Hi folks,

I'm prepping for a Kralori game, and here's the background:

The Blood Monsoon

A Kralori Campaign Scenario for HeroQuest

Even in a land of perfection, there are outlaws.
Even amongst outlaws, there are rules.
All rules are off.

A gang war threatens to rip Bai Dao, city by the water, as factions rise and battle for power, honor, and a forbidden artifact that may determine the fate of the Hero Wars.

The Attitude

Blood Monsoon is all about style. Take film noir, blood opera, and gangster movies, shake it and throw it on the rocks, and there you go. Both the players and the Narrator need to be in on this attitude. Go watch some gangster movies, from the Godfather to A Better Tommorrow to Brother. The world is moody and dark, sensuous, and foreboding. Intersperse contemplating life with fighting for it, betrayal, loyalty, honor, revenge, and freedom. Break empty rules, honor what matters most, and make your own rules where the world fails you. Live without regret, death is coming.

Life between Laws

Kralorela is often presented as an orderly, and monolithic society. That is certainly what they’d like to believe, but factions arise in all peoples, and the Kralori are no different. The Blood Monsoon focuses on the groups who live between the rules of Kralorela, those who reject the laws and ways of Dragons, those who want more for their lives, for right or wrong reasons.

The City of Bai Dao

Bai Dao sits very south in the Suam Chow Sea, a natural harbor that takes advantage of the warm southern currents bringing ships to it every. Bai Dao is a fairly large port city, enough to “dock half the boats in the water!”. The city has been a haven for criminal and underground groups since its inception, being an excellent staging point to smuggle things between the mainland, the islands, and foreign nations.

Almost a decade ago, the newly formed “Society without Horizons” won over members by the droves and a few well placed assassinations and underground power plays left it in control, with the other gangs being marginalized, barely holding on to what little power they had left. With the reduction in visible violence and conflict, Bai Dao appeared to have become a rather well managed city, and the governor quietly died to apparently “natural causes”, allowing his less capable nephew to fall into power. Which was exactly what the Horizons’ needed to further entrench themselves into the local government.

General attitudes are relaxed compared to the rest of Kralorela. Almost everyone knows a criminal or less than savory sort, and its usually “not a big deal” to bend small rules. This doesn’t mean that its a lawless place, just that the moral strictures are looser, particularly amongst the lower classes, sailors, or the merchants. The attitude might best be described as lusty, hendonistic, and disrespectful. Needless to say, the 4 Vices District is sprawling and probably the most profitable area next to the port itself. Given the appearance of an improved city compared to the situation a decade ago, most people have overlooked the cultural shift for the time being.

The general population are hardworking folks just trying to live their lives, ranging from a host of laborers and sailors to the upper class merchants. Bai Dao has a higher ratio of accursed foreigners, and those of impure blood than the rest of Kralorela, although there is also greater tolerance for that sort of thing than elsewhere.

The weather is almost always balmy, with warm nights to humid days. The wind coming off the sea is called the “Dragon’s Blessing”(as in the Western Dragon of the Sea). Everyone carries a fan, the well off carry parasols. Clothing is typically loose with short sleeve shirts and short trousers. Some islander fashion has also taken hold here, with the sarong having become popular, if a bit risque trend.

A wide variety of temples may be found here, although most prominent are Thrunhin Da, dragon of the waters, Tun Dai of merchants, and a oceanic variant of the Ebe and Okario peasant relgiion. The other major deities are also here in force, although the simple folk have caused most of the local clergy to simply rituals and teachings to the crude folk.

The monsoon season is a strange one, as many daily routines are put off schedule, since the rain is usually bad enough to flood the streets up to a foot of water, and rains last from a few minutes to a few hours. Restaurants, gambling dens, inns, theatres, and temples rake in money as everybody scrambles for cover.

Monsoon season is seen as a sensual time of passionate love, where many people begin and end love affairs in a stormy fashion mirroring the weather. It’s not uncommon to find yourself trapped in a shed, stable, or other out of the way area, sopping wet in hot weather with someone you might be attracted to. Other folks take the effor t to take advantage of rain, knowing they won’t be caught as long as the water falls. Surely enough, the flood of water from the sky preludes the time 3 seasons later, when babies flood the city.

Occassionally Bai Dao faces tropical storms, usually one or two a year, with a full fledged typhoon hitting once every 3 or 4 years, and hurricanes pehaps every 6-8. Storms inflict some damage, but things are usually back to normal in a couple of days. Typhoons usually stop things for about a week, and hurricanes take at least a few months to fully recover from. Luckily, Bai Dao has been through enough of these to have a fairly standard plan of action and organization to dealing with these things.

The merchants always make a killing, usually loading up the few remaining boats and traveling up and down the coast, and the islands who were also hit, selling supplies at inflated prices. Some merchants construct extra strong warehouses, and make nearly all their profit this way. The warehouses are known as “Storm Houses” and the whole business as “the Storm Economy”. Of course, since the weather doesn’t always hit, and the damages can range from minor to devestating, its rather like a primitive version of the stock market, with the merchants gambling on the next storm season.

The major players of Bai Dao

-The Guards of the Peace
A fairly ineffectual and corrupt police force for the city of Bai Dao. Most of the guards serve the Horizons, one of the merchant associations, or family clans. As the pressure mounts from the mandarins and the mandarin-governor, Si Chao, they may find themselves forced to take drastic measures.

