Spiderweb and Sentinel - Records of the Grand Mega-Hero

Post by **CHIMERA** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 8:48 pm

Excerpt from the Faults of Qin
He reached the pinnacle of power and ordered all in the Six Directions, whipping the rest of the world into submission and thus spreading his might through the Four Seas... He then abolished the ways of the ancient sage kings and put to the torch the writings of the Hundred Schools in an attempt to keep the people in ignorance. He demolished the walls of major cities and put to death men of fame and talent, collected all the arms of the realm at Xianyang and had the spears and arrowheads melted down to form twelve huge statues in human form - all with the aim of weakening his people...

Had he been even a mediocre ruler who knew how to employ loyal and capable persons, so that they would care for the ills of the world... had he divided the land and appointed deserving officials, thus setting up proper rulers in proper states so that propriety governed the land; had he emptied the prisons and reduced harsh punishments, abolished group family responsibilities for crimes and thus enabled people to return to their homes; had he only reduced taxation and statutes to alleviate oppression, curtailed sumptuary laws... he would have certainly brought peace and quiet to the world. Within the Four Seas, all would have been content with their lot, only fearing further change...

During this time, the world saw many men of prescience and far reaching vision. The reason for their not showing deep loyalty by helping to correct evils at court lay in the Qin's excesses in proscribing contrary opinions. Often before upright words could even be uttered, the body had met death. Thoughtful people of the empire would only listen and incline their ears, standing with one foot on the other, not daring to offer their services while keeping their mouths shut in silence. The three sovereigns lost the proper way while loyal officials offered no remonstrance and advisers no plans. With the realm in chaos and unworthy officials not reporting troubles to their superiors, was this not a tragedy?

- Jia Yi, Guo Qin Lun

Post by **CHIMERA** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 8:48 pm

Take Me Home Tonight
Beijing Capital International Airport
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2043
Weather: Humid and smoggy (67 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 3:00 pm

If given the chance, an archaeologist will jump at any opportunity to do research in the field. It doesn't matter if the work is outside of one's area of expertise, or that the trip will only last two, maybe three weeks, at the most, or that the research was largely confined to museum work. Barney was just excited to be in China; he didn't even mind having a chaperone. In fact, the ectype reminded Barney that these weren't just treasures from the founding of the Empire of China, they were part of his teammate's personal history.

He had enjoyed Xian, or Chang'an as Sentinel remembers it. The ectype took him down memory lane, quite literally telling him about the Imperial capital and some of the grisly events that happened in it over the centuries. That was a recurring lesson Sentinel's history lessons. The founding of a nation could not afford mercy, and a great empire was built on a foundation of great cruelty. The lesson was reinforced by the head curator at the Shaanxi History Museum as they told him of the city's subsequent history: Dong Zhou's reign; the city's destruction at the end of the Tang Dynasty, the war crimes committed during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

The whole staff of the museum had been very friendly. They showed Barney the Terracotta Army and gave him a tour of their collections. In fact, the reason he had been invited to China was to collect one specific artifact that had been uncovered during recent excavations, a lintel piece from the entrance of a family mausoleum that dated to the early Han Dynasty. The stone block was decorated with seven colorful arches, each with an illegible character painted inside. The curator insisted it was a 'door god', but even he had to admit he had never seen anything like it. The ectype would only stare at it quietly, and when asked if he knew anything about it would only shrug and sigh.

Once the paperwork was approved, Barney was able to arrange for the lintel piece to be transported to Beijing and put on a flight to Century Station. Despite what he had been told about Chinese bureaucracy, he had been able to navigate through immigration control at the airport. Once he makes it through security, Barney steps into the Duty Free shop. He has two hours before his plane starts boarding. Sentinel has gone to the executive lounge to 'meditate on the parts of his life that they have retraced this trip.'

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 5:09 pm

Perception (33%+20% to recognize the arcane): 1d100: [74] = 74
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [11] = 11 / 1d100: [31] = 31
Beijing Capital International Airport
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2043
Weather: Humid and smoggy (67 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 3:00 pm

China has possibly the longest recorded history in all the world. As an archeologist, it is a considerable pleasure for Barney to examine relics of such antiquity and listen to their history. It is more interesting yet to compare the historic records of those periods with the actual memories of his companion. That is something few Archeologists have the privilege of doing, as their studies tend to concern the past beyond the memories of anyone living. Not that Sentinel is living in the technical sense.

Barney wonders if Sentinel is actually the first Emperor, who vanished while questing for immortality. If so, one wonders how he wound up in something very similar to his own terracotta soldiers? If he is that person, why did he not return and save his empire from falling? Was he somehow trapped? Did it take time to awaken into his new form? So far he has yet to get any answers on these questions, though is companion has freely answered other questions.

The Lintel piece is interesting, Barney will be interested in doing an analysis to see if he can determine what the figures in the seven arches were originally. So far, Sentinel has refused to speak on the matter.

So far, he has manages not to be observed acting as Spiderweb, as far as he can tell. Not that he has failed to act when needed. He has had to be very careful, if people realize that Spiderweb appears when Barnansi Drew is around, it could cause great trouble. Right now, he is separated from his spear...which is in its staff form...as he had to check it in with his bags. A metal staff nearly 2 meters long is not something one can carry onto a plane. He hopes he does not heed to go into action, as he would not have his powers available.

Barney plugs in his Laptop and takes a seat in the waiting area. He has a bit of time to kill, so why not do it productively? Start by blocking in the pictures and comments and adding spaces for added research. Not a good time to actually do the research (Chinese internet has a number of blocks), but outlining what he will need he can do.

Archeology (65%): 1d100: [5] = 5
Research (95%): 1d100: [42] = 42

Post by **CHIMERA** » Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:51 am

Sit Down and Relax
Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:30 pm

Barney passes the time at the airport by reviewing his notes. There is not much to go on; the staff of the museum had taught him a lot about the Qing Dynasty but it did not make much sense to him. The historical record from this time period is spotty and at times contradicts itself. This is explained by one of the journal articles that Barney downloaded before leaving Shaanxi*. According to the article, the Warring States Period was a time when philosophy flourished in China, led by the Hundred Schools of Thought. However, most of the writings of the school were said to have been destroyed by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The article documents evidence for several large scale fires at the Imperial Palace of Chang'an dating between 216 and 207 B.C., with the last fire destroying the whole palace. Based on the evidence, the author argues that while book burnings did happen, they were likely exaggerated by later Han historians. Most of the historical records were destroyed when the city was looted during the fall of the Qin Dynasty.

It's an interesting story, and it leaves Barney with many more questions about the time period. When he asks Sentinel, the ectype just simply says that it was a particularly violent and chaotic time. The golem does not want to discuss his past at the moment, and seems pained by the memories. Barney decides to keep to himself and heads to the gate by himself.

Almost everyone else at the airport is Chinese save for two Americans. Barney's initial guess is that it is a mother and her college-aged son. The woman looks to be in her mid 50's, with poofy light gray hair, delicate pink glasses, and a pink outfit that matched the glasses down to the cardigan with an embroidered collar. She can be best described as looking like Dolores Umbridge but without a whiff of evil. Her companion is in his early to mid 20's, his brown hair and beard and trimmed neatly; he is dressed in dusty cargo pants, a faded green t-shirt, and red flannel jacket. He nods politely as she cheerfully describes something she saw during their trip, though Barney cannot hear what exactly they are talking about.

Just before boarding begins Barney is called to the gate counter. He is notified that he has been automatically upgraded to business class because he checked in 'specialty luggage', the stone block that might be a door god. He is escorted to his seat and offered the complimentary beverage of his choice. While sitting back he watches the other passengers board. The American woman he noticed earlier takes the seat next to Barney, her companion goes back to coach. The woman gives Barney a polite smile, and then orders tea from the flight attendant in Chinese.

After the plane takes off, the woman pulls a book from her bag, Chinese Society in the Age of Confucius (1000 - 250 BC) by Lothar von Falkenhausen (2006), and a bright purple pen. Barney can see that the book is heavily marked up, and the woman begins to add more notes to the margin as she reads.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* Li Ci Xin. "The Ashes of 100 Schools: Evidence for Book Burnings in Qin." Archival Research at the Shaanxi Historical Museum, vol. 15, no. 3, 2042, pp. 452 - 475.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 8:53 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [24] = 24
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [61] = 61

Barney pulls up some of the research books he has on his computer covering the Qin Dynasty, the Warring States Period, and on recent archeology dating back to the approximate era. His particular field of study has always been myths and legends and how they relate to society, so he will check to see if he can find any specific myths relating to the time period. He is interested in anything relating to the seven gates on the lintel and what they could represent. He will be cross-referencing other lintels found from the time period to study similarities and differences.

Archeology (65%): 1d100: [67] = 67 (to see what he knows or learned in the field)
Research (95%): 1d100: [30] = 30 (to see what he can find in existing references)
Computer Operations (85%): 1d100: [93] = 93 (To find things on his computer and sort them into his database)

He will say to the lady beside him, "I note that you are studying a text that covers the period I an currently researching, that of the Quin Dynasty and warring states period. I could possibly use some expert advice, as it is not my primary area of study."

Post by **CHIMERA** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 6:10 pm

Single Use Friend
Business class, Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:45 pm (Beijing Time)

As Barney enjoys a complimentary beverage he decides to look over the files on his computer once again. He does not find anything new. The only particularly relevant article that he has on his laptop is the one on book burnings during the Late Qin Dynasty.* Eventually, he decides to strike a conversation with person sitting next to him.

Barney wrote:"I note that you are studying a text that covers the period I an currently researching, that of the Quin Dynasty and warring states period. I could possibly use some expert advice, as it is not my primary area of study."

The woman puts down her book, placing her pen between the pages she was reading. Her eyes brighten as she sizes up the young man sitting next to her. "Oh hello," she says with a toothy smile. "And who might you be?"

"I am Pam Overseas, Professor of East Asian History at Vassar College. My area of expertise is the Western Zhou Dynasty, but I have done extensive research on everything between the Early Dynastic Period and the Early Imperial Period. If you are a studying the Warring States maybe you have read my translation of the Spring and Autumn Annals."

If asked about what she is doing on China: "I was visiting archives with one of my graduate students, Adrian Wombat. He is finishing his PhD on the rise of the Han Dynasty, and wanted to collaborate with me on some papers before he starts an internship in Century Station."

On the dinner options of char siu pork, noodle soup with fish balls, or Peking duck: "I don't know why they try to serve duck on these flights; they never get the skin crispy. I'll have the pork."

Her initial thoughts on the end of the Qin Dynasty: "The historical record from this time period is notoriously unreliable. Gross corruption meant bureaucrats did not keep accurate books, and when the Empire devolved into open rebellion so much of the country was destroyed."

"So tell me about your research. What is your area of interest? How did you end up coming to China?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* You were given all the information you can expect from the previous set of skill roles. Please do not use the same set of skill roles in multiple posts for the same scene. Good role playing is rewarded more than successful skill roles.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:33 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [74] = 74
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [89] = 89

Barney responds, "Barnansi Drew, Doctoral student in Archeology at Century Station University. I also study anthropology with a specialty in mythology and how it reflects the culture and the times."

He is curious about whether she will recognize his name...not from himself but as one of the names used for Anansi the Spider in some versions of his stories told by those who left Africa.

He continues, "I have your translation on my laptop, It is a pleasure to meet the author."

Barney takes the noodle soup and fish balls, preferring to avoid pork and not wanting to offend Pam by taking the duck.

He adds, "The Emperor apparently ordered the destruction of all impractical knowledge at one point, they have found evidence of at least two major bonfires that somewhat backs up that claim. That, combined with the fall of the empire, was no doubt quite a loss for the future."

He continues, "As to what I am doing here, one of the superbeings who resides in the Century Station is called Sentinel. He appears to be an animated Terra-Cotta statue and claims to house the spirit of the First Emperor. As you know, the Emperor left in an attempt to secure personal immortality and did not return. He wanted help in uncovering some important sites from his time period, so naturally I volunteered to help. It is not all that often that an Archeology student, such as myself, gets to do field work uncovering unknown historic sites."

Post by **CHIMERA** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pm

Fish Ball Soup
Business class, Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 6:30 pm

One of the unexpected joys of air travel is making friends with the person sitting next to one's side. Sitting side by side for over five hours gives two people the chance to share their stories, find common interests, and share their unique perspectives in life. For Barney Drew this means meeting a respected expert in the subject he is studying at the moment. Dr. Pam Overseas smiles and shakes Barney's hand as he introduces himself.

Barney wrote:"Barnansi Drew, Doctoral student in Archeology at Century Station University. I also study anthropology with a specialty in mythology and how it reflects the culture and the times."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she says. "That is an interesting name. Do you do any work in West Africa by any chance?"

After some idle chatter, Dr. Overseas listens with noticeable concern when Barney orders the fish for dinner. After the flight attendant walks away she reaches into her purse and pulls out a glass vail. She places it on the drink tray in Barney's arm rest and gives him a polite smile. "I don't know how your stomach holds, but just in case."

The two then continue their conversation, and Barney explains a little of what he is doing in China.

Barney wrote:"The Emperor apparently ordered the destruction of all impractical knowledge at one point, they have found evidence of at least two major bonfires that somewhat backs up that claim. That, combined with the fall of the empire, was no doubt quite a loss for the future."

Dr. Overseas gives him a polite smile, but then corrects him. "The Qin Period book burnings are a little more complicated than that. Qin Shi Huang didn't burn books because they were impractical, it was because they threatened his rule. A lot of the books that were destroyed were the histories of rival kingdoms and philosophical treatises. Many of these books described the idea of the ideal Chinese king, which Qing Shi Huang was not. He ruled by fear, which is not the foundation for a stable government. His heir, Er Shi, was not able hold things together, and the Qin Dynasty collapsed very quickly."

Barney wrote:"As to what I am doing here, one of the superbeings who resides in the Century Station is called Sentinel. He appears to be an animated Terra-Cotta statue and claims to house the spirit of the First Emperor. As you know, the Emperor left in an attempt to secure personal immortality and did not return"

"I am familiar with the so-called Sentinel," Dr. Overseas replies. She looks even more concerned than she was over airline fish. She explains, "While he claims to be the reincarnated Emperor, there are a number of inconsistencies in his story. For example, he's not actually a terracotta warrior, he's made of stone. He also goes by the name Liu Xang, which would tie him with the subsequent Han Dynasty. A number of my colleagues have asked to interview him but he has always declined."

Barney wrote:"He wanted help in uncovering some important sites from his time period, so naturally I volunteered to help. It is not all that often that an Archeology student, such as myself, gets to do field work uncovering unknown historic sites."

