Nah. An art shouldn't have to justify at all. If the domain is our skill at drawing, practicing the arts is just doing traceries of works from better artists. Eventually, we'll be able to put our own style on a work, transforming it into something like "Ling Qi's take on pokemon" or whatever, and as we continue to evolve our drawing skill, we'll finally have the "Ling Qi style." The only thing we should be interested in is trying out an art and then pulling what technique, meaning, or cool thing we like and then figuring out how we can do that with our style of drawing. If there's overlap between the art and the domain, all the better; the art will get kicked, and as our domain strength increases, we'll still have that functionality within our domain.
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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.
Nah. An art shouldn't have to justify at all. If the domain is our skill at drawing, practicing the arts is just doing traceries of works from better artists. Eventually, we'll be able to put our own style on a work, transforming it into something like "Ling Qi's take on pokemon" or whatever, and as we continue to evolve our drawing skill, we'll finally have the "Ling Qi style." The only thing we should be interested in is trying out an art and then pulling what technique, meaning, or cool thing we like and then figuring out how we can do that with our style of drawing. If there's overlap between the art and the domain, all the better; the art will get kicked, and as our domain strength increases, we'll still have that functionality within our domain.
Mmm, I'll note here that SNR needs nothing other than its own overwhelming power and usefulness to justify its presence. This was me trying to solve the problem of our Domain not getting presence - and broadly speaking it having to compete with our Arts is going to make things awkward - though I supposed one option if you think we should drop SNR eventually is that you could think our Domain could just replace it in function.
There's also perhaps good discussion to be had around how different Arts fit or do not fit us, yeah. SNR for instance has always been in a slightly awkward position where it's highly functional, and almost kind of fits us aesthetically, having a shadow aesthetic etc.... but then sort of doesn't actually stick the landing. It doesn't really fit our advanced skill (which was TRF/determination/vitality derived), and the "stillness" "endless depths devouring attacks" thing is actually still quite distinct from our primary "fleeting insubstantial shadow" thing. And I feel this is kind of evident in the way we never really actually see the armor being used outside of its one intro training scene - it just doesn't fit well.
At the same time, the shields are extremely potent and useful and don't have the same clashing problems (as well as, yes, being more active).
If you want to argue about how we should train Primeval Grove Reverberation for philosophical insights and successor material though then I'm down for that
(assuming system changes make the Art more practical ofc)This comes back to the statsheet/narrative problem. We know what's going on, but how clear can things be in the actual narrative?
If our Domain is being used to channel an art, then the Domain is going to be channeling characteristics of that art. Remembering that the main point of this is to raise the profile of the Domain's presence, that means that it's specifically presenting a Domain in tune with whatever borrowed aspects of whichever art it is being channeled. You immediately run into issues of the Domain having an unclear and nebulous character, which is contrary to its role and meaning in-setting. It's not obvious how a clear distinction between "just trying it out" and "no for real, now my Domain is ACTUALLY like this" could be drawn.
And if you don't have themes from the arts being channeled bleed through, it's the Domain replicating effects in its own distinct style, you have similar issues with different specifics. It's just as or more unclear what's happening for anyone not looking at the statsheet. The art isn't overstepping itself, but its involvement is invisible which makes the involvement questionable in the first place. Our Domain's sprouting and shedding capabilities with little to no visible explanation which threatens its presented coherence.
I's say we've already seen similar experiments between FSS, FVM, our domain, PLR, and BKSD, and it's been messy and unclear. Not saying there's no way to have parts interacting with one another, but there needs to be a more concrete vision than simple presentation, because the specific nature of the presentation is actually important.
If our Domain is being used to channel an art, then the Domain is going to be channeling characteristics of that art. Remembering that the main point of this is to raise the profile of the Domain's presence, that means that it's specifically presenting a Domain in tune with whatever borrowed aspects of whichever art it is being channeled. You immediately run into issues of the Domain having an unclear and nebulous character, which is contrary to its role and meaning in-setting. It's not obvious how a clear distinction between "just trying it out" and "no for real, now my Domain is ACTUALLY like this" could be drawn.
And if you don't have themes from the arts being channeled bleed through, it's the Domain replicating effects in its own distinct style, you have similar issues with different specifics. It's just as or more unclear what's happening for anyone not looking at the statsheet. The art isn't overstepping itself, but its involvement is invisible which makes the involvement questionable in the first place. Our Domain's sprouting and shedding capabilities with little to no visible explanation which threatens its presented coherence.
I's say we've already seen similar experiments between FSS, FVM, our domain, PLR, and BKSD, and it's been messy and unclear. Not saying there's no way to have parts interacting with one another, but there needs to be a more concrete vision than simple presentation, because the specific nature of the presentation is actually important.
Yeah, our inability to really experiment has been one of those eternal challenges. Part of it is just inherent to the quest format ofc - narrative space is limited, and there's a huge difficulty and investment in picking up and training any new art in terms of the amount of player argument etc. That being said, it's also because of the lack of on-screen cultivation and actual exploration of our Arts and how they work and what they mean.
At the same time, I think that we should be remembering that LQ's Domain is LQ. Just as she can (theoretically) try out things and grow so should she be able to do so through her Domain. I feel that her being able to act through her Domain without it being a complete redefinition of how her Domain acts and appears is not unreasonable?
And, well, what's the alternative? If her Domain is going to be just another Art then we should be treating it as such, and adjusting our suite accordingly. And need to address its current design problems to make it more engaging. I feel it should be more than just another Art though.
Yrsillar could make LQ's domain be the primary target of people's offense. That would raise its profile without requiring it to do much and its not like LQ having her domain knocked out of the fight wouldn't be awful for her.
That feels like it would feel pretty awful though? Like, if it's not actually clearly doing anything to make us feel stronger, but is creating a giant target, then it's just going to feel like a liability.