•The Red Swords
A merciless pirate band, who have become increasingly more and more bold, and more powerful each day. They raid anything, even other pirates, taking them over and absorbing their members, burn villages to the earth, and have even captured a couple of navy ships. The Red Swords are the most ruthless and monstrous sea bandits to appear in centuries.

•The Society without Horizon
The major Triad in Bai Dao, run by the merciless Jin Tse, who has been manipulating his underlings against each other, testing to see who is the most ruthless and capable lieutenant to promote in the ranks. Unfortunately, most of the Hungry Ghosts in thier service left with several of their members to join the Ghostwalkers.

•The Ghostwalkers
A heretical cult that broke away from the Horizons. The Ghostwalkers eschew both the way of the Dragons, and the Triad, instead focusing on utilzing, working with, and reincarnating, the spirits of the Hungry Dead. This new sect has managed to pick up members both alive and dead, and the Horizons are far from happy about that.

•The Night Talons
An elite troop of soldiers, lead by Dusk Sword, a semi-retired general who follows the path of Immanent Mastery, known for corrupting the very souls of its adherents. The Night Talons have been sent to put down the Red Swords, and any other insurgents, bandits, or violators of the law.

•The Sisterhood of Midnight Justice
An illegal cult of Bodkartu worshippers, who have members from all walks of life, from rich to poor, who operate out of the 4 Vices district of Bai Dao. The Sisterhood has been seeking out a serial killer who has been killing the working girls of the 4 Vices district for almost a month now.

The Myth of the Blood Monsoon

No one talks of this, it is a secret. But I tell you now, because I just want to make sure you are ready in case it does.

Long ago, during a full moon, a monsoon hit. It was a time of troubles, when more blood was on the ground than in the sky. People thought the water was red from the moon, but it was the blood from the fighting. It was bad times.

But, the rain turned red, and blood rained from the sky, and everyone was gripped with fear. Good citizens turned to barbarians, cannibals and monsters. Even more blood was shed, as family turned against family, people murdered, looted and raped, and the city burned.

By the time the rain had ended, the city was in ruins. So filled with shame were the people, they struck it from the records, and tried to forget it.

The Blood Monsoon and Kralori Society

“When there is more blood on the earth than rain in the sky...the Blood Monsoon has begun.”

Kralori believe that they are the ultimate perfection, a people without flaw. Anything negative gets attributed to the barbarians and foreigners, because it simply isn’t “possible” for Kralori to be wrong or bad.

The Blood Monsoon threatens that in every fashion. It is a time of chaos, where no rules apply, and every negative quality “hidden” in the average citizen comes forth. In other words, all pretense is thrown out, along with inhibition or reason.

The Blood Monsoon is a rare event, but comes about when there is much bloodshed throughout the city in open fighting during a full moon and a monsoon. When it occurs, all negative personality traits(hate, anger, envy, lust, etc.) are doubled!

Also, people believe that it is the Blood Monsoon that is at fault, so they feel no responsibility for anything they do during this time, and take advantage of it to do everything taboo they’ve ever wanted to.

I'm currently doing write ups for all of the Narrator characters, and have a basic E-map established.

The attitude is effectively HK gangster flicks + Frank Miller's Sin City.

More to come,

Chris
edited for formatting

Wow! That sounds really, really cool.

What magic are you using in Kralorela?

Hi Josh,

Well, between the info from HQ Voices and the Kralori Homeland write up on Pyramid, Kralorela has all types of magic available, and the neat fact that the Draconic magic covers all three, limited only by social class/Dharma. That's the "standard" magic floating about.

I'm also writing up rules for Immanent Mastery, which I'm running as an extended contest of Soul vs. Immanent Mastery, with the caveat that you can never truly "win" the contest, as long as you keep using it. To add to the corruption factor, I'm ruling that Immanent Mastery augments any and all rolls, just because. :)

Finally, I remember seeing somewhere that Sekeverian magic also uses Tap magic, which I'm also writing up rules for as well.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Thank you for posting this. It is very inspiring, as always. Are you looking for any kind of response in particular?

All the best,

/Peter N

Delve into Paul Mason's "Outlaws of the Water Margin" for further inspiration, if you have not already... a great reminder that even the most enduring and monolithic of cultures has (and sometimes needs!) its outlaws.

Chris, I have another question. How focused is this? That is, are you going into this with a relationship map written up? Have you given the players any limits in character creation? How many sessions are you planning to run this?

Hi guys,

Peter-

I'm sharing this for anyone's use or inspiration, although questions and comments are welcome. I will probably put this whole thing into a pdf when all is said and done, along with instructions on "how to" make and use E-maps.

Michael-

Yes, I've actually read the novels, along with quite a few other chinese epic stories. Another couple of inspirations are the comics, Blade of the Immortal and Naruto, both manga which take the "modern" punk attitude and port it into the past, sort of like what A Knight's Tale did.

Josh-

Character creation is open as long as the heroes will be involved in the political struggles of the underworld, in some fashion. Players are given the information I've shared, and the E-map(my version of R-maps, based on emotional ties instead of blood and sex) is partially revealed based on their "entry point".

I'm looking at 5-6 sessions for a story arc, with the option of moving to the next conflict and continuing. The set up has several conflicts, and the central conflict is dependant on how the heroes are involved.

As it stands now, I have one confirmed player, and potentially 2 more, although I'm willing to run with just one player, as I'm impatient for play.

