- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Glad the gamble has paid off.
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.
gambling really is a heist when you think about it.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
When you're the house, definitely. We're not completely it in this case, but coming pretty close.
- Location
- Earth
That's what the nat 100's are waiting for!
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Aye, don't underestimate my dice's power to cause Problems.
Turn 19: Arc 4-3
"It is my belief, and the Cai's belief that granting discretion to the clans in the matters infrastructure is for the best. Though the authority of Xiangmen covers places such as this, the Cai clan does not intend to hold much of the territory in this region in perpetuity," Ling Qi said, lowering her head to Cai Renxiang.
"It is ever the sign of the tyrant, that one must command every vagary and minutae of local affairs, and my Mother nor I wish to do so here, beyond the necessary foundation building. Further I believe that the showing of our skills and experts can only bring our nations to a better understanding and friendship," Cai Reniang continued right off of her. "And the Cai trust our esteemed experts in fortification and settlement building, the Wang Clan, if they believe further sharing is necessary and good."
"Hmph, do not mistake me, too much Lady Cai, Baroness. I am interested to see where this goes and merely choose not to underestimate our guests. Nor do they choose to underestimate me," Wang Lian said
"I would not put it as a matter of estimation, merely acknowledging that there are great experts on these fields on every side," Jaromila said smoothly. "If we speak clearly to one another instead of hiding behind our hands, our projects can only improve."
It was a little amusing watching everyone dance around the fact that merely by working in close proximity secrets would come out. Even the provinces had their spies with each other.
"Let it be known that I and the throne alike advise against this," Cao Chun said evenly. He met her eyes with a narrowed gaze, and she lowered her head, but did not break gaze with him. Allow me to explain later, she tried to convey. Do not press here, right now.
Despite how thick the air was with clashing intents, she thought he understood. The older man pursed his lips, and said nothing further, instead drumming his fingers irritably on the desk. She thanked her patrons that she had built enough trust for him to accept that.
The Ministry didn't have any hard power to stop this, but they could certainly make her life difficult if they chose. She hoped her explanation during the recess would mollify Cao Chun. But for now.
"The White Plume does not fully approve of this," Xia Ren said. "However, I defer to the Wang in this regard, and expect their continued utmost dedication to security."
"Individual Military hardpoints should be left to one polity or the other right now," Jaromila said diplomatically, though Ling Qi could not help but notice the way she spoke toward the general as one would a snarling foam flecked wolf. Her aura drawn around her like a suit of armor. "Perhaps we might plan the construction of at least a pair of gates along the primary passes, here and here? One built by the empire, one by the White sky, on either side of neutral ground between?"
"Useful, I approve. Such construction serves administration, even in peace," Luo Jie agreed, and as talk turned to similar, smaller matters some of the tension that had been built in the room drained at a least a little.
"And what of your claims, you have spoken little of what your White Sky desires in these mountains," one of the others on their side, Ling Qi thought he was a representative of the Jia and the Rushing Cloud Sect said.
"We in the west, will not accept anything further back than this line of peaks here, where the iron blood glacier rests," Dzintara said, she flicked her pointed finger, the iron nail sparking as a line of metallic light was swiped across the map.
"I have been informed by my comrades in the east that they wish for this valley here, as a location for an outpost," Emissary Khadne said.
"And in the center, perhaps a wider zone around the center of the peaks. I do of course, propose that neither party move significant military elements into the neutral zone," Jaromila said.
Ling Qi glanced at the map. The White Sky was being a little aggressive, most likely in response to them. She understood that, like the Wang they needed people more than land, but all the same they couldn;t be too retiring in the face of imperial claims.
Ilsur's expression was stony, and she could tell he was restraining himself. She supposed, no matter how committed you were it wasn't easy being in a conversation like this. She allowed herself to fade into the background, letting Gan Guangli and Cai Renxiang speak more as matters turned to more technical discussions of fortification and paths for road networks… all a little too soon in her opinion, but it was conversation that needed to happen and reach some preliminary agreement at least to satisfy several of the parties involved.
There was some argument, and the lines on the map moved shifting up and down, a rippling uneven line following chains of valleys and waterways on either side, with a portion of land, wide in the middle and tapering in the west claimed by no one. It was wider in the east, simply because that way lay the Golden Fields and the grave and the land of the Twelve star, which meant no one was willing to claim it really, beyond the limits of the Jing river system.
Finally though, recess came, and she caught Cao Chun's eye.