Let's take two different situations. The first is one where LQ is victorious:
A giant cloud of fog envelops the battlefields. Eventually your attempts to beat it back fail and it swallows you. You find the qi being drawn from your meridians into the surrounding air, even as frost forms along your flesh. While you strike blindly at The Mist from within, even blowing away chunks of it in your desperation, you never manage to find Ling Qi within it. Eventually you succumb.
And now where LQ fails:
A giant cloud of fog envelops the battlefield. However each time it reaches out to envelop you, you beat it back instead. The Mist thins, the attacks slow, and you start going for the offense, blasting away the airy cover. Eventually a stray breeze reveals your quarry and you strike, drawing LQ in the open and leaving her vulnerable to your finishers. Soon she falls.
Neither scenario seems like it would have The Mist as a liability.
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You've nicely highlighted the two fundamental problems we have to grapple with:
Firstly, you've written those scenarios from the perspective of the opponent. This has always been one of the problems with our build - it theoretically has strong imagery for an antagonist, but when written from our perspective much of it falls flat.
Secondly, you've written things as if our Domain is our primary tool, and dominates the presentation of LQ's actions. This is the exact problem I'm bringing up here - that is not how things work right now. Indeed, the opposite is largely true - our Domain falls into the background and is overshadowed by our more active and engaging arts.
Regarding the perspective, yep that's definitely a problem. As a Yin cultivator LQ doesn't actually do much, she just presents an obstacle and the opponent has to overcome it. There's more room for dynamism when the opponent keeps overcoming challenges and we have to present new ones, but that's still not the most interesting setup
As for the domain's presence, I'm describing it during the kiting step and that is traditionally where our domain is most present. As soon as that part of the battle was over and people are within Far Range I had to switch to a different Art for offense (specifically FSS) and our domain narratively switched to purely defensive (a combat stealth enabler, which the opponent tried to remove through blasting it away). This makes LQ narratively a huge melee cultivator analogous to a grappler from a fighting game (ie Iron Tager from Blazblue or Potemkin from Guilty Gear), I'm not sure if that's a good thing. IE her main struggle is getting within range of her opponents, at which point she is capable of doing all sorts of damage until they break the grapple (escape the Mist).
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- Location
- Colorado
I don't have much to weigh in on with the larger mechanical discussion, but isn't this actually a good thing? We're barely halfway through the third realm, our domain is still forming. It should take a back-seat compared to arts right now, and then gradually grow to overshadow them as we near Cyan.
- Location
- The Space Between
I actually think the main tool of transition is the explicitly labeled tool of transition, the Domain Weapon.
This is where it gets weird. Like. Domain weapons are kind of like oddly shaped and extremely limited limbs, and they ended up sort of sidelined mechanically because they were just so . . . funky. Unfortunately that makes this transition from stats and repetition of success (Arts) into Domain and narrative based systems a bit rough, since the narrative instrument isn't super well integrated with either the story or the stats.
but that's okay. I see this upcoming system transition being tied to Six and the creation of instruments as an excellent opportunity to better connect the strange changes we'll be going through as we enter higher cultivation <3
This is where it gets weird. Like. Domain weapons are kind of like oddly shaped and extremely limited limbs, and they ended up sort of sidelined mechanically because they were just so . . . funky. Unfortunately that makes this transition from stats and repetition of success (Arts) into Domain and narrative based systems a bit rough, since the narrative instrument isn't super well integrated with either the story or the stats.
but that's okay. I see this upcoming system transition being tied to Six and the creation of instruments as an excellent opportunity to better connect the strange changes we'll be going through as we enter higher cultivation <3
Extremely fair point and Iunno. Ideas are hard.
That said, looks like we're going to be approaching tasks in a less strung-out atomized way, probably? And that alone does offer some more room to explore the ramifications of the tools being used for whatever job we're doing. And when we loot our new flute from the Moon, that's probably a pretty good opportunity to give our Domain some direct, mostly independent screentime. Like, doesn't have to be fighting, it can be explored fine through other junk.
Or maybe the thing we're doing with Sixiang? Not really clear what the focus is, and the talk about "not being like last time" makes me think the intention is for it to not be super heavy, which a lot of our Domain kinda inherently is.
Future Days: To be a Servant
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Future Days: To be a Servant.
Her hands ached from using a brush hours into the night. Her feet ached from standing and answering questions to judges. Her eyes ached from studying a thousand pictures and choosing the correct one. Tests after tests. All to show that she, Min Xue, was worth becoming a cultivator.
This entire week she remembered, she felt, her day of introduction. When a Min turns eight years old they are presented to a Ling. That day a Min is blessed and granted the right to serve. It was no different for her. Now, she was so close, so close Min Xue could taste drifting flower petals with every drop of sweat that dripped into her mouth. So close with every blink she saw that lake of white lotuses and the figure sitting serenely upon them. So close that every tremble of her hand was stilled by the mere memory of the pressure that exuded from a Ling.
So close that the gnawing hungry inside her roiled with anticipation of finally, finally being sated.
For a week she had worked, and now the week was coming to an end. Only one more test remained. Before now was all theoricatal work and answers. There was still the practical left. Groups of Min would be assigned to a staged party of ceremony, and without knowing what the event was the group would be expected to facilitate it. That was the last test and, assuming she had done well enough on the other tests, once she passed she would be granted the right to cultivate. For now her group waited in an antechamber. Waiting for the moment to come.
With a creak the door opened and every eye darted to the figure that walked in. Tall with grey hair cropped short and clothed in a flowing deep blue robe that that in no way seemed to hinder him, was a figure Min Xue knew on sight. Min Fang, patriarch of her clan.
"Today is the final test." Min Fang said into the silent room. "This room has drawn the third lot. In three hours you will be tested. Prepare yourself until then." Without another word Min Fang turned and walked out, doors creaking shut behind him.
Letting out an explosive sigh, Min Xue rested her head on the wall behind her. Third wasn't too bad. She would rather be first to get it out of the way, but this gave her time to relax. A perfect time to practice some of the breathing exercises she saw some of the older Min do from time to time. Min Xue took a breath, released it, and allowed her heart to fall into a slow rhythm.
