Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
High level Priests can teach them, or you can just Get One if an Angel sees what you're doing and decides to give you some pointers.
Knight of Wessex (A Written World Quest)
- Thread starter Alectai
- Start date
- Original Fantasy Alt. History
High level Priests can teach them, or you can just Get One if an Angel sees what you're doing and decides to give you some pointers.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
On an unrelated note, did you know how incredibly difficult it is to focus as a highly empathetic person when you have a dog in the room who's constantly squeaking at everything because the idea of not being able to go wherever he pleases doesn't sit well with him?
Well, it is hard to focus, but with any luck, he'll cool off soon or I'll get in the right headspace and I can get this update finished.
Well, it is hard to focus, but with any luck, he'll cool off soon or I'll get in the right headspace and I can get this update finished.
Yes, yes, I do. Not for a dog but my cat detests if the door to my room is closed and whether he's inside or outside he starts scratching the door and he won't stop until I open it for him.
It is incredibly distracting but he's cute so I can't be too annoyed.
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
The perks of having a developed and mapped out cultivation system—you can just ask someone to teach you it.
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Is that a squire perk? Learning one of your master's revelations?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
My impression was that, while true, you generally needed a Priest for this (though Leofric would probably count).
- Location
- Earth
We can always spend an action to socialise with the clergy. Probably a good idea to have decent relations with them anyway.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
What exactly do you envision that looking like? I'm not saying you can't do it (though whether it will lead to any sort of training is a different question), but Audrey is definitely not just generically hanging out with clergymen, so you need some additional context to make it work.
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Less a squire thing and more the result of having a cultivation system that people generally understand pretty well and can then convey that understanding to others. Theoretically, any teacher of a sufficiently understood cultivation system could pass on kunna/revelations/whatever to their students.
Turn 8 - Never **ck with the Post
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Sunset-coloured leaves travel along spiralling gusts of lazy wind only to splay across the ground like an all-too-tired hound after a day's hunting. A lightly cushioned courtyard bench is Audrey's throne as she reclines at the side of her master, the lessons of the day still bouncing around in her head. As the training grounds are all under repair—some sparring between her and Chad had gotten out of hand—it was a day of theory rather than practice. While maths and logic were never Audrey's strongest suits, it was still good to exercise that part of her brain from time to time. After all, what manner of Knight would she be if she let something as small as mathematics lay her low?
Regardless, as red-gold leaves pile ever-higher and brow-knit workers clear them away just as fast, this pause in learning does provide Audrey with a rare opportunity. As Sir Reinald Vieux is one of the most experienced Knights in this part of Wessex, he often finds himself called away to consult on this or that. Which, of course, shrinks Audrey's time with him considerably. What time she does spend with him consists almost entirely of teaching and training, very little opportunity for relaxation and bonding.
If Audrey didn't know any better, she might have thought Reinald feared she'd fall behind! Bah, like she would be fool enough to ignore her fundamental skills! Audrey Eotenslaga is better than that.
Still, for all her greatness, there are some things she lacks the knowledge of; such as, for example, the answer to the question now bouncing around her skull.
"Sir Vieux," Reinald's eyes flicker open at Audrey's words, the haze of slumber clearing away from his salt-white eyes. A small yawn clears his throat as he unfolds his arms and rubs at his neck. Was he sleeping? They'd only been sitting there for fifteen minutes at most!
'He's pretty old, ain't he?' Crowley's voice rises in the back of Audrey's head, the crow adding a yawn of his own as he musters himself to life. 'Don't older chaps tend to nod off easy-like?'
'You would know about sleeping,' Audrey grumbles as she folds her mental arms. If she were to name her gripes with her bonded bird, it would be how easily he enters Morpheus' embrace.
'Now now,' Crowley's mental presence offers a cheeky grin that would be impossible anywhere else, 'the wise take their rest wherever they find it, a lesson you would do well to remember from your Thane ancestors.'
Just as Audrey goes to retort, Reinald's cough cuts her short while his words knock her over, "You had something to ask of me, I presume?"
