Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting Adventure Part 6

Fantasy Core RPG
© Jerry Harris 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Index.)

Jianghu Setting
Sample Adventure “Dark Waters Have Unknown Depths”
Part 6

One adventure’s end is another’s beginning.

Epilogue 

(1 XP for achieving 2 objectives, 2 XP for 3, 3 for returning with all of the objectives-the idol, two hostages, and a live bandit)

There are any number of permutations that this adventure can end with, so there’s no point in trying to cover them all. Definitely, delivering Shin the raider to Hanso means that the Tong’s scheme has been brought to light in some fashion. While mistakes and successes and friends and enemies should always follow the characters’ reputations around, at this point in their careers, nothing has been set in stone. If the characters have done harm to one group, they might choose to look at the characters as potential worthy allies if properly approached, instead of mortal enemies. If the characters have done well for someone, they’ll probably be inclined to work with them in the future.

Carefully consider each faction’s goals in light of the outcome of the adventure. Were the Tongs and Triads able to embarrass the new Brotherhood leader? Was the Brotherhood able to save face? Was the White Lotus able to expose the Triad’s plot? Was the Imperial government able to assert their authority in this situation? Did anyone achieve anything? What role did the characters play in the result? If they succeed, Lord Hanso will immediately anoint them as heroes, which will temporarily shield them from any immediate recriminations from others.

Any group’s agenda that’s been set back is certainly not going to give up on their overall goals. They’ll be back with a new scheme. Internal recriminations will certainly be on the way for those attached to the failure (and inevitable attempts at restoring their honor). Anyone who’s done well will want to capitalize on their success. Those implicated by scandal will be targets for vengeance. Oh, no. This adventure isn’t over by a longshot, not for anybody involved.

Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting Adventure Part 5

Fantasy Core RPG
© Jerry Harris 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Index.)

Jianghu Setting
Sample Adventure “Dark Waters Have Unknown Depths”
Part 5

Human treachery is the most dangerous demon of all.

Road outside of the buried city (2 XP)
A mounted troop of 12 disreputable looking individuals will be waiting for the characters just as the exit the city. Both sides are going to see one another fairly easily. The leader of the band will come forward to parley and announce himself as Jing. Shin, the raider leader, will recognize him, “You miserable Triad cockroach! You lead my people into trap!” Jing will ignore him and ask what the party was offered for the job. If answered, he’ll throw out a bag of gold to the characters doubling the reward, in return for what they’ve recovered.

Here’s one of those hard decisions I mentioned in the introduction. It’s up the players what they want to do. In this case (and certainly this shouldn’t happen with every hard decision), their decision will lead to a fight either way, but the question is, will it be an honorable one?

If they take the money, Shin will try to escape if possible. The Triads will take possession of the hostages and the idol. Jing and 3 others will take off for the village, but before they go Jing will tell the rest to get his gold back. It may be possible to catch Jing, since his group is loaded down, but they’ll have to hurry. If they don’t take offer, it’s a straight up fight. Shin will want to fight (and escape). Jing will retreat if the fight goes badly and any left will join him. In either case, the Triads will want Shin dead as their main goal, since he could expose the Tong’s plan.


Are you fighting your enemy, or your greed?

Approaching the village (1 XP for avoiding a fight and getting into town)
Leaving the desert, a dust cloud can be seen in the distance. It’s the troop of 6 Imperial troops (5 soldiers, 1 sgt) patrolling the fringe of town with Sub-Minister Tai at the head. The characters will see them first, but the troop is headed in their direction.

It is at this point that Boo the Kappa reappears. He offers to get the characters past the soldiers in return for the Oni horn (which the characters hopefully have). If they know what it can do (though not its expiration), there’s going to be some reluctance to part with it. If they hand it over, the Kappa casts an illusion that sends the troop in the wrong direction, allowing the characters to make it to the village. Boo may be useful acquaintance for any further trips into the desert.

If the characters refuse, Boo leaves and won’t be so friendly if they meet again. Hopefully the players come up with a scheme to get them past the soldiers, because if it’s a straight fight, the characters will be massacred. The only worse possibility would be actually killing Tai, that would make the characters very, very wanted murders. (Though certainly they’re likely to fight at some point in the future anyway.) The rest of the troop would scatter and go for reinforcements at that point.

Near the village, there might be some interference from the Brotherhood if warranted. Shin may be make a break for it, if given the opportunity. But, this seems more like a good place to end this.

