The Gor-Dun

The Gor-Dun, Gopher Hsunchen Of Pent

The Song Before Terror

The Land was good

The Land was full

The Trees stood thick

The Trees stood tall

The Sky fell

The Flames arose

The Sun dimmed

The Stars hid

Gor-Dun warrior, with chitin-plate helmet and chitin 'sword'

The Song During Terror
The Trees burned high
The Land was smote
The Ground cracked open
The Dark beasts came
Vile things followed
Vile change rent us
Vile Lord chopped us
Dark Fire followed

The Song After Terror
The Land recovered
Forever changed
The Trees were dead
The steppes open
Horse and rider
Sunfire Earthgraze
Vileness constant
Only the forms change

The Song Of The New Light

Riders chasing

Riders laughing

Gor-Dun dying

Skins flayed from us

Digging pit time

Snaring hoof time

Spearing horse time

Gor-Dun laughing

The Song of the New Start

Dark Ones trading

Bright Sun mocking

Ant and Gopher

Dig together

Strange moon risen

Riders leaving

Riders return

Strange moon triumphs

The Song of the Blood Times

Dark Fire returning

Dead Rider rising

Blood Rain all-drowning

Old Life returning

Strange moon now changing

Wind lords then blowing

Horned horse dancing 

Void sweeps all away 

What we may know from the songs

The pygmy people of Pent are alone among humans in their myths, not seen as kin but as prey and predator.  They have had some sort of relationship with the Uz, apparently with followers of Gorakiki who taught them to burrow.  This seems unlikely, but whereas the gophers of Pent are usually reasonably solitary, the Gor-Dun are gregarious, and it may be that it refers to the idea of a burrow community having been borrowed from the ants.

They see themselves as victims of Chaos and Horse-riders alike, and have a fondness for the 'strange moon' since it killed so many riders.  They feel exposed since the loss of the, possibly mythical, primordial Pentan forest, and long for the return of such cover.

What is never spoken of, except between shamans, is the end of time which - bizarrely - they refer to as 'The Coming Of The Almighty Durulz.'  There is no evidence of any contact between the Gor-Dun and the Durulz.

Teshnan plaque depicting a
Gor-Dun chief in full armour

Their Culture
The Gor-Dun live in reasonably clean burrows, although the same cannot be said for those chambers where they raise food for the winter, which are stuffed with rotting rubbish and seething with life.  Clans never exceed 400 individuals, but split in two when that limit is reached.  Similarly, if they fall below 100 they will strive to join with another.  They have learnt that in numbers there is some safety, but also know that too many will attract Pentan attention.  
Gor-Dun are very musical, after their own fashion, enjoying flutes and whistles and a form of lur-horn, along with their shrill singing.  Stringed instruments are absolutely forbidden, and their players are subject to extreme torture if captured.  This is related to an obscure tale in which a rider strips a Gor-Dun naked, leaving him to die of shame on the plains.

Males and females wear furs and leathers, and their warriors wear glossy (preferably black) chitin armour from trading with the Uz. 

Rather fanciful depiction of the Gor-Dun, from a
Red Hair Tribal description.
Note the 'strange moon' in the sky.

Their Magic
They follow their Beast-kin spirit, The Great Gopher, and almost all clans will have picked up some other spirits along the way.


Gor-Dun Names

These are usually in the form of a two syllable forename and a two syllable matronymic, although bachelors moving between clans in the hope of finding a mate will frequently drop the matronymic portion, adopting a nickname instead.



Initial syllable
Por-, Han-, Fyl-, Had-, Zaar-, Zam-, Kar-, Gar-, Skof-, Hemm-, Fawr-, Dekk-


Male, terminal syllable

-ul, -di, -up, -um, -yth, -ynn, -ylt

Female, terminal syllable

-a, -in, ihnd, -ubs, -oll 

Shan Shan Hsunchen Clans On The Steppes Of Pent

The Hsunchen

What the histories tell us

1363       Sheng raids much of Teshnos, taking northern tribesfolk as troops.

-1460     Seleran Empire.  Mountain and jungle hsunchen are taken onto the steppes to guard lines of 

               communication and to act as scouts and shock troops in the invasion of the West.

1461-4   Pentans driven out of Lunar lands.

1503       Pentans returned to Oraya

1506       Nights of Horror.  The Redlands are abandoned to the Lunars. 

Hyaloring depiction of tiger-kin

What we can know from these histories and our other sources

Teshnan disinterest concerning what lies beyond their borders is as proverbial as is their lassitude, and extends to the Hsunchen living within and on their borders.

The peoples who have been imported onto the steppe are starting to lose both, and some are happily engaging with their new home.  More just want the pain to stop.

Although they are frequently from within the borders of Teshnos, all of these peoples are generically referred to as Shan Shan Hsunchen, since the Shan Shan tends to dominate their geographical thinking.

Their Culture

Their homes are of mud-brick, stone and rammed-earth, sharing a continuous wall and roof, making each settlement a fortress in and of itself.  They are painted a single colour, dependent upon the clan.

 Their songs are unique to each people, and their accompanying instruments generally likewise.  The sounds tend to imitate their Beast Kin.

Clothing is variable, and will generally involve some portion of the hide- or imitation thereof – of their Beast Kin.

A Teshnan depiction of wolf-kin

Their Religion

Another noteworthy exception to the ‘pattern’ of Pent.

All follow their Beast Kin Spirit, but many other spirits and deities may have been adopted on their travels.  Known examples include:

Embyli Aldrya

Dryads

Dozaki

Blood Sun

Black Sun

Other Hsunchen – whether propitiatory or otherwise

Variants upon spirits and deities from the various Pentan peoples

Local Landscape Daimons or Spirits

Ancestral Spirits

Chaos Gods – whether propitiatory or otherwise

Yara – propitiation generally

Tien – propitiation, except on very rare occasions in a deadly blood feud.

Studies of semi-transformed Hsunchen by an Irippi Ontor scholar

Teshnan Hsunchen Names

Due to their complex interactions, there are distinct similarities and differences between the local dialects of Hsunchen-speech.  There is a tendency to imitate the sounds of the Beast Kin, although this is more of an accent on top of the dialect.  Names have a great commonality amongst the clans, but the basic pronunciation of the syllable will be dependent upon whether the people are predator, prey, or other.

All personal names have two syllables only, but are generally linked with a nick-name.

All place and clan names have three words, and may be of either or both genders.

Male Initial Syllable

Predator:             Ug-, Jig-, Dor-, Sin-, Khe-, Nam-, Nga-, Cho-, Min-, Ten-

Prey:                     Us-, Jis-, Dor-, Sin-, Se-, Nam-, Sha-, Cho-, Min-, Ten-

Other:                   Ung-, Jing-, Dar-, Sing-, Khes-, Nams-, Ngas-, Cha-, Ming-, Teng-

Male Terminal Syllable

Predator:             -ye, -yen, -me, -ji,  -jur, -sar, -gyel, -wang, -pa

Prey:                     -ye, -yen, -me, -ti,  -tur, -sar, -tiel, -wad, -pa

Other:                   -ye, -yen, -me, -je,  -jer, -ser, -gyel, -weng, -pe

Female Initial Syllable

Predator:             Je-, Pe-, So-, De-, Do-, Chu-, Yea-, Lha-, Tsche-

Prey:                     Je-, Pe-, So-, De-, Do-, Chu-, Yea-, Lha-, Se-

Other:                   Jes-, Pes-, Sas-, Des-, Das-, Chus-, Yas-, Lhas-, Nge-

Female Terminal Syllable

Predator:             -ma, -mo, -nam, -ki, -tso, -tsun, -chen, -ring

Prey:                     -ma, -mo, -nam, -si, -so, -sun, -sen, -rish

Other:                   -me, -ngem, -ke, -tse, -tsun, -cheng, -reng

Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans' Q&A

Clan Questionnaire for Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

This questionnaire has several points where the players & referee must consult concerning appropriate abilities/traits to transfer from the Beast-kin race to their hsunchen clan.  These should differ from clan to clan, even of the same people.

