I think we just connected the dots when Meizhen mentioned that her mother had been executed
Forge of Destiny(Xianxia Quest)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
Normally you would be completely right. Normally. But this isn't a normal situation and I do not simply mean the three Ducal scions.
Again it comes down to Sun Shao's own actions and how Shen Hua and the Bai played him like a fiddle.
In a normal year he would not have obviously and blatantly spend resources and political capital in gaming the tourney. He would have just sat back and allowed Linling to crush her opposition with her might and thus if she failed on her own it would suck but it would not splash back to him and his clan.
This is not what happened. He blatantly had the elimination rounds gamed to satisfy Linling's grudge against the Cai. This eben though he knew it was a bad idea. And the gains were fucking mediocre for the efforts of a Ducal clan. One Cai Vassal got dunked on and humiliated but his granddaughters allies failed to achieve a complete victory despite the deck being stacked in their favor. The other Cai Vassal took the stacked deck and then made herself look good.
This wouldn't be so bad if Shenhua had actually used her own influence to game the tourney as well. And as CRX said she didn't do it at all. To all onlookers she just let the Butcher King have his way. Which is a bit humiliating for the Cai but also a relief for Sun who wanted to pull out after the mediocre gains.
And then the goddamn Cai and Bai alliance is revealed to everyone. Just like Shenhua's pregnancy this recontextualize everything for everyone. Sun Shao came to realize that she allowed him to do as he wished in the first round and making the Cai lose face so that her own escalation would look reasonable. She is allying with the Bai because she was also wronged by the Sun and he have her the perfect excuse.
This also makes him look like can utter idiot. To the onlookers his own actions pushed the Cai and Bai together creating his own worst nightmare. And makes him look politically inept for failing to considering this possibility. It makes his ability to scout and judge talent and people look terrible and makes his ability to choose and raise an heir look goddamn terrible. Because everyone knows Linling has a grudge against CRX and everyone knows he gamed the tourney because she asked him. So his heir looks like an emotional idiot and he himself looks like a foolish old man more interested in spoiling his heir than actually teaching her.
The Sun furthermore looks weak on the diplomatic and intrigue front. Because if this alliance had been in the work for a long time now. The fact that he did nothing, could not stop them, was just as surprised as everyone, still picked a fight with the Cai tells everyone another thing. His spies and diplomats are incompetent and he doesn't have the connections and allies to catch something like this.
To say that Cai made Sun look like an old and weak fool is an understatement. So now that both he and his heir look look like political morons they only have one choice. He is still the butcher king and everyone knows he has a cheat to breach the white stage. A show of martial might is the one thing that might drive back the daggers before they come out.
If Sunliling wins first place she would prove that while her political talents are lacking she was chosen for being a badass fighter that can succeed Sun Shao. More importantly it makes her grandfather look less foolish for selecting and spoiling her. And allows him to send the message that yeah politics is his weakpoint but he is the Butcher King and he has one of the most powerful armies in the Empire so back off.
If she doesn't win. He looks like an indulgent fool who has gone soft who choose an idiotic little girl has his heir. The Sun cannot afford that.
The worst part is that Sun Shao walked into this shitty situation on his own.
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If you step on an ant when visiting a neighbours garden, do you lose face? No, of course not. Anyone petty enough to complain about you doing so would though.
It really depends on how relevant common born low Green Cultivators are. If they aren't, killing them off if they offend you may simply not matter.
- Location
- Earth
Ling Qi is not just any common low born Green Cultivator. She is a Vassal. If someones Vassal gets dunked because of a lack of protection that's a loss of face.
- Location
- The United States
- Pronouns
- He/They
Our feudal relationship with the Cai goes both ways.
It's not important here that we're a common born Green, because that's less of a concern than us being a vassal of the Cai. They HAVE to defend us against againsy external threats unless we go out of our way to deny them face.
Doing our dammedest to beat SL in a fair fight is not that.
This is of course irrelevant, since we won't beat SL.
Tournament 15
Ling Qi paused for a moment as she saw the company Cai Renxiang was in. One of the Xuan admirals stood with her, indistinguishable from his brother. Ling Qi held back a grimace, hopefully she could avoid a situation in which it became clear that she couldn't tell the two of them apart. Unless…
"Sorry, I couldn't tell you either," Sixiang replied to her unspoken query. "I'm pretty sure that they're doing that on purpose."
