I really dont think inviting yang to go exploring is appropriate yet. Its like asking if she wants to be alone in the woods with us, if we had something specific where we would need the power of another high level cultivator i would understand but just like that is gonna seem really weird.
This seems to be pretty infantilizing of them in my view. Yes they're teenagers, but they're also effectively dedicated elite prospects in their career, and pooling strength to explore more dangerous parts of the woods is a solid career move. I really don't see how it's weird at all. Equivocating it to something like highschoolers trying to make out out of sight or similar seems like a really ungenerous comparison.
I guess it's possible, either way though a group outing seems like it has way more failure points, especially to start things off with. So I'm not a big fan.
I don't recall reading anything to indicate that Yang actually likes nobles either.
But mostly, inviting three people to an action is a social activity. I'm not expecting much from such an explore other than some interesting interactions. Which would be interesting with the proposed group.
This seems to be pretty infantilizing of them in my view. Yes they're teenagers, but they're also effectively dedicated elite prospects in their career, and pooling strength to explore more dangerous parts of the woods is a solid career move. I really don't see how it's weird at all. Equivocating it to something like highschoolers trying to make out out of sight or similar seems like a really ungenerous comparison.
I guess it's possible, either way though a group outing seems like it has way more failure points, especially to start things off with. So I'm not a big fan.
Not exactly what i meant, its just that asking her to explore with us alone even though we are friends with some of the strongest people in the class seems fishy. But hey, maybe you are right and im reading too much into this. While i would still prefer to have a spar first, going as a group sounds better than going as a pair.
I have more problem with not inviting Guan Zhi than asking Yang Genji to come with us. We probably will need to do a Persuasion Roll anyway, and i expect to at least Buns come with her.
I just hope Guan Zhi will not take this bad, Li Gai is enough paranoia for the whole group.
Jokes aside...
Now seriously @KreenWarrior, why not add Ming Xue?
I don't think anyone would mind having one more person and since we're not doing this with the Brotherhood, a little more diversity would be nice.
On the other hand, for Li Gai to have another unawakened in the group I think it would be very good...because if not, again he will be the only unawakened among awakened and his complexes may show again.
Jokes aside...
Now seriously @KreenWarrior, why not add Ming Xue?
I don't think anyone would mind having one more person and since we're not doing this with the Brotherhood, a little more diversity would be nice.
On the other hand, for Li Gai to have another unawakened in the group I think it would be very good...because if not, again he will be the only unawakened among awakened and his complexes may show again.
Let's not try to socialize Yang and Ming in the same action, they are not easy people to deal with. And it makes more sense to call Guan Zhi than Ming Xue in this situation, we barely know her.
At least we had many study sessions with Yang, so we had some understanding on how she is, but we have nothing with Ming. And with how... complicated her situation and personality is, I don't want to deal with her together with Yang Genji.
Yeah, I'd happily vote for that plan if Guan Zhi was included, but as it is I can't condone bringing 3/4 of the Brotherhood but not him for... some reason? Honestly not entirely clear on why he's not getting brought along.
As I am pretty sure the vote isn't going to change and since this update came super quickly, you all have it with a quickness.
[X] Plan Levinsploration
-[X] Attend Core Disciple Chu Quiang's martial arts class.
--[X] Our style's strikes are lacking in power, and thus we're badly matched against opponents with armor, tough skin, or otherwise durable bodies. Ask Chu Quiang about advice and tactics when fighting that kind of opponent.
-[X] Attend Core Disciple Mao Yujing's cultivation study group. It will be held in the classroom.
--[X] We're close to running out of instructions about the Levin Step. Ask Mao Yujing for tips about improving a Qi technique when there is no further documentation about it.
-[X] Go to town for the Harvest Moon Festival at the end of the week.
-[X] Explore the Supplicant's Stone and its attendant woods. There are caves, there are woods, there is adventure waiting. Core Disciple Li Ren had mentioned that there are hidden testing sites that may help with cultivation. After the last excursion, Hua Yin thought that maybe a companion would be a good idea, even if it cost some portion of the prize.
--[X] Invite Yang Genji, Li Gai and Gao Jin.
