Dan Heng (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
heng_like_a_dragon) wrote2026-01-15 04:32 pm
heng_like_a_dragon) wrote2026-01-15 04:32 pm
The Permanence's Graveyard
WHO: Dan Heng and those who have signed up for saving him
WHERE: Dried up riverbed near Persephone's Cottage
WHEN: Around but no later than April 15th
WHAT: Vritra has been unhappy with the state of things with Dan Heng and feels as though the dragon is slipping away from his control. The gifts of Permansor Terrae allow Dan Heng to use power comparable to Imbibitor Lunae's, which cannot stand. He will control this endless and vast storm, and he'll destroy Dan Heng if that's what it takes.
WARNINGS: DISTURBING IMAGERY, DEATH, IMPLIED TORTURE, IMPRISONMENT, BLOOD, IMPLIED MASS EXTINCTION OF A HUMANOID SPECIES
The Gate is located some distance away from Persephone's Cottage. Once a serenely flowing river, it has now dried up. The bottom of the riverbed is exposed to the elements, but it looks like it's been in a drought for months rather than a couple of days. The earth is dry and cracked, and the plants immediately within its vicinity have withered. This "aura of drought" seems to be emanating outward from the Gate, causing other plants to begin to wilt. It also feels a lot hotter than it should be in the middle of April. If you didn't know better, you would think that you're nearing June.
You start to set up camp and get your equipment in order. All while making sure Blade doesn't charge in full tilt just yet. Once preparations and plans are made, there's only one last thing to do: enter the Spirit Realm. And so you do.
As you step through the Gate, the first things that hit you are the blinding rays of the sun and the scorching heat. It's then followed by a stench of death that has languished in heat for too long. There's no wind in this place, making it all linger and feel like it clings to your very skin. As you look around, you notice that there's a statue up ahead that seems to be guarding a gate that leads further into the Realm.
Perhaps this is a warning to you.
Maybe one or two of you leave.
But the rest?
You know the only choice you have is forward.
Outside the Gate | Prelude | First Trial | Second Trial | Third Trial | Boss: First Phase | Boss: Final Phase | Aftermath
WHERE: Dried up riverbed near Persephone's Cottage
WHEN: Around but no later than April 15th
WHAT: Vritra has been unhappy with the state of things with Dan Heng and feels as though the dragon is slipping away from his control. The gifts of Permansor Terrae allow Dan Heng to use power comparable to Imbibitor Lunae's, which cannot stand. He will control this endless and vast storm, and he'll destroy Dan Heng if that's what it takes.
WARNINGS: DISTURBING IMAGERY, DEATH, IMPLIED TORTURE, IMPRISONMENT, BLOOD, IMPLIED MASS EXTINCTION OF A HUMANOID SPECIES
The Gate is located some distance away from Persephone's Cottage. Once a serenely flowing river, it has now dried up. The bottom of the riverbed is exposed to the elements, but it looks like it's been in a drought for months rather than a couple of days. The earth is dry and cracked, and the plants immediately within its vicinity have withered. This "aura of drought" seems to be emanating outward from the Gate, causing other plants to begin to wilt. It also feels a lot hotter than it should be in the middle of April. If you didn't know better, you would think that you're nearing June.
You start to set up camp and get your equipment in order. All while making sure Blade doesn't charge in full tilt just yet. Once preparations and plans are made, there's only one last thing to do: enter the Spirit Realm. And so you do.
As you step through the Gate, the first things that hit you are the blinding rays of the sun and the scorching heat. It's then followed by a stench of death that has languished in heat for too long. There's no wind in this place, making it all linger and feel like it clings to your very skin. As you look around, you notice that there's a statue up ahead that seems to be guarding a gate that leads further into the Realm.
Perhaps this is a warning to you.
Maybe one or two of you leave.
But the rest?
You know the only choice you have is forward.
PRELUDE: Statue of Yubie
The first thing you notice is that there's a statue of what looks to be Dan Heng in his Vidyadhara body. However, it has started to crumble in such a way that you would be forgiven for not immediately recognizing it as such from the back. Parts of the statue have eroded away from time. Pieces have crumbled to dust, though some that are intact still litter the base of it like an act of defiance.
