Shu

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

Fujiko of Karitu

"My people say a good woman is worth her weight in jade but I always prefered steel."

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She does not have a tail, you are hallucinating :P ___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age 27 Race Honfokun Sex Female Height 168cm 5'6" Weight 56kg (123.5lbs) Level 1 Health Points 28 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y - A bedroll - 5 days of basic dried rations - A couple of changes of clothes - A leather waterskin - Weapons and armour (as below) ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - A simple katana - A one-bladed Kusarigama - Fujiko wear leather armour to facilitate swift and easy movement but it is reinforced with thin strips of iron over her shoulders, clavicles, neck and hip. ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Might: 14 = 10 + 4 Dexterity: 13 = 10 + 2 + 1 (racial bonus) Perception: 13 = 10 + 1 + 2 (racial bonus) Wisdom: 14 = 10 + 2 + 2 (racial bonus) Charisma: 10 = 10 Constitution: 14 = 10 + 3 + 1 (racial bonus)

____________________________________________________________________________ APPEARANCE Standing at an average height for her race, Fujiko has a slender figure. Her skin is a red-tinged brown, the red hue becomes more prominent in natural light but in darker settings her skin can deceptively appear as a light brown. She has 2 large horns that emerge from the front of her forehead that curl back slightly with the shape of her head. The tips of her horns are painted black and she has a thin gold chain on each horn connected on both ends of the horn causing it to make a dangling arch underneath each of them and another chain dangling from the very end of each of her horns. Fujiko's face has rather sharp features. She has high and well defined cheek bones. Her eyes are small and almond shaped. She has hooded eyelids and her iris' are a almost translucent-appearing Amber. She has thin pink lips and a small nose. She has pointed ears which sport simple gold piercings all down their edges. She has thick, slightly wavy raven black hair that reaches just below her elbow. She usually wears it in a ponytail or a braid and rarely leaves it down. ____________________________________________________________________________ BACKSTORY Fujiko was raised in a rather traditional Honfokun home by the waters that border the city of Karitu. She is the third of Tarisu and Hineko's 4 children- having an older brother and sister and a younger brother. Although the family weren't quite wealthy enough to be nobility but they were very much well off. Tarisu being a captain of a legion of general he strived for his family to be a golden standard of a Honfokun family, he saw woman becoming ransutor as shameful and against the natural order of their people. While Tarisu taught his sons how to fight, fish and make strategies, Hineko taught Fujiko and her sister how to cook, sew and prepare themselves for their future husband. While Fujiko's sister was delighted to prepare for her life of servitude to her future family, Fujiko was definitely not. She had begged and pleaded her father to teach her the way of the sword many times but both of her parents chided her for such requests. Growing up Fujiko made trouble for her parents. While all her siblings seemed to be content with their future roles, Fujiko wanted to be a warrior. In her younger years her parents tried to quell her sense of adventure with more 'ladylike' tasks, they even found her antics somewhat amusing thinking she was just a cheeky young girl. As she got old enough to properly think about her actions it came apparent to her parents that she was set on playing 'outside her role' as her father would say. This left Fujiko's relationship with her parents being tense. From the age of 10 she used to sneak down to the family's training grounds at night, going over the techniques she saw her father teaching her brothers- and a bit of swinging a blade aimlessly. From her late teens Fujiko's mother pushed her to find a man for herself after she scared off a few young warriors her father had attempted to pair ehr with to which Fujiko gave a lot of resistance. Instead, she found a mentor, Wakumi, an older ransutor who started training her in battle and wit in secret. After a few months Wakumi started bringing her nephew, Tetruma, along to train with her. Tetruma struck Fujiko in a way no man, or person, had before. He was strong, steadfast, kind and brave and as much as she tried to resist it she found herself falling for him. In this time her parents discovered her secret training leading to an explosive argument. This led to Fujiko's parents keeping her under lock and key. If she left the house, her younger brother or mother followed her. Salvation came in the form of Tetruma. He had remained in contact with her, at first privately through windows but soon he asked her father to court her. Coming to the conclusion of she were to live her life in servitude to a man, Tetruma would make it bearable- maybe even make it enjoyable. The pair were married when Fujiko was 22. Fujiko struggled to adjust to the traditional wife role but Tetruma made it easier. Unlike the men Fujiko knew growing up, Tetruma valued Fujiko's fierceness and wit. They'd often be engaging in witty banter or faux sword fighting. Tetruma would often come home from battles excited to show his wife new techniques and moves he'd seen. Their marriage was short-lived, however, when after nearly 3 years of marriage Teturma was enlisted to join a skirmish against a Kulner gang. 3 weeks later all that returned was a jar of ashes and a letter he'd written her just in case he didn't survive. 3 days later Fujiko declared her intent to become ransutor. Initially her family kindly encouraged her to turn away from it- thinking it was an ill-advised choice made in grief but that didn't stop her. 5 months later Fujiko had proven herself. At this her family swiftly disowned and disinherited her. She then spent a year working as a guard in the outer towns. In this time she met Yazju, a travelling Zauri who taken a short contract in the town she guarded. In their many shared patrols Yazju had told Fujiko about the places he had been, igniting a will inside her to see what lies beyond Karitu. So when Yazju was to leave to his next adventure she asked to accompany him. Fujiko sold her house and most of her positions and left with him, unsure if she ever really wanted to go back. Since then she has been accompanying him on his travels- taking small guard and mercenary contracts on longer term stops. ____________________________________________________________________________ PERSONALITY It would be easy to say that Fujiko has been hardened by her past, and although that would be somewhat true, even from her childhood she had a contemptuous attitude. She is brash, sarcastic and slow to trust. She has a rather short temper and little patience for people's incompetence. She's used to being alone and in small groups and rather enjoys the limited company. Fujiko is very witty and clever. She doesn't have much of a filter between her thoughts and her speech. As many Hofon warriors she is diligent and heard working. She's extremely loyal to those she holds dear and those fighting for her cause. She feels some form of connection to other ransutor Honfokun and will treat them with utmost respect but everyone else needs to earn it from her. She is courageous and strong and won't back down from a fight. She does have a small form of a gentle and caring nature but it only really seems to come out for those closest to her and only in moments rather than consistently ____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK Fujiko seems to be on a constant mission to prove her worth as a warrior. A part of her wants to storm back home one day and boast a large run of achievements to her parents. She truly believes that life gives no handouts but everything should be worked for. Although she doesn't fit the stereotype she does follow the Honfokun belief in the return of Kizunatsu. Her faith in Kizunatsu isn't the most prominent thing in her life but she does try to do things that would please him. ____________________________________________________________________________ MISC - The bottom half of the left side of her hilt is cut out and replaced with thick glass creating a 'window', inside holds some of her husbands ashes. -Fujiko is left handed

