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
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Turn 10: Arc 5-2
Melodies of the Spirit Seekers | 319 Dice
7 7 9 6 10 10 1 1 3 4 2 6 2 3 5 5 10 3 4 1 1 8 4 8 1 7 2 4 8 3 10 6 9 7 4 4 5 5 3 2 5 9 5 6 3 8 10 8 6 9 7 3 6 6 5 8 4 1 4 7 3 10 7 7 4 5 7 6 4 8 2 3 6 9 3 4 5 10 3 7 3 10 9 5 5 2 4 1 6 5 1 5 5 2 8 10 6 6 2 2 4 4 5 10 10 1 4 3 2 1 4 2 2 2 7 3 4 2 8 3 2 6 8 9 7 5 7 1 3 4 10 10 8 5 1 8 9 5 10 7 5 9 6 6 2 6 10 7 1 4 4 10 9 1 8 1 7 4 6 3 4 10 5 9 3 9 8 4 10 6 9 6 1 10 4 10 2 7 4 9 7 2 10 7 7 1 2 10 7 10 10 2 8 6 6 8 2 5 5 1 10 5 4 4 7 10 6 9 5 6 2 9 5 9 5 2 3 3 5 2 4 8 8 9 9 10 6 9 3 5 4 9 8 5 7 1 1 10 4 4 3 3 3 9 5 3 3 5 2 6 5 5 2 9 9 6 5 8 1 8 4 10 10 4 4 1 8 9 6 5 2 4 6 10 8 7 2 2 8 7 1 7 7 10 3 1 2 4 3 10 1 10 10 8 3 8 4 6 8 2 4 1 8 9 1 5 3 9 10 9 8 10 6 3 4 5 8 8 7 | 165 Successes mean: 159.5 standard deviation: 8.93
Rerolling 27 mean: 31.900000000000002 standard deviation: 5.36
7 1 1 10 2 9 6 2 1 9 9 7 9 3 5 4 8 6 6 10 3 7 7 2 10 4 10 | 11x2=22 Successes mean: 27 standard deviation: 5.2
187x2=374 Successes mean: 382.8 standard deviation: 26.25
434/400 Second Melody achieved
Passive Effects:
+15 to Beast Handling
+15 to Spirit Ken
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
Mediators Swift Composition: C
Duration: Immediate
This technique allows the user to swiftly comprehend the ways in which a beast or spirit thinks, and how it differs from the ways of humankind, allowing them to compose a short piece which correctly conveys their intentions to a single spirit. This understanding gives the user a large bonus to spirit ken and beast handling tests when seeking to improve a targets disposition, based on their skill in music or a derived skill thereof. This bonus extends to all allies engaged with the social encounter. If the target spirit(s) are two levels of cultivation or less below the user, they will cease acting with hostility until their next action giving a chance for negotiation to begin. This effect may be resisted by spirits in the thrall of a greater one
Rhythm of Exchange: C
Duration: Persistent
To a practitioner of the musical arts, rhythm, meter and tone are more than simple notation, they are the underpinning of all thought, emotion and expression. In immersing oneself in the melody of a spirits self, one can divine the most effective methods of persuasion and form lasting agreements without giving offense or mistaking a spirits meaning. The user receives a bonus to social perception while bargaining with intelligent spirits or beasts while this technique is active. In addition they receive a bonus based on musical skill to Spirit Ken when seeking to make exchanges or agreements.