As you look around more closely, you see three paths before you. One is off to the left that leads out into the cracked, barren remains of a beach that once hosted an ocean. To the right is a similar path to the one to the left. However, there's an old, wooden post that seems to have manacles hanging threateningly from the top of it. Lastly, there's the path that heads deeper into the carcass that was Scalegorge Waterscape. Stone stairs look like they've seen better days and some of the steps might not have a solid enough foundation to hold too many at once, but it's at least a way down.
When you look back at the statue, you suddenly see a man there. At first, you think it's Dan Heng, but that quickly proves to be incorrect. You're not sure how. Maybe it's the way this man carries himself or the look in his eyes. Something subtle tells you that you're not talking to Dan Heng. His luminous eyes regard each of you, acknowledging and measuring you in turn, before giving a slight bow of his head.
"I have been awaiting your arrival," he says. His voice is what fully gives away that he's not Dan Heng. It's simply not quite right. The way he shapes his words, his inflection, his formal speech.... This is one of Dan Heng's past lives.
"My name is Yubie, the Imbibitor Lunae of a bygone age, and I welcome you to what remains of the Vidyadhara ancestral home: Scalegorge Waterscape." His eyes meet all of yours for a moment before he continues. "My role is to be your guide and co-conspirator, but no more than that. I shall answer your questions, provide clarity, and explain what you must do to best aid my reincarnation."
Yubie gestures for you all to come closer.
"Come, you may use this statue to shelter from the oppressive nature of this Realm. It is not much, but what little I have can at least provide a modicum of comfort and safety."
As you step closer to the statue, you'll notice that the air grows noticeably cooler. The stench of death fades and the intense sunlight dims slightly. It's not much, just like Yubie says, but it's enough to feel a little bit refreshed.
"Vritra is impossible to injure, much less kill, with even your weapons. As you are now, even with your valor and the power of gods behind your strikes, you will not be able to so much as scratch him. No... the only way to hurt him is to imbue your weapons with the bones of a sage. And they must be given up willingly."
Perhaps it's a trick of your hearing, but you could swear that you heard Yubie sigh softly with profound regret.
"Normally, this would be impossible due to the nature of Vidyadhara reincarnation. However... the nature of this Realm allows us a unique chance, and there is a suitable candidate who has agreed to make this sacrifice." Yubie gestures to each path laid before you. "At the end of each path, there will be three souls of a singular person that you will need to help. For simplicity's sake, we shall call them the 'hun souls.' Helping only one will not be enough to cover all of your weapons, I'm sorry to say. Thus... you need all three of them to help.
"Know, however, that each soul will be missing something. It could be memories, perception, feeling, anything at all. Move carefully."
The former High Elder looks up at the crumbling statue with an expression that's completely unreadable. He's as cold and distant as the moon, but... there's still something that strikes you as warm and lonely. When he turns his attention back to you, his resolve seems more steely than before.
"Helping them will also restore some power to me. I cannot leave the statue, but I can still provide insights into what you may find and how you might resolve the problem. Vritra's power prevents me from giving you the answers outright, so it will only be in hints."
First Puzzle Solved
Once you solve one of the three puzzles, Yubie will be able to telepathically communicate with the characters and they will be teleported back to this spot after completing every puzzle, including the first one. However, you will need to have telepathy in order to talk back to him.
Second Puzzle Solved
Once you solve two of the three puzzles, Yubie's power widens the area of the cooling and air purifying affect. The statue will also begin to look more like it used to be.
Last Puzzle Solved
Once you solve all three puzzles, the statue will be fully restored to its original glory. Yubie will be able to unlock the way into Vritra's hidden sanctum.
LEFT ROOM: High Clouds Meet Azure Dragon
The cracked and barren beach melts like a dream into a new setting after no more than 30 seconds of walking. Your surroundings have changed to that of a forge. It seems to be one that looks at home in a Chinese sci-fi setting. However, those who are familiar with Blade's forge will notice that the layout is very similar to how he lays his own out. There are some differences with the materials that are available, but there's one thing that really stands out to you: it's dark and cold. Looking around, there's a thin layer of dust coating everything. It's as if the Forge Master hasn't set foot in here for quite some time.
