DangerKitty
shoddy writter
- Location
- lala land
2k pages in 5 years. How far are we from the quest end mark again? 10 year quest?
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
-
- Tags
- original xianxia cultivation quest
Vote closed
New
Omegahugger
Inattentive Idiot
Hopefully we don't end up burning down the village.
- Location
- United States of America
Constellation Reborn
Masters of Drama: Treatise on Renowned Theater Troupes
Constellation Reborn
While the Constellation Reborn is a newer troupe, they have found resounding success on some of the largest stages available in the Empire. From Jingyi's Summit to the West to Locust's Gallery to the East, from Brilliance in the North to the Vermillion Gates to the South, the Constellation Reborn has traveled the width and breadth of the Empire. While their most notable performance was a set of plays performed at the request and delight of the lauded Zhuan clan of Jingyi's Summit, they have also performed in Harmony at the request of the Kong clan, among many other locations.
Favoring a breadth of plays, the Constellation Reborn is capable of performing tragedies and comedies with equal success. Experienced in all of the popular plays, from the Village of One to Dusk and Dawn, there are few performances that the troupe would not feel comfortable in presenting upon request. Led by the resplendent Dusk's Constellation, Mei Daiyu, the troupe has attracted skillful performers with a wealth of experience. Notably, many of the memorable performers from the defunct Timeless Star Troupe have returned to stage life with the Constellation Reborn. This is not surprising, as the Dusk's Constellation was herself a young member and student of the Timeless Star before his untimely and unfortunate passing.
Although more than willing to perform upon commission, the troupe thus far has resisted retainer offers, preferring to travel as the whims of the Dusk's Constellation take them. While this has increased their popularity amongst the general populace, it can make it difficult to locate them for a commission. And, depending on where they are located within the Empire, requests to travel to a specific city can come with expensive additions to their normal commission rates.
However, if you are willing to pay the commission fee, this troupe will ensure you are thrilled with their performance.
Notable Members:
The Dusk's Constellation, Mei Daiyu
Troupe master of the Constellation Reborn, little is known about her life before becoming an artist. It is known that she studied under the Timeless Star, Choe Tia, and worked within his own troupe, honing the skills that would one day lead to a flourishing troupe of her own. When the Timeless Star suddenly passed away, the Dusk's Constellation found passage to the Delving Heart where she studied to become an artist. Rising quickly through the ranks, she cultivated an aloof reputation, which served her well in deflecting her numerous suitors struck by her beauty. Joining the Imperial Hand, she performed diplomatic tasks throughout the Empire, cultivating numerous connections that would serve her troupe well in the future. It was during this time that she developed a rapport with the Zhuan clan, the source of much of her initial commissions. Additionally, she performed a service of such significance to the Sen clan of Honeydrenched Hills that the Dusk's Constellation received one of the first Blue Skies Cards, a resource she put to extensive use in furnishing her troupe. However, after many years of devoted effort to the Delving Heart and the Imperial Hand, Mei Daiyu felt the call of the stage and left the Delving Heart. But she did not leave with only the connections she had made, but also having advanced well into the Farmer's Step.
After leaving the Delving Heart, the Dusk's Constellation travelled the Empire alone, gathering a reputation as an exemplary performer and resounding beauty. During this time, Mei Daiyu gathered the resources needed to take the next step on her path and became a Teacher. Where, exactly, she took that step is unclear. Rumors abound that it was in Soaring Crow, while housed by the Kong clan who lived there. Others claim that it was at Jingyi's Summit under the tutelage of the Zhuan clan. Still others claim that it was in the wilderness with nothing but the stars for company. Regardless, it was after her ascension to Teacher that Mei Daiyu began forming the Constellation Reborn.
Starlit Protector, Yuebing
A dear companion of Mei Daiyu, this spirit beast takes the form of a sleek black owl with its underwings spotted with constellations of starlight. Yuebing has been by Mei Daiyu's side since the moment of their birth, and claims that it will continue to do so for as long as it lives. Growing in power and thought during its time within the Delving Heart, the Starlit Protector has taken on a security role for the Constellation Reborn. Well into the third step of its path, Yuebing is a match for even well advanced Farmers, the Starlit Protector works furiously to keep threats, both actual and perceived, from interfering in the productions of the troupe. While it's preferred perch is on Mei Daiyu's shoulder, it has found, or built, many locations within the wagons of the Constellation Reborn to observe the comings and goings of guests and performers.
While many of its actions are attributed to Mei Daiyu, Yuebing has been recorded in attacking and routing bandits that seek to ply their violence along paths that the Constellation Reborn take to their next destination. Of particular note is Yuebing's duel with the Red Thirst, a notorious bandit operating south of Brilliance. Successfully defeating the Red Thirst, the Starlit Protector shattered a growing bandit stronghold and won acclaim for their actions by the Governor of Brilliance.
…
Plays Written by the Constellation Reborn
Ruins of the Hateful
A tragedy centered around a cast of artists exploring a ruined city only to uncover the vestige of its last King. As they attempt to flee, each of the artist's vices result in them falling against the powerful vestige, which hunts the group throughout the city. While always a tragedy, the play can be performed to focus on the tragedies of those that came before, or the dangers the unprepared face against the unknown.
To Advance my Romance
A short comedy about a young girl's efforts to woo an obsessive charmcrafter, and the increasingly ridiculous obstacles that come about.
Dueling with Broken Hearts
A tragedy about a young artist training a close friend in the finer points of dueling, only for that friend to fight against the young artist on the day of an important duel. So begins a cycle of anger and revenge as both the artist and close friend fight against each other, culminating in a deadly duel between them. As they die, they forgive each other, only for their students to take up the cycle of anger.
The August Auctioneer
A comedy about a lowly merchant trying to become a successful auctioneer. As he fumbles through each auction, he finds himself with increasingly bizarre patrons attempting to sell increasingly strange objects. A jester's look at the actions of nobles in the marketplace.
