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.
Gah, if the only one we get is the wood carver ill be so annoyed
I mean the wood is the only one that we can't offer interesting materials to experiment with to.
- Location
- Finland
*angry beaver noises intensify*
I suspect there will be plenty of interesting trees when we finally kick the grumpy mooses but.
And the beavers probably have plenty to teach a late yellow/early green about carpentry, and might know some locations for interesting trees while at it.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Don't we also have a bunch of fancy wood that got delivered to our place a while ago? That was like specifically meant for building shrines or similar things with? Or did we not actually choose that option?
Since we'd be paying them a notable amount of money on a monthly basis, i'd be very surprised if we didn't get their services on at least some level. Cause if the only option that had us 'getting them' was the 2 gs one, then the 1 gs shouldn't have been an option.
way late to the party there.
It could always be some sort of trap wherin different options require having put in certain minimums. Mayhaps one accepts 1 GS while two others would only take 2 GS
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Perhaps, but from what i've noticed Yrsillar isn't the type to do trap options like that. Like sure, some of the options might not necessarily be good ideas, but I don't recall any that could be described as actual traps. Though i could be misremembering in that regard.
This wasn't a vote about which artisans we permanently hire, immediately bring along to Shenglu to experiment with materials or put into service under the Ling. So it's not a matter of which one we "get" at all.
The only thing would be if we hadn't invested anything on one of them. In that case that one would be "lost", simply because we would have expressed we had no interest on them.
This was a vote about which potential young promises we are willing to fund in the hope their budding talent develop into somethiing more in the short-mediumish term. We aren't expecting a significant return in 2-3 months, but we aren't going to wait around for 5 years neither.
But those returns aren't guaranteed in the slightest. That means they need to prove their mettle before we actually commit to them.
The carpenter girl may have a string of really bad breakthrough attempts that discourage her or significatly delays her work speed.
The alchemist guy may fail to make something worthwhile out of his enhancing dyes and decide to dilly around at the peak of the second realm.
The potter girl may get overwhelmed by the sudden influx of funds or buckle under the pressure it entails. She wouldn't be making anything out of the cold clay in that case.
Carpenter gir had the best prospect and track record, and is also the one we have the most immediate need of, so she gets 2 GSS.
The others will be quite content with 1 GSS until we revisit them in like 6 months to decide if we increase our patronage or not.
The only thing would be if we hadn't invested anything on one of them. In that case that one would be "lost", simply because we would have expressed we had no interest on them.
This was a vote about which potential young promises we are willing to fund in the hope their budding talent develop into somethiing more in the short-mediumish term. We aren't expecting a significant return in 2-3 months, but we aren't going to wait around for 5 years neither.
But those returns aren't guaranteed in the slightest. That means they need to prove their mettle before we actually commit to them.
The carpenter girl may have a string of really bad breakthrough attempts that discourage her or significatly delays her work speed.
The alchemist guy may fail to make something worthwhile out of his enhancing dyes and decide to dilly around at the peak of the second realm.
The potter girl may get overwhelmed by the sudden influx of funds or buckle under the pressure it entails. She wouldn't be making anything out of the cold clay in that case.
Carpenter gir had the best prospect and track record, and is also the one we have the most immediate need of, so she gets 2 GSS.
The others will be quite content with 1 GSS until we revisit them in like 6 months to decide if we increase our patronage or not.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
That vote also closed a couple of hours ago.
Year 46: Month 1 Arc 2-1 Dawning
New
"Well, given how much work that's going into our shrine infrastructure…" Ling Qi began
Xia Lin gave her a flat look.
"Which is all important," Ling Qi huffed.
"We have multiple major temple sites planned out for a settlement of only a few hundred people, and more government-funded shrines besides that proposed," Xia Lin sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"We are building with an eye to the future," Ling Qi sniffed. "If we had more limited funding, I might agree. But we don't, do we?"
"We do not," Xia Lin grumbled. "Go on then."
"I found a peak yellow carpenter whose work on an ancestral shrine container caught my eye… Her Master works on the gates and doors of shrines in Xiangmen. It might be useful to have some in house work you know? If only for the upkeep."
"True enough," Xia Lin said. "A skilled carpenter… even ne focused on decor IS a good investment."
"I think I'll toss a stone Miss Lai's way as well. I assume you mean to do so too?"
"Yes, between us, that should be a comfortable support. I truly believe that the clay deposits will be valuable to us. Storage rings are too expensive for most low-level shipping," Xia Lin agreed. "And food spoilage is always at issue… particularly when damage to infrastructure is likely."