In the middle of the forge is a man who looks strikingly like Dan Heng and Yubie. However, there are key differences to his appearance. The underside of his hair is a lovely shade of blue, and his style of robes is far different than Dan Heng's. This... is Dan Feng.
Yet something is off about him. Yubie and Dan Heng generally come off as cold and aloof as the moon. It should follow that Dan Feng would be the same way, but there's a vulnerability in his expression as he turns his head at every slight sound. He looks lost, alone, and confused. At the same time, there's a certain distance in his eyes. It's almost like he can't see very well. A theory that might prove true as he also hesitates to move too much.
When he hears you approach, Dan Feng looks in your general direction.
"Yingxing?" His voice is heartrendingly hopeful. "Your forge has been dark for so long, and it is not like you to leave your projects unfinished like this."
His sightless eyes seem to roam the cold, silent forge.
"I thought to find your projects and light your forge, to remember our friends, but... I cannot find them. It's too dark and I don't remember," he pauses as his voice trails off for a moment. It's as if it pains him to admit this. "... I don't remember where they are. Can you help me find them and relight the forge? It isn't right to leave this place so cold and dark."
Using your magic to try to light up your surroundings, you notice that there's a lot of rust on the discarded and forgotten projects scattered haphazardly around the forge. To your distress, the more you look at it, the more you realize that these creations are actively continuing to rust at a fairly rapid rate. It seems you're on a time limit to find these items that Dan Feng is talking about.
Outcome: Success
♪ Starfall
As you bring all of the unfinished projects to the workbench and light the forge, it feels like pure magic happens. You watch as the flames roar to life, chasing away the cold with wonderful heat and banishing the darkness. You realize as you watch that color is returning to the forge. It spreads from the flames outward, and you can hear the faint pounding of hammers on molten metal. A familiar, phantom laugh echoes through the place. It's like Yingxing is somewhere in the midst of a project that fully has his attention and passion.
Dan Feng blinks and then smiles warmly.
"Ah, that's exactly how it should be." He still can't see, but the quiet joy in his expression is almost reward enough on such a normally stoic and reticent man. Dan Feng looks towards your direction as he gives a slight bow of his head to you all.
"I entrust my horns to you."
Dan Feng's form fades away like it's made of moonlight. His vibrant, blue horns float over to the group to take. They seem to glow faintly with some sort of strange vitality, as if they are Permanently alive. You can feel the warmth of his regard for Yingxing just by touching them.
A swirling portal of water opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Outcome: Failure
♪ Farewell Life
Even with Blade and Jing Yuan's help, it's highly difficult to find all of Yingxing's works of passion for his friends within the High-Cloud Quintet, their former group. Time seems to run out as everything rusts until it becomes powder in your hands. You watch helplessly as the weapons disintegrate all around you.
Dan Feng's gaze seems to go unerringly to the heart of the forge, right where Yingxing might have been working had he been here. His expression is one of naked yearning and grief.
"I remember... when you said you wanted to live just a bit longer... but not even you, in all your fiery arrogance, were Permanent."
He blinks as tears fall from his eyes. The High Elder sighs softly as he reaches up to touch one of his horns.
"But that is alright. I have no regrets, Yingxing. I entrust my horns to you."
Dan Feng's form fades away, and his two horns fall to the ground with a clatter. For some reason, they don't look as vibrant anymore. They feel cold and dead to the touch. It's as if they've been tainted by his lingering grief for friends he will never see again.
A swirling portal of water opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Puzzle Notes
The goal is to locate the following incomplete projects: the Shard Sword, Starfall Reverie, Jade Flask, and Cloud-Piercer. Once all four have been found, the characters will need to relight the forge with either Fire magic or the normal way. Jing Yuan and Blade can each provide advantage to the search roll. Trying to light the forge before you get all four projects will cause the flames to sputter and fizzle out.
If you've completed one puzzle already, you may call on Yubie to mulligan one failed roll. If you've completed two puzzles already, he can mulligan two failed rolls instead.
Puzzle Solution
The solution is simple: all you need to do is roll a 10 or higher for each project you're trying to find. Characters may use Light and Fire magic to give them better visibility, which will reduce the difficulty down to 8 or higher. If you fail the search check three times, please read the Outcome: Failure section.
