As far as we are aware charms can't be upgraded once they've been infused.
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
-
- Tags
- original xianxia cultivation quest
As far as we are aware charms can't be upgraded once they've been infused.
I1. The Waiting Game (Commission)
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: Heads up everyone. The following is not the update! Instead, this is something new for Path: a commission! This month, one of my Freeholding Lords decided they wanted some minor slice of life featuring everyone's favorite dog girl. After a some though and much hammering at the keyboard, this is what popped out. If you enjoy this story and want to make more like it happen, head on over to my Patreon! Link is in my sig. I still have one (and ONLY one) commission slot open!
But now, onto the show. Enjoy.
-----------------------
When the girl who calls herself Nokai wakes from a deep slumber, there is a game she likes to play. It is a simple game, the kind a child plays against a parent.. When she wakes, she does not get up from her resting place. She does not move a muscle. She does her best not to even change her breathing. Nokai simply lies there and waits to see how long it takes before her hounds realize she is conscious once more.
Some days, the game only lasts a few minutes before a dog- usually Xue- notices and alerts the others with a cacophony of yapping. Other days, it can go on for hours. Nokai's personal best was set months ago, within the soft confines of her 'room' in the General's Grave. Back then, she had laid motionless for nearly three hours before Lan had gotten tired of resting at her back and had forced things with a heavy paw set firmly in her midsection.
And today, Nokai has a chance to beat even that record. By her best guess, she has been lying still for almost ninety minutes without a dog being the wiser. She desperately wants to move her legs to restore their blood flow, but doing so would disturb Zhao and thus give the game away. Her nose itches, her blankets are far too warm, and she has things she needs to get up and do, but she refuses to move. There are other things that she could be doing, should be doing, but she cannot bring herself to do them. Not while victory is within her grasp! She can taste it this time!
But Nokai has forgotten one key detail: unlike in General's Grave, she does not sleep in an empty room. And other people have less patience for her games than her hounds do.
A perfumed pillow flies across the room at speeds impossible to dodge. It smacks directly into Nokai's face. The impact does not bother her at all- but the smells do. The fragrant floral scent darts into her nose like a conqueror. Despite her best efforts, she sneezes. Nokai sneezes so strongly that she sits up, trumpeting her consciousness to the world.
All around her, bedlam erupts. Zhao leaps from his spot at her feet and lands on all fours, letting out a series of low, rumbling barks. To the left, Lan begins to bray, his high keening howl complimenting Zhao's barks in a way that makes them seem almost melodic. It isn't until Lu joins in with his tiny yips that the sound starts to great. At least Xue doesn't add to the canine chorus; he contents himself by spinning wildly in a circle, putting all of his newly awoken energy into hunting down his dastardly tail.
It's enough to make Nokai sigh. She rubs furiously at her still stinging nose, ignoring all the chaos as best she can. Only when the scent of roses and lilacs are finally gone does she look up and fix her companion with a pleading look. "Mo Hanying," Nokai moans, the strange, slow language of the Radiants heavy on her tongue. "Why?"
Across the room sits Mo Hanying. Unlike Nokai, the noble is already dressed in fresh robes and her hair is already tied back in it's customary braid. Clearly she is ready to start the day. But she seems to be much less able to deal with the racket than her roommate. "Make them stop!" she calls out, fighting to be heard over the howls of the beasts.
Nokai sticks a finger in her ear and wiggles it about. "What say?" she calls back. "Hear bad!"
"Make them stop barking!" Mo Hanying yells at the top of her lungs.
"Eh?!" Nokai calls back, fighting to keep a smile off of her face. "Not hear! Wait! Calm hounds!" Despite her words she still waits, letting the dogs continue to cause chaos. In the center of the room, Xue keeps spinning wildly. He is getting closer and closer to Mo Hanying's territory. If he keeps going, he is going to run right into several of her roommates books, sending them all tumbling to the floor.
...Nokai decides to wait a little longer.
Mo Hanying spots the problem within seconds and moves faster than Nokai has ever seen her move before, interposing herself between the whirling dervish and her keepsakes from home. "Nokai!" she yells. "Calm your hounds! Now! Please!"
For a moment, Nokai is tempted to let them keep going. They aren't bothering her after all. But as Xue's fur brushes Mo Hanying's leg, she decides to take pity on the other girl. Nokai lifts two fingers to her mouth and lets out a shrill, piercing whistle as she stares at the ceiling.
Instantly, the noise stops save for the scampering of paws. Nokai drops her gaze to the floor and finds what she knew she would: all her dogs lined up and sitting at her side. The only exception is Lu. While he's taken his place between Zhao and Lu, he seems to have taken the cessation of Xue's spinning as an invitation to start his own laps. Thankfully, Zhao has much experience corralling the smaller dog. A heavy paw on Lu's back squashes him into place.
Nokai grins at the sight and reaches out to give Zhao a congratulatory ear scratch. As she does, she looks up at Mo Hanying. Her roommate has moved from shielding her books and now stands in the middle of the shack. Her hands are on her hips as she glares at Nokai. "Why did you take so long to stop them?!" she hisses.
Nokai takes her time answering, letting the feel of Zhao's ears soothe her as she tries to understand what Mo Hanying is saying. Why do all of these Radiants talk so slowly?! Do they take pride in making others wait for hours while they finish a sole thought? It seems likely; the Radiants take pride in almost everything else. "Why pillow?" Nokai finally replies. Her free hand gropes around behind her until she finds the foul cushion, which she gestures at her roommate with emphatically.
"Because!" Mo Hanying replies. "You were already awake, and it is time to begin the day! You will never accomplish anything if you laze about in bed!"
The noble's words have the air of those often quoted, but Nokai could not care less. She fixes Mo Hanying with a gimlet look. "Accomplish rest," she deadpans. "Sleep now. Thank pillow." Then she rolls over, clutching Mo Hanying's foul pillow and gestures for the hounds to relax.
The pillow may be the worst smelling thing that Nokai has ever rested her head upon, but at least it serves to hide her smile. She gives it perhaps five seconds before Mo Haying realizes what's happening, and then another ten before she fully comprehends that she's being ignored. Nokai counts the time down in her head, and sure enough, fifteen seconds later her roommate starts to sputter. "Nokai!" she yells. "Nokai! Give me my pillow back! Nokai!"
In answer, Nokai lets out a loud, fake snore. There's a smacking sound as Mo Hanying stomps her foot against the ground. "Okay, fine!" she huffs out. "I 'woke' you because I plan to take an assignment today and I was hoping for your company. Alright?"
Nokai pops up immediately. "Oh. Why not say?"
Mo Hanying searches desperately for an answer as Nokai watches with a growing smile. In truth, Nokai knows exactly why Mo Hanying did not just ask her to come on an assignment with her: because she talks in circles with an almost religious intensity. Simple statements are not good enough for Mo Hanying; why would she ever use one word when thirty words can do the job just as well? She won't come out and ask for assistance with a job. Instead, she will drop hints until someone volunteers to help her.
Nokai has danced to her tune several times. But now, it is far more amusing to cut her off at the knees before her dance begins and watch her struggle to adapt.
A knock at the door interrupts Nokai's entertainment. She sighs and leans back, resting her head against the garden Mo Hanying sleeps on while her roommates eagerly takes advantage of the distraction. Mo Hanying opens the door a crack and glances out. "What is- Oh! Shi! Good morning."