@SouffleGirl123

Accepted 💯 post her in the Characters tab!

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

Bashira

S H I N X I B A S H I R A

T h e D e m o n o f B i a n w e i

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___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age 29 Race Folk Sex Female Height 5’ 11’ Weight 175 Level 1 Health Points 20 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y When the story starts, Bashira is in the middle of a duel. The only inventory she has is her equipment and a few gold coins. If she has time to run home before adventuring, she might grab a bit more money, a flask, and a bag of small necessities (bed roll, rope, etc.). ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - Miao Dao / “Sprout Saber” / Two-handed Saber - Leather Whip - Dagger - Dueling Armor: as much for spectacle as it is protection, Bashira’s dueling armor is lamellar in red and black, featuring a demonic half-mask. ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Might: 15 10+1(racial)+4(of 12) Dexterity: 15 10+1(racial)+4(of 12) Perception: 13 10+1(racial)+2(of 12) Wisdom: 11 10+1(racial) Charisma: 12 10+2(of 12) Constitution: 10 ___________________________________ M I S C -Has a large tattoo of a dragon battling a tiger (Yin vs. Yang) -Shinxi is the name of a tiger dragon (according to one questionable source) -Bashira means "bright" or "joy" LOL

____________________________________________________________________________ A P P E A R A N C E Tall, muscular, and bad-tempered, Bashira can come off as intimidating. She's got a mass of dark hair, black eyes, high cheekbones, and fine features. ____________________________________________________________________________ P E R S O N A L I T Y Brash, bold, irreverent, cynical, indignant, loyal, determined. ____________________________________________________________________________ B A C K S T O R Y Shinxi Bashira woke and reached for the bottle. Her hands were shaking, the vestiges of a formless terror-dream still clinging to the corners of her mind like the last strands of spider silk falling from a careless wanderer. She couldn’t quite remember what it had been about, but there had been fire, she thought. Screams. Her mouth still tasted of iron, and her head throbbed beautifully. Bashira pulled a long draught from the bottle but missed the table when she tried to set it down, and it shattered over pale wooden floor, spilling rice wine in rivers. It caught the light of the coming morning, sparkling like a sword edge. A few small sounds of protest came from the pallet behind her, but Bashira ignored the soft figure lying there. It was an exhibition day. There were forms to observe. The room wobbled as Bashira hauled herself up, trying to balance over the mess seeping across the planks. Her belly heaved, though unearnestly. She’d hold onto its contents for a little while longer at least. Bashira closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to slow the spinning, but when she opened them again, it still coiled around her, as unreal as smoke dreams. Gray light spilled over a sparse space: sleeping mat, paper curtain, zither. A small writing desk leaned against the wall nearest the street-facing windows, and in the center of the opposite wall, a full set of red and black dueling armor was on display below a long, slightly curved sword—the only thing in the room worth anything to Bashira. She stumbled forward, slipped, sliced her right heel on a shard of wine-slick pottery. The floor came up in a white-blur-rush, and pain erupted again from her forehead. The girl in the bed giggled, and Bashira groaned. She was naked, and the wine pooling beneath her calves was cold and sticky. This time, when her stomach heaved, it nearly won out. The Demon of Bianwei! Daughter of a War Hero! Duelist Extraordinaire! Bashira pushed herself up from the floor and staggered to a waiting basin behind the paper screen, the eyes of its painted tiger dragon watching her with evident disgust. She ignored it and went about her ablutions, scrubbing her body with cold water and clove-scented bean powder, mopping up the blood from her foot. Half a pitcher of water later, all the various lines of Bashira’s vision were running straight, so she lifted the two-handed saber from its place of prominence on the wall and slipped down to the bottom floor to prepare, wrapping a stained silk robe about her shoulders as she went. It began without the weapon— stretches to pull and strengthen the muscles of her arms and back, lunges to test her legs. She fell at first. Swayed. But sweating cleared her head. She didn’t think about how long it’d been since she had a fight to prepare for, how the townhouse was eating through what had once felt like an endless supply of coin. She resolutely didn’t notice the dust, feather-soft and horrible, that had been building up since she’d dismissed her servants, how the main floor of her home escaped the distinction of messy only by the virtue of being gloriously empty. Whatever. It was easier to practice that way. Bashira reached for her sword, and a knock sounded at the door. Fuck. There were only a few people she hadn’t managed to run off yet. The landlord, maybe. Her agent. The twin prophets of bad fucking news. She could just… not answer it. Leave whoever it was in the dew and last night’s festival leavings, but damn her if she wasn’t a little bit curious. It was an odd time to go knocking down someone's front door. Just please, gods, let the woman in her bed not have an angry husband. It was too early in the morning for murder. When she swung open the door, a middle-aged man stood framed in the portal. He wore his hair slicked back—an unfortunate choice with his receding hairline, and he carried all his gold in the bags under his eyes. Incongruously, he wore a navy dress uniform with general’s knots that Bashira couldn’t quite wrap her head around, considering that the last time she’d seen him, he’d been face-down in a pool of his own vomit, forgotten beer soaking into a straw mattress three years past needing a re-stuffing. She could still smell the lovely mix of sugar, yeast, and bile. “Hello, Dad!” she said cheerfully and slammed the door closed. He came in anyway. Rats, well, she supposed she’d gotten that lovely tenacity somewhere. Maybe mom hadn’t been the only stubborn one. “Do you always answer your door in a robe?” Bashira looked down at herself. She was clean but sweaty, the robe a little loose from the exercise. She’d rather be more clothed in front of a guest, but tightening it now would feel like giving in, so she left it alone. “Wow, first visit in twelve years, and that’s how you open?” “You left, not the way around. Just like your good-for-noth—“ “Better that than let you drag us down with you. Looks like you landed on your feet, anyway. Drowned yourself in alcohol, gambled away our home, and you still get to be a general! Guess that’s what a few months of battle sixteen years ago gets a man these days.” “That war took everything!” “Not us. You lost us yourself.” She didn’t say that she’d lost her mother too, though he seemed to have forgotten about that. Bashira had managed to stick it out with him a couple of years longer than her mother had, not that she’d gotten anything for the trouble other than a few black eyes. The General—she wasn’t going to start calling him father now— stood just in front of the door, his face red and his forehead slick with sweat. Bashira could see a bit of herself in the black of his eyes and the breadth of his shoulders, but she had an inch on him now, like those first few years after the war had left him cowed. “I haven’t come to discuss the past. It’s time you paid your debts, gave back to your empire rather than wasting your life to disgusting hedonism.” Bashira just blinked at him because —and this is the absolutely fucking insane bit— he actually believed it. That man, the one who’d crumbled after the war and left his wife and daughter to deal with his rage, his debts, his perfect disregard for anything but himself, believed that she was such a disgrace to her empire that he could charge into her home and demand that she step away from the only godsdamned thing she cared about to pay it back. “And if I don’t?” “Then you won’t duel again." Well. They say you can’t argue with crazy people. Bashira stepped past him to open the door. “Yeah, sure, Dad. Won’t duel again. If you want to visit, send a note so I can plan to be out of town.” He tried a bit longer. Cajoled. Threatened a bit. But eventually, he did leave, and Bashira lifted her sword, settling into the slow, meditative stances she used as a warm-up, the weight of her blade heavy and familiar in her hands. It was an exhibition day, after all. There were forms to observe.