Ling Qi grimaced. She supposed Xia Lin wouldn't have any illusions that the conflict in the south flaring up into full campaigns would go without damage to the Empire.
"And what of you, then Xia Lin, if I'm sharing you can at least tell me who you found," Ling Qi said, brushing past the heavy note in the air."
"A metalworker," Xia Lin said. "I noticed the quality of his metals and interrogated it. He crushes and smelts his own ores, as part of his cultivation practices, which seems quite good."
"Oh, looking into an armorer?"
"No, we will get our arms from the capital for some time. However, small things, fittings, hinges, nails, horseshoes…"
"Not going to stop pushing for a cavalry are you?"
"Riders are invaluable for a settlement so far from the center," Xia Lin sniffed. "What of you, then? Was the carpenter the only notable?"
"...No. I'm sure you'll find it frivolous, but there was also alchemist who works with dyes and paints, and similar things. I'm not certain we'll have an immediate use for him, but he did catch my eye. Shenglu can use a little more color."
Xia Lin frowned, rubbing her chin. "...I suppose if we are leaning so hard to geomantic correctness, it cannot hurt to have the right colors. Our construction requires a great deal of sealant too, given the mist."
"He did mention that as an aside to his talents," Ling Qi chuckled. "I suppose he won't be the first craftsman to be tasked with creating something dull and practical in bulk in exchange for funding. I think one stone will be enough there too, at least for now."
Of course, she would likely just be receiving samples for some time, if she read the relative wealth right. Two green stones a month would probably entice the carpenter to move, given the wealth, bit Leng Shui struck her as having a wealthier master, still it was a foot in the door.
"Well, shall we move up to the offices then? Get out of the crowd?"
"Please," Xia Lin grumbled, heading for the exit of the trade floor.
Ling Qi chuckled, following her out, only to pause at just outside the exit, someone almost bumped into her but she let them pass through her without a word.
It wasn't her fault it left a little frost on their sleeve.
"Ling Qi?" Xia Lin asked, glancing back.
"It looks like we might have another conversation. I doubt it's a coincidence that she's here."
"Who?"
"My contact in the Diao and the Ministry of Law."
Well, either that or there was something shady about this tradehouse. She'd really prefer the other option though. She didn't need another adventure right now.
"I am, though I think my friend and I might retire to a park for a moment's meditation soon. The crowds are a little overwhelming,"
"They can be," Diao Hualing agreed. "I do not think I have been formally introduced?"
"Lieutenant Xia Lin, of the White Plumes, signed under the service of the heiress Cai Renxiang," Xia Lin said briskly, clasping her hands together. It is my honor, Lady Diao."
Diao Hualing was in a pale, rose pink gown today, without a train or overmuch lace, a simple three-layer thing worked through with embroidery of falling leaves in complementary colors. Her hair wound through ornate ornaments that quietly rang with every movement.
"Lieutenant Xia. Diao Hualing, Investigator of the Ministry of Law gives you a greeting," she replies, clasping her own hands and giving a short bow.
"I thank you. I am curious what brings Lady Diao here," Xia Lin said straightening up as the older woman stepped aside following them as they continued down the hall toward the office where patronage offers could be filed.
"I cannot merely enjoy the fruits of the Emerald Seas labor?" Diao Hualing offered, but there was no heat in it.
"I do not doubt that you do, but I suspect, lady Diao would prefer masterworks to the first shows of an apprentice skill," Ling Qi said.
"It is true enough, sifting for gems is something I have little time for," Diao Hualing said as they reached the office. "I will dispense, I would like to speak with you lady Ling, and your companion if you like. Recent events have affected my proposal to you."
The negotiations with the ith under Xiangmen?
She winced. The plague attack on the Central Valley would affect things.
"I understand. Let us file our paperwork here. Then I suppose we can get to the park, if you don't mind, Xia Lin?"
Her friend shook her head, Diao Hualing simply nodded, letting them pass into the office. She supposed it was a good thing that the patronage offers would take a few days to go through the tradehouse staff and the masters of the apprentices.
It didn't take long to get things filed, though they did require a deposit of three months worth of the offered patronage, as a sign of good faith. It was amusing watching the poor clerk sweat a little as they laid that down. He'd had to call his superior with a lock box for the tidy little pile of green stones.
But soon, they were on their way, with Diao Hualing in tow, out of the crowded market streets and into the wide garden that broke up the packed buildings of this branch, a wide expanse of vibrant green and splashes of color in the form of flower beds, with only a few austere little stone pavilions and benches scattered along its clean cobbled paths.
