- Location
- California
I imagine one of the sound pills was just so we could max out the number of pills we'd be commissioning from Shouxi. It wouldn't really make sense to use an action to take one pill and not even level the tech.
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
-
- Tags
- original xianxia cultivation quest
Van Ropen
Angry, angry about elves.
We bought 2 for WC, and have an extra sound pill since we had a spare Shouxi commission slot.
Guys, what do you think of making a little crab pet that counts as an anam battery? We already have a good variety of matts if we want to make it:
-- A Still Growing Sapling. (7 Points. Wood/Life Aspected. +13 to development)
-- An Everbloom. (3 Points. Life Aspected. +6 to development)
-- Wool of a Verdant Ewe. (1 Point. Beast Aspected. +2 to development)
-- Shell Fragment (Beast Aspected. +14 to development)
-- A Still Growing Sapling. (7 Points. Wood/Life Aspected. +13 to development)
-- An Everbloom. (3 Points. Life Aspected. +6 to development)
-- Wool of a Verdant Ewe. (1 Point. Beast Aspected. +2 to development)
-- Shell Fragment (Beast Aspected. +14 to development)
The sect point cost is not that high since we can buy pills from Shouxi for 4 points a piece and that is without handing over the beast shell mat which should lower it down a bit.
There's definitely an argument that it'll hurt our action economy to rely on pills since we can only use 2 pills at the time for now. At least if we rely on grade 1 pills.
I think we're getting 10 or more successes per Cycling (?), and it has the additional benefit of increasing the skill. So 10 anam per action from two pills is not that good.
I think we should at least wait until we've raised our Con, preferably by getting a Steel or Time defender technique, so that we can take more pills at a time or rent a wonder with the correct aspect.
@Vesvius Say KZ rent The Stables to cycle Beast anam into WC. Would he need to bring Sound pills to advance that part of the technique at the same time? Or can he complete the Beast part of the technique (the tech would still be in the phase 2 when used) and later rent Warsong Embrace to finally complete it?
99. Basking in the Light of Day
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 29 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.
----------------------------
Since your encounter with the blood Kukuni, you have been… struggling with your body. The talon that stands where your foot used to be is difficult enough to deal with, what with it's habit of getting stuck in dirt floors or softwoods, but that is manageable. But the claw that has replaced your hand? That is another matter entirely.
As you've gone about your business, in the back of your mind, you cannot help but keep track of all the things you struggle with now that were so easy before. The issue you have holding tools now is the biggest one- however it is far from the only problem. Your right hand cannot open doors easily. It is too large to properly grab anyone for a throw. Clenching your fists tends to spill your own blood.
But now you can add a new problem onto the list, one you had never considered before: you struggle to carry bags and parcels.
It is a very good thing that you have friends.
Nokai lets out a heavy sigh as she walks behind you on your way back to the Spire. You glance over your shoulder to see her giving the parcels in her arms a mournful look. At her side, Zhao walks carefully, another package hastily tied to his torso, and he's far from the only dog pitching in, though he is the only one glaring a hole through you. Lu and Lan are trotting along merrily, tails wagging, carrying the handles of a litter between them. Even Xue is hard at work; he has a small sack bursting with wool gripped between his tiny teeth, which he drags along the path with a dogged determination.
You dip your head slightly at your barbarian friend, taking care not to jostle the crate of elixirs you have tucked beneath your good arm. "My thanks for your assistance once again," you tell her. "I was not looking forward to carrying all of this back myself."
Nokai waves off your gratitude, though it looks like she is regretting the friendly offer she made. Instead of saying so, she asks, "What all this even?" Her laden arms twitch, the gesture somehow encompassing your entire new treasure trove.
"Well, I…" you begin, offering her a somewhat guilty smile. "When I discovered that the conversion rate from talents to points was favorable today, I thought it best to take advantage of this window while I had a chance. So I… perhaps I let my impulses overcome my better judgement."
Whatever shame you feel is not enough to keep your grin from changing from guilty to beaming. "But look!" you exclaim, reaching into your crate and producing a small bronze door knocker. "I do not know what this piece's history is, but it was once used to such an extent that force anam still remains within! And here-" you gesture at the bag in Xue's mouth. "Wool shorn from a Verdant Ewe! It should be simple to spin it- and the thread it creates will carry enough beast anam to serve any number of purposes!"
Nokai rolls her eyes and glances towards the sapling suspended between Lu and Lan. "What that?" she asks, jerking her head in it's direction. "What do tree?"
"That sapling still lives!" you almost squeal. "It was harvested not two days ago from the forest above, and they were able to secure it with its root structure and all branches intact! It is living wood! Do you know the things I can do with living wood?!"
Nokai stares blankly at you. "No. What do?"
Ideas and half-developed charms smash together in your mind, each more complex and fascinating than the last. There are so many that they collide before they reach your tongue; only silence escapes your mouth. You shake your head and clear your throat. "A great deal," you finally say. "I can do a great deal of things with still living wood."
And that is far from the only acquisition you made that you have ideas for. The anvil Nokai is clutching, the blooming flower on Zhao's back, the bundle of Ifeagrass in your crate… all of it is enough to make you bite back a giggle. Finally! You have been to the market so many times, and you have held yourself back each and every time, only buying what you needed for the moment. But not now- not this time. This time you were able to actually purchase things you wanted. It's a heady feeling.
11 Bronze Talents converted into 55 Sect Points! New Total: 86 Sect Points, 1 Bronze Talent!
Spent 84 Sect Points! 2 Sect Points remain.
You have an outstanding debt of 17 Sect Points, owed to Jai Shouxi by the end of Week 15!
Pills Gained: Stagheart x3, Choir Note x2, Woodsman's Respite x4, Spider's Serum, An Evening's Rest.
Materials Gained: Still Growing Sapling (Wood/Life 13), A Still Shaking Anvil (Steel/Force 7), Everbloom (Life 3), Ifeagrass (Blood 3), Brass Knocker (Force 3), Wool of a Verdant Ewe (Beast 2).
You fight your giggle fit the entire way back to the Spire, succeeding for most of the trip. But you lose the fight in full as you start taking your parcels from the hounds and stowing them around your workshop. With each material you deposit, your laughter grows. What will these become? You have no idea, and it is delightful.
Nokai watches you work with raised eyebrows and an exasperated sigh. You pay her no mind- not until you have placed your last pill into your chute, stowed your lone elixir in your bedroom, and given Jai Shouxi your final order. Only when that is all done and your roommate has already sprung into action do you turn back to your friend.
