The Story
The storylines, chapter by chapter: the story so far, the main beats, what lay behind them, and how they end, folded until you're ready. Every step is on the Quests page › · the people, books, letters and factions are in Lore ›
Story pages, identities and endings stay folded until you open them. Remembered on this device.
Kaifeng · Main Story
“Heroes from all sides vie for the Gold-Making Vessel. All speak of the ruler as the boat, the people as water, yet why must heaven and earth be a crucible, with common folk left to weep?”
- Chapter 1New Arrival in Kaifeng
- Chapter 2Gathering of Heroes
- Chapter 3Reunion
- Chapter 4Accident
- Chapter 5Furnace of Righteousness
Bright Tide · the main beats · 8
Go to Kaifeng Bright Tide 1 · Chapter 1
After the incident at Heaven's Pier, you discover a letter from someone named "Wuque" in Aunt Han's room. It invites her to meet in Kaifeng. Perhaps Wuque knows of her whereabouts. You set out for Kaifeng, hoping to meet them face to face.
Spoiler · Chapter 1Swindled in Wheatwind Bazaar Bright Tide 2 · Chapter 1
You arrived at Wheatwind Bazaar for a scheduled meeting, but lost your coin bag after stepping in to defend the weak. To make matters worse, you were soon surrounded by local thugs until a heroine came to your rescue. From her, you learned that the man you sought is none other than The Ember of East at the Revelry Hall. You thought she was as kind-hearted as you, but then realized she tricked you with slick talk and brocade bags, all to swindle your money. Luckily, your wits didn't fail you. You caught her accomplice, Little Fu, and forced her to take you to Revelry Hall to make things right.
Spoiler · Chapter 1Rescued by Big Zhao Bright Tide 3 · Chapter 1
As you entered Kaifeng, officials mistook the Tang coins Little Fu gave you for contraband and tried to arrest you. Turned out that Tang coins were banned by the court, and you had to fight the government soldiers. Just when things looked dire, a solid swordsman intervened and helped you escape. He introduced himself as Big Zhao and seemed to share some history with Uncle Jiang.
Spoiler · Chapter 1Heroes Assembly Bright Tide 4 · Chapter 2
Outside Revelry Hall, you finally spotted The Ember of East. A master of martial arts, he showed no mercy to uninvited guests intruding on the Heroes Assembly. With no invitation, you and Big Zhao decided to disguise yourselves as dancers and sneak inside.
Spoiler · Chapter 2The Stolen Treasure Basin Bright Tide 5 · Chapter 2
You hoped to approach The Ember of East during the Heroes Assembly to ask about Aunt Han, but instead stumbled into chaos as the famed Gold-Making Vessel of Weiyang City was suddenly stolen. Amid the scuffle, a cloth bundle landed in your hands. Believing it to be the vessel, you guarded it fiercely, only to later discover it was a chamber pot. With the real vessel missing, suspicion fell on you. Thanks to Big Zhao's intervention, the investigating officer agreed to let you take a delayed poison, and you will get the antidote when you find the real culprit.
Spoiler · Chapter 2Old Faces Bright Tide 6 · Chapter 3
Following the trail of a broken mask found in Revelry Hall, you trace the clues all the way to the Ghostlight Market. But before you can enter, you must pay the Ferryman's price. To gather the funds, you seize the Hong Si's Scroll from Unbound Cavern only to be cornered by the government soldiers. Fortunately, Little Fu and a kind Granny Turtle come to your rescue. At Granny's home, you're surprised to reunite with the Widow and Yingying. To keep you from revealing her street scams, Yingying agrees to help investigate the stolen Gold-Making Vessel. Meanwhile, the government's ban on Tang coins grows ever harsher. Commoners like the Widow are pushed to the brink.
Spoiler · Chapter 3Beneath the Ash Pit Bright Tide 7 · Chapter 4
The Tang coin ban has left everyone desperate. Trying to protect Granny Turtle, you end up surrounded by government soldiers. Just then, Little Fu bolts into the Ash Pit with the Gold-Making Vessel in hand, drawing the soldiers away. Braving the dangers below, you find Little Fu and discover that she and her two sisters are none other than the leaders of Kaifeng's Nine Mortal Ways, the Dao Lord.
