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The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)

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UlseDovThur said:
So can we stop with the utterly ridiculous "Mo is a bad person who will inevitably betray us because, ooohhh she's a mean noble lady person " paranoia garbage?
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Of course we could. Should we? Probably not, especially since the grand total outcome it's had has been…convincing some people we should try to make inroads with Zhuan?

We're not exactly deep in the realm of maladaptive behavior here.


dingdonghadron said:
Look, if the example you're going to put out there is "Quest Bad End: Roll credits" I mean, yeah, sure, but really KZ has bigger problems at that point.
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Bad end? What?

Kong Ru didn't raise no bitch.
 
flotter said:
Turn on him? Not necessarily. Make deals that constantly leave Zhi with the short stick? Absolutely. This tournament judging is arguably a big one, considering that the vote for it never listed concrete rewards and the only thing we got as a direct result was a favor. After we had already voted and agreed to do it. And favors are valuable sure, but they can only be redeemed once, and Mo knows that Geng has made himself our problem, so she probably the general idea of what we we'd request.

In exchange we are spending our time and showing up in person to judge who will be her pet crafter. (1) That nets her prestige as well, both personal in that she could pull us, and for her project, since it they can say that the best charmcrafter in the circle vetted them. (2)

The actual competition itself is a bonus for her as well. With a charmcrafter certified by the best, she can pour money into getting them up to snuff and then reliably and cheaply get charms from someone who has unquestionable loyalty to her. Pretty important. (3) AND she made sure to retain the losers of this bracket, so she'll have a good spread of skills she can call on. They will also be loyal. (4)

If you've been keeping count, you'll notice we get 1 thing while Mo has managed to get 4. It's not even necessarily malicious! It's just that Mo can always leverage superior money and status to outgrow us, and leave us dependent or socially crippled. And that's not ok! Even if she leaves us personally unharmed being dependent on her is horrible because she can then yank your chain wherever she pleases. 300 words G'night.
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I'll just point out that she would have gotten 3 and 4 whether we agreed to judge or not. And I would argue that 1 and 2 are just two parts of the same thing so in reality she gets 1 and we get 1.

Moreover don't try and frame this as her short changing us on this deal. We understood the situation and agreed regardless so if you have an issue with how this deal was set up then that issue is with the threads decision making, not Mo.
Van Ropen said:
Of course we could. Should we? Probably not, especially since the grand total outcome it's had has been…convincing some people we should try to make inroads with Zhuan?

We're not exactly deep in the realm of maladaptive behavior here.



Bad end? What?

Kong Ru didn't raise no bitch.
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You say that like associating with Mo and Zhuan are mutually exclusive. If we can find the time I'd be all for chatting up Zhuan. We've just been rather busy and we already know Mo so obviously we went to her before Zhuan to help deal with the Geng situation.
 
Lampshade said:
Indeed, betrayal would be completely illogical in this situation.

Thought the frog about the scorpion.
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By all means, why don't you answer my previous question. What is a believable scenario in which Mo turns on Zhi right now? What feasible motivation could she have to do so? Go on. I'll wait.

Something a bit more substantial beyond "ooohhh, mean scorpion lady will betray us cause she's a meany" would be nice.
 
nothingtoseehere said:
Some people really doesn't like female characters with lives and motivations outside the protagonist, apparently.
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Nah. Literally all of our closest friends are those.


Meanwhile, simping isn't actually respect :V

UlseDovThur said:
the same thing so in reality she gets 1 and we get 1.

Moreover don't try and frame this as her short changing us on this deal. We understood the situation and agreed regardless so if you have an issue with how this deal was set up then that issue is with the threads decision making, not Mo.
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This is just it. We agreed, and thankfully the thread understands the nature of our relationship…and set up rules that allowed us to embezzle some mundane crafting supplies.

Good! Our relationship remains positive, and we're leveraging it properly to get more out of it. The way she does. That's only possible as long as we remained clear-eyed about what the nature of that relationship is: investment first, cool to chat with second. I don't know what you mean in terms of Zhuan and Mo being exclusive, I've never suggested that. People brought up getting in good with Zhuan so we're less dependent upon Mo, and apparently that's upsetting because she's such a boon companion that she'd never get rid of us?

You keep acting like it's crazy that Zhi could end up being a liability at some point, and I don't understand how when we're constantly doing stupid/dangerous things - channeling Time, fighting overpowered foes, picking fights with real nobles, etc.
 
Pretty much, Mo will help us as long as it helps her. If we become an liability and bad investment, she will drop us. Any hypothetical friendship is secondary to how useful we are. We can make the relationship work but as long as we are aware what it actually is and keep our eyes open. Take the crippling thing for example, Zhi is an protagonist, he can probably work past any such crippling with enough effort, but Mo doesn't know that, she might just drop us because she believes we can't.