From the other side of the door, the voice of Mo Hanying's partner speaks up. "Good morning, Hanying!" he thunders. "May I just say that you look lovely today?"
Mo Hanying bites back a sigh, but Nokai is fairly certain that she's smiling in response to the compliment. "My thanks. It is a welcome surprise to see you- though still a surprise. What may I do for you?"
"Ah, no, it is what I may do for you!" he intones. Nokai rolls over and buries her head in the pillows; does Huo Shi ever speak below a dull roar? She can still hear him clearly through the cushions! "Were you aware that tonight is the Moonlit Market?"
"I was not," Mo Hanying answers. "And what, pray tell, is the Moonlit Market?"
"I- may I come in?" Huo Shi replies. "It is quite awkward to speak through a door after all!"
Mo Hanying pauses, but nods. "Of course. Please, come in. My apologies."
"None are needed!" comes Huo Shi's answer. He walks into the small shack and glances around, taking in his new surroundings. "And Good Morning, Nokai! Your beasts are looking well. Xue, Li, Lan, Xhao, you all seem quite healthy!"
The dogs all fix him with a steady, unblinking look, which he takes no note of. Instead he turns back to his betrothed. "The Moonlit Market is this wonderful tradition that the villagers hold when the moon is full. The bakers prepare special pastries, the town guard goes out and hunts a grown boar, and the merchants stay open late and are far more willing to haggle. From what Wei Rong tells me, it is quite the experience, and more of a party than anything else."
"I see," Mo Hanying says. "And it is tonight, you say?"
"Yes! I was hoping that you would allow me the honor of escorting you to it. I-"
"Of course!" Mo Hanying chirps. "It sounds like a delightful opportunity. Nokai, would you like to come?"
Nokai rolls over in her bed and fixes Mo Hanying with a flat look. From what the scarred disciple is saying, it sounds like this Moonlit Market would be the last place Nokai will enjoy. A town full of merchants acting like they're special because the moon is out? Nokai would much rather stay here and stare at the stone sky.
She opens her mouth to say so, but Huo Shi beats her to it. "I was hoping it might be just the pair of us," he says slowly. "Though, of course, Nokai's company would be delightful-""
Mo Hanying nods and cuts him off so smoothly that Nokai isn't sure he's aware that it's happened. "I'm glad you agree. Such experiences are far more enjoyable when shared. Isn't that right?"
Her words are for Huo Shi, but her eyes are on Nokai. Her message is clear: please say yes and spare Mo Hanying an evening of just Huo Shi's company. Part of Nokai urges her to accompany one of her two friends and help her through an irritating situation, but the rest of her cannot be bothered. Besides, Mo Hanying brought this upon herself with her terrible pillow. "No come. Train. Have fun!"
Mo Hanying's eyes narrow, but Huo Shi could not possibly be more thrilled. "That is quite a shame," he answers, trying his best to keep his excitement from his voice and failing miserably. "Perhaps next time. But your words have given me quite the idea, Hanying! You are indeed correct; we should bring some company. Lian Zan has been hinting that his newest work is ready to be shared; he would add some much welcome entertainment! Perhaps you ask Gao Ning to join us as well. I'm certain her own skills would be a sight worth seeing on a night such as this."
"Oh, perhaps," Mo Hanying answers. She's still glaring at Nokai; the barbarian's treachery will not be forgotten. But Nokai cannot begin to bring herself to care. She lays back and relaxes as Mo Hanying continues to scramble for an escape from an event that has gone from a possibility to a certainty within seconds. "Gao Ning is no doubt busy with her other duties. I would not dream of interrupting her-"
"Then let us find her!" Huo Shi exclaims. "If she is busy, then we shall leave her be. But if she is not, surely she will be grateful for the invitation!" He spins and bows slightly to Nokai. "And should you finish your training earlier than anticipated, please, find us!"
Then,with a spin and a slamming of the door, and one last petulant stare from Mo Hanying, Nokai finds herself alone with her dogs and a suddenly free afternoon.
At first, Nokai tries to resume her game. But the momentum is lost; she would have to restart from nothing to approach her previous record. And besides, without Mo Hanying to annoy, the game has lost a great deal of its fun. So the barbarian leaps from her bed, feeds her patiently waiting hounds, and leaves the shack to actually do some training.
On her way to her usual training field however, Nokai slows to a halt. She could train, certainly. There is always more to learn and more to practice. But despite her need for growth, she cannot find the passion or the joy she normally discovers in the act. So instead, she moves along, ambling past the craters and into the wilds.
Nokai moves aimlessly for quite some time. She does not look for anything to consume her time; instead, she simply allows herself to wander. And as she does, she ponders her lack of drive. What is making her feel so aimless? This is not who she usually is- except for the part where she tormented Mo Hanying. That is very much who she usually is. But besides that, what has made her sleep the morning away and amble through the wilderness of the Delving Heart instead of doing anything productive?
Eventually Nokai finds the end of a tunnel and settles down in it, slumping against the stone as she considers her actions. And she considers her actions, she does what she always does when she needs to think: she looks to Lu.
In addition to their normal training, each of Nokai's hounds have been taught a very specific set of skills. Zhao is the club of the pack, ready to be brought down upon an enemy with overwhelming force. Lan is a shield; he will stand in defense of any pack member brought low. And Xue? Xue is perceptive. He is a scout, and he has the keenest senses of any of Nokai's pack.
But Lu? Lu has no specific purpose. He is not trained for battle beyond the basics. He has shown no great aptitude for seeking things out. He is simply a small dog with nothing more on his mind than his family and his needs.
And so he is the perfect gauge for Nokai's own needs. If Lu seems displeased with something, Nokai herself is displeased with that same thing. Pleasing one will please the other.
For his part, Lu seems perfectly content when Nokai gives them the playtime command. He runs and romps and wrestles with Xue before trying and failing to do the same with Lan. It's only when the shaggy dog lets Lu up that the smaller hound seems anything less than thrilled with his lot in life. Bereft of suitable companions- Lu learned long ago not to try to play with Zhao- he begins wandering back and forth, roaming from wall to wall.
Does he have too much energy? Is that Nokai's problem; that she has too little to occupy her attention? Or does he simply wish for another packmate? If that's the case, Nokai agrees, but there is not much she can do. Finding the proper fit for her hounds is a lengthy process that cannot be rushed, and certainly cannot be done while dwelling underground. Or-
Underground.
That's what Lu's problem is. He doesn't like being underground. He misses the wind, the rain, the stars. He misses the Sun.
Nokai hadn't realized how much she misses the sun until this very moment. She had thought that she was dealing with it's absence just fine. But now that she thinks of it, when was the last time Nokai was simply outside? Not out doing an assignment and not out in a 'garden' set aside for her use, but actually outside in the light simply for the pleasure of it?
It has been years.
This cannot be allowed to continue. The Radiants may take almost everything from her, but they will not be allowed to take the light.
Nokai stands with new purpose. She does not need to command her hounds to follow her; they do so on their own, instantly picking up on her renewed desires. Together, the five of them leave the cavern and head through the tunnels, seeking any new passage that leads up.
And when they emerge into the light, and Nokai stands on the side of Heaven's Crown, basking in the light of day, it is almost like coming home.
But now, onto the show. Enjoy.
-----------------------
When the girl who calls herself Nokai wakes from a deep slumber, there is a game she likes to play. It is a simple game, the kind a child plays against a parent.. When she wakes, she does not get up from her resting place. She does not move a muscle. She does her best not to even change her breathing. Nokai simply lies there and waits to see how long it takes before her hounds realize she is conscious once more.
