WotG-TearsInTheGrass (Combat Example)

8/11/2019 WotG-TearsInTheGrass (Combat Example)

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Tears in the GrassAn Advanced Combat Example for

Weapons of the Gods.

Cunning Fox King(an expert in two-weapon techniques,and a wanted outlaw) and Prince Stormcloud Nan(a

skilled swordsman and the local clan leader) have long beendeadly enemies - Cunning Fox King being one of

Prince Stormcloud Nans greatest foes, and a constantirritation to his rule. Both are madly in love withShining Moon - a lovely delicate girl who plays theflute so as to bring tears to the eyes of the Yama Kingsthemselves.

She is torn between her exciting and illicit affairwith Cunning Fox King and her elegant and civilizedengagement to Prince Stormcloud.

Cunning Fox King arrives one night, and spirits heraway into the bamboo forests where his gang hidesaround the perimeter, watching for any intruders or

groups of soldiers.Begging Shining Moon to leave her Prince and comeaway with him, to become his Queen of Foxes, TheKing of Foxes makes one final bid to woo her awayfrom his rivals side. She wavers hesitantly and justas she is about to answer, Prince Stormcloud dropsfrom the sky and draws sword.

Shining Moon recognizes the sound of PrinceStormclouds blade, and cries out: Dont fight! I cantstand it! If you fight, and one of you dies, I will surelydie too!

The two men lock eyes for a moment, and a decisionis made and shared. Cunning Fox King said, Loveof my life, we will not fight, but rather talk. Please,play us a tune on your flute to even out our moods.Prince Stormcloud agreed, Yes, my betrothed, pleaseplay us a tune so we might reconcile ourselves withoutblood.

While the coiling feathered serpent of the flutes tunewraps around them, the two men square off for a duelto the death - in absolute silence.

The bamboo forest is silent save for the music of the

flute not even the birds dare sing, for fear of harmingthe melody as the two men begin their engagement,both with words and blades.

[Duel conditions: Neither man can Block, as the sound

will alert Shining Moon. Both men must spend one

Simple Action each round to converse within

Shining Moons hearing range.]

SHINING MOONThe Beautiful-Beyond-Compare Musician,

devised by Benjamin Baugh

Rank/Archetype:Exceptional Woman(20 Destiny) [Not of the Wulin]

Origin:Accomplished Musician

Passion:Joy

(Love of both Cunning Fox King and Stormcloud Nan)

Region:Jin

Attributes/Skills

Note: All Skills have +1 die to their rating unless otherwise noted

MIGHT [Jade Chi] 2

Athletics 1

Fight 2

Hardiness 1

SPEED [Crimson Chi] 2

Dodge 2

Finesse 2

Melee 1

PRESENCE [Gold Chi] 3

Confidence 1

Grace 3

Inspire 3

Perform (Flute) 5* [No Bonus]

Persuade 2

GENIUS [White Chi] 2

Learning 2

Politics 1

WU WEI [Silver Chi] 2

Senses (Hearing) 3* [No Bonus]

ADVANTAGES

Backgrounds:

Good Looks [Perfect Beauty](6)

Status [Exceptional Musician]3 Superior Specialty [Flute](3)

+1 Attribute Point (5)

+3 Skill Points (3)

DISADVANTAGE

Missing Eyes (Blind)

Health

5 points per level.


2/10

CUNNING FOX KINGThe Roguish Bandit Hero, devised by Benjamin Baugh

Rank/Archetype:Third Rank Warrior (120 Destiny)

Virtue (Max/Current):

Xia 0, Kuan 2/3, Yi 5/2, Zhong 1/1, Ba 1/1

Chou 0, Si 0/1, Chan 0, Hen 0/2, Bao 0

Joss:5 Xia, 1 Corrupt.

Origin:Virtuous Bandit Lord

Passion:Major: Joy (Love of Shining Moon).

Region:Yang

Attributes/Skills

Note: All Skills have +1 die to their rating unless otherwise noted.

MIGHT [Jade Chi] 3

Athletics 3

Fight 3Hardiness (Regain Chi) 2*


Initiative (Swords) 4*

Dodge 4

Finesse 2

Melee (Swords) 4*

Ride 2


Confidence 3Grace 1

Inspire 2

Persuade (Honest Speeches) 3*


Learning 1

Politics 2

Tactics 3


Awareness (Ambushes & Danger) 3*Investigation (Caravans) 1*

Stealth 2

ADVANTAGES

Kung Fu Styles:

Lightfoot 3(Common Any Color)

Surefoot1

Run Like A Deer2

Headlong Flying Leap3

Waves Like Water 4(Common Silver)

Sliding Strike1 Fierce Flexible Fence2

Rolling Wave Attack3

Serpent Sword4

Dragon Saber 3(Common Crimson)

Flash of Steel1

Dragon Speed2

Submission to the Earth3

Heavens Thunder 2(Common Jade)

Dragon Wind1

Lashing Torrent2

Golden Temple Bells 2(Common Gold)

Bell-Carrying Sinews1

Hardness of the Bell2

Backgrounds:

Fast (4)

Followers 4

Good Looks (3)

Inventive (3)

Lucky (3) Status [Virtuous Bandit]3

+6 Attribute Points (30)

+15 Skill Points (15).

