*comment REMOVE *save_checkpoint *temp val 0 *temp months 12 *temp conversion 0 *temp bbuffed false *temp librarybonus 0 *temp discount 1 *temp bingo 0 *temp skillmanbought 0 *temp libraryelem false *temp skillgain 0 *temp sealname "" *temp racercool false *temp bannedfromsageshop false *temp stolenscroll false *temp racemethod "" *temp agifirstchoice false *temp chubonus 0 *temp desletter 0 *temp lastsoultreasure true *temp factotumblessing true *temp noshugendo true *temp deadsnake 0 *temp grimdamage 0 *temp jinjured false *temp maidenbang 0 *temp priestbang 0 *temp slavesreturned false *temp lifter 0 *set chapter 3 *if (sonarmode) [b][Chapter 3][/b] *else *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ap-chapter-three.png [b][i]In which life offers reprieve,[/i][/b] *line_break [b][i]A rival's hand is forced,[/i][/b] *line_break [b][i]And a perilous journey begins.[/i][/b] *line_break A life of weakness is a curse and a blessing. Those who live it face a meager existence plagued with danger and uncertainty. Those who leave it face a hunger pushing them onward with unrivaled determination. The future is reserved for those who fight further. *page_break *set chispent 0 *set powspent 0 *set forspent 0 *set agispent 0 *set solspent 0 *gosub_scene quicks timepass *if (infused = 1) *set months - 1 The next morning you shake off the fading memories of a bad dream and enjoy a Beast-egg omelet prepared according to Big Chu's odd recipes that Mother insists on cooking (thanks Mother). *if (subrace = "Bovine") "This isn't right!" Protests Rin. "Cows don't eat eggs, they eat plants!" Mother rolls her eyes. "If you want to eat plants, honey, you can go out in the yard." Jin's ears perk up. "Whu-that's not fair! I want to go play in the yard!" [b]"Go, both of you."[/b] Father says. When the twins finish running out the door Father gives a disapproving look and hands their portions to you. [b][Big Chu's Cooking Bonus: Aura Pressure +5][/b] *set aurapressure + 5 *else [b][Big Chu's Cooking Bonus: Aura Pressure +3][/b] *set aurapressure + 3 Afterwards you spot the twins doing some training of their own out in the yard. *if (subrace = "Bovine") Getting a better look at *else Seeing your siblings nearly full-grown and garbed in white training gi makes you almost not recognize the twerps you grew up with. Rin's been keeping her hair shorter lately, like a dusting brush, and you've heard gossip that she's trying to steal the boyfriend of some short-haired Thunderfall Sect girl. *set val (age - 2) Jin on the other hand has shaved his head. *if (hairlength = "Bald") Glorious. *else Weird. *if (((yokaitrait1 = "cat ears") or (yokaitrait1 = "wolf ears")) or (yokaitrait1 = "fox ears")) *if (hairlength = "Bald") Except for *else Especially with his *if (yokaitrait1 = "fox ears") Kitsune *else Yokai ears. By the Ancestors, [i]why[/i] did he shave the ears?! It looks...so wrong. Plus his *else His neck isn't thick enough to make him look tough yet, but he has time to fill out. They're both only ${val}. From the way they're sparring it seems your first Advancement lit a fire under their asses and their hair paid the price. *if (race = "Kitsune") Father is displeased at their growing power. If any of you manifest a second tail your charade is over, but you're unconcerned. You're Warrior Caste now and, oddly enough, entrenched in local politics between Khan and Mao. You doubt Khan would throw his trump card away over a technicality like you being a mythical Spirit-Beast. You nod in approval at your siblings and leave your house to deal with... Nothing. No more chores, no more missions, no more disasters, no more distractions. Most of your childhood was spent under Father's tutelage or desperately seeking power. Once you finally had power, the Magistrate himself dictated your fate. Then Big Chu became your sensei, of a sort, and took charge of your life for the next painstaking year. There was always some adult hanging over you, but now everyone is busy preparing for the Trials with Tian Fang, who [i]would have[/i] been dictating your fate as your new trainer...but you were banned from that training. Even Mao is refusing to give you missions. For the first time in a long time, you have the whole day to yourself. Probably even the whole year. You're your own ${manwoman}. *set wounds 0 *set agispent 0 *set forspent 0 *set powspent 0 *set solspent 0 *set chispent 0 *goto firstchoice *label Next_trainingseason *set wounds 0 *if ((months <= 11) and (chubonus = 0)) *label Next_chubonus *gosub_scene quicks timepass [b][Big Chu's Cooking Bonus: Aura Pressure +3][/b] *set aurapressure + 3 *set chubonus + 1 *goto Next_trainingseason *if ((months <= 8) and (chubonus = 1)) *goto Next_chubonus *gosub_scene quicks timepass *if ((months <= 5) and (chubonus = 2)) *goto Next_chubonus *gosub_scene quicks timepass *if ((months <= 2) and (chubonus = 3)) *goto Next_chubonus *gosub_scene quicks timepass *if ((months < 12) and (roc = 1)) *goto Next_rochatch *if (((months < 12) and (roc = 0)) and ((desletter = 0) and (desrep > 50))) *goto desletter1 *elseif ((months < 7) and ((desletter = 0) and (desrep > 50))) *goto desletter1 *if (months <= 7) and (earthlyprowess > 0) *goto Next_pilldone *if (months <= 0) *if (roc > 0) *set roccombat + survival *set buggin 0 *finish Only ${months} months remain until the Heavenly Ascension Trials and you need to make sure you're ready for them. Your preparations may be the difference between victory and defeat. *label firstchoice *choice *if (months >= 3) *disable_reuse #Train with Jin [3 Months] *set jincombat + 2 *if (((weightedclothing > 0) and (equippedoutfit != "Weighted Clothing")) or (weightedclothing > 1)) Do you give Jin a pair of weighted clothing for his training? *choice #Yes. *set jincombat + 1 *set weightedclothing - 1 Training #No. Training *else Training Jin is supposed to be a charity case in which you spend your time improving his Aura Pressure by putting him through the trials you faced under Big Chu. Instead it becomes a nonstop training course for [i]you[/i] every time he messes up or trips or endangers himself, forcing you to rush in and save him time and time again. Months into his training he fails to leap an eight-foot chasm on a karst hill and falls, forcing you to surge your Agility Core and catch him. *set agispent + 1 *set agiexp + 1 You've had enough. If he can't survive a single basic test on his own then he can go home and hide behind the walls, and you let him know it, until you suddenly stop. Jin doesn't seem ashamed of his failures. Quite the opposite, he's laughing while you yell at him. And he's not even sweating. Oh that little shit. He's been faking it! "No. There's no way in Hell..." You say with doubt verging on anger. "Heavens above, I can't believe you fell for it so long!" Jin wheezes through his laughter, "I bet Rin I could convince you until the end, don't tell her you found out." *if (jinaura) The grey whisps of his aura shine brighter and he leaps back across the chasm with ease. "I've been training my aura control with you. My real workouts are at night." *else His legs glow white as he leaps back across the chasm. "I've had an aura for months." You release a slow breath through your nose. Jin's been a brat but maybe this wasn't a waste after all. "How long have you been training in secret?" Jin's eyebrows twist and his lips open in an especially stupid expression, as if you asked the obvious, and you realize you have. "Since Jack beat the shit out of me in front of my family. Duh." *set val (20+jincombat) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (weight >= chapter) *line_break *set val round(((power+athletics)*1.5)+jincombat) [b][Weighted Clothing Bonus: Aura Pressure +${val}] *set aurapressure + val *set val 0 *if not (jinaura) [b][Your(?) mentorship has unlocked Jin's aura.][/b] *set jinaura true *set months - 3 *set shards + (commerce * 6) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (months >= 3) *disable_reuse #Train with Rin [3 Months] *set rincombat + 2 *if (((weightedclothing > 0) and (equippedoutfit != "Weighted Clothing")) or (weightedclothing > 1)) Do you give Rin a pair of weighted clothing for her training? *choice #Yes. *set rincombat + 1 *set weightedclothing - 1 Training #No. Training *else Training with Rin is like herding cats. You tell her she needs to take a hit to the gut to toughen her Fortitude Core, and she dodges at the last second with a laugh. You want to train her Soul Core so you study tirelessly to learn how to generate a weak but sustained field of chi to batter her spirit for hours, and she purposefully gets sprayed by a skunk so you can't stand to be within range. You order her to climb a tree and catch a bird to train her Agility Core, and she throws down birdseed to bring the birds to her. You assemble a massive pile of rocks and tell her to move them across town to work her Power Core, and she has some neighborhood boys do it for her. What's baffling is her Aura Pressure is [i]still going up.[/i] *page_break Finally one day you catch her making out behind a stable with some Oni boy, a younger Thunderfall student who joined after you. *set metrin + 1000000000 It all clicks in your mind. She's been convincing him to give her Advancement Elixirs. *set val (age - 2) In your head this would never happen, she's a peasant and a baby. It didn't really dawn on you until now that she's already ${val} and technically joined the Warrior Caste when you did, which means she outranks even the Merchants. At some point when you weren't looking, your sister became a catch for the boys in town. Gross. *set val 0 You clear your throat and they both jump, startled. The Thunderfall student stutters something and dashes off in a flash of green by surging his Agility Core. As if you wouldn't recognize him at practice. "Half." You say when the boy is gone. Rin gets up and adjusts her hair, looking smug. "Half of what?" She replies, "I have no idea what you're talking about." "I want half the elixirs he's been giving you or I'm telling Mom and Dad." "You wouldn't!" She staggers back, all confidence lost. "I gladly would." *set val (30+rincombat) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (weight >= chapter) *line_break *set val round(((power+athletics)*1.5)+rincombat) [b][Weighted Clothing Bonus: Aura Pressure +${val}] *set aurapressure + val *set val 0 *if not (rinaura) [b][Your(?) mentorship has unlocked Rin's aura.][/b] *set rinaura true *set months - 3 *set shards + (commerce * 6) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (months >= 2) *disable_reuse #Train with Kosuke [2 Months] *set kosukecombat + 2 *if (((weightedclothing > 0) and (equippedoutfit != "Weighted Clothing")) or (weightedclothing > 1)) Do you give Kosuke a pair of weighted clothing for ${bffhisher} training? *choice #Yes. *set kosukecombat + 1 *set weightedclothing - 1 Training #No. Training *else Training with Kosuke is a cool refreshing breeze compared to your usual training methods. The two of you simply *if (kosukeaura) power up your auras and duel in the town's public sparring ring, like the good old days at your tenth birthday. The only difference is this time you're in the Thunderfall Sect and have the rights to claim it as many times as you want for free, and when it's taken you just use the field outside of town. When that's taken, you use the forests. *if (bffromance >= 1) The main benefit of the forest is you get some privacy. No wandering eyes to catch you...training together. You basically spend the entire time in the forest. *set bffromance + 1 *if (weight >= chapter) Though ${bffheshe} [i]does[/i] complain that you refuse to take your weighted gear off. *set val (22+kosukecombat) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (weight >= chapter) *line_break *set val round(((power+athletics)*1.5)+kosukecombat) [b][Weighted Clothing Bonus: Aura Pressure +${val}] *set aurapressure + val *set val 0 *if not (kosukeaura) Weeks later you awake with a pounding headache to someone shouting outside at 2am. "Finally! My time has come!!" It's coming from your window, already opened by someone else. Your spiritual senses warn you of an unfamiliar power nearby and they're right. Kosuke is standing just outside your window covered in a blazing white aura like your first Advancement. "FINALLYYY!!!!" $!{bffheshe} shouts again, laughing with a crazed look in ${bffhisher} eyes. "Shut up!" Shouts a waking Rin down the hall, "Some of us are trying to sleep!" [b][Your mentorship has unlocked Kosuke's aura.][/b] *set kosukeaura true *set months - 2 *set shards + (commerce * 6) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (months >= 1) and (buffersbarrier) *disable_reuse #Teach Buffer's Barrier to Kosuke, Rin, and Jin. [1 Month] You sit Kosuke, Jin, and Rin down in the middle of the woods and go over the practical applications of Buffer's Barrier, how its meant to be the equivalent of "bruising" your spirit so it heals by growing back stronger. It takes longer than you thought. Jin always complains about ants, Rin always sneaks ants *if (race = "Yokai") onto Jin's tail, *else down Jin's shirt, and Kosuke skulks away constantly to look for bigger ants. After a week of this you realize you're essentially just hanging out with them all during lunch break. It's fun, but you have Trials of life and death coming. You don't need fun. You need results. When you quit they beg you to come back and promise to take it seriously. Eventually the trio does figure out the principles and how to pull it off. You walk them all through the process and it's worth it in the end when their Aura Pressures noticeably rise the very next week. *set apval 10 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set jincombat + 1 *set rincombat + 1 *set kosukecombat + 2 *set months - 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (months >= 1) and (skillgain <= 2) #Improve upon your Skills. [1 Month] Learning true mastery will require better teachers, but you still have room to improve on many of your Skills with practice. Which skill do you focus upon? *choice *if (alchemy <= 2) #Alchemy *set alchemy + 1 [b][Alchemy +1][/b] *if (athletics <= 2) #Athletics *set athletics + 1 [b][Athletics +1][/b] *if (craft <= 2) #Craft *set craft + 1 [b][Craft +1][/b] *if (deception <= 2) #Deception *set deception + 1 [b][Deception +1][/b] *if (handseals <= 2) #Handseals *set handseals + 1 [b][Handseals +1][/b] *gosub_scene quicks fuuinjutsudescription *if (insight <= 2) #Insight *set insight + 1 [b][Insight +1][/b] *if (lore <= 2) #Lore *set lore + 1 [b][Lore +1][/b] *if (perception <= 2) #Perception *set perception + 1 [b][Perception +1][/b] *if (persuasion <= 2) #Persuasion *set persuasion + 1 [b][Persuasion +1][/b] *if (stealth <= 2) #Stealth *set stealth + 1 [b][Stealth +1][/b] *if (survival <= 2) #Survival *set survival + 1 [b][Survival +1][/b] *if (thievery <= 2) #Thievery *set thievery + 1 [b][Thievery +1][/b] #Nevermind *goto Next_trainingseason *set months - 1 *set skillgain + 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *goto Next_trainingseason *if (heshe = "he") *selectable_if ((months >= 4) and (noshugendo)) #Attune your soul to an Element [2-4 Months] [Dangerous!] *goto elementbugaloo *elseif (heshe = "she") *selectable_if ((months >= 3) and (noshugendo)) #Attune your soul to an Element [2-3 Months] [Dangerous!] *goto elementbugaloo #Earn Funds [1 Month] As a disciple of the Thunderfall Sect the village's needs come first, and any paying jobs offered through the barrack's mission board should take priority over personal work. But everyone is hungry for as much of a lead as they can get in the Heavenly Ascension Trials, meaning that missions disappear from the board as soon as they get added. You decide it's time to go freelance. *choice *disable_reuse *selectable_if ((power >= 3) or (craft >= 2)) #Build homes outside the village. [Power/Craft Check] The Magistrate has total say over what's built within the village walls and he's made it very clear that his design for Thunderfall is not to be interfered with. However, he hasn't said anything about areas outside the walls. Perfect for you. With a small crew put together you find a buyer among the travelling caravans in less than a weekend. Between your combat prowess letting you fight off mundane predators, the village's vicinity fending off supernatural predators, and your *if (power >= 3) physical might allowing you to lift the heaviest support beams and wall logs, *else fine craftsmanship leading the designs, it takes almost no time at all to finish a set of sturdy walls to secure safety for the house. Once your walls make it safe for the laborers they come in and get most of the busywork done. The house is finished up within weeks and you all take your cut. *set prestige + 1 *rand val 200 250 *set val + ((power * 10) + (craft * 20)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards] *set Shards + val *set val 0 *disable_reuse *selectable_if ((agility >= 3) or (perception >= 2)) #Scout trade routes for the merchant caravans. [Agility/Perception Check] Word of the Heavenly Ascension Trials is bringing in more and more trade caravans charging for Advancement resources at a premium and hauling off mass-sold goods bought dirt cheap from desperate Martial Artists. For most competitors of the Trials the entire caravan situation was a financial bloodbath. For you it was a job. The roads have become ripe with banditry and it's become more important to find the trouble [i]before[/i] the caravans get to it, so their guards can contest the assailants while the merchandise and weaker merchants are safely out of explosion distance. That's where you come in. Your job is to scout ahead and report back any threats. It's easy money for weeks until a sniper Technique nearly takes your head off with a finger-thick beam of energy on your patrol. If it wasn't for your *if (agility >= 3) quick reflexes *else keen senses this job could have been your last. With your warning the other guards are able to loop around and kill the attacker. Turns out it's not even a bandit, just some storm elemental that didn't like the feel of your Aura Pressures in its territory. You call it quits after that and stash away your earnings in the tiny Silver coins that the caravans carry. *set prestige + 1 *rand val 2000 2500 *set val + (((agility * 150) + (survival * 50)) + (perception * 100)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Silver] *set silver + val *set val 0 *disable_reuse *selectable_if ((fortitude >= 3) or (athletics >= 2)) #Dive for lost treasures under the lakes. [Fortitude/Athletics Check] Some secrets are best kept to yourself. That's what you thought when you were drudging ships up from the bottom of the lakes during Big Chu's training and found a cache of silver coins. Big Chu was timing you so you had no chance to dive down and look for more, but you always thought about that precious horde of untapped treasure. Just how many boats have sunk in your nearby lakes and rivers with merchant goods in them? Initially you were worried about aquatic Beasts but you're *if (fortitude >= 3) tough enough to deal with them by now. *elseif (athletics >= 2) a fast swimmer. *else [ERROR] The next month is spent diving in every lake you can find and taking out anything shiny or useful to drag over to whichever merchant caravan is visiting. You can't believe the haul you take in. *set prestige + 1 *rand val 2000 2750 *set val + ((fortitude * 100) + (athletics * 200)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Silver] *set silver + val *set val 0 *disable_reuse *selectable_if ((soul >= 3) or (handseals >= 2)) #Enchant mystic seals for the village's Sage. [Soul/Handseals Check] The local 'witch', Hag Mabel, is the usual go-to for charms, talismans, and seal tags, at least for most of your life. It feels strange when she tells you to piss off back to the Sage and that she doesn't serve upper castes or want your apprenticeship. You'd never even talked to the Sage before. In fact, your attempt to speak to the Sage gets denied. It's not until later in the night that your spiritual senses detect an oddity at your door. You open it and outside is a circular swirl of wind with two glowing eyes. A wind elemental. It spits an envelope out at you and departs into the sky. Curious and confused, you read the note. *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ac-linebreak-top.png [i]${fullname}, [i]I am a busy woman. Too busy to meet. *line_break [i]I appreciate your desire to aid me, your control of chi could be of use. Please find the ritual instructions attached and use them every 100 feet along the walls to reinforce our protections. [i]Sage of Thunderfall *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ac-linebreak-bottom.png Several dumbfounded seconds pass as you read through the letter's contents in disbelief. This is Hag Mabel's handwriting. Sigil designs and lists of handseal sets are written on a second piece of paper. You shrug and get to work, the old woman's weird ways are none of your concern. The task imposes a heavy tax on your spirit and you need to recharge every few hours, but it only takes a few weeks to line the entire city walls with the Sage's ritual enhancements. It would have taken months if not for your *if (soul >= 3) high reserves of chi. *elseif (handseals >= 2) mastery over handseals. *else [ERROR] *set apval 4 *gosub_scene quicks apboost Later that night, a bag of shards appears on your windowsill. *set prestige + 1 *rand val 200 250 *set val + ((soul * 15) + (handseals * 15)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards] *set shards + val *set val 0 *disable_reuse #Guard Duty The merchant shops and caravans are working overtime with the Heavenly Ascension Trials on their way and everyone wants a cut from the incoming foot traffic. While the rest of the work around Thunderfall has been taken already due to so many other Martial Artists trying to pile up resources, the Guard Duty options and rates have actually [i]increased[/i]. You take on a few week's worth of shifts watching over a jewelry shop to keep an eye on customers, desperate Warriors, and the constantly revolving guests from the caravans that fill the Merchant Square. *set val (((perception * 10) + (persuasion * 10)) + 150) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *set shards + val *set val 0 When your month-long contract finishes the shop owners approach you. "Excuse me *if (heshe = "he") Mister *else Miss ${clan}, we'd like to thank you for all your hard work and, if possible, we'd like to employ the protection of the ${clan} Clan as full-time guards." A Clan contract? Was this a Warrior Caste thing? You'd never thought of running anything like that...It's not like you have a lot of relatives to use as minions like most Clans do. But it is appealing. Obviously you can't be doing guard duty full time, you've got to prepare for the Heavenly Ascension Trials and this was supposed to be a one-time gig for some funds, but maybe... *choice #Choose Jin to work as a store guard. Jin doesn't make a fuss about essentially being drafted because the pay is passable. You're glad to see he buys a chain shirt with his first paycheck. At least the kid has some sense. *set jincombat + 1 *set prestige + 1 *set commerce + 1 You take your cut and don't bother him, much. [b][Item Gained: 60 Shards][/b] *set shards + 60 *if (subrace = "Cat") [b][Race Event: Cat Yokai][/b] Much to your surprise, Jin actually manages to catch a string of thieves who strike at night. They must have forgotten the guard was a Cat Yokai and could see them through the shadows just fine in moonlight. Kosuke complains at Jin for ruining ${bffhisher} gig and arresting ${bffhisher} co-workers, but you can't complain about the extra money the businesses send your way to get more of Jin's attention. [b][Item Gained: 40 Shards][/b] *set shards + 40 *set prestige + 1 #Choose Rin to work as a store guard. Rin takes to the job like an executioner. Not in some symbolic way. She spends her first paycheck on an executioner's axe. *set rincombat + 1 *set prestige + 1 *set commerce + 1 You take your cut and don't ask why she got it. [b][Item Gained: 60 Shards][/b] *set shards + 60 *if (subrace = "Cat") [b][Race Event: Cat