You bow to her once again. "Your timely assistance is greatly appreciated," you tell her. "It was good fortune that you were in the market as well." You pause and, after a moment's thought, inspect her now empty arms. "Though I cannot help but notice you did not purchase anything. I hope that I did not disrupt your own shopping."
"No," Nokai answers shortly. "Not shop. Look for Kong Zhi."
"Oh," you say after another moment's pause. "I see. Is there… something that I can help you with?"
You had suspected that Nokai was not in the market for the goods the moment you saw her. After all, Nokai? Purchasing things? The very idea is outlandish. But now that your suspicions are confirmed, a pulse of dread rolls through your stomach. Does she want to 'exchange pointers' with you as well. You will not say that that would not be helpful, but after being ground into the dirt by three of your friends, the idea of another one doing so is less than exhilarating.
Thankfully, Nokai's next words dispel that idea. "Elder Kong gone, yes?"
"Um, yes," you reply. "Auntie Bi departed last week. May I-"
Nokai's shoulder slump with relief and she lets out a sigh so loud and with such gusto that you feel that you should almost be offended on Auntie Bi's behalf. Ignorant of your thoughts, Nokai continues. "Good!" she answers with new life in her voice. "Then going forest. High sun soon. Come?"
Your near-offense is washed away, replaced by stunned surprise. "Nokai? Have you been refraining from leaving the sect until Auntie Bi departed?"
Your friend's look is that of a parent who has had the obvious explained to them by a small child. "Yes. Only thing do."
...there is a very strong chance that Nokai is the smartest person that you have ever met. Only the truly wise learn how important it is to avoid Auntie Bi so quickly. Most people have to be taught such. Nokai is clearly wise beyond her years.
And she also has a good idea. You could do with some time out in the sun. You nod at her question. "That sounds nice. Do you have a place in mind or-"
Your question is only halfway out of your mouth before Nokai grins and spins, leading the way out of the Spire without a second's consideration for your impaired leg. You lurch after her, your movements only made clumsier when Xue leaps onto you and assumes his customary spot at the neck of your robes. However, you're still able to keep up as Nokai heads out of the courtyard, through the tunnels, and out into the Forest of Pearls.
But your journey does not end there. The six of you barely enter the light before Nokai plunges forward, blazing a trail through the foliage. You mutter a curse and follow her, kicking roots and dirt clods up in your wake. For a moment, you lose sight of Nokai, but Xue keeps you oriented. The small dog keeps his nose pointed at his mistress like a compass, no matter where she goes. It's only with his help that you're able to find Nokai's final destination.
You find her in a small, cramped clearing just like another dozen you passed on your way here. "You…" you gasp out, wiping sweat from your brow. "...could have kept a slower pace."
Nokai's answering look is the picture of confused innocence. "Why?" she asks. "Kong Zhi made it. Knew keep up fine. And now made it time!"
The small part of you that is not consumed with recovering from your impromptu hike is the slightest bit touched in Nokai's complete faith that you would have no problems following her- though that part of you is very small. The rest of you is gasping for air, which is the only thing keeping you from yelling out unflattering things about the choices you have made in life that have led you to this place and time. But that subsides once your lungs stop burning and your leg stops hurting.
After you've recovered, you dismiss any negative feelings and instead focus on Nokai's words. "We had to be here, in this spot, at a certain time? Why?"
Nokai gestures upwards. "Sun!" she cheers. "All light here. Brightest spot."
"Oh," you answer, taking a moment to translate Nokai's broken Radiant into a complete thought. You're here because this clearing is the best spot Nokai has found in the forest to get the most light in the entire Forest of Pearls… and that is very important to her for some reason.
You glance up at the burning orb which is only now fully cresting the Brightmaples. "I did not know that you enjoyed bathing in the sun this much," you muse.
"Sun meditation big important," Nokai answers, tone lazy and relaxed. "Sun teaches, restores. Sun time not get rid of."
"I see," you answer, still staring up at the sun. "I confess, I had no idea that spending time in the light was so-"
Your eyes turn back to Nokai and your words cut off as if a door has been slammed on your tongue. Beside you, Nokai is fighting with her robe. Her torn outer robe has already been discarded. Now she struggles with the tight under robe, pulling and tugging at it like an animal trapped in a vine. Your eyes snap back to the sun as if burned. "Excuse me, Nokai?" you ask, voice thin and reedy. "May I ask what exactly you are doing?"
"Taking sun," comes her answer. If you hadn't seen it in for yourself, you would never have guessed that she's stripping down right next to you. "Why?"
"I, uh, would have appreciated a warning," you answer.
"Warning? Why-" Nokai begins. Her words turn to nothing, and for a moment, silence reigns in the cramped clearing. When she speaks again, her voice is thick with amusement. "Oh. Radiant modesty. No worry safety, Kong Zhi. Risk not..." she pauses and seems to be searching for the proper word. "...Minii nüdiig shataa, chinii tsever ariun baidal!"
Her last words rush from her throat like a lyrical waterfall. You're so surprised by the almost musical quality to her voice that it takes you a moment to realize you did not understand a single word she just said. "Nokai?"
"Eyes. Not risk eyes," she answers, not sounding happy with her words. "Safe look."
You consider the statement and then, after another moment's hesitation, dart your eyes back to your side, ready to look away at the merest hint that you and Nokai had differing definitions of 'safe'. But she is as good as her word- everything untoward is indeed covered up.
She has not put back on her robes, however. Nor is she covered up by her dogs as you half-expected. Instead, she is wrapped from shoulder to waist in thick linen that leaves no skin exposed, and below that she still wears her loose uniform pants. The fabric of the wrap clings tight enough to her to leave precisely nothing to the imagination, but it is more than enough to argue that modesty has been kept.
Nokai gestures down at herself with one hand, face still twisted in a scowl as she fights to remember the word she sought. "See?" she says. "Fine."
You let out a low breath. "I would still have appreciated a moment's warning," you protest, but Nokai is beyond caring what you say. She closes her eyes and her face smooths out as the sun fully crests over the Brightmaples. Light spills into the clearing, soaking the foliage and eradicating the shadows around you. Your friend lets out a groan of near primal pleasure and her breathing evens out.
Is she cycling again? You reach out with your sixth sense to find out. Sure enough, as Nokai sits peacefully in the light, bare traces of anam enter her body. They don't geyser from the land around you as they would if she were cycling from a Wonder- instead burning anam seems to congeal from nothing mere inches away from Nokai's mouth, where she inhales it and draws it into her body.
You have to marvel at the sight. The anam she is drawing is a bare whisper of what you get from a Natural Wonder, but the fact that she is getting anything at all is amazing. It's a well known truth that anam permeates the entire world whether you can sense it or not- but knowing it is there and drawing from it is another story entirely.