Some days, the game only lasts a few minutes before a dog- usually Xue- notices and alerts the others with a cacophony of yapping. Other days, it can go on for hours. Nokai's personal best was set months ago, within the soft confines of her 'room' in the General's Grave. Back then, she had laid motionless for nearly three hours before Lan had gotten tired of resting at her back and had forced things with a heavy paw set firmly in her midsection.
And today, Nokai has a chance to beat even that record. By her best guess, she has been lying still for almost ninety minutes without a dog being the wiser. She desperately wants to move her legs to restore their blood flow, but doing so would disturb Zhao and thus give the game away. Her nose itches, her blankets are far too warm, and she has things she needs to get up and do, but she refuses to move. There are other things that she could be doing, should be doing, but she cannot bring herself to do them. Not while victory is within her grasp! She can taste it this time!
But Nokai has forgotten one key detail: unlike in General's Grave, she does not sleep in an empty room. And other people have less patience for her games than her hounds do.
A perfumed pillow flies across the room at speeds impossible to dodge. It smacks directly into Nokai's face. The impact does not bother her at all- but the smells do. The fragrant floral scent darts into her nose like a conqueror. Despite her best efforts, she sneezes. Nokai sneezes so strongly that she sits up, trumpeting her consciousness to the world.
All around her, bedlam erupts. Zhao leaps from his spot at her feet and lands on all fours, letting out a series of low, rumbling barks. To the left, Lan begins to bray, his high keening howl complimenting Zhao's barks in a way that makes them seem almost melodic. It isn't until Lu joins in with his tiny yips that the sound starts to great. At least Xue doesn't add to the canine chorus; he contents himself by spinning wildly in a circle, putting all of his newly awoken energy into hunting down his dastardly tail.
It's enough to make Nokai sigh. She rubs furiously at her still stinging nose, ignoring all the chaos as best she can. Only when the scent of roses and lilacs are finally gone does she look up and fix her companion with a pleading look. "Mo Hanying," Nokai moans, the strange, slow language of the Radiants heavy on her tongue. "Why?"
Across the room sits Mo Hanying. Unlike Nokai, the noble is already dressed in fresh robes and her hair is already tied back in it's customary braid. Clearly she is ready to start the day. But she seems to be much less able to deal with the racket than her roommate. "Make them stop!" she calls out, fighting to be heard over the howls of the beasts.
Nokai sticks a finger in her ear and wiggles it about. "What say?" she calls back. "Hear bad!"
"Make them stop barking!" Mo Hanying yells at the top of her lungs.
"Eh?!" Nokai calls back, fighting to keep a smile off of her face. "Not hear! Wait! Calm hounds!" Despite her words she still waits, letting the dogs continue to cause chaos. In the center of the room, Xue keeps spinning wildly. He is getting closer and closer to Mo Hanying's territory. If he keeps going, he is going to run right into several of her roommates books, sending them all tumbling to the floor.
...Nokai decides to wait a little longer.
Mo Hanying spots the problem within seconds and moves faster than Nokai has ever seen her move before, interposing herself between the whirling dervish and her keepsakes from home. "Nokai!" she yells. "Calm your hounds! Now! Please!"
For a moment, Nokai is tempted to let them keep going. They aren't bothering her after all. But as Xue's fur brushes Mo Hanying's leg, she decides to take pity on the other girl. Nokai lifts two fingers to her mouth and lets out a shrill, piercing whistle as she stares at the ceiling.
Instantly, the noise stops save for the scampering of paws. Nokai drops her gaze to the floor and finds what she knew she would: all her dogs lined up and sitting at her side. The only exception is Lu. While he's taken his place between Zhao and Lu, he seems to have taken the cessation of Xue's spinning as an invitation to start his own laps. Thankfully, Zhao has much experience corralling the smaller dog. A heavy paw on Lu's back squashes him into place.
Nokai grins at the sight and reaches out to give Zhao a congratulatory ear scratch. As she does, she looks up at Mo Hanying. Her roommate has moved from shielding her books and now stands in the middle of the shack. Her hands are on her hips as she glares at Nokai. "Why did you take so long to stop them?!" she hisses.
Nokai takes her time answering, letting the feel of Zhao's ears soothe her as she tries to understand what Mo Hanying is saying. Why do all of these Radiants talk so slowly?! Do they take pride in making others wait for hours while they finish a sole thought? It seems likely; the Radiants take pride in almost everything else. "Why pillow?" Nokai finally replies. Her free hand gropes around behind her until she finds the foul cushion, which she gestures at her roommate with emphatically.
"Because!" Mo Hanying replies. "You were already awake, and it is time to begin the day! You will never accomplish anything if you laze about in bed!"
The noble's words have the air of those often quoted, but Nokai could not care less. She fixes Mo Hanying with a gimlet look. "Accomplish rest," she deadpans. "Sleep now. Thank pillow." Then she rolls over, clutching Mo Hanying's foul pillow and gestures for the hounds to relax.
The pillow may be the worst smelling thing that Nokai has ever rested her head upon, but at least it serves to hide her smile. She gives it perhaps five seconds before Mo Haying realizes what's happening, and then another ten before she fully comprehends that she's being ignored. Nokai counts the time down in her head, and sure enough, fifteen seconds later her roommate starts to sputter. "Nokai!" she yells. "Nokai! Give me my pillow back! Nokai!"
In answer, Nokai lets out a loud, fake snore. There's a smacking sound as Mo Hanying stomps her foot against the ground. "Okay, fine!" she huffs out. "I 'woke' you because I plan to take an assignment today and I was hoping for your company. Alright?"
Nokai pops up immediately. "Oh. Why not say?"
Mo Hanying searches desperately for an answer as Nokai watches with a growing smile. In truth, Nokai knows exactly why Mo Hanying did not just ask her to come on an assignment with her: because she talks in circles with an almost religious intensity. Simple statements are not good enough for Mo Hanying; why would she ever use one word when thirty words can do the job just as well? She won't come out and ask for assistance with a job. Instead, she will drop hints until someone volunteers to help her.
Nokai has danced to her tune several times. But now, it is far more amusing to cut her off at the knees before her dance begins and watch her struggle to adapt.
A knock at the door interrupts Nokai's entertainment. She sighs and leans back, resting her head against the garden Mo Hanying sleeps on while her roommates eagerly takes advantage of the distraction. Mo Hanying opens the door a crack and glances out. "What is- Oh! Shi! Good morning."
From the other side of the door, the voice of Mo Hanying's partner speaks up. "Good morning, Hanying!" he thunders. "May I just say that you look lovely today?"
Mo Hanying bites back a sigh, but Nokai is fairly certain that she's smiling in response to the compliment. "My thanks. It is a welcome surprise to see you- though still a surprise. What may I do for you?"
"Ah, no, it is what I may do for you!" he intones. Nokai rolls over and buries her head in the pillows; does Huo Shi ever speak below a dull roar? She can still hear him clearly through the cushions! "Were you aware that tonight is the Moonlit Market?"
"I was not," Mo Hanying answers. "And what, pray tell, is the Moonlit Market?"
"I- may I come in?" Huo Shi replies. "It is quite awkward to speak through a door after all!"
Mo Hanying pauses, but nods. "Of course. Please, come in. My apologies."
"None are needed!" comes Huo Shi's answer. He walks into the small shack and glances around, taking in his new surroundings. "And Good Morning, Nokai! Your beasts are looking well. Xue, Li, Lan, Xhao, you all seem quite healthy!"
