The in progress royal road rewrite of this quest can be found here
The biting chill of autumn was in the air, traveling down from the cloud-piercing mountains that formed the Wall. The other signs could be seen as well; the seemingly endless forest for which the province took its name had begun to change colors and would soon be a lurid riot of warm hues rather than a sedate sea of green. Of course, for old Hu, these things were a lesser concern compared to the hungry spirit beasts who would soon be prowling about the edges of his farm driven by the increasing scarcity in the woods. Mystic beasts that might feast on one's herd or tear out one's throat were a definitely one of the more pressing concerns about the changing seasons. Even a single beast slipping through could spell disaster for a small family like his.
It was for that reason that he was now pacing the perimeter of his middling plot of land, a scowl on his weather worn face. He bent down and ran calloused fingers over the faintly glowing cyan characters carved into one of the stone beast quelling totems that kept him and his family safe... for the most part. After a few more moments the old laborer removed his hand, his scowl still firmly in place, and spat on the ground in disgust.
It was cracked, there was a hair thin fracture on the eastern face. Probably from the attack by the Black Steel Bear that had tested the perimeter a few weeks back. He'd have to go into town tomorrow to find an expert to repair it. It would be expensive, but he'd be a fool to go into winter with a damaged ward. He could still remember that incident a few years back when he'd lost a neighbor to that kind of carelessness. That old bastard Ji might have been a cocky fool but his wife and the little ones hadn't deserved that. A right mess that was, but at least the Sect had sent someone to hunt down the beast that did it. Damn things got too smart when they tasted human blood.
Standing up straight with a wince, he looked in the direction of of the White Cloud mountain and the town that lay out of sight at its base. Finding an expert might be a bit of trouble now that he thought about it. It was that time of year again; the sect would be welcoming new disciples, and many of the old ones would be up on the mountain taking examinations. That meant finding a sealing expert open for business would be a pain.
Hu supposed he couldn't grumble much though. If that pair of outer disciples hadn't driven that blood crazed bear off he might have a broken totem instead of a cracked one, and besides, he'd made a bit of a profit that day off the goldwood trees shattered by the fight. A smile crossed his well-lined face. Those lads had been so focused on carving up the bear they hadn't even bothered to check through the smashed wood. He'd gotten a few sun crystals out of that.
'Course now he'd be spending most of it getting his totems fixed, but that just meant the Great Spirits had been looking out for him, even if he hadn't known it at the time. He'd have to burn a few sticks of incense at the temple of the Bountiful Earth in thanks. Without that find, he'd likely have gone into debt. Growing spiritual herbs might be a profitable business, but most of it went back into maintaining his tools and fields at the best of times. The perils of being in such an expensive business he supposed.
Hu didn't much feel like making the trek out to town today, though. He'd have to send his youngest son out to look. It'd give the boy a chance to see some warriors in town, spirits knew the boy was bad at hiding his ambitions. He'd have to hope he wasn't too let down if it turned out he didn't have the talent for it, no one else in the family did after all. Then again, from what he had heard it wasn't something easy to predict. Having a disciple in the family would be a boon, but Hu wasn't one for wild fancies; best to just take things as they came. Hu turned his eyes from the mountain and continued his path. He always had more work to do at this time of year.
The streets of the town below seemed almost like rivers of fog from the balcony Minister Xiao stood upon. The damp mist which tended to engulf everything at this time of year was certainly not the best feature of this far-flung province of the empire, but it had a certain beauty from an aesthetic point of view. A rustic charm to make such an isolated place feel worth it, he supposed.
...as long as one could quickly return to the the dry warmth of their hearth and the comforts therein. He doubted those who had the misfortune of needing to be out and about today could appreciate the beauty. The weather would certainly not help shake off the current lull in trade, either. The Argent Peak Sect would be holding its introduction for new disciples today after all, as well as the advancement tests for the older ones, which meant the the shops and stalls ran by the Sect's more business-minded disciples would be closed. As a silver lining, at least it meant the various ruffians would be out of town as well. Half the inhabitants would likely be out gawking at the new arrivals and the Masters ushering them up the first of the Sect's mountains. He had heard there were several highly born candidates this year, and his people did certainly buy into the propaganda of the heroism and virtue of the nobility. It was likely his own fault, as he was the only 'noble' most of his citizens ever saw.
Minister Xiao only hoped that those children would remain in the Sect and leave the troubles of the court back at their homes. He was quite pleased to have been given the opportunity to leave that viper's nest behind, despite the greater physical danger he faced here on the frontier. He'd take the simpler and more easily understood threats over the deceptively obscure plotting back home, thank you very much.
Shaking off sour memories, the Minister sighed and returned his thoughts to the likely low revenues for the day. Thoughtfully running his fingers through the luxurious, if greying strands of his beard amidst his musings, he turned away from the view of the city to go back inside. He supposed he could not begrudge the Sect its crass behavior. After all, it was due to their efforts that his town could even exist so close to the border. That said, the younger disciples had a terrible habit of breaking things at times. At least the Sect Elders were dependable in regards to paying restitution… though they were often irritatingly condescending in doing so.
