Uniting All Under Heaven (Kingdom AU CK2 Quest)
- Thread starter Japanime
- Start date
Cybandeath
Lord Darkness, and Representative of Mad Science
- Location
- The United States of America
[X] Plan For The Absolute
Go for a Legalism/Taoism synthesis philosophy? The Law of the World and the Law of Man.
overmind
Ruler of the Swarm
...That does sound pretty cool.
I'd prefer to incorporate at least a bit of Confucianism in there as well.
Law of Nations / Law of Nature / Law of Mankind -- how to govern, how to learn, how to live.
Guidance for personal virtue is an essential component for -- and often the inspiration of -- any serious & coherent philosophy.
- Location
- USA
Vote Tally : Uniting All Under Heaven (Kingdom AU CK2 Quest) | Page 10 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.7.5
[X] Plan For The Absolute
-[X] Continue training with…
--[X] Sword
-[X] Read the Art of War
-[X] Horseback Riding
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion)
-[X] Meet your peers
-[X] Managing Your Finances
-[X] Demesne Development
-[X] Stealth
-[X] Underworld Knowledge (Thieves)
-[X] Taoism
-[X] Education
-[X] Explore the City
-[X] Find a hobby
--[X] Engineering
--[X] Architecture
No. of Votes: 10
Plan: ◈For The Absolute
bryanfran36
Crazy7s1
Cybandeath
Nerowolf
Nevill
overmind
Skjadir
TsukiKing777
Usernames
veekie
[X] Plan Hobby Horse
[X] Continue training with…: Reward: Increased weapon proficiency. Chance to increase personal combat score. Chance of Success: 60%
-[X] Sword
[X] Tabletop Strategy (Go): Reward: Increased tactical proficiency. Required to practice tabletop simulations and learn more advanced tactics. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Horseback Riding: Rewards: Gain ability to ride a horse. Unlocks further potential cavalry options. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Meet your peers: Reward: Increases ties with other noble families and individuals. Opens up correspondence options. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion): Reward: Increased diplomacy score. Increased negotiation proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Managing Your Finances: Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for two years.
[X] Demesne Development: Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for two years.
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Assassins): Reward: Increased intrigue score. Unlocks option to contact assassin clans in the future. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Bandits): Reward: Increased intrigue score. +10 bonus to rolls when dealing with bandits. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Taoism: Reward: Increased piety score. Increased knowledge of Taoism. Increased bonus when dealing with peasants. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for three years.
[X] Education: Reward: Increase in learning score. Required for unlocking later learning/research options. Locked for 3 years. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Explore the City: Reward: Increased relationship with commoners. Potential to meet interesting people. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Find a hobby: Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Metalworking
[X] Find a hobby: Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Engineering
No. of Votes: 6
Plan: ◈Hobby Horse
giodan
In_lurk_shadow
Knightking
Publicola
Random Member
StarkDemise
[X] Plan 1.0
[X] Continue with Sword
[X] Art of War
[X] Horseback Riding
[X] Meet your Peers
[X] Rhetoric Training for Oratory
[X] Managing Finances
[X] Demense Development
[X] Underworld Knowledge Assassins
[X] Underworld Knowledge Bandits
[X] Confucianism
[X] Explore the City
[X] Continue with Sword
[X] Stealth
No. of Votes: 3
Plan: ◈1.0
maximorph
Taka
zup
[X] Plan Great Wall
-[X] Continue Training with the Sword
-[X] Read the Art of War
-[X] Horseback Riding
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion)
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Oratory)
-[X] Managing Your Finances
-[X] Demesne Development
-[X] Stealth
-[X] Underworld Knowledge (Assassins)
-[X] Mohism
-[X] Education
-[X] Engineering
-[X] Metalworking
-[X] Architecture
No. of Votes: 1
Plan: ◈Great Wall
JamesShazbond
Total No. of Voters: 20
It looks like Plan For The Absolute is the winner.
##### NetTally 1.7.5
[X] Plan For The Absolute
-[X] Continue training with…
--[X] Sword
-[X] Read the Art of War
-[X] Horseback Riding
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion)
-[X] Meet your peers
-[X] Managing Your Finances
-[X] Demesne Development
-[X] Stealth
-[X] Underworld Knowledge (Thieves)
-[X] Taoism
-[X] Education
-[X] Explore the City
-[X] Find a hobby
--[X] Engineering
--[X] Architecture
No. of Votes: 10
Plan: ◈For The Absolute
bryanfran36
Crazy7s1
Cybandeath
Nerowolf
Nevill
overmind
Skjadir
TsukiKing777
Usernames
veekie
[X] Plan Hobby Horse
[X] Continue training with…: Reward: Increased weapon proficiency. Chance to increase personal combat score. Chance of Success: 60%
-[X] Sword
[X] Tabletop Strategy (Go): Reward: Increased tactical proficiency. Required to practice tabletop simulations and learn more advanced tactics. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Horseback Riding: Rewards: Gain ability to ride a horse. Unlocks further potential cavalry options. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Meet your peers: Reward: Increases ties with other noble families and individuals. Opens up correspondence options. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion): Reward: Increased diplomacy score. Increased negotiation proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Managing Your Finances: Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for two years.
[X] Demesne Development: Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for two years.
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Assassins): Reward: Increased intrigue score. Unlocks option to contact assassin clans in the future. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Bandits): Reward: Increased intrigue score. +10 bonus to rolls when dealing with bandits. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Taoism: Reward: Increased piety score. Increased knowledge of Taoism. Increased bonus when dealing with peasants. Chance of Success: 75% Will lock down option for three years.
[X] Education: Reward: Increase in learning score. Required for unlocking later learning/research options. Locked for 3 years. Chance of Success: 80%
[X] Explore the City: Reward: Increased relationship with commoners. Potential to meet interesting people. Chance of Success: 60%
[X] Find a hobby: Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Metalworking
[X] Find a hobby: Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Engineering
No. of Votes: 6
Plan: ◈Hobby Horse
giodan
In_lurk_shadow
Knightking
Publicola
Random Member
StarkDemise
[X] Plan 1.0
[X] Continue with Sword
[X] Art of War
[X] Horseback Riding
[X] Meet your Peers
[X] Rhetoric Training for Oratory
[X] Managing Finances
[X] Demense Development
[X] Underworld Knowledge Assassins
[X] Underworld Knowledge Bandits
[X] Confucianism
[X] Explore the City
[X] Continue with Sword
[X] Stealth
No. of Votes: 3
Plan: ◈1.0
maximorph
Taka
zup
[X] Plan Great Wall
-[X] Continue Training with the Sword
-[X] Read the Art of War
-[X] Horseback Riding
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion)
-[X] Rhetoric Training (Oratory)
-[X] Managing Your Finances
-[X] Demesne Development
-[X] Stealth
-[X] Underworld Knowledge (Assassins)
-[X] Mohism
-[X] Education
-[X] Engineering
-[X] Metalworking
-[X] Architecture
No. of Votes: 1
Plan: ◈Great Wall
JamesShazbond
Total No. of Voters: 20
It looks like Plan For The Absolute is the winner.
Pretty good start for a quest in ancient China after reading it through especially in a time period before the more iconic three kingdoms period. I don't know too much about the warring states period except for it being much bloodier in terms of warfare, unification under Qin and it's later fall among some other things involving famous people or events.
Last edited:
- Location
- USA
Yeah, I'm currently working on the update. But was busy the last few days. I went to an NFL game on Monday and was watching the election yesterday.
Valkur
The True Valkyria, Valkur!
- Location
- Fólkvangr
#7 Turn Two Results
- Location
- USA
Turn 2 Results
275 BC
Martial
[X] Continue training with…: After having learned the basics of how to use this weapon, you have asked Souma to continue your training with this weapon so that you can be more than just adequate with it. After all, while adequate may be well enough for the common soldier, you must be more than adequate if you ever want to surpass the example set by your father. Reward: Increased weapon proficiency. Chance to increase personal combat score. Chance of Success: 60%
-[X] Sword
Rolled: 44+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)+10 (Natural Swordsman)=74
You lunge at Souma, your practice sword coming down at him in an overhand slash.
He blocks it, casually from what you can tell, and responds with a swift thrust of his own.
Parrying the thrust at the last moment, you think you finally have the opening you've been looking for, and in response send a quick lateral slash towards his throat.
However, before your blade even nears his throat, his own practice sword swiftly intercepts your own.
With your blade having been stopped by his before it can reach its mark, and you yourself being overextended, Souma exploits your momentary weakness in order to swiftly disarm you as he reaches for the hilt of your outstretched sword and snatches it out of your grip.
As defenseless as you are, you decide to concede the match once again to Souma.
