Date At Start Of Game: 12/26/206

[Author’s Note: This is the log for the 22nd session. Note that the order of the events in this record may not be in the exact order that they occurred during play.]

The Keepers Of The Light (Continued)

Before leaving the underwater lair of the Keepers the PC decide to speak a bit more about the situation with Hu-Lin. At first the PC question the validity of trying to keep Nombrian magic secret if they found out and if there are evil men who know about it. Hu-Lin does not believe that the secret has been badly leaked as the PC were told in an extreme condition and evil magicians want to keep power for themselves. He also plans to visit Gray Pine since learning that a piece of Great Oak can protect one from Nombrian magic. Hu-Lin hopes the PC will find and bring down Anselem to close off that thread. At this point the PC bring up the magic necklaces. They offer one to Hu-Lin to bring to Gray Pine while the PC hold onto the other one. With that the PC return to Captain Tegamo and the Lucky Lady.

Epic Tale #9 – Donovan’s Mate

Travelling To Tokaji

After returning to the ship the PC hire it to take them to Tokaji. Before leaving the PC check recent news in Tokaji and discuss what they know about the region. Cillian was raised in Tokaji and Oren spent several years in the royal palace. Here is a summary of what Cillian and Oren know of the region.

General Information

Summary

The Tokaji Province is the gem of the Golden Isles. To many the Golden Isles and the Tokaji Province are considered very far away and quite foreign. There is art, architecture, food, and spices that are not found anywhere else in the world. (In modern terms the Golden Isles should be viewed in a fashion similar to Japan although in the game I will throw in Chinese, Mongolian, and Japanese flavors.)

Geography And Natural Resources

The Tokaji Province is situated on the southern half of the Golden Isles. The Golden Isles are a rocky collection of volcanic islands on the eastern part of the world. In the south the main island is comprised of a very thick and dangerous swamp and Mount Lockmoro. Both the swamp and Mount Lockmoro provide many critical resources. The swamps are the home of flora and fauna that can only be found in jungle environments. Many feel that there are still many unexplored areas of the swamps that can be exploited. Mount Lockmoro is the infamous home of the Lockmoro Mines and the dragon Cragspine. The Lockmoro Mines are recognized for their deposits of salt, precious metals, and iron. Many feel that the resources of the Lockmoro Mines are the most important reason why the Tokaji Province has grown so powerful over the years. The Tokaji Province is composed of primarily two cities. There is a mining city on the southeast coast is called Oshin and the capital city of Tokaji. Roughly 60% of the populace lives in Tokaji, 30% live in Oshin, and the rest live scattered about the southern part of the Golden Islands. In the south local races include predominately Tiger Kin, Panda Kin, Crane Kin, Snake Kin, Sparrow Kin, Yak Kin, Macaque Kin, and Asian Elephant Kin. In the more mountainous regions of the south and the north there are predominately Black Bear Kin, Fox Kin, Wolverine Kin, Cougar Kin, Badger Kin, and Sheep Kin.

In the north the land is known as simply Kuldan. Kuldan is comprised of several prominent geographical assets. These include a large pine forest, fertile lowlands, Graylake, and the treacherous Racers Edge mountain chain. Graylake is a fresh water lake with a deep river feeding it. The lake allows the country of Kuldan to build ships in nearly complete safety then lead them down the river to the ocean port of Itaka, their capitol city. Combined with wood from the pine forest Kuldan is known for producing powerful ships. Racers Edge is a steep and dangerous mountain chain rumored to be very old and overrun with monsters of all sorts. For those willing to brave the mountains there are diamonds present. Kuldan is currently ruled by a harsh but powerful Bull Kin known as Oyugun of House Julan.

History

Background

The Tokaji Province’s rise to glory happened because of the backbreaking work of the early indigenous races. They pushed back the wilderness on the Golden Isles to setup a land where art and literature could flourish. Into this climate grew a proud and noble people. Their isolation meant that they had a unique culture as well. The people where split into powerful noble clans called “Houses”. Each House is a clan connected by a similar noble bloodline. As the country grew so did the power of the Houses. The Houses which ended up dominating the political scene where those who also controlled one of more of the critical natural resources. Over the years one House will rise to power and gain the support of other powerful Houses. When this happens an Emperor is appointed. Sometimes Emperors would rule for very short periods of time and at other times they might rule for many years. This tradition would continue until the Spirit War.