A/N: Another omake for the omake throne! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
Masters of Drama: Treatise on Renowned Theater Troupes
Constellation Reborn
While the Constellation Reborn is a newer troupe, they have found resounding success on some of the largest stages available in the Empire. From Jingyi's Summit to the West to Locust's Gallery to the East, from Brilliance in the North to the Vermillion Gates to the South, the Constellation Reborn has traveled the width and breadth of the Empire. While their most notable performance was a set of plays performed at the request and delight of the lauded Zhuan clan of Jingyi's Summit, they have also performed in Harmony at the request of the Kong clan, among many other locations.
Favoring a breadth of plays, the Constellation Reborn is capable of performing tragedies and comedies with equal success. Experienced in all of the popular plays, from the Village of One to Dusk and Dawn, there are few performances that the troupe would not feel comfortable in presenting upon request. Led by the resplendent Dusk's Constellation, Mei Daiyu, the troupe has attracted skillful performers with a wealth of experience. Notably, many of the memorable performers from the defunct Timeless Star Troupe have returned to stage life with the Constellation Reborn. This is not surprising, as the Dusk's Constellation was herself a young member and student of the Timeless Star before his untimely and unfortunate passing.
Although more than willing to perform upon commission, the troupe thus far has resisted retainer offers, preferring to travel as the whims of the Dusk's Constellation take them. While this has increased their popularity amongst the general populace, it can make it difficult to locate them for a commission. And, depending on where they are located within the Empire, requests to travel to a specific city can come with expensive additions to their normal commission rates.
However, if you are willing to pay the commission fee, this troupe will ensure you are thrilled with their performance.
Notable Members:
The Dusk's Constellation, Mei Daiyu
Troupe master of the Constellation Reborn, little is known about her life before becoming an artist. It is known that she studied under the Timeless Star, Choe Tia, and worked within his own troupe, honing the skills that would one day lead to a flourishing troupe of her own. When the Timeless Star suddenly passed away, the Dusk's Constellation found passage to the Delving Heart where she studied to become an artist. Rising quickly through the ranks, she cultivated an aloof reputation, which served her well in deflecting her numerous suitors struck by her beauty. Joining the Imperial Hand, she performed diplomatic tasks throughout the Empire, cultivating numerous connections that would serve her troupe well in the future. It was during this time that she developed a rapport with the Zhuan clan, the source of much of her initial commissions. Additionally, she performed a service of such significance to the Sen clan of Honeydrenched Hills that the Dusk's Constellation received one of the first Blue Skies Cards, a resource she put to extensive use in furnishing her troupe. However, after many years of devoted effort to the Delving Heart and the Imperial Hand, Mei Daiyu felt the call of the stage and left the Delving Heart. But she did not leave with only the connections she had made, but also having advanced well into the Farmer's Step.
After leaving the Delving Heart, the Dusk's Constellation travelled the Empire alone, gathering a reputation as an exemplary performer and resounding beauty. During this time, Mei Daiyu gathered the resources needed to take the next step on her path and became a Teacher. Where, exactly, she took that step is unclear. Rumors abound that it was in Soaring Crow, while housed by the Kong clan who lived there. Others claim that it was at Jingyi's Summit under the tutelage of the Zhuan clan. Still others claim that it was in the wilderness with nothing but the stars for company. Regardless, it was after her ascension to Teacher that Mei Daiyu began forming the Constellation Reborn.
Starlit Protector, Yuebing
A dear companion of Mei Daiyu, this spirit beast takes the form of a sleek black owl with its underwings spotted with constellations of starlight. Yuebing has been by Mei Daiyu's side since the moment of their birth, and claims that it will continue to do so for as long as it lives. Growing in power and thought during its time within the Delving Heart, the Starlit Protector has taken on a security role for the Constellation Reborn. Well into the third step of its path, Yuebing is a match for even well advanced Farmers, the Starlit Protector works furiously to keep threats, both actual and perceived, from interfering in the productions of the troupe. While it's preferred perch is on Mei Daiyu's shoulder, it has found, or built, many locations within the wagons of the Constellation Reborn to observe the comings and goings of guests and performers.
While many of its actions are attributed to Mei Daiyu, Yuebing has been recorded in attacking and routing bandits that seek to ply their violence along paths that the Constellation Reborn take to their next destination. Of particular note is Yuebing's duel with the Red Thirst, a notorious bandit operating south of Brilliance. Successfully defeating the Red Thirst, the Starlit Protector shattered a growing bandit stronghold and won acclaim for their actions by the Governor of Brilliance.
…
Plays Written by the Constellation Reborn
Ruins of the Hateful
A tragedy centered around a cast of artists exploring a ruined city only to uncover the vestige of its last King. As they attempt to flee, each of the artist's vices result in them falling against the powerful vestige, which hunts the group throughout the city. While always a tragedy, the play can be performed to focus on the tragedies of those that came before, or the dangers the unprepared face against the unknown.
To Advance my Romance
A short comedy about a young girl's efforts to woo an obsessive charmcrafter, and the increasingly ridiculous obstacles that come about.
Dueling with Broken Hearts
A tragedy about a young artist training a close friend in the finer points of dueling, only for that friend to fight against the young artist on the day of an important duel. So begins a cycle of anger and revenge as both the artist and close friend fight against each other, culminating in a deadly duel between them. As they die, they forgive each other, only for their students to take up the cycle of anger.
The August Auctioneer
A comedy about a lowly merchant trying to become a successful auctioneer. As he fumbles through each auction, he finds himself with increasingly bizarre patrons attempting to sell increasingly strange objects. A jester's look at the actions of nobles in the marketplace.
A/N: Another omake for the omake throne! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
Hmmm, interesting.
Last edited:
270. The Everdistant Flame
New
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 34 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.
--------------
<-ghi?>
-a heavy hand falls on my shoulder. I snap to attention, pulling myself from the near stupor I'd fallen into while taking my most recent turn resting near the fire. I glance up to see Zhuan Kun standing above me, eyes scanning the tall grasses as they're slowly illuminated by the rising dawn. "Did you see something?" I murmur softly as I tap Chui Dao's head against my palm.
