NorseQuest (A Norse Xianxia)

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Mastering it also lets us make that evolved version that negates Leaping Cleave's downsides, and even without that, it makes combining the Tricks dramatically cheaper.

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Not instantly. We still need to learn that as a new Trick. But fair point...that is not where I'd remove the dice, but I could drop Firebomb-Strike this turn at the very least and put the dice from that in on EWC. Yeah, I'll do that and think about other options...

 

[Shard]

Eh, I think it'll be a fair bit harder than it sounds. A rosary is an unusual enough item that I don't think it's likely that some random Viking looted one. Therefore, we'll have to loot the darn thing ourselves.

Unfortunately, the Jarl who runs the local raiding party isn't exactly a fan of ours. Even if we outlaw Horra before we kill him, (something I find extremely likely at this point in time), there will still be bad blood on both sides.

Then we actually need to steal the darn thing, which will involve fighting at least one Christian Cultivator, no small feat. Admittedly all of these problems are manageable, but they add up to form a bit of a headache.

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Honestly the bigger issue with Raiding is that our family still has a big giant target on them.

We could probably just go on a '''solo''' raid if we really wanted to, and a trade/raid thing where we get as many plants as possible would be helpful for our cultivation.

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Honestly the bigger issue with Raiding is that our family still has a big giant target on them.

We could probably just go on a '''solo''' raid if we really wanted to, and a trade/raid thing where we get as many plants as possible would be helpful for our cultivation.

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I still say a trading expedition to Wessex and various places along the way (including Vestfold...we can make it be on the way even if it isn't) where we take Gabriel home is plausibly on the agenda once Horra's dealt with (and probably the Troll-Men who attacked our family). If Steinarr survives that I think leaving them with him to guard them would probably be fine all things considered.

No other expeditions for a while, though, and even that one is pretty conditional.

 

[Alectai]

Yeah, the Wessex Expedition looks like a fantastic way to reward us clearing out the valley of known threats.

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Yeah, the Wessex Expedition looks like a fantastic way to reward us clearing out the valley of known threats.

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It lets us resolve something like half a dozen lingering plot threads to boot, and likely make a profit if we set it up right. And a profitable trip means orthstirr as well.

Relatedly, a new tag has been added to the thread 'did your mother tell you anything?' and while I did a search for Asveig and didn't find anything that seemed significant prior to the Vestfold Amulet thing, we definitely don't want to just let that sit and fester forever. It's important.

 

[Alectai]

It lets us resolve something like half a dozen lingering plot threads to boot, and likely make a profit if we set it up right. And a profitable trip means orthstirr as well.

Relatedly, a new tag has been added to the thread 'did your mother tell you anything?' and while I did a search for Asveig and didn't find anything that seemed significant prior to the Vestfold Amulet thing, we definitely don't want to just let that sit and fester forever. It's important.

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I mean, the things she was trying to make Halla do turned out to actually be really handy, like how Needlebinding is able to stitch Orthstirr together into a permanent form, I don't think Pockets are the only application of that (Nor have we even begun to explore their potential, I still get the feeling they're important in Seidr somehow.)

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

I mean, the things she was trying to make Halla do turned out to actually be really handy, like how Needlebinding is able to stitch Orthstirr together into a permanent form, I don't think Pockets are the only application of that (Nor have we even begun to explore their potential, I still get the feeling they're important in Seidr somehow.)

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True, but the thread tag makes me think there's more to it...

And I suspect they're very useful in Seidr, yes, though most seidr users likely do without them because they don't have odr or a fully realized soulscape to support them.
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On a completely different topic, we're still down a Research Topic for the second d6. If we can't come up with one I may just throw it into EWC instead of research and make this a research-light turn, but I feel like there has to be something safe and useful we can look into other than the sealwood (and the fish, I guess, but I think putting that one off a couple of turns is fine).

 

[Alectai]

True, but the thread tag makes me think there's more to it...

And I suspect they're very useful in Seidr, yes, though most seidr users likely do without them because they don't have odr or a fully realized soulscape to support them.
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On a completely different topic, we're still down a Research Topic for the second d6. If we can't come up with one I may just throw it into EWC instead of research and make this a research-light turn, but I feel like there has to be something safe and useful we can look into other than the sealwood (and the fish, I guess, but I think putting that one off a couple of turns is fine).

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Yeah, put it into EWC, we want that Mastered ideally, and it's okay for this to be a Consolidation turn when we're likely going to be in the thick of it next turn.

I think it was confirmed going to the Thing doesn't take our Visit Slot, right?

 

[Shard]

... Hey Blackhand.

Is the Recall trick technically Seidr? Also, do you know any tricks that lets you just hit really fast?

 

[I.F. Ister]

True, but the thread tag makes me think there's more to it...