"Very interesting," Dr. Overseas says, her voice trailing off as she thinks about what Sentinel could share about his past. But she instantly turns back to Barney himself, and says, " But you are right. Traveling to China is a special experience. I remember spending one summer working in the Andes when I was in graduate school. You should always take the chance to learn something outside of your area of expertise. It will make you a richer scholar." And on that note, dinner arrives.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:39 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [73] = 73
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: [79] = 79
Fish Ball Soup
Business class, Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 6:30 pm

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pm"It's a pleasure to meet you," she says. "That is an interesting name. Do you do any work in West Africa by any chance?"

Barney admits, "It was my main field of study, as I was interested in the derivation of my old family name. I spent considerable time there tracking down the origin of the stories of Anansi the Spider."

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pmAfter some idle chatter, Dr. Overseas listens with noticeable concern when Barney orders the fish for dinner. After the flight attendant walks away she reaches into her purse and pulls out a glass vail. She places it on the drink tray in Barney's arm rest and gives him a polite smile. "I don't know how your stomach holds, but just in case."

Barney notes, "I have spent considerable time in various parts of the world eating native food. I rarely have much trouble with my digestion."

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pmDr. Overseas gives him a polite smile, but then corrects him. "The Qin Period book burnings are a little more complicated than that. Qin Shi Huang didn't burn books because they were impractical, it was because they threatened his rule. A lot of the books that were destroyed were the histories of rival kingdoms and philosophical treatises. Many of these books described the idea of the ideal Chinese king, which Qing Shi Huang was not. He ruled by fear, which is not the foundation for a stable government. His heir, Er Shi, was not able hold things together, and the Qin Dynasty collapsed very quickly."

Barney points out, "What you are stating is the reason for his orders, which must be speculative. What I am stating is the substance of his order, which was to burn all impractical knowledge. The two are not incompatible."

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pm"I am familiar with the so-called Sentinel," Dr. Overseas replies. She looks even more concerned than she was over airline fish. She explains, "While he claims to be the reincarnated Emperor, there are a number of inconsistencies in his story. For example, he's not actually a terracotta warrior, he's made of stone. He also goes by the name Liu Xang, which would tie him with the subsequent Han Dynasty. A number of my colleagues have asked to interview him but he has always declined."

Barney agrees, "He is rather reticent about answering personal questions. He seems to have firmly fixed ideas about what others should know and answers only within those limits. Still, he did lead me to the site he promised, indicating some actual knowledge of the time period."

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:47 pm"Very interesting," Dr. Overseas says, her voice trailing off as she thinks about what Sentinel could share about his past. But she instantly turns back to Barney himself, and says, " But you are right. Traveling to China is a special experience. I remember spending one summer working in the Andes when I was in graduate school. You should always take the chance to learn something outside of your area of expertise. It will make you a richer scholar." And on that note, dinner arrives.

Barney says, "No matter where I travel, learning about a culture first hand is always a worthwhile experience."
He turns to his dinner and samples it.

Post by **CHIMERA** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 8:18 am

In Sima Qian We Trust
Business class, Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:35 pm

While getting to know Dr. Overseas, Barney shares what he knows about Chinese history with the expert. When she explains the historical book burnings of the Qin dynasty, Barney makes an odd semantic correction.

Barney wrote::What you are stating is the reason for his orders, which must be speculative. What I am stating is the substance of his order, which was to burn all impractical knowledge. The two are not incompatible."

Dr. Overseas' eyebrows furrow, and she gives Barney a look that he might recognize from his professors in Century Station. "I'm not sure why you keep calling these books 'impractical.' That was never part of the justification for the book burnings in the first place." She takes out a tablet reader and scrolls through her files until she finds the document she is looking for.* "Here we go, according to Sima Qian, Chancellor Li Su presented the Emperor with a proclamation saying, 'Those who criticize the present with examples form the past are to be executed with their relatives.' That is the very substance of the official edict. Now granted that Sima Qian was writing a century after the fall of the Qin Dynasty, but he is considered to be one of the most reliable sources for that entire time period."

Dr. Overseas is more than happy to talk to Chinese historiography with Barney, if he has any more questions, as dinner arrives. A large bowl with a murky broth and noodles is put in front of Barney. Spring onions and other finely minced greens float on the top. Next to the soup is a fine slaw of shaved cabbage, carrots, taro root, and bean sprouts. Despite being a little oily, the gingery broth is not too heavy. It's better than airline fish has any right to be.

After dinner, Barney is able to get a full night's sleep. By the time the plane is approaching Guzman International Airport. it is almost the exact same time as he left from Beijing. Flying west to east across the International Date Line will do that. Nonetheless, Barney has the time for any final preparations before landing in Century Station.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* Nienhauser, William. The Grand Scribe's Records, Vol 2: The Basic Annals of Pre-Han China. Bloomington: University of Indiana Press, 2018. (GM Note: This is the most recent English translation of the works of Sima Qian, but you can find a translation of this particular passage in several places on the internet. I'm pulling from a PDF of an article that quotes a much older translation.)

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:19 pm

Perception (33%)= 1d100: [27] = 27
JIC (d20/d%)= 1d20: [13] = 13 / 1d100: [93] = 93
In Sima Qian We Trust
Business class, Airbus A340
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:35 pm

CHIMERA wrote: ↑Mon Jul 03, 2023 8:18 am Dr. Overseas' eyebrows furrow, and she gives Barney a look that he might recognize from his professors in Century Station. "I'm not sure why you keep calling these books 'impractical.' That was never part of the justification for the book burnings in the first place." She takes out a tablet reader and scrolls through her files until she finds the document she is looking for.* "Here we go, according to Sima Qian, Chancellor Li Su presented the Emperor with a proclamation saying, 'Those who criticize the present with examples form the past are to be executed with their relatives.' That is the very substance of the official edict. Now granted that Sima Qian was writing a century after the fall of the Qin Dynasty, but he is considered to be one of the most reliable sources for that entire time period."

Barney explains, "The way I understand it, the order for burning targeted philosophy and history, but specifically exempted all knowledge involved in crafts, farming, numbers, and other subjects deemed to have direct practical applications. Thus, the term 'Impractical' to what was targeted for destruction. The order you are quoting targets the scholars and other people, not the books...which much have been a later addition to or clarification of the first order."

The food is quite good, though Barney has cause to wonder if that is merely because he is flying in a higher class cabin area than he has flown before.

If she is awake, Barney will ask if Dr. Overseas has any familiarity with "Door Gods", and will admit that the piece dates to the Early Han dynasty, not to the Qin. Given he has no notable writing skill, he will also ask for advice on how to write the paper if she can spare any.

Post by **CHIMERA** » Thu Jul 06, 2023 3:33 pm

Our Local Customs
Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool and clear evening (60 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:55 pm

At some point, dear reader, every graduate student will find themselves defending a very bad take in front of one or more of their professors. It might be something like saying that Virakochapampa is the type site for the Wari Empire (it's actually the site of Wari, and I knew that but I couldn't admit I was wrong), or claiming that maize was independently invented in both South America and Mesoamerica (sorry Ryan, maize just got to South America hella early and you were hella drunk when you said that), or that there was never a Kotosh-style temple on the western slopes of the Andes (except for La Galgada, Bandurria, and several others that I knew about but completely forgot in the middle of a seminar discussion). Every student is eager to show that they can be a respected peer of their professors. Thankfully for Barney, Dr. Overseas is not on his dissertation committee, because he's not making a great first impression to the highly regarded Chinese historian.

Barney wrote:"The way I understand it, the order for burning targeted philosophy and history, but specifically exempted all knowledge involved in crafts, farming, numbers, and other subjects deemed to have direct practical applications. Thus, the term 'Impractical' to what was targeted for destruction. The order you are quoting targets the scholars and other people, not the books...which much have been a later addition to or clarification of the first order."

Dr. Overseas takes off her glasses and pinches her nose for a moment. After putting her glasses on she then corrects Barney again, "For someone who is studying African folklore, that is an oddly Western way of thinking about Chinese history. However, for a Legalist* scholar like Li Su knowledge of history would have been vital for the government. Neither he nor the Emperor would have considered the books 'impractical'. In fact, that particular word never comes up in any of the early historical sources, of which, Sima Qian is the most authoritative."

Dr. Overseas goes back to reading her book as she eats her dinner. Shortly after dinner, the two passengers fall asleep. But when Barney wakes up he sees that Dr. Overseas is no longer in her seat. Instead her graduate student is sitting there with his headphones on and reading a manga of the Journey to the West.** He does not look up from his book the entire flight.

After getting off the plane, Barney goes through immigration and customs. The agent looks at Barney's passport carefully, checking up a number of things on his computer. After a long pause, he looks at Barney as asks, "Do you have anything to declare?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* Legalism is a Chinese philosophy that is rooted in a strong hierarchical government that harshly enforces laws. In many ways it stands in opposition to Confucianism, and in fact the Qin Dynasty book burnings did target Confucian scholars and their works.
** Terada Katsuya, Saiyukiden Dainou. Tokoyo: Ultra Jump, 1998.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:53 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [14] = 14
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [13] = 13 / 1d100: [83] = 83

Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool and clear evening (60 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 5:55 pm

Barney is forced to admit, as least to himself, that he was raised and trained to think with American logic. Perhaps that inhibits his understanding of other cultures. It is something to consider as he goes forward.

Like everyone else on the plane, Barney had been given the customs forms to fill out about an hour before landing. He handed the filled out form to the person asking if he had anything to declare.

Since customs is before the baggage claim area, he does not have anything significant on this claim form. Picking up the special items will be separate from his standard baggage no doubt, A couple of hundred bounds of lintel stone in a special crate is not going to be put onto the regular baggage claim. The rest of his luggage, including his staff, he will have to get from the baggage claim first.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:44 pm

Historical Baggage
Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool and clear evening (68 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 6:45 pm

Airports are, by design, transitory spaces. They are built to keep people moving along from Point A to Point B by the most efficient and bloodless means possible. To Barney, the immigration process does feel bloodless. The TSA agent at immigration seems to barely look at Barney's passport, half-heartedly asking the standard questions: Do you have anything to declare, are you bringing back any foodstuffs, biological material, etc. Barney answers no to all those questions.

He then goes to baggage claim, which is right before customs. He joins a large group crowded around the carousel and watches as suitcases roll on to the conveyer belt. In short time, every suitcase is collected, and Barney is standing all alone without any of his luggage, not his suitcase, not his staff, and definitely not the Chinese lintel piece. After 45 minutes, the electric board above the carousel no longer lists Barney's flight.

He looks at the next carousel over and a group of travelers from a different flight are repeating the ritual. Two airport security guards are at the start of the conveyer belt and helping unload the extra heavy pieces for tourists.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:43 pm

Perception (33%): 1d100: [91] = 91
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [20] = 20 / 1d100: [26] = 26
Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool and clear evening (68 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 6:45 pm

Once Barney is certain his baggage is not on the carousel, he will go looking for the airport staff who are helping unload the heavy and unusual pieces. He will address one of them and ask, "Excuse me, but my luggage does not appear to have arrived on the belt, could you check if it is here. One piece was especially heavy, and another was abnormally long."

If asked, he will produce his ID, as the bags in question will have his name and address on them. He thinks, *Hopefully the bags were just routed to this area because of their unusual size.*

While they are looking, Barney will attempt to use his link to Anansi's Fang to locate or contact the sentience in the spear.

He would be rather less than happy if either has been lost, but while the loss of the "door god" would be of some scientific import, the loss of the spear (though it is currently in its staff form) would temporarily cripple him. If it remains away from him for 72 hours, it should...if he recalls the legend, return to where he first obtained it. A trip to Western Africa to recover it would take some time, and explaining how it became lost to a spirit might be a bit difficult. He is unclear how much of modern technology and society Anansi understands and explaining that from scratch to a creature with an alien perspective would be...well it would be a challenge though it might be an enlightening experience. He thinks wryly, *I might learn quite a bit about the nature of the Spirit called Anansi the Spider by trying to explain the situation...one way or the other, but I would rather not have to do so.*

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:58 pm

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 7:00 pm

If one travels often enough, inevitably that person's luggage will be lost in transit, put on a different flight, or even sent to a different destination. Barney cannot/does not want to consider those possibilities. Instead, he focuses on what he can find, Anansi's Fang, a magical staff bound to his being. And the good news is that the Fang is nearby. It is about 50 yards past a series of secure doors.

So Barney does the reasonable thing and approaches the staff working at a nearby carousel.

Spiderweb wrote:"Excuse me, but my luggage does not appear to have arrived on the belt, could you check if it is here. One piece was especially heavy, and another was abnormally long."

"Can I see your boarding pass?" one of the staff, a large white man with a red mustache. Assuming Barney gives it to him, the man punches the luggage id number from the boarding pass into has datapad. "Looks like that got flagged by customs. Go through those doors. Someone will get them for you."

Past the secure doors, Barney finds a customs agent, a heavyset Native American woman with dyed pink hair, standing behind a large counter. Barney hands the agent his ticket, and she looks over it. "Ah, yes. We've been waiting for you. Please come with me."

The woman leads Barney to a door behind her counter and down a narrow hallway that leads into an underground garage. The area around the door is packed with suitcases and other forms of luggage. A respectable cache of surf boards are propped up against the nearest corner. About 20 feet in front of the door all the luggage is cleared and there is a black van, sliding door open. Barney can sense that his staff along with the rest of his luggage, is inside. But two people are standing in his way, Doctor Pam Overseas and her graduate student, Adrian Wombat. "Mr. Drew, did you forgot to declare that you were importing highly dangerous magical items into the United States?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sat Jul 22, 2023 3:18 pm

Perception (33%): 1d100: [96] = 96
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [41] = 41

Barney takes out the paperwork that was part of turning in his luggage for transport...a completely different set of papers from those filled in on the plane for his carry-ons.

He says patiently, "As you can see, I have proper exit and return paperwork for my heirloom. The paperwork I have from the Chinese government for the item called a 'door god' is here...though if it is something magical I was not informed of that. As you can see, the paperwork includes my dig permits, the date and time of my discovering the item, and the forms for my being allowed to take it form the country for further Archeological research."

He wonders if the Chinese government knew the piece was magical. If the TSA has a means to do so, it can be assumed the Chinese also did.

Barney thinks, If the Chinese knew the object is magical, then the possibility of it being something dangerous is actually increased. I can see them wanting it removed to where it would be less dangerous to them.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Sun Jul 30, 2023 7:38 am

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Guzman International Airport
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 7:15 pm

Just as Barney Drew is about to reply to Dr. Overseas a sedan pulls up next to the van. A CHIMERA agent rushes out of the the driver's side, runs around the back of the car, and opens the passenger door for Sentinel. He gives a polite nod to everyone assembled and signals for his ectype to come over, and in an instant he has absorbed his counterpart. Now that everyone is assembled we can go over the details of the 'door god'.