The dogs all fix him with a steady, unblinking look, which he takes no note of. Instead he turns back to his betrothed. "The Moonlit Market is this wonderful tradition that the villagers hold when the moon is full. The bakers prepare special pastries, the town guard goes out and hunts a grown boar, and the merchants stay open late and are far more willing to haggle. From what Wei Rong tells me, it is quite the experience, and more of a party than anything else."
"I see," Mo Hanying says. "And it is tonight, you say?"
"Yes! I was hoping that you would allow me the honor of escorting you to it. I-"
"Of course!" Mo Hanying chirps. "It sounds like a delightful opportunity. Nokai, would you like to come?"
Nokai rolls over in her bed and fixes Mo Hanying with a flat look. From what the scarred disciple is saying, it sounds like this Moonlit Market would be the last place Nokai will enjoy. A town full of merchants acting like they're special because the moon is out? Nokai would much rather stay here and stare at the stone sky.
She opens her mouth to say so, but Huo Shi beats her to it. "I was hoping it might be just the pair of us," he says slowly. "Though, of course, Nokai's company would be delightful-""
Mo Hanying nods and cuts him off so smoothly that Nokai isn't sure he's aware that it's happened. "I'm glad you agree. Such experiences are far more enjoyable when shared. Isn't that right?"
Her words are for Huo Shi, but her eyes are on Nokai. Her message is clear: please say yes and spare Mo Hanying an evening of just Huo Shi's company. Part of Nokai urges her to accompany one of her two friends and help her through an irritating situation, but the rest of her cannot be bothered. Besides, Mo Hanying brought this upon herself with her terrible pillow. "No come. Train. Have fun!"
Mo Hanying's eyes narrow, but Huo Shi could not possibly be more thrilled. "That is quite a shame," he answers, trying his best to keep his excitement from his voice and failing miserably. "Perhaps next time. But your words have given me quite the idea, Hanying! You are indeed correct; we should bring some company. Lian Zan has been hinting that his newest work is ready to be shared; he would add some much welcome entertainment! Perhaps you ask Gao Ning to join us as well. I'm certain her own skills would be a sight worth seeing on a night such as this."
"Oh, perhaps," Mo Hanying answers. She's still glaring at Nokai; the barbarian's treachery will not be forgotten. But Nokai cannot begin to bring herself to care. She lays back and relaxes as Mo Hanying continues to scramble for an escape from an event that has gone from a possibility to a certainty within seconds. "Gao Ning is no doubt busy with her other duties. I would not dream of interrupting her-"
"Then let us find her!" Huo Shi exclaims. "If she is busy, then we shall leave her be. But if she is not, surely she will be grateful for the invitation!" He spins and bows slightly to Nokai. "And should you finish your training earlier than anticipated, please, find us!"
Then,with a spin and a slamming of the door, and one last petulant stare from Mo Hanying, Nokai finds herself alone with her dogs and a suddenly free afternoon.
At first, Nokai tries to resume her game. But the momentum is lost; she would have to restart from nothing to approach her previous record. And besides, without Mo Hanying to annoy, the game has lost a great deal of its fun. So the barbarian leaps from her bed, feeds her patiently waiting hounds, and leaves the shack to actually do some training.
On her way to her usual training field however, Nokai slows to a halt. She could train, certainly. There is always more to learn and more to practice. But despite her need for growth, she cannot find the passion or the joy she normally discovers in the act. So instead, she moves along, ambling past the craters and into the wilds.
Nokai moves aimlessly for quite some time. She does not look for anything to consume her time; instead, she simply allows herself to wander. And as she does, she ponders her lack of drive. What is making her feel so aimless? This is not who she usually is- except for the part where she tormented Mo Hanying. That is very much who she usually is. But besides that, what has made her sleep the morning away and amble through the wilderness of the Delving Heart instead of doing anything productive?
Eventually Nokai finds the end of a tunnel and settles down in it, slumping against the stone as she considers her actions. And she considers her actions, she does what she always does when she needs to think: she looks to Lu.
In addition to their normal training, each of Nokai's hounds have been taught a very specific set of skills. Zhao is the club of the pack, ready to be brought down upon an enemy with overwhelming force. Lan is a shield; he will stand in defense of any pack member brought low. And Xue? Xue is perceptive. He is a scout, and he has the keenest senses of any of Nokai's pack.
But Lu? Lu has no specific purpose. He is not trained for battle beyond the basics. He has shown no great aptitude for seeking things out. He is simply a small dog with nothing more on his mind than his family and his needs.
And so he is the perfect gauge for Nokai's own needs. If Lu seems displeased with something, Nokai herself is displeased with that same thing. Pleasing one will please the other.
For his part, Lu seems perfectly content when Nokai gives them the playtime command. He runs and romps and wrestles with Xue before trying and failing to do the same with Lan. It's only when the shaggy dog lets Lu up that the smaller hound seems anything less than thrilled with his lot in life. Bereft of suitable companions- Lu learned long ago not to try to play with Zhao- he begins wandering back and forth, roaming from wall to wall.
Does he have too much energy? Is that Nokai's problem; that she has too little to occupy her attention? Or does he simply wish for another packmate? If that's the case, Nokai agrees, but there is not much she can do. Finding the proper fit for her hounds is a lengthy process that cannot be rushed, and certainly cannot be done while dwelling underground. Or-
Underground.
That's what Lu's problem is. He doesn't like being underground. He misses the wind, the rain, the stars. He misses the Sun.
Nokai hadn't realized how much she misses the sun until this very moment. She had thought that she was dealing with it's absence just fine. But now that she thinks of it, when was the last time Nokai was simply outside? Not out doing an assignment and not out in a 'garden' set aside for her use, but actually outside in the light simply for the pleasure of it?
It has been years.
This cannot be allowed to continue. The Radiants may take almost everything from her, but they will not be allowed to take the light.
Nokai stands with new purpose. She does not need to command her hounds to follow her; they do so on their own, instantly picking up on her renewed desires. Together, the five of them leave the cavern and head through the tunnels, seeking any new passage that leads up.
And when they emerge into the light, and Nokai stands on the side of Heaven's Crown, basking in the light of day, it is almost like coming home.
Oh, that's a nice side story. Good to get a look into Nokai's thoughts. Also, yes, Xue is perceptive. He was able to perceive that Kong Zhi is the Player Character, and therefore someone to coddle up to. Xue is most wise. 
And yeah, Mo Hanying isn't all that fond of her fiance. Doesn't seem to hate him, but... he's not someone she wants to be with alone, because he's a bit much.
And yeah, Mo Hanying isn't all that fond of her fiance. Doesn't seem to hate him, but... he's not someone she wants to be with alone, because he's a bit much.
- Pronouns
- He/Him/Lord
Nice story Ves. It's good to know more about Nokai's perspective on things.
Chronobreak
Chara Appreciator
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Thank you.
Thank you.
- Location
- ?
How does the thread feel about using one of our socials next week to ask every one to go to the Deep Point with us and then do the Deep Point one week after the Duel?
Not a bad idea issue is then who are we going to ask?
- Location
- California
Poor Mo Hanying. Here she is, an artist in her own right, a wordsmith par excellence. And she has to put up with philistines who want things like straight answers and direct communication.
- Location
- ?
Definitely Nokai and her dogs, but maybe the dogs who haven't advanced to Soldier yet should stay home, and maybe Mo Hanying and Xu Yun (and if we really want some drama Mei Daiyu).
