Forge of Destiny(Xianxia Quest)

Personally, I thought we were taking Renxiang actions every week because we saw it was a good option, but only if Ling Qi started genuinely liking Cai and developing a proper relationship with her. It wasn't really that much of 'to see if this is a good option or not'. It pretty clearly was the best material option ever.

Gu Tai is different. Although people have argued to give him a chance to convince us, I don't think many are seriously arguing that going with him is an excellent choice for Ling Qi. As such, taking an action with him would, at best, be making a clear 'nah' option into a 'maybe'. Cai's option was always 'this sounds good, with caveats' so it just generally had a more positive impression than Gu Tai from the beginning, not just because Cai offered first.
 
To those who haven't checked the front page, we've officially maxed out manipulation and archery. This makes it so we've capped out both our attributes and skills for Music and Archery. Hopefully that gives a breakthrough bonus for both aspects...
 
I have updated the Combat Specs page since we now are capped on Archery and Manipulation, as well as have a powerful Larceny talisman. As always, please poke If I have missed something obvious.
 
Don't bonuses usually depend on Qi and Meridians? Hopefully we got enough of those - we need every bonus we can get.

Breakthrough bonuses are a large unknown. I asked Yrs questions about them and he told me "they're meant to be kept a mystery". So there are aspects of breakthroughs we likely don't know about. When we broke through to Yellow, none of our stats were maxed out. It's been a long running theory that maxing out skills or attributes gave you benefits when you break through, albeit there has been no confirmation since we only just started capping them.
 
The problem is that there is no viable alternative to crx.

I hate being fashion Hitlers private Gestapo as much as the next guy but there is simply nothing else.

Gu Tai involves a marriage Ling Qi doesnt want. She didnt even want the interview. Otherwise, exploring ancient ruins for loot and knowledge, part Tomb Raider part Magos Explarator part Monster Hunter sounds awesome. If they had offered to adopt us or even better simply offered a normal vassal pledge, I believe this option would lead.

The Bai option is straight out. If not for our sake than at the very least for the sake of Meizhen.

And the sect/empire hasnt offered anything beyond being a debtslave until our student loan is picked up. No wonder they havent produced anything worthwhile in a while, the greatest Clans seem to have first pick of talented minor / non-nobles disciples, approaching the most talented early when their loyalty is fairely cheap.

Waiting till green or till after getting into the inner sect, meaning till a disciple is proven, is a low risk approach that ensures that the sect wont waste any ressources on a failure, however, as CRXs tactic shows, risks other factions calling dibs. When we turn green and we are offered a position we will be talking to a total rando, who never cared for us before and is now pitted against the offer from a girl for whom we fought and bled ((and stole) a lot) and who invested in us for month, both in ressources and personal time.


Tldr,
We are most likely become Crxs vassel, not because we like the job so much but because we are dont have any other viable alternative.

Conclusion, the empire needs a fucking HR department.

In real world terms:

CRX invests in vocational training, recruitment scholarships, therefore investing in her own future with people like Gan and us.

The sect and empire waits for their unicorn. The extremely dedicated and efficient guy with a masters degree and 8 years of relevant work experience who desires nothing, absolutely nothing, more than to fill an entry level position in your company. (people like fu and medic su)

(crafting su is likely going to go hermit)
Adhoc vote count started by Kian on Jan 11, 2018 at 1:08 PM, finished with 467 posts and 84 votes.