Yokai][/b] Much to your surprise, Rin actually manages to catch a string of thieves who strike at night. They must have forgotten the guard was a Cat Yokai and could see them through the shadows just fine in moonlight. Kosuke complains at Rin for ruining ${bffhisher} gig and arresting ${bffhisher} co-workers, but you can't complain about the extra money the businesses send your way to get more of Rin's attention. [b][Item Gained: 40 Shards][/b] *set shards + 40 *set prestige + 1 #Choose Kosuke to work as a store guard. The merchants turn their nose up at Kosuke, recognizing the beggar, but ${bffheshe} says you're all a bunch of amateurs and that ${bffheshe} has spent ${bffhisher} entire life in the market stalls. Unlike the unprepared, ${bffheshe} knows exactly what to look for and exactly who not to trust in town. And it turns out ${bffheshe}'s right. One week into the new job Kosuke catches a late night break-in and gets the thieves arrested. Your family gets a sizeable bonus from the town, it seems the thieves had a bounty on their heads. *set prestige + 2 *set kosukecombat + 1 *set commerce + 1 [b][Item Gained: 100 Shards][/b] *set shards + 100 #Turn it down, you cannot speak on behalf of others. *set honor + 10 *if (background = "Herbalist") *disable_reuse #Brew potions Father's business is profitable because he can go to the swamps where some dangerous entities hunt only for Aura Pressures. Father's business is not profitable [i]enough[/i] because he doesn't have the chi to finalize any of his potions, so he usually sells the ingredients to proper alchemists. But now you have the chi, and he can still traverse the swamps. Together, you make one exclusive alchemist. As a duo you two are able to make a major profit increase in your father's business by having him collect as many materials as possible and having you spend all your daily chi on finalizing his potions and imbuing them with mystic power. You have no energy for training every day due to the massive demand of spiritual power, but what you have instead are the lion's share of profits. *rand val 100 200 *set val (val + (50*alchemy)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *set shards + val *set val 0 *line_break *set apval 6 *gosub_scene quicks apboost With your skills you're even able to keep enough ingredients to brew something for yourself. *choice #Brew a Healing Potion [b][Item Gained: Healing Elixir][/b] *set healingelixir + 1 #Brew a Low Grade Power Pill [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Power Pill][/b] *set lgpowpill + 1 #Brew a Low Grade Fortitude Pill [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Fortitude Pill][/b] *set lgforpill + 1 #Brew a Low Grade Agility Pill [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Agility Pill][/b] *set lgagipill + 1 #Brew a Low Grade Soul Pill [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Soul Pill][/b] *set lgsolpill + 1 *if (background = "Blacksmith") *disable_reuse #Craft high-grade metals in father's forge. There's no time or resources to craft pure masterpieces for funding or use, and neither you nor Father would know where to begin on another piece of Soul Treasure equipment. What you can do, however, is infuse your chi into the metal to harden it and give it spiritual weight. Father buys and refines the ore, the two of you form the ingots together, and you push all your chi normally used for training into the ingots instead. The result is enough ingots with enhanced durability and heating point for someone else to make Soul Treasure equipment...after they pay you for your quality materials. As a good bonus, pushing your chi to its limits during the forging gives you a new kind of spiritual workout. *rand val 100 200 *set val (val + (50*craft)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *line_break *set shards + val *set val 0 *set apval 12 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (background = "Trapper") *disable_reuse #Tan Beast hides into proper leather. Every disciple of the Thunderfall Sect was out collecting Soul Treasures from any Beast they could find. Most wanted the Soul Treasure and the smart ones knew to harvest as much of the creatures as possible, such as the meat for Yokai or the bones for herbalists. Your advantage comes in when people try to sell the hides to merchants. Sure, a Beast hide is useful, but you make sure that every Warrior knows you've been trapping, skinning, and tanning since you were a child. If they wanted to make more money, they needed you. And you needed a cut. To your shock it actually works. Any sense of pride or condescension is lost the second that you're a resource to their immediate needs. Even Crusher Mao has a few pelts for you to treat. After a month of tanning you get your cut of the profits from each sale and even a few Advancement Elixirs from the armory when some Martial Artists can't pay up. *rand val 100 200 *set val (val + (50*survival)) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *set shards + val *set val 0 *line_break *set apval 12 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (background = "Merchant") *disable_reuse #Father offers to sell his store. "Are you insane?!" Rin interrupts when Father proposes selling the family shop. "No, I'm investing." Father says, "Passing these Trials is our chance at untold opportunities, far more than some dinky shop, but for any of you to pass we need every edge we can get." He looks on you with pride and sincerity, "$!{name}, I want to give you the advantages that I know the other Warrior parents are giving to their kids, and I can't do that by selling everyday wares. I've spoken to some of the other merchants and they're willing to buy my store from me and the whole inventory with it. Most will go towards debt payments but I want you to take the rest." "What about us?" Asks Jin. Father shrugs. "That's up to your ${patriarch}." He takes his dishes away, chuckling as Jin and Rin glare at you. Mother sneaks out that night to steal a brooch she likes from the store's inventory. Unfortunately, being the ${patriarch} means you legally have to lead negotiations. The legal terms are strange to you at first but Father helps you through the process and after weeks of back-and-forth with other Merchants, your family finally walks away storeless but with a sizeable coffer. *rand val 5500 6500 *set val round(val * (0.6+(Persuasion * 0.2))) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Silver][/b] *set silver + val *set commerce - 2 *set val 0 *disable_reuse *selectable_if ((race = "Oni") or (handseals >= 2)) #Exorcise a spirit from a village home. [Requires Oni or Handseals 2] Truthfully you only get added to a list of potential candidates for exorcism jobs. To train for it you begin practicing hand seals and inhaling specially prepared incense in a dark room for days at a time. Long nights spent imbibing the strange smoke and practicing chi control through your handseals has left your spirit feeling strained but stronger. *if (handseals = 0) [b][Handseals +1][/b] *set handseals + 1 *gosub_scene quicks fuuinjutsudescription *line_break *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *else *set apval 5 *gosub_scene quicks apboost Near the end of the month a messenger reports that you do in fact have a task to complete. A family's house on the outskirts of the village has been having dark nightmares and seeing strange phenomenon, and the Sage is too busy to deal with it. She wants to send you. You get to the house and enter alone, the family waiting outside. They give you the key and say they'll be waiting outside, wishing their blessings upon you. The moment you walk into the home you hear a rumbling voice in your head. *if (heshe = "she") *set demonheshe "he" *set demonhisher "his" *elseif (heshe = "he") *set demonheshe "she" *set demonhisher "her" *if (race = "Oni") "Ah, an Oni! So glad to see a friendly face. *else "Ah, a ritualist! So glad to see an expert in such a disappointing community. Have you come to aid my possession of the young *if (heshe = "she") man *elseif (heshe = "he") woman in this household? The other locals certainly aren't so amiable. I believe your leaders want me dead." "Aid you?" You ask, not expecting this turn of events. "Why yes," the disembodied voice replies directly into your mind, *if (race = "Oni") "We are of the demonic source, you and I. *else "And why would you not? We are both ambitious and capable. I am in need of assistance and you are in need of Advancement. Two seeds in a garden of opportunity. We could do great things together." *choice #"No, spirit, I've come to exorcise you." *set honor + 2 *set metjahi + 2000000000 #"...What will you give me?" *set honor - 2 The voice laughs in your head. "That is the proper question for a worthy *if (race = "Oni") demonic descendant. *else practitioner of spiritual cultivation. I will grant you my aid, and a fraction of my power, if you can protect me from the gaze of your Sect." *if ((alchemy >= 1) or (handseals >= 1)) *if (alchemy >= 1) [b][Alchemy Check Passed][/b] *line_break "I have just the concoction for that." You say casually, "It can mask your demonic essence as human aura potential." *elseif (handseals >= 1) [b][Handseals Check Passed][/b] *line_break "I have just the ritual for that, it should guard your presence from detection." But you quickly wonder...do you want to? "Then by all means." Says the voice, "let us be friends." *choice #"Hm...No." [Exorcise the spirit.] "I have a counteroffer." You say as you begin the exorcism to scatter the spirit's essence to the four winds. *set metjahi + 2000000000 #"The best of friends." [Aid the spirit in possessing the Human.] *set honor - 12 *set ruthless + 4 *set metjahi + 1000000000 It's easier than you thought. By inverting the ritual circle you were supposed to cast and hiding it under a rug, you're able to trick the young *if (heshe = "she") man *elseif (heshe = "he") woman of the family outside into coming into the house. *if (heshe = "she") He's a handsome village boy *elseif (heshe = "he") She's a pretty village girl about your age and you feed the rest of ${demonhisher} family a line about "familial attachment" being important for the exorcism ritual's completion. Once ${demonheshe} follows you in, alone, and steps over the circle ${demonheshe} doesn't even have time to scream when red lightning cracks through the rug and overtakes ${demonhisher} body. Lines of glowing crimson light project from ${demonhisher} mouth, eyes, and ears in a silent wail of the damned. The entire room glows an ominous dark red for that long moment while ${demonhisher} soul is scorched away as fuel for the demonic possession. Then it stops, as quickly as it had begun. *if (heshe = "he") *if (portraitpics) *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/Jahi.jpg *else *if (portraitpics) *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/Jahi-M.jpg $!{demonheshe} opens ${demonhisher} eyes slowly and smiles, looking down at ${demonhisher} hands and flexing the fingers. "Oh my, this is good. This is [i]very[/i] good." the demon speaks in two voices, one a *if (heshe = "she") bold young man's *if (heshe = "he") soft young woman's and one an echoing ancient croak like stone on stone. $!{demonheshe} clears ${demonhisher} throat and continues in only the host's mortal voice. "You've done me a great service, mortal. I am Jahi, and I always honor my deals." "As you must, being a demon and all." You reply, "I'll take that power you promised now." The attractive young *if (heshe = "she") man gives a full bodied laugh that seems so genuine. *if (heshe = "he") woman laughs in a pleasant, soothing tone. "You will indeed. We cannot have my new closest friend going out in such a dangerous world without protection. Whatever would I do without you?" *if (demonheshe = "she") $!{demonheshe} flutters ${demonhisher} eyes at you and leans closer, whispering in your ear. "Choose one of your Cores, favorite mortal, and I will grant you my blessing." *else $!{demonheshe} steps closer to you, pressing you back with his presence, and places ${demonhisher} hands on your arms while keeping his stern gaze down into your eyes. Finally he leans in close to whisper in your ear. "Choose one of your Cores, favorite mortal, and I will grant you my blessing." *choice #I need more power! [Increase Power] *set power + 1 [b][Aura Pressure +100][/b] *line_break [b][Aura Pressure allocated to Power Core][/b] *line_break [b][Power Core +1][/b] #I want to be invincible. [Increase Fortitude] *set fortitude + 1 [b][Aura Pressure +100][/b] *line_break [b][Aura Pressure allocated to Fortitude Core][/b] *line_break [b][Fortitude Core +1][/b] #I will be the fastest ${manwoman} alive. [Increase Agility] *set agility + 1 [b][Aura Pressure +100][/b] *line_break [b][Aura Pressure allocated to Agility Core][/b] *line_break [b][Agility Core +1][/b] #Chi is the currency of this world, I want to strengthen my spirit. [Increase Soul] *set soul + 1 [b][Aura Pressure +100][/b] *line_break [b][Aura Pressure allocated to Soul Core][/b] *line_break [b][Soul Core +1][/b] *set aurapressure + 100 *set allocatedap + 100 Jahi places a hand on your lower stomach gently. $!{demonheshe} meets your eyes while gliding ${demonhisher} fingers in a circle, then leans in close to your ear, biting it while ${demonheshe} whispers, "You might enjoy this." Then the pain begins. You hold back a howling shriek because your clients are just outside, and Jahi knows it. $!{demonheshe} looks back into your eyes and savors the expression, smiling innocently as your jaw tightens, face reddening from holding back a blood curdling scream. Jahi pushes harder. A rush of energy surges into your body, forcing your Cores into submission, crushing them to make room for another layer, and even through the pain you feel shock and concern when you detect no demonic taint from the 'blessing'. Just what did you release upon these lands? *page_break Thankfully it ends as quickly as it begins and Jahi pulls ${demonhisher} hand back. "I hope that didn't hurt [i]too[/i] much, my favorite." "No. N-hng-Not a bit." You try to say confidently. "Good. Now I think it's time we separated," Jahi says, examining ${demonhisher} fingernails, "for now. I will tell my 'parents' that you did such a wonderful job, and you will go on to do whatever it is you mortals do. Should I find you useful again then I will do exactly that...find you." *if (race = "Oni") With that *if (heshe = "she") he *else she turns to leave, pauses with a *if (heshe = "she") hand on his chin, *else finger on her lips, and turns around. "This host was inexperienced, *if (heshe = "she") his *else her mind has no recollections of seduction experience. It's a skill I will need to achieve most goals." *set metjahi + 100000000 "What does that-" You reply, immediately rushed by the demonic entity as *if (heshe = "she") he *else she grabs you by the collar and plants a burning kiss onto your lips. Your eyes widen when *if (heshe = "she") his *else her tongue gets involved, and *if (heshe = "she") he *else she doesn't pull away for several seconds. You freeze in fear as the creature's energy burns too close to your body. *if (heshe = "she") He *else She rips *if (heshe = "she") his *else her lips away from your mouth just as abruptly and nods in satisfaction, *if (heshe = "he") wiping a bit of her makeup off your lips. "That will do, my favorite. I knew it was a simple matter. You are dismissed now." Feeling more dazed *if (heshe = "she") and flushed *else and confused than ever, *else With the pain still fresh you couldn't agree more and make a quick exit, receiving many thanks from Jahi's "parents" on your way out. You take your payment and head home faster than your normal pace. [b][Item Gained: 250 Shards][/b] *set shards + 250 *set months - 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *else *set honor - 3 *if (ruthless < 50) "Sorry, I *else "I don't know anything that can do that." "A pity. Well then, get on with your exorcism." "Seriously?" you ask. "You wished to aid me but are too weak. I have already been detected, my plans are foiled. The only thing I have to gain here is your advancement so that one day you may be of use. They'll send someone else if you fail, so succeed in your task and continue to infiltrate institutions for our people." Cold, calculating, and oddly refreshing. More importantly, the demon's plans benefit you. "As you wish." You reply. *set metjahi + 3000000000 *set demonheshe "Exorcised" *set demonhisher "Exorcised" It was never intended that you contest a spirit's will as a mere student, your real job is to activate a large ritual seal inscribed onto a scroll from the armory. The scroll unravels on the floor and you recite the incantations while invoking its 7-symbol handseal rotation 88 times, all the while the entity screams and shakes the room in pain. At the 88th casting it stops. Your senses reach out and detect no presence of the entity any longer. Many trials in this world come with complications that you could never have predicted, but not this one. You report to the family outside with a confident stride. "Threat neutralized." [b][Item Gained: 250 Shards][/b] *set shards + 250 #Nevermind *goto Next_trainingseason *set months - 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (buffersbarrier) and (bbuffed = false) #Train Alone Using Buffer's Barrier [1 Month] With time to yourself you practice the Buffer's Barrier Technique gained from the hidden notes in the library. It's easier to execute than you expected. When you thought of "folding your aura" you imagined folding a piece of paper in half, but that isn't the case. The instructions instead have you grip your willpower upon the top and bottom halves of your aura, holding your lower half still and pulling the top half down over it to cause resistance where it's double-layered at the middle, like stretching a shirt down so it covers your pants. The resulting strain is instantaneous, alarming, and exactly what you want. Nerve-racking quakes rock your soul like it's suffering spiritual damage, but not in a corrosive way. Your own aura compressing itself at the middle feels similar to how your body feels when you're struck by a chi-infused blow. Hit, but not injured. You catch your breath and try again, repeatedly, and find the meditation almost as rewarding as nonstop duels. It's perfect. Meditation becomes your new norm for an entire month as you push Buffer's Barrier against your soul. *set val ((athletics*2)+30) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set val 0 *set bbuffed true Your only regret is that the rewards dwindle as each day passes. You finally give up when your soul grows used to the sensation and no longer considers it an attack, ending your results. According to the instructions you'll be able to use this Technique again when enough time has passed. You can hardly wait. *set months - 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *else #Train Alone [1 Month] Waterfall meditation, strength training, and speed training are good foundational skills to have, but they don't excel you like other methods might. Blood, sweat, and tears drive you forward as you fear falling behind your rivals...which are just about every empowered youth in the entire Outer West. *set val (10 + athletics) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (weight >= chapter) *line_break *set val (4 + (athletics * 2)) *if (style = "Midorikatai") *set val + 1 *if ((bodytype = "Muscular") or (bodytype = "Dommymommy")) *set val + 1 *if ((element1 = "Earth") or (element2 = "Earth")) *set val + 1 [b][Weighted Clothing Bonus: Aura Pressure +${val}] *set aurapressure + val *set val 0 *set months - 1 *set shards + (commerce * 2) *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *if (months >= 2) *disable_reuse #Hunt for Soul Treasures [2 Months] Finding Soul Treasures is a matter of timing, scouting, and fighting. Plant-based Soul Treasures are rare and weak in your lands, and you aren't the only one suddenly looking for spirits or Beasts for their Soul Treasures. Anything with an aura around your village is suddenly being hunted by the other Martial Artists and most of them are stronger than you. With every passing day there are less to find. That problem bothers you for hours in bed at night as you ponder how to outperform your fellow warriors, since you're all suddenly rivals for the Trials. Turning weaknesses into strength sounds good as a theory, but how do you turn your literal weakness into...Oh yes, that could work. A devilish grin passes over your face. You sleep soundly with your plan in mind and approach Big Chu the next morning. *page_break "You want us to hunt together?" Big Chu asks as you find him outside a ricebowl stand at the markets, "$!