MIDDLE ROOM: Storm Clouds Over Calm Seas
CW: MASS DEATH OF VIDYADHARA EGGS
You walk down the dilapidated, stone steps that lead deeper into Scalegorge Waterscape. As you look around, you can see the remains of what must have once been a vibrant coral reef that had been integrating into the sacred ruins. Now, however, it's all bleached white.
It's not long before your steps take you to something majorly troubling and disturbing. Once, there had been clusters of dragon eggs, waiting patiently for their rebirth into a new life. Now... the shells have lost all luster. They look sickly green and putrid, a stench of death and decay wafting from the closest ones. You realize, now, that this is the source of the smell from when you initially arrived. It's horrifying to realize that no egg has survived.
Abruptly, you hear a dragon's roar of grief and pain. Your eyes go to find the source of the sound instinctively, and you see a faint, glimmering gold shape where the central platform is. As you head in deeper, you begin to see strange tree roots coiling around the ruins. Roots that are shockingly and unnervingly alive.
As you walk down the long path that leads to the central platform, you see that there's now a dense wall of these strange roots covering the space. It almost looks like it's making a wooden cocoon. Yet, before you can contemplate how to breach this wall, you notice that the roots seem to be moving. They writhe and creak as they form a tunnel for you to enter.
It seems you're expected.
Crossing through the tunnel doesn't take much time, but you soon stop in your tracks as a loud roar pierces your ears and makes your very bones vibrate from the intensity. An intense wave of panic may enter your mind for a moment at hearing an apex predator make such a sound. However, if you steel your courage, you may hear that note of agony and grief once more.
As you look ahead, you see that there is a golden cage of light surrounding an enormous, blue dragon. A blue dragon that is almost instantly recognizable as the Azure Dragon that Dan Heng summons with his Cloudhymn during battle, or perhaps it's recognizable as the dragon form that he rarely takes. Your eyes soon catch on the grievous injuries he has suffered, as if he's been in combat with another dragon. His body is being pinned to the ground by the roots of the tree, spiking upward from the stone platform. The dragon's eyes, once shining with cold intelligence, are that of a beast gripped in madness.
Your eyes go further up.
Hovering menacingly in the air is a spike of entangled roots, sharpened to a deadly point, aiming directly at the base of the dragon's skull. The only thing keeping it suspended are thin yet strong threads of golden light. They seem to be forming some kind of array. Seeing this, you know one thing with absolute certainty: should the spike fall, it will instantly kill him.
Abruptly, you hear someone sigh softly. Turning to look, you see the blue, faceted image of a Foxian woman. She gazes at the dragon with a deep sorrow. When she speaks, she sounds as if she's speaking through water.
"He's never really forgiven himself for this. How he lost control during his battle with Shuhu, and how I died to make sure he lived." She turns to look at you. "A lotta people always said that Imbibitor Lunae was as cold and distant as the moon. Some looked at him warmly and spoke of him as a hero, but would still keep their distance from him. But I knew him as Dan Feng. A very lonely man who would do anything to see us live our lives without sacrifice in an endless war."
The dragon growls low, but it doesn't seem as though he can hear her. She sighs once again.
"Please help him. Convince him to come back to us."
Outcome: Success
♪ Serene Stroll
Slowly, your words have taken hold of Dan Feng's heart and brought him back to himself. His eyes, once bestial, now look upon you with exhaustion and grief. The coldness has melted like frost in spring as faint tears gather in the dragon's eyes. Dan Feng looks to Baiheng's spirit. She smiles warmly before waving cheerfully at him.
Then, she turns to you. Baiheng bows... and dissipates like mist in the sun as the roots overhead wither away. Her faint voice echoes in your ears, her final words to all of you:
"Let's meet again in the next life!"
The Azure Dragon closes his eyes for a moment. When they open, the tears no longer shine in his eyes. Dan Feng gazes upon you all before bowing his own head.
Then, he, too, dissolves into mist. All that's left are the bright, blue talons of a proud dragon.
A swirling portal of water then opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Outcome: Failure (CW: DEATH BY IMPALEMENT)
♪ Silence.
Despite all of your heartfelt pleas to Dan Feng's humanity, the dragon is too far gone. Each time your words have failed to penetrate his madness, the spike's bindings to the array have stopped glowing. Now, the array is barely hanging on by a thread of magic.