Just before the start of the Spirit War, roughly 17 years ago, the Tokaji Province was governed by Emperor Asamaka from the Great House Of Tigera. Asamaka was a noble Tiger Kin who ruled with a firm but fair hand. During his reign the Golden Isles reached out across the waters to become a powerful presence in the world. The people still consider Emperor Asamaka a hero and honor his birth as a national holiday. It was on a trip to the mainland when Emperor Asamaka was assassinated. This act thrust the Tokaji Province into the Spirit War and put Emperor Asamaka’s general, Nokidara, on the throne. For the first time in many years a strong military man was given control of the country. Nokidara took the forces of the Tokaji Province to war. The steel and ship industries grew quickly to meet the demands of the Spirit War. As war raged the Tokaji forces gained a reputation for their nobility and ferocity that Emperor Nokidara embodied. [It was during this time that Cillian was found by the elderly couple.]

During a critical battle near Torin City the forces of the Tokaji Province were hard pressed. Emperor Nokidara’s admiral, a wily Cougar Kin known as Berke, begged the Emperor to withdraw so that their forces could regroup. Instead of retreating Emperor Nokidara split his forces in an attempt to surround the attacking forces and trap them against their navy along the shoreline. As losses mounted the enemy forces were maneuvered into his brilliant trap. As the navy started to land forces they were surprised by the aquatic army of Waterton. The navy decimated and their trap revealed the attacking army turned on the Tokaji Province forces. Massive losses accumulated for both the land and naval forces. When Berke and the remaining forces sailed back to the Golden Isles tale of the now famous attack spread quickly. Berke declared the northern lands a new country called Kuldan, after his brother who died in the battle. This would split the Golden Isles into two countries greatly weakening their power, influence, and ability to quickly recover from the attacks. The battle would become known as The Collapse Of The House Of Tigera.

At this point Emperor Nokidara returned to the Tokaji Province with his tail between his legs to lead the people in their recovery. His firm hand and strong military mind caused him to push his people too hard with no reward. Their spirits broken many started to revolt. The noble houses now weakened by Nokidara’s control struggled to get favor with the Emperor but only those houses with powerful military commanders were able to sway him at all. Emperor Nokidara could inspire an army but not a country. Under Emperor Nokidara’s rule banishments and beheadings become the norm. Unfortunately it is the fall of the noble Houses that Nokidara will likely be remembered for, not his military genius.

[It was during this time that Oren became a friend of the royal family and particularly of Prince Nokidara. Near the last couple of years of the Spirit War Oren would get a call to action.]

Recent Events

Since the end of the Spirit War the most important event has been the death of Emperor Nokidara which occurred roughly 3 months ago. As it was on a day before a major festival celebrating Spirit War victories many believe the death of the Emperor to be some type of “omen”. To the surprise of the people Empress Nokidara, which was thought of as nothing more than a “trophy wife” by the people, took control with the full support of House Tigera. The only thing that most people know about Empress Nokidara is that she was instrumental in the creation of the Nokidara Royal Gardens, that she is an adroit speaker, and that she is quite beautiful. Recent events have left many people uncertain as to the fate of the Tokaji Province.

Oshin

Oshin is know as a “blue collar” town. People work hard and play hard in Oshin.

Key Locales

Lockmoro Mines

The Lockmoro Mines reach a head at the northern edge of the city of Oshin.

VIP

Cragspine (“The Dragon”)

Cragspine is the only known living dragon in the Spirit Storm world. He has a long slender body roughly 60 feet long that resembles a rattlesnake. (To the players this will be very reminiscent of a Chinese dragon.) His body is covered in dull brown and copper scales on the upper surfaces and tan colored scales on the bottom. Cragspine’s front claws are very fine and many guess that he can use spirit magic. The dragon does not fly but when he arrives for his yearly tithe he emerges from solid rock. Nobody knows how old Cragspine is but they know he has been around since the early days of the Ape Kin.

Cragspine has a deal with Tokaji Province royalty to present him with a yearly tithe of cattle, sheep, and whales each spring in turn for his “protection”. Even though this practice is essentially extortion the people treat Cragspine’s Tithe as a national holiday. During the celebration workers are given a day off and are fed beef, lamb, and fish in remembrance of the origins of the Tokaji Province and the spring.

