It sort of is, in that the MoI have influence over the Judicial element of conflict resolution, but none over Investigation.
If they had both influence over judging and fact-finding it'd be a bit too easy to rig.
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.
If they had both influence over judging and fact-finding it'd be a bit too easy to rig.
[X] Support both with MoI Involvement. (+1 To Polar Theocracy Favorability, +1 To Ministry of Integrity Favorability. Increased Influence of Theocracy and Ministry, lesser WS nomad Dynamic Shift.)
Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Support the idea of mixed manned checkpoints on designated routes through which White Sky aligned tribes will move when their routes demand passing close by. (+1 Polar Theocracy Favorability. -1 to White Plume Favorability. Shift in internal White Sky nomad dynamics)
I'm mostly interested in the shift in White Sky nomad dynamics. I know this won't be a popular choice because of the -1 to White Plume Favorability.
I think I might be wrong with about half of these but for now I can't think of why.
- Mixed maned checkpoints on designated routes = greater security and promote better cooperation.
- Checkpoints might create an effective channel for communication. Issues will arise and there's a chance of this reducing misundertandings.
- I think this might have the White Sky nomads move with confidence
- It eases the burden on the respective security forces.
- Mixed manned checkpoints dimonstrate mutual commitment peace. It might help in fostering trust and understanding.
- I also wonder if this proposal will strengthen the position of people who support diplomatic collaboration with in the WS tribes? More united confederation?
- Investigative arm attached to the judiciary helps the with effectiveness and inpartiality.
Do you think implemementing checkpoints for roaming WS-aligned nomadds be seen as restricting their freedom to move across their "ancestral lands"? The tribes seem to value their nomadic lifestyle, or am I miss remembering. I though I recalled something about their ability to traverse the territories for generations. But I guess this is not a concern since the option doesn't say anything about a loss of favourability? I trust yrsillar not to lie about the effects, but I wonder about knock on effects that are not quite straight forward.
And an investigative arm is valuable in the long run, But I can't help but think that mixed manned checkpoints feels more proactive and progressive?
I mean, for the mixed checkpoints to work, you'll have to restrict their movement to certain paths so that they can actually go through those checkpoints. So yes, I think it restricts their freedom. Since Ilsur (Jaromila's husband) is from such tribes, I don't think it's good.
- Location
- Washington
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
I think that you guys have this backward. You're working off the assumption that the MOI will hurt us at every turn and their goals are always directly opposed to ours.
In this instance our goals and the MOIs align. We both want to keep the people of the emerald seas safe. There is no one who will be better at keeping our people safe.
There is the argument that MOI rejects foreign culture, but in this instance the cloud tribes who raid us and kill our people are our enemies.
Bringing the MOI in on this draws them to our side and gives us free man power from professional investigators. The crows are not perfect and we will want a professional bureaucracy on our side to make sure the crows keep their people in line.
Option 6
[X] Support both with MoI Involvement. (+1 To Polar Theocracy Favorability, +1 To Ministry of Integrity Favorability. Increased Influence of Theocracy and Ministry, lesser WS nomad Dynamic Shift.)
We will most definitely need this favor later and as renxiang said earlier a favor of 1-3 isn't acceptable. We need to go above and beyond. Besides we chose this time to boost favorbility with MOI and white sky and we shouldn't waste it. Because we will want to talk to people we actually care about.
In this instance our goals and the MOIs align. We both want to keep the people of the emerald seas safe. There is no one who will be better at keeping our people safe.
There is the argument that MOI rejects foreign culture, but in this instance the cloud tribes who raid us and kill our people are our enemies.
Bringing the MOI in on this draws them to our side and gives us free man power from professional investigators. The crows are not perfect and we will want a professional bureaucracy on our side to make sure the crows keep their people in line.
Option 6
[X] Support both with MoI Involvement. (+1 To Polar Theocracy Favorability, +1 To Ministry of Integrity Favorability. Increased Influence of Theocracy and Ministry, lesser WS nomad Dynamic Shift.)
We will most definitely need this favor later and as renxiang said earlier a favor of 1-3 isn't acceptable. We need to go above and beyond. Besides we chose this time to boost favorbility with MOI and white sky and we shouldn't waste it. Because we will want to talk to people we actually care about.
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One of our goals is to provide safety for the people of the emerald seas. A judicial body is reactionary and may have a hard time diciplining the nomadic cloud tribes. The border check points provide actual saftey as dzinztara said preventing people from getting hurt vs responding to it. Defender will be able to know which tribes are good and which tribes are unaffiliated with WS by who shows up at checkpoints, so it will not leave blind spots in our defense and reduce conflict with good tribes.
And the freedom of the cloud tribes is a privilege that should come after the lives of our people. IRL dangerous people aren't allowed to do whatever they want because freedom. There is plenty of space away from our border where they don't have to do checkpoints. Also it might end up giving them more freedom to come near us and have a way to declare they are peaceful, when otherwise they would be attacked.
So option 6 is the best
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EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
I think a special investigatory force is the best answer. This relationship is too new for mixed military forces, and neither side would support that fully, or trust in the result. Mixing military forces at this stage is basically begging for armed conflict to break out. Xenophobic soldiers in a combat zone aren't exactly the most qualified diplomats. And that shouldn't be their job.
But let's also not put one of the more xenophobic and culturally biased parts of our government in charge of investigating which crimes should be judged or not.
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
But let's also not put one of the more xenophobic and culturally biased parts of our government in charge of investigating which crimes should be judged or not.
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
Best Day
My uh, rushed omake attempt. @yrsillar
Today was going to be the best day of Ling Biyu's life. She knew she lived something of a charmed life, so it wasn't that all the prior days were bad. Just that today was going to be the best day. Today she was going to start living her own life for the first time.
Ling Biyu had been preparing for this for half her life. She had started cultivation under the supervision of her Big Sis young and she had reached the peak of the First Realm a few months ago. Since then she had avoided a breakthrough, building her foundation, opening several meridians, and learning a whole set of arts to cover all the basic functions of a cultivator. She had also been spending the last two weeks practicing with a basic brush talisman that was much weaker then her normal talisman which she would leave at home to keep it safe. Ling Biyu was all prepared to begin a breakthrough as soon as she found a good spot.