Spoiler · Chapter 4Furnace of Righteousness Bright Tide 8 · Chapter 5
Together with Yingying, you best the "Voice of Righteousness" with "The Song of Mercy". You shatter the Furnace. Soon after, a new coin exchange policy is rolled out. Even if the world is a furnace, a hero can still carve a path to salvation for the people.
Spoiler · Chapter 5
Dark Surge · what lay behind it · 7
Dark Surge 1
To halt Zhao-Song's southern campaign, Gongzi approached figures like Shi Shouxin, famed for their desire to march north. He urged them not to hand over their war funds to Zhao Guangyi. Though Shi remained skeptical, fate offered another chance—Murong Yanzhao entrusted Lady Murong Yuan to him, and through this, Gongzi secured a meeting with her. Revealing the truth behind her father's death, he moved her heart. She repented her involvement in building the warships and agreed to assist in the "Gold-Making Vessel Theft." In the end, she destroyed the mighty Quintadent Warship with her own hands.
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 2
Zheng E grew deeply disillusioned as the government pursued war funds with little regard for justice or compassion, driving him to turn against the dynasty. With the Ember of East's help, he waylaid Shen Yilun and, using the Water Lady's face-changing art, assumed his identity. He was then able to secure support from the Jinming Pool garrison. In return, Zheng agreed to play his part in the scheme: grain from the Ever-Normal Granary was quietly diverted to the Ghostlight Market, where it was traded for old Tang coins.
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 3
The newly established Song government faces enemies on all sides. Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Guangyi, and Zhao Pu jointly established the "South First, North Later" strategy, planning southern conquests. To counter the Southern Tang, Zhao Guangyi implemented the non-refundable Tang Coin confiscation policy at the urging of Kaifeng Prefecture Magistrate Lord Shi. He held the Petalfall Banquet at Jadewood Court to raise military funds. With covert support from forces like Velvet Shade, unification seemed within reach.
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 4
Behind the political conflict in Kaifeng stood not one, but two masterminds—The Ember of East and The Shimmer of South. In hopes of securing peace in Jiangnan, The Shimmer of South sought out The Ember of East, then a fallen noble in Weiyang City, and offered him a path back home in exchange for executing the "Gold-Making Vessel Theft" scheme. Their aim is to exploit public outrage over the policy of confiscating Tang Coin, driving a wedge between Zhao court officials and the people, and halting the southern campaign. But The Ember of East, unwilling to see the people suffer, emerged in the Furnace and presented the Treasure Basin Plan, a proposal that reshaped the fate they had agreed upon. Though The Shimmer of South foresaw this change, he chose not to intervene. Compassion stayed his hand. For he, too, was devoted to protecting Jiangnan. And now, his true identity stands to be revealed...
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 5
After Zhu Yu's death, the River Master Feng Yi, already resentful toward the Song court, was outraged upon hearing of the Southern Campaign. He feared it would threaten the status of Heavenfall Crossing and bring ruin to the members of Bloodscale Hall, so he was determined to stop it. The Ember of East took advantage of Bloodscale Hall’s worries and reached an agreement with Feng Ruzhi: together, they would construct a secret grain route from the Ever-Normal Granary to the Ghostlight Market. Meanwhile, Feng Yi himself would travel to Heaven's Pier to escort the Water Lady.
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 6
The Dao Lord Trio Sisters fiercely opposed the uncompensated confiscation of Tang coins policy due to their determination to protect Kaifeng's commoners. They wanted to dismantle the Furnace and return wealth to the people. After meeting Gongzi, they agreed to support the "Gold-Making Vessel Theft" plan, in exchange for permission to buy grain with Tang coins. Yet they left behind a Ghostlight Market mask by accident during the Heroes Assembly, which led to your investigation...
Backstory · spoilerDark Surge 7
Rumor has it that two Treasurers exist in Weiyang City—one of light, the other of shadow. Now, the White Treasurer, the Ember of East, hosts the Heroes Assembly in Kaifeng. The God of Avarice, however, has vanished from public sight. What people don't know is that the Black Treasure, backed by Aureate Pavilion, has shed his old name and infiltrated Kaifeng Prefecture under the guise of Lord Shi. In collusion with the Gongzi, he championed the Tang coin confiscation policy under the banner of righteous duty, all while deepening the rift between officials and commoners and amassing personal fortune. With wealth as his mortar, he seeks to cast a golden idol, to rise as a god among mortals.
Backstory · spoiler
Relationships
Who you meet in this storyline, and how they're tied: each page has a Ties card.