@Atalanta

Accepted 💯 post her in the Characters tab!

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

Zolzaya Togtuun

Zolzaya Togtuun

Time is like an arrow. Its better if you have more and it hurts like a bitch when it hits you.

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___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age: 23 ... Race: Folk ... Sex: Female ... Height: 5'6 ... Weight ... Level: 1 (All players start at level 1.) Health Points Constitution 24 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y .. ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - Recurve bow - Cavalry Sabre and whicker shield. Cavalry Spear - Leathers (If inapplicable leave blank or mark as NA.) ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Points: 12 (These points are meant to be distributed among the six attributes below. This is to be removed from the CS after points have been distributed. Remember to account for racial bonuses. Do not forget to show your work next to each ability regarding points added and subtracted!) Might: 10 +1 + 2 13 Dexterity: 10 +1 + 4 15 Perception: 10 +1 + 2 13 Wisdom: 10 +1 11 Charisma: 10 +2 12 Constitution: 10 + 2 12

____________________________________________________________________________ APPEARANCE A wirey muscular woman from the Huafen plain. Dark of hair and weathered from long seasons in the saddle on the unforgiving plains. She was considered a beauty once, but while young for a Folk, the hardship of tribal life has begun to steal the blush of youth from her cheeks. ____________________________________________________________________________ BACKSTORY Zolzaya was born into a generations long interncine struggle for control of her tribe. Her grandfather was a great chief who united most of the tribes by marriage and war. Unfortunately all those marriages left an awful lot of heirs when the old man finally died. His concern for keeping all of his various wives happy meant that no clear successor was evident when the Old Bandit finally rode off to the great wind in the sky. The tribal gathering to elect a new leader deadlocked endlessly and eventually broke down into a series of running battles which snowballed into nearly four years of tribal warfare. Zolzaya's tribe lost most of their male leaders in the blood bath of the collapsing tribal compact. Zolzaya's mother rallied the survivors and put her and her sisters in command of the tribes warriors. Over the next several seasons Zolzaya rose to promince as a commander, reknowned for leading lightning raids and audatious all or nothing gambits. Under her leadership her tribe has become the central power on the southern plains. With their heartland secure the time is right for a representitive of the tribe to come south and make formal alligence to the Emperor, a move which will vastly strengthen the tribe, both diplomatically and material in Imperial weapons and trade goods. ____________________________________________________________________________ PERSONALITY Zolzaya is firey and brash, almost reckless. She is overconfident, ambitious and ruthless. She has a concept of honor peculiar to horsethieves and steppe raiders. ____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK Zolzaya wants to make her submission to the Emperor and get back north as quickly as she can before the other tribes, or worse her sisters, get out of control. ____________________________________________________________________________ MISC ...

@Penny

Accepted 💯 post her in the Characters tab!

