[LP CYOA] 傳

[treave]

True, and that's why I see the merit of going to the military city. But you have to understand what that would entail as well: treave can correct me here, but I'm under the impression that travelers don't come to a place like this too often, most of the inhabitants are either locals or military personnel.

It's not that deserted; its strategic location along the Han river means that there are also many transients who are travelling from the Han river to the Yangtze, and to the more populated eastern cities. Since banditry is rife nowadays, Xiangyang has become a rather safe spot for many travellers to pass through on their way along the river.

Regarding the sword; it will look distinctive, but its true value shouldn't be known by most people. All of the Ten Great Swords are at least as old as the Qin Dynasty, and most predate it (that would make them more than a thousand years old at the time of this setting. Yes they are still better than swords created with the latest in Tang metallurgy. Because, uh, something.) The ones who would recognize it on sight would probably only be knowledgeable experts in the pugilistic world or learned scholars. It will attract attention if drawn, of course, but probably not as much as you think.

It's the nuns you gotta worry about.

 

[Nevill]

Have a beer with a Wudang member? Really?

What else do you expect me to say? Enlist in the military, clear our reputation, talk to them? Gift the sword, have the place raided, search the ruins for the manuals? Go ninja, poison their water source, heal them back, ask for the reward?

Go out in the field and start collecting intel - this is the foundation of any plan.

All those eyes on us and an ancient stolen sword in our possession is a terrible combination. So if you're serious about making a good impression there, we should get rid of the Yuchang Sword.

At this point too many people want to keep it , so even if I try to ditch it, I can't.
That means I have to go to Xuzhou... ugh.

Would people in the military outpost actually recognize the sword as the one of The Great Swords? Wouldn't going to a trading hub increase the chances of stumbling upon someone who does know what it is, since we go there for the very same purpose?

 

[The Brazilian Slaughter]

Wait, we won with B?
BULSHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!


Anyway, I'm going with CB. Trying to meet the Taoists now is ridiculous, they will kick us out pronto, we're unorthodox filth. We need more knowlodge, knowlodge.

 

[Cassidy]

CA

That sword will inevitably mean trouble considering the protagonist's bad luck, and it's not like better ones won't be ever found later, while balls are irreplaceable.

 

[Baltika9]

Edit: flopped.
Wonder if we can return the sword to it's rightful owners later. Surely recovering an ancient artifact is worth at least one technique and a good word among the orthodox sects. In regards to castration nuns, I think the old-timers are just fucking with us.
Edit: although, 1B will let us sneak a chat in with Princebro.

 

[Storyfag]

Nice that we somehow made the acquaintance of the Beggars regardless.

Choices and Consequences, biatch!

Anyway, CB. Lots of good reasons for that

Also lots of good reasons for AB, therefore flop.

 

[Nevill]

Would hate to see all those letters go to waste. CB it is.

 

[Kipeci]

AB

CB, never mind the flop on the next page.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

WUDANG Wudang.

 

[Esquilax]

Wait, we won with B?

I told you bro, B was the right call, and I'm glad that we went with it. A was too high-level and complicated, but we knew that Rong was unaccustomed to killing, not particularly clever, and easily angered. Piss him off and he becomes predictable. It doesn't matter if he's technically a better swordsman, if you bait your opponent into doing exactly what you want him to do, then countering is easy.

Well, actually, now that treave clarified things, I suppose that taking the sword is just high-risk no matter where we take it. It's just a dangerous thing to do no matter where we bring it, so we'll be going full YOLO if we do so no matter where it is. A group of scholars is as likely to know about the sword we're carrying as a bunch of military brass would be, so I guess it's a huge issue either way. Nevill is right on this point.

However, if we do get chased after by the Castration Nuns - Baltika9, I'm fairly sure that the old-timers weren't fucking with us - it's a good thing that Jing is a charming guy who has a way with the ladies:

Emei Sect
The Mount Emei nuns are known for their strict observance of celibacy and pure thoughts. They specialize in the use of whips, swords and throwing weapons.

Those poor students. Stuck in a convent all day, having their desires so deeply repressed like that. Now, it would sure be a shame if some rakish young man were to come along and fill their heads with all sorts of filthy, unpious thoughts, wouldn't it?

 

[Baltika9]

Those poor students. Stuck in a convent all day, having their desires so deeply repressed like that. Now, it would sure be a shame if some rakish young man were to come along and fill their heads with all sorts of filthy, unpious thoughts, wouldn't it?

Yes, very bad. I'm sure Yao will not object if we have just a little peril.
Let's do it.