Hsunchen have been divided roughly into 'Predator', 'Prey', and 'Other', the last for those who do not fit easily into the first two categories.

All Hsunchen clans have a Beastkin Shrine.

Opium box featuring the
Celestial Dragon's Dismemberment

1  When the Celestial Dragon dismembered itself, what were you?

a  Breath
b  Thought
c  Impulse
d  Power
e  Strength
f  Action
g  Truth

Answers
a  2 checks to Life rune
b  2 checks to Illusion rune
c  3 checks to Impulsive virtue
d  3 checks to Dragon rune           Check to Magic resource
e  2 checks to Dragon rune           Check to Morale resource
f  2 checks to Movement rune
g  2 checks to Truth rune


2  When the First Mountains arose, shaking the ground and piercing the Vault of Heaven,
    what were you?

a  Humans
b  Beasts
c  Spirits
d  Dragons

Answers
a  2 checks to Human rune
b  2 checks to Beast rune
c  2 checks to Spirit rune
d  2 checks to Dragon rune


3  When the World Went Dark, and the plants died, what were you?

a  Scavengers
b  Trappers
c  Hunters
d  Dead

Answers
a  2 checks to Shrewd virtue                   Economy: Foraging
b  2 checks to Cautious virtue                 Economy: Trapping
c  2 checks to Hunting rune                     Economy: Hunting
d  2 checks to Death rune                        Go directly to Question 6


4  When the World Went Dark, each turned against another, just to survive.  The plants that could
    survive without light even preyed upon humans and animals.  Whose prey were you?

a  Kralorelans
b  Chern Durelites
c  Teshnans
d  Dragonewts
e  Voralans
f   All of them and more besides.  We died.

Answers
a-e  The clan Fear [ ]
f      Check to Death rune.                   Go directly to Question 6.


5  When the World Went Dark the power of Light failed to hold back the power of the Void.
    Vileness came through and preyed on everything.  Whose prey were you?

a  Magisaurs
b  Wyverns
c  Dozaki-Uz
d  Romal
e  Bagogi
f  Chaos Gaggles
g  Broos
h  Huan To
i  Ogres
j  Urgarugar
k  Stoor Worms
l  [Unique Chaos Monster]
m  Hollri

Answers
All: Ancient Enemy: [ ]
a-b  Lose 2 Dragon checks
c-d  The clan Fear Darkness Spirits
e-l  The clan Fear Chaos
m  The clan Fear Avalanches


6  As Light returned after the World Went Dark so all of us who were still alive fell asleep.
    When we awoke, so did the lost spirits of those who had died in the Dark.
    How were you reborn?

a  Predator Hsunchen
b  Prey Hsunchen
c  Other Hsunchen

Answers
a  2 checks to Aggressive virtue          Check to Hunting rune       Economy: Hunting
b  2 checks to Cautious virtue                                                         Economy: Foraging
c  2 checks to Harmony rune                                                        


7  As Light returned after the World Went Dark so many of us found a friend with whom to face
    the final onslaught of the powers of the Void.  With whom were you reborn?

Chaos Ghost Hellrider heading for the
final onslaught of the powers of the Void

a  Uz
b  Embyli
c  Nar Sylla
d  Praxians
e  Teshnans
f  Kralorelans
g  Dragonewts
h  Chern Durelites
i  Magisaurs
j  [ ] Hsunchen
k  We needed no friends.  We were mighty
l  We had suffered too much, and could not trust

Answers
a-j  Ancient Friend: [ ] and
a  2 checks to Darkness rune
b  2 checks to Plant rune
c  2 checks to Storm rune
d  2 checks to Earth rune
e  2 checks to Fire rune
f  2 checks to Water rune
g  Check to Dragon rune                                                    3 checks to Whimsical virtue
h  Check to Illusion rune
i  Check to Dragon and Truth runes and Magic resource
j  Check to Harmony rune and Morale resource
k  2 Checks to Proud and Courage virtues                         Check to War resource
l  3 checks to Suspicious virtue                                          Check to War resource


8  When the freshly cleared Sun Stood High And Stopped, what did you learn?

a  To dance the Dance of Life
b  An evil had been born, far away
c  The Emperor understood

Answers
a  Guardian Ability: Bless Fertility Dance            2 checks to Life rune
b  3 checks to Pessimist virtue
c  Respect Kralorelan Emperor


9  Powers waxed and waned.  Some impinged upon us, some hired us.  Who did you befriend?

The deep jungles of Eest

a  The New Dragon Ring
b  The Province of Eest
c   Kralorelans
d  Chern Durelites
e  Pentans
f  Teshnans
g  Embyli
h  None
i  We lost the friends we had!

Answers
a  Ancient Friend: New Dragon Ring              Ancient Enemy: Kralorelans
b  Ancient Friend: God Learners
c  Ancient Friend: Kralorelans                        Ancient Enemy: God Learners
d-g  Ancient Friend: [ ]
h  No effect
i   Delete any Ancient Friend                          Check to Suspicious & Pessimist virtues


10  How did you fare when the earth shook, the mountains broke, rivers ran wild and the armies of
      Dragon Emperors faced each other and tore Kralorela apart?

a  We were employed as mercenaries
b  Our lands were wrecked
c  We cultivated our powers
d  We expanded our holdings
e  We drove off our neighbours
f   We grew strong, in peace
g  We accepted our destiny

Answers
a  Checks to Courage virtue, War and Wealth resources
b  Lose Peace and Morale checks
c  Check to Magic resource                     2 checks to Pious virtue
d  Checks to Wealth resource
e  Checks to War resource                        Ancient Enemy: [ ] Hsunchen
f  2 checks to Peace resource                    Check to Shrewd & Cautious virtues
g  Change Pessimist checks to Fatalist virtue


11  Sheng, Master of Humans, swept over all the lands and took us from our homes.
      Where had you been living in the Shan Shan until that time?

a  North
b  Central
c  South
d  We roved
e  The Teshnan fringe of Pent

Answers
a  Recent Enemy: Uz                 Recent Enemy: Uzhim    Recent Enemy: Chern Durelites
   Go to 12A
b  Recent Enemy: Kralorelans   Recent Enemy: Dragonewts                                              
   Go to 12B
c  Recent Enemy: Teshnans       Recent Enemy: Praxians                                                    
   Go to 12C
d  2 checks to Wanderlust virtue                                                                                                  
   Go to 12D
e  Recent Enemy: Pentans                                                                                                    
   Go to 12E


12A  Over the long years we have encountered many different spirits, some helpful, some terrible.
         Did you adopted any of them in any form before the coming of Sheng, Master of Humans?

a  The Blood Sun
b  The Black Sun
c  Dozaki
d  Absolutely not!