But before that she had more important concerns, escaping from her sister's reputation and making friends.
Ling Biyu checked the contents of her small storage ring that she had packed with everything she needed, checked her hair one final time, and then crept out her window and dropped lightly to the ground outside. She activated her Passage of the Belonging art and walked right past all the servants who would have stopped her or alerted others if they could remember to pay attention to her. Finally she reached the small wall to their home away from home in the sect town. A swift jump brought her over the top to land outside on the street.
"Did you say goodbye to Mother?" Ling Biyu startled at the voice, spinning around with a punch aimed at the looming figure right behind her. As her hand collided with the palm of her sister's hand a soft warmth wrapped her up dispelling the freezing cold of a moment before.
"Big Sis! I'm so sorry." Ling Biyu apologized for her reaction and quickly bowed. "I said goodbye to Mother last night and she understood." Her sister, Ling Qi, stood over her, almost two feet taller then Biyu and regal in a dark blue dress with the shining stars of the night glinting in her hair and sharp blue eyes piercing Biyu. A small quiet smile played across Ling Qi's face as she folded her hands into her sleeves.
"I'm glad to hear it" Ling Qi leaned over to wrap Biyu in hug, almost moving in slow motion compared to before. "And when where you going to say goodbye to me?"
Ling Biyu tensed. "I... I love you Big Sis."
"I'm glad to hear it Little Sister. So why are you sneaking out with the dawn?"
Ling Biyu sighed. She knew her sister could tell how she felt, she was a Fifth Realm who was always reading people's minds and dredging up their secrets, but with her family Qi always asked Biyu to explain her feelings and talk things out. "I just want to earn my own way, not be walked to the Sect by the Heir's Shadow."
Qi pulled out of her hug and looked down at Biyu as a frown swept across her face before disappearing. "Well if even my own family calls me that it can't be helping your concerns. You could have told me you didn't want me to walk you."
Biyu kept a straight face even if that did nothing to stop her sister from knowing she was upset. "You already knew I didn't want to. Why did you say you would instead of asking?"
Qi smiled, "Because I wanted to see what you would do. Now go on, have a good day. Mother will miss you. Please visit her when you can."
Biyu screamed internally at Qi. Then she reached out to hug her sister one last time, "Goodbye Big Sister. Thank you for coming to see me off."
Before she could get caught in anything else Ling Biyu began a stately walk towards the Argent Peak Sect's main entrance. It was an uneventful walk, and the guards at the entrance simply nodded and respectfully greeted her, "Welcome Miss Ling, new disciples are gathering in the main sect building right there."
What a terrible start, only seconds in and already Ling Biyu should could feel the weight of her sister's shadow. Still there was nothing for it but to play along. She thanked them and continued straight up to the hall.
Entering the open chamber she saw that many were already present, having arrived before the last day. While not on personal terms with any cultivators her own age Biyu's political education had been imposed on her by tutors and she could gleam some of the likely students. She saw a group of disciples gathered around a Wang family member, and elsewhere what was likely a Bao daughter based on her gaudy displays of wealth flanked on either side by two companions or suitors. On the right side sitting alone in a corner was a single figure with a complexion darker then anyone she had seen but her sister who practically emanated her cold disdain tinged with a hint of blood. Further down a small group of Meng and their retainers practically made a circle to exclude anyone from joining them.
Not prepared to make any political statements she wasn't ready for Ling Biyu instead choose to sit towards the middle sitting down next to a seemingly completely unawakened commoner boy, "Hello my name is Ling Biyu."
The unawakened boy practically jumped out of his seat when she spoke and Biyu realized she had quite rudely instinctively started running her social/stealth art when she had entered the room. "Uh.. I'm... Nice to meet you. I'm-my name is Tao Feng." He immediately turned and looked away from her after he finished talking. Had she upset him?
Ling Biyu continued the conversation trying to draw the boy back in, channeling small amounts of Earth Qi through a Heart Meridian and Water Qi through a Head Meridian to activate Soft Banter of the Party. At her current level this allowed people to more easily understand Ling Biyu's goals in conversation, and clarified the messages other sought to convey. It also revealed the cultivation level and meridians of those who considered themselves part of the conversation with her including several people sitting nearby who were apparently listening in. "Welcome to the Argent Peak Sect Toa Feng. In your position you should focus on awakening for the first day, but after you do I'd be happy to help you out in learning the basics and starting out your path." There, she had showed she was open to being friends, that was a start!
Toa Feng swung his head back toward her and his eyes widened in fright. From her art Ling Biyu could feel that she had seriously miscommunicated something because Tao Feng was weighing an important decision under a lot of stress, not at all what she had intended. He finally made his decision and forced a fake smile onto his face, "I am honored Ling Biyu. I will be in your care."
Before Ling Biyu could even begin to try to correct her mistake one of the eavesdroppers moved closer sitting on her other side, "Not wasting any time at all. Be sure to leave some for the rest of us. I am Diao Jiang, and you of course need no introduction Ling Biyu." As he inclined his head she responded in kind, noticing that despite her earlier evaluation that he had just recently broken through to Late Red.
Ling Biyu decided that if members of a Count clan said she needed no introduction that she had already failed at her first goal and she should avoid too much conversation for now to keep a foot out of her mouth, "You are too kind Diao Jiang. I look forward to getting to know you." Again her art informed her that she had made a mistake after it was too late to stop and didn't reveal what her mistake was. Diao Jiang was entirely too please with that innocuous comment and Ling Biyu could feel the building weight of his next words before she was rescued by a feeling sweeping through the room, not unlike the feeling of the mountain spirits of her home when they decided to move. An old kind looking woman stood in the front, having appeared from nowhere as Ling Biyu's sister liked to do.