DISADVANTAGES

Overwhelming Passion (Love)

Hated Foe (Stormcloud Nan)

Weapons

Paired Short Sabers:

Spd +10, Strk +5, Dmg. +5Protection

Chi Aura 3

River 3

Light Armor (-5 to Damage)

Health

21 points per level


3/10

STORMCLOUD NANThe Proud Clan Prince devised by Benjamin Baugh

Rank/Archetype:Third Rank Warrior (125 Destiny)

Virtue (Max/Current):

Xia 5/3, Kuan 0, Yi 0, Zhong 2/1, Ba 3/1

Chou 0/3. Si 0, Chan 0, Hen 0, Bao 0/2


Origin:Straightforward Clan Leader

Passion:Major: Joy (Love of Shining Moon).

Region:Jin

Attributes/Skills

Note: All Skills have +1 die to their rating unless otherwise noted.

MIGHT [Jade Chi] 5

Athletics 3

Fight (Palms) 3*Hardiness (Regain Chi) 3*


Initiative 5

Dodge (Swords) 4*

Melee 5

Ride 3


Confidence 2

Grace 2Inspire 2

Persuade 2


Learning 2

Crafting (Social Order) 3*[No bonus]

Politics 2

Tactics 2


Awareness (Tracking) 5*Investigation (Criminal) 3*

ADVANTAGES

Kung Fu Styles

Lightfoot 3 (Common Any Color)

Surefoot1

Run Like A Deer2

Headlong Flying Leap3

Heart Sword 4 (Uncommon Silver)

Ambition: Soaring Blade1 Brutal: Speed Blade2

Heartless: Sharp Blade3

Clear: Smart Blade4

Eagles Claw 4(Common Crimson)

Quick Rip1

Flashing Talons2

Flesh-Rending Strike3

Wings of Eagles Dawning4

Cloud Mastery 3(Common Jade)

Phantom of the Clouds1 Moon Covered By Clouds2

Flowing Clouds3

Backgrounds:

Affiliation [Nan](5)

Information Broker 1

Possessions [Quality Longsword, Family Armor](9)

Status [Nan Clan Leader]3

Wealth 4

+5 Attribute Points (25)

+27 Skill Points (27)

DISADVANTAGES

Overwhelming Passion (Love)

Hated Foe (Cunning Fox King)

Weapon

Quality Longsword:Spd +5, Strk +15, Dmg. +5

Protection

Chi Aura 3

River 3

Medium Armor (-10 to Damage)

Health

20 points per level.


4/10

ROUND 1

Initiative Cunning Fox King: 9, 6, 6, 5, 5, 1 = 26 (5, 5

goes to River +10 (Weapon Speed) for a total of 36.

Stormcloud: 9, 9, 9, 8, 4, 1 = 39 + 5 (Weapon Speed) for

a total of 43.

Prince Stormcloud Wins Initiative.

Stepping cautiously to his left, his feet crunching

in the fallen leaves, the Cunning Fox King spoke

first, carefully bringing his pair of sabers over his

shoulders into the ready position as his eyes flashed,

and he said: Prince, I would speak with you, so you

know why I oppose you because your people are not

happy.

Stormcloud beetled his fierce black brows, and replied

I should believe you? A bandit and a thief, who

takes what he wants and profits from the losses of my

vassals? Where is the rightness in that? By breaking

the law, you are not showing respect for the way of

things, which only harms everyone.

Fox Kings Free Action Persuade (5 dice): 8, 6, 3, 2, 1= 18. The Prince defends with his Confidence of 3 dice: 6, 5,

2 = 16.

Stormclouds Reply, a Free Action for Persuade (3 dice);

5, 2, 0 = 15. The Fox King rolls his Confidence of 4 dice

for 9, 1, 1, 1 = 31. The Proud Prince of the Nans riposte

is easily resisted by the Fox Kings adherence to the Virtue of

Righteousness!

The King of Foxes wins this exchange, scoring a point for

his Argument he strikes a spark of doubt in the Princes heart.