The stone lintel is a rectangular slab of granite covered in white plaster and measures 2.5 m* in length; it is 0.4 m wide, and 0.67 m tall. The lintel piece was discovered at excavations in a Han Dynasty mausoleum in late March. The discovery spurred the Chinese government to reach out to CHIMERA. Unfortunately Barney never got to be a part of the excavations, but he did get to help with the lintel's analysis. The artifact was carefully brushed and chemical treatments were applied to the surface to preserve the remaining paint on it. Barney also got to photograph and make a digital drawing of the lintel. The front of the lintel, as mentioned earlier, is decorated with seven arches. The inside of each arch was painted, but they are all poorly conserved and the traces of two illegible characters, are all that can be seen. Below the center arch is another line of text in archaic Chinese. Barney never paid much attention to it, but now that Sentinel Prime is here, he (Sentinel) can see that it translates to 'The Family of Liu Xang'. The top edge of the lintel is painted with a band of green paint in an intricate geometric design. The director of the Shaanxi History Museum, Mang We An, provided Barney with some instruction on how to conserve paint on plaster, as well as background on Chinese history. He had repeatedly called the lintel a 'door god', but never explained it any further.

Spiderweb wrote:"As you can see, I have proper exit and return paperwork for my heirloom. The paperwork I have from the Chinese government for the item called a 'door god' is here...though if it is something magical I was not informed of that. As you can see, the paperwork includes my dig permits, the date and time of my discovering the item, and the forms for my being allowed to take it form the country for further Archeological research."

Now, in the garage of the airport, Dr. Overseas looks at the artifact with Sentinel, Spiderweb, her graduate student, the customs agent, and a CHIMERA agent. "Oh yes, your paperwork is fine," she says without examining the documents on hand. "I must admit we were all quite surprised to here that the Chinese government was willing to let an artifact like this leave their country. In fact, the Chinese were so eager to ship this out that CHIMERA contacted the Fraternal Order of of Saint Ptolemy to help with the transportation."

The CHIMERA agent points to a little lapel button on his suit, a single eye with eagle wings stretched behind it. Sentinel has seen this lapel button before; a police officer working the evidence room at the Megapolis Police Station had it on his uniform. Perhaps not coincidentally, that same officer new a lot about dragons and magic.

"If an artifact is tied to Sentinel's past there is a good chance that it has some kind of magical properties," Dr. Overseas continues. She then points at her grad student. "You might say it is kismet, but Adrian here was already on his way to start an internship at one of the Order's store houses, and so we were asked to meet you at the airport. I should apologize for not introducing myself on the plane, I didn't realize who you were until you mentioned Sentinel. You seemed to be enjoying your flight home, and I thought you would want to rest instead of obsess about work."

"Now, why don't we get in this van," Dr. Overseas says clapping her hands cheerfully, "and we can transport this lintel piece to a secure CHIMERA site for a more thorough analysis."

"Tsk, tsk, Dr. Mang..." Dr. Overseas mutters to herself as the van drives along the highway. She looks to Barney and Sentinel. "I'm afraid you've been mislead. I don't know what this lintel piece is, but I can assure you that it is not a door god. This is unlike anything I've ever seen before."

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Jul 30, 2023 3:52 pm

Perception (33%): 1d100: [35] = 35
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [1] = 1 / 1d100: [88] = 88

Barney says, "I have no objection of the lintel piece, which admittedly resembles no 'Door God' I have been able to find in my research, is placed into proper protective keeping to prevent possibly magical problems. I simply wish to keep studying it and see if I can reconstruct its original form and assist with any monographs regarding its cultural significance. One has to make a significant contribution to the field to be granted a Ph.D...which is my eventual goal."

Everything he is saying about his Doctorate is true, though the piece is dangerous and magical, he also views it as his duty to keep an eye on it: I found it so it is my responsibility in the end for any trouble it causes.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:55 pm

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Streets of Calaverada
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 7:30 pm

A black van leaves Guzman International Airport's secure area containing four people (including one immortal golem) that have recently returned from China. They are heading to a secure location operated by the Fraternal Order of Saint Ptolemy where they can store an artifact that Barney Drew, the Spiderweb, has brought back from this trip. As he travels to the safe house, he talks to his companions about the artifact.

Spiderweb wrote:"I have no objection of the lintel piece, which admittedly resembles no 'Door God' I have been able to find in my research, is placed into proper protective keeping to prevent possibly magical problems. I simply wish to keep studying it and see if I can reconstruct its original form and assist with any monographs regarding its cultural significance. One has to make a significant contribution to the field to be granted a Ph.D...which is my eventual goal."

"Really?" Dr. Overseas eyebrows raise at the statement. "Given that you don't have any background in Chinese archaeology and don't speak the language that seems like an odd choice." She points at Anansi's Fang. "And besides, I think you are already holding an item that is worth a dissertation."

And publishing about this lintel would violate the principles of the Brotherhood," her graduate student, Adrian adds.

"Now, Mr. Wombat," Dr. Overseas replies in a professorial tone, "What makes you say that about the Fraternal Order of Saint Ptolemy like that?"

"Well, their mission is to collect and protect the sacred relics of humanity," Adrian explains. "A lot of these artifacts are alien technology, actual magic, and uh... sometimes we don't know. Whatever they are, we want to understand them as best we can and keep them from getting into the wrong hands."

"It sounds like you're already a Monk yourself!" Dr. Overseas says, looking affectionately at her student.

"Well I hope to join them after I finish my internship."

"Maybe you will." Dr. Overseas turns to the two Omegas. "It looks like we're almost at the warehouse. Any last questions before we unload this artifact?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Mon Aug 07, 2023 4:13 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [43] = 43
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: [76] = 76

Mad Dawg wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:55 pm Act I: It Is Our Customs
Streets of Calaverada
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Air conditioned and climate controlled (71 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 7:30 pm

"Really?" Dr. Overseas eyebrows raise at the statement. "Given that you don't have any background in Chinese archaeology and don't speak the language that seems like an odd choice." She points at Anansi's Fang. "And besides, I think you are already holding an item that is worth a dissertation."

And publishing about this lintel would violate the principles of the Brotherhood," her graduate student, Adrian adds.

"Now, Mr. Wombat," Dr. Overseas replies in a professorial tone, "What makes you say that about the Fraternal Order of Saint Ptolemy like that?"

"Well, their mission is to collect and protect the sacred relics of humanity," Adrian explains. "A lot of these artifacts are alien technology, actual magic, and uh... sometimes we don't know. Whatever they are, we want to understand them as best we can and keep them from getting into the wrong hands."

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Barney looks over at Mr. Wombat, "I would advise not trying to take my family artifact, you would find it impossible to keep for more than three days."

It would be returned to the place of testing where he originally found it, the place that proved he was the current incarnation of Barnansi. He would need to return there and recover it, which would be a pain. He is not certain if there is any way to overcome that magic, but he gets the impression it would be a distinct problem for all parties involved if someone tried it.

To Mrs. Overseas, "While I could find out much about the history of my family artifact, it would be difficult to write anything about it without breaking confidences. All I could possibly do without breaking promises is collect legends about various holders."

Family secrets and confidences entrusted to him by Anansi the Spider would be revealed by a proper dissertation. Collecting legends he could do, but that would also make it clear that he has to be Spiderweb, something he would prefer to avoid.

He continues, "I have no such limits with regards to the Chinese artifact, writing it up as simply an archeological find would seem to actually help you by playing down any arcane links. It would seem to me that a reconstruction that is properly edited would also aid in that effort."

He considers, them asks, "If this lintel is not a door god, do you happen to know what it actually is? Do you know any history or legends about this particular piece I might be able to research?"

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:18 am

Sentinel Prime
Location:Air Port

Perception: 1d100: [42] = 42 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [20] = 20 D100 JiC: 1d100: [7] = 7

Skills:
Trust: 106%/ 1d100: [28] = 28 To convince everyone present of his sincerity.

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14:

OOC Comments

Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [61] = 61
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [23] = 23

OOC Comments

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

The sojourn to China his home felt like a blur to Sentinel. He thought it would have invoked more memories but instead they retreated from him like thrown rocks engulfed in an ocean. Otherwise, answers to Spiders questions about his country’s history came easily enough. By the end of the trip he had lost hope the answers to his own questions about his past and the wizard plaguing his thoughts would be answered. Instead it led to this lintel that fills me with foreboding dread. Why? What is this and what does it have to do with me?, he thought on the plane trip back, the mystery cycling over and over recalling that feeling when his eyes fell over the piece of stone.

At the airport he could feel his connection to Sentinel Prime getting stronger and almost had a moment of regret knowing his time was about to be over upon seeing him walk into the receiving area. What is that lintel….. the thought ending abruptly as he is returned to his whole.

Sentinel instantly knows all that transpired in China and the dread that filled his ectype now plagues him as his gaze comes over the lintel. Seeing the markings closely now he easily reads the ancient and familiar script, “The Family of Liu Xang.”

Who is that? Sentinel ponders having no recollection of that person. Clearly the name was from the predecessors to his own dynasty. Every empire comes from the ashes of the previous one. From the fire, gold. Despite his unease being near the lintel, ”Who is Liu Xang?” he mutters thoughtfully reaching out to touch the letters feeling for any magic or unusual forces. ”Seven symbols, a lucky number but I cannot make out what they are supposed to be.”

Turning to Dr. Overseas, ”If you do not know what it is, then why the interest? It is to small for anything of importance. Probably just a craftsman’s doodle above his door.” he suggests dismissively.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Sat Aug 12, 2023 3:30 pm

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Department of Latin, Copernicus University, 203 Incognito Lane, Javarta
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool clear night (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 8:00 pm

As they drive to a safe house operated by the Fraternal Brotherhood of Saint Ptolemy, Spiderweb discusses publishing artifacts with the others. On one hand, both Dr. Overseas and Adrian Wombat nod when Barney says that he wants to protect certain family secrets. Some customs are meant to be kept within a community, performed and known only by initiates. But then Barney goes and contradicts himself as he keeps talking.

Spiderweb wrote:"I have no such limits with regards to the Chinese artifact, writing it up as simply an archeological find would seem to actually help you by playing down any arcane links. It would seem to me that a reconstruction that is properly edited would also aid in that effort."

"You do realize that you're going to a safe house run by a secret society and overseen by the government, right?" Adrian says annoyed. "And aren't you a government agent? If you tried to go rogue and publish this without CHIMERA's permissions we would-"

Dr. Overseas raises her hand and interrupts her student, "Now now, Adrian." Looking to Barney she continues, "What he means is that we're sure you understand that certain relics are not meant to be seen by the public. They are dangerous, and in the wrong hands could kill hundreds of people. After all, we wouldn't want to you to end up like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir*. Until we know more about this lintel piece we cannot just let anyone know about it."

Sentinel** wrote:"If you do not know what it is, then why the interest? It is to small for anything of importance. Probably just a craftsman’s doodle above his door."

"It does look innocuous, doesn't it?" Dr. Overseas replies. "But remember that it was located based on information that Spiderweb received while on a mission. Of all the artifacts that the excavation team at Xian found excavating at that spot, this is the one they say is tied to you. Unfortunately, the Chinese government keeps their own excavations under tight security. They won't even let me visit the Terracotta Army without an armed escort anymore. That means I can't say why without examining this object more carefully when we get to the safe house. The fact that the Chinese wanted it out of their country is worrying to say the least."

The van drives past a large warehouse building with gothic facades and a steep green copper roof with circular iron wrought panel windows dotting the gables. A sign in front says Department of Latin. The van turns into a driveway and pulls into a large garage that looks like a chop shop. Three men in blue jumpsuits with the same winged eye logo as on Dr. Overseas pin are waiting for the vehicle and immediately unload the lintel piece and wheel it deeper into the building. Everyone follows these monks, as they are called, into a spare 20 by 15 foot room. The lintel is placed on a heavy metal table in the center of the room, it is the only piece of furniture. Wooden crates of assorted sizes line the walls. Lamps in the corner provide the only light.

Sentinel wrote:"Who is Liu Xang? ... Seven symbols, a lucky number but I cannot make out what they are supposed to be."

Dr. Overseas looks up at Sentinel. "That's an excellent question. I would have hoped that you knew him. Off the top of my head, I would suspect that he was related to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty. There's no guarantee that his name is still preserved in the historical record."

She then reaches under the table and pulls out a long rectangular box. "I called the monks that keep this safe house and asked them to prepare some tools so we could analyze this artifact."

Inside the box are a large variety of items. There is a golden Marshelltown trowel with a diamond shaped blade, seven bronze bells of different sizes with abstract designs molded onto their exterior surfaces, a thin translucent sheet of obsidian in a metal frame, a spray bottle, a metal tripod cauldron with the name Lady Meng branded on it, and a crystal pyramid. Spiderweb and Sentinel may use these tools to analyze the lintel piece. (Spiderweb may use one tool, with his multi-tasking power Sentinel may use two.) Don't worry about what the tools do, each one will reveal a different clue about the artifact. You, brave player, may also use your PC's innate powers, but I cannot guarantee that those will provide a clue.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* While the details are not known to the public, in 2036 the choir disappeared while on a guided tour of the pre-Classic Maya site of El Mirador in Guatemala. Local officials will only say that what happened was 'an unfortunate accident', and refused to conduct any further investigations on the matter. Likewise, at the time, the Governor of Utah would only say that he had prayed for 'the souls of the lost ones'.
** To make the narrative go more smoothly, I am reordering some of the dialogue.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 1:53 pm

Perception (33%): 1d100: [53] = 53
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [11] = 11 / 1d100: [96] = 96

Barney points out to Adrian, "Often, the best way to hide something, is in the middle of a group of other things that seem similar. A report on something as a standard archeological find is less likely to draw attention than attempts to keep the same item hidden might be...by those who look for such things. There is something to be said for hiding in plain sight."

Barney is aware that family names are first in China, especially in ancient times. The possibility of Lui Bang being related to Lui Xang is moderately remote. However he does note, "Actual writing in engravings is pretty rare in those times, that would tend to indicate a family of some import, would it not?"

When they get to the safe house, he looks over the offered instruments, which are not scientific implements to his knowledge. He considers what he knows of Chinese mythology and settles on the Obsidian Sheet as the the piece most likely to give him understandable answers. He examines the metal it is framed in and wonders how they cut it to size, as melting and recasting obsidian would destroy its value.

He will say, "I think this is probably the best tool for me to try to use, as I have some notion how to use it." He knows that traditionally Obsidian can capture certain types of energies, according to Chinese mythology. Notably energies associated with negative Chi, such as demons. Looking through a thin plate of obsidian might render such energies visible to one not attuned to Chi.