After months of sparring against him, you have never once managed to win a spar against him. While you have improved tremendously compared to at the beginning of your spars, that is only to be expected considering how in the beginning your spars barely lasted longer than ten seconds.
Even though you knew your sword forms by heart, that still didn't change the fact that you had never used them in a fight with another person. Which is why Souma suggested that you should begin sparring with him to gain experience. Even with Souma holding back his strength and speed to be at your level you still found yourself soundly defeated each time you faced him.
After a series of defeats against him, you finally figured out the reason why he had been able to defeat you so quickly. You were predictable. Souma was always one step ahead of you because you always fought exclusively using the sword forms you knew, something which he exploited mercilessly since you never seemed to improvise or adapt in combat.
Once you figured out your flaw and worked to correct it, things seemed to get better for you during the spars. No longer did you simply go through the motions of the sword forms you knew by heart, instead you tried to go with the flow of battle, using the techniques within those forms to the best of your ability in order to exploit weaknesses and survive longer. You still never won, but at least now you could last more than ten seconds and give a good showing for yourself.
Gain: Trait, "Sword Novice (5/10)"
[X] Read the Art of War: While your father has managed to teach you the core tenets present within The Art of War, you still have yet to read to read it for yourself and get your own interpretation of it. While you may not have had his experience in warfare, you can surely gain your own understanding of it through reading the entire text rather than just important proverbs. Reward: Increased martial score. Increase tactical proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 33+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)=53
It's hard, it's one of the most difficult things you have ever done.
At first, you thought that it would be similar to all of the proverbs and teachings your father had taught you about, and in some aspects, it was, however, there was a depth to it that took much time for even your genius mind to understand.
When you were first learning mathematics this year, you thought to yourself that it would be your biggest challenge.
You realized how wrong you were once you began reading the Art of War on your own. It was more than just the insightful proverbs cited by your father.
Rather, it was a treatise on war that dealt with all its facets, whether it be planning, terrain, or military maneuvers to name a few.
At first, things did not go well for you, because even though you understood the words that were written, you did not seem to be able to piece all of it together when Souma tested you on it.
However, after spending much time re-reading and deliberating on the ideas present in the treatise, you were finally to understand and use the ideas given to you by the Prime Minister of Wu. All it really took for you to learn was through researching his own campaigns against Chu, where he applied his teachings in order to earn him victory on the battlefield.
After having spent a year's effort reading such a challenging, but comprehensive treatise on warfare you feel that you now a greater grasp on tactics and strategy than you did before.
Gain:+1 Martial. Trait, "Novice Tactics (4/10)"
[X] Horseback Riding: While infantry are the backbone of the armies of the Warring States, it is cavalry which often decides the fate of many battles. Considering how cavalry is often the domain of the nobility, your father has instructed Souma to teach you the basics of how to ride a horse. Rewards: Gain ability to ride a horse. Unlocks further potential cavalry options. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 48+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)=68
"Ouch." That was all you could say as you lay there on the hard ground near the stables…until you heard the tell-tale clip clop of another horse approach you from behind.
"Well Young Master, at least you're improving." Says Souma, as he rides to where you lay.
As you roll over and pick yourself off the ground, you reply to him, "Yeah, I just wish that improving didn't hurt so much."
While you were feeling sore from your riding lessons over the past year, you honestly feel that the progress you made was worth the feeling of finally being able to ride on your own.
At first, when Souma told you that he would be teaching you how to ride a horse, you were ecstatic. Whenever you heard stories about the battles being waged by Qin and the other states, you always gravitated towards the cavalry. While the infantry would always be the backbone of any army, that still didn't change the fact that the glory almost always came from the cavalry.
However, when you finally got to your lessons you were somewhat disappointed since you saw that your mount was a small pony rather than the large charger being ridden by Souma.
After you had gotten over the fact that you were only riding a pony, you soon were instructed by Souma on the basics of being an equestrian.
Unfortunately for you, you did not get to mount your horse for a good length of time. Instead, Souma had you go through exercises on how to care for your horse, as well as equip it when the time for battle came. This included teaching you how to clean your horse's shoes when it came to grooming, as well as saddling your horse when it came to preparing for battle.
When you protested to Souma that you had servants that could do this work for you, he told you that in the field you may not have that luxury, and that you should know how to do this just in case.
So, after months of nothing but learning how to care for and equip your horse, you were finally given the opportunity to actually ride. Sadly, though, your first attempts at riding were rough and often ended with you tumbling from your horse.
However, over time you were able to gradually learn to be comfortable in the saddle. First it was at a trot, then a canter, and finally a gallop.
While you now know how to ride a horse, though you occasionally do fall off, the next thing you will need to work on to truly become a member of the Qin Cavalry is fighting on horseback.
Gain: Can now ride a horse comfortably. Unlocks training for fighting on horseback.
Diplomacy
[X] Meet your peers: Your mother believes that it is best if you get to know some of your noble peers. That is why she has invited the children of prominent noble families within Qin to attend a gathering within your home. They may be children now she says, but in the future they may end up becoming power allies or enemies. Reward: Increases ties with other noble families and individuals. Opens up correspondence options. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 76+10 (Genius)=86
See "Mini-turn: A Prince in Kanyou"
[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion): Words, whether they inspire men on the battlefield or sway opinions in court, words will always have an impact on the world. That is why your mother has decided to teach you how to best use words to sway others to your point of view. Reward: Increased diplomacy score. Increased negotiation proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 46+10 (Genius)=56
"Remember Boku, there are three ways to sway someone to your side. You can use emotions to move their heart, use logic to sway their mind, or use your character to energize their souls."
With your mother's words on your mind, you are currently thinking about how you can convince her to let you hold Kanshou for a moment.
This is how things have been for you ever since your mother started training you in the art of persuasion.
Where before your mother would acquiesce to your requests, now you had to figure out ways to persuade your mother through speech.
Rather than simply asking her for things you had to concoct logical and/or passionate arguments in order to get what you wanted.
It almost seemed like a game to you. But, it also seemed to be somewhat working.
Where before you simply thought about what you wanted, now you are also able to think about the motivations of others as well.
Still, that doesn't change the fact that you are no closer to holding Kanshou, even though you have improved considerably when it comes to convincing your mother.
You don't consider it a total failure, though. Your skills at persuasion have noticeably improved, hopefully, you can use them on your father when he gets back.
Gain: +1 diplomacy. Trait, "Novice Speaker (3/10)".
Stewardship
[X] Managing Your Finances: Now that you understand where your money comes from, Kairyou believes you are now ready to take the next step and learn the art of managing money. Since you are also going to be learning mathematics this year, Kairyou thinks it is the perfect time for you to practice using numbers in a realistic scenario. Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 66+10 (Genius)=76
"Very good, Young Master. Now, how long would you be able to live if I gave you this much money?"
You sat there as Kairyou continued to test your knowledge of mathematics and understanding of how much money is worth.
Ever since you started your lessons on math, Kairyou had insisted on teaching you about how to practically use it when it came to money.
While Kairyou did spend time giving you scrolls to read, and calculations to make, he also took the time to take you out into the city to show you what your money is worth.
Before this, you did not know how much the food you ate cost, or the expense needed to purchase what you wear.
But with Kairyou's guidance you were able to gain the knowledge necessary to understand how much it costs to survive, and understand what your money was worth.
Now, with an understanding in mathematics you are able to actually apply that knowledge, which is why the lessons Kairyou has been giving you recently have been questions like what he asked you earlier.
Hopefully this means that you can now receive an allowance…though, considering your record with convincing your mother, that may take a while.
Gain: +1 stewardship. Trait, "Novice Steward (1/10)".
[X] Demesne Development: While you do know where your money comes from, you have yet to learn what your family actually spends most of it on when it comes to your personal lands. That is why Kairyou has decided to show you where your wealth goes to maintain your lands, as well as teaching you how to do so in the future aside from just handing him bags of money. Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 64+10 (Genius)=74
"Kairyou, just how much does it cost to run this fief?"
As you ask Kairyou that question, you stare in awe at the contents of your family's treasury. With literal piles of gold, coins, and treasure within your reach.
After some contemplation, Kairyou says, "I do not know the exact number Young Master, but it is usually more than 500 units of gold per year."
While you stand there fathoming the amount of gold Kairyou is talking about, you are also wondering what exactly it is spent on. After a moment of consideration, you ask Kairyou, "What does my family spend all of that money on?"
With only a short moment of consideration, Kairyou responds to you, "Mostly they spend the money on paying staff and retainers, on infrastructure within the realms such as roads and walls, as well as funding ventures by local merchants. So, while they do spend a large amount of money, can you really blame them when it results in a treasury as large as this?"