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

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The Fifteenth Day of the Month of the Moth…

AN EMPEROR KILLED…

As the first moon of the harvest rose above Yongcun black smoke and cries of fear and agony rose over the city of Bianwei. In the midst of the festival of Wan Yue the city suddenly came under attack from within. Hundreds dressed as peasants and guards as well as others adorned in the wares of holy men suddenly sprang upon the people, blades drawn. Arrows came raining down from from all around alight with flaring orange flames. As blood poured and fires raced over the rooftops and across the streets the attackers made their way towards the Ruby Palace - home of Emperor Xiao Shang.

The attackers were lead by two men, a swordsman named Tsio Bu and a masked killer named Ubagai Wakuno - Tsio Bu meeting his end in the heat of battle at the hands of a young duelist while Ubagai Wakuno and his kin narrowly made it inside of the Ruby Palace.

As the bloodshed continued in the Imperial Square and throughout the rest of Bianwei the Emperor’s guard fought relentlessly against the vicious attackers in the throne room. Among the battle for the throne room was Keola, Imperial general and Swordmaster, a Honfokun ransutor named Fujiko, and a Zauri named Yazju - all three fighting the mysterious attackers to defend their emperor.

Amid the madness Ubagai Wakuno darted like a snake through wet grass towards the Emperor who sat cornered on his throne, Keola and all others unable to stop him. The entire throne room seemed to freeze in time as the slippery masked Wakuno seized hold of the Emperor like a frightened child and fiercely stabbed him to death.

Ubagai Wakuno - his foul deed done - escaped into the night as did the rest of his ilk. The attackers leapt over the walls, dispersed into the panicking masses, and took to the river leaving Bianwei in chaos in their wake. The great orange blaze and carrying screams of the people like a beacon of struggles to come.

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil (At Capacity)

@Shu

I'm interested, can I still join?

@Waylon

Sadly we are at capacity.

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

Credit to @Gcold for the design 💯

Character Sheet Template

Name

Quote

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Image 800 x 800 ___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age ... Race ... Sex ... Height ... Weight ... Level (All players start at level 1.) Health Points Constitution x2 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y … ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - Primary Weapon - Secondary Weapon/Shield - Armor Details (If inapplicable leave blank or mark as NA.) ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Points: 12 (These points are meant to be distributed among the six attributes below. This is to be removed from the CS after points have been distributed. Remember to account for racial bonuses. Do not forget to show your work next to each ability regarding points added and subtracted!) Might: 10 Dexterity: 10 Perception: 10 Wisdom: 10 Charisma: 10 Constitution: 10

____________________________________________________________________________ APPEARANCE ... ____________________________________________________________________________ BACKSTORY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ PERSONALITY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK Optional ____________________________________________________________________________ MISC ...

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

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ACT ONE

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TO KILL AN EMPEROR

The Fifteenth Day of the Month of the Moth,
Wan Yue,
404 Imperial Era

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As the first of the fireworks erupted over Bianwei cheers rang out across the capital. Though the sun had set one bell ago this was just the beginning of Wan Yue, the celebration of the harvest season and the welcoming of the coming winter. The streets were filled with Folk, Honfokun, Zauri, and even the odd native Mokeu who looked to join in the nights’ festivities; to dance, sing, eat, drink, and revel until the first light of the next day. Merchants and peddlers crowded the streets and alleyways hawking both local and exotic goods. Children ran about trailing pinwheels overhead and fawning over toys and trinkets on vendor tables. Performers of all vocations took to the squares and balconies to entertain the masses with music, mysticism, and acrobatics. The air was thick with many drifting aromas including the the feint scent of black powder from above. The wondrous cacophony of sounds filled the souls of all within the capital and seemed to uplift all of Bianwei noble and commoner alike who now joined hands in merriment.

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Imperial Regent Jia Chong stood at the foot of the Ruby Palace, the grand stairs behind him like the ascent of a mountain. At his sides stood a manservant and one his favorite courtesans and at his back four of the Imperial Guard. Even in times of such jubilance after all one could not be too caring, especially a man of the state such as he. Jia Chong casually glanced up as another cluster of explosions erupted and captivated the masses, twinkling sparkles raining down like falling stars. A short smile etched across Jia Chongs’ face as he took in the scene before him, Wan Yue was among his favorite times of the year - perhaps even the favorite. He was looking forward to the night to be had, both in the city and in the splendor of the Ruby Palace. But first there was one last duty of the day he was to fulfill.

The Regent felt a tug at his sleeve and looked to meet the large almond eyes of his courtesan, “When will His Majesty come?” Her melodious voice cut through the entropy of a thousand sounds and was like silk gently sliding around Jia Chongs’ ears. “Soon,” the Regent smiled, “Emperor Xiao Shang still readies himself. The successor to Xiao Hui will soon enough be present before us.”

“I have never seen him so close.”

“This night you will.” Jia Chong’s smile widened.

At four bells after sunset every year the Emperor was to make an address at Wan Yue. He would stand atop a great platform, like the one now perched in the square before the Ruby Palace, and bless the gathered masses with his words of welcome and wisdom. Every street stone, window, and balcony would be crowded as the people gathered to behold their esteemed leader and hear him speak. With the end of the address the Emperor would then return to the palace and the rest of the night would be one of revelry and fun to be had. Of course it needed not be forgotten that there was more to Wan Yue than just the pomp and boisterousness of the yearly festival. It was a time of kinship and for the coming together of family and community. It symbolized the unity of the Eternal Empire and all of it’s subjects as the final moons came to rise on the year.

