MrRobot
In doubt there's always the Sun!
Stupid question, its obviously Xue.
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
Dragon's Born? by Thor's Twin
- Location
- United States of America
Dragon's Born?
Lydia's shield lay beside her on the table, shining like a mirror from the light of the great bonfire that was roaring at the feast's center. Cheer and laughter resounded from the feasting celebrants, reveling in the knowledge that the city of Whiterun would not be burned to the ground from a dragon's ire. Toasts were thrown into the air, honoring the two heroes who had slain the mighty beast. She had heard the story, of course, everyone in Whiterun had by this point. Three strangers arriving from the southern mountains at the Western Watchtower, witnessing a mythical beast laying waste to all that Whiterun could throw at it. Arrows bounced off scales, spears failed to pierce hide, and swords could not even reach the beast. Even Irileth's might and magic could not deter the dragon from annihilating the tower.
Those strangers sprung into action upon seeing what was occurring. With fists, a hammer, and a strange weapon they tore into their foe. Even though the man, strangely named Zhuan Kun, suffered grievous burns from, as the soldiers recalled, charging into dragon fire for a chance at pulling the beast's tongue off, they succeed in becoming the first dragon slayers in at least an age. Then, in an act reminiscent of great Tiber Septim himself, the woman, Mei Daiyu, another peculiar name Lydia noted to herself, drew forth the soul of the dragon and consumed it. A Dragonborn had come to Skyrim again. It was even announced by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar!
All in all, only Zhuan Kun suffered grave injuries. Mei Daiyu was only scratched and bruised. And no one cared enough about the summoned Daedra that accompanied them to enquire as to its injuries. Concerning that Mei Daiyu was already proficient in the summoning and binding of those infernal creatures, but a great many unsavory sources of might could be overlooked when wielded by the Dragonborn to confront dragons of old. Soon enough though, Mei Daiyu's reward would be announced, and Lydia's oaths of fealty and service would bind her to the strange woman for the rest of her life. Hopefully, the Daedra summoning would be kept at a minimum.
A loud chime suddenly cut through the noise and cheer. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater stood before his throne and the attending audience quieted down.
"It is my honor," Jarl Balgruuf began, his voice echoing through his hall, "to award the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu, today for her acts of valor, for the risks she placed herself and her bodyguard in to protect a city she did not know, and for succeeding in a mythical task. Slaying a dragon. As such, I name Mei Daiyu as Thane of Whiterun, privileged to wield the Axe of Whiterun into any future battles, privileged to purchase and hold land within the city, and privileged to be assigned a personal housecarl. Let none gainsay this decision, let all know of this decision, and let my word be law."
A raucous cheer resounded from the guests as Mei Daiyu, newly appointed Thane of Whiterun stood from her place at the head table and bowed to Jarl Balgruuf with a gentle smile. Zhuan Kun, her bodyguard, looked as apathetic about the announcements as one could be. The Daedra, however, seemed to barely contain itself from laughing in mirth and had to hastily stuff food in its mouth. That creature would be a pain to work with.
After the party had died down, Lydia worked herself over to her new liege, avoiding stumbling drunks and wastrels passed out on the floor. The Dragonborn was in deep discussion with the Daedra while her bodyguard just stood to the side.
"Excuse me, Lady Daiyu?" Lydia began, inserting herself into whatever discussion was happening.
"Yes? Can I help you with something…?"
"My apologies," Lydia said differentially, "My name is Lydia, and Jarl Balgruuf has appointed me to be your housecarl."
"Thank you…" the Dragonborn began hesitantly, "but I'm not quite sure what that means. Jarl Balgruuf and his steward simply waived my questions off and insisted that they would be answered in due time."
"That is understandable, the Jarl and his steward are far too busy to discuss the minutia of your new position. My primary role as housecarl is to be your personal bodyguard, now that you are a member of Whiterun nobility. However, given your status as a foreigner, I should also be able to assist you in navigating any Whiterun politics that catches your eye. At least at a basic level."
"I… see. That is helpful."
Something was uncomfortable for Mei Daiyu, Lydia noted, about that information. But, it wasn't her business to pry. Maybe her other titles of nobility didn't allow for a different polity granting her titles?
"As your housecarl, I will be your sword and shield, both…"
"No." Interrupted Zhuan Kun.
Turning to him, Lydia quirked her head. "I'm sorry, what?"
Her Thane was already cradling their head in their hands as Zhuan Kun elaborated.
"I am the shield for all those who stand beneath me. There need not be another."
"A Thane," Lydia gritted through her teeth, "is beneath none but the Jarls, the Emperor, and the Gods."
"Zhuan Kun," Mei Daiyu began with an edge to her voice, "Would you rather be testing yourself against the Companions? I'm sure they would open their arms to your instruction. Again."
"Hmmm…, they are skilled for mortals. I suppose. But no, that seems like a poor use of time. I will instead cycle at our room in the Inn. Goodbye."
With that, Lydia watched Zhuan Kun walk away with no hesitation or acknowledgment to anyone around him, as if he was a one-man avalanche. Sighing, Mei Daiyu turned to face her again and gestured towards the Daedra. Who had until this point had simply been people watching from the sidelines.
"Let me continue with introductions then. This is Kong Zhi."
"Your Daedra is named?" Lydia inquired.
Mei Daiyu's face flushed red in a moment as her words and the Daedra's words tumbled over each other.
"My what!?"
"Her what!?"
"Daedra," Lydia slowly pronounced. "A being not of Nirn, a demon from a plane of existence outside the proper world crafted by the Aedra."
Mei Daiyu's face restored its natural color as the Daedra kept mumbling something to himself. "Oh no," her liege said, "Kong Zhi isn't a… Daedra. He's just as human as you or me."
Turning her head towards the Deadra in question, Lydia gave it a quick once over. Bronze hair and nails, ruby skin, and an eye that burned beneath darkened glass like the sun. Glancing back to her liege, Lydia simply quirked her eyebrow at the ridiculous lie they wanted to stick to.
"I'll… I'll just head out," the Daedra said, "I think the Skyforge might be a natural wonder, so I'll check it out and cycle its anam if it is."
"Fine," Mei Daiyu grumbled. "I'll talk with… my housecarl and see if we can figure out what to do from here."
Climbing the Seven Thousand Steps to High Hrothgar gave Lydia plenty of time to contemplate where her life had gone so off course. Perhaps she should have chosen to be a farmer like her grandparents had been, instead of training to be a guard of Whiterun and eventually as a housecarl for the next Thane of Whiterun. More likely, though, it was when Jarl Balgruuf had told her that she would be assigned to the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu. She had taken to living in a Daedric plane with her liege because it was "cheaper" than renting a room at the Inn or purchasing property in Whiterun. Admittedly it was a small plane of oblivion, but Lydia was unnerved by the lack of stars and sun even if the opulence was enticing. Most of the day was spent working with her liege on politics, both local and abroad. If that wasn't happening, however, time was spent on maintenance of equipment or on being run through more rigorous drills than any she had undergone before. The Daedra, Kong Zhi, spent its time exploring Whiterun or working at the Skyforge, apparently, Eorlund Grey-Mane was very impressed with their ability to forge weapons. Zhuan Kun spent his time sitting in front of a small figurine, sparing with Kong Zhi, or sitting in front of the figurine while sparing with Kong Zhi.
Apparently, however, Kong Zhi had found two natural wonders, whatever those were, in Whiterun itself. The Skyforge and a place underneath it. Unfortunately, there were of a type that her liege couldn't make use of herself. And Zhuan Kun didn't seem to care about them either.
Regardless, weeks had passed and a decision had been made. To travel to High Hrothgar to seek knowledge from the Greybeards about her liege's nature as a Dragonborn. Which was all fine and good, but after weeks of traveling Lydia's feet were sore and angry. The Seven Thousand Steps didn't make them any more pleased with her either. But as they walked, the Daedra became increasingly jittery. Glancing around and muttering to himself. Eventually, he pulled into a little bit of an alcove, sat down, and closed his eyes. No explanation, no reason given. Both Mei Daiyu and Zhuan Kun poked at it for a bit before shrugging. Well, Lydia thought, it was mainly Mei Daiyu. Zhuan Kun would have kept trudging along if she hadn't pulled him by the collar back to her Daedra.
When Kong Zhi opened his eyes, they had taken on a very different light. Madness lurked within them.
"Mei Daiyu," he began, "I'm heading up to the peak of the Throat of the World. When I can, I'll meet back up with you at High Hrothgar."
"Why would you ever do that Kong Zhi?" Mei Daiyu retorted with a frown. "If something is at the peak, we can all go and investigate it."