So, after that enlightening visit and conversation with Kairyou, your lessons on your family's finances with regards to your demesne continued. Most of the time Kairyou simply privately tutored you using the scrolls and records of your ancestors to show you how they spent the money that has helped your family get where it is now.
If there was one thing that you have learned from Kairyou during these lessons, it is that you must spend money to make money.
Gain:+1 stewardship. Trait, "Novice Steward (2/10)".
Intrigue
[X] Stealth: For those who work in the shadows, their greatest tool is often surprise. Knowing how to move undetected is a requirement for those who work in the underworld. Stealth is also something that is also useful on the battlefield as well. That is why your father has hired someone from Clan Shukyou, he told you it was better for you to not know his name, to train you in the art of moving silently. Reward: Increased intrigue score. Increased stealth skills. May unlock later assassination techniques. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 90+10 (Genius)=100
As you skulk through your own home, your mind was solely fixated on passing that assassin's test.
You had lost count of how many times you had attempted this test. It was supposed to be a simple test of your skills, or so your instructor said.
Sneak through the castle, enter his room, and steal the item hidden in his cabinet. Simple enough really, however, the problem for you was not the task but the assassin himself.
The assassin from Clan Shukyou, that was all you knew about him, seemed to be as well versed in detection as he was in stealth. Whenever you asked him for his name, he would always reply, "There are some things that you are better not knowing."
Annoying as his secrecy was to you, that still did not change the fact that he was an excellent teacher. At first, all he seemed to be teaching you was on how to regulate your breath. After you had gotten that down, no doubt helped by your own martial training, he began instructing you on the proper foot movements needed to move quietly.
To be honest, you thought that part of the training was extremely boring due to how repetitive it was. Hours were spent every lesson walking from one end of the room to the other using the same movements. But, in the end, it seemed to pay off, as now when you tried to move silently there was nary a sound made.
All of that work is what led to the situation you are in right now. With you having mastered the actions needed to be stealthy, your instructor decided that you now needed the mindset. Once a week your instructor would order you to wake up in the middle of the night in order to steal an item from his room. He always was in a different location every week, and you were given instructions on where to find the iten. No matter how much time you spent trying to get ahold of the item without being detected, you always seemed to fail, even though you did improve.
Which is why, with victory being so close at hand, you were nervous. The room he was staying in this week was one of the rooms used by the servants on the ground floor. You could see him resting on a straw bed within this rather sparse room. Also in your vision was the cabinet that contained your target.
What started as one step became two, and then many more. After much patience, you had finally come close to accomplishing the test given to you. As you opened the drawer and grabbed a rather simple looking pendant, excitement and relief flowed through for seemingly accomplishing your task.
===========
"You're impressive, I will give you that much. No wonder you are hailed as a prodigy, Riboku."
Those were the words your instructor had given to you the morning after you had passed your test. Apparently, you weren't supposed to have been able to pass his test, at least not at the age you were and with the little training you had. A shadow is what he called you after your success.
Gain:+2 intrigue. Trait, "Shadow": +1 intrigue, +10 for personal stealth rolls. Trait, "Rogue Novice (2/10)".
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Thieves): If you have ever needed something discretely "acquired" for you, the Thieves Guild is generally the best choice for the job. Among the many entities within the underworld of the Warring States, the Thieves Guild are generally regarded as the most benign. While your advisor from Clan Shukyou has not had many dealings with them, he does know enough about their activities to inform you about them. Reward: Increased intrigue score. Required to unlock future options regarding the Thieves Guild. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 38+10 (Genius)=48
When the assassin instructor asked you how you thought you could get in contacts with thieves guild, you were stumped.
You would have never guessed the answer would be taverns.
Yes, unlike the assassin clans, who had their own secret ways of being contacted, all you had to do to meet a representative of the local thieves guild was to find one of them in a tavern.
When your instructor took you there to meet one of them, the one thing that stuck out to you was that the thief looked utterly ordinary.
The image you always had of thieves were either dashing, daring rogues or the scum and villainy of society. The man that sat there with you at that table was neither of those.
Once you returned to your home you learned that there was no state wide thieves guild, most thieves were local within their specific city or region. Obviously, the qualities of the thieves you could hire also varied, but generally the rule was that the larger the city the more numerous and skilled the thieves.
Even though the guilds were not as powerful as the assassin or bandit clans, they were still the ones you looked for when you needed something stolen. So, while you may not have a need for them now, you certainly plan to keep them in mind for the future.
Gain:+1 intrigue. Trait, "Rogue Novice (3/10)".
Piety
[X] Taoism: Based upon the teachings of Laozi, Taoism's key principle is that of non-action. With the key virtues of Taoism being that of simplicity and humility, many of the common folk admire the adherents of Taoism for their belief in simplicity of living. Though, this has put Taoists at odd with the rulers of the major States, who often prosecute aggressive wars and issue capital punishment which Taoist teachings frown upon. While learning Taoism would not help you much with the nobility, the peasantry on the other hand would be able to better relate to you. Reward: Increased piety score. Increased knowledge of Taoism. Increased bonus when dealing with peasants. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 38+10 (Genius)=48
Menshi was very surprised when you chose Taoism as the first philosophy you wanted to study.
However, even though he was surprised that didn't mean that he couldn't teach you about it. Having spent years at the Jixia Academy, amongst some of the greatest minds within China, Menshi was well-equipped to teach you philosophy as he was mathematics.
But, even with his great skill at teaching, he still told you that a subject as complex as philosophy was one where you would need to devote a lot of time to study it in order to understand it. Unlike other subjects, the varied philosophies are so wide in scope and depth that even spending years on the subject only scratches the surface of their nuances.
That is why for this first year Menshi had you read the quintessential text on Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.
To be honest, it did not go well for you. There was a lot of complicated words, and deep messages, and it took all of your effort, along with the help of your teacher, to even begin to scratch the surface of what Taoism is about.
However, with at least having read through the entire Tao Te Ching, you now have the right context to begin delving deeper into Taoism.
Gain:+1 piety. Trait, "Novice Philosopher (1/10)".
Learning
[X] Education: Within the many states, an education is only attainable for those with the wealth to afford it. While they do not expect you to become a scholar, your parents understand the importance of literacy, mathematics, and the arts. Which is why the scholar Menshi has been hired to instruct you in your lessons. Reward: Increase in learning score. Required for unlocking later learning/research options. Locked for 3 years. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 31+10 (Genius)=41
Ugh, you how important this is but…math sucks.
Unlike all of the other things you have been learning so far, none of them have been as boring to you as mathematics.
This lack of interest from you in the subject initially made things very hard for you because try as you might, you seemed to lack the motivation to excel as you did in the other subjects.
It was only when Menshi, Kairyou, and Souma of all people explained to you the importance of math that you began trying earnestly to learn it. At first, all you were taught was simple arithmetic, the basics as it were. However, as the year went on you no longer were able to calculate everything in your head, rather now you had to do calculations with the abacus. As simple as it looked, for you the abacus was a treasure as it made your tasks much more bearable.
So, as the year went on your lessons shifted from simple studying to exercises, with every following exercise being harder than the last.
To be honest, while you wouldn't say you were excited about having gained a grasp on basic mathematics, you are at least happy that you have the ability to use it now.
Gain: +2 learning. Trait, "Novice Scholar (2/10)".
Personal
[X] Explore the City: You are finally at the age where your parents have allowed you to go out of the estate. Even though you will be accompanied by your family's guards, you hope to use this opportunity to get to know the commoners better and tour what will one day be yours. Reward: Increased relationship with commoners. Potential to meet interesting people. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 33+10 (Handsome)=43 Required: 40
If there was one word you would use to describe the city around you, it would be busy. You can see shoppers moving to and fro across the market, trying to find the best price. Merchants can be heard peddling their wares, while your cities' guard patrol through the streets trying to keep crime at bay. All in all the chaotic and frenetic pace of the city is nothing like the serenity that is your home...well at least its serene when you aren't practicing swordplay.
However, for all its interesting features one of the things you have taken notice of during your walk was of how different each section of the city was. In the noble district surrounding the central citadel that was your family's home, you noticed much less bustle among the people there, with most dressing in fine silks and being driven about by servants without a care in the world. The market itself was as chaotic a place as you could find with a mixture of people from all walks of life whether they be nobles or commoners.
Everywhere you went the people seemed to almost recognize you, or at least your heavily armed guards. You were deluged with people singing praises about your heroic father, and thanking you for taking to visit them, the lowly masses. You could tell that your family were beloved by the commoners of your land, and felt all the more proud because of it.
But, the further you got away from the city center the more things seemed to change. The people there seemed more haggard than those towards the center, and from what you had been told there were quite a few war orphans spread among the servants.