Time seems to slow down to a crawl as the final thread of magic fades away and the spike remains suspended in the air. Just for a brief moment. Some of you immediately look away. Maybe all of you do.
The spike falls with finality.
The dragon doesn't make a sound.
When you look back, all you can see is a splash of blood, a lock of hair, and the dull blue talons of a dragon.
A swirling portal of water then opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Puzzle Notes
Killing the dragon is an automatic failure. This is more of a persuasion check with a Difficulty Check (DC) of 13. If you have March and Caleb (Caelus) with you, they can each add one advantage die to the roll.
Rolling a natural 1 will only count as one failure, but it imposes 2 disadvantage dice to the next roll. Conversely, a natural 20 will temporarily lower the DC by 2 for the next roll.
If you've completed one puzzle already, you may call on Yubie to mulligan one failed roll. If you've completed two puzzles already, he can mulligan two failed rolls instead.
When there's a failed or successful roll, I will interrupt tag order with an IC representation of the result.
Puzzle Solution
Characters will need to roll to persuade the dragon to calm down and become lucid again. They will succeed once they've passed three checks.
RIGHT ROOM: Clear Skies, Still Seas
You walk down the right path and a door made of swirling Cloudhymn opens before you. As you step through, you feel as though you've walked straight into the depths of the underworld. It's cold, dark, and gloomy with chains high in the ceiling. Below are more of the same. In the middle is a control pillar that controls the way down.
This is the Shackling Prison.
You continue onward and notice that the central pillar appears to be moving. As it moves, paths are unlocked for you to head down a certain way. With no other option laid out before you, you continue following the path. Down, down into the cold darkness you go. You pass by countless cells containing horrifying monsters or what looks to be people from across the universe. Some look human while others do not.
When you reach the bottom, at the coldest depths, you realize that the central pillar is actually an enormous key. As it twists and turns in certain specific ways, you can hear and feel something far below move. It's as if the rooms below are rotating to make sure you visit only the one that the "key" is unlocking for you. Stone steps soon slide open to allow you to continue further downward.
At long last, you reach the maximum security cell and the door opens to you. Steeling yourself for whatever you may find inside, you walk through the door.
Dan Feng is held within, as you might have expected. However, you see that there are nails impaled through his wrists and chains wrapping tightly around his arms and waist. He's being held above the ground, and it's clear that he's not in the best condition. Parts of his clothes are torn, dirt and bruises speckle his skin, and you can even see dried blood in some places. However, what's most striking is how Dan Feng looks stoically defiant despite the circumstances. Out of all the versions of his souls you might have encountered by now, this one is the most lucid.
In fact, he can even hold a real conversation with you.
"You have arrived," Dan Feng says. His deep voice is cold yet has a hint of a draconic growl accenting his words. Bright, blue eyes gaze upon you all almost imperiously. It's in this moment that you are struck with the realization that Dan Feng is much older than Dan Heng is at this point in time. You'd be forgiven for thinking that the two are wholly different people.
However, something sticks out to you in this moment. Some may recall that Zhongli had been bound by these same nails, and had been wracked with tremendous pain for it. Yet, the former High Elder looks unnervingly calm. It's almost as if he can't feel the pain.
"From what I have understood, you are here to retrieve my scales so that you may strengthen your weapons. In doing so, you'll be able to take back that which was never the incarnation of Drought's to begin with." The way Dan Feng says that last part is almost angry and indignant. Not at Dan Heng, though. It seems like he takes offense to Vritra's attempt to control Imbibitor Lunae in general.
"Your trial this time is simple. You either kill me or you read out my sentence," the former High Elder continues. His voice as he says that is almost... clinical. Yet, a closer look at his expression reveals that he's mostly resigned to his fate.
Still, as if out of courtesy, he adds, "However, if you have questions for me, we have enough time to converse before you make your decision."
Outcome: The Sentence
♪ Samudrartha
"Dan Feng, guilty of Unpardonable Sin. In light of past merit, the sentence shall be commuted to molting rebirth and eternal banishment."