  • [X] Plan: Last stop before Breakthrough Week 2.0
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green x2, if first fails, do Bronze instead)
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your Own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation x2)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
    [x] Plan Breakthrough: Start!
    -[x] Use from Inventory: Blood of Father Sky, Milk of Mother Earth, 3RSS, 1YSS
    -[x] Purchase and Use : 3RSS, 1YSS, Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), conditional pills listed below (20 RSS either way); Total: 57 RSS
    --[x] If cultivating spiritual: Flowing River Pills (6RSS), Soaring Spirits Pill (6RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS)
    --[x] if cultivating physical: White Hart Elixir (6RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS)
    -[x] Other Purchases: replace the Escape Talisman and anti-scry Talisman we used
    -[x] Breakthrough Priorities: Prioritize breaking through Green. In case of failure, wait until we've tried to recover; then continue. In case we can't proceed further towards Green due to either failure or success, start breaking through towards Bronze.
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x2
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x3
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x4
    -[x] Train at the vent with Su Ling
    --[x] (MAJOR) Cultivate Spiritual / Physical, as needed to recover if we fail a breakthrough attempt. Cultivate Spiritual if we succeed in all breakthrough attempts.
    --[x] (attached minor) Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    --[x] (attached minor) Work on formations with Li Suyin, with the Vault Warriors mastered, you can delve more deeply into the Pale Manual
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[x] (minor) Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    [X] Plan Our Friends Will Understand if We're Busy
    -[x] Use from Inventory: Blood of Father Sky, Milk of Mother Earth
    -[x] Purchase and Use if cultivating : 3RSS, 1YSS, Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS). Total: 37 RSS
    -[x] If cultivating spiritual: Flowing River Pills (6RSS), Soaring Spirits Pill (6RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS). Total: + 20 RSS
    -[x] if cultivating physical: White Hart Elixir (6RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS). Total: +20 RSS
    -[x] Enter Closed Door Cultivation
    -[x]breakthrough to spiritual until you need to cultivate spiritual a second time, then breakthrough to physical
    -[x]If cultivating either spiritual or physical back up to peak, cultivate at the vent with Su Ling
    --[x] (attached minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don;t know about each other
    --[x] (attached minor) Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    [X] Plan: Give the dude a chance
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: Your feelings regarding Gu Tai are... conflicted, maybe you should speak with him a bit. You know where he is staying.
    [X] Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    [X] Plan: Last stop before Breakthrough Week
    -[X] Expenses: 2 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 431 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Train at the Vent with Su Ling (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Argent Current)
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
    [X] Plan: Friendship takes effort
    -[X] Expenses: 2 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), = 81 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Train at the Vent with Su Ling (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Argent Current)
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    [X] Major: Attempt to placate the Dragon of the Valley
    --[X] Meizhen has done a lot for you, tell her about the Dragon and the Valley, let her do as she wants with it.
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[X] Look in on Su Ling and the Ma Sisters, see how they're getting alone
    [X] Plan Blockade, Barriers, Breakthrough
    -[X] Resources
    --[X] Used: Milk of Mother Earth; Blood of Father Sky; 3 RSS; 1 YSS
    --[X] Bought and Used: 1st level Earth and Fire pills (4 RSS); Gushing Spring Pill (2 RSS); Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS); 2nd Level Earth and Fire Pills (12 RSS); Steady Growth Pill (8 RSS); Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS)
    --[X] Total: Milk of Mother Earth; Blood of Father Sky; 1 YSS; 53 RSS
    --[X] EPC Successes: Abyssal Exhalation
    -[X] Majors
    --[X] Attempt Breakthrough
    ---[X] Green
    --[X] Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    --[X] Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    --[X] Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    --[X] Explore and Train with Golden Fields
    ---[X] Argent Current
    ---[X] Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him.
    --[X] Cultivate on your own
    ---[X] Abyssal Exhalation
    ---[X] Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    -[X] Minors
    [X] Plan: The power of Metal compel you
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Do a sect mission
    --[X] Wolves
    -[X] Major: Get a third floor art
    --[X] Musical art that use the metal element
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Abyssal Exhalation
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
 
We also have them maxed for stealth.

Obviously, I was talking about things that we've just maxed out. We've currently maxed out Dexterity, Manipulation, Stealth, Dodge, Archery, Expression. Athletics is only 3 points away, but quite a few of us just spent our points.
Adhoc vote count started by Codex on Jan 11, 2018 at 3:43 PM, finished with 549 posts and 95 votes.