Tokaji

Tokaji is the walled capitol city of the Tokaji Province and their seat of learning, art, and politics. It is a large sprawling city with twisting cobblestone streets that is set against the northern slope of a hillside. From the oceans one can see the palace rising above the city in opulent glory. The Palace and Nokidara Royal Gardens dominate the center of the crowded city.

During the early days of Tokaji the Emperors changed the arrangement of the city streets in many areas so that they are not in straight lines. This is done to prevent access by attacking forces but it also has the effect of making it harder for revolts to congregate. Visitors find the streets of Tokaji completely frustrating and directions from the residents often involve confusing references to local landmarks or establishments. For example, “Go right until you hit the Terraces then follow it to the third well and make two right hand turns. It will be near the end of the alley on the left.”

Where Oshin is a “blue collar town” Tokaji is “white collar”. The rich districts are filled with craftsmen who ply their masterful goods to rich nobles who are pulled through the streets on rickshaw like carriages. The Artificers Guild in Tokaji is quite powerful and very well respected. To start a business in Tokaji you must first pay your way into the guild. Once into the guild there is a small yearly commitment unless the business changes Houses. If a business changes houses it must pay the fee again and be accepted by the guild leaders. This process is often full of bribes and underhanded promises. Thus businesses are commonly passed down through families and only the most skilled craftsman flourish.

Key Locales

The Palace

The Palace is a marvel of Tokaji architecture. The stone walls are painted a bright red and golden tassels hang from the peaked corners of the roof. Balconies dot the various floors of this 8 floor masterpiece. The balcony to the royal chambers displays a massive silk banner showing the crest of the currently ruling house. When the PC arrive the banner shows an orange circular field with a black rearing claw. This is the symbol for House Tigera. The Palace is the physical embodiment of the noble spirit of the people. The palace gates are closed at nightfall.

The Nokidara Royal Gardens (“The Terraces”)

Along one side of the palace are the Nokidara Royal Gardens. The Empress created them to allow the people of the city to enjoy the rewards of their victories, to mourn the passing of the Emperor and Prince, and during the recovery as a method of giving the residents employment. The gardens are actually a large sprawling rectangular pit with steep sloping terraced sides that are filled with waterfalls, graceful trees, and foliage from around the world. Rumors are that plant spirits can be spoken to with greater ease in the gardens. They are spectacular and considered a prize of the Tokaji Province.

VIP

Empress Nokidara Kitomi

Empress Nokidara is a beautiful and brilliant Tiger Kin. When on the throne Empress Nokidara wears a revealing red silk kimono with golden thread inlay that shows the family tiger claw crest.

As the PC arrive at the port Cillian and Oren remember their time in the city fondly. The walled city of Tokaji sprawls on the side of a mountain. The royal palace towers above the city in opulent glory. As the boat docks the smell of herbs and strange foods fills the air. The PC disembark then decide how to proceed. Oren, Po, and Kanga head towards the palace. Cillian and Bilby head to Cillian’s house.

Visiting The Palace

As the trio of PC led by Oren approach the palace they are amazed at the pure opulence. Everything is delicately engraved, the marble floors are covered with intricate carpets, and the walls are decorated with fantastic paintings. Kanga and Po are surprised when roughly 1/4 of the guards appear to know Oren on a first name basis. Oren asks one of the guards to let Yotsu know that they have arrived. After only a few minutes the guards escort the PC to the main audience chamber. When they enter the room the queen is hearing a case between a perturbed Panda Kin noble and a Macaque Kin peasant. After looking at a book with Yotsu she speaks up, “Minister Chindra. Honsu. I have reviewed the information that you have brought to me and have made my decision. In simple terms the contract states that Honsu and his family must work your land for one generation (20 years) producing 200 bushels of wheat per year at which point the land will be granted to their family. 20 years have expired but per your records the last 5 years have not produced a full 200 bushels of wheat. Thus I will require the Honsu family to work the land for 3 more years and the production of 120 bushes of wheat. At that time the land will be granted to the Honsu family at which time it is their decision as to whether they continue to do business with House Beartara.” At this point the Panda Kin starts to utter a complaint but the Empress cuts him off, “This is my decision Minister. You will accept it.” She then nods to both parties. Honsu bows deeply on one knee. Minister Chindra nods then turns and leaves with a disgusted look on his face.