The noble shakes his head. "The Clerk is rising," he answers, voice low, eyes still fixed on the perimeter. "Ready yourself. Mei Daiyu is giving the perimeter a final check, and then we will be leaving.
I nod once and stand, stretching out the small kinks that've formed during my pseudo-meditation. With a quarter of my attention on replenishing my reserves and the rest focused entirely on my Sixth Sense, my awareness of my own body slipped to the wayside.
I'm not nearly as stiff or cramped as one would expect, though. There are a few small aches and pains, but beneath them I feel… almost refreshed. Clean. It is as if I've been scoured from head to toe, leaving me nearly pristine in the aftermath. Odd. I-
-the ground races up to meet me.
Daiyu is at my side instantly. Her eyes scan the perimeter even as she drops to a knee at my side. "What's wrong?" she hisses, concern heavy in her voice. "Was it an attack? Where did it come from?"
I try to open my mouth, try to reassure Daiyu. I'm not in any pain, after all. I simply… fell. It is as if a void has embraced me, taking away pain and soreness and replacing them with only a sterile, pristine nothingness.
Perhaps I should feel some degree of panic when my body goes numb. Yet my mind is just as muddled as my body; all I can feel is a mild bemusement- a detached sense that my mind and body are miles from each other. I can vaguely feel a tingling in my arms and legs and the grit of the dirt against my face. But the sensations are so far removed that they hardly register, as if they are happening to someone else. Even the time it takes to will my arms and legs into motion leaves me wondering whether it's worth the effort.
After a few moments pass, some feeling returns to my arms. I push myself from the ground. My jaw works back and forth as I test it, and slowly, I stagger back to my feet.
"I'm fine, Daiyu," I reassured my near-frantic partner. "I… I just fell over."
For some reason, Daiyu seems less than comforted. Her eyes narrow as she glares at me. "You are a trained Soldier with a full core, Zhi. You do not simply fall over."
All I am able to manage is a shrug. What does she expect me to say?
It takes me a moment, but I summon a meager excuse. "I was just stiff from the night's vigil and fell over. I'm sorry to worry you, but I think that I'm…"
I trail off as I realize Daiyu is not looking me in the eye. Instead, her gaze is trained on my hands- as is Zhuan Kun's. I glance down, following their eyes towards…
My hands are shaking. They are shaking so badly that Chui Dao nearly falls from my grip.
"...odd," I muse as I tuck the hammer away. Daiyu's eyes flash, but before she can say anything further she is cut off by Clerk Ni's surprisingly chipper appearance.
As the bureaucrat is informed of last night's events, a distant corner of my mind turns its focus back to my hands. They don't hurt. They don't feel strange. They don't even have any traces of the numbness that so suddenly came and went. But still, they tremble.
They tremble as Clerk Ni tries to explain how being sabotaged is a good thing.
They tremble as we mount and make our way towards the possible village on Clerk Ni's map.
They tremble while Zhuan Kun spars with a crab.
They tremble as we ride through a forest.
As we round a bend and come across an abandoned cart and ox, the trembling seems to subside- until I try to steer Quishu, and it returns even stronger than before.
I let out a low breath and stare down at my rebellious hands. Very well; it may be time to admit that this may be concerning.
What could be causing these tremors? After shaking off that strange numbness, my body feels normal. Better than normal, even; I feel as if I could run for a week straight without tiring. My muscles are loose, my center of gravity unchanged, and for once, there's no pain piercing me through.
So if it's not a physical ailment, it must be something harder to see. Could it be in my mind? No, my thoughts are as clear as ever. Though… if it was my mind, would I even be able to tell?
I pause and glance towards the cart, scanning the abandoned vehicle even as my mind is a thousand miles away. Zhuan Kun is inspecting the ground near it, searching for tracks, while Clerk Ni is fidgeting impatiently on his pony. Daiyu, however, hasn't moved a single step towards the cart. She and Sunswift have stuck to me like Angel's Tears. When she thinks I'm not aware, she shoots a worried look at me even while pretending to watch our surroundings.
Daiyu is worried about me, about these tremors. She is smart, sensible, and keeps her wits in a crisis. A part of me realizes that her worry is to be trusted, and yet that part still feels remote and alien. But the question is… well, if Daiyu is so worried, why aren't I?
A wave of boredom floods through me. Why am I even thinking about this? I'm fine; this is taking up valuable effort I should be spending keeping watch. The shakes are just-
-I push the thought aside. There it is again! Something deep within me is reassuring me that everything is normal, all is well, there is no cause for concern. It pushes at the edges of my thoughts once again, and I shove the thoughts away almost violently.
Fine. In the sanctity of my own mind, I let out a breath and focus. Perhaps I am too close to the problem- if there even is a problem. What if… alright, what if this malady was afflicting someone else? What if it was Cousin Cui who was suffering from uncontrollable shakes? Would I be worried then?
Well, Cui is an Artist and skilled charmcrafter. Her hands are her livelihood. She could certainly think of a workaround with enough time, but in the short term, her hands refusing to obey her would be a disaster. She wouldn't be able to even hold a tool, let alone craft some of the fine detail necessary in a charm of quality.
Yes. If it was Kong Cui, this would be a problem. So it would be a problem for me as well. So why am I dismissing it so easily? It-
I freeze in the saddle, my body stiffening as one thought pierces my mind.
I am under attack. Not physically; there is no pain. Not mentally; my thoughts are, for the most part, clear.
I am under spiritual attack.
My strange calm deserts me and I fall into my breathing pattern. The routine feels off, like a song played slightly off-tempo. Still, it sweeps the forest around us, searching for the assailant. All seems normal, for the most part, however. The only thing out of the ordinary is that the ambient anam is stronger than usual, pressing down against me and into my-
-a low, ragged breath rips itself from my lungs as I turn my focus inwards. The ambient anam is pressing against me like a heavy blanket, but that is not what draws my focus. Instead, my senses turn towards the patterns of anam within me, the echoes of techniques used and Natural Wonders cycled.
