Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Location
- United Kingdom
It could be a matter of trust? It feels like it could cheapen the decision a bit if it looked like we were choosing the memory for him, especially when we have Sixiang's reassurance on the importance of the one lost.
I wouldn't have expected more than one choice for his option. But giving a bit more description or flavor would have put it on more even grounds with our options. As it is, from a purely emotive or evocative perspective, Zhengui's choice reads as a lesser cost than either of Ling Qi's, because that cost- and again just in ~flavor~ terms- isn't present in the description.
- Location
- United Kingdom
From that PoV, the specific flavour doesn't actually matter that much. Zhengui!quest would have flavour given for his options, and I imagine we'll get some kind of hint as to what he gave up in the next update should his vote win, but right now the point isn't what type of memory he gives up, it's whether we're willing to let him take the hit in this case over us in the first place.
Yes, from my point of view, the specific flavour doesn't actually that much. I also agree with that thing you say about how we should get more details in the next update, which is a thing I've said also, several times.
My point is about giving that choice emotional weight by spicing it up with equivalent evocative imagery. Something it doesn't have.
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- Location
- United States of America
Unless the brackets have been confirmed to be OoC knowledge, then what you are suggesting would be Ling Qi reading Zhengui's mind to know what type of memory he would be giving up.
If the Brackets are instead IC knowledge translated to mechanics, then there would be no reason for Ling Qi to know what type of memory Zhengui would be giving up.
There is, of course, the other option where one chooses to interpret more flavor text as having more emotional weight with disregard to the context of why that flavor text is there, but that is a personal choice of interpretation.
The text I'm talking about isn't even in the brackets.
But what I'm actually talking about is OoC in the first place. It's the degree of emotional charge of the text, as players making the choice experience it. I'm not making an argument based on what the phrasing of the choices implies about Ling Qi's emotional investment in any option. It's mild dissatisfaction with the vote structure. I have other, unrelated, concerns with the vote as it plays out in the narrative/Ling Qi's choice.
Eh, what the heck. Skepticism isn't healthy here, I should have just responded in the first place. I apologize for questioning the sincerity of this post earlier. That kind of behaviour is out of line, damages trust, and demeans the community built up around the quest.
My previous argument was in favor of choices that prioritize Zhengui. When it came to the structure of Wang Chao's training, the context was specifically related to Zhengui's growth. I favored gains for Zhengui. When it came time to the art vote, I was in favor of an art that put Zhengui at the front and center of its themes and elements. To prioritize his prominence in the choice being made and related to shared cultivation efforts.
Here, letting Zhengui pay the price definitely involves him and necessarily puts him more central to the resolution of the deal. I don't know that I'd say it prioritizes him though. It definitely doesn't prioritize his growth, given that it trades his to preserve our own. That isn't indefensible, but disliking it isn't inconsistent with my past positions either. Especially since it compounds with choices I opposed in the past.
One thing that people may not be keeping in mind with our choice here is that we already deprioritized Zhengui's cultivation benefits with the way Wang Chao's group training is setup. This is going to stack with that, since it's set to start up next month. It's not a great start for the kid. I bet only Alingge actually picks up on him being out of sorts though, so hopefully it doesn't impair the intended socialization for Zhengui.
My position on Zhengui is related to the broader context of the way Ling Qi views and values her allies, their contributions, strengths, growth, and the risks taken for and by them. My skepticism with this choice being fully grounded in positive development there(it's inescapable that it involves a trade-off of Zhengui's growth for our own which echoes concerning areas of Ling Qi's perspective) is consistent with my past view and stances. But, like I said in my first post, this isn't a situation that has any good choices. We're definitely picking our poison.
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- Location
- Florida
I believe all those concerns will be addressed after the expedition what with our little outburst with Meizhen concerning our clan and development, Zhengui's own trial next update and the consequences and food for thought Qi will have for him, their upcoming Party with the ES nobles and how Zhengui will take to socializing and developing from that and that's without the upcoming Zhengui arc and the lessons that WHR Qi will learn from it regarding clan and family.