  • [x] Plan Breakthrough: Start!
    -[x] Use from Inventory: Blood of Father Sky, Milk of Mother Earth, 3RSS, 1YSS
    -[x] Purchase and Use : 3RSS, 1YSS, Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), conditional pills listed below (20 RSS either way); Total: 57 RSS
    --[x] If cultivating spiritual: Flowing River Pills (6RSS), Soaring Spirits Pill (6RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS)
    --[x] if cultivating physical: White Hart Elixir (6RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS)
    -[x] Other Purchases: replace the Escape Talisman and anti-scry Talisman we used
    -[x] Breakthrough Priorities: Prioritize breaking through Green. In case of failure, wait until we've tried to recover; then continue. In case we can't proceed further towards Green due to either failure or success, start breaking through towards Bronze.
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x2
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x3
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x4
    -[x] Train at the vent with Su Ling
    --[x] (MAJOR) Cultivate Spiritual / Physical, as needed to recover if we fail a breakthrough attempt. Cultivate Spiritual if we succeed in all breakthrough attempts.
    --[x] (attached minor) Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    --[x] (attached minor) Work on formations with Li Suyin, with the Vault Warriors mastered, you can delve more deeply into the Pale Manual
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[x] (minor) Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    [X] Plan: Last stop before Breakthrough Week 2.0
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation,
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green x2, if first fails, do Bronze instead)
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Argent Current)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
    [X] Plan: Give the dude a chance
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: Your feelings regarding Gu Tai are... conflicted, maybe you should speak with him a bit. You know where he is staying.
    [X] Plan Our Friends Will Understand if We're Busy
    -[x] Use from Inventory: Blood of Father Sky, Milk of Mother Earth
    -[x] Purchase and Use if cultivating : 3RSS, 1YSS, Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS). Total: 37 RSS
    -[x] If cultivating spiritual: Flowing River Pills (6RSS), Soaring Spirits Pill (6RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS). Total: + 20 RSS
    -[x] if cultivating physical: White Hart Elixir (6RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS). Total: +20 RSS
    -[x] Enter Closed Door Cultivation
    -[x]breakthrough to spiritual until you need to cultivate spiritual a second time, then breakthrough to physical
    -[x]If cultivating either spiritual or physical back up to peak, cultivate at the vent with Su Ling
    --[x] (attached minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don;t know about each other
    --[x] (attached minor) Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    [X] Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    [X] Plan: Last stop before Breakthrough Week
    -[X] Expenses: 2 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 431 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Train at the Vent with Su Ling (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Argent Current)
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
    [X] Plan: Friendship takes effort
    -[X] Expenses: 2 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), = 81 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Green)
    -[X] Major: Attempt Breakthrough (Bronze)
    -[X] Major: Train at the Vent with Su Ling (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Argent Current)
    -[X] Major: Cultivate on your own (Recovery from possible Failed Breakthrough, Else, Abyssal Exhalation)
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    [X] Major: Attempt to placate the Dragon of the Valley