It did not take long for you to find a few of these war orphans playing in the streets.
A quick conversation with your guards had you approaching these kids while your guards waited within hearing distance.
"Hello there," you called out to them, with a quick wave.
In response to your greeting, the boys immediately stopped playing. After a quick conference between the five of them, one of the boys broke from their impromptu huddle and approached you.
From what you could see he was wearing somewhat rough spun servants clothes, with a similar stature and age to you. As he got closer though you began to notice how coarse his features were, as well as the intensity of his eyes.
"What do you want," the kid gruffly asks you?
"Nothing, I was just looking around."
"What would a prissy noble brat like you be looking for down here in the slums?"
It took you a moment to consider how you wanted to answer him, especially since he didn't seem to like you. Briefly mulling over your response, you say to him, "I wanted to see the people my family protects and rules."
"Huh, so you're the Duke's son, the so-called prodigy. You don't look so tough."
"Well, how about I make you eat your words and show you how tough I am."
"That's fine by me pretty boy, bring it on!"
At that both of you just charged each other fists flying. It didn't matter that this was below your station, or that you were trained in martial arts compared to his relative inexperience because at that moment that brawl was all that was on your mind.
You had to give it to him though, he was a tough fighter. While you may have had speed and skill on your side, he had determination and grit in spades. No matter how many punches you landed, he just would not go down.
It was only when you noticed the sun was about to set that he collapsed into the dirt, face towards the sky. After thinking about his performance, you decided to give him a hand and pull him up, which he accepted.
"Guess I was wrong, you are pretty tough for a pretty boy."
"Thanks, I guess. You weren't too bad yourself. This was the most fun I've had in days."
"The names Baku Koshin, you know where to find me if you ever want to hang out or have a good brawl."
Gain: Increased Relationship with Commoners (6/10).
[X] Find a hobby: While you would rather spend most of your time studying, your mother has insisted that you something else to focus on aside from the topics of your lessons. That is why she has sent you out into the city to find something which interests you and that you feel you could learn. Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Engineering
Rolled: 35+10 (Genius)=45
If there was one word that would describe you at this moment, it would be excited.
With your mother's permission, Souma had taken you to the engineer's workshop at the edge of the city. All around you could see engineers at work, building the tools and weapons that fueled Qin.
In one corner you could see the frame for a ballista being shaped, while in another you could see the beginnings of a siege tower being constructed. All around you men labored in ways you could not comprehend.
"Impressed, Young Master?" Souma, queried as he watched you gaze around the workshop.
With enthusiasm, you reply to him, "Of course, look at all of this!"
"Well, if you want to be able to do this someday, why not start now Young Master? Just go over there and ask one of them to teach you, after all your father does fund them." Souma says to you, with an encouraging gaze.
You walk over to one of the engineers, with Souma's words on your mind, hopeful that he will not only teach you how to make some of these machines, but also use one.
Seeing you and Souma approach, the engineer who you had selected turned to you and said, "Oh, I did not see you there, what do you require Young Master?"
You point to one of the crossbows near the wall and say to him, "Teach me how to make one of those, how to be an engineer."
After spending some time considering your words, he replies to you, "Engineering is not a field just anyone can be taught. It will take time and effort, studying esoteric disciplines, and using complex calculations just to understand the most basic principles. Are you sure you want to do this Young Master?"
Without a moment of hesitation, you reply to him saying, "Yes!"
==========
So, whenever you had free time throughout the year you spent it in the company of the engineers, especially under Chief Engineer Doutai.
Hours were spent mostly informing you about the basic principles of engineering, the reasoning behind what they did, as well as the math behind it.
If you knew math could be used to make such ingenious machines, you probably would have put more into it. Though, your excitement may be due to the engineers let you test fire a ballista.
Gain: Trait, "Novice Engineer: (0/10)"
-[X] Architecture
Rolled: 32+10 (Genius)=42
When you had asked your mother about the topic of architecture, well how buildings are built to be more specific, she looked thoughtful for a moment before she asked you, "Why are you interested Boku?"
"Remember when we went to Kanyou so that father could see the king?"
Seeing the slight nod from your mother, you continue, saying, "Well, I thought Kankoku Pass looked awesome, and was wondering how they made it."
For a minute your mother just stood there, seemingly lost in thought. However, a moment later she says to you, "Ara, so that is why. Well, I just so happen to have a cousin who is an architect that lives nearby. If you want, I could send him a message asking if he would be willing to show you his craft."
With your emphatic reply noted, your mother lets you know that she will write him a letter today.
=========
It took an entire month before Jo Ran, your mother's cousin, arrived at your family's home.
When he arrived the one thing you noted immediately about him was how his bulky physique clashed with his scholarly attire. In your honest opinion, he looked like a soldier was shoved into the stuffy attire of one of the court scribes or bureaucrats. Not out of the ordinary considering the individuals within the Qin court, but still an interesting look nonetheless.
After he had gotten settled in, you met Joran in his quarters so that you could get his first-hand knowledge as an architect. When Joran asked you what sparked your interest in architecture, and you answered Kankoku Pass, he laughed and said in reply, "Ha, so that is what caused my dear cousin to send for me. Well, it looks like you lucked out then because my specialty as an architect is in designing fortifications."
With that, Joran went on to regale you with tales of the different forts and defensive lines he has designed and help construct for Qin.
Over the course of his stay with you, Joran informed you about architecture through his many stories, as well as a tour of the city's walls, with you picking up architectural knowledge through the tidbits that came with them. You also got the bonus of spending time with your mother, as she often sat in with you when Joran was telling you about his experiences.
At the end of the year, you could honestly say that you learned a lot from Joran and his stories when it came to architecture. Maybe you could ask for him to stay with your family longer next year or help you find a mentor for your hobby so that you could learn more about architecture.
Gain: Increased relationship with Lady You (+1). Trait, "Novice Architect (0/10)".
AN: Sorry about the long wait, it's just that last week was very busy for me as I mentioned earlier. Hopefully the lenght of the update will help rectify that.
If you are wondering about the meet and greet with the other children, I can tell you that your high enough score is what allowed you to trigger the mini-turn and meet some potentially important figures in future. Who you meet with, how you interact with them will be up to you during those mini-turns.
Anyway, just like before if you have any comments, questions, or critiques let me know.
275 BC
Martial
[X] Continue training with…: After having learned the basics of how to use this weapon, you have asked Souma to continue your training with this weapon so that you can be more than just adequate with it. After all, while adequate may be well enough for the common soldier, you must be more than adequate if you ever want to surpass the example set by your father. Reward: Increased weapon proficiency. Chance to increase personal combat score. Chance of Success: 60%
-[X] Sword
Rolled: 44+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)+10 (Natural Swordsman)=74
You lunge at Souma, your practice sword coming down at him in an overhand slash.
He blocks it, casually from what you can tell, and responds with a swift thrust of his own.
Parrying the thrust at the last moment, you think you finally have the opening you've been looking for, and in response send a quick lateral slash towards his throat.
However, before your blade even nears his throat, his own practice sword swiftly intercepts your own.
With your blade having been stopped by his before it can reach its mark, and you yourself being overextended, Souma exploits your momentary weakness in order to swiftly disarm you as he reaches for the hilt of your outstretched sword and snatches it out of your grip.
As defenseless as you are, you decide to concede the match once again to Souma.
After months of sparring against him, you have never once managed to win a spar against him. While you have improved tremendously compared to at the beginning of your spars, that is only to be expected considering how in the beginning your spars barely lasted longer than ten seconds.
Even though you knew your sword forms by heart, that still didn't change the fact that you had never used them in a fight with another person. Which is why Souma suggested that you should begin sparring with him to gain experience. Even with Souma holding back his strength and speed to be at your level you still found yourself soundly defeated each time you faced him.
After a series of defeats against him, you finally figured out the reason why he had been able to defeat you so quickly. You were predictable. Souma was always one step ahead of you because you always fought exclusively using the sword forms you knew, something which he exploited mercilessly since you never seemed to improvise or adapt in combat.
Once you figured out your flaw and worked to correct it, things seemed to get better for you during the spars. No longer did you simply go through the motions of the sword forms you knew by heart, instead you tried to go with the flow of battle, using the techniques within those forms to the best of your ability in order to exploit weaknesses and survive longer. You still never won, but at least now you could last more than ten seconds and give a good showing for yourself.
Gain: Trait, "Sword Novice (5/10)"
[X] Read the Art of War: While your father has managed to teach you the core tenets present within The Art of War, you still have yet to read to read it for yourself and get your own interpretation of it. While you may not have had his experience in warfare, you can surely gain your own understanding of it through reading the entire text rather than just important proverbs. Reward: Increased martial score. Increase tactical proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 33+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)=53
It's hard, it's one of the most difficult things you have ever done.
