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
- Canada
Art is an Explosion!!!
In all seriousness though, that was an enjoyable little look into what Meizhen has been up to.
Last edited:
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Yeah... except that we've had a nearly identical situation in the past, and it wasn't just us tossing out an invitation and her deciding that yes, hanging out with nobles sounds refreshing. For Su Ling, hanging out with nobles does not sound refreshing. Instead, we dragged her along, and she didn't fight it too hard. Now, those of us voting to leave her be are functioning on the assumption that this will basically be the same thing - that Su Ling doesn't want to go to such things (it really, really doesn't seem like her kind of fun) but that Ling Qi is willing and able to drag her to them without extreme effort or lasting resentment. (She's demonstrated that ability in the past.)
So... it's an eminently plausible read on things. It seems the most likely, given the history between them. It could be phrased as an "invitation" by Ling Qi, if she wanted to. (I've been on the receiving end of enough of such "invitations" myself.) It also has the behavior align with the quest-shape, in that we can be pretty confident that if Ling Qi asks in this way, Su Ling will show up, and if she doesn't, Su Ling won't. Also, this is a pretty normal way for people ot act in Ling Qi's social experience. She's certainly been dragged off to other things that she didn't want to go to by Xiulan and/or CRX.
So, take it in that light. Technically, she could reject the invitation, but we know she won't, even though she'd probably want to. It's really, really not a case of "We should give her the option. Shutting her out of this means making her decisions for her." Seriously. It's Su Ling. "go to the party full of nobles" is not going to be the decision she'd make, absent our nudging.
Last edited:
Arkeus
Crazy cat guy
- Location
- France
Why would she want to reject it, given the invitation would be made expressly because she is asking Ling Qi for help in learning how to deal with nobles? I'm not saying she can't actually reject it- she can, and Yrsillar won't 'force' things that way, and that's a poor argument.
I'm saying that assuming Su Ling will dislike the invitation when the invitation is made for the expressed purpose of answering something she asked us to do is a hot take.
I'm saying that assuming Su Ling will dislike the invitation when the invitation is made for the expressed purpose of answering something she asked us to do is a hot take.
Perhaps a recent cultural development? Everyone seems repressed and that one elder in the love cave mentioned that things were a lot more liberal in the past.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
@yrsillar - a few bits of concrit for you - mostly grammar/punctuation stuff.
That all having been said, I really liked the scene in general. Those two are adorable, and you write them very well.
Pretty sure the first of these two sentences is missing a few words. probably something like "[a] needle of black jade [shot out]."
missing an apostrophe
Having two sentences back to back that both start with "Bai Meizhen..." feels a bit awkward. "carven" might be better as "carved". "Half score she caught..." is the sort of thing that you can get away with if you're trying to be poetic, but it might be better with a somewhat more normal grammar.
That first sentence just seems... awkwardly formed. Somethign abotu the phrasing and the punctuation. "spiralled" is misspelled. Again we have two sentences back-to-back that start with "Bai Maizhen...".
That all having been said, I really liked the scene in general. Those two are adorable, and you write them very well.
- Location
- Leeds
Are they living in a weird nega verse where every generation is more conservative than the one before it?
- Location
- The Space Between
Scene was great! Very cute <3 Bao Qingling is a certified Badass, and we have seen formations being actively used within combat scenes twice now. Combined with our recent xp in formations, I think it might be closing in on Formations Reasserting Their Presence narratively! 
D that's exciting.
As for Su Ling and her desire/lack of desire to be socializing is. Well. Not Socializing is *not* an option as you accumulate power, and a Green Production cultivator *will* get contact and interaction with nobles. We also saw her internal monologue and she's . . . not tsundere exactly? But it's complicated. She is aware that the games will need to be played and realizes the stakes and violence potential of them more than others. She doesn't *not-like* socializing it's more like she is very Self Assured of her morality/Way and most people with power will probably not meet her standards of Justice and Caring for Smallfolk. And that's dangerous. The longer she stays out of it the less likely she's going to bump into enemies and/or the powerful-yet-unjust.
I don't mind her working on some Moving In cleanup steps this month, but that means we should actively plan on helping out and talking to her about noble stuff very soon. Maybe tea time with Suyin and Su Ling like ye olden times!D that'd be fun! spirits can play in the garden with Li Li and maybe Biyu :3 sounds good.
because Su Ling is her own person and character, but providing her opportunities and information about how we made it work is a good idea. Maybe that'll be this upcoming scene, maybe it'll be later this month or early next month.
