[LP CYOA] 傳

[ERYFKRAD]

CA>CB.

About taffing time.

 

[Grimgravy]

I'm telling you guys, first C and Second AB make us that much more like the maniac. We need to resist that as much as possible from the start.
Resistance isn't futile, it's necessary!

 

[treave]

Well it does go without saying how you approach the beasts will have an effect on your psyche, stats aside.

As for the techniques, though, C is ultimately all about breaking bones after grabbing the enemy. All of Zhang's techniques are rather bloody.

 

[Jester]

A. Trapping. By learning to identifying the lay of the land and the tracks of the animals, you placed traps with which you could capture or kill the beasts. To do this you needed a keen eye and a mind for constructing and placing traps. (PER+1, INT+1, Traps+2)
B. Stalking. You turned the jungle into your own playground, hunting the animals that hunted you without their knowledge. Your senses became keener, and your movements quicker. (PER+1, AGI+1, Sneak+2)
C. Head-on assault. You contested the beasts’ territory in a show of strength. You beat them down in a direct fight, though you only managed it after downing copious amounts of alcohol. (STR+1, END+1, Drinking+2)
D. Befriending. In a stroke of rare good fortune, you somehow managed to befriend the animals. Your master was slightly amused at your approach, and proceeded to kill all of your animal friends. You were inspired to compose a great poem to lament their passing. (CHA+1, LUC+1, Artistic Skill+2)

D sound like making Tiger more likeable and deep. C hulk like and hot headed. B calm and silent? A thoughtful and creative?
Hard to tell really don't like C.
How correct i am Treave?

As for the techniques, though, C is ultimately all about breaking bones after grabbing the enemy. All of Zhang's techniques are rather bloody.

Cant we make less bloody version based on our knowledge of pressure points?

 

[Azira]

It's the strength and endurance boosts that clinches it for me. With the neigong skill and this boost, Jing is str 10 capable..

 

[treave]

You'll need to get to pressure point 4 to be good enough to really use it in combat I figure. As for the personalities, I could spell it out if you guys prefer, or let you guys speculate.

 

[m4davis]

CA
Edit: treve I just looked at our character sheet and all I can say is I think I made the right choice

 

[Grimgravy]

I can't believe you guys want to be the wackjob who gets drunk and fights tigers head on. Stat's aside, that's just nuts. Anything but C.

 

[Esquilax]

It's the strength and endurance boosts that clinches it for me. With the neigong skill and this boost, Jing is str 10 capable..

Yep, at an STR 9 with the potential to exceed things further through neigong, Xu Jing would pretty much have the strength of Alexander Karelin, a man who could throw around 120kg men around like ragdolls. Watch this, the man is terrifying:



Another upside of the STR and END boost is that it would allow us to master the Axe as well, so we could have another tool in our arsenal.

I can't believe you guys want to be the wackjob who gets drunk and fights tigers head on. Stat's aside, that's just nuts. Anything but C.

But... we are a tiger! It makes perfect sense to fight other tigers in a bid for dominance, so that we show that we're the alpha tiger and then get all the tiger pussy.

treave, is Xu Jing smart enough to modify some of Master Zhang's techniques so that they aren't all lethal? I figure that INT 7 ought to allow us to make a few changes here. Master Zhang doesn't give a fuck about diplomacy, but I'd rather not kill everyone that we meet.

As for how the stat boosts would change Jing's personality, I have some idea:

A: Jing becomes craftier and more patient.
B: Same as A, but he enjoys the thrill of the hunt and hones his killer instinct further.
C: Learns the power of brute force and intimidation, and how that can be used to his advantage. I doubt it'll make him crazy and forceful like Zhang, but it'll definitely make him comfortable with throwing down. I'd be comfortable with violence too if I was as strong as a grizzly bear.
D: Makes Jing calmer and more compassionate, but perhaps a bit melancholic due to having lost all his animal friends.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Also, fighting tigers head-on means we get a boost to drinking-> DRUNKEN BOXING.

 

[treave]

Edit: treve I just looked at our character sheet and all I can say is I think I made the right choice

Oh, no, character builds are really a matter of personal preference I reckon. I wouldn't say there's an absolute right or wrong choice when it comes to the stats here, there's no rule saying that if you don't min-max and hit the stat cap you are going to certainly lose out. But of course, if you feel that min-maxing will benefit the character more in the long run, and that it would reflect a character you would personally prefer to see, that's just how it is; you can then attempt to max out either strength or agility with this choice.

treave, is Xu Jing smart enough to modify some of Master Zhang's techniques so that they aren't all lethal? I figure that INT 7 ought to allow us to make a few changes here. Master Zhang doesn't give a fuck about diplomacy, but I'd rather not kill everyone that we meet.

Nah, INT 7 won't cut it, you aren't clever enough to change a technique to be less brutal without making it less effective. Maybe parts of the technique with 8, definitely with 9.