OOC: Are the seven bells one tool?

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 1:43 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: Copernicus University

Perception: 1d100: [15] = 15 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [18] = 18 D100 JiC: 1d100: [75] = 75

Skills:
⚗Lore: Magic 64% / 1d100: [27] = 27 To determine anything of significance about the artifact.
-Magic Wards, Runes, & Circles -- 54% / 1d100: [100] = 100
Lore: Mythology 79%/ 1d100: [24] = 24

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [96] = 96
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [93] = 93

OOC Comments

Spells:
Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

The car ride wasn’t uncomfortable for the golem but it is tedious at best due to Mr. Barney and Dr. Overseas discussing the nuances of the artifacts and publishing of their findings. This conversation unfortunately did defeat an idea that was forming to contact a reporter “friend” and give her the information to write a piece on in the hopes someone knew more about it. I suppose this will have to wait until later if this “secret society” does not determine what this lintel is… he thinks curtly tapping the little disk icon storing the message previously destined to Ms. Marsh. As the message winks off screen Sentinel had a moment recalling Wi-fi who had once shown him how that very icon stored messages for later.

”Well this Liu Bang does not sound familiar besides being the surname meaning as you mentioned. Did you know it essentially means to kill?” an odd feeling of nostalgia comes over Sentinel remembering that factoid.

Sentinel watches as the tools are placed on the table. Going down the row he picks them up one at a time looking them over trying to guess at their meanings. Musing to himself, ”A pyramid symbolizing a tomb? A trowel, a tool for digging or more likely spreading mortar, symbolizing building… a wall? Seven bronze bells maybe being a Bianzhong, though far too few bells. He continues down the row of items noting the words Lady Meng on the side of the cauldron. Stopping he picks it up turning it over and examining it. ”Is that a reference to Mengo Po Soup? Of Forgetfulness.” he asks the Doctor pointing to the words before too setting it down. ”How do you intend for these to be used to examine this?” he asks not quite understanding her intent. Putting the last item down, a spray bottle, he squeezes the lever sending a rogue spray going out over the lintel.

”I have other ways to sense its power that are more meaningful.” he announces calling his magic to mind and casting several spells to examine the artifact. Moving closer to the lintel and looks it over carefully and gently touches the name across the front feeling with his powers.

Casts See Aura (Level 1, PPE: 6), See the Invisible (Level 1, PPE: 4), Sense Evil (Level 1, PPE: 2),
Sense Magic (Level 1, PPE: 4) and uses Abnormal Energy Sense.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 4:35 pm

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Department of Latin, Copernicus University, 203 Incognito Lane, Javarta
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool clear night (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 8:10 pm

Despite being a fairly young graduate student with no background in Chinese archaeology or experience working with the Fraternal Order of Saint Ptolemy, Barney insists that he knows how to handle secret and potentially dangerous artifacts.

Spiderweb wrote:"Often, the best way to hide something, is in the middle of a group of other things that seem similar. A report on something as a standard archeological find is less likely to draw attention than attempts to keep the same item hidden might be...by those who look for such things. There is something to be said for hiding in plain sight."

"He's even worse than those jackasses from Yale," Adrian says to his mentor, visibly annoyed. Dr. Overseas nods in agreement but does not add her own comment.

Sentinel wrote:"Well this Liu Bang does not sound familiar besides being the surname meaning as you mentioned. Did you know it essentially means to kill?"

"Yes, I did," Dr. Overseas replies, "though we're not certain that's where the name comes from. The Liu clan was not well known prior to the Qin Dynasty. While later historian would claim they descended from kingdoms that existed during the Xia Dynasty, that seems like a stretch. Before becoming Emperor Gaozu, Liu Bang was a fairly minor regional magistrate; he may have been born to a family of particularly successful peasants. I have always wondered if he ever got the attention of the regional court before rebelling in 215 BCE."

As they move the lintel piece to the storage room, Sentinel tries to get a better sense for if there are any active spells or psionic forces working on the artifact. It is difficult to focus on the lintel piece since he almost everything else in the building is emanating some kind of magical energy. Some crates radiate with dimensional energies, others psionic energy. A pair of glowing swords hanging over a door frame are clearly enchanted. By contrast, there is no discernible energy radiating from the lintel piece, instead it glows with a more abstract sense of dread. It is like a dormant volcano, and Sentinel can only wonder when and how it will erupt.

To start the analysis*, Sentinel starts by casting several spells (-16 P.P.E.). The aura that Sentinel sees on the lintel is like a lava dome of magic and psionic energy. In fact, looks like it contains more magical power than any of the other crates inside the room, but not by much. The good news is that there does not seem to be any kind of possessing entity lurking inside the lintel. It appears to simply be an enchanted object, but the nature of the enchantment is unknowable at the moment. There is nothing evil or invisible lurking on or around the artifact. Realizing that is all he can glean from using his powers, Sentinel looks at the researchers' tools.

Sentinel wrote:"A pyramid symbolizing a tomb? A trowel, a tool for digging or more likely spreading mortar, symbolizing building… a wall? Seven bronze bells maybe being a Bianzhong, though far too few bells. Is that a reference to Mengo Po Soup? Of Forgetfulness. How do you intend for these to be used to examine this?"

"That is not how any of these work," Dr. Overseas says. "Adrian, we'll have to skip the formal induction, but as a resident novice here, can you explain to these two how a spectral archaeologist analyzes artifacts?"

"Sure thing, Pam," Adrian answers looking at the items laid on the table. Before he can start, Sentinel picks up the squeeze bottle and sprays it over the lintel piece. A gray powder flies over the top of the artifact, settling like a fine layer of snow. After a second a gray smoke starts to slowly rise from the lintel. "That is tracer dust, it will reveal every inscription on the surface of an object."

The smoke starts to form elaborate scrolls, replicating the faint incised decorations around the arches on the lintel. These were the first decorations carved on it. Then after another 10 seconds a thick plume of smoke rises from above the central arch. It forms a circle with an elaborate character drawn in its center. This inscription is not visible at all from the surface of the lintel. Sentinel looks up at it again, but he does not see it clear enough to identify what it is.

Next, Barney picks up the thin sheet of obsidian. Adrian points to a line running along the metal frame running around the rectangular piece of volcanic glass. "Judging from the engraving on the frame, I guess it's a Toltec temporal lens."

"Correct," Dr. Overseas replies. "If I may..." She politely takes the lens from Barney's hands and holds it three feet away from the painted front of the lintel piece. "It is able to reveal everything that has ever been painted or drawn on a surface. If you hold the lens high up, it shows you the most recent markings clearly. And as you bring it closer..." She lowers the lens to the lintel, "... you can read the original writing here!"

Looking over the lens, everyone can see that the character that was originally written in the rightmost arch in the lintel, 'Shu'. The character is on the chest of a young man wearing long red robes and holding a spear.

"The Maya ones are better," Adrian adds. "They have less static." Despite his protestations, Barney and the others are able to clearly see the original paint on the lintel. Moving the the lens over the lintel from right to left reveals similar designs in each arch, a young man wielding a weapon (a dai, a spear, two halberds) with a character written on his chest. These are the seven sons of Liu Xang, from oldest to youngest: Tai, Sam, Liang, Giping, Wang, Yun, and Shu. In between each arch, in the incisions revealed from the spary bottle, everyone can also see green paint that once filled those grooves. Adrian rereads the names of the sons. "I wonder if there is any writing on the other sides of the lintel."

Just as before, Spiderweb may use one tool to analyze the lintel. He can either scan all the other sides of it using the Toltec temporal lens or pick up a different tool and use it to continue his analysis. Sentinel may use two tools of his choosing.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* For narrative sake, I'm reversing the order that Sentinel does things. I think this reads as a more natural scene now.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:16 am

Perception (33%)=[roll]1d100[/roll]
JIC (d20/d%)=[roll]1d20[/roll]/[roll]1d100[/roll]

Mad Dawg wrote: ↑Sun Aug 20, 2023 4:35 pm Act I: It Is Our Customs
Department of Latin, Copernicus University, 203 Incognito Lane, Javarta
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool clear night (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 8:10 pm

Next, Barney picks up the thin sheet of obsidian. Adrian points to a line running along the metal frame running around the rectangular piece of volcanic glass. "Judging from the engraving on the frame, I guess it's a Toltec temporal lens."

"Correct," Dr. Overseas replies. "If I may..." She politely takes the lens from Barney's hands and holds it three feet away from the painted front of the lintel piece. "It is able to reveal everything that has ever been painted or drawn on a surface. If you hold the lens high up, it shows you the most recent markings clearly. And as you bring it closer..." She lowers the lens to the lintel, "... you can read the original writing here!"

Looking over the lens, everyone can see that the character that was originally written in the rightmost arch in the lintel, 'Shu'. The character is on the chest of a young man wearing long red robes and holding a spear.

"The Maya ones are better," Adrian adds. "They have less static." Despite his protestations, Barney and the others are able to clearly see the original paint on the lintel. Moving the the lens over the lintel from right to left reveals similar designs in each arch, a young man wielding a weapon (a dai, a spear, two halberds) with a character written on his chest. These are the seven sons of Liu Xang, from oldest to youngest: Tai, Sam, Liang, Giping, Wang, Yun, and Shu. In between each arch, in the incisions revealed from the spary bottle, everyone can also see green paint that once filled those grooves. Adrian rereads the names of the sons. "I wonder if there is any writing on the other sides of the lintel."

Barney is amazed at what the items being used can do. He asks, "Can these items be used similarly on mundane archeology, or do they only function on items which are paranormal?" It would make it so much easier for archeology if they can be used in mundane items. He adds, regretfully "I would assume these test items can not be duplicated by modern means?"

Barney can not read the language, but when the names are read off, he observes, "None of the children is Liu Bang. That does not mean they are not related."

Being an ideographic language, Bang and Wang are probably not even similar in form.

He says, "We should check the other side of the door piece with this temporal lens, it may have information on the parents."

It seems logical to him, these things do not seem to have anything to do with logic as he understands it.

If Sentinel tells them about what he learned with his magic, Barney will speculate, "You say this contains a great deal of latent energy, does that suggest it may be a power source for something else?"

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Aug 27, 2023 1:29 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: Copernicus University

Perception: 1d100: [97] = 97 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [10] = 10 D100 JiC: 1d100: [85] = 85

Skills:
Rolls are Continuing to try and determine anything of significance about the artifact.
Lore: Magic 64% / 1d100: [17] = 17
-Magic Wards, Runes, & Circles -- 54% / 1d100: [51] = 51
Lore: Mythology 79%/ 1d100: [59] = 59
Anthropology 104% / 1d100: [72] = 72
Archaeology: 99%/ 1d100: [40] = 40

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [22] = 22
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [31] = 31

OOC Comments

Spells: See Aura (Level 1, PPE: 6), See the Invisible (Level 1, PPE: 4), Sense Evil (Level 1, PPE: 2),
Sense Magic (Level 1, PPE: 4) and uses Abnormal Energy Sense.

Butcher Bill: -16 PPE

OOC Comments

Sentinel politely listens to the Doctors explanation of the two dynasty’s history. ”I did not closely follow the politics after my departure from the throne. I struggle to recall much of the time in between now and then. I hope you can forgive me; I had other pressing issues unfortunately requiring my attention.” the long ago deposed emperor says waiving a hand to indicate his body. ” But it is interesting nonetheless even this long after.”, he admits. Perhaps it will illuminate why I felt I had to come to Century Station...

Following up on the Doctors last supposition Sentinel asks, ”Why is the attention of the regional court before rebelling of significance?”

After that mini discussion Sentinel is left with more questions after briefly examining and touching the artifact with his mystical senses feeling the thing is very powerful and literally brimming with energy.”It is like a dam holding a flood at bay but ready to engulf everything in its way at the slightest weakness. No that might not be quite what I feel, more like a cup overfilled, the meniscus ready to break spilling over at a bump.” he says.

Answering Barney he says, ”I don’t know if latent is even the correct word…” he considers feeling the dread return. He didn’t even think he could dread anything…”It is more like “waiting”. There is much of what most call magic and psionic power I can sense from it, but to those who know they are very similar, I call it mystical.”

As the examination continues Sentinel didn’t make out the runes in the misted powder he inadvertently let loose. ”I couldn’t read those symbols. Did you make them out Mr. Adrian?” he asks before curiously turning his attention to the figure in the red robes depicted on the lintel.”And this SHU symbol means book. Odd that it’s on his robes, maybe it is symbolic of his position or role?”

Then he looks over the seven sons Liu Tai, Liu Sam, Liu Lian, Liu Giping, Liu Wang, Liu Yun, and Liu Shu. The final name Shu makes him doubt the symbol on the red robes means book, Perhaps it’s the name of the spear warrior but... he ponders. ”Shu is typically used for female connotation when used in names. This says seven sons. What do you make of that?” he asks the three.

” And what about this weapon?” he asks pointing to the dai among the spear and halberds. ”I don’t recognize it.”

”I admit I was lucky with the powder bottle, but I am unfamiliar with these techniques. Could you elaborate on these other tools?” he asks not wishing to continue looking like a toddler playing with baubles. Calling forth a pair of ectypes that begin to assist he begins taking steps back himself continuing to observe so as to not miss anything. The pair of ectypes fiddle with the devices, on picking up a prism and the other the cauldron with the name of Lady Meng on the side.

Ectype: A
Perception: 1d100: [57] = 57 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [2] = 2 D100 JiC: 1d100: [94] = 94

Ectype B
Perception: 1d100: [43] = 43 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [9] = 9 D100 JiC: 1d100: [81] = 81

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Mon Aug 28, 2023 7:55 am

Act I: It Is Our Customs
Department of Latin, Copernicus University, 203 Incognito Lane, Javarta
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool clear night (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 8:20 pm

Before the analysis begins, Sentinel and the archaeologists continue to discuss the past:

Sentinel wrote:"I did not closely follow the politics after my departure from the throne. I struggle to recall much of the time in between now and then. I hope you can forgive me; I had other pressing issues unfortunately requiring my attention. But it is interesting nonetheless even this long after."

Dr. Overseas looks at Sentinel suspiciously. "Those memory gaps of yours are odd. To be completely honest, some of my colleagues suspect that you are not really Qin Shi Huang reincarnated." If Sentinel should ask Dr. Overseas' opinion on the matter, she replies, "I don't know. You are a mystery. And I suppose that's why we are here, isn't it?"

Sentinel wrote:"Why is the attention of the regional court before rebelling of significance?"

"That's just where Emperor Gaozu began his career," Dr. Overseas explains. "The Qin State collapsed shortly after you, ahem, died. Your heirs could not hold the empire together, and many administrators rebelled. Famously, Gaozu, then Liu Bang, rebelled while transporting troops to build your mausoleum."