"I am Elder Ying. Welcome to the Argent Peak Sect. As disciples your most important goal is to lay the foundations for your growth. To that end I there shall be lessons to help you learn and grow. Outside of those lessons your time is your own, though you will not be permitted to leave the sect grounds without permission and you are encouraged to settle disputes with formal duels. In any case anything that is determined to substantially damage another's cultivation potential will be punished."
That didn't sound right to Ling Biyu. What she had picked up from her sister's stories was different then this. Well, maybe they mixed things up every few years to prevent people from getting ahead from family history.
The Elder smiled brightly before continuing, "We will be providing you an allowance of Spirit Stones whose energy can be used for cultivation and the Argent Soul Art. You are encouraged to master this art. The board behind me will, starting tomorrow, list instructors and the times they are available, as well as a more comprehensive set of rules. For now, know that no violence will be permitted between new disciples outside of a formal duel for the first 6 months and formal duels will not begin until 2 months have passed. Please make your way to the housing areas. You will be required to room with at least one other person. That is all."
As Elder Ying disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared Ling Biyu decided this was an opportune moment to avoid whatever she had triggered in Diao Jiang. She stood immediately and bowed to both Diao Jiang and Tao Feng, "I must go early to secure housing. Thank you for your time." Ling Biyu somewhat rudely swished off without waiting for an answer.
Almost immediately outside three different girls began to greet her, each showing conventional Peaks style and in the Mid Red and Gold. But before they could get more then an couple words out talking over each other a taller woman pushed them out of the way. She was extremely brawny compared to everyone else present, a foot taller then Ling Biyu, with close cut brown and blonde streaked hair, and dressed in pants and a tunic of all things, but as she uttered her first word Ling Biyu realized she was fully in the Second Realm. "I heard you were going for the best housing. I'll join you. I can see that you've done a lot of work to be in good shape for your breakthrough. A wise path even if I choose to be more reckless. I'm would be disappointed if I came all the way here and you were slacking. Let's go." And with that the strange woman grabbed onto Ling Biyu forcing her to either break her grip or start running along.
Biyu decided to run along with here. Other girls had started running ahead too, apparently there was some real attempt at a race for good housing, which again caught Ling Biyu off guard compared to what she had heard from her sister. It appeared that Ling Biyu would have to stop relying on anything Ling Qi had said about her time in the Sect.
When they arrived at the housing Ling Biyu's unnamed kidnapper continued on past the basic outer housing straight to a hill in the middle with a sprawling mansion of a house. Four girls stood outside arguing with each other, seemingly about who would live in the house. "The Argent Peak Sect has much stronger associations with the Wang clan-" "Wang clan! She is so far from the family as to practically be a branch clan, clearly a scion of the Jia-"
Ling Biyu's companion let go of her and bellowed over their argument to get their attention, "Hello. I am Han Jun and this is Ling Biyu, we have decided that this residence is the only one fit for us to live in, any objections?" Ling Biyu restrained herself from sighing, apparently she was picking a fight on the first day without even knowing it, this was not at all what she had wanted!
The four girls turned calculating looks on them, more on Ling Biyu then Han Jun. Eventually one stepped forward, not one of the two shouting at each other, and bowed, "I am Wang Lai, it is a pleasure to meet you Ling Biyu." Standing up she inclined her head, "and you Han Jun. I think you will find the place to your liking." and with that she stormed off, closely followed by her companion, clearly upset. Biyu's art told her this woman was still only Mid Red but she seemed to have almost as many opened meridians as Ling Biyu herself and she was Late Gold.
The other two girls lingered long enough to give dirty looks. Eventually the one who has been shouting about a Jia scion glanced at her companion for support and finding courage turned back to Ling Biyu and Han Jun, "It would be wiser to be patient instead of rising as quickly as possible only to fall." Biyu was blasted with the contempt and anger of the comment from her Art and didn't recover to say anything until after the two left.
Han Jun turned to Ling Biyu with a wide genuine smile on her face, "Putting them in their place this early? I knew you would be interesting!" after that she moved quickly toward the house and Ling Biyu follwed along completely mystified at how everything was being taken completely the wrong way. She wasn't trying to put anyone else in any place! She hadn't even wanted this house in the first place.
Once inside Ling Biyu faced Han Jun who was looking over one of three meditation rooms, "shall we get to know each other?" while it wasn't an ideal day, Ling Biyu would at least make the best of what she did have in one friendly face.
Han Jun turned back to her, "What's to know. I'm not going to let you beat me like your sister did my brother. I'll respect your privacy and let you get right to work on your breakthrough, but I hope as soon as you are done we can get some light sparring in before the duels open up. I'll challenge you to a formal duel on the first day." And with that Han Jun entered the meditation room and closed the door.
Ling Biyu was more lost than at any point earlier in the day. Apparently Han Jun wasn't a friend at all but a rival, and one who expected her to breakthrough right away.
Ling Biyu walked into a bedroom and closed the door, unpacking some comforts from home out of her ring before sitting on the bed and meditating just to process what were the first few hours of what was going to be a very hectic day. Tao Feng, Diao Jiang, Wang Lai, a Jia scion, and Han Jun...... Ling Biyu had somehow failed to make a single friend and at least one enemy. It wasn't right. Everyone loved Ling Biyu, that was how it had been all her life, but here nothing she said seemed to come out right. Ling Biyu could feel a hint of tears welling up in her eyes, but before she fell apart she instead dived into meditation.
She would not let this get to her. One way or another she would make friends and she would show these people that she wasn't her sister. Han Jun saw their relationship as a parallel between Ling Qi and her friend Han Jian, but twisted to make them enemies instead of friends. Ling Biyu sighed, she would have her work cut out for her.
Today was going to be the best day of Ling Biyu's life. She knew she lived something of a charmed life, so it wasn't that all the prior days were bad. Just that today was going to be the best day. Today she was going to start living her own life for the first time.