"Third isn't too bad, is it?" A small mousy voice said next to her.
Min Xue turned her head to look at Min Liuxian. They were somewhat friends, but it was more like Min Xue was one of the few that didn't scare the poor girl away. "No, it's not. Some people even think three is lucky."
Brightening up Min Liuxian looked far more relaxed, a weight drifting off her. "That's right. Three is lucky. A good sign. A good sign. Maybe a good enough sign to get the Noontide ceremony."
"Noontide?" Min Xue said. "I doubt that. There's nothing to test with that ceremony."
"True." Min Liuxian said. "It would still be nice though. Simple, clean, easy."
Nodding her agreement Min Xue let her friend sink into a habitual fidgeting and muttering as she resumed her breathing practice. Min Xue hoped that this test would be easy on her friend's nerves, but she doubted it would. Even shadows taxed Min Liuxian nerves, which was a poor trait for someone serving the Ling.
Then the doors opened and as one everyone stood up and filed out to the testing room.
Cold. That was the first thing Min Xue noticed, before even passing through the doors. Stepping into the room she saw silver fog, rising only to her ankles, crawling along the ground. Each of her steps, as well as the steps of those around her, caused the fog to ripple, like each step was a stone dropped into a pond. It was dark as well, only a few dim pieces on the ceiling, closer to stars than lanterns, provided any light at all. At the center a round table of onyx sat with the proctors arranged around it.
Her stomach dropped even as her face remained impassive with her eyes cast downward. This wasn't the noontide ceremony. This was it's opposite, a hidden moon ceremony, and a variation long out of style. If such an event had been held in her lifetime Min Xue would be shocked. Rumors agreed it was the hardest ceremony to be tested on, and for good reason. Hand signals, used to avoid taking, would be near impossible to see in such dim light. Some other ceremonies had leeway when it came to making noise, but this one did not. Any noise, no matter how slight, would shatter the complete silence and stillness of the room. Still it was her test, so Min Xue got to work.
Quick silent steps brought her to a trolley filled with cups of shimmering tea. Flashing a quick hand signal to a proctor acting as the brewer, twice because she had missed the reply in the gloom, confirmed what she suspected. Cold and bitter tea, best served with the sweetest of desserts. Min Xue signaled this to an approaching girl, who gave a faint nod and scurried off. A relay system was established, the only way to communicate between groups. Thankfully her test partners were competent enough to create one without hesitation. It meant less help with each task, but it was just as important that everyone knew what was happening.
By luck it seemed like Min Xue was working close to Min Liuxian, who was setting the dishes. One by one Min Xue would hand a teacup to Min Liuxian who placed it on the table. Seat by seat they worked around the table, silver fog rippling away from them. It seemed like a dance, Min Xue thought. Everything was going well.
Then the first mistake happened.
Min Xue didn't see what caused it, perhaps it was a loose slipper thread, a turn too fast, or any other tiny detail. She did see the mistake though. Min Liuxian tripped. The girl managed to catch herself in time, but it caused her to set down a tea cup too hard on the table. Noise, louder than a temple's gong, shattered the perfect dance and everyone froze. None of the proctors looked at Min Liuxian, they just stood as still as before.
Everyone needed to move now, Min Xue knew. If they didn't, the ceremony would fall behind schedule and fail. Sweat broke across her back as she forced herself to move and hand the next tea cup to Min Liuxian. Shaking like a leaf during a firestorm Min Liuxian took it and placed it down without a sound. That was enough for everyone else to remember to move, and the dance went on.
More mistakes piled on after that: a drop of tea spilt from a cup, a plate placed at the wrong angle, a slight squeak as a chair was bumped into. Nothing as major as that first mistake, but each one racked up the tension for those that noticed them. By the time they had finished and were dismissed Min Xue felt like her brain was soft and full of holes.
It wasn't even the end of the evening for her, Min Liuxian had sobbed into her shirt for hours. No amount of comforting words or reminders that there was always next year could stop the rivers. So when Min Xue finally retired to bed, sleep came as soon as she placed her head on the pillows.
When she awoke the world felt different. Some great weight lifted off Min Xue's shoulders and she knew why. On her dressing table a single snow white envelope lay. Pressed into its dark blue wax was the sign of the Min. She broke the letter open and read.
"Min Xue," the letter said, it's crisp ink forming characters that looked to be formed from entangled roots. "This past week has been filled with rigorous tests. Well done passing them. If you wish to take your next steps on the path of serving the Ling make your way to the East Hall. Present this letter to the guards to be granted entry." It was signed by Min Fang
Even dressing felt different, Min Xue mused, as she moved about the room. This might be the last time she saw this room. She strode out without a single glance backwards, but before leaving the hallway though she slid a short letter under Min Liuxian's door. Some gentle words of encouragement and an offer to share letters. Min Xue knew that it would be a year, or much longer if the dark corners of her mind were to be trusted, before she saw Min Liuxian again. After all, the next part of her life started now.
Walking to the East Hall was a new experience. Min Xue knew where it was of course, but she had never entered it, or even traveled down the hallways leading to it. Yet Min Xue travelled down those hallways with confidence, just as she had in her dreams. Before the great gilded red door separating the East Hall from the rest of the compound she handed her letter to the guards. She would have liked a bit more ceremony before they opened the door, but this must be a normal experience for them. After giving a nod to each, Min Xue walked through.
"Hello, new trainee."
Min Xue stopped and bowed to the older woman now standing beside her. It took a moment of fighting to control her face properly, but she managed it.
"My name is Min Shixiu. I will be your instructor in the cultivation arts."
"I am honored to be given the chance to be instructed." Min Xue said.
"Come, I will show you the classroom." Min Shixiu said, her face gracefully blank.
They walked together for a while, the only sounds were those of shoes striking a polished wood floor.