 

[Nevill]

A group of scholars is as likely to know about the sword we're carrying as a bunch of military brass would be

More likely, actually. The military brass you can find in an outpost do not usually concern themselves with stuff from dusty old books.

Emei Sect
The Mount Emei nuns are known for their strict observance of celibacy and pure thoughts. They specialize in the use of whips, swords and throwing weapons.

Use of whips, us being a masochist... you are definitely onto something here.

 

[Baltika9]

Well, in the interests of being objective and not just bandwagoning this:

B. Luoyang City. One of the main capitals of the Tang dynasty, though Chang’an serves as the current residence of the Emperor. The Shaolin Temple is located on Mount Song, close to Luoyang.

Going near the Emperor's court will probably let us reestablish contact with Shun, catch up with our bro (he may be able to help with our sword problem, either getting us some sekkrit Archive knowledge or just showing us to someone who'll pay us a good price for it, whichever one we want) and, most importantly, capitalize on our seedy reputation and check out any assassins stalking him, this may be our opportunity. That, and we never know what kind of delegation the Emperor is receiving nowadays, perhaps some wolves from up north will wander in.

As for the military settlement, it has one solid merit: if we get in good with the military, they'll teach us some no-bullshit combat skills. Instead of puzzling through poetry and couplets and meditating on them excessively, they'll teach us how to stay alive. Soldiers fight dirty and creatively, just like us, so that's a nice synergy. Also, I think they're one of the only guys that can help us raise our STR score to a perfect 10, if we want that (I definitely do). Besides which, yeah, it's close to Wudang, so we'll probably get some chances to make friends up there. Not saying we''l just have a beer with a disciple and he'll bring us up there "cuz yerr such a good *hic* guy", more likely we'll be taking care of someone's dirty business in exchange for contacts, but it's an opportunity and it may be worthwhile. Sitting on pills to avoid dying isn't sitting all that good with me.
This has nothing to do with spears, I swear.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

Emei Sect
The Mount Emei nuns are known for their strict observance of celibacy and pure thoughts. They specialize in the use of whips, swords and throwing weapons.

 

[Jester]

Wait, we won with B?
BULSHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!

And A was dead end.

 

[Azira]

Let's go to a major trade center, and keep the sword. One of the Ten Great Swords? Sounds too important to pawn off, even if the castration nuns will be looking for Jing.

CB

 

[Baltika9]

Regarding the sword; it will look distinctive, but its true value shouldn't be known by most people. All of the Ten Great Swords are at least as old as the Qin Dynasty, and most predate it (that would make them more than a thousand years old at the time of this setting. Yes they are still better than swords created with the latest in Tang metallurgy. Because, uh, something.) The ones who would recognize it on sight would probably only be knowledgeable experts in the pugilistic world or learned scholars. It will attract attention if drawn, of course, but probably not as much as you think.

It's the nuns you gotta worry about.

Keeping it isn't nearly as much trouble as some are assuming. So long as we don't use it too publicly, I don't think the nuns will know that someone recovered it.

I dunno, learning some neat tricks from a bunch of crusty old veterans sounds pretty good to me (the younger guys will just know the basic drills and techniques taught to them, the older guys will have been in a few life-or-death struggles where they had to think on their feet), it'll definitely give us an edge in fights and increase our chances of survival, as opposed to meditating on poetic texts. Jing is really coming into the image I had of him as an improvisational fighter, well these guys can probably help us capitalize on that. They are also bound to have specialists on many weapons (it's the military, after all) and swords will definitely be on the list. It also gives us the edge on our competition, they don't teach that shit in monasteries and assassin organizations.

 

[Baltika9]

In fact, that does sound pretty good. Consider: we're only young once and the military guys will definitely be able to teach us physical skills. I think we absolutely must have a stat group we excel in and for Tigerbro that stat should be STR, since we're just two points away from maxing. All our styles depend on how fast and hard we can hit the other guys, even our creation reflects that (will we be able to name it later, @treave?)

Self-Taught Style.
Level 1: Pine-Cutting Sword - A swift, direct lunge aimed at overwhelming the opponent with strength and speed. Modified from the first step of the Songfeng Swordplay.

I'm not slamming poetry and warrior-scholars (those guys are awesome), but we can always visit a library, increase our even further (we're sufficiently for now; any more and we might be mistaken for a nob ) and decipher texts later. Once we get our second stat boost, that's it, our chance is pretty much gone*.