Chris

Bankuei wrote: I'm sharing this for anyone's use or inspiration, although questions and comments are welcome. I will probably put this whole thing into a pdf when all is said and done, along with instructions on "how to" make and use E-maps.

Hi Chris,

Here are some thoughts. Bear in mind that I don't claim to be improving your game or anything with these comments. It is just things that I would do if I were going to run this as a narrator.

Bankuei wrote: The City of Bai Dao

Wanzow
Province where foreigners are allowed freely. A foreigner must live here for at least a year before traveling to anyplace else in the Empire of Kralorela.

Lur Nop
This large city (RuneQuest term for a city of 6,000-25,000 permanent residents—PN) in Wanzow is the only port open to foreign shipping. Traders from Vormain, the East Isles, Teshnos, Teleos, and Kethaela meet here.

and the governor quietly died to apparently “natural causes”, allowing his less capable nephew to fall into power

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to stick with Bai Dao, as I'm going from the main HQ book and Glorantha: Intro to the Hero Wars. Pretty much if its not described there, I'm running free reign on it.

If the causes were not natural, and in fact one brother killed the other, it would mean that the Cosmic Order was broken, allowing Chaos to enter the world.

Hi Chris,

Bankuei wrote: I'm going to stick with Bai Dao, as I'm going from the main HQ book and Glorantha: Intro to the Hero Wars. Pretty much if its not described there, I'm running free reign on it.

I'm sharing this for anyone's use or inspiration, although questions and comments are welcome. I will probably put this whole thing into a pdf when all is said and done, along with instructions on "how to" make and use E-maps.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to stick with Bai Dao, as I'm going from the main HQ book and Glorantha: Intro to the Hero Wars. Pretty much if its not described there, I'm running free reign on it.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the input, although as far as I'm concerned, anyone who finds the canonical differences enough of an issue to interfere with their being able to use any ideas, well, I don't care about them.

While I understand that Glorantha occupies a rather unique community based setting and fandom, I don't see a point really in engaging too deep into dialogue regarding:

1) Information that is out of print, and unrealistic to expect a new person to just "know" or pick up
2) Arguing the "reality" of a fantasy setting
3) The geekery pecking order of "I know more about X" than you

Back onto topic, here's keywords for some of the groups:

The Night Talons

Membership Requirements:

An act demonstrating loyalty to the empire, intelligence, and great capability, recommendation by one of Dusk Sword’s contacts, and a series of tests challenging intelligence, judgement, loyalty, and military capability. Must have Loyal to Kralori Empire, Intelligent, Perceptive, and Brave(or equivalent personality traits)

Mundane Abilities taught:

Perceive Ambush, Ambush, Perceive Deception, Read Personality, Tactics, Strategy, Read Hidden Intentions

Typical Personality Traits

(as required)- Loyal to Kralori Empire, Intelligent, Perceptive, Brave

Magic

Path of Immanent Mastery- War related, any other magic is also accepted, although not taught.

Black Eagle (Guardian)

The Black Eagle is the standard and guardian for the Night Talons. It is an archetype, although its image is reflected in the crests and clothing of the Talons. The Black Eagle either manifests as the shadow of an eagle, sometimes normal sized, sometimes huge, covering entire battlefields. It communicates telepathically, the members “just know” things. It requires that one be loyal to the Talons, in spirit if not to the letter of the orders, those who betray the Talons, and their purpose, are forever banned from receiving its protection.

Awareness- Sense Betrayal 6W
Blessing- Fight for the Empire 6W
Defense- Your magic cannot harm me 6W

The Red Swords

A ranging band of pirates and pillagers, who terrorize Kralorela and its islands. Reknown for being the most ruthless and outright evil raiders about, they have managed to not only evade the Kralori navy, but also sink or steal a couple of their ships, even!

Requirements
Almost anyone can join, provided that they are a heartless, mean, and violent raider/bandit/pirate and earn the respect of the Red Swords without getting killed. The actual requirements are Bloodthirsty, at least one lethal combat skill, and Outlaw.

Mundane Abilities Taught

Use [Weapon], Intimidate and Terrify, Charge!, Survive Unhealthy Conditions

Typical Personality

Bloodthiristy(required), OutlawI(required), Violent, Cruel, Angry, Crazed

Magic:

None taught. Each member is free to use whatever magic they can pick up, although major devotion to any religion is pretty hard to commit to, given the outlaw lifestyle. Not only that, but Heart’s Cross tries to keep the other religious influences to a minimum, unless it happens to be one of the unholy trio.

Heart’s Cross (Guardian)

In the same way a phantom is an “echo” of a soul departed, Heart’s Cross is a “premonition” of evil to come, Wakboth the Devil. As a future echo of evil to come, Heart’s Cross pushes the Red Swords further into acts of atrocity and barbarism, in the hopes of bringing Wakboth into existance. Slowly the Red Swords have been manipulated into actions which actively support the Unholy Trio that gave birth to Wakboth.

The Heart’s Cross is an archetype that communicates as a voice over the right shoulder of any member it communicates to. it speaks Kralori, although it knows any and all languages. Each member must receive two cuts crossing the heart, which bleed whenever the Heart’s Cross uses magic upon them. It requires that the members promote cruelty and suffering, causing unnecessary harm without concern for life or mercy. Those who hesitate, are withheld from magic until commiting appropriate atrocities.

