- Location
- Somewhere
I love gay Stalin mom
-
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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.
I bet Linqin's kids wished some of that splashed onto them
Oh well omelets and eggs mirite?
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Huh. Well, she did both improve the general social safety net and execute a whole bunch of corrupt bureaucrats. So... pretty idealized for Stalin, really, but otherwise?
Now I gotta wonder - how much of this was planned, and how much was adjusted by the "wife" vote?
I mean, they literally rose to power by convincing everybody else that all the clans except for the Hui hated them, and were plotting to kill them. That's a pretty toxic start.
- Location
- Greece
Honestly, if we must connect her with someone from that historical period, she would be much closer to Lenin (if he didn't die as soon) than Stalin actually.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Lenin did a lot of brutal undermining of groups like the moderately less-poor farmers and the folks who were into communism but didn't agree with him on some of the particulars. There's a lot of ill-fitting going on there, too.
The title of this little side story "Shadow of Xiangmen" is an interesting choice, since Xiangmen itself doesn't cast a shadow. Cuz magic. Almost like the title develops themes and shit. (About how crappy the Hui are.)
The Hui's predecessors were pretty ass themselves, though. Rapacious imperialist expansionists who destroyed peoples and environments for fleeting gain. It was in their era that the biggest damage to the province's spirit stone mines from overmining was done.
They were better at least. There's WoG floating around out there that the first Hui duchess managed to ascend. Sadly no other details.
The Hui's predecessors were pretty ass themselves, though. Rapacious imperialist expansionists who destroyed peoples and environments for fleeting gain. It was in their era that the biggest damage to the province's spirit stone mines from overmining was done.
Just want to point out that ascending has nothing to do with your morality. Ascending tends to mean that you have lots of cultivation resources, more than it does anything else.
it also means they have a Way capable of ascending, its WOG that Hui had noticeably few whites and only the first matriarch ascended. The Hui descending into solipsism is one of the reasons they were so awful
- Location
- Finland
I think any way is capable of ascending, in theory, as long as it is internally consistent, or atleast does not get challenged in a way that would make the inconsistencies noticeable to the cultivator.
In a way hard sollipsism when you are capable of warping reality as an act of will is probably pretty easy to justify internally, problem is when you have dozens of other reality warpers actively trying to sabotage you.
In a way hard sollipsism when you are capable of warping reality as an act of will is probably pretty easy to justify internally, problem is when you have dozens of other reality warpers actively trying to sabotage you.
pblur
Reminiscing over the halcyon days of Ymaryn
- Location
- Lawrence's Wagon
Sollipsism doesn't fail because of a lack of self-consistency; it fails because it's consistent with literally anything. How can something truly be a Way if it doesn't constrain you from some things that are Not-on-that-Way?
- Location
- North Carolina
Lonely Soul's Serenade
Yin, Cold, Expression
Keywords: Endings, Isolation, Void
Antithesis: ???
Art Type: Offensive
Call to the Cold
Potency: X
Type: Cold, Toxin, Drain
Duration: Scene
Doubt enters the mind, and the cold seeps into the spirit. Something is wrong. In a city of thousands, there is not a single soul that can truly forget, for all will remember in time. A low quiet note resounds from the user, and though none can hear it, all can feel it. A single nearby foe is inflicted with an insidious affliction of Cold Qi, that quietly saps at the target's Qi, draining it away to the user until dispelled. While this affliction lasts, the user's other techniques may ignore one of the target's own techniques at the user's discretion, directing the Cold Qi to undermine the target's spirit and body in subtle ways. This technique may be used from Stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if the target lacks the perception to detect them. Additionally, this technique cannot be perceived until the target is completely aware of the user's presence and location, and cannot be targeted by either the target or any ally of the target until detected. This technique can be applied to a target an amount of times equal to the amount of defensive or support techniques that the target has, be they passive or active.
Call to the Lonely
Potency: X
Type: Song, Area, Drain
Duration: Scene
The spirit knows what is wrong, but the mind rejects. All the same, the truth remains. It resonates like a wave, and all dance to it's tune. The song goes on and on. What will happen when it ends? A high but faint hum emanates from the user, and their surroundings take on a subtle hue, as if being drawn to an end. At the user's discretion, all effects or techniques in the nearby area are subtly drained of their residual Qi. While this technique is active, affected techniques have their durations lowered or their upkeep cost increased, restoring Qi to the user based on the amount of affected techniques. When used out of combat, the technique suppresses and drains away all signs of Qi use, as well as silencing and suppressing the shades of the dead, making it difficult to determine if a fight occurred in an area, who was there, or what was used in the area. This technique may be used from Stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if the targets lacks the perception to detect them. Additionally, this technique cannot be perceived until the targets are completely aware of the user's presence and location, and cannot be targeted by any of the targets until they are aware of this technique.
Call to the End
Potency: X
Type: Attack, Cold, Finisher
Duration: Stunt
Truth sinks in like a cold knife to the heart. All that you have, all you will be. None of it will last. All songs come to silence, all treasures turn to dust. You were born alone, you have lived alone, and you will die alone. Nothing will change that. A shiver heralds the end, as the user grasps a target afflicted by Creeping Chill and reveals to them the Truth. The fundamental emptiness of existence is brought to bear, the target suffers horrendous damage both spiritually and physically as their very existence is attacked at it's core. This technique ignores all active and passive effects of the target, and cannot be affect by the techniques of others without the use of Shen. This technique may be used from stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if a target lacks the perception to detect them.
Yin, Cold, Expression
Keywords: Endings, Isolation, Void
Antithesis: ???
Art Type: Offensive
Call to the Cold
Potency: X
Type: Cold, Toxin, Drain
Duration: Scene
Doubt enters the mind, and the cold seeps into the spirit. Something is wrong. In a city of thousands, there is not a single soul that can truly forget, for all will remember in time. A low quiet note resounds from the user, and though none can hear it, all can feel it. A single nearby foe is inflicted with an insidious affliction of Cold Qi, that quietly saps at the target's Qi, draining it away to the user until dispelled. While this affliction lasts, the user's other techniques may ignore one of the target's own techniques at the user's discretion, directing the Cold Qi to undermine the target's spirit and body in subtle ways. This technique may be used from Stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if the target lacks the perception to detect them. Additionally, this technique cannot be perceived until the target is completely aware of the user's presence and location, and cannot be targeted by either the target or any ally of the target until detected. This technique can be applied to a target an amount of times equal to the amount of defensive or support techniques that the target has, be they passive or active.
Call to the Lonely
Potency: X
Type: Song, Area, Drain
Duration: Scene
The spirit knows what is wrong, but the mind rejects. All the same, the truth remains. It resonates like a wave, and all dance to it's tune. The song goes on and on. What will happen when it ends? A high but faint hum emanates from the user, and their surroundings take on a subtle hue, as if being drawn to an end. At the user's discretion, all effects or techniques in the nearby area are subtly drained of their residual Qi. While this technique is active, affected techniques have their durations lowered or their upkeep cost increased, restoring Qi to the user based on the amount of affected techniques. When used out of combat, the technique suppresses and drains away all signs of Qi use, as well as silencing and suppressing the shades of the dead, making it difficult to determine if a fight occurred in an area, who was there, or what was used in the area. This technique may be used from Stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if the targets lacks the perception to detect them. Additionally, this technique cannot be perceived until the targets are completely aware of the user's presence and location, and cannot be targeted by any of the targets until they are aware of this technique.
