- Location
- Domino City
It's a good plan, though I'd still like to switch out one of the actions out for a Mo action.
We did promise to help judge the finals after all, and if I'm not mistaken, they're happening next week.
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
We did promise to help judge the finals after all, and if I'm not mistaken, they're happening next week.
Finals are week 23. Presumably the contenders are going to be sent home and asked to bring a charm for the final.
- Location
- Domino City
So does that mean there won't be a Contest meetup next week?
That's my assumption. Guess we'll find our for sure at the end of this judging/the next weekly plan vote.
- Pronouns
- They/He
I want 3 Fractal actions this week. Even if it's not going to be finished in time for the deer fight, we need to get those 6 extra actions we committed to out of the way ASAP. And unless it's mandatory for us, or preparing for the deer in some way, we need to be crafting
Agreed.
I'm thinking either
3 Siani
3 Fractal
2 Bathhouse
1 Deer Hunt
or
3 Siani
3 Fractal
2 Shatter (guarantee we progress to next stage, could also do 1 rainbow eyes and 1 Shatter)
1 Deer Hunt
Hunting the Deer next week isn't mandatory but doing it now should free us up next two weeks to finish up our other projects before plot strikes again.
I'm thinking either
3 Siani
3 Fractal
2 Bathhouse
1 Deer Hunt
or
3 Siani
3 Fractal
2 Shatter (guarantee we progress to next stage, could also do 1 rainbow eyes and 1 Shatter)
1 Deer Hunt
Hunting the Deer next week isn't mandatory but doing it now should free us up next two weeks to finish up our other projects before plot strikes again.
- Pronouns
- He/It/Argh!
Going into the Deer fight without testing out Chui Dao's hammer as a possible charm weapon is silly. If we run out of anam we can't hurt the Deer anymore, unless we have a charm weapon.
I'd say we are fairly unlikely to discover that the hammer can't be used with any of our existing physical techniques, as Mei had no problem using Hummingbird Dance with a chakram.
I'd say we are fairly unlikely to discover that the hammer can't be used with any of our existing physical techniques, as Mei had no problem using Hummingbird Dance with a chakram.
The charm we got from Wugui means we can attack with physical techniques. Tbh we're pretty much boned if we reach that point tho. Warrior techs are weak vs Defender. Also Ves said we didn't get handed a weapon charm in part because Zhi doesn't have any weapon training.
If Ves agrees with my calculations that we should be at 12 points to the next level of StM rather than 20, I could do 1 StM and 1 Chui Dao if pressed.
But we really have to remember that trying to do everything is impossible, and worse, counterproductive. Also, let's not forget that the Box is a massively powerful advantage and the Deer is probably specced as an infiltrator and trickster rather than a combat monster like the Hate of the Moloth. This time period was supposed to be about finishing ongoing projects, not overpreparing for a single fight.
- Pronouns
- He/It/Argh!
Okay, wasn't aware of that.
Would still like to get more of an idea of how Chui Dao could function in combat, instead of just making assumptions about it.
We carry that hammer everywhere, and Fa might raise an eyebrow or even say something sarcastic if she finds out we went into battle without knowing what the hammer can do. It is not worth the risk!
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Anyone remember what our temp charms do? It's been a while and I don't remember which page they're in.
Highwayman's Oil (1 Dose): By rubbing this oil on his skin, Kong Zhi's anam is suppressed and harder for anyone's Sixth Sense to find! Anyone who attempts to scan Kong Zhi with their Sixth Sense while the Highwayman's Oil is applied subtracts one from their mental talent when they roll a perception check.
Wolf Breaks Fast (Armband)
Warrior Charm 2 (Beast 15/Hunger 6/Bone 3)
This woven armband of silk and steel is formed around a long set of beastial teeth and practical vibrates with an animalistic need to rend and tear. Any offensive attacks or techniques used by the wearer gain Piercing 3.
My understanding of combat mechanics is that ethereal type beings (i.e. Vestiges, some Kunkuni) are immune to physical techniques, and must be combated via anam techniques.
For physical beings (artists, spirit beasts, some Kunkuni) either works.
The question seems to be: Is Chi Dao anam-y enough that if you use them with a physical technique, will they hit an ethereal vestige? On the face of it, it seems like CD is definitively anam-y enough, they're a semi sentient kunkuni bound into a hammer that has esoteric anam properties when used in smithing. They can be used to hit vestiges.
However it seems like a moot point?
The Deer is well, a Deer. KZ's limb tech's will be effective though they're currently 15d10s6 & 13d10s6 for free vs Auroch's 30d10s7 for 2, so they're not particularly effective but will not miss because of physical-to-vestige reasons.
I think it comes down to how weapons are integrated in combat.
Using the Hate of the Moloth encounter, KZ's weapon using allies did things like this:
Daiyu rolls 24d10s8 (Hummingbird's Dance/New Moon).
Fan Zhao pays 3 Anam to roll 25d10s6 (The Lancer's Art/Sonorous Spearhead).
Clearly using techniques with weapon modifiers, physical in Mei's case, Anam in worst Zhao's. KZ doesn't know any physical hammer weapon forms, let alone anam hammer weapon forms to use CD with.
[] On your belt hangs a small hammer inhabited by a Kukuni of Steel you have dubbed Chui Dao. It seems to be an affable spirit with a passion for beating metal, but there may be more. You will experiment with Chui Dao and see what other secrets hide within his metal.
-[] (Write-In how you will experiment with Chui Dao.)
I guess write-in would be something along the lines of 'CD has been glimpsed transforming from a stout Smith's hammer into a wicked Warhammer before, you will attempt to coax it into transforming again and see how best you can wield it for violence through your techniques'
I'd imagine this would let KZ go through his 3 techniques and see if CD works, if yes, then we'd see the narrative & mechanical additions CD does to the winning form(s). If doesn't work out, there might be a call-back to one of the very first updates where KZ spontaneously generated his most dangerous technique:
Maybe something like...
Also: I'm uncertain on whether or not KZ knows exactly where the Deer's lair is. I believe in the report Sun Yijun was able to give KZ the general area, but not specifics. Is it expected that KZ spends one of his 6 free actions on specifically scouting the lair?
For physical beings (artists, spirit beasts, some Kunkuni) either works.
The question seems to be: Is Chi Dao anam-y enough that if you use them with a physical technique, will they hit an ethereal vestige? On the face of it, it seems like CD is definitively anam-y enough, they're a semi sentient kunkuni bound into a hammer that has esoteric anam properties when used in smithing. They can be used to hit vestiges.
However it seems like a moot point?
The Deer is well, a Deer. KZ's limb tech's will be effective though they're currently 15d10s6 & 13d10s6 for free vs Auroch's 30d10s7 for 2, so they're not particularly effective but will not miss because of physical-to-vestige reasons.
I think it comes down to how weapons are integrated in combat.
Using the Hate of the Moloth encounter, KZ's weapon using allies did things like this:
Daiyu rolls 24d10s8 (Hummingbird's Dance/New Moon).
Fan Zhao pays 3 Anam to roll 25d10s6 (The Lancer's Art/Sonorous Spearhead).
Clearly using techniques with weapon modifiers, physical in Mei's case, Anam in worst Zhao's. KZ doesn't know any physical hammer weapon forms, let alone anam hammer weapon forms to use CD with.
- Auroch's is fist based: Taking inspiration from the horns of a mighty Earthroot Ox, the Artist empowers their arms and fists with the energy of the forest and mountain. Blows using this technique can shatter stone.
- It seems unlikely it can be adapted into using a hammer, but maybe?
- Talon, 'enough said: Where once Kong Zhi had a normal arm upon his shoulder, now he bears an altered limb capped with a vicious talon.
- Hummingbird actually could work: A form of physical combat built on quick, deceptive movements and sudden throws to keep your foe disoriented.
- Mei shows it can be used with a weapon, while KZ uses it as an unarmed style, that's just been because he hasn't had a weapon. Not sure how being 'quick, deceptive & using throws; works with a warhammer, but maybe KZ can make it work. However HD is 15d10s7 that eats a 75% penalty down to 11d10s7, so Chi Dao has to add 4 dice & -1 success threshold to be the same as a limb, which seems very unlikely
[] On your belt hangs a small hammer inhabited by a Kukuni of Steel you have dubbed Chui Dao. It seems to be an affable spirit with a passion for beating metal, but there may be more. You will experiment with Chui Dao and see what other secrets hide within his metal.
-[] (Write-In how you will experiment with Chui Dao.)