Warmth flooding Audrey's cheeks, she quickly clears her throat and rights herself as Crowley snickers off into sleep. "I did, yes." Shaking her head to rid herself of mental cobwebs, she takes a deep breath before addressing her original thoughts, "Sir Vieux, where are you from? What was your life like before you came," Audrey waves a hand at the courtyard, "here?"
Reinald clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth, his arms folding as his breath mists in the crisp autumn air. A beat passes as creeping worry slinks along Audrey's spine—did she ask too personal a question?—before he sighs and starts his answer, "I was born in a small manor at the edge of the Argonne, the fifth son of an already strained inheritance. When my education finished, I left home with sword at my side and a title of knighthood to my name, all that my father could afford me come time to distribute out the inheritance." He sniffs at that, nose reddening with a brewing cold, "I served as mercenary for a long time, my swordwork of enough quality to win me gold with which I eventually outfitted myself as a proper Knight." He seems eager to skip over that part of his life, which only serves to stoke Audrey's curiosity more, "Hearing word of King Alfred's call for Knights, I left France and joined Wessex, where I spent the last forty years. I have mentored two successful Squires, one of which you will likely meet come Spring, and won prizes in three tournaments."
Forty years? But, that's how old she thought he was! Just how old is he? "Sir Vieux," Audrey asks while filing the mention of past Squires away for future reference, "how old are you?"
He snorts, "Old enough."
…Well that's no fun. This calls for escalation!
Audrey scowls and crosses her arms, piercing Reinald with her most withering glare, only for Reinald to crack a smile and blow a laugh. She blinks, ice-cold shock running through her veins as her mightiest intimidation techniques fail her.
Truly, Reinald is a foe to be reckoned with. It will take time to find his weak points, but time is an abundant commodity! Nobody lasts forever in the face of Audrey Eotenslaga's strength!
Regardless, after smoothing out her skirts, Audrey twists the subject down a different route.
"Someone's been intercepting my post." She explains–a remark that gains Sir Vieux's attention, the levity fading in the face of business. "I thought it curious that I haven't heard from my family since arriving here, but hadn't pursued it until recently. I had Crowley follow the postman and found them disposing of it."
Sir Vieux closed his eyes, nostrils flaring as he controlled his breath. "God preserve us from politics and skulduggery. Do you have a suspect?"
"I do, but it would be best I think to have a third party follow behind, someone who wouldn't cause a major incident." Audrey explains, to an approving nod from Reinald.
"A sound plan, how do you plan to draw them out?"
Audrey grinned then. "I can be very persistent at times, and the matter is of some modest importance, being related to the Tournament, and my stipend for that matter. A follow-up wouldn't go amiss, and should they take the bait, we can get this business cleaned up quickly and quietly."
Reinald considers the matter, and nods. "Signal me when it begins, and I will have my companion shadow yours. I'll bring someone in to act as a neutral observer, and if something needs to be done, it will be." It was so nice to be working with an experienced expert sometimes! Audrey rarely needed to explain her mind for him to grasp it! She truly had the best mentor, but that was only to be expected of a student of her calibre.
Now all she had to do was write a follow-up letter…
Grace vs ????: 13 vs 5
0~0~0
The best thing about having a friendly bird who you technically shared a mind with through one Mystery or another, was that hardly anyone ever looks up, especially when they're clever enough to make sure the Sun is never at their back and they never get too close to matters. Audrey's letter was delivered–as per usual–and just like the last time, it had been dropped off into the river once out of sight of the Burh. Audrey had sent word to Sir Vieux, and he had sent word back in turn that he was in position, and not to worry–she would have her impartial witness to whatever unfolded. Even Crowley's eyes couldn't see wherever it was that Reinald's bird had concealed itself, but she was sure he wouldn't be left behind.
There was the risk–of course–that Holman's lackey wouldn't arrive today–or that he wouldn't lead the trail to his master. But it seemed that luck was on her side–as was proper–and not long after the riverboat departed, Holman's lackey emerged, looking furtively from side to side, then diving in to collect the discarded container.