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A joke from me, but also an unintentionally good reminder.

... Hey Blackhand.

Is the Recall trick technically a Seidr trick?

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'Very astute. Recall is often used as a training tool for learning Seidr and mastery over it determines if one is ready for advancement.'

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Yeah, put it into EWC, we want that Mastered ideally, and it's okay for this to be a Consolidation turn when we're likely going to be in the thick of it next turn.

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Alright. Done.

I think it was confirmed going to the Thing doesn't take our Visit Slot, right?

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The Thing absolutely takes our Visit slot. Luckily, those are once per season so we get one next turn. We could send Abjorn and it wouldn't, but, well, that would have issues. We want to go personally.

Actually, I just remembered something:

@Imperial Fister is there a way to send a message to the Seeress to stick around for the Thing? I feel like she'd want to be there for this.

 

[I.F. Ister]

@Imperial Fister is there a way to send a message to the Seeress to stick around for the Thing? I feel like she'd want to be there for this.

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Your fylgja can do it.

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Your fylgja can do it.

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Cool...should I just add that as a note to the plan or what? EDIT: Added as a note, along with giving Stigr the sword. Neither should be full actions, but we're doing those things.

 

[Shard]

We could send our Owl Dressed In Rags to carry a message to the Seeress. She can see our Owl, so she would know it's us.

e: Ninja'ed.

 

[Alectai]

I think we should also include a note about doing a safe disclosure to Abjorn at least, and maybe a similar one to the rest of our Inner Circle, just sanitizing the Blackhand connection which is currently only known to Abjorn.

Something along the lines of "Those things that attacked the two of us were agents of the Enemy that had my grandfather killed, and were aiming to distract us while the Troll-Men were nudged to strike at that time. It doesn't like me knowing some of the things I've discovered, but until we're ready to handle more than a probing strike from it, I have to watch what I say, as there's some topics that will draw fury rather than casual notice--the details of what I'm studying being one of the few that I've confirmed. Until I've figured out how either blind its eyes, or we've accumulated enough strength and advantages to face its genuine wrath head on, I have to watch what I say."

None of this should trip any of its defenses, and it gives a fair amount of context for what we've been up to and the attack that happened. We're not using names or terms, we're not discussing any Cultivation Secrets aside from the fact Secrets exist, and it fits what everyone knows.

Come to think of it, @Imperial Fister , does Blackhand think this level of disclosure should've safe enough?

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

I think we should do that (assuming Blackhand's approval, anyway), but I think it's probably an action to tell everyone, and next turn seems the right time to me. Sort of a 'before shit gets serious' kind of thing prior to going to the Thing.

I could theoretically swap that and the discussion with Gabriel I have this turn, but I really do think we need an action thanking him for helping save our children and trying to help him before dropping the heavy stuff on people.

 

[Shard]

I think we should also include a note about doing a safe disclosure to Abjorn at least, and maybe a similar one to the rest of our Inner Circle, just sanitizing the Blackhand connection which is currently only known to Abjorn.

Something along the lines of "Those things that attacked the two of us were agents of the Enemy that had my grandfather killed, and were aiming to distract us while the Troll-Men were nudged to strike at that time. It doesn't like me knowing some of the things I've discovered, but until we're ready to handle more than a probing strike from it, I have to watch what I say, as there's some topics that will draw fury rather than casual notice--the details of what I'm studying being one of the few that I've confirmed. Until I've figured out how either blind its eyes, or we've accumulated enough strength and advantages to face its genuine wrath head on, I have to watch what I say."

None of this should trip any of its defenses, and it gives a fair amount of context for what we've been up to and the attack that happened. We're not using names or terms, we're not discussing any Cultivation Secrets aside from the fact Secrets exist, and it fits what everyone knows.

Come to think of it, @Imperial Fister , does Blackhand think this level of disclosure should've safe enough?

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Honestly, I don't think we should tell them about The Enemy being the real cause of the attack on us right now. It feels like, it's going to provoke or demoralize everyone. Like, everyone. You know how Horra was a difficult test to get Steinarr to back down? This would be like a far worse version.

And what are they going to do about it? The intelligence isn't actionable.

And that's if it doesn't provoke an attack on us. Just because our soul doesn't have a warning about discussing the enemy, doesn't mean that there aren't consequences. Information disclosure has regularly been one of the most dangerous things to happen in Norsequest to date.

 

[TheCount]

That was a really nice update.

Good, Odr can be turned into both frenzy for "Kill better" but also calm you down when put into composure.... Tranquil fury perhaps?

The recall lesson was cute.