I guess write-in would be something along the lines of 'CD has been glimpsed transforming from a stout Smith's hammer into a wicked Warhammer before, you will attempt to coax it into transforming again and see how best you can wield it for violence through your techniques'
I'd imagine this would let KZ go through his 3 techniques and see if CD works, if yes, then we'd see the narrative & mechanical additions CD does to the winning form(s). If doesn't work out, there might be a call-back to one of the very first updates where KZ spontaneously generated his most dangerous technique:
Wild Flailing (Strength 1)
Warrior Technique 2 (Physical 4)
Cost: N/A
Phases: None
Description: This artist has no idea what they are doing, but they are certainly not going to let that stop them from windmilling their limbs and hoping they get lucky.
Maybe something like...
Wild Flailing, with a Warhammer! (Strength 3)
Warrior Technique 3 (Physical 7)
Cost: Your Pride
Phases: None
Description: This artist has no idea what they are doing, but they are certainly not going to let that stop them from swinging a warhammer around as best they can and hoping they get lucky.
Now I don't particularly see much of a point in doing the CD trial; I think the 1AP is probably better spent doing an extra limb-training as prep or a hybrid Zhaun Kun training/social action, but that's what voting is for.Also: I'm uncertain on whether or not KZ knows exactly where the Deer's lair is. I believe in the report Sun Yijun was able to give KZ the general area, but not specifics. Is it expected that KZ spends one of his 6 free actions on specifically scouting the lair?
Is it though? It's the horns of the Auroch. Seems more on the piercing/goring side of things with minimal (but not zero) levels of bludgeoning.
Basically my thoughts are that going at CD with anything less than a specific Warhammer technique (physical or anam) feels like it isn't putting a best foot forward, but then it turns what should be a 1 AP cost into a 2 AP Go to archives and search with keywords 'Warhammer, Steel, War', grab the technique then go have a CD experiment.
And then there's the discussion on whether or not specialising CD as a Warhammer is even what the thread wants to do. It seems apparent that as a Steel/War kunkuni-hammer, if KZ has CD channel Steel anam they'll be optimised for crafting, War anam (via Black Anvil, convenient, huh?) for Combat.
Decisions decisions.
Basically my thoughts are that going at CD with anything less than a specific Warhammer technique (physical or anam) feels like it isn't putting a best foot forward, but then it turns what should be a 1 AP cost into a 2 AP Go to archives and search with keywords 'Warhammer, Steel, War', grab the technique then go have a CD experiment.
And then there's the discussion on whether or not specialising CD as a Warhammer is even what the thread wants to do. It seems apparent that as a Steel/War kunkuni-hammer, if KZ has CD channel Steel anam they'll be optimised for crafting, War anam (via Black Anvil, convenient, huh?) for Combat.
Decisions decisions.
Why must Chui Dao be specialized as either Steel or War? It's a being of both. Even Nokai's dogs seems to end up with multiple anam aspects in their core. If Zhi can end up as a crafter and a fighter so can Chui Dao.
Well I'm just guessing, but generally things/people/semi-sentient warhammers specialize into specific roles. Consider completely 3 made up arbitrary splits:
Crafter CD: Adds 12 dice to crafting rolls, -1 to success threshold req, and converts moderate amounts of material anam into steel.
Combat CD: Adds 12 dice to combat rolls, -1 to success threshold req, and reduces cost of War & Steel-aspect anam techniques by 50%
Mix CD: Adds 6 dice to relevant roll, converts some material anam into steel, reduces cost of War-aspect anam techniques by 30%
Which one is better? Obviously I'm just making things up on the spot and have no real idea how CD will turn out. However the idea of items/characters/techniques having 'power budgets' is nothing new, and specialization is generally how potent, self-synergistic options are unlocked.
Imagine CD has two invisible, behind the scenes skill trees with 10 points each and channeling Steel or War anam gives them points to spend in the respective trees. However they have a, don't know 12 point maximum. Sure CD can have 6/10 & 6/10, but then they're missing the cool deep value 7, 8, 9 nodes and the cool 10 point capstone. This analogy has gotten away from me, and is wild conjecture at best.
But surely the idea of an item specializing into a role being stronger than one that goes 50/50 isn't farfetched?
Crafter CD: Adds 12 dice to crafting rolls, -1 to success threshold req, and converts moderate amounts of material anam into steel.
Combat CD: Adds 12 dice to combat rolls, -1 to success threshold req, and reduces cost of War & Steel-aspect anam techniques by 50%
Mix CD: Adds 6 dice to relevant roll, converts some material anam into steel, reduces cost of War-aspect anam techniques by 30%
Which one is better? Obviously I'm just making things up on the spot and have no real idea how CD will turn out. However the idea of items/characters/techniques having 'power budgets' is nothing new, and specialization is generally how potent, self-synergistic options are unlocked.
Imagine CD has two invisible, behind the scenes skill trees with 10 points each and channeling Steel or War anam gives them points to spend in the respective trees. However they have a, don't know 12 point maximum. Sure CD can have 6/10 & 6/10, but then they're missing the cool deep value 7, 8, 9 nodes and the cool 10 point capstone. This analogy has gotten away from me, and is wild conjecture at best.
But surely the idea of an item specializing into a role being stronger than one that goes 50/50 isn't farfetched?
This is incorrect. Spirit Beasts are spiritual entities too and thus need anam to damage them. Ves clarified this a while ago. The charm we got from Wugui allows Zhi to damage spiritual entities while wearing it.
As for how it would work in combat - both Xu Yun and Jai Fa have weapon specific techniques for their weapons. Ves mentioned that one of the reasons we didn't get a weapon charm from Wugui is that we didn't have weapon training. I'm betting New Moon is Early Installment Weirdness.
The biggest problem with physical techs is that the Deer is a Defender specialist. Using Warrior techs against it is a losing proposition that should be avoided at all costs.
- Pronouns
- He/It/Argh!
New Moon is just Mei showing how awesome she is.
149. The Round of Twelve
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 36 people who have pledged to me on Patreon! If you'd like to join them, you can do so here.
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You know what it is like to feel overwhelmed by the moment. It has never happened to you when you were behind a workbench, but Auntie Bi was never one to hesitate when it came to pushing you into an awkward situation. You have had to speak in front of large groups of people. You have been asked to give your opinion on things you just laid eyes on for the first time. You have been forced to mediate disputes between family members who are both convinced of their own rightness and will take disagreement as a personal slight.
In each of those moments, you have wanted one and only one thing: to be pulled underground and dragged anywhere but the place where you were. That has sadly never happened. Failing that, you would have settled for a kind word and the knowledge that someone thinks that you are equal to the challenge at hand.
You may not be able to make Siau Satai vanish from this place, but you can at least give her that kind word.
"That sounds like a worthy idea for a piece, Siau Satai," you tell her, nodding along with her breathless justifications. "I am sure that it will prove most interesting to view. But I must say, it does not seem like you are fully convinced of its own merits."
Siau Satai's spine stiffens and she freezes in place. "I- it is an ambitious concept," she mumbles out. "One that will further my understanding of the medium-"
...now she is just stringing words together. You stop her babble by raising a hand. "Might I ask you one question?" you interrupt. At her hesitant nod, you press forward. "Please, do not take offense to this. I do not ask this out of any doubt in your skills or because I think any less of you than I do the others. But what made you enter this competition?"
Despite your words, a flash of hurt crosses Siau Satai's face, and you quickly rephrase your question. "No, no, I am making a mess of this. Forget this competition. Why are you a charmcrafter? What drew you to this art? There are thousands of paths to power, most far less demanding than the way of the charmcrafter. Why did you select this one?"
Siau Satai blinks in surprise at the unexpected change in tacts. "I… because it is a noble art practiced by great exemplars over-"
"Siau Satai," you utter, cutting her off once more. "Please do not just say what you think I want to hear. What really drove you to carve your first rune?"
The small girl's eyes scan your face as if desperately hoping to divine what it is you're after. When she finds no answers, she screws up her face and swallows deeply. "It… because it is fun, Lord Kong," she tells you. "I just… I enjoy charmcrafting. I have fun doing it."
You cannot help it- you laugh. A chuckle escapes your throat and you nod along with her words. "It is fun, isn't it?" you ask rhetorically. Shaking your head, you gesture at the half-completed painting. "Are you having fun with your current work?"
Siau Satai follows your claw to look at her own canvas. "I… no?"
"Then forget everything else," you tell her. "Forget this competition, forget who may be judging this work, forget that there are others here. Just forget it all and try to remember to have fun with your work."
Diplomacy Check: 3d10s6(1.1) (An Uncomfortable Authenticity). Dice Rolled: 10, 7, 3, 3. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
The small girl stares up at you with wide eyes and flaring nostrils. Slowly, her breathing begins to even out. Siau Satai closes her eyes and seems to gather herself before turning back to her canvas. She studies the dark fabric carefully, as if looking at it for the first time.
"I should just have fun, Lord Kong?" comes her plaintive question.
You nod along with her words. "Just enjoy the process of creation. It's why you decided to take this path after all."
Again, Siau Satai swallows. Her jaw sets and her fingers seem to loosen around her brush. "Very well," she finally says. "That I can do."