As the rest of the table broke up into smaller groups for refreshment and more casual talks, she gave a nod to Cai Reniang, and broke off, heading to the corner of the room where the frowning old man waited for her.
"You believe you can mollify me," Cao Chun said, without preamble. He really was quite annoyed.
"I think I can," Ling Qi said. "Sir Cao, this really is the Clans right."
"And if you think I could not see your manipulation there, using their pride and your connection with the Wang to get your way and let them think it their own idea, you are a fool," Cao Chun said. "It may not have been some grand scheme, but it was well played all the same, those your age are often too given to overcomplicated plots, when simple social tricks will do."
"I thank you for saying so," Ling Qi said. "May I explain my thoughts?"
He grunted, gesturing for her to continue.
She hummed for a moment, letting him see her examine the wards against eavesdropping and clairvoyance that he kept around him, as natural for the higher cultivator as her own breathing was to her. "I think it is necessary, if this is to last longer term. Not merely for my own reasons, what you might call soft and overly sympathetic, but for practical ones as well."
He regarded were with stony silence but did not move to interrupt.
"If we truly are better, superior to them, then it will only be made more obvious through cooperation. If our methods are better, then there will be those that adopt them. If elements of their practice are useful, our people will adapt them and make our own practice better," Ling Qi said. "And, frankly the more I learn the less useful I find the term barbarian. It terminates thought. By all measure, it means 'not of the Empire'. A useless distinction, considering the Sage conquered most of us, that the Xuan joined our great realm well after his death of their own will, when they saw what we had built."
"There is a vast gulf of time between the subjugated lords of the forest and the savages of the Wall, or these frozen… foreigners," Cao Chun said. His expression twisted and his hand tightened on his cane. "It is unworthy for any who live in the peaks to treat those of the provinces as if they were barely better than barbarians. I am most irritated when I find such infections of thought lingering like malignant tumors among my kin."
She lowered her head respectfully. "I am glad Inspector Chun believes this. It is true, we of the Emerald Seas have been troubled, but we are as imperial as the nobles of the peaks. My point though is that it was not always so."
"You propose that these foreigners can be brought to us?" Cao Chun said, the corner of his lips quirked up. "Ambitious, though you do believe it really."
"...I don't," Ling Qi said there was no point in trying to lie to cultivator two realms above her. "But that is because I am not certain imperial authority is what makes people as you would say 'civilized'."
"And what does then?" the old man asked mildly. She was pleased to see him engaging. "Bereft of order… hmph, you know what people are like girl. I have read your file. You know what savages men are when there are none to police them."
"Plenty and peace is what tames the beasts within us," Ling Qi said.
Cao Chun's expression grew condescending. "Baroness. Never come to the lands of the Heavenly Peaks if you think it is so."
She bowed her head. "...Perhaps not all unworthy urges, then but those that lead to direct violence. In a civilized setting a man might scheme after his neighbors wealth, but he will not draw a blade, gather his warriors and take it."
"....Granted, but is the watchful eye of authority which makes this so," Cao Chun replied.
"And are we not establishing the beginning of authority here? It is my hope that this can satisfy you. I believe we will come to peace through becoming familiar neighbors, you do not believe this, but if we show our excellence, it will move them toward us. Just as they have moved the southern Cloud toward them."
She considered for a moment before continuing. "And allow me to share this. From what I have observed, the central authority of the Polar Nation is weak. When I asked after the presence of their capital, I saw dismissal and derision, swiftly hidden maybe, but there."
It was only a slight exaggeration, and a little twist on what she had learned of the Iron King in Grydja's shack. There was even Jaromila's story. Her family had not used the direct authority of the capital to pursue her, they were not the Liu handing down edicts for Ling Qi's mother to be ruined. They had to scheme and plot to kill Jaromila's father, and had to hide it well to boot.
"Such a thing would surely be the proverbial tree that only my grandchildren might shade under, but it is our duty to plant such things, no?"
Cao Chun leaned on his cane heavily. "I do not know who taught you your manipulations girl, but they are skilled. "You tell me to my face that you do not believe it will be so, but instead, play on my rightful pride in our institutions."
There was, Ling Qi thought, value in ambiguity. Truth was important, but… without varnish it was a blunt thing, a hammer or a wildfire.
Under the Hui burning every scheme equally had been the right action. She did not think it would be so forever. She felt a faint itch under her eye, a meridian twisting.