Jia Chong took the courtesan by the arm and motioned for his servant and steely eyed escorts to follow along. He half hoped for a taste of the festivity before making his final act of state for the evening but unfortunately there were no food or spirits vendors nearby - not even a table to grab a trinket for his companion. Fret not, he thought to himself soon enough. The seven approached the large platform which was painted red and built of sturdy cypress wood. They did not ascend the short stairs but merely stood nearby where they would await for the Emperor to arrive. First the great gong at the front of the palace would be rung and the word would spread that the Emperor was coming forth from the palace. The Regent was then to announce the Emperor upon his arrival and then His Majesty would speak forth. Jia Chong pulled his female companion closer as his mind whirled. So much preparation had he put into this years’ festival and he was quite proud of what he beheld. He remembered how honored he had been when Emperor Xiao Shang appointed him as this years’ Overseer of Ceremonies - a responsibility he had taken very seriously. Jia Chong had taken months to organize and spent a hefty sum of coin to ensure that this Wan Yue would be one to remember. His Majesty will be quite pleased. Jia Chong beamed to himself, nothing could go wrong.

"Once this... address is done, the night is ours?" Jia Chong's consort asked.

"Yes," the Regent said, his smile now reaching his narrow cheekbones, "though I cannot do without some rest tonight. I do have a number of affairs to oversee tomorrow, as Regent you see."

"Other than the matter of uncluttering." Jia Chong looked sideways at the woman who now grinned mischievously. Despite her sour jest the Regent refused to let the unwelcome concept of spending tomorrow returning order and efficiency dampen this night. He had worked hard to make this a joyous occasion and that it would be. Jia Chong kept the woman close in his embrace though found himself looking to the palace doors above longingly. He imagined it to be just short of two bells past sunset now, which still meant some time until His Majesty would venture forth. It was not just his own amusement that the Regent was eager to take to, he had been anxious since the day before to stand before the Emperor and bear witness to his reception as His Majesty bore witness to the fruits of his efforts. Seeing the approving and jovial eyes of Emperor Xiao Shang would be in itself a reward. Patience is a virtue. he thought, and so the Regent and his retinue stood to wait.

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

NPC’S

EMPEROR XIAO SHANG

Appearance: i.imgur.com/UZFCY24.png

Race: Folk
Age: 29
Status: Dead

Factions: None - Emperor of the Eternal Empire
Notable Allies: Jia Chong, Keola
Rivals: None

Summary: As the youngest in history to take the throne of the Eternal Empire Xiao Shang was ruled for the past fourteen years since the death of his father. Emperor Xiao Shang was modest, kind of heart, and temperate. He was however often criticized as being too giving and too eager to placate his vassals and advisors, a raw joke among the nobility being that “he would sell the Ruby Palace itself if he thought it would make others like him more”.

Emperor Xiao Shang was murdered during the bloody massacre on the capital of Bian Wei during the Wan Yue festivities of 404.

JIA CHONG

Appearance: i.imgur.com/zWF3lsJ.jpg

Race: Folk
Age: 37
Status: Alive

Factions: None - Imperial Regent
Notable Allies: Unknown
Rivals: None

Summary: Jia Chong was appointed as Imperial Regent at the age of twenty-nine, one of the younger regents in the history of Yongcun. Before that he held a spot as an advisor in the court - a position he landed thanks to the wealth of his family. Though somewhat lavish and greedy in lifestyle Jia Chong is fiercely loyal to the Empire and is diligent in his duties as regent.

KEOLA

Appearance: i.imgur.com/DAihoJL.png

Race: Zauri
Age: 69
Status: Alive

Factions: None - Imperial Swordmaster
Notable Allies: Emperor Xiao Shang (Deceased)
Rivals: None

Summary: The son of the great general and Swordmaster Maleko, Keola is like his father a famed general and imperial protector. His greatest accomplishment to date being the defeat of the Mokeu warlord Ang-Pon. Keola is fiercely loyal to the Xiao line and the structure that is the Eternal Empire. A fine enough strategist and a bloody monster of a warrior he is not one to be trifled one and likewise the best of allies to have.

Stats;
• Might: 20
• Dexterity: 11
• Perception: 14
• Wisdom: 10
• Constitution: 15 (30 HP)

TSIO BU

Appearance: i.imgur.com/MAnEVqh.jpg

Race: Folk
Age: 26
Status: Dead

Factions: Unknown
Notable Allies: Ubagai Wakuno
Rivals: Shinxi Bashira

Summary: Tsio Bu was adopted as an infant after the death of his mother and father, simple rice farmers. His adoptive father was an aging Honfokun senshodo who raised the young man just outside of Wo. The man would die when Tsio Bu was in his nineteenth year, the young Bu wandering the land for some time after his adoptive father perished. Tsio Bu made a living for several years as a sword for hire and a bodyguard but would in time come to join a shadowy cult of zealots after feeling “empty in his existence”.

When Bianwei was attacked Tsio Bu was present and fought at the feet of the Ruby Palace with his brothers against the Imperial Guard. He was brutally killed in a duel with Shinxi Bashira after challenging her amid the fighting.

Stats;
• Might: 14
• Dexterity: 14
• Perception: 14
• Wisdom: 12
• Constitution: 12 (24 HP)

UBAGAI WAKUNO

Appearance: i.imgur.com/KnGywKY.jpg

Race: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Status: Alive

Factions: Unknown
Notable Allies: Tsio Bu (Deceased)
Rivals: Yazju Fleetscale

Summary: Next to nothing is known of this mysterious masked rogue other than he has a taste for violence and is unshakably obedient to his masters and devotedly loyal to his brethren. Ubagai Wakuno is ruthless in battle and always follows his directives through, referred to by some in hushed whispers as “the Reaper”.

Stats;
• Might: 16
• Dexterity: 18
• Perception: 14
• Wisdom: 12
• Constitution: 12 (24 HP)

FACTIONS

THE FREE WARDENS

FULL TITLE
The Free Wardens

HEADQUARTERS
Jencho Castle (Northwest of Shanjing.)