"That would be…" Kong Zhi hesitated, "unwise. Trust me on this. I'll be safe, I've got the tools to help me."
"And we," Mei Daiyu said, gesturing to everyone else, "don't?"
"...yes."
"Fine," her liege growled, "but you better come back down to the monastery safe and without more brain damage."
"I'll do my best," Kong Zhi said with a grin and a bow before disappearing into a wisp of smoke and wind.
Natural Wonders Found
The Skyforge: A Natural Wonder of Steel and Fire, an ancient smithy from before history was recorded. Here the heat is always constant and the steel is always fine.
The Underforge: A Natural Wonder of Beast and Blood, as old as the Companion's curse. It is here that a beast's blood is spilled, consumed, and used to transform an initiate.
The Time Wound: A Natural Wonder of Time, when Time was cleaved in an act of desperation. With the appropriate tools, one can view the horrible act which led to prophecy and doom's arrival in the modern world.
A/N: Well, here is an omake that has been a long time coming. I hope you enjoy the read!
Lydia's shield lay beside her on the table, shining like a mirror from the light of the great bonfire that was roaring at the feast's center. Cheer and laughter resounded from the feasting celebrants, reveling in the knowledge that the city of Whiterun would not be burned to the ground from a dragon's ire. Toasts were thrown into the air, honoring the two heroes who had slain the mighty beast. She had heard the story, of course, everyone in Whiterun had by this point. Three strangers arriving from the southern mountains at the Western Watchtower, witnessing a mythical beast laying waste to all that Whiterun could throw at it. Arrows bounced off scales, spears failed to pierce hide, and swords could not even reach the beast. Even Irileth's might and magic could not deter the dragon from annihilating the tower.
Those strangers sprung into action upon seeing what was occurring. With fists, a hammer, and a strange weapon they tore into their foe. Even though the man, strangely named Zhuan Kun, suffered grievous burns from, as the soldiers recalled, charging into dragon fire for a chance at pulling the beast's tongue off, they succeed in becoming the first dragon slayers in at least an age. Then, in an act reminiscent of great Tiber Septim himself, the woman, Mei Daiyu, another peculiar name Lydia noted to herself, drew forth the soul of the dragon and consumed it. A Dragonborn had come to Skyrim again. It was even announced by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar!
All in all, only Zhuan Kun suffered grave injuries. Mei Daiyu was only scratched and bruised. And no one cared enough about the summoned Daedra that accompanied them to enquire as to its injuries. Concerning that Mei Daiyu was already proficient in the summoning and binding of those infernal creatures, but a great many unsavory sources of might could be overlooked when wielded by the Dragonborn to confront dragons of old. Soon enough though, Mei Daiyu's reward would be announced, and Lydia's oaths of fealty and service would bind her to the strange woman for the rest of her life. Hopefully, the Daedra summoning would be kept at a minimum.
A loud chime suddenly cut through the noise and cheer. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater stood before his throne and the attending audience quieted down.
"It is my honor," Jarl Balgruuf began, his voice echoing through his hall, "to award the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu, today for her acts of valor, for the risks she placed herself and her bodyguard in to protect a city she did not know, and for succeeding in a mythical task. Slaying a dragon. As such, I name Mei Daiyu as Thane of Whiterun, privileged to wield the Axe of Whiterun into any future battles, privileged to purchase and hold land within the city, and privileged to be assigned a personal housecarl. Let none gainsay this decision, let all know of this decision, and let my word be law."
A raucous cheer resounded from the guests as Mei Daiyu, newly appointed Thane of Whiterun stood from her place at the head table and bowed to Jarl Balgruuf with a gentle smile. Zhuan Kun, her bodyguard, looked as apathetic about the announcements as one could be. The Daedra, however, seemed to barely contain itself from laughing in mirth and had to hastily stuff food in its mouth. That creature would be a pain to work with.
After the party had died down, Lydia worked herself over to her new liege, avoiding stumbling drunks and wastrels passed out on the floor. The Dragonborn was in deep discussion with the Daedra while her bodyguard just stood to the side.
"Excuse me, Lady Daiyu?" Lydia began, inserting herself into whatever discussion was happening.
"Yes? Can I help you with something…?"
"My apologies," Lydia said differentially, "My name is Lydia, and Jarl Balgruuf has appointed me to be your housecarl."
"Thank you…" the Dragonborn began hesitantly, "but I'm not quite sure what that means. Jarl Balgruuf and his steward simply waived my questions off and insisted that they would be answered in due time."
"That is understandable, the Jarl and his steward are far too busy to discuss the minutia of your new position. My primary role as housecarl is to be your personal bodyguard, now that you are a member of Whiterun nobility. However, given your status as a foreigner, I should also be able to assist you in navigating any Whiterun politics that catches your eye. At least at a basic level."
"I… see. That is helpful."
Something was uncomfortable for Mei Daiyu, Lydia noted, about that information. But, it wasn't her business to pry. Maybe her other titles of nobility didn't allow for a different polity granting her titles?
"As your housecarl, I will be your sword and shield, both…"
"No." Interrupted Zhuan Kun.
Turning to him, Lydia quirked her head. "I'm sorry, what?"
Her Thane was already cradling their head in their hands as Zhuan Kun elaborated.
"I am the shield for all those who stand beneath me. There need not be another."
"A Thane," Lydia gritted through her teeth, "is beneath none but the Jarls, the Emperor, and the Gods."
"Zhuan Kun," Mei Daiyu began with an edge to her voice, "Would you rather be testing yourself against the Companions? I'm sure they would open their arms to your instruction. Again."
"Hmmm…, they are skilled for mortals. I suppose. But no, that seems like a poor use of time. I will instead cycle at our room in the Inn. Goodbye."
With that, Lydia watched Zhuan Kun walk away with no hesitation or acknowledgment to anyone around him, as if he was a one-man avalanche. Sighing, Mei Daiyu turned to face her again and gestured towards the Daedra. Who had until this point had simply been people watching from the sidelines.
"Let me continue with introductions then. This is Kong Zhi."
"Your Daedra is named?" Lydia inquired.
Mei Daiyu's face flushed red in a moment as her words and the Daedra's words tumbled over each other.
"My what!?"
"Her what!?"
"Daedra," Lydia slowly pronounced. "A being not of Nirn, a demon from a plane of existence outside the proper world crafted by the Aedra."
Mei Daiyu's face restored its natural color as the Daedra kept mumbling something to himself. "Oh no," her liege said, "Kong Zhi isn't a… Daedra. He's just as human as you or me."
Turning her head towards the Deadra in question, Lydia gave it a quick once over. Bronze hair and nails, ruby skin, and an eye that burned beneath darkened glass like the sun. Glancing back to her liege, Lydia simply quirked her eyebrow at the ridiculous lie they wanted to stick to.
"I'll… I'll just head out," the Daedra said, "I think the Skyforge might be a natural wonder, so I'll check it out and cycle its anam if it is."
"Fine," Mei Daiyu grumbled. "I'll talk with… my housecarl and see if we can figure out what to do from here."
----------
Climbing the Seven Thousand Steps to High Hrothgar gave Lydia plenty of time to contemplate where her life had gone so off course. Perhaps she should have chosen to be a farmer like her grandparents had been, instead of training to be a guard of Whiterun and eventually as a housecarl for the next Thane of Whiterun. More likely, though, it was when Jarl Balgruuf had told her that she would be assigned to the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu. She had taken to living in a Daedric plane with her liege because it was "cheaper" than renting a room at the Inn or purchasing property in Whiterun. Admittedly it was a small plane of oblivion, but Lydia was unnerved by the lack of stars and sun even if the opulence was enticing. Most of the day was spent working with her liege on politics, both local and abroad. If that wasn't happening, however, time was spent on maintenance of equipment or on being run through more rigorous drills than any she had undergone before. The Daedra, Kong Zhi, spent its time exploring Whiterun or working at the Skyforge, apparently, Eorlund Grey-Mane was very impressed with their ability to forge weapons. Zhuan Kun spent his time sitting in front of a small figurine, sparing with Kong Zhi, or sitting in front of the figurine while sparing with Kong Zhi.
Apparently, however, Kong Zhi had found two natural wonders, whatever those were, in Whiterun itself. The Skyforge and a place underneath it. Unfortunately, there were of a type that her liege couldn't make use of herself. And Zhuan Kun didn't seem to care about them either.