No, he had greater concerns in any case. His gaze flicked to the side as he reentered his manor, where one of his attendants stood with a stack of ledgers in his arms a few steps away from the balcony door, and silently gestured for the younger man to follow him. No, the real concern was that this day would also bring an inspection from an agent of the Ministry of Integrity. Their agents were… unsettling at the best of times, and could not be offended at any cost. He had spent the previous week going over his records, double and triple checking for accuracy in his accounts. He had never allowed any truly large indiscretions in the decade since he had been appointed to this post, and he would not allow that to change this year.
Still, there was always some young fool of a clerk who thought it possible to get away with skimming from the coffers meant for the Imperial Court. Xiao had one such foolish young man in the towns cells now, ready to hand over to the Agent when they arrived. It was unfortunate, for such a talented young man to meet his end over such a trifle, but corruption was not tolerated in the slightest by the current Imperial Court. It was certainly a far thing from the light hand disciples received for all but the most serious crimes. He was assured by the Elders that punishments for such things were a serious matter, but he sometimes doubted that, given some of the repeat offenders over the years. Of course, there were things even a great Sect could not protect a disciple from, such as the assault or murder of an official like himself, or various other Imperial laws.
Hopefully there was nothing which had escaped his notice and the Agent could quickly go on their way without any other members of his bureaucracy needing to disappear.
Zhu Qing strode down the misty street, hands clasped behind her back, never needing to so much as slow her steps to avoid the early morning foot traffic. The sight of her plain black and silver gown, white streaked hair fluttering in a nonexistent breeze, and the featureless white jade mask concealing her features was enough to cause all those before her to give way with a hasty bow and a murmured apology. All was as it should be. She was fairly pleased with this city; since she had been assigned as the inspector of this region by the Ministry not once had she been forced to take any truly drastic action. The mortal governors were hard working, honest, and obedient to the edicts of the Imperial Court, as they should be. So much more so than the nobles and ministers of the more central provinces, who far too often assumed their own prosperity and position granted them the right to defy Imperial law. Perhaps it was that the difficult life on the border did not afford them the time for such indiscretions.
The Agent smiled behind her mask; not that they were without flaw. No one was, mortal or otherwise. She knew the minister had caught a thief already, due to the informants she had in his manor, and she was pleased to know that Minister Xiao was still as proactive as ever. She would need to inspect everything personally, of course. The man was only mortal, and he would miss things. She was confident that he would never need feel the touch of her Reaper, though. The man was too sensible for that.
The thought caused the spirit bound within her to stir, its icy qi pulsing through her spinal meridians for a moment and intensifying the phantom breeze that blew around her person. A man who had the misfortune to be passing her by at that moment shuddered face paling. He took one look at the frost forming in the wake of her footsteps before he increased his pace, hurrying away from the Agent. For her part she did not spare the mortal laborer a glance, quickly quelling her spirit with the ease of long practice.
Death aspected spirits were nearly always the most difficult to control, and binding the Reaper had been among the most difficult tests for entry into the Ministry. Zhu Qing's gaze drifted to the mountains that towered over the town as she recalled her own days as a disciple of the Argent Peak Sect. It had been an enjoyable time, full of youthful indiscretion, and she still thought fondly of it even now. It was one reason she was glad for the sensibility of the local governor. She would hate for her yearly return to be stained by anything truly… unpleasant. The accountings required for major purges were terribly tedious and time consuming after all.
As it was, she looked forward to completing her inspection, so that she could visit her junior sister for tea. It had been too long since she had seen the other woman, who was often out at the more far-flung forts fighting the barbarians. She had been assured in their last correspondence that the other woman would be home this year, though.
After that would come the meeting with the Sect Head, which she was looking forward to substantially less. He would likely be less than pleased with the response to his funding request, but sadly as much as Zhu Qing wished to see her old home prosper, she knew that the Empress' opinion differed on this matter. The Argent Peak was a major sect in this region, but at court it was considered to be one of the less crucial points in the empire's defense, particularly with the stirring of the barbarians in the north and west, and the difficulty in reining in the western lords themselves. Perhaps if the Sect had managed to produce a good crop of Ministry or Imperial Guard candidates she could speak to her superiors on the matter.
There was little to do about it for the moment, though. Zhu Qing's knew her duty must as always come before personal concerns.
The Emerald Sea Province is a wild place on the edge of the Celestial Empire, bordered to the south by jagged and near impassible mountains that are home to many nomadic tribes who look upon the soft men and women of the lowlands with scornful, envious eyes. It is only by the strength of the Immortal Sects which lie on that border that keep their sky raiders from reaching the richer and more prosperous provinces further north.
It is only the continued recruitment of those with the talent for shaping Qi and binding spirits that the Sects maintain the line, for despite their name, very few of those who walk the path of the warrior or sage reach the status of true Immortality.
