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Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)

Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
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[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Do not slot Thousand Ring Fortress
[X][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.
 
[][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires
[X][SCS] Do not slot Sable Crescent Step

Ugh. Maybe should vote for first two as safety margin... but that one also pings my DO NOT WANT button.

[][TRF] Each scar is merely another ring in the making, from past pain arises new strength
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][TRF] Do not slot Thousand Ring Fortress

Root one is nice, but I don't like Nurgle one too much so safety margin here.

[][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.
[][CDE] Be always watchful. Foes and treasures alike may hide in the gaps in one's perceptions.
[][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye

We would gain first? I'm fine with it. We would gain second? I'm fine with it. We would gain neither? I'm still fine with it.
 
NotAlwaysFanfic said:
You've got to put 'x's in them for the tally bot to count them.
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Thought Moratorium was still in effect. Seems I took too long.

[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
 
[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.

I do not think that SCS 1 will make Qi unable to find contentment in quiet moments, I think it will make her value the progress that those moments give her, the insight is most against stagnation, and those quiet and peaceful moments can still exist while we progress and grow, they are not mutually exclusive.

[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.

I agree that this isn't about not retreating in difficult situations, it's about not betraying your roots, and that is something that Qi has been a long time in learning.

[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye

Sigh as much as I want a Hidden moon art insight, the options just don't fit too well, the second is a maybe because treasure, but I think it will promote a bit too much paranoia.
 
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires
[X][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.

I feel like we can't not slot SCS, and I like @Alectai's reasoning on the other two.
 
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[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Each scar is merely another ring in the making, from past pain arises new strength
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
 
[X][SCS] Do not slot Sable Crescent Step
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
 
Huo Yuhao said:
Argent Mirror - our first real perception art back in FoD
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Ahhh, thanks. Also which art did the advanced insight come from?

Also I wanna make sure I understand how the insights affect us a ability-wise. I get that insights help form our Way and will influence LQ's future decisions but I'm talking in terms of powers--do the insights determine her domain effects?

yrsillar said:
Domain Effect: Allies in a scene with whom Ling Qi has at least four ranks of positive relation receive a one rank bonus to Spiritual Avoid, Armor and Combat Perception(Boosted Rank cannot exceed Ling Qi's), So long as at least one such ally is in the scene with Ling Qi she receives a half rank bonus to resisting or avoiding effects which would induce immobility or helplessness. In addition, when within a space Ling Qi considers to be 'hers' she receives a half rank bonus to Social Perception.
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^This was a result of our insights so far?
 
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Lena27 said:
Ahhh, thanks. Also which art did the advanced insight come from?
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Advanced insights don't come from individual arts. They come from a mixture of currently slotted insights after some relevant ordeal is overcome. We obtained our advanced insight at the end of the Winter's Muse arc. This is the specific chapter.

Also, yes, those are the actual effects of our domain at the moment. It's relatively weak now, but it will grow stronger as we grow in cultivation and further develop it. You also seemed to have missed this effect:

Ling Qi and allies within close range receive a free dispel attempt against effects which would force them to act directly against someone with whom they have at least 2 ranks of positive relation.
 
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Signspace13 said:
I do not think that SCS 1 will make Qi unable to find contentment in quiet moments, I think it will make her value the progress that those moments give her, the insight is most against stagnation, and those quiet and peaceful moments can still exist while we progress and grow, they are not mutually exclusive.
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Of course, those moments will still exist. The problem is we won't be able to enjoy them. I mean it literally says 'There is ... no content in stillness.' how much clearer can it get?

Even the wind does not blow constantly. What are the times spent eating sweets with Gu Xiulan, getting tea with Meizhen, or sitting with our mother if not moments of idle joy when the winds calm and the waters still? Will we continue such activities out of some obligation when they bring us no joy? Or will we redefine them as some form of transaction like the most degenerate denizen of the math-cabal? Only spending time with them for some goal and not for its own enjoyment.

SCS1 throws the baby out with the bathwater. Stagnation is to be avoided, but cutting away our ability to enjoy those rare quiet moments is a tragedy.

We must be cautious about what we discard on our path.
 
