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Forge of Destiny(Xianxia Quest)

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Equable said:
Alright, I'm definitely done discussing Ying's elements with you. Barring it being spelled out in the quest or by WoG, it's clear that you are unwilling or unable to revise your opinion.

Speaking of which, @yrsillar, since its hardly sensitive information and we're taking lessons with her anyway, would you mind commenting on Ying's elemental balance?
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Ehh, my opinion is that she is either very balanced elementally or that she is Water/Earth/Mountain as those were the elements given in the site of her trials. I also have this pet theory she is the creator of Argent Mirror Art. However, I consider all of this huge speculations, and that pretending it isn't is sophistry. Sadly it appears you are unwilling to admit we have no real proof whatsoever of her elemental balance but we have proof of her specialities.

Anyway, @yrsillar, I can't find relevant quotes on breakthrough, so a couple of questions: were there lesser bonus if we had less than 20 Qi or was it '20QI or nothing', and so on? Also, were the bonus we got from wind/darkness master on breakthrough initiative/stealth because that's what they always give or because that fit Ling Qi?

I distinctly remember both being mentioned before, but I am now wondering if it wasn't just speculations that was shared between people for 300 pages and brainwashed me.
 
Equable said:
Please do try to find them, as that 'around the breakthrough times' encompasses quite a large number of pages. My attempts to search for it are rather stymied by the fact that I don't have any keywords to search, as I never saw the post in question.

Since you can no doubt remember the wording reasonably well, given your confidence in referencing it, I'm sure you can locate it far more easily with the search function than I possibly can.

You'll have to forgive me if I'm skeptical of the existence of these statements in the meantime, as I haven't managed to turn up anything to that effect whatsoever when I looked.



Alright, I'm definitely done discussing Ying's elements with you. Barring it being spelled out in the quest or by WoG, it's clear that you are unwilling or unable to revise your opinion.

Speaking of which, @yrsillar, since its hardly sensitive information and we're taking lessons with her anyway, would you mind commenting on Ying's elemental balance?
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As an elder she has some of all the basic elements kicking around, but yes Mountain is her primary.

Arkeus said:
Ehh, my opinion is that she is either very balanced elementally or that she is Water/Earth/Mountain as those were the elements given in the site of her trials. I also have this pet theory she is the creator of Argent Mirror Art. However, I consider all of this huge speculations, and that pretending it isn't is sophistry. Sadly it appears you are unwilling to admit we have no real proof whatsoever of her elemental balance but we have proof of her specialities.

Anyway, @yrsillar, I can't find relevant quotes on breakthrough, so a couple of questions: were there lesser bonus if we had less than 20 Qi or was it '20QI or nothing', and so on? Also, were the bonus we got from wind/darkness master on breakthrough initiative/stealth because that's what they always give or because that fit Ling Qi?

I distinctly remember both being mentioned before, but I am now wondering if it wasn't just speculations that was shared between people for 300 pages and brainwashed me.
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There were lesser bonuses, and yeah the bonuses were personalized to an extent.
 
yrsillar said:
As an elder she has some of all the basic elements kicking around, but yes Mountain is her primary.
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And Earth? Is that just a thing she knows because she's an elder and thus awesome, or is it an area of focus for her?

yrsillar said:
There were lesser bonuses, and yeah the bonuses were personalized to an extent.
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Good to know.

When you say its personalized - would you say that we can assume Ling Qi will always get the same bonus at for any given element, even if someone else might get something different? Or is it even more variable than that?

So, if we master a wind art for our next breakthrough, will we definitely get Init again, or might we get, say, speed?

Arkeus said:
Ehh, my opinion is that she is either very balanced elementally or that she is Water/Earth/Mountain as those were the elements given in the site of her trials. I also have this pet theory she is the creator of Argent Mirror Art. However, I consider all of this huge speculations, and that pretending it isn't is sophistry.
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You mean lake, not water, I think.

You say speculation, I say reasoned deduction. Her personality and demonstrated arts indicate a propensity for Earth, in my eyes. It's not been outright stated, but it's a conclusion based upon available evidence - and the same one you came to yourself, by your admission.

Not certain, sure, but if we consider all deduction mere speculation we'll have precious few things we are sure about.

Also, I have a question.

Arkeus said:
the wider the spread of element we use the weaker we are
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If you believe that elemental balance is inherently inferior to elemental focus, wouldn't it be natural to conclude that sect elders, the epitome of strength, would be focused on a tight group of elements? Isn't an evenly balanced elder an oxymoron, in that case?
 
Equable said:
If you believe that elemental balance is inherently inferior to elemental focus, wouldn't it be natural to conclude that sect elders, the epitome of strength, would be focused on a tight group of elements? Isn't an evenly balanced elder an oxymoron, in that case?
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Not really. 'weaker' is in effective strength, and it's because of our current availability of gear/etc. An Elder of Argent Sect almost certainly gets huge bonus to having a lot of balanced art for the simple reason the Argent Sect specialise in balance.