- ?13 not met yet
Story so far
Each chapter in a few lines of ours, every line pointing to the game's words it comes from; the game's own entries are one click below.
Who you are
After the upheaval at Heaven's Pier you set out for the wider world.1 You go to Kaifeng because of a letter from someone named “Wuque”, found in Aunt Han's room, inviting her there: perhaps Wuque knows where she is.21
1 Journal · Begin the Journey2 Bright Tide · Go to Kaifeng
Key players so far · 9
Han XiangxunCh. 1 · Bright Tide · Go to Kaifeng · as “Aunt Han”Inferred: Han Xiangxun's page opens at the step “See Aunt Han”, and the same chapter's journal calls her Aunt Han and Han Xiangxun in turn.
Spoiler · Chapter 1- Spoiler · Chapter 1
- Spoiler · Chapter 1
Jiang WulangCh. 1 · Bright Tide · Rescued by Big Zhao · as “Uncle Jiang”Inferred: Jiang Wulang's page opens at the step “Ask Beard Guang about Uncle Jiang”, and his own story page calls him Uncle Jiang.
Spoiler · Chapter 1- Spoiler · Chapter 1
- Spoiler · Chapter 1
- Spoiler · Chapter 2
- Spoiler · Chapter 3
- Spoiler · Chapter 5
Chapter 1 New Arrival in Kaifeng
At Wheatwind Bazaar you lose your coin bag after stepping in to defend the weak, a heroine saves you from local thugs, and from her you learn that the man you seek is The Ember of East at the Revelry Hall.1 Yingying offers you a meal after your purse is stolen, then vanishes, leaving a brocade pouch of advice and a bill you can't pay.233 Realizing you were swindled, you catch the accomplice, Little Fu, and make her take you to the Revelry Hall.1 In Kaifeng, soldiers take the Tang coins Little Fu gave you for contraband, and a swordsman who calls himself Big Zhao helps you escape; he seems to share some history with Uncle Jiang.45
1 Bright Tide · Swindled in Wheatwind Bazaar2 Journal · The Savior in Disguise3 Journal · Hollow Promises4 Bright Tide · Rescued by Big Zhao5 Journal · Out of the Woods
In the game's words · 3 Bright Tide entries
Go to Kaifeng Bright Tide 1
After the incident at Heaven's Pier, you discover a letter from someone named "Wuque" in Aunt Han's room. It invites her to meet in Kaifeng. Perhaps Wuque knows of her whereabouts. You set out for Kaifeng, hoping to meet them face to face.
Swindled in Wheatwind Bazaar Bright Tide 2
You arrived at Wheatwind Bazaar for a scheduled meeting, but lost your coin bag after stepping in to defend the weak. To make matters worse, you were soon surrounded by local thugs until a heroine came to your rescue. From her, you learned that the man you sought is none other than The Ember of East at the Revelry Hall. You thought she was as kind-hearted as you, but then realized she tricked you with slick talk and brocade bags, all to swindle your money. Luckily, your wits didn't fail you. You caught her accomplice, Little Fu, and forced her to take you to Revelry Hall to make things right.
Rescued by Big Zhao Bright Tide 3
As you entered Kaifeng, officials mistook the Tang coins Little Fu gave you for contraband and tried to arrest you. Turned out that Tang coins were banned by the court, and you had to fight the government soldiers. Just when things looked dire, a solid swordsman intervened and helped you escape. He introduced himself as Big Zhao and seemed to share some history with Uncle Jiang.
Spoiler · Chapter 1Chapter 2 Gathering of Heroes
Outside the Revelry Hall The Ember of East shows no mercy to uninvited guests, so you and Big Zhao sneak into the Heroes Assembly in disguise.12 The Ember of East reveals Weiyang City's Gold-Making Vessel, Lord Shi dips his hand in and money gushes forth, and then the vessel is stolen in the chaos.334 The bundle you guard so fiercely turns out to be a chamber pot, and suspicion falls on you.45 Thanks to Big Zhao, the officer lets you take a delayed poison, with the antidote yours once you find the real culprit, and you go to consult Pu the Fortune-teller, the “Know-It-All”.46
1 Bright Tide · Heroes Assembly2 Journal · Disguise3 Journal · Heroes Assembly4 Bright Tide · The Stolen Treasure Basin5 Journal · Unexpected Turn6 Journal · Wandering Tales
In the game's words · 2 Bright Tide entries
Heroes Assembly Bright Tide 4
Outside Revelry Hall, you finally spotted The Ember of East. A master of martial arts, he showed no mercy to uninvited guests intruding on the Heroes Assembly. With no invitation, you and Big Zhao decided to disguise yourselves as dancers and sneak inside.
