Bite Mark 02.pdf

Volume 01 Issue 02 August 2002

Note from Designer…

The theme for this issue of Bite Mark is wu-xia, Chinese sword & sorcery. This inspiration came from

both Frank Sronce ( http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/rev_6572.html ) and from Ms. Jody Harkavy ( http:

//roleplaygames.about.com/library/review/aapr071402a.htm ) of their excellent reviews of Jadeclaw RPG.

Yet, these articles also pointed out woefully inadequate support materials to run a good Jadeclaw RPG.

Since wu-xia is what most people are familiar with Chinese genre rpg, I believe it is a good jumping point

to dive into the world of Jadeclaw. And in future issues, I hope to introduce more politics and schemes in

Jadeclaw which is what I have in mind for this setting.

continue on page 2

Written: Ludi Price & Chuan Lin

Table of Contents

Another day, and with the sun comes another

set of choices. What is it all for? Many

men bustle through life; they do what their

elders tell them, and most of their choices are

made for them. There is comfort in that. We

creatures are made to find order and discipline,

to find perfection and harmony. Sometimes it

is easier to let others find perfection for us,

to answer the questions for us, to decide our

choices for us.

Wolf at the Tiger’s Tail

An Introduction to Wuxia and

Jadeclaw

A Night in House of Sun Inn 13

But sometimes we want freedom as well.

Sometimes we don't want to hide behind the

decisions and the teachings of others. We

want to be ourselves. We want to be free to

make our lives our own. We want to wake

up each morning not knowing what the day

will bring. There are so many possibilities. We

could do one thing, and end up dead. Or we

could do another, and a whole new window of

opportunity opens up for us. It may be life-

changing for us. Or more importantly, it could

be life-changing for others as well. We just

don't know.

Bite Mark

Volume I, Issue 2

Fall, 2002

Romancing Cathay

10050 Montgomery Road, #368

Cincinnati, OH 45242

That is the problem.

The weather, bright and swelteringly hot,

meant little to Jin Tao. It was the kind of

afternoon that even nong-ren, farmers,

would certainly have napped. The sky

was as blue and as clear as a freshly cut

sapphire, the sun had bathed the length

of the fields in sea of dazzling gold;

heatwaves rose up languidly from the

(513) 290-7419

fax: (949) 266-8395

www.romancingcathay.com

email: business@romancingcathay.com

Bite Mark 1

Wolf at Tiger’s Tail: Chapter 1 is a sample chapter we have received for Jadeclaw fiction. Originally, we have

an author contacted us in early November who expressed interested in doing a Jadeclaw fiction. In past

March, she had submitted a working-in-process of chapter 1. Though her writing was good, there was not

enough flavor that easily identify as a Jadeclaw setting. With her permission, I have make some modification

and change the chapter 1 title to Dukes with Few Bu-qians.

Next article, An Introduction to Jadeclaw and Wu-xia, deals with the concept of wu-xia: what is it and how

does it affect those in Jadeclaw realm.

Wrapping up this issue is a short Jadeclaw adventure, An Evening at the House of Sun Inn. This is a classic

wu-xia style adventure where player characters meet at an inn where everyone has his own agenda. And then

a group of loal gang comes to crash the party.

Due to amount of pages these articles take out, there will be no Ironclaw articles for this issue. And if no

one submits articles for Ironclaw, BiteMark will probably then focus only on Jadeclaw world.

Last but not least, we want to thank Blue Kabuto (http://www.bluekabuto.com) for their gracious designs of

Bite Mark logo.

Reminder : Any discussion of rules in here are unofficial and unsupported by Sanguine Productions, Ltd.

Chuan Lin

Publisher

at himself for to allow himself fell

back into his old philosophical life,

and his old introspective way. He

licked the sweat away from his

scorched, parched land. Above,

the harsh and dissonant cry of a

fan-niao cracked, almost as dry as

the earth itself. Aridness beckoned

Jin to tiredness, but he refused

to give into it. A single bead of

sweat coursed down his snout and

he caught it in the corner of his

mouth. He tried not to lick it, yet

he still tasted sharp saltiness on

his lips. It almost drew him away.

