Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Location
- United States of America
Alright, I'm going to vote for
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
While there are good points made by others who came before me, I'm going to add my own spin on why this vote is likely to work out well for us.
First and foremost, is that our status amongst these nobles is pretty much directly linked to Cai. We reflect on her on how we act right now because we are her retainer. Taking charge and helping to protect the other bait members has the potential to create a narrative where the retainers of Cai are willing to suffer more risk if it enables them to protect other nobles. This runs in direct contrast with the narrative that the Chu seemed to have spun for themselves where they shoved the risk on others to protect themselves. This has the potential to be seen as a key contrast between the prior rulers and the current rulers, which will only help the Cai narrative.
Second, is that this is the chance to be the center of attention for about 12 nobles from the east, and to demonstrate our prowess in combat. To expand on being the center of attention, this is a prime situation to get people discussing us positively in the rumor mill. We won't be making any connections or allies, but some positive talk amongst the Inner Sect students can only help us either stem the tide of negative gossip or even start reversing that trend.
Third, this is another situation to demonstrate why we were chosen to be Cai's retainer. We've only been in the Inner sect for 6 months, and already we are Green 3 and coming along to Bronze 3. This is a chance to highlight the difference between our talent and others. While I feel this could stoke the envy of the other nobles, I would note that by the time we left the outer sect we were at fearful respect with those students rather than envy. Demonstrating the gulf between our talent, abilities, and drive between us and others who made it into the inner sect could create more envy or start turning that envy into respect.
Fourth, I'm not sure I want to develop connections with this particular group of people at the moment. The individuals who seem key are Luo, Alingge, and Wu Jing. Luo seems open to forming some connections but is withholding judgment and Wu Jing seems like he would be difficult to make a connection with. Furthermore, the people who would have wanted a competitive hunt would be the people more likely to avoid being the bait which could make social attempts among the strikers to be difficult. We are already making some strides with Alingge, but I believe that we've reached the limit of what we could do with her at the moment.
All in all, I feel that with the direction we have chosen, that playing the bait at this stage would do more to further our goals than trying to break the ice.
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
While there are good points made by others who came before me, I'm going to add my own spin on why this vote is likely to work out well for us.
First and foremost, is that our status amongst these nobles is pretty much directly linked to Cai. We reflect on her on how we act right now because we are her retainer. Taking charge and helping to protect the other bait members has the potential to create a narrative where the retainers of Cai are willing to suffer more risk if it enables them to protect other nobles. This runs in direct contrast with the narrative that the Chu seemed to have spun for themselves where they shoved the risk on others to protect themselves. This has the potential to be seen as a key contrast between the prior rulers and the current rulers, which will only help the Cai narrative.
Second, is that this is the chance to be the center of attention for about 12 nobles from the east, and to demonstrate our prowess in combat. To expand on being the center of attention, this is a prime situation to get people discussing us positively in the rumor mill. We won't be making any connections or allies, but some positive talk amongst the Inner Sect students can only help us either stem the tide of negative gossip or even start reversing that trend.
Third, this is another situation to demonstrate why we were chosen to be Cai's retainer. We've only been in the Inner sect for 6 months, and already we are Green 3 and coming along to Bronze 3. This is a chance to highlight the difference between our talent and others. While I feel this could stoke the envy of the other nobles, I would note that by the time we left the outer sect we were at fearful respect with those students rather than envy. Demonstrating the gulf between our talent, abilities, and drive between us and others who made it into the inner sect could create more envy or start turning that envy into respect.
Fourth, I'm not sure I want to develop connections with this particular group of people at the moment. The individuals who seem key are Luo, Alingge, and Wu Jing. Luo seems open to forming some connections but is withholding judgment and Wu Jing seems like he would be difficult to make a connection with. Furthermore, the people who would have wanted a competitive hunt would be the people more likely to avoid being the bait which could make social attempts among the strikers to be difficult. We are already making some strides with Alingge, but I believe that we've reached the limit of what we could do with her at the moment.
All in all, I feel that with the direction we have chosen, that playing the bait at this stage would do more to further our goals than trying to break the ice.
- Location
- The Temple of the Winds
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
It's better to showcase Ling Qi's strength than her weakness(es).
[edit] I have to agree with Thor: i have not seen anything that makes me want to form social connections with this group of people.
It's better to showcase Ling Qi's strength than her weakness(es).
[edit] I have to agree with Thor: i have not seen anything that makes me want to form social connections with this group of people.
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- Location
- Staring into the void
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
- Location
- The United States
- Pronouns
- He/They
In a vote as close as this, there's only one thing to do.
[X] yrsillar
[X] yrsillar
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Fixed that for you
Really though, Jian having a spirit that outranks him and barely listens to him is probably more than enough. Stacking the deck for his stealth focused second by giving him a mirage lion seems too perfect a chance to miss.
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
Not the best for socialising but I'm happy just showing up, looking for positive/neutral connections rather than deep ones. At this point I think dog boy's put the weight of the choice on Ling Qi's shoulders so I'm more concerned with the plan we presented going off without a hitch. I want us where we'll be most effective.
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Black Noise
Curious
- Location
- About 1AU from Sol
[x] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
I knew this would be the outcome, and I maintain that our previous decision was a mistake. Or at least significantly squandering an opportunity to stretch Ling Qi's group socialization skills and measure their limits for both the players and Ling Qi herself. There was a rare opportunity for growth- we rarely have this kind of social opportunity put on the table because of Ling Qi's peculiarities- and it got skipped over, which is just a huge shame in the context of her character and SCS's Domain insight. Ling Qi did not challenge herself, and there's a chance this has only hardened the underlying impediments. She is, after all, a creature born of our choices for her, and we don't actually have the granularity to pick one thing and then the other a "next time" that never comes. It's been a damn waste of the event so far, is what I'm saying.
