[Exalted-China] Episode Five: Giant Stone Lion

[Lev Lafayette]

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Episode Five
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Scene 10: Giant Stone Lion
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After a long journey it may be embarrassing to be prevented by a mere
door, even on that is as heavy as the tomb of Wang Xuance, but such
problems can occur when your strongest friend will not participate. The
most honourable Shí, solid as a rock, refused to enter the tomb, and
rightfully said it would be wrong to assist others to do so as well.

When the tomb was opened it was protected by a giant stone lion, which
issued a mighty roar directed at Shí. But the man of stone has the courage
of stone, and who can scare a rock into moving? Not even a stone lion can
scare a stone man, but as Hěn determined, a rolling stone can be tripped,
and when it is tripped, the stone-man can put an end to its animation in a
most animated fashion.

After defeating the stone lion, Shí attempted to convince the others not
to enter the tomb, but they were stone-def. Within the tomb, beyond the
den of the stone lion, were an alchemist's chamber, where Hěn acquired
several bottles or ruby and gold, and despite the sweet smell of delicious
wines decided the temprance was preferred in these circumstances and kept
them in their pack.

Finally the party of the Exalted, entered chamber, where they encountered
the ghost of Wang Xuance, who explained their past as a diplomat and now
as the recipients of of goods. It became clear that the diplomat, the
ghost, and the bandit king were in fact one and the same. They made
appeals for the establishment of a meritocracy in China which appealed to
Xiǎo but not to the others; and Qian quickly cast a permanent judgement
upon the bandit king. How peculiar it is that the right ability at the
right time can put to sleep a most vicious foe, but the lack of a strong
arm can prevent the same group for hours in opening an inanimate door.

Beyond the Bandit-King's chamber was a grand puzzle-box which contained
their treasures, which required cleverness of mind followed by cleverness
of fingers, which fortunately the Exalted had both when they acted in
cooperation. Certainly preferable to the explosion that would have
resulted otherwise. Inside among the King's many treasures, was the a
scroll which mentioned the Sanghata Sutra, saacred Buddhist texts that can
"fit together the separate parts", and which can be found in Khotan, as
long as a diplomat is present.

But where is this strange place? How does one get there? Fortunately they
mention their condundrum to GǔnShí, who remarks that his esteemed
grandfather knows, for he was born there. Returning to the village to
return the wealth to peasants they discuss the issue with GǔnShí's family
who admit that yes, they are settlers from Khotan. GǔnShí offers to help
the party in their journey to the west, and a mortal companion joins the
party of the Exalted.

Shí (Simon) 9 = 29 for first story
Hěn (Rodney) 10 = 32 for first story
Qian (Andrew) 9 = 32 for first story
Xiǎo (Michael) 9 = 32 for first story



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