TTJP Season 1 Episode 19 Expert Diplomacy!

 

Casting: Tiger Team!

• Jian Wu (Two) (Christian) 14M; Our smith and all around craftsman, carries a huge sword and Master of Dragon Man Kung Fu.
• Jiao Ting (Eight) (Chris D) 14M; Reckless grappler; Black Palm
• Liang Jing Min (Five) (Randy) 14M; Noble, on the outs with family; Chinese Spear Fighting.
• Nongmin Chushi (Seven) (Rory) 14M; He talks to spirits, inquisitive and charming perhaps a wee bit too friendly to strangers. Shaman, Eagle Fist Chin Na, Quarterstaff.
• Shang Yi (One) (Calvin) 14M; Natural leader and archer. Shedao
• Zhiyu Zhige (Nine) (Laurie) 14F; Sorcerer specializing in healing. Eagle Fist Chin Na.
• He Bohi (Eleven) 14M; Twin, grew up near the docks. Eagle Fist Chin Na, focused on striking.
• He Donghai (Twelve) 14M;, Twin, Eagle Fist Chin Na, focused on grappling.
• Ko Lanfen (Four) 14F; Solid Order devotee. Tai Chi Chuan,
• Laoshu (Three aka Mouse) 15F; Quiet and deadly with a knife. Dagger Fighting
• Meiyou Ren (Six) 14M; Also good with a blade, possibly any blade.
• Rang Baozhai (Ten) 15F; Our bookworm and nerd. Eagle Fist Chin Na.

Having dispatched the cultists at the Rats Nest our plucky band regroups at the teahouse.  Rang has been hard at work mapping out the city and figuring out vulnerable locations. She made a fresh map based on the days research and identified the cisterns and a few other places we should watch.

Discussing among ourselves we involve the inn keeper and show him the list. We decide to go to the Minister of Affairs to warn him and get his help. Rang continues her work in the meantime.

Opening Remarks

We quickly reach the home of the Minister of Affairs but its very late and the guard tells us to come back tomorrow. The Minister has no time for a bunch of kids, especially this late at night. Chushi decides since conversation does not seem to work and the guard would have to explain to his superiors why he let us in even if he does that something dramatic is in order.  Also the player couldnt think of a more reasoned argument to justify waking his boss up on the account of a handful of strangers. Chushi channels his spirit pressure into lifting the guard gently a foot off the ground and setting him back down. The guard acts as if he was attacked (Ok thats fair) and surprisingly breathes fire on Chushi, burning his face severely! He makes his HT roll to stay conscious and not fall down. Zhige quickly heals him fully and Wu goes to cut the rope to the alarm bell as the guard tries to ring it, cutting part of the bell on the downstroke. Chushi then uses Diplomacy (skill 20) to deescalate the situation by pointing out that he did not mean to attack the guard but just demonstrate they were not average street youths.  Also his compliments on the breath of fire, good job there.

Between his high margin of success and the capability just demonstrated by three different members of the group the guard opts to let us in.

The Minister of Affairs

Were taken to the library where we are greeted by the Ministers assistant, who was surprised we were let in but apparently trusted the guard (who appeared to be head of security, though we weren't told that). We told our story and were asked for proof, surprisingly none of us really had thought that part through. I mention were 14 and raised in a monastery? We suggested the bodies should still be at the Rats Nest, another suggested he consult the noble whose daughter we recued but Chushi pointed out he was already gone - though his sudden departure might be some corroboration at least. While discussing these things the Minister showed up and got involved.  The assistant tried to shoo him off but he was intrigued by our presence, also Zhige turned on the charm, shes really beautiful when she wants to be. How come we never noticed?  FYI she has Transcendent Appearance though somehow the group never noticed... The guard comes back with word that what we told him was true and the Minister is given a copy of our list (yes we made sure he wasn't on it) and writes up papers giving us authority as his representatives in certain matters. Yi uses his whistle to send a message to Rang (Chushi made it, an air spirit can send words to whomever you think of), whereupon the Minister exclaims there are more of us?  We say yes and explain that part. He pulls out more papers adding Rang and the others to the list, plus giving her access to official records and the library.

We thank him and head out. Oh, the Minister was very nice, even had his servants give Ting a new robe since his was burned pretty badly.  Ting not really thrilled but took the finery stoically enough.

Aftermath

Short session really. We show up on the call about 30 minutes before game time to chat but that went on longer than normal and we apparently went off script a bit and the GM has to prepare the chosen location for the next fight.  Great game, plenty of social stuff which is what Chushi was built for but everyone had something to do. Most of the players have at least one social skill and some innate reaction bonuses so were all good in social situations, even Ting!