They made their way to one of the pavilions in companionable silence. There was no use in letting tensions stew out in the open. Soon they were ensconced under the roof of a stone pavilion, and under the overlapping protections of their own auras, ensuring privacy. The soft whisper of falling leaves and scratching quills that was Diao Hualing were very potent, Ling Qi could tell now.
As potent as her own would be, when she achieved the fourth realm.It wasn't surprising for someone in her line of work.
"I saw by the flash in your eyes you understand exactly what my words meant," Diao Hualing said, settling herself on a bench across from them, silk pooling around her feet.
Tasty…
Nah, nah, Ling Qi's gon be mad if you go getting like that right now,
Well she was thankful Sixiang knew when to be serious. "I did run across the checkpoints on my way here. I assisted as I could with the limited time I had."
"I was informed. We are greatful. The man in question was apprehended on the way to the regional trade hub in that viscounty," Diao Hualing said. "Investigation of the method is underway."
"I assume this adds to the information you will wish to demand from the subjugated ith," Xia Lin said. "And will make many parties upset if they do not have it."
"There is that, but I must add this. There has been a communication from the 'ya-lith-kai' was it? The beasts we are warring with," Diao Hualing said, her voice clipped.
It was difficult to read behind the mask of her face, even for Ling Qi. But she could see it there, like the ripple of a predator under the surface of a lake. Diao Hualing was furious. She felt a chill of wariness. She would say it could only be a good thing, for their enemies to be willing to talk. They had to be, for any good outcome, but…
"I take it this has not spread much?" Ling Qi said warily.
"I know only because of connections at court. It was presented in a secret missive to the Duchess. She does not wish to spoil the festivities with her response," Diao Hualing said clinically.
"The missive was a demand of surrender. We are to turn over authority over the Ha, destroy the ritual sites known as 'Argent Vents' and retreat all forces past a certain line in the mountains, under pain of further attacks such as that one…"
Ling Qi's eyes widened a little bit further with each word. Xia Lin blinked and then scowled. That was… incredibly insulting. They had done damage, hurt countless people, but… she understood there was not really any meaningful military damage. She didn't understand how they could think that those words were anything but an open handed slap to the face, especially following such an attack on mortals.
"I think Baroness Ling understands. The Duchess' response, even considering the plans for the offensive, cannot be less than… clear. Such words, let alone such actions are unacceptable. It is my hope that you may also seek some insights from the Ha into just what their brethren imagine they are doing."
"Because the goals of the war have certainly been expanded."
Xia Lin gave her a flat look.
"Which is all important," Ling Qi huffed.
"We have multiple major temple sites planned out for a settlement of only a few hundred people, and more government-funded shrines besides that proposed," Xia Lin sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"We are building with an eye to the future," Ling Qi sniffed. "If we had more limited funding, I might agree. But we don't, do we?"
"We do not," Xia Lin grumbled. "Go on then."
"I found a peak yellow carpenter whose work on an ancestral shrine container caught my eye… Her Master works on the gates and doors of shrines in Xiangmen. It might be useful to have some in house work you know? If only for the upkeep."
"True enough," Xia Lin said. "A skilled carpenter… even ne focused on decor IS a good investment."
"I think I'll toss a stone Miss Lai's way as well. I assume you mean to do so too?"
"Yes, between us, that should be a comfortable support. I truly believe that the clay deposits will be valuable to us. Storage rings are too expensive for most low-level shipping," Xia Lin agreed. "And food spoilage is always at issue… particularly when damage to infrastructure is likely."
Ling Qi grimaced. She supposed Xia Lin wouldn't have any illusions that the conflict in the south flaring up into full campaigns would go without damage to the Empire.
"And what of you, then Xia Lin, if I'm sharing you can at least tell me who you found," Ling Qi said, brushing past the heavy note in the air."
"A metalworker," Xia Lin said. "I noticed the quality of his metals and interrogated it. He crushes and smelts his own ores, as part of his cultivation practices, which seems quite good."
"Oh, looking into an armorer?"
"No, we will get our arms from the capital for some time. However, small things, fittings, hinges, nails, horseshoes…"
"Not going to stop pushing for a cavalry are you?"
"Riders are invaluable for a settlement so far from the center," Xia Lin sniffed. "What of you, then? Was the carpenter the only notable?"