[X][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
 
Alright, finally up and finished reading on my side (seriously, you guys are so active in early morning on my side). Let's see what I can contribute.

Sable Crescent Step Insights

So first, for SCS, I've read all the discussions and arguments up to this point for both in-thread and in discord (hence why I posted so late now), so my choice would be

[][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.

I like this. It really describes Ling Qi the best. A downside to this is the whole contentment argument. There being no peace in being satisfied. While that's a viable concern, remember the Moon quest

yrsillar said:
"Well," said the Grinning Moon, drawing out the word. "It's all perspective, you know? But think of it like this, an ambitious person might cause damage in their reaching out, and a cautious person might cause harm in missing opportunities. A comfortable person, someone who is content with how things are, they'll cause harm by rejecting anything that might impugne their comfort, good or bad."

Ling Qi looked ahead to where cleanliness and luxury began to give way to outright opulence as the buildings grew taller and more ornate. Although she could not understand people who chose to simply stop advancing, she also knew that she was unusual in her refusal to rest on her laurels. "Is that really all there is too it? I mean, isn't reaching a point of contentment why most people do what they do?"

"My sister simplifies too much," the Hidden Moon smoothly replied. "Just as cowardice is caution in the excess, stagnation is the true vice, not mere contentment."
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This speaks that we should totally get this. Also, another downside is SNR possibly becoming domain-incompatible due to a contradiction with keywords
yrsillar said:
Keywords
Darkness, Lake, Reflections, Stillness, Silence, Void, Yin
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which is unfortunate cause it's a pretty good art. Would be nice if it was still compatible, but I'm not gonna hold my hopes up. I'm still gonna vote for it so it's a small sacrifice.

[][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires

This one I actually really like better than the first one, which makes me sad that people are so against this. I get that being unhinged in getting to your desires could be a bad thing, but keep in mind that both AM insight as well as our Advance Insight helps mitigate those effects. I also don't mind character flaws all that much; they're pretty much features in the narrative (as much as I hate the "Ling Qi must lose" argument). Magpie archetypes also appeals me.

Overall, I like both insights (too bad we can only choose one). I'm interested in seeing how Wind Thief contributes to both of those insights

[][SCS] Do not slot Sable Crescent Step

Eh, no bueno

Thousand Ring Fortress Insights

Now for TRF, I'm actually a bit torn on this one at first, but I think I've decided that

[][TRF] Each scar is merely another ring in the making, from past pain arises new strength

I....am actually not gonna vote for this, which was surprising to me. The flavor-text and message is reminiscent to FSS insight on endings and Endings, hence I thought I was totally gonna go for this; on further readings however, as well as seeing other people's arguments, I decided that the second insight is better. TRF1 is also a bit macho in the wording for my liking.

Sorry @Xepheria no cycles for you

[][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.

Seems a bit deceptively unappealing at first glance, but I'm sticking with this as it was really relevant to Ling Qi's time of character growth. It also speaks of Flexibility and Retreat (it may not seems that way at first), but only to a point. Reminiscent to Elder Zhou's advice to Ling Qi waaaay back in his test. Ling Qi needs to hold ground on her beliefs.

[][TRF] Do not slot Thousand Ring Fortress

I'll be honest, I've actually contemplated on this because it's the only one that has no successors, but that's a terrible reason to vote for it, riiiiigghht? :evil:

Anyways now for the final one

Curious Diviners Eye Insights

No love for CDE. Poor CDE, even though we're eventually gonna get its successor art. Too poor quality for SV's taste.

[][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.

mmm, I'll admit. This would be beneficial to Ling Qi as her ignorance often gets her in trouble (i.e. took her this long to know about Emerald Seas nobles). I also feel like yrs is being picky in the details on what he wants to reveals to us (i.e. Bai squabbles, eight branches, etc). At the same time, I want Ling Qi to Ling Qi her way out of things

Features, everybody.

[][CDE] Be always watchful. Foes and treasures alike may hide in the gaps in one's perceptions.

You know what, I'm voting for this. It's gonna lose anyways so why not. The paranoia argument is understandable. But treasure.....magpie..SCS2 compatible

[][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye

Once again, poor CDE. It has to be a scapegoat. Too bad we only have a limited number of slots, otherwise I'd totally welcome the insight.