7 7 9 6 10 10 1 1 3 4 2 6 2 3 5 5 10 3 4 1 1 8 4 8 1 7 2 4 8 3 10 6 9 7 4 4 5 5 3 2 5 9 5 6 3 8 10 8 6 9 7 3 6 6 5 8 4 1 4 7 3 10 7 7 4 5 7 6 4 8 2 3 6 9 3 4 5 10 3 7 3 10 9 5 5 2 4 1 6 5 1 5 5 2 8 10 6 6 2 2 4 4 5 10 10 1 4 3 2 1 4 2 2 2 7 3 4 2 8 3 2 6 8 9 7 5 7 1 3 4 10 10 8 5 1 8 9 5 10 7 5 9 6 6 2 6 10 7 1 4 4 10 9 1 8 1 7 4 6 3 4 10 5 9 3 9 8 4 10 6 9 6 1 10 4 10 2 7 4 9 7 2 10 7 7 1 2 10 7 10 10 2 8 6 6 8 2 5 5 1 10 5 4 4 7 10 6 9 5 6 2 9 5 9 5 2 3 3 5 2 4 8 8 9 9 10 6 9 3 5 4 9 8 5 7 1 1 10 4 4 3 3 3 9 5 3 3 5 2 6 5 5 2 9 9 6 5 8 1 8 4 10 10 4 4 1 8 9 6 5 2 4 6 10 8 7 2 2 8 7 1 7 7 10 3 1 2 4 3 10 1 10 10 8 3 8 4 6 8 2 4 1 8 9 1 5 3 9 10 9 8 10 6 3 4 5 8 8 7 | 165 Successes mean: 159.5 standard deviation: 8.93
Rerolling 27 mean: 31.900000000000002 standard deviation: 5.36
7 1 1 10 2 9 6 2 1 9 9 7 9 3 5 4 8 6 6 10 3 7 7 2 10 4 10 | 11x2=22 Successes mean: 27 standard deviation: 5.2
187x2=374 Successes mean: 382.8 standard deviation: 26.25
434/400 Second Melody achieved
Passive Effects:
+15 to Beast Handling
+15 to Spirit Ken
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
Mediators Swift Composition: C
Duration: Immediate
This technique allows the user to swiftly comprehend the ways in which a beast or spirit thinks, and how it differs from the ways of humankind, allowing them to compose a short piece which correctly conveys their intentions to a single spirit. This understanding gives the user a large bonus to spirit ken and beast handling tests when seeking to improve a targets disposition, based on their skill in music or a derived skill thereof. This bonus extends to all allies engaged with the social encounter. If the target spirit(s) are two levels of cultivation or less below the user, they will cease acting with hostility until their next action giving a chance for negotiation to begin. This effect may be resisted by spirits in the thrall of a greater one
Rhythm of Exchange: C
Duration: Persistent
To a practitioner of the musical arts, rhythm, meter and tone are more than simple notation, they are the underpinning of all thought, emotion and expression. In immersing oneself in the melody of a spirits self, one can divine the most effective methods of persuasion and form lasting agreements without giving offense or mistaking a spirits meaning. The user receives a bonus to social perception while bargaining with intelligent spirits or beasts while this technique is active. In addition they receive a bonus based on musical skill to Spirit Ken when seeking to make exchanges or agreements.
Ling Qi flicked her gaze downward, indicating that she would let Sixiang take the lead. Really, when it came to technical skill Hanyi wasn't far behind her, especially when it came to singing, rather than Ling Qi's preferred instrument. The muse's advice would definitely be more helpful here. Besides, she felt like Hanyi was in her way, trying to differentiate herself from Zeqing. Ling Qi wasn't sure her advice would be the best way to achieve that.
Not that she intended to go anywhere, she had promised Hanyi help with her composition, and she wasn't going to break a promise to her teacher's daughter.
"Sure I'll help squirt!" Sixiang announced cheerfully. "Just want to clear something up first. The girl in the song isn't meant to be you, right?"
"Tch, obviously not," Hanyi scoffed. "She's supposed to represent like, the mystique of winter and stuff. You can't make a song about yourself until you have something to brag about."
"Naturally," Ling Qi said, covering her smile with her sleeve. It looked like Hanyi was at least a little self aware.
"Right, just figured I would make sure," Sixiang chuckled. The rays of evening sunlight refracting from the hanging icicles shimmered, forming the muse's silhouette as she took on a lecturing pose. "So, the main problem I see so far is that the song is kind of directionless. It's pretty and all, but it doesn't feel like it's about much."
"Well, it's supposed to be about the first deep snow of the season," Hanyi said dubiously. "And how cool and pretty and peaceful it is right after the snow settles."
Sixiang nodded agreeably. "Mhm, in that case, I think you're missing something a little by starting the song after everything is settled. You might want to work on the beginning a little. A song isn't like a book, but you still need something of an arc to help keep your listeners attention."
"Mm, I guess so," Hanyi said slowly, looking back and forth between Ling Qi and Sixiang. "What do you think Sis?"