Regardless, weeks had passed and a decision had been made. To travel to High Hrothgar to seek knowledge from the Greybeards about her liege's nature as a Dragonborn. Which was all fine and good, but after weeks of traveling Lydia's feet were sore and angry. The Seven Thousand Steps didn't make them any more pleased with her either. But as they walked, the Daedra became increasingly jittery. Glancing around and muttering to himself. Eventually, he pulled into a little bit of an alcove, sat down, and closed his eyes. No explanation, no reason given. Both Mei Daiyu and Zhuan Kun poked at it for a bit before shrugging. Well, Lydia thought, it was mainly Mei Daiyu. Zhuan Kun would have kept trudging along if she hadn't pulled him by the collar back to her Daedra.
When Kong Zhi opened his eyes, they had taken on a very different light. Madness lurked within them.
"Mei Daiyu," he began, "I'm heading up to the peak of the Throat of the World. When I can, I'll meet back up with you at High Hrothgar."
"Why would you ever do that Kong Zhi?" Mei Daiyu retorted with a frown. "If something is at the peak, we can all go and investigate it."
"That would be…" Kong Zhi hesitated, "unwise. Trust me on this. I'll be safe, I've got the tools to help me."
"And we," Mei Daiyu said, gesturing to everyone else, "don't?"
"...yes."
"Fine," her liege growled, "but you better come back down to the monastery safe and without more brain damage."
"I'll do my best," Kong Zhi said with a grin and a bow before disappearing into a wisp of smoke and wind.
Natural Wonders Found
The Skyforge: A Natural Wonder of Steel and Fire, an ancient smithy from before history was recorded. Here the heat is always constant and the steel is always fine.
The Underforge: A Natural Wonder of Beast and Blood, as old as the Companion's curse. It is here that a beast's blood is spilled, consumed, and used to transform an initiate.
The Time Wound: A Natural Wonder of Time, when Time was cleaved in an act of desperation. With the appropriate tools, one can view the horrible act which led to prophecy and doom's arrival in the modern world.
A/N: Well, here is an omake that has been a long time coming. I hope you enjoy the read!
Last edited:
That's some sweet sweet Skyrim omake @Thor's Twin !
ZK's totally going to go naked for this run.
ZK:
Sidequest Started: How to tame your dragon
Big Oooooofffffff!
A few moments later:
ZK's totally going to go naked for this run.
ZK:
Sidequest Started: How to tame your dragon
Big Oooooofffffff!
A few moments later:
191. A Prolonged Exchange of Philosophies
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 45 people who have pledged to me on Patreon! If you'd like to join them, you can do so here. Or, if you'd like to support me without the monthly commitment, you can buy me a cup of Ko-Fi here.
-------------------------------
There are countless reasons why you should simply drop down against the Willow and ignore this 'request'. The battle against the skinks and hogs may not have been the most harrowing experience of your life, but you didn't escape it entirely unscathed. You are already scratched and wounded from the fight; the last thing you need is to take further punishment, especially while you are in the middle of the Forest of Pearls without the Heart's resources to fall back on. There's no telling what fresh challenges await you under the Forest's canopy; and it would be wise to stay ready to face whatever comes.
But on the other hand…
On the other hand, you remember the last time you 'fought' with Zhuan Kun. You remember being deposited onto the moss-covered crater floor in mere moments without so much as disturbing a single hair on his head. You remember the embrace of thorns that engulfed your pride, the sinking sensation in your chest as your hard-earned skills proved to be nothing in the face of the noble's might.
You are not a martial expert. You do not consider yourself much of a warrior. But since you walked into the Delving Heart, you have scratched, clawed, and fought to keep from ever having to cower in a corner again. To have your skills so summarily dismissed-
-you shake your head and stand up straight, idly swinging Chui Dao back and forth to limber your shoulders. "Give me a moment," you call to Zhuan Kun. "I will be right there!"
You may not win this exchange, but by the hunger within, this time, there will be an exchange.
Zhuan Kun answers your declaration with a short nod. He otherwise shows no reaction to your answer. He doesn't move to warm up his own muscles, nor does he do anything to prepare the battlefield. He simply stands and waits, arms crossed as he watches you with unblinking eyes.
Your other traveling companion is… less reserved.
Mei Daiyu's fingers are digging into your arm before you can take a step in Zhuan Kun's direction. "What are you thinking?!" she hisses, voice a harsh rasp that digs straight through your ears and into your mind. "You- Kong Zhi! Has your blood loss deadened your common sense?! This is hardly the time!"
"This is the perfect time," you answer idly, swapping Chui Dao to your other hand and turning your arm. "There is no one around to gawk and my core is completely full. It is a perfect opportunity to measure my skills without anyone else learning what I can do."
The fingers on your forearm loosen for a moment. A moment later, Mei Daiyu ducks in front of you, placing herself directly between you and Zhuan Kun. Her violet eyes flash and bore into you like a physical attack. "I can understand the desire to test yourself, but… Kong Zhi, perhaps you have yet to realize that you just spent the better part of the day fighting, and the rest either traveling or harvesting. You are in no condition to fight Teng Lim, let alone Zhuan Kun."
Oh, you had not realized that Mei Daiyu was acquainted with Teng Lim. Did they meet when the bespectacled disciple was spying on you for Jin Yazhu, or did they run into each other under other circumstances? Perhaps you will ask later. Right now, it is irrelevant.
"Perhaps I'm in less than perfect form," you admit. "But I assure you, I am still perfectly capable of exchanging pointers. And besides, we've both fought the same opponents and traveled the same distance today. This is as even a playing field as one could hope for."
Sense Motive Check (Mei Daiyu): 4d10s5(1.2). Dice Rolled: 8, 7, 6, 1. 2.4, rounded down to 2 Successes!
Mei Daiyu fixes you with a long look, and then her face softens. She lets out a heavy sigh. "I…understand," she almost growls. The words sound like they are being dragged from her mouth by a full team of horses, but she says them just the same. The softness in her face does not last long, though. Moments later, her annoyed expression resumes it's dominance, and she glares up at the heavens. "This is still an act of utter foolishness, but I see that I cannot dissuade you. Just take care not to indulge in such idiocy with any great regularity, or I may be forced to throw things at you."
With her piece said, she turns and strides away in a huff, robes twitching like the tail of an agitated cat as she makes her way to a perch on the side of the Willow. You watch her go for a long moment. Part of you cannot help but feel touched that Mei Daiyu worries so much for your well-being. You will have to find some way to make this up to her later- perhaps by remaking New Moon for her. Yes, that could do nicely.
That is a matter for another time. For now, you push thoughts of Mei Daiyu and her worried disapproval from your mind as you step forward, entering the clearing Zhuan Kun has hewed in the collected bodies of the fallen. You cannot allow yourself to think of anything but the opponent in front of you lest your body and pride take an even more thorough drubbing than they did last time.
As your feet crunch of empty grass, you stop. You let out a low breath and meet Zhuan Kun's eyes. A quick flick of your wrist spins Chui Dao around one last time, drawing a gleeful <Mughi!> from the spirit, and you nod in the noble's direction. "I am prepared," you tell him.
Zhuan Kun's stance relaxes. His arms fall from in front of his chest and hang loosely at his sides. But there is nothing relaxed in his eyes as he stares you down. "Then come!" he intones. "And let us see what you have to teach me!"
There is no further warning. In the span of a breath, Zhuan Kun's languid form erupts into a fluid motion and he strides forward with three quick steps. His stance shifts into that of his martial technique, and you can only barely meet it with the hasty grace of the Hummingbird's Dance.
A fist flies for your face so quickly that you nearly don't see it coming. Though your eyes might struggle to follow Zhuan Kun's movements, your body is already in motion. The fist collides with your fluttering sleeve, tangling the blow in your fabric and letting you pull him along with all of your strength.
Zhuan Kun seems to have expected as much. A swift shift of his weight robs him of his momentum and ruins your throw. You stumble and duck, narrowly escaping a chop aimed squarely at your neck, before turning the jerky motion into a sweep that is summarily avoided. It's enough to get you back to your feet though, and lets you meet Zhuan Kun's next strike with Chui Dao's flat face.
His fist meets the anam-forged steel- and bounces off. For a moment, the noble staggers backwards. But you aren't able to follow up; the strength of the blow has sent you into a spin of your own. You are barely able to reset your stance before Zhuan Kun returns, strikes streaming towards you in a ceaseless barrage. It is only thanks to your hard-earned experience that the blows do not leave you gasping on the ground.
The next exchange of blows leaves you reeling, but you're just barely able to meet, dodge, and deflect the worst of them. But in doing so you quickly come to a realization: if you keep this as a strict exchange of martial techniques, not only are you going to lose, you are going to lose quickly.