Some of our other friends on the other hand would help us regardless of how useful it is to them.
 
[X] Plan Victory Feast

While I would have liked to go have a spa day with our recent victory, I think that it would be a waste not to spend some time with Ming Hui while our venison is still fresh. And idk if JS and XY are the people I wanna take the hot springs trip with, but they are totally reasonable
 
For Fa's Axe I was thinking more on the likes of this:

Name: Blade of the Hunt
Materials: Shell Fragment (Beast 14), A Still Shaking Anvil (Steel/Force 7), Brass Knocker (Force 3), Snake Mother's Skin (Beast 14), The Monster's Bones (Steel 16)
Design: Use the material of the Knocker to make a pommel, The Anvil Head for the Blade, The Monster's Bones for the shaft, The Snake Mother's Skin to wrap the shaft and the Shell Fragment to envolve the Blade
Effect: Every time an enemy is hit by the axe, his siluette appears in the blade, with each consecutive hit the image becomes clearer and the Axe gets more sharp and deadly, once the image is in full view the Axe can dispatch a final blow to hunt it's enemies, then the image fades and the process starts again.

Thanks to Chui Dao this design will only take aboutg 2-3 actions to craft.
 
Hanying will drop our ass the moment we push any further against Geng. If we make an 'unwise' decision to get Nokai free of his clan, she'll drop us. The moment that any other Kong does something that gets the clan in trouble, she will drop us. Remember that Mo is just one member of a very powerful and politically motivated clan. The choice may not even come from her, but if it is made, that's that. Every action or sacrifice made to get her help is worthless. I have no problem using Mo as she uses us, but she is not a friend. She is a patron, and any relationship with her must be carefully evaluated and managed.
 
For all those of you thinking we have not benefited with our friendship with Mo and taking everything that is happening for granted...

We showed up to the public 2 times, once to fight in hand to hand combat and once in a charm battle. While admittedly we did an impressive showing, why does everyone outright believe we are the best? It is because of Mo framing us to look good.

Also, if everyone believes we are so good why have we not been harassed more? I am betting that might be because of behind the scene actions . I could be wrong, however I think this is because of our connections.

Please considering the earlier actions based on before and after we became friends.

Lets take Geng for example, does he seem like the person to wait to take actions if he can help it?
NO. He immediately tries to ambush and take what he wants.
He is getting pot shots out of Mo's view, and I am betting Mo's connections are greater then his which is why he is cautious.

@Vesvius would you be able to confirm or deny about behind the scenes actions?
 
Now that I think about it, we REALLY should use the bath... I'm proposing a new plan that let's us hang out with our friends, cures our mental health, crafts a little and trains:


[X] Plan Mental Health and Train
-[] You are now a member of the Eighth Circle, and as such, your time is no longer your own. Elder Siani and his Caretakers require your service. (This action counts as 2 Actions. This action is mandatory.)
-[] Months ago, your first friendships within the Delving Heart were formed over sparring on a training ground. Much has happened since then. But now that you've re-established good relations with every member of your old sparring group and the stress put on new Eight Circle Disciples seems to have abated, perhaps it's time to exercise old habits. You will gather Xu Yun, Mei Daiyu, and Jai Fa and return to the sparring ground once more. (Costs 2 Actions)
-[] You've recently discovered the location of the Glorious Respite, or rather the Bathhouse as some of your seniors know it. You will head there and use it's refreshing springs to cleanse your mind of troubles. (Counts as Two Actions. Removes one box of mental stress. Up to two disciples may be invited on this trip, with a roll determining if they accept.)
--[] Invite Xu Yun and Jai Shouxi
-[] Your puzzle has taken shape beneath your skilled hands, but it is not yet perfect. You will continue honing your creation until it's glory reflects that which you see in your mind. X2
-[] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
--[] Second in Eternity
---[] Shatter the Mirror
 
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gamer said:
Lets take Geng for example, does he seem like the person to wait to take actions if he can help it?
NO. He immediately tries to ambush and take what he wants.
He is getting pot shots out of Mo's view, and I am betting Mo's connections are greater then his which is why he is cautious.
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We know that Geng is looking for better fighters, and we know that last time we saw him it was Mughi who stopped Geng from trying his luck. We're not out of the woods yet with him. And we know that he's taking potshots. Mo's roommate has been front and center getting them.
 