Not unexpected Ling Qi thought glumly, resuming her stride. It wouldn't do to stand here gawking, she would just end up looking rude that way too. So, fixing her expression into one of pleasant subservience, Ling Qi returned to her liege's side.
"My apologies for my interruption, Lady Cai, Admiral Xuan," she said demurely as they turned at her approach, lowering her head in a bow. "Your request, my lady," she added holding out the drink Cai had sent her to retrieve.
"Thank you, Ling Qi," the shorter girl replied politely, accepting the cup of steaming tea. "Lord Xuan Ce, please continue," Ling Qi fell in appropriately a step behind her as the other girls attention turned back to the high ranking guest.
"Enough words have I spoken of the avaricious Jin already," the man replied, briefly glancing at Ling Qi. "Mine brother and I trust that the withered channels tying the great wood seas to the harbors of the north shall see their blockages crumble."
"I will do all in my power to ensure it, should Mother choose to trust me such responsibility," Cai Renxiang replied evenly. "And I will speak with the Bao on the matter in any case."
"We are thankful," the heavily cloaked man replied, his hat tilting slightly at his nod. "Treacherous is the sea of imperium when sailing alone."
"As you say Lord Xuan," Cai Renxiang said. "My honored Mother understands the value of strong ties in times of trouble, and I have personally witnessed the steadiness of your house."
"The hatchling," The older man chuckled, his laughter little more than a rasp. "Yes, mine grand nephew has exceeded the measure laid for him by elder eyes," there was a twinkle of amusement in his storm grey eyes. "It is this old ones hopes that the young miss will offer him support in turn."
"Xuan Shi is a valued ally," Cai Renxiang agreed. "It would be my pleasure to do so."
Ling Qi kept herself from fidgeting through an effort of will, as the two of them spoke, keeping herself alert by surreptitiously noting the faces of the guests passing nearby, she could not match names to most of them, but she figured it would be good practice regardless. She was careful not to let her attention wander too far though, and she was glad for it as the Xuan's gaze turned to her.
"And what of you, little Baroness," the man asked. "I would hear your thoughts on the young one."
Ling Qi's eyes widened marginally and she felt a thrill of alarm. Why was he asking her? She was acquainted with Xuan Shi but they hardly knew one another well. "Sir Xuan is a dedicated and hard working young man," she said with only a slight pause. "While we have not had many opportunities to speak, he has provided me with helpful advice on the matter of caring for Zhengui. He is a good ally and a credit to your house."
Cai gave her a faint look a of approval out of the corner of her eye, so she hadn't screwed that up too badly. Still, she couldn't help but feel that the elder Xuan looked faintly disappointed, which was alarming. There was no sign of it in his voice when he spoke next though. "Yes, the precious one," he chuckled instead, making Ling Qi flush slightly. "Perhaps thy wings should carry the two of you north in the future. It would do the child good to meet his kin."
"I would have no objection," Cai Renxiang said smoothly. "Though I would need ask that you not borrow my retainer for too long Lord Xuan."
"I am no thief," the older man huffed, glancing at her again. "...Yet I must express disappointment in mine grand nephews lack of rigor in some matters," the man said with a sigh.
"Your words are too kind. I would be pleased to visit your lands alongside Zhengui in the future," Ling Qi said politely. "I am undeserving of such attention."
"Hmph, this suthron dance can be tiring," Xuan Ce grunted, for the first time showing a bit of irritation. "Perhaps to those without Sight your words might be true. Portents swirl about this place, forming the seeds of a hurricane, and yet I see you clearly amidst the gathering winds. The Star Child and Moon Wraith both will know no simple future."
Ling QI swallowed thickly at the ominous words, sharing an uncertain glance with Cai Renxiang, who responded carefully. "...My retainer and I will both thank you for sharing your Sight, Admiral Xuan."
He waved a hand dismissively, very slightly shaking his head. "Nay, I will take no thanks for such a prediction," he replied heavily, turning his attention back to Cai Renxiang in full. "Allow me to commend thy sharp eyes one last time young lady Cai. However, this one must attend to other business."