However, from the Elders we have seen, Elder Su seems to be the one who is about Balance, while Elder Jiao is about Yin, Elder Zhou is ???; and apparently Elder Ying is Mountain specialist.

Of course they have grounding in all elements, but that's because they have been alive for 400+ years and have had a lot of time to learn a lot of things. I also suspect it's standard practice for an elder of the Argent Sect to learn all the Argent Arts, and those probably provide grounding in all elements.
Equable said:
You mean lake, not water, I think.
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Growing Cavern: +5 to cultivation of Earth, Mountain and Water arts.
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It's water, though AMA is Lake.
 
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yrsillar said:
Mm, Mountain, Earth, Lake are her primaries.
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Yeah, that makes sense, in light of the Argent Mirror art and her demonstrated abilities. Thanks for clarifying.

yrsillar said:
Anyway, breakthrough bonuses are based on the kind of arts your mastering, so no it wont always be init
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So, I'd guess we got init because ZB does provide bonuses to initiative. Can we get multiple bonuses from the same element?

So, if we got a wind art that would give us init for mastery, and one that would give us speed for mastery, would we get both both bonuses if we mastered both arts, or would we be limited to one of them?
 
Codex said:
One day isn't enough for a turn update. Yrsillar usually spends 2-3 days, sometimes more for the update.
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Turns update can be anything between half a day after lock to 2 days after, barring outliers like "I got invited to France to pet cats". While he has said he is going to take more times for them, and he is taking longer to lock, 2 days after lock is actually somewhat rarer than one day iirc.
 
It'll be out when it's good and ready. Badgering the author about when it will be out is not helpful in getting them to produce a work of quality.
 
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If Arts Could speak Scene 1
  • Apocrypha
    • Partial Omake: If Arts Could Speak (scene 1)

    FADE IN:

    In Ling Qi's mindscape, an hour before daybreak.

    NARRATOR
    As Ling Qi sits below the moonlit sky, cultivating by the Argent Vent, we catch a glimpse at her inner world.
    ​
    ARGENT MIRROR is sitting cross-legged in the background, peacefully cultivating. Wisps of silver-colored mist are periodically drawn from the surroundings, moving in meandering circles before finding their way to her dantian.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY enters from stage left, grumbling under breath. Dark mist bellows from her robes, slowly spreading through her surroundings.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    (muttering)
    It's not fair how everyone dispels things nowadays. First that Blood Princess, now the River Spirit.
    And on top of it all, my music sounds so much worse without a proper flute.​

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP arrives, sneaking silently through the mist in FVM's wake.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    How am I suppose to be demonstrating my worth with all this?
    I should have been up to the plate as soon as Ling Qi advanced her cultivation. Instead, I've been upstaged by the new upstart. She is even working to secure a fancy new site for him this week.
    Rubbish. I was supposed to be the primary art. Me!
    ​
    Having closed the distance, SCS leaps forward, taking FVM down with a tackle hug.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    I was here first, and I'm just so much more refined, and - EEEEP!
    ​
    SCS sits on FVM's back, pinning her arms to her sides.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    (grinning widely)
    Gotcha! You've got to spend less time brooding and more time paying attention to what is going on around you.
    ​
    FVM struggles momentarily, before relaxing.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    (Muffled)
    I wasn't brooding. Lemme up!
    ​
    A wolf muzzle condenses out of the mist, snapping at SCS's arm. However, instead of closing on flesh, they close on liquid darkness, which immediately flows back to reform SCS's arm.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    (Still grinning)
    Nope! That was totally brooding. You were getting all mopey about not getting enough attention. Even if I couldn't hear you talking to yourself, you really think I can't tell?

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    ...so what if I was? I haven't had a chance to grow for a month now. A MONTH. I was really looking forward to advancing again! And then this ruffian comes around and suddenly he is the big game in town. Am I just supposed to be okay with being delegated to the sidelines like this?

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    (Puts on a stern face)
    Look here. A hunter's got to be patient. You aren't being sidelined - Ling Qi just needs to help the new guy a bit so he isn't all weak and wobbly. We'll have our day soon enough, no need to fret.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    (grumbles)
    ...I still don't like it.
    ​
    SCS shifts off of FVM's back, giving her a hand up.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    You are very special, and we all love you. You don't need to worry so much.
    ​
    FVM blushes deeply, stuttering for several moments. She has yet to release SCS's hand.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    (quietly)
    Uh, that, well... I guess I'll try.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    (grinning again)
    That's the spirit!
    ​
    In the background, the sky can be seen to start taking on a pinkish hue. FVM and SCS turn to look.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    Would you like to watch the dawn with me? I know you burn easily, but I should be able to manage some shade.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    I'd like nothing better!​

    FADE OUT​
     
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  • Apocrypha
    • PrimalShadow said:
    In the background, the sky can be seen to start taking on a pinkish hue. FVM and SCS turn to look.

    FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY
    Would you like to watch the dawn with me? I know you burn easily, but I should be able to manage some shade.

    SABLE CRESCENT STEP
    I'd like nothing better!​
    FADE OUT​
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    That's such an odd idea but you pulled it off adorably!
     
    PrimalShadow said:
    @yrsillar - are you planning on an update tonight?
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    Probably going to update tomorrow. I'm trying to skim over less and between that and Tales of Bersaria Other distractions, it's taking a bit longer.

    The Nomad said:
    My cat is a lovely bundle of pettable adorableness. What say you, @yrsillar? :p
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    Tempting, but probably not viable

    Nice amusing lil omake Primalshadow. I'll give you a point for the scene as it is pretty short though.
     
    yrsillar said:
    Nice amusing lil omake Primalshadow. I'll give you a point for the scene as it is pretty short though.
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    I did mention that it was a partial omake; I'm planning to add at least one scene, probably two. Depends on time and inspiration; I've got a couple of ideas but they are individual lines, and I need to write everything else that makes those lines make sense and fit together into a narrative. ;)
     
    yrsillar said:
    Velvet actually. Then again, I only just got Magilou in my party :p
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    Velvet is just so damn satisfying to play, but once you want to switch out of the engine of destruction give the comedic relief a go!

    Berseria actually does a great job of having every character being really fun to play in their own ways and very much viable. Hell, the kid isn't even the healer, he is the nuke.
     
    If Arts Could Speak Scene 2
  • Apocrypha
    • Partial Omake: If Arts Could Speak (scene 2)

    FADE IN:

    In Ling Qi's mindscape, at sunrise.
    ​
    ARGENT MIRROR is still calmly cultivating in the background. Off to the side, SABLE CRESCENT STEP and FORGOTTEN VALE MELODY sit together shrouded in a layer of mist, watching the sunrise.

    FALLING STAR enters from stage right, stretching and rubbing his eyes. He is rather shorter than everyone else in the scene, though it doesn't prevent from for carrying an oversized bow on his shirtless back. FVM shoots him a glare as he passes her.

    FALLING STAR
    (yawning)
    About time to start the day, I suppose.
    ​
    ZEPHYR'S BREATH enters from stage right, moving to join FS.

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    How can you say that when its daylight already? Everyone else here manages to keep proper nocturnal hours, you know. Majority rules; the right time to start the day would have been twelve hours ago.

    FALLING STAR
    (yawning)
    What?

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    Oh for Qi's sake, you are hopeless. Element of intellect, my foot.
    Tell you what. I've got this neat trick that will wake you up right and proper. Wanna see?
    ​
    Without waiting for an answer, ZB unleashes a concentrated blast of cold air right into FS's face.

    FALLING STAR
    (sputtering)
    H-hey! I didn't deserve that!

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    (snickers)
    But it sure woke you up, didn't it? You should be grateful! Like you said, its time to start the day - can't be off sleeping!

    FALLING STAR
    Hmph. How'd you pull that off, anyways? Temperature control isn't really supposed to be your thing, is it?
    ​
    ZB gestures to the a icy-blue pin in her hair.

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    Its the talisman. Gives a bit of extra "oomph" to what I do along the temperature domain. It's pretty nifty; have't you seen me wearing it?

    FALLING STAR
    Yeah, but... haven't you been wearing that since I got here? I feel like I would have remembered a talisman applying this sort of effect.

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    (shrugs)
    Eh. It is easy enough to overlook. Also maybe I've been forgetting to use it just a bit...
    ​
    As they speak, FS goes through a series of stretches, before reaching for his bow.

    FALLING STAR
    Tell you what. How 'bout I show you a trick of my own? You'll like it.
    ​
    FS draws and sets an arrow, and then aims his bow into the air at a 45 degree angle, ready to release.

    FALLING STAR
    How far do you think I can shoot this arrow?

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    Uh. With your new bow? A bit under 200 feet, or somewhere thereabouts.

    FALLING STAR
    Ah! You'd think that, wouldn't you? But I'll let you in on a little secret.
    You know how an arrow falls after you loose it? You know what makes it do that? An environmental effect.
    And you know what you call an environmental effect that gets in your way? An environmental penalty.
    And you know what my Art does to environmental penalties?

    ZEPHYR'S BREATH
    But... that... NO. That isn't how it works. That isn't how any of this works!
    ​
    FS smirks, starting to channel Qi into his weapon. Wild winds whip up around him, and the arrowhead is set alight with arcs of electricity. Calmly, FS turns, looking ZB in the eyes.

    FALLING STAR
    Oh? Well. I guess we'll see.
    ​
    Without breaking eye contact, FS releases, firing the arrow into the air. At this point, he and ZB both turn to watch the arrow fly, bursting higher and higher... before leveling out, and plummeting down once more.

    FALLING STAR
    Huh.​

    FADE OUT​
     
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  • Apocrypha
    • I wander what we're going to get with Argent Mirror the week. It levels up this time, after all.
     
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