Awareness- Sense Helpless Victim 11W
Blessing- Berserker Rampage 16W
Defense- Resist Disease 6W


The Ghost Keepers

The Ghost Keepers are a new tradition, an offshoot of the Hungry Ghost cults of the Triads. Instead of simply feeding and using the Hungry Dead, the Ghost Keepers actively seek to assist the Ghosts, and help them on their path of reincarnation. Ghosts can always augment any practictioner, but with possession, their skills can be used instead of the hero’s.

Entry Requirements:

Either be a former Triad member, or else have an ancestor, family member, or friend who is now a Hungry ghost.

Abilities:

Ghost Keeper Practice knowledge, Speak with Dead, Feed Dead, Invite Possession, Spirit Face

Virtues:

Compassion, relationships with Hungry Ghosts

Practice Spirits:

•Elder Spirits- Long dead spirits who have maintained their identity and sanity
(Wise 10W, Iron Will 10W, Appropriate Skill 5W)

•Mystery Spirits- Hungry Dead who have long since lost their memory, face, name, or identity. (Appropriate Trait 10W, Uncontrolled forgetfulness 17)

•Vengeful Spirits- Those who died suffering in anger and fear, looking to lash out
(Hateful 5W, Soulrake 17, Vengeful towards [specific person, or type of person] 5W)

•Lost Spirits- A spirit who has sanity, memory, identity, and once was a normal person. (17 Appropriate Skill, 3W relationship to living friends/family, 17 Willing to cooperate with the living)

Practice Secret Requirements:

Ghost Keeper Practice knowledge 1W2, Relationship with ghosts to be sent 17 or higher, Speak with the Dead 1W2, Feed the Dead 1W2

Secret:

Send the Dead(While in the Spirit World, one must make an Open Spirit World contest to allow all spirits present with whom you have a relationship rating of at least 17 to reincarnate into human bodies, complete with all of their memories. This works on any type of ghost regardless of soul, spirit, or essense nature. Any degree of success allows them to reincarnate.)

Sisterhood of Midnight Justice

The Sisterhood is an old group, loosely organized into a network of cells, who are united in the worship of Bodkartu and the desire to bring justice to those who harm women.

Membership Requirements:

Female, must have come to one of the members seeking aid, must have completed an order without knowing the reasons(who it assisted, or why), must never reveal the Sisterhood to men.

Mundane Abilities Taught:

Feign weakness and incompetence, Hide Emotions, Casually draw out information, Utilize Poison, Create Poison

Virtues:

Protective of women, Vigilante

Affinities

Poison(Bad Food/Drink, Kiss of Death, Bite/Sting of Justice)
Disappearance(Drowning, Off a cliff, Lose your way)
Accident(Bad Fall, Something Sharp, It fell on you)

Secret:

Eternal Suffering (A victim can be ritually subjected to a form of death which leaves their soul as a wandering Hungry Ghost for eternity, never to pass on to the next world, nor reincarnate without outside assistance. This is reserved for the most heinous of villains.)

Other Side:

Bodkartu lives in the woods and dark areas just outside of Halisayan’s home and palace, although sometimes the followers sneak into the palace as well. There they protect the souls of women from any who would threaten them, and waiit for the day when they can walk into the Palace, and no longer need to stand guard.

Disadvantages:

Worshippers of Bodkartu, outside of the 8 proscribed temples, are outlaws and stand against the Emperor’s orders. They will be tried and executed for Wrong Action if ever discovered.

Chris

Hey whats up bro! Been forever. I heard about all that had happened up here in Seattle and heard that you had changed locals. Drop me a line bro as I would love to hear how you're doing.

bigpoppa7_1@hotmail.com

Peace

Josh

Hi,

Bankuei wrote: While I understand that Glorantha occupies a rather unique community based setting and fandom, I don't see a point really in engaging too deep into dialogue regarding:

1) Information that is out of print, and unrealistic to expect a new person to just "know" or pick up
2) Arguing the "reality" of a fantasy setting
3) The geekery pecking order of "I know more about X" than you

Bankuei wrote: as far as I'm concerned, anyone who finds the canonical differences enough of an issue to interfere with their being able to use any ideas, well, I don't care about them.

While I understand that Glorantha occupies a rather unique community based setting and fandom, I don't see a point really in engaging too deep into dialogue regarding:

1) Information that is out of print, and unrealistic to expect a new person to just "know" or pick up
2) Arguing the "reality" of a fantasy setting
3) The geekery pecking order of "I know more about X" than you

Hello,

Perhaps that's a good place to say ...

... enough talk about canonical vs. non-canonical. I think we all know Chris (bankuei) and Peter well enough, in this forum, to know that neither dogma nor utter disdain regarding Gloranthan background is in action here.

Back to discussing monsoons, please.

Best,
Ron

Hi folks,

Here's some preliminary write ups of the Narrator Characters...I haven't finished all the traits or giving them stats, but you can get a good idea of what's going on. :)

First, I have scribbled a rather large, and nasty E-map of the characters, and looked for places to set up as many cross conflicts as possible, so you could say the map and the conflict were constructed together.

Second, I've used a simple trick, which is that each political group gets a figurehead, plus at least 2 followers, usually with differing opinions(although not always in conflict). I think it was Jesse who pointed out to me the role that Spock and Bones played as opposing viewpoints to Capt Kirk, and here each group has around 3 major figures who give a "rounded" view to the politics and views of the group.