"I will take your kind words to heart, Admiral Xuan. Please enjoy the rest of the evening," Cai Renxiang replied evenly, bowing at the waist as the older man took his leave.
Ling Qi let out a breath as he vanished into the crowd, glancing down at the cup of cider she held, now growing warm in her hands. "...Should I be worried?"
Cai Renxiang frowned slightly, pausing to finally take a sip from her cup. "Divinations regarding the future are hardly reliable," she said quietly. "Regardless, did you not know that the path you have chosen to follow me on was treacherous?"
Ling Qi nodded, she supposed that she did. "I suppose I should study up on northern customs then," she said, changing the subject.
"In the future perhaps," her liege replied, turning to lead her elsewhere in the pavillion. "Such a visit is far away, and the present yet demands your attention."
"Of course," Ling Qi said straightening her shoulders, mentally preparing herself to return to a state of polite blandness. "What is our next appointment?"
"The Lord Xu," Cai Renxiang replied idly. "I will require your presence for only a short while longer, Ling Qi."
She carefully did not express her gratitude for that, simply nodding in response. It would be good to get out of here. Even if she was growing used to it, the presence of so many powerful cultivators was still giving her a faint headache.
Soon enough, Cai Renxiang made good on her word, dismissing her for the evening and returning to her Mother. Looking at the other girls back as she went… Ling Qi wished that she could offer some words of comfort, but there were none she could speak in such a public place, given the reason for the girl's stiff shoulders and blank expression.
As she flitted away into the night, little more than a scrap of shadow passing beneath the stars, Ling Qi could not help but ponder on it. Though she had for a long time, resented her mother a great deal, with the unfair mindset of a child… some part of her had never really doubted the woman's affection for her. Yet for all that she was powerless, in the past and especially now, Ling Qi could not rely on her for anything, not really.
The thought was sour, but Ling Qi could not help but think it. Cai Renxiang though… Her Mother was strong, as strong as it was possible to be and still walk the material world. Only a bare handful of people could even question her authority, let alone force her to do anything. Ling Qi still envied that, at least a bit. Yet, she could not envy Cai Renxiang, having looked into that woman's eyes.
Who could even tell the difference between affection and cruelty, coming from something like that?
So as she landed without a sound before the doors of the house she had arranged for her mother, and passed wordlessly by the Sect guard at the gate, Ling Qi felt only a faint relief. The light tingle of the houses alarm formation passed over as she slipped inside, recognizing her qi and falling quiescant, and welcoming her home, such as it was. She followed the faint light and sound of fire toward the houses sitting room. It was a rather chilly night, for a mortal Ling Qi thought absently.
She found her mother seated by the fire in a soft chair, a book open in her lap. In a moment, she saw the weariness in the older woman's drooping eyes, and also the determination to stay awake, and the faint worry in the lines at the corners of her eyes. Very deliberately, Ling Qi placed her next footfall to make the floorboards creak. "Sorry I am so late mother," she said softly, entering the room.
Her mother had looked up at the sound of her footfall, and a faint smile broke out on her tired face as Ling Qi spoke. "It is nothing to show concern for Ling Qi. I am sure that important matters occupied your time," she replied ruefully, shutting the book in her lap as she stood.
"That is only so much of an excuse," Ling Qi replied wryly, crossing the room in a few long strides to wrap her slim mother in a carefully controlled hug. "I made it into the Inner Sect Mother."
Ling Qingge twitched for a moment at the sudden contact, as she often did, but all the same a moment later she felt her Mothers small hands come to rest on her back. "I am glad for you. Does that mean that you have won your… tournament?" She asked, sounding a bit awkward.
"Not quite," Ling Qi said, withdrawing from the embrace after another moment. "I and seven others have qualified for the Inner Sect, now we will fight to determine our starting rank."
"I see," the older woman said, looking up at her with some concern. "I… it feels strange to me still, to hear my daughter speak so easily of fighting. I…" she trailed off looking uncertain as to how to express her concern.
"No one gets hurt too badly," Ling Qi replied, adjusting the truth a little. "My friend Xiulan had the worst of it today and she will be fine by morning. The Sects physicians are very skilled."