No matter who reads out the sentence, his eyes look to Jing Yuan and then to Blade. There's no regret in his expression. If given the chance to do it all over again, he would pick the same choices. To Dan Feng, trying to save the lives of Baiheng and Yingxing is worth any price he must suffer. Even if it means making his next incarnation's life harder.
His body begins to glow a gentle, blue light. Starting from his feet, the proud dragon begins to dissolve into particles of illusory water and brilliant azure scales. They hit the ground gently, sounding almost like gentle rain.
In his past life, Dan Feng had been silent and impenetrably cold even in the midst of his death. He did not give his Preceptors nor the Judges the satisfaction of seeing him bow his head... or cry out in pain.
This time, this gentle time, he decides to speak his last words.
"Every time, we seek the folly of Permanence. It is within our very blood as one of Long's Scions. It is both our weakness and our strength. Yet," Dan Feng's eyes meet Blade's and there's a brief flash of sadness, "I have no regrets for what I had done."
Then, the proud Vidyadhara's gaze turns to March, Caleb, and the others gathered here. Others who have loved Dan Heng in every life. Dan Feng tilts his head slightly in silent acknowledgement, even if his expression doesn't change. By now, the dissolution of his body has reached his waist.
"The current inheritor of the Azure Dragon's legacy is no different. One day, he, too, will follow this folly. Perhaps not the same way I did. Perhaps not the same way any of our previous incarnations did. But it will happen. What that will look like will depend on the circumstances."
On the surface, it may seem that Dan Feng is criticizing, but in truth he is merely giving you advice and counsel. This is the reality of the Vidyadhara. A High Elder is no different from any creature of Permanence. If anything, they are simply far more aware of this pattern than others. Yet that awareness does not prevent them from falling into that beautiful trap.
Dan Feng is not one to openly show his sentiment. Such a thing is extremely difficult for a man who had to cultivate a certain image for his people. Yet... when is there going to be another time?
So, as the rest of him dissolves into scales and water, his deep voice resonates with all of you as he quietly gives his blessing. A pile of brilliant scales is all the evidence that he had ever been here.
"May your next life be gentle and fulfilling."
A swirling portal of water then opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Outcome: The Execution (CW: BRUTAL DEATH, DISTURBING IMAGERY, BLOOD)
♪ Frozen Tides
Dan Feng watches impassively as you pick up any instrument with the intent to end his life. Whether it is mercy that drives you, sadness at doing the deed in general, or the detachment of one who sees no better way, the dragon does not react. He does not judge. He simply accepts it.
"All you need to do is allow it to touch me and focus your intent into the instrument," he instructs with clinical detachment. Maybe you hesitate before following his orders. Maybe you don't. Either way, you do as he says.
It is with horror that you witness the dragon scales in his skin be cut out by invisible blades. One by bloody one.
Yet Dan Feng does not show how much it pains him.
"Look away," he instructs. Cold as the distant moon... and yet gentle at the same time.
You obey. Because watching this unfold is far too horrifying. Perhaps you wonder if this is how Dan Feng had originally died.
The bloody scales fall to the ground like gentle, grotesque rain. Some of you, maybe all of you, cover your ears to block out the sound and squeeze your eyes shut tight.
Eventually, after what feels like agonizing eternity, the sound stops and you brave a look to where Dan Feng had been. His body has fully disappeared. The chains hang silently in the gloom, and the nails are nowhere to be seen.
All that remains as proof of Dan Feng being there at all is a pile of dull, blue scales stained in blood.
A swirling portal of water then opens before you, and you can see the Statue of Yubie on the other side of it.
Encounter Notes
While technically there is no failure, killing Dan Feng will "taint" the item you'll receive from completing this trial. It will still allow you to deal true damage to Vritra, but it will apply two disadvantage dice during the fight.
That being said, characters may interact with Dan Feng however they wish! He's fully capable of holding a conversation during this trial.
If you decide to use Yubie here after clearing at least one puzzle prior to this, there will be a special scene and everyone will receive the benefits of Dan Heng's Luck Bringer +3 during the confrontation against Vritra.
CLASH: Phase 1
CW: DEATH, DISTURBING IMAGERY
You return to the Statue of Yubie after all trials have been completed. You watch as Yubie uses his Cloudhymn to release the seal on the statue. It slowly sinks into the ground as a spiraling staircase rumbles into existence. It's clear that this has never been the original design of the area. Vritra must have repurposed it. Yubie glances at you all, gives you a nod, and then dissolves into illusory water as his purpose is fulfilled.