You step back as she attacks her canvas with renewed fury. Your work here is done. All that remains is to see her final creation, and you are eager to see what she is capable of.
***
Your eyes dart from the tainted pot of sand back to Ta Riou. While you would be a hypocrite if you were to speak against sabotaging your rival, seeing it done because you provided an opening leaves a sour feeling in your stomach. It's because you were standing here speaking with Ta Riou that Po Yuanji was able to act; the very least you can do is give her a chance to rectify the situation.
The glassworker is still staring avidly at your face, waiting for your answer to her question. "In truth," you reply honestly. "I could not tell you why my patch has remained so basic. Perhaps it simply never seemed important to change; after all, it is my work that should draw the eye, not my person."
Ta Riou moves to answer that- clearly she has some strong feelings about one's personal aesthetic- but you hold up a hand to forestall her words. "But you have far bigger concerns than my manner of dress," you inform her. "Were I you, I would turn my attention to my northernmost pot. Something appears to have… fallen into my mix."
The blonde stares at you in confusion for a long moment. But seconds later, comprehension dawns and she spins, rushing to the pots she has boiling on the flame. A muffled cry of pure rage seems to seep from between her tightly closed lips. Whatever Po Yuanji placed inside must be particularly irritating to deal with.
But at least it does seem like something she can deal with. Ta Riou turns her entire focus to her creations. Molten drops of sand begin to fly everywhere. You are left forgotten near her iron mold, and you take that as an opportunity to back away from Ta Riou's desk. There's nothing else for you here except the risk of glass burns. Best to just let her handle her business.
***
No matter how much you wish it was not so, you cannot stand and watch others create forever. Soon after you finish with Ta Riou, Wei Rong sends another thunderous echo through the amphitheatre. "Thirty seconds remain!" he bellows. "You have thirty seconds left!"
Some of the competitors respond to his words with panicked motions and hasty adjustments. Others simply stand back and look around, expressions of self-satisfaction clear upon their faces. But all of them listen closely as Wei Rong begins to count down from thirty. When he reaches zero and another thunderclaps echoes through the stadium, every one of them leaps back from their workstation with their labors complete.
Then finally, it is your time to shine.
You make your way back to the desk at the front of the stadium and have a seat behind it. Wei Rong moves to stand at your left and Fan Zhao at your right. "Now, we will proceed with judging," your fellow charmcrafter states. His voice reaches every corner of the theater, drowning out the small conversations being held by the audience.
"When you hear your name, approach the judge's table," Fan Zhao instructs the dozen competitors. "You will have a brief moment to display your work and present it to Kong Zhi. When your turn is over you will leave your piece on the table and return to your station. Once everyone has presented their work, Kong Zhi will deliberate and make his decision."
The spear-wielder glances over at Wei Rong. Mo Hanying's fellow associate nods sharply and glares out over the assorted workbenches. "First!" he bellows. "Xi Weixiao!"
Utter silence fills the arena as the bandaged girl lifts an object from her workbench and heads to the front. Xi Weixiao deposits her piece on the table before you and backs away, offering you a slight bow. "Lords," she declares. "I present to you 'Hare Through Green Grass."
Xi Weixiao Craft (Metalworking) Check: 3d10s7(1.2). Dice Rolled: 10, 6, 3, 7. 2.4, rounded down to 2 Successes!
You turn your focus from the artist to her art and for a moment, confusion fills you. Despite Xi Weixiao's evocative title, you cannot help but notice that what sits before you does not look like a hare or grass in the slightest. It looks more like an emous ball of metal that has had dozens of steel spikes driven into it without care or concern for what it would look like. Your supplies have resembled this piece more than once after you allowed disorder to reign for a time, but you would never go as far as to title them.
"Please explain your work," Fan Zhao asks dryly. "If you can."
Xi Weixiao's eyes do not leave you. "There is no need," she states. "If one understands it, one understands it. My words will add nothing."
Fan Zhao rolls his eyes and Wei Rong seems to puff up with annoyance, but you wave them both back. Despite the lack of care in her words and the seemingly random construction of her piece… you kind of get what she means.
The metal isn't disorganized at all. There is a very definite method to Xi Weixiao's madness. When you look at it from the right angle, the metal does almost appear to resemble high stalks of grass. And as for the hare… if you squint, you can almost see the shadows cast by the sculpture taking on the appearance of a small rabbit against your desk.
The work is clumsy and clearly rushed, but you can see what she was attempting. Fascinating work.
Xi Weixiao nods at the look on your face. "See?" she grunts out towards Fan Zhao. "Lord Kong gets it." Then she bows again and backs away, moving back to her workstation.
***
Nu Shaying is the next competitor to approach. She glances over at Xi Weixiao's piece. "My apologies for asking," she begins. "But does our work need a name? I was so caught up in making it that I didn't take the time to grant it one."
You wave away her concerns. "A name would be welcome, but one is not required. Now, what do you have for us today?"
Nu Shaying Craft (Calligraphy) Check: 3d10s8(0.9). Dice Rolled: 8, 7, 3. 0.9, rounded up to 1 Success!
Nu Shaying's project is far more comprehensible than Xi Weixiao was when you first look at it. She sets a small scroll before you and unrolls it, revealing row after row of carefully laid out characters filling the paper. A quick read tells you that she has painted the tale of the Donkey in the Mist on it in shimmering ink.
That is a very interesting statement. You've not heard the Donkey in the Mist in years but you still remember it quite clearly. It is an old tale of a Donkey that wandered through thick mist, frightening off predators great and small alike with it's large size and intimidating bray. But sadly for the Donkey, it grew overconfident and began to linger around choice bits of grass. That led a mighty Lion that had once been warded off to return and discover that the Donkey had naught but its size and its sound to defend itself. In short order, the Lion had a full belly and the Donkey was no more.
It is a tale about reserving one's power, about how one must always keep a trick hidden lest your foe learn the true extent of your strength. Nu Shaying clearly means this story as a statement of some sort- though what she intends to actually say, you can only guess.
What you do know for sure is that her brushstrokes are strong and clean, but her color selection is weak. She clearly intended to form a gradient in her ink, with dark ink at the beginning and brighter colors towards the end, but it is too choppy and abrupt to get the full extent of what she was going for.
Still, she has made a valiant effort and you say as much. "Well done, Nu Shaying," you praise her. "Thank you."
***
The next competitor summoned is Po Yuanji. He strides to your table and begins to unfurl his project without prompting, ceremony, or fanfare. Dark fabric fills the desk and covers the other projects already upon it. "Good afternoon, Lord," he greets you as he makes sure his work has no wrinkles in it. "I hope you find my work satisfactory."
"What have you brought us today, Po Yuanji?" you ask.
"You asked for us to choose something to showcase our creativity to its fullest extent," the disciple responds. "And I have done just that. Before you sits a tapestry woven of Gardener Silk with a silver inlay. My apologies for any roughness; the loom I had to work with was not one I have used before."
Po Yuanji Craft (Weaving) Check: 3d10s7(1.0). Dice Rolled: 7, 5, 4. 1 Success!
You can see why he is already making excuses. The weave in the tapestry is no great work; it feels too thin for his intentions and the silver inlay stands above the dark silk in several places. But aside from that roughness, Po Yuanji's skill is clear. The fabric is smooth and runs through your fingers like water while the color is beautifully uniform. The pattern he has woven throughout the silk is well constructed as well save it's depth issues. As you look down at the tapestry, another Scorpion seems to glare back up at you, one fully as lifelike as the one on the wall to your back.
"Interesting work," you respond. "Tell me, how does the loom you worked with today differ from your usual one?"
"This one is new," Po Yuanji answers without hesitation. "It is superior to my older model in every way, but I've just acquired it. It's tricks are still becoming clear to me. Next time, what I present will drive any memory of what lies before you from your mind."
You nod, face carefully blank. "Very well," you reply. "Thank you, Po Yuanji. You may step back."
***
Siau Satai is the next to approach. She offers you a small smile as she walks to your table. A heavy cloth has been draped over her canvas, one which she pulls off as she steps back.
"Lords," she greets you. "It is my pleasure to present my work to you today. I call it… the Careful Rider."
Siau Satai Craft (Painting) Check: 3d10s8(1.5) (Words of Encouragement). Dice Rolled: 9, 8, 1. 1.5, rounded up to 2 Successes!
You stare at the painting before you for a very long moment. Then a moment more. Then a third moment. Beside you, Fan Zhao lets out a choking noise and Wei Rong's eyes grow wide. You cannot say you do not understand their reactions.
Siau Satai did not let her previous work go to waste. The scorpion she was painting before has been finished and stands against the canvas with ominous pincers spread wide. But the background has changed completely. No longer does the Scorpion sit in a dank cave. Instead it trots merrily along the shore, it's legs skittering through the surf.
