[X] Pursue it, you may not be able to catch its scent again. Sister Xiu will understand… or rather, you do not care if she does or not.
We are a hunter, we kind of bonded ourselves to a hunter constellation, it would be weird if we didn't hunt. Besides, this is proactive learning, using our new senses in a chase will teach us more than meditation...is the excuse I'm using.
[X] Stay, continue learning from your Senior's Wisdom. The demon is something you can pursue later… probably.
We can murder stuff later, right now we are studying even if it's not going too well.
Dueling Fate - Everything of Note Character Sheet Name: Lind Tallak Strength: 9 Insight: 4 Will: 5 Agility: 5 Empathy: 2 Health Pool 30/36 Qi Pool 18/18 (Insight + Will x2) Spiritual Prowess: 3 (Average of Insight and Empathy) Spiritual Defense: 4 (Average of Will and Empathy) Physical Prow...
: [X] Stay, continue learning from your Senior's Wisdom. The demon is something you can pursue later… probably.
Want.
It rushes through you as your senses latch onto the Demon which has drifted further north into the forest.
Medhi wanted to get away from your Senior for fear of shame. Yan wanted to pursue his own interests. Why can't you want to do something different? If they get to leave? Can't you?
The revulsion which had plagued you last time, the fear and dread that exuded from The Hand's Aura is not here. This one is cloying, sweet, tantalising. A sweetness that makes your mouth water, and your stomach rumble. It takes every bit of your willpower to remain seated as that sweetness, that temptation begins to fade away as the demon moves further into the forest and outside of your senses. Eventually, there is little else you can do as the last traces of its presence vanish outside of your range and you open your eyes to find Senior Xiu deep in her meditations.
Perhaps you could take a quick-
"Again, Lind."
Until the sun rises you continue to poke and prod your senses further and further though you find no trace of the Demon again.
(Spiritual Perception +1)
By the time Senior Xiu lets you go three of you are left exhausted, as if you've spent the whole day running uphill on a never-ending mountain. Returning to your rooms, Bai Ping hums a merry tune, takes another scroll from the desk and continues reading.
"That damn witch," Yan mutters as he collapses onto his bed. "There's no way I'm making it to Master Luli's now."
Bai Ping doesn't look up as he continues reading over his scroll. "She's just taught you something useful, you can at least admit that much."
Yan barks out a rough laugh. "I don't need techniques," he says as he pulls a gem out of his pocket. A ruby pulse violently as he holds it up to the light which creeps in through the windows. "Give me a charm that needs to be made and I'll make it. I don't need anything else but a shop and some coin to get started."
"Then why stay?" Medhi asks as he washes his face in the basin before scooping some of the water and pouring it into the pot of the plant he now has placed on his bedside table.
"Training, of course. Where else can I find the best crafters in the Empire? Let alone crafters that will take on anyone regardless of their talent or skill?"
"So you're untalented?"
Yan swivels in the direction of Bai Ping, his eyes narrowed, the ruby now hidden in his clenched fist.
"Not untalented," Yan spits. "Lacking in opportunity."
"Some would say opportunity only comes to the talented." Bai remarks, as with his free hand he takes a series of notes from his latest scroll.
"Is that why you can only find work in a single inn?"
The two boys continue to trade barbs, Medhi tending to his plant before he too loses interest in their argument and carefully selects one of the scrolls near his own desk to begin his work.
"And where are you going?"
You stop, your hand near the door to find Yan and the rest of the room staring at your attempted exit.
"I've been invited to a sparring session with one of our fellows," You say as your hand grasps the door. "It seemed a better use of my time."
"Surely we should get to know each other, at least a little bit before we trust each other with our lives?" Yan tells you. "Come, sit - it's the first time we've all been in the same room since we joined together.
You consider and sit back down. "I do not know what to say. I am a hunter from the North. You would not have heard of my village here, nor those who dwell within it."
Yan purses his lips. "Yes, that is why I am asking. Our fortunes are tied together. I would know more about who I have thrown my lot in with."
Medhi takes a half-step forward, bristling slightly.. "Our hunter is a man of few words. Might I suggest you base your opinion of him on his actions, rather than what he says or does not say?"