"...No. I'm sure you'll find it frivolous, but there was also alchemist who works with dyes and paints, and similar things. I'm not certain we'll have an immediate use for him, but he did catch my eye. Shenglu can use a little more color."
Xia Lin frowned, rubbing her chin. "...I suppose if we are leaning so hard to geomantic correctness, it cannot hurt to have the right colors. Our construction requires a great deal of sealant too, given the mist."
"He did mention that as an aside to his talents," Ling Qi chuckled. "I suppose he won't be the first craftsman to be tasked with creating something dull and practical in bulk in exchange for funding. I think one stone will be enough there too, at least for now."
Of course, she would likely just be receiving samples for some time, if she read the relative wealth right. Two green stones a month would probably entice the carpenter to move, given the wealth, bit Leng Shui struck her as having a wealthier master, still it was a foot in the door.
"Well, shall we move up to the offices then? Get out of the crowd?"
"Please," Xia Lin grumbled, heading for the exit of the trade floor.
Ling Qi chuckled, following her out, only to pause at just outside the exit, someone almost bumped into her but she let them pass through her without a word.
It wasn't her fault it left a little frost on their sleeve.
"Ling Qi?" Xia Lin asked, glancing back.
"It looks like we might have another conversation. I doubt it's a coincidence that she's here."
"Who?"
"My contact in the Diao and the Ministry of Law."
Well, either that or there was something shady about this tradehouse. She'd really prefer the other option though. She didn't need another adventure right now.
***
"Baroness Ling. Enjoying the markets of Xiangmen?""I am, though I think my friend and I might retire to a park for a moment's meditation soon. The crowds are a little overwhelming,"
"They can be," Diao Hualing agreed. "I do not think I have been formally introduced?"
"Lieutenant Xia Lin, of the White Plumes, signed under the service of the heiress Cai Renxiang," Xia Lin said briskly, clasping her hands together. It is my honor, Lady Diao."
Diao Hualing was in a pale, rose pink gown today, without a train or overmuch lace, a simple three-layer thing worked through with embroidery of falling leaves in complementary colors. Her hair wound through ornate ornaments that quietly rang with every movement.
"Lieutenant Xia. Diao Hualing, Investigator of the Ministry of Law gives you a greeting," she replies, clasping her own hands and giving a short bow.
"I thank you. I am curious what brings Lady Diao here," Xia Lin said straightening up as the older woman stepped aside following them as they continued down the hall toward the office where patronage offers could be filed.
"I cannot merely enjoy the fruits of the Emerald Seas labor?" Diao Hualing offered, but there was no heat in it.
"I do not doubt that you do, but I suspect, lady Diao would prefer masterworks to the first shows of an apprentice skill," Ling Qi said.
"It is true enough, sifting for gems is something I have little time for," Diao Hualing said as they reached the office. "I will dispense, I would like to speak with you lady Ling, and your companion if you like. Recent events have affected my proposal to you."
The negotiations with the ith under Xiangmen?
She winced. The plague attack on the Central Valley would affect things.
"I understand. Let us file our paperwork here. Then I suppose we can get to the park, if you don't mind, Xia Lin?"
Her friend shook her head, Diao Hualing simply nodded, letting them pass into the office. She supposed it was a good thing that the patronage offers would take a few days to go through the tradehouse staff and the masters of the apprentices.
It didn't take long to get things filed, though they did require a deposit of three months worth of the offered patronage, as a sign of good faith. It was amusing watching the poor clerk sweat a little as they laid that down. He'd had to call his superior with a lock box for the tidy little pile of green stones.
But soon, they were on their way, with Diao Hualing in tow, out of the crowded market streets and into the wide garden that broke up the packed buildings of this branch, a wide expanse of vibrant green and splashes of color in the form of flower beds, with only a few austere little stone pavilions and benches scattered along its clean cobbled paths.
They made their way to one of the pavilions in companionable silence. There was no use in letting tensions stew out in the open. Soon they were ensconced under the roof of a stone pavilion, and under the overlapping protections of their own auras, ensuring privacy. The soft whisper of falling leaves and scratching quills that was Diao Hualing were very potent, Ling Qi could tell now.
As potent as her own would be, when she achieved the fourth realm.It wasn't surprising for someone in her line of work.
"I saw by the flash in your eyes you understand exactly what my words meant," Diao Hualing said, settling herself on a bench across from them, silk pooling around her feet.
Tasty…
Nah, nah, Ling Qi's gon be mad if you go getting like that right now,
Well she was thankful Sixiang knew when to be serious. "I did run across the checkpoints on my way here. I assisted as I could with the limited time I had."