"Where did you learn to do that?" you ask. "I- my breathing technique cannot even come close to such a feat."
Nokai is silent- and you wonder if you have crossed a line you did not know existed. It has not escaped you that Nokai is very reluctant to speak about herself. Your friend does not offend easily, but if you ask the wrong question… but no. That fear is proven to be unfounded as Nokai regulates her breathing back into a standard pattern before answering.
"Clan," she tells you. "Mother. Other khöngön tsus- Sunholders. Teach when small. Teach again larger. More teach even bigger."
Sunholder… you have heard that word before. Auntie Bi mentioned it when she first laid eyes on Nokai. She had known right away that Nokai was practicing something called the 'Sunholder Technique'- which you now suppose is her breathing pattern. "Are the Sunholders your people?" you ask tentatively, still wary of diving into dangerous waters.
Nokai doesn't seem to care though. "Yes," she answers. "Sunholders Radiant name for-" She stops abruptly and takes a deep breath. Has she gone back into her breathing pattern? But no, she's changed her breathing for a different reason. When she speaks again, it is with the strained tone of one repeating a phrase long since committed to memory. "Sunholders Radiant name for 'We Who Carry Light Within Our Blood'. Sunholders easier say."
"I see. And you can all," you gesture at Nokai, at how her breathing is pulling in the sun's energy even now. "Do that?"
Nokai gives you a half shrug. "Not carry light if can't," she informs you. Then her eyes slam closed once more and her breathing falls back into it's familiar pattern. Clearly she has decided that the time for conversation is passed.
But you don't look away from your friend. Your eyes are locked onto her exposed body.
When Nokai is fully garbed, her tattoos barely peek out of her robes. The dark lines that swallow her fingers are all that shows. But now that more skin is exposed, you can see that those hand tattoos are barely the beginning. Her entire body is covered in dark lines that twine through her flesh like veins through stone. They stretch from her fingers and toes all the way up her arms and legs and onto her torso, where they are swallowed by the linen. You can only imagine what's still covered.
Perception Check: 5d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 7, 9, 4, 1, 10, 7. 3.3, rounded down to 3 Successes!
But not all the tattoos are the same. The majority of them are dark lines that seem to thread through her body with no rhyme or reason, but every now and then there is a swirl, a change in the pattern. There is one near her shoulder with spikey, jagged lines stabbing through the rest of the ink. Another is at her hip, a twirling spiral that vanishes beneath her pants. The more you look, the more small imperfections you see in the dark lines.
And on Nokai's right arm is an even larger change. The ink on the rest of her body is faded and uniform, clearly driven into her skin by one practiced in their craft. That one arm however… the ink there is darker, fresher than the rest. The lines are more jagged, rougher, as if the one who was etching them was a novice still learning their craft.
...or an amateur performing the act on their own body.
Your eyes drift to Nokai's face. It is calm and peaceful as she continues harvesting the sun. It's all you can do to shake your head and bite your tongue to keep from disturbing her focus once again.
And not for the first time, you wonder: what is Nokai's story? But you don't ask. She is reluctant enough to speak of anything that does not involve her pack. If you push, you will not get answers.
Perhaps one day, she will tell you. But you will not press her today. That would only make her uncomfortable- and that's the last thing you want to do. Not today. Not when Nokai has invited you to do something with her that is clearly far more important than you realized.
Instead, you sit quietly and fall into your own breathing pattern. Your own cycling technique will not get anything out of it, but it is soothing, and it calms you in a way that is rare these days.
But no good thing lasts forever. Eventually, the sun moves, and the barest shadow returns to the clearing. Nokai's breathing slows and changes as she releases her efforts. She smiles peacefully as the cycling fugue lifts. One hand reaches out and gropes for a dog which she finds, easily. Zhao drops a heavy head on his mistress's lap and Nokai rests her hand between his ears, for once entirely at peace with the world.
You aren't without canine companionship either. Xue rests under one arm, and the shaggy Lan has taken up a position at your feet. You absently scratch the fluffy cloud-like dog with your good hand and he moves, better allowing you to get the one spot beneath his chin.
The simplicity of the gesture makes you smile- even as you realize that you are using your right claw. "Thank you, Xue," you mutter. A doggy grin is your reward. "And, um, Nokai?"
Your friend looks over at you. Your claw clenches, and you force it to relax. "Thank you for helping find me. I- thank you. And you as well, Lan, Lu, Zhao, Xue."
Nokai seems to consider her answer. Eventually, she settles on simply nodding at you- and the simple gesture seems heavier than you expected.
Since you're talking, you might as well ask the question that has been on your mind for days. "Oh, and, um, I am not sure if you have heard, but I have an expedition into the deeps coming- it's something I must do for my sigil. I have already gathered several people who will be coming with me. If you would like to join our number, I would be very pleased to have you."
Persuade Check: 4d10s8(1.1)(10-3(Relationship)+1(Sigil Crunch)+1(The Deeps)-1(Concern)). Dice Rolled: 9, 9, 6, 10, 2. 3.3, rounded down to 3 Successes!
Nokai considers your words. "Who come?" she asks.
"Um, Fa- Jai Fa," you answer. "She has mentioned that she may be able to gather someone else, so she won't be alone. Xu Yun will be coming, as will Mei Daiyu-"
"Dancer Girl!" Nokai cheers. Then she frowns. "Dancer Girl not fight. Shame. But…" She considers something and then smiles broadly. "If come, might spar Dancer Girl and Stone Face. Keep Kong Zhi from snapping face. Time well spent!"
"I don't think I would 'snap my face' without you along," you mutter, almost to yourself. "I am more competent than that."
"Still! No reason risk! Happy come! When going?"
And despite your mildly bruised pride, you cannot help but feel far more confident about your chances in the deeps as you give Nokai the time and location of your meeting.
You will have Nokai along, who is the strongest fighter this side of Zhuan Kun. Mei Daiyu will be there, and she has not lost a single step. Xu Yun is no slouch either, and Jai Fa is frankly terrifying. Between the four of them, you have no doubt that any obstacle before you will fall, and that isn't even counting whoever else your friends manage to recruit.
In fact, of your entire group, the weak link… it's you.
That likely still would have been the case before, but no, with your changes, it is far more pronounced. You have difficulty grasping objects. You cannot walk without tearing up the floor beneath you. In the deeps, you will need all the help you can get to make it through, let alone finding the final weapon. The thought is enough to put a dark cloud on your thoughts as you and Nokai make your way back into the Sect.
