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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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Welp, guess it's time for strategic vote adjustments. Which because of the excessive power vested in me has dramatic effects :V

But hey, my biggest priority is upping Sixiang's ability to do Dream shift shenanigans and project themselves so I'll totally assassinate competition if I have to :p

(give sixiang a cool talisman guys they deserve it)

[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Liminal Scrying Mirror
-[X]Enhances scrying and allows one to peer and step into the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.
 
[x] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Flask of Spirits (for Sixiang)
-[X] Improves Dispel. If someone actually imbibes a significant amount from it all their effects are Dispelled and they immediately fall asleep. This has no effect on Cyan or above.
 
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naths said:
this is a really major downside. It makes using it during a combat situation or if there is any danger around really really dangerous for us.
I understand that this is meant as a last ditch dispel thing to use on Ling Qi if she is badly poisoned, but if there is still danger around (like the time we took the knife for example) or if we are still mid-combat then this is un-usable. the side-effect is actually worse in those scenarios than staying poisoned. It is important to understand that dispells are still stat-based contests, so there is a chance that this also ends with Ling Qi poisoned and asleep, which would be really bad.
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The intent would be that this would be a complete purge of all effects on our person or cast by us. If it isn't Cyan then its gone.

That said, with Erebeal's changed vote, this has no chance of winning.
 
JohnnieBoy123 said:
The intent would be that this would be a complete purge of all effects on our person or cast by us. If it isn't Cyan then its gone.

That said, with Erebeal's changed vote, this has no chance of winning.
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we cannot actually make 'it purges everything under cyan' a certainty, even with such a big downside.
It would still be a contestable effect, like any other. It might be very good but not unbeatable. And most importantly it changes nothing about being asleep being too much of a downside.

Like, i understand what you are going for and i actually like the concept in principle. I think the base concept is really cool.
I just think that even considering the major upsides you are going for, 'being forced asleep' is too much of a downside on a combat oriented talisman
 
NoxOfUmbra said:
Erebal has much power right now
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You all brought this upon yourselves! I didn't ask for it! \o/

Huh, looks like the two scrying options are now neck and neck. People might want to ask which one they prefer - more scry focus or being able to look into the Liminal...

Adhoc vote count started by Erebeal on Dec 20, 2020 at 3:36 PM, finished with 180 posts and 72 votes.
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[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.

[X][talisman] A triptych of a misty forest. If one looks closely perhaps they will see a small quartet of misty figures in the distance of the woods.
-[X] When sung too the triptych absorbs the sounds. A short while after the song ends the triptych will sing back to the user. It seems to be a way to study your own songs. The triptych does not hold onto the song for more than an hour.
 
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[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

my talisman idea:
Foreboding chime
+ perception The chimme rings when dark thoughts are in the vicinity of the bearer, giving them a light warning. also enchances the range of musical arts slightly.

my talisman vote:
[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.

[X][talisman] A Loupe with several lens options
-[X] Craft and Formations
 
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[X][talisman] A triptych of a misty forest. If one looks closely perhaps they will see a small quartet of misty figures in the distance of the woods.
-[X] When sung to the triptych absorbs the sounds. A short while after the song ends the triptych will sing back to the user. It seems to be a way to study your own songs. The triptych does not hold onto the song for more than an hour.

[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)
 
[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm
[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream
[X][talisman] A triptych of a misty forest. If one looks closely perhaps they will see a small quartet of misty figures in the distance of the woods.
-[X] When sung too the triptych absorbs the sounds. A short while after the song ends the triptych will sing back to the user. It seems to be a way to study your own songs. The triptych does not hold onto the song for more than an hour.
[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.
 
[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)
 
[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

In the end it feels like the Weilu geneology vs Mistress Lei vote came down to Meng favour vs musical upgrade. May as well take advantage I suppose.
 
[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Liminal Scrying Mirror
-[X]Enhances scrying and allows one to peer and step into the Liminal Realm


[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.

Hmmm I like and they seem to fit things the Hui would have but I'm going to have to think about which scrying set I like more.
 
yrsillar said:
Despite her words, Ling Qi did want to look into it further. Many of the jade slips recorded performances, poetry and songs. While they didn't seem to contain techniques or Arts obviously, she could tell that there were insights to be found. As a musician, she had the itch to study the scores and the meter, but she just didn't have time right now.
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Yes. Good. Mooorrre insight potential

yrsillar said:
They contained teachings on the crafting and modification of arts, and even a cursory glance had shown that their lessons were far deeper than the basic instruction offered by her Sect lessons. There was musing on the shape of meridians, on insights and tribulations and breakthroughs that she knew she would want to study more closely later.
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I wonder how much of this will affect some of the mechanics (or if it will be affected at all)

yrsillar said:
"Heh, I know that look. Found something you like this time huh?" Sixiang chuckled.