So I think we're good
Unless of course the fungus wants our memory of Zhengui hatching, then all bets are off.
So I think we're good
Unless of course the fungus wants our memory of Zhengui hatching, then all bets are off.
- Location
- Random place
[X] Accept Zhengui's offer. [Zhengui expends B Rank qi, receives minor cultivation penalty for the next turn.]
- Location
- earth
[X] Accept Zhengui's offer. [Zhengui expends B Rank qi, receives minor cultivation penalty for the next turn.]
Sect Promotional: Blue Mountain Sect
Introduction:
Blue Mountain, once home to the great southern manor the storied Weilu clan, immersed in celestial energies that the very stone was stained in the bright colors of the spiritual realm, remains one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites of the Emerald Seas. As the site where the great Diviner and the Horned Lord dictated the barbarians surrender, confining the children of the sky to the Wall while his house lasted, it's history was storied before the Empire began. In the modern day, Blue Mountain is no less important, containing the greatest library in all of Emerald Seas, as well as the Eight Maidens Pagoda and the Tower of the Five Solar Heroes. Even the brute Ogodei dared not desecrate the sacred mountain in his depredations.
Blue Mountain Sect offers a place for the youth of the Emerald Seas to connect with our great ancestors, and find their own ways therin. The Diviners library contains storied archives and arts stretching back to the days of the Weilu, and comprehensive material on topics of formation craft, warfare, qi theory and every other subject worth noting.
Service in the Hero's Regiment and the Maidenguard will instill the youth who arrive upon the doorstep with discipline, virtue, and respect for the traditions which have brought greatness to the empire and province and prepare them for careers in service to clan and empire. Whereas a position as a research assistant in our library facilities will grant the prestige to turn the eye of any Master south of the Living Isle.
Sect History:
In the days of the Weilu, blue mountain was that clan's southernmost settlement. A sacred place, overseen by the most devout Weilu, it escaped the depredations which struck so much of that clan in later days. However, in the wake of the vanishing, the holy sites were left unattended and the shrines left to ruin. The First great effort of the Xi clan in their ascension was to see to the restoration of the shrines and the pacification of the spirits running amuck. The order of monks founded upon Blue Mountain in those days are the direct antecedents of our fine Sect.
Long existing under only the authority of the ducal clans of the Emerald Seas, Blue Mountain Sect has long been revered for their neutrality and position as unbiased arbiters for disputes among the people of Emerald Seas. Having witnessed the ruin of the Strife of the Twin Emperors, and the destruction of so much knowledge at Shang Tsung's hand the monks of Blue Mountain began the project of gathering and preserving knowledge within their sacred halls, to be blessed and protected by the New Moon and the Dawn alike.
In the days of the Hui, the fortune's of Blue Moon faltered, and though even the most decadent of the Hui dared not touch the temples, the Brothers of Blue Mountain suffered greatly in those dark years. Many were executed on spurious executions of treason. Left to die staked upon the cruel crown of Xiangmen, to die of exposure or the depredations of the foul things which lurk beyond the Father's protection.
With the rise of the Great Sect's the dignity of Blue Mountain was restored, the brothers ranks bolstered by the many who had found comfort in faith during the dark days of Ogodei's Invasion. Hail to wise Emperor Si, and wiser Emperor An, for restoring the moral center of our great province.
Since that day, Sect Mistress Ran and Sect Master Yu, whose heroism and faith shielded Blue Mountain from the rapacious nomads have guided us well, restoring the former glory of the temples and library. The finest scholars in the south arise from our halls. Including the regional heads of the Ministries of Commerce, Spiritual Affairs, and Law.