The Stolen Treasure Basin Bright Tide 5
You hoped to approach The Ember of East during the Heroes Assembly to ask about Aunt Han, but instead stumbled into chaos as the famed Gold-Making Vessel of Weiyang City was suddenly stolen. Amid the scuffle, a cloth bundle landed in your hands. Believing it to be the vessel, you guarded it fiercely, only to later discover it was a chamber pot. With the real vessel missing, suspicion fell on you. Thanks to Big Zhao's intervention, the investigating officer agreed to let you take a delayed poison, and you will get the antidote when you find the real culprit.
Spoiler · Chapter 2Chapter 3 Reunion
A broken mask from the Revelry Hall points you to the Ghostlight Market, but only the Ferryman knows the way, and he wants a price.122 To pay it you seize Hong Si's Scroll from Unbound Cavern and are cornered by soldiers, until Little Fu and a kind Granny Turtle come to your rescue.1 At Granny's home you meet the Widow and Yingying again, and Yingying agrees to help find the stolen vessel so that you won't reveal her street scams.1 Meanwhile the ban on Tang coins grows harsher, and commoners like the Widow are pushed to the brink.1
1 Bright Tide · Old Faces2 Journal · The Ticket In
In the game's words · 1 Bright Tide entry
Old Faces Bright Tide 6
Following the trail of a broken mask found in Revelry Hall, you trace the clues all the way to the Ghostlight Market. But before you can enter, you must pay the Ferryman's price. To gather the funds, you seize the Hong Si's Scroll from Unbound Cavern only to be cornered by the government soldiers. Fortunately, Little Fu and a kind Granny Turtle come to your rescue. At Granny's home, you're surprised to reunite with the Widow and Yingying. To keep you from revealing her street scams, Yingying agrees to help investigate the stolen Gold-Making Vessel. Meanwhile, the government's ban on Tang coins grows ever harsher. Commoners like the Widow are pushed to the brink.
Spoiler · Chapter 3Chapter 4 Accident
The Tang coin ban leaves everyone desperate, and you are surrounded by soldiers while trying to protect Granny Turtle.12 Little Fu bolts into the Ash Pit with the Gold-Making Vessel, drawing the soldiers away, and you go down after her.13 There you discover that she and her two sisters are the leaders of Kaifeng's Nine Mortal Ways, the Dao Lord.14
1 Bright Tide · Beneath the Ash Pit2 Journal · A Mind Astray3 Journal · The Gray Abyss4 Journal · Unbound Cavern
In the game's words · 1 Bright Tide entry
Beneath the Ash Pit Bright Tide 7
The Tang coin ban has left everyone desperate. Trying to protect Granny Turtle, you end up surrounded by government soldiers. Just then, Little Fu bolts into the Ash Pit with the Gold-Making Vessel in hand, drawing the soldiers away. Braving the dangers below, you find Little Fu and discover that she and her two sisters are none other than the leaders of Kaifeng's Nine Mortal Ways, the Dao Lord.
Spoiler · Chapter 4Chapter 5 Furnace of Righteousness
When Lady Zhou leads the soldiers to your hideout, Yingying steps forward to protect everyone and reveals who she truly is.11 Following her brocade pouch, you rally the townsfolk to sing the Song of Mercy, then go into the furnace to find her, past Captain Jin Huo and the God of Avarice.234 Together with Yingying you best the “Voice of Righteousness” with “The Song of Mercy” and shatter the Furnace.5 A new coin exchange policy follows and Tang coins are accepted again, though the scars of the turmoil remain.56
1 Journal · Double-Crossed2 Journal · Pouch of Wisdom3 Journal · Into the Furnace4 Journal · Hallway Prayers5 Bright Tide · Furnace of Righteousness6 Journal · A Shift in the Wind
In the game's words · 1 Bright Tide entry
Furnace of Righteousness Bright Tide 8
Together with Yingying, you best the "Voice of Righteousness" with "The Song of Mercy". You shatter the Furnace. Soon after, a new coin exchange policy is rolled out. Even if the world is a furnace, a hero can still carve a path to salvation for the people.
Spoiler · Chapter 5