"Of course," Ling Qingge replied, sounding relieved. It made Ling Qi feel a little bad, but there was no good to be had in getting into the gory details. It would only distress her mother for no reason. "...Is it the duels which take up the whole day?" the older woman asked, pulling her attention back to the present.
"No," Ling Qi admitted. "I have been attending parties and meeting all sorts of people," she added with a grimace. "I almost wish it was more duels. I have so many letters to pen abstaining from different offers."
Her mother smiled, seeming a bit more comfortable with this topic. "I see. I am glad your lord is taking care to give you such a good grounding. Does she already have someone in mind for you?"
"Not yet," Ling Qi replied, feeling a little evasive. "That sort of thing… it's probably for the best to wait. I will only get more valuable in the future after all," she still felt kind of gross, saying things like that.
Ling Qingge looked pensive. "I suppose so… I believe I had a cousin who awakened. She was not groomed in the same manner as the rest of us."
"Right," Ling Qi agreed, swiftly seeking a change from the uncomfortable topic. "How is that going by the way, have you felt anything yet?"
Now it was her Mother's turn to look uncomfortable. "A certain warmth, a time or two, but no more. I fear you are only wasting resources."
"It's never a waste," Ling Qi replied firmly, meeting her Mothers eyes. A few red stones was a paltry cost for giving her Mother a chance to live truly healthy and well. She would give her family as much health and luxury as she could afford. "...Please Mother, keep trying. I don't want to…" she looked away, not finishing the sentence.
"I will not waste your generosity," Ling Qingge replied quietly, looking away. "Let us not speak of such things though," she continued with a weak smile. "Please, sit down. Tell me a little of your victories."
Ling Qi recognized the effort to change the subject, she had done the same a few moments ago after all., but just smiled going along with it. "You're right, no need to talk about heavy things right now…"
Her Mother might be but a mortal, but sitting here by the fire, telling, slightly embellished stories of the last couple of days… she found that it didn't matter. She was glad to have family again.
[] Battle Plan
-Alright voters, it is time to vote on your battle plan for facing Ji Rong in the next round. Same rules apply as the previous battle votes. Keep it to a basic tactics outline. There will be a six hour moratorium on voting.
Also this is the art contained in the card given to you by Cai Renxiang
Greater Qi Card: Stores a single technique of three dots or lower indefinitely. Techniques stored are used as with the casters full baseline dice pool. Talisman bonuses and auto successes are not included. The user must be within the same cultivation realm as the caster. 3 charges.
-Absolute Empyreal Dictate
The burning radiance of the stars lights in the user's eyes, burning away the shields which grant their target succor from their own inadequacy, and leaving their unworthy souls bare before primordial radiance. On activation, the user initiates a dispel clash targeting a defensive art in use by an enemy with a four die bonus, on success the target suffers one point of lethal semi perfect damage and cannot activate the same art in the following turn. Regardless of success, the user receives a six die bonus on any spiritual attack made in the following turn.
"Sorry, I couldn't tell you either," Sixiang replied to her unspoken query. "I'm pretty sure that they're doing that on purpose."
Not unexpected Ling Qi thought glumly, resuming her stride. It wouldn't do to stand here gawking, she would just end up looking rude that way too. So, fixing her expression into one of pleasant subservience, Ling Qi returned to her liege's side.
"My apologies for my interruption, Lady Cai, Admiral Xuan," she said demurely as they turned at her approach, lowering her head in a bow. "Your request, my lady," she added holding out the drink Cai had sent her to retrieve.
"Thank you, Ling Qi," the shorter girl replied politely, accepting the cup of steaming tea. "Lord Xuan Ce, please continue," Ling Qi fell in appropriately a step behind her as the other girls attention turned back to the high ranking guest.
"Enough words have I spoken of the avaricious Jin already," the man replied, briefly glancing at Ling Qi. "Mine brother and I trust that the withered channels tying the great wood seas to the harbors of the north shall see their blockages crumble."
"I will do all in my power to ensure it, should Mother choose to trust me such responsibility," Cai Renxiang replied evenly. "And I will speak with the Bao on the matter in any case."
"We are thankful," the heavily cloaked man replied, his hat tilting slightly at his nod. "Treacherous is the sea of imperium when sailing alone."