No unvarnished truth was not always the right way. SIncerity in your communication was important, truth as a virtue in itself, was less so.
"I know what you believe, and I am explaining how my actions may pay out under that perspective," Ling Qi said. "I am only providing information, and asking you to examine it. If you think it is nonsense, just say it is so."
"Hmph, I understand why that miserable coward Jiao had his attention on you. Better I suppose that you took service under the Cai. Better headaches than waste. It is correct that I do not have the authority to gainsay the clans here. You have at least, by now convinced me that you have dedication to the Empire in your own way. I will handle any elements that wish to complain too loudly of this."
"Thank you, Inspector." she said, bowing respectfully, as one would to an honored Elder or teacher.
He snorted. "Now you are on the edge of mocking me. Get you gone, Baroness. I must think for now. Bring the Zheng to the embassy this evening. The culprit must be discussed further."
She rose smoothly and left him without a further word, looking out over the rest of the recess, where her eyes met Meng Dan's. He tilted his head slightly, silently calling her over.
With him was his Uncle, Meng Deming.
It seemed it was finally time to become acquainted.
Cao Chun Bond improves to -1
AN: So this one got a bit out of hand on length, so I'm going to have to split it before the vote. Hope you all enjoy!
"It is ever the sign of the tyrant, that one must command every vagary and minutae of local affairs, and my Mother nor I wish to do so here, beyond the necessary foundation building. Further I believe that the showing of our skills and experts can only bring our nations to a better understanding and friendship," Cai Reniang continued right off of her. "And the Cai trust our esteemed experts in fortification and settlement building, the Wang Clan, if they believe further sharing is necessary and good."
"Hmph, do not mistake me, too much Lady Cai, Baroness. I am interested to see where this goes and merely choose not to underestimate our guests. Nor do they choose to underestimate me," Wang Lian said
"I would not put it as a matter of estimation, merely acknowledging that there are great experts on these fields on every side," Jaromila said smoothly. "If we speak clearly to one another instead of hiding behind our hands, our projects can only improve."
It was a little amusing watching everyone dance around the fact that merely by working in close proximity secrets would come out. Even the provinces had their spies with each other.
"Let it be known that I and the throne alike advise against this," Cao Chun said evenly. He met her eyes with a narrowed gaze, and she lowered her head, but did not break gaze with him. Allow me to explain later, she tried to convey. Do not press here, right now.
Despite how thick the air was with clashing intents, she thought he understood. The older man pursed his lips, and said nothing further, instead drumming his fingers irritably on the desk. She thanked her patrons that she had built enough trust for him to accept that.
The Ministry didn't have any hard power to stop this, but they could certainly make her life difficult if they chose. She hoped her explanation during the recess would mollify Cao Chun. But for now.
"The White Plume does not fully approve of this," Xia Ren said. "However, I defer to the Wang in this regard, and expect their continued utmost dedication to security."
"Individual Military hardpoints should be left to one polity or the other right now," Jaromila said diplomatically, though Ling Qi could not help but notice the way she spoke toward the general as one would a snarling foam flecked wolf. Her aura drawn around her like a suit of armor. "Perhaps we might plan the construction of at least a pair of gates along the primary passes, here and here? One built by the empire, one by the White sky, on either side of neutral ground between?"
"Useful, I approve. Such construction serves administration, even in peace," Luo Jie agreed, and as talk turned to similar, smaller matters some of the tension that had been built in the room drained at a least a little.
"And what of your claims, you have spoken little of what your White Sky desires in these mountains," one of the others on their side, Ling Qi thought he was a representative of the Jia and the Rushing Cloud Sect said.
"We in the west, will not accept anything further back than this line of peaks here, where the iron blood glacier rests," Dzintara said, she flicked her pointed finger, the iron nail sparking as a line of metallic light was swiped across the map.
"I have been informed by my comrades in the east that they wish for this valley here, as a location for an outpost," Emissary Khadne said.
"And in the center, perhaps a wider zone around the center of the peaks. I do of course, propose that neither party move significant military elements into the neutral zone," Jaromila said.
Ling Qi glanced at the map. The White Sky was being a little aggressive, most likely in response to them. She understood that, like the Wang they needed people more than land, but all the same they couldn;t be too retiring in the face of imperial claims.
Ilsur's expression was stony, and she could tell he was restraining himself. She supposed, no matter how committed you were it wasn't easy being in a conversation like this. She allowed herself to fade into the background, letting Gan Guangli and Cai Renxiang speak more as matters turned to more technical discussions of fortification and paths for road networks… all a little too soon in her opinion, but it was conversation that needed to happen and reach some preliminary agreement at least to satisfy several of the parties involved.