Now, I know the research dice is already spoken for, but can we put back on the list playing with our aspects?
Not as in, wave them, but I still want to know how virthing and saemd affect orthstirr....
As well as what the actual effect is using a trick with the aspect modifications are.
There is also stuff i would like to look into, like if folding is a thing, can we twist, roll or crumple/bunch up our hamr as well?
And how these same things work for Hugr and Fyjgla? iF did said they do, after all.

Oh also, we should, perhaps, make a sanctum of our own.... But would probably be better if we did it after the Horra stuff is done.
Also, reminder, our dwarf friends are still battling and getting weapon of sunlight from the ducklings could serve as further evidence.

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

Now, I know the research dice is already spoken for, but can we put back on the list playing with our aspects?
Not as in, wave them, but I still want to know how virthing and saemd affect orthstirr....
As well as what the actual effect is using a trick with the aspect modifications are.
There is also stuff i would like to look into, like if folding is a thing, can we twisting, rolling or crumpling/bunching up our hamr as well?

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Once we've dealt with the Horra situation, absolutely.

And how these same things work for Hugr and Fyjgla? iF did said they do, after all.

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Apparently it works just the same. Like, we did a Folded Kindle-Spinner, which is technically folding our Hugr. Worked normally.

Oh also, we should, perhaps, make a sanctum of our own.... But would probably be better if we did it after the Horra stuff is done.
Also, reminder, our dwarf friends are still battling and getting weapon of sunlight from the ducklings could serve as further evidence.

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It's possible. We'd do that next turn before the Thing, though it's risky.

I honestly think just planting the idea will be enough...like, we know he's getting weapon designs from the dwarves which he is then giving to bandits, we know he has sunlight based weapons, bringing up that it is logical that he is trading those sunlight based weapons to the dwarves and thus interfering in their war is not a stretch, and if they're going to search his place anyway (and they definitely are), they can keep an eye out.

Not that I think Horra will let the authorities in to search his compound mind you. We're gonna be there for that part just because I'm pretty sure he's gonna make this a full on battle.

 

[I.F. Ister]

Come to think of it, @Imperial Fister , does Blackhand think this level of disclosure should've safe enough?

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'The few times I had companions I trusted enough to tell of our plight, I had to take extremely roundabout measures to do so. The Enemy has a dislike for information disclosure, but if the avoidance of disclosing information is information disclosure itself... Well, we aren't the children of Odin for nothing.'

iF did said they do, after all.

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I meant that more as you can fold hugr and fylgja stuff too. I don't really know what the heck crumpling would even do lmao.

0~0~0

I'm really excited for you to unlock Shapeshifting. It's gonna open up so many opportunities for you.

In more ways than one!

 

[DeadmanwalkingXI]

I'm really excited for you to unlock Shapeshifting. It's gonna open up so many opportunities for you.

In more ways than one!

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I'm really looking forward to that myself. Shapeshifting is really cool and I want to see how it works and what we can do with it.

And Alloying will follow rapidly since we're not too far from Hugr 7 as well. Which means Forgefire and all the cool stuff that comes with that!

Like, we probably end this year with Hamr 7, Hugr 7, and Fylgja 5, which is pretty great under the circumstances. And then on to Seidr once Horra is dead as well! Assuming we can kill him anyway...So much cool magic stuff in the next few years, even we weren't including True Cultivation and Odr (which we will be).

 

[Mystic Pentagram]

[X] Plan Horra's Sanctum

 

[Shard]

'The few times I had companions I trusted enough to tell of our plight, I had to take extremely roundabout measures to do so. The Enemy has a dislike for information disclosure, but if the avoidance of disclosing information is information disclosure itself... Well, we aren't the children of Odin for nothing.'

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How roundabout are we talking here? Full rune puzzles stuff?

 

[KreenWarrior]

"What has Steinarr been up to that has you in such a state?" Asveig asks as she sits down across the way.

"It's less what he is up to and more what he might do, should he learn what I know." You take a deep breath and decide to just launch into it. "Does the name Horra Hasvisson mean anything to you?"

A silence falls between you and Asveig. The only sound breaking it from the crackling hearthfire and the soft snoozes of Sterki.

"He killed Sten and Sterki." Asveig's eyes dart towards your sleeping brother, worry in her gaze. "They... they were the brothers Steinarr was closest to; the namesakes of our Sten and Sterki."

You knew that Horra had killed your uncles, but they were but nameless figures until now. Images of some evil, laughing figure slaying your brothers flashes in your mind. The chair creaks as your fingers grind into the armrests. Anger burns in your heart as hate sticks in your throat.

"He spent eleven years chasing Horra across the world, from fourteen to twenty-four. No matter where Horra fled, Steinarr found him eventually. No cousin could hide him, no uncle could stow him away. All fell before Crowfeeder's biting edge, seven uncles and cousins for two brothers." Asveig sighs as she finishes the tale. "He lost him in Persia, when Horra was eaten by some manner of beast."