"Maybe," Ling Qi said. The jade was partially locked, revealing only a few tantalizing bits of information, it was the a recipe for a potent breakthrough elixir meant to aid in achieving the fourth realm and the opening of the middle dantian. Heart's Dream elixir it was called.

But the information encoded within was clouded from her sight. It was going to take time to puzzle through, but even what scraps she could make out told her that it's ingredients would not be easy to acquire. It looked like she might have picked up a new long term project to be done with Suyin.
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Always a good thing to have a Suyin plot going on. Looking forward to hanging out with her again. Also breakthrough elixirs!

yrsillar said:
"Any luck yet?" Ling Qi asked, turning back to Meng Dan. He had fallen back into a chair at some point, with Yinhui perched on its arm. The book lay open in his lap and a pile of densely written notes had begun to pile up beside his chair.

"I have begun to gain a picture of events," Meng Dan said with some satisfaction. "The minor civil strife which ended the High King's rule, the passing of his grandchildren into the care of other tribes…. I have traced a few generations, they seem to have been on the winning side of the mason's war at least. Sign's seem to indicate that their blood concentrated in the southwest. There may be some connection to the fallen Li."

"Is that bad?" Ling Qi asked. "That's still the dead end problem again."

"Ah, but both my family and the Diao adopted refugees from that clan when absorbing their lands," Meng Dan said cheerfully. "Not to mention intermarriages. If I am correct, our argument remains solid."

"Good," Ling Qi said in relief. "Do you need anymore help, or should I head out and let Lady Cai know that the organization is mostly done?"
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In other words, we're no longer spouting BS claims. We have actual grounds now :V

yrsillar said:
"A small gift, Miss Ling," he said, dipping his head. "While I acknowledge your earlier words…"

Ling Qi took the paper as he spoke, glancing down to see names and deeds. A musician in court of the second Weilu duke, a brave general who had been lauded for saving a burgeoning city from an eruption of malignant spirits, and playwright whose performances were in circulation until their loss in the disappearance were the first to catch her eye. There more than a half dozen others as well. They were not dukes or provincial heroes or truly notable historical figures, but at a glance, they seemed good people at least.

"...I do not believe it is a good thing to dismiss one's ancestry wholesale. Many of our predecessors were foul, this is true, but many were admirable as well," Meng Dan said. "A single man is not a family tree."

Ling Qi paused. She had already dismissed thoughts of ancestry from her head. It was a curio, she had thought, no reason to give it more thought than that. "There was no need."

There really was no harm in knowing she supposed.

"I am being somewhat presumptuous, I know," Meng Dan shrugged. "Putting my own belief upon you. But I think it is a sad thing to have no roots."
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I really like that Meng Dan went out of his way to do this even though Ling Qi doesn't care about her ancestry. He's now a good boi in my books.

yrsillar said:
Under the dark canopy of the valley, lit by the fey lights and the eyes of the wood spirits lurking among every bough, were spiders in their thousands. They stood in a glistening castle of webbing, woven among millenia old trees. In the center, hovering above the form of a great brown spider the size of s small house, Cai Renxiang burned like a star with wings of radiance on her shoulders.

The spiders bowed, one and all, pressing their bodies to the ground, to the webs, to the branches. A gesture of supplication, obvious despite their inhuman frames.
"Negotiations are complete then. The House of Cai accepts your reparations and your oaths," Cai Renxiang said.

...Well, it looked like they both had some things to share.
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Looks like someone's been employing some Caiplomacy.
 
[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] Jade Moon Pendant
-[X] A disk of white and violet jade forming a thin crescent, hanging on a dark blue silk string.
-[X] Short range rechargeable escape talisman
My entry is the kind of treasure you would give to your silkpants descendant, a talisman that can be recharged with spirit stones and thus convert wealth into distance. Great for creating heart-rending moments.

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Liminal Scrying Mirror
-[X]Enhances scrying and allows one to peer and step into the Liminal Realm
 
[X] Claim the tapestry as part of your share and give the Meng right of first refusal(-.5 multiplier to loot auction value. +1 Meng opinion)

[X][talisman] A mirror that appears full of shimmering mist
-[X] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

[X][talisman] Dream Drenched Compass:
-[X] Perceptiveness, Survival: A Navigational aid for use in the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Liminal Scrying Mirror
-[X]Enhances scrying and allows one to peer and step into the Liminal Realm

[X][talisman] Practicioner's Divining Rings, a set of large inscribed rings that offer much of the benefit of a more traditional stationary scrying setup for the practitioner on the move.
-[X] When channeling a divination art across the rings, they serve to stabilize and enhance the connection offering the user much finer control, and additionally aid in piercing any illusions or barriers that may bar one's sight.
 