My core dances beneath my Sixth Sense. Over and over again it writhes, as it has not done since I forged it so many months ago. It moves again and again in a pattern, one I am familiar with above all others- yet it is different.
Out of all my techniques, it would not be a strain to say that I am most familiar with Shatter the Mirror. It is dozens of glimmering glass shards rolling and tumbling through my spirit, each one catching the light and reflecting a vision of what could have been. It is my own creation. It is one of my most reliable weapons.
I know Shatter the Mirror, and my core is pulsing in the pattern that calls it into action. Yet instead of sending dozens of shards, it sends hundreds.
Technique Upgraded: Shatter the Mirror!
The shock of the Mirror's sudden change sends a cold chill down my spine. It is as if a gossamer-thin veil has been ripped from my eyes, taking with it the warm sense that everything is just fine. No, things are not fine- things are very, very wrong.
Zhuan Kun glances up, eyes locked on me as he notices the change in my breathing. Daiyu says something, but I cannot say what it was. She may as well be speaking underwater for all I hear. My focus is still internal, still on the anam within me. The panicked pulsing of my energy seems to have made the ambient anam retreat, ending the spiritual attack… for now.
My Sixth Sense sweeps through my body, searching for damage or lasting effects. Yet the only change I can find is the one inflicted upon the Mirror. My core is undamaged. My body, unmarred and unchanged, still wearing the form of the Ivory Ferryman. There is no trace of spiritual pain, and after the Technique Masters, I know spiritual pain.
It takes several repetitions, but my breathing pattern is finally able to still the constant invocation of the Mirror. When my anam is pliable once more, I begin to cycle it through my techniques. If the Mirror can be changed, so can anything else. The Auroch's Onslaught is unchanged. An Elegant Plume still turns me to smoke. The Warhound's Cry still rips at my throat, the Garden is as peaceful as ever, and the Worldstream still conjures a soft yet steady breathe. As I push the Prince into my shadow, causing it to rise slightly from the ground, I start to relax. Just a few more and…
…my breathing patterns slows and fails as I inspect my most humble technique.
Well. So much for not panicking.
It was only a week ago that the Zhuan Clan's Technique Masters had drilled the Searing Chariot into me. Moments later, they had ripped part of it away, leaving behind what I had thought was the most excruciating spiritual pain I would ever feel… ancestors above, if only that were still true. The torturous experience resulted in the technique I had simply dubbed 'Sear', for it was a simple technique capable only of the most basic tongues of flame.
But as I inspect the space in my spirit where the technique lives, it becomes clear that Sear is simple no longer.
I did not have the chance to truly study the Searing Chariot in detail when it was grafted to my soul. Sear, however, I had studied carefully. It was… well, it was a fire technique. Its presence felt like a warm campfire, like a coal being juggled from hand to hand, like pressing a hand to a surface just slightly too hot for it.
But now? Now, the fire is… it is strange. It burns with power yet somehow feels cool. It is as if I am standing atop a mountain and have caught a glimpse of a flame miles distant. No matter how hard I try to study the ember, it never grows closer, never grows stronger. It simply remains in the corner of my mind's eye, an Everdistant Flame.
I stare down at my hand- and flick my wrist.
My reward is a handful of silver-blue flames.
Technique Altered! Sear -> The Everdistant Flame!
A small part of my mind observes them with keen interest. What are they? They look like flames, but there is no heat. It is almost as if they are the ghosts of flames long past, or perhaps shadows of flames yet to come. What do they do? How can this be used? How will it dovetail with my existing arsenal? It feels far more powerful than Sear did, that is for certain.
But that is only a small corner of my mind. The rest? The rest is full of such pure panic that I nearly fall from Quishu's saddle.
What is happening?! Shatter the Mirror grew stronger? Sear has been infused with something new- no, it isn't new. It is faint, but the playful kitten-like energy I've come to expect from Time anam dances amidst the flames. This is far from the first occasion that Time anam has done as it willed, but never before have its changes been quite so blatant.
Daiyu seems to be shouting now, but her words go unheard beneath the sound of my own heartbeat. I glance at her, only partially realizing who I'm looking at from beneath the veil of panic. But the sight of Daiyu does remind me that I've one technique left to test. I force my breathing back under control, clench my fist to dismiss the spectral flames, and look to the… to the…
…to the Horizon.
-a look of sheer exhaustion in a child's eyes-
-the booming bark of a scarred hound-
- "Let them dream."-
-"But above all else, it requires sacrifice."-
-<Shock. Surprise. Fury.>-
Slowly, I become aware of something hard beneath my face- the ground. Above me, sounds of shock and panic fill the air, ripped from human and loamwalker throats alike.
Ah. I must have fallen from Quishu's saddle. That… is likely not ideal.
As my mind races, strong hands reach down beneath my arms and pull me to my feet. Zhuan Kun does not let go once I've regained my balance, instead holding me steady as if I may topple over at any moment. Daiyu has spun away, eyes searching the forest for any threat with New Moon in her hand. Both are barking commands to the Clerk and to Quishu, trying to keep the surprised bureaucrat and surprisingly distraught beast calm even as they fight their own burgeoning panic.
"Zhi!" Daiyu barks once she sees I'm standing once more. "What hit you?! Where did it come from?! I-"
"No, no," I manage to say, clearing my throat. "It was not- I…"
Words fail me as memories cascade through my mind, slotting into holes I had not even realized existed. Spectral blue images written in the fire of the stars regain their color, forming a complete and uninterrupted picture that I can see for the first time.
…and for the second time in an endless day, I remember.
I remember everything.
I shrug Zhuan Kun's hands away but grab his forearm, unwilling to let him go too far. With my other, steady hand, I reach out, grasping Daiyu's wrist and pulling her closer. Both stare at me in surprise and concern, and when I lower my head, they join theirs to mine in a huddle without hesitation.
"Daiyu. Zhuan Kun." I pause, letting out a long breath through a mouth as dry as the Wastes. "We… have a problem."