You are among those who have been brought to the foot of the mountains to be inducted as a disciple of the Argent Peak Sect, one of the three great sects of the province. It remains to be seen whether you will make a name for yourself… or simply be lost among the crowd.
Forging the Path is a quest inspired by various xianxia, fantasy, and wuxia works, with a sprinkling of Dominions in the world building. In it you will decide the path and fate of a new disciple on the Path of Immortality. Your first task is to decide the background, talents, and gender of the disciple you will be following. Keep in mind that your disciple will begin at fourteen years of age, and thus their personality is not set in stone, and can be molded over the course of the quest.
Backgrounds- Determine the starting skills and attributes of your character. It will also determine, to an extent, the path of the quest. Your character is more likely to focus on the sort of conflicts that suit them after all. It does not lock you into a path though, as the character will be able to grow and change based on your choices.
[] High Noble
- You are a scion of one of the great houses of the inner provinces… if one who is not particularly high on the line of inheritance, and not the most diligent of your siblings either.
- Advantages: High starting resources, connections and social ability. Higher starting cultivation.
- Disadvantages: Average innate talent, weaker physical ability. Attitude issues
[] Scholar
- Of a lesser house, still wealthy and prosperous, but needing its members to work to maintain that. Was intending to take the Imperial placement exams before their talents were discovered.
- Advantages: Good resources and connections, higher mental abilities and skills.
- Disadvantages: Weaker social ability, lack of combat skills
[] Artisan
- Child of a working family, owners of a fairly prosperous Spirit Herb farm, local to the sect itself.
- Advantages: Some resources, Average starting ability. Numerous miscellaneous skills. Above average innate talent.
- Disadvantages: No outstanding areas
[] Soldier
- You are the child of a military family, more than commoners, less than nobles. You are nonetheless proud of your heritage among the fighting men of the Empire.
- Advantages: Some resources, Higher physical ability. Begins with a weapon based martial skill. Above average talent.
- Disadvantages: Lower mental ability. Lack of non combat related skills
[] Street Rat
- You have nothing. Child of a prostitute and an unknown father, you have always lived by your wits and by stealing from others. Yet you were still discovered by an Agent as a budding talent, and now everything has changed.
- Advantages: High innate talent, 'practical' skills, decent physical and mental abilities, Possible hidden ability?
- Disadvantages: No resources. Very low social ability. Compulsory Military Service. Somewhat cliche
[] Prisoner
- You are, as far as others are concerned criminal scum. A murderer branded and marked. Ready to be sent to labor unto death in the mines of the southern mountains. You of course thought your actions justified, and now your apparent talent for cultivation has granted you a second chance.
- Advantages: Best Innate Talent. Good combat and practical skills. High physical skills.
- Disadvantages: No Resources. Social stigma. Significant enemy from the get go. Compulsory Military Service
Only the title is required in your vote
Talent
This will decide which branch of the mortal arts you are more talented in. It does not lock you out of the other branch, and neither is truly more powerful than the other.
[] Melee Talent
- You will more easily learn close range and physical combat arts with both weapon and fist.
[] Ranged Talent
- You will more easily learn ranged weapon and martial arts, both mundane and mystical
[] Support/Exotic Talent
- You will more easily learn skills which enhance or weaken others, as well as more exotic effects
[] Sensory Talent
- You will more easily learn skills which relate to the senses, both in enhancing and obscuring.
[] Production Talent
- You will more easily learn crafting, harvesting and other production skills
Gender
Whatever roles men and women might have among mortals, among those who walk the Path the difference is largely meaningless, something which most disciples will quickly learn whatever their background. This choice has no mechanical effect.
[] Male
[] Female
Name
And finally of course, everyone needs a name. The setting is chinese themed, so please keep that in mind.
[] Name?
Examples-
Male- Li Fan, Zhao Hai, Fatty Hao
Female- Xu Liling, Lu Zhen, Orchid Su
THIS VOTE WILL BE BY BLOCK, NOT LINE.
An example of a full block would be…
[] Scholar
[] Ranged Talent
[] Male
[] Ma Fan
With X's in the brackets for a valid vote of course
AN: mechanics will be explored over the course of the first several posts, but I will note that the base abilities are storyteller based, as is the dice system. The system has been modified fairly heavily though and is subject to tweaks as it gets playtested. Please wait a few minutes before posting while GM posts are reserved.
This is my first quest on this site, but not my first ever, hopefully any new readers will enjoy my writing as well
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Canon Omake
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On the Cloud Tribes by Humbaba
Thoughts of Fan Yu by Fixerupper
Wu Fong: Rumors and Realitiesby Fixerupper
Omake and Art
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A Calm, Dark, and Quiet World by Thor's Twin
Ling Qi by Andelevion
Ling Qi and Friends by Andelevion
Huang Da by Andelevion
A song for Meizhen by Sirocco
Ling Qi Meditating
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