At this point the PC are allowed to speak with the Empress. After at first kidding with Oren the Empress welcomes Oren and his companions to the city. After hearing why they are visiting she tells the PC that her Court Mage, Meigi, can speak with Cragspine. She then asks Yotsu to draft a letter for the PC to take with them. The Empress asks the PC to stay in the palace and to join her for dinner the following night. With that the PC adjourn to their extravagant rooms. After getting settled Oren leaves to let Cillian and Bilby know the arrangements.

Cillian’s House

Cillian and Bilby come up to the simple house that belongs to Cillian. It is a common two story residence. The top floor window is boarded up from the inside. Cillian walks up to the front door then picks the lock and enters. Inside he finds three people having a conversation at what appears to be a simple dining room table. The place is a bit of a mess and smells like old food. The three people at the table include a Krait Kin friend of Cillian’s known as Akiki, a female Tiger Kin known as Hiyoshi, and a male Fox Kin known as Mitsuo. The three of them are at most in their early teens. As Hiyoshi and Mitsuo take out weapons Akiki tells them that this is Cillian and that he owns the house. At this point the PC are allowed to chat with the trio to get recent news in the city and house. Apparently an Officer who was once on a local beat has been promoted to the Captain Of The Guards. He is actually someone that Cillian has dealt with in the past, Officer Ibara. Lately things have been better for thieves because the Empress has a much softer hand than the Emperor. Beheadings and banishments, which were the norm, have not essentially gone away. The reason the upstairs window is boarded up is that the other resident, a Sparrow Kin known as Tachi, has been banished by his house and seeked refuge. Since Tachi is not supposed to be in Tokaji they boarded up the upstairs window.

After some conversation Oren arrives and tells the group that they have rooms setup in the palace and that they are scheduled to have dinner with the queen the following night. Bilby and Cillian reluctantly agree to stay at the palace. On the way in they are met by Captain Ibara who seems flabbergasted that Cillian is being allowed to stay in the palace. He tells Cillian that he plans to keep his eye on him.

Drunken Rooster Style

The next morning the PC head off to visit the Court Mage Meiji. His shack is outside of the city walls on a hillside. The only prominent feature of his shack is a large stone chimney. When the PC knock they hear a squeaky voice tell them to, “GO AWAY!” Oren persists and eventually the door cracks open. The small shack is packed with bottles, small boxes, scrolls, and books. In one corner is a copper still and a large chimney. Meiji rubs his eyes and asks the PC if they want anything to drink. Oren hands him a flask which Meiji takes to a counter. He starts to setup several small cups while Oren introduces the PC. While running through their names he drops the flask then picks it up. At this point Meiji and the PC talk about what has brought them to Tokaji. Po takes out his piece of chain golem which completely distracts the Court Mage. He starts casting spells on it then tells Po that he would love to investigate it further. Oren gets Meiji back on track by asking him about Cragspine. Meiji warns the PC about dealing with dragons but says that he can contact Cragspine. He pulls out a small table mirror with a copper border that is formed in the shape of a dragon head with topaz eyes. Meiji explains that the mirror can only work for one transaction and that it cannot be repeated for a week. With that Meiji activates the mirror which swirls with smoke. In the smoke the shadowy figure of a dragon head can be seen moving to the left and right. Meiji greets the dragon with a grand opening then gives the message from the PC. After a pause and shift in the image a booming voice responds, “Hrumph…tell them to come to my lair so that we can make an arrangement. I hope everything is alright with you Meiji. Hrumph.” The mist then stops. At this point Meiji remarks that Cragspine’s lair is crawling with monsters so the trip will not be easy. He tells the PC to contact the Mining Guild Master in Oshin. The Mining Guild Master is an old Badger Kin knowns as Kirikaro. Meiji suggests getting an official note from the Empress to help with any entanglements that might arise.

With that all of the PC except for Po take their leave. Po spends some time with the Court Mage speaking with him about the chain golem and some spells he has been researching. The pair seems to hit it off very well. After a few hours Meiji asks if Po would like to be his apprentice. Po agrees. At this point Po returns to the palace.

Date At End Of Game: 1/3/207