The conversation trails off, and the analysis begins in earnest. When Sentinel uses the tracer dust, he does not clearly see a circular design. Unfortunately for him, no one else was able to clearly see the design either. If it was something something significant it will likely come back to haunt everyone. Spiderweb's use of the Toltec temporal lens provides more salient details. The young archaeology student is quite impressed by the tools available to the members of the Fraternal Order of Saint Ptolemy.

Spiderweb wrote:"Can these items be used similarly on mundane archeology, or do they only function on items which are paranormal? I would assume these test items can not be duplicated by modern means?"

"The temporal lens can be used on any surface that has ever been written on ever," Adrian says. He passes the lens over the bottom of the lintel; the piece is laying on its back, so the bottom is clearly visible. "I'm sure some of the archaeology students wrote some graffiti in pencil on this. Let's see... 'The American marsupial is has small...', uh, I can't read the rest. So that's why we don't like to use them in the field. They are rare, and we don't want unscrupulous treasure hunters to get their hands on them."

Spiderweb wrote:"We should check the other side of the door piece with this temporal lens, it may have information on the parents."

"Yes," Dr. Overseas says. She takes the lens from Adrian's hand. "Adrian, be a dear and help Mr. Drew turn the lintel up. Excellent. Now let's see what was written on the inside of this tomb."

For everyone's sake, Dr. Overseas translates the text on the back of the lintel: 'Liu Xang, General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin, Cousin of the Gaozu Emperor, Sage Uncle and Watchman of the Dynasty. His lineage shall protect the Liu Clan into the afterlife.' This seems to confirm that Liu Xang is in fact related to the Han Emperors and also ties him to the Qin Dynasty. The other parts of the lintel do not contain any writing. If there is any other modern graffiti, Adrian is not willing to share it with the others.

Sentinel wrote:"I admit I was lucky with the powder bottle, but I am unfamiliar with these techniques. Could you elaborate on these other tools?"

"I suppose that jia vessels like these hadn't been used for over 500 years before you were born." Dr. Overseas takes the tripod from Sentinel's hands and places it in front of the lintel. "Lady Meng was the wife of a prominent duke of the Western Zhou, and she was a prominent shaman herself. She would offer ancestral spirits wine in this vessel and commune with them. Nowadays we use ceremonial bronzes like this to detect haunting entities, but I also know how to contact the madame herself."

She takes out a small bottle of baijiu and pours it into the metal jia. With a metal stirring stick, she swirls the acrid liquor in the bowl until it gets cloudy. Then a vapor starts to rise from the vessel; Dr. Overseas keeps stirring the sorghum wine faster and faster. Then the vapor floats up into Dr. Overseas' nostrils. Her head snaps back and she speaks in an otherworldly voice, that cracks as if it is hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, "Who would dare summon me like this? I feel like I am far away from my burial grounds, and-" Overseas head twists around in an unnatural way scanning the room. "Oh, is that the wayward watchman? Tired of being alone while you abandoned your clan? What do you think I could possibly help you with?" The possessed Dr. Overseas looks at the lintel. "Is that yours? Why is it here?" She stares at Sentinel and her glassy eyes soften. "You don't know, do you? What happened to you in the 1800 years since I last saw you? Now I truly feel bad."

Dr. Overseas, or rather Lady Meng, picks up the crystal pyramid from Sentinel's other hand. "My host says this is a psionic detector. This will open your mind, in a manner." She places the pyramid on top of the lintel. The circle outline of a circle glows in the center of the piece. "Really, it's a gateway. Touch the circle and you will go to a place where you will see answers."

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Thu Aug 31, 2023 3:27 am

Perception (33%)= 1d100: [60] = 60
JIC (d20/d%)= 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [50] = 50

Mad Dawg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2023 7:55 am Act I: It Is Our Customs
Department of Latin, Copernicus University, 203 Incognito Lane, Javarta
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2043
Weather: Cool clear night (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 8:20 pm

Sentinel wrote:"Why is the attention of the regional court before rebelling of significance?"
"That's just where Emperor Gaozu began his career," Dr. Overseas explains. "The Qin State collapsed shortly after you, ahem, died. Your heirs could not hold the empire together, and many administrators rebelled. Famously, Gaozu, then Liu Bang, rebelled while transporting troops to build your mausoleum."

Spiderweb wrote:"We should check the other side of the door piece with this temporal lens, it may have information on the parents."
"Yes," Dr. Overseas says. She takes the lens from Adrian's hand. "Adrian, be a dear and help Mr. Drew turn the lintel up. Excellent. Now let's see what was written on the inside of this tomb."

For everyone's sake, Dr. Overseas translates the text on the back of the lintel: 'Liu Xang, General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin, Cousin of the Gaozu Emperor, Sage Uncle and Watchman of the Dynasty. His lineage shall protect the Liu Clan into the afterlife.' This seems to confirm that Liu Xang is in fact related to the Han Emperors and also ties him to the Qin Dynasty. The other parts of the lintel do not contain any writing. If there is any other modern graffiti, Adrian is not willing to share it with the others.

Barney comments, about the Temporal Lens, "I can understand that. They say 'Knowledge is Power' and something like this could be used by the unscrupulous to learn many tings best left forgotten. It is too bad we can not manufacture others though, in the right hands it is clearly a useful tool."

Barney could have tuned the stone over by using his staff as a lever, though that might reveal it to be abnormally tough. As Spiderweb, he could pick it up, though not without effort. It is better for him to work with others on the matter. His desire to check the other side of the stone proves correct, there is important information on the other side.

Barney says, "The historic significance of the piece is confirmed at least, though whether the claim of relation is factual probably can not be at this point in time."

He watches with interest and worry as Dr. Overseas channels the spirit of Lady Meng, though the situation with Sentinel is worrysome. Of great interest is the fact she claims to know Sentinel, though he does not seem to remember her.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Mon Sep 04, 2023 12:05 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: Copernicus University

Perception: 1d100: [68] = 68 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [4] = 4 D100 JiC: 1d100: [93] = 93

Skills:
⚗Lore: Magic 64% / 1d100: [49] = 49 To determine anything of significance about the artifact.
-Magic Wards, Runes, & Circles -- 54% / 1d100: [43] = 43
Lore: Mythology 79%/ 1d100: [16] = 16
Anthropology 104% / 1d100: [33] = 33
Archaeology: 99%/ 1d100: [75] = 75

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [31] = 31
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [40] = 40

OOC Comments

Spells: See Aura (Level 1, PPE: 6), See the Invisible (Level 1, PPE: 4), Sense Evil (Level 1, PPE: 2),
Sense Magic (Level 1, PPE: 4) and uses Abnormal Energy Sense.

Butcher Bill: -16 PPE

OOC Comments

The Emperor momentarily taken aback at the accusation of not being who he says he is begins speaking slowly, ” I am not reincarnated.” he finishes lashing out inside of his own mind his right hand squeezing the examination table, I am Emperor Qin Shi Huang!. But doubt did creep in since his arrival to Century Station, especially after meeting with other royalty and super-powered. Questions were too many with little in the way of answers. Such as memories that were his but not. Mystic knowledge and abilities remembered but which could not be recalled having been learned. Trying to hold onto what composure remains he disguises his voice with a matter-of-fact tone [Imitate voice/accent/region -- 142%/ 1d100: [49] = 49 ], ”I imagine you do not remember every mundane moment of your life? Even the elderly forget things, yet they are still who they are.” he finishes dropping the ling of thought not meaning to imply his gaps in memory were from his age. Quickly he changes the subject to Emperor Gaozu.

”It is not unusual that someone of Liu Bang’s status would try and usurp power; seems it was a success.” he comments avoiding talking of his supposed grave, no longer wishing to speak about his mortality or lack thereof.

To further change the subject, turning back to the lintel he considers the symbol the bottle of mist revealed, ”Could you not just spray the dust again to see them again? Are there not any cameras recording this investigation?” he asks as he looks around the room perimeter for the telltale sign of a circular lens. [Surveillance Systems 114%/ 1d100: [31] = 31 ].

After seeing the results of the temporal lens and Web's interesting question answered he had to inquire, ”Where can I acquire some of these investigative items? I am very interested in acquiring a temporal lens.” There is many such mundane uses I can think of.

Dr. Overseas wrote:Dr. Overseas translates the text on the back of the lintel: 'Liu Xang, General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin, Cousin of the Gaozu Emperor, Sage Uncle and Watchman of the Dynasty. His lineage shall protect the Liu Clan into the afterlife.' This seems to confirm that Liu Xang is in fact related to the Han Emperors and also ties him to the Qin Dynasty. The other parts of the lintel do not contain any writing. If there is any other modern graffiti, Adrian is not willing to share it with the others.

After the Doctors personal stab, Sentinel feels overly conscious of his memory loss, reluctant to admit to anything he doesn’t remember. He thought he knew his entire military’s top Generals by name and posting, but he again is forced to admit he does not recall General Liu Xang. ”Liu Xang, General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin. “ he repeated the Doctor appearing to think it over. ”It was long ago. I suppose you don’t know where the Eastern Vanguard garrisoned?” The emperor asks the Doctor warily fishing for information.

The Doctor continues on thankfully not lingering on the scripter's revelations. She held up the cauldron explaining it and throwing a bone to explain why the Emperor wouldn’t likely know about them despite his memory issues becoming a prominent topic of conversation, at least to him.

Dr. Overseas or was it LadyMeng wrote:…an otherworldly voice, that cracks as if it is hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, "Who would dare summon me like this? I feel like I am far away from my burial grounds, and-" Overseas head twists around in an unnatural way scanning the room. "Oh, is that the wayward watchman? Tired of being alone while you abandoned your clan? What do you think I could possibly help you with?" The possessed Dr. Overseas looks at the lintel. "Is that yours? Why is it here?" She stares at Sentinel and her glassy eyes soften. "You don't know, do you? What happened to you in the 1800 years since I last saw you? Now I truly feel bad."

The Doctor didn’t adequately prepare them for a possession séance but as a being himself who could call forth demons and devils, supernatural events such as this didn’t bother him. In fact, many have tried to take over his person to find it utterly repugnant to them. Lady Meng's typical announcement and fixed gaze from within the doctor's own façade held an unearthly gaze unto him. It felt uncomfortably familiar like the gaze of the denizens he could summon from Hades or Dyval, but this stare wasn’t filled with murderous rage or feigned aloofness that devils and demons would play games at pretending to be in control. Pity… he thought and the golem shook to his core. Not like the chemical response the mortal experience of fear. It is deeper, like the fear of the uncertainty that one would have before receiving a sentence that would affect their life forever. As she speaks asking him questions and calling him “watchman” Sentinel understands this audience is with someone that holds pity for him like a Doctor holding knowledge of a loved one’s fate…

Sentinel couldn’t bring himself to speak while looking at the circle that is forming around the lintel. This is why you came to Century Station…isn’t it? A voice instead said in ancient Dragonese from somewhere deep inside him. He didn’t have to answer for whatever it was already knew the answer too. Before the voice began again with unbidden thoughts to prod him forward, Sentinel's legs moved in their own answer stepping into the ring, for better or worse. [The two ectypes absorb into Sentinel.]

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Mon Sep 04, 2023 8:18 pm

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time:11:00 am

Spiderweb wrote:"The historic significance of the piece is confirmed at least, though whether the claim of relation is factual probably can not be at this point in time."

Adrian rolls his eyes, but Dr. Overseas chimes in and corrects Barney, "It would seem to me that the relationship is very clear. Something like that would not have been written on the entrance to the tomb of a high ranking individual unless he had some familial tie to Emperor Gaozu."

Sentinel wrote:"Liu Xang, General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin. It was long ago. I suppose you don’t know where the Eastern Vanguard garrisoned?"

"The Eastern Army was likely involved in the campaigns against the Kingdoms of Chu and Qi. They were most likely stationed somewhere in the modern provinces of Henan or Hebei." Dr. Overseas responds before using the jia to summon Lady Meng.

The archaeologist's possession is frightening at first, but Lady Meng seems like a fairly reasonable for a nearly 3,000 year old entity. While she doesn't give up the ghost, she does reveal several telling details that lead Sentinel to trust her. Although he cannot remember Lady Meng, he can sense that they knew each other a long time ago. Or rather, he knew her once upon a time, and to get the answers he desperately needs he must take her advice. He reaches his hand out the circle of light on the top of the lintel expands, blinding the entire room. As Sentinel is consumed by the light he hears the Lady say, "Remember, time is a roaring river. Swim with the current or you will be swept in the undertow!"

"If Liu Xang was in the vanguard," Adrian adds, "he may have led the cavalry."

*******

You are sitting in a large covered ox-drawn carriage, it sways roughly as it plods along the dirt road back to Xian. A smell of rot fills the air. You might initially think that it is the stench of fish carcasses ripening in a cart following in the train, but the stench is coming from the bed in the center of the carriage. Laying under several heavy blankets, despite the suffocating heat, is the Great Emperor himself. He is barely conscious, his breathing heavy and forced. He does not have long to live. You remember this day all to well, the beginning of the end.

Your knead your hands - calloused, dark, and not made of stone - into each other. These are your own hands; you are Liu Xang, General of the Southern Army and personal attendant to the Great Emperor himself. The memories start to seep in. You remember your childhood on a modest farm, riding your first horse alongside your distant cousin Bang, getting married to your first wife, being conscripted into the army of Qin, taking a second concubine, the births of your sons, laying siege on King Fuchu's castle, taking a third concubine (you dawg), sacking the capital city of Qi. You remember who you were before becoming the Sentinel.

You look around the room at the other attendants in the carriage. Standing by your side is your trusty lieutenant An. He glances up at you, and the moment you make eye contact you see a second person looking back at you, Barney Drew inhabiting the body of your aide-de-camp. Barney has a clear sense of who he is, and that he is simply inhabiting this body in order to relive this important moment in history. Lady Meng's final words seem to apply to him as much as to Sentinel.

Standing in front of you is Chancellor Si, the Prime Minister of Qin and the Great Emperor's closest confidant, but he too is possessed by one of your companions, Dr. Pam Overseas. Next to the Chancellor are the two court doctors: Antelaeon, an ancient dragon disguised as an ageless human man, who has been aiding the Great Emperor in his quest for immortality; the second is Dulu, a doughy hairless eunuch who serves as Antalaeon's assistant. Behind Dulu's bright black eyes you can see Adrian, looking less than thrilled to be getting the eunuch experience. Antalaeon scowls, "We must act now. He will not live past midday."

"My father is strong" a reedy teenager standing in the back of the carriage says. Crown Prince Huhai tries to show strength, but his voice cracks with uncertainty. "If Grand Tutor Gao hurries back with the quicksilver pills, he will survive until we get back to Xian."