But not quite.

He looked around and wasn’t

quite sure what had made him

stop in the middle of this track

in the first place. He knew why

he had stopped, but not what the

importance of it was. The reason he

had stopped was because he was at

the crossroad and not sure which

way to go. Should he turn East to

State of Wu, West to State of Chu?

Or maybe he ought to head back

North to State of Shen? This kind

of indecision was not what Jin used

to. He usually just followed where

his feet took him, wandered freely

wherever he wished to go. It didn’t

matter where he went so long as he

ended up somewhere he had never

been before. In that case, his brains

told him it made sense to go East.

He had never been there before.

But now some sort of hunger had

come over him, and it wasn’t just a

longing for food. It was something

much more vague than that, a

gnawing at his stomach. No, not

there, it was in his heart and mind.

It told him to go West, to the little

village he knew would welcome

him some li down the road, and

offer him some rest.

For many years now he had

spent his afternoons like this,

searching and not quite finding.

Reaching, only to be pulled away

again, by something material and

inconsequential. Even now he

wondered what kept him at this

fruitless game of hide-and-seek.

A lingering sense of duty? An

immovable belief he once thought

dead, but still clinging on? He

did not know. It did not matter.

The search had gone on; he had

found nothing. And what was it he

sought? The truth.

Fan-niao, raptor of Jadeclaw

mouth quickly and stood up. He felt

faint and wobbly from the stifling

heat and the dehydration. He took

his water gourd that hanged from

his back, and drank a long draught.

Inwardly, he remonstrated himself.

He didn’t need to search anymore.

He already threw away that chance.

He was a hypocrite, always had been,

and always will be. He knew it.

Impatiently, he opened his eyes;

endless humdrum of his random

thoughts faltered and dissipated

into hot air. Suddenly he was angry

2 Bite Mark

This was a sign of weakness. He

should have more discipline than

that! Just followed his feet and

his senses, and turned East. That

was what he really wanted to do.

But on the other hand, this feeling

was so strong that he could hardly

resist it. What could be wrong in

taking one night’s rest in a nearby

village inn anyway, he debated

with himself. It wasn’t like anyone

was going to be mad at him for not

taking the eastern road. He could

go down there tomorrow. And so,

sated with his decision and without

much thought, he turned West.

along the way. Obviously they

were soldiers on some important

errand, and their urgency was

proof enough. Yet they wore no

chop or pictograph on them that

made their duke or state obvious to

Jin. They paid him scant attention

as they rode past.

(Yan-wei) and marshals of the

land (Bu-kuai). Sing-song girls are

already telling great tales of brave

deeds of yesterday heroes. The

awesomeness and wisdom of Zhou

kings and ministers have been

embodied with the teachings of

The Third Sage King. This was an

era of the history of Zhongguo to

be forever admired.

Jin followed them with his eyes

into the distance. A cloud of dust

billowing behind kuai xi-yi claws

as they finally disappeared over

the horizon. Few men were seen

wandering in these parts, and he

Still, that did not mean there

were good wills among these

twelves states. No, there have

been plenty of subversions aimed

to strength one’s state at the

expanse of others and to challenge

the soverignity of Zhou Dynasty.

Afterall, contentment brought

contention among ambitious lords

and ministers. Recently, there

were stirrings of unrest in the

North. Foremost among them was

tales of foil assassination of King

Zhou by Lu State during New Year

Celebration. Regardless of truth,

there were talks of retributions.

Several States may answer the call

by Zhou States.

And that was how it all began. A

simple diversion, an excursion of a

night’s time, to go West instead of

East. As soon as he had made the

decision, he felt better. His heart

was lighter, as was his step. He

walked for remaining afternoon

at a leisure pace, enjoyed the view,

and recalled of poetries that would

describe the view.

The sun began to set. He was only

two li away from his destination,

when the sound of kuai xi-yi claws

scraped over dusty track from

behind him. Wiping at his moist

and grimy forehead, he looked

back over his shoulder to see who

was approaching him.