But the real crown jewel is the completely new addition to the painting. Atop the scorpion sits a gull with its beak proudly raised in triumph. It balances carefully on the Scorpion's barbed tail and extends its wings, secure in it's precarious position. Joy seems to fill the gull's eyes as it rides the scorpion into the sunset.
"Um… what was your thought process when you began your work here, Siau Satai?" Fan Zhao asks.
"I…" the girl glances down at her feet, her hair falling in front of her face. "I thought it would be a memorable and enjoyable thing to paint."
Fan Zhao falls silent as you nod at the answer, but you don't stop your inspection of the painting. In truth, the work could be much better. The repainting of the background has made the paint pool in unfortunate ways. Some of the brushstrokes seem tentative and almost amateurish.
But the passion Siau Satai had for her painting is clear. It is an almost palpable thing that washes over you as you look at the gull being carried by the ocean.
"Thank you for your hard work, Siau Satai," you tell her. "You may step back."
***
Boli Guozao is the next to approach, and he has something you did not expect to see in today's competition: a building.
Or at least, a small model of a building. In the lanky man's hands he cradles a building about a foot tall and three wide. It is a delicate looking creation with red walls, a golden roof, and a dozen floors. Each floor bears half a dozen painstakingly constructed windows, each an intricate piece of glass and stone carefully slotted into red wood.
Boli Guozao Craft (Architechture) Check: 3d10s7(0.9) (An Unsuited Contest). Dice Rolled: 8, 6, 4. 0.9, rounded up to 1 Success!
Still, the work is not perfect. Some of the windows have clearly been forced into place and while the joins in the wood are almost seamless, you can see small beads of glue emerging from miniscule cracks. Senior Brother Meng Cai would be beside himself if he saw such a thing before him.
The work is interesting though. "What have you brought me today, Boli Guozao?"
The builder bows sharply at the waist. "Lords, today you see a scale model of the Temple of the Red Dove from my home city of Jingyi's Summit. Each square inch represents a yard on the actual building. If you open the roof, you can see the top floor has been recreated as well in complete detail."
You do as bid and pull the roof from the model. Sure enough, a dozen tiny cells stare up at you, each bedecked with a miniscule cot and a curtain to grant the occupant privacy. Cunning work- though again, it is not without it's roughness. There is no artistry to the curtains; they are simply swatches of fabric fixed in place.
"Thank you, Boli Guozao. You may step back."
***
Kan Shuli is the next disciple to approach, and much like Boli Guozao before him, his creation is made of wood.
Unlike Boli Guozao's work, it does not appear that any joins have been left unaligned. Or rather, it seems that there are no joins to be found in his work whatsoever. Kan Shuli's project, nor are there cuts of any sort. Instead, he holds a small sapling in a pot before him.
Kan Shuli Craft (Woodworking) Check: 3d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 5, 3, 2. 0 Successes!
On closer inspection though, it becomes clear that what Kan Shuli holds is no living tree. Instead, it is a piece of wood gently curved and carved to resemble such a sapling. Lines resembling bark have been carved into the wood with small sprouts growing leaves of wood shooting from every surface. It is beautiful knife work.
But it is also mechanical. You can sense no real passion within Kan Shuli's work. It feels like every single slice he made was done automatically, as if he has made each one hundreds of times before. It does not feel like this is a piece Kan Shuli made for this competition- it feels like one he recreated for this competition.
There is nothing really for you to say here. "Thank you, Kan Shuli. You may step back."
***
Unlike the previous two competitors, Pan Yueqi does not have a single scrap of wood anywhere in her project. Instead, she carries a long tube of ivory inlaid with silver placed in a wooden box. She offers it to you with a bow and a smile. "Please, Lord, pick it up!" she encourages you.
Pan Yueqi Craft (Instrument) Check: 4d10s7(1.0). Dice Rolled: 10, 8, 4, 3, 1. 1 Success!
You do as bid, lifting the ivory contraption into your palms. The first thing you notice is that it is far heavier than you would first have guessed when you saw it. You are not certain what Pan Yueqi did to her work, but you can guess that it was far more involved than simply hollowing out a stick of ivory. Half a dozen delicate keys cover the length of the tube, each attached to the greater whole with cunning joinery.
What really grasps your attention is that this flute- for there is nothing else this contraption could be- is sized far larger than it would need to be for Pan Yueqi to use. It fits perfectly in your hands. The keys each fit nicely beneath your fingers and the mouthpiece is a match for your lips. You give Pan Yueqi a small smile as you continue your inspection. "Very well done. Did you somehow manage to measure me while my attention was elsewhere?"
Pan Yueqi responds with a small shake of her head. "No, Lord, such actions would be unseemly and unnecessary. This is not the first flute this one has created; she is more than skilled enough to determine what sizes are required."
"I see," you reply. "Is that your preferred medium? Flutes?"
The diminutive girl shakes her head once more. "All instruments, Lord. Should you require a drum or a horn, please, think of this one. She will be more than happy to make whatever it is you need."
You nod at her words and turn the flute over in your hands. In truth, it is a well made piece. But it seems to have been built for function over anything else. You move your hands to the holes across it and errantly find a position you're more familiar with and, after lifting it to your lips, you blow. A clear, true note pierces the air. As you suspected, it's a well crafted instrument. But still it is an instrument, meant to create art, rather than be art itself. And could that not be true of other charms? Even the most basic charms can be magic in the hands of skilled welders.
This one will require much deliberation. You nod at Pan Yueqi. "Thank you. You may step back."
***
The next disciple to approach you for judgement is Long Bu. He approaches you quickly, almost knocking over Pan Yueqi as they pass each other in the space in front of your table. The smaller girl is spared an introduction to the ground though as Long Bu catches her shoulder and holds her up long enough for her to get her bearings. After a quick apology he continues on his path, reaching your table and greeting all three of you with a deep bow each.
"What do you have for us today, Long Bu?" you ask.
"I am so glad you asked, Lord Kong!" Long Bu trumpets. "Presenting my piece: the Dancers of the Evening Cloud!" He reaches behind his back and, with a flourish, presents his work: a trio of cloth puppets.
Long Bu Craft (Clothwork) Check: 3d10s8(1.2). Dice Rolled: 2, 2, 1. -1 Successes!
At least, you are fairly certain they are supposed to be puppets. They look more to you like sacks stuffed with cotton and grass.
You can see what Long Bu was attempting. There is some interesting needlework on the 'heads' of the sacks which you think may have been intended to hint at eyes and a mouth. But whatever Long Bu was attempting is lost behind uneven stuffing, wrinkled fabric, and an overall twisted design.
The competitor does not let that dissuade him, however. He gestures with the puppets as if he holds a masterpiece in his hands. "Are they not to be feared?" he asks. "Just the sight of one of my Evening Cloud Dancers will terrify and horrify any who look upon them! See how what may appear to be loose stitching in fact tells anyone who looks upon it of the void the Dancers have within them- a void eager to be filled with the hopes and dreams of the evil and indolent alike!"
Well, you will give this to him: while his clothwork leaves much to be desired, he has stitched together a rather entertaining story to accompany his 'art'. You have to admire his gumption. You offer him a nod. "Thank you, Long Bu. You may step back."
***
In short order, Long Bu's vacant place has been filled by Ta Riou. The blonde glassworker bows to each of you in turn, though you cannot help but notice that her bow towards you is far lower than Fan Zhao or Wei Rong received. From the look on Fan Zhao's face, he noticed it as well. But he does not get a chance to say anything before Ta Riou deposits her work on the table before you.
Ta Riou Craft (Glass) Check: 3d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 9, 7, 2. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
After speaking with Ta Riou before, you expected a picture made of stained glass. That is exactly what she has presented to you. But you did not expect the sheer size or the weight her project would have. The glass creation would reach from your waist to your head were you to stand and is twice again as broad as you are.
The size is not the most eye-catching thing about the creation however. No, what captures your eye is it's subject matter. The glass has captured an image of a clawed hand much like your own reaching up from between cracks in the stone. On it's fingers sit rings of heavy stone and in its palm, it clutches a simple patch of fabric. The portrait conveys a sense of motion, as if the claw just burst through the stone and may yet move further to escape it's glass confines.
It is a powerful, evocative image.
You cannot say you enjoy looking at it.
Still, you turn to Ta Riou who beams up at you from before your desk. "This piece does not yet have a name," she tells you. "It was intended to capture a feeling of escape and change. I-" She cuts herself off and peers closely at you. "...I hope I have not caused offence."
You shake your head. "No, no. It is very well made. Your creativity is to be lauded."
Then you clear your throat and push the portrait to the side, allowing it to rest next to the other creations that clutter the once-pristine judge's table. "Thank you, Ta Riou. You may step back."