Not all of these characters will be introduced, or used, right away, or necessarily at all. I expect to introduce 3-5 characters, and slowly add more as necessary(as the conflict expands/overlaps with other conflicts in play).

The Night Talons

The Night Talons, in particular, each have a “Soul” rating in accordance with my Immanent Mastery rules. Next to their Immanent Mastery rating, and the Soul rating, is the AP totals in parentheses.

General Dusk Sword

Dusk Sword has led the Night Talons for over 10 years now, although he still appears to be a solid, vigourous man in his early 30’s. He is a man of few words, but strong convictions.

Dusk Sword is part of any action undertaken by the Talons, and although the mission comes first, his men are never sacrificed nor uncared for. His plans are always brilliant and failure is simply not an option for him.

With the years of abusing his soul for the price of power under the Immanent Mastery magics, he knows his time is near. He hopes to do as much good as possible before losing it, and hopes that maybe his men might find release in retirement or death before their souls are burned into the void.

Si Chao will put the Talons under the command of Jiu Lu, a corrupt official who will utilize the Talons to eliminate the rivals of his friends in the Horizons, mostly the Ghostkeepers. Dusk Sword will follow orders, but is also willing to investigate on his own and bend the rules a bit to see that “what is right” is done first and foremost.

Dusk Sword stats:
General of the Night Talons
Espionage/Intelligence
Immanent Mastery
Soul
Politics
Leadership
Loyalty to the Emperor and the Empire
Loyalty to the Talons
Loyalty to Starfaced Di
Loyalty to Hammer Lu
Dislikes Jiu Lu


Starfaced Di

Starfaced Di is the Talons master strategist. A cool and quiet man, with the inner strength of a mountain. No detail slips by him, and he can deduce from the simplest of clues.

Strategy
Cool and Levelheaded
Perceptive
Read Personality
Immanent Mastery
Counter Magic
Loyal to Emperor
Loyal to Talons
Loyal to Dusk Sword
Brotherhood with Hammer Lu

Hammer Lu

Hammer Lu is the passionate, brute force lieutenant of the Talons. While not as clever as either Dusk Sword or Starfaced Li, he doesn’t make stupid mistakes nor rush into things blindly. Hammer Lu understands his limitations, and is an expert in dealing with conventional warfare. For the other stuff, he leaves that to the other two to do the thinking. On the other hand, his bravery and attitude is a great boon to the morale of the Talons.

Bravery, Heart of a Lion
Strength
Words to Live By, Words to Die by
Axe of Justice
Likes a good fight
Immanent Mastery
Dragon of Fire
Soul
Loyalty to the Emperor
Loyalty to Talons
Loyalty to Dusk Sword
Brotherhood with Starfaced Lu
Hates Cowards and the Corrupt


The Society without Horizon(the Horizons)

The Society has members throughout all areas of Bai Dao, from the lowest to the highest members, therefore, its pretty hard to nail down an “aveage member”. But leaders and general thugs are presented, create any other member as you see fit.

Elder Jin Tse

Jin Tse appears to be a robust man in his 50’s, always reclining in luxurious robes. In fact, the robes hide his lower body, which has become completely sepentine, as Jin Tse is a 200 year old Huan To.

His human features are in fact human skin which he wears like a mask, and has several skins to choose from, in order to change his appearance. Jin Tse takes particular pleasure in masquerading as close friends and loved ones, and then revealing the sham before destroying his most hated foes.

Aside from that particular cruel game, Jin Tse is otherwise very smart and cautious, paranoid even. He has gained power through careful moves over the last 200 years, and now has influence throughout the entire city. He hopes to continue the corruption and build power until he can completely upset the Kralori empire. It will probably take another 800 years, given his methods.

Jin Tse is the classic shadowy kingpin, and is unlikely to take direct action, but instead manipulate others into doing things for him. He always appears to be a “righteous” man, full of ideals and offering help.

Cruelty
Inhuman Strength
Appear Righteous
Read Personality
Manipulate Ideals
Information Network
Influence throughout the City
Impersonate
Inhuman Strength

Black Mouth
Black Mouth is Jin Tse’s closest servant and one of the foulest humans to walk earth. Black Mouth will never ascend to being anything more than what he is, a servant to a monster, but he has become a monster in his own right.

Black Mouth earned his name by vowing to never speak the secrets revealed to him, and then bit off his own tongue.

Black Mouth is less of a character, and more of a cruel guard dog and assassin for Jin Tse than anything else. You could say he is Jin Tse’s “hands” per se, except he takes even more delight in the cruelty he metes out upon victims.

Black Mouth often appears as Jin Tse’s personal attendant, and rickshaw puller.

Mute- No rating
Loyalty to Jin Tse
Cruelty
Stealthy
Knife fighting
Strangling
Talent- Make not a sound
Talent- Fade into shadows
Enjoys desecrating beauty

Uncle Lao

Uncle Lao is one of the elder members of the Horizons, at the age of 40. He has served for almost 10 years now, and is one of the most righteous leaders within the group. He commands the respect of many members, and goes out of his way to look out for as many of them as he can.

Where the Dragons and Mandarins have failed, the Horizons succeed. He sees the brotherhood as being true to Kralori values, even as it violates their traditions.

Uncle Lao is aware of, and condones things such as theft, bribery, vigilantism and other things as “necessary” evils, but is completely unaware of how far the Horizons go in their pursuit of power. Jin Tse is always smart enough to pawn those jobs off to Viper Di and his men instead.