{name}, I taught you the basics because I was ordered to, that's all. We are not allies nor are we family. I can hunt for Soul Treasures on my own so why would I split my spoils with you? You are weak." *if (ruthless >= 54) The fat bastard is starting to grate on your nerves already *else A little hurtful, but you keep going. *if (honor > 50) *set churep + 2 "Exactly, Master Chu. *else "That's the whole point. [i]Everyone[/i] is hunting for Soul Treasures right now. Anything with an aura out in the wild is dead or in hiding, but their instincts still tell them to feed." "So do mine." Big Chu says through a mouthful of his breakfast. He doesn't add anything else, instead taking another bite after. "Don't you get it? Everything weak is getting scared off or not worth it, everything strong is too big of a problem, and those in between, the ones we [i]want[/i] to hunt, are going to hide from you, all of you. Your auras are too strong and familiar." Chu looks up at you with a raised eyebrow. "But yours..." You nod, he's catching on. "Exactly, mine looks new and tasty." "So you will be the bait, and I will be the killer hiding in wait...Hm, that is not a bad plan. Not for me. Very well, we will meet outside the southern gates in one hour." *page_break The plan works perfectly. *set churep + 4 You spend the next four weeks wandering the wilderness two miles ahead of Big Chu. He follows your aura's trail so he can always get to you, and you flare your aura when attacked so he knows to hurry. The two of you hunt down a couple malicious wind spirits, a mud elemental, a pack of firewolves, and an enormous two-tailed monkey that Big Chu cleaves in half with his axe. He calls it quits after a close call with something that swims through the ground. You never got a good look at it, but its fangs or claws or tendrils dug into his calf from below without warning and dragged him under. By the time he broke off its hold with a ground-shaking blast of chi he was buried 15 feet under ground and swearing up a storm. The flaw in your plan was that the stronger creatures you were avoiding took your bait as much as the midrange ones did. Still, your haul is a good one by the end of it. You spend hours cycling your half of the Soul Treasure trophies and receive a significant boost in strength. *set val round(((((perception * 8) + (survival * 12)) + (insight * 8)) + (athletics * 8)) * (months / 9)) *if (40 > val) *set val 40 *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if (weight >= chapter) *line_break *set val round(val / 10) *if (7 > val) *set val 7 *set val + athletics [b][Weighted Training Bonus: +${val} Aura Pressure][/b] *set aurapressure + val *set val 0 *set shards + (commerce * 4) *page_break *set months - 2 *goto Next_trainingseason #Visit the Market [0 Months] *label purchaseoptions Markets are abuzz with Martial Artists and travelers after news of the Heavenly Ascension Trials hit the streets. Caravans work double-time to bring every resource, both legitimate and less so, to any village with Martial Artists willing to pay. You travel through the market square where the typical storefronts surround the bazaar of caravan stalls and weigh your options. *choice #Convert currencies to Shards Your town lacks a proper Bank but many merchants offer conversions for a small fee. As you're of the Thunderfall Sect disciples, the locals do it for free. *choice *selectable_if (silver >= 10) #Convert silver to Shards. "Of course, Honored Warrior," says the young woman working a stall for pottery, "It takes 10 Silver to equal 1 Shard. How many Silver would you like to convert?" Current Silver: ${silver} *input_number conversion 0 silver *set bingo (conversion modulo 10) *set conversion - bingo *set silver - conversion *set shards + (conversion / 10) *selectable_if (gold >= 1) #Convert gold to Shards. "Of course, Honored Warrior," says the young woman working a stall for silverware, "1 Gold is worth 10 Shards. How many Gold would you like to convert?" Current Gold: ${gold} *input_number conversion 0 gold *set gold - conversion *set shards + (conversion * 10) #Nevermind. *goto purchaseoptions *goto purchaseoptions *selectable_if (bannedfromsageshop = false) #Visit the Sage's Shop. *label sageshop As a Laborer child you only had Hag Mabel's hut to go to for various herbal remedies and faulty charms, but as a member of the Warrior Caste within the Thunderfall Sect you and your family have access to more potent charms, scrolls, and hexes that make up the sage's side of cultivation. Incense, seal tags, holy waters, shards of cursed Beast bones, and exotic inks line the shelves of this store alongside entire rows of sealed scrolls that contain valuable instruction on various Seals. Several items catch your eye in particular: •Scrolls that teach the Auspicious Northern Seal. [+1 Temporarily to Craft, Perception, or Survival] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Auspicious Southern Seal. [+1 Temporarily to Deception, Stealth, or Thievery] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Auspicious Western Seal. [+1 Temporarily to Athletics, Insight, or Persuasion] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Auspicious Eastern Seal. [+1 Temporarily to Alchemy, Handseals, or Lore] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Soulsoak Imbuement. [Give a weapon its own chi pool for various effects] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Counterseal. [Undo certain existing Seals or Curses] *line_break •Scrolls that teach the Hungry Spirit Seal. [Reduces the cost of cycling Shards and increases AP gained from Gates.] *choice *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 8) #Purchase Ritual Components. [8 Shards] How many would you like to purchase? *set bingo (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) modulo 8) *set bingo ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) - bingo) / 8) *input_number val 0 bingo *set ritualcomponents + val [b][Item Gained: ${val} Ritual Components][/b] *set val (val * 8) *gosub_scene quicks costcalc val *set val 0 *set bingo 0 *selectable_if (ritualcomponents > 0) #Sell Ritual Components. *set bingo (3 + persuasion) *if (bingo > 8) *set bingo 8 The young sage's apprentice takes a moment from binding scrolls to look through your collection of expensive inks, blessed seal tags, incense, and cursed animal bones. "Hmm." She says, adjusting her spectacles. "These seem fine quality. The owner says I can't offer more than ${bingo} Shards for each." How many would you like to sell? (Currently Owned: ${ritualcomponents} *input_number val 0 ritualcomponents *if (val > 0) *set ritualcomponents - val [b][Item Lost: ${val} Ritual Components][/b] *line_break *set bingo * val [b][Item Gained: ${bingo} Shards][/b] *set shards + bingo *set val 0 *set bingo 0 *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((hungryspiritritual = 1) and (handseals >= 1)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 45)) #Purchase the Hungry Spirit Seal scroll. [45 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *set hungryspiritritual + 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Hungry Spirit Seal)][/b] *if ((race = "Oni") or (race = "Kitsune")) *line_break *if (race = "Oni") [b][Racial Bonus: Oni connection to spirits][/b] *else [b][Racial Bonus: Kitsune connection to spirits][/b] *line_break [b][Cost to cycle Shards reduced even further.][/b] *set hungryspiritritual + 0.35 *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((northwindritual = 100) and (handseals >= 1)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 110)) #Purchase the Auspicious Northern Seal scroll. [110 Shards, Requires Handseals 1] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 110 *set northwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (northwindritual <= 0) *set northwindritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Auspicious Northern Seal)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((southwindritual = 100) and (handseals >= 1)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 110)) #Purchase the Auspicious Southern Seal scroll. [110 Shards, Requires Handseals 1] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 110 *set southwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (southwindritual <= 0) *set southwindritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Auspicious Southern Seal)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((westwindritual = 100) and (handseals >= 1)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 120)) #Purchase the Auspicious Western Seal scroll. [120 Shards, Requires Handseals 1] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 120 *set westwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (westwindritual <= 0) *set westwindritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Auspicious Western Seal)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((eastwindritual = 100) and (handseals >= 1)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 120)) #Purchase the Auspicious Eastern Seal scroll. [120 Shards, Requires Handseals 1] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 120 *set eastwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (eastwindritual <= 0) *set eastwindritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Auspicious Eastern Seal)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((wep1enchantritual = 100) and (handseals >= 2)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 165)) #Purchase the Soulsoak Imbuement scroll. [165 Shards, Requires Handseals 2] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 165 *set wep1enchantritual (8 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (wep1enchantritual <= 0) *set wep1enchantritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Soulsoak Imbuement)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((countersealritual = 100) and (handseals >= 3)) and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 180)) #Purchase the Counterseal scroll. [180 Shards, Requires Handseals 3] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 180 *set countersealritual (5 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *if (countersealritual <= 0) *set countersealritual 1 [b][Seal Learned!! (Counterseal)][/b] *disable_reuse *selectable_if (stolenscroll = false) #Steal one of the scrolls. Robbing a store full of mystical Seals is a great way to get cursed, but you have decided it's in your best interest. The Auspicious seals seem more plentiful and get less attention by the two shopkeepers patrolling the store, but the Soulsoak Imbuement scrolls are each kept behind glass cases. The real prize, the two Counterseal scrolls, are even kept behind the desk where the sage looks over the shop. Stealing them would take a great deal more stealth but could be worth it in the long run. Which scroll do you try to steal out from under the watchful eyes of the shopkeepers? *set val 5 *label monkeylizardbonus *choice *disable_reuse *selectable_if (hungryspiritritual = 1) #The Hungry Spirit Seal. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 0 *set sealname "Hungry Spirit Seal" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (northwindritual = 100) #The Auspicious Northern Seal scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 1 *set sealname "Auspicious Northern Seal" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (southwindritual = 100) #The Auspicious Southern Seal scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 1 *set sealname "Auspicious Southern Seal" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (westwindritual = 100) #The Auspicious Western Seal scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 1 *set sealname "Auspicious Western Seal" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (eastwindritual = 100) #The Auspicious Eastern Seal scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 1 *set sealname "Auspicious Eastern Seal" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (wep1enchantritual = 100) #The Soulsoak Imbuement scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 2 *set sealname "Soulsoak Imbuement" *disable_reuse *selectable_if (countersealritual = 100) #The Counterseal scroll. *if (val != 5) *set val 10 *else *set val 3 *set sealname "Counterseal" #Nevermind. *set stolenscroll false *goto sageshop *if (val = 10) [b][Seal Learned!! ${sealname}][/b] *gosub learnnewseal With a second scroll wrapped around your tail it's definitely time to get out of the shop. You can always come back later when things have calmed down, but a fire and two missing expensive scrolls means Guards are on the way. *page_break Time to go. *goto purchaseoptions *set stolenscroll true *if (stealth >= val) [b][Stealth ${val} Check Succeeded][/b] If there's one thing a sage's shop has in quantity it's flammable material. Not wanting to damage the shop too badly you decide on the empty Seal Tags to burn, placing a few crumpled pieces underneath a stack of paper and using a flint to set them on fire without alerting any Martial Artists nearby. By the time the pile starts smoking you've already moved to a different part of the store. All it takes is for someone to shout "Fire!!" for you to get into action. All eyes will be split between the fire and the shopkeepers, so you move smoothly to always be on the other side of the store from the shop owners as they run to put out the fire. That's when you nab the ${sealname} scroll out from under everyone's nose. [b][Seal Learned!! ${sealname}][/b] *gosub learnnewseal *if ((subrace = "Reptile") or (subrace = "Monkey")) *if (stealth >= val) [b][Race Event: ${subrace} Tail][/b] As you're leaving the store it's hard not to take advantage of the distraction. An average thief would be satisfied with their success but that's because the average thief only has two good limbs for robberies. You're better than that. You've got a flexible tail. On the way out your tail wraps around a secondary scroll and picks up... *goto monkeylizardbonus *else Unfortunately a fire and *label expensivemerch expensive missing merchandise is the perfect recipe for Guards to show up. You can always come back later when things calm down but for now it's time to make yourself scarce. *page_break Time to go. *goto purchaseoptions *else [b][Stealth ${val} Check Failed][/b] *if ((subrace = "Reptile") or (subrace = "Monkey")) [b][Race Event: ${subrace} Tail][/b] *line_break [b][Failure Becomes Success!][/b] Despite all eyes on you and a fumbling presence, you find your prehensile tail able to wrap around one of the scrolls without anyone noticing. It helps that they keep their eyes on your hands, the fools. [b][Seal Learned!! ${sealname}][/b] Unfortunately *goto expensivemerch *else As you stealthily maneuver through the shop you manage to slip a scroll into your satchel when you think no one is looking. Unfortunately, someone [i]is[/i] looking. Just as you step out of the doorway your body seizes up, paralyzed, as a Warding Seal on the entrance activates and drains every ounce of energy from your body with hostile Yin chi. "Another theft?" Asks a female guard near the door, a Thunderfall Lower Disciple...Who turns out to be Jack's female crony. "It seems so." Says one of the shopkeepers. "A month in the prison will sort ${himher} out." "Let's hope so." Says the guard as she lifts your over her *if ((bodytype = "Handsome") or (power >= 5)) shoulder, copping a feel as she does so. *else shoulder. "I always knew you were stupid, $!{name}, I'm just glad I get to prove it. Jack's going to [b]love[/b] hearing about this." Your paralyzed body is hauled off to the jail for the next month and despite all your goals and aspirations, steel bars are nothing to scoff at. You serve the entire month sentence against your will. Kosuke visits, which is nice, but Father and Mother visit even more which is much worse. They subject you to talks about how disappointed they are in you. *set months - 1 *set chispent 0 *set agispent 0 *set forspent 0 *set powspent 0 *set solspent 0 *if (wounds > 0) *set wounds - 1 *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *goto purchaseoptions #Leave the store. *goto purchaseoptions *if (bannedfromsageshop) *goto purchaseoptions *else *goto sageshop #Visit the Apothecary. *label Next_apothecary The Apothecary's shop is run by an Oni family that is locally famous for their intrinsic knowledge of all local saps, herbs, and roots in the surrounding wilds. It makes sense, since they planted most of them. *if (background = "Herbalist") Father once mentioned apprenticing for their family when he was young. Shelves line the store with jars of powders and extracts, but the real goods are the potions that they mix on-order in the back. You browse through the menu to find anything of use. Many of the on-order refinable elixirs are crossed out due to high demand but there's plenty of alchemy reagents that you can use to refine your own when you get more recipes. The inventory listing at the storefront mentions healing elixirs that can cure your wounds and low grade Core Pills that can replenish your Combat Cores after you've had to exert them. *choice *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 8) or ((race = "Oni") and (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 7))) #Purchase Alchemy Reagents. [8 Shards] How many would you like to purchase? *if (race = "Oni") *set bingo (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) modulo 7) *set bingo ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) - bingo) / 7) *else *set bingo (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) modulo 8) *set bingo ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) - bingo) / 8) *input_number val 0 bingo *set alchemyreagents + val [b][Item Gained: ${val} Alchemy Reagents][/b] *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][${val} Shards saved][/b] *set shards - (val * 7) *else *set shards - (val * 8) *set val 0 *set bingo 0 *selectable_if (alchemyreagents > 0) #Sell Alchemy Reagents. *set bingo (3 + persuasion) *if (race = "Oni") *set bingo + 1 [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][Sell Price Increased by 1 Shard][/b] *if (bingo > 8) *set bingo 8 The Apothecary's Oni apprentice, likely their son, looks through your collection of dried plants, liquids, and mineral powders. "If the shop's ledgers are right, judging by the quality I see here I can give you ${bingo} Shards for each." How many would you like to sell? (Currently Owned: ${alchemyreagents} *input_number val 0 alchemyreagents *if (val > 0) *set alchemyreagents - val [b][Item Lost: ${val} Alchemy Reagents][/b] *line_break *set bingo * val [b][Item Gained: ${bingo} Shards][/b] *set shards + bingo *set val 0 *set bingo 0 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 100) and (healingelixir <= 3)) #Purchase a Healing Elixir. [100 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Healing Elixir][/b] *set healingelixir + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][10 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 90 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 100 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 50) and (lgagipill < 2)) #Purchase a Low-Grade Agility Pill. [50 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Agility Pill][/b] *set lgagipill + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][5 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 50 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 40) and (lgpowpill < 2)) #Purchase a Low-Grade Power Pill. [40 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Power Pill][/b] *set lgpowpill + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][4 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 36 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 40 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 50) and (lgforpill < 2)) #Purchase a Low-Grade Fortitude Pill. [50 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Fortitude Pill][/b] *set lgforpill + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][5 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 50 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 50) and (lgsolpill < 2)) #Purchase a Low-Grade Soul Pill. [50 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Low Grade Soul Pill][/b] *set lgsolpill + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][5 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 50 *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 30) #Purchase a Common Poison. [30 Shards] [b][Item Gained: Common Poison][/b] *set commonpoison + 1 *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][3 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 27 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 30 *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 50) and (lgpowpillrecipe = 100)) #Purchase a Recipe (Low Grade Power Pill) [50 Shards] [b][Alchemy Recipe Learned: Low Grade Power Pill][/b] *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][5 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 50 *set lgpowpillrecipe (6 - alchemy) *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 45) and (lgforpillrecipe = 100)) #Purchase a Recipe (Low Grade Fortitude Pill) [45 Shards] [b][Alchemy Recipe Learned: Low Grade Fortitude Pill][/b] *if (race = "Oni") *line_break [b][Racial Discount Applied by Oni Shop Owner][/b] *line_break [b][4 Shards saved][/b] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 41 *else *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 45 *set lgforpillrecipe (6 - alchemy) #Nevermind. *goto purchaseoptions *goto Next_apothecary *selectable_if ((race = "Yokai") or (Race = "Kitsune")) #Visit the Butcher's. [Requires Yokai] As a Yokai you've got a secret trick up your sleeve. Many Disciples are hunting Beasts and selling their meat after removing the Soul Treasure from its corpse, and they think that meat is just useful to replenish some lost chi. Which is true...for Humans. For you it's better. With the right quality meat your animalistic spirit can push your aura pressure beyond its limits as if you were cycling a complete set of Shards or a weak Advancement Elixir. It's not something you do often, as it's not worth the money and most Beast meats are too weak, but there's a huge hunt for Beasts going on due to the Trials. As a result, the butchers are dropping prices while increasing inventory. *choice *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 20) #Purchase the Cheshire Heart. [20 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 20 You head home to eat in privacy, no one needs to see a Yokai eating a raw hear in public. Especially because some of your competition are Yokai and you don't need them knowing your trick if they don't know already. As you sink your teeth into the heart of the massive invisible cat you feel power flow through your body. You feel ready to hunt. *set apval 8 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *disable_reuse *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 30) #Purchase the Drake Tail. [30 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 30 You head home and eat it privacy, no one needs to see a Yokai eating raw meat in public. Especially because some of your competition are Yokai and you don't need them knowing your trick if they don't know already. As you sink your teeth into the tail of the Advanced bear-sized reptile you feel power flow through your body. You feel ready to hunt. *set apval 12 *gosub_scene quicks apboost #Nevermind *goto purchaseoptions *page_break *goto purchaseoptions #Visit the Caravan stalls. *label merchantoptions *if (racercool = false) *goto borace Merchant caravans are the number one source of commerce and trade for Outer territories, especially mountain villages like yours where the biome is different enough to provide unusual resources, and harsh enough that you need to buy from others too. It's dangerous for merchants to travel alone due to spirits, Beasts, and bandits, so Caravan Sects formed to pool merchant funds together and make it financially viable to hire Sect member bodyguards, since so many merchants were splitting the cost. One such caravan is visiting your town marketplace right now. *if (background = "Merchant") Not the one you own 5% of, they're somewhere in Outer South, you assume, while you live in Outer West. Plus they already paid you in advance for this year's profits. They're useless to you...for now. You walk through the rows of tables and stalls they've setup in the center of your town's market plaza. There are no good armors or weapons left, and most Soul Treasures have been claimed and purchased by other Sect members already, but you do find a few things of note. *label merchantoptions2 *choice *disable_reuse #Haggle for a discount. The caravan leader is a stocky man with broad shoulders and splintmail armor, carrying two axes on his back. His visage of a tough man is entirely ruined by his thin jaw's face acne. You scanned his aura and he's...a little weaker than you. But you're not here to fight. You're here to haggle. *if (persuasion = 0) [b][Persuasion Check Failed][/b] *line_break "A discount?!" The man yells in a smoker's voice, "with the Heavenly Ascension Trials on their way? Are you out of your mind!? Damn it ${boygirl}, if you're not going to pay up then get out of the way for someone who will!" *goto merchantoptions2 *else [b][Persuasion Check Passed][/b] *line_break "The Thunderfall Sect, you say?" The man says in between smoker's coughs, "I could see about a discount, as long as Khan remembers my generosity." "I assure you he will." You reply, and to your credit you actually do drop off a letter with Magistrate Khan stating how the generous merchant leader was willing to give a discount to honor the Thunderfall Sect. You doubt he'll read it, but it couldn't hurt. *set discount (1.0 - (0.05 * persuasion)) [b][Commerce expertise increased][/b] *set commerce + 1 *page_break *goto merchantoptions2 *if ({itempainting#4} > 0) #Sell the Portrait of Mao's Bewildered Face. No painters or stalls for wall-hangings are present at the caravan so you patrol the area holding your portrait in one arm, looking for anyone that eyes it too greedily. It doesn't take long. "Now that's something I wouldn't mind over my fireplace!" Booms a tall flabby woman in an apron. "The way it captures his shock, his failed attempt to mask his indignation, why I bet it's the face he'd have if I turned down a wedding proposal!" She scoots out from behind a makeshift bakery stall, the likely culprit of her physique, and rushes up to you. "Young ${manwoman}, I must have it. Name your price." *if (persuasion > 0) [b][Persuasion Check Passed][/b] *set val (700 + (500 * persuasion)) *line_break "Good of you to notice quality! But I'm sorry, I can't bring myself to part with it." "Oh sure you can! You're wandering around the market with it, no coverings, surely you intend to sell? Let's skip the games, how about 400 silver?" A common tactic, by 'skip the games' you know she means 'try her game'. You let out a slow chuckle, "I'm sorry Ma'am, but this is an authentic ${clan} painting. I could get thousands at-" you pause, feigning thoughtfulness, "Actually, I could save on travel costs and still make a profit. Let's talk price. [i]Real[/i] price." [b][Item Gained: ${val} Silver][/b] *set silver + val *set val 0 *else [b][Persuasion Check Failed][/b] *line_break "Three hundred?" You say with zero confidence. The woman's smile grows predatory. "In this market, during the Trials? Good luck! Everyone is trying to pawn off everything they have. The most I can do is 250 Silver." With no understanding of prices beyond that, you're grateful for the decent chunk of spare