The All-Star Cotillion

I suppose since there’s nothing else really going on in sports when the All-Star game come around, sports talk radio and TV commentators feel the pressing need to make a controversy out of it.  There’s nothing like listening to grown men talking like a bunch of teenaged, socialite girls, gossiping about who’s being invited, and who’s being snubbed, for the social event of the season. 

It’s especially sad when players make the mistake of chiming in, like it’s a popularity contest and they've just found out, that they’re not in with the “popular” girls.  All of these people commenting on the selection are like a bunch of heroines from a Jane Austin novel, “Oh dear, if I cannot attend the All-Star Cotillion, it shall be a social disaster of unmitigated magnitude.  How shall I ever show my face at any other event?  Oh, I swoon.”  

I truly hope I’m being insulting here.  This doesn't happen in the NFL, NBA, or the NHL, because their All-Star games not only don’t count, they’re farcical imitations of an actual game.  It’s just a little competitive party for the good players that happens in front of audience.  The MLB All-Star game is an actual game, whose outcome actually impacts the post-season.

The All-Star game has to service several, sometimes conflicting, agendas at the same time, so this is why it generates discussion.  First, it’s for the fans to see their favorites all playing at the same time and gets their participation by allowing them to vote on the starters.  Second, it’s an award for the players who've done well this season.  Third, it’s a mid-season event for the MLB and the networks to drum up some interest, at a time when it starts to drag.  Fourth, it counts.  The winner gets home field advantage in the World Series for their league.  That’s a lot real estate to cover in one game.         

There are plenty of arguments over the selection.  I’ll try to knock them down here.

The fans shouldn’t be voting because that makes this a popularity contest. 

Yes it is.  Duh.  Why would they watch the game, if it was just a bunch of jerks with good numbers.

They pass over more deserving players.

That’s why the players and coaches get to vote on the reserves.  Moreover, more deserving on the basis of what?  Whether they’re longstanding veterans?  Whether they’ve got the best numbers?  What numbers?  (WAR?  The stat invented to somehow prove that Mike Trout is one greatest players of all time, even though he hasn't played a full season yet.)   

This game counts so they shouldn't have to take a player from each team, especially since some crappy teams don’t have a worthy player.

Okay, you have 34 guys to play one game with who are made up of the best players in the league, and you’re afraid a couple of them might not be really great.  Just ponder the level of insecurity encapsulated in that.  I think I could manage any All-Star team victory.  (“Okay guys, go out there and do whatever you usually do.  I’ll be sitting here on the bench, eating popcorn and watching.”)  Once again, it’s a fan issue.  Every team needs to be represented, because all of the teams have fans, not just the Yankees.

I don’t want some flash in pan guy taking the spot of someone more deserving.

Again, it’s for the fans and who they want to see.  Some veteran with great career numbers might be better in the long run than some guy who’s done well for half of a season (or less).  I keep remembering Bryan LaHair* from the Cubs getting in as an injury replacement last year.  I don’t think he was with the club at the end of the season.  Last I heard, he was playing in Japan.  But you know what?  At the time he got in, his numbers merited it.  Leave projecting career stats to the scouts in the front office. 

This guy got in as a sentimental vote, not because of his current numbers.

The exact opposite complaint.  Same answer.  It’s who the fans want to see.  Besides, great veteran players get that way by coming through in big games.  Ideally, an All-Star team should be made up of celebrated veterans, up and coming potential stars, and steady guys with great numbers.  Hey, that’s what we have now.

Well, I’m sure I've finally put to rest any further nonsense about the All-Star, and we can all just sit back and enjoy the game.  

Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting Adventure Part 4

Fantasy Core RPG
© Jerry Harris 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Index.)

Jianghu Setting
Sample Adventure “Dark Waters Have Unknown Depths”
Part 4

Never confront a demon in his lair.

The Oni’s Temple (2 XP)
What was once a modest walled temple is now in sad ruins, partly buried. The walls are actually intact. There is still an entry arch and a courtyard filled with partly buried statues. At the far end is the main worship hall, curiously clear dust and debris. A girl’s screams can be heard coming from the hall, along with the shouts of another girl and a man.