Zhuan Kun fights differently than your usual sparring partners. Mei Daiyu fights with grace and balance. Xu Yun fights with technical precision. Fa strikes out with overwhelming power. But Zhuan Kun? It barely seems like he realizes he is fighting at all. He does not seem to strike out; his blows simply are. His hands and feet move without any seeming effort on his part. They flow like a stream, moving from one perfectly executed strike to the next as if moving along a pre-ordained path that you are simply there to witness.
And soon, that path will lead to you gasping for air on the floor as Zhuan Kun looks on with dispassionate disappointment. Not again. Never again.
Zhuan Kun rears back, one foot lifting off the ground as he shifts his weight into a powerful kick. Again, your eyes can barely track his movements, and this time he moves faster than your body could hope to keep up with- but it is not faster than your Anam. Energy surges from your core and floods your entire body, moving in a well-practiced pattern known only to your spirit.
When the kick finds you, it finds only dark, billowing smoke as you form an Elegant Plume.
The change is enough to make Zhuan Kun freeze for a fraction of a second- and that is all you need. You do not give yourself any time to think. If you stop or hesitate in any way, you will lose what slim advantage the surprise of the Elegant Plume has granted you or perhaps lose control of the unfamiliar technique. So you simply act without thinking, pushing with your mind, and forcing the smoke that is your body to rush forward in a cloying haze.
Zhuan Kun stumbles back a bare step, hands striking at ephemeral flesh. The blows are enough to disperse parts of your body, but not even Zhuan Kun can catch smoke in his fingers. You stream past him upon the evening wind and turn, smoke becoming flesh and steel once more mid-pivot. The noble turns to meet you instinctively, but it is too late.
The cold metal of Chui Dao sinks into Zhuan Kun's stomach with enough force to send the scion sliding back on his heels.
The heady, giddy feeling of victory pulses through every fiber of your being. You did it! You struck an actual, tangible blow on Zhuan Kun! It wasn't just a simple glancing one either- you struck him with everything you had! And he felt it! It's enough to make your heart sing and make you feel as if glory anam races through your spirit.
But the fight is far from over.
You pull Chui Dao back- and freeze. Zhuan Kun has a grip on the warhammer's haft, holding your spirit in place.
"Interesting," he states. "What was that technique called and from where did you acquire it?"
"Is… is this truly the time for such questions?" you cannot help but ask.
"It is," comes the completely confident answer. "What time could possibly be better?"
Perhaps after the fight? That seems like a more suitable time for you. But you do not say as much. It seems unlikely that such simple logic will change Zhuan Kun's mind. So instead, you decide to just answer him. "It was a prize I earned for my ascension to the Eighth Circle," you tell him. "And it is called the Elegant Plume."
"I see," Zhuan Kun answers. "Thank you."
He releases his grip on Chui Dao. "Now," he states. "Continue."
Alright then.
You continue your strike as if you had not been interrupted, lashing out with the hammer again and again. Zhuan Kun falls back, his destined steps taking him on the defensive for the first time this exchange. He raises a leg to check one of your strikes but you reverse your grip, bringing the hammer's spike to bear. It lodges itself behind Zhuan Kun's knee and you pull, sweeping his leg out from under him.
It would be too much to expect Zhuan Kun to fall simply because his legs are no longer holding him up. Instead of sprawling as you half thought he might, he twists and rolls, springing to his feet with the east of a man walking down a paved road. His fists fly and you dance back, your fragile advantage teetering on a knife's edge.
Anam surges from your core once again and smoke billows from your footsteps. You rise into the air, the Elegant Plume forming in a heartbeat and racing forward in another.
But this time, Zhuan Kun does not allow your anam use to go unanswered.
One moment, your way forward is clear and unimpeded by anything but Zhuan Kun's hands. The next, the air around him seems to shimmer. It hardens and cracks as the noble's own anam surges from his shoulders like heat from a forge. In the space between moments, the air shifts, and a thousand knives of wind form in your path.
It's too late for you to stop. You surge forward, the smoke of your body flowing between the blades of wind and reforming, once again leaving you in perfect position to smash Chui Dao into Zhuan Kun's chest. And though the blow once again sends Zhuan Kun's heels deep into the earth, it's not without cost. Stinging lines of fire burn across your body as your sweat streams into a dozen new wounds, each sending a new stream of blood trickling down your body.
You don't take your gaze from Zhuan Kun as you wipe blood away from an unfortunately placed wound above your eye. Your opponent stands patiently, waiting for you to continue, and you nod your thanks. "I will admit, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to use a technique," you state.
"One should not escalate a conflict lightly," Zhuan Kun answers promptly. "But when escalation occurs, one must answer in kind."
You aren't entirely certain how to answer that. So you don't; instead, you ask, "Are you as willing to speak of your techniques as I am of mine?"
"Of course," comes the immediate response. "The sharing of knowledge and the broadening of horizons is the sole purpose of exchanging pointers. You have just engaged with my Season for Reaping, the first art passed down to me from the Zhuan Clan Masters. It was originally crafted from wind anam by the earliest Farmers for use in the harvest and was later adapted for combat use with the addition of force."
…that is almost certainly the most you have ever heard Zhuan Kun say at one time, and you are not certain what to make of it. When you asked him about his technique, perhaps the last thing you expected was for him to begin a history lesson in the middle of your spar. But you cannot say anything negative about his dedication to his craft.
More importantly, his lesson has taught you one thing: the Elegant Plume will not work to its fullest anymore. When Zhuan Kun wasn't expecting it, it was a cutting counter. But now he knows it exists, and his Season for Reaping can cut through smoke like a honed scythe through so much wheat. If you wish to overcome it, you will need to take further measures.
The air breaks again as the Season for Reaping takes shape, and your anam surges in answer. But this time you do not take the well-traveled path of the Elegant Plume. Instead, your power seems to trace your body before exploding out into the world as you Shatter the Mirror.
There is no time for trivial distractions! I've three ingots to form, a stave to hollow out, and if I do not bring Senior Sister the tears of the Whispering Dove I may as well pack my bags! This is not the time for tomfoolery!
A new Kong Zhi bursts into being behind Zhuan Kun. This one is dressed in the black and white of the Delving Heat, but his robes are obscured behind half a dozen tool belts that hang from his waist and shoulders. Burn scars decorate the skin surrounding his dead eyes, and his hands are heavy with a pair of smith's hammers. It is with those that he lashes out, smashing towards Zhuan Kun from his blindspot.
The noble reacts just in time. He weaves out of the way of the strikes of the new Kong Zhi and your follow-up attack with Chui Dao alike. His eyes dart from you to your creation, brow furrowed and lips moving soundlessly. "What is…" he seems to ask the air.
He is not the only one stunned by your sudden appearance. "Hunger Within, what is…" Mei Daiyu mumbles from her perch. You chance a glance in her direction to find her staring at the simulacrum with wide, seemingly horrified eyes.
"I, um, made this one," you say into the silence. "There was an incident in the deeps…"
You pause, trying to find the words.
"Mei Daiyu was there," you continue. "I came away from it with a trophy from a Vestige that, um, inspired me to…" Your words sound so trite and empty in the face of yourself that you have to just let them fade away. How can you really explain Shatter the Mirror?
Zhuan Kun doesn't seem to wish for any further elaboration. He straightens up and gathers himself. "Fascinating," he states, honest interest in his tone. Then, for the first time since you've known him, Zhuan Kun truly looks at you.
His eyes are like green fire. You've never noticed that before.
Then those eyes are gone as he explodes into motion once more.
His movements are faster. His punches and kicks flow with an even more fluid grace. You block and twist away as quickly as you can but Zhuan Kun is relentless. A kick sends Chui Dao out wide and his follow up strike sends you tumbling back. Zhuan Kun seems to finally be taking you seriously, and you do not need time techniques to tell where that path will lead.
But you are not going to simply roll over and let him claim his victory. You tumble backwards and push off, landing on your feet with your anam already cycling. The air in your mouth becomes dry and stale as the weight of the ages presses down on you, and you Shatter the Mirror once more.
Watch their chest. They can lie with their feet and they can lie with their hands, but they cannot lie with their chest. When it moves, they have fully committed themselves- and then it is time to slice it open like a fine roast.
The new Kong Zhi does not emerge behind Zhuan Kun. Instead, it seems to race up from the ground, a hulking form covered in corded muscles and bright red veins. Elongated fingers end in sharp talons that slice through the air at the noble's chest. Zhuan Kun's arms flow into a hasty block, crossing and absorbing the blow even as streaks of red fly through the air.
Even as he steps back, Zhuan Kun has already begun his counter attack. One arm holds your simulacrum at bay while the other moves and writhes, flicking it's wrist as if to clutch at the air. His palm fills with crackling green fire, casting the clearing in flickering viridian shadows, and it lances out like a swarm of emerald hornets.