Besides which, yeah, military raining seems right up Jing's alley. He fights like a commando: fast, aggressive and brutal with stealth thrown into the mix. I'm not saying we join the military and get yelled at by drill sergeants for being a smartass (had enough of that at the palace, I reckon); but I am saying we'd do well to get in good with them and butter some old crusty vets to teach us some tricks they learned from fighting for their survival. Tricks a monk or assassin definitely won't know; that will automatically increase our chances of survival; also, they will definitely have at least a few weapon masters around, if the militarily-minded prefect is any indication. That, and they'll also be able to teach us how to drink like a man.

Then there's also the issue of Wudang being nearby: it's iffy, but being that close to them, a chance is just bound to present itself. We'll probably be taking care of work they don't want to be caught doing in exchange for favors, but the last two updates made it abundantly clear Jing isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, so long as it isn't completely degenerate. I don't know about you guys, but I don't like the thought of sitting on pills to stay alive, surely it's better to at least take initiative and attempt to get in there than wait around for fate to be kind with us (not like she ever will be).
*Unless we stumble across some forbidden techniques like self-castration. We're aiming to be Khan, though, so that kinda excludes it. A Khan without balls, for real? We need a strong dynasty! And I doubt our future lovers/harems will be that happy about it either.


Going for AB, since treave's explanation made it clear that the sword will only bring us trouble if we'll act retarded about using it and that can happen with any choice we make.

 

[Nevill]

We need to know what the hell is going on and how - or if - the ancient sword we carry ties into in. Unorthodox schools are on the move - first, an assasination attempt on the prince, then a failed takeover. It could be a coincidence, or it might turn out to be connected. We need to learn about the overarching plot, if there is one, before we stumble upon it blindly. We need information. Trading hub and a learning house would be perfect for this.

If we refused the lure of fixing our qi, which is our top priority, I am sure the military training can wait.

 

[Esquilax]

Nevill, we didn't know about our qi issue until we met Master Yao. We haven't "refused" to fix our qi, we just haven't had the opportunity yet. A seems like the best bet for hints, but Yao told us that even the Taoists wouldn't be able to fix us completely. Though of course I'm more than happy with a partial fix.

Baltika9 makes some really good points. If we want to know the most about the sword with the potential of deriving techniques based off it, going to one of the Tang capitals seems to be the best bet. Being around military types will expose us to a lot of different types of fighters and sharpen our skills when it comes to dealing with other swordsmen and spear-wielders. Getting a friend among the Wudang would make it perfect.

Something that's occurred to me is that the Wudang sect has a technique that seems like a great counter to the aggressive, overwhelming style that we're beginning to develop. Might help to at least be acquainted with them:

Self-Taught Style.
Level 1: Pine-Cutting Sword - A swift, direct lunge aimed at overwhelming the opponent with strength and speed. Modified from the first step of the Songfeng Swordplay.

The Taoist priests on Mount Wudang have developed techniques based around Taiji. Harmonizing yin and yang, Wudang emphasizes mastery of balance as its initiates learn how to redirect the flow of their opponent’s attacks. Sword and unarmed techniques are the staple of Wudang.

It seems like fighting a Wudang practitioner would be a terrible match-up for us. I think that their style is designed to defeat our style, so maybe learning a few tricks will allow us to refine our techniques a bit.

Luoyang City. One of the main capitals of the Tang dynasty, though Chang’an serves as the current residence of the Emperor. The Shaolin Temple is located on Mount Song, close to Luoyang.
...
All of the Ten Great Swords are at least as old as the Qin Dynasty, and most predate it (that would make them more than a thousand years old at the time of this setting. Yes they are still better than swords created with the latest in Tang metallurgy. Because, uh, something.)

treave, I'm assuming based on the description that the Emperor doesn't reside here? But does the Crown Prince? The Emperor strikes me as a sort of superstitious fellow who is pretty isolated, so it's quite possible that the Prince is somewhere else. Are we aware of any Imperial libraries that would be here that might allow us to dig something up about the sword?

Nevertheless, I just don't think we should keep the sword unless we can find some information on it or actual techniques to build around it. This would best be done through learning the sword's history, which is where A is a little awkward. There are scholars among the military who no doubt have a ton of info and background on the Ten Great Swords, but it seems like B or C would be a better bet as far as pure knowledge.

And I'm also concerned about which location would effect our next - and final - stat boost. We already went for a CHA/INT boost last time, so I think we should go for a STR/AGI or END boost for our next opportunity so that we can really have an attribute that we are amazing at. Cao'er has her Immortal's Eyes, and we should have an equivalent, if possible. I dunno if sitting in a classroom and reading poetry will be as conducive to improving our natural talent at ass-kicking, however.