The 9’ tall walls may be scaled, though they’ll collapse if two people are on top at the same time. No damage, but immediately 4 Terra Cotta Statues will surprise attack from the sands, with another 6 attacking the next rd. If the characters don’t collapse the wall, they will reach the front porch of the main hall unmolested. However once there, a bright blue Kappa (the Oni’s servant) will appear, howl, and then attacks proceed as below.

Going through the archway, the Kappa attacks the party from the rear. It will use all of it’s tricks to harass the characters, while 2 Terra Cotta Statues activate and attack each rd, up to 10 statues total. The Kappa will try to escape inside if it is hurt or the statues are all destroyed. The statues cease attacking once the party is inside.

The large double doors on the porch have been shattered. Inside the gloomy chamber is a single large room. There are no other entries or exits from it. There are four large defaced and decapitated statues on display. The defiled nature of the temple ruins any supernatural detection abilities. A disheveled girl is laying on the ground before the statues in shock. Muffled voices can be heard, seemingly coming from inside the statues. Suddenly a booming voice rings out, “You’ve interrupted my playtime. You’re going to have to pay for that.”

The girl says her name is Ling from Shinju-Mata village and that the demon put the others in the statues. She doesn’t know where he is. Much like the Terra Cotta Statues, these statues of the gods need only be struck hard to crack open. Roll 1d4 for each. On a 1, the large, horned, blue Oni appears from the inside and attacks, but this is an illusion projected by the Kappa if he escaped, or another blue Kappa. Either way, it fights to the death. The occupants found in the statues (whether a Kappa is there or not), in order, are the village’s golden idol, Shin the raider leader, Aoi a girl from the village, and Ling, again.

Now, just to make this interesting, I’m not specifying which Ling is real. That’s up to you. Aoi will not be able to discern the difference between them as the Oni has thoroughly read Ling’s mind. Taking both girls outside will allow for detection spells to work, but if the girls are next to each other, the Oni will show himself and take Ling hostage. He’ll try to negotiate his escape while taking Ling with him. Any Terra Cotta statues left will be there to support him. Of course, the players will think up something else to try, so be on your toes.

Aoi is suitable as a replacement character or even a supporting one if armed. Shin will want to escape, but won’t try to do so while in the desert. (To say the least, he now knows better than to run off into the desert.) He’ll be willing to fight if faced with an enemy that may do him worse harm, such as say the Triads or Imperial soldiers. Ling would be a fairly desperate choice for combat.

The Oni’s horn will come off with some determined hacking. It will glow and radiate powerful magical energy. If held by a magic user, they’ll feel a surge of energy. In game terms, any spell they cast will be at DC 10 while in possession of it. Of course, this power fades after a day, which the characters will find out. Also, not all Oni horns should have this property.

Sports Journal 7-7-13

I had to see the IRL race at Pocono.  It’s like having the opportunity to watch the Hindenburg land at Lakehurtst, NJ.  I’d being told that open wheeled cars had run there before, but I had to see the archival footage to actually believe it.  The track is dangerous from a technical stand point, with its three corners, and dangerous from an attention stand point, because its so boring.  Putting NASCARs out there is reach, much less racing a bunch of cars that are a lot more fragile.  Oh, and they were promising a three-wide start. 

Hinchcliffe's first turn wreck seemed to confirm my fears of disaster, but actually there were only two cautions in the whole race.  The other caution was in the pits, as Takuma Sato had trouble negotiating pit road.  This lack of cautions was truly unfortunate.  All of the best racing occurred on the restarts.

The bottom line was that it wasn’t a disaster of crashing, it was more like a NASCAR race at the track.  It was hideously boring.  The perfect stock car race at Pocono is a rainout immediately after it goes halfway and the race is official.  This may have been worse.  It turned into a fuel-mileage race.  My lasting image was that of Marco Andretti, who lead most of the race, out of gas at the end and walking back to the pits.     

Ganassi’s cars finished 1-2-3.  Scott Dixion’s win was very popular with me as that meant I got to see an interview with his lovely wife Emma Dixon.  Seeing her gorgeous self and hearing her very proper English accent, all I could think was, “get this girl some acting lessons, put her in a period dress, and insert her into the Dowton Abbey cast, immediately.”   

Meanwhile, the Cubs and the Pirates faced off again in Chicago.  The only noteworthy event for most of the game was yet another resin bag gag pulled on Pirate pitcher, AJ Burnett.  Unlike the April Fool’s gag, this time the bag was emptied.  Play was stopped until another bag was found.