Lao looks to Viper Di as a strong, older “brother” who handles the day to day affairs while he handles the “spirit” of the Horizons. Jin Tse is like an older father to him, who speaks of a day when all men can reach to the heavens.

The recent split of the Ghostkeepers has left Lao with a lot of resentment and mixed feelings. He feels that Sun Tan has gotten arrogant, rejected the family of the Horizons, and then misled the others. The biggest source of confusion for him is White Flower, who serves Sun Tan loyally, but Lao has had romantic longings for since he met her.

Finally, Lao has a friendly rivalry with Guardsman Bao Tien, the two have helped each other and also “let each other go” at various points in the past. They recognize each other as kindred spirits, who just don’t happen to agree on methods. Lao has helped out Tien by hunting down and turning over criminals who have done truly evil acts, and Tien has chosen to act a bit slowly in “capturing” Lao at times.

Loyalty to Jin Tse
Loyalty to the Horizons
Compassion for the underdog
Righteous Speech
Brawling
Staff Fighting
Great Strength
Bravery
Angry with Sun Tan
Loves White Flower
Friendly with Bao Tien
Loyal Followers
Shipwright Business
Magic-

Viper Di

Viper Di is a professional criminal, simple as that. Ambitious, ruthless, and clever, he lacks the raw cruelty which would have catapulted him into being a successor for Jin Tse, but that lack of cruelty has also kept him from making stupid mistakes in the name of sadistic pleasure.

A young looking man in his early 40’s, Viper moves with the mannerisms of a panther, stalking his prey.

Viper Di has formed an alliance with Jiu Lu, and has carefully been working the situation into escalation, hoping to pull a coup with Jin Tse while helping Jiu Lu oust Si Chao. To this end, Di has selected the most capable, loyal, ruthless, but not stupid, followers possible.

The recent split of the Ghostkeepers has been a perfect opportunity for Di to go about eliminiating “traitors” and installing his own men wherever possible.

He sees Uncle Lao as an idealistic fool, easily manipulated, and Jin Tse as an old man who has grown soft in the years. Watching Lao’s ideals shatter and Jin Tse’s shock at defeat will bemuse him, but he’s not dumb enough to gloat. Jiu Lu happens to be ambitious, and a tool at the moment, a threat in the future.

Ambitious
Quiet, Collected
Sardonic
Loyal Followers
Network of Influence
Ruthless
Bitter Humor
Swordfighting
Import Merchant

Average Thug

The average Thug typically has physical traits from 17-5W, and usually is unarmored, armed with sticks, knives, or choppers, nothing militarygrade though. Some members are part of martial arts schools or the Guards, and may have better weapons or training (usually about 5 more points).

The Sisterhood of Midnight Justice

Another underground organization which has members from all walks of society, there is no “average” member.

Treasure Li

Owner of “Fashion House” which is an upscale brothel in the 4 Vices District. Treasure Li is the leader and head of Bodkartu worship in Bai Dao. Li is neither a cold nor overly passionate about her chosen path, simply pracitical. She is level headed, but will do anything possible to see that wrongs are righted for women.

She doesn’t believe that the work of the vigilante is anything more than a stopgap measure, and honestly believes the role of reforming the society lies in the hands of hte Halisayan followers to restore the balance between men and women in Kralori society.

Treasure appears to be in her 30’s, though she’s a decade older than that. She has a refined beauty about her.

Loyalty to Sisterhood
Priestess of Bodkartu
Madam of Fashion House
Judge Character
Detect Deception
Deduce Events
Decieve
Detect Flaws
Information Network

Winter Tang

Winter is the Sisterhood’s number one assassin. She holds in her heart a deep anger and need for vengeance, for the sister she couldn’t protect. While this has made her a ruthless vigilante, she is terrible at playing undercover roles.

Winter has been shadowing Guardsman Bao Tien, hoping to let hiim lead the way and kill the murderer herself. Treasure Li assigned this task knowing that Winter would need something to occupy her mind while the killer was being tracked down.

During this whole affair, Winter has seen Bao Tien’s tireless efforts, even breaking the Guard’s code in pursuit of justice. She’s almost, almost beginning to respect him, but that would mean having to dislodge her resentment towards all men, and she’s not ready to do that, just yet.

True to her name, Winter is pale and has a cold demeanor about her. She is all business and is in her mid-20’s.

Loyalty to Treasure Li
Anger and Bitterness towards Men
Love for Sister
Feelings of Guilt
Ruthlessness
Swordsmanship
Grudging respect for Bao Tien

Brook Nu

Brook is probably the least “expected” member of the Sisterhood, as she is the most popular follower of Halisayan in Bai Dao. Brook Nu is a youthful 19, the niece of Governor Si Chao, who is raising her away from her family who live further north. Si Chao has put out an unofficial challenge that a “true hero” should marry his niece.

Brook is a radiant beauty, charming and fitting all of the Kralori desires in a wife. She also leads members of the Sisterhood who also worship Halisayan or are involved in high society.

She is kind and compassionate, and in public, leads works to assist the populace, including healing, food and medicine. In private, she provides healing and hears the pain of the abused.

Though seeming to be the “softest” of the group, she is also the most merciless when it comes to being present and witnessing a woman being abused.

Brook is utterly intrigued by Dusk Sword, and will try to woo him.