 

[Baltika9]

It's not just about military training, it's also about increasing our stats down the line as well. And going there will definitely give us some chances to interact with the Wudang. Nobody abandoned the idea of fixing our qi, we just took a slight detour from it.
As for the library, yes, it will definitely have some knowledge, manuals and manuscripts on ancient history but so what? Texts and books aren't really a substitute for first-hand knowledge and like I said before, what the military will teach us will just mesh with Jing: strike to kill the other guy before he kills you. Sounds like our guy.

We need to know what the hell is going on and how - or if - the ancient sword we carry ties into in.

Uh, where's this coming from? This just sounds really paranoid, bro. The sword was hidden in the Songfeng heirloom sword (probably stolen from the nuns and hidden) and we just had the relatively poor luck of just stumbling across it.

 

[Nevill]

Nobody abandoned the idea of fixing our qi, we just took a slight detour from it.

That's what I meant. If we are putting this on hold, other matters can certainly wait.
Actually, nevermind. It isn't decided yet.

The sword was hidden in the Songfeng heirloom sword (probably stolen from the nuns and hidden) and we just had the relatively poor luck of just stumbling across it.

The sword is sought after. Why? The school was nearly taken over by an unorthodox sect. Is there a connection?
We are conducting an investigation on unorthodox sects, remember? Wandering around the country with Yao didn't bring us much closer to solving the case. Let's go to the place where information flows freely. We messed up our chance at this with beggar network already.

 

[Baltika9]

Nobody abandoned the idea of fixing our qi, we just took a slight detour from it.

That's what I meant. If we are putting this on hold, other matters can certainly wait.

Actually, part of my argument for going there is so we can actually get closer to accomplishing that. Like I said, sitting on pills doesn't sit right with me.

The sword was hidden in the Songfeng heirloom sword (probably stolen from the nuns and hidden) and we just had the relatively poor luck of just stumbling across it.

The sword is sought after. Why? The school was nearly taken over by an unorthodox sect. Is there a connection?

We don't really have proof of anything here. For all we know, Junior pulled strings and got poison from them and tried to get his daddy school a little faster. If how carelessly he handed us the sword was of any indication, he definitely doesn't know what's going on with it. I'm just saying that's paranoid.

Also, if you want to go investigate the assassin cults and other unsavory elements after the prince, I'd say 1B is definitely the way to go. The Emperor's current home is there and I'm pretty sure Shun will be somewhere around.

 

[Nevill]

Actually, part of my argument for going there is so we can actually get closer to accomplishing that. Like I said, sitting on pills doesn't sit right with me.

Yeah, so was mine when I voted AB. Then I decided that I'd like to know about the sword first. Then I thought that it was already set in stone. Critical logic failure, tends to happen at 2 AM.

We don't really have proof of anything here.

We don't. That is why we investigate. Paranoid? Maybe. The prospect of castration does that to people. If we keep the sword - and I don't see this changing, looking at the votes - we'd better know what is the deal with it.

Also, if you want to go investigate the assassin cults and other unsavory elements after the prince, I'd say 1B is definitely the way to go. The Emperor's current home is there and I'm pretty sure Shun will be somewhere around.

Chang’an is the current residence of the Emperor. Finding a way to contact Shun from Luoyang seems like a long, long shot. And we don't have anything to report yet.

Besides, this is a town/school choise, and I don't want to have anything to do with Shaolin.

 

[Baltika9]

We don't really have proof of anything here.

We don't. That is why we investigate. Paranoid? Maybe. The prospect of castration does that to people. If we keep the sword - and I don't see this changing, looking at the votes - we'd better know what is the deal with it.

To be fair, this isn't the EPIC setting, so it's not like it'll start sprouting tentacles and sucking out souls. Right now, it's a sword, and well made one at that. Better than reading about it, I'd love to learn how to use it. And Esquilax made a good point: a military city is a good place to find a dude interested in legendary weapons.

Also, if you want to go investigate the assassin cults and other unsavory elements after the prince, I'd say 1B is definitely the way to go. The Emperor's current home is there and I'm pretty sure Shun will be somewhere around.

Chang is the current residence of the Emperor. Finding a way to contact Shun from Luoyang seems like a long, long shot. And we don't have anything to report yet.

That's the closest we'll be able to get to him for a while, though, and I bet if the Emperor is there, then Shun with his relatively recently broken arm will be there too. Establishing contact now has it's merits. For one, we'll be able to do so easier in the future and we'll also get to catch up with him, see if he had any more attempts or leads.

That, and he's our bro. Dude must be dying of boredom without us.