Answers
Shrine, as appropriate
a  Change Spirit & Illusion checks checks to Blood rune                         Economy: Farming
b  Change Fire & Spirit checks to Black Sun rune                 
c  Change Fire & Spirit checks to Darkness rune
d  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue


12B  Over the long years we have encountered many different spirits, some helpful, some terrible.
         Did you adopted any of them in any form before the coming of Sheng, Master of Humans?

a  The Eternal Dragons

b  Godunya

c  No

d  Absolutely not!

Answers

a-b  Propitiatory Shrine: [ ]                                   Change Spirit checks to Dragon rune

c  No effect
d  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue      Lose Dragon check

Woodsman about to
be eviscerated

12C  Over the long years we have encountered many
         different spirits, some helpful, some terrible.
         Did you adopted any of them in any form before the coming of
        Sheng, Master of Humans?

a  Embyli Aldrya
b  Dryads
c  Storm Bull
d  Absolutely not!



Answers
Shrine as appropriate
a  Change Dragon checks to Plant rune               Economy: Jungle Gathering
b  Change Beast checks to Plant rune                  Economy: Jungle Gathering
c  Change Life checks to Eternal Battle rune      The clan Hate Chaos
d  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue     Lose Plant check


12D   Over the long years we have encountered many different spirits, some helpful, some terrible.
         Did you adopted any of them in any form before the coming of Sheng, Master of Humans?

a  Independent Spirit Tradition

b  [ ] Beastkin

c  No

d  Absolutely not!

Answers

a  Shrine                                   
b  Propitiatory Shrine                The clan have a gaeas May Not Hunt [ ] Hsunchen
c  No effect
d  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue


12E    Over the long years we have encountered many different spirits, some helpful, some terrible.
         Did you adopted any of them in any form before the coming of Sheng, Master of Humans?

a  Kargzant
b  Gor-Dun Beastkin
c  No
d  Absolutely not!

Answers
a  Propitiatory Shrine             The clan have a gaeas May Not Hunt Horses
b  Propitiatory Shrine             The clan have a gaeas May Not Hunt Gor-Dun Hsunchen
c  No effect
d  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue

Shan Shan style
spirit shrine

13  Over the long years your relationship with your Beastkin's spirit had varied.
      How did it then stand?  

a  We were utterly devout
b  It was who we were
c  It was what we did
d  It was how we lived
e  We had become less devout

Answers
a  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue
b  Change Beast and Human checks to Harmony rune
c  Change Beast and Harmony checks to Human rune
d  Change Harmony and Human checks to Beast rune
e   Lose 2 Magic and Pious checks        Lose Spirit check


Questions 14-26 are dependent upon whether the clan are on the North, Central or Eastern steppe

Northern Sequence

14  Which of the Peoples are you?  (non-random)
       Predator Go to 14A, Prey to 14B, Other to 14C

 14A
a  Snow Leopard
b  Wolf
c  Wolverine
d  Snowy Owl

Answers
a  3 checks to Territorial virtue
b  3 checks to Co-operative virtue
c  3 checks to Aggressive virtue
d  Check to Movement rune               Change Beast checks to Avian rune

14B
a  Yak
b  Wild Ass
c  Gazelle
d  Arctic Hare

Answers
a  2 checks to Protection rune
b  The clan have the Wild Ass Kick-boxing Martial Art as a possible fighting style
c  2 checks to Competitive virtue
d  Economy: Woodworking

14C
a  Brown Bear
b  Sloth Bear
c  Black Necked Crane
d  River Otter

Answers
a  The clan Fear Tigers
b  3 checks to Sweet Tooth virtue
c  Economy: Marsh Gathering
d  Economy: River Gathering


15  The Uz are a power in the north.  How do you interact with them?

a  We acknowledge their similarity to us
b  They compete with us for resources
c  They are dangerous by night
d  They are dangerous
e  We trade with them to survive

Answers
a  Shrine: [Gorakiki { }, Swems, or Aranea]       Recent Friends: Uz
b  Check to Competitive virtue
c  Lose Darkness Check
d  Recent Enemy: Uz
e  Check to Wealth resource

Fanciful drawing of Uzhim female
by Irippi Ontor scholar

16  The Uzhim resemble both Uz and Brown Bear Hsunchen, but
      are neither.  What of them?



a  We avoid them
b  We fight them if we must
c  We fight them whenever we meet


Answers
a  Check to Cautious virtue
b  Recent Enemy: Uzhim
c  The clan Hate Uzhim                           Check to War resource and Courage virtue


17  We know the Hollri as dwellers in the high glaciers, and we have found them here as well.
      How do you treat them?

a  We flee when we may
b  We drive them off when we can
c  We fight when we must
d  We fight them whenever we meet

Answers
a  The clan Fear Hollri
b  Check to Magic resource
c  Recent Enemy: Hollri
d  The clan Hate Hollri                             Check to War resource and Courage virtue


18  There are truly terrifying things upon the steppe.  Which of them do you detest most?

a  Mastodons
b  Nur-San
c  Fell Wolves
d  Quenlarg

Answers
a-d  The clan Detest [ ]


19  What is your opinion of the familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any friendly?

a  Yes, and we trade happily
b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
c  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
d  Teshnan 'Pentans'
e  No

Answers
a  Check to Communication rune and Wealth resource
b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]
e   Lose Wealth check


20  What is your opinion of the familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any hostile?

a  Too many, too often
b  Teshnan 'Pentans'
c  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
d  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
e  Not hostile as such...

Answers
a      2 checks to Paranoid virtue
b-d  Recent Enemy: [ ]
e      Check to Competitive virtue


21  What is your opinion of the less familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any friendly?

a  Targosites
b  Korer
c  No
d  Yes, and we trade happily

Answers
a-b  Recent Friend: [ ]
c  No effect
d  Check to Wealth check


22  What is your opinion of the less familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any hostile?

a  No

b  Not as such...

c  Korer

d  Targosites

e  Too many, too often

Answers
a  No effect
b  Check to Competitive virtue
c-d  Recent Enemy: [ ]
e  3 checks to Paranoid virtue             Lose Peace and Wealth checks

Wareran and Kralori Zolathi

23  Sheng the Master of Humans brought the Zolathi with him, and
      pressed them upon us.  How did you treat them when he died?



a  We butchered them where they stood
b  We sent them into an ice storm
c  We ignored them until they went to fools in the south

Answer
a  The clan Hate Zolathi
b  2 checks to Callous virtue
c  The clan Ignore Zolathi


24  The prophecies of the other tribes abound with rumours of the Hero Wars.  Even our spirits
      mention them on occasion.  What hope do they offer?

a  Little
b  None
c  They are irrelevant

Answers
a  2 checks to Optimist virtue
b  2 checks to Pessimist virtue
c  No effect


25  Tales have reached us of the horrors encountered by Sheng's horde when they went west.
      What is your reaction to these stories?