"I think a good song can't be the same intensity all the way through," Ling Qi mused.
"Build up and pay off," Sixiang said lightly. "Then we can figure out the wrap up. If the song's about a winter morning, what do you want to try and say with that?"
Hanyi blinked, cocking her head to the side cutely. It made Ling Qi want to ruffle her hair. "Huh? I want to say that the morning is pretty and quiet."
Sixiang pursed their lips. "That's… fine. I mean, what feeling are you trying to evoke in the audience?"
Ling Qi laughed under her breath as she found a seat on a fallen trunk. Hanyi swiftly took a seat beside her. They were probably going to be here for awhile yet.
But if that was what it took to make sure Hanyi's first performance was a success, she would stay right up until the day of the concert if she had too.
***
Thankfully, it hadn't come to that. Hanyi was pretty quick when she was trying, and Sixiang was naturally good at teaching. She was looking forward to seeing the finalized performance tonight.
"Ah you're too kind, Hanyi put in most of the work, I just had to poke her in the right direction," Sixiang said.
Nonetheless, you're good at it," Ling Qi said absently. The venue Bao Qian had secured was in a town a few hours to the north. She had taken a carriage, separately of course. Bao Qian hadn't been so bold as to suggest that she join him unchaperoned.
The performance hall lay in the center of the town, past the innermost walls. The hall mostly hosted performances from journeyman musicians, common cultivators seeking patronage and minor nobility seeking to make a name for themselves outside of their parent's courts. The baron of this town was an eighth generation cultivator, with an ear for the arts, so it was a good place to find opportunity.
Bao Qian naturally, was friends with said baron's son, and had pulled a string or two and called in a favor.
The hall was a brightly painted building that took up half of a city block on its own, counting the surrounding grounds. Brightly lit paper lanterns hung from the eaves, lighting the street as the sun continued to sink below the horizon. And its peaked roof rose three stories into the sky.
Ling Qi stood inside, gazing out of a window on the second floor. Hanyi was in the room behind her, probably making trouble for the young ladies who had been assigned to help her get ready for the stage. Ling Qi didn't particularly envy them. Zhengui was napping, and she didn't plan to wake him up before the actual performance.
The door at the end of the hall opened.
"Sir Bao," Ling Qi greeted, offering a bow
He was dressed in more formal robes today, colored in dark greens and earth tones, with only a glittering belt of jewels to show off his clan allegiance. She had opted to follow his lead a little. Her gown was black, with the undermost layer a dark purple. The only ornaments were a few embroidered flower petals around the hems. Rather than a cloak, a gauzy, pale blue pibo scarf floated around her shoulders, supported by the wind.
She'd even resigned herself to doing up her hair a little, showing off the silvery glint of her new ear studs.
"Miss Ling," he greeted back with a bow of his own. "How is our performer?"
"Excited," Ling Qi said absently, listening with half an ear to the sounds coming from the room. "Although she doesn't much like applying cosmetics it seems."
"Understandable," Bao Qian chuckled, stopping a few respectful paces away. "Still, I hope she has prepared well, we have a surprising number of guests."
Ling QI hummed, she knew Bai Meizhen and Bao Qingling were going to be here, and she had offered an invitation to Suyin and Renxiang too, even if both girls were too busy to attend. She had even weeded Wang Chao and a few others into coming just to boost the event a little. "I am a little surprised we even managed to still have the event," Ling Qi admitted.
"With the events in the south you mean?" Bao Qian asked, leaning against the wall a few steps down from her. "People of the Empire cannot be so easily spooked."
Ling Qi glanced at him, noting the wryness in his tone. She knew what he actually meant. It was a matter of face. Everything was fine. It was handled. Just a little scuffle in the mountains. Yet, for all that, Ling Qi had not missed how many soldiers were on the walls, or the new bolt and net throwers being installed on the towers. Even the hum of qi under the paving stones spoke of furious maintenance and readiness. Emerald Seas hadn't actually forgotten their lessons.
"And what do you think of news from the capital," Ling Qi asked.