You know your limitations, and you know they aren't going anywhere. Your changes aren't going to be dealt with in a matter of days. There is no miracle fix coming for you. But still…
You wish that your family had sent you something besides your allowance.
And when you arrive back home, your wish is granted.
Sitting there in the dark of your quarters is a carved wooden box that certainly wasn't there when you left. It weighs on the air like a sucking void, seeming to draw in all the light and sound that normally flicker into your quarters and drowning them in an air of absence. The air feels heavier as you approach the box, and your skin is cold as you reach for it.
And then you open it, releasing a fountain of warmth and light that drowns the room in radiance.
Sitting within the box is a single jewel the size of your fist. It is a red stone the color of a beauty's lips with dark veins of purple running through its body. At its heart is a white star, five lines of golden-white brilliance that burn against your eyes in a way not even the sun managed earlier. When your hand goes near it, it vibrates with a pulse that's not your own, causing sweat to drip down your brow.
The box and the stone are not the only things on your bed though. There is also an envelope. Your hands are reluctant to leave the ruby's radiance, but you force one of them to grab the paper with a supreme effort of will. A flick of your thumb breaks the seal, and in the light of the gemstone you can see the words sent to you by your family.
Zhi-
Bi has brought us word of your condition. She has also informed us that she promised you that Kong would fix it.
In this, she is entirely correct.
Material Gained: A Love Transfixed (Blood/Star 42)
Kong will fix this.
Begin at your leisure.
-Kong Shuren.
We are at the start of week 14! You have 1 week left to prove yourself!
How do you spend your 14th week within the Delving Heart? (Pick Nine!)
You will receive your allowance in three weeks!
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.
Please cast all votes in PLAN FORMAT!
There is a two hour moratorium on this vote! There is no voting until two 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 seek out the point on the map that lies deep within the caverns, below even the Lost Armory. (Counts asThree Two 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.
-[] (Specify Technique Being Trained)
[] 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.
-[] (Specify Subject of Interest. General Knowledge hunts have a two point cover charge. Everything else varies.)
[] 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. (Jai Fa requests an Axe infused with Steel and one other aspect)
[] 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 refining her axe-wielding technique. Should you wish to serve as her training dummy, she would be glad to receive your pain-filled feedback. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Jai Shouxi is relaxing at home, enjoying the fruits of his labor. He seems like he would be happy to speak with you, and seems most interested in your new alterations. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Though he has a core, Xu Yun seems to seek normality for now. He can once again be found at the docks. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Nokai is beyond happy that Auntie Bi is gone. She wishes to celebrate with a trip to the Forest of Pearls. Perhaps some sunshine is what you need. You will accompany her. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Mei Daiyu has proved an interested student in the field of charm crafting. You have much left you can teach her. You will set up another lesson for your one-time teacher. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Mo Hanying has asked for you. Apparently she has plans coming up that she thinks you would greatly enjoy, and she invites you to attend her at your leisure. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]Ming Hui is planning a tour of the village's many street vendors soon so that he may be more inspired in his future dishes. If you wish a seat and a plate, one can be provided for you. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]You have taught Teng Lim the absolute basics of the Hummingbird's Dance, but you can always teach him more. You will invite him out to the training grounds once more and further his studies. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]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 now that his current artisan has proven so lackluster, perhaps you could make inroads. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]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 the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[] 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. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
[]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. It is the final deadline for disciples to seek their sigil, and everyone is consumed with it.
-[](Write in which disciple you would like to speak with)
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.
[] Recently, you have mastered the Stallion's Enclosed Garden, and with it, an enhancement to your sixth sense. Though it will be tiring and difficult, perhaps you can use this technique to refine your hunts through the tunnel. (Counts as Two Actions. Costs one box of mental stress.)
-[] (Choose what you are hunting for: Wonder, Spirit Beast, Kukuni, or Other. A roll will be made on a table made entirely of your choice.)
[] During your travels through the Delving Heart, you encountered a Blood Kukuni of fearsome power. It was victorious last time and it left you greatly changed. This time, things will be different.
-[] You will hunt down the Kukuni to kill it.
-[] You will hunt down the Kukuni to speak with it.
[] 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.
[] Jai Shouxi has begun selling cups of his new, energizing tea at the behest of Elder Yixue. It is guaranteed to energize and refresh you, but it is not without it's downsides. (Cost: 1 Talent. Gain one extra action, fill one mental stress box.)
[] Write-In
[] Plan BSA and WC
-[] Jai Shouxi's Commissions
--[] Stagheart (8 Points. Grade 1 Wood/Earth Pill) x 3
--[] Choir Note (4 Points. Grade 1 Sound Pill) x2
-[] Pills and Elixirs
--[] Woodsman's Respite (7 Points. Grade 1 Wood Pill) x4
--[] Spider's Serum (11 Points. Grade 2 Beast Elixir)
--[] An Evening's Rest (12 Points. Grade 1 Healing Pill. Restores 1 Physical Stress Box.) x 1
-[] Materials
--[] A Still Shaking Anvil (4 Points. Steel/Force Aspected. +7 to development)
--[] A Brass Knocker. (2 Points. Force Aspected. +3 to development)
--[] A Still Growing Sapling. (7 Points. Wood/Life Aspected. +13 to development)
--[] An Everbloom. (3 Points. Life Aspected. +6 to development)
--[] A bundle of fresh Ifeagrass. (1 Point. Blood Aspected. +3 to development)
--[] Wool of a Verdant Ewe. (1 Point. Beast Aspected. +2 to development.)
-[] Jai Shouxi's Commissions
--[] Stagheart (8 Points. Grade 1 Wood/Earth Pill) x 3
--[] Choir Note (4 Points. Grade 1 Sound Pill) x2
-[] Pills and Elixirs
--[] Woodsman's Respite (7 Points. Grade 1 Wood Pill) x4
--[] Spider's Serum (11 Points. Grade 2 Beast Elixir)
--[] An Evening's Rest (12 Points. Grade 1 Healing Pill. Restores 1 Physical Stress Box.) x 1
-[] Materials
--[] A Still Shaking Anvil (4 Points. Steel/Force Aspected. +7 to development)
--[] A Brass Knocker. (2 Points. Force Aspected. +3 to development)
--[] A Still Growing Sapling. (7 Points. Wood/Life Aspected. +13 to development)
--[] An Everbloom. (3 Points. Life Aspected. +6 to development)
--[] A bundle of fresh Ifeagrass. (1 Point. Blood Aspected. +3 to development)
--[] Wool of a Verdant Ewe. (1 Point. Beast Aspected. +2 to development.)
