Difference between revisions of "Niu Pa"

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All that is several days in the past, however, and as Niu rises, the only thing on his mind is how cold it is, and if Blacky was cold. Xiaobai's home is around his neck - the kitten enjoys basking in the Ox General's body heat - but Blacky is far too large to fit in a guesthouse's room and it won't do for Niu to sleep in a stable.  
 
All that is several days in the past, however, and as Niu rises, the only thing on his mind is how cold it is, and if Blacky was cold. Xiaobai's home is around his neck - the kitten enjoys basking in the Ox General's body heat - but Blacky is far too large to fit in a guesthouse's room and it won't do for Niu to sleep in a stable.  
  
However, those thoughts go out the window as soon as he hears a familiar whickering. Rouyuan lumbers toward Blacky's stall, just in time to see a shape silhouetted in the frame of the stable's door. Immediately, he drops into a battle stance; he needs no arms or armor, for his elephantine strength and toughness provide both in abundance.
+
However, those thoughts go out the window as soon as he hears a familiar whickering. Rouyuan lumbers toward Blacky's stall, just in time to see te stable door open, and a shape silhouetted in its frame. Honed instinct kicks in, and he evaluates the situation. Someone was approaching Blacky. Normally he wouldn't be worried, because Blacky is as stable as a mountain and as strong as a storm; a mere horse thief would be slaughtered before he could even lay a hand on the horse's hide. Yet, the horse seems to be receptive to the intruder's attentions.
  
"Who's there?" he asks, advancing slowly toward the shape. "I am the Ox General, Niu Pa. If you're a thief, leave your spoils behind and depart, and that will be the end of it."
+
Niu's not sure if his decision is driven by caution or jealousy, but he does adopt a fighting stance, shunning weapons and armor for his elephantine might and constitution provide a sword and hauberk in their own right.
  
(TBC)
+
"I am the Ox General, Niu Pa," he announces. "If you are a thief, begone immediately and you will not be pursued. Persist, and you will be rewarded in accordance to your wickedness!"
 +
 
 +
There is silence for a while, broken only by the wind rushing through the open stable door. Then, there is a laugh. A soft, tinkling laugh, one which makes all the strength flee his mighty body.
 +
 
 +
"And what if I was not a thief, dear General?" Zhang Ziyan replies. She turns, and even in silhouette and wearing a coat, she cuts a fetching figure, one slim hand stroking Blacky's face. Well, no wonder he wasn't making a ruckus; the horse knew a good person when he saw one.
  
 
===A Cordial Visit===
 
===A Cordial Visit===

Revision as of 21:06, 3 April 2015

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Ox General Niu

"All soldiers, follow me to glory!"

Niu Pa has earned his nickname, being a massive brick of a man. His limbs are strong and his mind is simple, and yet this is strangely endearing to his men, who are perfectly willing to follow him in his fearless charges into the enemy. He is aware that he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and is quite willing to defer to superior strategists and thinkers. To him, a leader must stand at the front of his men, and that position leaves no time for thinking, only action.

  • General 6, Move 120’, AC 9, HD 6d8, hp 82, Att 4+/9+, Saves: Wood 8+, Fire 14+, Earth 15+, Metal 14+, Water 10+, Init -2
  • Dmg: Hammer (2d10+3), Halberd (2d8+3)
  • Str +3 Dex -2 Con +3 Int -1 Wis -1 Cha +3
  • Proficiencies: Command, Endurance, Intimidate, Manual of Arms, Might, Riding, Siege Engineering, Chi Power (Art of War),
  • Weapon Masteries: Expert: (Giant Hammer, Improvised Thrown, Unarmed, Halberd - Ge), Skilled (All Common, Major, Military)
  • Chi Abilities
    • Iron Body (Cloak of Chi, Feel No Pain, Cleanse the Blood, Iron Skin x2, Strength of the Mountains)
    • Art of War (Green Bamboo)
  • Languages: Chinese
  • Equipment: Good quality giant hammer, halberd, heavy armor 6/8 Stone
    • Ox-horn Helm: good quality helmet (+1 to reputation, shift head wounds 1 column up)
  • Mount: Good Heavy Warhorse
  • Retainers: See below