Loyalty to Treasure Li
Loyalty to Sisterhood
Protective of Women
Vengeful
Compassionate
Beautiful
Popular
Halisayan
Uncle Si Chao
Crushing on Dusk Sword

The Guards of the Peace

A good majority of the group comes from the lower ranks of society, they are underpaid, barely educated, and rather rude. The leadership often comes from higher ranks, and is supposed to impart “correct ways” of righteousness upon the lower ones...

Governor Si Chao

A weak willed governor, who received his position through the workings of the Horizons, though never knowing it. Si Chao really just wants to keep his job and save face, though he doesn’t know what he’s doing at all.

Somewhat chubby, in his late 30’s, Si Chao has lived a fairly spoiled life, and would like to keep it that way. He has run everything by leaving it in the hands of his subordinates,which has contributed to the levels of corruption and inefficiency in general.

The Emperor hasn’t been pleased with the Red Swords activity, nor the general loss in revenue due to mismanagement. Si Chao has tried stomping down on the little gangs in the hopes of appearing to do his job.

Cowardly, spineless
Afraid of losing job
Spoiled
Protective of Brook Nu
Governor of Bai Dao

Jiu Lu

In his late 20’s, Jiu Lu has the sort of magnetism that only the arrogant can carry. Ambitious and to the point, Jiu Lu has total conflidence in his abilities as a magistrate, or more importantly as a power in Bai Dao.

Jiu Lu has accepted the power of the Triads, and instead of capitulating to them completely, runs his Guards much like a Triad unto itself. In this way, his men come to the Triads as “equals”, at least in the “We’re all violent thugs and willing to rob you” mentality.

Jiu Lu sees the incompetence of Si Chao, and knows that Chao doesn’t deserve his power. Power belongs to the capable, who will use it, and Lu happens to be that person.

He sees Viper Di as a dangerous ally, but one that is useful for the moment. Hopefully he will be able to aim the Night Talons at Di after consolidating his power better.

Information Network
Ambitious
Confident
Magnetic, Attractive
Willing to use people

Guardsman Bao Tien

One of the few totally honest Guards in Bai Dao, Tien is in his early 30’s, with a fierce determination in his eyes. Bao Tien’s father, Bao Zi, had died at the hands of a Triad member during the upheavals 10 years ago, and he has never forgiven them.

Tien is aware that corruption runs through the ranks of the Guards, although he isn’t aware of how high and deep it runs. He still has faith in the overall Kralori system, and believes the corruption lies at the lower levels, not the higher ones...

Tien relentlessly seeks out his targets, and has captured many outlaws, although he is starting to realize that he has been kept of the cases that matter...

Bao Tien keeps a friendly rivalry going with Uncle Lao. He knows Lao to be a good man, and believes he can be redeemed.

Tien has recently been assigned to track down Sun Tan, whom he believes to be starting a popular cult/gang, along the lines of the Horizons. Tien has a pretty good idea of how fast a popular idea can spread, and seeks to stop him as soon as possible.

Love of Father, Bao Zi
Compassionate
Fierce
Relentless
Staff fighting
Wrestling
Unbreakable Will
The average Guardsman

Physical abilities usually in the 17-3W area, with a good rating in Connections and Intimidation. You should expect them to be at least 3-5 points lower than any other organized group in their abilities.

The Ghost keepers

Breakaways from the Horizons, the Ghost keepers tend to be either Triad Members, Hungry Ghost cultlists, or civilians who want to help their ancestors.

Ghostmaster Sun Tan

Sun Tan has diligently served the Horizons for 12 years. A rather young man for his ability, in his early 30’s, Tan has always sought the deepest mysteries of his art.

He has been on several heroquests, seeking information on the care and magic involving the Hungry Ghosts, and has discovered a way to bring them back to life, to reincarnate and free them from their suffering.

Tan cares more for the suffering dead than anyone in the world.

Leader of the Ghostkeepers
Compassionate
Cool headed
Determined in belliefs
Deep mystical knowledge

White Flower Mei

Tan’s right hand, and the woman in charge of the organization and day to day affairs, she usually deals directly with the living followers, allowing Tan to focus on the magic and ghost side of the cult.

Mei holds no illusions about the situation, it looks like its going to be a bloody struggle and its going to take everything from everyone just to survive. She has been playing things smart, outwitting the Horizons, laying snares and ambushes, striking key supplies and going on the offensive, hoping to cripple them and go for the jugular before the Horizons corner them and smash everything.

She follows Tan because she has seen his vision and his grand design. She looks forward to the day when the people will never have to rely on the Dragons, hear the tormented cries of ghosts, or fear Hell in the afterlife again.

Mei has been a bit torn between duty and love, as Uncle Lao has been sent to destroy the Ghostkeepers. The feeling is mutual, but she is utterly dedicated to her cause...

Loyal to Sun Tan
Leadership
Organization
Rally the people
Sensible
Strategist
Swordfighter

Little Dog

A large foreigner, maybe around his 30’s, with massive muscles and a rather ugly face, Dog has served Tan since he helped Dog’s deceased mother find her way back to her appropriate afterworld, instead of having to wander Kralorela as a ghost. Dog is big, mean, and pretty simpleminded.

Loyal to Sun Tan
Mighty
Throw heavy object
Throw Person
Smash Object
Intimidate

Bao Zi

Father of Bao Tien, Bao Zi died under the Corrupted Blade 10 years ago, leaving him a Ghost to wander Bai Dao. He has joined the Ghostkeepers after speaking with Sun Tan, and believes him to be a good man. Bao Zi sees Tan as helping the dead, much as he was helping the living.