D that's exciting.As for Su Ling and her desire/lack of desire to be socializing is. Well. Not Socializing is *not* an option as you accumulate power, and a Green Production cultivator *will* get contact and interaction with nobles. We also saw her internal monologue and she's . . . not tsundere exactly? But it's complicated. She is aware that the games will need to be played and realizes the stakes and violence potential of them more than others. She doesn't *not-like* socializing it's more like she is very Self Assured of her morality/Way and most people with power will probably not meet her standards of Justice and Caring for Smallfolk. And that's dangerous. The longer she stays out of it the less likely she's going to bump into enemies and/or the powerful-yet-unjust.
I don't mind her working on some Moving In cleanup steps this month, but that means we should actively plan on helping out and talking to her about noble stuff very soon. Maybe tea time with Suyin and Su Ling like ye olden times!
D that'd be fun! spirits can play in the garden with Li Li and maybe Biyu :3 sounds good.because Su Ling is her own person and character, but providing her opportunities and information about how we made it work is a good idea. Maybe that'll be this upcoming scene, maybe it'll be later this month or early next month.
- Location
- France
God I love those two.
Can't wait for the next scene.
The explosion and crystal spider thread combat style is awesome, and the idea of a needle domain weapon just fits perfectly.
Can't wait for the next scene.
The explosion and crystal spider thread combat style is awesome, and the idea of a needle domain weapon just fits perfectly.
Nolrai
weak to fangs
- Location
- Porltand
I mean in the real world things such as sexual openness flow back and forth over time and urbaness and other complicated factors.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
because they're teenagers?
Also, Bao Qian's has a somewhat unusual take on it, but he's got his head on straight as far as romance is concerned.
Side note: I love that the Bao are into combat use of explosive charges. Of course they are. They're all about being absurdly wealthy, and mining. Of course they leverage that funding to afford the kind of combat consumable use that other families simply couldn't afford, and have the family lore (and, almost certainly, supporting arts - for those who specialize in such things) to use explosives most effectively.
- Location
- Brazil
My god, and we thought Ling Qi and Xuan Shi were dysfunctional.
- Location
- Canada
This is before the kiss
Given the mention of making a gift for Meizhen this is probably before the spar we had with her where we noticed her new hair ribbon talisman, which was made by Qingling in thanks for helping her with her project
Last edited:
TimEd
Meteor maker
Oh my.
Not only does Meizhen have an art to make Qingling soaked, I assume it could also degrade a person's clothing as well.
It certainly seems that way.
Ling Qi I can understand given that she has trauma but I'm amazed a lot more characters aren't internally struggling like Ji Rong.
Maybe its all the drugs?
Moon Infused Foundational Pill side-effects may include
- constipation
- diarrhea
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- muscle cramps or stiffness
- muscle spasm or jerking of the arms and legs
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- tightness in the chest
- uncontrolled repeated movements (tics)
- uncontrolled vocal outbursts
- unusual tiredness or weakness
"Ling Qi, these side effects..."
Ling Qi frowns, "Wait. There are side effects?"
Communications
- Location
- Earth
@yrsillar - Omake for the Omake throne
==Communications==
Jian,
I was pleased to read that Fang has at last achieved the ignition stage of spiritual cultivation. I had thought your request for one of Grandmother Tiger's descendants to be matched with him was another example of your over generosity towards him, but I am delighted to be proven wrong – clearly your use of the favour was the spark he needed to achieve his breakthrough. You are becoming quite the adept manager of people my boy, and to aid you in further developing this skill I have enclosed a copy of "Ceaseless Commander's Care" – an advanced art which should guide you in effective management of subordinates and large bodies of troops alike. Exalted father has also personally selected "Remorseless Elements' Respite" a logistics art from the archive for you and directs you to broaden your studies of the art of war. I have also enclosed my copy of Yang Ma's "Ten Thousand Virtuous Actions" which I received from him at your age and which served as an excellent introduction to grand strategy.
I have shared your concerns with my dear sworn brother Fan Daiya, and he sends his family's gratitude for your efforts with Yu both this year and last. He agrees with your assessment of Yu's prospects in the sect tournament this year and appreciates your foresight in considering the potential loss of face for the Fan. Your discretion has raised your esteem greatly in his and other eyes. Due to recent developments here which are too sensitive to commit to ink, your concerns have led Daiya to decide to recall his wastrel son should he fail to match Fang's progress by the end of summer, and instructs that his son remain ignorant of his intentions. The Gu viper's venom has bitten too deep, and the Golden Fields can ill afford exposure of any hint of weakness at this time.
Your performance, and that of Fang, have gained greater import as well – should Fang complete complete his breakthrough by mid-Summer, your Grandfather has directed that the family increase our support for him as he will have elevated his prospects. Your task is to ensure that he does not disappoint our expectations. You will also find additional funds enclosed with this letter – you are to use these to attract a following of the brave and the talented to our service. Your early recognition of the Ling girl's talent and attempts to bring her under our aegis have not gone unremarked on, and nor has the Gu girl's interference. Now more than ever we must strengthen our fiefdoms and enlist loyal retainers – especially in light of the Gu's attempts at overreach whilst we are vulnerable supporting Grandmother Tiger's ascension.