"I was informed. We are greatful. The man in question was apprehended on the way to the regional trade hub in that viscounty," Diao Hualing said. "Investigation of the method is underway."
"I assume this adds to the information you will wish to demand from the subjugated ith," Xia Lin said. "And will make many parties upset if they do not have it."
"There is that, but I must add this. There has been a communication from the 'ya-lith-kai' was it? The beasts we are warring with," Diao Hualing said, her voice clipped.
It was difficult to read behind the mask of her face, even for Ling Qi. But she could see it there, like the ripple of a predator under the surface of a lake. Diao Hualing was furious. She felt a chill of wariness. She would say it could only be a good thing, for their enemies to be willing to talk. They had to be, for any good outcome, but…
"I take it this has not spread much?" Ling Qi said warily.
"I know only because of connections at court. It was presented in a secret missive to the Duchess. She does not wish to spoil the festivities with her response," Diao Hualing said clinically.
"The missive was a demand of surrender. We are to turn over authority over the Ha, destroy the ritual sites known as 'Argent Vents' and retreat all forces past a certain line in the mountains, under pain of further attacks such as that one…"
Ling Qi's eyes widened a little bit further with each word. Xia Lin blinked and then scowled. That was… incredibly insulting. They had done damage, hurt countless people, but… she understood there was not really any meaningful military damage. She didn't understand how they could think that those words were anything but an open handed slap to the face, especially following such an attack on mortals.
"I think Baroness Ling understands. The Duchess' response, even considering the plans for the offensive, cannot be less than… clear. Such words, let alone such actions are unacceptable. It is my hope that you may also seek some insights from the Ha into just what their brethren imagine they are doing."
"Because the goals of the war have certainly been expanded."
Oh boi... well that is certainly something alright.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Wow.... That is several layers of arrogance and insults. I for one doubt the Emerald Seas will take that with anything less than extermination.
Maybe an attempt by the warmongering faction of the Ya to enrage the emerald seas to the point where even the more peace wanting side of their society is forced to join in the war?
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I guess the question is if the enemy understand the Imperial mentality and wish to provoke an all-out assault because that'll play into their hands somehow, or if they despite their human helpers don't comprehend how different Imperial mentality is from theirs.
What is this coward talk? We didn't raise our girl this way!
Cecylene
Eternal Idea Engine
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Pronouns
- He/They
The Ya struck at the lowest members, because that is how War is waged amongst the Ith. You cannot supply the powerful without the weak, because every step up the ladder requires unimaginable sacrifice.
The problem is that the Ya misunderstand what the military structure of the Emerald Seas looks like with how powerful the Autocracy actually is rather than rule by the consent of the majority.
They destroy food supplies, they poison water, they insight plague and fear. The hallmarks for a normal war even in our real world.
But Forgeverse has nigh-Gods ruling it that age slowly and are worlds unto themselves and interact with the greater people as a responsibility and moral imperative rather than a practical need or real necessity.
The Ya struck a blow that would scare most civilizations that require mortals to function, but in the Empire that is merely an insult to the rulers who pride themselves on doing well in stewardship.
The Ha likely understand this, and it's also why they surrendered given the fact that Cai Shenhua is seemingly an equal to an entire City-State's power and she had multiple generals just below her and then countless more below that of lesser but still impressive talent.
However… the Ya could also be playing a trick themselves.
Expand the war into one of Imperial conquest and colonialism and force the other Ith nations to pick a side of servitude or joining the Ya.
Wheels within wheels are at work, perhaps the Ya could have a Skaven like trick such as the Felblade up their sleeve, of an item capable of destroying even the most powerful and resilient of immortal spirits and entities and tainting every last fragment of their soul that should survive to die a little more each time it escapes the grip of death.
A trick to make someone so insulted as try and finish them in a single battle and allow the Ya to loose their weapon and break their foes wills?
It'll be fun to see the Ha's perspective on all this.
I think learning and making friends with the Ha, if only to have point in the underground that will tell other cities "they keep poking the bear! It didn't have to come to this!"
I almost wonder if thats a trap to draw further focus to the south while they go after a target further north....
It wouldn't surprise me that, given the manner of Ith cultivation, that attacks on "civilians" are important war goals, after all, all greater powers come from them.
The Ha learning that the Ya did an utterly taboo thing that will result in a serious, no-shit attempt to not only kill Ya-the-seven-part-sword, but stamp out their identity and history permanently will be horrifying for them.