"I think that it is good that our wise Duchess sought an end to conflict that would not harm our prosperity," Bao Qian said formally. "Why, it's almost as if she didn't have to battle the barbarians under Xiangmen at all. Merely… how did she put it? Go for a stroll. Perhaps have a chat."
Ling Qi gave him a sharp look, noting the humming of qi in the air, sealing their conversation. "Yes, I was surprised," Ling Qi admitted slowly. "With what I saw under the earth, it did not seem like it should have been so easy, or at least Xiangmen should have felt more of the Duchess' wrath."
"Well," Bao Qian said. "Some people are more reasonable than others."
Ling Qi looked at him silently, and he met her gaze evenly. He was being remarkably candid here, in so openly implying what he was. Cai Renxiang suspected that the Bao knew something but…
Perhaps they knew someone.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, and it stirred memories of misty graves, stoking an ember of anger. However, could she really say anything? "I certainly hope that you are right," Ling Qi said quietly, turning back to the window, watching people below in the street.
"I certainly hope I am as well," Bao Qian chuckled. "It can only take a few unreasonable people in the wrong places to ruin things for everyone."
"I will have to hope I can speak to reasonable… people then," Ling Qi said
"Did you ever investigate that matter we spoke of, regarding the Bao and the Luo," Bao Qian asked idly.
Ling Qi blinked at the change in subject, turning toward him. "I… haven't had much time," she admitted. "It was… some kind of land swap that went sour, right?"
"Something like that," Bao Qian chuckled. "During the conflict with Ogodei, we sold them an iron mine and its surrounding infrastructure, they needed it for armaments, and all we asked in turn were a small payment and a swap of a defunct barony nearby."
"Of course," he continued, stroking his chin. "Shortly after, there was a fortuitous find in the swapped land, a vein of Spirit Stones, deep in the earth, and the mine well, without Bao techniques the vein would swiftly go dry. Terrible, but we could provide service, for a fee."
The Bao had tricked them, Ling Qi thought, although she wasn't so rude as to say it. "How… unfortunate."
Bao Qian nodded along. "Isn't it though. Seeking the Law of Wealth in such a destructive way is so very tempting, but the costs always outweigh it in the end, or so I believe, even if it is your descendants that pay them. Much better to be a reasonable man and accept a little less now for far more later."
Ling Qi hummed to herself turning back to the window. It seemed the Bao had their own internal conflicts and buried skeletons. "I don't disagree," Ling Qi said quietly.
"That is enough philosophy though," Bao Qian said cheerfully. "Really I wanted to speak with you about our guests."
"Oh?" Ling Qi asked. "Is there a problem?"
"Not a problem persay," Bao Qian said evasively. "Rather do you know what Lady Meng Diu is doing here?"
Ling Qi frowned, who was that? It came to her a moment later, one face among many in that opulent court. She had simply thought of her as 'the Meng representative' even if Cai Renxiang had naturally drilled her on names. "I-perhaps she is just here for the performance."
Bao Qian shot her a dubious look. She felt like she should be a little offended on Hanyi's behalf, but that wasn't reasonable. "Ling Qi, below is an audience composed entirely of young men and women not beyond the third realm, drawn by our invitations and the novelty of the event, and in the rearmost seating there is a fifth realm who is the younger sister of a sitting Count."
Well, when he put it like that.
Sixiang snorted in her head. "For what its worth, looking below, seems like she's deliberately avoiding spooking people. Seems like a lot of them haven't even noticed who she is."
That was… probably good?
"I'm not sure why she would be here," Ling Qi said slowly. "I mean, she seemed to approve of my arguments at court, but…"
Was that really it? Bao Qian nodded thoughtfully. "Regardless as the hosts, we should be mingling with the guests. That was my original reason for coming up here."
Ling Qi grimaced. Of course, she had been quietly hoping Bao Qian would take care of that and she could just chat with Meizhen until the performance started. Then after, Hanyi would hopefully be the center of attention.
Well, they had spent all of that time preparing Hanyi to hopefully make a good impression on the more traditional nobles. Maybe she should make use of that?
"If you would like, I can speak with her," Bao Qian offered. "I do have more experience with such individuals.
[] Take Bao Qian up on his offer, he will be better at avoiding offending a prickly noble.
[] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
[] Wait, and let the performance play out first. It may improve her disposition.
Passive Effects:
+20 to Beast Handling
+20 to Spirit Ken
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
Mediators Swift Composition: C
Duration: Immediate
This technique allows the user to swiftly comprehend the ways in which a beast or spirit thinks, and how it differs from the ways of humankind, allowing them to compose a short piece which correctly conveys their intentions to a single spirit. This understanding gives the user a large bonus to spirit ken and beast handling tests when seeking to improve a targets disposition, based on their skill in music or a derived skill thereof. This bonus extends to all allies engaged with the social encounter. If the target spirit(s) are two levels of cultivation or less below the user, they will cease acting with hostility until their next action giving a chance for negotiation to begin. This effect may be resisted by spirits in the thrall of a greater one
Rhythm of Exchange: C
Duration: Persistent
To a practitioner of the musical arts, rhythm, meter and tone are more than simple notation, they are the underpinning of all thought, emotion and expression. In immersing oneself in the melody of a spirits self, one can divine the most effective methods of persuasion and form lasting agreements without giving offense or mistaking a spirits meaning. The user receives a bonus to social perception while bargaining with intelligent spirits or beasts while this technique is active. In addition they receive a bonus based on musical skill to Spirit Ken when seeking to make exchanges or agreements.
Bastion's Melody: B
Duration: Long
Many are the spirits of the world whose very being is hostile to human kind, not through any ill intention, but simply as a part of their nature. Using this melody the user may soften this harshness to enable diplomacy. When active this technique prevents damage or qi drain from any passive or environmental effects generated by a spirit of up to one full realm above them in cultivation. This effect may instead be granted to up to three individuals. This technique is broken if the spirit or the user becomes hostile to the other.
+20 to Beast Handling
+20 to Spirit Ken
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
Mediators Swift Composition: C
Duration: Immediate
This technique allows the user to swiftly comprehend the ways in which a beast or spirit thinks, and how it differs from the ways of humankind, allowing them to compose a short piece which correctly conveys their intentions to a single spirit. This understanding gives the user a large bonus to spirit ken and beast handling tests when seeking to improve a targets disposition, based on their skill in music or a derived skill thereof. This bonus extends to all allies engaged with the social encounter. If the target spirit(s) are two levels of cultivation or less below the user, they will cease acting with hostility until their next action giving a chance for negotiation to begin. This effect may be resisted by spirits in the thrall of a greater one
Rhythm of Exchange: C
Duration: Persistent
To a practitioner of the musical arts, rhythm, meter and tone are more than simple notation, they are the underpinning of all thought, emotion and expression. In immersing oneself in the melody of a spirits self, one can divine the most effective methods of persuasion and form lasting agreements without giving offense or mistaking a spirits meaning. The user receives a bonus to social perception while bargaining with intelligent spirits or beasts while this technique is active. In addition they receive a bonus based on musical skill to Spirit Ken when seeking to make exchanges or agreements.
Bastion's Melody: B
Duration: Long
Many are the spirits of the world whose very being is hostile to human kind, not through any ill intention, but simply as a part of their nature. Using this melody the user may soften this harshness to enable diplomacy. When active this technique prevents damage or qi drain from any passive or environmental effects generated by a spirit of up to one full realm above them in cultivation. This effect may instead be granted to up to three individuals. This technique is broken if the spirit or the user becomes hostile to the other.
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- Location
- Canada
Mhm, it could be considered an insult to wait. Personally, I don't think its worth the risk; greeting her personally seems to be the most obvious move, which in this case is the right one, I think.
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Ugh, politics.... i will be waiting the arguments
[] Take Bao Qian up on his offer, he will be better at avoiding offending a prickly noble.
[X] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
[] Wait, and let the performance play out first. It may improve her disposition.
[] Take Bao Qian up on his offer, he will be better at avoiding offending a prickly noble.
[X] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
[] Wait, and let the performance play out first. It may improve her disposition.
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- Location
- the internet
Agreed. I'm nervous if it's a social roll of dice...but the other options will probably come off as snubbing her ,especially waiting till after the performance. Approaching her ourselves is probably the choice with the least chance to screw things up with the Meng.