Call to the End
Potency: X
Type: Attack, Cold, Finisher
Duration: Stunt
Truth sinks in like a cold knife to the heart. All that you have, all you will be. None of it will last. All songs come to silence, all treasures turn to dust. You were born alone, you have lived alone, and you will die alone. Nothing will change that. A shiver heralds the end, as the user grasps a target afflicted by Creeping Chill and reveals to them the Truth. The fundamental emptiness of existence is brought to bear, the target suffers horrendous damage both spiritually and physically as their very existence is attacked at it's core. This technique ignores all active and passive effects of the target, and cannot be affect by the techniques of others without the use of Shen. This technique may be used from stealth, and does not reveal the user's presence if a target lacks the perception to detect them.
Solipsism fails because "only I exist" will crumble almost immediately upon meeting a stronger cultivator who goes "nope, I exist too"
It works okay for a hermit cultivator who spends their whole life in a cave doing nothing of value, I guess.
- Location
- Finland
I'm honestly not sure solipsism fails at all, at least any more so than any other path.
Yes, other cultivators may hang about, and do things, maybe even defeat you.
That does not mean they are real, maybe they are figments of your imagination and you just need better self control to stop sabotaging yourself.
Also i don't think Hui way was "others don't exist", i think more accurate description would be "others don't matter".
Yes, other cultivators may hang about, and do things, maybe even defeat you.
That does not mean they are real, maybe they are figments of your imagination and you just need better self control to stop sabotaging yourself.
Also i don't think Hui way was "others don't exist", i think more accurate description would be "others don't matter".
- Location
- Chicago
- Pronouns
- She/They
I think you got the nail on the head, and then hand-wave it away.
It is MASSIVELY hard to develop a way that is internally self-consistent. To put this another way, trying to develop a way that does not force unacceptable choices on you when you ascend to the next stage- the way 'breaks', and offers no further path to advancement, because it cannot contain all that it needs to without contradicting itself.
And I think tribulations exist precisely to force the hardest possible choices upon cultivators, so I don't think any internal inconsistencies could survive unnoticed.
Tajitu: Arrival
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Taijitu: Arrival
However comfortable a carriage was, Ban Zhangzi thought, after a week it started to hurt to sit. It was eerily quiet, even with his sister sitting beside him. He turned and looked at Ban Changnu now to maybe start up a new conversation but stopped when he saw the same emotions on her face that he felt. Fear, excitement, and apprehension marred her face and it was like looking at a slightly distorted mirror. They had the same soft nose and oval face with slightly sharp brown eyes. Her features slightly softer than his but not by much. Heck, probably the easiest way to tell them apart was that Ban Zhangzi kept their light black, almost a grayish colored, hair cut short. That and Ban Zhangzi was just slightly taller (something he teased his sister about for the past half year).
"It's really quiet with just the two of us isn't it?" Apparently Ban Changnu didn't have the same hesitance as her brother.
Ban Zhangzi nodded. "Yeah, was really nice of dad to come with us as far as he could." They had said their goodbyes to their father that morning as he was not allowed to accompany them up the mountain. That was still surprising to him that he and Ban Changnu would be attending the Blue Mountain Sect, one of THE great Sects in the Emerald Seas! "Really appreciate him giving us all those last minute pointers. We'll probably need them."
Their father and mother were not great cultivators but they were cultivators. Being the smart (and very hopeful) parents that they were, Ban Li Ming, the blacksmith, and Ban Long, the woodfinder, had started saving early and often even before the twins were born. Of course after the twins were born they had to start saving twice as much and paying twice as much than they had originally thought. Even then when the person with the white jade mask had knocked on their door in Xiangmen and had delivered their ultimatum ("Your children have talent, they must be sent to a Sect or never cultivate in their life") and delivered a letter with their options that discussed some of the cost reduction conditions, Ban Zhangzi was pretty sure their parents still took out a sizeable loan for them. Bringing himself out of his thoughts, Ban Zhangzi listened as his twin began speaking.
"I was hoping we could have broken into Red before arriving. Y'know, to show we aren't hopeless in front of all the nobles that are going to be there." Ban Changnu said running her hands along her dress, the fanciest she owned, to work out any wrinkles that may have been there. "I know dad said not to be intimidated by them but…"
"But he also said to show respect and try not to cause too much trouble." Ban Zhangzi finished his sister's thoughts with a nod. "I wish we were there already so we could get it over with. It's really the anticipation that's-" Ban Zhangzi's words were cut off by two quick knocks to the carriage door. With a quick look out the window he and his sister noticed they had finally stopped.
Quickly hopping out, with Ban Changnu following shortly after, Ban Zhangzi bowed to their driver and gave his thanks for the quick and comfortable trip. The driver waved them off saying, "No thanks are necessary young ones, this one was just fulfilling their duties. A word of advice from a senior to their juniors though."
Ban Zhangzi eagerly nodded as the driver handed over his and Ban Changnu's bags. "Remember this, no man is an island. Also follow the signs, they will guide you." He said with that odd voice of his that seemed to ripple like waves on a lake. "Now excuse me, I have other duties to fulfill."
"What do you think he meant by that?" Ban Zhangzi asked his sister as the driver walked off, his carriage following although no beast seemed to pull it.
"I'm pretty sure the second part is obvious." Ban Changnu said pointing to a wooden sign welcoming new disciples and obviously pointing the direction they should go. Ban Zhangzi felt himself flush slightly with embarrassment before his sister continued. "As for the first, I think he meant we should make friends? Or at least get to know people." she said with a shrug.
With a nod the twins began their journey, slowly making their way through the stone hallways. Ban Zhangzi was almost memorized by the way the stone seemed to shift colors with his every step. Pink then a soft red before going to a burnt orange and yellow. So lost in the simple beauty he and Changnu almost missed the sign directing them into the lecture hall.
Stepping into the room though immediately brought back all the nerves and anxiety he had forgotten on their little stroll. The hall already had several groups of disciples talking amongst each other. Even in his nicest clothes Ban Zhangzi felt inadequate when compared to even the humblest looking noble here. That was until he spotted a boy with spiky brown hair with travel worn and dirty clothes at the front writing in a small book.
A quick look to his sister, a subtle gesture with his head and a returned smile and nod before making their way over to them. "Greetings," Ban Changnu started to get the stranger's attention. "My name is Ban Changnu and this is my brother Ban Zhangzi from Xiangmen. Might these seats be available?"
Getting a closer look at this stranger Ban Zhangzi realized that they weren't a boy but a girl. A girl with already well developing, ahem, features. Ban Zhangzi also noticed their clear blue eyes and blinding smile as they snapped the book they had been writing in shut. He also thought he heard whispered twins and lucky under their breath.
"Of course, of course, in fact I insist. Xiangmen huh? Must have a ton of cool stories if you came from there. How high up did you guys live? Wait, did you say Ban from Xiangmen? Ban, Ban, Ban… Nope, don't think I've ever heard of a Xiangmen Ban. Anyways, what's your guys' story?" The energetic greeting and pleasant voice, not to mention informality, gave the twins pause as they bowed in thanks and began to take their seats.
"Thank you Miss…" Ban Changnu started but trailed off when she realized they hadn't been given this kind stranger's name.
"Oh, sorry sorry, forgot my manners." With a quick hop the energetic girl gave a quick bow to both of them. "Names Zheng Ying from Ebon Rivers province." She then reached out and gave Ban Changnu's hand a quick shake before reaching over her to shake Ban Zhangzi's as well. "Nice to meetcha both, hope we can get along!"
Seeing his sister lock-up (he couldn't tell if the blood was rushing or draining from her face, maybe both) at the loops this Zheng Ying was throwing them for, Ban Zhangzi decided to speak up. "We wish the same Miss Zheng Ying, thank you. Um, when you say your Zheng of the Ebon Rivers do you mean as in the Ducal clan that oversees the province?"
