Thursday, 28 May 2015

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 mahout driving an elephant through a flowered field (6124571003).jpg

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


Interior of Tibetan Temple.jpg
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
Tibetan - Transcendental Buddha Vajrasatva - Walters 543014 - View A.jpg
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

File:Alexander the Great (356-23 BC) and Porus (oil on canvas).jpg
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


File:Daughters of the demon Mara.jpg
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

File:WELD 1862 in India pg404 (096 Natives, with Arab Pony).jpg
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.

File:Tharus beating out the rice from the ears, Harnatar, India, ca. 1906 (IMP-CSCNWW33-OS14-51).jpg
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
File:Zebu Pendant LACMA M.78.65.jpg
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

































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