Ling Biyu had been preparing for this for half her life. She had started cultivation under the supervision of her Big Sis young and she had reached the peak of the First Realm a few months ago. Since then she had avoided a breakthrough, building her foundation, opening several meridians, and learning a whole set of arts to cover all the basic functions of a cultivator. She had also been spending the last two weeks practicing with a basic brush talisman that was much weaker then her normal talisman which she would leave at home to keep it safe. Ling Biyu was all prepared to begin a breakthrough as soon as she found a good spot.
But before that she had more important concerns, escaping from her sister's reputation and making friends.
Ling Biyu checked the contents of her small storage ring that she had packed with everything she needed, checked her hair one final time, and then crept out her window and dropped lightly to the ground outside. She activated her Passage of the Belonging art and walked right past all the servants who would have stopped her or alerted others if they could remember to pay attention to her. Finally she reached the small wall to their home away from home in the sect town. A swift jump brought her over the top to land outside on the street.
"Did you say goodbye to Mother?" Ling Biyu startled at the voice, spinning around with a punch aimed at the looming figure right behind her. As her hand collided with the palm of her sister's hand a soft warmth wrapped her up dispelling the freezing cold of a moment before.
"Big Sis! I'm so sorry." Ling Biyu apologized for her reaction and quickly bowed. "I said goodbye to Mother last night and she understood." Her sister, Ling Qi, stood over her, almost two feet taller then Biyu and regal in a dark blue dress with the shining stars of the night glinting in her hair and sharp blue eyes piercing Biyu. A small quiet smile played across Ling Qi's face as she folded her hands into her sleeves.
"I'm glad to hear it" Ling Qi leaned over to wrap Biyu in hug, almost moving in slow motion compared to before. "And when where you going to say goodbye to me?"
Ling Biyu tensed. "I... I love you Big Sis."
"I'm glad to hear it Little Sister. So why are you sneaking out with the dawn?"
Ling Biyu sighed. She knew her sister could tell how she felt, she was a Fifth Realm who was always reading people's minds and dredging up their secrets, but with her family Qi always asked Biyu to explain her feelings and talk things out. "I just want to earn my own way, not be walked to the Sect by the Heir's Shadow."
Qi pulled out of her hug and looked down at Biyu as a frown swept across her face before disappearing. "Well if even my own family calls me that it can't be helping your concerns. You could have told me you didn't want me to walk you."
Biyu kept a straight face even if that did nothing to stop her sister from knowing she was upset. "You already knew I didn't want to. Why did you say you would instead of asking?"
Qi smiled, "Because I wanted to see what you would do. Now go on, have a good day. Mother will miss you. Please visit her when you can."
Biyu screamed internally at Qi. Then she reached out to hug her sister one last time, "Goodbye Big Sister. Thank you for coming to see me off."
Before she could get caught in anything else Ling Biyu began a stately walk towards the Argent Peak Sect's main entrance. It was an uneventful walk, and the guards at the entrance simply nodded and respectfully greeted her, "Welcome Miss Ling, new disciples are gathering in the main sect building right there."
What a terrible start, only seconds in and already Ling Biyu should could feel the weight of her sister's shadow. Still there was nothing for it but to play along. She thanked them and continued straight up to the hall.
Entering the open chamber she saw that many were already present, having arrived before the last day. While not on personal terms with any cultivators her own age Biyu's political education had been imposed on her by tutors and she could gleam some of the likely students. She saw a group of disciples gathered around a Wang family member, and elsewhere what was likely a Bao daughter based on her gaudy displays of wealth flanked on either side by two companions or suitors. On the right side sitting alone in a corner was a single figure with a complexion darker then anyone she had seen but her sister who practically emanated her cold disdain tinged with a hint of blood. Further down a small group of Meng and their retainers practically made a circle to exclude anyone from joining them.
Not prepared to make any political statements she wasn't ready for Ling Biyu instead choose to sit towards the middle sitting down next to a seemingly completely unawakened commoner boy, "Hello my name is Ling Biyu."
The unawakened boy practically jumped out of his seat when she spoke and Biyu realized she had quite rudely instinctively started running her social/stealth art when she had entered the room. "Uh.. I'm... Nice to meet you. I'm-my name is Tao Feng." He immediately turned and looked away from her after he finished talking. Had she upset him?
Ling Biyu continued the conversation trying to draw the boy back in, channeling small amounts of Earth Qi through a Heart Meridian and Water Qi through a Head Meridian to activate Soft Banter of the Party. At her current level this allowed people to more easily understand Ling Biyu's goals in conversation, and clarified the messages other sought to convey. It also revealed the cultivation level and meridians of those who considered themselves part of the conversation with her including several people sitting nearby who were apparently listening in. "Welcome to the Argent Peak Sect Toa Feng. In your position you should focus on awakening for the first day, but after you do I'd be happy to help you out in learning the basics and starting out your path." There, she had showed she was open to being friends, that was a start!
Toa Feng swung his head back toward her and his eyes widened in fright. From her art Ling Biyu could feel that she had seriously miscommunicated something because Tao Feng was weighing an important decision under a lot of stress, not at all what she had intended. He finally made his decision and forced a fake smile onto his face, "I am honored Ling Biyu. I will be in your care."
Before Ling Biyu could even begin to try to correct her mistake one of the eavesdroppers moved closer sitting on her other side, "Not wasting any time at all. Be sure to leave some for the rest of us. I am Diao Jiang, and you of course need no introduction Ling Biyu." As he inclined his head she responded in kind, noticing that despite her earlier evaluation that he had just recently broken through to Late Red.
Ling Biyu decided that if members of a Count clan said she needed no introduction that she had already failed at her first goal and she should avoid too much conversation for now to keep a foot out of her mouth, "You are too kind Diao Jiang. I look forward to getting to know you." Again her art informed her that she had made a mistake after it was too late to stop and didn't reveal what her mistake was. Diao Jiang was entirely too please with that innocuous comment and Ling Biyu could feel the building weight of his next words before she was rescued by a feeling sweeping through the room, not unlike the feeling of the mountain spirits of her home when they decided to move. An old kind looking woman stood in the front, having appeared from nowhere as Ling Biyu's sister liked to do.