LEADERSHIP
Warden Commander Sun Quiang
The Warden Council of Twelve

INFLUENCE
High

BASES/OUTPOSTS
Unknown

BACKGROUND
Founded in the year 313 IE by Bando Zento and twelve former Imperial army officers the Free Wardens are an order of warriors and adventurers sworn unto the Imperial throne. They scour the realm of their own will seeking out perils of the land to defeat and ensuring the safety of the people of the Eternal Empire to the best of their ability. As part of their servile status the Free Wardens are sworn to the call of the throne, answering only to the highest authorities - the Emperor, the Imperial Regent, and the Imperial Swordmaster.

The Free Wardens maintain themselves with donations as well as with coin granted to them by the Imperial court. Sometimes, though rarely, they will charge for their services. Usually only if the task or duty in question is notably difficult or dangerous. The Free Wardens strive to avoid large political affairs to the best of their ability and prefer to act only as protectors of the people and humble servants of the Emperor. Not once in their so far hundred years of history have they fought in any wars - at least not as a body. Individual Free Wardens may act of their own accord so long as they uphold the honor and reputation of the order and many for example fought in the last war against the Mokeu invaders.

The Free Wardens typically recruit from the Imperial Army, the senshodo clans of Karitu, and roaming Zauri and Mokeu warriors whom may be interested. Free Warden training is short in time but demanding and involves three tests; strength, wit, and moral. Some who show noticeable ability and integrity are allowed to skip training but this is a rare honor.
The Free Wardens are renowned across the Empire as heroes and noble warriors and are often granted boons and accessory that others may not receive.

THE MERCHANTS GUILD

FULL TITLE
Imperial Merchants Guild

HEADQUARTERS
Toknam

LEADERSHIP
The Merchant Council (Nine members.)

INFLUENCE
Immense

BASES/OUTPOSTS (GUILD HOUSES)
Bianwei, Shanjing, Yogang, Ludi, Zhongme, Wanhar

BACKGROUND
With a history that dates back to the final years of the First Emperor the Imperial Merchant Guild’s power has waxed and waned over the generations. From its first arising the guild seemed destined for greatness undeterred until the reign of the dreadful Xiao Yongrui- “the Yellow Moon Emperor” - whose harsh taxes made the guild nearly collapse. After the death of Xiao Yongrui the guild would begin to recover but would suffer through more issues during the corrupt rule of Xiao Yue “The Heathen Emperor” less than two generations later. It was not until the rise of the First Empress Xiao Hien that the guild would entirely return to its former power and prestige.

In the last hundred years the Imperial Merchants Guild has truly reached the peak, having guild houses and rich contracts all across the Empire including in Karitu and the southern islands, it’s membership and council positions held by the wealthiest men in the entire realm. Such wealth and power of course is jealously guarded and must be constantly defended, the Merchant Council spending no shortage of coin on armed retinues and spies to give them an advantage in any sort of conflict.

The guild is relentless in their contest for more wealth and prestige and many see them as decadent crooks and swindlers of the people. Even so, it cannot be denied that the guilds’ affect on the economy and influx of trade is enough to pacify most who would otherwise see ill of them - most.

THE BLACK FANGS

FULL TITLE
The Black Fang Tong

HEADQUARTERS
Shanjing

LEADERSHIP
Anaro Cloud-Eye

INFLUENCE
Unknown

BASES/OUTPOSTS
Unknown

BACKGROUND
The Black Fangs - or “Black Fang Tong” - are a criminal band that first appeared in Shanjing in 390 IE, lead by the relentless and cruel Anaro Cloud-Eye, a ruthless Zauri sellsword said to have a pearl in place of a lost eye. The group is almost entirely made up of Zauri and Mokeu with Folk and Honfokun associates usually only acting as spies and contacts. Anaro and his fellow Zauri are all exiles from the south while most all of the Mokeu are drifters and deserters from warbands in the east. All of the first Mokeu members were scattered remnants of Ang-Pon’s great army seeking a new beginning after his defeat.

The Black Fangs first came to attention of authorities in Shanjing after their various acts against prominent citizens of the city and even the Merchant Guild in 390 IE - namely raids on docked ships and port warehouses, extortion of minor nobles, and kidnapping and ransoming of city officials. The following year they began raiding small shipping and passenger vessels along the coast though this would be stopped after Shanjing authorities strengthened coastal defenses soon after. In the years after the Black Fangs would begin to expand their activities down the coastline, robbing small farming communities and trade posts and waylaying traders and army shipments. In 394 IE a large base of the groups’ was found just southwest of Buhar and raided by a group of Free Wardens with Imperial Army support. Most all of Black Fangs present were killed in the fighting and the captured survivors publicly executed in Shanjing though Anaro Cloud-Eye would elude capture. In 396 IE the Black Fang Tong would resurface in Shanjing and in the time after once again become a plague on the southern coast. Ever since then Free Wardens and Shanjing authorities have tried to stamp out the group but to no success.

The shadowy Anaro Cloud-Eye holds full authority over the outfit and like him his men and agents are all cold blooded and without mercy.

THE WHITE LANTERN

FULL TITLE
Following of the White Lantern

HEADQUARTERS
Unknown

LEADERSHIP
Unknown

INFLUENCE
Unknown

BASES/OUTPOSTS
Unknown

BACKSTORY
The White Lantern has - as many would say - been a lingering pox upon the Eternal Empire since the early rule of Emperor Xiao Hui. Others would say that they have devotedly served the memory of the gods and look to topple a pretender lineage that has claimed lordship over what is rightfully the gods’ creation. The White Lantern has risen and fallen repeatedly over hundreds of years now, each time they are stamped out and believed gone only to return with renewed zealousness.

