Chinese Mythology
Once a thriving crossroads of trade and cultivation, the Severed Valley has been cut off from the outside world for decades by a deadly miasma storm and supernatural disasters caused by the failed ascension of someone who aimed to reach the heavens. Within its borders, survivors fight for hope, power, and escape. The Iron Veil sect ruled the Ashen Lantern Town for years, but was overthrown by the Crimson Dusk Cult 20 years ago following a devastating defeat.
Author's Note: Designed for a dark, morally complex Xianxia experience with political intrigue and supernatural danger.
Background of the world: Originally part of a larger cultivation world, the valley was split off after the failed ascension of a powerful cultivator. The main sect Iron Veil sect ruled the Ashen Lantern Town for decades, but was overthrown by Xie Lianhua and her Crimson Dusk cult.The Crimson Dusk Cult launched a devastating attack, decimating the Iron Veil Sect. Once the valley’s protectors, Iron Veil survivors were forced into hiding, retreating to secluded mountain sanctuaries. Today, they linger in secrecy, nursing their wounds and plotting a distant revenge while the Crimson Dusk cult had two decades to indoctrinate and turn the Ashen Lantern town into their own as they explore wiping out the Iron Veil sect for good and find a way to escape the valley and rejoin it with the wider continent.
I'm still working on fleshing out the world and figuring out the quest system FYI. Hope you enjoy!
Powerbalancing custom xianxia spells is weird with a DND system though, so feel free to remove spells and flip to include 5e defaults if that's what you prefer
Character Art:
- Style: Manhua Watercolor
- Theme: Xianxia
| Played | 9 times |
| Cloned | 6 times |
| Created | 19 days ago |
| Last Updated | Yesterday |
| Visibility | Public |
Zhao Junfeng
Level 8 Human Shadow Cultivator -
Zhao Junfeng is the stern yet insecure Overseer of Ashen Lantern Town, appointed directly by Xue Lianhua to enforce the Crimson Dusk Cult’s harsh rule. Feared by citizens, yet quietly despised by his superiors, he balances his tyranny with calculated submission.
Details
| Race | Human |
| Class | Shadow Cultivator |
| Level | 8 |
| Alignment | |
| Pronouns | He/Him |
| Location | 1637, -398 |
Skills
Acrobatics
Animal Handling
Arcana
Athletics
Deception
History
Insight
Intimidation
Investigation
Medicine
Nature
Perception
Performance
Persuasion
Religion
Sleight Of Hand
Stealth
Survival
Ispreparedcaster
Isspellcaster
Currencies
| Jade Ingots | 0 |
| Spirit Shards | 0 |
| Brass Tokens | 0 |
appearance
Zhao Junfeng is a wiry figure with sharp, angular features accentuated by his meticulously groomed appearance. His slender form is always clad in luxurious dark robes intricately embroidered with crimson threads depicting shadowy serpents, symbolizing his treacherous nature. His skin is unnaturally pale, contrasting starkly with sleek jet-black hair combed rigidly back, lending him an air of tense precision. Narrow, suspicious eyes dart ceaselessly, betraying a restless paranoia that undercuts his composed facade. His hands, often clutching or stroking a shadow-forged dagger hidden in his sleeve, tremble subtly when observed closely, hinting at a fragile veneer beneath his intimidating exterior.
personality
Zhao Junfeng embodies a volatile mixture of cruelty, cowardice, and cunning. His demeanor shifts unpredictably from domineering to obsequious depending on his audience. Publicly ruthless, he privately wrestles with crippling insecurities, convinced of plots against him from every shadow. His frequent cruelty towards those beneath him is both an assertion of his fragile authority and a mask for his deep-seated fear. Secretly, he nurtures intricate plots, maintaining complex webs of informants and spies to safeguard his position and silently orchestrate his ascent to absolute power. His secret humiliation at Xue Lianhua’s hands fuels his ruthless schemes, the dread of discovery constantly shadowing him, pushing him ever closer to a desperate and decisive betrayal.
backstory
Zhao Junfeng rose from gutter-born obscurity, cunningly navigating the brutal underbelly of Ashen Lantern Town. Having betrayed former allies to secure his survival, he earned Xue Lianhua’s reluctant admiration, receiving appointment as Overseer. Yet the shadowy whispers of betrayal follow him relentlessly, as the ghosts of his past alliances haunt dark alleyways and whispered conversations. Quietly, he hoards secrets, each one carefully documented in coded journals stashed within hidden compartments throughout his chambers. Zhao Junfeng’s loyalty is tenuous at best, driven by fear of Xue Lianhua's wrath and resentment of his dependency on her. His true ambition—to claim her throne—festers silently, driven by an obsession to both humiliate and overpower her. An old scar hidden beneath his robes marks a secret, bitter humiliation inflicted personally by Xue Lianhua, fueling his hatred and desire to see her broken publicly.
Stats
Strength
10
Dexterity
18
Constitution
12
Intelligence
16
Wisdom
14
Charisma
15
Armor Class
16
Max HP
52
Speed
30
HP
52 / 52 HP
XP
34,00034,000 XP47,999
Level 8
Equipped Items
Spellbook