"I am Elder Ying. Welcome to the Argent Peak Sect. As disciples your most important goal is to lay the foundations for your growth. To that end I there shall be lessons to help you learn and grow. Outside of those lessons your time is your own, though you will not be permitted to leave the sect grounds without permission and you are encouraged to settle disputes with formal duels. In any case anything that is determined to substantially damage another's cultivation potential will be punished."
That didn't sound right to Ling Biyu. What she had picked up from her sister's stories was different then this. Well, maybe they mixed things up every few years to prevent people from getting ahead from family history.
The Elder smiled brightly before continuing, "We will be providing you an allowance of Spirit Stones whose energy can be used for cultivation and the Argent Soul Art. You are encouraged to master this art. The board behind me will, starting tomorrow, list instructors and the times they are available, as well as a more comprehensive set of rules. For now, know that no violence will be permitted between new disciples outside of a formal duel for the first 6 months and formal duels will not begin until 2 months have passed. Please make your way to the housing areas. You will be required to room with at least one other person. That is all."
As Elder Ying disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared Ling Biyu decided this was an opportune moment to avoid whatever she had triggered in Diao Jiang. She stood immediately and bowed to both Diao Jiang and Tao Feng, "I must go early to secure housing. Thank you for your time." Ling Biyu somewhat rudely swished off without waiting for an answer.
Almost immediately outside three different girls began to greet her, each showing conventional Peaks style and in the Mid Red and Gold. But before they could get more then an couple words out talking over each other a taller woman pushed them out of the way. She was extremely brawny compared to everyone else present, a foot taller then Ling Biyu, with close cut brown and blonde streaked hair, and dressed in pants and a tunic of all things, but as she uttered her first word Ling Biyu realized she was fully in the Second Realm. "I heard you were going for the best housing. I'll join you. I can see that you've done a lot of work to be in good shape for your breakthrough. A wise path even if I choose to be more reckless. I'm would be disappointed if I came all the way here and you were slacking. Let's go." And with that the strange woman grabbed onto Ling Biyu forcing her to either break her grip or start running along.
Biyu decided to run along with here. Other girls had started running ahead too, apparently there was some real attempt at a race for good housing, which again caught Ling Biyu off guard compared to what she had heard from her sister. It appeared that Ling Biyu would have to stop relying on anything Ling Qi had said about her time in the Sect.
When they arrived at the housing Ling Biyu's unnamed kidnapper continued on past the basic outer housing straight to a hill in the middle with a sprawling mansion of a house. Four girls stood outside arguing with each other, seemingly about who would live in the house. "The Argent Peak Sect has much stronger associations with the Wang clan-" "Wang clan! She is so far from the family as to practically be a branch clan, clearly a scion of the Jia-"
Ling Biyu's companion let go of her and bellowed over their argument to get their attention, "Hello. I am Han Jun and this is Ling Biyu, we have decided that this residence is the only one fit for us to live in, any objections?" Ling Biyu restrained herself from sighing, apparently she was picking a fight on the first day without even knowing it, this was not at all what she had wanted!
The four girls turned calculating looks on them, more on Ling Biyu then Han Jun. Eventually one stepped forward, not one of the two shouting at each other, and bowed, "I am Wang Lai, it is a pleasure to meet you Ling Biyu." Standing up she inclined her head, "and you Han Jun. I think you will find the place to your liking." and with that she stormed off, closely followed by her companion, clearly upset. Biyu's art told her this woman was still only Mid Red but she seemed to have almost as many opened meridians as Ling Biyu herself and she was Late Gold.
The other two girls lingered long enough to give dirty looks. Eventually the one who has been shouting about a Jia scion glanced at her companion for support and finding courage turned back to Ling Biyu and Han Jun, "It would be wiser to be patient instead of rising as quickly as possible only to fall." Biyu was blasted with the contempt and anger of the comment from her Art and didn't recover to say anything until after the two left.
Han Jun turned to Ling Biyu with a wide genuine smile on her face, "Putting them in their place this early? I knew you would be interesting!" after that she moved quickly toward the house and Ling Biyu follwed along completely mystified at how everything was being taken completely the wrong way. She wasn't trying to put anyone else in any place! She hadn't even wanted this house in the first place.
Once inside Ling Biyu faced Han Jun who was looking over one of three meditation rooms, "shall we get to know each other?" while it wasn't an ideal day, Ling Biyu would at least make the best of what she did have in one friendly face.
Han Jun turned back to her, "What's to know. I'm not going to let you beat me like your sister did my brother. I'll respect your privacy and let you get right to work on your breakthrough, but I hope as soon as you are done we can get some light sparring in before the duels open up. I'll challenge you to a formal duel on the first day." And with that Han Jun entered the meditation room and closed the door.
Ling Biyu was more lost than at any point earlier in the day. Apparently Han Jun wasn't a friend at all but a rival, and one who expected her to breakthrough right away.
Ling Biyu walked into a bedroom and closed the door, unpacking some comforts from home out of her ring before sitting on the bed and meditating just to process what were the first few hours of what was going to be a very hectic day. Tao Feng, Diao Jiang, Wang Lai, a Jia scion, and Han Jun...... Ling Biyu had somehow failed to make a single friend and at least one enemy. It wasn't right. Everyone loved Ling Biyu, that was how it had been all her life, but here nothing she said seemed to come out right. Ling Biyu could feel a hint of tears welling up in her eyes, but before she fell apart she instead dived into meditation.
She would not let this get to her. One way or another she would make friends and she would show these people that she wasn't her sister. Han Jun saw their relationship as a parallel between Ling Qi and her friend Han Jian, but twisted to make them enemies instead of friends. Ling Biyu sighed, she would have her work cut out for her.
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- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Promise to push for an investigative arm to be created attached to the judiciary here. It would be split much like the judges. (No Favor change, +20% on next roll for Polar Theocracy Favorability. Theocracy influence on Embassy Increased)
Magistrate
Ling Qingge did not know what she expected, when she had shamed herself further, asking her daughter for still more aid. Even if what she said of earning a noble title was true, it would be a small and tenuous rank. Could it do anything but raise notice and ire from an old and entrenched clan like the Central Valley Liu?