But what you can do is that you can hold back in a fight, though it handicaps you a lot more than it would an orthodox fighter because you'll have to be a lot more careful with your attacks, particularly if you're using your unique inner strength. You're learning from the Southern Maniac, so the downside is that if you fight even semi-seriously, your enemy has a chance of being maimed if not killed due to the nature of the attacks you use. It's a drawback you'll have to accept until you grow a lot more skilled.

 

[Smashing Axe]

AA>BA>DA

ie, anything but C

I'd like to increase our intelligence and perception, it'd go far in helping us develop and master our own style of combat. The first C is pretty boring, I'm happy with our strength as it is. I like the idea of facing extremely strong opponents, but being smart and flexible enough to adapt to and defeat them in combat.

 

[Esquilax]

Nah, INT 7 won't cut it, you aren't clever enough to change a technique to be less brutal without making it less effective. Maybe parts of the technique with 8, definitely with 9.

But what you can do is that you can hold back in a fight, though it handicaps you a lot more than it would an orthodox fighter because you'll have to be a lot more careful with your attacks, particularly if you're using your unique inner strength. You're learning from the Southern Maniac, so the downside is that if you fight even semi-seriously, your enemy has a chance of being maimed if not killed due to the nature of the attacks you use. It's a drawback you'll have to accept until you grow a lot more skilled.

Okay, that makes sense. But let's say we have both the Southern Maniac's technique and the technique that it's meant to counter? For example, if we have Zhang's Chuzhan Fist and we discover the Wudang sect's Taiji Fist, with all of that information at hand, surely we'd be able to synthesize our knowledge to create either an altogether new technique or to modify/improve both existing techniques. Our current level of INT would allow us to do that, right?

 

[Grimgravy]

It's the strength and endurance boosts that clinches it for me. With the neigong skill and this boost, Jing is str 10 capable..

C: Learns the power of brute force and intimidation, and how that can be used to his advantage. I doubt it'll make him crazy and forceful like Zhang, but it'll definitely make him comfortable with throwing down. I'd be comfortable with violence too if I was as strong as a grizzly bear.

We already know the power of brute force and intimidation. The Maniac demonstrated all too well when he tried to rip off our arm and abduct us at Laoying and again when he threatened to kill Master Yao (the guy willing to die to save us) to force us to become his apprentice. I don't see the Maniac being willing to make a similar sacrifice for us. We need to maintain our differences or risk being caught up in his mentality.

And do we know the negong skill boost to strength tops out at +1? We may already be str 10 capable.

 

[treave]

Okay, that makes sense. But let's say we have both the Southern Maniac's technique and the technique that it's meant to counter? For example, if we have Zhang's Chuzhan Fist and we discover the Wudang sect's Taiji Fist, with all of that information at hand, surely we'd be able to synthesize our knowledge to create either an altogether new technique or to modify/improve both existing techniques. Our current level of INT to allow us that, right?

It'll take some work; either you do it the difficult and risky way by getting into combat with a nigh unbeatable foe and hope your brain works fast enough under pressure to think up something nice, or you spend a few years off in the mountains practicing to get it right, the way orthodox masters do. If your INT were in the vicinity of 9 or 10, and you had a high level in the corresponding skill, you'd be able to synthesize and improve the techniques quickly in your mind, but that is just theory - your body might not be able to carry it off in practice, forcing you to rework the theory and try again, etc.

Also, it becomes much easier if you have both techniques at a high level, with a high rank of skill (let's say, 8 in unarmed). At your current level and stats, it's not too feasible.

And do we know the negong skill boost to strength tops out at +1? We may already be str 10 capable.

I've decided that the neigong and qinggong skills technically allow your stats to go beyond 10 to represent it as allowing the masters to perform superhuman feats.

 

[Zero Credibility]

I've updated my choice because of my dislike of C. Straight on sounds just like something this fucker would do. D choice on the other hand sounds like something he didn't expect - I like that. The less we become like him, the better as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Esquilax]

It'll take some work; either you do it the difficult and risky way by getting into combat with a nigh unbeatable foe and hope your brain works fast enough under pressure to think up something nice, or you spend a few years off in the mountains practicing to get it right, the way orthodox masters do. If your INT were in the vicinity of 9 or 10, and you had a high level in the corresponding skill, you'd be able to synthesize and improve the techniques quickly in your mind, but that is just theory - your body might not be able to carry it off in practice, forcing you to rework the theory and try again, etc.

Also, it becomes much easier if you have both techniques at a high level, with a high rank of skill (let's say, 8 in unarmed). At your current level and stats, it's not too feasible.

Ah, okay, so if we have a high skill at Sword or Unarmed we can start making shit up with our current level of INT.

I've decided that the neigong and qinggong skills technically allow your stats to go beyond 10 to represent it as allowing the masters to perform superhuman feats.