Your mother and I are proud of your progress and accomplishments, and your elders look upon your prospects with new eyes.
Continue to bring honour to the Han,
Father
==Communications==
Jian,
I was pleased to read that Fang has at last achieved the ignition stage of spiritual cultivation. I had thought your request for one of Grandmother Tiger's descendants to be matched with him was another example of your over generosity towards him, but I am delighted to be proven wrong – clearly your use of the favour was the spark he needed to achieve his breakthrough. You are becoming quite the adept manager of people my boy, and to aid you in further developing this skill I have enclosed a copy of "Ceaseless Commander's Care" – an advanced art which should guide you in effective management of subordinates and large bodies of troops alike. Exalted father has also personally selected "Remorseless Elements' Respite" a logistics art from the archive for you and directs you to broaden your studies of the art of war. I have also enclosed my copy of Yang Ma's "Ten Thousand Virtuous Actions" which I received from him at your age and which served as an excellent introduction to grand strategy.
I have shared your concerns with my dear sworn brother Fan Daiya, and he sends his family's gratitude for your efforts with Yu both this year and last. He agrees with your assessment of Yu's prospects in the sect tournament this year and appreciates your foresight in considering the potential loss of face for the Fan. Your discretion has raised your esteem greatly in his and other eyes. Due to recent developments here which are too sensitive to commit to ink, your concerns have led Daiya to decide to recall his wastrel son should he fail to match Fang's progress by the end of summer, and instructs that his son remain ignorant of his intentions. The Gu viper's venom has bitten too deep, and the Golden Fields can ill afford exposure of any hint of weakness at this time.
Your performance, and that of Fang, have gained greater import as well – should Fang complete complete his breakthrough by mid-Summer, your Grandfather has directed that the family increase our support for him as he will have elevated his prospects. Your task is to ensure that he does not disappoint our expectations. You will also find additional funds enclosed with this letter – you are to use these to attract a following of the brave and the talented to our service. Your early recognition of the Ling girl's talent and attempts to bring her under our aegis have not gone unremarked on, and nor has the Gu girl's interference. Now more than ever we must strengthen our fiefdoms and enlist loyal retainers – especially in light of the Gu's attempts at overreach whilst we are vulnerable supporting Grandmother Tiger's ascension.
Your mother and I are proud of your progress and accomplishments, and your elders look upon your prospects with new eyes.
Continue to bring honour to the Han,
Father
Oh don't worry, Meizhen will pay for it later on when Ling Qi unleashes Best Friend Demands You Dish, for which no cinnubun sneks can defend against.Gotta admit, as much as i loved that scene, i was a bit jealous of Qingling getting to spend fun sparring times with Meizhen.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
I'm just pausing here for a moment and savoring the fascinating perspective under which Bai Meizhen is too good, too pure for this world.
Last edited:
- Location
- Canada
But doesn't Bao Qingling kind of contradict that? I mean I admit I'm not super dialed in on the political side of this quest, but hasn't she managed to avoid socializing with nobles for the most part? And showing up to a party and standing in the corner by the proverbial punchbowl all night doesn't count in my mind because I think that is something Su Ling could easily do. After all I don't think Su Ling is dumb in any fashion, I really do think she has the cunning and smarts to cover the basics.
I think Su Ling is at a point now where she will be able to handle the (imo very) minor political nonsense inherent in being a green commoner noble; we aren't the best person to compare situations with, after all, we jumped headfirst into the murky waters of politics without a flotation device. Though I agree with you that once she gets to a higher level she will need to step her game up again to reach the new "bare minimum" expected of whatever level she is. And I think that is where we disagree (correct me if I am wrong), but I don't see the need for her to learn more than the bare minimum. The way I see it she doesn't want to be involved in the "bigger picture", instead focusing more on the mortals, her friends, and her own goals.
With this in mind, it isn't that I don't think Su Ling should get better at this stuff, it is that I'm not sure now is the time.
- Location
- New Brunswick, NJ
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
She has the advantage of being a member of an established family. The Bao will not sink or swim by her social efforts; she will have social resources based purely on her clan's history. This is not true for either of our newly-minted Barons, and like the guy back in Forge said, most new baronial clans die out basically immediately.
I would argue that it counts. She is there, people can come up to her with requests or message and she can vouch for her products/family to her peers. It's a case of her "fame precedes you" sort of deal, the "eccentric crafter" character - competent/important enough people tolerate it. She attends these events and makes herself "available" to the public in a sense.