She had felt sick to her stomach since the day she had sent that letter. How manipulative she was, to include such old projects as her fumbling music writing, stretching for a connection with Ling Qi even now. Surely if her daughter did try to interfere, it would only draw the actual Liu clan's attention to a meddling upstart. In many ways, she hoped that her daughter would refuse her. Tell her that she was finally asking too much.
Yes, if her daughter had lived so long alone, and survived the ordeal, she would understand how foolish it would be to make such an enemy. So she did her best to put it from her mind and deal with the situation as she could.
Chang was not the worst customer she had entertained in her life. He at least acceded to the use of inn rooms, paid at her expense. And it gave her time.
"You know it doesn't matter much, but I do wonder what you think you're gonna do."
She did not answer him as she straightened her gown. Ling Qingge wished she could bathe, but she did not wish to be away from Biyu any longer than necessary. The little room, meant for renting to caravan laborers, stank badly. It was bitterly amusing that a foolish young girl had once thought a little room like this was the height of romance, dangerous and taboo.
"I will see my debts paid, and then find my way the next day," Ling Qingge said quietly.
"Hm. Next week, much as I might like to keep going, He Ping's getting impatient, and I already told him about the place you were trying to squirrel away some coin in," Chang said, he laid on his back in the straw stuffed bed, arms behind his head, not bothering to look at her.
Ling Qingge did not look at him either. If that was so, Chang was not aware of the large sum of money she had given Min Hua to watch Biyu, or considered it a simple payment. She did not think he was subtle enough to lie. "I see."
"Had to give him something," he shrugged. "Next time we meet probably won't be so much fun."
She said nothing as she left the room, and returned home.
The letter she found waiting for her there only left her further in turmoil.
Ling Qi had arranged something.
What's more she was inviting her to come to the Sect, to live there far from all of this, on her daughter's support. Could she? Would she be allowed, or would she be forbid from travel for some petty reason. Could she? The roads were deadly for mortals and though she was sure Ling Qi could afford some few guardians with the wealth she had shown, could Ling Qingge risk Biyu so?
If… If…
There were too many possibilities right now. Days passed, with her thoughts in turmoil. She wished Ling Qi had been more specific in what she had done. What her 'aid' was.
It was morning one week later, on the very day she expected her 'creditor' that she opened the door to find, not Chang, but a strange old man in a silk robe.
He was a small man, barely as tall as she herself, his hair was wispy and white, but well coifed, with a narrow pointed beard and drooping whiskers that fell low on his chest. Despite the age clear in his wrinkled face, his back was not bent and he bore no cane. His robe was pale green and white, and impossibly clean for a man who had been in the dusty streets of Tonghou.
"Would you be Madam Ling Qingge?" He asked kindly, peering at her through the crack in the door she had opened to peer out.
"I am," she said warily. She did not recognize him. He was no He or Liu she had ever seen, and yet, she could feel in her bones that this was a cultivator. "May I ask your name and business sir?"
"I am Hong Zhoufu, an employee of the Ministry of Law. My clerks received a missive from your daughter," he said, clasping his hands behind his back. "I have come to examine your case. May I enter your home, young lady?"
She stared a moment longer than was polite. Merely by his garments, she could tell that this man was not low ranking. An advocate or investigator of the fourth or fifth rank? Third even? Just how much wealth had she convinced her daughter to spend on her? She swallowed hard. "Of course honored sir. I apologize for the conditions."
But even if this man had some rank at the Ministry of Law, the Liu were still supreme here in Tonghou. But maybe, if he was truly virtuous they could be put off by having to arrange the proper paper trail. If that was so, maybe she could take up her daughter's offer? She stepped back, opening the door wider.
She winced as she looked around the impoverished squalor of her tiny home. But the man brushed past her without commenting on it as he entered. His feet left no prints in the dust.
"Mama? Who's there?"
Biyu peered out from around the corner of the thin dividing wall that partitioned the kitchen from the rest of their hovel.
"Hello little Miss, this old man is only here to help your Mother with something, don't be frightened now," Hong Zhaofu said.
Ling Qingge shut the door behind them. He seemed genuine in his geniality. However, the same instinct that had filled her with fear at empty cruelty behind her Liu suitors eyes stirred around this man. There was steel behind his smile, and something that she could only compare to watching the gears of a mill grinding things to powder.
"Yes, Biyu, the gentleman is going to be helping mother for now. Please go play for now," she said. "Sir, I can offer little but can I make you some tea?"
She had a few old leaves that shouldn't be bad yet.
"No, no. There is no need. Why don't we discuss the accusations against you, young lady."
She felt foolish offering her feeble case to this man. She did not have any of the papers one would receive for taking out a loan with the Ministry of Commerce, but that meant little. She could only offer her story and a few witnesses who might corroborate. Despite her lack of clear evidence, the old man interrogated her on the dates of every interaction quite closely, down to the time at which Chang had first accosted her at the beginning of this.
Indeed, her memory seemed to sharpen and clear to a strange intensity at his gentle questions. It was because of that she did not notice at first when her door clicked open. The latch rattled as it came loose.
From her seat at the table with Hong Zhaofu she looked up to see Chang entering her house, followed by a second and a third man of similar roughness. Behind them, she saw He Ping. Once her cousin, He Ping was a tall, thin man with a well kept thin mustache, who wore his neat ministry robes with great dignity. He was a first realm cultivator, among the most skilled in the clan.
His eyes passed over her home, and then fell on her, and he looked like he was examining trash. "Ling Qingge. I hope you are prepared to turn over the payments to the debt you owe."
"You know I have done nothing of the sort. You barely allowed me to finish my plea before you denied it," Ling Qingge said, the words slipped out and she was horrified."
His eyes widened at her defiance. "Madam, you should be grateful that I do not have the resources or time to investigate the no doubt illicit source of your funds."