change. Just a few years ago this would have been two years allowance! [b][Item Gained: 250 Silver][/b] *set silver + 250 *set itempainting - 1000000 *page_break *goto merchantoptions *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (75 * discount)) and (lastsoultreasure)) #Examine the last remaining Soul Treasure. You look down at the pathetic fish tail bone, wondering if your aura when you first Advanced felt as weak as this [i]thing[/i] does right now. It's is virtually useless for increasing the Aura Pressure of anyone with an Aura already, and people without Auras will have a difficult time breaking it down to cycle it properly. What a piece of garbage. *if ((element1 != "None") or (element2 != "")) ....Although...It's elementally attuned to *if (element1 != "None") ${element1} *else ${element2} chi. Signs of its elemental powers almost escaped your senses because of how weak it is, but it's certainly there. This Soul Treasure [i]could[/i] help give you a small boost in Aura Pressure thanks to your Shugendō powers. *choice *disable_reuse #Purchase the fishbone Soul Treasure. [75 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc (round(75 * discount)) *if ((element1 = "None") and (element2 = "")) *set apval 4 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *else *set apval 14 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set lastsoultreasure false #Go back. *goto purchaseoptions *goto merchantoptions *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (100 * discount)) and (skillmanbought <= 2)) #Examine the Skill Manual. Skill Manuals are similar to Path Manuals except they teach the tricks of any trade or craft rather than combat secrets. Unlike a simple skill guide, however, they are made from Soul Treasures and can be absorbed to gain knowledge, muscle memory, and confidence in the actions you read upon within their pages. A book that you read for information, then break down into chi and absorb for experience. The fast way to become an expert overnight. *choice *if (skillmanbought = 0) *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (100 * discount)) #Purchase Skill Manual [100 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc (round(100 * discount)) *set skillmanual + 1 *set skillmanbought + 1 *elseif (skillmanbought = 1) *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (200 * discount)) #Purchase Skill Manual. [200 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc round(200 * discount) *set skillmanual + 1 *set skillmanbought + 1 *elseif (skillmanbought = 2) *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (300 * discount)) #Purchase Skill Manual. [300 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc round(300 * discount) *set skillmanual + 1 *set skillmanbought + 1 #Go back. *goto purchaseoptions *goto merchantoptions *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (60 * discount)) #Examine the Weighted Clothing. Training with weighted clothing is a staple exercise for poorer areas like yours. You can't rely on natural aura forever, even if you thought you could at first. Absorbing Shards, landing an ideal Heavenly Gate all to yourself...You didn't realize how easy it was at first. Training under Big Chu showed you otherwise, how hard you have to work your body and spirit to get every scrap of power. Weighted Clothing makes it even harder. But they say it gives increased returns, so in the end it's worth it...Maybe. It could also get you killed if you're attacked while weakened from the excess weight. *choice #Purchase the Weighted Clothing. [60 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc round(60 * discount) *set weightedclothing + 1 *if (weightedclothing = 1) [b][Weighted Clothing Increases AP Gained in Training, Fighting, or Time Passing, at the Cost of Reducing Agility by 1.][/b] *line_break [b][Certain Attributes Will Increase the Bonuses from Weighted Clothing Such as the Earth Element, a Muscular Body, High Athletics, or the Midorikatai Style][/b] *if (equippedoutfit = "Thunderfall Gi") *line_break [b][By Equipping the Weighted Clothing, You Will Lose the Thunderfall Gi's Bonus to Health!][/b] #Go back. *goto purchaseoptions *goto merchantoptions *selectable_if ((((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= (80 * discount)) and (factotumblessing)) #Examine the Factotum's Blessing. A single item grabs your attention more than most. A shining golden rock the size of your palm, layered in handseal sigils. It reminds you of a keystone but its power feels completely different. "Oh, you like that?" asks a badger(?) Yokai woman in her mid 40s working the stall, "Most Sect members don't confess to wanting those, so I'll keep it hush hush if you want to buy it up." "What is it?" You ask. "Ahhh, you've been putting in hard work on your life tasks I see, rare for warrior caste if you're not so offended in me saying. This thing right here is a Factotum's Blessing, an enchanted guidestone. It gives the user some experience in a subject but only the bare basics. Still, it's a permanent help and cheaper than most Skill Manuals. Interested?" [b][The Factotum's Blessing will give you +1 to any Skill in which you have 0 ranks.][/b] *choice *disable_reuse #Purchase the Factotum's Blessing [80 Shards] *gosub_scene quicks costcalc round(80 * discount) The stone glows in your hands and you break it down with your will, cycling its spiritual essence into your spirit. [Choose which Skill to increase.] *set factotumblessing false *choice *selectable_if (alchemy = 0) #Alchemy *set alchemy + 1 [b][Alchemy + 1][/b] *selectable_if (athletics = 0) #Athletics *set athletics + 1 [b][Athletics + 1][/b] *selectable_if (craft = 0) #Craft *set craft + 1 [b][Craft + 1][/b] *selectable_if (deception = 0) #Deception *set deception + 1 [b][Deception + 1][/b] *selectable_if (handseals = 0) #Handseals *set handseals + 1 [b][Handseals + 1][/b] *gosub_scene quicks fuuinjutsudescription *selectable_if (insight = 0) #Insight *set insight + 1 [b][Insight + 1][/b] *selectable_if (lore = 0) #Lore *set lore + 1 [b][Lore + 1][/b] *selectable_if (perception = 0) #Perception *set perception + 1 [b][Perception + 1][/b] *selectable_if (persuasion = 0) #Persuasion *set persuasion + 1 [b][Persuasion + 1][/b] *selectable_if (stealth = 0) #Stealth *set stealth + 1 [b][Stealth + 1][/b] *selectable_if (survival = 0) #Survival *set survival + 1 [b][Survival + 1][/b] *selectable_if (thievery = 0) #Thievery *set thievery + 1 [b][Thievery + 1][/b] #Nevermind. *set shards + round(80 * discount) #Go back. *goto purchaseoptions *goto merchantoptions *disable_reuse #Pickpocket fellow shoppers. [Thievery Check] *set honor - 3 Security should be tighter than usual but it's the opposite. The exceptional guards are either training to compete in the Trials or training to be a more impressive presence when making deals at the Trial grounds. That leaves the newbies. Every Thunderfall Sect disciple is trying to get extra Shards right now to advance their Cores further and that means the guards on shift don't know what to look for. *if (thievery >=3) [b][Thievery Check Passed][/b] *line_break Which is why you rob the guards. You don't just walk away with some coinage, you walk away with a spirit fruit one of them must have been saving for their training. It's a mellow flavor, like a melon, and it pushes your aura pressure a little harder. *rand val 5 10 *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *rand val (thievery * 5) (thievery * 10) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *set shards + val [b]Item Gained: 50 Silver][/b] *set silver + 50 *elseif (thievery >= 2) [b][Thievery Check Passed][/b] *line_break Which is why you make off like a bandit. Visitors from out of town are the obvious targets but you also manage to sneak your deft hands into the pocket of some Thunderfall Sect students to weaken the competition. *rand val (thievery * 5) (thievery * 10) [b][Item Gained: ${val} Shards][/b] *set shards + val [b]Item Gained: 50 Silver][/b] *set silver + 50 *else [b][Thievery Check Failed][/b] *line_break You try to believe when the going gets tough you have what it takes to make it. But you don't. Slipping your hand into a traveler's pocket is the last time that week that you're able to use your wrist, as they slam a hardened fist against your forearm before calling the guards. You spend the week in a small steel cage wasting away until the esteemed visitor, apparently some upper disciple of another Sect, leaves. [b][Lost 5 Aura Pressure][/b] *set aurapressure - 5 Upon your release you immediately take a bath. *set val 0 *page_break *goto merchantoptions #Go back. *goto purchaseoptions #Leave the marketplace *goto Next_trainingseason *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason #Visit the Library [0 Months] *label librarychoice The library on the fourth floor of the grand pagoda is abuzz with visitors, disciples, and the usual scribes who frequent its shelves. After a bothersome wait you finally find a free table begin your research. *label librarychoice2 *choice #Study the different Advancements. [b][i]The Art of Advancement[/i][/b] *line_break or *line_break [b][i]Advancement and You: A Martial Artist's Guide to the Many Stages of Advancement[/i][/b] ~by Tai Win [i][Editor's Note: Tai Win, I beg of you to use the shorter name. This is the last time we will discuss this, and I swear upon the Heavens if you submit this to the copying scribes with that atrociously long title I will marry your sister and cheat on her with your mother.][/i] Hello, dear reader! You come to me, Tai Win, sage of the written word, to learn about Advancement? A wise decision, and so I shall teach you how Advancement is the heart and soul of the Martial World. "But Tai Win", you must be thinking, "I thought it was Chi that was at the heart of the Martial World?" That is because you are stupid, but fear not! You are reading my scroll to become less stupid, which places you above the dregs of this world such as the peasantry and scroll editors. While chi may be the essence that gives us power, and Aura Pressure measures how much chi our souls contain, it is our Advancements that measure how well we wield our power. All the Aura Pressure in the world won't save someone who cannot use it. But before we begin we must understand what an Advancement truly is. Though each Advancement is different, at their heart they are changes willed upon our body or soul that improve us in some way. Each has a different requirement and each is necessary to become a true Master. *page_break Turn the page The first Advancement is always the biggest. This is the time when a Martial Artist generates their aura for the first time after harnessing 100 Aura Pressure. Their first Core of yin and yang energy forms and their body begins a bloody or messy process of purification. Most injuries heal, the effects of malnourishment are corrected, teeth are regrown, eyesight improves, and a majority of younger Martial Artists mature towards their prime by a few years. This is why it is encouraged not to rush a child's first Advancement. After this dramatic change there are the Core Advancements, much smaller in comparison. Each of the four Combat Cores are like layers in the spiraling center of our souls, and when we grow enough chi to form a new layer this is called a Core Advancement. They typically lead to the strong getting stronger, the fast getting faster, the tough getting tougher, and so on. Most of these early Advancements are from Mortal Core Advancement, the results of years of rigorous training, but eventually the results of such training become miniscule. At this stage Immortal Core Advancement is needed, where the user learns to seize total control upon the natural energies within their spirit and bind 100 Aura Pressure to a Core to enhance their power. Though this was technically performed during their first Advancement, it is much harder to replicate after the first time. This is why Aura Pressure is sought out so deeply in the form of Advancement Elixirs, Beast meat, Heavenly Gates, spirit fruits, special trainings, and so-on. The very idea of Aura Pressure is a falsehood, for 1 Aura Pressure really just means 1% of what is needed to enhance a Combat Core. That is why Aura Pressure is generally rounded to the lowest hundred, it measures how many Cores your opponent should have. Beyond these basic training Advancements come the stuff of legends. The three most difficult Advancements. *page_break Turn the page The three most difficult Advancements are the Style Advancements, the Art of Shugendō's Elemental Advancements, and the Transformation Advancements. First and most commonly, the Style Advancement is when a Martial Artist attunes their soul's energy towards one of the five specializations. Each of the five Inner Kingdoms represents a different Style, but without getting into details the main five are: Akakiru's Bladed Chi which controls sharpened energy that is attracted to blades. *line_break Aoyusumu's Sacred Chi which alters the mind and controls blunt kinetic energy. *line_break Kiihakai's Mystic Chi which controls living yang energy to perform acts of chi sorcery. *line_break Kurokonton's Cursed Chi which controls yin energy of the void to inflict entropic curses. *line_break Midorikatai's Wild Chi which controls bestial energies that lead to physical growth. Gaining an attunement for a specialized chi type is an important Advancement that many Sects require before acceptance or promotion, but it is only the first step. Mastering your special chi type will require multiple Advancements. I myself have mastered the Art of Kiihakai while studying in the Mystic Lands with no less than SIX (6) Style Advancements, so know that the road ahead is a long one for many of you. Besides a Style Advancement there are also the Elemental Advancements, or the Art of Shugendō, in which one of nature's elements is bound to the Martial Artist's Spirit. "But Tai Win," you say, "Haven't we already bound our spirit to a Style's chi?" No, you fool! You have learned to utilize your chi in the [i]method[/i] of a Style. Learning an Element allows you to control aspects of the natural world. A soul using the Akakiru's Bladed Chi does not care if it forms blades out of basic chi, burning Fire chi, or freezing Ice chi. It will simply form that chi into a blade. The material of the chi is what Shugendō changes. I will not go over the eight Elements beyond their existence as my editor has informed me that I am running out of room. There are Fire, Lightning, Wind, Light, and Darkness Elements available in the intangible Elements. These are easier to learn and utilize but hit limits in terms of permanency. Then there are Ice, Water, and Earth in the physical Elements. These take a great deal of chi to form physical components out of one's spirit at first, so they are avoided by the weak minded. However, after a few Elemental Advancements, the difference is minimal. Lastly there are the Transformation Advancements, the legendary Techniques of Sect Masters and calamitous monsters. A Transformation Technique can be used to completely alter the user's physical or even spiritual nature, as if the wielder had stored a second more powerful version of themselves inside of a Core and hidden it away from the world for times of trouble. Though each Style offers a specific Transformation there are many rumors of other forms available in ancient scrolls. All the world will forever remember the masters of the past who could ascend into Dragon Form. And with that, dear reader, the Advancements have been explained and your knowledge has grown. Never forget it was Tai Win who elevated you from the mindless masses. You should buy him a drink. #Read on the different Martial Arts. *label studyschools If rumor is to be believed then the Archonate has master trainers from each of the five Inner Kingdoms. All five Inner Kingdoms come with centuries of tradition, myths, heroes, and accomplishments, which you're sure are nice and all, but you're not training to be a scholar. You're training to be a Martial Artist. It takes a while but you manage to compile a listing on the Martial Art Styles that each nation's Schools and Sects offers. The most important information you find is that all common Martial Art Styles teach you to change your internal chi into a special type so you can use their signature abilities and Techniques. That means you can only learn one Style. You browse through scroll after scroll and study up on... *choice #Akakiru, the forging Style of swordsmen taught by the Bladed Lands. *set prevknowledge + 1 [b][i]Akakiru: The Art of Aggression[/b][/i] Akakiru practitioners are famous for their legendary swordsmanship and red auras, but Akakiru can be used for any bladed or slashing weapon. Whether it's daggers, scythes, axes, spears, or claw gauntlets, all weapons with an edge can channel the specialty slicing-chi that Akakiru cultivates. Any Martial Artist can use a weapon, but such tools are disposable. A basic sword cannot channel the powers of chi and even though weapons made from Soul Treasures appear to be mystically enhanced, they are stuck at the same Aura Pressure as the day they were forged, forever. Their wielder will eventually outgrow them and do more damage with a punch. To get around these limits, Akakiru fighters train to create blades and other objects out of raw chi and fill them with the full power of the Martial Artist's Aura Pressure. They are capable of cutting through the strongest defenses and, with great mastery, can cut through enchantments such as rituals or possession. At the highest mastery Akakiru wielders can even cut through space, connecting two points and allowing for fast travel or surprise attacks. You don't find much on the Bladed Lands itself, beyond their focus on honor and sturdy equipment. They are also the oldest of the five Inner Kingdoms, arising from an ancient Sect that pre-dates Imperial Rasen if the legends are to be believed. *page_break Go back *goto studyschools #Aoyusumu, the mental Style of exorcist-monks taught by the Sacred Lands. *set prevknowledge + 1 [b][i]Aoyusumu : The Art of Serenity[/b][/i] The practice of Aoyusumu imparts a calming cerulean aura on its robed fighters. Aoyusumu is a style of retribution, utilizing the powers of the mind to psionically steal an opponent's kinetic force and use it against them. But that is just the surface. The further one walks the path of Aoyusumu, the more one advances their mental powers. Thought-reading, precognition, calming emotions, telekinesis, all are powers taught to the exorcist-monks that make up the Aoyusumu martial artists who exorcise Fiends and protect commoners across the lands. And a martial art it remains; these abilities are not parlor tricks or rituals, they are Techniques woven into an exorcist-monk's physical combat. You don't find much on the Sacred Lands itself. Just that they supposedly treat their unpowered citizens better than the other four nations and their strongest warriors, the Saints, are worshipped by large followings for their ability to "accept" unprotected thoughts across an enormous range; effectively, their ability "hear" prayers. *page_break Go back *goto studyschools #Kiihakai, the mystic style of sorcerers taught by the Mystic Lands. *set prevknowledge + 1 [b][i]Kiihakai: The Art of Destruction[/b][/i] The practice of Kiihakai turns the user's aura into a potent blazing golden light and teaches how to tap into the infinite energy of yang chi, known by lesser minds as sorcery. Kiihakai sorcerers utilize their mystic secrets to create wonders and alter reality in subtle ways with their incantations. Many sages practice the art of Kiihakai to scry their master's lands, bind spirits to a town's bidding, empower objects or places with runes, or change fate in subtle ways. But for all the magic in their arsenal, these sorcerers are still martial artists at their core. The Kiihakai Style's sorcery is useful, but easily crushed upon the pressure of strong auras in the field of battle. The true purpose of the Kiihakai Style is not to delve into mysticism but to discover, utilize, and combine all secrets of yang chi into the martial artist's energy blasts. The ideal Kiihakai martial artist is encased in an impenetrable barrier of chi, striking with reinforced chi explosions at close range, and erupting entire enemy bunkers with unending long range energy blasts bringing down the full fury of the sun. You don't find much on the Mystic Lands itself beyond their thirst for knowledge and rigorous hierarchal views. Many apprentices spend years of study before they're granted their first useful Tomes. A few writings also hint that the Mystic Lands hosts multiple cities of such breathtaking beauty that they rival Azuma Honsha, from a city of neverending daylight to a collection of flying towers connected by sky-rivers. *page_break Go back *goto studyschools #Kurokonton, the cursed Style of shinobi taught by Cursed Lands. *set prevknowledge + 1 [b][i]Kurokonton: The Art of Confusion[/b][/i] The most feared of the styles, Kurokonton teaches its practitioners to excel as spies, infiltrators, assasssins, and hexcasters. Their yin aura is hard to detect even when generating Techniques, for yin embodies entropy and absorption. Only when fighting at full power or willingly exposing their aura does a shinobi reveal the black and purple energy swirling around them. Moreso than simply stealth, ninjutsu, and speed-based combat training, the curse-ninjas of Kurokonton are famous for their special eyes. The Malocchio Eyes. By attuning their eyes to the power of Yin chi the curse-ninjas are able to absorb pieces of an enemy's aura simply by looking at them. This fraction of aura can be used as a catalyst to inflict instant curses on the victim, or to copy their Techniques for the shinobi to use. Some say it can be used to absorb the target's behaviors, appearance, and even memories. Such dangerous individuals are rarely trusted inside or outside of their Kurokonton Sects, and the Cursed Lands hosts the most powerful of them all...Supposedly. You don't actually find [i]any[/i] documents about the Cursed Lands. Asking around the library gives some rumors that it was formed from a crime syndicate in the distant past, but these same rumormongers had spread lies about you in the past too. *page_break Go back *goto studyschools #Midorikatai, the physical style of apex warriors taught by the Wild Lands. *set prevknowledge + 1 [b][i]Midorikatai: The Art of Might[/b][/i] The practice of Midorikatai foregoes flashy effects to focus entirely on the physical hardness and strength of its wielder's body like a Beast. Attuning to Midorikatai leads to a green aura and continued growth in both height and muscle, which you think explains Crusher Jack continuing to grow closer to his father's massive physique. While seeming basic to start, mastery of the Midorikatai Style is equally astonishing and devastating. The pure physical strength and durability above and beyond other Martial Artists allows the wielder to break empowered limbs, shatter the ground of battlefields, leap over entire villages, dig through stone walls with one's bare hands, and survive even a volcanic eruption. To walk the path of Cultivation is to improve one's body, mind, and soul beyond the mortal realm. Midorikatai practitioners spit upon that distractingly divided goal, knowing the only important aspect is one's body. You don't find much on the Wild Lands itself beyond their warrior-king mentality and slave-based economy. Apparently they raid pirates and barbarians of the foreign islands even more than pirates or barbarians raid Imperial Rasen, though Wild Lands slaves are offered the chance to earn citizenship in the arenas. The final notes also mention certain Clans within the Wild Lands that prioritize an appreciation of Beasts, both raising and hunting them. *page_break Go back *goto studyschools #Go back *goto librarychoice #Study Imperial Rasen, the lands in which you live. *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/imperialrasen.jpg The Rasen Empire, or the [b][i]GLORIOUS[/i][/b] Imperial Rasen as it's known in high society, is a massive 3,000 mile wide spiraling continent. At its center is the