    --[X] Meizhen has done a lot for you, tell her about the Dragon and the Valley, let her do as she wants with it.
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[X] Look in on Su Ling and the Ma Sisters, see how they're getting alone
    [X] Plan Blockade, Barriers, Breakthrough
    -[X] Resources
    --[X] Used: Milk of Mother Earth; Blood of Father Sky; 3 RSS; 1 YSS
    --[X] Bought and Used: 1st level Earth and Fire pills (4 RSS); Gushing Spring Pill (2 RSS); Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS); 2nd Level Earth and Fire Pills (12 RSS); Steady Growth Pill (8 RSS); Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS)
    --[X] Total: Milk of Mother Earth; Blood of Father Sky; 1 YSS; 53 RSS
    --[X] EPC Successes: Abyssal Exhalation
    -[X] Majors
    --[X] Attempt Breakthrough
    ---[X] Green
    --[X] Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    --[X] Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    --[X] Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    --[X] Explore and Train with Golden Fields
    ---[X] Argent Current
    ---[X] Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him.
    --[X] Cultivate on your own
    ---[X] Abyssal Exhalation
    ---[X] Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    -[X] Minors
    [X] Plan: The power of Metal compel you
    -[X] Expenses: 3 YSS, 3 RSS, First Level Earth/Water/Fire Pills, (6 RSS), Flowing Rivers Pill (6 RSS), Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS), Soaring Charm (300 RSS), Blinding Fate Charm (50 RSS): Total Cost: 441 RSS
    -[X] EPC Bonuses: Abyssal Exhalation, Argent Vent Bonus: Argent Current
    -[X] Major: Do a sect mission
    --[X] Wolves
    -[X] Major: Get a third floor art
    --[X] Musical art that use the metal element
    -[X] Major: Do a favor for Fu Xiang
    --[X] How Many(3), but be willing to stop if the reroll is used too soon.
    -[X] Major: Abyssal Exhalation
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
    -[X] Major: Cull the Black Soil Worm Population
    --[X] Attached Minor: Zhengui is up and around again and didn't get to do much on the raid. Go hunting with him
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[X] Minor: You've learned what you can from simply observing Cai Renxiang. Ask her about the capital and about herself
    [x] Plan Spa Treatment
    -[x] Use from Inventory: 3RSS, 1YSS
    -[x] Purchase and Use : 3RSS, 1YSS, Steady Growth Pill (6 RSS) Sturdy Oak Pill (18 RSS), conditional pills listed below (20 RSS either way); Total: 57 RSS
    --[x] If cultivating spiritual: Flowing River Pills (6RSS), Soaring Spirits Pill (6RSS), Soul Concentrating Elixir (8 RSS)
    --[x] if cultivating physical: White Hart Elixir (6RSS), Bear's Heartsblood Elixir (10 RSS), Bear's Marrow Elixir (4 RSS)
    -[x] Other Purchases: replace the Escape Talisman and anti-scry Talisman we used
    -[x] Breakthrough Priorities: Prioritize breaking through to Bronze. In case of failure, wait until we've tried to recover; then continue. In case we can't proceed further towards Bronze due to either failure or success, start breaking through towards Green.
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x2
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x3
    -[x] (MAJOR) Attempt Breakthrough x4
    -[x] Train at the vent with Su Ling
    --[x] (MAJOR) Cultivate Spiritual / Physical, as needed to recover if we fail a breakthrough attempt. Cultivate Physical if we succeed in all breakthrough attempts.
    --[x] (attached minor) Work to unlock the Puzzle Box
    --[x] (attached minor) Work on formations with Li Suyin, with the Vault Warriors mastered, you can delve more deeply into the Pale Manual
    -[x] (minor) Cai Renxiang has something important to announce. It seems you will need to attend a council meeting
    -[x] (minor) Meizhen is right... the two of you should probably talk, it seems there is still a lot you don't know about each other
    -[x] (minor) Zeqing has been quite busy, but you received a message inviting you to meet her... at her home?
 
