Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting-The Tongs

Fantasy Core RPG

© Jerry Harris 2013

Published here as Open Game Content.

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Jianghu Setting

The Tongs

The Tongs do not exist, but if they did. . .

The Triads main backing comes from an alliance with the urban-based criminal organization, the Tongs.  This group comprises all of the various gangs from around the city.  They are held together by ironclad discipline from the Tong leadership and religious ideology.  There are no independent thieves or competing thieves guilds in the city, they are run out or killed.  In spite of all of this, the Tongs are virtually invisible.  Everyone knows that they exist, but virtually no one will openly speak of them. 

Paradoxically, while the Tongs are all about criminal enterprise, they are perhaps even more about the revolution than their Triad leaders.  They feel even religiously justified in their actions.  The Triads may espouse some spiritual idealism, but the Tongs live and die by it.  It is this element that binds them together so strongly.  They are funding the downfall of this corrupt, immoral regime to create the perfect society.

The Tongs were actually started by the Triads.  Their loyalty to the Triads is inseparable, though this isn’t necessarily mutual.  The Tong underlings may be arrested, but the Triad leadership and organization is never exposed by them.  Group members usually kill themselves if they are caught.  Even those that are caught tend to mysteriously die in captivity or are immediately released by judges owned by the Triads.  Any Tong leaders that are caught usually end up in Akagi Prison, but it is hardly “hard time” for them.  

Better to face an angry bull, than a calculating one.

The current leader of the Tongs is an imposing hulk of a man.  But it is Juro’s intelligence that has brought him to prominence.  He is fully dedicated to the cause and merciless in its execution, especially on his own members.  He’s built up enough enemies in the organization that he is forced to rule by fear.  The Triad leadership doesn’t trust him either.  One good slip up, and he will be removed with extreme prejudice.   

Still, he is not a one-dimensional zealous thug.  His personal regimen and austere discipline is a marvel to his opponents.  Juro is thoughtful in action, never rash.  Further, he is smart enough to see that the majority of the Triad leadership is just like Shi-Mei, spoiled dilettantes seeking power by spilling somebody else’s blood.  He is also smart enough to see that their connections, money, and influence are necessary for a successful revolt.  The Triads can be dealt with later.

Juro has trained with the hidden Wudan Grandmaster Lin and has acquired several impressive physical abilities.  They require him to train on a daily basis and eat a special diet.  Failing to do so will cause him to lose his special abilities for the day.

10th Level Thief, Hp 42, AC 13* (none, but has Diamond Skin trait and is immune to normal damage) Enhanced Initiative +3

+4 Int, Str, +3 Dex, +1 Wis, Cha

Fort +3, Ref +10, Will +4

Melee: +1 Dagger (Singing Dagger) +11 to hit 1d4+4

Sneak Attack: Successful attack and Stealth rolls (DC 12), 8 dam

Surprise Attack: Successful attack and Stealth rolls (DC 12), 18 dam

Ranged: +1 Dagger (Singing Dagger, returns to thrower in same rd) +10 to hit 1d4 + DC 12 Ref Sv or opponent is tripped to the ground

+8 Detection (Singing Dagger will also vibrate at the first sign of an attack)

+9 Stealth, Escape Artist, Acrobatics, Climb

½ or no damage from failed saves, further a successful save vs a magic attack is reflected back at the caster (Diamond Skin), though only the first magic attack in a rd.

Immune to poison and disease

Cannot be Mind Read