Even the Imperial Minister of Spiritual affairs, Wu Shen who advises the Empress and oversees the Imperial rituals, arose from our hallowed halls…
...The document goes on for some time, listing many people of ministerial and bureaucratic positions.
Enrollment:
Enrollment into the Blue Mountain Sect exists on two tracks. The Outer Sect is open to enrollment for all of our fine noble patrons and the talents discovered by the Ministry of Integrity, at competitive rates and conditions. In addition to the Outer Sect, the Blue Mountain also accepts all children of unclear or lacking parentage into our scholastic programs. This program is limited to residents of the Blue Mountain's dominion and the lands of consenting clans. Students of this program are not eligible for the New Year Tournaments or Exams of the Outer Sect.
However, like all Outer Sect Disciples, students of the scholastic program may freely choose to undergo the trials of the Tower or Pagoda to gain entrance to the Inner Sect.
Outer Sect applicants must receive consent from those legally responsible for their persons before attempting the Trials. Once such consent is given, Blue Mountain Sect is not at fault for any wounds, madness, spiritual damage, or fatalities among applicants, as declared in Imperial Decree 27 by Emperor An.
Careers:
The Blue Mountain Sect offers many internal career paths, as well as strong connections among the Imperial Ministries.
Diviner's Library: Among the greatest repositories of knowledge in all the empire, rivaled only by the Imperial Library, the Violet Reef of the Thousand Lakes and the House of the Sleeping Serpent upon the Living Isle, the Diviners Library offers many opportunities to those who study in it's halls. Research assistant from the Library are sought out across the Emerald Seas for their expertise, and for those with the dedication to serve their lives, full Researcher even Section Head positions await.
Maidenguard and Hero's Regiment: Though the Blue Mountain Sect is not known for its military prowess, the sacred warriors of the sun and moon are not to be taken lightly. The highest secrets are forbidden to all who do not take the lifetime oaths of service. These elite units nonetheless possess many secrets and arts to pass down to those who wish to continue the Emerald Seas martial traditions. Clan's in touch with our ancient heritage highly desire graduates of these programs.
Temple Monk: While the position is a humble one, it is nonetheless honorable. Across the Emerald Seas, and the empire as a whole many shrines and temples are neglected and fall to disrepair. There are no callings higher in virtue than to choose to give their lives ministering to the spiritual health of the Empire, and no temple will turn away a monk with training from Blue Mountain.
Blue Mountain, once home to the great southern manor the storied Weilu clan, immersed in celestial energies that the very stone was stained in the bright colors of the spiritual realm, remains one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites of the Emerald Seas. As the site where the great Diviner and the Horned Lord dictated the barbarians surrender, confining the children of the sky to the Wall while his house lasted, it's history was storied before the Empire began. In the modern day, Blue Mountain is no less important, containing the greatest library in all of Emerald Seas, as well as the Eight Maidens Pagoda and the Tower of the Five Solar Heroes. Even the brute Ogodei dared not desecrate the sacred mountain in his depredations.
Blue Mountain Sect offers a place for the youth of the Emerald Seas to connect with our great ancestors, and find their own ways therin. The Diviners library contains storied archives and arts stretching back to the days of the Weilu, and comprehensive material on topics of formation craft, warfare, qi theory and every other subject worth noting.
Service in the Hero's Regiment and the Maidenguard will instill the youth who arrive upon the doorstep with discipline, virtue, and respect for the traditions which have brought greatness to the empire and province and prepare them for careers in service to clan and empire. Whereas a position as a research assistant in our library facilities will grant the prestige to turn the eye of any Master south of the Living Isle.
Sect History:
In the days of the Weilu, blue mountain was that clan's southernmost settlement. A sacred place, overseen by the most devout Weilu, it escaped the depredations which struck so much of that clan in later days. However, in the wake of the vanishing, the holy sites were left unattended and the shrines left to ruin. The First great effort of the Xi clan in their ascension was to see to the restoration of the shrines and the pacification of the spirits running amuck. The order of monks founded upon Blue Mountain in those days are the direct antecedents of our fine Sect.