"What other Zheng is there? Wait, was there a Emerald Seas Zheng family? Or was that the Zhang family? Not important, we were talking about the two of you." Zheng Ling tapped her chin in thought then waved her hands as if to dismiss the idea before pointing back at the twins.
Before they could continue the conversation however there came a voice across the room like a warm summer's breeze. "Quiet down everyone I know you are all excited but we have some important matters to discuss first." Turning his attention from Zheng Ling, Ban Zhangzi saw an older woman standing center stage on the lecture platform. She looked a bit older, a few strands of gray in otherwise black hair intertwined with various blooming flowers. "I am Sect Head Xiatian, of the Spiritual Affairs department. I welcome you all to the halls of the Blue Mountain Sect."
"As we wish to give you all room to grow and flourish we have but a few rules and boundaries that must be followed. First, violence of any sort between disciples is forbidden for the first three months here on the mountain. After this grace period violence is permitted as long as you do not maim or kill your fellow cultivators or are excessive in the use of force. While we highly recommend any disagreements be taken care of in a formal challenge or duel we here at the Blue Mountain Sect do understand the passions of youth. Also during this grace period you are not permitted to leave this mountain and communication outside the sect is forbidden. You are here to grow and master your powers, not idle your time away wondering about the outside world."
There were some grumbling from those gathered but a quick glare from Sect Head Xiatian seemed to quiet everybody down.
"Second, you are not to damage or steal any property owned by the Sect. Especially in regards to the library." Another glare was sent across the room and Ban Zhangzi felt himself shiver as the room seemed to drain of heat for a moment. "We will also be providing you room and board, segregated by gender but beyond that the arrangement is up to you to decide. Do be aware that you will most likely be sharing with one or more other person."
Ban Zhangzi shot his sister a look from the corner of his eye and saw her doing the same. That was… unexpected but fine. Good even. They had been sharing the same room in the same small house for their entire life so being separated now would be… fine. Right?
Sect Head Xiatian continued on headless of what was going on in Ban Zhangzi's mind. "In addition to food and other necessities being provided at the storehouse you will also be given an allowance of five red spirit stones per month and the Five-Phases Contemplation art to help with your cultivation." With a smile that seemed to radiate the warmth of the sun Sect Head Xiatian had still more to say, going on a small tangent about spirit stones and their worth that Ban Zhangzi already knew from his parents teachings.
"Now, during these first three months several Elders, myself included, will be holding various lessons on spiritual and physical cultivation. We will also be holding some classes in this hall in the morning on how to read, write, and the basic care and maintenance of books and scrolls. All of you are not permitted to even step foot into any of the libraries until several tests have been passed proving you can properly care for the written works. Remember, knowledge should be shared but it must also be safely guarded. Once the tests have been passed you will have access to the first floor of the Revealing Moon Library. More information on when lessons and tests will be available can be found in the provided pamphlets along with a map.
"I've gone on for far too long now. I shall distribute the welcome package to you all now. After that follow the hallways to the left of this room to get to the residential district. Good luck to you all." With that Sect Head Xiatian seemed to explode into a storm of flower petals that quickly whipped across the room in front of everybody and then out the door.
Quickly smoothing his hair back down after that small windstorm and looking at the wooden box now sitting in front of him, Ban Zhangzi tried to take a moment to process everything that was happening to him. He almost felt like one of those flower petals he saw just a moment ago, something being carried along by the wind. He turned to Ban Changnu but before he could even utter a word to start planning with her Zheng Ying was up and out of her seat.
"Come on, I wanna try and get one of the nicer places! We gotta hurry!" With that Zheng Ying practically ripped Ban Changnu from her seat and all but dragged her out the door.
"I- Wait… Hold on! Meet me here in the morning Changnu!" Was all Ban Zhangzi could get out before he saw his sister disappear through the door. Left alone while he waited for the cultivators to empty out of the room, Ban Zhangzi took a look into his box. Inside he saw the five red stones (he could scarcely believe they were trusting them with FIVE red stones), a scroll, and a small paper pamphlet resting atop what appeared to be a light blue robe. He took a deep breath, held it, and then stood up. Walking with determination he exited the room himself and began making his way to his new home.
He would do this. He could do this! He had to do this. For himself, for his parents, for his sister. He could not waste this chance he had been given.
Author Notes:
I believe the correct thing to do is @yrsillar to announce an Omake for the Omake throne? First time posting here and first time really showing off anything I've written. Feedback is certainly welcome as I don't really know what I'm doing. The main reason I wanted to write this was because I had an interesting idea on how the twins cultivation might take. I then thought of where the best place for that to develop would be and Blue Mountain Sect seemed like a good place. Then I started to think about how Blue Mountain differs from Argent Sect and not finding much besides the intro pamphlet thought they are probably pretty similar except for Blue Mountain pushes a bit more on the rules and safety but is freer with teaching. Let me know what you think or if anything is wrong!
Tajitu: Empty
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Taijitu: Empty
"Come on, I wanna try and get one of the nicer places! We gotta hurry!"
Before Ban Changnu could even utter a word of either protest or accent she felt Zheng Ying's hand on her arm and her body leaving the chair she had just been sitting in. It took everything she had to just grab her things, including the box that had been placed in front of her, and not trip over herself as she was dragged out of the room.
"Meet me here in the morning Changnu!" Was the last thing she heard from Ban Zhangzi before she lost sight of him. She had to nearly run through the now dull indigo hallway to keep up with Zheng Ying. If she didn't keep up she feared either her dress, her arm or both would be ripped from her.
"Zheng. Ying. Slow. Down. Please!" Ban Changnu was able to get out between breaths, she could already feel sweat starting to form on her brow.
Instead of slowing down Zheng Ying came to an abrupt stop causing the shorter girl being pulled along to run into her. She bounced off and would have fallen if not for the hand Zheng Ying still had around her arm. That felt like running into a wall! Ban Changnu thought to herself.
"Sorry! Master was always saying I was too excitable. But look, we're already here!" Zheng Ying said with a flourish to indicate the buildings around them. They were well sized dwellings, small houses really, seemingly made out of a cut stone that had a blue tinge to it, most likely cut from the Blue Mountain itself. From what Ban Changnu could see each one looked almost identical aside from the stone fences that surrounded what she assumed to be the back gardens. A few houses down the stone fencing was replaced by wood fencing and the gardens got smaller as you went further and further from the entrance.
Ban Changnu idly wondered if this was due to poor planning, trying to cram more houses into the space or if it was deliberate, forcing some small power play to be made among the cultivators here. She was snapped out of her musings though as she felt herself being dragged along again. Her arm was almost certainly going to be bruised by the morning.
Zheng Ying seemed to be deep in thought looking at each house as they passed them by before stopping in front of the first one without a fence. "Yeah, this one looks good. Whatta think?" she asked, turning to Ban Changnu.
"Uh, yes, it seems like a fine dwelling to stay in." Ban Changnu responded a bit uncertainly, her mind still felt like it was back in the lecture hall with her brother and hadn't caught up with her yet.
With a nod of acknowledgement Zheng Ying finally let go of Ban Changnu's arm and stepped up to the door pulling a writing brush out from somewhere. A small gasp of horror escaped Ban Changnu as the energetic girl began writing on the door with big, long brushstrokes. Memories of being scolded by her mother after she and Ban Zhangzi had gotten one of the ink jars and had decided to 'practice their writing' on the walls of their home jumped to Ban Changnu's mind as she saw Zheng Ling's and Ban Changnu's name appear in bold black ink.
Turning back to the distressed Ban Changnu the auburn haired girl asked, "Did I get your name right?" After a small nod of her head Zheng Ying then added a small, simple caricature of a monkey beneath her name before running her hand across the fresh ink as if to smear it. Instead of smudging her work however it seemed to cause it to become more real, more there. "Alright, let's take a look at what we're workin' with."