Kong Zhi has recovered his memories of the recurring day! How does he change his approach?
[] [APPROACH] Something that is more clear than ever is that there is something very wrong with the villagers in Shoubiao's Wake. Kong Zhi will try and gain answers from one whether they like it or not.
-[] (Write-In which villager)
[] [APPROACH] There is no longer any question about it; this village is dangerous. Kong Zhi will approach Clerk Ni and ask him to wait outside of the village while he enters to investigate in a more subtle way.
[] [APPROACH] In the past, Kong Zhi wandered freely through the village. Perhaps that was a mistake. We will continue the examination as normal, only Zhi will take a different role.
-[] (Write-In which role)
[] [APPROACH] Shoubiao's Wake is dangerous, and the wise thing to do would be to retreat. Zhi will attempt to redirect the examination towards Twelve Fields, where a more learned expert may be contacted.
[] [APPROACH] (Write-In)
Are there any small (and let me stress small) things Zhi would like to do regardless of the path he takes?
[] [SMALL] (Write-In, please append the [SMALL] prefix to any votes for this addition. Anything with over half the vote will be added if possible. Use this to add details you would like to be certain are covered, such as reading in Daiyu and Zhuan Kun or anything else you may think of.)
> A fire burning through the forest.
<-ghi?>
-a heavy hand falls on my shoulder. I snap to attention, pulling myself from the near stupor I'd fallen into while taking my most recent turn resting near the fire. I glance up to see Zhuan Kun standing above me, eyes scanning the tall grasses as they're slowly illuminated by the rising dawn. "Did you see something?" I murmur softly as I tap Chui Dao's head against my palm.
The noble shakes his head. "The Clerk is rising," he answers, voice low, eyes still fixed on the perimeter. "Ready yourself. Mei Daiyu is giving the perimeter a final check, and then we will be leaving.
I nod once and stand, stretching out the small kinks that've formed during my pseudo-meditation. With a quarter of my attention on replenishing my reserves and the rest focused entirely on my Sixth Sense, my awareness of my own body slipped to the wayside.
I'm not nearly as stiff or cramped as one would expect, though. There are a few small aches and pains, but beneath them I feel… almost refreshed. Clean. It is as if I've been scoured from head to toe, leaving me nearly pristine in the aftermath. Odd. I-
-the ground races up to meet me.
Daiyu is at my side instantly. Her eyes scan the perimeter even as she drops to a knee at my side. "What's wrong?" she hisses, concern heavy in her voice. "Was it an attack? Where did it come from?"
I try to open my mouth, try to reassure Daiyu. I'm not in any pain, after all. I simply… fell. It is as if a void has embraced me, taking away pain and soreness and replacing them with only a sterile, pristine nothingness.
Perhaps I should feel some degree of panic when my body goes numb. Yet my mind is just as muddled as my body; all I can feel is a mild bemusement- a detached sense that my mind and body are miles from each other. I can vaguely feel a tingling in my arms and legs and the grit of the dirt against my face. But the sensations are so far removed that they hardly register, as if they are happening to someone else. Even the time it takes to will my arms and legs into motion leaves me wondering whether it's worth the effort.
After a few moments pass, some feeling returns to my arms. I push myself from the ground. My jaw works back and forth as I test it, and slowly, I stagger back to my feet.
"I'm fine, Daiyu," I reassured my near-frantic partner. "I… I just fell over."
For some reason, Daiyu seems less than comforted. Her eyes narrow as she glares at me. "You are a trained Soldier with a full core, Zhi. You do not simply fall over."
All I am able to manage is a shrug. What does she expect me to say?
It takes me a moment, but I summon a meager excuse. "I was just stiff from the night's vigil and fell over. I'm sorry to worry you, but I think that I'm…"
I trail off as I realize Daiyu is not looking me in the eye. Instead, her gaze is trained on my hands- as is Zhuan Kun's. I glance down, following their eyes towards…
My hands are shaking. They are shaking so badly that Chui Dao nearly falls from my grip.
"...odd," I muse as I tuck the hammer away. Daiyu's eyes flash, but before she can say anything further she is cut off by Clerk Ni's surprisingly chipper appearance.
As the bureaucrat is informed of last night's events, a distant corner of my mind turns its focus back to my hands. They don't hurt. They don't feel strange. They don't even have any traces of the numbness that so suddenly came and went. But still, they tremble.
They tremble as Clerk Ni tries to explain how being sabotaged is a good thing.
They tremble as we mount and make our way towards the possible village on Clerk Ni's map.
They tremble while Zhuan Kun spars with a crab.
They tremble as we ride through a forest.
As we round a bend and come across an abandoned cart and ox, the trembling seems to subside- until I try to steer Quishu, and it returns even stronger than before.
I let out a low breath and stare down at my rebellious hands. Very well; it may be time to admit that this may be concerning.
What could be causing these tremors? After shaking off that strange numbness, my body feels normal. Better than normal, even; I feel as if I could run for a week straight without tiring. My muscles are loose, my center of gravity unchanged, and for once, there's no pain piercing me through.
So if it's not a physical ailment, it must be something harder to see. Could it be in my mind? No, my thoughts are as clear as ever. Though… if it was my mind, would I even be able to tell?
I pause and glance towards the cart, scanning the abandoned vehicle even as my mind is a thousand miles away. Zhuan Kun is inspecting the ground near it, searching for tracks, while Clerk Ni is fidgeting impatiently on his pony. Daiyu, however, hasn't moved a single step towards the cart. She and Sunswift have stuck to me like Angel's Tears. When she thinks I'm not aware, she shoots a worried look at me even while pretending to watch our surroundings.
Daiyu is worried about me, about these tremors. She is smart, sensible, and keeps her wits in a crisis. A part of me realizes that her worry is to be trusted, and yet that part still feels remote and alien. But the question is… well, if Daiyu is so worried, why aren't I?