Ah well, I guess it's my turn to betray people. My dreams of going into CRX meeting Green/Bronze...dwindling....

[x] Plan Breakthrough: Start!
 
[X] Plan Breakthrough: Start!

A betrayal most fowl indeed. But it is better than the winning plan.
You mean the plan that doesn't only have a 45% of breaking through to Green and actually includes the Cai option that lets us get to know her better before we are forced to give her an answer on her vassalage offer when we break through?

Breakthrough: Start! wastes that chance because people can't have a little patience.
 
The problem is that there is no viable alternative to crx.

I hate being fashion Hitlers private Gestapo as much as the next guy but there is simply nothing else.

Gu Tai involves a marriage Ling Qi doesnt want. She didnt even want the interview. Otherwise, exploring ancient ruins for loot and knowledge, part Tomb Raider part Magos Explarator part Monster Hunter sounds awesome. If they had offered to adopt us or even better simply offered a normal vassal pledge, I believe this option would lead.

The Bai option is straight out. If not for our sake than at the very least for the sake of Meizhen.

And the sect/empire hasnt offered anything beyond being a debtslave until our student loan is picked up. No wonder they havent produced anything worthwhile in a while, the greatest Clans seem to have first pick of talented minor / non-nobles disciples, approaching the most talented early when their loyalty is fairely cheap.

Waiting till green or till after getting into the inner sect, meaning till a disciple is proven, is a low risk approach that ensures that the sect wont waste any ressources on a failure, however, as CRXs tactic shows, risks other factions calling dibs. When we turn green and we are offered a position we will be talking to a total rando, who never cared for us before and is now pitted against the offer from a girl for whom we fought and bled ((and stole) a lot) and who invested in us for month, both in ressources and personal time.


Tldr,
We are most likely become Crxs vassel, not because we like the job so much but because we are dont have any other viable alternative.

Conclusion, the empire needs a fucking HR department.

In real world terms:

CRX invests in vocational training, recruitment scholarships, therefore investing in her own future with people like Gan and us.

The sect and empire waits for their unicorn. The extremely dedicated and efficient guy with a masters degree and 8 years of relevant work experience who desires nothing, absolutely nothing, more than to fill an entry level position in your company. (people like fu and medic su)

(crafting su is likely going to go hermit)
In fairness, a marriage is nearly inevitable due to social/political reasons. Signing up with Cai just means she starts throwing 'alliances' at us in 10-20 years.
 
You mean the plan that doesn't only have a 45% of breaking through to Green and actually includes the Cai option that lets us get to know her better before we are forced to give her an answer on her vassalage offer when we break through?
@Erebeal messed up and mixed up someone else's plan with this one.

The plan has a 67% chance of green breakthrough, it's effectively a 5 action breakthrough unless we get perfect breakthrough rolls I think.
 
In fairness, a marriage is nearly inevitable due to social/political reasons. Signing up with Cai just means she starts throwing 'alliances' at us in 10-20 years.
I hope Ling Qi will have conquered her trauma by then and have a more healthy view on sex and relationships, that isnt colored by her experiences of helplessness and oppression.
Knock on wood.
 
Prince of the Empire
@yrsillar


A Prince of Empire


(Xianxia CK2 Quest)

================================

Your name is Mu An; Prince of the Mu dynasty and heir to the throne of the Empire. For thousands of years the empire has stood, its armies of cultivators beating back barbarian hordes, legions of spirit beasts and angry spirits.

Through tireless effort civilisation has been carved out of a world of wondrous horrors. The Mu are the Third true dynasty to stride the world. Descendants of the Herald of Endings, the Owl who's white wings cover the skies, the are charged with overseeing the empire, lest the wrath of the Celestial Dragon, companion of the first Emperor, rain down his lightning upon them.

You are prince An of the Mu dynasty and your empire is rotting around you. The Golden Fields still chokes under ash and dust, the last desperate attack of Purifying Sun having saved the empire, but doomed the province.

Beneath the permissive eye of your father, Emperor Si, the nobility have grown lax and rapacious. Talented commoners become small nobles whose houses rise and fall as often as the tides. Lands go forever untended as great men and women have their talents strangled in their cribs long before they can rise to serve the empire. Vassals and peasants chafe under harsh and grasping hands. Corruption is everywhere.

To the south one of the great provinces is being invaded. The cloud tribes come on their flying horses, cities shatter under lighting storms and the Emerald Seas tremble in Ogodei's shadow.

Beset by foes on all sides, with daggers behind you and swords ahead you must come rule these lands and lead your people to safety and prosperity.