However, this decision does not exist without the context created by the last, and the calculus has been significantly shifted. When the leading criticism of the choice we made is risk to those with the lower cultivation, it would look dumb to distance ourself from the front line. It would then look like complete idiotic cowardice when our bow attacks turned out to be running Yellow realm art potency. This wouldn't be approachable vulnerability, it'd be embarrassing assholery. With an arts-active approach, our raw bow skill can't make up for the art gap. Additionally, it spits in the face of the very premise of Alingge's advocacy for a dangerous foe, as we'd be explicitly not taking it or the hunt seriously as a risk to the group. Putting our weaker foot forward on purpose is a worst of all worlds choice.
Plus, one of these options has stealth, so I'm picking it.
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
Now imagine, as you allude to, if she'd taken all that information she gleaned and actually been allowed to try doing something with it. Yes, I'm still mad.
However, this decision does not exist without the context created by the last, and the calculus has been significantly shifted. When the leading criticism of the choice we made is risk to those with the lower cultivation, it would look dumb to distance ourself from the front line. It would then look like complete idiotic cowardice when our bow attacks turned out to be running Yellow realm art potency. This wouldn't be approachable vulnerability, it'd be embarrassing assholery. With an arts-active approach, our raw bow skill can't make up for the art gap. Additionally, it spits in the face of the very premise of Alingge's advocacy for a dangerous foe, as we'd be explicitly not taking it or the hunt seriously as a risk to the group. Putting our weaker foot forward on purpose is a worst of all worlds choice.
Plus, one of these options has stealth, so I'm picking it.
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
But... it's doing exactly what its description suggests it would do. Practically verbatim, in fact.
Now imagine, as you allude to, if she'd taken all that information she gleaned and actually been allowed to try doing something with it. Yes, I'm still mad.
[X] Ling Qi would stay and hide herself with the other archers, she had already showed off in helping Alingge quickly isolate their target. Now was the time to catch up on her original goals.
Well, I may be the only one to vote for it, but this is what I think is the right call.
I think this business of "oh, Ling Qi is an asshole if she doesn't play bait; everyone will resent and hate her for it and the other bait will die and it will be terrible" is kind of ridiculous fearmongering.
Well, I may be the only one to vote for it, but this is what I think is the right call.
I think this business of "oh, Ling Qi is an asshole if she doesn't play bait; everyone will resent and hate her for it and the other bait will die and it will be terrible" is kind of ridiculous fearmongering.
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EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
- Location
- Earth
[x] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Ling Qi would stay and hide herself with the other archers, she had already showed off in helping Alingge quickly isolate their target. Now was the time to catch up on her original goals.
You thought Link Qi's original goals were socialization, but it was I, ARCHERY!
You thought Link Qi's original goals were socialization, but it was I, ARCHERY!
It would be fine if her performance in the archer group wouldn't be solidly in the bottom, like, fifth. But it probably will be, because arts matter a lot, and I doubt people without relevant archery arts are going to make up that group when we're hunting something of this strength. It'll make her look dumb to anyone who notices. The previous choice just kind of ruined the social route, at least for now. I'm expecting for the rest of the event, honestly, but that's speculation.
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.
I'm not sure if a bunch of green 1s and 2s are gonna have archery arts much better than FSA if it isn't their specialty
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- She/They
[X] Ling Qi would stay and hide herself with the other archers, she had already showed off in helping Alingge quickly isolate their target. Now was the time to catch up on her original goals.
This isn't a battle, we don't need to protect people who are here by their own choice. I'm going to trust Sixiang on this- we are here to improve that -2 ranking, let's not be the standoffish hypercompetent one that nobody knows or likes. We are going to be dealing with these people for hundreds of years, by cultivator life spans, let's maybe treat them as more important than the risk if a day at the healer's hall?
I'm also suspicious of this constant pushing of leadership decisions to us- it smells of baiting us to make the expedition all about us. I'd like to step out of that limelight. Let's flip the script: make this about them impressing us. That's the dynamic we need to end up with as Cai's retainer, right?
So, treat the hunt as the diversion it is and don't sacrifice the primary goal for a tertiary one.
This isn't a battle, we don't need to protect people who are here by their own choice. I'm going to trust Sixiang on this- we are here to improve that -2 ranking, let's not be the standoffish hypercompetent one that nobody knows or likes. We are going to be dealing with these people for hundreds of years, by cultivator life spans, let's maybe treat them as more important than the risk if a day at the healer's hall?
I'm also suspicious of this constant pushing of leadership decisions to us- it smells of baiting us to make the expedition all about us. I'd like to step out of that limelight. Let's flip the script: make this about them impressing us. That's the dynamic we need to end up with as Cai's retainer, right?
So, treat the hunt as the diversion it is and don't sacrifice the primary goal for a tertiary one.
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EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
I had a feeling that Luo wouldn't be participating. He be too powerful for that and too large a gap between them. At the same time, I'm surprised that we're fighting Threshold. I thought it was gonna be something like Framing.
Also
Also
Would this be that deer we encountered during one of our missions
- Location
- United States of America
I can only assume so. We've encountered two cyan level beasts: Zeqing and the Moon Deer.
eternal-potato
He who vegetates
- Location
- Moscow
[X] Ling Qi would take the role of bait, it was the best use of her abilities within the limitations of the hunt. It would be more impressive and she was suited to protecting the other 'bait' cultivators.