"As you say Lord Xuan," Cai Renxiang said. "My honored Mother understands the value of strong ties in times of trouble, and I have personally witnessed the steadiness of your house."
"The hatchling," The older man chuckled, his laughter little more than a rasp. "Yes, mine grand nephew has exceeded the measure laid for him by elder eyes," there was a twinkle of amusement in his storm grey eyes. "It is this old ones hopes that the young miss will offer him support in turn."
"Xuan Shi is a valued ally," Cai Renxiang agreed. "It would be my pleasure to do so."
Ling Qi kept herself from fidgeting through an effort of will, as the two of them spoke, keeping herself alert by surreptitiously noting the faces of the guests passing nearby, she could not match names to most of them, but she figured it would be good practice regardless. She was careful not to let her attention wander too far though, and she was glad for it as the Xuan's gaze turned to her.
"And what of you, little Baroness," the man asked. "I would hear your thoughts on the young one."
Ling Qi's eyes widened marginally and she felt a thrill of alarm. Why was he asking her? She was acquainted with Xuan Shi but they hardly knew one another well. "Sir Xuan is a dedicated and hard working young man," she said with only a slight pause. "While we have not had many opportunities to speak, he has provided me with helpful advice on the matter of caring for Zhengui. He is a good ally and a credit to your house."
Cai gave her a faint look a of approval out of the corner of her eye, so she hadn't screwed that up too badly. Still, she couldn't help but feel that the elder Xuan looked faintly disappointed, which was alarming. There was no sign of it in his voice when he spoke next though. "Yes, the precious one," he chuckled instead, making Ling Qi flush slightly. "Perhaps thy wings should carry the two of you north in the future. It would do the child good to meet his kin."
"I would have no objection," Cai Renxiang said smoothly. "Though I would need ask that you not borrow my retainer for too long Lord Xuan."
"I am no thief," the older man huffed, glancing at her again. "...Yet I must express disappointment in mine grand nephews lack of rigor in some matters," the man said with a sigh.
"Your words are too kind. I would be pleased to visit your lands alongside Zhengui in the future," Ling Qi said politely. "I am undeserving of such attention."
"Hmph, this suthron dance can be tiring," Xuan Ce grunted, for the first time showing a bit of irritation. "Perhaps to those without Sight your words might be true. Portents swirl about this place, forming the seeds of a hurricane, and yet I see you clearly amidst the gathering winds. The Star Child and Moon Wraith both will know no simple future."
Ling QI swallowed thickly at the ominous words, sharing an uncertain glance with Cai Renxiang, who responded carefully. "...My retainer and I will both thank you for sharing your Sight, Admiral Xuan."
He waved a hand dismissively, very slightly shaking his head. "Nay, I will take no thanks for such a prediction," he replied heavily, turning his attention back to Cai Renxiang in full. "Allow me to commend thy sharp eyes one last time young lady Cai. However, this one must attend to other business."
"I will take your kind words to heart, Admiral Xuan. Please enjoy the rest of the evening," Cai Renxiang replied evenly, bowing at the waist as the older man took his leave.
Ling Qi let out a breath as he vanished into the crowd, glancing down at the cup of cider she held, now growing warm in her hands. "...Should I be worried?"
Cai Renxiang frowned slightly, pausing to finally take a sip from her cup. "Divinations regarding the future are hardly reliable," she said quietly. "Regardless, did you not know that the path you have chosen to follow me on was treacherous?"
Ling Qi nodded, she supposed that she did. "I suppose I should study up on northern customs then," she said, changing the subject.
"In the future perhaps," her liege replied, turning to lead her elsewhere in the pavillion. "Such a visit is far away, and the present yet demands your attention."
"Of course," Ling Qi said straightening her shoulders, mentally preparing herself to return to a state of polite blandness. "What is our next appointment?"
"The Lord Xu," Cai Renxiang replied idly. "I will require your presence for only a short while longer, Ling Qi."
She carefully did not express her gratitude for that, simply nodding in response. It would be good to get out of here. Even if she was growing used to it, the presence of so many powerful cultivators was still giving her a faint headache.
Soon enough, Cai Renxiang made good on her word, dismissing her for the evening and returning to her Mother. Looking at the other girls back as she went… Ling Qi wished that she could offer some words of comfort, but there were none she could speak in such a public place, given the reason for the girl's stiff shoulders and blank expression.