He did not want to think that

these soldiers have anything to

do with this sudden suggestion of

an uprising. Yet, his cynicism told

him otherwise.

Kuai xi-yi, Jadeclaw’s Jennet

had expected a quiet journey to

the village, undisturbed by any

company. Still, soldier appearance

did not surprise Jin.

The sun was fading fast as Jin reached

the village. Nong-ren returned home

from their daily toils on the field.

They showed curiosity at the sight

of this stray dog in their village.

Even shi-niao were going home now,

being shephered through streets by

children laughing and pointing at

the stranger before they quickly ran

off when he looked at them. Jin knew

their curiousity. Rarely is a lone

stranger has found his way into the

village. These villagers whispered

amongst themselves, and Jin can

not help but overheard them talked

of other men, on kuai xi-yi, and now

a travel-weary vagabond in their

midst. So, that was what all the fuss

was about. Jin knew that soldiers he

had met on the way would be here,

probably stopping for supplies and

fresh kuai xi-yi.

Two kuai xi-yi galloped up over

the horizon, obviously exhausted.

White foam gathered at their

mouths along with their gleamed

scale. But their riders would not

allow them to rest, or even to slow.

There was a taut fear of death in

kuai xi-yi’s eyes as they passed

Jin, almost a madness, as two

riders continued to whip smart but

urgently at their mounts. A little

surprised, Jin glanced up at them.

They were dressed in rough, worn

clothing, dusty and dirty from days

of travel, filthy almost to the point

of blackness, but traces of crimson

could not be mistaken underneath

the dirt. Over normal tunics they

wore leather armour, but these too

seemed battered by the journey,

and, perhaps, by a few chance

scuffles with thieves and bandits

It had been nearly forty years since

the eleven states of Zhongguo have

been called to Majing, the capital

of Zhou State, to solemnly renewal

their fealty to King Peace of Zhou

Dynasty (Zhou Ping Wang). These

forty years had been peaceful in

the land of Zhongguo. It was a

much needed break since the last

barbarian invasion that nearly

ended the line of Zhou Dynasty.

And the lands have recovered from

ravage of last barbarian attack.

This was the time of contentment

and harmony. Nong-ren could

tend their crops without fear for

their homesteads being pillaged or

ransacked. The laws were able to

finally be enforced by constables

Putting this realization out

Bite Mark 3

of his mind, and thinking it

inconsequential anyway, Jin grasped

his staff tighter and trudged on his

way, ignoring the stares. He did

not mind the looks of strange folk.

All dogs were born travelers, and

were used to foreign faces and

unfamiliar lands. He made straight

for the only inn, House of Chen,

with his usual unruffled manner.

And as he did so, his mouth watered

longingly as the delicious scent of

food wafted from the building

ahead. All of a sudden his stomach

demanded to be sated with steamy

rice and some cabbages; his body

clamoured some hard scrubing and

a nice hot beath before falling to

soft bed. Too long he had slept

on cold hard earth and munched

on staled buns during his endless

travels in search of adventure. This

village was a welcoming diversion.

room then,” spoke the other, a wiry

weasel, “Don’t lecture us on fine

point of propriety when your sole

purpose in life is money. Now get

us that room. “

returned, Jin took the opportunity

to speak to him, hoped to gather

some information.

“I see this is the only inn in your

village,” he began conversationally,

“it must be a lot of work for you

and your father. “

Seeing he was beaten, the innkeeper

pursed up his mouth and turned to

lead the two men up the ramshackle

stairs to their room. With looks of

self-satisfaction at one another,

swaggerly, they followed him

upstairs. Said nothing but noted

all of this carefully, Jin sat himself

down unobtrusively at a corner

“Indeed it is,” nodded eagerly, the

cub was glad to have someone to

talk to instead of spoken to. “But

we manage to get by. Most farmers

tend to eat at homes unless those

whose wives are away. We don’t get

many travelers round here anyway

during this kind of season. Today’s

been a good day though. We have

few new customers, and now

there’s you.“

This was good. The cub was willing

to speak than he had thought.