Long existing under only the authority of the ducal clans of the Emerald Seas, Blue Mountain Sect has long been revered for their neutrality and position as unbiased arbiters for disputes among the people of Emerald Seas. Having witnessed the ruin of the Strife of the Twin Emperors, and the destruction of so much knowledge at Shang Tsung's hand the monks of Blue Mountain began the project of gathering and preserving knowledge within their sacred halls, to be blessed and protected by the New Moon and the Dawn alike.
In the days of the Hui, the fortune's of Blue Moon faltered, and though even the most decadent of the Hui dared not touch the temples, the Brothers of Blue Mountain suffered greatly in those dark years. Many were executed on spurious executions of treason. Left to die staked upon the cruel crown of Xiangmen, to die of exposure or the depredations of the foul things which lurk beyond the Father's protection.
With the rise of the Great Sect's the dignity of Blue Mountain was restored, the brothers ranks bolstered by the many who had found comfort in faith during the dark days of Ogodei's Invasion. Hail to wise Emperor Si, and wiser Emperor An, for restoring the moral center of our great province.
Since that day, Sect Mistress Ran and Sect Master Yu, whose heroism and faith shielded Blue Mountain from the rapacious nomads have guided us well, restoring the former glory of the temples and library. The finest scholars in the south arise from our halls. Including the regional heads of the Ministries of Commerce, Spiritual Affairs, and Law.
Even the Imperial Minister of Spiritual affairs, Wu Shen who advises the Empress and oversees the Imperial rituals, arose from our hallowed halls…
...The document goes on for some time, listing many people of ministerial and bureaucratic positions.
Enrollment:
Enrollment into the Blue Mountain Sect exists on two tracks. The Outer Sect is open to enrollment for all of our fine noble patrons and the talents discovered by the Ministry of Integrity, at competitive rates and conditions. In addition to the Outer Sect, the Blue Mountain also accepts all children of unclear or lacking parentage into our scholastic programs. This program is limited to residents of the Blue Mountain's dominion and the lands of consenting clans. Students of this program are not eligible for the New Year Tournaments or Exams of the Outer Sect.
However, like all Outer Sect Disciples, students of the scholastic program may freely choose to undergo the trials of the Tower or Pagoda to gain entrance to the Inner Sect.
Outer Sect applicants must receive consent from those legally responsible for their persons before attempting the Trials. Once such consent is given, Blue Mountain Sect is not at fault for any wounds, madness, spiritual damage, or fatalities among applicants, as declared in Imperial Decree 27 by Emperor An.
Careers:
The Blue Mountain Sect offers many internal career paths, as well as strong connections among the Imperial Ministries.
Diviner's Library: Among the greatest repositories of knowledge in all the empire, rivaled only by the Imperial Library, the Violet Reef of the Thousand Lakes and the House of the Sleeping Serpent upon the Living Isle, the Diviners Library offers many opportunities to those who study in it's halls. Research assistant from the Library are sought out across the Emerald Seas for their expertise, and for those with the dedication to serve their lives, full Researcher even Section Head positions await.
Maidenguard and Hero's Regiment: Though the Blue Mountain Sect is not known for its military prowess, the sacred warriors of the sun and moon are not to be taken lightly. The highest secrets are forbidden to all who do not take the lifetime oaths of service. These elite units nonetheless possess many secrets and arts to pass down to those who wish to continue the Emerald Seas martial traditions. Clan's in touch with our ancient heritage highly desire graduates of these programs.
Temple Monk: While the position is a humble one, it is nonetheless honorable. Across the Emerald Seas, and the empire as a whole many shrines and temples are neglected and fall to disrepair. There are no callings higher in virtue than to choose to give their lives ministering to the spiritual health of the Empire, and no temple will turn away a monk with training from Blue Mountain.
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