Stormcloud is no villain, but another hero of the Wulin; he must give

consideration to his foes words, so clearly spoken from the heart.Stormclouds Full Action is to attack with hisHeartless: Sharp Blade technique, which is silentand involves no actual swordplay, instead usingthe sword of his mind; spending 3 Silver Chi, twinduplicates of his family sword strike out from his eyesinto Fox Kings, who reels under the impact. He rollshis Sword Skill (5 dice) and gets 9, 5, 6, 6, 0 fora total of 26+15 for his Quality Swords Strike, fora total of 41! The King of Foxes rolls his Confidenceof 4 dice: 5, 5, 3, 0 for a total of 25. Thats 16 points

difference, or 4 result dice - which means the CunningFox King must roll four fewer dice for any action hetakes in the rest of the round! This can get him killed,but he senses a counter by spending his Gold Chi,he can offset the penalty to some degree, even entirely.He has a Presence of 4, which means he has four Goldto spend. So he opts to spend 3 points and take a 1-diepenalty for the rest of the round, which will drop awaynext round. (Ordinarily, it would be a Critical Successinflicting a Disarming or Maiming Combat Effect;

but as a Weaponless attack, this technique lacks thataspect.)

Rattled, Cunning Fox King counters his foes attackwith his mastery of his twin sabers by Waves LikeWaters Rolling Wave Attack (3 Silver Chi)! Histwin sabers weave so quickly their flashing edgesdazzle the eye and confuse the mind, carefully feelingout his opponents defenses and protection for any

weaknesses!He rolls his 3 dice (he would roll 4, but hes got thatpenalty) plus 1 specialty for a total of 4, getting 9, 9,8, 8. He floats the 8, 8 into his River, and uses the 29,+5 for his paired weapons, + 10 for the Rolling Wave

Attack for a total of 39.

Stormcloud almost blocks with his sword, but thenDodges barely in time, as Shining Moon will hear any

actual sword-on-sword contact using his Lightfoottechnique, Headlong Flying Leap(Spending 3 Chi 2 White and 1 Gold and a Free Action) he sails

backwards away from the terrible weaving sabers. HisDodge of 4, +1 for his Specialty ofDodging Swords, forfive dice: 9, 8, 6, 6, 0 for a total of 26, plus his sailingback through the clearing with a Lightfoot bonus of+10, for a total of 31 not good enough!

Knowing hes in trouble, he opts to spend a die of hisChi Protection, and rolls an 8 Lucky! Instead of 26(which he drops into his River), hes got 28, +10 is 38,which reduces the attack considerably the CunningFox King only rolls one result die, now! He does, fora 13+5 or 18 points of Damage which would bereduced by 10 points by Stormclouds Armor, onlyFox Kings Rolling Wave Attack ignores five points!So Stormcloud takes 13 points, which drops him to

Battered(his arm is bleeding) but all the same hisrage flares, for his lowborn opponent has scored FirstBlood! (On the plus side, they re now far enough awaythat Shining Moon cant smell the blood.)

His Sword leaps to the offense as he invokesAmbition:Soaring Blade(1 Silver Chi), gaining an additionalattack! 6, 5, 4, 2, 0 but wait, he has that 6, 6 in hisRiver for a total of 36, +15 for his Sword, for a totalof 51 a ruinous attack for the Fox King, who thinks

to himself: One should always fear the blade of aNan! That worthy, sliding his swords to point outto his sides, does a triple backwards somersault ontothe tops of the tall bamboo, (using a variantof Headlong Flying Leapfor 3 WhiteChi) rolling his 4 dice (would be5, but he still has that penaltyfrom Stormclouds SwordStare!), getting a9, 8, 7, 2. He


5/10

takes the 8 and combines it with the 8, 8 in his Riverfor 38, +10 for his Lightfoot for a a total of 48;because things are already deadly, adds in two dicefrom his Chi Aura nope, a 4, 1; useless.

The King of Foxes decides to boost his defense withJoss, since his luck can be used on Skill rolls, whichDodge certainly is; he spends two Joss, but the Princenarrows his eyes and Corrupts them, spending two of

his own Joss to counter. The difference is 3 points,for one result die: 7, or 17+5 for his sword for 23points of Damage. Cunning Fox Kings Armor cutsthat number by five points for a total of 18. Nowboth men are bloody, and their hate spirals further asthe King of Foxes looks down from his perch in thestand of bamboo.

The Round ends. Each regains their full Chi Aura anda point of Chi in each color. The Sword Stare penaltydrops to zero for the King of Foxes.

Cunning Fox King:

Jade 3, Crimson 5, Gold 2, White 3, Silver 4. Joss: 3 Xia/1Corrupt. 18 points lost to Wounds:Battered.

Stormcloud Nan:

Jade 5, Crimson 5, Gold 2, White 1, Silver 3. Joss: 3 Xia/1

Corrupt. 13 points lost to Wounds:Battered.

ROUND 2

Initiative Cunning Fox King (6 dice): 6, 6, 8, 8, 8, 4 =

38 (6, 6 goes to River) +10 (Weapon Speed) for a total of 48.

He also invokes Heavens Thunder Dragon Wind, just in case he

needs it, for 1 Jade.