Yan inclines his head. You can tell that he is frustrated, though you are not entirely sure what you might do about it. "Very well. Can you at least speak about what you have been doing lately?"
"I have attended one of the refining classes."
"Good, that will be of help, especially with Medhi's skills-"
"And I have brokered an alliance with Wen Xifeng's faction for the coming test."
That brings the room to a halt. Medhi stops his idle plucking of a string. Medhi looks up from his scroll.
Yan raises a finger, opens his mouth and then closes it. "...can you tell us more?"
"They have agreed that as long as we do not attack them, they will not attack us. It seemed like a good way to preserve ourselves for the real task, and let us focus on reaching the top."
Yan eyes you intently. "And you find them trustworthy?"
You hesitate, but nod. "Xifeng is beyond eager to prove herself. I do not think she would use subterfuge. And she is advised by Wu - a dishonest merchant would lose business."
Yan turns to the other two. "And you think this is a good idea? They have no obligation to defend us. They could use us as bait to reach the top."
Medhi speaks up. "Isn't that a little presumptuous? We don't even know if we can reach the top." His eyes involuntarily flicker to Bai Ping's slender frame, and Yan's scrawny one.
Yan's hackles rise. "Hey, that's not-"
Bai Ping strikes a loud note. "I am sure we are all aware of our limitations. But maybe something might be done to give us an edge?"
You consider. Bai Ping and Yan are not the most physically fit disciples. Though Consecration has fixed any outright debilities, they are still relatively physically weak compared to you or Medhi. No doubt they will eventually learn movement techniques to be used with a spiritual core, but right now, it's unlikely that they have them. You suggest a few options - you could give a crash-course in wilderness movement, hoping that knowledge and skill will beat craft. You could attempt to learn and refine pills that would lend them swiftness of foot. With the proper materials, Yan claims he could craft a charm or two that could help. However, the evening dwindles away before a decision is reached.
—
The next day finds you in a familiar position - staring up at Vijaya from your position on the dirt. Still, you are no longer the untrained hunter you were when you entered the sect. You have been instructed and blooded. As she declines to follow up her throw, you take advantage of your Consecrated muscles and the flow of power from your core to combine rise and attack in one:
Vijaya's Previous Attack: 14d10 = 6 Successes!
[/spoiler] Author's Note - Probably going to only post success rolls for combat dice pools. Or possibly I'll get one of those dice rollers that outputs it automatically. [/spoiler]
Although both of you are tired from the spar, you are not able to take her off-guard. From her advantaged position, she has no trouble placing you on the ground again, and this time, you feel it is quite comfortable and have no desire to rise again immediately. Vaina, the garuda fledgling, approaches from her place on the sideline and gives you a decisive peck. Adding to her mistress's victory, you suppose. You pat it and redirect its attention towards a patch of scrubby grass, which it begins investigating for bugs.
"How are you finding your training?" Vijaya asks as she brings you a cup of water whose coolness seems to soothe your bruises as you sip it.
She joins you on the ground and looks you over, taking in your changes up close. Your increased height seems to have only given her more mass to throw at the ground, and you think she lingers on your eyes. You ignore the inspection, feeling an odd prinprick of embarrassment at her intent look. "Terrible," you admit. "A mentor who barely wants to be there and two who can barely stand to be in the same room as her."
"I'd have thought you'd project more confidence."
"Normally, I do not project. I am. In this case…" he frowns. "You are a soldier, yes?"
She looks slightly pained. "I am a member of the Paranthapa. My clan has served among the elite of our military and produced warriors of distinctions for the past ten generations, Lind. But I was called away before I had entered service. So… yes, and no."
"What can you tell me about leading a group?"
Vijaya looks at you piercingly. "I hadn't thought you'd aspire to leadership, Lind."
You shrug, uncomfortably. "A pack must have leaders. Right now, we have none."
Vijaya pours out a small pile of seeds on the ground, and her garuda pecks at them. It has lost some of its baby fluff, but still had the orb-like shape of a fledgling. Vijaya rubs a finger on its forehead affectionately.