"Did… did anyone else pass?" Min Xue said.
"Yes, but they are still sleeping. You are an early riser. A very early riser. Why, little Fang almost didn't have time to leave the letter."
"Little Fang?" Min Xue asked, unable to stop herself while she was fighting down a blush. She hadn't checked outside in her excitement. Was it really that early?
"Ah, I suppose I should be more respectful of the rascal now that I have students. Patriarch Fang personally delivers those letters. Makes him feel connected to all the young talent, I guess."
Spluttering at the very idea of someone calling the Patriarch little, or a rascal, Min Xue couldn't help but look around to see if anyone was watching.
"Don't believe me ehh?" Min Shixiu said, her blank expression breaking to reveal a grin, a wicked and sharp thing. "Patricah Feng may be at the peak of yellow, but I still remember breaking off switches for him when he tried to sneak frogs out of the garden."
"Uh… May I ask what you mean when you say peak of yellow, Lady Min Shixiu?" Min Xue said, desperate to change the topic.
Tutting Min Shixiu shook her head. "Trying to get a head start on your peers are you? All I will say is that the yellow realm is a stage of a cultivator's power." After those words Min Shixiu tapped a wooden panel with a gnarled knuckle. A shiver ran through the wall before it pulled away revealing the room hidden behind it. "This will be your classroom. I will show you your sleeping quarters later."
Starlight, pouring through the removed far wall, illuminated low tables and cushions, each placed equally apart and filling the room. Every table had an artful pile of books along with brushes and an inkstone. Polished bronze wood made up the floor and it sparkled, a mirror to the night sky outside. Where the outer wall should have been was instead a short series of stairs leading to a manicured garden. In the distance Min Xue could hear a creak bubbling about and smooth grass stretched from the stairs to the rocky hill that created an outer bound.
From the rocks bloomed flowers in a dizzying variety of color, each one vibrant as if the sun shined overhead. Every flower swayed in different directions from their neighbors, all listening to a beat of their own inaudible music. Beyond the outcroppings, visible only by its outline, was the ancestral guardian of all who served the Ling. Min Xue took a moment from admiring the beauty of the room and garden to give a word of thanks to the great spirit.
"Welcome Min Xue." Min Shixiu said. "To the world of cultivation."
A.N
@yrsillar
Omake for the Omake throne. Just because Yrs is taking a well deserved break doesn't mean I have to! Anyway in this piece I focused on trying to create imagery of where the characters were, the scenery of the world. Any criticisms on that front would help me become a better writer. Thank you for reading. I enjoyed writing this piece.
Her hands ached from using a brush hours into the night. Her feet ached from standing and answering questions to judges. Her eyes ached from studying a thousand pictures and choosing the correct one. Tests after tests. All to show that she, Min Xue, was worth becoming a cultivator.
This entire week she remembered, she felt, her day of introduction. When a Min turns eight years old they are presented to a Ling. That day a Min is blessed and granted the right to serve. It was no different for her. Now, she was so close, so close Min Xue could taste drifting flower petals with every drop of sweat that dripped into her mouth. So close with every blink she saw that lake of white lotuses and the figure sitting serenely upon them. So close that every tremble of her hand was stilled by the mere memory of the pressure that exuded from a Ling.
So close that the gnawing hungry inside her roiled with anticipation of finally, finally being sated.
For a week she had worked, and now the week was coming to an end. Only one more test remained. Before now was all theoricatal work and answers. There was still the practical left. Groups of Min would be assigned to a staged party of ceremony, and without knowing what the event was the group would be expected to facilitate it. That was the last test and, assuming she had done well enough on the other tests, once she passed she would be granted the right to cultivate. For now her group waited in an antechamber. Waiting for the moment to come.
With a creak the door opened and every eye darted to the figure that walked in. Tall with grey hair cropped short and clothed in a flowing deep blue robe that that in no way seemed to hinder him, was a figure Min Xue knew on sight. Min Fang, patriarch of her clan.
"Today is the final test." Min Fang said into the silent room. "This room has drawn the third lot. In three hours you will be tested. Prepare yourself until then." Without another word Min Fang turned and walked out, doors creaking shut behind him.
Letting out an explosive sigh, Min Xue rested her head on the wall behind her. Third wasn't too bad. She would rather be first to get it out of the way, but this gave her time to relax. A perfect time to practice some of the breathing exercises she saw some of the older Min do from time to time. Min Xue took a breath, released it, and allowed her heart to fall into a slow rhythm.
"Third isn't too bad, is it?" A small mousy voice said next to her.
Min Xue turned her head to look at Min Liuxian. They were somewhat friends, but it was more like Min Xue was one of the few that didn't scare the poor girl away. "No, it's not. Some people even think three is lucky."
Brightening up Min Liuxian looked far more relaxed, a weight drifting off her. "That's right. Three is lucky. A good sign. A good sign. Maybe a good enough sign to get the Noontide ceremony."
"Noontide?" Min Xue said. "I doubt that. There's nothing to test with that ceremony."
"True." Min Liuxian said. "It would still be nice though. Simple, clean, easy."
Nodding her agreement Min Xue let her friend sink into a habitual fidgeting and muttering as she resumed her breathing practice. Min Xue hoped that this test would be easy on her friend's nerves, but she doubted it would. Even shadows taxed Min Liuxian nerves, which was a poor trait for someone serving the Ling.
Then the doors opened and as one everyone stood up and filed out to the testing room.
Cold. That was the first thing Min Xue noticed, before even passing through the doors. Stepping into the room she saw silver fog, rising only to her ankles, crawling along the ground. Each of her steps, as well as the steps of those around her, caused the fog to ripple, like each step was a stone dropped into a pond. It was dark as well, only a few dim pieces on the ceiling, closer to stars than lanterns, provided any light at all. At the center a round table of onyx sat with the proctors arranged around it.