A wave of boredom floods through me. Why am I even thinking about this? I'm fine; this is taking up valuable effort I should be spending keeping watch. The shakes are just-
-I push the thought aside. There it is again! Something deep within me is reassuring me that everything is normal, all is well, there is no cause for concern. It pushes at the edges of my thoughts once again, and I shove the thoughts away almost violently.
Fine. In the sanctity of my own mind, I let out a breath and focus. Perhaps I am too close to the problem- if there even is a problem. What if… alright, what if this malady was afflicting someone else? What if it was Cousin Cui who was suffering from uncontrollable shakes? Would I be worried then?
Well, Cui is an Artist and skilled charmcrafter. Her hands are her livelihood. She could certainly think of a workaround with enough time, but in the short term, her hands refusing to obey her would be a disaster. She wouldn't be able to even hold a tool, let alone craft some of the fine detail necessary in a charm of quality.
Yes. If it was Kong Cui, this would be a problem. So it would be a problem for me as well. So why am I dismissing it so easily? It-
I freeze in the saddle, my body stiffening as one thought pierces my mind.
I am under attack. Not physically; there is no pain. Not mentally; my thoughts are, for the most part, clear.
I am under spiritual attack.
My strange calm deserts me and I fall into my breathing pattern. The routine feels off, like a song played slightly off-tempo. Still, it sweeps the forest around us, searching for the assailant. All seems normal, for the most part, however. The only thing out of the ordinary is that the ambient anam is stronger than usual, pressing down against me and into my-
-a low, ragged breath rips itself from my lungs as I turn my focus inwards. The ambient anam is pressing against me like a heavy blanket, but that is not what draws my focus. Instead, my senses turn towards the patterns of anam within me, the echoes of techniques used and Natural Wonders cycled.
My core dances beneath my Sixth Sense. Over and over again it writhes, as it has not done since I forged it so many months ago. It moves again and again in a pattern, one I am familiar with above all others- yet it is different.
Out of all my techniques, it would not be a strain to say that I am most familiar with Shatter the Mirror. It is dozens of glimmering glass shards rolling and tumbling through my spirit, each one catching the light and reflecting a vision of what could have been. It is my own creation. It is one of my most reliable weapons.
I know Shatter the Mirror, and my core is pulsing in the pattern that calls it into action. Yet instead of sending dozens of shards, it sends hundreds.
Technique Upgraded: Shatter the Mirror!
Shatter the Mirror (EMP 4)
Defender Technique 3 (Time 45) (45 Remaining)
Cost: 5 Anam
Phases: 6/7
Description: There was once a Vestige which could create many copies of itself. Kong Zhi is incapable of that feat, but thanks to time anam, he does not have to recreate it as is. Instead, he can pluck himself from another moment in time, having that copy do his bidding for a short period of time.
Defender Technique 3 (Time 45) (45 Remaining)
Cost: 5 Anam
Phases: 6/7
Description: There was once a Vestige which could create many copies of itself. Kong Zhi is incapable of that feat, but thanks to time anam, he does not have to recreate it as is. Instead, he can pluck himself from another moment in time, having that copy do his bidding for a short period of time.
The shock of the Mirror's sudden change sends a cold chill down my spine. It is as if a gossamer-thin veil has been ripped from my eyes, taking with it the warm sense that everything is just fine. No, things are not fine- things are very, very wrong.
Zhuan Kun glances up, eyes locked on me as he notices the change in my breathing. Daiyu says something, but I cannot say what it was. She may as well be speaking underwater for all I hear. My focus is still internal, still on the anam within me. The panicked pulsing of my energy seems to have made the ambient anam retreat, ending the spiritual attack… for now.
My Sixth Sense sweeps through my body, searching for damage or lasting effects. Yet the only change I can find is the one inflicted upon the Mirror. My core is undamaged. My body, unmarred and unchanged, still wearing the form of the Ivory Ferryman. There is no trace of spiritual pain, and after the Technique Masters, I know spiritual pain.
It takes several repetitions, but my breathing pattern is finally able to still the constant invocation of the Mirror. When my anam is pliable once more, I begin to cycle it through my techniques. If the Mirror can be changed, so can anything else. The Auroch's Onslaught is unchanged. An Elegant Plume still turns me to smoke. The Warhound's Cry still rips at my throat, the Garden is as peaceful as ever, and the Worldstream still conjures a soft yet steady breathe. As I push the Prince into my shadow, causing it to rise slightly from the ground, I start to relax. Just a few more and…
…my breathing patterns slows and fails as I inspect my most humble technique.
Well. So much for not panicking.
It was only a week ago that the Zhuan Clan's Technique Masters had drilled the Searing Chariot into me. Moments later, they had ripped part of it away, leaving behind what I had thought was the most excruciating spiritual pain I would ever feel… ancestors above, if only that were still true. The torturous experience resulted in the technique I had simply dubbed 'Sear', for it was a simple technique capable only of the most basic tongues of flame.
But as I inspect the space in my spirit where the technique lives, it becomes clear that Sear is simple no longer.
I did not have the chance to truly study the Searing Chariot in detail when it was grafted to my soul. Sear, however, I had studied carefully. It was… well, it was a fire technique. Its presence felt like a warm campfire, like a coal being juggled from hand to hand, like pressing a hand to a surface just slightly too hot for it.
But now? Now, the fire is… it is strange. It burns with power yet somehow feels cool. It is as if I am standing atop a mountain and have caught a glimpse of a flame miles distant. No matter how hard I try to study the ember, it never grows closer, never grows stronger. It simply remains in the corner of my mind's eye, an Everdistant Flame.
I stare down at my hand- and flick my wrist.
My reward is a handful of silver-blue flames.
Technique Altered! Sear -> The Everdistant Flame!
The Everdistant Flame (WIT 2)
Archer Technique 2 (Fire 14/Time 6) (14/6 remaining)
Cost: 1 Anam
Current Phase: 1/7
Description: The Artist calls upon flames that once were and may soon be again, turning that potential fire into a burning conflagration.