Stormcloud (6 dice): 9, 9, 8, 7, 3, 1 = 29 + 5 (WeaponSpeed) is 34. Stormcloud Invokes Cloud Masterys Flowing

Clouds technique for 3 Jade, which improves his Armor (making

him very hard to hurt at 20 to damage for the round) and

increases his Initiative to 44, which still isnt enough to beat his

wily opponent.

Cunning Fox King Wins Initiative.

The Nan Prince leaps up easily into the stand of

bamboo, alighting on the swaying tips, facing off

with his rival for Shining Moons love, her beautiful

music still playing the beauty of the sound making

a contrast to their murderous gazes and bloodied

bodies.

Lightfoot 2, rolling Athletics as a Free Action against a

difficulty of 18 (4 dice: 8, 6, 5, 2, just making it, spending 2

Gold Chi) and they continue their conversation while the

flute music swirls around them.

Stormcloud pursed his lips

thoughtfully as his eyes

brooded. If my people

are not happy, then

that is merely

life, is it not? We all serve our purposes under heaven

I lead and rule, they follow and support. You, by

stealing, are destroying what little quality of life they

have, for they must work harder to make up for what

you take.

Stormclouds Second and final Free Action is for Persuade (3

dice); 7, 4, 0 = 17. Stormcloud, ever the traditionalist, makes

an appeal based on same. The King of Foxes rolls a 23, simply

snorting in derision before continuing his case.

The Thrice-Clever King of Foxes, snorted and said

For someone who usually knows what is going on in

his territory, you are very ignorant, Prince. I take from

your rich merchant caravans and give the bulk of it to

your neediest people feeding the hungry, paying fo

doctors to heal their ills. Why do you think you have

never caught me? Why? Because your people know

I am helping them, and therefore help me in return

warning me and mine so we evade your patrols. To

be sure, I claim a small portion to feed me and my

men, to continue our work. Heaven withdraws its

favor from the unrighteous as it has from you.

Fox Kings First Free Action Persuade (5 dice): 6, 6, 4

1, 0 = 26. The Prince defends with his Confidence of 3 dice: 8

6, 1 = 18. But his denial, while considerable, fails him a

he belatedly understands why he has never been able to catch the

King. Another point to the Cunning Fox King, who is winning

the Argument... so far.

The King of Foxes thinks quickly, as quickly as he everhas everythings at stake! Not just his life, but hisfuture, his love for Shining Moon everything. Forhis Full Action, he decides to cut loose with everythinghes got he unleashes his Signature Move: Furious

Fox Kings Savage Bite!This is a combination of bothDragon SabersSubmission to the Earth(3 Crimson)

and Waves Like WatersRolling Wave Attack(3 Silver)Rolling his Melee (Swords) 5* for 6 Dice (6, 5, 5, 33, 0), (hed love to float the 3, 3; but he has only onefree slot, so he floats just one 3 into the River, whereits with the 6, 6 already there.) 25+5 for his PairedSabers, +10 for the Silver Chi Modifier for a totalof 40.

Stormcloud cant use his Lightfoot (no Free Actionsleft to use!) so he can only Dodge, which he does for

9, 8, 7, 7, 0, for a total of 27. He throws in two pointsof Joss but the Fox King Corrupts one with his lastremaining point! Stormcloud rolls a 1 useless. Heputs in two dice of Chi Aura - getting a 4, 2... alsouseless. Perhaps the Fox Kings right!

Things are looking bad for the Prince 40 vs. 27 isa difference of 13 points, or 3 result dice, plus 2 forSubmission to the Earthsbonus dice, for 5 dice ofdamage that bypass 5 points of Stormclouds chienhanced Armor! On top of that, he gets a Critica


6/10

Success usually it would be Downing, but the Kingof Foxes is able to choose which one he wants to use in this case he goes for the Disarm, and the NanPrinces Family Sword goes flying landing in thebamboo with a clatter. (Back in the clearing, Shining Moonmisses a note and both men tense but she resumes).

Stormcloud attempts to flow out of the way of thestorm of swords, but they are impossible to evade.

Cunning Fox King rolls 9, 7, 6, 5, 3; he takes the 6,and flows the 6, 6 out of his River with it for 36, +5for his Sabers for a total of 41 points of damage! TheNan Prince is in trouble; he spends his last die of Chi

Aura, and rolls a 1... reducing the 41 to 30 points ofdamage, and then attempts to flow out of the way ofthe attack, but the storm of glittering saber-edges cutinto him from all sides for 15 points of damage (30-15 Armor=15)! Stormcloud is now down to Injured,and will suffer a 5 penalty to all Mobility rolls heattempts with Lightfoot. Finally, Stormcloud has tolose a Chi Flow from the wound he gives up his Gold

Chi, since he doesnt use it for his kung fu. He visiblyshows his rage at losing this round for to lose yourGold Chi breath is to lose your cool!