Stepping inside after Zheng Ying, Ban Changnu's mind seemed to finally catch up with her and she couldn't help but pray to whomever would listen Great Spirits what have I gotten us into?
Ban Changnu's new home was just a bit larger than the one she had left in Xiangmen. There was a large open kitchen/dining/living space and a hall on the left and right leading to a bedroom, a small study, and mediation room each. After putting her things away and having a light meal with Zheng Ying there came a loud bang as the door to the front was thrown open.
Quickly facing the door to see who this intruder was she came up a little short. A small black monkey had apparently barged into her home and was now scampering across the floor towards the table she was sitting at. "What is a…"
"Ruo! There you are, ya little scamp!" As Zheng Ying nearly yelled her greeting at the monkey it jumped up onto her shoulder and began chittering and chattering to her. "Uh-huh… yeah… distant cousins ya think? … yeah… oh really?" Looking down at herself Zheng Ying grimaced seemingly at what she found. She then stood up with a "Yeah, you're right," before starting towards the door.
"Oh right, introductions." Turning back around and gesturing to the still somewhat befuddled girl at the table Zheng Ying said "Rou, this is Ban Changnu my housemate. Ban Changnu, this is my bond brother and friend Zheng Rou." The little monkey then imitated a bow from his perch on Zheng Ying's shoulder, which was honestly adorable. "Well, I'm off to a hot spring and then doing some cultivating, don't wait up!"
"I… goodbye?" That girl seemed to be a force of nature going wherever she pleased. Was she typical of the Zheng? Wait, did she say the monkey was her brother?! Well at least she had some time to herself. Alone.
Deciding the best use of her time, Ban Changnu read through first the small pamphlet that had been provided and then the scroll on the Five-Phases Contemplation. The pamphlet was simple enough, just reiterating the rules and expectations of the Sect for the Outer disciples. It also had a simple map outlining where certain things were in the Sect including lecture halls, libraries, the storehouse, the Eight Maidens Pagoda and the Tower of the Five Solar Heroes among other points of interest along with pointing in which direction the Sect village was.
The scroll containing the Five-Phases Contemplation art was of much more interest though. It was a simple meditation and breathing technique to help one feel and then fill one's Dantian, similar to the breathing techniques Ban Changnu's parents had taught her. However it also came with a series of explanations and thought processes one was supposed to contemplate on about five of the base elemental qi's, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. Seemed easy enough to do.
So, taking the scroll with her into the mediation room, after making sure her red stones were safe and secure, Ban Changnu read over the scroll again and took a deep breath and closed her eyes as it instructed. Letting it out and following the steps the scroll outlined a few times she then began to let her mind wander over the explanations about qi.
It began with Wood. Wood fed the Fire. Fire created the ash. The ash became the Earth. From the Earth came Metal. Metal drew Water from the air. Water then nourished the Wood causing it to grow again and the cycle started over. And so it continued on, step by step, recycling and renewing all things.
But there were five cycles to the Five-Phases.
Wood drank up and depleted the Water. Water caused the Metal to rust and corrode. Metal tore up and left the Earth barren in search of itself. Earth snuffed out the Fire and the Fire burnt down the forest of Wood. Endless destruction of the forces.
Metal dulled itself with each cut on Wood. Wood buried under Earth began to rot. Earth becomes mud and begins to run with too much Water. Water boils and evaporates when close to Fire. Fire's heat is drawn and dissipated by Metal. None of them are gone but neither are they as strong as before.
The roots of Wood could stabilize the Earth or drain it of all nutrients. Earth could direct Water through channels and rivers or could halt it's movement with dams and breaks. Water could dampen flames hunger or extinguish it completely. Fire could purify Metal to a higher state or burn it to slag. Metal could tend to Wood pruning sickness and rot or could cut everything back till nothing grows.
Strengthening, weakening, creating, destroying, hindering, helping, push and pull. Qi was all of this and so much more!
Ban Changnu snapped back to reality and blinked her eyes. Night had just begun to fall and Ban Changnu felt oddly hungry. She thought for a moment because she had eaten not that long ago. Then she realized this wasn't a feeling of hunger in her body but in her spirit. Ban Changnu smiled, she had never been this aware of her Dantian before! If she grabbed one of her red stones and continued these exercises she was sure she could…
No, no. Ban Changnu had to be smart about this. She thought she understood how it would work, pull Qi from stone and put it in your Dantian, but she wanted to be sure. If she was going to be sure she would have to talk with Ban Zhangzi about it, he understood this kind of thing better than her. Yeah, she would just go to bed and then talk about this with her brother tomorrow, Ban Changnu thought.
After preparing for the night and laying down to sleep she couldn't help but toss and turn. It was too quiet and the images of trees growing, fires burning, rivers running, swinging hatchets, and boulders rolling filled her head. Eventually she found sleep while the moon hung high in the sky.
—
Once morning came around and Ban Changnu was walking down those oddly color changing halls again she spotted Ban Zhangzi in front of the lecture hall they had been in the previous day. She felt the muscles in her shoulders relax and she quickened her step. "Zhangzi!"
"Oh thank goodness you heard me yesterday. How was your day yesterday?" Ban Zhangzi turned and a look of relief filled his face as his eyes fell on his sister. Ban Changnu couldn't help but see he looked about as tired as she felt. Did he not sleep well either?
"It was… interesting. Did you have a chance to read over the Five-Phase Contemplation?"
"Yeah, I actually wanted to talk to you about that. Did you already try it with-"
"A red stone? Not yet, I didn't want to waste any if I-"
"Could help it, no that's good. I'd say go through the exercise at least once or twice before you do. You're still going to waste some of it especially to begin with because-"
"It's like trying to pick a grain of rice out of a pile with gloves on, right. Were you going to try doing that now or-"
"My housemate Kun Dewei mentioned they actually hold a bit more advanced classes for writing and book handling in the higher numbered lecture halls. So we should-"
"Attend all of the day's classes to get a feel for them and then we can start properly planning."
"Exactly." Ban Zhangzi finished with a nod and a smile. Ban Changnu smiled back glad that she and her brother were on the same page. That's when she noticed that other disciples had been walking past them while they stood there chatting. Some of them gave them an odd look, one or two even seemed to be sneering at them. Had they done something wrong? Shoot, Ban Changnu thought, we started speaking over each other again. Mother always said that makes it look like we have bad etiquette.
Trying to suppress the blush on her face she grabbed her brother and started walking towards the next lecture hall. "Come on, we don't want to be late." Ban Changnu muttered trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
—
It was a little strange, that first week at the sect, at least Ban Changnu thought. It was almost like being back in school at Xiangmen in one of those Cai programs except instead of learning about numbers, letters, history and basic etiquette it was meridians, qi and arts… plus that other stuff and a lot more besides. As the Elder teaching basic cultivation said, all cultivators should have a good foundation which includes a foundation of knowledge. Oh, there was also the running. Lots and lots of running.
The running part she didn't mind too much actually, especially with that Captain of the Hero's Regiment leading the physical cultivation classes. Ban Changnu didn't know if it was an art or if he was just naturally charismatic but when he asked for those last ten push-ups or that last lap around the courtyard and you didn't have any energy left to do it he'd say something like "I believe in you!" or "I know you can do it!" and then you'd find that last little reserve and do eleven push-ups or a lap and then some. Then as you'd walk over and sit down to do the meditations he'd taught and you get those few claps of congratulations or that "I knew you could do it!" you'd feel that little swell of pride.
Yeah, Ban Changnu didn't mind the running.