At first, you thought that it would be similar to all of the proverbs and teachings your father had taught you about, and in some aspects, it was, however, there was a depth to it that took much time for even your genius mind to understand.
When you were first learning mathematics this year, you thought to yourself that it would be your biggest challenge.
You realized how wrong you were once you began reading the Art of War on your own. It was more than just the insightful proverbs cited by your father.
Rather, it was a treatise on war that dealt with all its facets, whether it be planning, terrain, or military maneuvers to name a few.
At first, things did not go well for you, because even though you understood the words that were written, you did not seem to be able to piece all of it together when Souma tested you on it.
However, after spending much time re-reading and deliberating on the ideas present in the treatise, you were finally to understand and use the ideas given to you by the Prime Minister of Wu. All it really took for you to learn was through researching his own campaigns against Chu, where he applied his teachings in order to earn him victory on the battlefield.
After having spent a year's effort reading such a challenging, but comprehensive treatise on warfare you feel that you now a greater grasp on tactics and strategy than you did before.
Gain:+1 Martial. Trait, "Novice Tactics (4/10)"
[X] Horseback Riding: While infantry are the backbone of the armies of the Warring States, it is cavalry which often decides the fate of many battles. Considering how cavalry is often the domain of the nobility, your father has instructed Souma to teach you the basics of how to ride a horse. Rewards: Gain ability to ride a horse. Unlocks further potential cavalry options. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 48+10 (Genius)+10 (Martial Prowess)=68
"Ouch." That was all you could say as you lay there on the hard ground near the stables…until you heard the tell-tale clip clop of another horse approach you from behind.
"Well Young Master, at least you're improving." Says Souma, as he rides to where you lay.
As you roll over and pick yourself off the ground, you reply to him, "Yeah, I just wish that improving didn't hurt so much."
While you were feeling sore from your riding lessons over the past year, you honestly feel that the progress you made was worth the feeling of finally being able to ride on your own.
At first, when Souma told you that he would be teaching you how to ride a horse, you were ecstatic. Whenever you heard stories about the battles being waged by Qin and the other states, you always gravitated towards the cavalry. While the infantry would always be the backbone of any army, that still didn't change the fact that the glory almost always came from the cavalry.
However, when you finally got to your lessons you were somewhat disappointed since you saw that your mount was a small pony rather than the large charger being ridden by Souma.
After you had gotten over the fact that you were only riding a pony, you soon were instructed by Souma on the basics of being an equestrian.
Unfortunately for you, you did not get to mount your horse for a good length of time. Instead, Souma had you go through exercises on how to care for your horse, as well as equip it when the time for battle came. This included teaching you how to clean your horse's shoes when it came to grooming, as well as saddling your horse when it came to preparing for battle.
When you protested to Souma that you had servants that could do this work for you, he told you that in the field you may not have that luxury, and that you should know how to do this just in case.
So, after months of nothing but learning how to care for and equip your horse, you were finally given the opportunity to actually ride. Sadly, though, your first attempts at riding were rough and often ended with you tumbling from your horse.
However, over time you were able to gradually learn to be comfortable in the saddle. First it was at a trot, then a canter, and finally a gallop.
While you now know how to ride a horse, though you occasionally do fall off, the next thing you will need to work on to truly become a member of the Qin Cavalry is fighting on horseback.
Gain: Can now ride a horse comfortably. Unlocks training for fighting on horseback.
Diplomacy
[X] Meet your peers: Your mother believes that it is best if you get to know some of your noble peers. That is why she has invited the children of prominent noble families within Qin to attend a gathering within your home. They may be children now she says, but in the future they may end up becoming power allies or enemies. Reward: Increases ties with other noble families and individuals. Opens up correspondence options. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 76+10 (Genius)=86
See "Mini-turn: A Prince in Kanyou"
[X] Rhetoric Training (Persuasion): Words, whether they inspire men on the battlefield or sway opinions in court, words will always have an impact on the world. That is why your mother has decided to teach you how to best use words to sway others to your point of view. Reward: Increased diplomacy score. Increased negotiation proficiency. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 46+10 (Genius)=56
"Remember Boku, there are three ways to sway someone to your side. You can use emotions to move their heart, use logic to sway their mind, or use your character to energize their souls."
With your mother's words on your mind, you are currently thinking about how you can convince her to let you hold Kanshou for a moment.
This is how things have been for you ever since your mother started training you in the art of persuasion.
Where before your mother would acquiesce to your requests, now you had to figure out ways to persuade your mother through speech.
Rather than simply asking her for things you had to concoct logical and/or passionate arguments in order to get what you wanted.
It almost seemed like a game to you. But, it also seemed to be somewhat working.
Where before you simply thought about what you wanted, now you are also able to think about the motivations of others as well.
Still, that doesn't change the fact that you are no closer to holding Kanshou, even though you have improved considerably when it comes to convincing your mother.
You don't consider it a total failure, though. Your skills at persuasion have noticeably improved, hopefully, you can use them on your father when he gets back.
Gain: +1 diplomacy. Trait, "Novice Speaker (3/10)".
Stewardship
[X] Managing Your Finances: Now that you understand where your money comes from, Kairyou believes you are now ready to take the next step and learn the art of managing money. Since you are also going to be learning mathematics this year, Kairyou thinks it is the perfect time for you to practice using numbers in a realistic scenario. Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 66+10 (Genius)=76
"Very good, Young Master. Now, how long would you be able to live if I gave you this much money?"
You sat there as Kairyou continued to test your knowledge of mathematics and understanding of how much money is worth.
Ever since you started your lessons on math, Kairyou had insisted on teaching you about how to practically use it when it came to money.
While Kairyou did spend time giving you scrolls to read, and calculations to make, he also took the time to take you out into the city to show you what your money is worth.
Before this, you did not know how much the food you ate cost, or the expense needed to purchase what you wear.
But with Kairyou's guidance you were able to gain the knowledge necessary to understand how much it costs to survive, and understand what your money was worth.
Now, with an understanding in mathematics you are able to actually apply that knowledge, which is why the lessons Kairyou has been giving you recently have been questions like what he asked you earlier.
Hopefully this means that you can now receive an allowance…though, considering your record with convincing your mother, that may take a while.
Gain: +1 stewardship. Trait, "Novice Steward (1/10)".
[X] Demesne Development: While you do know where your money comes from, you have yet to learn what your family actually spends most of it on when it comes to your personal lands. That is why Kairyou has decided to show you where your wealth goes to maintain your lands, as well as teaching you how to do so in the future aside from just handing him bags of money. Reward: Increased stewardship score. Required for unlocking later options. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 64+10 (Genius)=74
"Kairyou, just how much does it cost to run this fief?"
As you ask Kairyou that question, you stare in awe at the contents of your family's treasury. With literal piles of gold, coins, and treasure within your reach.
After some contemplation, Kairyou says, "I do not know the exact number Young Master, but it is usually more than 500 units of gold per year."
While you stand there fathoming the amount of gold Kairyou is talking about, you are also wondering what exactly it is spent on. After a moment of consideration, you ask Kairyou, "What does my family spend all of that money on?"
With only a short moment of consideration, Kairyou responds to you, "Mostly they spend the money on paying staff and retainers, on infrastructure within the realms such as roads and walls, as well as funding ventures by local merchants. So, while they do spend a large amount of money, can you really blame them when it results in a treasury as large as this?"
So, after that enlightening visit and conversation with Kairyou, your lessons on your family's finances with regards to your demesne continued. Most of the time Kairyou simply privately tutored you using the scrolls and records of your ancestors to show you how they spent the money that has helped your family get where it is now.
If there was one thing that you have learned from Kairyou during these lessons, it is that you must spend money to make money.
Gain:+1 stewardship. Trait, "Novice Steward (2/10)".
Intrigue
[X] Stealth: For those who work in the shadows, their greatest tool is often surprise. Knowing how to move undetected is a requirement for those who work in the underworld. Stealth is also something that is also useful on the battlefield as well. That is why your father has hired someone from Clan Shukyou, he told you it was better for you to not know his name, to train you in the art of moving silently. Reward: Increased intrigue score. Increased stealth skills. May unlock later assassination techniques. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 90+10 (Genius)=100
As you skulk through your own home, your mind was solely fixated on passing that assassin's test.
You had lost count of how many times you had attempted this test. It was supposed to be a simple test of your skills, or so your instructor said.
Sneak through the castle, enter his room, and steal the item hidden in his cabinet. Simple enough really, however, the problem for you was not the task but the assassin himself.