--[x] Use the Clear-Eyed Glass to look for interesting qi flows.
-[x] Practice the Levin Step. Hua Yin had reached the first stage of Qi-infusion with the Levin Step. He knew that he could improve it further. Hua Yin will practice at the Kiss of Tribulation. This can be taken multiple times with a diminishing returns malus.
I am still working on the Insights system, so the rules aren't completely set. As is, after every combat session where the Levin Step is used, I will roll a D6. If it's a success it goes into the Insight Progression, which is similar to regular training but slower. As this is my first use of the system, Levin Step will require 8 Insight Successes to advance. Subsequently there will be a Knowledge: Cultivation test against a yet undetermined TN (which will likely be dependent on the level of the technique). Once that hits, the players will be able to choose a customization to add to the Levin Step. You will be allowed a dedicated action to roll D6s to get Insights, but I have not figured out how I want to work this yet, so it will appear in the next update.
-----
Sect
When Hua Yin went into the first-year plaza on the first morning of the week, he was greeted by a strange sight. Ling Daiyu was kneeling in the plaza, hands gripping her earlobes. She was in a child's punishment pose. She was wearing a sackcloth, but somehow, with her head held high and her stance broadcasting authority, she made the sackcloth look dignified, even attractive. Even shorn of makeup and the charms she wore in her hair, she was beautiful.
Song Chyou had done it. She had gone full out to humiliate Ling Daiyu. This did nothing but bode badly. He shuddered to think about what Ling Daiyu would one day do in retaliation. Hua Yin realized that, no matter how nice she was to Hua Yin, she was vindictive. She just had that air about her.
Some disciples had stopped to gawk and were whispering among themselves. Lao Ai and a few of the pretty, but vapid, girls that hung out with Ling Daiyu were standing nearby her. They did not interfere with the punishment, but they glared at anyone who approached or who looked like they were watching for too long. They stood as silent support, but they would not be able to be there all day. At some point Ling Daiyu would be left alone, in the summer heat, kneeling.
Hua Yin wondered if he should approach Ling Daiyu and give his support. If nothing else, he could offer a few kind words.
[ ] Approach Ling Daiyu. This will be an obvious signal that you disapprove of the service used by Song Chyou. This will also build your reputation with Ling Daiyu's faction. Without more, it is not a declaration of support for Ling Daiyu's faction. You may write-in more to tie yourself closer.
[ ] Nothing changes, and Hua Yin will be seen as just another faceless watcher.
-----
Physical Training
Hua Yin approached Core Disciple Chu Quiang after class. He wasn't alone; there were usually one or two disciples at least who would seek some of the Core Disciple's extra help. Core Disciple Chu Quiang was always good about entertaining the junior disciples' questions. Hua Yin waited patiently as his fellow students asked questions about forms and techniques.
When it was Hua Yin's turn, he asked of tactics and strategy. He said, "Senior brother, gratitude for your instruction. This one has a bigger picture question. The Numberless Stars are lacking in power, and thus is badly matched against opponents with armor, tough skin, or otherwise durable bodies. What can this one do to improve that situation?"
Core Disciple Chu Quiang was contemplative as he replied, "Well, the first thing you can do is the obvious. Cut the opponent down bit by bit with the Numberless Stars while keeping away from him. The Numberless Stars is powerful as a dueling style, it may not have decisive strikes, but it'll keep you safe while looking for one.
The Core Disciple stroked his chin as he continued, "My own approach to combat is a little less flighty than yours, but the principle is the same. I supplement my martial style with martial techniques and Qi techniques that fix gaps in my repertoire. In my case, I looked for techniques to fight at a distance and to finish my opponents quickly so I can move on to the next. My Endless Growth technique gives me a tool to reach at distance and keep the enemy even further away and less likely to hurt me. My Rockbreaking Avalanche Fist makes sure that when I do land a strike, it is so devastating that I can quickly move to another opponent. You can do the same. Find a martial or Qi technique that aims for the decisive blow, such as The Snake Sinks Its Fang or, in your case, the Coruscant Cut.
"Or have allies. Outnumbering the opponent can quickly make any advantages in armor or fortitude a moot point.