Considered a cult by most the goal of the White Lantern has always seemed to be the destruction of Xiao rule and the assumed fall of the Eternal Empire itself though what their final outcome is meant to be had always been assumed only, most believing they wish to see a form of religious and spiritual rule over that of law written by man. Others believe they are merely a cult of chaos or perhaps even secret worshippers of the devilish yaoguai. Whatever their motive and belief the White Lantern have always had a bizarre way of swaying people by the thousands - particularly among the peasantry and religious groups. Their members or “flock” has mostly always consisted of mostly Folk with notable enclaves of Honfokun over the years. Few Mokeu or Zauri have ever been known to associate with them.

The White Lantern is fanatical in their long lasting goal and in guarding any knowledge of their origins and plans, not to mention ruthless in realizing their ambitions - further cementing the beliefs of many that they are a wicked lot disguised as purists.

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil

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Original Interest Thread

SHORT INTRODUCTION

Welcome to A Thousand Legends: Sundered Veil !
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This high fantasy RP is set in the mystical realm of Yongcun, or the “Eternal Empire”. Our story begins in Bianwei, the Imperial capital, amid the festival of Wan Yue - a yearly celebration dedicated to the coming of the harvest season. Players will role as recent arrivals in the city who have come for reasons their own be it to simply enjoy the festivities or for some other purpose(s).

It is at the height of the celebration that chaos strikes. Bianwei comes under attack as armed assailants take to the streets and begin brutally killing both Imperial Guards and citizens alike. The Guard are spread thin which allows the attackers to run amok and forces player characters to either flee or stand and fight. As blood flows over the streets and smoke rises above the city it is revealed that this is no random assault but rather a diversion for a greater ploy at hand - the assassination of the Emperor.

The attack on the capital will just be the beginning and will set the stage for the moving plot. This will be an open world experience, that said there will of course be a narrative to be followed. Player decisions and involvement will affect the story, some choices having greater impact - and possible consequences - than others. Explore the lands, make allies and enemies, and choose your allegiance in the coming struggle for the fate of Yongcun. Will you fight to preserve the Eternal Empire or join those who would see it toppled?

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GUIDELINES AND RULES

Expectations and an outline on gameplay and functions.
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• Adhere to the guild rules of course.

• This will be 18+ but in cohesion with guild rules avoid sexually explicit themes and other fringe material that other players may be uncomfortable with.

• Please do not detach yourself from the storyline. As already clarified this RP is open world, the context being that players are allowed to pursue personal goals and explore the land of their own volition. That said everyone is expected to have a presence in the main plot as it unfolds so generally speaking keep your character in the loop.

• Stay in sync with the main theme, specifically in regards to character creation. This RP is inspired from the mythology and general history and culture of East Asia, particularly that of China, the Mongols, Japan, and Korea. Players are expected to stay true to this base foundation throughout their participation. Ask me for further clarity and any other assistance if needed.

• Players are allowed only one character at a time. If your character dies you are allowed to create a new one.

• This will be a lite tabletop campaign. What I mean by this is that while we will be using tabletop devices - i.e dice, ability scores, etcetera - this is very much still a narrative driven RP. Putting a ratio to it this will be 3/4 narrative and 1/4 dice rolls and scoring.

• Post content should range within three to ten paragraphs to put it roughly. In some instances less than three paragraphs is fine, but even then bare minimum should be no less than around eight to ten sentences. I am less strict on longer than average posts but even then let us try and keep things within the “casual to low advanced” scale.

• Discord will be used for a notable amount of communication/discussion while IC content will remain onsite.

• Please notify the GM of any extended absence you may need/have. I am willing to work with you if you just let me know. If you have simply lost interest I would still appreciate a heads up with my guarantee of no hard feelings.

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GAMEPLAY AND DICE

ATTRIBUTES

Attributes represent a character’s strengths and talents. There are six total attributes; Might, Dexterity, Perception, Wisdom, Charisma, Constitution

Players increase their attributes and skills by leveling up. Every level two attribute points are earned. Leveling is done by completing large “missions” or arcs/tasks.

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• Might represents a character's physical and spiritual strength. During interactions and skill checks it can be useful for intimidating displays and acts of brute force. In combat it is the lead attribute for melee attacks.

• Dexterity is the measure of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall grace. In interactions and skill checks it can be used for sleight-of-hand and fast reactions. In combat it is key for dodging incoming attacks.

• Perception is a character's ability to pick up on details. In interactions, it can be used to catch someone in a lie, to make an observant comment about their appearance, or to notice something happening in the background. In combat it contributes to accuracy and as such is a core stat for archer builds. It is also the leader attribute for blocking attacks if a dodge is failed.

• Wisdom represents a character's logic, reasoning, and mental and emotional temperance. In interactions it can be useful for deduction, sudden realizations, and problem-solving.

• Charisma is a measure of a character's personality, personal magnetism, their ability to lead, and their performance. In interactions it can be used to talk one’s’ way past guards, convince others to help you, and generally help make your case in any situation. It can also be used to haggle for lower prices.

• Constitution measures a characters’ durability. The higher one’s constitution the more health points they have. (Multiply Constitution by x2.) When constitution reaches zero the character is gravely wounded/knocked unconscious and if they receive another hit while down then their constitution will be in the negative which means death.

DICE ROLLING

Combat Dice
2d8 (Two eight-sided dice.)

Ability and Skill Check Dice
1d4 (One four-sided die.)

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COMBAT

Melee: A single turn of melee has either one or two pairs of dice rolls involved; the initial attack and attempted dodge, and then potential contact - be it blocked or a hit. Character scores that play into this are Might, Dexterity, and Perception. Here is an example to elaborate…

1. Zheng moves to attack Po, thus first roll. Both players roll two eight-sided dice. As the attacker Zheng will be utilizing his Might and Perception. Po in this first roll must rely on his Dexterity and Perception in an attempt to dodge. Zheng’s player rolls a 6 and 8 (14), add this to his Might score of 12 and his Perception score of 10 which totals 36. Po rolls a 5 and 4 which adds 9 to his Perception (12) and his Dexterity (12) scores which totals 33. Po’s player has failed to dodge as his score his lower than Zheng’s. Had Po instead scored higher or Zheng scored lower than Zheng would have missed due to Po’s successful dodge. (Ending Zheng’s turn.).

