The Qinglong Alliance
Any army fit for a large-scale engagement must contain a series of relays to carry their commander's orders to more distant soldiers and blow the trumpets, beat the drums and carry the pennons that bolster a troop's morale. Though the Marukan are fit riders and brave fighters, they typically lack unit cohesion and know little about fighting in a group against a similarly organized foe. To solve that problem, Cathak Nekuto used an old Training Protocol he had first developed in the Imperial Legions to teach a dozen relays to drill and run the communication lines for the circle's armies. They are:
- Ami Kang - DECEASED - Fell victim to a Death Knight while scouting; even her higher soul is no more.
- Relays
- Su Jiao
- Tomo Di
- Soi Fang
- Nakago Jin
- Ashitare Wei
- Mi Ji
- Heralds
- Bi Xi: Messenger of utmost discretion.
- Chi Wen: Minister of ascending theology.
- Pu Lao
- Bi An
- Tao Tie
The Living Voice of Ami Kang[edit]
Dawn stretched its long fingers through the open windows of the Pagoda of Infinite Strategy and found the Qinglong Alliance sitting sullen in their barracks. They did not look at each other, but only at the floor, their arms and armor, or the last, dying embers of fire in the braziers set around the room.
The Sweet Voice of Brass and Glory stepped down from the eighth story to join them, and her polished armor shone with Essence. "Rivers will be ready for you soon. Are you ready to leave?"
None of the eleven relays, the goddess' chosen priests, looked up; Sweet Brass bit her lip to see them so pensive on the day of their empowerment. "Have you chosen what you'll bond with?"
Chi Wen leaned closer to the fire and scarce moved her lips as she said, "Ami Kang."
Sweet Brass blinked. "What?"
"We receive this gift so that we can avoid the fate of Ami Kang, and live to defend an idea she died for," stout Bi An said from his seat by the window. He turned towards his patron, his jaw clenched bravely shut. He smiled his thanks as his younger sister, Bi Xi, came to rest her hand on his shoulder. "We want to make her part of this; to give some part of her the gifts that death has denied in whole."
"The problem is deciding what to use." Tao Tie gestured to a low table, on which sat a short sword, a suit of lamellar armor, a trumpet, a banner and a bridle and harness - fallen Ami Kang's kit. "These were her tools, but they weren't her. Even using her trumpet wouldn't feel quite right."
Chi Wen nodded. "It was never the trumpet that mattered, but the notes she played."
The Sweet Voice of Brass and Glory took up the trumpet and ran a loving hand over its curves. "Then let the notes she played sing through you again. I will play Ami Kang's trumpet, one note of her signal-song for each of you eleven, and let Rivers' spell merge the sound into your souls."
Bi Xi looked down at her brother. "Can such a thing be done?"
The elder Bi shrugged. "Why not, with sorcery?"
All eleven were smiling now, standing and looking at each other for the first time in the full light of a new day. "Let's go to meet Rivers, then," Tao Tie said. "And soon, we will speak with the voice of Ami Kang."
Amalgamated Heralds[edit]
Since bonding with the song of Ami Kang, the Qinglong Alliance has subtly changed. They still seem human, though their bronzed skin glistens faintly in bright light. Stranger is the music they carry with them as they walk; their footfalls echo as drumb-beats or with the ringing of brass gongs, the piping of flutes softly punctuates their breath. They are magical, heroic beings, able to heal as Exalts, with the following statistics:
- Attributes
- Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 3
- Charisma 5, Manipulation 5, Appearance (Relays 3, Heralds 5)
- Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
- Abilities
- Archery 2, Martial Arts 3, Melee (Relays 5, Heralds 3), War (Relays 5, Heralds 3)(Acting as a Relay +2)
- Integrity 5, Performance 5, Presence 5 (Ruses +2), Resistance 2, Survival 1
- Craft Fire 1, Craft Wood 1, Lore 1, Medicine 2, Occult 2
- Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Dodge (Relays 4, Heralds 2), Stealth 2
- Bureaucracy (Relays 3, Heralds 2), Linguistics 1, Ride 4, Socialize (Relays 2, Heralds 5)
- Advantages
- Essence 4 (20 motes), Willpower 7
- Compassion 4, Conviction 4, Temperance 4, Valor 3
- Relay Charms: 2nd War Excellency, Rout Stemming Gesture, Mob-Dispersing Rebuke, Fury-Inciting Presence, Commanding the Ideal Celestial Army, Heroism Encouraging Presence
- Herald Charms: 1st Performance Excellency, Phantom-Conjuring Performance, Memory Reweaving Discipline, Heart Compelling Method, Husband Seducing Demon Dance, Respect Commanding Attitude
