Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting-Master Yune

Fantasy Core RPG

© Jerry Harris 2013

Published here as Open Game Content.

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Jianghu Setting

Master Yune

 “How can I one day become a grandmaster?” –Yune

“How can you not become a grandmaster?” –Grandmaster Fu

The story of the incident between Master Yune and Grandmaster Fu has taken on the aspects of an allegorical legend.  The repeated versions of the story are usually apocryphal.  Yune was the most prominent, pious, and martially skilled monk at the temple, and Fu’s assumed successor.  There was no friction between the two, though small interchanges have since been embellished.  Then one day as Grandmaster Fu observed a simple sparring contest between Yune and another monk, he suddenly announced that Yune had dishonored himself and the temple and was asked to leave.

Without hesitation, Yune gathered his belongings and began the long trek down the 7,200 steps from the mountain temple.  The Grandmaster stood and watched and he and Yune had the above exchange, before they passed out of one another’s lives.  Much like Fu’s Zen koan (riddle), the whole incident seems nonsensical, as there is literally nothing more to it, at least on the surface.  Yune has spent much of his time since driven to excellence and meditating on the meaning of Fu’s last words to him.  The Grandmaster seems unfazed, but has not anointed any one else to take his place.  Certainly all of his current adepts are now afraid of trying to attain the honor. 

Yune migrated to the city to ply his trade as a master martial artist.  His funds being nearly non-existent and with the scandal attached to him, only the White Lotus would fund his dojo (obviously through intermediaries).  Since then, there has been an unspoken obligation for him to supply students for various tasks, at the White Lotus’ request.  Yune has no interest in any rebellion, and honestly doesn’t even know that he is working for the White Lotus.  (They never ask for his services, by the way.  He’s too famous for such covert work.) 

This arrangement has grated on Yune, but his students are never asked to murder or steal (the White Lotus works with the Kinsai ninja clan for that).  They only provide security or help to rescue someone quietly, and the students have always returned from the task (though not necessarily unhurt).  In spite of his teachings of honor and virtue, Yune is more pained and dishonored by some his former students working for the Triads, the Tongs, and the Brotherhood in criminal activities.  Most however, have started their own dojos and private security firms, or work as constables or in the military (Special Forces types).  Some have even retreated to the monastery, to Yune’s praise.   

Yune is an amazingly powerful, intimidating looking physical specimen, but could not be a more soft-spoken and gracious individual.  Yune was originally trained as a demon-hunter before entering the monastery.  He has disdain for magical weapons, armor, or devices, and relies on his own special skills and intuition.  News of a demon stalking the city is one of the few things that will draw him out into combat.  The Governor and his ministers have called upon his services at the palace.  The only other thing that will draw him out is one of his students being in danger.   

10th Level Flying Warrior, Hp 84, AC 18 (no armor) Enhanced Initiative +4

Fort +11, Ref +11, Will +7

Melee: Unarmed 2 attacks +14/+9 to hit 1d4+9

Longsword +14 to hit 1d8+4

Ranged: Longbow +14 to hit 1d8

Flying Strike +14 to hit + DC 12 Acrobatics check, 9 damage

Flying Multi-Strike +14 to hit + DC 12 Acrobatics check, 1d8+4, up to four, adjacent opponents

Acrobatics +9

Immune to falling damage

Special Technique: Mystic Strike-Yune is able to hit magic to hit creatures bare-handed or with any weapon.

Special Technique: True Sight-Yune can see through any illusion, though he must be concentrating to do so.