A moment, two, three passed in silence, before they emerged from the river, container in hand–clothes a little damp of course, but nothing that wasn't being squeezed out by the lad's Hama as he trundled up and back into the wood.
Things would be dicier from there–ordinarily at least–but forests had plenty of cover–and the thing about using deniable patsies as your proxies is that they're not well renowned for their talents in woodcraft. Sure, he was making a good show of watching his flanks, and at least making a token effort to conceal his more obvious tracks–but the greatest defence in this case seemed to be obscurity. He did seem more distressed than the last time this had all gone at least? Cracks in the facade perhaps?
Irrelevant, what mattered was that he delivered the incriminating message, so she could finally be away with this pest that thought he could badmouth her family!
Minutes passed as Crowley–dark as night–shadowed the furtive lackey from just below the canopy, resisting the urge to caw majestically as he could have–you know, if killing the poor sop was the point. But he was still useful–and sure enough, he led her right where she wanted. A decently obscured, private campsite in the forest.
And sure enough, there was Holman Waering, scowling as he paced across the perimeter–unlike his lackeys, he did flick his gaze upwards from time to time, but not swiftly enough to catch Audrey's Companion before he could find a quiet treebranch to spy from. He was blind to what was going on, all's the better.
The lackey–breathing heavily, reached out with the package–handing it to his master. "Is… This really a good idea? It was one thing while she didn't know you were working against her…" He asked. "But there's no way she isn't paying attention to what you're doing now–this is the King's Order Master Waering! If you get caught, you'll be lucky to get out with just a beating and shame!"
"They wouldn't dare without proof." Holman dismisses the warning. "As long as it's just her and her foreign Master involved directly, it's our word against his, and we'll be fine." He mutters, unravelling the parchment and scanning through it. "... Follow up from before, not much new–but this line about wondering why she hasn't heard… Doesn't look like she's wise to us yet, but we'll probably want to cut down–let my cousin know that we can let some of the messages through now, let the suspicion fade for a time. It'd be a problem if she wins in that tournament though, she'll be damn near insufferable, and Hathwic's ilk will be keen on sucking up to the little tart."
Audrey restrains the flare of indignation at the insult, knowing full well that every word he said was likely a step towards his own doom.
"Right… the next post shipment, I'll send a few letters to some of my contacts along those lines. Be ridiculous to expect to attack her with that beast of a Knight that's protecting her, but we can cost her the tournament. I'll make a few copies of my observations on her talents to be added in, I'm sure someone will be able to knock her down a few pegs if they know to be wary of that damned lightning sword of hers."
"So, are we done then?" The lackey asks, hopefully. "I'm not going to have to do this anymore?"
"For now at least–take the rest of the day off." Holman dismisses him. "Let the others know that I'll be dictating some letters down the line, we'll lie low for the remainder of the year, and see how things go in the new year, I should be able to make a few breakthroughs with my Gaze by then… Maybe a challenge? She'll rise to the bait, might even be able to get it private so I can slit the bitch's throat…" He shook his head there. "Doesn't matter, get out of here, I still need to find some game to justify being out here."
"Y.. Yes Master Waering!" The lackey grovels, and scurries off to safety. Holman wrinkles his nose at it, squinting down at the letter again, as if he was trying to discern some secret that didn't exist from it.
Time enough for Crowley to fade back into the canopy, silent as the reaper's stride.
0~0~0
The next day, Holman Waering was nowhere to be found.
Audrey would consider that to be a victory.
0~0~0
AN: Good plan combined with good luck rolls lead to Holman being caught red handed, he's going to be a long ass time digging his way out of that particular hole, so good job.
Sorry for the delays, it's been an absolute madhouse for our team the past two weeks or so, I hope we'll be able to straighten things out soon.
Anyway, we're into adventure time for now, you'll get a turn to check your mail and inform some of your responses now that you've sorted out the interdiction, then we'll be doing the trip to the Tournament and the lead-up to that whole business, which'll include your introduction to the Wealth system and the stuff you'll want for your Third Decade Cultivation.
Thanks for keeping up with this story! Even with the recent speedbumps we've run into, we're committed to seeing this through!