2. Po has failed to dodge so he must defend from the attack. Both players roll again. Zheng once again will rely on his Might and Perception, Po however will have to rely on his own Might rather than Dexterity this time; i.e his Might + Perception. Zheng rolls an 8 and an 8 adding 16 to his Might score (12) and his Perception score (10) which equals 38. Po rolls a 3 and a 4 adding 7 to his Might score (10) and his Perception score (12) which equals 29. Po has failed to block and has taken damage as Zheng’s attack has gotten through.
Po’s Constitution is 11 which gives him 22 HP. Subtract the difference between Zheng’s and Po’s score (38-29) which equals 9. Po has lost 9 HP pulling him down to 13 - a critical hit. Had Po’s defense roll score been higher than Zheng’s second attack roll Po would have blocked the attack and ended Zheng’s turn.

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Ranged (Archery & Throwing): In the event of an archery or other ranged attack there is a single roll, each player rolling two eight-sided dice as with melee combat. The ranged attacker shoots/throws their missile and the defender can attempt to dodge the attack. Characters possessing a shield can attempt a block saving throw in the event of failing the dodge roll. Example…

1. Huang shoots his bow launching an arrow a Li. Both players roll their dice (eight-sided). Huang relies on his Perception (14) and his Dexterity (12) while Li also relies on his own Perception (12) and Dexterity (13). Both players end up rolling a pair of 4’s. Huang’s combined score is 14+12+8 equaling 34 while Li’s combined score is 12+13+8 equaling 33. Li has failed to dodge/deflect Huang’s shot. However as the difference between scores is only 1 this attack has done little-to-no damage.

Note: Players with shields can attempt to deflect a ranged attack however this has no effect other than for character roleplay purpose - to choose between dodging or deflecting a missile attack.

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Just a note - dice rolling as far as combat is concerned will be strictly for “bosses” or unique/key enemies encountered and player duels. A reminder that, while employing a tabletop setup, this RP is still very narrative heavy and most combat will be scripted out.

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ATTRIBUTE AND SKILL CHECKS

Throughout player adventures you will encounter situations that will demand particular skills to succeed in - or in some cases at least survive. These will call upon character attributes of course, as for what attributes are put to the test will depend on the circumstances at present. Some such as brawling, combing through an old ruin, or sneaking across a trap laden hallway will evoke all of one’s specialized abilities. Others - such as bribing a guard or tracking bandits through the jungle - will demand a specific attribute such as Charisma or Perception.

When such checks arise against other characters they are resolved through scoring respective skills against each other plus a dice buffer (1d4). Attempting to deceive or persuade a particularly perceptive NPC - even one with very low Charisma - is apt to fail while in other cases having a higher Charisma score than an NPC can work wonders. Or say a character is chasing after a thief and lacks the Dexterity to follow him across walkways and overhead balconies, they can rely on their Perception skills to stay on his trail even if from below on the streets.

When facing environmental challenges dice rolls will typically be employed to challenge characters.

These checks are very influential in plot events and what direction the story goes based upon character choices and the outcome/consequences of these choices.

WOUNDS AND MAIMING

Wounds and maiming are often a consequence of being defeated in a battle/duels in which the player did not yield, flee, or surrender. Wounds and maimed condition are acquired when being struck down in battle, the nature and effect of these conditions are based upon damage done.

Wounds are caused when a player characters’ HP reaches 0 and they collapse. Wounds range from lacerations to broken bones to just severe bruising. It depends on the foe faced and the type of damage inflicted, those slashed by swords can expect deep cuts while those pummeled by hand-to-hand techniques can expect bruising or cracked bones. Wounds are not severe typically and only can cause temporary disadvantages in additional combat at hand if there is any. These will heal in time and their debilitations removed.

Maiming is the result of taking a severe hit while still “conscious” but the damage score is a huge hit to remaining HP. Say a player character has only 5 HP left but are hit by a particularly powerful opponent resulting in a -15 to their HP. The player will bottom out at 0 and will only die if they are hit again while unconscious/wounded. A killing blow if you will. However taking such a hard, punishing hit will leave a lasting mark on characters. Maiming can range from terrible scarring to loss of limbs or eyes for example. Maiming effects are permanent except under special circumstances/conditions and will lower certain attributes by x number of points or worse permanently cripple the character. Keep this in mind.

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WORLD AND LORE

RACES

REALMS AND KINGDOMS

THE DIVINES AND THE IMMORTAL HEAVENS

YAOGUIA

HISTORY

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil (At Capacity)

Credit to @Gcold for the design 💯

Character Sheet Template

Name

Quote

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Image 800 x 800 ___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age ... Race ... Sex ... Height ... Weight ... Level (All players start at level 1.) Health Points Constitution x2 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y … ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - Primary Weapon - Secondary Weapon/Shield - Armor Details (If inapplicable leave blank or mark as NA.) ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Points: 12 (These points are meant to be distributed among the six attributes below. This is to be removed from the CS after points have been distributed. Remember to account for racial bonuses. Do not forget to show your work next to each ability regarding points added and subtracted!) Might: 10 Dexterity: 10 Perception: 10 Wisdom: 10 Charisma: 10 Constitution: 10

____________________________________________________________________________ APPEARANCE ... ____________________________________________________________________________ BACKSTORY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ PERSONALITY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK Optional ____________________________________________________________________________ MISC ...