October 9, 2010.
The battle that was previously joined took place. It was glorious. Seskin Layori was not alone, but was instead joined by his first son, Salorn, and his dragon, Kranglon the Mighty. The party and the three members of the Divine Alliance fought bravely, like drunken berserkers, for what seemed like hours. In reality, it was over in less than two minutes. Finally, the Dark One brought his sword to bear and struck down the wounded Valheru. As he fell, so did Kranglon. The battle was won.
The party then gathered up their plunder as the Council of Seven began redecorating. Though not permitted to take everything out of the castle, they did make off with quite a few special treats. There was the Sword of Lost Worlds, the Shield of the Visigoths, Spheres of the Magi, and the Spear of Truth. They were the guests of honor at a feast to celebrate the removal of the tyrant. Still, the party felt that there should have been more. Having saved the cosmos and countless worlds that were threatened by the armies of the Valheru, they were now expected to return to their normal lives.
They returned to Waterdeep to find a little more time had passed than they had thought, but nothing extraordinary. It was the 27th of Ches, the third month. They sold some plunder and made some purchases, though no fly potions despite the relatively low cost. They lounged about for a few weeks before they were contacted by Lankyforpot who let them know that someone was looking for them.
The man found them eventually. Or, rather, they received word that someone staying at the Blue Horse was looking for them, and they went to meet him. His name was Chang Kana, and he was Minister of State and Special Envoy from Son of Heaven, the Emperor of Shou Lung. He had quite a story for them.
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“Heroes of the West, I have come far to find you. I am Chang Kana, Minister of State and Special Envoy from the Empire of Shou Lung. I need your help.”
“This may be somewhat difficult to explain, but the world of Kara-Tur is different in many ways from your world of Faerun. Here you each look to the heavens, choose a god that suits your own needs, and then form a relationship with that god. That direct contact is not the way of Kara-Tur. Our heavens are ruled by the Celestial Emperor. Beneath him are the Four Lords, the gods of Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall. Serving them are the Nine Immortals, divine powers that dwell upon Toril. They are served by hundreds of lesser servants, spirits that are not divine. The prayers of the people are heard by these servants and reported up the chain of superiors as high as they need to go. In this way, the Celestial Bureaucracy ensures that all the voices of the people are heard.”
“The problem which brings me here is that… Two of our immortals are missing. The first to disappear was Chih Shih, the god of history and tradition. His servant spirits do not know what to do. Prayers were lost. We assumed Chih Shih would return soon, but he did not. Instead, Fa Kuan, the god of justice, disappeared.”
“We are experiencing chaos. Our judges do not receive guidance. We are afraid that these immortals may have been killed, and we do not know what may come next. Faerun is a land of great heroes and wizards. Shou Lung is a land of enduring tradition and balance. We are not prepared to deal with this, which is why I have come here. After researching we discovered you may have some experience with fallen gods.”
“The Son of Heaven, the Emperor of Shou Lung, cannot officially ask for help from another nation, let alone from private citizens. But I am merely a Minister, and without you we are lost.” (He stands, drops to his knees and bows). “Please, Heroes of the West, save my people. Save Shou Lung.”
The party, fucked in the head as usual, finally agreed to help him so long as they were given titles and land. Chang agreed to this as he was out of other options.
The party prepared to travel, and Chang mentioned that teleport is illegal and blocked by the Dragon in Shou Lung. They could teleport just outside the border, though, which they did. They went to a small town on the Golden Way (called Silver Way in Shou Lung) called Nuhan. The wizard created phantom steeds, and the party traveled at absurd speeds down the road. Just inside Shou Lung they came to a small town called Gallen's Well that was, bizarrely, under attack from four dragons. A few soldiers were putting up a small resistance, but the party was needed. The rode in on their phantom steeds, flying up to meet the dragons. The problem is that the phantom steeds weren't very strong, so many members of the party then fell back to the ground. Eventually, though, they won out over the four old black dragons. The town was saved, and the party went on.
They passed through many villages and the cities of Mishan and Cham Fau, the capital of Kao Shan province. The imperial governor there was very excited to throw a feast in honor of the Imperial Consultants of Western Culture (their real purpose was hidden to avoid panic). The exotic foreigners were the talk of the town, and those who chose to capitalize on that for special treatment from some of the opposite gender were successful in their endeavors.
The imperial governor wanted to send a small honor guard with the party, but they could not keep up with the phantom steeds. They took side roads from Cham Fau to get onto the Spice Way, which led into Shou Tu'Lung, the capital city.
They found this city to be much larger than Waterdeep, which was difficult to imagine. Huge walls surrounded the city, and kept the masses and their stench inside. Walking through city they came to another set of walls in which was contained the Bureaucracy. These massive buildings full of ministers, clerks, judges, and civil servants of all kinds indicated a type of government different from any they had imagined. It seemed that it would be difficult for any one person to seize significant power, but it would create many opportunities for corruption. Nonetheless, Chang Kana led the party straight through and into the inner walls of the Forbidden City. They were in a massive courtyard surrounded by beautiful buildings. The roofs appeared to be made from crushed pearls. The walls were gold and trimmed in purple and gold. There was a theme of dragons, including the form of the buildings themselves.