A memento from Orathorn

a  They were fools to go
b  We think they exaggerate
c  We are glad we weren't forced to go
d  We will not go west
e  We distrust what we hear of the sorcerers


Answers
a  2 checks to Callous virtue
b  3 checks to Cynical virtue
c  Check to Morale resource
d  The clan Fear Lunars
e  The clan Distrust Orathorn


26  Have you encountered the Red Hair Tribe?

a  No, their range lies too far south
b  We have, and we traded well
c  We have, and we don't understand why some have a problem
d  We have, and deduce that they are Lunar spies

Answer
a  No effect
b  Recent Friend: Red Hair Tribe
c  2 checks to Friendly virtue
d  Check to Suspicious virtue         The clan Distrust Red Hair Tribe

Central Sequence

14  Which of the Peoples are you?  (non-random)
       Predator Go to 14A, Prey to 14B, Other to 14C

Sand Fox partially transformed
sword-saint

14A
a  Tiger
b  Wolf
c  Sand Fox

Answers
a  3 checks to Adaptable virtue
b  3 checks to Co-operative virtue
c  The clan Hate Gor-Dun and Fear Avian Hsunchen

14B
a  Deer
b  Ibex
c  Hare

Answers
a  3 checks to Courteous virtue
b  The clan have a geas to Never Enter Forest
c  The clan have the Hare Boxing Martial Art as a possible fighting style

14C
a  Gecko
b  Shrew
c  Wild Pig

Answers
a  The clan have the Gecko Grapple Martial Art as a possible fighting style
b  3 checks to Active virtue
c  Economy: Marsh Gathering


15  There are others who live beyond the steppe with whom we have occasional dealings.
      Are any of them your allies?

a  Praxians
b  Baboons
c  No, none
d  What need to we have of allies?

Answer
a  Recent Friend: [Specific Praxian People ]
b  Recent Friend: Baboons                                Check to Beast rune
c  No effect
d  2 checks to Proud virtue                                Check to Morale resource

16   There are others who live beyond the steppe with whom we have occasional dealings.
      Are any of them your foes?

Hellcrack Demon

a  All of them
b  No, thankfully
c  Baboons
d  Hellcrack Demons
e  Praxians

Answers
a  3 checks to Paranoid virtue                         Check to War resource
b  Check to Peace resource
c  Recent Enemy: Baboons
d  The clan Fear Demon
e  Recent Enemy: [Specific Praxian People]


17  Have you taken up a new lifestyle on the steppe?

a  Don't be perverse!
b  No, we are who we are
c  No, we see no need
d  We saw the need to get about
e  We have settled
f  We work bone and tooth
g  We work horn and antler
h  We transport slaves

Answers
a  3 checks to Traditionalist virtue
b  Check to Traditionalist virtue
c  No effect
d  Economy: Horse herding
e  Checks to Wealth & Peace resources        Economy: Trading
f  Economy: Ivoryworking, Boneworking
g  Economy: Hornworking
h  2 checks to Callous virtue                          Economy: Slaving


18  There are truly terrifying things upon the steppe.  Which of them do you detest most?

a  Chaos Gaggles
b  Urgarugar
c  Pack Spiders
d  Romal

Answers
a-d  The clan Detest [ ]


19  What is your opinion of the familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any friendly?

a  Yes, and we trade happily
b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
c  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
d  Teshnan 'Pentans'
e  No

Answers
a  Check to Wealth resource
b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]
e   Lose Wealth check


20  What is your opinion of the familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any hostile?

a  Too many, too often
b  Teshnan 'Pentans'
c  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
d  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
e  Not hostile as such...

Answers
a      2 checks to Paranoid virtue
b-d  Recent Enemy: [ ]
e      Check to Competitive virtue


21  What is your opinion of the less familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any friendly?

a  Targosites
b  Hirenmadorings
c  Hyalorings
d  No
e Yes, and we trade happily

Answers
a-c  Recent Friend: [ ]
d  No effect
e  Check to Wealth resource


22  What is your opinion of the less familiar humans on the steppe?  Are any hostile?

a  No

b  Not as such...

c  Hirenmadorings

d  Targosites

e  Hyalorings

f  Too many, too often

Answers
a  No effect
b  Check to Competitive virtue
c-e  Recent Enemy: [ ]
f  3 checks to Paranoid virtue             Lose Peace and Wealth checks

23  Sheng the Master of Humans brought the Zolathi with him, and pressed them upon us.
      How did you treat them when he died?

Hsunchen rendering of Zolathi Monk

a  We butchered them where they stood
b  We listened to them, and sent them elsewhere
c  We ignored them
d  We despise them

Answer
a  The clan Hate Zolathi
b  No effect
c  The clan Ignore Zolathi
d  The clan Despise Zolathi





24  The prophecies of the other tribes abound with rumours of the Hero Wars.  Even our spirits
      mention them on occasion.  What hope do they offer?

a  Little
b  None
c  What has hope got to do with it?
d  They are irrelevant

Answers
a  2 checks to Optimist virtue
b  2 checks to Pessimist virtue
c  2 Checks to Cynical virtue
d  No effect


25  Tales have reached us of the horrors encountered by Sheng's horde when they went west.
      What is your reaction to these stories?

a  They were fools to go
b  We think they exaggerate
c  We are glad we weren't forced to go
d  We will not go west
e  We distrust what we hear of the sorcerers

Answers
a  3 checks to Callous virtue
b  2 checks to Cynical virtue
c  Check to Morale resource
d  The clan Fear Lunars
e  The clan Distrust Orathorn


26  Have you encountered the Red Hair Tribe?

a  No, we just happen to have missed them
b  We have, and we traded well
c  We have, and we don't understand why some have a problem
d  We have, and deduce that they are Lunar spies
e  We have, and we have given them lodgings as they passed

Answer
a  No effect
b  Recent Friend: Red Hair Tribe
c  2 checks to Friendly virtue
d  Check to Suspicious virtue         The clan Distrust Red Hair Tribe
e  3 checks to Hospitable virtue

Eastern Sequence

Cobra spirits

14  Which of the Peoples are you?  (non-random)
       Predator Go to 14A, Prey to 14B, Other to 14C

 14A
a  Tiger
b  Wolf
c  Sand Fox
d  Cobra
e  Toad


Answers
a  3 checks to Adaptable virtue
b  3 checks to Co-operative virtue
c  The clan Hate Gor-Dun and Fear Avian Hsunchen
d  3 checks to Defensive virtue
e  Economy: Fishing

14B
a  Deer
b  Ibex
c  Hare
d  Goat
e  Blue Sheep

Answers
a  3 checks to Courteous virtue
b  The clan have a geas to Never Enter Forest
c  The clan have the Hare Boxing Martial Art as a possible fighting style
d  The clan Hate Broos and Fear Anti-Chaos Berserks      
    Economy: Wool Production, Cheesemaking
e  Guardian Ability: Invisible To Predator While Stood Still
    Economy: Wool Production, Cheesemaking

14C
a  Gecko
b  Shrew
c  Wild Pig
d  Red Panda
e  Crocodile Newt

Answers
a  The clan have the Gecko Grapple Martial Art as a possible fighting style
b  3 checks to Active virtue
c  Economy: Marsh Gathering
d  Economy: Bamboo Foresting                         2 checks to Plant rune
e  Economy: Giant Arthropod Hunting              2 checks to Water rune


15  There are others who live beyond the steppe with whom we have occasional dealings.
      Are any of them your allies?

a  Yes, and we trade happily
b  Kralorelans
c  Chern Durelites
d  Dragonewts
e  No

Answers
a  Check to Wealth resource
b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]
e   Lose Wealth check


16   There are others who live beyond the steppe with whom we have occasional dealings.
      Are any of them your foes?


a  Too many, too often
b  Dragonewts
c  Kralorelans
d  Chern Durelites
e  Not hostile as such...