Regardless, as red-gold leaves pile ever-higher and brow-knit workers clear them away just as fast, this pause in learning does provide Audrey with a rare opportunity. As Sir Reinald Vieux is one of the most experienced Knights in this part of Wessex, he often finds himself called away to consult on this or that. Which, of course, shrinks Audrey's time with him considerably. What time she does spend with him consists almost entirely of teaching and training, very little opportunity for relaxation and bonding.
If Audrey didn't know any better, she might have thought Reinald feared she'd fall behind! Bah, like she would be fool enough to ignore her fundamental skills! Audrey Eotenslaga is better than that.
Still, for all her greatness, there are some things she lacks the knowledge of; such as, for example, the answer to the question now bouncing around her skull.
"Sir Vieux," Reinald's eyes flicker open at Audrey's words, the haze of slumber clearing away from his salt-white eyes. A small yawn clears his throat as he unfolds his arms and rubs at his neck. Was he sleeping? They'd only been sitting there for fifteen minutes at most!
'He's pretty old, ain't he?' Crowley's voice rises in the back of Audrey's head, the crow adding a yawn of his own as he musters himself to life. 'Don't older chaps tend to nod off easy-like?'
'You would know about sleeping,' Audrey grumbles as she folds her mental arms. If she were to name her gripes with her bonded bird, it would be how easily he enters Morpheus' embrace.
'Now now,' Crowley's mental presence offers a cheeky grin that would be impossible anywhere else, 'the wise take their rest wherever they find it, a lesson you would do well to remember from your Thane ancestors.'
Just as Audrey goes to retort, Reinald's cough cuts her short while his words knock her over, "You had something to ask of me, I presume?"
Warmth flooding Audrey's cheeks, she quickly clears her throat and rights herself as Crowley snickers off into sleep. "I did, yes." Shaking her head to rid herself of mental cobwebs, she takes a deep breath before addressing her original thoughts, "Sir Vieux, where are you from? What was your life like before you came," Audrey waves a hand at the courtyard, "here?"
Reinald clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth, his arms folding as his breath mists in the crisp autumn air. A beat passes as creeping worry slinks along Audrey's spine—did she ask too personal a question?—before he sighs and starts his answer, "I was born in a small manor at the edge of the Argonne, the fifth son of an already strained inheritance. When my education finished, I left home with sword at my side and a title of knighthood to my name, all that my father could afford me come time to distribute out the inheritance." He sniffs at that, nose reddening with a brewing cold, "I served as mercenary for a long time, my swordwork of enough quality to win me gold with which I eventually outfitted myself as a proper Knight." He seems eager to skip over that part of his life, which only serves to stoke Audrey's curiosity more, "Hearing word of King Alfred's call for Knights, I left France and joined Wessex, where I spent the last forty years. I have mentored two successful Squires, one of which you will likely meet come Spring, and won prizes in three tournaments."
Forty years? But, that's how old she thought he was! Just how old is he? "Sir Vieux," Audrey asks while filing the mention of past Squires away for future reference, "how old are you?"
He snorts, "Old enough."
…Well that's no fun. This calls for escalation!
Audrey scowls and crosses her arms, piercing Reinald with her most withering glare, only for Reinald to crack a smile and blow a laugh. She blinks, ice-cold shock running through her veins as her mightiest intimidation techniques fail her.
Truly, Reinald is a foe to be reckoned with. It will take time to find his weak points, but time is an abundant commodity! Nobody lasts forever in the face of Audrey Eotenslaga's strength!
Regardless, after smoothing out her skirts, Audrey twists the subject down a different route.
"Someone's been intercepting my post." She explains–a remark that gains Sir Vieux's attention, the levity fading in the face of business. "I thought it curious that I haven't heard from my family since arriving here, but hadn't pursued it until recently. I had Crowley follow the postman and found them disposing of it."
Sir Vieux closed his eyes, nostrils flaring as he controlled his breath. "God preserve us from politics and skulduggery. Do you have a suspect?"
