Chinese Mythology

Valley of Broken Ascension

ChocoChip

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

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Created	19 days ago
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Yao Shuren

Level 2 Human Sword Cultivator -

The obedient, introspective older brother of the Yao family. Dutiful and disciplined, Shuren clings to the belief that order and loyalty will save him—but he quietly fears it won't be enough.

Details

Race	Human
Class	Sword Cultivator
Level	2
Alignment
Pronouns	He/Him
Location	799, -981

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

Yao Shuren stands with a taut, restrained posture, thin from meager meals but visibly controlled in every motion. His robes are coarse, dyed a faded red-brown to mimic Cult colors, but heavily patched and obsessively maintained. The sleeves are always rolled at equal lengths, and the belt tied with exacting symmetry. His eyes linger a little too long on those around him, gauging intent. His dark hair is tied back tightly, and a wooden sword wrapped in worn cloth hangs behind his back like a talisman. Dust never clings to his boots—he wipes them down every night.

personality

Yao Shuren speaks with measured formality and avoids raising his voice unless necessary. He walks with a rigid posture, keeps his belongings immaculately arranged, and always bows slightly longer than required. He rarely initiates conversation but listens intently, processing every word for hidden meaning or subtext. He prefers tasks with structure and rules and becomes visibly uncomfortable when plans change or authority is unclear. Around superiors, he is deferential to the point of self-erasure. Around peers, he remains distant but not unfriendly, avoiding familiarity. He rarely interrupts, keeps eye contact only when spoken to, and responds to praise with suspicion, unsure if it’s genuine or a test. When alone, he mutters doctrine verses to calm himself and often practices minor rituals repeatedly until perfect. Despite his rigid demeanor, there’s an underlying tension in his movements—as if he's constantly bracing for correction.

backstory

Yao Shuren was born and raised in the Old Lantern District slums. His parents were once mid-level Iron Veil Sect disciples, but after the sect’s collapse, they submitted to Crimson Dusk rule. Since then, they’ve worked low-status jobs and avoided attention, raising their children to do the same. Shuren internalized their survival tactics early—obedience, order, and discipline. While his sister questioned everything, Shuren tried to master routine and ritual, believing stability could only come through structure. Though his household was poor, he found comfort in rules: cleaning methods, meal schedules, mantras. He avoided fights, showed respect to Cult enforcers, and quietly memorized teachings—sometimes even those he didn’t fully believe in. He’s always craved a sense of purpose and recognition. Deep down, he still holds onto the idea that if he works hard enough and follows the right path, someone in power will lift him out of the mud. Until now, no one has noticed.

Stats

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

Armor Class

Max HP

Speed

HP

20 / 20 HP

XP

300300 XP899

Level 2

Equipped Items

Spellbook