Retainers

Sun Wensi, Black Mountain Bandit

  • General 5, Move 120’, AC 6, HD 5d8, hp 53, Att 5+/7+, Saves: Wood 10+, Fire 12+, Earth 14+, Metal 13+, Water 11+, Init +0
  • Dmg: Axe (1d10+2)
  • Str +2 Con +1 Cha +2, Morale +5. Loyalty +5
  • Proficiencies: Command, Intimidate, Manual of Arms (Infantry), Riding, Language (Buyeo), Alertness, Trapping, Wakefulness, Tracking, Endurance, Naturalism (Forest)
  • Weapon Masteries: Skilled: (Axe, Unarmed, Spear, Crossbow), Basic (All Common, Major, Military)
  • Chi Abilities: Iron Body (Cloak of Chi, Cleanse the Blood, Strong Defense), Lightfoot (Sure-footed, Rock Steady, Sprint/Leap)
  • Languages: Chinese, Buyeo
  • Equipment: 2 Good quality axes, heavy armor 6/8 Stone
  • Mount: Medium warhorse
  • Retainers: Sun Tong (brother)
  • Other: Sun Wensi's lungs are damaged. He cannot force march, his overland speed is 80' and he must rest 2 turns every 6 instead of 1. He may expend 1 use of Cleanse the Blood to negate this penalty for 1 hour. (The Endurance proficiency returns the rest requirement to 1 turn per 6)
Sun Tong, Younger Brother
  • General 3, Move 120’, AC 6, HD 3d8, hp 38, Att 6+/8+, Saves: Wood 11+, Fire 13+, Earth 15+, Metal 14+, Water 12+, Init +0
  • Dmg: Axe (1d8+2)
  • Str +2 Con +2
  • Proficiencies: Command, Intimidate, Manual of Arms (Infantry), Riding, Language (Buyeo), Alertness, Wakefulness, Tracking, Naturalism (forest)
  • Weapon Masteries: Basic (All Common, Major, Military)
  • Chi Abilities: Iron Body (Cloak of Chi, Cleanse the Blood), Lightfoot (Sure-footed, Rock Steady)
  • Languages: Chinese, Buyeo
  • Equipment: Axe, shield, heavy armor 7/7 Stone
  • Mount: Light warhorse
  • Retainers:
  • Other: Minor Scarring


Gong Zhou, Wise Physician

Zhou is a middle aged man who only recently unlocked his chi. The transformation has sharpened his intellect and invigorated his body.

  • Doctor 3, Move 120’, AC 1, HD 3d8, hp 24, Att 9+/9+, Saves: Wood 12+, Fire 14+, Earth 7+, Metal 13+, Water 10+
  • Dmg: Unarmed (1d2), Dagger (1d4)
  • Int +2, Wis +2
  • Proficiencies: +Healing x3, +Animal Husbandry x2, Lay On Hands, Knowledge (Natural History), Naturalism (Northern Plains, Forests), Wakefulness
  • Weapon Masteries: Basic (Unarmed, Dagger, Needle))
  • Chi Abilities: Iron Body (Cleanse the Blood) Inner Eye (The Sharp Sense, Resist Chi, Resist Manipulation)
  • Languages: Chinese
  • Equipment: Robes, healer's tools, prepared herbs, dagger 1/6 Stone
  • Mount: Light Horse and cart.
  • Retainers: Gong Shan (son)
  • Followers: None
  • Other: Doctors treat medicine as a Strategist's expertise. At level 3 that means +2 to all proficiency checks in Healing and Husbandry.
Gong Shan, Brave Healer

Shan is two years younger than Niu Pa and like his father has just unlocked his chi. The young man shines with inner strength.

  • Doctor 1, Move 120’, AC 4, HD 1d8, hp 18, Att 8+/9+, Saves: Wood 11+, Fire 14+, Earth 8+, Metal 14+, Water 13+
  • Dmg: Unarmed (1d2), Dagger (1d4)
  • Str +2, Dex +1, Con +2, Int +1, Wis +2
  • Proficiencies: +Healing x2, Lay on Hands, Chi Power (Inner Power), Endurance, Naturalism (Northern Plains), Survival
  • Weapon Masteries: Basic (Common, Major, War Sabre)
  • Chi Abilities: Iron Body (Cloak of Chi, Strong Defense), Inner Power (Invisible Armor)
  • Languages: Chinese, Xiong Nu
  • Equipment: Robes, healer's tools, prepared herbs, dagger, pudao 2/6 Stone
  • Mount: Light Horse and cart.
  • Retainers: Gong Shan (son)
  • Followers: None
  • Other: Doctors treat medicine as a Strategist's expertise. At level 1 that means +1 to all proficiency checks in Healing and Husbandry.


Zhang Lang, Odious Archer

Zhang Lang is a skilled archer with immense stamina and no social graces. He is crude and slovenly though once you get to know him he is quite friendly. He has a young, patient, wife and many children.