It was after that first hectic week of learning and training that Ban Changnu was finally able to break into the Red Soul realm. Where the qi she pulled from the stone didn't slip through her grasp or immediately drain from her Dantian. Instead it settled there like a little ember waiting to be fed. Ban Changnu took a breath and it felt like she was truly breathing, like everything else up to this point had simply been a dream before being born.
Ban Changnu smiled.
She did it. She had to tell someone. She had to tell Ban Zhangzi as soon as possible!
A.N.
@yrsillar another Omake for the Omake throne! Thanks for the feedback and positive reception from the first part. I decided to get the last of the setup (hopefully) out of the way. Next installment will probably have a time skip to focus more on their arts and discoveries. Again, would love any feedback!
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Turn 13: Fin
"It's over," Ling Qi murmured. The wind tugged at her hair and gown, sending them rustling atop the high grassy hill. In the landscape stretching below, Ling Qi could see the increasingly empty fairgrounds, filled with temporary mansions and pavilions in various states of deconstruction. Only the grew billowing pavilion of the Cai remained untouched. The Duchess would remain, as would her newest daughter, the Prime Minister would be returning to make the arrangements for the state visit of Sun Shao.
"We end in triumph," Gan Guangli said. His thick arms were crossed over his chest, and he held his head high. His final bout against Han Jian had been explosive, providing a worthy show for the final day of the tournament. Both of the boys had been closely matched, but in the end, it was Han Jian's blistering speed and piercing sword that had carried the day.
"We have only reached the starting line," said Cai Renxiang, standing between them. She would have been in their shadow, were it not for the radiance that gleamed between the strands of her dark hair, its light banishing all such things. She stood as she once did long ago the first time they had met, square shouldered, her sword planted tip down in the earth, her hands clasped atop the hilt.
"It is not pride to acknowledge victories," Gan Guangli said, not looking away from the exiting nobles. "If this is the starting line, then it is for a contest we have fought hard to be included in."
"As long as you know where we're going, it's a contest I'm sure we'll do well in," Ling Qi said more lightly. "Lady Cai, about what the Prime Minister said to me…"
"Thank you for informing me of that woman's interjection," Cai Renxiang said, closing her eyes. "I promise you we will discuss it all once I have had some time to process my Mother's instruction. I do not believe myself capable of conveying her intent accurately in my current state."
Ling Qi gave the other girl a worried look out of the corner of her eye. She had shed most of the outward signs of her mental exhaustion, but Ling Qi did not doubt that her liege was still feeling haggard. "Cultivate well, Lady Cai, just remember my advice."
"I still recall the girl whose words and conviction tore apart the rationalizations of men a century and more her senior, in a decrepit village of the hills," Gan Guangli said wryly. "You are strong, lady Cai, in the ways which truly matter. Though you might doubt yourself, know that this Gan Guangli does not."
"I thank you both," Cai Renxiang said. "I cannot promise to rest Ling Qi, it is not in my nature. Gan Guangli… I cannot promise perfection, not as I once did."
"You know my belief, Lady Cai. Perfection is something to be reached for, never achieved. The struggle to be better is what matters," Gan Guangli said his wide shoulders rolling in a shrug.
"I know you well enough Lady Cai," Ling Qi said quietly. "But let's have a spar again sometime, or do some light work over tea. I know you have that much in you."
Cai Renxiang let out a small huff, halfway between amusement and exasperation. "Promise me, the both of you to continue gainsaying me when you believe I am wrong."
"Always," Ling Qi said, smiling breezily.
"Naturally," Gan Guangli said gravely.
They stood in silence for a long moment, watching more lanterns flicker out.
"If I may, Lady Cai, do you have any insight into your Mother's intentions with Cai Tienli?" Gan Guangli asked.
"On her unorthodox birth? Little. Her domain has always been the creation of artificial spirits, This seems merely an extension… or perhaps a culmination," she spoke quietly and thoughtfully. "Of her continued presence? I suspect she will attract much negative attention. However… I worry."
"The Sun," Ling Qi said. "There is something wrong with Sun Liling."
"There is something wrong with the whole scenario," Gan Guangli rumbled. "That they have the troops free to go south, that King Sun is intending to visit Xiangmen in person."
It had always been that Sun Shao did not leave the Western territories beyond proxies, ever. This was unsettling.
Sixiang's whisper entered her head, Ling Qi glanced to the side, troubled.
"You have a thought, Ling Qi" Cai Renxiang asked.
"Just… you remember the story of the Sage Emperor?" Ling Qi asked. "The Priestess of the red garden used the life conceived between the two of them to slay him. Lady Bai Suzhen doesn't have any children, but…"
"Surely the Sun would not consider outright treason?" Gan Guangli said with a frown. "Although… they are somewhat cornered, given the Bai's resurgence."
"A thought indeed," Cai Renxiang said quietly. "That is above us. Let us focus on the tasks at hand. For now, the two of you collect yourselves. I require cultivation and the month ahead shall be very busy."
Ling Qi gave a small nod and the three of them split up. Her feet lifted from the grass, and Ling Qi soared away toward the far dimmer, twinkling lights of the town at the base of the Outer Sect mountain.
There she landed outside the gates, and passed within, walking at a mortal pace. Here there was no indication of the events that had transpired, the connections and wheeling and manipulations. There was just a home and a small garden where she was greeted by her Mother and Sister. She always found herself itching for their company after encountering the Duchess.
…Perhaps it might not be a bad thing, to invite Renxiang over at least once.
A thought for later. Duty would beckon soon.
The tournament is ended, life resumes. For the following turn you may choose 3 cultivation projects, 2 Professional Actions and 2 Personal Actions. One professional action is locked this turn. You may if you wish swap one personal action for one professional action, but not vice versa. There will be a 48 hour moratorium on voting. As this is a turn end, I will be taking a one week break from all content updates after the patreon exclusive tomorrow,so updates will resume on the December 16th, so no hurry on the voting.
"We end in triumph," Gan Guangli said. His thick arms were crossed over his chest, and he held his head high. His final bout against Han Jian had been explosive, providing a worthy show for the final day of the tournament. Both of the boys had been closely matched, but in the end, it was Han Jian's blistering speed and piercing sword that had carried the day.
"We have only reached the starting line," said Cai Renxiang, standing between them. She would have been in their shadow, were it not for the radiance that gleamed between the strands of her dark hair, its light banishing all such things. She stood as she once did long ago the first time they had met, square shouldered, her sword planted tip down in the earth, her hands clasped atop the hilt.
"It is not pride to acknowledge victories," Gan Guangli said, not looking away from the exiting nobles. "If this is the starting line, then it is for a contest we have fought hard to be included in."
"As long as you know where we're going, it's a contest I'm sure we'll do well in," Ling Qi said more lightly. "Lady Cai, about what the Prime Minister said to me…"
"Thank you for informing me of that woman's interjection," Cai Renxiang said, closing her eyes. "I promise you we will discuss it all once I have had some time to process my Mother's instruction. I do not believe myself capable of conveying her intent accurately in my current state."
Ling Qi gave the other girl a worried look out of the corner of her eye. She had shed most of the outward signs of her mental exhaustion, but Ling Qi did not doubt that her liege was still feeling haggard. "Cultivate well, Lady Cai, just remember my advice."
"I still recall the girl whose words and conviction tore apart the rationalizations of men a century and more her senior, in a decrepit village of the hills," Gan Guangli said wryly. "You are strong, lady Cai, in the ways which truly matter. Though you might doubt yourself, know that this Gan Guangli does not."
"I thank you both," Cai Renxiang said. "I cannot promise to rest Ling Qi, it is not in my nature. Gan Guangli… I cannot promise perfection, not as I once did."