[X] Plan: Bathhouse friendship before getting to work
-[X] You are now a member of the Eighth Circle, and as such, your time is no longer your own. Elder Siani and his Caretakers require your service. (This action counts as 2 Actions. This action is mandatory.)
-[X] You've recently discovered the location of the Glorious Respite, or rather the Bathhouse as some of your seniors know it. You will head there and use it's refreshing springs to cleanse your mind of troubles. (Counts as Two Actions. Removes one box of mental stress. Up to two disciples may be invited on this trip, with a roll determining if they accept.) (Costs 2 Actions)
--[X] Invite Mo Hanying and Jai Shouxi and explain the rules.
-[X] Ming Hui has a trial from his court approaching, one that requires pairing dishes with the perfect beverage. As such, his menu needs fine tuning, and he would relish the chance to repay you for your aid with a hot meal.
--[X] You have recently procured some spirit venison! Surely he could cook something wondrous up, and you can think of little better way to celebrate a victory than sharing a delicious meal with a friend?
-[X] Your puzzle has taken shape beneath your skilled hands, but it is not yet perfect. You will continue honing your creation until it's glory reflects that which you see in your mind. x3
-[X] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
--[X] Second in Eternity
---[X] Shatter the Mirror
-[X]Post a sect job to have A Dance at the Midnight Crossroads charged for you. (Free action)
--[X] Offer 8 points, plus 20% for the sect fee. 10 points total.


REASONING
I think Hanying and Shouxi would appreciate the spa benefits the most and I think they understand each other and we might learn something. Also want to find out if we gaine a mental stress box by having them together - FOR SCIENCE

The rest is obvious - Ming is a Bro and we got to finish up our outstanding projects so we can make the Jai Fa's weapon next

Edit: We can also always do sparring next week, no need to overdose by meeting everyone this week
 
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I think our relationship with Mo will be fine so long as we help her out once and a while, and don't do anything to torch our reputation.

Sure, we should still befriend Zhuan Kun, and keep an eye that Mo doesn't take too much off our plates. We need more than one Noble connection, and we'll need to set boundaries so we don't get taken advantage of.

That said, I doubt she'll up and stab us in the back. She's making political maneuvers that would increase her standing and capabilities in the Sect, while bolstering her family's reputation and connections. Remember, she's the diplomancer of the three nobles. You help her out with her goals, and she'll help you with hers.

Dropping us like a hot potato would be bad for business, unless it somehow helps her increase or maintain her capabilities and reputation.
 
gamer said:
Lets take Geng for example, does he seem like the person to wait to take actions if he can help it?
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But he did? His Clan sent the Kong's packing from General's Grave and its vicinity, a part of the Empire where the Kong's had hoped to make inroads and been working on for a while.

But yeah the fact that Mo is considered Kong Zhi's patron probably had a part in why he stayed his hands from violence at the confrontation. He could probably handle the fallout if Kong Zhi was just some guy 5-6 people knew.

[X] Plan Mental Health and Train
 
We have to always keep in mind that Mo is not a friend. She is a patron like the Medici during renaissance. She will throw Kong Zhi away if/when Kong Zhi is no longer worth the hassle for her or her family.
 

Another charm idea that would benefit Kong Zhi:
Materials: Ghastly Horns (Deception 18), Flowing Feathers of the Camel Turkey (Wind 4).
Design: Head Circlet.
Effect: The circlet messes with the target head, making them be confused of the type of attacks that Kong Zhi uses, if Zhi uses a Defender tech the enemy will think that he's using an Archer tech .
Basically the charm would make the enemie always use the incorrect type of tech so he's always at a disadvantage .
 
My own Jai Fa commission idea

Twin Bites of the Steel Moon (Kong Zhi name) aka The Divergent Blade (Jai Fa name) (Steel/Force 26)



Mats: A Still Shaking Anvil (Steel/Force 7), Brass Knocker (Force 3), The Monster's Bones (Steel 16)


Design: A double sided battle axe with each blade resembling a crescent moon. The Anvil is forged into the double sided axe blade, with the Monsters Bones serving as the handle and support of the Axe. The Brass Knocker is smelted down and used to join the two other items with the left over Brass used for inscriptions running up and down the handle and blade.



Effects: Every successful hit from the axe is followed up by a second Force Anam attack that mirrors the location and damage of the physical strike but ignores non-anam laced physical defenses. The second attack always lands .1 seconds after the first attack, and can cause massive internal damage/bleeding if not defended properly. Can result in weakening internal defenses and interrupting Anam channeling in the opponents it successfully hits.

The Steel Anam serves as a connection and stabilizer for the Force Anam, guiding it down the blade of the Axe and delivering the Force in a consistent and orderly form. The Force Anam provides the raw power behind the second strike and runs wild through the opponents body after being directed and constrained by the Steel Anam while in the Axe.