- Location
- USA
Nokai and Ja are fine with me. Mo Hanying might be okay. But I'm not sure how I feel about asking Xu, don't want Mei thinking we are trying to take her friends from her. Also, he was acting a bit weird the last time we spoke.
And speaking of Mei, sometime in the next two weeks we should probably do a social with her. We have given her enough time to cool off. I feel if we leave her alone for any longer then we will never speak to her again and keep putting it off. Now seems to be as good a time as any to try to mend things with her.
And speaking of Mei, sometime in the next two weeks we should probably do a social with her. We have given her enough time to cool off. I feel if we leave her alone for any longer then we will never speak to her again and keep putting it off. Now seems to be as good a time as any to try to mend things with her.
- Location
- Domino City
Good work, @Vesvius.
I did notice an idiosyncrasy between this and the Through the Darkness chapter, though:
I did notice an idiosyncrasy between this and the Through the Darkness chapter, though:
Probably just a typo, but I thought I'd point it out just in case.
Stealthy
Reverently Irreverent
- Location
- Roaming
>Be Huo Shi
>Luck into getting a kickass super clever highborn fiance
>She seems a bit conservative, won't room with you at magic school, but that's okay
>She rooms with a barbarian girl instead. Concerning, but she seems nice for her kind
>Go to sparring practice with fiance, meet lowborn hot chick
>Hit on the hot chick, as polygamy and concubines are a thing in your culture
>Hot chick gets wicked pissed, insults you and fiance and fiance's family
>Fiance challenges her to a duel for the insult
>You volunteer to be your betrothed's champion, as you are a good fiance
>Duel becomes a 3v3, barbarian joins you and fiance
>Hot chick is joined by a sailorbro and silent girl
>Realize that silent girl and hot chick are way stronger than you or your fiance
>Fiance buys a charm from the son of a distinguished crafter family she knows
>Dumbass gives her a faulty charm, and nearly burns her arm off on the day of the duel
>Fiance wants to fight anyway, because she's kickass like that, but she can't
>You sacrifice an heirloom from your dad to find a last minute replacement
>It's some plainfaced nerd
>You give sailorbro to the nerd, get ready for tougher opponent in silent girl
>Get ass kicked
>Remember that barbarian ascended super early, watch her beat hot chick
>Nerd somehow beats sailorbro
>Holy shit you won the duel
>Gotta find a fucking poet to commemorate the barbarian and the nerd now
>Time passes
>Learn about village festival, sounds like something great for date night
>Invite fiance out to it. She loves it
>Fiance invites barbarian to come too
>yfw gonna get cockblocked by the barbarian
>No, that's unfair, barbarian is good to fiance, doesn't have many friends, and fiance is very social
>Barbarian is bro, declines invitation. Date night back on.
>Fiance is disappointed
>Feel bad, suggest inviting some of your fiance's other friends
>It's gonna be a great date night
>You're so considerate, you can't wait to get married
>Luck into getting a kickass super clever highborn fiance
>She seems a bit conservative, won't room with you at magic school, but that's okay
>She rooms with a barbarian girl instead. Concerning, but she seems nice for her kind
>Go to sparring practice with fiance, meet lowborn hot chick
>Hit on the hot chick, as polygamy and concubines are a thing in your culture
>Hot chick gets wicked pissed, insults you and fiance and fiance's family
>Fiance challenges her to a duel for the insult
>You volunteer to be your betrothed's champion, as you are a good fiance
>Duel becomes a 3v3, barbarian joins you and fiance
>Hot chick is joined by a sailorbro and silent girl
>Realize that silent girl and hot chick are way stronger than you or your fiance
>Fiance buys a charm from the son of a distinguished crafter family she knows
>Dumbass gives her a faulty charm, and nearly burns her arm off on the day of the duel
>Fiance wants to fight anyway, because she's kickass like that, but she can't
>You sacrifice an heirloom from your dad to find a last minute replacement
>It's some plainfaced nerd
>You give sailorbro to the nerd, get ready for tougher opponent in silent girl
>Get ass kicked
>Remember that barbarian ascended super early, watch her beat hot chick
>Nerd somehow beats sailorbro
>Holy shit you won the duel
>Gotta find a fucking poet to commemorate the barbarian and the nerd now
>Time passes
>Learn about village festival, sounds like something great for date night
>Invite fiance out to it. She loves it
>Fiance invites barbarian to come too
>yfw gonna get cockblocked by the barbarian
>No, that's unfair, barbarian is good to fiance, doesn't have many friends, and fiance is very social
>Barbarian is bro, declines invitation. Date night back on.
>Fiance is disappointed
>Feel bad, suggest inviting some of your fiance's other friends
>It's gonna be a great date night
>You're so considerate, you can't wait to get married
72. In a Haze
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 23 people who have pledged to me on Patreon! If you'd like to join them, you can do so here. If you'd like to check out the Royal Road crosspost, head on over and check it out! Leave a rating while you're there. It really does help me out.
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This complex before you is a maze and a test. That means there has to be a way for you to solve it. Otherwise, why would it be here? With that in mind you pause before running back in and study every inch of the stone before you.
Jai Fa stands behind you as you look around. It doesn't escape your notice that she isn't looking at the maze at all. Instead, she's looking everywhere else. "What are you doing?" you ask as you inspect the orbs.
"Standing guard," she replies easily. "You try to work through this. I shall make certain that nothing devours us in the meantime. You have to shrug and nod at that; there's sense in that kind of logic. Knowing that Jai Fa is watching your blindspots allows you to throw all of your focus into looking over the maze for details.
After a few moments of study you find that your eyes keep coming back to the orbs on the walls. There has to be something to them. They're the only things adorning the inside of the maze, one of the few details you could possibly find a clue in. Maybe there's something there. Perhaps the maze will let you in if you take certain passages, as marked by the orbs. The statues out front are holding a dark orb in front of a light one; that could be a clue.
You glance back at Jai Fa. "I'm going in." At her nod, you dart forward. You move faster this time, running as quickly as you can, trying to outrun the vanishing effect. You make it to a passageway this time, one where the orb next to it is obsidian black. You walk through it and push on, adding as much speed as you can-
And you're back in the entryway.
You sigh and look to Jai Fa. "How long was I in there?" you ask.
"Ten seconds," she replies. You shake your head and dive back in. This time, you push further down the main passage, aiming for the first passageway with a light orb next to it. You turn and run and-
Jai Fa's hand is on your shoulder. "Ten seconds again," she says, answering your unspoken question.
You sigh and stare at the floor. Alright, perhaps the orbs aren't the secret after all. They could just be decoration. But if they are, then you're out of ideas- save attempting to decipher the runes on the maze walls.
It seems you have no other choice. You turn and jerk your head at Jai Fa, who falls in behind you. "I'm going to inspect the runes on the walls," you tell her. "They may have a clue as to what's causing the teleportation, at least."
Your friend nods and together, the two of you start walking around the outer wall of the maze. The first rune is twenty yards away. You stop and inspect it closely. It's not a rune you recognize in the least. It has nothing in common with the dead language the map was written in, and it has even less to do with modern charm script.
You're peering closer at it when your vision is obscured by parchment. You pull back to find Jai Fa thrusting a blank scroll in your direction. As you reflexively take it, she reaches into her travel sack and produces a brush, which she also pushes on to you. You stare at her blankly for a moment. "...why do you have these on you?" you ask.