There was some argument, and the lines on the map moved shifting up and down, a rippling uneven line following chains of valleys and waterways on either side, with a portion of land, wide in the middle and tapering in the west claimed by no one. It was wider in the east, simply because that way lay the Golden Fields and the grave and the land of the Twelve star, which meant no one was willing to claim it really, beyond the limits of the Jing river system.
Finally though, recess came, and she caught Cao Chun's eye.
As the rest of the table broke up into smaller groups for refreshment and more casual talks, she gave a nod to Cai Reniang, and broke off, heading to the corner of the room where the frowning old man waited for her.
"You believe you can mollify me," Cao Chun said, without preamble. He really was quite annoyed.
"I think I can," Ling Qi said. "Sir Cao, this really is the Clans right."
"And if you think I could not see your manipulation there, using their pride and your connection with the Wang to get your way and let them think it their own idea, you are a fool," Cao Chun said. "It may not have been some grand scheme, but it was well played all the same, those your age are often too given to overcomplicated plots, when simple social tricks will do."
"I thank you for saying so," Ling Qi said. "May I explain my thoughts?"
He grunted, gesturing for her to continue.
She hummed for a moment, letting him see her examine the wards against eavesdropping and clairvoyance that he kept around him, as natural for the higher cultivator as her own breathing was to her. "I think it is necessary, if this is to last longer term. Not merely for my own reasons, what you might call soft and overly sympathetic, but for practical ones as well."
He regarded were with stony silence but did not move to interrupt.
"If we truly are better, superior to them, then it will only be made more obvious through cooperation. If our methods are better, then there will be those that adopt them. If elements of their practice are useful, our people will adapt them and make our own practice better," Ling Qi said. "And, frankly the more I learn the less useful I find the term barbarian. It terminates thought. By all measure, it means 'not of the Empire'. A useless distinction, considering the Sage conquered most of us, that the Xuan joined our great realm well after his death of their own will, when they saw what we had built."
"There is a vast gulf of time between the subjugated lords of the forest and the savages of the Wall, or these frozen… foreigners," Cao Chun said. His expression twisted and his hand tightened on his cane. "It is unworthy for any who live in the peaks to treat those of the provinces as if they were barely better than barbarians. I am most irritated when I find such infections of thought lingering like malignant tumors among my kin."
She lowered her head respectfully. "I am glad Inspector Chun believes this. It is true, we of the Emerald Seas have been troubled, but we are as imperial as the nobles of the peaks. My point though is that it was not always so."
"You propose that these foreigners can be brought to us?" Cao Chun said, the corner of his lips quirked up. "Ambitious, though you do believe it really."
"...I don't," Ling Qi said there was no point in trying to lie to cultivator two realms above her. "But that is because I am not certain imperial authority is what makes people as you would say 'civilized'."
"And what does then?" the old man asked mildly. She was pleased to see him engaging. "Bereft of order… hmph, you know what people are like girl. I have read your file. You know what savages men are when there are none to police them."
"Plenty and peace is what tames the beasts within us," Ling Qi said.
Cao Chun's expression grew condescending. "Baroness. Never come to the lands of the Heavenly Peaks if you think it is so."
She bowed her head. "...Perhaps not all unworthy urges, then but those that lead to direct violence. In a civilized setting a man might scheme after his neighbors wealth, but he will not draw a blade, gather his warriors and take it."
"....Granted, but is the watchful eye of authority which makes this so," Cao Chun replied.
"And are we not establishing the beginning of authority here? It is my hope that this can satisfy you. I believe we will come to peace through becoming familiar neighbors, you do not believe this, but if we show our excellence, it will move them toward us. Just as they have moved the southern Cloud toward them."
She considered for a moment before continuing. "And allow me to share this. From what I have observed, the central authority of the Polar Nation is weak. When I asked after the presence of their capital, I saw dismissal and derision, swiftly hidden maybe, but there."
It was only a slight exaggeration, and a little twist on what she had learned of the Iron King in Grydja's shack. There was even Jaromila's story. Her family had not used the direct authority of the capital to pursue her, they were not the Liu handing down edicts for Ling Qi's mother to be ruined. They had to scheme and plot to kill Jaromila's father, and had to hide it well to boot.