You fall back under the onslaught that claims your creation and bat as many of the lances away as you can. Your martial techniques can only do so much though; you need to do as your opponent did and answer his technique in kind. Again, your anam cycles, and you prepare to witness yet another version of yourself-
-only to find your core weak and flickering.
You've nearly exhausted every drop of anam within your chest. Between the Plume and Shattering the Mirror, you've thrown around almost every drop you can muster like so much water, and now there's not enough left to support your stronger techniques.
But you've yet to truly reach your end. You may not have much anam remaining, but you have enough for one last gasp. It could be all you need.
You charge forward, abandoning the distance that has served you well until now, and plant your feet directly in front of Zhuan Kun. The ground beneath you swells with life as grass sprouts in your footsteps, and you swing your fist into his face with every ounce of power the Blooming Spear of the Auroch can muster-
-only to find that you are no longer punching a simple disciple. You are striking a blow at the land itself.
You can barely see Zhuan Kun amid a sudden haze of amethyst. All you know is that the trees of the Forest of Pearls, the ground from which they grow, the waters which give them life, and the Brightmaple Mountains around them have united for one single, solitary purpose: to end this exchange.
A tree that is a hand lashes out at your throat and suddenly, you find yourself on your back, shoulder deep in a pit of sand with the weight of the world pressing down on you.
And then it's gone. The something more you were fighting vanishes, leaving only Zhuan Kun holding you down by your throat.
He looks you up and down for a moment. "Do you yield?"
Your arms twitch at the question and you consider his words. Your core is almost completely dark. Dark green blood is bleeding into the sand that used to be solid dirt. And everything hurts. Yes, you think you are done here. "I do."
Zhuan Kun does not release you. He considers you for a long moment. "My last technique is the Authority of the World, which unifies the user with the world around them through a combination of earth and royalty anam. It… it has a long and storied history which I am not at liberty to discuss. Nor was I supposed to use it without dire provocation. For this, I apologize."
He bows slightly at you and finally releases your throat. "I have learned a great deal from this exchange, and will relish the chance to seek pointers from you again."
A ghost of a smile seems to cross his face as he stands up. "It was… fun. You have my gratitude."
Relationship Change: Zhuan Kun +1 (1: Acquaintance)!
Then he turns and walks away, leaving you to lay in the blood stained sand and feel just what you've put your body through.
…ow.
<Muuuuu…> Chui Dao seems to agree.
The sound of crunching footsteps distracts you from your pain. You blink once, then twice, and look up to find Mei Daiyu standing upside down over your head. She holds one hand up. "How many fingers can you see?" she barks.
Fingers? What are- oh, yes, fingers. "You've a good dozen there. That's quite the trick. I only grew one extra with my charm. To gain so many, you must have really…" you trail off, wondering when Mei Daiyu had the time to master such a sage technique.
Your friend sighs and turns, glaring at something far away from you. "Kong Zhi, you are an absolute fool," she mutters. "And you've suffered the consequences that are the reward for such foolishness. Have you anything to stymie your wounds?"
You consider her question. You do have a pill or two that could help you here, but you only have so many. Mei Daiyu seems to read your thoughts like a book and shakes her head again. "Fool," she mutters once more.
Mei Daiyu squats down near you and reaches into her robes, producing a pill chute. "I've only so many restorative pills, but out of the goodness of my heart, I could consent to offering you one."
One hand limply flops towards the chute, but Mei Daiyu draws it slightly out of your reach. "But! There is a cost. If you wish to take advantage of my good nature, you must vow to save your foolishness for a more appropriate occasion. I know that such a vow might be onerous, but I need you to at least try."
"Will you so swear, Kong Zhi? Will you try to keep from getting pummeled while we're in the middle of a trip?"
You have now suffered two full physical stress boxes and have three points of anam remaining. How do you recover from your wounds?
[] You have your own resources. You need not sponge off of anyone else's.
-[] Write-In which of your pills you are taking.
[] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
[] Zhuan Kun is rich. Surely he has resources to help you recover. The only question is if he will share them with you. (???)
[] You do not need any medicine. But you may need an extra day to recover. (Sacrifice one action in Mockingjay. Gain double your natural recovery (4 Points of Physical Stress and 6 Points of Anam).)
[] You are fine. You can keep going right now! (You will make do with only your natural recovery (2 Points of Physical Stress and 3 Points of Anam).)
> Yes, you will test yourself against the best the Eighth Circle has to offer.
> Chui Dao, the Hammer
> Shatter the Mirror
> An Elegant Plume
> Blooming Spear of the Auroch
> Chui Dao, the Hammer
> Shatter the Mirror
> An Elegant Plume
> Blooming Spear of the Auroch
There are countless reasons why you should simply drop down against the Willow and ignore this 'request'. The battle against the skinks and hogs may not have been the most harrowing experience of your life, but you didn't escape it entirely unscathed. You are already scratched and wounded from the fight; the last thing you need is to take further punishment, especially while you are in the middle of the Forest of Pearls without the Heart's resources to fall back on. There's no telling what fresh challenges await you under the Forest's canopy; and it would be wise to stay ready to face whatever comes.
But on the other hand…
On the other hand, you remember the last time you 'fought' with Zhuan Kun. You remember being deposited onto the moss-covered crater floor in mere moments without so much as disturbing a single hair on his head. You remember the embrace of thorns that engulfed your pride, the sinking sensation in your chest as your hard-earned skills proved to be nothing in the face of the noble's might.
You are not a martial expert. You do not consider yourself much of a warrior. But since you walked into the Delving Heart, you have scratched, clawed, and fought to keep from ever having to cower in a corner again. To have your skills so summarily dismissed-
-you shake your head and stand up straight, idly swinging Chui Dao back and forth to limber your shoulders. "Give me a moment," you call to Zhuan Kun. "I will be right there!"
You may not win this exchange, but by the hunger within, this time, there will be an exchange.
Zhuan Kun answers your declaration with a short nod. He otherwise shows no reaction to your answer. He doesn't move to warm up his own muscles, nor does he do anything to prepare the battlefield. He simply stands and waits, arms crossed as he watches you with unblinking eyes.
Your other traveling companion is… less reserved.
Mei Daiyu's fingers are digging into your arm before you can take a step in Zhuan Kun's direction. "What are you thinking?!" she hisses, voice a harsh rasp that digs straight through your ears and into your mind. "You- Kong Zhi! Has your blood loss deadened your common sense?! This is hardly the time!"
"This is the perfect time," you answer idly, swapping Chui Dao to your other hand and turning your arm. "There is no one around to gawk and my core is completely full. It is a perfect opportunity to measure my skills without anyone else learning what I can do."
The fingers on your forearm loosen for a moment. A moment later, Mei Daiyu ducks in front of you, placing herself directly between you and Zhuan Kun. Her violet eyes flash and bore into you like a physical attack. "I can understand the desire to test yourself, but… Kong Zhi, perhaps you have yet to realize that you just spent the better part of the day fighting, and the rest either traveling or harvesting. You are in no condition to fight Teng Lim, let alone Zhuan Kun."
Oh, you had not realized that Mei Daiyu was acquainted with Teng Lim. Did they meet when the bespectacled disciple was spying on you for Jin Yazhu, or did they run into each other under other circumstances? Perhaps you will ask later. Right now, it is irrelevant.
"Perhaps I'm in less than perfect form," you admit. "But I assure you, I am still perfectly capable of exchanging pointers. And besides, we've both fought the same opponents and traveled the same distance today. This is as even a playing field as one could hope for."
Sense Motive Check (Mei Daiyu): 4d10s5(1.2). Dice Rolled: 8, 7, 6, 1. 2.4, rounded down to 2 Successes!
Mei Daiyu fixes you with a long look, and then her face softens. She lets out a heavy sigh. "I…understand," she almost growls. The words sound like they are being dragged from her mouth by a full team of horses, but she says them just the same. The softness in her face does not last long, though. Moments later, her annoyed expression resumes it's dominance, and she glares up at the heavens. "This is still an act of utter foolishness, but I see that I cannot dissuade you. Just take care not to indulge in such idiocy with any great regularity, or I may be forced to throw things at you."
With her piece said, she turns and strides away in a huff, robes twitching like the tail of an agitated cat as she makes her way to a perch on the side of the Willow. You watch her go for a long moment. Part of you cannot help but feel touched that Mei Daiyu worries so much for your well-being. You will have to find some way to make this up to her later- perhaps by remaking New Moon for her. Yes, that could do nicely.