***
The next disciple to approach you is Jie Zhenbao. He walks past the confused looking Ta Riou without seeming to notice her, a bundle wrapped in cloth tucked beneath his arm. "Good day, Lords," he greets you. "I and my work stand ready to impress you today."
"I am certain that you will," Fan Zhao responds warmly, taking you aback for a moment. You weren't sure that Fan Zhao was capable of warmth. He certainly seems happy to see Jie Zhenbao though. "What have you brought us today?
Jie Zhenbao Craft (Fletching) Check: 3d10s8(0.8). Dice Rolled: 5, 4, 3. 0 Successes!
Without any ceremony, Jie Zhenbao does as bid. He places the bundle on the table and unwraps it, revealing an unstrung bow. The length of wood has been carefully trimmed and polished to a mahogany sheen before being gently shaped into a delicate curve. With quick, sure hands, Jie Zhenbao strings it before passing it to you for inspection.
You turn the bow over in your hands before testing the draw. It seems to be perfectly well made. You cannot find anything objectionable about this creation. You are no archer, but you cannot imagine that one would feel ashamed to hold this bow. It is a perfectly normal, perfectly average weapon of war.
Why Jie Zhenbao chose to enter it into a challenge testing one's artistry, you cannot begin to fathom.
Fan Zhao seems perfectly happy though. He takes the bow from you and gives it his own perusal. "Very well done!" he praises. "You've come far from your humble beginnings. You could likely sell this if you wanted!"
Jie Zhenbao bows at Fan Zhao's words, soaking in the praise. You are barely able to keep from sighing. "Thank you, Jie Zhenbao," you say instead. "You may step back."
***
Finally, as very few disciples remain, you get to one you've been looking forward to. After all, seeing every other piece here has been interesting, but there is just something about seeing another artist's take on your preferred medium that excites you above all else.
Song Douyan approaches the table with a bundle in hand and inclines her head slightly. "Good day, Lords," she greets you. "Today, for your pleasure, I have prepared a piece that I call 'The Menagerie In Crystal'. I hope it is to your liking."
Then she throws back the cloth, revealing her work to the world.
Song Douyan Craft (Jewelry) Check: 4d10s8(1.2) (An Early Mistake). Dice Rolled: 9, 7, 3, 2. 1.2, rounded down to 1 Success!
Her gemstone globe is as impressive as advertised. Beastial faces greet you from every facet, each illuminated by a torch placed within the stones. You make out the roaring mouth of a sapphire lion, the spread wings of a ruby hawk, the sturdy shell of a turtle made of aquamarine, the fleet feet of an amethyst hare, and that is only the beginning. Animals of all shapes and sizes greet you from every angle, too many to count let alone catalogue.
Still, you cannot help but notice that what you saw earlier has come to pass. Several of the animals have been shaved down to better aid the joining. "So, how many facets did you have completed before you noticed the sizing issue?" you ask.
Song Douyan flushes beet red at the question. "It… several," she answers. "I should have begun assembling as I carved the facets instead of building them first and joining them later. It was a rookie mistake unworthy of me."
You nod in agreement. "Still, your final piece is impressive despite the slight failures in execution. Well done. You may step back."
***
He Kwoo is the sole competitor left to present and he marches forward with all the determination that a grand finale needs. The flame-haired artist holds a scroll of his own beneath his arms, but his is not a thick monster like Nu Shaying's. Instead it is a thinner, more streamlined roll the size of a small wall scroll.
"Good day, Lords," he states. "For your consideration, I present to you my latest work. It does not yet have the honor of bearing a name, but should it prove triumphant today, it may yet earn that right."
He lays the scroll before you and unfurls it, revealing the black touch of charcoal upon the scroll.
He Kwoo Craft (Drawing) Check: 4d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 7, 7, 6, 2. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
For a moment, you are not certain what you are looking at. After a moment's inspection, you begin to find landmarks. There is the village that sits above the Delving Heart. That would make this the beginning of the Forest of Pearls and those would be some of the disciples entering through the gates. That would make the small hole near the end of the drawing the entrance to the Heart and… is the figure near the Heart's entrance supposed to be Elder Lei? You cannot think of anyone else it could be, not with those eyes and those proportions.
"I attempted to capture what a heavenly interloper might have seen were they to approach the Heart on the day of our induction. Some details may be incorrect for the hand can only interpret what the mind remembers. But I believe the majority of what lies before you to be accurate."
You nod slowly as you study the drawing. It is very well constructed. It has a good balance of light and shadow, with things in the Forest only being hinted at with small lines and gentle suggestion. The buildings are correctly placed and you can get a very clear sense of the time this drawing is attempting to capture- mid-morning. You can even hazard a guess at where the heavenly interloper would be watching you from in the Brightmaples.
"Well done, He Kwoo," you offer. "You may step back."
***
And just like that, you are finally, finally done viewing everyone's work.
There are some very interesting pieces before you and some far less so. But each one requires careful deliberation. Everyone here worked hard at your bidding. The very least you can do is give each of them the careful judgement they are due.
So you lean forward, pick up each piece in turn, and think.
Who should advance to the final round of Mo Hanying's Chamcrafting Competition?
Pick six (6) at most. You can pick less if you so choose. If there are less than six winners with a majority of the vote, the top four proceed to the next round.
[] Xi Weixiao and her Hare Through Green Grass
[] Nu Shaying and her painted parable
[] Po Yuanji and his tapestry
[] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
[] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
[] Kan Shuli and his sapling
[] Pan Yueqi and her flute
[] Long Bu and his Dancers of the Evening Cloud
[] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
[] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
[] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
[] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
>[DOUYAN] Save the critique for the end of the challenge, unlike the other two she is performing to her best capabilities.
>[SATAI] Yes, you will attempt to soothe her panic.
>[RIOU] You will quietly point it out to her and allow her to fix the problem before it really becomes an issue.
>[SATAI] Yes, you will attempt to soothe her panic.
>[RIOU] You will quietly point it out to her and allow her to fix the problem before it really becomes an issue.
You know what it is like to feel overwhelmed by the moment. It has never happened to you when you were behind a workbench, but Auntie Bi was never one to hesitate when it came to pushing you into an awkward situation. You have had to speak in front of large groups of people. You have been asked to give your opinion on things you just laid eyes on for the first time. You have been forced to mediate disputes between family members who are both convinced of their own rightness and will take disagreement as a personal slight.
In each of those moments, you have wanted one and only one thing: to be pulled underground and dragged anywhere but the place where you were. That has sadly never happened. Failing that, you would have settled for a kind word and the knowledge that someone thinks that you are equal to the challenge at hand.
You may not be able to make Siau Satai vanish from this place, but you can at least give her that kind word.
"That sounds like a worthy idea for a piece, Siau Satai," you tell her, nodding along with her breathless justifications. "I am sure that it will prove most interesting to view. But I must say, it does not seem like you are fully convinced of its own merits."
Siau Satai's spine stiffens and she freezes in place. "I- it is an ambitious concept," she mumbles out. "One that will further my understanding of the medium-"
...now she is just stringing words together. You stop her babble by raising a hand. "Might I ask you one question?" you interrupt. At her hesitant nod, you press forward. "Please, do not take offense to this. I do not ask this out of any doubt in your skills or because I think any less of you than I do the others. But what made you enter this competition?"
Despite your words, a flash of hurt crosses Siau Satai's face, and you quickly rephrase your question. "No, no, I am making a mess of this. Forget this competition. Why are you a charmcrafter? What drew you to this art? There are thousands of paths to power, most far less demanding than the way of the charmcrafter. Why did you select this one?"
Siau Satai blinks in surprise at the unexpected change in tacts. "I… because it is a noble art practiced by great exemplars over-"
"Siau Satai," you utter, cutting her off once more. "Please do not just say what you think I want to hear. What really drove you to carve your first rune?"
The small girl's eyes scan your face as if desperately hoping to divine what it is you're after. When she finds no answers, she screws up her face and swallows deeply. "It… because it is fun, Lord Kong," she tells you. "I just… I enjoy charmcrafting. I have fun doing it."
You cannot help it- you laugh. A chuckle escapes your throat and you nod along with her words. "It is fun, isn't it?" you ask rhetorically. Shaking your head, you gesture at the half-completed painting. "Are you having fun with your current work?"
Siau Satai follows your claw to look at her own canvas. "I… no?"
"Then forget everything else," you tell her. "Forget this competition, forget who may be judging this work, forget that there are others here. Just forget it all and try to remember to have fun with your work."
Diplomacy Check: 3d10s6(1.1) (An Uncomfortable Authenticity). Dice Rolled: 10, 7, 3, 3. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
The small girl stares up at you with wide eyes and flaring nostrils. Slowly, her breathing begins to even out. Siau Satai closes her eyes and seems to gather herself before turning back to her canvas. She studies the dark fabric carefully, as if looking at it for the first time.