  • General 3, Move 120’, AC 9, HD 3d8, hp 33, Att 9+/6+, Saves: Wood 10+, Fire 11+, Earth 16+, Metal 15+, Water 17+, Init +4
  • Dmg: Bow (1d8+1), Sabre (1d10+1), Spear (1d12+1)
  • Str +1, Dex +3, Con +3, Cha -2
  • Proficiencies: Command, Riding, Manual of Arms (Cavalry, Archers), Intimidate, Ambush, Sniper, Skulking, Endurance
  • Weapon Masteries: Skilled (Spear, Sabre, Horsebow, dagger), Basic (Major, Common, Military)
  • Chi Abilities: Lightfoot (Sprint/Leap, Withdraw) Iron Body (Cloak of Chi, Iron Skin)
  • Languages: Chinese
  • Equipment: Good quality bow, sabre, spear, heavy armor 6/8 Stone
  • Mount: Medium warhorse
  • Retainers:


Jian Huo, Scandalous Artisan

Talented with chemicals with a fiery personality to match Jian Huo is not a meek woman. She laughs openly and conducts her affairs with no regard for common norms.

  • Strategist 2, Move 120’, AC 2, HD 2d6, hp 12, Att 11+/8+, Saves: Wood 15+, Fire 9+, Earth 12+, Metal 11+, Water 11+, Init +4
  • Dmg: Fire Wheel (1d6-1), Fire Bomb (as oil)
  • Str -1, Dex +2, Int +2, Cha +2
  • Proficiencies: Alchemy x3, Knowledge (Natural Philosophy) x2, Loremastery, Signalling, Soothsaying, Naturalism (Riverlands x2)
  • Weapon Masteries: Basic (Major, Common, Fire Wheel, Bombs)
  • Chi Abilities: Artisan's Hand (The Hand That Inspires, The Hand That Creates, The Hand That Acts, The Sharp Mind)
  • Languages: Chinese, Di, Nanman
  • Equipment:
  • Mount:
  • Retainers:

Followers

Jianzi, Former Rebel

Jianzi is a wiry, middle-aged, balding man with a hollow stare. He was once a farmer and joined the Yellow Turbans to fight corrupt officials.

He leads a small faction and when called upon can raise 1 company of light infantry or 2 companies of conscripts in a month.

  • General 3, Move 120’, AC 5, HD 3d8, hp 33, Att 8+/9+, Saves: Wood 10+, Fire 14+, Earth 15+, Metal 15+, Water 15+, Init +0
  • Dmg: Pudao (1d12+1)
  • Str +1, Con +3, Wis +1
  • Proficiencies: Command, Intimidate, Manual of Arms (Infantry), Alertness, Wakefulness, Labor (farming), Endurance
  • Weapon Masteries: Skilled (Pudao, spear, throwing axe, unarmed), Basic (All Common, Major, Military)
  • Chi Abilities
    • Iron Body (Feel No Pain, Cloak of Chi, Iron Skin x2)
  • Languages: Chinese
  • Equipment: Pudao, rebel armor 3/7 Stone
  • Mount: None
  • Retainers:
  • Investments:
  • Salary: 5 silver/month
  • Lifestyle: 2.5 silver/month
  • Other: Minor Scarring

Lieutenant Qi Ma, Battle Butler (Level 3 General)

A very minor noble at the onset of the war, Qi Ma (courtesy name Jiaoche) is soon becoming Suoyou Deren's replacement on the Ox General's staff. He's not a fan of political matters, but he knows about them, and he'll advise Niu about them to keep him out of harm's way.

Lieutenant Shao Ping, Little Miss Firecracker (Level 2 General)

A dark-skinned girl with surprising strength for her size, who fights and drinks like one of the lads, and she's also a dab hand with the catapults. Her small frame and general wriggliness means that she's the one who teaches raw recruits how to crawl into tunnels and scale ladders.

Lieutenant Hong Yu, the Crimson Lance (Level 2 General)

The leader of the Five Lances, Niu Pa's self-proclaimed bodyguards. A hot-blooded idealist, Chi Qiang is a strong believer in honor and loyalty.

Lieutenant Lan Yu, the Azure Lance (Level 2 General)

Hong Yu's brother, Lan Yu is the voice of reason to his sibling's impulsiveness. However, he's not as different from his brother as he thinks he is.

Lieutenant Tao Shou, the Peach Lance (Level 2 General)

A plucky young woman who reminds the others of the things that are worth fighting for; namely, to protect the people and the land. Also serves as the team mom.

Lieutenant Hei Zhao, the Black Lance (Level 1 General)

Hei Zhao was a former thief who was awakened to justice by Niu Pa's magnanimity. He remains a playful trickster, though he's vowed never to do anything which would disgrace his lord.