“It didn’t seem to be going very

well, the way those two men

were shouting at your father,” Jin

remarked casually.

As Jin entered the building he was

met with the sound of slightly

raised voices. It seemed as if some

sort of disagreement was going on,

by the tone. Feeling a little wary,

Jin walked carefully through the

main room. Amidst several ancient

tables are old loitering farmers

who’ve been scraping their evening

meals from their bowls but their

ears are all perk up. Jin recognized

two riders he had saw on the road,

argued heatedly with a man he

presumed to be the owner of the

establishment. The proprietor, a

short and ungainly bear in his

early sixties, stared up at the two

men, his hands on his hips, his

legs set.

The boy flushed. “Oh, you heard

that? Dukes with few Bu-qians!

They wanted to be treated like

royalty just because they have

some bu-qians in their pockets. But

it isn’t anything my father can’t

handle. Those men were soldiers

anyway, I saw their wargear as I

led their steeds to the stable. And

my parents always warned me that

you can not reason with them. “

Shi-niao, Jadeclaw domestic

fowl, similiar to chicken

table, waited patiently to be

served. House of Chen was not full

by all means, except for farmers

sitting by the entrance, there

seemed to be hardly anyone else.

No, there was one more. He was a

bit disconcerted to see that in the

opposite corner to him sat another

long figure just like him, wore

straw hat so that his features could

not be seen. But before Jin had

time to move his seat elsewhere,

a smiling youngster, obviously the

son of the innkeeper, came out to

serve him.

“They’re from the capital?” Jin

took a stab.

“Well, yes, I think so. I wouldn’t

know anyway, being a simple

village boy,” the cub winked as

he nodded his head toward those

ascending soldiers, “They spoke

down to us like typical city folks.“

“Well, you’re going to have to like it

or lump it, sirs. Here in this village,

this is the best service you are

going to get,” argued the innkeeper.

“Dukes with few Bu-qians indeed,”

Jin agreed dryly, and turned to his

steaming rice and salted cabbage.

It wasn’t the best dish in the world,

but it was good wholesome food

and delicious after diet of dry

foodstuffs he’ve eaten during his

journey. He know his stomache

thanks him by the sound of

content rumble. Finished his meal,

and drained the last of his tea, he

stood up, ready for a hot bath. The

“And we’re not used to your sort

speaking down to us,” growled one

menacingly. He was as thick set as

the innkeeper, only much taller.

“We’re going to pay well for this

room, so you’ve better treat us with

the respect we deserve.“

“What would you like to eat?” the

cub asked him pleasantly, but his

face was worn. And Jin detected

the expression of one grown old

too soon.

“l have a steamed rice, a small dish

of cabbage, and a pot of tea.“

“But I can not just throw out my

other customer! “

Obligingly the cub went to the

kitchen to fetch his order. When he

“Well, you can put him in a smaller

4 Bite Mark

serving cub obliged his request. It

was not long before Jin was sharing

the small room with one other

stranger who has been kicked

out of his proper room. Trying to

make a small talks, but that guy

just turned his back to him. Well, it

was very comfortably sleeping on

a real mattress and under a clean

soft cover; he fell asleep fast.

So low were the voices that he

could not make out what they were

saying, but he realized that it was

that constant sound which had

woken him up. In times of danger,

Jin was always a light sleeper,

and he had learnt to trust his

senses well. Something obviously

suspicious was about. He looked

over at the other bed where the

other stranger still asleep.

“Now that’s a good idea. I’m sure the

villagers would appreciate our gift.

But couldn’t we wait till morning?

If we have fresh kuai xi-yi, then we

won’t have to leave so early.”

“We’re late enough as it is,” the

other hissed sharply. “And the more

ground we cover, the better position

we are in. Those in State of Chu are

waiting for us, and if we don’t hurry,

the messengers from State of Lu will

arrive there before us. And then the

whole plan will be ruined!“

He dreamt of his old life, the life he

had left many years before. When

he was younger he had spent his

days believing in the Truth, and

knowing he could find it. A bear

had taught him, a bear who had

spent his own young days looking

for the Truth and who had found

it. He had been Jin’s mentor, Mozi.