"Finally, you can develop your Numberless Stars further. Styles become more of themselves when you advance in skill level. Some of the disadvantages of the Numberless Stars will be ameliorated once your skill grows. Though the core focus of the style will remain, you'll find you'll have an easier time doing damage once you have committed more.
"I hope that was helpful. If you do find the Coruscant Cut or something else along those lines, I will spend some extra time getting it to a place where you can use it." The Core Disciple grinned, which was a strange look on his usually taciturn face, "After all, the conquering heroes need to be awarded."
+2 Successes to Edged Weapons Progression.
+2 Successes to Athletics (AGL) Progression.
+1 Success to Numberless Stars Progression
-----
Cultivation Class
Core Disciple Mao Yujing was actually happy for once. Obviously the class had done well enough to impress the Saint of Broken Swords. Or at least enough that she wasn't made to look bad in front of him.
It was on one of those happy mood days that he approached her after class. He inquired, "Senior sister, this one has been using a manual to help develop one of his Qi attacks. However, I am close to running out of instructions from the manual. What can I do to improve a Qi technique without further documentation?"
The Core Disciple had a shrewd look in her eyes but her tone was professorial as she said, "You will have to develop insight into the technique. That usually takes time. To develop a technique you need both experience using it and an understanding of the weaves that form the Qi technique you are using.
"There are books on how to develop insights into techniques, but they are only marginally useful. Insight is something a cultivator develops naturally. You should let it come. Forcing it, unless you a true genius in developing techniques, is nothing but an exercise in frustration."
+4 Successes to Knowledge: Cultivation Progression.
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Levin Step
Hua Yin did it. Hua Yin had been told that cultivation was an intensely personal thing. He realized it was true while following the directions from the Levin Step manual. Though he had followed the instructions to the letter, nothing had seemed to work. He couldn't get the more advanced version of the Levin Step to work.
And then his prodigious mind began to experiment. What would happen if he forced more Qi into the matrix than was necessary? What if he expanded the size of the matrix? What would happen if he condensed his Qi before releasing the spark of electricity. He had questions, and he sought answers.
Eventually, he realized that he needed a slight twist in the weaves of his technique matrix. He needed to be a little more patient and let the charge build. It demanded more Qi from him but it was significantly more powerful.
He was proud of himself. It felt good achieving as it always did.
Hua Yin has reached the Second Stage of the Levin Step (Qi) (Technique) (Spirit) (Attunement: Lightning): 2 Qi. Difficulty 1. Does 4 (2 Stun + 2 Phys) damage on a successful dodge and WIL + CL v. Difficulty Roll. Successful hits cause a malus of -1 against opponents that last one turn, non-cumulative. Armor Piercing.
-----
Exploration
Hua Yin decided that another foray into the Ghost Whisper Woods was a good idea. But for this expedition, he would be bringing along allies. He was not risking his life against another rat by himself. Once was enough. Hua Yin still shuddered to think of what his parents would say if he had died to a giant rat of all things.
He approached Yang Genji first. He thought that another Spirit Realm combatant could make all the difference if things devolved into a fight again. He wouldn't rule it out. There had been a lot of that in his life recently. He also thought he could at least somewhat trust Yang Genji. She had backed him up during the fight at the party, and she seemed a level headed sort. Also, he felt that their relationship was built on a stable platform considering how often they had studied together. Taking into account all these considerations, he wrote a letter to Yang Genji, expounding on how mutual beneficial an expedition could be.
CHA (8) + Persuasion (3) – Letter (1)
Hua Yin rolls 10 dice.
CHA (??) + WIL (??) - Public Standing (2) - Close Acquaintances (1) + Traipse in the Woods (1)
Yang Genji rolls 12 dice.
Hua Yin was gratified that Yang Genji had agreed. But she had made her agreement contingent on inviting along Lee Xu, aka Buns. Hua Yin knew that this would signal that the expedition was a joint venture. It would still publicly be a sign of Yang Genji's favor that she was going along with Hua Yin. But it would give her some face to have one of her retainers with her.
[ ] Accept Buns. Hua Yin does not think she would be very good in the woods. If anything, the somewhat prissy girl might even be a detriment.
