Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting-Palace-Fourth Level

Fantasy Core RPG
© Jerry Harris 2013
(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Index.)

The Governor’s Palace-Fourth Level

We spoil, elevate, and isolate our leaders in an attempt to keep them out of the way of those who do the actual work.

The entire Fourth Level is the lavish private suites of the Governor.  It is of course a magnificently decorated affair with the best in furniture, fixtures, and art.  There is a small dining area for private meals with special guests, as well as a parlor for private parties.  There is a “trophy” room of sorts filled with art and souvenirs of trips and accomplishments, and the Governor’s private office and library. 

There are two hidden “Panic Rooms,” which have escape shafts down, connecting to the secret tunnels in the basement.  (There is hidden access to these shafts on each level.)  There is also the somewhat dreaded private audience chamber where Yu conducts meetings with his Ministers and other officers.  A summoning to the private audience chamber is seldom for praise and chit chat.  There are the Governor’s bedchambers, along with a separate apartment for any “guests” he may have that are staying over.  Hong and Kasumi (the Governor's bodyguards) maintain apartments on this level as well.  At least one of them is always there when the Governor is. 


The peak of a mountain will not accommodate a multitude, which is why it is so lonely there. 

At the very top of the pagoda is the Governor’s observatory, something of a clear bubble.  When he has time to himself, he often is out there alone with his telescopes, day or night, watching the stars or the city.  The area is magically obscured and paneled with something akin to armored glass.  Few even know it exists, though it can be seen with magical sight spells.  Its entry hatch is magically locked (DC 16 Caster Check) with an excellent mechanical lock (DC 18 Lockpick).  There are three sets of keys (Governor, Minister Liu, Hong/Kasumi) and the magic lock only deactivates for those wearing Imperial Signet rings (Governor, Ministers).  The rings also activate the hidden doors to the escape shafts. 


The mightiest and hungriest of tigers will not attack a herd of elephants.

This information on the Palace is not simply window dressing.  From the character’s point of view, if they decide to serve the Governor, they need to know how the Palace works.  If they wish to topple him, infiltrating the staff in some fashion is likely the only way to get near him.  Just planning on sneaking in, fighting your way in, or even flying in is almost certain disaster. 

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