You walk down the stone staircase. The silence is oppressive. The air has turned hot as a desert, yet there's also the uncomfortable feeling of a storm on the horizon.
You reach the bottom and enter into a more open room. What you find maybe stop you in your tracks.
Vritra sits on a throne larger-than-life to greet you. Not in Dan Heng's body, but his own. Glistening, dun scales cover his humanoid body as yellow, serpent-like eyes gaze down at you. A fur wrap is around his waist that's secured by a single strap across one shoulder, leaving much of his body bare. Thick, gold bands glitter from his biceps with an enormous ruby inset in the middle of them. On his left forearm is another thick band of gold, and on his right is a thin bracelet made of gold. Behind him, you see perhaps the most horrifying thing here. None of the trials could have prepared you for this.
Behind him are hundreds upon hundreds of corpses chained to the wall or hanging at varying levels. All of them... are Imbibitor Lunae. They all look exactly the same, but you can see some subtle or obvious differences that shows each one is a different, individual incarnation. You recognize Yubie, Dan Feng, and what must have been the previous Dan Heng near the bottom. You see others that have come after that Dan Heng, others that some may remember being mentioned in his file from within The Order's library.
♪ Obscured Pearls
The Dan Heng you all know and love is currently chained to the throne. He's forced to kneel, but his back remains straight and his head unbowed. Like this, the former High Elder looks strikingly like Dan Feng in the Shackling Prison. Proud and defiant. A true descendant of dragons.
"So, you have finally arrived!" Vritra's voice booms, recapturing your attention. He looks pleased at having so many people here to challenge him to combat. At the end of the day, the personification of drought has always been a warrior. A warrior who wants to crush the weak underneath his heel.
"Once, I had control over all of the rivers of India. By my will alone would they be allowed to flow, but what is the point of allowing mortals even a glimpse of the magnificent beauty of what they take for granted? Only by taking it away can one truly appreciate its worth."
The demon stands from his throne and summons a spear within his hands, but not just any spear. Within his grasp is Cloud-Piercer. He stands at attention, ready and waiting for the first strike.
"How could I possibly resist having the incarnation of the Azure Dragon within my control? He is a source of water far more powerful than mere rivers. It would have been a waste for such power to die so unceremoniously." His eyes glint and the air turns even hotter, almost scorching your skin. "And you wish to take him away from me?"
Vritra points Cloud-Piercer at all of you.
"Then I invite you to try."
Phase 1 Notes
If you allowed Yubie to talk to Dan Feng during the Shackling Prison Trial, all characters will have a +3 to their rolls.
Additionally, this phase will only last a maximum of two rounds before Vritra phase changes. He will also have immunity to Water magic.
Vritra is also temporarily immune to critical hits. Natural 20s will still automatically hit, but they will not deal bonus damage. Shield Breaker Quartz HAS A CHANCE to break this "armor" and allow critical hits to go back to normal.
Mechanics for FAILURE Scenario
If you failed two or more puzzles, Vritra will gain immunity to Earth magic in addition to Water magic.
Additionally, any damage done to Vritra initially will be offloaded onto Dan Heng instead. This effect will last until Dan Heng has reached critical condition. While this will not affect the timer for Phase 1, this will influence Phase 2, the final phase.
CLIMAX: Final Phase
Puzzle Success Scenario
♪ Pedujara: Even Immortality Ends
By now, Vritra has realized what has been done. His eyes flare golden as anger crosses his expression for the first time. A sandstorm begins to kick up all around you in response.
"Again," he seethes through gritted teeth. "Again, I find myself against people who would dare to use the bones of a sage against me! But how?"
His eyes drift to Dan Heng. There is silence for only a brief moment.
"So, you have found a way to defy me yet again, little dragon." His eyes then find Jing Yuan's in anger and hatred. "And this one fancies himself the next Indra to kill me?"
The sandstorm begins to pick up speed and power, obscuring your vision and scouring any skin that has been left unprotected. The heat becomes unbearable to those without immunity. It roars in your ears, but you can still hear Vritra's laughter with perfect clarity.
