An Uneasy Calm - Fall 1492
Last Time in Riu:
An Uneasy Calm
The party arrived in the swampy, fog-shrouded town of Riu, a place where alliances and power plays ruled the day. On the surface, Riu seemed peaceful, even prosperous, but its mushroom plantations were under the covert control of the Fire Dragon Sect, a faction backed by the Zhao family. Hidden beneath the surface was the enigmatic Wu-Keanne family, long-time rivals of the Zhao dynasty. The Wu-Keanne had secretly entrenched themselves in Riu, creating a tenuous stalemate that kept the Fire Dragon Sect from seizing full control.
Amid this tension, the party sought their missing friend, Shittake, and uncovered whispers of his presence among the plantations. As their investigation unfolded, they realized their actions could be the spark that tipped the balance of power in Riu.
Key Investigation Recap
1. The Fire Dragon Sect’s Shadow:
Subtle Control Over Riu
The Fire Dragon Sect maintained a covert presence, influencing the town through fear and control over its economy. Overseers ensured the plantations operated smoothly while enforcing compliance with quiet menace. The party learned that the sect’s operations in Riu supplied vital resources for their alchemical experiments.
2. The Wu-Keanne Family:
A Powerful but Wary Ally
The Wu-Keanne family operated out of *The Verdant Cup,* a hidden base disguised as a bustling tea house. The family’s influence kept the Fire Dragon Sect in check, but their cautious nature meant they were slow to act, unwilling to risk open conflict without assurance of success.
3. Shittake’s Disappearance:
A Fungal Specialist in Chains of Guilt
Following leads from laborers and townsfolk, the party tracked Shittake to the plantations. Unlike the other workers, he moved freely and unshackled, his expertise deemed too valuable to constrain. However, his freedom masked a deeper psychological burden, as they would soon discover.
Revelations: Shittake’s Burden
The Loss of Aelan
Shittake revealed his past connection to the Wu-Keanne family, having once fought beside them in a rebellion against the Zhao dynasty. His lover, Aelan, a key leader in the uprising, sacrificed themselves to protect others during the rebellion’s collapse. The loss haunted Shittake, leaving him wracked with guilt and fear.Compliance to Protect the Innocent
Believing resistance was futile and unwilling to see more lives lost, Shittake struck a deal with the Fire Dragon Sect. He offered his expertise to enhance their mushroom yields, ensuring the laborers would remain unharmed in return. While this kept the peace, it left Shittake a prisoner of his own guilt.The Party’s Resolve
Though Shittake initially resisted their attempts to persuade him, the party’s determination began to stir a flicker of hope. They encouraged him to believe in the possibility of change, suggesting that the Wu-Keanne family might act decisively if given the right support. Shittake reluctantly agreed to guide them to the Wu-Keanne, warning that earning their trust would be no easy task.Next Steps
- The party must seek out the Wu-Keanne family at *The Verdant Cup* and convince them to take a more active role in opposing the Fire Dragon Sect.
- Shittake’s expertise may hold the key to undermining the sect’s operations, but his involvement comes with risks, as he remains under their watchful eye.
- The balance of power in Riu is fragile, and any misstep could draw the ire of the Zhao-backed Fire Dragon Sect, threatening the entire town.
Standing on the edge of a political powder keg, the party’s decisions will determine whether Riu finds freedom or falls further under the sect’s shadow.