In the bottom of the 9^th, Kevin Gregg had two outs, two strikes, and a one run lead.  The large crowd was on its feet cheering.  And then, Starling Marte hit a home run to tie the game.  In the 10^th, rock solid Darwin Barney made an error at second base.  I’m not sure which failure was more shocking.  Never fear, next play, he started a double play, and then made a spectacular play on the next batter.  In the 11^th, with the bases full, Dioneer Navarro got another clutch hit to win it.  Thanks to the Pirates for doing all they could to lose it there.  4-3 Cubs.

It had to happen.  The Pirates came in the best record in baseball.  People started talking about them being on pace to win 100 games.  Then they lose two in a row to the Cubs.  All that needs to happen now is another 19 inning game right after the All-Star break to send them to their 21^st losing season in a row.  As a baseball fan, kinda glad I don’t live in Pittsburgh. 

Because of the length of this game I only caught the last inning and half of the Dodger-Giant game (and missed the Ranger game entirely).  That was plenty.  Tie game in the 8^th.  Puig makes a spectacular catch to end the inning.  He comes up first in the 9^th, gets a hit, and takes an extra base on an error.  The bases end up loaded and AJ Ellis (Hold it, is this the third AJ, I’ve written about this weekend?  Quick count.  Yes.) hit a bases clearing triple.  4-1 Dodgers.  AJ actually specifically thanked Puig for getting the rally started in a post-game interview.  The kid is turning into the Dodgers’ good luck charm.

Fantasy Core RPG: Jianghu Setting Adventure Part 3

Fantasy Core RPG
© Jerry Harris 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Index.)

Jianghu Setting
Sample Adventure “Dark Waters Have Unknown Depths”
Part 3

The desert sands will cover everything eventually. Only determination stands in their way.

Outside the Buried City (0 XP)
The characters are given a map and told that when they enter the desert proper, stick to the path. It’ll lead right to the buried city. The “path” is a washed out gully that seemed to once be a road. An hour later, all sight of the village and cultivated lands have disappeared. Topping a rise, a series of large irregular dunes can be seen. With a second look, it is obvious that the dunes are laid in a civic pattern and are in fact completely or nearly buried buildings. It’s difficult to judge how big the ruins are as they seamlessly fade into the surrounding sands.

At the bottom of the hill, just entering the city, the characters see a depression. Inside are a collection of several dead bodies and a group of disreputable looking individuals picking over them. A gang of Brotherhood scouts is on the trail of the raiders and has come upon their bodies and are examining them. The characters are not going to know this however.

If approached in a non-threatening manner or any other manner, Yi the leader, will immediately demand their surrender and want to know where the hostages are. Then they attack. There are 5 of them, 2 fighters, 3 thieves. 3 (including Yi and the 2 fighters) are visible. The other 2 thieves will circle around and attack from the rear. If they are being defeated, Yi will definitely attempt to run and any others with him, to go get reinforcements (but they shouldn’t return before the characters have left). If any are questioned, they’ll refuse to identify themselves and tell the characters that they will be hunted down like dogs for what they’ve done.


No deal with the devil will be in your favor.

Kappa (0 XP)
After the bandit encounter, the characters hear a purring, feline voice, “Looking for something?” Out trots a bright red little humanoid cat-like demon, a Kappa. If attacked, he will run away and disappear, the characters will spend another hour looking for the hostages, and will meet a party of Brotherhood members on the way out of the town.

The Kappa introduces himself as “Boo,” and already seems to know who they are. He mentions that the dead humans were killed by a horned demon, an Oni. (The bodies do show some extensive mauling.) Boo wants the Oni’s horn and is willing to tell the characters where he is in return for it. Boo also mentions that the Oni took a few of the humans with him for presumably “entertainment” purposes. Hopefully the characters agree, in which case Boo gives them quick directions to a buried temple. If the characters survive, he’ll meet up with them afterward. If the characters aren’t interested, they’ll be wandering around for a while, perhaps fighting a random monster or two, before hearing a girl’s screams from a temple.

Baseball Journal 7-6-13

Independence Day last week was a bit of a bust, baseball-wise.  The Cubs played the A’s in Oakland in a game that apparently neither side wanted to show up for.  The A’s won it 1-0, and that one run was scored on a passed ball by the catcher that scored a runner from third.  The crowd there was totally into it though.  They were like a Wrigley crowd.  Regardless, it was still more enjoyable than going to work that day.