Archer Technique 2 (Fire 14/Time 6) (14/6 remaining)
Cost: 1 Anam
Current Phase: 1/7
Description: The Artist calls upon flames that once were and may soon be again, turning that potential fire into a burning conflagration.
Sear (WIT 2)
Archer Technique 1 (Fire 13)
Cost: 1 Anam
Current Phase: 1/6
Description: The Artist unleashes a plume of fire towards their foe.
Archer Technique 1 (Fire 13)
Cost: 1 Anam
Current Phase: 1/6
Description: The Artist unleashes a plume of fire towards their foe.
Searing Chariot (WIT 2)
Archer Technique 2 (Fire 12/Rain 3)
Cost: 2 Anam
Current Phase: 0/6 (LOCKED)
Description: The Artist weaves a cloud of flame which soars high before showering its very body down upon their foe.
Archer Technique 2 (Fire 12/Rain 3)
Cost: 2 Anam
Current Phase: 0/6 (LOCKED)
Description: The Artist weaves a cloud of flame which soars high before showering its very body down upon their foe.
A small part of my mind observes them with keen interest. What are they? They look like flames, but there is no heat. It is almost as if they are the ghosts of flames long past, or perhaps shadows of flames yet to come. What do they do? How can this be used? How will it dovetail with my existing arsenal? It feels far more powerful than Sear did, that is for certain.
But that is only a small corner of my mind. The rest? The rest is full of such pure panic that I nearly fall from Quishu's saddle.
What is happening?! Shatter the Mirror grew stronger? Sear has been infused with something new- no, it isn't new. It is faint, but the playful kitten-like energy I've come to expect from Time anam dances amidst the flames. This is far from the first occasion that Time anam has done as it willed, but never before have its changes been quite so blatant.
Daiyu seems to be shouting now, but her words go unheard beneath the sound of my own heartbeat. I glance at her, only partially realizing who I'm looking at from beneath the veil of panic. But the sight of Daiyu does remind me that I've one technique left to test. I force my breathing back under control, clench my fist to dismiss the spectral flames, and look to the… to the…
…to the Horizon.
-a look of sheer exhaustion in a child's eyes-
-the booming bark of a scarred hound-
- "Let them dream."-
-"But above all else, it requires sacrifice."-
-<Shock. Surprise. Fury.>-
Slowly, I become aware of something hard beneath my face- the ground. Above me, sounds of shock and panic fill the air, ripped from human and loamwalker throats alike.
Ah. I must have fallen from Quishu's saddle. That… is likely not ideal.
As my mind races, strong hands reach down beneath my arms and pull me to my feet. Zhuan Kun does not let go once I've regained my balance, instead holding me steady as if I may topple over at any moment. Daiyu has spun away, eyes searching the forest for any threat with New Moon in her hand. Both are barking commands to the Clerk and to Quishu, trying to keep the surprised bureaucrat and surprisingly distraught beast calm even as they fight their own burgeoning panic.
"Zhi!" Daiyu barks once she sees I'm standing once more. "What hit you?! Where did it come from?! I-"
"No, no," I manage to say, clearing my throat. "It was not- I…"
Words fail me as memories cascade through my mind, slotting into holes I had not even realized existed. Spectral blue images written in the fire of the stars regain their color, forming a complete and uninterrupted picture that I can see for the first time.
…and for the second time in an endless day, I remember.
I remember everything.
I shrug Zhuan Kun's hands away but grab his forearm, unwilling to let him go too far. With my other, steady hand, I reach out, grasping Daiyu's wrist and pulling her closer. Both stare at me in surprise and concern, and when I lower my head, they join theirs to mine in a huddle without hesitation.
"Daiyu. Zhuan Kun." I pause, letting out a long breath through a mouth as dry as the Wastes. "We… have a problem."
Kong Zhi has recovered his memories of the recurring day! How does he change his approach?
[] [APPROACH] Something that is more clear than ever is that there is something very wrong with the villagers in Shoubiao's Wake. Kong Zhi will try and gain answers from one whether they like it or not.
-[] (Write-In which villager)
[] [APPROACH] There is no longer any question about it; this village is dangerous. Kong Zhi will approach Clerk Ni and ask him to wait outside of the village while he enters to investigate in a more subtle way.
[] [APPROACH] In the past, Kong Zhi wandered freely through the village. Perhaps that was a mistake. We will continue the examination as normal, only Zhi will take a different role.
-[] (Write-In which role)
[] [APPROACH] Shoubiao's Wake is dangerous, and the wise thing to do would be to retreat. Zhi will attempt to redirect the examination towards Twelve Fields, where a more learned expert may be contacted.
[] [APPROACH] (Write-In)
Are there any small (and let me stress small) things Zhi would like to do regardless of the path he takes?
[] [SMALL] (Write-In, please append the [SMALL] prefix to any votes for this addition. Anything with over half the vote will be added if possible. Use this to add details you would like to be certain are covered, such as reading in Daiyu and Zhuan Kun or anything else you may think of.)
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
[X] [APPROACH] Shoubiao's Wake is dangerous, and the wise thing to do would be to retreat. Zhi will attempt to redirect the examination towards Twelve Fields, where a more learned expert may be contacted.
Just Walk Out!
You Can Leave!
Time Loops, Spirit Beasts, Social Obligation thing, Kukuni if you're quick.
When it sucks, hit da bricks. Real Winners Quit!
Just Walk Out!
You Can Leave!
Time Loops, Spirit Beasts, Social Obligation thing, Kukuni if you're quick.
When it sucks, hit da bricks. Real Winners Quit!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Sear was definitely the right choice to shunt that Time Anam into, I think. We got a super neat technique out of it, after all, in exchange for one that was thoroughly pedestrian.
I have no idea what approach is best here. I'm gonna need to think on that.
I have no idea what approach is best here. I'm gonna need to think on that.
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
Yeah no.
Just fucking leave. We've dealt with enough bullshit outside of our weight class and whilst I'd like to solve this one, We've been played utterly and completely at every turn.