The assassin from Clan Shukyou, that was all you knew about him, seemed to be as well versed in detection as he was in stealth. Whenever you asked him for his name, he would always reply, "There are some things that you are better not knowing."
Annoying as his secrecy was to you, that still did not change the fact that he was an excellent teacher. At first, all he seemed to be teaching you was on how to regulate your breath. After you had gotten that down, no doubt helped by your own martial training, he began instructing you on the proper foot movements needed to move quietly.
To be honest, you thought that part of the training was extremely boring due to how repetitive it was. Hours were spent every lesson walking from one end of the room to the other using the same movements. But, in the end, it seemed to pay off, as now when you tried to move silently there was nary a sound made.
All of that work is what led to the situation you are in right now. With you having mastered the actions needed to be stealthy, your instructor decided that you now needed the mindset. Once a week your instructor would order you to wake up in the middle of the night in order to steal an item from his room. He always was in a different location every week, and you were given instructions on where to find the iten. No matter how much time you spent trying to get ahold of the item without being detected, you always seemed to fail, even though you did improve.
Which is why, with victory being so close at hand, you were nervous. The room he was staying in this week was one of the rooms used by the servants on the ground floor. You could see him resting on a straw bed within this rather sparse room. Also in your vision was the cabinet that contained your target.
What started as one step became two, and then many more. After much patience, you had finally come close to accomplishing the test given to you. As you opened the drawer and grabbed a rather simple looking pendant, excitement and relief flowed through for seemingly accomplishing your task.
===========
"You're impressive, I will give you that much. No wonder you are hailed as a prodigy, Riboku."
Those were the words your instructor had given to you the morning after you had passed your test. Apparently, you weren't supposed to have been able to pass his test, at least not at the age you were and with the little training you had. A shadow is what he called you after your success.
Gain:+2 intrigue. Trait, "Shadow": +1 intrigue, +10 for personal stealth rolls. Trait, "Rogue Novice (2/10)".
[X] Underworld Knowledge (Thieves): If you have ever needed something discretely "acquired" for you, the Thieves Guild is generally the best choice for the job. Among the many entities within the underworld of the Warring States, the Thieves Guild are generally regarded as the most benign. While your advisor from Clan Shukyou has not had many dealings with them, he does know enough about their activities to inform you about them. Reward: Increased intrigue score. Required to unlock future options regarding the Thieves Guild. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 38+10 (Genius)=48
When the assassin instructor asked you how you thought you could get in contacts with thieves guild, you were stumped.
You would have never guessed the answer would be taverns.
Yes, unlike the assassin clans, who had their own secret ways of being contacted, all you had to do to meet a representative of the local thieves guild was to find one of them in a tavern.
When your instructor took you there to meet one of them, the one thing that stuck out to you was that the thief looked utterly ordinary.
The image you always had of thieves were either dashing, daring rogues or the scum and villainy of society. The man that sat there with you at that table was neither of those.
Once you returned to your home you learned that there was no state wide thieves guild, most thieves were local within their specific city or region. Obviously, the qualities of the thieves you could hire also varied, but generally the rule was that the larger the city the more numerous and skilled the thieves.
Even though the guilds were not as powerful as the assassin or bandit clans, they were still the ones you looked for when you needed something stolen. So, while you may not have a need for them now, you certainly plan to keep them in mind for the future.
Gain:+1 intrigue. Trait, "Rogue Novice (3/10)".
Piety
[X] Taoism: Based upon the teachings of Laozi, Taoism's key principle is that of non-action. With the key virtues of Taoism being that of simplicity and humility, many of the common folk admire the adherents of Taoism for their belief in simplicity of living. Though, this has put Taoists at odd with the rulers of the major States, who often prosecute aggressive wars and issue capital punishment which Taoist teachings frown upon. While learning Taoism would not help you much with the nobility, the peasantry on the other hand would be able to better relate to you. Reward: Increased piety score. Increased knowledge of Taoism. Increased bonus when dealing with peasants. Chance of Success: 75%
Rolled: 38+10 (Genius)=48
Menshi was very surprised when you chose Taoism as the first philosophy you wanted to study.
However, even though he was surprised that didn't mean that he couldn't teach you about it. Having spent years at the Jixia Academy, amongst some of the greatest minds within China, Menshi was well-equipped to teach you philosophy as he was mathematics.
But, even with his great skill at teaching, he still told you that a subject as complex as philosophy was one where you would need to devote a lot of time to study it in order to understand it. Unlike other subjects, the varied philosophies are so wide in scope and depth that even spending years on the subject only scratches the surface of their nuances.
That is why for this first year Menshi had you read the quintessential text on Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.
To be honest, it did not go well for you. There was a lot of complicated words, and deep messages, and it took all of your effort, along with the help of your teacher, to even begin to scratch the surface of what Taoism is about.
However, with at least having read through the entire Tao Te Ching, you now have the right context to begin delving deeper into Taoism.
Gain:+1 piety. Trait, "Novice Philosopher (1/10)".
Learning
[X] Education: Within the many states, an education is only attainable for those with the wealth to afford it. While they do not expect you to become a scholar, your parents understand the importance of literacy, mathematics, and the arts. Which is why the scholar Menshi has been hired to instruct you in your lessons. Reward: Increase in learning score. Required for unlocking later learning/research options. Locked for 3 years. Chance of Success: 80%
Rolled: 31+10 (Genius)=41
Ugh, you how important this is but…math sucks.
Unlike all of the other things you have been learning so far, none of them have been as boring to you as mathematics.
This lack of interest from you in the subject initially made things very hard for you because try as you might, you seemed to lack the motivation to excel as you did in the other subjects.
It was only when Menshi, Kairyou, and Souma of all people explained to you the importance of math that you began trying earnestly to learn it. At first, all you were taught was simple arithmetic, the basics as it were. However, as the year went on you no longer were able to calculate everything in your head, rather now you had to do calculations with the abacus. As simple as it looked, for you the abacus was a treasure as it made your tasks much more bearable.
So, as the year went on your lessons shifted from simple studying to exercises, with every following exercise being harder than the last.
To be honest, while you wouldn't say you were excited about having gained a grasp on basic mathematics, you are at least happy that you have the ability to use it now.
Gain: +2 learning. Trait, "Novice Scholar (2/10)".
Personal
[X] Explore the City: You are finally at the age where your parents have allowed you to go out of the estate. Even though you will be accompanied by your family's guards, you hope to use this opportunity to get to know the commoners better and tour what will one day be yours. Reward: Increased relationship with commoners. Potential to meet interesting people. Chance of Success: 60%
Rolled: 33+10 (Handsome)=43 Required: 40
If there was one word you would use to describe the city around you, it would be busy. You can see shoppers moving to and fro across the market, trying to find the best price. Merchants can be heard peddling their wares, while your cities' guard patrol through the streets trying to keep crime at bay. All in all the chaotic and frenetic pace of the city is nothing like the serenity that is your home...well at least its serene when you aren't practicing swordplay.
However, for all its interesting features one of the things you have taken notice of during your walk was of how different each section of the city was. In the noble district surrounding the central citadel that was your family's home, you noticed much less bustle among the people there, with most dressing in fine silks and being driven about by servants without a care in the world. The market itself was as chaotic a place as you could find with a mixture of people from all walks of life whether they be nobles or commoners.
Everywhere you went the people seemed to almost recognize you, or at least your heavily armed guards. You were deluged with people singing praises about your heroic father, and thanking you for taking to visit them, the lowly masses. You could tell that your family were beloved by the commoners of your land, and felt all the more proud because of it.
But, the further you got away from the city center the more things seemed to change. The people there seemed more haggard than those towards the center, and from what you had been told there were quite a few war orphans spread among the servants.
It did not take long for you to find a few of these war orphans playing in the streets.
A quick conversation with your guards had you approaching these kids while your guards waited within hearing distance.
"Hello there," you called out to them, with a quick wave.
In response to your greeting, the boys immediately stopped playing. After a quick conference between the five of them, one of the boys broke from their impromptu huddle and approached you.
From what you could see he was wearing somewhat rough spun servants clothes, with a similar stature and age to you. As he got closer though you began to notice how coarse his features were, as well as the intensity of his eyes.
"What do you want," the kid gruffly asks you?
"Nothing, I was just looking around."
"What would a prissy noble brat like you be looking for down here in the slums?"
It took you a moment to consider how you wanted to answer him, especially since he didn't seem to like you. Briefly mulling over your response, you say to him, "I wanted to see the people my family protects and rules."
"Huh, so you're the Duke's son, the so-called prodigy. You don't look so tough."
"Well, how about I make you eat your words and show you how tough I am."
"That's fine by me pretty boy, bring it on!"