"Because of Shouxi," she answers. "Why don't you?"
...that is a very fair point. To avoid answering, you turn back to the wall with your new scroll and brush. Two quick flicks of your wrist copies the rune down, and then you're on your way to search for the next one.
Craft (Charm) Check: 9d10s7(0.9) (Includes Write-In Bonus Dice) vs. 3 Necessary Successes. Dice Rolled: 4, 3, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5, 6. 0 Successes! Fail!
You spend hours roaming the outside of the maze. Every time you find a rune, you add it to your growing outline of the structure. By the time you're back to the entrance of the maze, the formerly blank scroll contains a full sketch of the maze's exterior, complete with the location of each rune that adorns the walls. It is complete. It is comprehensive.
And it is not helping you in the least.
You cannot find a single pattern here. The runes are not spaced evenly. No rune appears multiple times. Some have an opposite number on the far wall, but most don't. They don't appear to form a larger formation. Hell, if you didn't know better, you would think that they are only decorative!
That cannot be the case. There has to be something here. You must have made a mistake. So again, you and Jai Fa circle the maze. And a third time. And a fourth. No new marks are made on your scroll. It seems to be entirely accurate. But it can't be!
Before you begin your fifth lap, Jai Fa stops you. She shakes her head. "You are no longer thinking clearly," she informs you, tone flat and business like. "We should come back another day and try again."
"But I-"
"Kong Zhi," she says again, the sound of your name cutting off any protest you can muster. "I have seen this many times. You will not find the answer; not while you are as you are. Let us go home. Rest. We shall try again another time."
And for the first time since you came to the maze, Jai Fa takes the lead. She spins on her heel and walks towards the tunnels you came from. You stare at her back for a long moment, but eventually run to catch up. She's right. You're too angry at the runes not making sense to think straight right now. You will do much better after some time to clear your head.
But as you run after Jai Fa, you glance behind you and stare at the maze. It almost seems to be taunting you.
You may not have defeated it today, but you swear, you will break those walls and find the secrets it has within.
We are at the start of week 9! You have 6 Weeks left to prove yourself, and your contest of champions is this week! How do you spend your 9th week within the Delving Heart? (Pick Nine).
NOTE: you may attempt to bring anyone you have met within the Delving Heart along on any of your actions. However, unless it is simply a social action, dice will be rolled to determine if they are available to accompany you, as they have their own lives and priorities to deal with.
Your allowance (10 Bronze Talents) will arrive at the start of this week!
Please cast all votes in PLAN FORMAT!
There is a four hour moratorium on this vote! There is no voting until four hours have passed! If anyone breaks this moratorium, if their vote still stands before it ends, their vote will be disqualified for the round!
Sect Actions
[] You may now take assignments at the Delving Heart Assignment Hall. You will go, take one, and carry it out to the best of your ability.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Lei, who seems to be in charge of defending the sect in some capacity.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Fensui, who stands above the martial disciples.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Hotei, who you know little about save that their disciples have a martial bent..
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Yixue, the sect's healer and chief refiner.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Tian, the master craftsman, by returning to the Creators Garden and working as an assistant to any who will have you.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have heard rumors that Elder Sela, the mistress of general knowledge, will accept any who approach her. You will approach her and inquire further about her generous offer.
-[] She may take on anyone, but you still wish to impress her. Write-In how.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Tantoi, the sect's mistress of administration.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
-[] You will return to the Maze near the surface and once again attempt to solve it's mysteries.
-[] You have recently visited a mysterious Maze which the Armory Map indicates has a hidden weapon within it. You did not solve it, but you came out of it with records of the runes festooning it's walls. You will research them further and perhaps find out their secret.
--[] Write-In Method of Research.
-[] You will seek out the point on the map that lies deep within the caverns, below even the Lost Armory. (Counts as Three Actions).
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. Elder Tantoi listed seven such Elders you could impress, and you have since learned of one more, but there is still one unaccounted for. You will seek information on this shadowy ninth elder.
-[] Write-In
Training Actions
[] You have discovered some talent in the physical arts, but talent is useless if not honed. You will find an empty training field and work on your martial skills.
[] You now have access to the Archives of the Delving Heart. You will go there and seek out knowledge, paying for it with either talents or sect points.
[] The Archives of the Delving Heart also offer to connect disciples with tutors in their discipline for a moderate cost. You will take advantage of the wisdom of your seniors.
-[] (Select the level of the tutor you will hire. The choices are 7th Circle (3 Talents, Counts as 2 Actions, 1d3 training roll), 5th Circle (6 talents, Counts as 3 Actions, 1d6+1 training roll).
--[] Select the Skill you wish tutored.
[] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
-[] (Select the Natural Wonder you will cycle)
--[] (Select your cycling target (for healing, for a technique, for other purposes, etc.)
Craftsman Actions
[] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
-[] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes
-[] You have promised a charm to Jai Fa in exchange for her services as champion. She is not expecting it for quite some time, but there's never any shame in starting a project early. You will work on her charm.
[] Your work on your wooden box is perfectly serviceable, but there is more work you can do on it. You shall continue to improve the craftsmanship of your charm.
[] The work on your box is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it.
-[] Write-In Method of Infusion (Natural Wonder/Treasure/Pill/Core/Etc.)
[] A true charmcrafter always has a ready supply of materials ready to go. You will go out and add to your collection.
-[] You will go scavenging for new materials.
-[] You will go hunting for new materials.
-[] You will go seek out new materials in the village market.
[] One of your materials is in a form which does not suit you. You shall refine it.
-[] Select which material you will refine
--[] You will refine it with a quick formation (No bonus, no further cost).
--[] You will refinie it with an intense formation (+2 dice, -1 action next turn).
--[] You will refine it with the aid of a charmforge (+5 dice, -1 bronze talent).
Social Actions
[] Jai Fa is taking a rare break in between her duties for Jai Shouxi and her visits to the job board. She has invited you for some light sparring.
[] Jai Shouxi's quest to brew the perfect cup of tea has taken on a fanatatical tone. He is now seeking a rare herb and can use all the help he can get.
[] Xu Yun has returned from a mission that took him beyond the sect, and he has no shortage of tales. He would be happy to tell them to you at the docks.
[] Nokai appears to be spending a great deal of time outside of the Delving Heart, roaming the wilds surrounding the sect. It has been too long since you saw the sun; you shall join her.
[] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
[] Ming Hui has been called into his own battles, ones that take place upon a grill and a cutting board. You may not know much about cooking, but he will not turn away another set of hands.
[] You have been asked to befriend several disciples by your mother, one of whom is Geng Tu, an associate of the craven Jin Yazhu. You may not have gotten off to the best start with him but perhaps you could make inroads.
[] You have met the elusive Zhuan Kun, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that your face has met the elusive Zhuan Kun's knee. But that was barely an introduction. You will seek him out again and perhaps do better in your next sparring session.
[] It is always good to stay in contact with your family. You shall pen them another letter. (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
-[] (Write-In the contents of the letter)
[] There are other disciples you have yet to meet, and you would like to change that. You'll mingle with your fellows.
[] You have heard of several disciples that you have not formally made the acquaintance of. You would like to expand your social circle, and so you will seek one of them out.
-[] (Write in which disciple you would like to speak with)
Duel Actions
[X] After two months of snipes and jabs, the time is finally upon you. Your champion shall meet Jin Yazhu's on the battlefield, and you shall see who is the superior charmcrafter. (This must be selected in the final plan.)