The door clicked shut. Ling Qingge realized that he had not recognized the presence of Hong Zhaofu yet. Who sat on his knees at her table, looking faintly disapproving.
That was, until he spoke. "Young sir. I would very much like to see the receipt of this supposed loan you speak of."
He Ping's head jerked a little as he turned to stare at the old man. "...and who might you be, sir?"
"Right now, I am acting as an advocate for this woman. So, I am afraid I do have to ask for your evidence."
He Ping looked him up and down, a wary expression on his face, behind him, his thugs milled uncertainly. "I do not know who you are, or how this woman might have gained your attention sir. But I assure you this is a matter you do not wish to be involved with."
He gestured at his belt, where there hung a wooden plate inscribed with the character of the Liu's name.
"That does not appear to be a receipt, but perhaps my old eyes are going," Hong Zhaofu said mildly.
He Ping's brows drew together. "I can tell by your dress that you are no charlatan sir. It is unfortunate that you have been fooled. The papers are at my office, if you truly…"
Hong Zhaofu tsked loudly, and Ling Qingge's grip on her gown turned white knuckled. That was just too impolite.
"I dislike sloppy youngsters, but such is life. It is good that I retrieved the document myself," Hong Zhaofu said plainly. He withdrew a fresh roll of paper from his sleeve. "Firstly. I would like you to explain why a document which was clearly drafted no more than a month ago is dated as if it were nearly two years of age."
"Sir documents are copied anew with some regularity…"
"This is not a copy." Hong Zhaofu overrode him, iron certainty in his voice. "Further, I would know why there was no withdrawal from the Ministry's account that day which matches the amount listed here."
"Whoever you are, you are overstepping yourself sir. I am working directly under the Vice Minister of the Treasury. You are being far too rude. I demand your name and rank."
The corners of the old man's lips curled up and he glanced to Ling Qingge. "I am sorry for this scene, young lady, but I did need to hear your own voice on matters to be completely certain of events."
"Do not ignore-"
Ling Qingge's window panes rattled. Every speck of dust was scoured from her floor, every stain scrubbed from her table as if it had never been. The kind old man's eyes were wells of light, and the air about him warped, a thousand thousand neatly penned characters carving themselves into the air and fading in second.
"Senior Magistrate of the Central Valley, Hong Zhaofu is before you, child. And you have little idea how long I have searched for an excuse to compel a full audit against your branch."
Ling Qingge stared as the men who had come to ruin her life all over again crashed to their knees and slammed their foreheads to the floor, He Ping himself babbling like a child before a rampaging beast.
…What had her daughter done?
She had felt sick to her stomach since the day she had sent that letter. How manipulative she was, to include such old projects as her fumbling music writing, stretching for a connection with Ling Qi even now. Surely if her daughter did try to interfere, it would only draw the actual Liu clan's attention to a meddling upstart. In many ways, she hoped that her daughter would refuse her. Tell her that she was finally asking too much.
Yes, if her daughter had lived so long alone, and survived the ordeal, she would understand how foolish it would be to make such an enemy. So she did her best to put it from her mind and deal with the situation as she could.
Chang was not the worst customer she had entertained in her life. He at least acceded to the use of inn rooms, paid at her expense. And it gave her time.
"You know it doesn't matter much, but I do wonder what you think you're gonna do."
She did not answer him as she straightened her gown. Ling Qingge wished she could bathe, but she did not wish to be away from Biyu any longer than necessary. The little room, meant for renting to caravan laborers, stank badly. It was bitterly amusing that a foolish young girl had once thought a little room like this was the height of romance, dangerous and taboo.
"I will see my debts paid, and then find my way the next day," Ling Qingge said quietly.
"Hm. Next week, much as I might like to keep going, He Ping's getting impatient, and I already told him about the place you were trying to squirrel away some coin in," Chang said, he laid on his back in the straw stuffed bed, arms behind his head, not bothering to look at her.
Ling Qingge did not look at him either. If that was so, Chang was not aware of the large sum of money she had given Min Hua to watch Biyu, or considered it a simple payment. She did not think he was subtle enough to lie. "I see."
"Had to give him something," he shrugged. "Next time we meet probably won't be so much fun."
She said nothing as she left the room, and returned home.
The letter she found waiting for her there only left her further in turmoil.
Ling Qi had arranged something.
What's more she was inviting her to come to the Sect, to live there far from all of this, on her daughter's support. Could she? Would she be allowed, or would she be forbid from travel for some petty reason. Could she? The roads were deadly for mortals and though she was sure Ling Qi could afford some few guardians with the wealth she had shown, could Ling Qingge risk Biyu so?
If… If…
There were too many possibilities right now. Days passed, with her thoughts in turmoil. She wished Ling Qi had been more specific in what she had done. What her 'aid' was.
It was morning one week later, on the very day she expected her 'creditor' that she opened the door to find, not Chang, but a strange old man in a silk robe.
He was a small man, barely as tall as she herself, his hair was wispy and white, but well coifed, with a narrow pointed beard and drooping whiskers that fell low on his chest. Despite the age clear in his wrinkled face, his back was not bent and he bore no cane. His robe was pale green and white, and impossibly clean for a man who had been in the dusty streets of Tonghou.
"Would you be Madam Ling Qingge?" He asked kindly, peering at her through the crack in the door she had opened to peer out.
"I am," she said warily. She did not recognize him. He was no He or Liu she had ever seen, and yet, she could feel in her bones that this was a cultivator. "May I ask your name and business sir?"
"I am Hong Zhoufu, an employee of the Ministry of Law. My clerks received a missive from your daughter," he said, clasping his hands behind his back. "I have come to examine your case. May I enter your home, young lady?"
She stared a moment longer than was polite. Merely by his garments, she could tell that this man was not low ranking. An advocate or investigator of the fourth or fifth rank? Third even? Just how much wealth had she convinced her daughter to spend on her? She swallowed hard. "Of course honored sir. I apologize for the conditions."