Answers
a      2 checks to Paranoid virtue
b-d  Recent Enemy: [ ]
e      Check to Competitive virtue

17  Have you taken up a new lifestyle on the steppe?

Horn charm

a  Don't be perverse!
b  No, we are who we are
c  No, we see no need
d  We saw the need to get about
e  We have settled
f  We work bone and tooth
g  We work horn and antler
h  We transport slaves
i  We gather from the Lakeside
j  We find fine stones and carve them into animal forms


Answers
a  3 checks to Traditionalist virtue
b  Check to Traditionalist virtue
c  No effect
d  Economy: Horse herding
e  Checks to Wealth & Peace resources                       Economy: Trading
f  Economy: Ivoryworking, Boneworking
g  Economy: Hornworking
h  2 checks to Callous virtue                                        Economy: Slaving
i  Economy: Shellfish Gathering, Shellworking
j  Economy: Foraging, Stonecarving


18  There are truly terrifying things upon the steppe.  Which of them do you detest most?

a  Chaos Gaggles
b  Urgarugar
c  Pack Spiders
d  Romal
e  Huan To
f  Ghouls

Answers
a-f  The clan Detest [ ]


19  There are many peoples upon the plains.  Who do you count as ally?

a  Gor-Dun
b  Targosites
c  Hyalorings
d  Hirenmadorings
e  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
f  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
g  Teshnan 'Pentans'
h  Uz
i  None

Answers
a      Recent Friend: Gor-Dun, unless Sand Fox, in which case No effect
b-h  Recent Friend: [ ]
i      No effect


20  And which of these many do you count as foe?

a  Uz
b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'
c  Hirenmadorings
d  Targosites
e  Teshnan 'Pentans'
f   Chern Durelite 'Pentans'
g  Hyalorings
h  Gor-Dun
i  None
j  Every last one

Answers
a-h  Recent Enemy: [ ]
i      Check to Peace resource
j      3 checks to Courage virtue          2 Checks to War resource  
       Lose Peace, Morale & Wealth checks


21  Do you have a particular other Hsunchen people with whom you have good relations?

a  Yes, from the same category of peoples (See Question 14)
b  Yes, from another category of peoples
c  No

Answers
a-b  The clan Trust [ ] Hsunchen
c      Change Cautious checks to Suspicious virtue


22  Are there any amongst the Hsunchen on the steppe you count as blood-enemy?

a  Yes!  Our own Beast-kin relatives
b  Yes, from the same category of peoples
c  Yes, from another category of peoples
d  No

Answers
a  The clan Hate Other [ ] Hsunchen      2 checks to Suspicious virtue
b  The clan Hate [ ] Hsunchen
c  The clan Hate [ ] Hsunchen
d  Check to Morale resource

23  Sheng the Master of Humans brought the Zolathi with him, and
      pressed them upon us.  How did you treat them when he died?

a  We butchered them where they stood
b  We listened to them, and sent them elsewhere
c  We ignored them
d  We despise them
e  We await his return

Answer
a  The clan Hate Zolathi
b  No effect
c  The clan Ignore Zolathi
d  The clan Despise Zolathi
e  Zolathi Dojo present.       2 checks to Mysticism rune        3 Loyal to Sheng Seleris virtue


24  The prophecies of the other tribes abound with rumours of the Hero Wars.  Even our spirits

Vudivar, Prophet of the Hyalorings

      mention them on occasion.  What hope do they offer?


a  Little
b  None
c  What has hope got to do with it?
d  The return of Sheng!

Answers
a  2 checks to Optimist virtue
b  2 checks to Pessimist virtue
c  2 Checks to Cynical virtue
d  Check to Loyal to Sheng Seleris virtue



25  Tales have reached us of the horrors encountered by Sheng's horde when they went west.
      What is your reaction to these stories?

a  They were fools to go
b  We think they exaggerate
c  We are glad we weren't forced to go
d  We will not go west
e  We distrust what we hear of the sorcerers

Answers
a  3 checks to Callous virtue          Lose Loyal to Sheng Seleris check
b  2 checks to Cynical virtue
c  Check to Morale resource
d  The clan Fear Lunars
e  The clan Distrust Orathorn


26  Have you encountered the Red Hair Tribe?

a  No, we just happen to have missed them
b  We have, and we traded well
c  We have, and we don't understand why some have a problem
d  We have, and deduce that they are Lunar spies
e  We have, and we have given them lodgings as they passed

Answer
a  No effect
b  Recent Friend: Red Hair Tribe
c  2 checks to Friendly virtue
d  Check to Suspicious virtue         The clan Distrust Red Hair Tribe
e  Check to Stasis rune                    3 checks to Hospitable virtue

Questions 27-30 are dependent upon the Beastkin of the clan.


27  We all carry over into our human form some aspects of our beast-kin form.
      Which virtue do you share with your kin?
       (choice)


28  We all carry over into our human form some aspects of our beast-kin form.
      Which aspect of lifestyle do you share with your kin?
       (choice)


29  We all carry over into our human form some aspects of our beast-kin form.
      Which aspect of mobility do you share with your kin?
       (choice)


30  We all carry over into our human form some aspects of our beast-kin form.
      Which aspect of combat or combat-avoidance do you share with your kin?
       (choice)

Interpreting the results:

The highest two runes are those 'governing' the clan and its future.

The highest two virtues (three if two tie for second) in addition to that from 27 above.

Resources are allotted in the usual manner, except that wealth may never be either of the two highest ratings.

The Economy statements are descriptive, not prescriptive.  All Hsunchen 'Pentans'  will hunt, all will raid for slaves, and all will trade.  The statement indicates a particular interest in that activity.  

Guardian Abilities are decided from the answers to the following questions: 1-3, 7, 9, 12, one related to the Beast-kin per se,  and one related to the two clan runes

Teshnan Q&A

Community Questionnaire for the Teshnans of the Steppe

The Teshnans are very varied in their attitudes not least because they are varied in their forms of religion to such a high degree.  No shrines are common to all, even though there are common themes.

Similarly, there is no common economy for them.  This is inevitable, given that they are from disparate peoples, 'scooped -up' by Sheng Seleris for his own purposes.