"Those damned pills are why he is dying right now," Antalaeon snorts. The others nod. "The quicksilver is poison!" Huhai recoils in horror, and croaks trying to speak. The doctor silences him by drawing an amulet of an eagle's claw from his sleeve. "That is why we must perform this ritual right now, before Gao can get back." He points to Xang and An (aka Sentinel and Spiderweb). "You two, come help me prepare your liege for the ritual."

Huhai takes a timid step forward. "N-no!" he stammers. "I am the Crown Prince and heir to the Great Emperor. I am in charge while he is incapacitated." He puffs his chest and proudly says, "It was my idea to use the rotting fish to mask the stench of my father. And I am in charge of getting him back to the capital. I say we wait for Grand Tutor Gao!"

Antalaeon snorts in anger and glares at Xang and An.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Tue Sep 05, 2023 3:09 pm

Perception (33%): 1d100: [44] = 44
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [11] = 11 / 1d100: [25] = 25
Barney finds himself unexpectedly dropped into...now is this some kind of memory or the actual past? In some ways it does not matter, he still has to do what the person he is in the role of would be doing.

At least I understand the language, he thinks, This would be much harder if I was stuck here knowing only English and Zwi.

He looks around discretely, and realizes the person he is looking at is Sentinel...well at least his mind is the modern version. That is good, he can take his cues from that character.

The people who just spoke, the one is apparently the son of the Emperor, which does not jive with history as he was supposed to be left behind...if Barney has the story clear. Tho others...if he recalls the historical dress of the period they are Doctors and the Chancellor who is the assistant of the emperor. That last, he is fairly sure he sees Dr. Overseas in those eyes.

He discreetly looks down, as best he can tell he is some kind of high-level manservant. Staying silent is probably the best thing he can do.

He thinks about what was said, quicksilver pills. Some Chinese Alchemists have tried to achieve immortality through the mechanism of using a poison so strong it destroys the mortal part of the body and leaves the spirit and body joined. He recalls reading about an Omega who gained powers from the result of a failed experiment on those lines.

They call that one of the false paths to immortality in Barney's time, which does not make it a good sign for the probability of it working.

Barney does not say anything, but starts taking mental notes and observations about the area...he will try to record them when he gets home. He may never be able to use them, but it may be something he can find a way to use.

Anthropology (65%): 1d100: [100] = 100

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Sep 10, 2023 4:03 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: Copernicus University

Perception: 1d100: [87] = 87 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [2] = 2 D100 JiC: 1d100: [5] = 5

Skills:
⚗Lore: Magic 64% / 1d100: [68] = 68 To determine anything of significance about the artifact.
-Magic Wards, Runes, & Circles -- 54% / 1d100: [89] = 89
Lore: Mythology 79%/ 1d100: [70] = 70
Anthropology 104% / 1d100: [55] = 55
Archaeology: 99%/ 1d100: [68] = 68

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [32] = 32
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [32] = 32

OOC Comments

Spells: See Aura (Level 1, PPE: 6), See the Invisible (Level 1, PPE: 4), Sense Evil (Level 1, PPE: 2),
Sense Magic (Level 1, PPE: 4) and uses Abnormal Energy Sense.

Butcher Bill: -16 PPE

OOC Comments

Disorienting is an understatement to how Sentinel feels at this moment. He has his head down looking at the floor boards. He began wringing his hands, cold and rough, yet soft to him in comparison to his stone flesh he was used to. I have hands…and bones….and blood. I’m human. he thinks as memories flood into his mind unbidden of his life as Xang. This is not me… I am Emperor… his hands grip the sides of his head in frustration.

How do I even know these are my memories? This could be a trick. Why else would China let such a powerful artifact fall into our hands? It would certainly not be as benefactors. he clenches and unclenches his hands unsure if he should trust these memories or his original ones

They drop to his lap as he looks around realizing he has company. Someone who looks like him lies on the floor of the wagon, Emperor. Looking up he catches eyes of others knowingly looking at him. Are they really here too? he considers how to tell for sure.

In a low voice he says, ”If you are here say your initials. S.” he finishes with his call signs initial thinking E.Q.C.H for Emperor Qin Chi Huang would be confusing in the current location.

Before long though an argument breaks out over what to do with the dying...Emperor.

Sentinel considers the options; obviously this could be alluding to a ritual that created him. Of course I could heal him right now….but I want to see it.

Standing he begins, ”Dear Prince, I am certain you are afraid for his safety and it would hurt you so for him to pass into heaven, but his safety is my only concern. HIS only.” he says the last emphasizing an intent to mean anyone who gets in the way will suffer. ”So, I cannot do that if I…*clears throat* he is dying and rotting. Where do we need to go? he says as he turns to ask Antelaeon.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Mon Sep 11, 2023 6:55 am

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:03 am

Listen, Liu Xang has come unstuck in time, and he has taken some colleagues along for the ride. Memories of his life, the time before he became the Sentinel are rushing back to him. And now he finds himself at one of his most consequential moments, the day he watched the Great Emperor die. Things are happening just as they did back then. Everything is preordained and Sentinel is simply watching them happen*. He cannot do anything to change the flow of history, try as he might. He is also aware of the others watching.

Standing next to him is his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant An. Behind his eyes, Barney Drew is watching. He looks around and has an instinctive understanding of the scene. What Lieutenant An knows, Spiderweb knows. Ironically, that means he is completely clueless as to what is going on. General Xang and Lieutenant An had been summoned by Chancellor Gao to escort the Imperial Train when the Great Emperor became ill. They were ushered into the covered carriage where the Emperor was attended to by Chancellor Gao (both Sentinel and Spiderweb can sense that Dr. Overseas is witnessing these events from his perspective), and the Royal Physician, a dragon named Antalaeon. The dragon has stayed in a human form, both to fit inside the carriage and to avoid spooking the troops. Two days earlier, they had sent a messenger to the Shaqiu Palace with false orders to prepare for the Great Emperor's arrival; it was a ploy to throw off any assassin's. Now the Royal Physician is about to prepare a ritual that he claims will save the Great Emperor. He has not explained this ritual to anyone but his assistant, Dulu the eunuch (Adrian Wombat is watching the scene from his perspective).

Sentinel wrote:"Dear Prince, I am certain you are afraid for his safety and it would hurt you so for him to pass into heaven, but his safety is my only concern. HIS only. So, I cannot do that if I…*clears throat* he is dying and rotting. Where do we need to go?"

Antalaeon gives a brusque nod, this is as much respect as the dragon has given anyone in the Imperial Train, and signals for Liu Xang to come to the bed. Dulu follows behind to help in the ritual as well. While the eunuch robs a salve on the Great Emperor's chest and head, Antalaeon hands Liu Xang an attached to a metal staff by a short metal chain; this is not for the ritual but to word of the overwhelming stench of the dying Emperor and the salve that is being coated on his already rotting body. The physician then hands the general the eagle claw amulet, which he is to hold over the Great Emperor's face.

Antalaeon then begins chanting something in his native language. At this point in his life Liu Xang did not understand the words, but he remembers sensing great power in them. Even now, knowing the words, Sentinel just recognizes this as an archaic form of dragonese, one that was hardly spoken 2,200 years ago and will be completely forgotten by the start of the 21st century. He then watches the spell begin to take effect. The Great Emperor's eyes glow iridescent white and a silver vapor slowly trails from his nose and mouth up towards the amulet.

"He's stealing my father's soul!" Crown Prince Huhai shouts. He draws his sword, the only weapon allowed in the carriage and, with all the grace, dexterity, and prudence that he will be famous for, charges at the Imperial bed. Utter chaos follows, Antalaeon's concentration is broken for a moment a split second and the spell falters. Chancellor Gao tries to get everyone to stop for a moment and come to an agreement before acting. Dulu hides ducks behind the bed as Huhai slashes his sword wildly in the air. Lieutenant An turns around confused and gets struck in the right shoulder just below his neck.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* Whatever actions Sentinel takes are the ones that historically led to him gaining super powers. He has not traveled back in time and cannot change past events, he is watching those events play out. That means that everything that Sentinel does will be what he did back then. The same goes for Spiderweb, while he may feel like he is watching the events play out, your actions will be those of Lieutenant An.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:30 am

Perception (33%)= 1d100: [95] = 95
JIC (d20/D%)= 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [27] = 27

Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:03 am

Barney has it figured out, *This is kind of like a VR visual novel, I am not really here, not can what I am doing actually change anything. I need to just observe and learn for the future.*

Well then, he will sit back and observe, seeing if he can learn anything. Not that his host knows anything much about the situation, but he knows a lot about the time periods. Barney tries to remember what his host knows, so that he will have a chance to recall it later. He has two days to pay attention to the minutia of daily life in the third century BC without anything significant happening

When things start happening he pays attention to...there and then? He ignores the fleeting confusion over the proper term for this perspective, it is what he is currently perceiving.

He starts paying attention as the Physician prepares a magic ritual to save the Emperor. As he begins chanting in an unknown language, Barney fleetingly wishes for his spear, which lets him understand all spoken languages. He is fascinated as the mist gathers...and then the crown prince acts and he winds up struck.

That HURTS like nothing he recall.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Sep 17, 2023 12:48 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: The past past.

Perception: 1d100: [10] = 10 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [11] = 11 D100 JiC: 1d100: [84] = 84

Skills:

Medical Doctor
-Diagnose: 139%/ 1d100: [84] = 84
-Treat: 116%/ 1d100: [36] = 36

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

Sentinel had imagined the ritual being much grander than this but despite the disappointment Xang gently sways the incense brazier watching and learning what happened these many years ago. The incense it emits does wonders in covering the stench worse than one thousand mice trapped in a cupboard. From the holes of the oddly designed brazier that to him resembled a flail smoke wafts in pleasing tendrils as It gently rocks back and forth with a slightly audible tick when the chain flexes. In my dreams a dragon was sacrificed….I thought it would be this Antalaeon. he wonders how much he could trust his memories or even this vision.

Suddenly as the Emperor begins showing signs the ritual is working the Crown Prince shouts, "He's stealing my father's soul!" and the sound of a blade hitting flesh is quickly heard.

Xang instinctively takes large steps back to gather in the scene before acting. Only he is attacking. Sentinel thinks….or is it Xangs thoughts? Xang only armed with the flail incense burner moves in from behind the panicking Prince's blind side. I could whack him upside the head but that may kill him and the Emperor may not be pleased to find his son dead despite saving his life. Considering yelling at the Prince to drop the weapon Xang decides the element of surprise is to his advantage and strikes out aiming for the Prince's weapon to wrap the flail’s chain around its blade and rip it from his grasp effectively disarming him. Failing that he aims for the arm to break it or at the very least give it a nasty enough lump to force his dropping of the weapon.

Once he has him disarmed he will body block the Prince onto the ground and insist he sit in the corner of the room and move to pick up the sword before tending to the wounded Lieutenant An. Experienced in battlefield injuries and dressing of wounds General Xang grasps An’s clothing around the shoulder tearing it away, wading it up, and pressing hard against the wound to slow the blood loss.

”You have to press down hard and keep this firmly here to stop the bleeding.” Xang instructs Lieutenant An as he prepares to cauterize the wound if it doesn't stop bleeding. He will command several torches be combined or a fire brazier be brought over to heat up the sword point and use it to cauterize the wound.

Initiative: 1d20+8: [19]+8 = 27
Attacks: 11

Action 1: Move and attempt to disarm the Prince with the flail. Strike: W.P. Blunt 1d20+15: [3]+15 = 18
Action 2: Strike: W.P. Blunt to the Prince's arm 1d20+15: [9]+15 = 24
Action 3: Strike again as needed to disarm and disable Prince. W.P. Blunt 9d20+15: [11, 9, 11, 17, 7, 3, 18, 17, 13]+15 = 121

JIC:
Parry Bonus: +19; 10d20: [3, 16, 18, 1, 1, 12, 17, 8, 8, 10] = 94
Dodge Bonus: +23; 10d20: [10, 17, 18, 20, 5, 4, 15, 17, 19, 6] = 131
Roll with impact: +22 10d20: [9, 15, 10, 8, 16, 17, 14, 3, 13, 16] = 121

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Mon Sep 18, 2023 7:07 am

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:03 am

History does not record exactly how the Great Emperor of Qin died. The most authoritative source is Sima Xian, who wrote his Grand Records over a century later, and even his account is fragmentary and short on details. Perhaps the reason for this is because no one who was present wanted to acknowledge their involvement in what can politely be described as a bloody shitshow. The scene begins with the Great Emperor's physician, Antalaeon, performing a ritual that is designed to ostensibly save the life of the Emperor. General of the Eastern Vanguard of Qin, Liu Xang, has been asked to help, and he holds in one hand an incense burner and in the other a small eagle claw amulet. As Antalaeon chants in an ancient form of dragonese the Great Emperor's life force leaves his body and floats into the clutches of the amulet's talons.

This is when things go horribly wrong. Crown Prince Huhai shows the type of prudence and heroism that he will take to the throne interrupts the ritual and attacks the others in the Imperial carriage. With his first swing of the sword he frightens a eunuch. With the second he gravely wounds General Xang's aide-de-camp, Lieutenant An. An is completely stunned by the attack and slumps over to the ground. He then charges at the Antalaeon, sword in the air, but the physician continues chanting undisturbed. Unfortunately, General Xang does not follow suit and moves to intercept the Crown Prince. With one hand he raises the incense burner to catch the Crown Prince's next attack.

"No! You've broken the spell!" Antalaeon shouts. At the time Liu Xang had thought that the physician was speaking to the Crown Prince. In hindsight, Sentinel realizes that it was he, then with no experience in magic, had made the mistake. With the link between body and amulet broken, only a fragment of the Great Emperor's soul is in the magical relic.

At this point, Antalaeon reveals his true form and lets out a powerful roar. His face becomes more dragon-like - his eyes become large yellow orbs with slits for pupils, his teeth grow into fangs - and he holds up a clawed hand that unleashes a powerful wind rush that knocks back everyone in the carriage. General Xang falls to the ground and the amulet slips from his hand and slides in between several clay jugs of sorghum wine. The Crown Prince hits the side of the carriage with such force he breaks through it and falls onto the country road. A dozen armed guards rush to his aid. He gets up and shouts, "The physician is an assassin!"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

GM REMINDER: You, the player, are playing as a historical figure in this scene (Liu Xang and Lt. An, respectively) while your PC is observing the events that played out. Be sure to make decisions that make sense for someone in the past, but also be sure to have your PC's thoughts about what they are observing.

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Tue Sep 19, 2023 5:49 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [40] = 40
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [14] = 14

Barney takes a moment to gather himself to deal with the pain, This is a memory, it all happened long ago. My host may be dying, but I will live in my proper time. Perhaps, though, he can survive a bit longer.