"Then, come! COME FEEL THE WRATH OF ONE WHO IS DROUGHT!"
Sand rips through the air to tear at your bodies. Everyone must make a defense roll that does not use speed.
Puzzle Failure Scenario
♪ Pedujara: Ephemeral Cycle
By now, Vritra has realized what has been done. His eyes flare golden as anger crosses his expression for the first time. A sandstorm begins to kick up all around you in response.
"Again," he seethes through gritted teeth. "Again, I find myself against people who would dare to use the bones of a sage against me! But how?"
His eyes drift to Dan Heng. There is silence for only a brief moment.
"So, you have found a way to defy me yet again, little dragon." His eyes then find Jing Yuan's in anger and hatred. "And this one fancies himself the next Indra to kill me?"
Yet, as he looks over your weapons, Vritra suddenly begins to laugh.
"What fools! You've tainted the very thing that could harm me! Allow me to demonstrate the price of defiance against me."
His eyes flash blue for a split second. A faint, sickly aura begins to emanate from Dan Heng. For the first time, the dragon's face pales as if struck with some kind of sudden illness.
Then, the sandstorm begins to pick up speed and power, obscuring your vision and scouring any skin that has been left unprotected. The heat becomes unbearable to those without immunity. It roars in your ears, but you can still hear Vritra's laughter with perfect clarity.
"Now, come! Come and fight me if you still have the courage! YOU SHALL UNDERSTAND THE FULL WRATH OF ONE WHO IS DROUGHT!"
Sand rips through the air to tear at your bodies. Everyone must make a defense roll that does not use speed.
Final Phase Notes
All characters will still have a +3 to their rolls since Yubie has spoken to Dan Feng.
Vritra will also have immunity to Water magic.
Vritra will be drawing upon Dan Heng's power, which is going to cause major internal damage.
Since you succeeded two or more puzzles, at some point in the fight you will gain timely assistance from a friend.
During this phase of the fight, all characters will apply a -4 and 2 disadvantage die to all rolls. See Discord for the Sandstorm Mechanics.
Mechanics for FAILURE Scenario
If you failed two or more puzzles, Vritra will gain immunity to Earth magic in addition to Water magic.
Additionally, any damage done to Vritra initially will be offloaded onto Dan Heng instead. This effect will last until Dan Heng has reached critical condition.
All conditions will also be offloaded onto Dan Heng instead.
RESOLUTION: Returned to the Sea
OUTSIDE THE GATE
With how oppressive the heat is near the Gate, it might be more prudent to set up a little away from it. You may also want to get permission from Persephone and the rest of the Cottage residents, if only to avoid being turned into mint. It's a bit unfortunate that it's too far out from the cottage to use that as your base of operations, but needs must.
A tent has been set up along with portable generators to allow for electronics to charge during the operation. Yet every passing second is felt with keen awareness. These Gates always have a time limit of three days maximum. It's just difficult to say if Dan Heng might last longer given what he is. Time is of the essence either way.
However, you do still need time to prepare. It's always difficult to predict what, exactly, might be in these Gates. Chances are good that it may involve scenes or locations from Dan Heng's past life. After all, that's been the case for the majority of the Spirit Realms that involve possessions or Outworlders arriving in this world. It may prove prudent to ask those who have witnessed Dan Heng's past life, but ultimately you won't know until you get in there.
Still, it's time to form up, gear up, and prepare yourselves for anything. About the only thing you can count on with certainty is that this drought will likely continue within the Spirit Realm, too. Do what you can to stay cool and stay hydrated. It's entirely possible that you will need to leave the Spirit Realm to rest and recharge. There are coolers full of drinks and food to help with that, just in case.
As for those in the reserve force, it's wise to monitor the situation and keep yourselves ready to head in at a moment's notice. The healers awaiting Dan Heng will also need to remain prepared to act. Most of the time, people come out of these Gates severely injured, so it stands to reason this will be the same as always.
There's also the matter of containing the aura of drought spreading from the Gate. Those with Sense Magic will be able to detect that it is continuing to spread. Anyone strong in Water and Earth magic will need to work together to keep it from escalating any further. Fire users will need to be extremely cautious as their magic has the potential to get out of hand very fast.