Tianchao Wangguo Chapter 1: Calm before the storm

[sword-dancer]

Arishan Tüen Li

The dull stone ist full of Taint, the other is webbed in Taint but shines He says

 

[Ariakor]

After thinking for a while, the old monk says: "The ritual of cleansing i can think of consists of two parts, which both must be conducted at the places from which the stones where taken: first the stone has to be cleansed of physical as well as spiritual taint by one knowledgeable in the ways of the spirits. Second the spirit of the holy place to which these stones are connected has to be appeased with an offering in order to undo the wrongs wrought by the servants of the Shadowlands. This offering is depending on the spirit, as far as i can say. some would probably be done with a few fruits and a prayer, but the older, more powerful one could demand something else entirely." He makes a pause, throwing a measuring glance at your captive. "Some require physical objects to change their behaviour, while others want for immaterial things like justice. Whatever you do with him lies in the hands of the Magistrate to decide. If he is willing to guide you to the shrines, so better be it, i think."

 

[Rhialto]

Pan Chou bows. "As a servant of the Empire, it is my duty to see to the well-being of its inhabitants--man and spirit. I will be proud to escort these fine people."

 

[Nephtys]

"And I will do whatever I can to help."

 

[sword-dancer]

Arishan Tüen Li

„I will try to help with the cleansing and to aqppease for the spirits who reside in this places.“

 

[Gez]

« And I'll protect the enlightened souls in their travel and during their cleansing rituals. »

 

[Ariakor]

"Thank you for your offer to help me," the monk says, bowing to you. "The Evil ONes didn't do much damage here to the spirit of this place, but i think you should hurry to get to the other two shrines. An angry spirit grows restless in no time and there is no way to tell whether it would still be friendly towards those that usually broought him offerings or if it succumbs to the maddening taint of the Shadowlands."

He fixes your captive with an intense stare and says: "And you, if you really are repenting what you have done you would be well advised to give them every help possible to you. Though this may not redeem your own soul from the darkness of the Eternal Shadow, it could stil remove the stain you brought upon your family and ancestors before the Heavenly Court."

Hearing this, the man stares intently at the floor, his face showing some kind of fear and despair, as if he just now realized the full extend of what he has done. After a few moments, he says in a small voice: "I am sorry for what i have done and my life and honor is in your hands."

 

[Gez]

« If, with your help, we successfully repair the spiritual damage caused by this vile Baoren, you will have made a decisive step toward redeeming yourself. »

 

[Ariakor]

"I sure will help you in any way i can. Just tell me and i'll show you the way." the prisoner says, head still bowed and eyes to the floor.

 

[Gez]

« Can you identify which stone corresponds to which desecrated shrine ? »