1  Endi Varo created three worlds, each with living beings.  They learnt of each other, and they
    learnt of Endi Varo, and in harmony and conflict created the Fourth World, our world.
    Which of the three worlds appeals to you most?



a  Challenge
b  Play
c  Desire

Answers
a  2 checks to Competitive virtue and Sorcery rune
b  2 checks to Whimsical virtue and Storm rune
c  2 checks to Lustful virtue and Spirit rune


2  Harmony and Conflict together created the Fourth World, but what part of this meeting do you
    view as most important?

a  Harmony dominated
b  Conflict dominated
c  They blended well
d  They neutralised each other
e  Somash Vindinaran made it

Answers
a  2 checks to Harmony rune
b  2 checks to Disorder rune
c  2 checks to Balance rune
d  2 checks to Peace resource
e  2 checks to Fire rune, Magic resource and Pious virtue


3  The Underworld came into being.  What is the most important fact about it?

a  Somash Endi Varo is the judge
b  Bezdi Solf Du steals all hope
c  Darkness hides it
d  Water shields it

Answers
a  2 checks to Law rune and Obedient virtue
b  The community Hate Thieves
c  The community Fear Darkness Magic
d  The community Fear Water Magic


4  The Unworld of Chaos arose, far from Endi Varo, and it spilt forth forces that have disrupted the
    otherwise harmonious order of the universe.  Which of these things has become your special foe?

a  Chaos Gaggles
b  Krarshtkids
c  Urgarugar
d  Undead
e  Chaos Ghosts
f  Disease Spirits
g  None.  They went away

Answers
a-f  Ancient Enemy: [ ]     The community Fear Chaos
g    2 checks to Passive virtue

Teshnan tribal temple

5  There are many forms of Somash to be recognised and honoured, and in the Deep Past our ancestors knew and honoured those they knew.  Which form did your ancestors most frequently sacrifice to?


a  Great Somash
b  Vindinaran
c  Neran Bas
d  Ji
e  Mimi
f  Hero Madoro
g  Veren
h  Endi Varo
i  Alen sa

Answers
a  2 checks to Fire rune                                         Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue
b  2 checks to Creative virtue                               Check to Fire rune
c  2 checks to Harmony rune and Compassionate virtue
d  2 checks to Mastery rune                                  Check to Obedient virtue
e  2 checks to Communication rune                      Check to Wealth resource      
    Economy: Trading
f  2 checks to Truth rune and Precise virtue          The community is Literate
g  2 checks to Harmony rune and Musical virtue
h  Checks to Law rune and Passive virtue             3 checks to Just virtue
i  2 checks to Death rune & Just virtue                Checks to Fire rune, War resource & Obedient virtue


6  Somash is alone in his splendour, but is not alone in all the worlds.  There are other forms of the
    divine we recognise as male, and that some of us worship.  Which of these did your ancestors
    follow?

a  Kab Tolat Solf
b  Calyz Mandar
c  Vai Madar Sa
d  Velit Maniz
e  None.  Somash sufficed
f  A local deity, now long left behind

Answers
a  Check to Death & Disorder runes
b  Check to Human rune, Passive and Optimist virtues
c  2 checks to Movement rune
d  2 checks to Hunting rune                                           Economy: Hunting
e  Checks to Magic resource and Pious virtue
f  No effect

7  Somash is alone in his splendour, but is not alone in all the worlds.  There are other forms of the
    divine we recognise as female, and that some of us worship.  They are very different from their
    male counterparts. Which of these did your ancestors follow?

a  Mairnali Har
b  Sera Veren
c  Kab Vanarana Sar
d  A local deity, now long left behind

Answers
a  Check to Harmony rune and Compassionate virtue
b  Check to Movement & Life runes
c  2 checks to Life rune
d  No effect


8  Then again there is Balandak Zim.  How have your community treated this unique being?

a  Jungle Master
b  Jungle Mistress
c  Child of the Fethloni Aldrya

Answers
a  2 checks to Craft and Stasis runes                          Economy: Woodcrafting
b  2 checks to Plant and Life runes                          
c  Ancient Friend: Embyli                                          Economy: Jungle Gathering


9  At the same time that the Unworld came into being, many dreadful things happened.  What do you
    remember of when the sun was dimmed?

a  It was terrible
b  Many died
c  It struck at our beliefs
d  We called out in prayer
e  We offered many sacrifices

Answers
a  Lose Fire, Peace and Optimist checks
b  Lose Life and Optimist checks                2 checks to Fatalist virtue
c  Lose 2 Magic and Pious checks
d  Check to Pious virtue
e  Check to Optimist & Pious virtues          Lose Wealth check


10  Soravator was the one who showed us how to survive during the diminished sun.  How do you
      name him?

a  Truth-bringer
b  Tradition-maker
c  Son of Heaven

Answers
a  Check to Obedient virtue
b  2 checks to Traditionalist virtue
c  Check to Pious virtue


11 There were many struggles to establish overlordship of the land we now call Teshnos.
     Hisgorantor came from Gach and fought in Melib, but the aftermath was the Curse of Lassitude.
     What do you say of him and of the Curse?

a  It was only to be expected
b  It had to be accepted
c  It was a rightful punishment
d  It saves us from corruption by wrongful activity

Answers
a  Check to Passive and Fatalist virtues
b  Check to Passive and Obedient virtues
c  Check to Pious and Just virtues
d  2 checks to Puritanical virtue


12  In the wake of all the struggles, and in the midst of new terrors from outside, the great prophet
      Chal urged King Bulthshasam to sacrifice to Shomash.  Thus was the righteous kingship of
      Teshnos established, and we were able to live in peace.  What aspect of his rule do you sing?

a  From many, he made one
b  He followed Chal's teaching
c  He drove off Sekever
d  He drove off Sekever the Dark
e  He drove off Sekever the Monstrous
f  He raised many temples
g  He established the temple of Somash Victorious

Answers
a  Checks to Morale & Peace resources, Obedient virtue       3 checks to Loyal virtue
b  Check to Fire rune, Magic resource, Pious virtue
c  Ancient Enemy: Ignorants                                                    Check to War resource
d  Ancient Enemy: Uz                                                              Check to Fire rune
e  The community Fear Huan To and Hate Ghouls
f  2 checks to Magic resource & Pious virtue
g  Check to War resource


13  We were dominated by a new power from the West, and were renamed as part of the Province of
      Eest.  These new overlords brought strange thoughts and perverse behaviour.

a  We were governed from Svalakswal
b  We were governed badly
c  We made new trading partners
d  Kralorela was also part of Eest
e  We learnt a great deal
f  We were largely unmoved
g  We kept to ourselves
h  It didn't affect our inner lives

Answers
a  The community Resent Melibites
b  The community Despise God Learners
c  Ancient Friends: Trowjangi
d  Ancient Friends: Kralorelans
e  2 checks to Arrogant virtue                          Lose 2 Pious checks
f  Check to Passive virtue and Peace resource
g  No effect
h  Change Fatalist checks to Content virtue


14  Eest fell, along with the Empire behind it, and we became free again.  Royal Teshnos was
      established under the rule of the Vessel of Light, declared to be the incarnation of a deity too
      remote to matter to us.


a  We were too far separated by hills and jungle to notice
b  We rejoiced in our freedom, and then calmed down
c  The transition was painless
d  We have a long-standing feud with Melib
e  We have a long-standing feud with the Praxians
f  We have a long-standing feud with Kralorela
g  We have a long-standing feud with the Dragonewts
h  We have a long-standing feud with the Embyli
i  We sent troops to join the Vessel of Light's guards

Answers
a  3 checks to Independent virtue                        Check to Peace resource
b  Check to Passive virtue and Morale resource        
c  2 checks to Passive virtue
d-h  Ancient Enemy: [ ]
i  Checks to War and Wealth resources


15  Before the coming of Sheng the conqueror we led stable lives, with very little changing or
      impacting negatively upon us.

a  We lived for the ritual combat with Kralorela
b  We farmed the rich land
c  We traded our riches
d  We raised hardy mountain ponies
e  We raised pigs
f  We traded with the Sofali
g  We traded with the Mostali

Answers
a  Ancient Enemy: Kralorelans     The community Hate Snakes     Economy: Elephant herding
b  Check to Peace resource                                                               Economy: Farming
c  Check to Wealth resource                                                             Economy: Trading
d  Economy: Pony herding
e  Economy: Pig herding
f  Ancient Friends: Sofali             Economy: Beachcombing, Shellworking
g  Ancient Friends: Mostali          Economy: Metalworking