- Location
- United States of America
So, we do know for certain that generally, the Meng don't care for us. Now that might or might not apply to Meng Diu. However, I find it... unlikely that if Meng Diu didn't care for us she would still choose to attend an event where we are showcasing our spirit.
So I'm guessing she is at least of a neutral opinion towards us. Additionally, I find it hard to imagine that a person of Meng Diu's stature would come to an event hosted by a scion of a Count and a Baron and not expect to be greeted by the individuals hosting this event. And at that point, I do think Meng Diu is expecting Ling Qi to greet her in some capacity.
So I'm guessing she is at least of a neutral opinion towards us. Additionally, I find it hard to imagine that a person of Meng Diu's stature would come to an event hosted by a scion of a Count and a Baron and not expect to be greeted by the individuals hosting this event. And at that point, I do think Meng Diu is expecting Ling Qi to greet her in some capacity.
What are the odds Qian is implying something by leading with the story of Bao trade trickery, into telling about the Meng Councilwoman's presence.
EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
I'd say we speak to her ourselves. Whether we do it before or during the performance is up in the air.
- Location
- Germany
LQ is complimenting someone without prompting. That seems strange, but nice.
How far does "a few hours north" mean? Halfway to Xiangmen or just in some Border Barony of the Wang clan?
What lesson? To not underestimate the Cloud Nomads and prepare for mortal combat?
LQ being confused is adorable. She is understandbly confused and scared at the same time. The reasoning LQ gave in the is the same I would come up with right now. Can somone shed some light on this situation? What does Lady Meng Diu want here?
I tend towards this vote option, because we shouldn´t burden the Bao guy with someone so important. Bao may be the host, but LQ is the sole person that can explain current Clan Lings positioning to this esteemed Lady. I can´t help but feel that this is some kind of personal and nostalgically motivated action. This is just a hunch on my part though. Either way. Sincerety and honesty will pave our way. Avoiding her will not solve our questions.
[] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
Thinking about it more, his observation seemed to be that short term gains are not as profitable as longer term ones. A quick scam to get goods results in a tarnished reputation and fresh enemies, while dealing fairly has benefits beyond just the transaction.
Good Business is Longterm business.
[X] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
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- Location
- Earth
last time we saw her, Ling Qi said a few things that some in the Court of Shenhua hated to hear, but the Meng liked it that Ling Qi reminded them of that truth
- Location
- Canada
Possibly, but he ended that story by basically saying, "I think it is best to deal with others fairly because a good reputation is better in the long-term than a short-term profit."
So the moral I get from the exchange (if he was implying something) is to deal with the Meng as fairly as possible.
Though, I'd be interested in anyone else's interpritation of what he could be implying.
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Moratorium, not even an hour yet
- Location
- CA
[] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
Bao Qian isn't the member of the family with a spider theme, no, but it'd still be wise to be wary of entanglements. As it is, Bao Qian is a business partner much, much more than he is a friend or confidante, and if he's offering to do something for Ling Qi then we should assume he sees some potential benefit in it. I'd suspect that, in this case, his goal is to further establish himself as useful to Ling Qi by handling this social matter if possible. From there, it's possible he'll end up as a longer-term intermediary in any relationship with Meng Diu or the Meng in general, or even that he'll take that role more generally instead of simply introducing potential partners to her and then stepping back. And the more intertwined he becomes with Ling Qi's relationships like this, the harder it becomes to disentangle our matters from his.
I don't think this is a hostile act! In fact it's very useful. But it's always possible that Bao Qian and/or the Bao will have other priorities, and even if they merely draw back instead of leaving her to twist in the wind, she'll still be worse off for it. And on the other side of that coin, if matters make it best for Ling Qi to separate herself further from the Bao, then that's harder to do for every additional connection it weakens or breaks. Furthermore, leaning on him more deprives Ling Qi of practice at a time where the stakes are lower and she has more help if necessary.
This probably isn't the time to let him draw us into anything longer-term.