Since your encounter with the blood Kukuni, you have been… struggling with your body. The talon that stands where your foot used to be is difficult enough to deal with, what with it's habit of getting stuck in dirt floors or softwoods, but that is manageable. But the claw that has replaced your hand? That is another matter entirely.
As you've gone about your business, in the back of your mind, you cannot help but keep track of all the things you struggle with now that were so easy before. The issue you have holding tools now is the biggest one- however it is far from the only problem. Your right hand cannot open doors easily. It is too large to properly grab anyone for a throw. Clenching your fists tends to spill your own blood.
But now you can add a new problem onto the list, one you had never considered before: you struggle to carry bags and parcels.
It is a very good thing that you have friends.
Nokai lets out a heavy sigh as she walks behind you on your way back to the Spire. You glance over your shoulder to see her giving the parcels in her arms a mournful look. At her side, Zhao walks carefully, another package hastily tied to his torso, and he's far from the only dog pitching in, though he is the only one glaring a hole through you. Lu and Lan are trotting along merrily, tails wagging, carrying the handles of a litter between them. Even Xue is hard at work; he has a small sack bursting with wool gripped between his tiny teeth, which he drags along the path with a dogged determination.
You dip your head slightly at your barbarian friend, taking care not to jostle the crate of elixirs you have tucked beneath your good arm. "My thanks for your assistance once again," you tell her. "I was not looking forward to carrying all of this back myself."
Nokai waves off your gratitude, though it looks like she is regretting the friendly offer she made. Instead of saying so, she asks, "What all this even?" Her laden arms twitch, the gesture somehow encompassing your entire new treasure trove.
"Well, I…" you begin, offering her a somewhat guilty smile. "When I discovered that the conversion rate from talents to points was favorable today, I thought it best to take advantage of this window while I had a chance. So I… perhaps I let my impulses overcome my better judgement."
Whatever shame you feel is not enough to keep your grin from changing from guilty to beaming. "But look!" you exclaim, reaching into your crate and producing a small bronze door knocker. "I do not know what this piece's history is, but it was once used to such an extent that force anam still remains within! And here-" you gesture at the bag in Xue's mouth. "Wool shorn from a Verdant Ewe! It should be simple to spin it- and the thread it creates will carry enough beast anam to serve any number of purposes!"
Nokai rolls her eyes and glances towards the sapling suspended between Lu and Lan. "What that?" she asks, jerking her head in it's direction. "What do tree?"
"That sapling still lives!" you almost squeal. "It was harvested not two days ago from the forest above, and they were able to secure it with its root structure and all branches intact! It is living wood! Do you know the things I can do with living wood?!"
Nokai stares blankly at you. "No. What do?"
Ideas and half-developed charms smash together in your mind, each more complex and fascinating than the last. There are so many that they collide before they reach your tongue; only silence escapes your mouth. You shake your head and clear your throat. "A great deal," you finally say. "I can do a great deal of things with still living wood."
And that is far from the only acquisition you made that you have ideas for. The anvil Nokai is clutching, the blooming flower on Zhao's back, the bundle of Ifeagrass in your crate… all of it is enough to make you bite back a giggle. Finally! You have been to the market so many times, and you have held yourself back each and every time, only buying what you needed for the moment. But not now- not this time. This time you were able to actually purchase things you wanted. It's a heady feeling.
11 Bronze Talents converted into 55 Sect Points! New Total: 86 Sect Points, 1 Bronze Talent!
Spent 84 Sect Points! 2 Sect Points remain.
You have an outstanding debt of 17 Sect Points, owed to Jai Shouxi by the end of Week 15!
Pills Gained: Stagheart x3, Choir Note x2, Woodsman's Respite x4, Spider's Serum, An Evening's Rest.
Materials Gained: Still Growing Sapling (Wood/Life 13), A Still Shaking Anvil (Steel/Force 7), Everbloom (Life 3), Ifeagrass (Blood 3), Brass Knocker (Force 3), Wool of a Verdant Ewe (Beast 2).
You fight your giggle fit the entire way back to the Spire, succeeding for most of the trip. But you lose the fight in full as you start taking your parcels from the hounds and stowing them around your workshop. With each material you deposit, your laughter grows. What will these become? You have no idea, and it is delightful.
Nokai watches you work with raised eyebrows and an exasperated sigh. You pay her no mind- not until you have placed your last pill into your chute, stowed your lone elixir in your bedroom, and given Jai Shouxi your final order. Only when that is all done and your roommate has already sprung into action do you turn back to your friend.
You bow to her once again. "Your timely assistance is greatly appreciated," you tell her. "It was good fortune that you were in the market as well." You pause and, after a moment's thought, inspect her now empty arms. "Though I cannot help but notice you did not purchase anything. I hope that I did not disrupt your own shopping."
"No," Nokai answers shortly. "Not shop. Look for Kong Zhi."
"Oh," you say after another moment's pause. "I see. Is there… something that I can help you with?"
You had suspected that Nokai was not in the market for the goods the moment you saw her. After all, Nokai? Purchasing things? The very idea is outlandish. But now that your suspicions are confirmed, a pulse of dread rolls through your stomach. Does she want to 'exchange pointers' with you as well. You will not say that that would not be helpful, but after being ground into the dirt by three of your friends, the idea of another one doing so is less than exhilarating.
Thankfully, Nokai's next words dispel that idea. "Elder Kong gone, yes?"
"Um, yes," you reply. "Auntie Bi departed last week. May I-"
Nokai's shoulder slump with relief and she lets out a sigh so loud and with such gusto that you feel that you should almost be offended on Auntie Bi's behalf. Ignorant of your thoughts, Nokai continues. "Good!" she answers with new life in her voice. "Then going forest. High sun soon. Come?"
Your near-offense is washed away, replaced by stunned surprise. "Nokai? Have you been refraining from leaving the sect until Auntie Bi departed?"
Your friend's look is that of a parent who has had the obvious explained to them by a small child. "Yes. Only thing do."
...there is a very strong chance that Nokai is the smartest person that you have ever met. Only the truly wise learn how important it is to avoid Auntie Bi so quickly. Most people have to be taught such. Nokai is clearly wise beyond her years.
And she also has a good idea. You could do with some time out in the sun. You nod at her question. "That sounds nice. Do you have a place in mind or-"
Your question is only halfway out of your mouth before Nokai grins and spins, leading the way out of the Spire without a second's consideration for your impaired leg. You lurch after her, your movements only made clumsier when Xue leaps onto you and assumes his customary spot at the neck of your robes. However, you're still able to keep up as Nokai heads out of the courtyard, through the tunnels, and out into the Forest of Pearls.