"I should just have fun, Lord Kong?" comes her plaintive question.
You nod along with her words. "Just enjoy the process of creation. It's why you decided to take this path after all."
Again, Siau Satai swallows. Her jaw sets and her fingers seem to loosen around her brush. "Very well," she finally says. "That I can do."
You step back as she attacks her canvas with renewed fury. Your work here is done. All that remains is to see her final creation, and you are eager to see what she is capable of.
***
Your eyes dart from the tainted pot of sand back to Ta Riou. While you would be a hypocrite if you were to speak against sabotaging your rival, seeing it done because you provided an opening leaves a sour feeling in your stomach. It's because you were standing here speaking with Ta Riou that Po Yuanji was able to act; the very least you can do is give her a chance to rectify the situation.
The glassworker is still staring avidly at your face, waiting for your answer to her question. "In truth," you reply honestly. "I could not tell you why my patch has remained so basic. Perhaps it simply never seemed important to change; after all, it is my work that should draw the eye, not my person."
Ta Riou moves to answer that- clearly she has some strong feelings about one's personal aesthetic- but you hold up a hand to forestall her words. "But you have far bigger concerns than my manner of dress," you inform her. "Were I you, I would turn my attention to my northernmost pot. Something appears to have… fallen into my mix."
The blonde stares at you in confusion for a long moment. But seconds later, comprehension dawns and she spins, rushing to the pots she has boiling on the flame. A muffled cry of pure rage seems to seep from between her tightly closed lips. Whatever Po Yuanji placed inside must be particularly irritating to deal with.
But at least it does seem like something she can deal with. Ta Riou turns her entire focus to her creations. Molten drops of sand begin to fly everywhere. You are left forgotten near her iron mold, and you take that as an opportunity to back away from Ta Riou's desk. There's nothing else for you here except the risk of glass burns. Best to just let her handle her business.
***
No matter how much you wish it was not so, you cannot stand and watch others create forever. Soon after you finish with Ta Riou, Wei Rong sends another thunderous echo through the amphitheatre. "Thirty seconds remain!" he bellows. "You have thirty seconds left!"
Some of the competitors respond to his words with panicked motions and hasty adjustments. Others simply stand back and look around, expressions of self-satisfaction clear upon their faces. But all of them listen closely as Wei Rong begins to count down from thirty. When he reaches zero and another thunderclaps echoes through the stadium, every one of them leaps back from their workstation with their labors complete.
Then finally, it is your time to shine.
You make your way back to the desk at the front of the stadium and have a seat behind it. Wei Rong moves to stand at your left and Fan Zhao at your right. "Now, we will proceed with judging," your fellow charmcrafter states. His voice reaches every corner of the theater, drowning out the small conversations being held by the audience.
"When you hear your name, approach the judge's table," Fan Zhao instructs the dozen competitors. "You will have a brief moment to display your work and present it to Kong Zhi. When your turn is over you will leave your piece on the table and return to your station. Once everyone has presented their work, Kong Zhi will deliberate and make his decision."
The spear-wielder glances over at Wei Rong. Mo Hanying's fellow associate nods sharply and glares out over the assorted workbenches. "First!" he bellows. "Xi Weixiao!"
Utter silence fills the arena as the bandaged girl lifts an object from her workbench and heads to the front. Xi Weixiao deposits her piece on the table before you and backs away, offering you a slight bow. "Lords," she declares. "I present to you 'Hare Through Green Grass."
Xi Weixiao Craft (Metalworking) Check: 3d10s7(1.2). Dice Rolled: 10, 6, 3, 7. 2.4, rounded down to 2 Successes!
You turn your focus from the artist to her art and for a moment, confusion fills you. Despite Xi Weixiao's evocative title, you cannot help but notice that what sits before you does not look like a hare or grass in the slightest. It looks more like an emous ball of metal that has had dozens of steel spikes driven into it without care or concern for what it would look like. Your supplies have resembled this piece more than once after you allowed disorder to reign for a time, but you would never go as far as to title them.
"Please explain your work," Fan Zhao asks dryly. "If you can."
Xi Weixiao's eyes do not leave you. "There is no need," she states. "If one understands it, one understands it. My words will add nothing."
Fan Zhao rolls his eyes and Wei Rong seems to puff up with annoyance, but you wave them both back. Despite the lack of care in her words and the seemingly random construction of her piece… you kind of get what she means.
The metal isn't disorganized at all. There is a very definite method to Xi Weixiao's madness. When you look at it from the right angle, the metal does almost appear to resemble high stalks of grass. And as for the hare… if you squint, you can almost see the shadows cast by the sculpture taking on the appearance of a small rabbit against your desk.
The work is clumsy and clearly rushed, but you can see what she was attempting. Fascinating work.
Xi Weixiao nods at the look on your face. "See?" she grunts out towards Fan Zhao. "Lord Kong gets it." Then she bows again and backs away, moving back to her workstation.
***
Nu Shaying is the next competitor to approach. She glances over at Xi Weixiao's piece. "My apologies for asking," she begins. "But does our work need a name? I was so caught up in making it that I didn't take the time to grant it one."
You wave away her concerns. "A name would be welcome, but one is not required. Now, what do you have for us today?"
Nu Shaying Craft (Calligraphy) Check: 3d10s8(0.9). Dice Rolled: 8, 7, 3. 0.9, rounded up to 1 Success!
Nu Shaying's project is far more comprehensible than Xi Weixiao was when you first look at it. She sets a small scroll before you and unrolls it, revealing row after row of carefully laid out characters filling the paper. A quick read tells you that she has painted the tale of the Donkey in the Mist on it in shimmering ink.
That is a very interesting statement. You've not heard the Donkey in the Mist in years but you still remember it quite clearly. It is an old tale of a Donkey that wandered through thick mist, frightening off predators great and small alike with it's large size and intimidating bray. But sadly for the Donkey, it grew overconfident and began to linger around choice bits of grass. That led a mighty Lion that had once been warded off to return and discover that the Donkey had naught but its size and its sound to defend itself. In short order, the Lion had a full belly and the Donkey was no more.
It is a tale about reserving one's power, about how one must always keep a trick hidden lest your foe learn the true extent of your strength. Nu Shaying clearly means this story as a statement of some sort- though what she intends to actually say, you can only guess.
What you do know for sure is that her brushstrokes are strong and clean, but her color selection is weak. She clearly intended to form a gradient in her ink, with dark ink at the beginning and brighter colors towards the end, but it is too choppy and abrupt to get the full extent of what she was going for.
Still, she has made a valiant effort and you say as much. "Well done, Nu Shaying," you praise her. "Thank you."
***
The next competitor summoned is Po Yuanji. He strides to your table and begins to unfurl his project without prompting, ceremony, or fanfare. Dark fabric fills the desk and covers the other projects already upon it. "Good afternoon, Lord," he greets you as he makes sure his work has no wrinkles in it. "I hope you find my work satisfactory."
"What have you brought us today, Po Yuanji?" you ask.
"You asked for us to choose something to showcase our creativity to its fullest extent," the disciple responds. "And I have done just that. Before you sits a tapestry woven of Gardener Silk with a silver inlay. My apologies for any roughness; the loom I had to work with was not one I have used before."
Po Yuanji Craft (Weaving) Check: 3d10s7(1.0). Dice Rolled: 7, 5, 4. 1 Success!
You can see why he is already making excuses. The weave in the tapestry is no great work; it feels too thin for his intentions and the silver inlay stands above the dark silk in several places. But aside from that roughness, Po Yuanji's skill is clear. The fabric is smooth and runs through your fingers like water while the color is beautifully uniform. The pattern he has woven throughout the silk is well constructed as well save it's depth issues. As you look down at the tapestry, another Scorpion seems to glare back up at you, one fully as lifelike as the one on the wall to your back.
"Interesting work," you respond. "Tell me, how does the loom you worked with today differ from your usual one?"
"This one is new," Po Yuanji answers without hesitation. "It is superior to my older model in every way, but I've just acquired it. It's tricks are still becoming clear to me. Next time, what I present will drive any memory of what lies before you from your mind."
You nod, face carefully blank. "Very well," you reply. "Thank you, Po Yuanji. You may step back."
***
Siau Satai is the next to approach. She offers you a small smile as she walks to your table. A heavy cloth has been draped over her canvas, one which she pulls off as she steps back.
"Lords," she greets you. "It is my pleasure to present my work to you today. I call it… the Careful Rider."
Siau Satai Craft (Painting) Check: 3d10s8(1.5) (Words of Encouragement). Dice Rolled: 9, 8, 1. 1.5, rounded up to 2 Successes!
You stare at the painting before you for a very long moment. Then a moment more. Then a third moment. Beside you, Fan Zhao lets out a choking noise and Wei Rong's eyes grow wide. You cannot say you do not understand their reactions.