"Such a thing would surely be the proverbial tree that only my grandchildren might shade under, but it is our duty to plant such things, no?"
Cao Chun leaned on his cane heavily. "I do not know who taught you your manipulations girl, but they are skilled. "You tell me to my face that you do not believe it will be so, but instead, play on my rightful pride in our institutions."
There was, Ling Qi thought, value in ambiguity. Truth was important, but… without varnish it was a blunt thing, a hammer or a wildfire.
Under the Hui burning every scheme equally had been the right action. She did not think it would be so forever. She felt a faint itch under her eye, a meridian twisting.
No unvarnished truth was not always the right way. SIncerity in your communication was important, truth as a virtue in itself, was less so.
"I know what you believe, and I am explaining how my actions may pay out under that perspective," Ling Qi said. "I am only providing information, and asking you to examine it. If you think it is nonsense, just say it is so."
"Hmph, I understand why that miserable coward Jiao had his attention on you. Better I suppose that you took service under the Cai. Better headaches than waste. It is correct that I do not have the authority to gainsay the clans here. You have at least, by now convinced me that you have dedication to the Empire in your own way. I will handle any elements that wish to complain too loudly of this."
"Thank you, Inspector." she said, bowing respectfully, as one would to an honored Elder or teacher.
He snorted. "Now you are on the edge of mocking me. Get you gone, Baroness. I must think for now. Bring the Zheng to the embassy this evening. The culprit must be discussed further."
She rose smoothly and left him without a further word, looking out over the rest of the recess, where her eyes met Meng Dan's. He tilted his head slightly, silently calling her over.
With him was his Uncle, Meng Deming.
It seemed it was finally time to become acquainted.
Cao Chun Bond improves to -1
AN: So this one got a bit out of hand on length, so I'm going to have to split it before the vote. Hope you all enjoy!
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kfrar
Aspiring Encyclopedia
Gotta love it when you can play poker with your cards facing up and still come out on top.
Ah yes, the return of LQs highest social attribute: Manipulation.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
This update made me so happy. Very pleased the roll went well and we are beginning to claw out space.
I'm going to be honest, it feels really sucky to me that the homeland of the Cloud is being divided scramble for Africa style with minimal input from the tribes themselves, like they're too weak to really matter. Per the world map the entirety of the Wall is fucking enormous, the size of half the Empire at least. Despite that vast territory, do the Cloud really have no Prisms or Whites at all?
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- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
They do, the ones we are fighting at least.
- Location
- PA
If they do not then I fear that might form the prophecy of the future. Particularly the lack of Prisms. White I can understand being too inflexible but if Prisms are enough that's less restriction, and closer to humanity, closer to acting because of a hunger in the belly…
- Location
- Canada
It feels like how familiar he acts towards her has really increased, that last line was what you'd expect from someone rolling his eye at his niece antics rather the confrontational tone you'd expect.
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- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
I think that has more to do with how massive the support system that the Empire has for such talent (in the Noble Houses anyway).
The unified nature of the Empire also lends itself well with promoting competition without outright killing as well as allowing for a more vast and varied well of talents.
The Clouds on the otherhand promote warfare and raiding between its constituent parts. They also have an issue of being surrounded by massive and more organized powers with an interest of promoting 'internal' warfare between tribes.
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The Twelve Stars have those weird spirits, but I can't remember any mention of Prism tribesmen.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
There is the white lady and then the great khan who plans on opening up the starfathers tomb. He wasn't a prism when we saw that interlude, but I would bet money that whatever he found in that tomb will get him there.
Their great Khan that was mentioned in that one interlude is most likely a prism by now, I wouldn't be all too surprised if Jaromilla's father in law is also close to prism since he's trying to get great Khan status.
We know the cloud calls their whites "Sky". There has been.... 12, iirc? With a 13th coming close but falling.... Not sure if that was Ogodei or not though.
I do, however remember an interlude of someone going for one of the tombs or sacred places to try becoming the newest Sky of the Cloud Tribes, from long ago.
Edit: ninjad... Not by 1 but 2 people!
The horror!
I do, however remember an interlude of someone going for one of the tombs or sacred places to try becoming the newest Sky of the Cloud Tribes, from long ago.
Edit: ninjad... Not by 1 but 2 people!
The horror!
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- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Ogodei was not a sky
Yeah? Never said he was.
Just remembered the song that mentioned a sky that never was.... And the last great move by the Cloud Tribes was Ogodei, before the deep strikes in LQ's life.