-----------------------------

Welcome to a prince of Empire. A CK2 Style quest in which you are the prince of an Empire in a Xianxia type world.

This quest is somewhat unusual, in that you start out playing a prince beneath your father's rule rather than as your own head of house. Beware, for sometimes the actions you prefer may come into conflict with the choices of your father.

Turns will typically be a number of years (most frequently a decade) because of the long lives of cultivators. At certain times you'll encounter flashpoints. Much like war turns these will slow down the action and have you take decisions on much smaller timescales than normal.

Rolls for stats (1d20):

20 19 10 17 10 18

(Ok who bribed the dice gods for your stats?)

Please assign to: Martial, Diplomacy, Stewardship, Learning, Piety and Intrigue.

Additionally pick two traits:

Brave: +1 Martial, greater respect from martially inclined peers. Bonus to personal combat and combat cultivation techniques.

Scholar: +2 learning. Greater respect from scholarly inclined members of the court.

Once a generation (counts as 3 traits): +4 Piety. Enables you to one day reach the greatest heights of cultivation a mortal is able to. Perhaps one day you might join the realms of the great spirits themselves.

An ancient blood: Piety +1. The spirit blood of you ancestor is stronger in you than most. May have unknown effects

I know people: Diplomacy +1, Intrigue+1. As a prince people are eager to talk to you and eager to tell you of their rivals sins.


Additionally you may pick a disadvantage to gain an extra trait:

Rash: Confers additional bonuses to personal combat. -1 Martial (strategy rolls) -1 diplomacy.

Big Spender: You have lived a lavish life and see little problem with spending money to like water. -2 Stewardship.

Justice will come: Narrative trait. (Counts as 2 disadvantages) You believe in justice so much that you have based your cultivation around it. The system is rotten and must be changed, so you will change it. You will have trouble overcoming the urge to correct injustices, and will bear grudges against the unjust even when it might be wise to forget them. Where you get the chance to correct a great injustice (as the character sees it) but do not wish to you must make a resistance roll to overcome the urge to do so.


=========================

Character Sheet:

Mu An


Age: 150


Martial: 18

Diplomacy: 10

Stewardship: 10

Learning: 17

Piety: 20

Intrigue: 19

Traits:

Cultivator: Add ½ Piety x realm to personal combat rolls (d100)

I know people: I know people: Diplomacy +1, Intrigue+1. As a prince people are eager to talk to you and eager to tell you of their rival's sins.

Once a generation (counts as 3 traits): +4 Piety. Enables you to one day reach the greatest heights of cultivation a mortal is able to. Perhaps one day you might join the realms of the great spirits themselves.

Justice will come: Narrative trait. (Counts as 2 disadvantages) You believe in justice so much that you have based your cultivation around it. The system is rotten and must be changed, so you will change it. You will have trouble overcoming the urge to correct injustices, and will bear grudges against the unjust even when it might be wise to forget them. Where you get the chance to correct a great injustice (as the character sees it) but do not wish to you must make a resistance roll to overcome the urge to do so.

===========================

Turn 1:

The Emerald Seas have been invaded. On wings of flying messages come tales of the sack of cities and the plundering of a province. And the name: Ogodei Khan.

Martial (pick 2)

[] To the South!

Pack your personal guard and take a flying carriage to the aid of the Emerald Seas. There's no time to lose. You'll link up with the local armies and take the fight to these barbarians.
Chance of Success - high. Roll for condition of armies and province on your arrival.


[] To the South - with Reinforcements
One cultivator and his bodyguards, even a prince and his retinue will make little difference. There are cultivators as strong or stronger than you in the Emerald Seas. What you need are enough men to drive back these armies.

Must be take with Diplomacy - rally. Roll to see how many you recruit and how fast you get there. Be warned, too many recruits may slow you down more due to transport issues. The Emerald Seas will take a malus to their condition roll.

Chance: Roll dependant.