That is a matter for another time. For now, you push thoughts of Mei Daiyu and her worried disapproval from your mind as you step forward, entering the clearing Zhuan Kun has hewed in the collected bodies of the fallen. You cannot allow yourself to think of anything but the opponent in front of you lest your body and pride take an even more thorough drubbing than they did last time.
As your feet crunch of empty grass, you stop. You let out a low breath and meet Zhuan Kun's eyes. A quick flick of your wrist spins Chui Dao around one last time, drawing a gleeful <Mughi!> from the spirit, and you nod in the noble's direction. "I am prepared," you tell him.
Zhuan Kun's stance relaxes. His arms fall from in front of his chest and hang loosely at his sides. But there is nothing relaxed in his eyes as he stares you down. "Then come!" he intones. "And let us see what you have to teach me!"
There is no further warning. In the span of a breath, Zhuan Kun's languid form erupts into a fluid motion and he strides forward with three quick steps. His stance shifts into that of his martial technique, and you can only barely meet it with the hasty grace of the Hummingbird's Dance.
A fist flies for your face so quickly that you nearly don't see it coming. Though your eyes might struggle to follow Zhuan Kun's movements, your body is already in motion. The fist collides with your fluttering sleeve, tangling the blow in your fabric and letting you pull him along with all of your strength.
Zhuan Kun seems to have expected as much. A swift shift of his weight robs him of his momentum and ruins your throw. You stumble and duck, narrowly escaping a chop aimed squarely at your neck, before turning the jerky motion into a sweep that is summarily avoided. It's enough to get you back to your feet though, and lets you meet Zhuan Kun's next strike with Chui Dao's flat face.
His fist meets the anam-forged steel- and bounces off. For a moment, the noble staggers backwards. But you aren't able to follow up; the strength of the blow has sent you into a spin of your own. You are barely able to reset your stance before Zhuan Kun returns, strikes streaming towards you in a ceaseless barrage. It is only thanks to your hard-earned experience that the blows do not leave you gasping on the ground.
The next exchange of blows leaves you reeling, but you're just barely able to meet, dodge, and deflect the worst of them. But in doing so you quickly come to a realization: if you keep this as a strict exchange of martial techniques, not only are you going to lose, you are going to lose quickly.
Zhuan Kun fights differently than your usual sparring partners. Mei Daiyu fights with grace and balance. Xu Yun fights with technical precision. Fa strikes out with overwhelming power. But Zhuan Kun? It barely seems like he realizes he is fighting at all. He does not seem to strike out; his blows simply are. His hands and feet move without any seeming effort on his part. They flow like a stream, moving from one perfectly executed strike to the next as if moving along a pre-ordained path that you are simply there to witness.
And soon, that path will lead to you gasping for air on the floor as Zhuan Kun looks on with dispassionate disappointment. Not again. Never again.
Zhuan Kun rears back, one foot lifting off the ground as he shifts his weight into a powerful kick. Again, your eyes can barely track his movements, and this time he moves faster than your body could hope to keep up with- but it is not faster than your Anam. Energy surges from your core and floods your entire body, moving in a well-practiced pattern known only to your spirit.
When the kick finds you, it finds only dark, billowing smoke as you form an Elegant Plume.
The change is enough to make Zhuan Kun freeze for a fraction of a second- and that is all you need. You do not give yourself any time to think. If you stop or hesitate in any way, you will lose what slim advantage the surprise of the Elegant Plume has granted you or perhaps lose control of the unfamiliar technique. So you simply act without thinking, pushing with your mind, and forcing the smoke that is your body to rush forward in a cloying haze.
Zhuan Kun stumbles back a bare step, hands striking at ephemeral flesh. The blows are enough to disperse parts of your body, but not even Zhuan Kun can catch smoke in his fingers. You stream past him upon the evening wind and turn, smoke becoming flesh and steel once more mid-pivot. The noble turns to meet you instinctively, but it is too late.
The cold metal of Chui Dao sinks into Zhuan Kun's stomach with enough force to send the scion sliding back on his heels.
The heady, giddy feeling of victory pulses through every fiber of your being. You did it! You struck an actual, tangible blow on Zhuan Kun! It wasn't just a simple glancing one either- you struck him with everything you had! And he felt it! It's enough to make your heart sing and make you feel as if glory anam races through your spirit.
But the fight is far from over.
You pull Chui Dao back- and freeze. Zhuan Kun has a grip on the warhammer's haft, holding your spirit in place.
"Interesting," he states. "What was that technique called and from where did you acquire it?"
"Is… is this truly the time for such questions?" you cannot help but ask.
"It is," comes the completely confident answer. "What time could possibly be better?"
Perhaps after the fight? That seems like a more suitable time for you. But you do not say as much. It seems unlikely that such simple logic will change Zhuan Kun's mind. So instead, you decide to just answer him. "It was a prize I earned for my ascension to the Eighth Circle," you tell him. "And it is called the Elegant Plume."
"I see," Zhuan Kun answers. "Thank you."
He releases his grip on Chui Dao. "Now," he states. "Continue."
Alright then.
You continue your strike as if you had not been interrupted, lashing out with the hammer again and again. Zhuan Kun falls back, his destined steps taking him on the defensive for the first time this exchange. He raises a leg to check one of your strikes but you reverse your grip, bringing the hammer's spike to bear. It lodges itself behind Zhuan Kun's knee and you pull, sweeping his leg out from under him.
It would be too much to expect Zhuan Kun to fall simply because his legs are no longer holding him up. Instead of sprawling as you half thought he might, he twists and rolls, springing to his feet with the east of a man walking down a paved road. His fists fly and you dance back, your fragile advantage teetering on a knife's edge.
Anam surges from your core once again and smoke billows from your footsteps. You rise into the air, the Elegant Plume forming in a heartbeat and racing forward in another.
But this time, Zhuan Kun does not allow your anam use to go unanswered.
One moment, your way forward is clear and unimpeded by anything but Zhuan Kun's hands. The next, the air around him seems to shimmer. It hardens and cracks as the noble's own anam surges from his shoulders like heat from a forge. In the space between moments, the air shifts, and a thousand knives of wind form in your path.
It's too late for you to stop. You surge forward, the smoke of your body flowing between the blades of wind and reforming, once again leaving you in perfect position to smash Chui Dao into Zhuan Kun's chest. And though the blow once again sends Zhuan Kun's heels deep into the earth, it's not without cost. Stinging lines of fire burn across your body as your sweat streams into a dozen new wounds, each sending a new stream of blood trickling down your body.
You don't take your gaze from Zhuan Kun as you wipe blood away from an unfortunately placed wound above your eye. Your opponent stands patiently, waiting for you to continue, and you nod your thanks. "I will admit, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to use a technique," you state.
"One should not escalate a conflict lightly," Zhuan Kun answers promptly. "But when escalation occurs, one must answer in kind."
You aren't entirely certain how to answer that. So you don't; instead, you ask, "Are you as willing to speak of your techniques as I am of mine?"
"Of course," comes the immediate response. "The sharing of knowledge and the broadening of horizons is the sole purpose of exchanging pointers. You have just engaged with my Season for Reaping, the first art passed down to me from the Zhuan Clan Masters. It was originally crafted from wind anam by the earliest Farmers for use in the harvest and was later adapted for combat use with the addition of force."
…that is almost certainly the most you have ever heard Zhuan Kun say at one time, and you are not certain what to make of it. When you asked him about his technique, perhaps the last thing you expected was for him to begin a history lesson in the middle of your spar. But you cannot say anything negative about his dedication to his craft.
More importantly, his lesson has taught you one thing: the Elegant Plume will not work to its fullest anymore. When Zhuan Kun wasn't expecting it, it was a cutting counter. But now he knows it exists, and his Season for Reaping can cut through smoke like a honed scythe through so much wheat. If you wish to overcome it, you will need to take further measures.
The air breaks again as the Season for Reaping takes shape, and your anam surges in answer. But this time you do not take the well-traveled path of the Elegant Plume. Instead, your power seems to trace your body before exploding out into the world as you Shatter the Mirror.
There is no time for trivial distractions! I've three ingots to form, a stave to hollow out, and if I do not bring Senior Sister the tears of the Whispering Dove I may as well pack my bags! This is not the time for tomfoolery!
A new Kong Zhi bursts into being behind Zhuan Kun. This one is dressed in the black and white of the Delving Heat, but his robes are obscured behind half a dozen tool belts that hang from his waist and shoulders. Burn scars decorate the skin surrounding his dead eyes, and his hands are heavy with a pair of smith's hammers. It is with those that he lashes out, smashing towards Zhuan Kun from his blindspot.