He had already been old in years

when the young Jin Tao found him

and came to study under him in his

wooden home in the mountains.

Jin had been a devoted student;

he listened eagerly from pearls

of wisdom Mozi had given him;

he treasured every word the old

master had said. But something

had happened, and suddenly Jin

had felt disillusioned. He had

become hardened and sad, and

would not tell Mozi why; just as

he would not tell himself why

now. No longer heeded his master

words, he had taken to the life of

a vagabond, travelled from village

to village, from town to town,

from city to city. He did not know

what he sought after, freedom,

companionship, love, or Truth?

Now the answer seemed more

elusive than ever. And as his dream

ended, it floated away on the tides

of wakefulness. He seemed to lose

them forever.

Sliding out of bed with the stealth

he was accustomed to, he crept

towards the door and, opened

it ajar with steady fingers, he

pricked his ears up curiously.

Luckily, dogs have always been

blessed with sharp hearing, and

Jin was easily able to make out

the conversation going on in the

corridor outside. These voices he

recognized immediately as belonging

“I suppose that makes sense,” the

bear replied doubtfully, Then Jin

heard a thud as the weasel kicked

his partner viciously in the shin.

“You doltz of a bear,” he seethed, “all

brawn and no brains! I should have

not listen to that damn soothsayer

for picking you as a companion on

this journey! Bah, I want my money

back next time I see that old fart.”

And with that he trudged off with

his friend in tow. Jin heard them

trunded down the stairs and out of

hearing range.

recognized immediately

to those riders. It seemed that

they were having some sort of

discussion, and were trying to

settle it out in the corridor, quietly

so as not to awaken any guests.

Jin quickly deduced that they

were about to leave the building

when the argument had started,

otherwise they would not have

been wandering round in the

corridors at night.

Rested up his tensed muscles,

Jin relaxed against the door. He

had not gained much information

from the conversation. All he

could gather was that there was

some sort of plan being instigated

by State of Wu, which seemed to

involve State of Lu to the North

and State of Chu to the West. Of

course, this did not surprise Jin.

He had heard rumors that Lu State

had paid the Duke of Wu State to

keep Chu State in check. This was

to keep a powerful and dangerous

Chu State from actively involve

with Zhou State in retribution

against Lu State. Duke Helu of Wu

had agreed to aid Lu, since it had

benefits from Lu State’s foreign

aids and technological know-how,

especially in metal craft. Indeed,

the Land of Open-Mouthed Fishes

had proved valuable ally to Helu

and State of Wu. It could be nothing

more than an innocent errand that

sent Wu messengers to Lu; but

why send them to Chu? Surely

they should be sending troops

to the eastern border of Chu, not

“Listen,” said a low rumble of

a voice that Jin recognized as

belonging to the burlier of the two.

“I’m agreed that we can’t stay here

any longer than we have to. But

what do you propose we do? Our

kuai xi-yi are exhausted, and if we

push them any longer they would

most likely be dead before the day

turns out. It’s too risky.“

“We could be waiting in days for

kuai xi-yi to recover,“ spoke another

voice, the sly measured tones of a

weasel. “Yet, I have a better plan.

They say they have no fresh kuai xi-

yi in this village, but I have spotted

some of them roaming outside.

Why not borrow two and leave our

mounts here? Our steeds are ten

times better than theirs. And they

will thank us for giving them such

magnificent studs.”

Feeling groggy, Jin sat up in his bed

and shook his head to jar the sleep

from him. He had a feeling that

his dream has being disturbed,

just on the point of some sort of

resolution. He would never know

what the ending would be. And all

his previous dreams have passed

as such.

It was at that moment that he

heard the steady murmur of voices

from the corridor outside his room.

The bear laughed a low, deep chuckle.

Bite Mark 5

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