Book of Stone: The Eight Immortals

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Legendary heroes of Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals were: Han Xiang Zi,
Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, Guo Lao, Li Tieh-Kuai, Lü Dongbin, and Zhongli Quan. The ancient heroes performed miraculous feats on earth during their lifetimes, before ascending to another plane of existence. After they departed, the Immortals left behind various artifacts that were imbued with magical abilities.

These artifacts were eventually gathered and locked beneath the Forbidden City. In 2014, a rogue Chinese General stole the artifacts and used the to try and trigger World War III. Det. 1039 defeated the General and managed to recover most of the items (SS08: Terrorcota)

The gourd of Han Xiang Zi could replicate any liquid poured into it. His Flute did mind control. Cao Guojiu's jade tablet could protect the holder from sicknesses. Lan Caihe's boots protected the wearer from the elements.  Guo Lao's paper could  be folded into shapes that came alive and appeared to be living creatures. Li Tieh-Kuai's iron crutch came alive at his touch, like a snake, unwrapping and extending out, literally bending to his will like an appendage. Li Tieh-Kuai also had a gourd that enabled him to astral project. The sword of Lü Dongbin could cut through anything and gaves the user advanced swordsman skills. He Xiangu's bamboo ladle enabled the holder to fly. He Xingu, the alchemist, fashioned a golden Lotus ring that could heal any wound of the wearer. Zhongli Quan's fan could control the weather. Zhang Guo Lao's iron mallet could revive the dead or strike down immortal beings. Lan Caihe's bamboo castinets granted the user the ability to control the minds of others.