At that both of you just charged each other fists flying. It didn't matter that this was below your station, or that you were trained in martial arts compared to his relative inexperience because at that moment that brawl was all that was on your mind.
You had to give it to him though, he was a tough fighter. While you may have had speed and skill on your side, he had determination and grit in spades. No matter how many punches you landed, he just would not go down.
It was only when you noticed the sun was about to set that he collapsed into the dirt, face towards the sky. After thinking about his performance, you decided to give him a hand and pull him up, which he accepted.
"Guess I was wrong, you are pretty tough for a pretty boy."
"Thanks, I guess. You weren't too bad yourself. This was the most fun I've had in days."
"The names Baku Koshin, you know where to find me if you ever want to hang out or have a good brawl."
Gain: Increased Relationship with Commoners (6/10).
[X] Find a hobby: While you would rather spend most of your time studying, your mother has insisted that you something else to focus on aside from the topics of your lessons. That is why she has sent you out into the city to find something which interests you and that you feel you could learn. Reward: Increased proficiency at X hobby. Unlocks hobby options. Increased relations with Lady You. Chance of Success: 75%
-[X] Engineering
Rolled: 35+10 (Genius)=45
If there was one word that would describe you at this moment, it would be excited.
With your mother's permission, Souma had taken you to the engineer's workshop at the edge of the city. All around you could see engineers at work, building the tools and weapons that fueled Qin.
In one corner you could see the frame for a ballista being shaped, while in another you could see the beginnings of a siege tower being constructed. All around you men labored in ways you could not comprehend.
"Impressed, Young Master?" Souma, queried as he watched you gaze around the workshop.
With enthusiasm, you reply to him, "Of course, look at all of this!"
"Well, if you want to be able to do this someday, why not start now Young Master? Just go over there and ask one of them to teach you, after all your father does fund them." Souma says to you, with an encouraging gaze.
You walk over to one of the engineers, with Souma's words on your mind, hopeful that he will not only teach you how to make some of these machines, but also use one.
Seeing you and Souma approach, the engineer who you had selected turned to you and said, "Oh, I did not see you there, what do you require Young Master?"
You point to one of the crossbows near the wall and say to him, "Teach me how to make one of those, how to be an engineer."
After spending some time considering your words, he replies to you, "Engineering is not a field just anyone can be taught. It will take time and effort, studying esoteric disciplines, and using complex calculations just to understand the most basic principles. Are you sure you want to do this Young Master?"
Without a moment of hesitation, you reply to him saying, "Yes!"
==========
So, whenever you had free time throughout the year you spent it in the company of the engineers, especially under Chief Engineer Doutai.
Hours were spent mostly informing you about the basic principles of engineering, the reasoning behind what they did, as well as the math behind it.
If you knew math could be used to make such ingenious machines, you probably would have put more into it. Though, your excitement may be due to the engineers let you test fire a ballista.
Gain: Trait, "Novice Engineer: (0/10)"
-[X] Architecture
Rolled: 32+10 (Genius)=42
When you had asked your mother about the topic of architecture, well how buildings are built to be more specific, she looked thoughtful for a moment before she asked you, "Why are you interested Boku?"
"Remember when we went to Kanyou so that father could see the king?"
Seeing the slight nod from your mother, you continue, saying, "Well, I thought Kankoku Pass looked awesome, and was wondering how they made it."
For a minute your mother just stood there, seemingly lost in thought. However, a moment later she says to you, "Ara, so that is why. Well, I just so happen to have a cousin who is an architect that lives nearby. If you want, I could send him a message asking if he would be willing to show you his craft."
With your emphatic reply noted, your mother lets you know that she will write him a letter today.
=========
It took an entire month before Jo Ran, your mother's cousin, arrived at your family's home.
When he arrived the one thing you noted immediately about him was how his bulky physique clashed with his scholarly attire. In your honest opinion, he looked like a soldier was shoved into the stuffy attire of one of the court scribes or bureaucrats. Not out of the ordinary considering the individuals within the Qin court, but still an interesting look nonetheless.
After he had gotten settled in, you met Joran in his quarters so that you could get his first-hand knowledge as an architect. When Joran asked you what sparked your interest in architecture, and you answered Kankoku Pass, he laughed and said in reply, "Ha, so that is what caused my dear cousin to send for me. Well, it looks like you lucked out then because my specialty as an architect is in designing fortifications."
With that, Joran went on to regale you with tales of the different forts and defensive lines he has designed and help construct for Qin.
Over the course of his stay with you, Joran informed you about architecture through his many stories, as well as a tour of the city's walls, with you picking up architectural knowledge through the tidbits that came with them. You also got the bonus of spending time with your mother, as she often sat in with you when Joran was telling you about his experiences.
At the end of the year, you could honestly say that you learned a lot from Joran and his stories when it came to architecture. Maybe you could ask for him to stay with your family longer next year or help you find a mentor for your hobby so that you could learn more about architecture.
Gain: Increased relationship with Lady You (+1). Trait, "Novice Architect (0/10)".
AN: Sorry about the long wait, it's just that last week was very busy for me as I mentioned earlier. Hopefully the lenght of the update will help rectify that.
If you are wondering about the meet and greet with the other children, I can tell you that your high enough score is what allowed you to trigger the mini-turn and meet some potentially important figures in future. Who you meet with, how you interact with them will be up to you during those mini-turns.
Anyway, just like before if you have any comments, questions, or critiques let me know.
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- Location
- USA
Crossbows have existed in Ancient China since 600 BC, with one of the earliest examples having been dated back to the 4th century BC. They also have repeating crossbows such as the Chu Ko Nu around as well.
- Location
- USA
One crit success and no failures always make a good turn... still we have +30 to sword training so hoping we can get another crit in there. Also I think choosing Genius was great since this turn it turned a roll into a crit.
- Location
- USA
Yeah, you had good rolls this turn. Intrigue is also something your father didn't have much use for since his position was pretty much unassailable. When you are the lord of one of the top 5 noble families in Qin there is a certain weight and prestige behind you that makes subterfuge attempts ill-advised at best.
Though keep in mind your stealth bonus is your personal score, and won't really apply to any units you lead unless they also have some training with it.
Mini-Turn: A Prince in Kanyou
- Location
- USA
Mini-Turn: A Prince in Kanyou
You have to admit, your mother went all out when she organized this gathering. Scions from some of the greatest noble families within Qin, and even beyond it, have arrived just for the opportunity to meet and converse with you. This wasn't exactly a surprise to you, considering how your family is one of the Four Great Families of Qin, alongside the Han, Kai, and Ryou.
The space around you was filled with the luxury and splendor one could have if you were one of the wealthy noble families or a great merchant, with all of the guests clothed in expensive robes of silk, and the food and drink fit for the court of any State. Sumptuous roast duck and boar lined one table, while in the section reserved for the adults you could see jars of fine wine. Honestly, you thought this was a bit much for just a simple meeting for you to gain friends, but apparently appearances must be kept when you are a great noble.
This had all started when you asked your mother for a chance to finally make friends your own age. You weren't expecting what should have been a simple meeting to turn into one of the most well-attended gathering of nobles this year. Rather than holding this event at your family's fief, it was decided that your family's manse in Kanyou was both more accessible and prestigious for such an occasion.
In the weeks running up to this, your mother had spent many hours drilling you on the etiquette and manners that were expected of a noble heir. Knowing how important first impressions are, you did not complain about the extra lessons you were given, for the people you were meeting were potentially the future leaders of Qin.
Unsurprisingly, your mother had also turned this occasion into an opportunity to mingle with the current players within Qin politics. While the heirs of these many families or delegations were meeting in the banquet hall, their parents or minders would be making deals and decisions throughout the rest of the manse. Looking throughout the crowd you were not surprised to notice that most of the guests your age were boys, since it was not often that women became the head of a noble house, and also because prospective brides were determined during adolescence.
Though you did not know many of your peers personally, you did have enough skill to learn who was who within the crowd. As you looked around you could see the heir to the prestigious Ou family mingling with some of his family's sworn retainers. Near the back, you saw the son of the newly arrived but respected General Mougou arm wrestling with one of the other boys…so far he has beaten all that have tried to challenge him. Having been introduced to them previously, you could see a group of your cousins, from both sides of your family, playfighting with wooden swords. The most interesting person in the room, in your opinion, is the quiet boy in the corner reading a scroll. While he would not have normally piqued your interest, from what the gossip was saying, he is apparently the Chu Prince sent over to serve as a hostage. All in all, an interesting collection of people have gathered here today.
Who will you speak to first?