The noble reacts just in time. He weaves out of the way of the strikes of the new Kong Zhi and your follow-up attack with Chui Dao alike. His eyes dart from you to your creation, brow furrowed and lips moving soundlessly. "What is…" he seems to ask the air.
He is not the only one stunned by your sudden appearance. "Hunger Within, what is…" Mei Daiyu mumbles from her perch. You chance a glance in her direction to find her staring at the simulacrum with wide, seemingly horrified eyes.
"I, um, made this one," you say into the silence. "There was an incident in the deeps…"
You pause, trying to find the words.
"Mei Daiyu was there," you continue. "I came away from it with a trophy from a Vestige that, um, inspired me to…" Your words sound so trite and empty in the face of yourself that you have to just let them fade away. How can you really explain Shatter the Mirror?
Zhuan Kun doesn't seem to wish for any further elaboration. He straightens up and gathers himself. "Fascinating," he states, honest interest in his tone. Then, for the first time since you've known him, Zhuan Kun truly looks at you.
His eyes are like green fire. You've never noticed that before.
Then those eyes are gone as he explodes into motion once more.
His movements are faster. His punches and kicks flow with an even more fluid grace. You block and twist away as quickly as you can but Zhuan Kun is relentless. A kick sends Chui Dao out wide and his follow up strike sends you tumbling back. Zhuan Kun seems to finally be taking you seriously, and you do not need time techniques to tell where that path will lead.
But you are not going to simply roll over and let him claim his victory. You tumble backwards and push off, landing on your feet with your anam already cycling. The air in your mouth becomes dry and stale as the weight of the ages presses down on you, and you Shatter the Mirror once more.
Watch their chest. They can lie with their feet and they can lie with their hands, but they cannot lie with their chest. When it moves, they have fully committed themselves- and then it is time to slice it open like a fine roast.
The new Kong Zhi does not emerge behind Zhuan Kun. Instead, it seems to race up from the ground, a hulking form covered in corded muscles and bright red veins. Elongated fingers end in sharp talons that slice through the air at the noble's chest. Zhuan Kun's arms flow into a hasty block, crossing and absorbing the blow even as streaks of red fly through the air.
Even as he steps back, Zhuan Kun has already begun his counter attack. One arm holds your simulacrum at bay while the other moves and writhes, flicking it's wrist as if to clutch at the air. His palm fills with crackling green fire, casting the clearing in flickering viridian shadows, and it lances out like a swarm of emerald hornets.
You fall back under the onslaught that claims your creation and bat as many of the lances away as you can. Your martial techniques can only do so much though; you need to do as your opponent did and answer his technique in kind. Again, your anam cycles, and you prepare to witness yet another version of yourself-
-only to find your core weak and flickering.
You've nearly exhausted every drop of anam within your chest. Between the Plume and Shattering the Mirror, you've thrown around almost every drop you can muster like so much water, and now there's not enough left to support your stronger techniques.
But you've yet to truly reach your end. You may not have much anam remaining, but you have enough for one last gasp. It could be all you need.
You charge forward, abandoning the distance that has served you well until now, and plant your feet directly in front of Zhuan Kun. The ground beneath you swells with life as grass sprouts in your footsteps, and you swing your fist into his face with every ounce of power the Blooming Spear of the Auroch can muster-
-only to find that you are no longer punching a simple disciple. You are striking a blow at the land itself.
You can barely see Zhuan Kun amid a sudden haze of amethyst. All you know is that the trees of the Forest of Pearls, the ground from which they grow, the waters which give them life, and the Brightmaple Mountains around them have united for one single, solitary purpose: to end this exchange.
A tree that is a hand lashes out at your throat and suddenly, you find yourself on your back, shoulder deep in a pit of sand with the weight of the world pressing down on you.
And then it's gone. The something more you were fighting vanishes, leaving only Zhuan Kun holding you down by your throat.
He looks you up and down for a moment. "Do you yield?"
Kong Zhi vs. Zhuan Kun
Dexterity: 5 vs. 8
Dice Pool: Variable vs. Variable
Damage Threshold: 8 vs. 15
Physical Stress Boxes: 2/3 vs. 5
Anam: 21 vs. 77
Armaments: N/A
Victory Condition: One of Zhuan Kun's physical stress boxes is filled.
Defeat Condition: One of Kong Zhi's physical stress boxes is filled.
Round One: Kun has Tempo
Zhi rolls 34d10t7f1ie10 (The Hummingbird's Dance (A Knack for Combat/Chui Dao, the Hammer/Formed From Pressure)). 16 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). 17 Successes!
Kun +1.
Zhi is at 7/8, Box 2.
Round Two: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi rolls 34d10t7f1ie10 (The Hummingbird's Dance (A Knack for Combat/Chui Dao, the Hammer/Formed From Pressure)). 14 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). 16 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2.
Round Three: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 49d10t7f1ie10 (An Elegant Plume (Formed From Pressure)). 30 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 27 Successes!
Zhi +3
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2, and 17/21 anam. Kun is at 12/15, Box 1. Zhi seizes Tempo.
Round Four: Zhi has Tempo.
Kun spends 3 Anam to roll 43d10t7f1ie10 (The First Act: A Season for Reaping (The Legacy Upheld)). TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 24 Successes!
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 49d10t7f1ie10 (An Elegant Plume (Formed From Pressure)). 26 Successes!
Zhuan +2
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2, and 13/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 74/77 anam.
Round Five: Zhi has Tempo.
Kun spends 3 Anam to roll 43d10t7f1ie10 (The First Act: A Season for Reaping (The Legacy Upheld)). 20 Successes!
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 39d10t6f1ie10 (Shatter the Mirror (Formed From Pressure)). TYPE ADVANTAGE NEUTRALIZED (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 18 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 5/8, Box 2, and 9/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 71/77 anam. Kun seizes Tempo.
Round Six: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 39d10t6f1ie10 (Shatter the Mirror (Formed From Pressure)). 30 Successes!
Kun spends 4 Anam to roll 38d10t7f1ie10 (The Third Act: A Vigil Rewarded). ENHANCED TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 32 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 4/8, Box 2, and 5/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 67/77 anam.
Round Seven: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 2 Anam to roll 30d10t7f1ie10 (Blooming Spear of the Auroch (A Knack for Combat/Formed From Pressure)).17 Successes!
Kun spends 6 Anam to roll 42d10t6f1ie10 (The Second Act: Authority of the World (The Legacy Upheld). ENHANCED TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 62 Successes!
Kun +45-1(The Hummingbird's Dance) -> Kun +4 (An Open Palm).
Zhi is at 8/8, Box 3, and 3/21 Anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 61/77 anam.
Defeat Condition met! Kong Zhi has filled one physical stress box!
Zhuan Kun is triumphant!
Dexterity: 5 vs. 8
Dice Pool: Variable vs. Variable
Damage Threshold: 8 vs. 15
Physical Stress Boxes: 2/3 vs. 5
Anam: 21 vs. 77
Armaments: N/A
Victory Condition: One of Zhuan Kun's physical stress boxes is filled.
Defeat Condition: One of Kong Zhi's physical stress boxes is filled.
Round One: Kun has Tempo
Zhi rolls 34d10t7f1ie10 (The Hummingbird's Dance (A Knack for Combat/Chui Dao, the Hammer/Formed From Pressure)). 16 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). 17 Successes!
Kun +1.
Zhi is at 7/8, Box 2.
Round Two: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi rolls 34d10t7f1ie10 (The Hummingbird's Dance (A Knack for Combat/Chui Dao, the Hammer/Formed From Pressure)). 14 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). 16 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2.
Round Three: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 49d10t7f1ie10 (An Elegant Plume (Formed From Pressure)). 30 Successes!
Kun rolls 34d10t6f1ie10 (The Immortal Steps Forth (The Legacy Upheld)). TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 27 Successes!
Zhi +3
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2, and 17/21 anam. Kun is at 12/15, Box 1. Zhi seizes Tempo.
Round Four: Zhi has Tempo.
Kun spends 3 Anam to roll 43d10t7f1ie10 (The First Act: A Season for Reaping (The Legacy Upheld)). TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 24 Successes!
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 49d10t7f1ie10 (An Elegant Plume (Formed From Pressure)). 26 Successes!
Zhuan +2
Zhi is at 6/8, Box 2, and 13/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 74/77 anam.
Round Five: Zhi has Tempo.
Kun spends 3 Anam to roll 43d10t7f1ie10 (The First Act: A Season for Reaping (The Legacy Upheld)). 20 Successes!