Her stomach dropped even as her face remained impassive with her eyes cast downward. This wasn't the noontide ceremony. This was it's opposite, a hidden moon ceremony, and a variation long out of style. If such an event had been held in her lifetime Min Xue would be shocked. Rumors agreed it was the hardest ceremony to be tested on, and for good reason. Hand signals, used to avoid taking, would be near impossible to see in such dim light. Some other ceremonies had leeway when it came to making noise, but this one did not. Any noise, no matter how slight, would shatter the complete silence and stillness of the room. Still it was her test, so Min Xue got to work.
Quick silent steps brought her to a trolley filled with cups of shimmering tea. Flashing a quick hand signal to a proctor acting as the brewer, twice because she had missed the reply in the gloom, confirmed what she suspected. Cold and bitter tea, best served with the sweetest of desserts. Min Xue signaled this to an approaching girl, who gave a faint nod and scurried off. A relay system was established, the only way to communicate between groups. Thankfully her test partners were competent enough to create one without hesitation. It meant less help with each task, but it was just as important that everyone knew what was happening.
By luck it seemed like Min Xue was working close to Min Liuxian, who was setting the dishes. One by one Min Xue would hand a teacup to Min Liuxian who placed it on the table. Seat by seat they worked around the table, silver fog rippling away from them. It seemed like a dance, Min Xue thought. Everything was going well.
Then the first mistake happened.
Min Xue didn't see what caused it, perhaps it was a loose slipper thread, a turn too fast, or any other tiny detail. She did see the mistake though. Min Liuxian tripped. The girl managed to catch herself in time, but it caused her to set down a tea cup too hard on the table. Noise, louder than a temple's gong, shattered the perfect dance and everyone froze. None of the proctors looked at Min Liuxian, they just stood as still as before.
Everyone needed to move now, Min Xue knew. If they didn't, the ceremony would fall behind schedule and fail. Sweat broke across her back as she forced herself to move and hand the next tea cup to Min Liuxian. Shaking like a leaf during a firestorm Min Liuxian took it and placed it down without a sound. That was enough for everyone else to remember to move, and the dance went on.
More mistakes piled on after that: a drop of tea spilt from a cup, a plate placed at the wrong angle, a slight squeak as a chair was bumped into. Nothing as major as that first mistake, but each one racked up the tension for those that noticed them. By the time they had finished and were dismissed Min Xue felt like her brain was soft and full of holes.
It wasn't even the end of the evening for her, Min Liuxian had sobbed into her shirt for hours. No amount of comforting words or reminders that there was always next year could stop the rivers. So when Min Xue finally retired to bed, sleep came as soon as she placed her head on the pillows.
When she awoke the world felt different. Some great weight lifted off Min Xue's shoulders and she knew why. On her dressing table a single snow white envelope lay. Pressed into its dark blue wax was the sign of the Min. She broke the letter open and read.
"Min Xue," the letter said, it's crisp ink forming characters that looked to be formed from entangled roots. "This past week has been filled with rigorous tests. Well done passing them. If you wish to take your next steps on the path of serving the Ling make your way to the East Hall. Present this letter to the guards to be granted entry." It was signed by Min Fang
Even dressing felt different, Min Xue mused, as she moved about the room. This might be the last time she saw this room. She strode out without a single glance backwards, but before leaving the hallway though she slid a short letter under Min Liuxian's door. Some gentle words of encouragement and an offer to share letters. Min Xue knew that it would be a year, or much longer if the dark corners of her mind were to be trusted, before she saw Min Liuxian again. After all, the next part of her life started now.
Walking to the East Hall was a new experience. Min Xue knew where it was of course, but she had never entered it, or even traveled down the hallways leading to it. Yet Min Xue travelled down those hallways with confidence, just as she had in her dreams. Before the great gilded red door separating the East Hall from the rest of the compound she handed her letter to the guards. She would have liked a bit more ceremony before they opened the door, but this must be a normal experience for them. After giving a nod to each, Min Xue walked through.
"Hello, new trainee."
Min Xue stopped and bowed to the older woman now standing beside her. It took a moment of fighting to control her face properly, but she managed it.
"My name is Min Shixiu. I will be your instructor in the cultivation arts."
"I am honored to be given the chance to be instructed." Min Xue said.
"Come, I will show you the classroom." Min Shixiu said, her face gracefully blank.
They walked together for a while, the only sounds were those of shoes striking a polished wood floor.
"Did… did anyone else pass?" Min Xue said.
"Yes, but they are still sleeping. You are an early riser. A very early riser. Why, little Fang almost didn't have time to leave the letter."
"Little Fang?" Min Xue asked, unable to stop herself while she was fighting down a blush. She hadn't checked outside in her excitement. Was it really that early?
"Ah, I suppose I should be more respectful of the rascal now that I have students. Patriarch Fang personally delivers those letters. Makes him feel connected to all the young talent, I guess."
Spluttering at the very idea of someone calling the Patriarch little, or a rascal, Min Xue couldn't help but look around to see if anyone was watching.
"Don't believe me ehh?" Min Shixiu said, her blank expression breaking to reveal a grin, a wicked and sharp thing. "Patricah Feng may be at the peak of yellow, but I still remember breaking off switches for him when he tried to sneak frogs out of the garden."
"Uh… May I ask what you mean when you say peak of yellow, Lady Min Shixiu?" Min Xue said, desperate to change the topic.
Tutting Min Shixiu shook her head. "Trying to get a head start on your peers are you? All I will say is that the yellow realm is a stage of a cultivator's power." After those words Min Shixiu tapped a wooden panel with a gnarled knuckle. A shiver ran through the wall before it pulled away revealing the room hidden behind it. "This will be your classroom. I will show you your sleeping quarters later."
Starlight, pouring through the removed far wall, illuminated low tables and cushions, each placed equally apart and filling the room. Every table had an artful pile of books along with brushes and an inkstone. Polished bronze wood made up the floor and it sparkled, a mirror to the night sky outside. Where the outer wall should have been was instead a short series of stairs leading to a manicured garden. In the distance Min Xue could hear a creak bubbling about and smooth grass stretched from the stairs to the rocky hill that created an outer bound.