capital island of Azuma Honsha where the leylines meet and natural aura is at peak strength. Legends say Azuma Honsha was once a minor outpost for the Cathayan Empire to the west millennia ago, but when the Calamity struck Cathay was shattered into hundreds of islands and the natural chi of the world went wild. Azuma Honsha isolated itself and its mighty rulers of the time raised the seabed around them as a defensive measure, creating what would become the five Inner Kingdoms. When the population grew too large another ring was formed three times as wide as the first to facilitate any future growth, at the cost of having lower natural aura in the outermost ring. The Outer Lands. Your home. Specifically, you live in Outer West. As you read further you find that technically your lands are [i]still[/i] isolated, the lands beyond Rasen's coasts are barbaric or controlled by entities hostile to humans. Likewise the Outer Provinces are isolated from themselves; filled with thousands of independent settlements that change every year. No strong warrior wants their kids raised in a weaker aura territory where their growth will be stifled, so even the most successful of Outer Settlements eventually collapse from assault by bandit, spirit, Fiend, or Beast after their young talent continuously leaves to the Inner Kingdoms. The scrolls mention in particular the northern tip of Imperial Rasen faces a great trial: the land of ice and snow to its north where malignant ice and yin spirits form into demonic elemental hordes that invade Outer North relentlessly. Huh, you're glad you don't live in Outer North. Eventually the details stop getting helpful with just a few small writings about government remaining: the alliance/rivalry of the five Inner Kingdoms, how all five maintain shaky peace through a seat on the Exalted Council that rules from the capital ever since the disappearance of the Imperial family, and how the capital also hosts the Exalted Council's police force known as the Archons who keep the peace over all of Imperial Rasen. Archons are specifically needed in Outer territories, as the Inner Kingdoms tend to solve their own problems. Thunderfall Village was actually saved by an Archon once when an earthquake threatened your whole town. You were six at the time and don't know what he did, but shortly after the mysterious armored man arrived the earthquakes simply stopped. *page_break Go back *goto librarychoice *selectable_if (buffersbarrier = false) #Research Martial Arts tips. *if (perception >= 2) [b][Perception 2 Check Passed][/b] *set forexp + 1 Hidden notes are a common theme in libraries and you know exactly what to look for: boring scrolls. The only ones hiding secrets in a public library would be Warrior Caste leaving mischievous tests around for the next generation, and none of them would hide them in popular scrolls. No, you need to check the most boring, mundane, banal tomes and scrolls imaginable. After twenty minutes of searching you find exactly what you needed, a map showing which lots in town are zoned for farming rights and which are not. You almost pass out trying to skim through its pages when you find your bounty: A *goto passbuffer *elseif ((insight+lore) >= 3) [b][Lore+Insight 3 Check Passed][/b] *set solexp + 1 Hidden notes are a common theme among libraries and you know exactly what to look for, but browsing through the books for notes added by fellow Thunderfall students is a fool's errand. What you need to do is scan each bookshelf, book by book, for any Aura Pressure. Path Manuals are written in chi after all, and students wouldn't write notes as precisely as Masters would. You do, and...Bingo! A hint of Aura Pressure in a dusty map. Unrolling the map reveals a *label passbuffer note written in faint chi traces just like your old Path Manuals. The note explains the "Buffer's Barrier" Technique, which involves a ritual circle to help the character "fold" their aura and vibrate it, to make their aura think it's being attacked. It can give a decent boost to Aura Pressure every few years. Exactly the kind of secret you were looking to find. [b][New Technique Learned: Buffer's Barrier][/b] *set buffersbarrier true *else You find absolutely nothing useful except some old lady's pie recipe. Damn it all, what's even the point of a library then? Obviously you do take the pie recipe, but still. *selectable_if (libraryelem = false) #Research the Elemental Affinities. [Lore/Perception Check] *if (perception >= 2) or (lore >= 2) *if (lore >= 2) [b][Lore Check Passed][/b] *elseif (perception >= 2) [b][Perception Check Passed][/b] Studying the core essence of the elements yields great results. Official documents explain the connection between spiritual energies and the natural world, fragments of Path Manuals describe how the elemental spirits are the core inspiration for how to change one's aura towards an element, and scribbled notes give insights to the proper cycling methods and preparations needed to attune your spirit to each element. Hour by hour, day by day, your understanding grows towards a better way. *if (lore >= 3) [b][Lore 3 Check Passed][/b] *line_break *set apval 15 *gosub_scene quicks apboost By the end of it you don't [i]find[/i] notes, you [i]write[/i] notes. By combining everything together your understanding is so advanced that you realize multiple flaws in earlier works you've read through. The amount of detail and information missing from these Elemental scrolls is shameful *if (ruthless >= 52) and the librarian should be publicly flogged. *elseif (ruthless <= 48) and it hurts to know people have had to put up with so little knowledge for so long. *else and it disgusts you. *else [b][Your education has aided in your understanding of Chi.][/b] *line_break *set val 3*(lore+perception) *if (val < 5) *set val 5 *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set val 0 *set libraryelem true *else [b][Lore Check Failed][/b] *line_break You don't find anything useful, just a bunch of big words that were probably made up by weak scribes who can't do a single pullup. #Nevermind. *goto Next_trainingseason *page_break *goto librarychoice *goto firstchoice *label Next_rochatch "$!{name}!" Jin shouts in the middle of the night, barging into your room *if (jinaura) with the blurring speed of an Agility Core's surge. When did he develop an Agility Core? No matter, what's more important is he's in his pajamas and heavily alarmed. A second later you realize why. There's a screech coming from the family sunroom. "It hatched!" He shouts as you muscle past him and sprint to your baby Roc egg. You've been keeping it in a warm nest and reading to it for weeks at night while resting your muscles, but there should be months more before it hatches. Yet there she is. Sitting in a pile of broken eggshell and blanket, covered in goo, is your new baby female Roc. She looks...so ugly. Like a naked bird the size of a child with the wrinkles of an old grandma, covered in kitchen grease. One day she will grow into a massive feathered eagle the size of your house that can aid you in combat but for now the poor animal's naked and afraid, squawking at you for food and warmth. You walk up and hold your little baby to get her used to your scent, then let your chi gently wash over the creature to get her used to your Aura Pressure. "It's okay little one." You whisper into the bird's ear. She bites your forearm. Good, you need a fighter. "Jin, bring me chopped meat. Lots of it. Little...uh, roc, here is hungry." *set roc 2 You suppose it's time to name your bird. *choice #Garuda *set rocname "Garuda" #Strix *set rocname "Strix" #Munin *set rocname "Munin" #Zu *set rocname "Zu" #Joaquin *set rocname "Joaquin" #Something Else [Enter the Roc's name] *input_text rocname Father and Jin spend the next day reinforcing the roof above the living room so ${rocname} can play on it later without crashing through. You unfortunately have to wait until the night to go back to playing with young ${rocname}. There are more important preparations to make. The Trials are coming. *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *label Next_pilldone It's done. It's finally done! After months of painstakingly pushing all of your chi into the Earthly Prowess Pill, it finally holds a solid glow of spiritual stability when you run out of chi. You look down on your beautiful creation and cackle. The glowing blue pill has grown twice its old size and the red liquid around it is bubbling in a spiral as if it were one of your Cores. An apt description, since this pill is a Core in consumable form. Many Martial Artists speak of "Advancement Elixirs" but they mean concoctions that [i]help[/i] them Advance into having a new Immortal Core. The Earthly Prowess pill is a literal Advancement Elixir, the kind you normally only see in aura-rich territories. Swallowing it immediately Advances one of your Cores. Well, unless you're unpowered. If you haven't already developed an aura there's a chance it kills you. Luckily you have. Bottoms up! *choice #Consume the Earthly Prowess Pill to gain +1 Power Core. *set power + 1 [b][Power Core +1][/b] #Consume the Earthly Prowess Pill to gain +1 Fortitude Core. *set fortitude + 1 [b][Fortitude Core +1][/b] #Consume the Earthly Prowess Pill to gain +1 Agility Core. *set agility + 1 [b][Agility Core +1][/b] #Consume the Earthly Prowess Pill to gain +1 Soul Core. *set soul + 1 [b][Soul Core +1][/b] The sensation in your Cores is sharp and worrying, your whole body shakes but not from muscle tension, it rattles as if something has grabbed a hold of your aura and whipped it back and forth. Your body simply follows the motion. After nerve-wracking minutes of attempting to control the violent tremors of your body and soul you realize it's already over, almost painlessly, and a spiritual scan shows your Cores surging brighter than moments before. This must be how royalty feels. *set earthlyprowess 0 *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *label borace The markets are bustling with tradesmen, caravans, and the most important ingredient: customers. Silver and shards exchange hands across a hundred transactions the minute you step foot towards the Caravan Stalls filling the market square. As you approach you hope they have something useful for you. Then you freeze. Multiple auras rise in your spiritual senses, behind you. Six other Thunderfall disciples are approaching the market in full combat gi, as well as Tian Fang in her usual winter robes looking around casually. "Look who it is!" Jeers one of the Thunderfall students in a nasally voice as they get close. It takes you a moment to recognize him as Jack's skinny friend. "${fullname} taking a break from ${hisher} Laborer training to grace us with ${hisher} presence. *if (background = "Herbalist") Shouldn't you be picking flowers somewhere?" *elseif (background = "Blacksmith") Shouldn't you be making my horseshoes" *elseif (background = "Trapper") Shouldn't you be skinning puppies somewhere?" *else Shouldn't you be behind a shop counter?" *choice #I shrug and ignore them, continuing to the market. *set ruthless - 2 They attempt a few more pointless insults but you just march on to the Market Square. What are they going to do, attack you in front of the guards? Not a chance. These dogs are always more bark than bite. *page_break *set racercool true *goto merchantoptions #"Have some dignity and save it for the Trials." *set honor + 2 You respond to his barbs with a disappointed stare. "Have some dignity and save it for the Trials." "As if you know anything about dignity," the girl next to the skinny disciple says. "I do." You say, "Because I didn't attack an unpowered child with the help of three other friends last year." The girl scoffs and knocks her head back an inch incredulously. The fat one speaks up. "That was an official mission, idiot! One that [i]you[/i] ruined for everyone!" Oh not this again. Everyone keeps trying to act like defending your unpowered brother was a crime. Well fuck them. "You hurt my brother and you expect an apology? You expect me to, what, feel sorry for you? Dishonorable [i]and[/i] stupid. You're lucky Jack was the only one I hurt that day." "Oh you're going to regret that." The skinny one says, powering up his aura of white energy in the middle of the street. *label savesometime Passersby quickly scurry out of the way. "Is that a challenge?" You ask, cycling your own chi and powering up. A ${auracolor} light grows in intensity around your *if (auracolor = "White") body to match his. *else body. "You'd better believe it!" With a sudden leap he's already crossed half the distance between you with a flying kick. *page_break #I smile casually. "I've got the day off. How's your training with Fang going?" [Persuasion Check] *set ruthless - 2 "I've got the day off." You say, "How's your training with Fang going?" *if (persuasion >= 1) [b][Persuasion Check Passed][/b] *line_break *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost The skinny one's sneer faulters from your off-putting attempt at genuine conversion. He looks to the others but they all shuffle nervously. Being in a pack does that. Makes you hide behind others. *if (ruthless >= 54) Fools. One of the girls finally pipes up, "It's tough but worth it, we've only trained strikes before so now we're learning a lot about energy manipulation and grapples." "Shut up you idiot!" Hisses the skinny one. "Don't give ${himher} our secrets!" "Oh fuck off Bo," the girl says back, "If you've got such a grudge why don't you two duke it out already?" "I thought you'd never ask." Says the skinny one, cracking his knuckles. *page_break *else [b][Persuasion Check Failed][/b] *line_break "Wouldn't you like to know, loser." Says the fat one. The rest laugh and a few of them give him highfives. Undeserved highfives in your opinion; that wasn't even a good line. "Yeah, I would." You say flatly, "That's why I asked." Ugh, you wish you were good with words. Or had a crew to highfive you. "Well too bad." Says the girl in the group. "Tian Fang's special training secrets are only for Sect members, right Lady Fang?" "Hm?" The wolf Yokai girl says, looking around absentmindedly, "Oh yes, that is correct...Though isn't ${heshe} in your Sect as well? I did not understand why Master Mao prohibited ${himher} from training with the rest of you." "Because ${heshe}'s a disgrace." Says the skinny one. "Look who's talking." You say, face reddening, "I remember you all running for the hills when Jack lost to me." "Jack only lost because of your trickery!" The skinny one shouts louder. Suddenly his aura of white energy powers up around him like a spiraling haze of light. *goto savesometime #"Ah, the amateurs. Come for Martial Arts lessons? I charge by the hour." *set ruthless + 1 *set fangrep + 4 "Ah, the amateurs." You say, "Come for Martial Arts lessons? I charge by the hour." Tian Fang snickers, tail wagging slightly. The other six turn to her. "What?" She says defensively, "I appreciate a barb that is most accurate. You [i]do[/i] need lessons. That is why I am here." The skinny one looks back to you with a reddening face and flares his nostrils. "You think you're funny, huh? A real clown? Well we'll see who needs training." A white glow surrounds his fist. A few of the other Martial Artists back up, but you only laugh. "Am I supposed to be scared? What, are you the new discount version of Jack?" You lean towards him in mockery as he marches towards you. "Don't expect my full effort if you're only giving me half the opponent." He reels his fist back and lunges. *page_break "Bo, Hold!" Tian Fang shouts. The skinny disciple, Bo apparently, freezes. "Stay your hand, both of you. Is this not the marketplace of your town? In Mountain Hazard we would never allow our grudges to make us look divided in front of the workers." "But $!!{heshe} is a worker!" Bo shouts back. "$!{heshe} shouldn't even be here! $!{hisher} family constantly cheats by absorbing Shards before their first Advancement, which Master Mao forbids for us, ${heshe} steals Heavenly Gates we are supposed to reserve for the upper disciples, and ${heshe} pulls in favors with the Magistrate to force ${himher}self into our Sect like it's some sort of reward for ignoring our rules!" Bo spits at the ground between your feet and glares into your eyes with palpable hatred. "Everything about you is an insult!" "Okay." You say with a shrug. Is he done yet? *if (heshe = "she") You've got shopping to do. *else You want to get to the markets before dark. He looks to Tian Fang, "Do you see this disrespect?! How do you expect me to let this pass?!" "You can fight after the Trials." Fang says, "but if you fight now it will reflect poorly on me. I am sorry Bo but I cannot allow it." "Then how about a race?" Says a random bum sitting by the road, who happens to be your *if (bffromance >= 1) *if (heshe = "he") girlfriend *else boyfriend *else childhood friend Kosuke. "A race?" Asks the girl next to Bo, one of Jack's other friends. Kosuke chows down on some sort of fried balls and talks with ${bffhisher} mouth open. "Yeah, why not? There's slim pickings at the market this morning, *if (bffheshe = "he") ladies and gentlemen. *else folks. Prices are up, supply is down, the only people buying anything good are the ones who can throw around real Shard piles. If you all want to compete with $!{name} so badly then why not have a race for, let's say, 120 Shards?" Kosuke takes another bite. "Loser gets weaker, winner gets stronger. You should love it." "Ew," says Bo, "is the pauper talking to me?" His friends snicker. "Perfect." Says Tian Fang. "The two Thunderfallers will have a race from the Western Gate to this exact spot." "Great idea Lady Fang!" Says the fat Martial Artist immediately. What a suck-up. Yet all the other Martial Artists slowly nod along as if they thought it was a good idea the whole time too, even Bo. "It is, is it not?" Tian Fang says with an absent smile, then she glides across the road on one foot as if skating and a trail of frost forms on the ground below her until she reaches the other side of the road. She sits down beside Kosuke. "This will be the finish line. The rest of you can clear out the road while I remain here to determine the winner." Kosuke hands her one of the snacks. "Millet ball?" "Are they tasty?" Fang asks. "No." "I will take three." *page_break You glare cautiously at Bo as the two of you march to the Western Gate. He starts to walk a little faster than you, so you walk faster than him, and the march to the starting line quickly devolves into a race of its own. *if ((agility + athletics) >= 4) With smug satisfaction you pass him and easily win that race, so the next will be easy. This idiot never once checked in on your speed training. *elseif ((agility + athletics) >= 3) Unfortunately for you both, it ends in a tie. *else A race that he wins. Bo looks all too pleased with himself; you're going to have to play dirty if you want to win. You both catch your breath and line up at the town gate and one of the other disciples, a wideset Martial Artist, catches up after a few moments to begin the count down. "Are you both ready?" He says more to Bo than to you after catching his own breath from following behind. "Yes." You both say simultaneously in your gruffest voices. "Three." The counter announces. You steady your nerves. "Two." You shift your foot for traction. Tension in the air grows so thick you could cut it with a Shard. "One." [b][Agility Chi Spent][/b] *set agispent + 1 *choice #Dash for the market. *set combatstat "agility" *set combatskill "athletics" *set combatdiff 4 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *set agifirstchoice true The two of you blast off down the street running twice the speed a mortal can maintain. Your bodies both glow with chi through the dust storm formed from your fast movement. You're in your element. Bo tries his best to surge even more chi out of his Agility Cores but it's not enough and you pass him with a bigger and bigger lead with each passing second. No short term burst can make up for your long-term training. *label agi4win The muscles of your legs thrum with power as you rush down the road passing any travelers and houses, faster and faster. Wind from your passage knocks robes off clotheslines as you accelerate down the village road in a cloud of dust. *if (agifirstchoice) You cross the finish line so quickly that both Kosuke's and Tian Fang's hair blow back. *else As Bo's foot comes to land on the finish line you barrel through the gap between you two and overtake him at the last second. You've won. *set borep + 2 Kosuke leaps and cheers, "Yes! Eat butt Tian Fang you owe me ten Shards!" Tian Fang remains sitting, tail calmly wagging back and forth as she looks at you. "That I do." She says. *goto winrace *else The two of you blast off down the street running twice the speed a mortal can maintain. Your bodies both glow with chi through the dust storm formed from your fast movement but it's not enough. You can see Bo pulling ahead. His lead grows with every passing second. You try your best to squeeze more chi out of your Agility Cores but come up short. No amount of short term burst can make up for long-term training. *goto loserace #Blast off with chi. The village gates are engraved with handseal sigils that are meant to repel invaders or Beasts in times of emergency, it's never been a secret. What is a secret is how they work. And it's a secret you've learned over your years of study. When the countdown began so too did your handseals. Your fingers blur into motion as you combine your hands together to form the two-handed finger sigils of the gate's ritual casting in reverse. By the time the countdown gets to "One" you've completed your casting. [b][1 Chi Point Spent][/b] *set chispent + 1 *page_break *set combatstat "soul" *set combatskill "handseals" *set combatdiff 4 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) You explode into the village with a burst of mystic force that ignores gravity, shooting in a straight line at a forty-five degree angle. You wanted a thirty-foot lead but it looks like you're getting a three thousands foot lead as you soar ever higher. With a nimble twist in the air you turn around to look back at Bo. He isn't even running. He's just staring at you, open mouthed, just like most villagers around him. *if (honor <= 49) You flip him off with a smile. *else You give him an apologetic bow as you ascend. Tough luck, Bo. Luckily you do start descending eventually and it's over the finish line. You pass over Tian Fang's icy marker and crash into the ground with enough force to gently shake nearby fences. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false You rise with a cracked lip and a [i]very[/i] sore shoulder to see Kosuke jumping and cheering back at the finish line. "Eat it!" $!{bffheshe} shouts at the other Thunderfall students, "Absolutely eat it, losers! $!{name} the Flying God *if (bffheshe = "he") wins!" He finishes his victory cheer by mooning them. "And *else wins and Tian Fang you owe me ten Shards!" Tian Fang remains sitting, tail calmly wagging back and forth as she looks at you. "That I do." She says. *goto winrace *else Something went wrong in your casting, or maybe it needed more power than your Soul could provide, or maybe it just can't be done. All you know is that the explosion of your ritual was less concussive and more...fiery. You succeed in distracting Bo but fail to gain a head start. All your ritual does is explode between your hands and bellow out a twenty-foot cloud of black smoke around you. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false true You recover quickly and start sprinting out of the cloud at the same time that Bo does, both coughing up a lung. You may have been the one to take the damage of the casting but at the same time, you were expecting it. The surprise slowed Bo down just as much as the pain slowed you down. The two of you blast off out of the smoke cloud and down the street running twice the speed a mortal can maintain. Your bodies glow with chi through the dust storm formed from your fast movement. *if (agility >= 4) [b][Agility 4 Check Passed][/b] *line_break Soon it's clear that your ritual was never needed. You pass Bo and create a bigger gap with each second. *set agifirstchoice true *goto agi4win *else [b][Agility 4 Check Failed][/b] *line_break Soon it's clear that you needed that ritual to succeed. He passes you and creates a bigger gap with each second. *goto loserace #Strike Bo when no one is looking. *set ruthless + 2 The two of you blast off down the street running twice the speed a mortal can maintain. Your bodies both glow with chi through the dust storm formed from your fast movement and before Bo can make a lead you push yourself for one explosive dash to land a leg sweep against his knee. *set combatstat "power" *set combatskill "stealth" *set combatdiff 4 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *set racemethod "Strikeworked" The hit sweeps both his legs out from under him with enough explosive force to spin him off the road and into a nearby house's clothesline. You continue sprinting down the road and passed Fang's icy finish line to the applause of three onlookers who have no idea what's going on and Kosuke who is over the moon with excitement. "Eat it!" $!{bffheshe} shouts at the other Thunderfall students. "Absolutely eat it, losers! $!{name} wins and that means Tian Fang owes me ten shards!" *if (bffheshe = "he") He finishes his victory cheer by mooning one of the guys. Tian Fang remains sitting, tail calmly wagging back and forth as she looks at you. "That I do." She says. *goto winrace *else *set racemethod "Strikefailed" You swing with all your might but there isn't enough power behind your initial dash. Bo detects your attack in time and hops, dodging the leg sweep, then sprints out of reach as you tumble to the ground. *if (agility >= 4) [b][Agility 4 Check Passed][/b] *line_break With no time to lose you get up with an energizing shout and kick off the ground with a burst of power. [b][1 Agility Chi Spent][/b] *set agispent + 1 *goto agi4win *else [b][Agility 4 Check Failed][/b] *line_break You get up and try your best to catch up to him but his lead is too far. *goto loserace *label loserace *set racercool true Sobering disappointment fills your heart when Bo passes the finish line to the applause of his friends and Tian Fang. *page_break "Pay up, Laborer!" Bo shouts as his victory speech. You're too busy panting to make a response. Your stomach hurts. Your chest hurts. Your legs hurt. "How much was the bet for again?" Tian Fang asks Kosuke. Kosuke cringes. "About 120 Shards." ${bffheshe} gives you an apologetic look and you remember this was all ${bffhisher} idea. *choice *selectable_if (((shards + (silver / 10)) + (gold * 10)) >= 120) #Pay up. [Requires Funds] You hang your head in shame and withdraw a sack from your belt. "Don't let it hit you on the way out." You say as you toss the pouch at Bo's head. He catches it with a smirk and looks inside to see the seaglass-like Shards. *gosub_scene quicks costcalc 120 "Remember who your betters are." Bo says as he turns with a flourish that looks ridiculous on his scrawny frame. His friends follow, laughing and clapping his back in victory. Tian Fang pops the last millet ball into her mouth and cringes at the texture, smell, and taste, then rises with a stretch. "Not bad, Thunderfaller, but not good enough. It seems my career as a trainer is going well." She looks down the street at Bo walking off with his friends. "It's a pity this will make him think he is skilled. I do not think he will survive the Trials." "I agree." You say, glaring at his stupid head from behind. She smirks. "I suspect you may rig those odds in your favor." She gives a light bow. "Best of luck in your training, Thunderfaller. I must return to my charges. A pity you could not join us, it seems you need it." As she leaves, tail swishing back and forth, Kosuke hands you a scroll ${bffheshe}'d been writing during the race. You read through and realize it's a forged merchant invoice for 50 Shards. "Send this to Mountain Hazard for that bitch's fine dining fees." Kosuke says in a tone of pure vengeance, "I had to pick that wild millet myself." *choice #Send the invoice. *set honor - 2 *Set fangrep - 3 [b][Item Gained: 50 Shards][/b] *set shards + 50 #Decline. *set honor + 2 *goto merchantoptions *selectable_if (deception >= 1) #Hand over one of your fake shardbags. [Requires Deception] *set borep - 3 You hang your head in shame and withdraw a sack from your belt. "Don't let it hit you on the way out." You say as you toss the pouch at Bo's head. He catches it with a smirk and looks inside to see the seaglass-like Shards. Well, not really. That pouch is full of actual seaglass. "Remember who your betters are." Bo says as he turns with a flourish that looks ridiculous on his scrawny frame. His friends follow, laughing and clapping his back in victory. Tian Fang pops the last millet ball into her mouth and cringes at the texture, smell, and taste, then rises with a stretch. "Not bad, Thunderfaller, but not good enough. It seems my career as a trainer is going well." She looks down the street at Bo walking off with his friends. "It's a pity they didn't ask me to train his spiritual senses. How much did that seaglass cost?" "About 10 silver." You say. "So 1 Shard." She covers her mouth to stifle a laugh. "How wonderful. Well then, may this humbling loss of 10 silver drive your training to new levels." She winks and follows the others, tail swishing. *set fangromance + 1 Bo's fake currency will make a scene so you decide to come back to the market tomorrow. #Run for it. *set borep - 2 *set honor - 3 You're exhausted, surrounded, and outclassed in terms of speed. If you weren't then you wouldn't be in this mess. Yet still you must find a way out of this situation. Thankfully you grew up with the town's resident scoundrel. "Kosuke!" You scream out, "Stinkbombs!" $!{bffheshe} jumps to ${bffhisher} feet and pulls from ${bffhisher} pocket a handful of yellow balls. "STINKBOMB ATTACK!" $!{bffheshe} throws the balls to the ground at Bo's feet. The resulting cloud of "smoke" that covers Bo and his friends is actually a powder you both soaked in rotten vegetables and rancid meat juice. Tian Fang reacts immediately and lunges at Kosuke before ${bffheshe} can throw any more. Kosuke *if (bffheshe = "he") lets out a battlecry and *else jumps back with a yelp and breaks a couple in ${bffhisher} hand before Tian Fang closes the distance. The yellow cloud envelopes them both. "AWWOOOOOO!!!!" Tian Fang howls out and you realize she probably has a heightened sence of smell. Rest in Peace. You and Kosuke made these for the twins but this is fine too, you both agree, as the you book it behind some houses and keep running to the sound of coughing and gagging back at the street. The market can wait until tomorrow. *page_break *goto merchantoptions *label winrace *set racercool true Bo catches his breath and looks to you with a reddened face from frustration or exertion, you can't tell. Then he looks to Tian Fang. "Are you really going to accept this?" He asks desperately, "You want the Sect losing funds to this outcast?" "A deal made is a deal honored." She says with a shrug. "Hand over the Shards and be done with it so we can go to the market. I seek something to eat besides these awful treats." "Awful? Then give them back!" Kosuke demands, diving to get ${bffhisher} fried millet balls back. "No!" Shouts Fang, "You have given them to me and it is rude to not eat a gift!" She dodges Kosuke's grab by sliding backwards on ice that forms under her feet. "That's not an expression," Kosuke yells while chasing her, "nobody says that! Most gifts aren't food!" "Then people should gift more food!" Fang yells defiantly. They keep at it for a while. You and Bo tear your eyes away from the distraction and look back to each other. "This isn't over." Bo says. *fake_choice #"Good." I nod once graciously. "I need the competition." *set honor + 2 *set fangrep + 2 *set borep + 2 He lets out a huff and looks off to the distance for a moment. "Sure. Whatever." He hands a pouch of Shards over to you without making eye contact. "Come on guys." He says to his friends, "We've wasted enough time that should be spent training." [b][Item Gained: 120 Shards][/b] *set shards + 120 "Yeah," says the fat one, "especially speed training, since you lost." "Shut up." Bo replies. "He even lost [i]to the Laborer[/i]." the girl in their group says. "Shut up!" Bo replies louder. They disappear into the market up ahead and you decide that's the right call; you came here for supplies after all. "Come on Kosuke, we're done here." *goto icerink #"I know, it's over when you pay up." "That mouth of yours is going to get you beaten one day, Laborer." Bo says as he smacks a pouch of Shards into your hand. "One day soon." [b][Item Gained: 120 Shards][/b] *set shards + 120 "What's this?" You say, looking down at the bag and pretending to use your hand as a scale, "No tip?" "Go fuck yourself." Bo replies. Him and his friends disappear into the crowd heading to the market up ahead and you smile with satisfaction. "Come on Kosuke," You say to your struggling friend, "we're leaving." *label icerink *if (bffheshe = "she") "Okay!" Kosuke says from the ground. $!{bffheshe} starts to slide on ${bffhisher} belly across the ice rink Fang had somehow formed around their scuffle. *else "Works for me." Kosuke says from the ground before standing shakily and letting ${bffhimher}self glide ungracefully out of the ice rink Fang formed across the road. #Forcefully rip his shard pouch off his belt. *set ruthless + 2 *set fangrep - 2 *set borep + 1 Bo is flanked by three of his friends, a fact that does nothing to stop you as you walk up and rip a shardpouch off his belt. He doesn't even realize what you're doing in time because it's such a stupid move, four against one. He scoffs and pulls back too slowly, just like the race, and you raise a fist to fake a punch when he tries to stop you. He recoils. The loss of that race is already in his head. [b][Item Gained: 120 Shards][/b] *set shards + 120 "Flincher." You say, and spit on his shirt. "Come on Kosuke, we're leaving." *if (bffheshe = "she") "Okay!" Kosuke says from the ground. $!{bffheshe} starts to slide on ${bffhisher} belly across the ice rink Fang had somehow formed around their scuffle. *else "Works for me." Kosuke says from the ground before standing shakily and letting ${bffhimher}self glide ungracefully out of the ice rink Fang formed across the road. Bo's friends bicker behind you as he yells at each of them for not stopping you and they yell at him for losing the race. *page_break *goto merchantoptions *label desletter1 A messenger's scroll awaits you when you get home, sealed in black wax. *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ac-linebreak-top.png [i]${fullname},[/i] [i]My name is Li Sun, brother of Li Moon and disciple of Lady Desdemona. You met the three of us at a tavern months back and put us on the right direction to get to the Sunbringer Sect. We arrived on time, earned their trust, and learned their handseal formations before we had to leave for other ventures. Lady Desdemona has trouble showing it but she is quite thankful for your help. Unfortunately, she swore upon her very soul to never disclose their handseals to the Sunbringers' enemies, namely your Sect. So Our Lady has instead asked [i]me[/i] to disclose the handseals to you, and thus broke no vow.[/i] [i]Please find the handseal ritual formations attached, may they aid you in the Trials to come.[/i] *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ac-linebreak-bottom.png Underneath the letter, on the same scroll, is an intricate set of finger formations needed to form the right handseals as well as the proper chi infusions from each Core needed during each handseal. From the inscriptions, it appears the Seals inscribed are designed to temporarily improve your aptitude in specific skills. Useful for when you know what you're getting into. *if (eastwindritual = 100) [b][Handseal Ritual Learned: Auspicious Eastern Seal][/b] *line_break *set eastwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (westwindritual = 100) [b][Handseal Ritual Learned: Auspicious Western Seal][/b] *set westwindritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *else [b][Both Seals Already Known!][/b] Unfortunately, you already know both of these ritual Seals. The Auspicious Eastern Seal and Auspicious Western Seal are useful but you were hoping for something more esoteric. It's surprising to find you're more knowledgeable in mystic seals than a Sect based around mystic seals, but not unheard of. You've been surprising yourself a lot lately. *set apval 10 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *page_break *set desletter 1 *goto Next_trainingseason *label elementbugaloo Winning the Heavenly Ascension Trials will take more than just skill and luck. You're going to need a trump card. So far all your fights have relied on Advancing in the middle of battle to surprise your opponent. Each time was a risk and each time left you mere moments from death. Such a reactive strategy can only get you so far and not all Advancements can be done without preparation. It's time for you to stop cutting corners. It's time to be proactive. It's time to infuse your spirit with the power of an Element. The Art of Shugendō. *if (element2 = "Fire") The first element you mastered was through...less than savory means. Your act of brazen fiery death rained upon your enemies connected your spirit to the all-consuming heat of the element of Fire in a freak accident. It was awesome. But you want more. Unfortunately you've never heard of a Shugendō trainer in Thunderfall Village outside of the Sect and you can't trust the ones inside the Sect. You'd have an easier time convincing a pig to fly than getting one of Mao's underlings to train Crusher Jack's rival. Luckily there's another option. *page_break Legends say the elemental practice of Shugendō began through a series of meditations and spiritual journeys across perilous mountains that no longer exist, massive alps of a long-shattered Cathayan Empire across the western sea. Usually legends aren't worth much to your training but this time is an exception: Shugendō elders seeking prestige have setup their Schools and Temples all throughout the western-facing mountains of Imperial Rasen to be closer to the spiritual source of their craft. As in, the mountain ranges of Outer West. Your home. The closest is the Devanic Temple to the north-west. Religion isn't unheard of in Thunderfall Village, it's just not common. Spirits or Wild Gods may get an occasional prayer but a true Temple is noticeably absent. Yet despite such a missing component of life, even you know of the Devanic Temple's immaculate reputation. A saint-worshiping Sect of the Sacred Lands with branches all across Imperial Rasen, their practice of supporting the meek that they boast so proudly is a mere footnote to the Martial World. What Martial Artists know them for, what keeps them relevant in a world of power, is their Crusades against the inhuman threats to Imperial Rasen. You hope you can get training with one of those proper Devanic combatants rather than the preaching monks, but beggars can't be choosers. *comment *if (desrep > 50) *comment [b][Event Bonus: Witching Woman][/b] *comment *comment However...You also know of a closer source. The Lunargothic woman you met at the end of your first mission, Desdemona, had two different colors in her glowing aura. Gold and purple. One could be a Martial Arts Style, the Kiihakai Art of Chi Sorcery if her disciple is to be believed, but the other had to be a Shugendō Element. Not even the Inner Masters can learn two Styles. *comment *comment You helped her out when she was lost, maybe she'll return the favor? *choice #Travel to the Devanic Temple. [2-4 Months] *set noshugendo false *goto devanictemple #Go back. *goto Next_trainingseason *label devanictemple "This sucks." Says Jin, who you [i]did not invite[/i]. "Nobody said there'd be so much snow, and how many mountain peaks do we have to pass through? I'm tired of getting my hopes up. If the temple isn't on a certain peak then why don't we go around it?" "No one told you to come." You say for the eighteenth time. "And we don't know which mountain holds the Devanic Temple. We have to check them all." *if (underlings > 0) *if (underlings >= 2) One of your underlings *else Your underling scoffs at Jin, "And what are you complaining for anyway, brat? *if (underlings = 1) [i]I'm[/i] the one who has *elseif (underlings >= 2) [i]We're[/i] the ones who have to carry everyone's supplies." Jin stares daggers at the servant. "Who said you can talk?" *if (underlings >= 2) They look to you *else Your underling looks to you expectantly. *if (underlings = 1) "[i]Neither[/i] *else "[i]None[/i] of you should talk." You say to *if (underlings = 1) both of them. *else everyone involved. This was supposed to be your *if (underlings > 0) (mostly) solitary pilgrimage for an important spiritual journey. Unfortunately, you have a brother. It had already been dusk of the first night by the time you noticed he was following you, apparently his plan was to try and get accepted into the Devanic Temple as a monk. Not a bad idea, but one that will piss off Father who spent so much time training Jin to be a ${background}. Poor Father. Training two *if (heshe = "he") sons *else heirs and neither takes up the family business. Jin would be in danger of predators if you made him return home alone that night so you've been stuck on-foot together ever since. Twelve more days have passed since then and he's clearly been pushing himself too hard to keep up. *if (((survival+craft) >= 3) or (underlings > 0)) *if (underlings > 0) [b][Event Check Passed: Servants][/b] *set powexp + 2 *set forexp + 1 *set agiexp + 1 *set solexp + 1 It's not your fault he didn't abduct *if (underlings = 1) a bandit *elseif (underlings >= 2) some bandits in servitude to carry extra supplies. Maybe he should have followed your example, the idiot. *elseif ((survival+craft) >= 3) [b][Survival+Craft 3 Check Passed][/b] *set forexp + 3 It's not your fault he didn't pack proper clothes. *else [ERROR] The two of you have already been delayed a day because you had to hunt a large takin to skin for furs just so Jin won't die of frostbite. *else [b][Survival+Craft 3 Check Failed][/b] You've been having troubles of your own, between the frigid cold and the lack of game. If you knew you'd have to traverse so many different peaks you would have packed better. [b][Lost 2 Aura Pressure][/b] *set aurapressure - 2 *page_break "Do you hear something?" Jin asks, sticking a finger into his ear to clear out the earwax. *if (heshe = "she") Gross Jin. Gross. A quick glance around the current snowcapped peak doesn't reveal anything particularly noticeable. Unlike at a distance, mountain peaks like this one up close are more flat and wide and seem like any regular rocky hill. Ambient starlight reveals more peaks further northwest where you hope to find the Devanic Temple, but beyond that nothing stands out. *set combatstat "soul" *set combatskill "insight" *set combatdiff 5 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *set solexp + 2 A chill runs down your spine and you immediately change your answer. Your mind screams at you to run and not turn around, a primal fear warning you to not look upon the source of the sensation you're feeling. Yet you are a Martial Artist. The senses throughout your mind and spirit are strictly under control; you can recognize what's real and what isn't. This fear is supernatural. A Technique is being used on you. With a quick shoving kick you knock Jin to the side and use the momentum to spin your body around with both arms ready to block whatever didn't want you turning around. That's when you see the creature before you and, for a brief moment, wish you had just run. *page_break *else "I don't hear anything." *page_break *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false The attack slams into your back with such downward force that the massive fist shreds patches of your back's skin right off. If it weren't for your enhanced life essence as a Martial Artist you'd die just from the blood loss of the attack. Jin shouts in horror *if (jinaura) but recovers fast enough and takes two leaps back, igniting his weak aura of white mist and mimicking a battle stance. *else and leaps back immediately, falling to the ground and rummaging through his pack for anything to use as a weapon. You still don't even know what hit you. *choice #Charge your aura from the ground. $!{auracolor} energy explodes around your body in a desperate surge of chi to rush your body into a battle-ready state. It's at that exact moment that you feel a momentous weight crash down onto your back. *set combatstat "fortitude" *set combatdiff 6 *if (jincombat >= 2) *set combatdiff - 1 *if (jinaura) *set combatdiff - 1 *set buggin 66 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *if ((jinaura) or (jincombat >= 2)) *if (jinaura) [b][Event Bonus: Jin's Martial Arts][/b] *elseif (jincombat >= 2) [b][Event Bonus: Jin's Training][/b] Shockingly Jin comes to the rescue, tackling the heavy attacker the second it lands on you. Between your potent energy and enhanced body, and Jin's *if not (jinaura) unpowered reckless assault, the enemy's back-breaking aerial execution fails and you send out a snapkick to deflect your opponent's descent sideways while rising to your feet. *else Jin's not a lot of help at this point, you should have trained him better, but you're not the type who needs help. When your heavy opponent lands on your back with an aerial execution attacker your power surges with such repellant force that it's practically knocked airborne. You lift yourself off the ground with a pushup and twist and kick your attacker before it can gain distance. *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost Your foot impacts a heavy body, a [i]much too heavy body[/i]. The monstrous opponent is knocked a mere five feet away and you stand in time to get a good look at your enemy. *else And crunch right through your bones. The distinct alarming pain of at least two snapped ribs floods through your chest and forces out a scream of pain with the last of the air in your lungs. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false Ancestors, injured ribs sounded like such a minor injury throughout your life, bringing up the image of someone sitting in bed with bandages around their chest. The reality is a constant Hell as your own shards of bone brush against your lungs and heart for every pained breath. Jin hits whatever crashed down onto you with *if (jinaura) a weak chi blast *else a thrown frying pan and thank the Heavens he does, for it takes its massive foot off of you and charges at him. Unfortunately, this is Jin we're talking. If it can hurt you then it can [i]kill[/i] him. You get to your feet in excruciating pain and launch a weak chi blast at the bulky attacker as well when it's halfway between the two of you. It lands with a smoking sting and the monstrous form turns back, finally giving you a good look at your enemy. #Roll out of the way. Everything's quiet. Too quiet for a battlefield. You roll out of the way and jump up at an angle to rise, immediately knowing you made the right choice when something crashes into the ground where you were laying moments earlier. Snow explodes into the air in a radius around your attacker. The only time a bulky enemy is silent is when they're airborne, you see now that you've narrowly dodged an aerial execution attack. As the snow slowly dissipates you finally get a good look at your enemy. *page_break A hulking mockery of a man stands before you, eight feet tall with unnaturally long limbs made of twisted muscle and shadow wrapped together as if woven from a hundred ropes of burnt rotting flesh. Its face is covered in a singular bone mask that you know will never come off, for it is the source keeping this undead Fiend together. You'd recognize a Grim anywhere. "What the Hells is that thing?!" Jin shouts over the howling winds of the *if (underlings = 0) peak. *else as your *if (underlings = 1) underling bolts *else underlings bolt at the sight of such a horror. "A Grim." You yell back while widening your stance. This is going to take full-body strength to fight something so large. "A Ghost that used Advancement to make a physical body." "How d-" Jin was probably going to ask how you know so much about them and you were going to say that you and Kosuke dressed as Grim to scare the neighbors, but the Grim has no patience for your conversation. Like all Fiends its sole focus is on extending its unnatural existence. Something it can only do by feeding on the living. *if (sonarmode) [b][Thunderfaller vs Grim][/b] *else *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ap-thunderfaller-vs-grim.png The Grim throws its arms wide and charges you like a clotheslining gorilla, its arms glowing black with corrupted power as it comes to take your life. *choice #Attempt a chi blast. You rev ${auracolor} through your Cores and hold both hands together, extending them at the charging Grim with sheer determination. Scorching hostile chi warms your body as it cycles through your spirit and once it's ready you launch the entire bonfire-sized missile of glowing ${auracolor} energy at the charging Grim. *set combatstat "soul" *set combatdiff 5 *if (((element1 = "Fire") or (element2 = "Fire")) or (handseals >= 2)) *set combatdiff 4 *set buggin 111 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) The Fiend is blasted by your energy attack right in the midsection with such force that the momentum of its dash ends immediately. *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 4) [b][Power 4 Check Passed, Additional Damage Dealt][/b] *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 5) *line_break [b][Power 5 Check Passed, Additional Damage Dealt][/b] *set grimdamage + 1 ...It was supposed to be launched twenty feet away. It didn't even take a step back. *goto Fiendthrow *else The Fiend takes your attack to the midsection and keeps running, only faster. *label grimsaysgetrekt Once it's six steps from you the Grim surges an Agility Core and bolts right into your body with its glowing outstretched arm. It doesn't even stop, barreling right through you and completely overtaking your defense. Your body is knocked into the air so hard that you spin four times like a tossed spatula. All breath leaves your lungs when you cough up blood. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false You land face-first in the snow, thankfully cushioning you from the ice and stone underneath, then rise to your feet just in time to weather the next attack. *goto Fiendthrow #Attempt a grapple. As the undead Grim charges at you one thought goes through your head, and it's a stupid one. You think 'I'll bet I can grapple with a charging eight-foot tall undead abomination that probably doesn't feel pain.' So you try that. *set combatstat "fortitude" *set combatstat2 "power" *set combatdiff 9 *if ((bodytype = "Muscular") or (bodytype = "Dommymommy")) [b][Bodytype Bonus, Difficulty Reduced][/b] *set combatdiff - 1 *line_break *elseif (athletics >= 2) [b][Athletics 2 Check Passed][/b] *set combatdiff - 1 *line_break *set buggin 222 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) It works. The unstoppable force of the Grim meets the unmovable object of ${fullname} and your arms crash into its biceps, ending the Fiend's momentum. The air around your clash explodes in a wind of force that nearly knocks Jin over. Before the Grim can adjust its footing or surprise you with some horror-type Technique like making a fanged mouth out of its stomach, you take the initiative and lift the undead abomination over your head and slam it mask-first into the stone behind you. *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 4) [b][Power 4 Check Passed, Additional Damage Dealt][/b] *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 5) *line_break [b][Power 5 Check Passed, Additional Damage Dealt][/b] *set grimdamage + 1 The Fiend hits the icy ground of the mountain peak with such force that the slight decline of the peak slides it away, gouging its mask and shoulders through the layer of ice on the ground as it goes. But the fight's not over yet. *goto Fiendthrow *else A smug smile crosses your lips as you brace yourself for impact and prepare your counterattack. It doesn't work. *goto grimsaysgetrekt *selectable_if (jinaura) #Coordinate an attack with Jin. [Requires Jin's Aura] *set jincombat + 1 Both you and Jin leap in opposite directions when the Grim gets close enough, causing it to hesitate on choosing which to follow. It ends up missing both of you on its charge and you land ten feet apart. "We can kill it if we work together." You say, turning to Jin. "Are you ready?" Jin's mouth hangs open looking upon the aberration that is the undead Grim, a ghost made of chi that's fed on so many living beings that it cultivated a new physical body in the same way that your physical body cultivated an enhanced spirit by feeding on chi. But he's no weakling, he's a ${clan}. Jin slaps his face twice with both hands and bounces in place, exuding the white haze of an early aura around his body. "Yeah. Yeah I'm ready." "I go low, you go high." The two of you charge in sync. *page_break With every ounce of your strength you charge at the Grim's tree trunk sized legs and wrap your arms around one. It doesn't try to kick you which means it must be focused on Jin who should be leaping at its face. You'll brook no counterattack against your brother. Both of your feet slam flat to the stone ground and tense as you grip the Grim's leg and [i]lift[/i], hoisting the Fiend sideways and off-balance. *if (power >= 4) [b][Power 4 Check Passed][/b] The plan was to pull the Grim off-center so Jin can land a punch on its bonemask but you're stronger than you thought. With the momentum of your lift you feel there's still more strength within you. Rather than just pulling the Grim's leg off-balance, you swing the leg wide and take the whole Grim with it, spinning the creature in a full 360-degree circle then slamming it into the stone ground. It collides into the mountain's peak with the back of its head at the same time that Jin lands his punch against its bonemask, crushing it further into the stone. [b][Additional Damage Dealt][/b] *set grimdamage + 1 *else Its center of gravity shifts and the Grim falters sideways, its punch against the leaping Jin thrown wide as your brother lands on the Fiend with a direct fist to the face with Jin's full charging weight behind the strike. *set grimdamage + 1 *if (jincombat >= 3) *set grimdamage + 1 *if ((agility >= 4) or (power >= 5)) *set grimdamage + 1 *if (grimdamage = 1) A crack appears *if (grimdamage = 2) A large crack appears *if (grimdamage >= 3) Several large cracks appear on the Grim's bonemask and it screeches against the world. Immense pressure from its spirit sends you and Jin flying twenty feet back but you both twist mid-air and land on your feet. The Grim rises and while you can't see any expression from its bonemask you notice by the way its shoulders are shaking that it's uncontrollably pissed. Rather than attack, however, it charges away. A second later you realized you should have stopped it. *goto Fiendthrow *selectable_if (commonpoison >= 1) #Stab the creature with a poisoned blade. [Requires Common Poison] Grim seek a physical body by feeding on the flesh of the living as if human corpses were Advancement Elixirs. The massive abomination charging you is the stuff of nightmares for every villager of the Outerlands. But you know a weakness. A Fiend of flesh is vulnerable to the weaknesses of flesh. You duck low as it charges and stab *if (background = "Blacksmith") *set an "tanto" your ${an} *else *set an "skinning knife" a ${an} into a vial of poison you've been holding onto. [b][Item Lost: Common Poison x1][/b] *set commonpoison - 1 *page_break *if (style = "Akakiru") [b][Style Event: Akakiru][/b] Something comes over you as you slice into the Grim, digging your ${an} into its flesh with a coating of poison. Chi leaks from your hand and wraps over the blade with a deafening buzz and you feel the blade call to you, guide you. It even fills you with the instincts to follow through with the rest of your body, not just the hand holding the blade. When you duck low to stab the Fiend in the armpit you know immediately that you need to place your other hand on its chest for balance and leap high, carving your blade in a circular motion. Your body moves on its own, dancing to the tune of your swordsmanship as you saw the creature's entire arm off in one swing looped around its shoulder joint. The Grim doesn't miss a beat, still trying to clothesline you with its dead flesh arm as the black glow dissipates from the severed limb and it loses any force. You catch the arm with both forearms to keep a grip on your ${an} and throw the hefty limb at the passing Grim just as it turns around in confusion. You were supposed to be knocked forward with it in the clothesline attack. Only now does the Grim realize something is wrong when its own arm collides with its bonemask. It knocks the severed limb away with a wordless grunt and immediately sees you've already closed the distance. You're in the air right in front of the Fiend and you stab your ${an} into its bonemask then yank down, slicing the mask in two. The Grim doesn't move until its mask slowly slides off its featureless head of dead roped flesh in two separated pieces. Then...It dies. When did you get so strong? [b][Akakiru Event: Aura Pressure +10][/b] *set aurapressure + 10 *goto killedgrim *else *set grimdamage + 2 *if (power >= 4) *set grimdamage + 1 When the Grim gets close enough you stab your poisoned blade up into its shoulder and roll to the side as the Fiend passes, leaving the knife embedded in its joint so the poison can soak in. *if (alchemy >= 2) [b][Alchemy 2 Check Passed][/b] You personally enhanced that poison to destroy flesh rather than just paralyze your opponent. Being undead won't save the Grim from your concoction. *set grimdamage + 1 *label Fiendthrow The Grim lets out a howl like a burly man with its mouth sewn shut, then skids to a halt with enough speed to kick up snow. It turns back to you and [i]throws[/i] the black energy wrapped around its arms, one arm launching the chi at you and the other launched at Jin. *choice #Dodge the Grim's putrid chi. One mighty leap is your best bet to get out of the way and you hope Jin is doing the same. *set combatstat "agility" *set combatdiff 5 *set buggin 22 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) A sense of alarm shoots through your mind and spirit as you motion to leap, so you push yourself harder and clear a full twenty foot vertical jump. The Grim's dark energy attack shakes as it flies under you and twists upward but it can't turn at a fast enough speed to hit. The damned thing had some sort of life-tracking effect on its attack. "JIN, IT'S A TRACKER!" *set val 1 *else Yet you're not fast enough and get hit with the Grim's dark energy attack anyway. Screeching pain shoots through not only your body but your aura as well and it becomes instantly apparent that something is wrong. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false true *if (eblocktech != "") The Grim's corrupted chi splashes off you thanks to the energy shielding of your ${eblocktech} Technique. You've never been more thankful for such a preparation in your life. *else The Grim's corrupted chi is infecting you in a way that cannot be healthy. *set taint + 5 You no longer hope Jin is doing the same. *set val 0 *page_break *if ((jinaura) and (jincombat >= (3-val))) *if (val = 1) With your warning Jin leaps backward while shooting his own weaker basic energy blast at the Grim's Technique, which proves to be the right move. Both attacks collide in midair and explode, sending snow flying everywhere but leaving Jin unharmed. You let out a breath of relief. Jin's smarter than you gave him credit for, he wouldn't have been able to dodge it and thank the Heavens that he realized that in time. *else Jin attempts to leap out of the way but the putrid dark chi of the Grim stretches toward him in midair like a leech twisting toward its prey. The attack slams into him and burns straight through his clothes, skin, and muscle. Jin's bloodcurdling scream fills your mind with panic. [b][Jin has been injured!][/b] *set jinjured true *set jincombat - 1 You turn to the Grim, eyes wide and body moving on its own, as you march at the creature that you have instinctively decided will die. *goto grimround2 #Cast a Handseal to help counterblast both attacks. Splitting a basic chi blast without losing potency requires special Techniques that you've never been trained in. On the fly all you can think to try is two different chi blasts enhanced by a repelling handseal ritual cast upon your chest in a hurry to add speed and thus force. As the screaming Grim swings both arms and launches its death energy at your little brother your hands blur together, fingers interlocking and separating in quick succession to form the required zodiac handseals while your Cores spin enough chi for two chi blasts. *page_break Here goes nothing *set combatstat "soul" *set combatskill "handseals" *set combatdiff 6 *set buggin 77 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) With no time to spare you execute the final Seal to form a repellant ritual on your fur overcoat. The ritual goes into effect and immediately shreds the material, launching you backward. This Seal is designed for sturdy walls, not clothing. The constant strain it puts on the Seal's surface proves too much for your clothing. Yet the instant the ritual lasted was enough. As the repellant ritual blasts you backwards it sends an equal amount of force away from you just as you release an orb of scorching hot ${auracolor} chi from each hand. Both blasts get caught in the repellant ritual and triple in speed just in time to collide with the Grim's lobbed energy, exploding in two separate chi eruptions mid-air simultaneously. The cold snow catches your back as you tumble backward before rolling to your feet. Without thinking you charge the Grim before it gets a chance to see what happened through the explosions. Excitement at your success drives you forward at incredible speeds. The Grim failed to hurt Jin. Now it's your turn to hurt the Grim. *goto grimround2 *else What were you THINKING?! Handseals aren't meant for combat! While you're busy fingering around like a maniac the Grim's energy attacks slam into both you and Jin like a bucket's worth of acid. Fiend energy is unnatural and your spirit lets you know it. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false true *if (eblocktech != "") It splashes against your ${eblocktech} and sizzles, forming an acrid smoke that forces a heavy cough out of your lungs. You try your best to hold your breath and roll out of the yellow-black smoke, begging for Jin to be okay, *if (jinaura) *set powexp + 2 and see him roll out of a similar cloud of fumes. His skin shines with the ${eblocktech} Technique just like yours. Thank Heavens you trained him for this. Yet the fight's not over, and as Jin gives you a thumbs up he doesn't see the Grim charging at him. Without even thinking you run in to intercept the rampaging monster. *else but the Heavens don't answer your prayers. Instead you see him writhing on the ground in pain, his skin sizzling. *set jincombat - 1 [b][Jin has been injured!] *set jinjured true *goto tormentjin *else As the Grim's black chi slams into your body it melts through not just your flesh but even the essence of your spirit. [b][1 Chi Point Spent][b] *set chispent + 1 *set jincombat - 1 [b][Jin has been injured!] *set jinjured true Jin takes it worse than you do, dropping to the ground and screaming in pain. *label tormentjin His torment attracts the Grim and you panic, running after the Fiend before it can finish off Jin. You don't know what you're going to do but find yourself sprinting at the enemy all the same. *goto grimround2 #Jump in the way to protect Jin. Thinking fast you leap out of the way of the Grim's attack against you and position yourself in front of your brother, arms crossed in front of you to block the flying glob of putrid chi thrown at him. *set combatstat "fortitude" *set combatdiff 6 *if (jinaura) *set combatdiff 4 *set buggin 33 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *if (jinaura) Surprisingly, Jin helps you help him. His left hand extends over your shoulder, right hand gripping his wrist for support, and he let out a battlecry (right into your ear, damn it Jin) as he launches his own weak chi blast at the Grim's attack. Jin's lantern-sized missile of white chi collides into the Grim's black chi blast right in front of you, exploding the attack before it reaches your body. The resulting eruption is easier to weather than a direct attack. "Good assist!" You shout to Jin, but this fight is beyond him. You need to end it now. In one quick breath you leap through the smoke of the exploding attacks and come out the other side in front of the Grim to press your assault. *goto grimround2 *else The putrid essence of the Grim's energy attack collides into you like a pool of acid, dissolving most of your fur coat before your aura strengthens enough to push it back. Against all odds, your skin remains intact. Big Chu would be proud. *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost When your arms lower the Grim sees you're unharmed and takes a single step backwards. You seize upon that advantage and rush the Fiend with everything you have. *goto grimround2 *elseif (eblocktech != "") [i]AAAAHHHHHHH!!!![/i] You think to yourself, calmly, as the smell of burning acid fills your nostrils. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false true The panic subsides when you realize you're not actually burning, protected by the ${eblocktech} Technique manifesting around you. Thank the Ancestors you came prepared. Yet in *goto onlyasec *else [i]AAAAHHHHHHH!!!![/i] You think to yourself, calmly, as the smell of burning and rotting flesh fills your nostrils from the Grim's corrupted chi burning through the skin and muscle of your outstretched arms. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false true The pain is unimaginable and seeps into your psyche as you know intrinsically that something is wrong. The corrupted chi has gotten into you aura and bloodstream and that cannot be good. *set taint + 5 In *label onlyasec only a second the Grim charges you again, arm raised to clobber down onto your head. You glare at the charging opponent with enraged bloodshot eyes from the screaming pain coursing through your body. Only one thought enters your mind and it's not fear. It's not despair. It's not the pain shocking your nervous system. [i]It's revenge.[/i] *goto grimround2 *label grimround2 *choice #Attempt a full-power flying kick to the Grim's mask. *set combatstat "power" *set combatstat2 "soul" *set combatdiff 8 *if (jinaura) *set combatdiff 7 *if (style = "Midorikatai") *if (((power + soul) + 1) < combatdiff) *set combatdiff - 1 *set buggin 44 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *if (style = "Midorikatai") [b][Style Event: Midorikatai][/b] *set powexp + 5 *set forexp + 2 Going all out against an opponent so large awakens something within you. With each sprinting step towards the Grim you feel your legs impact the ground harder and feel your arms weigh you down more, yet you also feel your leg muscles push forward with so much more force that the heavy feeling of your body is not only compensated but overcome. By the time you reach the Grim you're no longer looking up at the creature, you're looking forward. Somehow the two of you are the same size. Your entire body has grown into a powerhouse that you launch with a *goto midoleap *else A running head start turns you into an unpredictable flash as you slide over the mountain peak's icy ground, glowing ${auracolor} with power and speeding towards the Grim like a cannonball. You *label midoleap leap at the last second and spin, leaning back to keep your full *if (style = "Midorikatai") enhanced weight behind your leg as you snap your foot into the Grim's bonemask with enough force to crack a boulder. *set grimdamage + 2 *if ((style = "Midorikatai") or (grimdamage >= 5)) A satisfying crunch beneath your foot is followed by a disgusting squelching sensation when your boot, then entire leg, penetrates into the Grim's bonemask and out through the back of its head. The creature's body flails underneath you as you soar forward another ten yards from your potent and lethal flying kick, dragging the Grim's corpse as you go. When you finally land you rip your leg out of its skull and look over to Jin. *if (jinjured) Though he's heavily wounded laying on the ground, he still gives you a thumbs up. *goto killedgrim *else "That was awesome!" Jin shouts, "When are you going to teach me to do that?" *if (style = "Midorikatai") Your body slowly shrinks afterward and you look down at your hands, seeing specks of green in your ${auracolor} aura that dissipate when you finish returning to normal size. Truth be told, you have no idea what you did. However, you are the elder sibling. You make something up. "Your body can't handle it right now; I'll teach you when your Aura Pressure gets to 400." *if (deception < 2) "Oh eat shit, I can tell when you're lying." *goto eatshit *else "Four hundred?! Sure, I'll call for your secrets on my deathbed when I'm eighty, [i]${patriarch}[/i]" Jin says with air-quotes. "Works for me." You say rubbing snow on your pants to wipe the corrupted blood off. *goto killedgrim *else Oh hell no, you don't have room for an apprentice right now. "When your Aura Pressure is bigger than mine." "Oh eat shit." *label eatshit Jin says, dismissing you with a particular finger. "That's eat shit [i]$!{patriarch}[/i]." You correct. *goto killedgrim *else Yet the Fiend still lives. You crack its mask and bounce off, only to take two hesitant leaps back and look to Jin. Doubt fills your mind as you wonder if the two of you combined even have what it takes to kill this creature. *goto savedbyshrinemaidens *else With speed and precision you charge at the Grim on the mountainous peak and leap into the air with a momentous flying kick that it catches in one hand. Aw shit. *page_break The Grim crushes your foot with a vice grip and slams you into the ground. It doesn't let up, still holding onto your leg and swinging you back up over its head to hit the ground again, then again, then again. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false You're seeing stars before the blood loss begins to take effect. *goto savedbyshrinemaidens #Attempt to blind the Grim with snow. Rushing the hulking Grim head-on results in the Fiend pulling its fists together and raising them into the air in the hopes of crushing you into the ground with a fatal slam. "Psyche!" As you get near melee range you deny it the head-on attack and instead use your own supernatural strength to kick a sizeable wave of snow into the Grim's face. *set combatstat "agility" *set combatskill "thievery" *set combatdiff 6 *if (style = "Kurokonton") *if (((agility + thievery) + 1) < combatdiff) *set combatdiff - 1 *set buggin 88 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 4) *set grimdamage + 1 *if (power >= 5) *set grimdamage + 1 *if (style = "Kurokonton") The underhanded tactic comes so naturally that you feel a connection to something more, something ensuring your opponent will fall for it. Something masking you from its presence...No...Something withering its perception of you. A curse. [b][Style Event: Kurokonton][/b] $!