"Loyalty." She says, as she looks up at you.
"How do I make them loyal?" You ask, confused.
"No. Do not misunderstand. A true leader doesn't make people loyal to him. Followers are reflections of their leader. You must be loyal to them first, and have faith in them. They will come to trust you too." She lets a small smirk cross her face. "Of course, having generations of prestige and tradition to draw on helps."
You sigh inwardly, and some of it reaches your face.
"No one said it would be easy, Lind Tallak."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
You bury a spark of irritation, and both of you sit there for a further few moments. "How is your Senior treating your team?"
"Strict, but their instruction is useful. We have a schedule in which to learn several techniques that I am certain will be useful in the trials ahead. Why? How has yours been teaching you?"
You consider venting your frustrations but remember your words to Medhi. Your mouth closes over your tongue. It does not do to complain. Instead, you simply say "It seems she favors self-reliance as a philosophy."
Vijaya looks at you sharply, but she says nothing more. "Do you think you can stand one more round?"
With a small groan, you rise to your feet. She follows, and Vaina seems to sense something - she lets out a small cheap of excitement, fluttering onto a rock to watch intently.
You leave the spar with your head swimming. Vijaya's advice directing the current as her words wash over you. The only people you've ever had to be loyal to have been your village and your family. People who were loyal to you first while you were just a babe in swaddling clothes. Bai Ping and Medhi are friends, and you've all helped each other when the time calls for it.
But is that loyalty or convenience?
Every time there was something at stake, something that would see at least one if not each of you benefit in some way or another.
What happens when you need to be loyal without any strings attached?
As you muse over Vijaya's words another member of the sect runs over to you, presenting a scroll from his sleeve and you wonder just who it could be from this time. Unfurling the scroll your hands grip the parchment a little tighter as you see the symbol of the Empire at the top.
The letter is unsigned, but you have no question who sent it.
Lind,
I hope this letter finds you in good health, you will need it.
The Trial of the Mountain approaches and while the Empire is careful not to interfere in the sects and their decisions, that does not mean we can't keep a watchful eye. As such I have chosen you to be the eyes of the Empire where we cannot extend our gaze.
Your Emperor demands a full report of the Trial of the Mountain and a statement regarding the strengths and weaknesses of one Wen Xifeng. How you manage to achieve this is your own decision. Success will come with rewards that will help you carve out your destiny.
The Emperor Awaits.
Sect Actions
You have reached the Golden Reeds Sect! As such a host of opportunities are now welcome to you.
Plans will now be weekly, with days of rest factored in. Your actions have increased due to achieving Consecration.
Choose Six Actions – (Note: You will do two training actions with Senior Xiu each plan, these are already factored in)
The Trial of the Mountain approaches. You have two more weeks to prepare
[] As a member of the Golden Reeds you are now able to access training and lessons from Elders and highly regarded Seniors of the Sect.
-[] Cultivation is the foundation of your path, lessons are held by the riverbanks of the great lake each morning.
-[] To cultivate is to wage war on the heavens themselves, and to wage war you should know how to fight. Martial Lessons can be found by the open fields.
-[] Crafters have spent their lives taking Qi rich materials and turning them into items with purpose, you will learn the basics of crafting.
-[] Pillmakers can earn lucrative contracts both inside and outside the sect. Being able to create your own pills is a boon that would aid your style of cultivation greatly.
-[] Survival skills are essential to succeeding in the Golden Reeds. How to track, create shelter, ward off beasts and thrive in the wilds are skills you know down to your very soul, but you could always learn something new, or at the very least, meet some like-minded individuals.
[] You have a trial ahead of you, and your team's skills are not ideal for the challenge. You will try to prepare yourself and your team for the challenge of the mountain:
-[] You will put the others through a wilderness survival course. Skill may often achieve more than any supernatural power. (Maybe taken once or twice)
-[] You will attempt to refine pills that will help with your quest
-[] You will attempt to help Yan by hunting for materials that would help your team's chances
[] Senior Xiu has told you that the easiest way to learn techniques is to study from the archives. You will go find these archives and see what you need to do to gain proper access.