With enough Skill and Anam, the wielder can super charge the charm with more of their Anam and launch a Force Anam Blade Wave Projectile at medium range. The further the wave gets from the Steel Anam directing it within the blade, the weaker the Force Anam attack becomes as it dissipates, before dissolving harmlessly once it's past a certain distance (10m? Can increase with greater User skill)


Misc: A strong force multiplier charm for Jai Fa that weakens enemy defenses and can clear the chaff in one swing. Gives her a medium range attack as well for harder to reach enemies. A build target of 26 let's us finish the crafting in one action and the infusing in 1-2 actions with DD being possible in 2 extra actions, with the help of Chui Dao.



Inspiration: Divergent Fist from Jujutsu Kaisen
 
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UlseDovThur said:
Something a bit more substantial beyond "ooohhh, mean scorpion lady will betray us cause she's a meany" would be nice.
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You seem really focused on this whole mean person thing, which denigrates the real prevalent argument that she doesn't seem to understand interpersonal relationships the same way we do.

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and in the case of an ambitious, high-ranking noble with a love for scheming and opaque motivations, the worst is complete ruin.
UlseDovThur said:
By all means, why don't you answer my previous question. What is a believable scenario in which Mo turns on Zhi right now? What feasible motivation could she have to do so? Go on. I'll wait.
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Geng offers her a favour from his father that he saved up, one with value that far exceeds anything Zhi might accomplish during his stay within the Heart.

Her parents order her to do so, because associating with a barbarian and a disfigured artist is too much for her reputation.

She finds out that Zhi ruined the charm she was about to use in the competition and assumes it was personal.

Corvo Montés said:
For Fa's Axe I was thinking more on the likes of this: Name: Blade of the Hunt
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Neat, but I was hoping we could make her something more fancy . . . force and steel are a must, but beyond that, the Royalty anam that we are abotu to go looking for just seems like an obvious choice.

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As for the bath, is there really a hard limit of 2? We could just make it simple and take the sparring group.
 
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Flashforward: Through the use of an advanced, high tier version of Shatter the Mirror, we can all look into the Dramatis Personae list of an indeterminate time in the future....

Mo Hanying (6*): Your beloved wife, you've been through countless trials and have resolved to take your steps on the unending path together.

*Note: Hanying loves you so much she breaks the standard -5 to +5 scale.

Meanwhile, some people in the future thread:

WhAt iF sHe baCksTabs? Mo iS tOo TraNsaCtiOnaL anD wiLl DuMp WHen cOnvEniEnT.

I almost feel like Mo should be a banned topic, because it really feels like no one can help themselves.



Anyway, Fa's axe.

Most are travelling down the Bones (16), Anvil (7) & Knocker (3) path, which seems adequate. FYI for those who aren't sure on what KZ has on hand.
Materials on Hand: Shell Fragment (Beast 14), Still Growing Sapling (Wood/Life 13), Vestige's Ice (Ice 8), A Still Shaking Anvil (Steel/Force 7), Flowing Feathers of the Camel Turkey (Wind 4), Ifeagrass (Blood 3), Brass Knocker (Force 3), Wool of a Verdant Ewe (Beast 2), Snake Mother's Skin (Beast 14), Desiccated Poison Sacs (Poison 15/Hunger 5), The Phantom's Hide (Steel 21), Ghastly Horns (Deception 18), Cowardly Hooves x2 (Wood 10), The Monster's Bones (Steel 16), Meat of a Spirit Deer (Immortal Chef Material, Steel 12)
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I seriously think a market action to sell/trade-in some of these middle tier, along with KZ's moderately high amount of cash (5 talents, 30 or 38 points) should be considered just prior to starting the axe. I think it'd be good to get a little bit more Force in there if possible.

Yes, 1 action is a hefty spend, but it can accomplish multiple goals etc, and rolls the market gacha so who knows what good supplementary mats (or primary!) could show up.

@Cteatus // @Vesvius In 'Spinning Silver' we saw Shuren make 'silver thread' by ""I am spinning thread of silver," he replies. "I take the wool shorn from the Sun-Drenched Ewes outside and treat it with anam as the dust is added."" If KZ did the same thing with the Verdant Ewe wool & steel dust, would that be enough to make something like 'Steel Thread (Steel 2)', for like, axe handle wrapping?
 
If I may chime in on the topic of person vs political role.

While Mo's family is indeed politically active and ensured that she would be a political animal. However, they are also very politically active because her Father was the first in the family to make a name. So the politicking is a necessary, as their clan is behind the curve when it comes to making connections.

However, the Kongs are also up and coming. Plus, the mothers are now combining their forces. That shows that risk reward, the small scene of the sect and Zhi being risky for Mo leaving her to ditch Zhi would require not only an inconvenience, but an actual large scale cluster. And in that case, I think its safe to say that anyone with an ear to the ground would be worried/maybe distance (cough cough Shouxi)
 
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