Mystery of the Manchu Dragon!
Issue #2 Recap
Twin Tattoos
The adventurers return to the Kersey house, where they regroup and tend to their wounds. They also revive young Jack Kersey with steaming cups of strong black coffee. Once awake, the lad tells the adventurers that their father had put tattoos on both he and his sister's back. Jack has the "left" side while Lilly, his sister, has the right half. The tattoos are written in ancient Manchurian -- words that Sophia Mayer eventually translates.
White Russian
The adventurers next deal with the big Russian they captured, Georgy Miroslav -- who happily explains to them that he's a simple business man... and is willing to trade valuable information in exchange for his freedom. After some hemming and hawing, the PCs agree to his terms.
Miroslav tells the heroes that men who work for the nefarious and enigmatic
Golden Emperor have kidnapped Lilly Kersey, and that she is held captive on a "tramp steamer" named the
Eastern Prince.
Steamboat Cargo Ship
Chinese Junk
The heroes run to the docks in search of the
Eastern Prince. In the Harbor Master's office, they learn that it has already sailed. Lao Shi, a Chinese captain who just happens to also be at the office, overhears the conversation and offers to transport the heroes out of Shanghai... for the right price.
Samarang
Monster Island
The heroes agree to pay Captain Shi his price and board his Junk, the
Samarang. Following the directions of the treasure map leads them to a mysterious fog-enshrouded island. They see the
Eastern Prince anchored in one of the island's bays, but decide to steer clear of it. After weighing anchor on the western side of the island, they take the life boat and row to shore. Once on the island they make their way inland, following the directions of their map.
They hear gunshots and men shouting. Sneaking up through the dense jungle foliage, they see a relatively open area, with a mountain stream running down the middle, numerous felled trees, and huge rocks, and a fight between the Golden Emperor's men and a giant lizard-like monster! They also see Lilly Kersey, her wrists bound with rope -- they immediately decide to free her. With cover fire from Killian, Red Razor runs to the girl and downs one of her captives, while Killian takes care of the second oriental. The heroes are then faced with the giant monster. With a mighty swing of his sword, the samurai strikes the monster's head, killing it in one blow.
Lost City of the Manchu Dragon
The heroes proceed onward following the stream and eventually making their way to a waterfall -- behind which is a tunnel. Down the long corridor they march, until finally they get to ancient, worn steps and the entrance to the lost city. The city is seemingly carved out of stone by cyclopean hands in ages long past and forgotten. The
Golden Emperor's men are fighting natives in small groups here and there.
Heroes Enter the Lost City
Dragon Crown of the High-Priest
The heroes decide to be sneaky and make their way step by step to the top of the ziggurat which dominates the city. They successfully avoid the Golden Emperor's men as well as the natives and eventually arrive at the top of the ancient pyramid. Once there, they see a native who appears to be some sort of high priest, lavishly dressed in skins and furs, sporting a feather headdress on top of a golden dragon crown -- he wields a glowing skull-tipped staff. As the priest drains the life-force from one of the last Asiatic invaders, the heroes attack!
After a fairly short battle, the heroes emerge victorious. Although the
Hood did have some of his life force drained. With the artifact in tow, the heroes leave the cavern and return to Lao Shi's junk.
Epilogue:
The heroes decide to sail for Hong Kong. Once there, they plan on telegraphing Mr. Tunsley, informing him of their successful adventure.