Edit: Also, "just the start", like whatever's behind this didn't just rub into our faces how badly we fucked up already and didn't even know.
DangerKitty
shoddy writter
- Location
- lala land
yeah, i do think that this is probably our only chance to get tf out of dodge like that spirit warned us. if we go forward i dont think theres any going back and we are risking a quest end.
Add that to the fact that due to taking the same action twice we severely limited our info on the village AND alerted the kukuni that we are a threat. I think the most responsible course of action is to take our TWO tech upgrades and get tf out. this is a problem for siani. we could very easily get mei, zhaun, ni and the treasure destroyed even if we make it out alive. they don't have the same weird juju protections that we have. recognizing when you have been outplayed is important to.
the real question is:
Do we want to be responsible and admit defeat?
Add that to the fact that due to taking the same action twice we severely limited our info on the village AND alerted the kukuni that we are a threat. I think the most responsible course of action is to take our TWO tech upgrades and get tf out. this is a problem for siani. we could very easily get mei, zhaun, ni and the treasure destroyed even if we make it out alive. they don't have the same weird juju protections that we have. recognizing when you have been outplayed is important to.
the real question is:
Do we want to be responsible and admit defeat?
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
I think leaving is absolutely correct...if it works. I'm much less sure it will work, and if it doesn't I worry there will be negative consequences for trying.
[X] [APPROACH] In the past, Kong Zhi wandered freely through the village. Perhaps that was a mistake. We will continue the examination as normal, only Zhi will take a different role.
-[x] The record-keeper for the examination.
Leaving either wastes time if it fails or is the most boring possible option if it works. Let's do a run where we try not to interfere and let things happen.
-[x] The record-keeper for the examination.
Leaving either wastes time if it fails or is the most boring possible option if it works. Let's do a run where we try not to interfere and let things happen.
[X] [APPROACH] In the past, Kong Zhi wandered freely through the village. Perhaps that was a mistake. We will continue the examination as normal, only Zhi will take a different role.
-[X] Guard
[X][SMALL] Use Shatter the Mirror by the cart
[X][SMALL] Inform Daiyu and Kun that we're in a Time Loop and get them looking out for weird stuff in the village too, but also say that they shouldn't stick out or interrupt the villagers routines, just observe them and look for discrepancies
And that's all we needed. We now know in character that this is 100% some Time fuckery and we can begin investigating properly.
1st up, see how our Time tech interacts with the Loop. 2nd, get two more pairs of eyes looking for bullshit. Guard position as it lets us observe villagers we didn't before.
-[X] Guard
[X][SMALL] Use Shatter the Mirror by the cart
[X][SMALL] Inform Daiyu and Kun that we're in a Time Loop and get them looking out for weird stuff in the village too, but also say that they shouldn't stick out or interrupt the villagers routines, just observe them and look for discrepancies
And that's all we needed. We now know in character that this is 100% some Time fuckery and we can begin investigating properly.
1st up, see how our Time tech interacts with the Loop. 2nd, get two more pairs of eyes looking for bullshit. Guard position as it lets us observe villagers we didn't before.
DangerKitty
shoddy writter
- Location
- lala land
if we are going to do this and try to shatter the mirror, i think it makes most sense to write in to shatter as we sense the storm approaching/the dog barking as those have been the two indicators were about to get reset.
No no, that's too far in. We need to do it early in the loop first to see what happens in our next go around. Cause if our alt shows up in the next loop at no cost? That's huge, but I don't want it happening in the middle of the village.
Once we know how it interacts with the loop, then we can try and use it to jail break some shit.
We're in the info gathering stage right now, not the proactive stage yet.
- Pronouns
- He/It/Argh!
We need access to their records.
Going in as imperial testers seems allowed, but we need to warn Clerk Ni not to try to interfere with anyone's routine even when nobody turns up for the testing.
Core discount for learning techniques missing:
Going in as imperial testers seems allowed, but we need to warn Clerk Ni not to try to interfere with anyone's routine even when nobody turns up for the testing.
Core discount for learning techniques missing:
Should be 32 remaining.
Should be 4 Time remaining.
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ClawClawBite
Mad Engineering!
- Location
- Seattle, WA
If it counts as a small thing...
As we enter, we should keep an eye out for anyone else crafting in public, and see how their skills measure up.
As we enter, we should keep an eye out for anyone else crafting in public, and see how their skills measure up.
DangerKitty
shoddy writter
- Location
- lala land
no, we are in the do or die stage now.
if getting monologed by our opponent, and zhi collapsing no less than two seperate times and almost dying to said opponent doesn't ring some alarm bells, seriously. what will?
We have this loop and at most probably ONE more. And again the entity could target ni, it could target zhaun, it could target mei with the attack we just took. I could see zhaun maybe having a lifesaving treasure or something he could use to dodge it, but mei or ni would prob just get unmade. We got out of it cus it was a time anam crush, but we have a time core AND rolled like 10+ successes on our cycling test.
If we continue at all we are putting our entire teams lives on the line for no reason than our own pride.
If we fuck up again someone could die, we could get even MORE villagers unmade. We know whats going to happen to them. they are going to keep looping. They're fine. let siani know, and leave it to them.
Tho it would be interesting if siani sent us and sun yijun together to tackle this. time and fate artists would prob be a potent combo vs this dilemma.
- Location
- USA
Yeah it's not impossible this is a vote like the Statue where "get the fuck out and tell someone" is the right play, but given the whole mystery of figuring out what's up, I would be a little surprised if bailing works.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Seriously, this seems comically above our paygrade considering how literally EVERYTHING related to Time Anam (including Kong Zhi himself) is treated!
[X] [APPROACH] Shoubiao's Wake is dangerous, and the wise thing to do would be to retreat. Zhi will attempt to redirect the examination towards Twelve Fields, where a more learned expert may be contacted.
[X] [APPROACH] Shoubiao's Wake is dangerous, and the wise thing to do would be to retreat. Zhi will attempt to redirect the examination towards Twelve Fields, where a more learned expert may be contacted.