Siau Satai did not let her previous work go to waste. The scorpion she was painting before has been finished and stands against the canvas with ominous pincers spread wide. But the background has changed completely. No longer does the Scorpion sit in a dank cave. Instead it trots merrily along the shore, it's legs skittering through the surf.
But the real crown jewel is the completely new addition to the painting. Atop the scorpion sits a gull with its beak proudly raised in triumph. It balances carefully on the Scorpion's barbed tail and extends its wings, secure in it's precarious position. Joy seems to fill the gull's eyes as it rides the scorpion into the sunset.
"Um… what was your thought process when you began your work here, Siau Satai?" Fan Zhao asks.
"I…" the girl glances down at her feet, her hair falling in front of her face. "I thought it would be a memorable and enjoyable thing to paint."
Fan Zhao falls silent as you nod at the answer, but you don't stop your inspection of the painting. In truth, the work could be much better. The repainting of the background has made the paint pool in unfortunate ways. Some of the brushstrokes seem tentative and almost amateurish.
But the passion Siau Satai had for her painting is clear. It is an almost palpable thing that washes over you as you look at the gull being carried by the ocean.
"Thank you for your hard work, Siau Satai," you tell her. "You may step back."
***
Boli Guozao is the next to approach, and he has something you did not expect to see in today's competition: a building.
Or at least, a small model of a building. In the lanky man's hands he cradles a building about a foot tall and three wide. It is a delicate looking creation with red walls, a golden roof, and a dozen floors. Each floor bears half a dozen painstakingly constructed windows, each an intricate piece of glass and stone carefully slotted into red wood.
Boli Guozao Craft (Architechture) Check: 3d10s7(0.9) (An Unsuited Contest). Dice Rolled: 8, 6, 4. 0.9, rounded up to 1 Success!
Still, the work is not perfect. Some of the windows have clearly been forced into place and while the joins in the wood are almost seamless, you can see small beads of glue emerging from miniscule cracks. Senior Brother Meng Cai would be beside himself if he saw such a thing before him.
The work is interesting though. "What have you brought me today, Boli Guozao?"
The builder bows sharply at the waist. "Lords, today you see a scale model of the Temple of the Red Dove from my home city of Jingyi's Summit. Each square inch represents a yard on the actual building. If you open the roof, you can see the top floor has been recreated as well in complete detail."
You do as bid and pull the roof from the model. Sure enough, a dozen tiny cells stare up at you, each bedecked with a miniscule cot and a curtain to grant the occupant privacy. Cunning work- though again, it is not without it's roughness. There is no artistry to the curtains; they are simply swatches of fabric fixed in place.
"Thank you, Boli Guozao. You may step back."
***
Kan Shuli is the next disciple to approach, and much like Boli Guozao before him, his creation is made of wood.
Unlike Boli Guozao's work, it does not appear that any joins have been left unaligned. Or rather, it seems that there are no joins to be found in his work whatsoever. Kan Shuli's project, nor are there cuts of any sort. Instead, he holds a small sapling in a pot before him.
Kan Shuli Craft (Woodworking) Check: 3d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 5, 3, 2. 0 Successes!
On closer inspection though, it becomes clear that what Kan Shuli holds is no living tree. Instead, it is a piece of wood gently curved and carved to resemble such a sapling. Lines resembling bark have been carved into the wood with small sprouts growing leaves of wood shooting from every surface. It is beautiful knife work.
But it is also mechanical. You can sense no real passion within Kan Shuli's work. It feels like every single slice he made was done automatically, as if he has made each one hundreds of times before. It does not feel like this is a piece Kan Shuli made for this competition- it feels like one he recreated for this competition.
There is nothing really for you to say here. "Thank you, Kan Shuli. You may step back."
***
Unlike the previous two competitors, Pan Yueqi does not have a single scrap of wood anywhere in her project. Instead, she carries a long tube of ivory inlaid with silver placed in a wooden box. She offers it to you with a bow and a smile. "Please, Lord, pick it up!" she encourages you.
Pan Yueqi Craft (Instrument) Check: 4d10s7(1.0). Dice Rolled: 10, 8, 4, 3, 1. 1 Success!
You do as bid, lifting the ivory contraption into your palms. The first thing you notice is that it is far heavier than you would first have guessed when you saw it. You are not certain what Pan Yueqi did to her work, but you can guess that it was far more involved than simply hollowing out a stick of ivory. Half a dozen delicate keys cover the length of the tube, each attached to the greater whole with cunning joinery.
What really grasps your attention is that this flute- for there is nothing else this contraption could be- is sized far larger than it would need to be for Pan Yueqi to use. It fits perfectly in your hands. The keys each fit nicely beneath your fingers and the mouthpiece is a match for your lips. You give Pan Yueqi a small smile as you continue your inspection. "Very well done. Did you somehow manage to measure me while my attention was elsewhere?"
Pan Yueqi responds with a small shake of her head. "No, Lord, such actions would be unseemly and unnecessary. This is not the first flute this one has created; she is more than skilled enough to determine what sizes are required."
"I see," you reply. "Is that your preferred medium? Flutes?"
The diminutive girl shakes her head once more. "All instruments, Lord. Should you require a drum or a horn, please, think of this one. She will be more than happy to make whatever it is you need."
You nod at her words and turn the flute over in your hands. In truth, it is a well made piece. But it seems to have been built for function over anything else. You move your hands to the holes across it and errantly find a position you're more familiar with and, after lifting it to your lips, you blow. A clear, true note pierces the air. As you suspected, it's a well crafted instrument. But still it is an instrument, meant to create art, rather than be art itself. And could that not be true of other charms? Even the most basic charms can be magic in the hands of skilled welders.
This one will require much deliberation. You nod at Pan Yueqi. "Thank you. You may step back."
***
The next disciple to approach you for judgement is Long Bu. He approaches you quickly, almost knocking over Pan Yueqi as they pass each other in the space in front of your table. The smaller girl is spared an introduction to the ground though as Long Bu catches her shoulder and holds her up long enough for her to get her bearings. After a quick apology he continues on his path, reaching your table and greeting all three of you with a deep bow each.
"What do you have for us today, Long Bu?" you ask.
"I am so glad you asked, Lord Kong!" Long Bu trumpets. "Presenting my piece: the Dancers of the Evening Cloud!" He reaches behind his back and, with a flourish, presents his work: a trio of cloth puppets.
Long Bu Craft (Clothwork) Check: 3d10s8(1.2). Dice Rolled: 2, 2, 1. -1 Successes!
At least, you are fairly certain they are supposed to be puppets. They look more to you like sacks stuffed with cotton and grass.
You can see what Long Bu was attempting. There is some interesting needlework on the 'heads' of the sacks which you think may have been intended to hint at eyes and a mouth. But whatever Long Bu was attempting is lost behind uneven stuffing, wrinkled fabric, and an overall twisted design.
The competitor does not let that dissuade him, however. He gestures with the puppets as if he holds a masterpiece in his hands. "Are they not to be feared?" he asks. "Just the sight of one of my Evening Cloud Dancers will terrify and horrify any who look upon them! See how what may appear to be loose stitching in fact tells anyone who looks upon it of the void the Dancers have within them- a void eager to be filled with the hopes and dreams of the evil and indolent alike!"
Well, you will give this to him: while his clothwork leaves much to be desired, he has stitched together a rather entertaining story to accompany his 'art'. You have to admire his gumption. You offer him a nod. "Thank you, Long Bu. You may step back."
***
In short order, Long Bu's vacant place has been filled by Ta Riou. The blonde glassworker bows to each of you in turn, though you cannot help but notice that her bow towards you is far lower than Fan Zhao or Wei Rong received. From the look on Fan Zhao's face, he noticed it as well. But he does not get a chance to say anything before Ta Riou deposits her work on the table before you.
Ta Riou Craft (Glass) Check: 3d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 9, 7, 2. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
After speaking with Ta Riou before, you expected a picture made of stained glass. That is exactly what she has presented to you. But you did not expect the sheer size or the weight her project would have. The glass creation would reach from your waist to your head were you to stand and is twice again as broad as you are.
The size is not the most eye-catching thing about the creation however. No, what captures your eye is it's subject matter. The glass has captured an image of a clawed hand much like your own reaching up from between cracks in the stone. On it's fingers sit rings of heavy stone and in its palm, it clutches a simple patch of fabric. The portrait conveys a sense of motion, as if the claw just burst through the stone and may yet move further to escape it's glass confines.
It is a powerful, evocative image.
You cannot say you enjoy looking at it.
Still, you turn to Ta Riou who beams up at you from before your desk. "This piece does not yet have a name," she tells you. "It was intended to capture a feeling of escape and change. I-" She cuts herself off and peers closely at you. "...I hope I have not caused offence."
You shake your head. "No, no. It is very well made. Your creativity is to be lauded."