[] Your cousins: While you could always see your cousins after this, would it not be better to get to know your family now while they are here? While some of them are only the heirs to branch families, their connections could be useful for you in the future. Furthermore, from what you have been told, many of them are already showing great promise for the future. On your father's side of the family, there is your cousin Ri Teki is said to be rather skilled with the bow. On your mother's side of the family, your cousin Jo Sei has been apprenticed to your mother to learn the arts of diplomacy as she is already showing the potential to bloom into a great beauty, while your second cousin Jo Man is being trained to follow you into the military. Altogether, they are an interesting group.
[] The heir to the Ou family: Within the State of Qin, while the 4 Great Families have immense influence in the field of politics when it comes to those who stand near the top of the military, you can always find a member of the Ou family within Qin's Generals. You would do well to approach the heir to the family that General Ouki belongs to if nothing else establishing a relationship with him could potentially benefit your father's military career if not your own in the future.
[] General Mougou's son: Even though General Mougou has only recently ascended to his position, he is already being seen as a rising star within the Qin military, most of all for his immense strength. After having watched his son defeat opponent after opponent in challenges of strength, you can see little to indicate that his son is any different from him in that regard. While the Mou family may be newly landed within Qin, their ascendant nature is something that all can see. While you do not doubt your own strength, maybe a show of strength here can endear you to the General's son. After all, while they may be a new family now, who can tell where they will go in the future?
[] The Chu Prince: It is not often that one gets to meet Royalty. Hostage or not, there is plenty to be gained by establishing a connection to one of the courts within the land. Even if he is abandoned here by his State, you can still see that he will be influential in the future. Weirder things have happened when it comes to the game to determine who sits on the throne, and the opportunity to influence a potential King is one you don't think you want to pass up. Besides, at least he appears to be intelligent seeing as he can already read at his age.
You have to admit, your mother went all out when she organized this gathering. Scions from some of the greatest noble families within Qin, and even beyond it, have arrived just for the opportunity to meet and converse with you. This wasn't exactly a surprise to you, considering how your family is one of the Four Great Families of Qin, alongside the Han, Kai, and Ryou.
The space around you was filled with the luxury and splendor one could have if you were one of the wealthy noble families or a great merchant, with all of the guests clothed in expensive robes of silk, and the food and drink fit for the court of any State. Sumptuous roast duck and boar lined one table, while in the section reserved for the adults you could see jars of fine wine. Honestly, you thought this was a bit much for just a simple meeting for you to gain friends, but apparently appearances must be kept when you are a great noble.
This had all started when you asked your mother for a chance to finally make friends your own age. You weren't expecting what should have been a simple meeting to turn into one of the most well-attended gathering of nobles this year. Rather than holding this event at your family's fief, it was decided that your family's manse in Kanyou was both more accessible and prestigious for such an occasion.
In the weeks running up to this, your mother had spent many hours drilling you on the etiquette and manners that were expected of a noble heir. Knowing how important first impressions are, you did not complain about the extra lessons you were given, for the people you were meeting were potentially the future leaders of Qin.
Unsurprisingly, your mother had also turned this occasion into an opportunity to mingle with the current players within Qin politics. While the heirs of these many families or delegations were meeting in the banquet hall, their parents or minders would be making deals and decisions throughout the rest of the manse. Looking throughout the crowd you were not surprised to notice that most of the guests your age were boys, since it was not often that women became the head of a noble house, and also because prospective brides were determined during adolescence.
Though you did not know many of your peers personally, you did have enough skill to learn who was who within the crowd. As you looked around you could see the heir to the prestigious Ou family mingling with some of his family's sworn retainers. Near the back, you saw the son of the newly arrived but respected General Mougou arm wrestling with one of the other boys…so far he has beaten all that have tried to challenge him. Having been introduced to them previously, you could see a group of your cousins, from both sides of your family, playfighting with wooden swords. The most interesting person in the room, in your opinion, is the quiet boy in the corner reading a scroll. While he would not have normally piqued your interest, from what the gossip was saying, he is apparently the Chu Prince sent over to serve as a hostage. All in all, an interesting collection of people have gathered here today.
Who will you speak to first?
[] Your cousins: While you could always see your cousins after this, would it not be better to get to know your family now while they are here? While some of them are only the heirs to branch families, their connections could be useful for you in the future. Furthermore, from what you have been told, many of them are already showing great promise for the future. On your father's side of the family, there is your cousin Ri Teki is said to be rather skilled with the bow. On your mother's side of the family, your cousin Jo Sei has been apprenticed to your mother to learn the arts of diplomacy as she is already showing the potential to bloom into a great beauty, while your second cousin Jo Man is being trained to follow you into the military. Altogether, they are an interesting group.
[] The heir to the Ou family: Within the State of Qin, while the 4 Great Families have immense influence in the field of politics when it comes to those who stand near the top of the military, you can always find a member of the Ou family within Qin's Generals. You would do well to approach the heir to the family that General Ouki belongs to if nothing else establishing a relationship with him could potentially benefit your father's military career if not your own in the future.
[] General Mougou's son: Even though General Mougou has only recently ascended to his position, he is already being seen as a rising star within the Qin military, most of all for his immense strength. After having watched his son defeat opponent after opponent in challenges of strength, you can see little to indicate that his son is any different from him in that regard. While the Mou family may be newly landed within Qin, their ascendant nature is something that all can see. While you do not doubt your own strength, maybe a show of strength here can endear you to the General's son. After all, while they may be a new family now, who can tell where they will go in the future?
[] The Chu Prince: It is not often that one gets to meet Royalty. Hostage or not, there is plenty to be gained by establishing a connection to one of the courts within the land. Even if he is abandoned here by his State, you can still see that he will be influential in the future. Weirder things have happened when it comes to the game to determine who sits on the throne, and the opportunity to influence a potential King is one you don't think you want to pass up. Besides, at least he appears to be intelligent seeing as he can already read at his age.
- Location
- USA
arg the choices ...
ether the prince or Qu family ... don´t know which one i should take ...
Just FYI, the mini-turn will continue for awhile no matter who you choose. The only difference is that the opportunity to talk to some of them are time sensitive, meaning it might disappear if you don't act quick enough.
Also, aside from your cousins, the rest of the choices are named characters directly from Kingdom. It shouldn't be too hard to guess who they are.
[X] The Chu Prince
He seems the most likely to be dragged off for one reason or another, followed by the heir to the Ou family.
He seems the most likely to be dragged off for one reason or another, followed by the heir to the Ou family.
- Location
- Philippines
[X] The Chu Prince
- [ ] Shou Hei Kun if I'm correct? Because much as I want for us to talk with the Ou Heir ASAP for connections in what can be considered the toughest motherfuckers in Qin in the manga, we're already trying to get that covered with both our Martial prowess and Technological acuity. Not to mention the looming threat of Ryo Fui sinking his fangs into who would be Qin's GRAND STRATEGIST. Like, holy fuck, man. Much as we want to be a one man army in regards to skill allocation, it nonetheless helps having a literal War Tactics Simulator on our side. Even if we have to help mould him into that. I'm willing to trust in the dice rolls and our diplomacy to get him to think we're on his good side---or legit friends whatever.
- [ ] Otherwise, if that doesn't work, fuck it. We're gonna try and romance the shit out of the Ou family for Military powah.
- [ ] Shou Hei Kun if I'm correct? Because much as I want for us to talk with the Ou Heir ASAP for connections in what can be considered the toughest motherfuckers in Qin in the manga, we're already trying to get that covered with both our Martial prowess and Technological acuity. Not to mention the looming threat of Ryo Fui sinking his fangs into who would be Qin's GRAND STRATEGIST. Like, holy fuck, man. Much as we want to be a one man army in regards to skill allocation, it nonetheless helps having a literal War Tactics Simulator on our side. Even if we have to help mould him into that. I'm willing to trust in the dice rolls and our diplomacy to get him to think we're on his good side---or legit friends whatever.
- [ ] Otherwise, if that doesn't work, fuck it. We're gonna try and romance the shit out of the Ou family for Military powah.
- Location
- USA
Yes, the Chu Prince is indeed Shou Hei Kun. Good luck romancing Ou Sen.
[X] The Chu Prince: It is not often that one gets to meet Royalty. Hostage or not, there is plenty to be gained by establishing a connection to one of the courts within the land. Even if he is abandoned here by his State, you can still see that he will be influential in the future. Weirder things have happened when it comes to the game to determine who sits on the throne, and the opportunity to influence a potential King is one you don't think you want to pass up. Besides, at least he appears to be intelligent seeing as he can already read at his age.
- Location
- Philippines
EZ. All we need is an altar, a random omnipotent being, and a suitably oiled virgin. Everything will go according to keikaku after that.
- Location
- USA
Or you could just talk to him and appeal to his character, but that works too I guess.