"I do, but it would be best I think to have a third party follow behind, someone who wouldn't cause a major incident." Audrey explains, to an approving nod from Reinald.
"A sound plan, how do you plan to draw them out?"
Audrey grinned then. "I can be very persistent at times, and the matter is of some modest importance, being related to the Tournament, and my stipend for that matter. A follow-up wouldn't go amiss, and should they take the bait, we can get this business cleaned up quickly and quietly."
Reinald considers the matter, and nods. "Signal me when it begins, and I will have my companion shadow yours. I'll bring someone in to act as a neutral observer, and if something needs to be done, it will be." It was so nice to be working with an experienced expert sometimes! Audrey rarely needed to explain her mind for him to grasp it! She truly had the best mentor, but that was only to be expected of a student of her calibre.
Now all she had to do was write a follow-up letter…
Grace vs ????: 13 vs 5
0~0~0
The best thing about having a friendly bird who you technically shared a mind with through one Mystery or another, was that hardly anyone ever looks up, especially when they're clever enough to make sure the Sun is never at their back and they never get too close to matters. Audrey's letter was delivered–as per usual–and just like the last time, it had been dropped off into the river once out of sight of the Burh. Audrey had sent word to Sir Vieux, and he had sent word back in turn that he was in position, and not to worry–she would have her impartial witness to whatever unfolded. Even Crowley's eyes couldn't see wherever it was that Reinald's bird had concealed itself, but she was sure he wouldn't be left behind.
There was the risk–of course–that Holman's lackey wouldn't arrive today–or that he wouldn't lead the trail to his master. But it seemed that luck was on her side–as was proper–and not long after the riverboat departed, Holman's lackey emerged, looking furtively from side to side, then diving in to collect the discarded container.
A moment, two, three passed in silence, before they emerged from the river, container in hand–clothes a little damp of course, but nothing that wasn't being squeezed out by the lad's Hama as he trundled up and back into the wood.
Things would be dicier from there–ordinarily at least–but forests had plenty of cover–and the thing about using deniable patsies as your proxies is that they're not well renowned for their talents in woodcraft. Sure, he was making a good show of watching his flanks, and at least making a token effort to conceal his more obvious tracks–but the greatest defence in this case seemed to be obscurity. He did seem more distressed than the last time this had all gone at least? Cracks in the facade perhaps?
Irrelevant, what mattered was that he delivered the incriminating message, so she could finally be away with this pest that thought he could badmouth her family!
Minutes passed as Crowley–dark as night–shadowed the furtive lackey from just below the canopy, resisting the urge to caw majestically as he could have–you know, if killing the poor sop was the point. But he was still useful–and sure enough, he led her right where she wanted. A decently obscured, private campsite in the forest.
And sure enough, there was Holman Waering, scowling as he paced across the perimeter–unlike his lackeys, he did flick his gaze upwards from time to time, but not swiftly enough to catch Audrey's Companion before he could find a quiet treebranch to spy from. He was blind to what was going on, all's the better.
The lackey–breathing heavily, reached out with the package–handing it to his master. "Is… This really a good idea? It was one thing while she didn't know you were working against her…" He asked. "But there's no way she isn't paying attention to what you're doing now–this is the King's Order Master Waering! If you get caught, you'll be lucky to get out with just a beating and shame!"
"They wouldn't dare without proof." Holman dismisses the warning. "As long as it's just her and her foreign Master involved directly, it's our word against his, and we'll be fine." He mutters, unravelling the parchment and scanning through it. "... Follow up from before, not much new–but this line about wondering why she hasn't heard… Doesn't look like she's wise to us yet, but we'll probably want to cut down–let my cousin know that we can let some of the messages through now, let the suspicion fade for a time. It'd be a problem if she wins in that tournament though, she'll be damn near insufferable, and Hathwic's ilk will be keen on sucking up to the little tart."
Audrey restrains the flare of indignation at the insult, knowing full well that every word he said was likely a step towards his own doom.