The Cunning Fox King runs on the leaves of thebamboo grove down to the ground in a twinkling, usingthe Dragon Wind to make his second Free Action,rolling his Athletics 9, 7, 5, 4 for a 19, and positionshimself between Stormcloud and the copse of bamboothat contains the Princes fallen sword - crossing hisgleaming swords in front of him, dropping back ontoone heel, the picture of combat readiness.

The Prince, having clearly lost this engagement, insteaddecides to Regain his Jade Chi. Spending his full action,he brings his cupped palms from apart to meet in frontof his midsection, drinking in the local Chi from thesurrounding Wood of the Bamboo grove hes standingon. Given that its a little more challenging than usual,

he has to beat an 18 (Everyday Difficulty), and gets a9, 2, 2, 2, 0, for a total of 32. 32-18 is 14 points, orthree result dice; he regains all three Jade he spent atthe beginning of the round.

The Round ends. Each regains their full Chi Aura and

a point of Chi in each color.Cunning Fox King:

Jade 3, Crimson 3, Gold 2, White 3, Silver 2. Joss: 3 Xia/0

Corrupt. 18 points lost to Wounds:Battered.

Stormcloud Nan:

Jade 5, Crimson 5, Gold X, White 2, Silver 4. Joss: 1 Xia/1

Corrupt. 28 points lost to Wounds:Injured.

Shining Moon:

Awareness that Something Might Be Going On: 1.

(If it gets to 4 , shell knowtheres a fight going on!)

The Debate Between the Rivals:

2 points in Cunning Fox Kings Favor.

ROUND 3

Initiative Cunning Fox King (6 dice): 7, 6, 5, 9, 9 =

29+10 (Weapon Speed) for a total of 39.

Stormcloud (6 dice): 9, 8, 5, 4, 3, 2 = 19 + 5 (WeaponSpeed) is 24. He decides not to use any techniques, as the tide of

battle is against him on this front.

Cunning Fox King Wins Initiative.

The King of Foxes gazes calmly at his opponent,

saying So now here we are. We both love the

same woman, who has a decision to make where

she wants her life to go. And so it affects us; we

cannot exist together, when so much of what we

are is opposed. And this is a sad thing, for we are

both warriors of the Wulin. We should be fighting

on the same side, not with each other! The Hell Clan

is infiltrating every court; your Emperor casts a longshadow over the whole of Shen Zhou; corrupt and

selfish heroes follow their egos at every turn. And I

do not, for the record, think you are one of those,

Prince we may not get along, you and I, but I think

you are merely blind to the woes in your lands, rather

than malicious. So what are we to do? I fight for

everyones happiness; you fight only for order. Allow

Shining Moon to follow her heart.

Fox Kings First Free Action Persuade (5 dice): 9, 7, 7, 3,

2 = 27. The Prince defends with his Confidence of 3 dice: 9, 5,

2 = 19. The Princes rage cools for his brother in the Wulin

is making sense.

I admit, said the Prince slowly, gathering his

thoughts, that you speak sense. It is indeed possible

that I have been missing things going on under my

nose. And yes, it is one of my responsibilities to

ensure that my people are happier; on that point,

you have convinced me. I hereby swear to look into

these matters and ensure that my people have some

happiness at the end of the day; on this you have my

word. But still

He turns and looks fondly at the beautiful musicianwho is flawlessly improvising on her theme.

There is a further matter of happiness, beyond that

of my people. You and I, he said, turning to look

his foe in the eye, will not reach an accommodation

beyond what we establish here; one of us will

concede to the other, and leave. Our

happiness is not resolvable beyond

that, but Shining Moons is.

I put forth to you that

I am better able to

see to Moons


7/10

happiness; as my wife, she will have her every need

met, not just of body but of heart. I love her beyond

any other, Fox; you can see that for yourself. With

you, she will always be on the move, never know the

respect that could be hers, to have the happiness that

is her due from her talent and skill. Leave her to me

I can give her a better life. You know I will.

Stormclouds First Free Action is for Persuade (3 dice); 8,

5, 0 = 18. Stormcloud spends a Joss for an additional die (and

the Cunning Fox King does not interfere, saving it for later),and gains another 0, for a 20. The Cunning Fox King rolls his

Confidence (4 dice), gaining 9, 8, 3, 0, for a 19. The Cunning

Fox King wavers his foes honor, his obvious adoration of

Shining Moon how could he not be moved? Prince Stormcloud

scores a point in their Argument, as well as gaining a point of Xia

Joss for succeeding with tens, restoring the point he had spent.

The King of Foxes stirs himself finding his ardor tokill his opponent, to revel in his death gone. Nowthere is only necessity; for though the Prince is a manof honor, there is still the challenge at hand. How

could he simply leave? No, he must defeat the Prince,both in words and blades.

