[Exalted-China] Episode Three: Scenes 4-5

[Lev Lafayette]

I can't believe how far behind I am with these..

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Episode Three
=============

Scene Four: GǔnShí's Story
==========================

The Exalted calmed GǔnShí, the black sheep of the Cult of the Eternal
Warrior, so that he could his tale could be told. The Cult had taught
GǔnShí the secrets of reading and writing, and whilst reviewing their
library he discovered a scroll for raising ancestors for a righteous
cause. GǔnShí's family lived on the poor outskirts of Nanping, and his
extended family and other locals had been raided many times by the
bandits. So he took it upon himself, as the eldest son of the family, to
right this wrong and raise a mighty force of Jiangshi to return their
wealth back to the rightful owners - and perhaps even more some for their
lives were so poor.

But all of that had come to an end as the Exalted had sliced, smashed, and
pulverised the jiangshi ancestors of GǔnShí, returning their tattered
remains to the ground. The Exalted Taoist priest, Hěn ānjìng, was
particularly moved by this unfortunate and tragic story and pleaded with
the others that they must right this inadvertant wrong.

In any case, Prince Wang Shenzhi had ordered the Exalted to find the great
ambassador monk who was trapped in the tomb of the Bandit King. As with
the balance of life, it seems that an unfortunate event could also be a
serendipitous one. The Exalted agreed to help GǔnShí and his family.

Scene Five: Pure Banditry
=========================

The Exalted decided to rest overnight, as their motes needed replinishing.
It was unfortunate however, that just before dawn broke that they were set
upon by a group of eight of the very bandits that GǔnShí spoke about!
Whilst others heard their approach, one cowardly attacked the sleeping
figure of Xiǎo and wounded her. On her rise, he insulted the bandit by
casting doubts on his parentage on the basis of the size of his nose. The
bandit in question was incensed and attacked her furiously and foolishly,
eventually falling into the mud.

Foolish or not however, the bandits fought with surprising stubborness.
Although they were not great in competence, where blows fell that would
disable a mortal man, thay were able to absorb such damage. Hěn, the
master of lore, was able to recognise that they wore the armour of elite
warriors of the Long Wu (Dragon Martial) Guards.

Still, even great armour is not sufficient protection against great skill,
and a mighty castle wall will not save a city if it lacks the ability to
sally. Whilst facing Exalted, the bandits were unable to land a successful
blow, and eventually all were defeated, except for those who ran away.

Unfortunately one of those who did run away had kidnapped GǔnShí and the
mule Cǎonímǎ. Qian, the magistrate-monk gave chase, and cited the law at
the escaping bandit seeking to shame in into compliance. It worked, at
least in part. As commanded by Qian, the bandit did indeed release GǔnShí
and Cǎonímǎ. However, the bandit did not leave behind the saddle bag
filled with treasure that Xiǎo had liberated from the fence. The thieves
had stolen from those who had stolen from thieves.

One thing is sure; if someone follows the letter of the law, and the not
the spirit, you can be certain that they are a type of bandit.

Experience
==========

Shí third session = 0
Hěn third session = 4
Qian third session = 4
Xiǎo third session = 4



-- 
Lev Lafayette, BA (Hons), GradCertTerAdEd (Murdoch), GradCertPM, MBA (Tech
Mngmnt) (Chifley)
mobile:  0432 255 208
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