"Right… the next post shipment, I'll send a few letters to some of my contacts along those lines. Be ridiculous to expect to attack her with that beast of a Knight that's protecting her, but we can cost her the tournament. I'll make a few copies of my observations on her talents to be added in, I'm sure someone will be able to knock her down a few pegs if they know to be wary of that damned lightning sword of hers."
"So, are we done then?" The lackey asks, hopefully. "I'm not going to have to do this anymore?"
"For now at least–take the rest of the day off." Holman dismisses him. "Let the others know that I'll be dictating some letters down the line, we'll lie low for the remainder of the year, and see how things go in the new year, I should be able to make a few breakthroughs with my Gaze by then… Maybe a challenge? She'll rise to the bait, might even be able to get it private so I can slit the bitch's throat…" He shook his head there. "Doesn't matter, get out of here, I still need to find some game to justify being out here."
"Y.. Yes Master Waering!" The lackey grovels, and scurries off to safety. Holman wrinkles his nose at it, squinting down at the letter again, as if he was trying to discern some secret that didn't exist from it.
Time enough for Crowley to fade back into the canopy, silent as the reaper's stride.
0~0~0
The next day, Holman Waering was nowhere to be found.
Audrey would consider that to be a victory.
0~0~0
AN: Good plan combined with good luck rolls lead to Holman being caught red handed, he's going to be a long ass time digging his way out of that particular hole, so good job.
Sorry for the delays, it's been an absolute madhouse for our team the past two weeks or so, I hope we'll be able to straighten things out soon.
Anyway, we're into adventure time for now, you'll get a turn to check your mail and inform some of your responses now that you've sorted out the interdiction, then we'll be doing the trip to the Tournament and the lead-up to that whole business, which'll include your introduction to the Wealth system and the stuff you'll want for your Third Decade Cultivation.
Thanks for keeping up with this story! Even with the recent speedbumps we've run into, we're committed to seeing this through!
Was he seriously planning a murder?
How does he hope to avoid retribution? Behind-the-scenes machinations are one thing, but an attempt on life is another.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
"She was lost in the forest, these things happen, what a tragedy"
No evidence, no crime.
He's underestimating the reaction of course, but that'd chiefly be because Audrey's made a lot of friends at this point and her master would go on the fucking warpath over this. But he absolutely wanted her dead.
Why is something you have no idea, just some speculation, because he's never bothered to explain himself. (We've worked it out of course, but whether you actually learn or not is up in the air).
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Even with the underestimation of the situation, he is too arrogant.
It seems possible that Reinald may have some magical methods of finding information. But even without having anything like this, Reinald is still able to invest Zeal to enhance Scouting throws in order to get at least 10-15 successes to find information about the incident.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
"Who would believe this foreigner without evidence?"
Scouting isn't postcognition, no matter how many successes you throw at the table, this isn't to say he wouldn't find out, but it'd be based on just him being a seasoned, Seventh Decade Knight who's survived The Fucking Mainland Francia and came here to retire doing honest work for a change.
If I were Holman, I'd rather be afraid that they wouldn't believe him. After all, if Reinald is planning a murder, then the situation will really be one that cannot be interpreted in any way except as an accident.
Well, I'm sure that would be enough for Reinald to realize that this is murder. Further investigation actions can also be enhanced by Zeal. I'm not saying that he would have done just that and not use other methods that are unknown to us, but just the idea of hiding something from such an experienced knight breaks down by bumping into the most basic mechanics.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Holman is an arrogant teenager not really used to experiencing consequences for his actions. Or at least he wasn't until this incident. He is a member of the Waerings, who are very much in charge in the immediate area.
I think you're sort of misunderstanding what Zeal can achieve on mundane rolls here. Like...it's not nothing but it's also not as much as you seem to be assuming? 11-15 successes is impressive, but not the kind of thing that reveals anything beyond what mundane investigation could. Like, that's the sort of roll where he could probably find Audrey's body, and maybe even tracks leading back to the castle proving it was someone from the castle, if he got to it soon enough (if the plot was carried out while he was away from the castle for a few days and there was rain, he might not even get that much).