When he sees the amulet fall, he thinks, There, that is his only chance. The magic was supposed to preserve the emperor, perhaps it will serve to preserve An.

He claws his way across the ground on his functional limbs, seeking what may be the only chance his host has of living to see the next dawn.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:21 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: The past past.

Perception: 1d100: [43] = 43 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [5] = 5 D100 JiC: 1d100: [32] = 32

Skills:
⚗Lore: Magic 64% / 1d100: [38] = 38 To determine anything of significance about the artifact.
-Magic Wards, Runes, & Circles -- 54% / 1d100: [6] = 6
Lore: Mythology 79%/ 1d100: [20] = 20
Anthropology 104% / 1d100: [48] = 48
Archaeology: 99%/ 1d100: [82] = 82

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [53] = 53
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [20] = 20

OOC Comments

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

"No! You've broken the spell!" Antalaeon shouts.

The dragon’s rage prompts Xang to look at his hand he finds in it an amulet he does not remember being handed….Damn…. he thinks right before being blasted with a torrent of air launching the amulet from his hand. The ancient golem feeling unusually vulnerable scrambles to his feet looking around for the amulet, but doesn’t see where it went.

”I didn’t know! Why did you do that!” The general shouts at the dragon before realizing the rage on its face. ”I don’t know where it is now.” he says a little less enthusiastically as he starts again feeling very vulnerable. I wish I had my ectypes…they would have defended me and I would never had to move and this would have all been averted… he ruminates blaming himself for the mistake though he really felt like he had no reason to.

”Antalaeon, what do we do now?” he asks the dragon before shouts from the nearby guards. ”Stand down! You saw the Prince drew on us first. For all we know he was trying to kill the Emperor!” he shouts at the guards. [Xang picks up the sword if it is on the floor of the cart.] ”And for all we know he may have just ended up causing his death anyways…"

If the guards don’t stand down Xang clobbers them over the side of the cart not wishing to kill his own men. The first man to attack Xang will parry and grab the lead arm and use their momentum to guide them through the hole in the railing the Prince had previously made with his body. The next guard Xang grabs under the arm and turns kipping with his hip to heave over his shoulder and through the still convenient hole. If any remain he will stare them down commanding them to sit and protect the emperor against actual threats to his life.

Seeing Lieutenant An crawling towards the jugs of wine…”An, you are hurt and the last thing you want in this world is a glass of wine...” the General quips. ”Come let's dress that wound and I’ll pour you a glass myself.”

Turning back to the Dragon revealed after everything calms for the moment, ”As I was saying, what do we do now?”

Initiative: 1d20+8: [9]+8 = 17 (+3 on vs guns, machines, +4 vs AI, computers, automated defenses)
Attacks: 11
Action 1: Attempt to Body Flip/Throw the guard over the side. Strike: 1d20+11: [6]+11 = 17
Action 2: Attempt to Body Flip/Throw the guard over the side. Strike: 1d20+11: [7]+11 = 18
Action 3-11: As needed to Attempt to Body Flip/Throw the guard over the side. Strike: 1d20+11: [17]+11 = 28

JIC:
Parry Bonus: +19; 10d20: [20, 1, 14, 2, 17, 5, 19, 15, 6, 3] = 102
Auto-dodge: +14 (add +4 vs technology); 10d20: [12, 6, 18, 12, 17, 14, 10, 10, 15, 15] = 129 ]
Dodge Bonus: +23; 10d20: [7, 11, 5, 6, 9, 19, 9, 11, 11, 4] = 92
Roll with impact: +22 10d20: [7, 19, 6, 16, 12, 2, 17, 10, 14, 12] = 115

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Mon Sep 25, 2023 7:09 am

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:04 am

The exact details on how the Great Emperor of Qin died are lost to history. For example, Sima Qian, the father of Chinese history, got several crucial details wrong. The Great Emperor was not resting at the palace at Shaqiu but already on the road back to Xian. Likewise, Crown Prince Huhai was not waiting for the news in the Imperial palace, in face, he was with the Imperial Train. And no one ever mentions that the Imperial Physician was a dragon. But for someone writing 100 years later and with few contemporary sources, Sima Qian did get some details right. There were carts of rotting fish behind the Imperial Carriage to mask the smell of the Great Emperor's putrefying body. And the Imperial Train was rushing to back to the Xian so that the Crown Prince can consolidate his power. However, this is the moment when he will take his first acts as the Second Emperor of Qin.

Now the Emperor is nearly dead and his court has descended into chaos and violence. The great physician has attacked the humans in the cart, knocking General Liu Xang to the ground and an amulet holding part of the Great Emperor's soul out of his hands. His aide de camp, Lieutenant An, falls to the floor bleeding. He tries to scramble to find the amulet that his commander had dropped but cannot. In a panic, General Xang shouts for help.

Sentinel wrote:"Antalaeon, what do we do now?"

"What do you mean 'we', mortal?" the dragon replies turning to his true form, a large royal frilled dragon coiled next the Emperor's bed. "My services are no longer wanted, so I am leaving." And with that he flies up, breaking through the carriage's roof as soldiers fire arrows at him.

Sentinel wrote:"Stand down! You saw the Prince drew on us first. For all we know he was trying to kill the Emperor! And for all we know he may have just ended up causing his death anyways…"

Here General Xang makes his most critical mistake, waving the sword while standing next to the Great Emperor. After multiple attempts on his life, no one has ever been allowed to carry a weapon within 100 paces of the Great Emperor. Crown Prince Huhai is the only exception, and that is because carrying the Great Emperor's personal sword, and, Lieutenant An notwithstanding, the Crown Prince is too inept to actually wield the sword. It was bad enough to strike the heir to the Emperor; maybe that could have been excused in the chaos of the scene or claimed that the dragon had put him under some kind of spell. But General Xang has no chance to explain why he is brandishing the Emperor's own sword. When someone shouts assassin, everyone will look at the individual that is brandishing a weapon inappropriately close to the Emperor's person.

The first arrow strikes the general in his gut. The Emperor's sword falls from his hand as the second arrow hits him in the right shoulder. Two more hit his left thigh and he falls to his knees. One more hits him in the stomach as unarmed soldiers crowd around and drag both General Xang and Lieutenant An. Four men drag both General Xang and Lieutenant An from the damaged carriage while more guards push Chancellor Si and Dulu the eunuch down. The four are brought in front of the Crown Prince and forced to kneel by heavily armored soldiers with pikes.

Those that peer up see a court attendant standing by the Great Emperor's bed. He holds the Great Emperor's wrist trying to feel for a pulse. Then he places his head on the Emperor's chest. He touches the Emperor's cheek, but there is no response. Those watching can see the Emperor's eyes are wide open and completely white. There is no trace of an iris or pupil. Everyone knows the diagnosis even before the attendant announces, "Our Great Leader is dead!"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 3:33 am

Perception (33%): 1d100: [84] = 84
JIC (d20/d100): 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: [59] = 59

OOC Comments

Barney, as Antalaeon, responds, **"The amulet, it is here behind the wine."**

He will try to grab for it before the soldiers pull him away.

He mentally shakes his head at Sentinel trying to tell the soldiers to stand down. Nobles in this time have he right to execute their inferiors, the prince drawing on us is well within the bounds of what is allowed. Sentinel is forgetting how much he himself has changed over the centuries and assuming authority and abilities he does not have yet.

There seems to be little doubt that the characters we have assumed are to be executed, though the question of how remains.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 1:24 am

Sentinel Prime
Location: The past past.

Perception: 1d100: [58] = 58 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [20] = 20 D100 JiC: 1d100: [56] = 56

Skills:

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [47] = 47
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [3] = 3

OOC Comments

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

Sentinel stares through the eyes of Xang, his actions at odds with his own experiences. I know better than to wield a weapon near the emperor he thinks as he hears the call of an assassin, watches the dragon fly off with arrows slipping narrowly past, and one of the many slip into his stomach.

Pain is an understatement to what he feels. The sword fell from his hand which grasps at the arrow shaft igniting another wave of heat from his stomach. ”Uhhhggg.” he moans realizing he hasn’t felt pain like this in a millennia…and then he feels it again as two shafts thump into his thigh dropping him to his knees allowing a second arrow to land into his gut with a fourth and final thump amplifying the pain of the previous arrow already occupying his stomach.

Xang cries in pain as they drag him over as he tries unsuccessfully not to engage his abdominal muscles without success. As the sound of the words` Our Great Leader is dead!`rings out Xang knows an execution is about to take place and tries to stand with his only good leg pushing through the fire erupting from his injured leg and stomach.

After standing Xang begins speaking between abated breaths, ”Your Majesty Emperor Huhai, I am at your service.” he says going down to his knees again to prostrate himself into a Su Bai kowtow and remains there until spoken to rise.

Ignore deleted skills rolls below.

Post by **Mad Dawg** » Sat Oct 07, 2023 7:33 am

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:07 am

Sentinel is reliving one of the worst days of his life. Then the General Liu Xang, he has been shot up full of arrows, dragged in front of Crown Prince Huhai, and accused of murdering the Great Emperor of Qin. In his defense, the Emperor was already dying, and General Xang was actually participating in a ritual that was supposed to save the Emperor's life, which was then interrupted by a perpetually inept Crown Prince (tho it's never great policy to slander a guy right before he becomes Emperor, so maybe not the best thing to point out at the moment), and besides this was all that dragon's idea. But instead of saying any of above, Xang grovels.

Sentinel wrote:"Your Majesty Emperor Huhai, I am at your service."

The Crown Prince scoffs at this. "Why would I trust the man that murdered our Great Emperor with that- that demon?"

"Dragon, your Excellency," Chancellor Si, kneeling alongside General Xang, says, correcting the heir. "The Imperial Physician was a dragon."

"I am aware of who was part of the Imperial Court," the Crown Prince snaps back. He then thrusts a finger at all four prisoners. "It was a pack of conspirators that poisoned the Great Emperor in front of my very eyes."

"It was not poison," Chancellor Si corrects the heir again. The Crown Prince looks very irritated to be corrected multiple times. But before he can snap back his father's most trusted minister continues. "I saw the dragon cast a powerful spell on your father for some nefarious end. I tried to stop him but was held back by Lieutenant An. Your Excellency bravely subdued the assassin, but it was too late."

The Crown Prince ponders this version of events; he does like sounding brave. If Sentinel tries to speak up, the Crown Prince orders a guard to silence the prisoner. Then after a moment, the heir proclaims, "I could have stopped the assassination if I wasn't distracted by your incompetence." He signals for the Chancellor to to rise and stand by his side, seemingly forgiven. "We shall see that you are disciplined later, but first we must root out all traitors."

With a wave of the Crown Prince's hand, a soldier draws his sword and quickly stab Dulu the Eunuch in the back. The sword presses through his chest and he slumps over dead. The Crown Prince then makes a quick gesture in Lieutenant An's direction, and a second soldier executes him in the same way. Before General Xang can join their fate, Chancellor Si presses his hand on the Crown Prince's shoulder. "Your Excellency, there had to be more than four involved in this plot. Surely there are co-conspirators within his ranks."

"What do you suggest Chancellor?" the Crown Prince asks.

"Bring his sons to the court." It is at this moment that Sentinel remembers that his two oldest children had enlisted and were sergeants in his infantry.

Back in 2040, Barney and Adrian Wombat wake up in the safe house for magical relics; the room they are in is filled with a thin but noticeable purple miasma. The last thing they remember is a blinding light filling the room they were studying a lintel from a Han Dynasty tomb. They don't know how much time has passed, but something weird must have happened. Adrian is laying on top of a large crate, his head and half his torso dangling upside down from the edge staring at Barney. The hero known as Spiderweb finds himself cradled in Sentinel's arms like a small child. The golem does not move, still trapped in the past, as is Dr. Overseas. Her body is slumped on top of the lintel piece her legs straddling it.

"When CHIMERA briefed me on this assignment, they didn't say anything about time travel," Andrew says patting his chest and then his crotch, "or what that I'd learn what it feels like to be a eunuch."

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Fri Oct 13, 2023 4:50 pm

Perception (33%)= 1d100: [7] = 7
JIC (d20/d%)= 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: [15] = 15

Barney says, "I beg to differ, it was not time travel. It was more like a collective dream based upon the memories Sentinel forgot. As such, I was entirely uncertain how to act.

He takes out his laptop and starts writing down notes on his observations and experiences.

He suggests, "The others are still in the dream, we need to keep them from being disturbed until they awaken. Rather like awakening a sleepwalker, it is potentially dangerous."

He thinks, *Especially when it comes to Sentinel. He is extremely powerful and will likely be rather agitated at finding out he has been delusional for all this time.*

He adds, "I am concerned that what has been done will draw the attention of other forces who might be very interested in the potential energy stored in that stone we brought here.

He will make certain his staff in directly at hand, if someone does show it it will be Spiderweb who is needed here, not Barney Drew.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 1:26 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: The past past.

Perception: 1d100: [42] = 42 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [9] = 9 D100 JiC: 1d100: [3] = 3

Skills:
Concealment 76% / 1d100: [14] = 14
Palming 89% / 1d100: [4] = 4
Pickpockets 99% / 1d100: [79] = 79

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [55] = 55
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [8] = 8

OOC Comments

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

As Xang kneels there before the Emperor Heir Sentinel wonders at Chancellor Si’s obvious scheming and shaping the events in the Prince's mind. Chancellor Si always knew what to say to placate me...or Xang? he thinks the annoyance of the difficulty of separating his feelings from Xangs.
On his knees Xang remembers the amulet at the Chancelor mention of the spell. Where is that amulet? It has to be powerful if the dragon needs it. he thinks looking slowly to the left and right around where he had most likely dropped it. The Emperor heir must have thought he meant to protest or get up because he motioned and a guard struck him in the back sending waves through him. [If he has seen the amulet he will mock fall towards it on being struck to grab it and conceal it. See skill rolls]

Xang didn’t see the command but he heard the sound of a sword going into flesh and the death rattle off to the side and another shortly after. And this is it I guess. he thought unable to resist in his current state. At the thought of being executed, Sentinel felt the most peculiar crawling down the back of his neck envisioning a sword entering his spine, but it didn’t come. He looks up and sees the Chancellor holding the prince's arm down stopping the command for his death. I suppose I owe you one for giving the heir such good advice. he thinks bitter-sweet as blood from the others runs near his own palms still pressed on the ground in a kow tow.

"Your Excellency, there had to be more than four involved in this plot. Surely there are co-conspirators within his ranks."

"What do you suggest Chancellor?" the Crown Prince asks.