Bleargh, I'm really having regrets about the design of my talisman there. I don't think a mirror is really a good fit. Like, it's supposed to be a talisman for enhancing Dream shifting abilities like Sixiang's - it's not a tool like the scrying mirror.

Really feeling like going back to my original idea for the talisman design there, which was a pearl - perhaps reminiscent of Heizui's big green orb:

[] Dreampearl: A fist-sized pearl that shimmers with the colours of the rainbow and doesn't seem to be entirely there...
-[] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

Of course, changing it at this point would be risky, even with me commanding like 8 votes... Thoughts? Would people be interested in changing the design there?
 
Erebeal said:
Bleargh, I'm really having regrets about the design of my talisman there. I don't think a mirror is really a good fit. Like, it's supposed to be a talisman for enhancing Dream shifting abilities like Sixiang's - it's not a tool like the scrying mirror.

Really feeling like going back to my original idea for the talisman design there, which was a pearl - perhaps reminiscent of Heizui's big green orb:

[] Dreampearl: A fist-sized pearl that shimmers with the colours of the rainbow and doesn't seem to be entirely there...
-[] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

Of course, changing it at this point would be risky, even with me commanding like 8 votes... Thoughts? Would people be interested in changing the design there?
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It may be too risky to change it now. I also don't quite understand the concern about the design. Mirrors have long been associated with strange dimensions and portals. It really doesn't seem that strange to me then that mirror would aid one doing activities involved in breaching dimensions.
 
Erebeal said:
Bleargh, I'm really having regrets about the design of my talisman there. I don't think a mirror is really a good fit. Like, it's supposed to be a talisman for enhancing Dream shifting abilities like Sixiang's - it's not a tool like the scrying mirror.

Really feeling like going back to my original idea for the talisman design there, which was a pearl - perhaps reminiscent of Heizui's big green orb:

[] Dreampearl: A fist-sized pearl that shimmers with the colours of the rainbow and doesn't seem to be entirely there...
-[] Enhances abilities that involve shifting things in and out of Dream

Of course, changing it at this point would be risky, even with me commanding like 8 votes... Thoughts? Would people be interested in changing the design there?
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Looks fine to me, honestly a Liminal/Material object that semi-dwells in both worlds is pretty rad just from the perspective of having it let alone it's utility.
 
Adhoc vote count started by GlassMask on Dec 21, 2020 at 1:57 AM, finished with 195 posts and 79 votes.
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Neshuakadal said:
It may be too risky to change it now. I also don't quite understand the concern about the design. Mirrors have long been associated with strange dimensions and portals. It really doesn't seem that strange to me then that mirror would aid one doing activities involved in breaching dimensions.
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As a tool, yes - but the idea here is more an enhancer of Dream abilities rather than a tool you're using to traverse realms. Like, it doesn't do anything if you don't have any Dream shifting abilities.
 
Erebeal said:
As a tool, yes - but the idea here is more an enhancer of Dream abilities rather than a tool you're using to traverse realms. Like, it doesn't do anything if you don't have any Dream shifting abilities.
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You can probably fix the dissonance there by cleaning up the description. Something like, "The mirror greatly weakens the liminal barrier around it allowing the holder to more easily step between the realms." Or something.

Basically I think the problem you are having with the talisman could be fixed by tweaking its description to make it clearer as to its purpose.
 
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A mirror just doesn't fit Sixiang's aesthetics and abilities all that well, in my opinion. They're a muse and an artist. Where does a mirror enter into that? Yes, mirrors are associated with movement between realms and all that, but that's more of a broadly Liminal thing than anything well-suited for Sixiang the Dreaming Muse. It'd be great for a Twin/Reflecting Moons spirit, but they're not that.

For instance, how does a mirror, on a practical level, interact with Sixiang's dragging other people into a pocket of manifested Dream? Currently, it's kind of a flashy entrance/performance/dance routine, which fits Sixiang's whole thing. When bringing an implement into it, you need to consider how that implement actually integrates into a character's methods. Does the frame of the mirror expand, swallowing the target? Now it looks like a Mirror ability, not a Dreaming ability. Does Sixiang just kind of hold it while working their magic? It's not really doing anything mirrorlike, then, so why be a mirror at all? It's just awkward.

The pearl isn't great in my opinion either, but at least it doesn't bring tangential aesthetics into conflict with Sixiang's own. Which segues into other thoughts of mine I'll put in its own post.
 
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