But your journey does not end there. The six of you barely enter the light before Nokai plunges forward, blazing a trail through the foliage. You mutter a curse and follow her, kicking roots and dirt clods up in your wake. For a moment, you lose sight of Nokai, but Xue keeps you oriented. The small dog keeps his nose pointed at his mistress like a compass, no matter where she goes. It's only with his help that you're able to find Nokai's final destination.
You find her in a small, cramped clearing just like another dozen you passed on your way here. "You…" you gasp out, wiping sweat from your brow. "...could have kept a slower pace."
Nokai's answering look is the picture of confused innocence. "Why?" she asks. "Kong Zhi made it. Knew keep up fine. And now made it time!"
The small part of you that is not consumed with recovering from your impromptu hike is the slightest bit touched in Nokai's complete faith that you would have no problems following her- though that part of you is very small. The rest of you is gasping for air, which is the only thing keeping you from yelling out unflattering things about the choices you have made in life that have led you to this place and time. But that subsides once your lungs stop burning and your leg stops hurting.
After you've recovered, you dismiss any negative feelings and instead focus on Nokai's words. "We had to be here, in this spot, at a certain time? Why?"
Nokai gestures upwards. "Sun!" she cheers. "All light here. Brightest spot."
"Oh," you answer, taking a moment to translate Nokai's broken Radiant into a complete thought. You're here because this clearing is the best spot Nokai has found in the forest to get the most light in the entire Forest of Pearls… and that is very important to her for some reason.
You glance up at the burning orb which is only now fully cresting the Brightmaples. "I did not know that you enjoyed bathing in the sun this much," you muse.
"Sun meditation big important," Nokai answers, tone lazy and relaxed. "Sun teaches, restores. Sun time not get rid of."
"I see," you answer, still staring up at the sun. "I confess, I had no idea that spending time in the light was so-"
Your eyes turn back to Nokai and your words cut off as if a door has been slammed on your tongue. Beside you, Nokai is fighting with her robe. Her torn outer robe has already been discarded. Now she struggles with the tight under robe, pulling and tugging at it like an animal trapped in a vine. Your eyes snap back to the sun as if burned. "Excuse me, Nokai?" you ask, voice thin and reedy. "May I ask what exactly you are doing?"
"Taking sun," comes her answer. If you hadn't seen it in for yourself, you would never have guessed that she's stripping down right next to you. "Why?"
"I, uh, would have appreciated a warning," you answer.
"Warning? Why-" Nokai begins. Her words turn to nothing, and for a moment, silence reigns in the cramped clearing. When she speaks again, her voice is thick with amusement. "Oh. Radiant modesty. No worry safety, Kong Zhi. Risk not..." she pauses and seems to be searching for the proper word. "...Minii nüdiig shataa, chinii tsever ariun baidal!"
Her last words rush from her throat like a lyrical waterfall. You're so surprised by the almost musical quality to her voice that it takes you a moment to realize you did not understand a single word she just said. "Nokai?"
"Eyes. Not risk eyes," she answers, not sounding happy with her words. "Safe look."
You consider the statement and then, after another moment's hesitation, dart your eyes back to your side, ready to look away at the merest hint that you and Nokai had differing definitions of 'safe'. But she is as good as her word- everything untoward is indeed covered up.
She has not put back on her robes, however. Nor is she covered up by her dogs as you half-expected. Instead, she is wrapped from shoulder to waist in thick linen that leaves no skin exposed, and below that she still wears her loose uniform pants. The fabric of the wrap clings tight enough to her to leave precisely nothing to the imagination, but it is more than enough to argue that modesty has been kept.
Nokai gestures down at herself with one hand, face still twisted in a scowl as she fights to remember the word she sought. "See?" she says. "Fine."
You let out a low breath. "I would still have appreciated a moment's warning," you protest, but Nokai is beyond caring what you say. She closes her eyes and her face smooths out as the sun fully crests over the Brightmaples. Light spills into the clearing, soaking the foliage and eradicating the shadows around you. Your friend lets out a groan of near primal pleasure and her breathing evens out.
Is she cycling again? You reach out with your sixth sense to find out. Sure enough, as Nokai sits peacefully in the light, bare traces of anam enter her body. They don't geyser from the land around you as they would if she were cycling from a Wonder- instead burning anam seems to congeal from nothing mere inches away from Nokai's mouth, where she inhales it and draws it into her body.
You have to marvel at the sight. The anam she is drawing is a bare whisper of what you get from a Natural Wonder, but the fact that she is getting anything at all is amazing. It's a well known truth that anam permeates the entire world whether you can sense it or not- but knowing it is there and drawing from it is another story entirely.
"Where did you learn to do that?" you ask. "I- my breathing technique cannot even come close to such a feat."
Nokai is silent- and you wonder if you have crossed a line you did not know existed. It has not escaped you that Nokai is very reluctant to speak about herself. Your friend does not offend easily, but if you ask the wrong question… but no. That fear is proven to be unfounded as Nokai regulates her breathing back into a standard pattern before answering.
"Clan," she tells you. "Mother. Other khöngön tsus- Sunholders. Teach when small. Teach again larger. More teach even bigger."
Sunholder… you have heard that word before. Auntie Bi mentioned it when she first laid eyes on Nokai. She had known right away that Nokai was practicing something called the 'Sunholder Technique'- which you now suppose is her breathing pattern. "Are the Sunholders your people?" you ask tentatively, still wary of diving into dangerous waters.
Nokai doesn't seem to care though. "Yes," she answers. "Sunholders Radiant name for-" She stops abruptly and takes a deep breath. Has she gone back into her breathing pattern? But no, she's changed her breathing for a different reason. When she speaks again, it is with the strained tone of one repeating a phrase long since committed to memory. "Sunholders Radiant name for 'We Who Carry Light Within Our Blood'. Sunholders easier say."
"I see. And you can all," you gesture at Nokai, at how her breathing is pulling in the sun's energy even now. "Do that?"
Nokai gives you a half shrug. "Not carry light if can't," she informs you. Then her eyes slam closed once more and her breathing falls back into it's familiar pattern. Clearly she has decided that the time for conversation is passed.
But you don't look away from your friend. Your eyes are locked onto her exposed body.
When Nokai is fully garbed, her tattoos barely peek out of her robes. The dark lines that swallow her fingers are all that shows. But now that more skin is exposed, you can see that those hand tattoos are barely the beginning. Her entire body is covered in dark lines that twine through her flesh like veins through stone. They stretch from her fingers and toes all the way up her arms and legs and onto her torso, where they are swallowed by the linen. You can only imagine what's still covered.
Perception Check: 5d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 7, 9, 4, 1, 10, 7. 3.3, rounded down to 3 Successes!