From the rocks bloomed flowers in a dizzying variety of color, each one vibrant as if the sun shined overhead. Every flower swayed in different directions from their neighbors, all listening to a beat of their own inaudible music. Beyond the outcroppings, visible only by its outline, was the ancestral guardian of all who served the Ling. Min Xue took a moment from admiring the beauty of the room and garden to give a word of thanks to the great spirit.
"Welcome Min Xue." Min Shixiu said. "To the world of cultivation."
A.N
@yrsillar
Omake for the Omake throne. Just because Yrs is taking a well deserved break doesn't mean I have to! Anyway in this piece I focused on trying to create imagery of where the characters were, the scenery of the world. Any criticisms on that front would help me become a better writer. Thank you for reading. I enjoyed writing this piece.
- Location
- United States of America
I still think one of the coolest scenes from the series is in Forge of Destiny during the tournament when we saw our mist overwhelming opponents from their perspective. We saw what their plan was from their perspective, their surprise at the magnitude of the mist, the desperation as the mist overtook them, the fear of being separated from their comrades and having to fight alone against phantasmal beasts, and then the despair when the trump card that they had burned bridges to get fell flat.
On a different note, I am excited to, hopefully, see more exploration into Ling Qi's ability to seep into areas that are designed to keep people out. Specifically through her movement arts, stealth, and understanding of the liminal realm. I'm also particularly intrigued to get a little bit more interaction with Spooky Skeleton man and figuring out what their whole deal is. I'm really looking forward to the next arc of liminal realm exploration!
- Location
- The Space Between
While I think it's possible that Memories of a Burning Glade suffered backlash from an attempted ascension, I also think it's possible that Black Lotus was an attempted direction of at least some of the Weilu.
Emerald Seas has always been noted for their spiritualists, and that should include both Yin and Yang. It's possible that the third Taoist concept, the circle that encapsulates all of creation, was pursued by the Weilu as well. It's emptiness could imply they cultivated themselves out of reality, but the discussion of reaching a specific point makes me wonder if it's something else.
We know the Liminal is loosely tied to locations in real space, and that in YRSverse there are spaces beyond Creation where the many nameless stars and spirits still prowl.
I'm wondering if, utilizing Xiangmen, the Weilu pursued a more literal ascension to the Liminal Spaces that lie beyond Creation. Learning about the circle that encapsulates all of Creation would allow one to theorize about things that lie outside Creation, and Xiangmen gives an opportunity to observe stellar beasts of the crown which pierces past Sun and Moon's protections. A location that extends past the bounds of creation. What would a Liminal space created up there look and behave like?
the Weilu being Weilu, I can't imagine they were fully united in this decision and those that chose to rebel could easily be the Black Lotus, which is a symbol of rebellion against ascetic spiritual purity. If we assume that the dream cults that chose ascension eventually yeeted themselves out of this world, then we end up with an imbalanced reality in which the only spirit cults left are the ones which cling to the impurities of creation. It would look like a corruption of the cults, even if in reality it was just an increasing imbalance to the point of becoming poisonous. Perhaps alongside the ascensionist cults they'd be fine, but without that balancing philosophy they're simply toxic
Emerald Seas has always been noted for their spiritualists, and that should include both Yin and Yang. It's possible that the third Taoist concept, the circle that encapsulates all of creation, was pursued by the Weilu as well. It's emptiness could imply they cultivated themselves out of reality, but the discussion of reaching a specific point makes me wonder if it's something else.
We know the Liminal is loosely tied to locations in real space, and that in YRSverse there are spaces beyond Creation where the many nameless stars and spirits still prowl.
I'm wondering if, utilizing Xiangmen, the Weilu pursued a more literal ascension to the Liminal Spaces that lie beyond Creation. Learning about the circle that encapsulates all of Creation would allow one to theorize about things that lie outside Creation, and Xiangmen gives an opportunity to observe stellar beasts of the crown which pierces past Sun and Moon's protections. A location that extends past the bounds of creation. What would a Liminal space created up there look and behave like?
the Weilu being Weilu, I can't imagine they were fully united in this decision and those that chose to rebel could easily be the Black Lotus, which is a symbol of rebellion against ascetic spiritual purity. If we assume that the dream cults that chose ascension eventually yeeted themselves out of this world, then we end up with an imbalanced reality in which the only spirit cults left are the ones which cling to the impurities of creation. It would look like a corruption of the cults, even if in reality it was just an increasing imbalance to the point of becoming poisonous. Perhaps alongside the ascensionist cults they'd be fine, but without that balancing philosophy they're simply toxic
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Yeah, this is a fair point. Arguably, if we look at the progression here, the level of integration I'm suggesting here would be something that would make sense for around G6/7, when we do our Domain Name quest and integrate our Domain Weapon back again. Until then, yeah, probably the Domain still being somewhat separated and developing makes the most sense.
At the same time though, whatever the ultimate goal is I feel it's probably useful to be thinking about it ahead of time so things can be set up properly?
The scary white from the Nightmare is 'King of the Forest.' If anyone is called 'Nightmare of Burning Glade' it's the burning tree spirit Ling Qi and Shen Hu meet at first. Alternatively it could be the Weilu rebel who killed it in real life. (He's the nightmare of all Burning Glades in Emerald Forest)
TimEd
Meteor maker
Wrong quest dude.
I think you might have posted in the wrong thread
Thebigpieman
I've got this, I think.
- Location
- United States
It's a sign that Ling Qi needs to improve her formation craft, for how else will she gain the favor of the Gift Giver.
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
- Pronouns
- She/They
He has, I'm digging through the server now to sift out quotes:
These are all recent remarks by @yrsillar in the Discord. With some minor grammar and spelling corrections by me
. Don't take these as set in stone until he makes whatever proper in-thread reveal, but hopefully this helps keep people not following the server as much or at all a little bit in the loop.