Moving smoothly, he whirls his paired sabers in adeadly dance in the Flash of Steel technique of theDragon Saber (1 Crimson), increasing his Strike by+10 to a +15. He rolls his Melee (Sword) pool of6 dice, getting 9, 9,5, 4, 4 he slots the 4, 4 into hisRiver (where the 3 still waits) and adds 15 to his baseof 29 for a total of 44.

But wait! The Prince, unarmed though he may be, ishardly defenseless; before the Fox King even begins his

attack, he slides effortlessly into the Moon CoveredBy Clouds(2 Jade) stance, becoming invisible to hisopponents Awareness and therefore harder to hit:-10 from the Fox Kings Strike, leaving him with onlya 34. Stormcloud Dodges, adding two of his Chi Auraand rolls 7, 5, 5, 3, 1, 1, 1. He pauses hell get hit!He decides to commit his last Chi Aura, and rolls a5! He uses the 35 to evade the Fox Kings attack, andslots the 1, 1, 1 into his River!

The Prince counter-attacks! His arms rise high like aneagles wings, his fingers clawing like talons downwards its theWings of Eagles DawningStrike! He spends4 Crimson Chi and rolls his Fight (Palms) dice fivein all getting a 7, 7, 3, 3, 1. Its too bad really hecant save ANY of those dice but he doesnt care, as

he takes the 1, 1, 1 out of his River for a 41+10 for his technique bonus for a total

of 51! The King of Foxes cannotblock and attempts to

Dodge instead, spendingall 3 of his Chi

Aura, getting a 9, 9, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0. He has only 30He rolls all three Joss (one of which is Corrupted bythe Prince with his last Joss of that type), and rolls twomore dice he gets a further 9, 5, for a 39 (he washeshis River empty, then flows the 0, 0, 0 into it).

The Fox King is hit with 12 points, for 3 result dicegaining a 4, 2, 2 for a 22 points of damage but he

invokes his Golden Temple Bells technique, Hardness

of the Bell(2 Gold), and adds +10 to his existinglight Armor for 15 damage so only takes 7 pointsof Damage (hes now Injured, too!), but his foesinterweaving talon strikes has Disarmed him andone of his sabers falls upon a rock, making a metallicclang! The Fox Kings eyes snap to the sound, horrifiedthat Moon might hear.

This is worth 3 Awareness Points for Shining Moon, who

makes a Senses (Hearing) roll if she gains a Critical Success

then all three points accrue; if a Standard, only 2, and a failure

will garner only one. The Difficulty is only 10 it was so

obvious! She scores an 8, 7, 5, 1 for an 18 a standard success

Her Awareness is now 3, and if theres one more slip on the part of

the combatants, the jig is up. She does not falter in her playing

but the tune shifts it becomes a mournful but stirring melody,

bespeaking of sorrow and the terror of loss.

Something hits the Cunning Fox King in the chesteven though he reflexively tries to evade it. He fallsbut is caught by the Prince before he can hit the groundTheres something sticking out of his chest his ownsaber? Red with his own hearts blood? How can thishave happened? He didnt see it coming

He looks up into Stormclouds eyes, which areno longer filled with cold resolve but somethingapproaching compassion. He suddenly sees it replayin his minds eye How when the Prince disarmedhim, Stormclouds right hand darted out at the lastsecond and caught the flying saber hilt, then smoothlyreversed the sword and stabbed it into his chest. Forsuch is the power of Eagle Claw kung fu: if talons arenot enough, it can capture its foes own weapon anduses it against him!

The King had not expected his foe would be so good atunarmed combat, assuming that he was only a master

of the sword, as the Nan so commonly are. Hes justthis side of mortally wounded, but theres no way hecan truly escape this time - hes held by his foe, and alof his Chi save for Jade and Silver is shut down. TheFox is at the mercy of the Eagle.

Wings of Eagles Dawningallows an Additional Attackwith a captured weapon (from a Critical Success), soStormcloud slides the saber into the Fox Kings ribsusing Clear: Smart Bladeand rolls his Melee (Sword)and gets a 9, 9, 9, 7, 3, 0; he spends his last Joss for


8/10

another 7 (the 7, 7 goes into his River) the Fox Kingtries to abortively Dodge, scoring a 9, 7, 6, 2, 2.

Instead of settling for the 22, he brings the 0, 0, 0out of his River instead a 30 is better! But it getsreduced by 10 by the Princes Heart Sword Skill, downto 20 a total of 19 points, or 4 result dice. ThePrince rolls, and gets 7, 7, 2, 1 and then brings outthe 7, 7 from the River for a total of 47, +5 for the

Sabers damage modifier (a single Saber has no Strikebonus), for a total of 52 points of Damage.