"You know my belief, Lady Cai. Perfection is something to be reached for, never achieved. The struggle to be better is what matters," Gan Guangli said his wide shoulders rolling in a shrug.
"I know you well enough Lady Cai," Ling Qi said quietly. "But let's have a spar again sometime, or do some light work over tea. I know you have that much in you."
Cai Renxiang let out a small huff, halfway between amusement and exasperation. "Promise me, the both of you to continue gainsaying me when you believe I am wrong."
"Always," Ling Qi said, smiling breezily.
"Naturally," Gan Guangli said gravely.
They stood in silence for a long moment, watching more lanterns flicker out.
"If I may, Lady Cai, do you have any insight into your Mother's intentions with Cai Tienli?" Gan Guangli asked.
"On her unorthodox birth? Little. Her domain has always been the creation of artificial spirits, This seems merely an extension… or perhaps a culmination," she spoke quietly and thoughtfully. "Of her continued presence? I suspect she will attract much negative attention. However… I worry."
"The Sun," Ling Qi said. "There is something wrong with Sun Liling."
"There is something wrong with the whole scenario," Gan Guangli rumbled. "That they have the troops free to go south, that King Sun is intending to visit Xiangmen in person."
It had always been that Sun Shao did not leave the Western territories beyond proxies, ever. This was unsettling.
Sixiang's whisper entered her head, Ling Qi glanced to the side, troubled.
"You have a thought, Ling Qi" Cai Renxiang asked.
"Just… you remember the story of the Sage Emperor?" Ling Qi asked. "The Priestess of the red garden used the life conceived between the two of them to slay him. Lady Bai Suzhen doesn't have any children, but…"
"Surely the Sun would not consider outright treason?" Gan Guangli said with a frown. "Although… they are somewhat cornered, given the Bai's resurgence."
"A thought indeed," Cai Renxiang said quietly. "That is above us. Let us focus on the tasks at hand. For now, the two of you collect yourselves. I require cultivation and the month ahead shall be very busy."
Ling Qi gave a small nod and the three of them split up. Her feet lifted from the grass, and Ling Qi soared away toward the far dimmer, twinkling lights of the town at the base of the Outer Sect mountain.
There she landed outside the gates, and passed within, walking at a mortal pace. Here there was no indication of the events that had transpired, the connections and wheeling and manipulations. There was just a home and a small garden where she was greeted by her Mother and Sister. She always found herself itching for their company after encountering the Duchess.
…Perhaps it might not be a bad thing, to invite Renxiang over at least once.
A thought for later. Duty would beckon soon.
The tournament is ended, life resumes. For the following turn you may choose 3 cultivation projects, 2 Professional Actions and 2 Personal Actions. One professional action is locked this turn. You may if you wish swap one personal action for one professional action, but not vice versa. There will be a 48 hour moratorium on voting. As this is a turn end, I will be taking a one week break from all content updates after the patreon exclusive tomorrow,so updates will resume on the December 16th, so no hurry on the voting.
Base/Domain Cultivation
Conceptual Projects
Arts Development (3 available)
Songseekers Ceremony: Moon, Yin, Mystery, Motion, Expression
Phantasmagoria of Lunar Revelry: Yang, Moon, Chaos, Dream, Revelry
Starless Night's Reflection: Yin, Lake, Darkness, Reflection, Stillness, Void
Beast King's Savage Dirge: Yang, Wood, Darkness, Music, Beasts, Conquest, Power
Melodies of the Spirit Seekers: Balanced, Music, Bargaining, Sincerity, Understanding
Laughing Flight of the Wind Thief: Yin, Darkness, WInd, Freedom, Motion, Want
Winter Hearth Resounding: Cold, Fire, Music, Boundary, Home, Renewal
Unstoppable Glacier's March: Yin, Cold, Music, Expression, Inevitability, Pressure
Social Arts
Playful Muse's Rapport:
Dreaming Muse Rapport VII: Continue to study the art of wielding honesty and friendliness to achieve your social goals. Advance the Trait by one (0/1)
Moonless Saboteur's Smile
Hidden Smile V: Continue to hone your ability to keep your poise and defend against the social probes of your peers. Contemplate the meaning in etiquette and the role of tradition, truth, and stories. 50% Chance to advance the Truth Concept by 1 Advance the Trait by one. (0/1)
Meridian Slot Projects
Open New Slot: Open a new Meridian Slot. (0/4) 40% Chance of Success
Alter a Meridian Slot: Change one slot to another Type: 0/6 40% chance of Success.
Unlearned Arts
-Currently Locked
Modifiable Arts
-CurrentlyLocked
Successor Creation
-Frozen Soul Serenade: The crystallization of the lessons you learned from Zeqing on the high, snowy mountaintops. Yet the form she taught you an echo of her own nature, is falling behind you cultivation. The time has come to make it your own. Requires selection of the Idols and Ancestors Social Action
Sites and Temporary Modifiers
Argent Vent(Greater):
+1 Success to Any Project -or- +2 Success to any Balanced Project.
+10% Success rate to Assigned project.
Reduce Cultivation Upkeep by 4 Green Spirit Stones.
Silent Stones:
+1 Success to a Moon, Sun, or Earth Project
Mirror Basin:
+1 to Water or Lake Projects
Conceptual Projects
- Isolation III (2/5): As starvation is privation of the body, isolation is privation of the soul. To be alone is to suffer,yet it is possible to find meaning in hardship. What do the cold streets of that sad city mean?
- Expression III (1/5): Art, music is the expression of ideas, the sharing of concepts with other people and beings. It can express the truth of your soul, it can express desires, it can express simple observations and so much more. You have only begun to explore the truth of art.
- Community III (2/5): Family is the most fundamental unit of society, the block from which all else is built. Yet, what is the meaning of family, where does obligation stop, and love begin?
- Power III (2/5) Power is absolute, but comes in different forms. What is strength in one context may be weakness in another.
- Want II (1/3): Want is the fundamental drive of all things. All other motivations are but rationalizations for desire.
- Motion II (1/3): To fly, to run to climb, these are happiness
- Endings I (0/2): All things end in time, it is the journey to ending that has meaning.
- Freedom I (1/2): Freedom is a blade, joy and isolation are its edges
- Persistence I (0/2): The world is in flux and things last only due to the exertion of will.
- Truth I (0/2): Truth trades short term hurt for long term harm
- Causality I (1/2): Action precedes reaction. Time flows forward, ever forward.
- Mystery I (1/2): The first question asked in life is how do I survive. The second is why.
- Creation 0 (0/1)-?
- Courage (0/1)-?
- Protection (0/1)-?
- Cycles (0/1)-?
