she needed that errand done after her death? Is there anything you can tell us about this statue of Grand Mutta, Young Vashti?"

Aru Leng stares across the river, tapping her chin with the scroll. Finally she replies:

"The Vashti was fond of setting us tasks with no obvious meaning. It was in how we performed the task that the lesson lay. This may be some little teaching exercise of hers from beyond the Veil. " She smiles and shakes her head. "I am sorry, Jar'Thol. Her wisdom eludes me on this occassion. Doubtless it will be made more clear with time.

The statue - I know of it. She told me about it once, but nothing of who or what this 'Grand Mutta' is. The statue is about two feet tall, made of stone. Roughly carved into the shape of a robed woman, standing with hands aloft as if reaching up to the sky. A crescent, or horns, atop her head. Face serene. Strata in the stone has been used to form a white band around her waist.

I was just a girl when she told me, made sure that I was clear on all the details. Curious.... Was she preparing me for this moment?"

[Dr Simon]

What can you tell us of these rumors the old Vashti mentioned? What dangers are we most likely to encounter in this temple, and how would we be best advised to deal with them? He can't help letting his whiskers twitch and his teeth show a little as he gives voice to the question.

"There were bandits there about ten years ago, that I do know, but they were driven out. No-one lives near the temple any more and it is mostly ignored. There have been complaints of livestock being taken from nearby farms, and of course the usual ghost stories. The young of Cormondal dare each other to go close to the old temple. About two months ago one young lad never came back and so they stopped going. Of course, there are also rumours that he ran away from home, so...

I'm afraid there is no clear answer, Master Xielt. Be prepared for anything from nothing, to wild beasts, to restless spirits."

[Walking Dad]

Originally Posted by Redclaw

... It seems the old Vashti was as good a judge a character as ever when she selected this group. You all show the trappings of competent explorers, of one sort or another. I am Xielt, guide and hunter, and now a willing member of this expedition. ...

"They call me Growling Ape. I'm wise in the ways of nature and a jiunsami. My powers lay in tracking and magic. May we travel like the Immortals crossing the sea, each one displaying his/her special feats.

I will aid any of you as I trust the wishes of the old Vashti. I own her more than I am willing to admit."

The male before you is wearing simple, loose fitting clothes without shoes. He has a staff at his side.
His body is very hairy but his hedhair is short and he has no beard. His lips and mouth are a bit pronounced.

[Shayuri]

As the rest of the people gathered talk and get to know each other, one stands aloof. One in a simple garment; a large square of coarse cloth with a hole in the middle for the wearer's head. It drapes loosely around the body and though it covers her from shoulders to knees, there's no evidence that she's wearing anything else save for a wrist ornament that looks like a dark strip of leather coiled around her wrist and forearm, and a leather pouch tied around her left ankle.

Her face is striking; proud and beautiful and wild looking. Even downcast now in respectful mourning, there is defiance around her eyes and lips. Her hair is short and feathered in spiky waves of crimson and orange; a shade matched in her strange eyes.

(visual reference! http://orioto.deviantart.com/art/Phoenix-Witch-62908682 )

As the others get to the task, she moves forward and kneels down on the ghat, hanging her head like a praying penitent.

Finally she gets back to her feet, having reached whatever peace she was seeking, and turns to regard the others.

"When do we leave?" she asks.

[Dr Simon]

Originally Posted by Shayuri

"When do we leave?" she asks.

OOC:The time is late afternoon, about one hour from sunset, should this inform your decision one way or another.

[hafrogman]

Dirt stands silently through the service and watches the others as they spout flowery language back and forth at each other. Each trying to outdo the others in their quest to be inscrutable.

He is briefly aware of how little he fits in with these others, in his patched and threadbare clothing, and his bare feet covered in dirt from the road. But for whatever reason he has been thrust into this quest with these people.

Finally the woman who had been silent speaks.
Finally given a simple question, Dirt provides a simple answer.

"Now."

[Walking Dad]

"I can leave at any time. But I cannot speak for the others. The hawk hunts at day, the owl prefers the night." Ape simply says. "There is virtue in patience and in haste."

[Shayuri]

"Then the world must be full of virtuousness," the red woman says with irony, "For how could anyone avoid it? Just remember that she said to seek the statue between the hours of dusk and dawn."

She pauses, then adds, "I'm Annika."

[Walking Dad]

"The natural world IS full of virtuousness. But I meant, that there are times for patience and times for haste. The difficulty is to see what is approciate." Ape answers with a smile.

[The Rolling Man]

Originally Posted by Xielth

The hair on Xielt's back stands on end at the words of the Salsham'ai. He struggles not to let a threatening growl creep into his voice as he spits back a reply, More trouble than you know, small one, especially for one who would likely be taken for prey.

At these words, Jar'Thol retreat to an even higher spot on the river bank. "A Thousand pardons, master Tlaxu, I meant no offence. I was truly referring to the wild animals and not your own proud race. In the stories of Salsham'ai, we usually avoid the wild felines rather then seek their cubs." He says apologetically with a slight slime.

Originally Posted by Three Flowers

"You knew this lady? The message I got said that I had had dealings with her, but I do not remember ever meeting her. Is there truth to the new Vashti's words?"

"It is not for me to judge the young Vashti's words but there's little doubt in me. The one we mourn today was a good judge of character and she had a way of knowing thing. You say you didn't know her but apparently she knew you. She probably saw your talents and judged you useful for our current endeavour. Besides, if you are here today, it means that, like me, you're at least curious to see where this will lead us."

Originally Posted by Annika

"Then the world must be full of virtuousness," the red woman says with irony, "For how could anyone avoid it? Just remember that she said to seek the statue between the hours of dusk and dawn."

"She also said to pay heed to rumors of bandits, spirits and monsters in or near the ruins. We might be better able to avoid encounters under the cover of darkness but we could also easily fall to an ambush. We could leave early tomorrow morning and explore the ruins at night."

[Dr Simon]

Aru Leng seems faintly amused by the disagreement in the group.

"Whatever you decide, I have instructed the other priestesses at the temple to provide food and lodging for you - neither very sophisticated - for whenever you require," she says.

OOC

Consensus on day or night expedition? Then we can move on.

[hafrogman]

Dirt once again tries to follow the convoluted speech of his new companions as they decend into philosophy once again. He manages to follow a little bit more this time, but it still seems unneccessary. Maybe one word in ten was about the topic at hand.

"She had a purpose, she had faith in us. I say we go see what is there. The night is not a time of fear, only darkness."

ooc

Dirt is for leaving now, why delay? But he won't go alone if everyone else is going to sleep.

[Redclaw]

I agree with the poor one, the uncivilized Tlaxu says. I have always profitted from the Vashti's jobs in the past, and I am ready to profit from this one. Let us be off and find what she had in mind for us. No hunter ever succeeded without leaving his den. No one ever said he was much of a philosopher.