But not all the tattoos are the same. The majority of them are dark lines that seem to thread through her body with no rhyme or reason, but every now and then there is a swirl, a change in the pattern. There is one near her shoulder with spikey, jagged lines stabbing through the rest of the ink. Another is at her hip, a twirling spiral that vanishes beneath her pants. The more you look, the more small imperfections you see in the dark lines.
And on Nokai's right arm is an even larger change. The ink on the rest of her body is faded and uniform, clearly driven into her skin by one practiced in their craft. That one arm however… the ink there is darker, fresher than the rest. The lines are more jagged, rougher, as if the one who was etching them was a novice still learning their craft.
...or an amateur performing the act on their own body.
Your eyes drift to Nokai's face. It is calm and peaceful as she continues harvesting the sun. It's all you can do to shake your head and bite your tongue to keep from disturbing her focus once again.
And not for the first time, you wonder: what is Nokai's story? But you don't ask. She is reluctant enough to speak of anything that does not involve her pack. If you push, you will not get answers.
Perhaps one day, she will tell you. But you will not press her today. That would only make her uncomfortable- and that's the last thing you want to do. Not today. Not when Nokai has invited you to do something with her that is clearly far more important than you realized.
Instead, you sit quietly and fall into your own breathing pattern. Your own cycling technique will not get anything out of it, but it is soothing, and it calms you in a way that is rare these days.
But no good thing lasts forever. Eventually, the sun moves, and the barest shadow returns to the clearing. Nokai's breathing slows and changes as she releases her efforts. She smiles peacefully as the cycling fugue lifts. One hand reaches out and gropes for a dog which she finds, easily. Zhao drops a heavy head on his mistress's lap and Nokai rests her hand between his ears, for once entirely at peace with the world.
You aren't without canine companionship either. Xue rests under one arm, and the shaggy Lan has taken up a position at your feet. You absently scratch the fluffy cloud-like dog with your good hand and he moves, better allowing you to get the one spot beneath his chin.
The simplicity of the gesture makes you smile- even as you realize that you are using your right claw. "Thank you, Xue," you mutter. A doggy grin is your reward. "And, um, Nokai?"
Your friend looks over at you. Your claw clenches, and you force it to relax. "Thank you for helping find me. I- thank you. And you as well, Lan, Lu, Zhao, Xue."
Nokai seems to consider her answer. Eventually, she settles on simply nodding at you- and the simple gesture seems heavier than you expected.
Since you're talking, you might as well ask the question that has been on your mind for days. "Oh, and, um, I am not sure if you have heard, but I have an expedition into the deeps coming- it's something I must do for my sigil. I have already gathered several people who will be coming with me. If you would like to join our number, I would be very pleased to have you."
Persuade Check: 4d10s8(1.1)(10-3(Relationship)+1(Sigil Crunch)+1(The Deeps)-1(Concern)). Dice Rolled: 9, 9, 6, 10, 2. 3.3, rounded down to 3 Successes!
Nokai considers your words. "Who come?" she asks.
"Um, Fa- Jai Fa," you answer. "She has mentioned that she may be able to gather someone else, so she won't be alone. Xu Yun will be coming, as will Mei Daiyu-"
"Dancer Girl!" Nokai cheers. Then she frowns. "Dancer Girl not fight. Shame. But…" She considers something and then smiles broadly. "If come, might spar Dancer Girl and Stone Face. Keep Kong Zhi from snapping face. Time well spent!"
"I don't think I would 'snap my face' without you along," you mutter, almost to yourself. "I am more competent than that."
"Still! No reason risk! Happy come! When going?"
And despite your mildly bruised pride, you cannot help but feel far more confident about your chances in the deeps as you give Nokai the time and location of your meeting.
You will have Nokai along, who is the strongest fighter this side of Zhuan Kun. Mei Daiyu will be there, and she has not lost a single step. Xu Yun is no slouch either, and Jai Fa is frankly terrifying. Between the four of them, you have no doubt that any obstacle before you will fall, and that isn't even counting whoever else your friends manage to recruit.
In fact, of your entire group, the weak link… it's you.
That likely still would have been the case before, but no, with your changes, it is far more pronounced. You have difficulty grasping objects. You cannot walk without tearing up the floor beneath you. In the deeps, you will need all the help you can get to make it through, let alone finding the final weapon. The thought is enough to put a dark cloud on your thoughts as you and Nokai make your way back into the Sect.
You know your limitations, and you know they aren't going anywhere. Your changes aren't going to be dealt with in a matter of days. There is no miracle fix coming for you. But still…
You wish that your family had sent you something besides your allowance.
And when you arrive back home, your wish is granted.
Sitting there in the dark of your quarters is a carved wooden box that certainly wasn't there when you left. It weighs on the air like a sucking void, seeming to draw in all the light and sound that normally flicker into your quarters and drowning them in an air of absence. The air feels heavier as you approach the box, and your skin is cold as you reach for it.
And then you open it, releasing a fountain of warmth and light that drowns the room in radiance.
Sitting within the box is a single jewel the size of your fist. It is a red stone the color of a beauty's lips with dark veins of purple running through its body. At its heart is a white star, five lines of golden-white brilliance that burn against your eyes in a way not even the sun managed earlier. When your hand goes near it, it vibrates with a pulse that's not your own, causing sweat to drip down your brow.
The box and the stone are not the only things on your bed though. There is also an envelope. Your hands are reluctant to leave the ruby's radiance, but you force one of them to grab the paper with a supreme effort of will. A flick of your thumb breaks the seal, and in the light of the gemstone you can see the words sent to you by your family.
Zhi-
Bi has brought us word of your condition. She has also informed us that she promised you that Kong would fix it.
In this, she is entirely correct.
Material Gained: A Love Transfixed (Blood/Star 42)
Kong will fix this.
Begin at your leisure.
-Kong Shuren.
We are at the start of week 14! You have 1 week left to prove yourself!
How do you spend your 14th week within the Delving Heart? (Pick Nine!)
You will receive your allowance in three weeks!
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.
Please cast all votes in PLAN FORMAT!
There is a two hour moratorium on this vote! There is no voting until two 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 seek out the point on the map that lies deep within the caverns, below even the Lost Armory. (Counts as
[] 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.
-[] (Specify Technique Being Trained)
[] 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.
-[] (Specify Subject of Interest. General Knowledge hunts have a two point cover charge. Everything else varies.)
[] 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. (Jai Fa requests an Axe infused with Steel and one other aspect)
[] 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
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[] 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)
[]
[]
-[]
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.