- Home (0/1)
- Chaos (0/1)
Arts Development (3 available)
Songseekers Ceremony: Moon, Yin, Mystery, Motion, Expression
- Grinning: It is the seeking that brings joy, the journey and the acquisition. Delve into the deeper mystery of the Grinning Moon, seek, adventure, explore to integrate its lessons. Advances the Freedom, Motion, and Isolation projects one step on completion. 30 XP to physical cultivation. (0/3)
- Dreaming: Songs of ancient days, the playful ballads of modern theater, the buskers tune, too long have you failed to look outward and hear that which surrounds you. Advances the Community, Truth, and Creation projects one step on completion. 30 XP to Spiritual Cultivation (0/3)
- Hidden Scribe: You have asked the second question, and looked upon the world with the eyes of a seeker if only for a moment. Delve further into mystery and the questions that underlie the world of now. Advances the Mystery and Causality Projects by one step on completion. 70% Chance of additional Moon attention on completion. 50 XP Spiritual Cultivation (0/8)
Phantasmagoria of Lunar Revelry: Yang, Moon, Chaos, Dream, Revelry
- Phantasmal Mastery: You have tasted the cruel wine of isolation, and known the pain of loneliness. Is it any wonder then that the arts of conjuring have been core to you since the day that you first took up the melody of the Forgotten Vale. At your direction, phantoms and figments dance more deftly and with more mind, animated by the lingering dreams of a girl who can never forget loneliness. Grants the Phantasmal Mastery Trait, which increases the power and flexibility of summon techniques. Advances Isolation by 1 Step. (0/5)
- The Dreaming Gala: Only once have you tasted the wine of Dream, and reveled in her halls. Those memories are blurry. Those memories are slippery. You have grown, and you know in your heart that you always have an invitation. Seek again that cacophonous hall, that phantasmal concert, and find the lessons you may have yet missed: Fuses the Ephemeral Dreamlit Dancer technique in to the Dreamwalker Trait. Advances the Dreamwalker Trait by 1 level, and the Creation Concepts by 1 step. (0/5)
Starless Night's Reflection: Yin, Lake, Darkness, Reflection, Stillness, Void
- Lake Hei is Wide: The great lake is bottomless, but it is also wide, a sea in its own right, there is nothing which cannot vanish into its depths. So to can you render inert even assaults that would strike down a whole company. Improves Rippling Starless Shroud as well as your passive defense against Area Arts. Unlock Two Projects. (0/3)
- It's Depths Without End: The imperturbable surface, a skin of shimmering black that lies over the infinite deeps beneath. All vanishes into the dark, leaving mere ripples behind. Where sleeps that which vanishes from world, sight, and memory?. Advances the Mystery and Ending Projects one step. Reveals text of Imperturbable Soul Trait. (0/3)
- We are but Ripples: In waters deep, under skies far, we bear witness to our own crushing smallness. Where then does meaning rise, in the infinite dark? Advances Isolation and Mystery Projects one step. 40% Chance of acquiring Void concept for your Domain.(0/3)
Beast King's Savage Dirge: Yang, Wood, Darkness, Music, Beasts, Conquest, Power
- Bear God's Fury: The Bear God, avatar of wrath, whose crushing paws sundered trees and reshaped hills, Learn the stanzas of the great ballad which spoke of his coming and the ruin of the wolf gods plans. Learn the Bear God's Fury technique, which summons the phantom limbs of the titan to crush and pin down foes. Unlocks One Project. (0/3)
- Primacy of Beasts: Learn the song of nature, the melody of tooth and claw. Where lies the line between beasts and men, which brings us to war? Mere greed and pride, or something more? Alters the primal War Calling technique. Advances the Power and Want Projects by one step. (0/3)
- Xiangmen, Fortress of Tsu Pt. 1: Before the ravening of the Gods, Xiangmen stood uncaring, and in the trunk sheltered all of the people of the Emerald Seas. Against the Gods stood the Diviner, who would see that man was never subjugated again. Alters the Eagle God's Defiance technique. Advances the Motion and Home projects by one step. (0/5)
Melodies of the Spirit Seekers: Balanced, Music, Bargaining, Sincerity, Understanding
- Spirit Seeker VI: Go forth and practice your art on the spirits of the land. Advance the Spirit Seeker trait by 1 (0/3)
- Raising the Bastion: In the harsh south, under the gaze of Bleak Skies yearning, you received a taste of the casual cruelty which spirits unbound and uncaring of man may display. In the lessons of the Bastion's Melody, you find the lessons needed to mitigate their harm, and even bring understanding of their doings to spirits most inhuman. Alters the Bastion's Melody Art, giving a chance to negate damaging environmental traits of higher spirits. Advances the Community and Protection projects by one step. Unlocks one project. (0/5)
Laughing Flight of the Wind Thief: Yin, Darkness, WInd, Freedom, Motion, Want
- The Opened Vault: Ten thousand Locks and not one to stop you. Learn the lessons of the first thief, whom no vault or security could stop. Acquire the Thief of Winds technique, which allows you to interact with and steal from dimensional storage and bypass many forms of security. Advances Vanishing by 1. Advances Want project by one. (0/5)
- The Laughing Wind: Flight is freedom, defiance of one of the First Laws. Feel the wind on your face,witness all the earth below, and laugh in the midst of the clear blue sky. Advance Sable Grace by 1. Advance Motion and Freedom projects by one. Unlocks Two Project. (0/3)
Winter Hearth Resounding: Cold, Fire, Music, Boundary, Home, Renewal
- Kindle the Hearth: So long as the hearth burns still, home remains. Nurse the embers and ashes, no matter how mean, and one day the fire will burn again.Acquire the Technique Ashen Hearth Return. A technique which sacrifices the function of the Winter hearth Resounding Art to negate negative traits on you and your allies. Advances the Community Project by one. (0/5)
- Winter Reinforcement: The task of preparing for the winter comes every year without fail. A home must be maintained, it's walls repaired, its portals reinforced. A home is a work without end, a project of a lifetime. Yet, in the end, is there any more vital art? Advances Home and Protection projects by 1. Improves Unbroken Will by one. (0/3)
- Release of Spring: So in sorrow, so in joy. Another year and you remain. What you have, you have kept. Celebrate the wild ides even as the next hardship drifts on the horizon, and Know that you will survive again. Improves the Passive effects of the Art. Advances the Home and Want projects by one. (0/3)
- Garden of Mists: You keep no hearth, but you do tend the garden. Kin and clan, parents and siblings, dreams of the future and trials of now. You have come to know the ways of boundaries and stories, told to keep back the night. You protect your own. Alter the WInter Hearth resounding Art, replacing the Fire Keyword with Dream and Music with Formations. Advances Community and Cycles Project by 1. Advances Liminal Carver by 1. (0/5)
Unstoppable Glacier's March: Yin, Cold, Music, Expression, Inevitability, Pressure
- Soul of Ice: Blizzard and glacier, fine snow and driving sleet. cruel wind and soft snow. Stasis, Inevitability, Endings and Renewal. There is more to ice, more to winter than meets the casual eye. Is your own understanding too narrow? Advances Isolation and Want Projects. Advances Winter's Heart by 1. Begins Trait Quest Chain. (0/5)
- Path Unyielding: To know what you wish and to advance toward it with all of your heart, this is something you know well. Study and meditate upon what you have learned and seen of the glaciers of the wall, and ponder the value of Implacability: Advance persistence and Want projects by one. Improves Grinding Glacial Melody. Unlocks one Project. (0/3)
Social Arts
Playful Muse's Rapport:
Dreaming Muse Rapport VII: Continue to study the art of wielding honesty and friendliness to achieve your social goals. Advance the Trait by one (0/1)
Moonless Saboteur's Smile
Hidden Smile V: Continue to hone your ability to keep your poise and defend against the social probes of your peers. Contemplate the meaning in etiquette and the role of tradition, truth, and stories. 50% Chance to advance the Truth Concept by 1 Advance the Trait by one. (0/1)
Meridian Slot Projects
Open New Slot: Open a new Meridian Slot. (0/4) 40% Chance of Success
Alter a Meridian Slot: Change one slot to another Type: 0/6 40% chance of Success.
Unlearned Arts
-Currently Locked
Modifiable Arts
-CurrentlyLocked
Successor Creation
-Frozen Soul Serenade: The crystallization of the lessons you learned from Zeqing on the high, snowy mountaintops. Yet the form she taught you an echo of her own nature, is falling behind you cultivation. The time has come to make it your own. Requires selection of the Idols and Ancestors Social Action
Sites and Temporary Modifiers
Argent Vent(Greater):
+1 Success to Any Project -or- +2 Success to any Balanced Project.