[] Job boards of the sect grant you the opportunity for contribution points, the more points you have the greater rewards you can receive. You will visit the job boards and see what tasks you can take on.
[] The sect is open to all manner of stores, you will look to peruse the wares of the main market.
[] You already have some skill in the art of cultivation, and you're recently found a Qi spot, go forth and cycle.
-[] Write in where and what you are cycling towards.
Social Actions
[] Bai Ping has been spending his time enthralled by the tomes given to you by your honored Senior. Perhaps by spending some time with him you can glean some of the additional knowledge he has learned.
[] Medhi is seeking to establish a garden in the sect grounds. It seems it will involve some manual labor, and he has invited you to join, with the promise of payment.
[] Your new acquaintance Yan is pleasant enough, though you can't say that you know him well beyond the charms on his person. Getting to know your new teammate can only be a boon.
[] Liu Zhiqiang is seen in public arguing with a member of the sect, should you intervene and help him in his conflict?
[] Your new senior didn't seem all too pleased to make your acquaintance, perhaps by talking to her you can find some common ground.
[] Now that you have access to the sect proper, you should wander through and see who you run into. (???)
[] Vijaya is busy with her mentor's tutoring and not able to meet this week.
[] Wu Chanying is not available this week as she is in intensive training
Personal Actions
[] Go and see what the sect has for you, explore to your hearts content (D100)
[] You are a hunter, above all else. Go and search for some quarry (Write in your search location).
[] You noted the presence of a demon in the forest. It may have moved on, but you will see if you can track it down.
[] Back in the port city there is always work for skilled labourers and you often see some of your fellow initiates, leaving for the day to complete tasks, you could find work at the docks.
[] The Immortal Kitchens are home to meals of all manner. If you can afford them of course. (Immortal meals are worth 5 Silvers. This cost can be offset by bringing your own game.)
Special Events
[] The Qīnghé is back in port, Captain Yang and his crew are looking to explore some isolated coves along the sects' shores. Three Actions will be used on this encounter – Rewards (???) – Available for two plans. (2/2)
[/spoiler] Author's Note - Probably going to only post success rolls for combat dice pools. Or possibly I'll get one of those dice rollers that outputs it automatically. [ /quote]
[] You have a trial ahead of you, and your team's skills are not ideal for the challenge. You will try to prepare yourself and your team for the challenge of the mountain:
-[] You will put the others through a wilderness survival course. Skill may often achieve more than any supernatural power. (Maybe taken once or twice)
-[] You will attempt to help Yan by hunting for materials that would help your team's chances
Definitely wanna do these two. Not sure what else to go for. I'm tempted by the boat action but we can always go for that next week.
"If you have not already mastered the Valiant Champion then you are close. A few more weeks and you are likely to have it completed. With that in mind, come to the next few sessions that Elder Yu hosts and I will speak with him about allowing you access to the Archives, or to an experienced teacher. Don't show and I will assume that you have decided to find other means to pursue your training."
Happy to see this getting updated. Smart of Lin to try and get some advice on what to do. Also oh shit the Ghost is calling in the favour which will suck.
The boat action was available last week and it's good for two weeks, so this should be our last chance to do it.
Apart from that I'd like to go for the martial training, survival training with the squad, then maybe silent rhythm? Also,@KreenWarrior did we get any XP from the social with Vijaya?
[X] Plan: Prep and Plunder
-[X] As a member of the Golden Reeds you are now able to access training and lessons from Elders and highly regarded Seniors of the Sect.
--[X] To cultivate is to wage war on the heavens themselves, and to wage war you should know how to fight. Martial Lessons can be found by the open fields.
-[X] You have a trial ahead of you, and your team's skills are not ideal for the challenge. You will try to prepare yourself and your team for the challenge of the mountain. (x2)
--[X] You will put the others through a wilderness survival course. Skill may often achieve more than any supernatural power.
--[X] You will attempt to help Yan by hunting for materials that would help your team's chances.
-[X] The Qīnghé is back in port, Captain Yang and his crew are looking to explore some isolated coves along the sects' shores. Three Actions will be used on this encounter – Rewards (???) – Available for two plans. (2/2)