[] Suit up team!
The imperial vaults are, well not open to you exactly but you can get a few nice items. Retrieve artifacts for the campaign for you and your bodyguards, bonuses to combat.

Chance: Certain.

[] Get to the Chopper - Only available with Diplomacy - Rally and To the South with Reinforcements

You'll need more than your own transportation if you want to get a large number of men there in time. Beg, borrow or commandeer whatever you can. Higher roll means less time lost for the army to get there.

Chance: Certain. Higher rolls give better results.


Diplomacy: (Pick 1)

[] Rally -general:
You need troops to go to the aid of the Emerald Seas. Convince your father and any other nobles you can find to lend you them.

Chance: Moderate. They're only barbarians after all. Warning: very low rolls may incur penalties.

[] Rally - The young Scions
Instead of trying to get the emperor and the heads of the nobility to listen play to tales of glory to convince the younger members of the nobility of the glory of fighting the barbarians. Lesser number of troops, but they'll bring their house guards and can move fast and come with their own transports.

Chance: Moderate-High.


[] Rally - the Sects
Typically captained by the second, third or fourth children of the nobility the sects are charged with teaching younger generations the skills of cultivation. They are also meant to safeguard the empire.

Chance: High. It is the duty of the sects to come. Additionally the sects are typically stronger than cultivators of the courts. However rivalries, territoriality and the scattered nature of the sects may reduce the number who can come at once.

[] Scion of the Empire:
Try to convince your father to release more of the contents of the royal vault to you. Greater artifacts and protections available for you and your men.

Chance: High. Warning: low roll may come with penalties.

[] A little help:
You aren't the best at talking to people. Find someone better to do it for you.

Chance: Very high


Stewardship: (Only 1 action available due to war).

[] Recruit Senchanal.
Your father has given you a certain amount of land to rule over as practice for your eventual rule of the empire. Recruit someone to do advise you and take care of your lands while you're away.

Chance: Certain

Learning: (Pick one due to time constraints of situation)

[] Surely someone knows:
The cloud tribes are far away and you know litte of your foe. Surely someone else knows more.
Reward: more info on cloud tribes.

Chance: Fairly high. Roll to sort propaganda from truth

[] Know thyself:
Find out more about the geography of the Emerald Seas. Work out where you need to fight them, where to stop them and where to retreat.
Chance: Fairly high.

Piety (Pick 2)

[] ABC - Always be cultivating
Bonus to personal combat for the war. Begin/continue the quest for immortality.

Chance: 100% Effects depend on roll.

[] Of the spirits:
Can the spirits be useful to your campaign? You should find out.

Chance: moderate due to difficulty of finding someone familiar enough with the Emerald Seas.

[] I want to be the very best:
Spirits are the greatest boon to the empire as well as one of your greatest foes. Find and bind a strong spirit to be your companion, inside battle and out.

Chance: 100%. Higher rolls give better spirits.

Intrigue (Pick 2):

[] An ear at court.
It is a bad idea to be out of the loop of court activities. Recruit some people to ensure you know what happens in your absence.

Chance: Very High.

[] Rooting out Corruption
You already know who is on the take. Everyone. Find out who the worst offenders are and begin to lay out plans for their removal.

Chance: ???

[] Blackmail is such an unpleasant word.
Your people need you. They need your need troops more than they need justice from those nobles right now. Get the evidence and trade it for troops.

Bonus to Get to the Chopper and Rally diplomacy actions. May require a roll due to Justice will come trait.

Chance: Moderate

Personal:

[] Get married: The empire needs another heir.
There's a war on. No.

[] At odds with an Emperor:
You and your father have had staunch disagreements on the way the empire is run for decades. Perhaps you should talk to him again?

[] The Bodyguard(s):
Get to know your bodyguards better. They're responsible for keeping you alive.

[]Can a prince have friends?
Speak with the nobles at court you get along best with.