[] You have selected your friend Jai Fa as your champion, and you know she shall represent you well. But she still needs experience with the charms she will be wielding. You will take her to a training ground and allow her practice with your arsenal.
[] Jin Yazhu has certainly selected his champion champion by now. You will attempt to follow him and glean who it will be.
-[] Write-In Plan
[] The treacherous Jin Yazhu is no doubt hard at work crafting charms to defeat you. You will attempt to observe what can laughably be called his 'creation process', and better learn what you will be facing.
-[] Write-In Plan
[] While you would never stoop to such depths unless necessary, you are certain that Jin Yazhu is planning something underhanded. You have secured your workstation, but there is always more you can do to further your defenses.
-[] Write-In Plan
Other actions
[] The Delving Heart is a massive cave complex full of mystery. You'll seek that mystery out and find out more about the place you now live.
[] You have talents and you have sect points. They burn a hole in your purse and token the longer you have them. You shall go to the sect market and seek to offload some of your wealth.
[] Write-In
[] [MAZE] The statues and the orbs they hold seem like a clue. Each holds the dark orb in front of the light orb, and the orbs alternate on each side of the passage as you go. Make another attempt, this time going down a passage to your right when its first orb on its left side is a dark orb, and going to the left when the first orb on its left side is a light orb. If this fails, test the opposite. And if that fails, go study the runes on the side of the maze. They may help you decipher how the maze functions.
[] [NAME] Vitriolic Retort
[] [NAME] Vitriolic Retort
This complex before you is a maze and a test. That means there has to be a way for you to solve it. Otherwise, why would it be here? With that in mind you pause before running back in and study every inch of the stone before you.
Jai Fa stands behind you as you look around. It doesn't escape your notice that she isn't looking at the maze at all. Instead, she's looking everywhere else. "What are you doing?" you ask as you inspect the orbs.
"Standing guard," she replies easily. "You try to work through this. I shall make certain that nothing devours us in the meantime. You have to shrug and nod at that; there's sense in that kind of logic. Knowing that Jai Fa is watching your blindspots allows you to throw all of your focus into looking over the maze for details.
After a few moments of study you find that your eyes keep coming back to the orbs on the walls. There has to be something to them. They're the only things adorning the inside of the maze, one of the few details you could possibly find a clue in. Maybe there's something there. Perhaps the maze will let you in if you take certain passages, as marked by the orbs. The statues out front are holding a dark orb in front of a light one; that could be a clue.
You glance back at Jai Fa. "I'm going in." At her nod, you dart forward. You move faster this time, running as quickly as you can, trying to outrun the vanishing effect. You make it to a passageway this time, one where the orb next to it is obsidian black. You walk through it and push on, adding as much speed as you can-
And you're back in the entryway.
You sigh and look to Jai Fa. "How long was I in there?" you ask.
"Ten seconds," she replies. You shake your head and dive back in. This time, you push further down the main passage, aiming for the first passageway with a light orb next to it. You turn and run and-
Jai Fa's hand is on your shoulder. "Ten seconds again," she says, answering your unspoken question.
You sigh and stare at the floor. Alright, perhaps the orbs aren't the secret after all. They could just be decoration. But if they are, then you're out of ideas- save attempting to decipher the runes on the maze walls.
It seems you have no other choice. You turn and jerk your head at Jai Fa, who falls in behind you. "I'm going to inspect the runes on the walls," you tell her. "They may have a clue as to what's causing the teleportation, at least."
Your friend nods and together, the two of you start walking around the outer wall of the maze. The first rune is twenty yards away. You stop and inspect it closely. It's not a rune you recognize in the least. It has nothing in common with the dead language the map was written in, and it has even less to do with modern charm script.
You're peering closer at it when your vision is obscured by parchment. You pull back to find Jai Fa thrusting a blank scroll in your direction. As you reflexively take it, she reaches into her travel sack and produces a brush, which she also pushes on to you. You stare at her blankly for a moment. "...why do you have these on you?" you ask.
"Because of Shouxi," she answers. "Why don't you?"
...that is a very fair point. To avoid answering, you turn back to the wall with your new scroll and brush. Two quick flicks of your wrist copies the rune down, and then you're on your way to search for the next one.
Craft (Charm) Check: 9d10s7(0.9) (Includes Write-In Bonus Dice) vs. 3 Necessary Successes. Dice Rolled: 4, 3, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5, 6. 0 Successes! Fail!
You spend hours roaming the outside of the maze. Every time you find a rune, you add it to your growing outline of the structure. By the time you're back to the entrance of the maze, the formerly blank scroll contains a full sketch of the maze's exterior, complete with the location of each rune that adorns the walls. It is complete. It is comprehensive.
And it is not helping you in the least.
You cannot find a single pattern here. The runes are not spaced evenly. No rune appears multiple times. Some have an opposite number on the far wall, but most don't. They don't appear to form a larger formation. Hell, if you didn't know better, you would think that they are only decorative!
That cannot be the case. There has to be something here. You must have made a mistake. So again, you and Jai Fa circle the maze. And a third time. And a fourth. No new marks are made on your scroll. It seems to be entirely accurate. But it can't be!
Before you begin your fifth lap, Jai Fa stops you. She shakes her head. "You are no longer thinking clearly," she informs you, tone flat and business like. "We should come back another day and try again."
"But I-"
"Kong Zhi," she says again, the sound of your name cutting off any protest you can muster. "I have seen this many times. You will not find the answer; not while you are as you are. Let us go home. Rest. We shall try again another time."
And for the first time since you came to the maze, Jai Fa takes the lead. She spins on her heel and walks towards the tunnels you came from. You stare at her back for a long moment, but eventually run to catch up. She's right. You're too angry at the runes not making sense to think straight right now. You will do much better after some time to clear your head.
But as you run after Jai Fa, you glance behind you and stare at the maze. It almost seems to be taunting you.
You may not have defeated it today, but you swear, you will break those walls and find the secrets it has within.
We are at the start of week 9! You have 6 Weeks left to prove yourself, and your contest of champions is this week! How do you spend your 9th week within the Delving Heart? (Pick Nine).
NOTE: you may attempt to bring anyone you have met within the Delving Heart along on any of your actions. However, unless it is simply a social action, dice will be rolled to determine if they are available to accompany you, as they have their own lives and priorities to deal with.
Your allowance (10 Bronze Talents) will arrive at the start of this week!
Please cast all votes in PLAN FORMAT!
There is a four hour moratorium on this vote! There is no voting until four hours have passed! If anyone breaks this moratorium, if their vote still stands before it ends, their vote will be disqualified for the round!
Sect Actions
[] You may now take assignments at the Delving Heart Assignment Hall. You will go, take one, and carry it out to the best of your ability.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Lei, who seems to be in charge of defending the sect in some capacity.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Fensui, who stands above the martial disciples.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Hotei, who you know little about save that their disciples have a martial bent..
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Yixue, the sect's healer and chief refiner.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Tian, the master craftsman, by returning to the Creators Garden and working as an assistant to any who will have you.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have heard rumors that Elder Sela, the mistress of general knowledge, will accept any who approach her. You will approach her and inquire further about her generous offer.
-[] She may take on anyone, but you still wish to impress her. Write-In how.
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Tantoi, the sect's mistress of administration.
-[] Write-In
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
-[] You will return to the Maze near the surface and once again attempt to solve it's mysteries.