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System Preview
Alright guys, this is what I've gotten hashed out so far on the system. Not 100% set in stone yet, but this is the general shape of things to come.
Base Progression
Base cultivation, that is physical and spiritual cultivation will from hereon advance based on two things. The first is an XP meter, which will increment based on a fixed amount granted by your cultivation art, as well as bonuses from completing various projects or choosing to perform certain actions in the course of the narrative.
The second is the completion of Conceptual Projects, which replace Domain XP. Concepts are represented mechanically by a word and a roman numeral. The numeral indicates how integrated and well understood a concept is by Ling Qi, and how much more potent than baseline techniques utilizing that concept are for her. Concepts with a 0 beside them are available, but have not yet been studied.
Certain baselines for concept progress must be reached before you can reach a new stage, even if the XP bar is full. If all other requirements are met XP is increased by 50% until the next stage is achieved.
Concepts may be studied directly through Dao Projects, or leveled up by completing related Art projects. Leveling up concepts will empower, shift and shape the function of your domain. New concepts are acquired through simple and advanced Insights.
Some events may also merge, change, evolve, or grant new concepts. Removing a concept outright requires special events and may be very dangerous, it is suggested that you should seek to evolve or merge unwanted concepts instead.
Cultivation Projects
Projects are the core of the new system. In the planning phase for an arc or arc set, you will be given a menu of projects in cultivation which Ling Qi can pursue, from which you will be able to choose a certain number based on the length of the arcs in question. Progress in a Cultivation project is typically fixed, when taking a project you receive one success plus any bonuses you may have from Cultivation Traits, Medicines or Sites. Some projects may have a chance of failure, which is determined by a single d100 roll with a target number. Actions during the arc will give bonuses or penalties to the roll. Cultivation projects consist of two categories.
Dao Projects: These are actions focused on advancing Ling Qi's understanding and integration of a Domain Concept. This will offer a change in your domain function, level up a related trait, or give bonus successes to an Art Project taken at the same time.
Art Projects: Rather than levels, arts will now progress through a tree of advancement projects, which provide bonuses, grant or alter techniques, and otherwise empower an Art. Completing a designated number of projects will increase the potency of the Art's techniques by 1 in addition to the completion rewards for the projects
Other Projects
In addition to choosing your cultivation projects during the planning phase, you will also be able to choose among non cultivation projects separated into personal and professional. In these categories will be a menu of options for character goals to progress, although some will be fixed by the needs of the current plot, the upcoming arc for example will have establishing ties with Bai emissaries as a fixed project.
Traits
Traits are the innate abilities and skills a cultivator exhibits, regardless of equipped arts. Traits consist of a name, a description which describe the function of the Trait in narrative terms. The trait name will be displayed in colored text, indicating its potency. Colors coincide with spiritual cultivation. Along with the name will be a potency number which caps at 10. A Trait that has reached 10 can only advance through evolution, which moves it to the next color category, in addition to any other changes. A cultivator may have traits of up to one color category above their cultivation, indicating superlative skill for their realm.
Evolving traits typically become more narrow in scope, and do not necessarily eliminate the previous trait. However as a cultivator grows, older traits which have not advanced will often be merged into more general traits. This does not indicate a loss of skill, but simply focus in other areas, and exists to prevent too much expansion of the Trait list.
A trait's potency number may be modified by a few things such as the effects of arts. These temporary modifiers appear in parenthesis and may cause the number to exceed 10 in total. A trait's potency is permanently increased by the completion of certain arts projects, or as rewards for certain actions in the narrative.
New Traits are typically attained by mastering Arts, or more rarely as narrative rewards.
Temporary Traits exist and will be used to indicate various conditions. Being wounded is a Trait, Having the backup of an army group is a trait, environmental conditions are Traits, etc.
Qi
The central attribute for a cultivator. It is represented as a trait, like other innate attributes, but it does have some special rules. It's potency does not cap at 10 and it cannot advance or evolve. Qi's potency number instead represents how many active techniques and other upkeep effects you can maintain at a time. Spirit Beasts, Talismans and Upkeep Techniques all have values which added up are your upkeep value, which cannot exceed qi potency. In battle, Scene length techniques have an upkeep of 1 and you cannot stack more effects after your cap is reached.
The positive technique effects of other people do not affect your cap. Certain techniques or temporary traits may reduce your Qi potency
Arts
Art's will currently not be too different in overall structure. They will have a passive effect and techniques. Passive effects will consist of a narrative description of the arts general utility in and out of battle, plus up to two mechanical modifiers. An art will typically increase one related trait's potency by 1 and may grant the user a trait or evolution of a trait or indicate that it will do so in the future. Art's are equipped through Meridian Slots. These are simplified from the previous system, no longer tracking individual Meridians, and are separated into the following categories: Offensive, Dodge, Armor, Movement, Perception, Support. An art must be equipped to the appropriate slot to be used.
Arts Terms Key
Potency: Potency is a numerical value indicating the overall Physical or Spiritual force that can be put into a technique. All else being equal a higher number beats a lower one, and larger differences make the impact on the loser of the clash worse.
Potency Increases: The number of projects which must be completed to increase technique potency
Keywords: These indicate the concepts which underlie an arts function, along with the techniques types these work into how arts interact with one another.
Antithesis: These are the keywords which are contrary and clashing with this art. Whether this strengthens or weakens an art in relation to its opposite is based on how well leveled the Art's concepts are in your domain.
Art Type: Which of your Meridian Slots the art occupies.
Technique Type: These are keywords for the actual effect of a technique. Some techniques interact in specific ways based on Type. E.G a movement art which specifically counters Binds.
Duration: The length of time a techniques effects persist
Scene: This technique persists once cast only needing to be renewed if dispelled or otherwise removed.
Upkeep: This technique is always active even if the user is caught completely by surprise, it cannot be dispelled, only suppressed for a time.