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 39d10t6f1ie10 (Shatter the Mirror (Formed From Pressure)). TYPE ADVANTAGE NEUTRALIZED (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 18 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 5/8, Box 2, and 9/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 71/77 anam. Kun seizes Tempo.
Round Six: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 4 Anam to roll 39d10t6f1ie10 (Shatter the Mirror (Formed From Pressure)). 30 Successes!
Kun spends 4 Anam to roll 38d10t7f1ie10 (The Third Act: A Vigil Rewarded). ENHANCED TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 32 Successes!
Kun +2-1(The Hummingbird's Dance)
Zhi is at 4/8, Box 2, and 5/21 anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 67/77 anam.
Round Seven: Kun has Tempo.
Zhi spends 2 Anam to roll 30d10t7f1ie10 (Blooming Spear of the Auroch (A Knack for Combat/Formed From Pressure)).17 Successes!
Kun spends 6 Anam to roll 42d10t6f1ie10 (The Second Act: Authority of the World (The Legacy Upheld). ENHANCED TYPE ADVANTAGE (A Student of the Closed Fist)- 62 Successes!
Kun +45-1(The Hummingbird's Dance) -> Kun +4 (An Open Palm).
Zhi is at 8/8, Box 3, and 3/21 Anam. Kun is at 10/15, Box 1, and 61/77 anam.
Defeat Condition met! Kong Zhi has filled one physical stress box!
Zhuan Kun is triumphant!
Zhuan Kun does not release you. He considers you for a long moment. "My last technique is the Authority of the World, which unifies the user with the world around them through a combination of earth and royalty anam. It… it has a long and storied history which I am not at liberty to discuss. Nor was I supposed to use it without dire provocation. For this, I apologize."
He bows slightly at you and finally releases your throat. "I have learned a great deal from this exchange, and will relish the chance to seek pointers from you again."
A ghost of a smile seems to cross his face as he stands up. "It was… fun. You have my gratitude."
Relationship Change: Zhuan Kun +1 (1: Acquaintance)!
Then he turns and walks away, leaving you to lay in the blood stained sand and feel just what you've put your body through.
…ow.
<Muuuuu…> Chui Dao seems to agree.
The sound of crunching footsteps distracts you from your pain. You blink once, then twice, and look up to find Mei Daiyu standing upside down over your head. She holds one hand up. "How many fingers can you see?" she barks.
Fingers? What are- oh, yes, fingers. "You've a good dozen there. That's quite the trick. I only grew one extra with my charm. To gain so many, you must have really…" you trail off, wondering when Mei Daiyu had the time to master such a sage technique.
Your friend sighs and turns, glaring at something far away from you. "Kong Zhi, you are an absolute fool," she mutters. "And you've suffered the consequences that are the reward for such foolishness. Have you anything to stymie your wounds?"
You consider her question. You do have a pill or two that could help you here, but you only have so many. Mei Daiyu seems to read your thoughts like a book and shakes her head again. "Fool," she mutters once more.
Mei Daiyu squats down near you and reaches into her robes, producing a pill chute. "I've only so many restorative pills, but out of the goodness of my heart, I could consent to offering you one."
One hand limply flops towards the chute, but Mei Daiyu draws it slightly out of your reach. "But! There is a cost. If you wish to take advantage of my good nature, you must vow to save your foolishness for a more appropriate occasion. I know that such a vow might be onerous, but I need you to at least try."
"Will you so swear, Kong Zhi? Will you try to keep from getting pummeled while we're in the middle of a trip?"
You have now suffered two full physical stress boxes and have three points of anam remaining. How do you recover from your wounds?
[] You have your own resources. You need not sponge off of anyone else's.
-[] Write-In which of your pills you are taking.
[] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
[] Zhuan Kun is rich. Surely he has resources to help you recover. The only question is if he will share them with you. (???)
[] You do not need any medicine. But you may need an extra day to recover. (Sacrifice one action in Mockingjay. Gain double your natural recovery (4 Points of Physical Stress and 6 Points of Anam).)
[] You are fine. You can keep going right now! (You will make do with only your natural recovery (2 Points of Physical Stress and 3 Points of Anam).)
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CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Zhuan Kun is rich. Surely he has resources to help you recover. The only question is if he will share them with you. (???)
When have we ever not gone for the mystery box?
When have we ever not gone for the mystery box?
- Location
- San Ramon, CA
Zhuan Kun will actually remember our name after this! Huzzah!
- Location
- A place
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
Rockeye
Plausible Engineer
- Location
- Midwestern U.S.
Yeah, kind of expected us to end up in a bad spot. But +1 with Zhuan! Worth.
We really do seem to lack staying power, huh?
Oh, I wouldn't count on that. He'll remember Shatter the Mirror, at least.
We really do seem to lack staying power, huh?
Oh, I wouldn't count on that. He'll remember Shatter the Mirror, at least.
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[X] You have your own resources. You need not sponge off of anyone else's.
-[X] Write-In which of your pills you are taking. (our non shouxi'd rest and two hearts of stone.)
We can get more restoratives for silver at Mockingjay if we sell some of our less necessary materials there relatively easily. Since we're not sure how much everyone has we can sponge later if we must, but not until then.
@Vesvius did we get any points towards the techniques we are still working to integrate from this?
-[X] Write-In which of your pills you are taking. (our non shouxi'd rest and two hearts of stone.)
We can get more restoratives for silver at Mockingjay if we sell some of our less necessary materials there relatively easily. Since we're not sure how much everyone has we can sponge later if we must, but not until then.
@Vesvius did we get any points towards the techniques we are still working to integrate from this?
Ghost in a wall
Just a bit spooky
Mei is... kinda amusing how she's completely missing the point of the fight. It's how guy's bond with one another after all, or maybe she does know and wants to keep the best craftsman to herself? hm...
It's nice that Zhuan will actually know us now. He's a good sparring partner too- I think I'd rather either Vow or use our own resources. Not sure this needs a Vow as this wasn't done as a serious duel or anything. Given how much Zhuan values combat, fighting him was a great team building excersise. Then again, it's the loss of Annam that's the real rough spot.
Damn does he hit hard though when he's more serious, 42d10? Oof.
It's nice that Zhuan will actually know us now. He's a good sparring partner too- I think I'd rather either Vow or use our own resources. Not sure this needs a Vow as this wasn't done as a serious duel or anything. Given how much Zhuan values combat, fighting him was a great team building excersise. Then again, it's the loss of Annam that's the real rough spot.
Damn does he hit hard though when he's more serious, 42d10? Oof.
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Vesvius
The Wicked God
Also, for the record, it was just pointed out to me that because of this battle, Zhi has fallen below the maitenence threshold to keep himself ruby and b e a u t i f u l. Since I completely spaced on that- there are so many moving parts here- this vote is going to also dictate if Zhi maintains Fractal.
If he takes a pill from any source, he does. If he relies on natural recovery- or the ZK mystery box doesn't pan out- we get the talon's return.
If he takes a pill from any source, he does. If he relies on natural recovery- or the ZK mystery box doesn't pan out- we get the talon's return.
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
I mean. She didn't. She succeded her sense motive test.
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
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WhoTheHeckity
But no one ever asks HowTheHeckity
- Location
- Murica 🦅
[X] Zhuan Kun is rich. Surely he has resources to help you recover. The only question is if he will share them with you. (???)
A fun fight but Mei Daiyu does have the right of it and I would like to get across to Zhuan that this did cost us in health and qi which could impact the mission if were not at our best and we consume pills on stuff like this instead of when were really in danger.
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
Also, still feels slimy just relying on zhuan kun being rich, yes i've meme in the past he's rich and can solve our problems but still. Also guaranteeing to get a pill so we don't lose the benefits of our FV form is preety good.
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
Also, still feels slimy just relying on zhuan kun being rich, yes i've meme in the past he's rich and can solve our problems but still. Also guaranteeing to get a pill so we don't lose the benefits of our FV form is preety good.
- Location
- The United States
- Pronouns
- He/They
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
- Location
- Yes
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
TimEd
Meteor maker
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
An olive branch. We're certainly rich enough to help ourself, but doing this will make whatever offer we make to help next time much easier.
An olive branch. We're certainly rich enough to help ourself, but doing this will make whatever offer we make to help next time much easier.
- Location
- Vermont
[X] Mei Daiyu raises a salient point. You will apologize and swear the vow she is asking from you in exchange for a few of her pills. (Recover one physical stress box and 10 points of anam.)
Sorry Zhuan, we're going to have to chill out for a while and make things. Good news, they'll be interesting things!
Sorry Zhuan, we're going to have to chill out for a while and make things. Good news, they'll be interesting things!