[ ] Do not accept Buns. Yang Genji will not come without her companion.
Gao Jin was more difficult. Apparently, Gao Jin was doing some extra training to get a few techniques into his repertoire. He had even found a Qi technique that he was working on in the Archives. Hua Yin, being an Archivist, made sure that Inner Disciple Peng did not fleece Gao Jin too badly. Gao Jin was also working on his cultivation. He was not the type to like being left behind.
CHA (8) + Persuasion (3)
Hua Yin rolls 11 dice.
CHA (??) + WIL (??) + Busy (2) - Close Friends (4)
Gao Jin rolls 10 dice.
At the end of the day, Hua Yin and Gao Jin agreed that Gao Jin's training was more important than traipsing about the Ghost Whisper Woods without a specific target. The wiry boy made Hua Yin promise to get him if the group should come up against a difficult fight.
Thankfully, Li Gai was always ready to explore the Ghost Whisper Woods, so he was easy to convince. Though he had a proposition. He believed that Feng had found another Font. He hadn't explored it yet, but he could bring the group to check it out. He hadn't explored it yet because had seen signs of a Greenwood Bear in the area and thought that him and Feng alone likely should not interfere with it.
[ ] Explore Li Gai's new Font.
[ ] Wander and see what there is to discover.
-----
By the time he left, he knew he forgot something, but he could not remember what it was. It took him till they were in the wood to realize that Hua Yin had forgot to ask Guan Zhi to come. Hua Yin shrugged, what was the worst that could happen?
A pity about the lost successes, but overall things went well.
[ ] Nothing changes, and Hua Yin will be seen as just another faceless watcher.
Not interested in getting involved here.
[ ] Accept Buns. Hua Yin does not think she would be very good in the woods. If anything, the somewhat prissy girl might even be a detriment.
[ ] Explore Li Gai's new Font.
Since I think going for the guaranteed find rather than wandering aimlessly is the smart play, it doesn't matter so much that Buns isn't good in the woods.
@warumono, is the Coruscant Cut something we can just look for in the archives, or do we need a pass for the technique hall like was mentioned at one point?
I think we can go there and at least say something to Daiyu. We tried more than once to reduce the tension between Chyou and Daiyu, and we were vocal of not liking the humiliation thing. No problem for me on this.
Buns can come, it is obvious we will only make rumors go out of control if we ask Yang to come alone with us, even if Li Gai will be there. And we can explore his new font, there will be even combat for insights!
And yeah, I think Guan Zhi will be pissed we didn't at least ask him. Shit. We don't even have an excuse to give him, we just forgot one of our bros.
It took him till they were in the wood to realize that Hua Yin had forgot to ask Guan Zhi to come. Hua Yin shrugged, what was the worst that could happen?
It seems that Ling Daiyu has some kind of relationship with Ming Xue, sooo...
[X] Approach Ling Daiyu. This will be an obvious signal that you disapprove of the service used by Song Chyou. This will also build your reputation with Ling Daiyu's faction. Without more, it is not a declaration of support for Ling Daiyu's faction. You may write-in more to tie yourself closer.
[X] Accept Buns. Hua Yin does not think she would be very good in the woods. If anything, the somewhat prissy girl might even be a detriment.
[X] Explore Li Gai's new Font.
Actually since Song eats at our table sometimes, it might not be a bad idea to approach Ling. Even though I really don't want to get involved and think Ling would've done worse if she'd won, the issue remains there's currently possibly a bit of an perceived imbalance in who Yin leans toward in this feud and approaching could bring us back closer to neutral.
[ ] Approach Ling Daiyu. This will be an obvious signal that you disapprove of the service used by Song Chyou. This will also build your reputation with Ling Daiyu's faction. Without more, it is not a declaration of support for Ling Daiyu's faction. You may write-in more to tie yourself closer.
Didn't we advise Song Chyou to talk to us about her Services? This could be a way to show what we think about her choice.
By the time he left, he knew he forgot something, but he could not remember what it was. It took him till they were in the wood to realize that Hua Yin had forgot to ask Guan Zhi to come. Hua Yin shrugged, what was the worst that could happen?