The Fox King takes every single point for Clear:Smart Bladeflawlessly penetrates 15 points of Armor,utterly negating the King of Foxes Light Armor andHardness of the Bell. The Cunning Fox King is now

at 77 Health, or Staggeringly Wounded. Three colors ofChi are shut down - he really doesnt have much of achance against the much more hale Nan Prince.

The Round ends. Each regains their full Chi Aura anda point of Chi in each color.

Cunning Fox King:Jade 4, Crimson X/1, Gold X, White X, Silver 2. Joss: 0 Xia/0

Corrupt. 77 points lost to Wounds: Staggering.

Stormcloud Nan:

Jade 4, Crimson 2, Gold X, White 2, Silver 1. Joss: 0 Xia/1

Corrupt. 28 points lost to Wounds:Injured.

Shining Moon:

Awareness That Something Might Be Going On: 3.

The Debate Between the Rivals:

2 points in Cunning Fox Kings Favor, 1 point for Prince

Stormcloud.

ROUND 4

Initiative: Postponed. Its not clear actual combat will occur.

The Cunning Fox King spends a point of Jade Chi to

steady his breathing and voice so he can speak normally, even

considering his wounds.

Prince I admit that you are better positioned than

I, in terms of Wealth. You can certainly provide a

comfortable existence but what of quality of life?

As my queen, she will be able to inspire the hearts

of all, as we go about the land receiving her due

directly, from people in closest touch with the land.

If she stays with you, she would be a bird in a gilded

cage, only able to perform for the richest of nobles

and other exalted guests. You too can see my love for

her for how can one quantify how much love one has

for another? Only by making the choices that show

your love by letting them choose for themselves.

Fox Kings First Free Action Persuade (5 dice): 9, 9, 7,

7, 0 is 29 - 10 for Wounds = 19. The Prince resists with his

Confidence of 3 dice, 1, 0, 0 for 20. Stormcloud resists the bid

and gains a Xia Joss as well.

My brother I know in my heart that she was

going to choose me. But more than that, for in the

disagreement between you and me, there is this

that I can make the changes that you yourself claim

you are devoted to. Indeed, this discussion, more

than any other means of resolving differences, has

convinced me. You have brought me to your point of

view. Indeed, I have a proposal.

The Fox King is understandably baffled the Prince

doesnt mean to kill him? A proposal? He waits, as he can do

little else. He does not have to wait, as the Prince explains.

The saying goes, All men are brothers in the Wulin;

it is sad how often we forget that. But listen: it is a poor

brother who does not aid another in need. I need your

help... I need you to go back to what you were doing.

Only give me a little time, say three months. Watch

my lands closely during that time; if you do not see

me keeping my word to you, then return to exactly

what you were doing before. If you are satisfied that I

am a man of my word, then go and remonstrate with

another noble who has lost sight of his obligations.

What do you say?

The Princes First Free Action Persuade (3 dice, plus

he spends his one Xia Joss): 7, 7, 6, 3 is 27. The Fox King

resists with his Confidence of 4 dice, 8, 6, 6, 0 for 26, -10

for his Wounds for a total of 16.. Stormcloud gains a Critical

Success, and on top of that, scores a Deed! By both cleaving to

the path of Wuxia Virtue, amending his beliefs and setting his

challenger free, he has attained a Deed of Kuan, or Benevolence

both to his people (for his recognizing his responsibilities) and

to the Cunning Fox King himself setting free a brother of theWulin! He gains both a point of Destiny and two Xia Joss.

The Cunning Fox King looks into his rivals eyes,holds his gaze... then nods.

The Prince helps the King of Foxes to his feet, whoinclines his head and offers the gesture of respect,which Stormcloud returns. The flute music windsaround him, still sad, as he watches the Bandit Lordwalk unsteadily down the mountainside to his waitingfollowers, knowing that with time his former rival inlove, his brother in the Wulin, will fully heal.

The Scene ends.


9/10

AFTERMATH

Stormcloud feels a load lift from his shoulders hedid not kill this day, and regained a brother butthere is one last matter. He turns, saying, Moon,I but does not get to complete his sentence; beforehe finishes turning, he glimpses Shining Moon, whocalmly interrupts her playing to twist the end of hersilver flute. Long, curved, discolored blades scythe in

a spiral out of the barrel of the instrument. There is aclick as aerodynamic vanes pop out of its midsectionwhile the blades lock into place.

He can only watch in complete disbelief as the blindwoman, without even looking at him, throws the flute and it flies, far faster than it should, with inhumanaccuracy to the hollow of his throat, cutting off hiswords.

He barely begins to Dodge, spending all of his Joss, only

it is all corrupted and the flute arcs in midair to his throat,

ignoring his attempt to evade. Were he whole, with his swordin hand - then it would be another matter.

He feels his blood leaving him jetting grotesquelyout of the end of the flute with each pump of hisheart.