But even if this man had some rank at the Ministry of Law, the Liu were still supreme here in Tonghou. But maybe, if he was truly virtuous they could be put off by having to arrange the proper paper trail. If that was so, maybe she could take up her daughter's offer? She stepped back, opening the door wider.
She winced as she looked around the impoverished squalor of her tiny home. But the man brushed past her without commenting on it as he entered. His feet left no prints in the dust.
"Mama? Who's there?"
Biyu peered out from around the corner of the thin dividing wall that partitioned the kitchen from the rest of their hovel.
"Hello little Miss, this old man is only here to help your Mother with something, don't be frightened now," Hong Zhaofu said.
Ling Qingge shut the door behind them. He seemed genuine in his geniality. However, the same instinct that had filled her with fear at empty cruelty behind her Liu suitors eyes stirred around this man. There was steel behind his smile, and something that she could only compare to watching the gears of a mill grinding things to powder.
"Yes, Biyu, the gentleman is going to be helping mother for now. Please go play for now," she said. "Sir, I can offer little but can I make you some tea?"
She had a few old leaves that shouldn't be bad yet.
"No, no. There is no need. Why don't we discuss the accusations against you, young lady."
She felt foolish offering her feeble case to this man. She did not have any of the papers one would receive for taking out a loan with the Ministry of Commerce, but that meant little. She could only offer her story and a few witnesses who might corroborate. Despite her lack of clear evidence, the old man interrogated her on the dates of every interaction quite closely, down to the time at which Chang had first accosted her at the beginning of this.
Indeed, her memory seemed to sharpen and clear to a strange intensity at his gentle questions. It was because of that she did not notice at first when her door clicked open. The latch rattled as it came loose.
From her seat at the table with Hong Zhaofu she looked up to see Chang entering her house, followed by a second and a third man of similar roughness. Behind them, she saw He Ping. Once her cousin, He Ping was a tall, thin man with a well kept thin mustache, who wore his neat ministry robes with great dignity. He was a first realm cultivator, among the most skilled in the clan.
His eyes passed over her home, and then fell on her, and he looked like he was examining trash. "Ling Qingge. I hope you are prepared to turn over the payments to the debt you owe."
"You know I have done nothing of the sort. You barely allowed me to finish my plea before you denied it," Ling Qingge said, the words slipped out and she was horrified."
His eyes widened at her defiance. "Madam, you should be grateful that I do not have the resources or time to investigate the no doubt illicit source of your funds."
The door clicked shut. Ling Qingge realized that he had not recognized the presence of Hong Zhaofu yet. Who sat on his knees at her table, looking faintly disapproving.
That was, until he spoke. "Young sir. I would very much like to see the receipt of this supposed loan you speak of."
He Ping's head jerked a little as he turned to stare at the old man. "...and who might you be, sir?"
"Right now, I am acting as an advocate for this woman. So, I am afraid I do have to ask for your evidence."
He Ping looked him up and down, a wary expression on his face, behind him, his thugs milled uncertainly. "I do not know who you are, or how this woman might have gained your attention sir. But I assure you this is a matter you do not wish to be involved with."
He gestured at his belt, where there hung a wooden plate inscribed with the character of the Liu's name.
"That does not appear to be a receipt, but perhaps my old eyes are going," Hong Zhaofu said mildly.
He Ping's brows drew together. "I can tell by your dress that you are no charlatan sir. It is unfortunate that you have been fooled. The papers are at my office, if you truly…"
Hong Zhaofu tsked loudly, and Ling Qingge's grip on her gown turned white knuckled. That was just too impolite.
"I dislike sloppy youngsters, but such is life. It is good that I retrieved the document myself," Hong Zhaofu said plainly. He withdrew a fresh roll of paper from his sleeve. "Firstly. I would like you to explain why a document which was clearly drafted no more than a month ago is dated as if it were nearly two years of age."
"Sir documents are copied anew with some regularity…"
"This is not a copy." Hong Zhaofu overrode him, iron certainty in his voice. "Further, I would know why there was no withdrawal from the Ministry's account that day which matches the amount listed here."
"Whoever you are, you are overstepping yourself sir. I am working directly under the Vice Minister of the Treasury. You are being far too rude. I demand your name and rank."
The corners of the old man's lips curled up and he glanced to Ling Qingge. "I am sorry for this scene, young lady, but I did need to hear your own voice on matters to be completely certain of events."
"Do not ignore-"
Ling Qingge's window panes rattled. Every speck of dust was scoured from her floor, every stain scrubbed from her table as if it had never been. The kind old man's eyes were wells of light, and the air about him warped, a thousand thousand neatly penned characters carving themselves into the air and fading in second.
"Senior Magistrate of the Central Valley, Hong Zhaofu is before you, child. And you have little idea how long I have searched for an excuse to compel a full audit against your branch."
Ling Qingge stared as the men who had come to ruin her life all over again crashed to their knees and slammed their foreheads to the floor, He Ping himself babbling like a child before a rampaging beast.
…What had her daughter done?
Get their ass
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
I always wondered what Cai Renxiang used that as an excuse for. I figured it was for Auditing or a Purge and I was right on both accounts.
- Location
- California
Lol
Don't worry mother, CRX just decided to do a little trolling. In her own inimitable style.
I've never been so happy to see the word "audit" before. It's always amazing to see people get what they deserve.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
In theory, this probably did make more of an enemy of the Liu than we expected, but also Cai Renxiang is... y'know, a Cai.
And our relations with the Central Valley region of "lesser nobles" isn't bad despite any conflict or awkwardness with the Liu, so it isn't all that bad. (Our relations are Rank 2, which means we're on friendly terms with them overall. No doubt internally you could potentially break it down the same way the Big Clans are, but it'd be a bit pointless.)
And our relations with the Central Valley region of "lesser nobles" isn't bad despite any conflict or awkwardness with the Liu, so it isn't all that bad. (Our relations are Rank 2, which means we're on friendly terms with them overall. No doubt internally you could potentially break it down the same way the Big Clans are, but it'd be a bit pointless.)
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