Then you clear your throat and push the portrait to the side, allowing it to rest next to the other creations that clutter the once-pristine judge's table. "Thank you, Ta Riou. You may step back."
***
The next disciple to approach you is Jie Zhenbao. He walks past the confused looking Ta Riou without seeming to notice her, a bundle wrapped in cloth tucked beneath his arm. "Good day, Lords," he greets you. "I and my work stand ready to impress you today."
"I am certain that you will," Fan Zhao responds warmly, taking you aback for a moment. You weren't sure that Fan Zhao was capable of warmth. He certainly seems happy to see Jie Zhenbao though. "What have you brought us today?
Jie Zhenbao Craft (Fletching) Check: 3d10s8(0.8). Dice Rolled: 5, 4, 3. 0 Successes!
Without any ceremony, Jie Zhenbao does as bid. He places the bundle on the table and unwraps it, revealing an unstrung bow. The length of wood has been carefully trimmed and polished to a mahogany sheen before being gently shaped into a delicate curve. With quick, sure hands, Jie Zhenbao strings it before passing it to you for inspection.
You turn the bow over in your hands before testing the draw. It seems to be perfectly well made. You cannot find anything objectionable about this creation. You are no archer, but you cannot imagine that one would feel ashamed to hold this bow. It is a perfectly normal, perfectly average weapon of war.
Why Jie Zhenbao chose to enter it into a challenge testing one's artistry, you cannot begin to fathom.
Fan Zhao seems perfectly happy though. He takes the bow from you and gives it his own perusal. "Very well done!" he praises. "You've come far from your humble beginnings. You could likely sell this if you wanted!"
Jie Zhenbao bows at Fan Zhao's words, soaking in the praise. You are barely able to keep from sighing. "Thank you, Jie Zhenbao," you say instead. "You may step back."
***
Finally, as very few disciples remain, you get to one you've been looking forward to. After all, seeing every other piece here has been interesting, but there is just something about seeing another artist's take on your preferred medium that excites you above all else.
Song Douyan approaches the table with a bundle in hand and inclines her head slightly. "Good day, Lords," she greets you. "Today, for your pleasure, I have prepared a piece that I call 'The Menagerie In Crystal'. I hope it is to your liking."
Then she throws back the cloth, revealing her work to the world.
Song Douyan Craft (Jewelry) Check: 4d10s8(1.2) (An Early Mistake). Dice Rolled: 9, 7, 3, 2. 1.2, rounded down to 1 Success!
Her gemstone globe is as impressive as advertised. Beastial faces greet you from every facet, each illuminated by a torch placed within the stones. You make out the roaring mouth of a sapphire lion, the spread wings of a ruby hawk, the sturdy shell of a turtle made of aquamarine, the fleet feet of an amethyst hare, and that is only the beginning. Animals of all shapes and sizes greet you from every angle, too many to count let alone catalogue.
Still, you cannot help but notice that what you saw earlier has come to pass. Several of the animals have been shaved down to better aid the joining. "So, how many facets did you have completed before you noticed the sizing issue?" you ask.
Song Douyan flushes beet red at the question. "It… several," she answers. "I should have begun assembling as I carved the facets instead of building them first and joining them later. It was a rookie mistake unworthy of me."
You nod in agreement. "Still, your final piece is impressive despite the slight failures in execution. Well done. You may step back."
***
He Kwoo is the sole competitor left to present and he marches forward with all the determination that a grand finale needs. The flame-haired artist holds a scroll of his own beneath his arms, but his is not a thick monster like Nu Shaying's. Instead it is a thinner, more streamlined roll the size of a small wall scroll.
"Good day, Lords," he states. "For your consideration, I present to you my latest work. It does not yet have the honor of bearing a name, but should it prove triumphant today, it may yet earn that right."
He lays the scroll before you and unfurls it, revealing the black touch of charcoal upon the scroll.
He Kwoo Craft (Drawing) Check: 4d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 7, 7, 6, 2. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
For a moment, you are not certain what you are looking at. After a moment's inspection, you begin to find landmarks. There is the village that sits above the Delving Heart. That would make this the beginning of the Forest of Pearls and those would be some of the disciples entering through the gates. That would make the small hole near the end of the drawing the entrance to the Heart and… is the figure near the Heart's entrance supposed to be Elder Lei? You cannot think of anyone else it could be, not with those eyes and those proportions.
"I attempted to capture what a heavenly interloper might have seen were they to approach the Heart on the day of our induction. Some details may be incorrect for the hand can only interpret what the mind remembers. But I believe the majority of what lies before you to be accurate."
You nod slowly as you study the drawing. It is very well constructed. It has a good balance of light and shadow, with things in the Forest only being hinted at with small lines and gentle suggestion. The buildings are correctly placed and you can get a very clear sense of the time this drawing is attempting to capture- mid-morning. You can even hazard a guess at where the heavenly interloper would be watching you from in the Brightmaples.
"Well done, He Kwoo," you offer. "You may step back."
***
And just like that, you are finally, finally done viewing everyone's work.
There are some very interesting pieces before you and some far less so. But each one requires careful deliberation. Everyone here worked hard at your bidding. The very least you can do is give each of them the careful judgement they are due.
So you lean forward, pick up each piece in turn, and think.
Who should advance to the final round of Mo Hanying's Chamcrafting Competition?
Pick six (6) at most. You can pick less if you so choose. If there are less than six winners with a majority of the vote, the top four proceed to the next round.
[] Xi Weixiao and her Hare Through Green Grass
[] Nu Shaying and her painted parable
[] Po Yuanji and his tapestry
[] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
[] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
[] Kan Shuli and his sapling
[] Pan Yueqi and her flute
[] Long Bu and his Dancers of the Evening Cloud
[] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
[] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
[] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
[] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
- Location
- Singapore
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Po Yuanji and his tapestry
[X] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
[X] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
[X] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
[X] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
[X] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
[X] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
[X] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
[X] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
[X] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
[X] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
Rockeye
Plausible Engineer
- Location
- Midwestern U.S.
My personal opinions. What does everyone else think? I'm expecially torn regarding Weixiao, Shaying, and Yuanji. I want two of them for my last two votes, I think.
[] Xi Weixiao and her Hare Through Green Grass
---Unconventional but interesting
[] Nu Shaying and her painted parable
---Reasonably inspired, no critical mistakes
[] Po Yuanji and his tapestry
---Competent and reasonably interesting.
[] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
---I really like the inspiration here. She got what we said.
[] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
---Competent and reasonably interesting.
[] Kan Shuli and his sapling
---No soul. Pass.
[] Pan Yueqi and her flute
---Something she was familiar with. Finely made, but is it inspired?
[] Long Bu and his Dancers of the Evening Cloud
---GUMPTION. But crappy result.
[] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
---Uncomfortable to contemplate but quite nice.
[] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
---No real inspiration.
[] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
---Came together nicely despite the mistake.
[] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
---Well made and interesting.
[] Xi Weixiao and her Hare Through Green Grass
---Unconventional but interesting
[] Nu Shaying and her painted parable
---Reasonably inspired, no critical mistakes
[] Po Yuanji and his tapestry
---Competent and reasonably interesting.
[] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
---I really like the inspiration here. She got what we said.
[] Boli Guozao and his Temple of the Red Dove
---Competent and reasonably interesting.
[] Kan Shuli and his sapling
---No soul. Pass.
[] Pan Yueqi and her flute
---Something she was familiar with. Finely made, but is it inspired?
[] Long Bu and his Dancers of the Evening Cloud
---GUMPTION. But crappy result.
[] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
---Uncomfortable to contemplate but quite nice.
[] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
---No real inspiration.
[] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
---Came together nicely despite the mistake.
[] He Kwoo and his charcoal drawing
---Well made and interesting.
Last edited:
- Location
- USA
[X] Xi Weixiao and her Hare Through Green Grass
I admire scarface's cheek (tee hee) in presentation
[X] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
Thank god someone at least isn't taking the scorpion motif seriously
[X] Pan Yueqi and her flute
I like minimalism.
[X] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
The spire needs a window we keep leaving through it and that's not normal behavior. This will make a great window.
[X] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
I still like minimalism.
[X] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
Sounds like this one is actually both inspired and well executed.
Well, at least the 3 we bothered to interact with didn't make painful showings.
I admire scarface's cheek (tee hee) in presentation
[X] Siau Satai and her Careful Rider
Thank god someone at least isn't taking the scorpion motif seriously
[X] Pan Yueqi and her flute
I like minimalism.
[X] Ta Riou and her glass portrait
The spire needs a window we keep leaving through it and that's not normal behavior. This will make a great window.
[X] Jie Zhenbao and his bow
I still like minimalism.
[X] Song Douyan and her Menagerie in Crystal
Sounds like this one is actually both inspired and well executed.
Well, at least the 3 we bothered to interact with didn't make painful showings.