16  When Sheng's armies came, how did you resist?

a  Firmly
b  Only when it was safe to do so
c  For a short while, then we gave up
d  Why would we have resisted?
e  He was just another foreign devil
f  He was leading us to fortune and glory, he said

Answers
a  Check to Independent virtue               Lose 3 Passive checks
b  2 checks to Shrewd virtue
c  No effect
d  Check to Fatalist and Passive virtues
e  2 checks to Fatalist virtue                   The community Despise Foreigners
f  Change Loyal, Optimist and Obedient checks to Loyal to Sheng Seleris virtue


17  There are many ways by which one can understand Somash within the world.  Not all are
      followed in any one place, but there are many expressions to be found on the Path of Fire.
      Which do you favour?

a  Great Somash, Somash Ji
b  Great Somash, Somash Ji, Somash Vindinaran, Alan Somash Sa, Somash Mimi
c  Great Somash, Somash Ji, Somash Neren Bas, Alan Somash Sa, Somash Veren
d  Great Somash, Somash Ji, Alan Somash Sa, Somash Hero Madoro & Somash Endi Varo
e  Great Somash, Somash Vindinaran, Alan Somash Sa
f  Great Somash, Somash Neren Bas,
g  Great Somash, Alan Somash Sa, Somash Hero Madoro & Somash Endi Varo
h  Great Somash, Somash Mimi, Somash Veren, Somash Hero Madoro & Somash Endi Varo
i  Great Somash, Alan Somash Sa, Somash Mimi, Somash Veren
j  We do not walk this Path

Answers

a-i  Shrines for each listed

j     Lose Magic check and 2 Fire checks

18  The Lesser Path of Fire offers a less demanding way of following the great spirits.  Which of

Tribal spirit-statuette
of Calyz Mandar

      these finds a place with you?

a  Kab Tolat Solf

b  Vai Madar Sa

c  Calyz Mandar

d  Kab Tolat Solf, Vai Madar Sa

e  Kab Tolat Solf, Calyz Mandar 

f  Vai Madar Sa, Calyz Mandar 

g  Kab Tolat Solf, Vai Madar Sa, Calyz Mandar

h  We do not walk this Path

Answers

a-g  Shrines for each listed

h     Lose Magic check and Fire check

19  The Least Path is the simplest yet, offering the least spiritual challenge to the Walkers.

      Every community acknowledges at least one form of the Path.  What of yours?

a  Besdi Solf Du

b  Balandak Zim

c  Velit Maniz

d   All three

Answers

a-d  Shrines for all listed

20  The Path of Earth is the least fiery, but can also be a very productive form of life.  Very few of us

      do not acknowledge at least some part of the Path.  What of your community?

a  Mairnali Har alone

b  Mairnali Har, Sera Veren

c  Mairnali Har, Kab Vanarana Sa

d  Mairnali Har, Sera Veren, Kab Vanarana Sa 

e  Mairnali Har, Sera Veren, a local Landscape Spirit

f  Mairnali Har, Kab Vanarana Sa, a local Landscape Spirit

g  Mairnali Har, Sera Veren, Kab Vanarana Sa, a Local Landscape Spirit

h  Mairnali Har, a local Landscape Spirit

i  We do not walk this Path

Answers

a-h  Shrines for all listed

i      Lose 2 Wealth checks

Questions 21-30 vary dependent upon whether they are on the west, central or eastern steppe.

Western Sequence

21  With Sheng's army we struck into the West, making many enemies but seizing much loot.

      Who became your great enemy?

a  The Lunars

b  Dara Happans

c  Rinliddins

d  Imtherites

e  Balazarings

Answer

All:  Recent Enemy: [ ]

a  2 checks to Wealth resource            The community Fear Lunars

b  2 checks to Wealth resource            The community Hate Yelmites

c  Check to Wealth resource

d  No other effect

e  The community Hate Yelmalions

Lunarised portrayal of the submission of Pentan chiefs to Moonson

22  We were smashed by the Lunar victory, and retreated onto the steppe.

a  Sheng was conquered, and consigned to the underworld 

b  Sheng was conquered, and we were free

c  We were far from anything familiar

d  We began to shake off the Curse of Lassitude

Answers

a  The community Fear Yara Araneans

b  Lose all Loyal to Sheng Seleris checks

c  2 checks to Pessimist virtue

d  Half all Passive checks, rounding down

23  We have had to learn of the other great peoples on the plain.  Who have become your friend?

a  None

b  Targosites

c  Hyalorings

d  Hirenmadorings

 

Answers

a  No effect

b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]

24  Not all of them are friends, but who are foe?

a  Targosites

b  Hirenmadorings

c  Korer

d  Hyalorings

Answers

Recent Enemy: [ ]

25  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them friendly?

a  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'

b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

c  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

d  No

e  No.  They hate us for our past, and into the present

Answers

a-c  Recent Friend: [ ]

d     No effect

e     Fatalist and Pessimist checks become Paranoid virtue

26  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them particularly hostile?

a  No, thankfully

b  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

c  Ignorant 'Pentans'

d  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

e  No, but we have found a vicious new foe

Answers

a        Check to Peace and Morale resources

b-d    Recent Enemy: [ ]

e        The community Fear Gor-Dun

27  There are many hideous things on the steppes, some of which seem to come from the Underworld

      and some from the Unworld.  Which of these are worst?

a  Urgarugar

b  Chaos Gaggles

c  Romal

d  Pack Spiders

Answers

All: The community Fear [ ]

a-b  The community Fear Chaos

c-d   The community Hate Darkness Creatures

28  Sheng tried to enforce his mystic path upon us all, but very few accepted this after he died.

a  We despise the Zolathi

b  We have our own Way

c  We are not mystical by nature

Answers

a  The community Despise Zolathi

b  [ ] Dojo present.                            2 checks to Mysticism rune

c  Lose Mysticism check

29  Have you adopted a herd beast, and if so, which?

a  We have brought our ponies with us

b  We upgraded to the horse

c  We have the joy of zebu!

d  No, and in fact we have lost those we once had

e  No

Answers

a  2 checks to Traditionalist virtue     Economy: Pony herding

b  Check to Wealth resource              Economy: Horse herding

c Check to Peace resource                  Economy: Zebu herding

d  Delete any herding economy          Lose Morale check

e  No effect

30  Do you have a main crop?

a  Barley

b  Fruit

c  Poppies

d  No

Answers

a  Check to Peace resource       Economy: Farming

b  Check to Morale resource     Economy: Fruit Farming

c  2 checks Passive virtue         Economy: Opium Production

d  Lose Wealth check

Guardian spirits from
the gate of a caravanserai

Central Sequence

21   Sheng's army struck into the West, but we were deployed here.  What was your task?

      

a  We were used as caravan guards

b  We were used to guard caravanserai

c  We were tasked with eliminating the Gor-Dun

d  We were tasked with grain production for the army

e  We were tasked with hunting for the army

Answer

a  Lose Passive check

b  Change Stasis checks to Protection rune

c  The community Hate Gor-Dun                     Check to War resource   

d  Economy: Farming                              

e  Economy: Hunting

22  The forces in the West were smashed by the Lunar victory, and retreated onto the steppe.

a  Sheng was conquered, and consigned to the underworld 

b  Sheng was conquered, and we were free

c  We were far from anything familiar

d  We began to shake off the Curse of Lassitude

Answers

a  The community Fear Yara Araneans

b  Lose all Loyal to Sheng Seleris checks

c  3 checks to Homesick for Teshnos virtue

d  Half all Passive checks, rounding down

23  We have had to learn of the other great peoples on the plain.  Who have become your friend?

a  None

b  Targosites

c  Hyalorings

d  Hirenmadorings

Answers

a  No effect

b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]