So overall, here's my vote

[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][CDE] Be always watchful. Foes and treasures alike may hide in the gaps in one's perceptions.
 
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[X][TRF] Each scar is merely another ring in the making, from past pain arises new strength
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
[X][SCS] Darkness knows no barriers, and neither should your desires
 
[x][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[x][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[x][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.
 
Mr Apollo said:
Of course, those moments will still exist. The problem is we won't be able to enjoy them. I mean it literally says 'There is ... no content in stillness.' how much clearer can it get?

Even the wind does not blow constantly. What are the times spent eating sweets with Gu Xiulan, getting tea with Meizhen, or sitting with our mother if not moments of idle joy when the winds calm and the waters still? Will we continue such activities out of some obligation when they bring us no joy? Or will we redefine them as some form of transaction like the most degenerate denizen of the math-cabal? Only spending time with them for some goal and not for its own enjoyment.

SCS1 throws the baby out with the bathwater. Stagnation is to be avoided, but cutting away our ability to enjoy those rare quiet moments is a tragedy.

We must be cautious about what we discard on our path.
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This is a misinterpretation of the consequences of SCS1. This insight will affect the nature of our relationships, but it won't turn us into a transactional robot. Let's look at the insight again:

[][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.

Many relationships in the real world are stagnant - how many of these relationships could be said to be fulfilling? There are benefits to be found in stillness, but relationships often develop through constant actions and changes. This insight will not make our feelings for any of our friends and family less powerful. It many ways, it provides a path to further develop these relationships.

There is a sacrifice that will be made with this insight. We will no longer be able to truly be at peace if we ignore the problems and developments occurring around us. It is likely that Ling Qi will no longer be completely carefree in her interactions with her family, for example. Ling Qi's worries, however, will be for the sake of her friends and family, not for herself.

Ling Qi's domain is about her Home, not anything else.

EDIT: Hmm, I think I convinced myself. It's a shame about SNR, but that's only a temporary issue anyway.

[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Branches and trunks bend and sway, but the roots must remain unyielding. Retreat only so far and then no more.
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
Adhoc vote count started by Huo Yuhao on Jun 23, 2019 at 11:47 PM, finished with 235 posts and 100 votes.
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veekie said:
In those cases they do get screwed. Justly so.
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Only one officer, a lieutenant, was convicted for the My Lai massacre. Everyone above and below him was acquitted or no charges were brought against them. Maybe it's different for other western countries, but the US tends not to convict its war criminals.
 
[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Do not slot Thousand Ring Fortress
[X][CDE] Ignorance is no better than blindness.
 
Xepheria said:
If it's a mistake that you make, or a consequence of your decisions, there are absolutely always lessons to be learned by looking at them in hindsight. If it's out of your control, sure, there may be no meaning to your suffering, but that's not what the insight is about, or what Ling Qi is currently grappling with.
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pain and scars need not be from self inflicted mishaps. Self reflection is the insight from Argent Mirror, this one is better for having Argent Mirror to draw from. Past pain isn't about mistakes but also just general suffering. Suffering and pain is a poor base for sustained and healthy growth. Cultivation can mend scars away, we shouldn't seek to weave strength out of scar tissue. Frankly, the appeal to TRF is a protection art to Protect things we care about. Like roots. Forming strength around old pain is fine, but we *really* want to protect what we care about
 
pgyws said:
Only one officer, a lieutenant, was convicted for the My Lai massacre. Everyone above and below him was acquitted or no charges were brought against them. Maybe it's different for other western countries, but the US tends not to convict its war criminals.
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Well, war criminals in general only really get punished with any consistency when they're on the losing side.
 
[X][SCS] There is no peace in emptiness, no content in stillness. Stagnation is death; act, change, move, think, and grow until the very end.
[X][TRF] Do not slot Thousand Ring Fortress
[X][CDE] Do not slot Curious Diviners Eye
 
Cultivation arts do not give insights, since by their nature they already heavily influence your actions.

Successor arts will have separate insights, but those insights will typically synergize with the previous arts insights in some way.
 
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