Bao Qian isn't the member of the family with a spider theme, no, but it'd still be wise to be wary of entanglements. As it is, Bao Qian is a business partner much, much more than he is a friend or confidante, and if he's offering to do something for Ling Qi then we should assume he sees some potential benefit in it. I'd suspect that, in this case, his goal is to further establish himself as useful to Ling Qi by handling this social matter if possible. From there, it's possible he'll end up as a longer-term intermediary in any relationship with Meng Diu or the Meng in general, or even that he'll take that role more generally instead of simply introducing potential partners to her and then stepping back. And the more intertwined he becomes with Ling Qi's relationships like this, the harder it becomes to disentangle our matters from his.
I don't think this is a hostile act! In fact it's very useful. But it's always possible that Bao Qian and/or the Bao will have other priorities, and even if they merely draw back instead of leaving her to twist in the wind, she'll still be worse off for it. And on the other side of that coin, if matters make it best for Ling Qi to separate herself further from the Bao, then that's harder to do for every additional connection it weakens or breaks. Furthermore, leaning on him more deprives Ling Qi of practice at a time where the stakes are lower and she has more help if necessary.
This probably isn't the time to let him draw us into anything longer-term.
Of all the Counts I think the Meng are our priority to befriend and I don't think sending a Bao of all people to talk to her is the way to do it. We could play a part in the future of the Thousand Lakes/Emerald Seas alliance here. Meizhen is befriending the Cai heiress and through Qingling may turn the Imperial Bao which goes a long way for trade between the two provinces as well as Bai influence in the Peaks. The Meng are antagonistic to the Bai but with the Meng being the Sun's last land border with the rest of the Empire and as we saw in the bandit arc the Meng/Bai border being a hotspot for Bai Conservatives they are extremely valuable allies. So if we can put ourselves as the link between the Meng and Bai Meizhen, then together with our Weilu Conservative support and future Ice Witch connections we're pretty much set as a diplomat of the Cai.
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- Location
- Germany
In the last session of the Court is this Lady Meng Diu´s first written appearance.
@yrsillar I think you meant "White Sky"
As pointed out above by @LightLan , LQ uttered words not wholy liked in the court. Lady Meng is the only one to actively voice their approval. The Luo merely grunted in approval. That seems more passive and less willing to put their hat in the ring of this social court behind this point of contention.
Looking at the chart of social acceptance or "COSA" I like to call it, The Meng are at "-1" and have a slightly negative opinion. This visit by Lady Meng could be an approach of hers to maybe rethink the clans opinion of our Clan Ling of the Southern Emerald Seas. LQ did catch her attention with the culture angle after all. We also should not underestimate LQs status as a retainer of the Cai. This could be the Meng clans opportunity to have a greater support for their problems at court, through partnerships. Clan Ling will have to play in the big leagues after all and we will meet Lady Meng at court again soon enough I reckon.
Varder
Tired Cultist
- Location
- Hell
I think they just like grunting.
Ultimately, I believe Meng met an unexpected ally regarding Weilu/Imperialist divide in Ling Qi and wished to see if it was true of merely a mask. Coming here serves this purpose in several ways: a) previos vote was about who do we target (and, presumably, like more) b) allows to speak with Ling Qi without Shenhua monitoring every thought in a mile c) allows to speak with Ling Qi who wasn't taught what to say by CRX.
I think we should talk with her.
[] Let Bao Qian mingle with the other guests. Its very likely she is here for you
Less dependence, while still relying on him. The Meng representative will probably be interested in having a private meeting and sending someone else might come off as rude.
Less dependence, while still relying on him. The Meng representative will probably be interested in having a private meeting and sending someone else might come off as rude.
Huh
So the Meng hear about that new girl at court who is attached to CRX and this girl said some not terrible things at court and holds a surprisingly amount of not terrible opinions about spirits for one who is a direct retainer to a Cai. Then they hear this same girl is holding a concert for her spirit who is the daughter of her mentor spirit.
The lady of court for the Meng and younger sister to the Countess showing up is a giant signal flare that yo we see you and are interested in more.
So the Meng hear about that new girl at court who is attached to CRX and this girl said some not terrible things at court and holds a surprisingly amount of not terrible opinions about spirits for one who is a direct retainer to a Cai. Then they hear this same girl is holding a concert for her spirit who is the daughter of her mentor spirit.
The lady of court for the Meng and younger sister to the Countess showing up is a giant signal flare that yo we see you and are interested in more.