As she flitted away into the night, little more than a scrap of shadow passing beneath the stars, Ling Qi could not help but ponder on it. Though she had for a long time, resented her mother a great deal, with the unfair mindset of a child… some part of her had never really doubted the woman's affection for her. Yet for all that she was powerless, in the past and especially now, Ling Qi could not rely on her for anything, not really.
The thought was sour, but Ling Qi could not help but think it. Cai Renxiang though… Her Mother was strong, as strong as it was possible to be and still walk the material world. Only a bare handful of people could even question her authority, let alone force her to do anything. Ling Qi still envied that, at least a bit. Yet, she could not envy Cai Renxiang, having looked into that woman's eyes.
Who could even tell the difference between affection and cruelty, coming from something like that?
So as she landed without a sound before the doors of the house she had arranged for her mother, and passed wordlessly by the Sect guard at the gate, Ling Qi felt only a faint relief. The light tingle of the houses alarm formation passed over as she slipped inside, recognizing her qi and falling quiescant, and welcoming her home, such as it was. She followed the faint light and sound of fire toward the houses sitting room. It was a rather chilly night, for a mortal Ling Qi thought absently.
She found her mother seated by the fire in a soft chair, a book open in her lap. In a moment, she saw the weariness in the older woman's drooping eyes, and also the determination to stay awake, and the faint worry in the lines at the corners of her eyes. Very deliberately, Ling Qi placed her next footfall to make the floorboards creak. "Sorry I am so late mother," she said softly, entering the room.
Her mother had looked up at the sound of her footfall, and a faint smile broke out on her tired face as Ling Qi spoke. "It is nothing to show concern for Ling Qi. I am sure that important matters occupied your time," she replied ruefully, shutting the book in her lap as she stood.
"That is only so much of an excuse," Ling Qi replied wryly, crossing the room in a few long strides to wrap her slim mother in a carefully controlled hug. "I made it into the Inner Sect Mother."
Ling Qingge twitched for a moment at the sudden contact, as she often did, but all the same a moment later she felt her Mothers small hands come to rest on her back. "I am glad for you. Does that mean that you have won your… tournament?" She asked, sounding a bit awkward.
"Not quite," Ling Qi said, withdrawing from the embrace after another moment. "I and seven others have qualified for the Inner Sect, now we will fight to determine our starting rank."
"I see," the older woman said, looking up at her with some concern. "I… it feels strange to me still, to hear my daughter speak so easily of fighting. I…" she trailed off looking uncertain as to how to express her concern.
"No one gets hurt too badly," Ling Qi replied, adjusting the truth a little. "My friend Xiulan had the worst of it today and she will be fine by morning. The Sects physicians are very skilled."
"Of course," Ling Qingge replied, sounding relieved. It made Ling Qi feel a little bad, but there was no good to be had in getting into the gory details. It would only distress her mother for no reason. "...Is it the duels which take up the whole day?" the older woman asked, pulling her attention back to the present.
"No," Ling Qi admitted. "I have been attending parties and meeting all sorts of people," she added with a grimace. "I almost wish it was more duels. I have so many letters to pen abstaining from different offers."
Her mother smiled, seeming a bit more comfortable with this topic. "I see. I am glad your lord is taking care to give you such a good grounding. Does she already have someone in mind for you?"
"Not yet," Ling Qi replied, feeling a little evasive. "That sort of thing… it's probably for the best to wait. I will only get more valuable in the future after all," she still felt kind of gross, saying things like that.
Ling Qingge looked pensive. "I suppose so… I believe I had a cousin who awakened. She was not groomed in the same manner as the rest of us."
"Right," Ling Qi agreed, swiftly seeking a change from the uncomfortable topic. "How is that going by the way, have you felt anything yet?"
Now it was her Mother's turn to look uncomfortable. "A certain warmth, a time or two, but no more. I fear you are only wasting resources."
"It's never a waste," Ling Qi replied firmly, meeting her Mothers eyes. A few red stones was a paltry cost for giving her Mother a chance to live truly healthy and well. She would give her family as much health and luxury as she could afford. "...Please Mother, keep trying. I don't want to…" she looked away, not finishing the sentence.