[] Recently, you have mastered the Stallion's Enclosed Garden, and with it, an enhancement to your sixth sense. Though it will be tiring and difficult, perhaps you can use this technique to refine your hunts through the tunnel. (Counts as Two Actions. Costs one box of mental stress.)
-[] (Choose what you are hunting for: Wonder, Spirit Beast, Kukuni, or Other. A roll will be made on a table made entirely of your choice.)
[] During your travels through the Delving Heart, you encountered a Blood Kukuni of fearsome power. It was victorious last time and it left you greatly changed. This time, things will be different.
-[] You will hunt down the Kukuni to kill it.
-[] You will hunt down the Kukuni to speak with it.
[] 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.
[] Jai Shouxi has begun selling cups of his new, energizing tea at the behest of Elder Yixue. It is guaranteed to energize and refresh you, but it is not without it's downsides. (Cost: 1 Talent. Gain one extra action, fill one mental stress box.)
[] Write-In
Last edited:
- Location
- The Middle of the Howling Wilderness
- Location
- Brazil
WHAT? 42?
- Location
- US
Damn. I'm just in awe right now. Zhi's dad is just the best.
A Love Transfixed... Odds that Shuren crystallized it out of his blood and emotions?
Last edited:
Wistways
You friendly neighborhood artist
- Location
- Australia
This is amazing.
First great friendship moment with Nokai.
Love the image of all the dogs helping us bring our shopping home.
Also you evil bastard Ves. What the fuck are we going to do with this thing.
How are we going to get the thread to agree to do something with this thing?
First great friendship moment with Nokai.
Love the image of all the dogs helping us bring our shopping home.
Also you evil bastard Ves. What the fuck are we going to do with this thing.
How are we going to get the thread to agree to do something with this thing?
Cteatus
A Guy Who Fell Down a Hole
WELP.
I kind of want to make a secondary core out of it. Some sort of implant for sure.
I kind of want to make a secondary core out of it. Some sort of implant for sure.
I have no complaints with this solution. Also, I guess we have something of an idea of what sort of material our dad would find impressive/noteworthy enough to boost our allowance for.
Well, maybe one complaint - an awesome mat does surprisingly little to narrow the possibility space of solutions we could enact (it just specifies we should craft one), which has its own benefits but is somewhat uninspiring when we don't quite know enough about methods/techniques for bodily transformation to make a well-informed decision.
Wistways
You friendly neighborhood artist
- Location
- Australia
I blame you also Cteatus
Cteatus
A Guy Who Fell Down a Hole
You should. I helped.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Okay, there are quite a few options flying around on the Discord. I'm going to transcribe some of the meta ideas for how to decide what to choose. They're not all my ideas, I just want to get them down in thread.
1. Whatever we choose must address our problem in some way, by a) removing the problem; b) balancing it out; or c) assisting us in dealing with it.
2. It should be something that is implanted or otherwise tied to us permanently. This shouldn't be something anyone can ever take away from us.
3. Whatever we do should respect the deep emotional significance of the gift. This is not an opportunity to make some mundane item, however powerful. This is the opportunity to make something that will permanently alter us for the better.
4. Preferably whatever we make should grow with us, so that it doesn't fall behind us as we grow. The "no upgrading" restriction bars later changes to it; it presumably does not bar something that has some form of inbuilt self-upgrading ability.
1. Whatever we choose must address our problem in some way, by a) removing the problem; b) balancing it out; or c) assisting us in dealing with it.
2. It should be something that is implanted or otherwise tied to us permanently. This shouldn't be something anyone can ever take away from us.
3. Whatever we do should respect the deep emotional significance of the gift. This is not an opportunity to make some mundane item, however powerful. This is the opportunity to make something that will permanently alter us for the better.
4. Preferably whatever we make should grow with us, so that it doesn't fall behind us as we grow. The "no upgrading" restriction bars later changes to it; it presumably does not bar something that has some form of inbuilt self-upgrading ability.
Yeah, what do they mean by "fixing" btw, is it by helping Kong Zhi reaching higher cultivation by giving stronger material? or is it by giving material that help undo transformation? this is such a huge curveball that Ves is throwing at us...
This could be a big thing that we can actually create our own materials, maybe it tied to what core we have. I like to imagine all gems that given to us at our day of admission is actually created/condensed by member of Kong that have something like Gem/Metal anam core.
Pretty sure the answer is 'whatever Zhi (ie the voters) thinks it means'. I don't think our Dad is going to be pissed as long as we don't sell it or break it. He's handing the matter to us.
So i'm thinking, since our core is made of time, and it's suppose to fix it. I'm think it's a sort of psuedo cybernetic, that's integrated into the mutated portion of our body letting us switch forms from raptor Zhi to normal Zhi.
It seems like Time would be ideal for this, Time/Blood/Star
It seems like Time would be ideal for this, Time/Blood/Star
Vesvius
The Wicked God
Let's find out!
Knowledge (Cultivation) Check: 4d10s7(1.1). Dice Rolled: 9, 8, 7, 1. 2.2, rounded down to 2 Successes!
Looks like Zhi has a good grasp on this.
I'll put more in the next update, but Star Anam is an advanced aspect. It's not quite as esoteric as time, and certainly more common, but it is not something that most Artists walk around with in their core. It is also nebulous as hell. It has direct connections to Light, Fire, and Night, but can also be related to (in various forms) Heavens and Discovery. It is a guiding aspect, like sailors use stars to guide their way home. It can inspire; some Star Artists cycle their anam before writing some of the world's most beloved poetry. But it is also a cold aspect; though Star is connected to so many others, it stands apart, part of a crowd yet not being touched by it. It is the aspect of the brave explorer and the aloof poet alike.
- Location
- Classified
Dawn of the Final Day. Here's hoping we don't choke at the last minute.
So, we've got seven actions, plus the quest. What are we planning? Are we throwing more actions into physical therapy? Did we ever recharge the box?
So, we've got seven actions, plus the quest. What are we planning? Are we throwing more actions into physical therapy? Did we ever recharge the box?
Last edited:
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Yeah, looking at that.
I'm thinking we want some kind of Training Aid out of this. Blood associates with the physical body, Star with discovery, inspiration, and other high minded aspects.
Together, it strongly implies that we could use these to create something that allows rapid training and acclimatization with physical traits that are unfamiliar--exactly what we need here.
I'm thinking we want some kind of Training Aid out of this. Blood associates with the physical body, Star with discovery, inspiration, and other high minded aspects.
Together, it strongly implies that we could use these to create something that allows rapid training and acclimatization with physical traits that are unfamiliar--exactly what we need here.
Guys, do we have a list of other anam expositions by Ves anywhere?