Knows Guard procedures
Loves Bao Tien
Repsects Sun Tan

Chris

Hi folks,

Here's a Heroquest for the Blood Monsoon. I haven't assigned ratings for the challenges just yet, but you get the idea...

The Hidden Door

The Ghostkeepers have recently split from the Society without Horizon, after discovering this heroquest. This ritual allows them to see the Hungry Ghosts through the spirit world, back into our world, reincarnating as newborn infants. The Ghosts bypass Draconic judgement, as well as the purifying punishments of the Draconic Hells. This means that unlike normal children, who are born as clean slates, these babies are born with all of their memories of their previous life...

This heroquest only exists as a set of simple instructions along with ritual instructions. Although the founder of the Ghostkeepers is Sun Tan, he hasn't been elevated to "mythic" status in the eyes of his followers yet. As far as the results, the Hungry Ghosts are reborn as babies, but it will probably take them a few months to gain motor control again, and maybe a year or two to do complex things such as speak. Also, the Ghosts do NOT remember what happened to them after they died...so awakening as a baby is a rather scary and unsettling process...

Practice Ritual

The practice ritual involves traveling to a cemetary, a crossroads, a temple, and a gate(could be any gate, but the more magically infused, the better) and praying for each of the Ghosts to be reincarnated. The more powerful the locations visited, the better the bonus. So traveling to all of the places in a city may only take a day, but would also garner less of a bonus, while traveling across the Kralori Empire to the Graveyard of the Wise to the Heavenly Gate of Truth may take years, but would be blessed by the Cosmic Dragon itself...

The Crossing

Crossing over requires that all of the Hungry Ghosts to be reincarnated be present along with the spirit worker. The leader of the ritual must have a relationship with each and every Ghost involved, rated at least 17. Bonuses are granted for having close possessions of the Ghosts, or even parts of their remains. Other bonuses are based on the "feng shui" of the area, particularly in regards to being a gateway between life and death. Therefore, the area between a farm and a cemetary would be a perfect spot.

After Crossing, all Ghosts involved lose their memory of everything that happened since they died.

The Funeral

The group arrives at a cemetary, in the process of a funeral. The funeral procession is led by Death itself(or at least an agent strong enough to work in Death's place).

The living amongst the group must perform grieving services to the satisfaction of the Ghosts. What exactly must happen depends on the Ghosts themselves. Some will only be satisfied by tears and wailing, others by song and dance, sacrifices, incense, money, wine, or what have you. Personal knowledge of the ghosts involved makes this easier.

The point of this is in convincing the Ghosts to follow the living back to the Gate of Life, for reincarnation. On a complete failure, at least one of the ghosts refuses to follow the party on its journey back to life...

The One who is Left Behind

A little girl will also be present at the funeral. She is lost, a bit scared, and definitely lonely. She knows where anything and everything is in the Spirit World(yeah, everything), and someone needs to befriend her to recieve her guidance. Otherwise, it's going to be a lot of Spirit World lore type rolls to find your way around. No one knows who she is, not even herself.

The Crossroads

At the Crossroads, you will find more of the Ghosts who entered the heroquest with the living. They are lost, and despondent, trapped here, either out of fear, indecision or having given up on themselves. Whatever the reason, the goal of the living is to convince them to join them, or drag them to the Gate of Life.

The Temple

The Temple appears to be a wonderous place, bright, filled with holy song, and an energy that simply...feels right. Outside, mandarins are deciding who to allow through the temple gates, either to be admitted for the Heavenly palace, or to work off their sins in Hell. The last few Hungry Ghosts will be found here, waiting, perhaps pleading with the Mandarins. No matter what, they will be told to "Wait until called for", and probably will never be let in.

These Ghosts will be the hardest to win over, as they believe they are on the edge of redemption. Only the most dedicated and faithful Kralori Hungry Ghosts make it to the Temple, and the living must overcome the faith of the dead to convince them that they will never be admitted. If there was anyplace where Ghosts are lost, this would be it.

The Guardian of Life

A young woman, in scholar's cloths sits atop a dais in front of the Gate of Life. She is bored beyond time. She is the Guardian of Life, and determines who is, and is not suitable to travel through the Gate.

The Ghostkeepers typically bribe the Guardian of Life with incense, wine, and money. Although the bribes are based on sacrifices to the dead, in fact, what the Guardian seeks is things based on living life...hence wine, music, food, sex, etc, are what would win her over. She has sent people on to Life for all time, yet hasn't had a chance to experience it for herself.

The One who refuses to Leave

Finally, after all that, a nameless Ghost, who happens to come along for the journey, refuses to leave and forcibly blocks the gate. The Living and the Dead must fight him to get to Life again.

The Return

The living return, and all the Dead who come along are reincarnated. The little girl, though, must be left behind. No one has figured out how to reincarnate her, as she refuses to go through the Gate, and, in fact, are afraid of what would happen if she did. But she is always sad to be left alone, as always.

Interference

This heroquest is new, and won't suffer interference the first few times its used. But, by the time the scenario is underway, the Horizons will try to cross over and interfere with the ritual. Beyond that, the Kralori mandarins will begin sending spirits to hunt down those who try to circumnavigate the cycle of life, death and judgement.

Chris