He thinks brokenly to himself, She must be using Purple

Lotus Sap it prevents clotting. Ive only ever heard of

itHe forces himself to focus.

He feels her presence standing above him, and turnshis head; he is surprised that it doesnt hurt. But then

theres no pain, indeed no feeling at all.My Prince I am sorry.

The Prince gathers his will, and uses one of his last

remaining breaths, spending a Jade Chi to speak normally,

just as the Fox King did earlier.

Moon why? I solved everything proved my lovewas greater! Was your love false?

Her unseeing eyes look into his, her perfect facethe very picture of heart-deep sorrow mixed withresignation.

My love, were things so simple. I know you dont havemuch time, but listen I am an Invisible Hell Killer.

The Prince musters his next breath, spending another Jade.

One of the Emperors Secret Assassins?I dont understand surely he

knows I am loyal!

His confused betrayalpains her heart.

That is the heart of the matter, Love you areloyal. But you are of the Wulin you always had thepotential to go rogue. The Emperors Predictionistsare very skilled they foresaw a day when two warriorsof the Wulin in this very area would prove to be asignificant stumbling block to his plans. He foresawthis five years ago. It was only three days ago, once hehad ascertained it was you two, that he gave the order

for your deaths.The Prince breathes his next to last breath, spending a Jade

But but you have always lived here! How wereyou trained? I would have known you were one ous...

The Emperor sent the Nameless Minister thegreatest of his Metal Liquid Delegates, who alwaysknows his Majestys Will no matter where he is in ShenZhou. He trained me in flute playing, in the Secret

Art of Jing Shen Sight, in Darkened Flying Edgeskung fu he made me what I am, from an orphan girchild who was about to be sold to a brothel. And youknow as well as I that kung fu can only be detected ifit is used

The Prince breathes his last breath, spending his final Jade

So it was all a lie, then. You never loved the King ofFoxes, never loved me Tears leak out of the cornersof his eyes.

He closes his eyes to die, feeling the world shrinkingaway from him

Thats just it, Stormcloud to be an Invisible HelKiller is not to be false, but to be exactly as you areThat was to be my answer to Fox that I would notleave you, my love for you was too great. My only regretis that my duty to the Emperor was greater still.

All dwindled away, he could no longer hearcould no longer see only feel the breeze onhis cheek, his face upturned to the blind skyThe last thing he knew of life was her tears.


10/10

The Woman in the Middle, revealed for what she is!

SHINING MOONThe Truth behind the Mask of the Beautiful-Beyond-Compare

Musician, devised by Benjamin Baugh

Rank/Archetype:

Third Rank Warrior (125 Destiny)

Virtue (Max/Current):Xia 0, Kuan 2/2, Yi 0/2, Zhong 5/3, Ba 3/1 Chou 0, Si 0, Chan 0, Hen 0/3, Bao 0


Origin:Orphan / Accomplished Musician

Passion:Grief (At Necessity of killing both CunningFox King and Stormcloud Nan).

Region:Jin

ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

(Note: All Skills have +1 die to their rating unless otherwise noted.)

MIGHT [Jade Chi] 2

Athletics 2

Fight 4 [open hands 2]No Bonus

Hardiness 2


Initiative 4

Dodge 4

Finesse 4

Melee 2

PRESENCE [Gold Chi] 3Confidence 3

Grace 3

Inspire 3

Perform 5 [flute 1]No Bonus

Persuade 2


Learning 3

Politics 3

WU WEI [Silver Chi] 5Awareness 5

Investigation 1

Ranged 5 [thrown 2]No Bonus

Senses 3 [hearing 2]

Stealth 5

ADVANTAGES

Kung Fu Styles

Lightfoot 3(Common Any Chi)

Surefoot 1

Run Like a Deer 2

Headlong Flying Leap 3

Perfect Aim 3(Common White Chi)

Eagle Eye 1 Palpable Hit 2

Unerring Flight 3

Darkened Flying Edges 3(Uncommon Silver Chi)

All Edges Return 1

Diamond Dagger Dart 2

Assassins Long Reach 3

Eagle Claw 3(Common Crimson Chi)

Quick Rip 1

Flashing Talons 2

Flesh-Rending Strike 3

Backgrounds

Affiliation 3 [Secret Society - Invisible Hell Killers]

Good Looks [Perfect]

Possession [Quality Kung Fu Weapon: Death Flute]

Status 3 [Reputable Musician]

Superior Specialty [Flautist]

Secret Arts

Basic Secret Arts

Basic Prediction Skills Extraordinary Predictionist Technique:

Jing Shen Sight.

DISADVANTAGES

Missing Eyes: Blind, Onerous Obligation

Protection

Chi Aura 3, River 3, Light Armor (-5 to Damage).Health

19 points per level.

WotG-TearsInTheGrass (Combat Example)

Documents