Lieutenant Huang Pao, the Yellow Lance (Level 1 General)

A massive man, almost as large as the Ox General himself, Huang Pao is a gentle giant who attempts to subdue his foe as nonlethally as possible.

Lieutenant Shao Xia, Kid Hero (Level 1 General)

Shao Xia is barely of age to join the armies, but he's enlisted nonetheless to keep his family safe. Fortunately, he's come under Niu's tutelage, and it seems to be rubbing off.

Family

Parents:

  • Niu Lang, Father, Age 38
    • A hardworking man who's used to shouldering heavy burdens by himself. Taught Niu to be self-sacrificing and care for others.
  • Niu (Zhi) Nu, Mother, Age 34
    • A caring woman who wept when her son went to join the army. Somewhat overprotective. Best cook. Taught Niu the value of food.

Siblings:

  • Niu Zhangnǚ, Biggest Sister, Age 16
    • A tomboy who wishes she were born a man. Competitive with her big brother but has a girly interior.
  • Niu Cinǚ, Bigger Sister #2, Age 13
    • Responsible and reserved, she secretly has a crush on her big brother.
  • Niu Sannǚ, Big Sister #3, Age 11
    • A delinquent daughter who nevertheless dotes on her little sisters. Jealous of Niu for "abandoning them".
  • Niu Yufan, Twin Sister 1, Age 8
    • Ridiculously adorable and playful, pranks people by disguising herself as her sister.
  • Niu Yulan, Twin Sister 2, Age 8
    • Ridiculously adorable and playful, pranks people by disguising herself as her sister.

Microfictions

Brotherhood

Niu Pa isn't normally the sort to stand on ceremony, but the rite of brotherhood is serious business, and he's spared no expense to get it right. For starters, there's the plates of chicken, pork and goat, freshly slaughtered and giving off a mouth-watering scent after their impromptu roasting. They're arranged on the table with the two tablets representing both their families and the whole ceremony is being conducted at the local temple to Shen Nong, the god of agriculture. It wasn't the most appropriate god, but it was the biggest shrine in the village, and Niu figures that as long as a god is watching, he can pass the message on to all of Heaven. There's jars of wine under the table too; some as an offering to the gods, a couple of dishes for the prospective brothers to drink, and most of the rest goes to the villagers and soldiers who're gathered round to observe. And of course, there's the joss sticks to be offered to Shen Nong when the rite is complete.

Suoyou's been amazingly helpful for this. The oath he wrote down looks like it's been planned for years and years, even though Niu came up to him about an hour ago with his request. The poor kid looked kind of disappointed, but he still came through, big-time. He's even coached Niu on how to pronounce some of the harder words. And there he is, at the head of the crowd, with Sun Wensi and his brother, Laughing Blade, and Niu and Jing Li's mingled followers, who are cracking jokes and getting to know each other.

Standing before them, the Ox General is suddenly aware of an unusual feeling. Is it fear? No, Niu's not the sort to be frightened by such a petty thing, or to let being scared bother him. But he's definitely nervous. Still, he manages to make his voice heard over that of a hundred other gossips, and the crowd soon comes to order.

"Ah... good afternoon, friends and brothers. Captain Jing Li and I have come together today to pledge brotherhood before the eyes of men and god. Let's see how this goes..."

He squeezes one eye shut as he tries to remember the words that Suoyou was trying to get him to memorize. It would be unsightly to have to read off a scrap of paper, Suoyou said.

"Though the surnames of Niu and Jing are different, though we be born of different parents and different families, yet today under the eyes of Heaven, Earth and Man, we stand together as brothers. From this day forth, we shall join forces and unite for a common purpose, to bring peace to the land, to drive out the rebels that plague its people, and to aid the endangered. We shall do justice on heaven's behalf and labor industriously for the nation. Though we were not born on the same year, the same month and the same day, ever will we hope to perish on the same year, same month and the same day. May the gods of Heaven and Earth and our fellow men bear witness to this vow, and attest to what is in our hearts. If we should ever do anything to betray our friendship, may heaven and the people of the earth both strike us dead."

With that, he reaches for the ceremonial knife and bares a wrist, then nicks a vein lightly before offering the blade to Jing Li. Once the Swift General is similarly wounded, they press the two bleeds together, so the blood from one may flow into the body of another. Thus, with the two of them sharing the same blood, are the two of them brothers in flesh as well as in word and deed. After a few moments, Niu reaches for a cup of wine and offers it to Jing Li, before taking one for himself.

"One bow to Heaven," Suoyou says from the side, and Niu bows to the tablet of Lei Gong, the Thunder God.

"One bow to Earth," and then he bows to the tablet of Shen Nong, god of the fields.