Like...mundane rolls are still mundane rolls. They can't just give you info out of thin air. Evidence needs to exist to be found, and needs to be recognizable with the technology of the time to boot. He'd likely have better luck just finding people with motive, and could probably figure out who did it from there, but that's where the above 'he can't prove it' and 'not used to consequences' come in.
- Location
- USA
Finally got around to reading this quest, definitely appreciate a look at the world of IF through a non-norse lense. It's well written, and I do really like how you show the impact of Audrey's two Sins. A lot of quests kind of brush the 'flaws' of the MC under the table, but Audrey comes across as the arrogant tantrum prone Young Mistress which is so popular in cultivation works while still not being entirely unlikeable thanks to her other positive traits and a general sense of "yeah, okay kid".
I will say that the one thing I think is... not quite missing but absent I guess, is some of the consequences of being a woman knight. Maybe it's just because it's the tutorial, but the only reference to what seemed to be a fairly major negative in character creation was nerd squire Gilbert saying we were a woman in a man's job. Holman might be based around our gender, but it seems far more likely that it's family and cultivation style related to me.
This isn't to say that I *want* everyone to be a bunch of sexist assholes or anything. But it's presumably something that we're going to have to deal with, and especially with Audrey being pumped full of Wrath and Pride it's something that's going to cause a lot of issues in the future. So getting a peek into that in the tutorial so we can properly adjust expectations and prepare feels like it makes sense to me.
I will say that the one thing I think is... not quite missing but absent I guess, is some of the consequences of being a woman knight. Maybe it's just because it's the tutorial, but the only reference to what seemed to be a fairly major negative in character creation was nerd squire Gilbert saying we were a woman in a man's job. Holman might be based around our gender, but it seems far more likely that it's family and cultivation style related to me.
This isn't to say that I *want* everyone to be a bunch of sexist assholes or anything. But it's presumably something that we're going to have to deal with, and especially with Audrey being pumped full of Wrath and Pride it's something that's going to cause a lot of issues in the future. So getting a peek into that in the tutorial so we can properly adjust expectations and prepare feels like it makes sense to me.
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Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Oh, it is absolutely going to cause you problems, it's just not the ones here who are going to cause you problems. Audrey's still a teenager after all, the real Problems come when it becomes really hard to pretend she's just a really pretty boy, which gets increasingly difficult as everyone gets older and she gets higher Decade (And thus, even further Idealized)
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Decade affect the appearance of a cultivator?
So all cultivators are beautiful with a few exceptions?
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Depends on your paradigm. Halla for instance got prettier, but that was because she got better control of her body and thus could optimize from time to time. Not because Cultivation Makes You Prettier.
I'm pretty sure it's gender alongside family/cultivation style related issues. Holman uses way too many gender based insults for it to be otherwise. I'm not saying we'd be bosom pals or anything if Audrey was instead Aubrey, but I don't think he would be so willing to resort to murder if she was a he.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'd expect more sexism at the tournament as well. The people Audrey deals with regularly know her and know why pissing her off is a problem for them (and there are several reasons), strangers will be more inclined to say things like that.
It's also important to note that, at the current time in Wessex (and England more generally), Aethelflaed, King Alfred's daughter, is co-ruler of the Mercians and, in a cultivation world, a noted warrior. So at this specific moment, it's more acceptable to be a woman warrior than it usually would be.
As Alectai says, it varies by particular cultivation style. For Carolingians it gradually perfects your physical form, so it would remove imperfections and make you healthy...that's enough for it to generally help how attractive you are, but it's not gonna make someone who's ugly beautiful. Think of it like the effect of good diet but more so. Of course, Audrey is actually already beautiful (or will be when she reaches adulthood anyway), so Decade will only increase that.
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- Location
- San Ramon, CA
Audrey: Another suitor for my hand? This is getting tiresome! And the worst of it is that I'm pretty sure they all reference the same damn book of poems. If I hear another man tell me that "gold and sapphires pale in comparison to your hair and eyes," I will throw them in the river!
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
I mean, when you say stuff like this you're just tempting fate/God/dramatic irony.
Second part: Fair, if you weren't a flaccid dick that is.