"I will not waste your generosity," Ling Qingge replied quietly, looking away. "Let us not speak of such things though," she continued with a weak smile. "Please, sit down. Tell me a little of your victories."
Ling Qi recognized the effort to change the subject, she had done the same a few moments ago after all., but just smiled going along with it. "You're right, no need to talk about heavy things right now…"
Her Mother might be but a mortal, but sitting here by the fire, telling, slightly embellished stories of the last couple of days… she found that it didn't matter. She was glad to have family again.
[] Battle Plan
-Alright voters, it is time to vote on your battle plan for facing Ji Rong in the next round. Same rules apply as the previous battle votes. Keep it to a basic tactics outline. There will be a six hour moratorium on voting.
Also this is the art contained in the card given to you by Cai Renxiang
Greater Qi Card: Stores a single technique of three dots or lower indefinitely. Techniques stored are used as with the casters full baseline dice pool. Talisman bonuses and auto successes are not included. The user must be within the same cultivation realm as the caster. 3 charges.
-Absolute Empyreal Dictate
The burning radiance of the stars lights in the user's eyes, burning away the shields which grant their target succor from their own inadequacy, and leaving their unworthy souls bare before primordial radiance. On activation, the user initiates a dispel clash targeting a defensive art in use by an enemy with a four die bonus, on success the target suffers one point of lethal semi perfect damage and cannot activate the same art in the following turn. Regardless of success, the user receives a six die bonus on any spiritual attack made in the following turn.
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Um...
This tech is pretty useless in a qi card, yrs. Since we can't use qi cards as instants (and for good reason as our build can abuse that badly if so), only half the tech would function.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
What a nice tech
globalwarmth
ruining the weather.
- Location
- Polar ice caps
so his name means precious? I kinda binged the whole quest in one go and arrived like 4 story post ago.
Fixed
my bad.
- Location
- United States of America
Yeah, Zhengui is a pun on turtle snake and precious treasure.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Perhaps. However we have Spring ends aria that is an instant. Getting that setup easier will really help everything comeing after to hit as well and helps the death spiral.
Alphaleph
The Firstiest of First
It's unfortunate we did not have a Sun oriented person to complete the Heaven Trinity set.
On the other hand, I do hope this mean that CRX has the potential/destiny of killing the unkillables.
SEA doesn't make an attack.
I recall it's "precious treasure". And read a little differently (details of how escape me) "real turtle"
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Oh, hell yes. I would absolutely loooove that.
Damn, that is some goddamn high praise, and a diviner directly telling us that we are going to go far. Can't wait for where the future takes us.
And finally we can break out our Ji Rong strats. Victory is not guaranteed here, probably more important that we win here than have a trump card for a fight we will almost certainly lose, if it comes down to it.
- Location
- Required Location
The name Zhengui can either be read as 'Precious' or as 'The real turtle', which was the nickname LQ gave to his dad.
- Location
- United States of America
Do we know the terrain of the fight? That might make a difference in what exactly we do.
- Location
- Required Location
Technically he told us that we wont live a simple life. Like in, 'May you live in interesting times' not simple.
ALso there is at least a slight chance of a Xuan husbando.
That would be awesome!
I'm just imagining all this as the social equivilent of this scene from airplane, with suitors in the place of the people with pamphlets:
Nervos Belli
Don't think this means you've won!
- Location
- Murica
That was kind of a given though, seeing how we're a quest protagonist.
[jk] The Best Plan
-[jk] Shoot Ji Rong in the butt with an arrow
Ez pz
Edit:
-[jk] Shoot Ji Rong in the butt with an arrow
Ez pz
Edit:
Lan lan~ can tots be our Sunny gal. Just have to find her some Sun stuff.It's unfortunate we did not have a Sun oriented person to complete the Heaven Trinity set.
On the other hand, I do hope this mean that CRX has the potential/destiny of killing the unkillables.
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The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
The Sun-oriented person is probably the appropriately-named Sun Liling.
EDIT: Our plan should be obvious.
{X} Cut him down.
-{X} Efficiently.
EDIT: Our plan should be obvious.
{X} Cut him down.
-{X} Efficiently.
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