When we encounter the Ox/Farmer with STR 10 and ridiculous neigong, we are going to be so fucked. Jing versus the drooling retard with 15 STR.

Honestly, I'm not so sure about C now. I think that B strikes a nice balance between cunning and physical ability. The extra point in PER will allow us to detect flaws in our opponent's techniques and perhaps develop counters on the fly, while the extra AGI improves our capacity for qinggong and enhances the whole shadow-warrior thing we are trying to develop. Having AGI 8 will allow us to really become a master at sneaking, and the Shadow Step that we've learned from the nomads will help us at that even further. The extra PER point is useful for another reason; trash-talk. We're charismatic and witty, but being observant will allow us to pick at people's flaws and make them angry and careless once they fight us. Don't underestimate the power of getting in someone's head.

Nevertheless, I'm still with D, because even though LCK is abstract, I think that I'd prefer to become very different from what Zhang expects. Plus, writing a poem for all of our dead animal bros sounds hilarious.

 

[Kipeci]

We were already tied with the Ox Farmer for strength when we started out and haven't had any options for a strength boost until now. I'm not sure how they would have kept up, but lets keep up our strength as the top stat.

 

[Baltika9]

This dude is awesome, no regrets.

“All you need to do is to unshackle your qi from the narrow channels that constrain it. Your qi has transcended the need for a path. The harmony of the Way is heresy to your being. Let your strength flow freely; embrace the discord and chaos, and you will become more powerful than you can ever imagine.”

Anyway, CB gives us potential for 10STR, while 1 point of luck will just mean that the nails we step on won't be rusty anymore. No brainer, really. Since we're probably going to encounter the Wudang disciples in the future sent to take us down, them being the qi specialists, we must know how to take them down.

 

[treave]

Ah, okay, so if we have a high skill at Sword or Unarmed we can start making shit up with our current level of INT.

Pretty much, yes. A prolonged and equal fight between two Great-level exponents usually ends up with one or both sides pulling a new technique out of their ass as they attempt to counter each other. In this case, they might not have raw intelligence, but their experience and technical expertise makes up for it. For a young fighter, he'd definitely need a good INT and PER to play the countering game. I'd probably consider INT 7 and PER 7 as entry-level for this sort of mental match in general, the minimum you need to be considered good at it. Of course, if you lack in perception you'll need to compensate for it in intelligence, and vice versa.

 

[Smashing Axe]

That just makes the case for A all the more stronger. Come on bros, let's make our guy more adaptive, we're physically capable enough, let's ensure we've the smarts to perfect our future mastery.

 

[Kipeci]

Heresy. I want to be the best there ever was, we've come across every single skill bonus more easily than strength except for luck, which has also appeared only once. It's readily apparent that STR bonuses are few and far between when we're this strong already.

 

[Esquilax]

Heresy. I want to be the best there ever was, we've come across every single skill bonus more easily than strength except for luck, which has also appeared only once. It's readily apparent that STR bonuses are few and far between when we're this strong already.

Stat bonuses in general will be extremely rare after this, not just STR. This is our last guaranteed boost, and we may never find another one for a long time, if ever. This applies to all the stats, so I don't see this as a good argument. Bros, I think that we really ought to consider BB. Yes, we won't have the raw strength and toughness provided by A, but what we'll lack in straight-up violence we'll make up for in versatility: we'll be a strong, fast fighter with some perceptiveness at last. This will pay dividends because PER will give us the information we need to actually apply our intelligence, though I admit that I think A is too much on the mental side and not enough on the physical. Our previous stat boost was for INT and CHA, and I'd rather have the AGI boost so that we at least have an improvement to one of our physical attributes, I don't like neglecting it too much.

That being said, I understand the desire to have one thing that our character is unbelievably good at, and STR is the ticket for that. However, I feel that a somewhat broader skill set will allow us to be better overall because we'll have more versatility. It isn't all about brawn here.

 

[Smashing Axe]

Heresy. I want to be the best there ever was, we've come across every single skill bonus more easily than strength except for luck, which has also appeared only once. It's readily apparent that STR bonuses are few and far between when we're this strong already.

treave said there would be two stat bonus opportunities in the last chapter, and now we have received them. Don't count on any more. The reason we didn't get an opportunity to advance strength last time was because we became an apprentice of Yao. If we followed another path the stat combinations would have been different.

 

[Kipeci]

Treave said he'd tell us when we could expect the stat boosts to stop except in extremely rare corcumstances, and that hasn't happened yet, so I'm not going to buy the argument that this is our last chance in general to boost any points.

Additionally, bros, I've read some remarks about how se need to distinguish ourselves more from this master to keep our sanity, but wouldn't it be better to emulate him in some regards? His outlook has in some way played a part in him surviving and thriving to become the Southern Maniac, so I think it's a bit rash to say 'nuh-uh' towards the thought of becoming even a little like him. We're going to be adopting some of his power and techniques, is it not natural that he and his experience will become a part of us that lives on?