"Bring his sons to the court." It is at this moment that Sentinel remembers that his two oldest children had enlisted and were sergeants in his infantry.

And just like that all gratuitous feelings for saving him from death ended with his Excellency’s Chancellors' implication to execute his children.

Paternal feelings he could not remember having ever before surge and forgetting himself Xang tries to rise in protest”Excellency they have nothing to do with anything! They serve the Empire with honor! There is no way they could have known the Emperor was going to fall ill like this! There is no conspiracy! he begs.

Post by **CHIMERA** » Sun Oct 15, 2023 7:32 pm

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
Imperial Caravan, Guangzong, Hebei Province
Date: Friday, July 12, 210 B.C.
Weather: Hot and dusty (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 11:10 am

The death of an autocrat is always followed by chaos and violence. Power must be consolidated in the hands of a ruthless few. Any signs of dissent, either for the old regime or whoever thinks they can become the new regime, must be snuffed out; old grudges are to be settled; and the cost of doing business will be even more innocent lives than usual. General Xang has found that he is part of that collateral damage. He can only watch with a mixture of resignation and disgust as his fate is debated between Crown Prince Huhai and Chancellor Si. If Chancellor Si can denounce the General with just the right mixture of sycophancy and cruelty he might be able to save his own life.

But we shouldn't feel any sympathy for the Chancellor. Dr. Overseas, witnessing these events from his perspective clearly, does not. When Sentinel glances up he can sense her horror at how these events are playing out. Chancellor Si helped create the totalitarian state of Qin. Like many minions after him, it is only fitting that he finds himself snared in the same cruel bureaucracy he that he oversaw. And that's before he decides to bring General Xang's kids into this. Like any reasonable parent, Xang begs for his children not be dragged to a similar fate.

Sentinel wrote:"Excellency they have nothing to do with anything! They serve the Empire with honor! There is no way they could have known the Emperor was going to fall ill like this! There is no conspiracy!"

"That is what you said when your traitorous cousin rebelled," the Crown Prince sneers. This is true; five years ago Liu Bang, the once and future Emperor Gaozu, was ordered to transport a group of convicts to the Great Emperor's tomb. Instead of working them to death building what would one day be the Terracotta Army, he freed them. When news of his rebellion reached the Imperial Court, General Xang had been arrested and questioned by the Great Emperor and the Crown Prince. He was forgiven then but knew that the crimes of his cousin could and would be used against the family at some point. So that day has come.

A dozen guards drag men in their early 20's and throw them on the ground in front of the Crown Prince and his court. Both are soldiers, but they have been stripped of their armor and weapons. Tai and Sam do not show any signs of fear when they look at their father. He had trained them to follow orders without flinching and be brave in the face of death.

"The Liu clan has committed multiple crimes against the Great Emperor!" the Crown Prince proclaims to the soldiers standing at attention. "Where my father once showed lenience, they have answered with treachery. I will not allow them to rebel a third time! And so I declare all members of Liu to be traitors to be arrested! Chancellor Si you are to oversee the punishment of General Xang and his family"

"Very well, your Excellency," Chancellor Si says. "If it pleases you, I would like to take them to the place where their rebellion began, your father's tomb."

The Crown Prince agrees to the Chancellor's proposal and assigns a platoon of soldiers to escort Xang and his sons to the Great Emperor's tomb. The trip will take six weeks, with Xang being carried on a litter while he recovers from his wounds. Once he has healed enough (after three weeks) he will be forced to march alongside his kids. One must wonder what he tells them, and how they help him complete the march.*

Back in the present, Barney picks up where he left off - trying to correct the experts who are guiding him through his trip back from China on the tiniest of technicalities. Let's see if it works out better for him this time.

Spiderweb wrote:"I beg to differ, it was not time travel. It was more like a collective dream based upon the memories Sentinel forgot. As such, I was entirely uncertain how to act."

Adrian sighs, "Really? You want to argue semantics now?"

Spiderweb wrote:"The others are still in the dream, we need to keep them from being disturbed until they awaken. Rather like awakening a sleepwalker, it is potentially dangerous."

"They aren't actually asleep," Adrian explains. "It's a cute metaphor, but I don't think Sentinel even sleeps like normal humans. The most precise way of describing this is that we were all put in some sort of trance. Something in the lintel was activated when we put the crystal pyramid on top of it, and it showed us visions of the past. I wonder if there is some reason we saw the death of Qin Shi Huang."

Spiderweb wrote:"I am concerned that what has been done will draw the attention of other forces who might be very interested in the potential energy stored in that stone we brought here."

"You haven't been paying attention to what's going on, have you?" Adrian says as he picks up a crate and moves it to the door. "We're in a safe-house that CHIMERA uses to store dangerous magical objects. The threat is inside the building." He points at the lintel. At that moment, both Adrian and Barney notice that Dr. Overseas is standing on top of the stone slab, her head fixated upwards. "That thing unleashed a lot of psionic energy as an opening act. I want to be prepared for whatever it does next.

"Help me move these crates of relics out of the room." Adrian points to a set of boxes that are next to the lintel. The first four that Spiderweb sees each have different labels: 1) 'Flamel Cubes'; 2) 'Constantinople, 677 A.D.'; 3) 'Personal Effects of William Robinson, 1918'; 4) 'Rabbi Hladik, Prague, 1684'. Spiderweb can take one crate out of the room at a time. It is simply a matter of picking which one to move first.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

* GM Note: you have free reign to describe what Sentinel and his two oldest sons do and discuss on the march. The next GM post will begin with the three being taken to a makeshift jail near the tomb.

Sentinel · Post by **Sentinel** » Sun Oct 22, 2023 1:46 pm

Sentinel Prime
Location: The past past.

Perception: 1d100: [60] = 60 /88% (+15% to recognizing the arcane,+15% regarding technology)
D20 JiC: 1d20: [4] = 4 D100 JiC: 1d100: [11] = 11

Skills: Intelligence 103% [roll][1d100[/roll] watching for terrain and features they may use to escape and avoid detection.

Conditions: Immune to Magic, Illusions, Possession, Poison, Drugs, And Disease. Mind Block Auto-Defense. Does not tire. Half damage from Cold. Radiates no heat and is invisible to infrared and heat sensors. Immune to pressure; solid stone. Regenerates 6d6 SDC/Melee. Detect magic (also items), Psionics, Supernatural, Seismic, and Dimensional/Teleportation. He is aware of any technology in his vicinity or targeting him along and senses the presence of surveillance bugs, listening devices, concealed cameras, and spy robots.
A divine radiance coming from Sentinel and his voice is more than a little compelling to those listening. Awe and/or Horror Factor 14: Enemies must roll a 15 or higher on a twenty-sided die to avoid being momentarily awestruck. A failed roll means the individual loses initiative, one of his melee attacks. In this case, roll each melee round in which the character with the divine aura is attacked or speaks.
Abnormal Energy Sense: Sense the Use of Psionics or Magic: Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) Base Skill: (roll once every melee round). 89% / 1d100: [6] = 6
Track Abnormal Energy Trail (magic or psionics) Range: 150 feet/level. (1200ft radius) (roll once every melee round), provided the energy is long-lasting or repeatedly released over and over. 99% / 1d100: [10] = 10

OOC Comments

Spells:

Butcher Bill:

OOC Comments

Tai and Sam

Tai and Sam fall near Xan their father. In no position to resist and even still attempting to do so would get his sons killed. Looking around from the corners of his eyes he could not get them out of here right now. But he is given hope after hearing the Chancellor's wish to move them from the temple for execution. There is still a chance he can get them out of this! he thinks. Hope is a powerful drug for survival. ”Tai and Sam don’t fight, rest. We are not done here.” he whispers hoping they understand in such a few words they are not giving up.

As he lays on the stretcher breathing is painful. Trying to talk was even worse and as he kept trying his sons firmly told him to rest between his abated gasps. Not in a condition to argue effectively he just breathed slowly and waited. He was lucky no vital organs were pierced with so many random arrows. He lost a lot of blood but the wounds were not becoming infected. Thanks to the extensive poultices placed over his wounds. He couldn’t imagine exactly why the Chancellor wants to bring him and his children to the Emperor's tomb nor why he put so much effort into keeping supposed traitors alive.

He wasn’t fully recovered from his time on the stretcher which caused its own sores and blisters not to mention the tender tissue remaining that was recently punctured. Gasps came with every step, especially the tender part of his leg an arrow sprang into just a few weeks past. His sons all but carried the General acting as crutches while swinging his good leg forward to take the weight in between their staggered steps. His wonders at his sons timing which is impeccable in rhythm between his own pace of swinging his leg, ”Formation marching seems to be not without its uses…” he tries to joke lightening the mood.

Not having seen his children for many years, as often is the way in the military, he asks, ”How have you both been?” After the pleasantries of discussing the past few years Xang couldn’t help feel even more guilt. He knew it’s not his fault but, ”I am sorry my sons. This should never have happened.” he apologizes realizing he won’t be in a condition to fight anytime soon. They wouldn’t leave me even if I got them a way to escape… he thought.

During a break one evening when he notices guards are not near enough to hear he whispers, ”Any ideas my children on how we all three can get out of here? We will need horses as I cannot move far own…you should leave me if you can get away.” he offers knowing it is futile but still wanting them to know it is a viable plan. [intelligence roll]

Spiderweb · Post by **Spiderweb** » Sun Oct 22, 2023 4:02 pm

Perception: 1d100: [23] = 23
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: [56] = 56

Barney wonders why Adrian is trying to correct a simile he was using to describe the situation, but then, he seems equally puzzled that Barney even attempted to explain it was not real time travel.

He will start by trying to remove the smaller objects from the area (if here are any), as they can be moved easier and faster. Larger objects he will have to use his staff as a lever. Fortunately it is unbreakable, so it does not matter how much pressure he applies it will not break. People underestimate how useful an unbreakable lever can be.

Not knowing which crate is most important, he will take them in the order he observes them (assuming there is no larger or smaller crate), so "Flamel Cubes" would be first, followed by "Constantinople, 677 AD" and so forth.

Post by **CHIMERA** » Sun Oct 29, 2023 6:54 am

Act II: The Decline and Fall of the Qin Empire
The Mausoleum of the Great Emperor, Shaanxi Province
Date: Friday, September 23, 210 B.C.
Weather: Warm and arid (69 degrees Fahrenheit)
Time: 12:00 pm

Over the next weeks, General Xang's wounds slowly heal, and although he is not back to his full strength, he is able to bear the days trapped in his bamboo cage. He watches as his two sons are forced into labor gangs building the Great Emperor's tomb. The days are bleak and Xang wonders why he is still alive. He watches as Chancellor Su oversees the final details on the tomb in a panicked frenzy. The man is working as if his life depended on it, which, to be fair, it does. News flows into the construction site slowly, but the Crown Prince has declared himself the Second Emperor of Qin. He has formed his own court, and Chancellor Su is not a part of it. The burial of the Great Emperor is the Chancellor's last chance to prove his worth, and even that might not save him.

The days are bleak, and only get worse as Xang watches his other sons marched to the tomb and forced to join their brothers. By the end of summer, all seven of them have been conscripted. Xang just stands in his cage waiting to see his fate as much as the completion of the tomb. The terracotta soldiers are armed and put into their units. Slaves bring the personal treasures of the Great Emperor to storage pits that each contain more wealth than some rival kingdoms. Right below Xang's cage, a small group of workers making a stone statue with a hollow interior, limb by limb. When it is all finished, the stench of death returns, worse than the smell of the rotting fish that was used to cover the scent on the road back to Chang'an.

First the Second Emperor arrives escorted by his own personal army. They set up a raised dais where he can watch the ceremony and bark orders. The Great Emperor's body is carried in a large carriage that is covered in gold is lead by Daoist priests. Elaborately carved wooden dragons rise from each corner, lanterns dangling from their mouths breath out a pungent incense. The priests raise the casket from the carriage and then lower it into the central pit. After that, Xang's cage is lowered and he is led out by a dozen armed soldiers. The Daoist priests begin to assemble the statue around the prisoner, chanting a spell that solders the parts together, completely encasing Xang from the neck down. As this is done, Xang's sons are led in front of him.

Chancellor Su walks in front of Xang, and then speaks to everyone assembled. "With his dying breath, our Great Emperor put down one final coup attempt led by the Liu clan. To usher in the new reign of the Second Emperor, we shall annihilate these rebels once and for all." The Chancellor reaches into his sleeve and pulls out a necklace. It is the amulet that the dragon had held over the Emperor before he died. Placing it around Xang's neck, Chancellor Su hisses, "The Emperor curses you!"

You deserve thisssss. Xang hears the Emperor's cruel face howl in his skull. He can hear the great and terrible leader as if he was standing right in front of him. And the voice does not stop, berating the General for every failing that the Emperor had ever shouted (real or imagined) at Xang in his lifetime. Xang hears those words as he watches each of his sons is beheaded. Before he can grieve the head of the statue is placed over his head, sealed by magic.

The world goes black.

Death is supposed to be an eternal stillness, but the Great Emperor is still shouting at Xang. Another traitor, just like your villain of a cousin. My son will snuff out your whole clan! You were the beginning, but we will not stop until your lineage is ashes in the fields! Just as charming in death as he was in life. After what seems like an eternity the voice slowly fades. And then it sounds like the Great Emperor is shouting at someone else. In the black world of the lifeless, Xang cannot see who.

But then he opens his eyes. He sees his thin spectral body, bony limbs wrapped in a thin gauzy veil like robe. He sees too other figures, one a large and broad man, his 'robe' (if one is to call it that) rippling as he gesticulates. The other a soft and formless woman, just stands there not reacting. When she speaks, Xang can hear her clearly. And he recognizes the voice from the future. Lady Meng speaks, "Oh great another one. Look, I'll tell you what I told your friend, Qin, here: this door has been closed for over 500 years. If you want to pass to the next life you will have to- Wait a minute. There's something off about you. How did you get here in the first place?"

Barney helps Adrian move crates out of the room with the lintel. Whenever either glances back they find either Sentinel or Dr. Overseas bodies moved into a different pose, a purple miasma hovering over them.

When Barney moves the crate from Constantinople, Adrian freezes in his tracks. After a moment, he runs ahead to prop the door open, making it easier to move that out of the room. "Put that down gently," he says. "I didn't know that they kept any Greek fire in this facility, let alone that they kept it in this room."

The two archaeology students walk back to the store room and look at the remaining crate. To their surprise, they see more crates labelled 'Constantinople, 677 A.D.', at least a dozen. "Oh." Adrian realizes why, and then explains it to Spiderweb, "It looks like we have two choices. We can either keep all the Greek fire in this room to destroy the lintel (and maybe us) if things get out of hand. Or we get that stuff out of here and lock ourselves in. What do you think?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?