+10% Success rate to Assigned project.
Reduce Cultivation Upkeep by 4 Green Spirit Stones.
Silent Stones:
+1 Success to a Moon, Sun, or Earth Project
Mirror Basin:
+1 to Water or Lake Projects
Here I will add a brief explanation of Exploration Actions as they exist in the new system. Firstly exploration actions are always connected to some narrative beat and thus are never 'empty' secondly rather than isolated rolls for results. Exploring locations will now advance you toward reward thresholds based on your roll on the d100 with modifiers. When you reach the maximum reward threshold the site is fully explored. It is still possible to eanr special rewards or miss them during the narrative section, but Exploration will no longer have a chance of turning up nothing. Some Explorations will only be available for a single instance though so you may not reach the full threshold for those.
Omake points can be applied to exploration rolls. Each one adds a modifier of +5. Each person may contribute up to two points to a roll, and the overall maximum omake modifier is +40, meaning four people contributing their full points.
Locked Retainer Action:
Professional Actions: (1 locked, 1 available)
Personal Actions (2 Available)
Omake points can be applied to exploration rolls. Each one adds a modifier of +5. Each person may contribute up to two points to a roll, and the overall maximum omake modifier is +40, meaning four people contributing their full points.
Locked Retainer Action:
- Survey the Wall: You will need to begin establishing yourselves, Renxiang and you. The cradle of the Sect will no longer last forever. Search within the newly claimed sections of the wall for good location choices to investigate further. With Cai Renxiang's funding and help this task will be much expedited. [Exploration Action; 1d100 Base +40 for liege attention, First Reward Threshold at 60, with additional thresholds at 100, 120, and 160 and 200 and 300. Characters: Cai Renxiang and Gan Guangli)
Professional Actions: (1 locked, 1 available)
- Xiangmen Auction: At the end of the month, the auction for the cast number of treasures found in the Corpse Immortals ring begins. Between the Journey and the auction itself there is much to be done. [Special Action: Characters, Cai Renxiang, Diao Hualing. Advances Garden of Sinner's Quest] Locked In
- Hostess Lessons: The little group of acquaintances you have cultivated alongside Wang Chao has grown quite large. Soon enough you will have to leave it in other hands, but it remains the seed of something useful and you like Wang Chao well enough besides. Introduce Meizhen to the group, along with Luo Zhong and others, and see to establishing someone to take your place in a few months [+1 XP to Community and Expression Projects undertaken. Characters, Bai Meizhen, Wang Chao, Xuan Shi, various]
- Adoption Vetting: The request made of you is a very serious one. You need to give it the consideration it deserves. Take some time to speak with Yu Nuan, introduce her to your family, and perhaps make a little trip to see how she holds up in your presence. [Single Instance Exploration 1d100+20 Base. Gain Location Thunder Palace. Reward thresholds at 40, 60, 80, 100. Characters: Yu Nuan, Ling family)
- Paying Respects: The Argent Peak Sect has been your home for two years now, and though you are growing apart from it, you still feel that connection. To it's disciples, to its Elders, to the caves and the vents and the trials. Spend some time showing your gratitude for lessons and connections [Maintains current relations with the Argent Sect Peak Sect on departure. 40% Chance to boost reputation with Argent Peak Sect by 1, and ???. Characters: Sima Jiao & Xin, Liao Zhu, various. +1 to Isolation and Power projects undertaken)
- Root Inroads: Bian Ya, your occasional tutor and acquaintance is a fellow vassal of the Cai clan. Strengthen that relationship and see about learning more of your 'peers' (Information on Cai Vassals, particularly Bian and Xia, +1 to bond with Bian Ya. +5% to social action success during Auction. Character's Bian Ya, Ruan Shen)
- Hou Zhuang's Gift 1 of 3: Bai Meizhen's father has given you a princely gift as far as intelligence goes. It is time to really delve into it and begin establishing the potential contacts he has given you. [Begins establishing provincial intelligence. Gives +10% to rolls on Long hand of the Law actions during auction. +1 XP to Mystery and Home projects undertaken. Characters: Sixiang]
Personal Actions (2 Available)
- Idols and Ancestors: It has been awhile now, since Zeqing found her End. In many ways both you and Hanyi have grown. It is time to take a little time aside to walk the high mountain peaks, to think and listen and remember. [Must be taken with the Frozen Soul Serenade Successor project. Character's Hanyi and Sixiang]
- Little Workshop of Wonders: You've drifted apart from Suyin a little and your time at the Sect is coming to a close. Spend some time with one of your oldest friends, and look on what she has achieved. The Elixir recipe you discovered is a good place to begin the conversation. {+1 XP to Mystery and Want Projects. Characters Li Suyin, Bao Qingling)
- Weaver of Tails: You've spoken with Su Ling about her troubles, and though you can't give her answers, you can give her a method of better exploring her own thoughts. Take her with you through the labyrinth gate and see where the foxfire leads. (+1 to Dream and Motion Projects. +1 to Dreamwalker Trait on completion. Characters Sixiang, Su Ling)
- Serpent Whisperer: You undoubtably have a good rapport with your best friend, but you worry about the wider effects the Duchess' recent actions may have. Take Bai meizhen up on her standing invitation to join her at the Sect market along with her handmaiden and discuss the past and the future. (+1 to Power Darkness and Sincerity projects. Characters Bai Meizhen, Xiao Fen)
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- Location
- Spain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yay!! Thanks a lot for this great update @yrsillar!!! ♥️
Btw... Does our reputation with the Cai clan still not improve? :"v
P.S. I really want to see Garden of Mists!!
Btw... Does our reputation with the Cai clan still not improve? :"v
P.S. I really want to see Garden of Mists!!
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- Location
- Colorado
Okay so there's about 2 dozen different cultivation actions and we've got to pick just 3, and I can't decide on personal options right now.
Professional seems easier to choose from, I'm thinking Adoption Vetting and Hou Zhouang's Gift?
Edit: I guess I'm leaning toward Idols and Ancestors and Workshop of Wonders for personal.
Professional seems easier to choose from, I'm thinking Adoption Vetting and Hou Zhouang's Gift?
Edit: I guess I'm leaning toward Idols and Ancestors and Workshop of Wonders for personal.
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So looking through the actions, I want to see the following:
- Garden of Mists: You keep no hearth, but you do tend the garden. Kin and clan, parents and siblings, dreams of the future and trials of now. You have come to know the ways of boundaries and stories, told to keep back the night. You protect your own. Alter the WInter Hearth resounding Art, replacing the Fire Keyword with Dream and Music with Formations. Advances Community and Cycles Project by 1. Advances Liminal Carver by 1. (0/5)
- Adoption Vetting: The request made of you is a very serious one. You need to give it the consideration it deserves. Take some time to speak with Yu Nuan, introduce her to your family, and perhaps make a little trip to see how she holds up in your presence. [Single Instance Exploration 1d100+20 Base. Gain Location Thunder Palace. Reward thresholds at 40, 60, 80, 100. Characters: Yu Nuan, Ling family)
- Idols and Ancestors: It has been awhile now, since Zeqing found her End. In many ways both you and Hanyi have grown. It is time to take a little time aside to walk the high mountain peaks, to think and listen and remember. [Must be taken with the Frozen Soul Serenade Successor project. Character's Hanyi and Sixiang]
- Little Workshop of Wonders: You've drifted apart from Suyin a little and your time at the Sect is coming to a close. Spend some time with one of your oldest friends, and look on what she has achieved. The Elixir recipe you discovered is a good place to begin the conversation. {+1 XP to Mystery and Want Projects. Characters Li Suyin, Bao Qingling)
Can someone make a list of the old friends now inner disciples we can reconnect with?