-[] You have recently visited a mysterious Maze which the Armory Map indicates has a hidden weapon within it. You did not solve it, but you came out of it with records of the runes festooning it's walls. You will research them further and perhaps find out their secret.
--[] Write-In Method of Research.
-[] You will seek out the point on the map that lies deep within the caverns, below even the Lost Armory. (Counts as Three Actions).
[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. Elder Tantoi listed seven such Elders you could impress, and you have since learned of one more, but there is still one unaccounted for. You will seek information on this shadowy ninth elder.
-[] Write-In
Training Actions
[] You have discovered some talent in the physical arts, but talent is useless if not honed. You will find an empty training field and work on your martial skills.
[] You now have access to the Archives of the Delving Heart. You will go there and seek out knowledge, paying for it with either talents or sect points.
[] The Archives of the Delving Heart also offer to connect disciples with tutors in their discipline for a moderate cost. You will take advantage of the wisdom of your seniors.
-[] (Select the level of the tutor you will hire. The choices are 7th Circle (3 Talents, Counts as 2 Actions, 1d3 training roll), 5th Circle (6 talents, Counts as 3 Actions, 1d6+1 training roll).
--[] Select the Skill you wish tutored.
[] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
-[] (Select the Natural Wonder you will cycle)
--[] (Select your cycling target (for healing, for a technique, for other purposes, etc.)
Craftsman Actions
[] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
-[] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes
-[] You have promised a charm to Jai Fa in exchange for her services as champion. She is not expecting it for quite some time, but there's never any shame in starting a project early. You will work on her charm.
[] Your work on your wooden box is perfectly serviceable, but there is more work you can do on it. You shall continue to improve the craftsmanship of your charm.
[] The work on your box is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it.
-[] Write-In Method of Infusion (Natural Wonder/Treasure/Pill/Core/Etc.)
[] A true charmcrafter always has a ready supply of materials ready to go. You will go out and add to your collection.
-[] You will go scavenging for new materials.
-[] You will go hunting for new materials.
-[] You will go seek out new materials in the village market.
[] One of your materials is in a form which does not suit you. You shall refine it.
-[] Select which material you will refine
--[] You will refine it with a quick formation (No bonus, no further cost).
--[] You will refinie it with an intense formation (+2 dice, -1 action next turn).
--[] You will refine it with the aid of a charmforge (+5 dice, -1 bronze talent).
Social Actions
[] Jai Fa is taking a rare break in between her duties for Jai Shouxi and her visits to the job board. She has invited you for some light sparring.
[] Jai Shouxi's quest to brew the perfect cup of tea has taken on a fanatatical tone. He is now seeking a rare herb and can use all the help he can get.
[] Xu Yun has returned from a mission that took him beyond the sect, and he has no shortage of tales. He would be happy to tell them to you at the docks.
[] Nokai appears to be spending a great deal of time outside of the Delving Heart, roaming the wilds surrounding the sect. It has been too long since you saw the sun; you shall join her.
[] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
[] Ming Hui has been called into his own battles, ones that take place upon a grill and a cutting board. You may not know much about cooking, but he will not turn away another set of hands.
[] You have been asked to befriend several disciples by your mother, one of whom is Geng Tu, an associate of the craven Jin Yazhu. You may not have gotten off to the best start with him but perhaps you could make inroads.
[] You have met the elusive Zhuan Kun, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that your face has met the elusive Zhuan Kun's knee. But that was barely an introduction. You will seek him out again and perhaps do better in your next sparring session.
[] It is always good to stay in contact with your family. You shall pen them another letter. (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
-[] (Write-In the contents of the letter)
[] There are other disciples you have yet to meet, and you would like to change that. You'll mingle with your fellows.
[] You have heard of several disciples that you have not formally made the acquaintance of. You would like to expand your social circle, and so you will seek one of them out.
-[] (Write in which disciple you would like to speak with)
Duel Actions
[X] After two months of snipes and jabs, the time is finally upon you. Your champion shall meet Jin Yazhu's on the battlefield, and you shall see who is the superior charmcrafter. (This must be selected in the final plan.)
[] You have selected your friend Jai Fa as your champion, and you know she shall represent you well. But she still needs experience with the charms she will be wielding. You will take her to a training ground and allow her practice with your arsenal.
[] Jin Yazhu has certainly selected his champion champion by now. You will attempt to follow him and glean who it will be.
-[] Write-In Plan
[] The treacherous Jin Yazhu is no doubt hard at work crafting charms to defeat you. You will attempt to observe what can laughably be called his 'creation process', and better learn what you will be facing.
-[] Write-In Plan
[] While you would never stoop to such depths unless necessary, you are certain that Jin Yazhu is planning something underhanded. You have secured your workstation, but there is always more you can do to further your defenses.
-[] Write-In Plan
Other actions
[] The Delving Heart is a massive cave complex full of mystery. You'll seek that mystery out and find out more about the place you now live.
[] You have talents and you have sect points. They burn a hole in your purse and token the longer you have them. You shall go to the sect market and seek to offload some of your wealth.
[] Write-In
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- Location
- US
9 dice, with an average of three successes, and we rolled none.
Well, at least we'll be able to try out our shiny Formed From Pressure trait this way.
Also, whatever the plan is, it should finish off the DD Box, and most importantly it should do an action with familiarizing Jai Fa with the Charms for the Duel.
Otherwise, she'll get penalties for using the Charms, which would suck in the Duel.
Well, at least we'll be able to try out our shiny Formed From Pressure trait this way.
Also, whatever the plan is, it should finish off the DD Box, and most importantly it should do an action with familiarizing Jai Fa with the Charms for the Duel.
Otherwise, she'll get penalties for using the Charms, which would suck in the Duel.
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So at a glance
Duel -1 action
Box DD-1 action
Infuse box -3 actions
Rainbow eyes -1 action
Train Fa with charms -1 action
thinking a mo hanying and shouxi introduction action
and maybe herb hunting for Shouxi and ming hui?
Duel -1 action
Box DD-1 action
Infuse box -3 actions
Rainbow eyes -1 action
Train Fa with charms -1 action
thinking a mo hanying and shouxi introduction action
and maybe herb hunting for Shouxi and ming hui?
- Location
- Panama City
we actually rolled NEGATIVE sux on it
Oof.
I think our next attempt should be trying to find the entrance from outside. Sure, we could do a research action, but that's not guaranteed to work, and it'll be a different approach.
I think our next attempt should be trying to find the entrance from outside. Sure, we could do a research action, but that's not guaranteed to work, and it'll be a different approach.
Hm, main problem is that ten second time limit. I wonder if the maze is even solvable in ten seconds. Figuring out how to deal with that is important.
Wistways
You friendly neighborhood artist
- Location
- Australia
Even tho I really want to do that so so much for the socials I am really worried about not finishing the box. Does this have extra leeway for the spectacular bad rolls we have? Math Illuminati can you show your dark work please?
- Location
- US
Refueled Rainbow Eyes + 3 infuse is average 57 to 60. We need 38.
We're in the clear.
Though, there's been talk of Core-Dump + Pill for an action in addition to 2 Infuse, in which case fixing the RE wouldn't be needed. That'd save an action, btw.
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If we want to be really safe, we could make one action a core dump with the Grade One Pill.
- Location
- Panama City
Is that a valid action to take a pill in the same action as we core dump?
- Location
- US
Either way Tryrar, that strat would necessitate other actions to be done which would be standard cycling from a Wonder, and we know for sure that we can eat pills during those. Just look at what we did for Auroch.