Friday back at work was a bit more interesting for baseball.  I finally got to see Puig, live in action.  What did I see?  Puig hit a single into centerfield, which he turned into a double by sheer speed.  The next play was a ground out to first with the pitcher covering, and Puig rounded third and took home standing up.  No big deal. 

The Cubs game versus the Pirates on Saturday didn’t start off much better.  Both teams trotted out starting pitchers that believe in contemplating their pitches like they’re hovering over a chessboard.  It seemed like the first three innings took two hours, though unbelievably, the game finished in just under three hours.  Alfonso Soriano hit two home runs in a 4-1, Cubs win.

Still, the game coverage had some extra entertainment.  The couple in back of bleachers that spilled their beers on each other in a previous game are apparently still together and hanging out in the same spot.  Call it “Cubs Marriage Therapy.” This game was also the anniversary of 80’s Red’s pitcher Tom Browning, sneaking out of the bullpen during a game and hanging out with the fans at a rooftop party across the street.  There he was, sitting on the edge of the building, waving at the camera.  It was a $500 fine by the team, but worth it. 

For the 7^th inning stretch, the Chicago Blackhawks’ National Anthem singer, Jim Cornelison, belted out “Take Me Out the Ballgame.”  The guy was a deep, majestic baritone, and held the final note for over 10 seconds.  So, that’s what that song sounds like when an actual singer does it.  But the highlight had to be this video they showed during the game of a Korean girl throwing out the first pitch in a Korean league game.  She was on the Rhythmic Gymnastics team.  She stretched out in an exaggerated wind up motion, arching her back.  With one leg on the ground, whirled the rest of herself around in a flip, and then threw the ball home.  What did this have to do with the game?  Nothing.  It was just cool. 

Afterward, the Rangers played Astros on the Fox game, while the Dodgers and the Giants played on the radio.  I turned down the sound on the TV and turned up the radio so I could keep track of both games.  What?  Does this seem like excessive behavior?  Don’t judge me.  (And I would have listened to the end of the Rockies game, but couldn’t get KOA out of Denver to come in.  A Mexican station playing easy-listening American music from 70’s kept interfering with the signal.  Don’t ask me to explain that either.)         

The Giants are not playing well.  You can tell this when Buster Posey hits an RBI double, and the result of the play is Pablo Sandoval being called out as the batter, the runners returned to their bases, and Buster had to come back to the plate and take another at bat.  They had batted out of order you see (or handed out the wrong batting order to the other team and the ump), about as embarrassing mistake as you can make.

Dodger broadcaster, Rick Monday, wondered why the ump didn’t say anything until the Dodger manager brought out his lineup card to protest.  Ha, I knew, and Rick found out after consulting the rulebook during the commercial break.  The umpire is explicitly told in the rules to NOT bring attention to an out of order batter.  Teams are warned to have “constant vigilance,” in such matters.

The Giants won 4-2, but even then, it was ugly.  All four runs were scored via runners that got on and were brought in via walks, errors, fielder’s choice, and sacrifice.  You could tell it was a rivalry game there in San Francisco.  When a Dodger bat was accidentally tossed into the stands on a bad swing, the fan wouldn’t give it back in exchange for another one, as is usually done.  In a sidebar, Puig went 0 for 4 for the first time.  He’s still batting over .400.      

In Texas, the game was even more brutal for the Rangers (and me).  They don’t seem to win when I’m watching, even with Yu Darvish on the mound.  The Rangers scored in the clutch, but the pitching just couldn’t keep the Astros from scoring more.  9-5 Astros in a nearly four hour, 9 inning game.  (The Dodger-Giant game literally finished an hour earlier, even though they started at the same time.)  It seems like the decimation of the Rangers’ starting pitching to injuries and the over-working of the bullpen is coming back to haunt them.

The booth guys had a fun chat with AJ Pierzynski during one inning.  Jurickson Profar, a shortstop, was making his first start in the outfield.  Leonys Martin made a great catch, sliding right in front him.  AJ said, “I think I heard Profar calling for him to take it.”  Profar did actually make a great catch later in the inning, his first in the outfield.  He ran back to the dugout with the ball, all smiles.

I’m going to have a make a special commendation for extreme commercial coverage to Mazda.  At one point, the TV went to commercial and starting showing a car ad.  At the same time, by coincidence, the radio coverage went to commercial, and they played the same ad.  Bravo.