[] Extra effort
Gain a small boost to a specified action in any category except diplomacy, stewardship or personal.

[] The search for immortality
Continue your cultivation. Stacks with []ABC
=====================

AN: As with all of these please tag me if you have a comment you'd like added in.
 
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The problem is that there is no viable alternative to crx.

I hate being fashion Hitlers private Gestapo as much as the next guy but there is simply nothing else.

Gu Tai involves a marriage Ling Qi doesnt want. She didnt even want the interview. Otherwise, exploring ancient ruins for loot and knowledge, part Tomb Raider part Magos Explarator part Monster Hunter sounds awesome. If they had offered to adopt us or even better simply offered a normal vassal pledge, I believe this option would lead.

The Bai option is straight out. If not for our sake than at the very least for the sake of Meizhen.

And the sect/empire hasnt offered anything beyond being a debtslave until our student loan is picked up. No wonder they havent produced anything worthwhile in a while, the greatest Clans seem to have first pick of talented minor / non-nobles disciples, approaching the most talented early when their loyalty is fairely cheap.

Waiting till green or till after getting into the inner sect, meaning till a disciple is proven, is a low risk approach that ensures that the sect wont waste any ressources on a failure, however, as CRXs tactic shows, risks other factions calling dibs. When we turn green and we are offered a position we will be talking to a total rando, who never cared for us before and is now pitted against the offer from a girl for whom we fought and bled ((and stole) a lot) and who invested in us for month, both in ressources and personal time.


Tldr,
We are most likely become Crxs vassel, not because we like the job so much but because we are dont have any other viable alternative.

Conclusion, the empire needs a fucking HR department.

In real world terms:

CRX invests in vocational training, recruitment scholarships, therefore investing in her own future with people like Gan and us.

The sect and empire waits for their unicorn. The extremely dedicated and efficient guy with a masters degree and 8 years of relevant work experience who desires nothing, absolutely nothing, more than to fill an entry level position in your company. (people like fu and medic su)

(crafting su is likely going to go hermit)

No really.
We know that
Anyway, do you mind if I ask… is Senior Sister Yanmei… normal for the inner sect? Because she seemed really strong."

Gu Xiulan shot her an amused look that said that she knew what Ling Qi was doing. She picked up the new subject anyway as they left the medicine hall and strolled through the market, heading for the main plaza. "Elder Sister Yanmei is quite talented, having reached cyan at the age of twenty two. It is likely that she will be accepted as a core disciple soon. I think you may have allowed the… more prodigious members of our year to skew your view of things."

For talented member of Gu clan it was worthwille to stay in inner sect until cyan and then join as a core disciple. Which mean than they have good enough resources.
"This is utterly beneath me," the grey toned man said with an air of long suffering. "Really, being sent to do disciple work. This is insulting."

"The core disciples are all deployed dear, you know that,

Core disciples are busy people, sect probably need more of them.

Also there must be reason for Elders to involve themselves in Sect business and these are people with high cultivation.

Also staying in Sect are opportunity to find other options.
Become personal disciple/vassal of Elder.
Find other liege someone with less resources, but also with no familial relation to Cai Shenhua, and less involved in Court politics.
Get better mariage proposal.
Join army or ministry.
 
Going to change my vote,
i think the addition breakthrough attempts are more important thank trying to get people to want to join Cai.

[x] Plan Breakthrough: Start!
 
Whgile I think making some final preparations before serious breakthrough next week is the better idea. For one, we have a much higher success chance doing only 2 actions rather than 3.
 
Whgile I think making some final preparations before serious breakthrough next week is the better idea. For one, we have a much higher success chance doing only 2 actions rather than 3.
It's not 3, it's 5.

There is no real preparations we can do this week for next week breakthrough, but hope that next week will have less minors that we'll be interested by so we can go closed door and do 6 actions instead of 5. However, past incidence have shown we'll never not have at least 2 key minors we won't be willing to let go of.
 
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