"One bow to Man," and then Niu turns to Jing Li, bowing to him.

"Big Brother, it is good to meet you," Niu says, offering a toast. "Please advise your Second Brother in the way he should go."

Morning Ride

It's been days since they left Yuan Shao's palatial estate, but Niu still recalls the splendor of the Duke's palace in his dreams. Everything is gold, and everything is silk, and when he wakes, sometimes he imagines that he's still dressed in the fine robes he was provided as a guest.

Duke Yuan had made Niu a gift of the set, saying that he should be "clothed in raiments befitting of his station". Niu spent half a day wondering what the man was saying before Lieutenant Qi, sensing the large man's distress, quietly whispered that it meant he should dress like a hero.

"But a hero wears armor," Niu said. "I wear armor. Lots of it!"

"Duke Yuan is a man of the courts, and believes the best armor is fine clothing, to improve others' impressions of you." He does not elaborate on the implied insult, that Yuan Shao considers Niu Pa unsophisticated and clumsy enough that he needs to be clothed and trained by his betters. He's not sure if Niu would mind anyway - the Ox General is keenly aware of his lack of intellect and gladly follows anyone with a better idea than himself. Granted, with his strength, he doesn't exactly need tactics... but it is possible to win most of the battles and still lose the war, so Qi Ma is eager to keep that from happening.

All that is several days in the past, however, and as Niu rises, the only thing on his mind is how cold it is, and if Blacky was cold. Xiaobai's home is around his neck - the kitten enjoys basking in the Ox General's body heat - but Blacky is far too large to fit in a guesthouse's room and it won't do for Niu to sleep in a stable.

However, those thoughts go out the window as soon as he hears a familiar whickering. Rouyuan lumbers toward Blacky's stall, just in time to see te stable door open, and a shape silhouetted in its frame. Honed instinct kicks in, and he evaluates the situation. Someone was approaching Blacky. Normally he wouldn't be worried, because Blacky is as stable as a mountain and as strong as a storm; a mere horse thief would be slaughtered before he could even lay a hand on the horse's hide. Yet, the horse seems to be receptive to the intruder's attentions.

Niu's not sure if his decision is driven by caution or jealousy, but he does adopt a fighting stance, shunning weapons and armor for his elephantine might and constitution provide a sword and hauberk in their own right.

"I am the Ox General, Niu Pa," he announces. "If you are a thief, begone immediately and you will not be pursued. Persist, and you will be rewarded in accordance to your wickedness!"

There is silence for a while, broken only by the wind rushing through the open stable door. Then, there is a laugh. A soft, tinkling laugh, one which makes all the strength flee his mighty body.

"And what if I was not a thief, dear General?" Zhang Ziyan replies. She turns, and even in silhouette and wearing a coat, she cuts a fetching figure, one slim hand stroking Blacky's face. Well, no wonder he wasn't making a ruckus; the horse knew a good person when he saw one.

A Cordial Visit

Lieutenant Qi Ma is not a man who loses his balance (physical or mental) easily. As an elite horseman, he's used to being the one frightening people from atop his steed. As a minor lord, he knows he's better than the rank and file, and he carries himself thusly. And as an officer, he knows he must keep his wits about him, to keep an unlucky turn of events from becoming a disastrous rout, or more plainly, a slaughter.

However, even he is ill-prepared for the sight of the Ox General approaching him with a veritable bush of ginkgo flowers in hand. It would be a comic sight if only he didn't have such an earnest expression on his face.

"How about these, Qima?" he asks. "Are these good?"

"They look pretty," the cavalry captain nods. "I'm sure she'll like them. But..."

It's almost heartbreaking to see how his face lights up, then falls at the last word.

"Well, to begin with, I'd strongly suggest the male flowers; the female ones bear rather... stinky fruit. And with women, one should remember that excessiveness can be frightening. For instance, this... impressive bush-"

"But you said a handful!"

"Indeed I did, Colonel; however, I hadn't reckoned on the size of your hands. Perhaps... fewer?"

The look on Niu's face is so forlorn that Qi Ma finds himself continuing on his own.

"Why don't I help you pick them out? You'll have to select the best, of course, since it's your gift, but I could provide a second opinion."

"You would? Oh, thank you, Qi Ma! I honestly don't know anyone I could trust with this; Big Brother and Xiao Chi are too busy for these things, and Suoyou's long gone, while Zhang Lang and the Sun Brothers don't know anything, and - Qi Ma?"

The horse officer isn't responding; being caught on the receiving end of a crushing hug will do that to you. A quick movement later, he's dusting himself off and catching his breath.

"No worries, sir - we'll solve this. Count on it!"