Stunt: This technique lasts for the length of a single 'stunt' or action chain
Base Progression
Base cultivation, that is physical and spiritual cultivation will from hereon advance based on two things. The first is an XP meter, which will increment based on a fixed amount granted by your cultivation art, as well as bonuses from completing various projects or choosing to perform certain actions in the course of the narrative.
The second is the completion of Conceptual Projects, which replace Domain XP. Concepts are represented mechanically by a word and a roman numeral. The numeral indicates how integrated and well understood a concept is by Ling Qi, and how much more potent than baseline techniques utilizing that concept are for her. Concepts with a 0 beside them are available, but have not yet been studied.
Certain baselines for concept progress must be reached before you can reach a new stage, even if the XP bar is full. If all other requirements are met XP is increased by 50% until the next stage is achieved.
Concepts may be studied directly through Dao Projects, or leveled up by completing related Art projects. Leveling up concepts will empower, shift and shape the function of your domain. New concepts are acquired through simple and advanced Insights.
Some events may also merge, change, evolve, or grant new concepts. Removing a concept outright requires special events and may be very dangerous, it is suggested that you should seek to evolve or merge unwanted concepts instead.
Cultivation Projects
Projects are the core of the new system. In the planning phase for an arc or arc set, you will be given a menu of projects in cultivation which Ling Qi can pursue, from which you will be able to choose a certain number based on the length of the arcs in question. Progress in a Cultivation project is typically fixed, when taking a project you receive one success plus any bonuses you may have from Cultivation Traits, Medicines or Sites. Some projects may have a chance of failure, which is determined by a single d100 roll with a target number. Actions during the arc will give bonuses or penalties to the roll. Cultivation projects consist of two categories.
Dao Projects: These are actions focused on advancing Ling Qi's understanding and integration of a Domain Concept. This will offer a change in your domain function, level up a related trait, or give bonus successes to an Art Project taken at the same time.
Art Projects: Rather than levels, arts will now progress through a tree of advancement projects, which provide bonuses, grant or alter techniques, and otherwise empower an Art. Completing a designated number of projects will increase the potency of the Art's techniques by 1 in addition to the completion rewards for the projects
Other Projects
In addition to choosing your cultivation projects during the planning phase, you will also be able to choose among non cultivation projects separated into personal and professional. In these categories will be a menu of options for character goals to progress, although some will be fixed by the needs of the current plot, the upcoming arc for example will have establishing ties with Bai emissaries as a fixed project.
Traits
Traits are the innate abilities and skills a cultivator exhibits, regardless of equipped arts. Traits consist of a name, a description which describe the function of the Trait in narrative terms. The trait name will be displayed in colored text, indicating its potency. Colors coincide with spiritual cultivation. Along with the name will be a potency number which caps at 10. A Trait that has reached 10 can only advance through evolution, which moves it to the next color category, in addition to any other changes. A cultivator may have traits of up to one color category above their cultivation, indicating superlative skill for their realm.
Evolving traits typically become more narrow in scope, and do not necessarily eliminate the previous trait. However as a cultivator grows, older traits which have not advanced will often be merged into more general traits. This does not indicate a loss of skill, but simply focus in other areas, and exists to prevent too much expansion of the Trait list.
A trait's potency number may be modified by a few things such as the effects of arts. These temporary modifiers appear in parenthesis and may cause the number to exceed 10 in total. A trait's potency is permanently increased by the completion of certain arts projects, or as rewards for certain actions in the narrative.
New Traits are typically attained by mastering Arts, or more rarely as narrative rewards.
Temporary Traits exist and will be used to indicate various conditions. Being wounded is a Trait, Having the backup of an army group is a trait, environmental conditions are Traits, etc.
Qi
The central attribute for a cultivator. It is represented as a trait, like other innate attributes, but it does have some special rules. It's potency does not cap at 10 and it cannot advance or evolve. Qi's potency number instead represents how many active techniques and other upkeep effects you can maintain at a time. Spirit Beasts, Talismans and Upkeep Techniques all have values which added up are your upkeep value, which cannot exceed qi potency. In battle, Scene length techniques have an upkeep of 1 and you cannot stack more effects after your cap is reached.
The positive technique effects of other people do not affect your cap. Certain techniques or temporary traits may reduce your Qi potency
Arts
Art's will currently not be too different in overall structure. They will have a passive effect and techniques. Passive effects will consist of a narrative description of the arts general utility in and out of battle, plus up to two mechanical modifiers. An art will typically increase one related trait's potency by 1 and may grant the user a trait or evolution of a trait or indicate that it will do so in the future. Art's are equipped through Meridian Slots. These are simplified from the previous system, no longer tracking individual Meridians, and are separated into the following categories: Offensive, Dodge, Armor, Movement, Perception, Support. An art must be equipped to the appropriate slot to be used.
Arts Terms Key
Potency: Potency is a numerical value indicating the overall Physical or Spiritual force that can be put into a technique. All else being equal a higher number beats a lower one, and larger differences make the impact on the loser of the clash worse.
Potency Increases: The number of projects which must be completed to increase technique potency
Keywords: These indicate the concepts which underlie an arts function, along with the techniques types these work into how arts interact with one another.
Antithesis: These are the keywords which are contrary and clashing with this art. Whether this strengthens or weakens an art in relation to its opposite is based on how well leveled the Art's concepts are in your domain.
Art Type: Which of your Meridian Slots the art occupies.
Technique Type: These are keywords for the actual effect of a technique. Some techniques interact in specific ways based on Type. E.G a movement art which specifically counters Binds.
Duration: The length of time a techniques effects persist
Scene: This technique persists once cast only needing to be renewed if dispelled or otherwise removed.
Upkeep: This technique is always active even if the user is caught completely by surprise, it cannot be dispelled, only suppressed for a time.
Stunt: This technique lasts for the length of a single 'stunt' or action chain