Chang Kana told them that as gusts of the emperor they would be permitted to stay in the Forbidden City, but he, merely Minister of State, must leave by dusk. He reminded them that they are expected to behave themselves. Weapons are not permitted in the presence of the emperor, and they should not be caught where they are not supposed to go. He explained that by vouching for them, he was at risk.
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I know that you are all good men, but I want you to understand how things are different in Shou Lung. Were you to threaten the emperor, every soldier in Shou Lung would fight you to the death without hesitation. Once you were defeated, I would be executed along with my wife and children. My cousins and siblings would be stripped of property and exiled. My name would be stricken from every record, and no child born in the empire will ever be given my name. Speaking my name will be a crime. I will be forgotten from the world and history within a year. I have no doubt that my future is safe in your hands, and saving the empire is more important than any risk to myself anyway, but I want you to understand the way in which we demand respect for our Emperor. The Son of Heaven is the only thing that unites the Empire, and without that veneration we would crumble.
They were then led to their rooms. Each one was given a suite which included a walk-in bath. Tyrone, Sunny, Yenrab, and Marchosias were each provided with four beautiful female servants to help them "bathe." Eron and Signy were provided with very strong and attractive male servants for the same purpose. Eron complained, and he was told that he did not have to hide his interests here. He was free of judgment, but he insisted of having females attend him.
The next day they were presented to the Emperor of Shou Lung. Chang Kana entered first, formally asking permission to present the consultants. With that, a servant led each one of them before the Emperor and presented them. It was clear that titles were easier to come by for some. It was also clear that this Bureaucracy does its homework.
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“Son of Heaven, I present Signy Asmundr, daughter of Knight-Marshall Asmundr of Waterdeep. Hero of the Moonshaes, Savior of Myth Drannor, and Rainbringer of Calimshan.”
“Son of Heaven, I present Sunger Sunny Abulrook, One who Harps and Honored disciple of the Silver Moon. Hero of the Moonshaes, Savior of Myth Drannor, and Rainbringer of Calimshan.”
“Son of Heaven, I present Tyrone Kennard, One who Harps and Honored Ranger of Silver Marches. Aid-de-Camp to Lady Alustriel Silverhand. Savior of Myth Drannor.
“Son of Heaven, I present Yenrab Natas, Storm Lord and Priest of Talos, the Lightning God. Hero of the Moonshaes, Savior of Myth Drannor, and Rainbringer of Calimshan.”
“Son of Heaven, I present Marchosias Longcoat, Dark One of the Sword Coast. Hero of the Moonshaes, Savior of Myth Drannor, and Rainbringer of Calimshan.”
“Son of Heaven, I present Eron Valnce. Brother of Governor of Corvit Province of Thay. Bicurious Wizard of the City of Splendors. Hero of the Moonshaes, Savior of Myth Drannor, and Rainbringer of Calimshan.”
The party was greeted formally as Consultants of Western Culture, and told they would meet privately with the emperor later. Indeed, that afternoon they met with Emperor Kai Tsao Shou Chin and Chang Kana. There they could speak privately of the real issue. They were told the rough approximation of where these two immortals lived on Toril. So that the party could better understand the story of Shou Lung and Nine Immortals, Chang Kana told them the lengthy story that was written one night very quickly by someone who was extremely tired and should therefore be forgiven for his lack of awesomeness.
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The whole land was destroyed by constant, savage wars. There were countless kingdoms and even more barons that ignored their kings. To the people, there was little difference between barons and brigands. Conscripts were called from the lands year after year, and few crops were planted. The people were suffering and starving.
Then on a spring day, nine men throughout the lands suddenly felt a call. They experienced an unbearable need to go to Pingchow, a small village. They came together in an inn, none knowing why they were there. They had never met, but they recognized the call in each other. After they settled down in the common room of the inn, the only travelers there, they were visited by Ling, the Goddess of Spring. She came to them as a cherry blossom caught on the breeze through an open window.
She told them that they had been chosen to find a righteous leader. She could not tell them how long their quest would take them. She gave each of the nine an Emblem of Authority, a small charm representing one of the nine Gifts of the Path. They were told to give these Emblems to this greatest leader of men. The nine spent a year in that inn deciding what criteria they would use before setting out. The first test was the simplest, hospitality. Then they would ask their candidates what made a great man. Then they would ask what was the purpose of nobility. With their plans made, they set out together.
Traveling through lands engaged in war, they often were turned away at the door, making the first test obvious. For twenty years they wandered the lands speaking to every noble of every kind. They were known as the Nine Travelers, though no one else knew their purpose during that time. After twenty years, they spent another year in the same inn in Pingchow discussing what they had found, and they were not happy.