"He's not dead," you find yourself saying before you even realize your mouth is moving. "H-Horra lives, he's here, in the valley."

Asveig stills.

"Do not tell Steinarr," she growls, fear, worry, and utter terror flashing in her eyes. "He'd go get himself killed or worse."

You nod readily. "I won't, but... if the worst comes to pass, what do you know about Horra?"

"He's a liar, a scoundrel, a nidingr." You're momentarily stunned by the utter viciousness pouring from Asveig's lips as she snarls. "He's a coward and a murderous thief. He never fights like a man, always with trickery and deceit. He killed your uncles with strikes to the back while they were mid-battle, never even looking them in the eye."

You blink as Hallr sobs in your head and bemoans his sons' ignoble deaths.

That does change things, if Horra is as dishonorable as your mother says he is. He won't have nearly as much orthstirr at his disposal if he's not been acting like a drengr.

You snort, teeth grinding together. No wonder the Burissons get along so well with him, they're birds of a feather!

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So was looking through Asveig's interactions, per Deadmanwalking, and I think this is relevant to us.

One thing that surprises me is that Horra was reportedly eaten by a beast, in such a way that Steinarr believed him dead. I'm curious about how that went down and how Horra survived. Maybe Horra faked his death by having his own construct 'kill' him? Or maybe the beast dragged him into the depths of the Earth but didn't manage to kill him (this sort of thing happens in legends/myths), where he learned his tricks written in the bones? That would put his genre of trickery as Persian, which... I know very little about

I poked at Persian monsters a bit with Google to see if anything leapt out that might have been the beast, but there's just not much to go on. I did find the description of Fallak, another primordial serpent.

Also, this is several other layers of galaxy-brain beyond my wilder predictions already, but part of me wonders if there's a connection between the primordial serpents, the Enemy, and dinosaurs.

 

[Sirrocco]

Another thought... and one I haven't previously put enough thought to. Other folks have probably come to at least some of these conclusions themselves, but hopefully at least some of it will be helpful.

Halla is many things, but one of the thigns that she is is a xianxia protagonist, with a collection of cheats.
- She has Hallr in her head, which means that if she discovers things, and has children, then those children can come in knowing those things, and thus accumulate knowledge from generation to generation, without having to deal with the traps of the enemy each time in anything like the same way.
- She has *us* in her head, which means that she's much more inclined to discover and exploit whatever the efficient thing is to discover and exploit. Also, she is sometimes guided by knowledge and insight that is well beyond anything her people could have taught her.
- She has reward dice, which do potentially useful things in clutch situations, can do amazing things in situations that are truly desperate, do do amazing things for the genetics of her (many) children, and sometimes offer highly useful cultivation insights and warnings. (Hallr *also* sometimes offers useful cultivation insights and warnings)

She also started off with a pretty solid familial grounding, in a number of ways, but that's not a cheat.

With those exceptions, she faces the same cultivation climb that everyone else does.

So what does that mean, as far as strategy is concerned?

Well, as a xianxia protagonist, we should be doing the obviously correct things that everyone else at our level of development should be doing, except that we should *also* be leveraging the heck out of out cultivation cheats as best we can... and we shouldn't really be pushing anything else.

So, practically speaking?
- Enemy-aware cultivators at our level should generally try to minimize their exposure to the enemy's hate under basically all situations. The baleful gaze of the Eye of Sauron is a cost that we must sometimes bear. Figuring out what draws that gaze is useful, because it helps us do less of those things in the future, but we're basically never going to be in a situation where "The Enemy is paying more attention to you now" is a good thing. Even if we manage some sort of final victory, it's going to be by spreading the love enough that the Enemy is just spread too thin and countered too hard to do much. At any moment right up to that point, having less Enemy attention rather than more is generally going to be Good.
- Cultivators at our level should be focusing on getting buff whenever possible. We want more Odr, and we want to invest more of it into stats and skills. We want more training. We want better gear and, and, and.... Pushing out the boundaries of our understanding of cultivation is great, but it shouldn't be a focus. Experimentation is dangerous. Cultivating another X odr and using it to crank up our abilities that much more is not. Now, we should be doing more experimentation than the standard odr-wielding Viking cultivator of our tier, because our various sources of insight mean that it's less dangerous for us than it is for them, but any sort of forging ahead still shouldn't be a priority until we've built our foundation up better.
- Halla's kids are going to be stronger than she is. They have much better starting trait spreads, and they're getting significantly better training and development, especially with that "when you have 8 siblings with a propensity for bloodlust, you're never short on sparring partners" thing. Oh, and their gear is also going to be a lot better, starting out.

Okay. no earth-shattering revelations here, I guess. Still, it feels like a useful way to look at things.