24  Not all of them are friends, but who are foe?

a  None, thankfully

b  Hirenmadorings

c  Hyalorings

d  Targosites

Answers

a     Check to Peace resource

b-d Recent Enemy: [ ]

25  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them friendly?

a  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'

b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

c  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

d  No

e  No.  They hate us for our past, and into the present

Answers

a-c  Recent Friend: [ ]

d     No effect

e     Fatalist and Pessimist checks become Competetive virtue

26  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them particularly hostile?

a  Praxians

b  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

c  Ignorant 'Pentans'

d  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

e  No, but we have found a vicious new foe

Answers

a-d    Recent Enemy: [ ]

e        The community Fear Gor-Dun

27  There are many hideous things on the steppes, some of which seem to come from the Underworld

      and some from the Unworld.  Which of these are worst?

a  Urgarugar

b  Chaos Gaggles

c  Romal

d  Pack Spiders

e  The Underworld Gate is close

Answers

All: The community Fear [ ]

a-b  The community Fear Chaos

c-d   The community Hate Darkness Creatures

e       The community Fear Demon

28  Sheng tried to enforce his mystic path upon us all, but very few accepted this after he died.

a  We despise the Zolathi

b  We have our own Way

c  We are not mystical by nature

d  We still follow

Answers

a  The community Despise Zolathi

b  [ ] Dojo present.                            2 checks to Mysticism rune

c  Lose Mysticism check

d  Zolathi Dojo present                     2 checks to Loyal to Sheng Seleris virtue

29  Have you adopted a herd beast, and if so, which?

a  We have brought our ponies with us

b  We upgraded to the horse

c  We have the joy of zebu!

d  No, and in fact we have lost those we once had

e  No

Answers

a  2 checks to Traditionalist virtue     Economy: Pony herding

b  Check to Wealth resource              Economy: Horse herding

c  Check to Peace resource                 Economy: Zebu herding

d  Delete any herding economy          Lose Morale check

e  No effect

30  Do you have a main crop?

a  Sunflowers

b  Nut trees

c  Date Palms

d  No

Answers

a  Economy: Oil Production  

b  Economy: Nut Farming

c  Economy: Fruit Farming, Date Wine Production

d  Lose Wealth check

Eastern Sequence

21  Travelling eastwards in the aftermath of Sheng's fall, we learnt that there was another Path to 

      walk.  The Path of the Storm.  Have you adopted it?

a  Yes, we follow the West King Wind Elephant

b  Yes, we follow the South RageWind Elephant

c  Yes, we follow the North War Wind Elephant

d  Yes, we follow the East Sting Wind Elephant

e  Yes, we follow the all of the Path 

f   No.  Our traditions suffice

Answers

a-d  Shrine:[ ]   2 checks to Storm rune

e      Shrines to all the Wind Elephants        Change all Fire checks to Storm rune

f      Check to Pious & Traditionalist virtues

22  The army was smashed by the Lunar victory, and retreated onto the steppe.

Beating out the rice harvest

a  Sheng was conquered, and consigned to the underworld 

b  Sheng was conquered, and we were free

c  We were far from anything familiar

d  We started to throw off the Curse of Lassitude

Answers

a  The community Fear Yara Araneans

b  Lose all Loyal to Sheng Seleris checks

c  3 checks to Cautious virtue

d  Lose 3 Passive checks

23  We have had to learn of the other great peoples on the plain.  Who have become your friend?

a  None

b  Targosites

c  Hyalorings

d  Hirenmadorings

Answers

a  No effect

b-d  Recent Friend: [ ]

24  Not all of them are friends, but who are foe?

a  We are not too keen to push our luck with any of them

b  Hirenmadorings

c  None, thankfully

d  Hyalorings

e  Targosites

Answers

a   Check to Cautious virtue

b   Recent Enemy: [ ]

c   No effect

d-e  Recent Enemy: [ ]

25  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them friendly?

a  Chern Durelite 'Pentans'

b  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

c  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

d  No

e  No.  They hate us for our past, and into the present

Answers

a-c  Recent Friend: [ ]

d     No effect

e     Fatalist and Pessimist checks become Cautious virtue

26  We have also had to adjust to the presence of others we have known here as well.  Are any of

      them particularly hostile?

a  No, thankfully

b  Shan Shan Hsunchen 'Pentans'

c  Ignorant 'Pentans'

d  Kralorelan 'Pentans'

e  No, but we have found a vicious new foe

Answers

a        Check to Peace and Morale resources

b-d    Recent Enemy: [ ]

e        The community Fear Gor-Dun

27  There are many hideous things on the steppes, some of which seem to come from the Underworld

      and some from the Unworld.  Which of these are worst?

a  Urgarugar

b  Chaos Gaggles

c  Romal

d  Pack Spiders

e  Huan To

f  Ghouls

Answers

All: The community Fear [ ]

a-b  The community Fear Chaos

c-d   The community Hate Darkness Creatures

e-f   The community Loathe Chaos

28  Sheng tried to enforce his mystic path upon us all, but very few accepted this after he died.

a  We despise the Zolathi

b  We have our own Way

c  We are not mystical by nature

Answers

a  The community Despise Zolathi

b  [ ] Dojo present.                            2 checks to Mysticism rune

Zebu pendant

c  Lose Mysticism check

29  Have you adopted a herd beast, and if so, which?

a  We have brought our ponies with us

b  We upgraded to the horse

c  We have the joy of zebu!

d  No, and in fact we have lost those we once had

e  No

f  You may not believe this, but...

Answers

a  2 checks to Traditionalist virtue                Economy: Pony herding

b  Check to Wealth resource                          Economy: Horse herding

c  Check to Peace resource                            Economy: Zebu herding

d  Delete any herding economy                     Lose Morale check

e  No effect

f   Economy: Elephant herding, Woodworking

30  Do you have a main crop?

a  We have found water...

b  We gather from the lake
c  We take, and trade
d  We gather where we can
e  We grow for sweetness

Answers

a  Lose Fire check                             Economy: Rice Farming

b  Check to Passive virtue                 Economy: Shellfish Gathering, Shell-work, Bead-work
c  3 checks to Callous virtue              Economy: Slaving, Trading

d  Lose Wealth check                        Economy: Foraging

e  Check to Morale resource             Economy: Sugar-beet Farming

Interpreting the results:

The highest two runes are those 'governing' the clan and its future.

The highest three virtues (four if two tie for third)

Resources are allotted in the usual manner, except that wealth may never be the highest rating.

The Economy statements are descriptive, not prescriptive.  All Teshnan 'Pentans'  will hunt, all will raid for slaves, and all will trade.  The statement indicates a particular interest in that activity.  

Guardian Abilities are decided from the answers to the following questions: 3-8 & 12, 14 & 15  and one related to the two clan runes