Most of the answers were that great men were of great birth, strength in arms, commanding the most men, etc. They said the purpose of nobles is to rule, to command, to give people purpose, to make people work, to conquer, etc. They found a man who let them into his home, said that great men come from great ancestors, and that the purpose of nobles was to help the people. It was the best answer they had heard. It took some time, but they agreed to go find that man again if he still lived. I wish I could tell you his name, but the Nine never revealed who that was.
Along their to journey to visit this would-be leader, they found themselves in a great storm. Lightning was flashing over the hills and rapidly approaching. There was little in the area aside from one yurt in a pasture. They ran to the yurt and found one boy with a small herd of goats inside. The boy saw the men running and ushered them inside just as the rain began to pour. With the goats inside, it was a tight fit, but the nine noticed the boy sat with his back to the door so water fell on his back and no one else. He was no more than 13 years old, and he was obviously very poor. The offered them what bread and water he had as they asked him about his life. His name was Tan Chin. He never knew his father, and his mother died a couple years ago. He cared for the goats on his own, and he loved them very much. There had been a barn, but wind had knocked it down last winter so he brought the goats in here. The Nine looked around at each other, and in silent accord decided to ask the questions since the boy had done so well with hospitality. They asked him what made a man great. "I've heard that nobles are great, but I've never met one. Bang is the big goat over there, but he just takes food from the others. Hao came from the best stock, but he bites. Fei Yen is very sweet to everyone and especially the young ones. Pango is really smart. He keeps figuring out how to get into the food or out of the pasture. He doesn't eat much or run far. It's almost like he tries new things to learn. It should upset me, but I love him for it. I think it's the same with people. The great ones have a sharp mind or a good heart, or both." Amazed at his answer, they asked about the purpose of nobles. Tan Chin sat and considered the question for several moments. "I think nobles are more powerful so they can do things the people can't do for themselves. I let these goats into the yurt in bad weather, and I chase off the coyotes. It's my job to protect them, and nobles should protect their people when they can't do it themselves." The nine sat is silence for several minutes before looking to each other. Again, in silent accord, they agreed on this boy. They were all amazed, but they knew he was who they were sent to find. They each gave him their Emblem of Authority, and the boy looked at them without understanding. They were about to explain when lightning struck the yurt, blasting it apart. No one inside was harmed, and a light shone from the heavens as a figure descended. He was a powerful man with a large golden crown. He set down in the center of the group and spoke to Tan Chin. It was the Celestial Emperor himself, come down to Toril. He spoke, "You have a father now. You are the Son of Heaven, the Emperor of Shou Lung. You and your line shall command the greatest empire on Toril, so long as your answers are remembered. Learn from these men, and never forget your flock." With that, he was gone, but our history began.
Under the tutelage of the Nine, the boy learned first how to accept the men who came to him to swear fealty. The empire was forged over thirty years, but it was well formed and has not been broken in nearly 3000 years. To this day, a flock of goats, the direct descents of the first Emperor Tan Chin's goats, remain in the Forbidden City to remind the current Son of Heaven that his job is to protect the people as his herd, and to remind the rest of Shou Lung that any man can become great.
In reward for their service, the Nine Travelers were deified and called the Nine Immortals. They are beneath the Four Lords in the Celestial Bureaucracy, and the weakest of the Divine. Many spirits serve them, but they are not divine.
They were also provided with a brief explanation of the Celestial Bureaucracy (not to be confused with the Bureaucracy of Shou Lung). The heavens are ruled by the Celestial Emperor, who has established his Celestial Bureaucracy. Shoul Lung is ruled by the Emperor of Shou Lung, who has established the Bureaucracy of Shou Lung.
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Celestial Emperor, ruler of all heaven.
Four Lords
Chang. God of Summer
Huan. God of Winter
Ling. Goddess of Spring
Shan. Goddess of Fall
The Nine Immortals
Kwan Ying - Goddess of compassion, mercy, joy
Chan Cheng - God of war, the martial arts, combat, bravery
Ch'en Hsiang - God of poetry, music, literature
Chih Shih - God of history, lore, tradition
Nung Chiang - God of agriculture and fertility
Ai Ch'ing - Goddess of love, marriage
Fa Kuan - God of justice
Hsing Yong - God of fortune, prosperity
Shu Chia - God of artificers, the arts
Lesser (non-Divine) Servants
Jade Ladies (responsible for placing treasures in the earth)
Rice Spirits (responsible for making rice grow strong & tall)
Moon Women (maintaining the proper care of the Heavens)
Spirit Warriors (creating heroic resolve & courage)
Ancestors (Guarded the homes, helped the Lares)
Lares (Messengers from the people… ish)
Not that anyone gives a shit, but it is roughly the 24th of Tarsakh, the 4th month.
Whew.