{auracolor} light all around your body takes on a more purple hue as your spirit reaches out and grips onto the Grim, as if connecting the two of you like a magnet. The yin energy of absorption fuels your ax-kick as you seize on that connection and pull yourself down faster than you ever could have fallen, landing on the Grim with an accelerated ax-kick that cuts through the Grim's bonemask in a single slicing strike. You land on the ground as the Grim collapses behind you, truly dead, and the specks of purple energy slowly dissipate from your ${auracolor} aura. *goto killedgrim *else The Grim's fists slam through the snow wave too late as you leap higher than it would ever expect. As the Fiend looks around to find its prey you descend from the sky in a devastating ax-kick onto its head *if (grimdamage >= 5) that cleaves its bonemask in two. Without its mask, the source of its corrupted power, the Fiend is dead before it even realizes what happened. *goto killedgrim *else with enough force to stagger it, but the Fiend still lives. It slams a heavy fist into your torso that knocks you back a dozen yards. "Are you okay?!" Jin yells from his defensive position. "For now." You say, yet you've given it your all already. You're beginning to wonder if the two of you combined even have what it takes to kill this creature. *goto savedbyshrinemaidens *else If your goal was to piss the Grim off, you succeeded. The mouthless creature lets out a gagged roar as it slams both arms down through the snow with speed and precision, striking your chest into the stone ground before you even know what hit you. *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 true false It raises its arms to slam onto you again and you feel cold snow on your head as Jin grips you by the armpits and rips you out of the way. The Grim's second slam sends snow everywhere and it takes a second for it to realize you're gone. All the while you're racking your brain for a strategy, as it's seeming more and more likely that neither you nor Jin have what it takes to win this fight. *goto savedbyshrinemaidens *if (style = "Aoyusumu") #Attack the Grim's mask. [b][Style Event: Aoyusumu][/b] You look upon the Grim with such contempt that you can barely stand it, but you focus on those feelings and actively change them in your mind. It should not be hatred, it should be more justified. Righteousness. This creature is not natural. It defies the order of life and death, it feeds on the living, and by its very existence it must have killed countless others to even Advance from a ghost into a Grim. And few Martial Artists would die to a weaker spirit like a ghost. This creature has been feeding on the unpowered. Something within you...Not so much 'snaps', but more...Accepts the truth. Accepts that this Fiend, like all Fiends, must die. Will die. Here and now. One of your hands raises on its own, your actions guided by a deeper understanding, and you can feel the Grim's bonemask despite the distance between you. Though the Grim stands twenty feet away you swear the tips of your fingers feel the cold bone of its mask that keeps it alive, from end to end, as if your hand were larger than its face. The grim grunts nervously, clawing at its head. Your phantom-hand grips down on its bonemask and your real hand closes into a fist. Before your very eyes the bonemask that the Grim uses as its face glows with cerulean light and shatters to pieces. The creature drops to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut, truly dead. *page_break "What the Hells was that?" Jin yells, looking from the corpse of the Grim and back to you. You look down at your hands and see the faintest sparks of cerulean amongst your ${auracolor} aura, only for a moment, before they recede. "I'm not sure but it felt...right." "Oh bullshit." Jin says, "You just close your hand all threateningly and this thing dies on command, I'll [i]bet[/i] it felt right! Why don't you teach me and Rin anything like that?!" Honestly you don't even know what you did. However, you are an elder sibling. So you make something up. "You're not ready for it. Let me know when your Aura Pressure gets over 400, then we'll talk about real training." *goto killedgrim *if ((element2 = "Fire") and (((chipool + (soul/2)) - chispent) >= 1)) #Burn it to ash. [Fire Element, Costs 1 Chi] The Grim pivots in the snow to press its attack. You respond by cupping your hands together, kindling the spiritual power within your soul into a burning ember between your palms. The snow-capped stony field atop the mountain that serves as your battlefield has no fuel source to aid your attack so you've held your burning energies back so far, but enough is enough. You brought your own fuel and you've been kindling it this entire fight. [b][1 Chi Point Spent][/b] *set chispent + 1 Your body heats up as red and orange flames rise around you like a funeral pyre. Snow melts to water and boils on the stone ground in a five-foot radius around your glowing form. Just as your undead opponent takes a single step toward the nova of steam you're emitting you send a lance of red flame blasting through the mist, the result of all your spiritual energy condensed into a molten fireball the size of your palm. Like a shooting star your comet lances through the sky and closes the gap between you and the Grim instantaneously. The Fiend lets out a roar, surging all its Agility Cores to meet your attack in time with a slam of its glowing fist. The two attacks collide in an explosion of red and black energy as its spirit contests your own. When the swirling chi dissipates you see the Grim standing in the aftermath, its arm and head completely incinerated. The Fiend's remaining body crumples to the ground, dead by your flames. *goto killedgrim *label savedbyshrinemaidens Two cerulean lights catch your attention before the Grim notices them. Vibrant lines of energy descending from the sky like tiny stars falling to the world. They reach your battlefield in a flash so bright it lights up the peak in blazing power as if the sun had risen in vibrant blue. Both chi attacks crash through the Grim's bonemask from above and lance through its entire body from top to bottom, killing the creature outright and peeling its corpse into three separate slabs of meat. You thank the Heavens for your good fortune. Not just for the battle assistance, but for the end of your search when you look to the sky at the source of the attack. In the silhouette of the moon, flying high in the night sky, are two Shrinemaidens and a man in Devanic robes, all on the back of an enormous winged dove. "I'm glad we made it in time!" Shouts the redhaired man. "Hail traveler," shouts the Shrinemaiden in front, though the two look identical: black-haired Human women with long ponytails wearing traditional miko robes. "We sensed a Fiend attacking an *if (jadedragonfoundation) unfamiliar aura *else inferior Aura Pressure and came as fast as we could." *label moonmaidens *choice #Bow respectfully. "I'm thankful for the help." "I'm thankful for the help." You say with a respectful bow. "Pst, Jin, bow." "Oh, right." Says Jin with a deeper bow than yours. The little shit. "We're thankful to give the help." Says the redhaired man. "Think nothing of it, traveler. It is by the grace of the Saints that we protect the weak." That...stings your pride more than you expected. The shrinemaiden in back giggles and you hope it's not because of the expression on your face. "About that... *goto seekingtolearn #"I had it under control." "I had it under control." You say confidently. These three stole your victory and you can't exactly say you're pleased. "Of course you did." Says the shrinemaiden in the back "But we hold ourselves responsible for any Fiends in the province." The one in front speaks up next. "What brings you to an isolated mountain peak at night, traveler? *if (heshe = "he") #Look up the shrinemaidens' skirts. Flying Shrinemaidens are the stuff of legend and, being a pervert, you're not going to pass this up. "I'm glad you came by when you did," you shout up, walking forward, "that fight got too close." Chi gathers around your eyes and you slowly walk further underneath them mid-sentence to sneakily get a better look up their skirts. *if (bodytype = "Handsome") [b][Bodytype Event: Handsome][/b] A lance of cerulean energy lands next to your foot. "Eyes to our ours, stranger." Says the Shrinemaiden in front who launched the attack, though you notice the one in the back giggling with a mischievous smile. It seems not all of them agree on prudent standards. *set maidenbang 2 You'll have to remember her, if you can tell them apart later. The one in front speaks again, *goto frontspeaker *else [b][Bodytype Check Failed][/b] A lance of cerulean energy lands next to your foot. "Eyes to our eyes, stranger." Says the Shrinemaiden in front who launched the attack. *label frontspeaker "Now why don't you tell us why you're out here on an isolated mountain peak in the middle of the night? #Sneak a piece of the Grim's bonemask into your satchel before they land. The Devanic Temple is famous for Fiend-hunting, but the Trials are coming and Fiend essence holds a power of its own, one you can harness, just with some sort of corruption you'll have to cleanse later. Or so they say. With the Trials coming there's no way you're letting them stop you from such a rare Advancement material. *if (stealth >= 2) [b][Stealth 2 Check Passed][/b] *set agiexp + 2 You slip shards of the bonemask behind you with one foot and dig them into the snow, then 'brush your hands' in the snow innocently, as if to clean off the blood on them. In reality you're slipping the bonemask shards up your sleeve to harness later. *set val ((alchemy * 3) + 7) *set apval val *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set taint + val It's at about that time that the giant dove gets low to the ground and hovers near Jin. The shrinemaiden sitting at the front speaks up. "Forgiveness for asking, weary strangers, but what brings you two travelers to an isolated mountain peak in the middle of the night? *else [b][Stealth 2 Check Failed][/b] You yawn casually and reach down to 'tie your shoes', slipping a few pieces of the Grim's bonemask into your hands and up your sleeve, when a lance of cerulean energy cuts into the ground by your foot. "I'd leave those where they are, stranger." Says the shrinemaiden in front. "We don't need any more spiritual corruption spreading among the population." "Careful." Says the redhaired man. "I don't think she's asking." The shrinemaiden in back just laughs at you. The leading shrinemaiden speaks up again, "And what brings you to this isolated mountain peak in the middle of the night anyway? Despite your poor choice of greed I know you weren't in league with the Grim, as I witnessed it trying to kill you. *label aramaiden Are you here seeking the Devanic teachings?" "Actually yes." Jin says before you can. You elbow him. "We're *label seekingtolearn seeking to learn Shugendō elements for the upcoming Trials. We were born Laborers but have been elevated to Warrior Caste and ignored by my village's Sect Master. The Trials may be lethal without proper training so I have come here for help from the Temple." "We are at capacity *if (element2 = "Fire") unfortunately, especially for someone who has already attained control over the Fire Element by the feel of your aura," *else unfortunately," says the shrinemaiden in the back, "but if that's all true then it's as good a reason as any for admittance. I will sponsor your consideration to our Shugendō sage." "Quite decent of you." Says the redhaired man. "Very well." Says the shrinemaiden in front. "Then it is our duty to take you to the temple. Climb aboard." *page_break The dove Beast lands without the ground-shaking thud you'd expect from a Beast the size of a general store. It actually lands quite gently and looks at you warmly as if concerned for your *if (wounds > 0) health. *else well-being. "Forgiveness ladies." Jin says, unsure where his eyes should look in the presence of two moderately attractive women who can kill him. "But where do we sit?" All three smile and the redhaired man answers first. "Apologies young one, you're not going to like the answer." The shrinemaiden in the back leans forward before the answering. "The feet." In that instant the dove leaps into the air with a flutter of its wings, grabbing you both gently in its talons. "Hold on, hold on wait!" Jin shouts just as the dove takes off into the night sky with an intense rush of wind from the majestic creature's incredible speed. Jin doesn't stop screaming until you reach the Temple on a neighboring peak. *page_break *goto devanictemple2 *label killedgrim *page_break *if (sonarmode) [b][Thunderfaller vs Grim][/b] *else *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ap-thunderfaller-vs-grim.png *if (sonarmode) [b][Victory!][/b] *else *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/ap-victory.png The Grim lies dead by your hand, its bonemask shattered, and you feel the rush of battle push your Aura Pressure even higher. *gosub_scene quicks fightexp *if not (jadedragonfoundation) *achieve grimadventures Yet as soon as the fight ends another may begin. Jin looks to the sky behind you with an open mouth and you turn around just in time to see what's taken his attention. In the silouette of the moon, flying high in the night sky, are two Shrinemaidens and a man in Devanic robes, all on the back of an enormous winged dove. *page_break "I must say I am impressed!" Shouts the man, a bearded Lunargoth with long red hair. "I thought we would have to intervene. My apologies for doubting your prowess." "Hail, traveler." Says the shrinemaiden in front, though the two are nearly identical: black-haired Human women with long ponytails wearing traditional miko robes. "We sensed a Fiend attacking an inferior Aura Pressure and came as fast as we could." "It seems we were unneeded." Says the man. The shrinemaiden in back looks from you to the Grim's corpse then back to the shrinemaiden in front. "I'd say we were wrong about the inferior part." She looks down at you and nods with *if (heshe = "he") a look of satisfaction. *else approval. "I'd rather call ${himher} superior." *if (heshe = "he") *set maidenbang 1 *if (bodytype = "Handsome") *set maidenbang 2 Is this priestess...coming onto you? That's one detail to keep in the back of your mind for later. That is, if you can tell the two apart later. "Be that as it may," says the Shrinemaiden in front, "we patrol these areas to keep them safe for pilgrims and travelers, so I must ask: why are you on an isolated mountaintop in the middle of the night? *goto aramaiden *label devanictemple2 The isolated Devanic Temple is a sight to behold. Winding stairs spiral up the entire mountain until reaching the premises where several side buildings and gardens surround the grand multistory Temple building itself that puts the Magistrate's Grand Pagoda to shame. The entire complex is protected by a forty-foot stone wall that must help block the mountain's high winds. Between the powerful fighters, grand architecture, and *if (heshe = "he") attractive Shrinemaidens, *else stylish miko robes, you're beginning to understand why people turn to religion. With speed and grace the enormous dove Beast carrying you and your brother lands with a gentle flutter of its wings, releasing the two of you just above the ground. Jin tumbles to the ground and immediately rolls to his feet, "Ahem, thanks." He says trying to look composed after all that screaming mere seconds ago. It appears he's afraid of heights. "Heh. Such a good bird." He mumbles deliriously, patting the massive dove's beak before walking off at an angle. Then he falls over. The redhaired man cocks an eyebrow and leans off the side of the dove to get a closer look at Jin. "Does he need a healer?" *if (jinjured) Probably. "He was struck by the Grim's energies." "Why didn't you say so?!" The shrinemaiden in front snaps back, rushing to Jin and inspecting his wounds. "We have to get him to the healers immediately." She lifts Jin's arm and scoots under his shoulder to hoist him up. *else He's probably okay, you think to yourself. "He's probably not okay, you ladies should check him for injuries." A sense of altruism flows through your soul in contentment. You're not just pawning Jin off so you can train in peace, you're pawning him off to a couple of attractive priestesses. Your good deed of the day. "I'll do it." Says the Shrinemaiden in the front, dismounting and hoisting Jin up on her shoulder. "Dear sister, can you bring our guest here to a meditation chamber? I'll need to speak to our Shugendō sage after addressing this young one." "As you wish, dear sister." Says the identical shrinemaiden from the back. She dismounts and smooths out her robes to formal standards before addressing you. "Follow me weary traveler, we will host you for as long as it takes the Shugendō master to be available." *page_break Your tour through the antechamber of the Temple reveals a high-ceiling massive circular room lined with statues of various robed Martial Artists, most with pilgrims kneeling at their likeness and meditating...or praying, you suppose. Auras radiate through the room from the concentration of dozens of pilgrims and it's not what you'd expect. You're stronger than at least half of these adults that are radiating white or cerulean chi in their meditation. "Have you noticed?" Asks the Shrinemaiden with a hint of pride. "Noticed what?" "Weak auras. Ever since coming to the Outerlands I've learned they're a death sentence in your wilderness due to Beasts in the region. Most Outerlanders are surprised when they find so many burgeoning Aura Pressures among our flock. It's because we encourage basic spiritual cultivation for all. They're safer than most because of their prayers to the Temple." The Shrinemaiden looks to one of the statues in awe as she speaks. It suddenly occurs to you that 'the shrinemaiden' isn't a name. Mother would slap you for bad manners. "Oh by the way, I'm ${fullname}." *if (maidenbang > 0) She looks over her shoulder with a smile as she walks. "Better late than never. The other woman was my sister, Shrinemaiden Nina." "And what may I be so lucky to call you?" "How dear of you to ask," she replies playfully, "I'm-" *else She snaps her fingers. "Oh darn it all, I was rude again wasn't I? Introductions, right. The other girl was my sister, Shrine Maiden Nina, and I'm-" "Shrinemaiden Mina!" Shouts an elderly priest from the entrance of one of the many halls leading deeper into the Temple. "A traveler needs medical assistance in the southern wing!" "Coming right away!" Responds woman in front of you, Shrinemaiden Mina you presume. She turns to you first, impatiently skipping in place, "Remain in the antechamber please, I'll be back when I can and we can pick up where we left off." With that she dashes down one of the dimly lit hallways out of the main chamber. "I see I'm not alone in being left behind by our esteemed Shrinemaidens." A voice says from behind. *page_break *if (portraitpics) *image https://www.auraclash.com/assets/img/Angelo.jpg Turning around reveals the redhaired Lunargoth that flew atop the dove with Nina and Mina. "Angelo, at your service. I apologize for the coarse hospitality; they left me out in the cold as well." He extends a hand offering a waterskin with blatant wine stains revealing its contents hold anything but water. "Would you partake of the holy potation with a humble pilgrim?" *choice #"No thank you." "No thank you." Angelo withdraws the wineskin and ties it to a belt on his robes. "Very well then, I'm afraid all I have to offer beyond drink is a tour. #"I don't take drinks from strangers." *set ruthless + 1 You look down at the drink in the man's hand. "I don't take drinks from strangers." He chuckles lightly. "A lifesaving wisdom. Were you fortunate enough to inherit it from your parents?" "Among other sayings." He ties the wineskin back to his belt with no objection. "Very well. Then allow me to give you a tour of the Temple instead while we await Shrinemaiden Mina's return. #"It would be rude of me to decline." "It would be rude of me to decline." *set angelorep + 1 "It certainly would," Angelo says, chuckling, "but I wasn't going to say anything." One drink from the wineskin is enough to surprise you at the quality of the drink. By the eighth gulp you're surprised by the quantity. It still feels full. "Is this waterskin enchanted with Seals?" "Afraid not, no Seal I've ever heard of could generate wine. A pity. The masses could certainly use it." He takes the wineskin back when you hand it over and enjoys a swig himself. "Shall I give you the tour of the Temple? #"Hell yes." *set honor - 1 *set angelorep - 1 "Hell yes." You say while snatching the wineskin from the redhaired Lunargoth and taking a long swig. "Can't say I'm a fan of the Hells." He says with a conflicted frown. "But at least you seem to be enjoying yourself. Shall I show you around the temple while we await Mina's return? *if (heshe = "she") #Hm, he's cute. "Only if you've got enough for the whole night." *if ((bodytype = "Hourglass") or (bodytype = "Bodacious")) *set angeloromance + 2 *set angelorep + 4 *else *set angeloromance + 1 *set angelorep + 2 "Only if you've got enough for the whole night." You extend a hand for him to kiss. "${fullname}, the pleasure is yours." Angelo's cheeks flush and he immediately chokes on something he wasn't even drinking. "Ah-ha, right. I see you're versed in Lunargothic etiquette." He takes your hand gently in his and, wow, [i]what a hand[/i]. The large holy man kneels and lays a light kiss brushing the top of your upper knuckles. He rises and hands you the wineskin. "Though I must say, it's mostly practiced in Outer East or the Wild Lands. Were I less traveled I'd have thought you were motioning for a handshake." "Lucky for us both that you're so well-traveled." You say, sipping his drink. "I'd like to be the same one day, coming here for Shugendō training is my farthest journey so far. What brings you to the Devanic Temple?" "Those in need." He says immediately and with purpose. His expression softens a second later. "Apologies, that sounds like preaching. In my defense, we [i]are[/i] in a Temple. Where else are we to preach?" "Oh preach away," You reply playfully, "once I've finished this wineskin." Angelo hisses a cautious inhale. "We may be in danger, for that wineskin cannot be finished." You pull the drink away and notice its weight hasn't changed since you started drinking. "...Now [i]this[/i] is the kind of miracle I can get behind." "You're in the right place, miracles are what we're meant to deal in. Shall I give you a tour around the Temple? You've been through much and don't deserve to be abandoned in the main hall, yet Shrinemaiden Mina is currently saving a traveler's life from frostbite. It's a noble goal, so I have no objection to donating my time in her place." *if (heshe = "she") A low exhale escapes your mouth as you look around pretending you have anything better to do. "I suppose it will have to do. *else A waiting expression and two hands widely gesturing to the antechamber is all you offer the man in return. "It's not like I've got anything else to do. Tour away." "Exquisite." *page_break Angelo guides you confidently to the center of the room. "This is the main chamber where we handle prayers dedicated to the Saints and, of course, dedicated to ourselves. Nine out of ten prayers are asking things of the Saints, which isn't as selfish as it sounds. People find religion when they need a guiding hand. There's nothing wrong with that." He proceeds to show you the different halls leaving the antechamber and explains their purpose. A medical wing, a wing for permanent lodgings, a wing for visitor lodgings, a more secured wing for alchemy ingredients and holy relics, and several others. When he mentions the indoor garden for foreign plants he confesses to attempting a grape vineyard and failing. As the two of you return to the antechamber Angelo begins to circle the room and you get a better look at the stone statues of various Martial Artists. Finally you simply ask, "What's with the statues?" Angelo inhales for a long while. "I pray you enjoy lectures, because that question will get you one. These are Saints of the Devanic Temple and the Sacred Lands, the most revered figures who provide our entire way of life." Angelo whispers while you pass two praying pilgrims. "Legends say that to be a Saint one must master the Sacred Land's mental-enhancing martial art of the Aoyusumu Style so proficiently that you can hear the unspoken pleas of those in need. Essentially, others can pray to you." Angelo lets out a deep sigh. "Of course that means any Aoyusumu practitioner can become one, even the less savory types. Not all Saints work for the Sacred Lands or Devanic Temple, but the title is generally attributed to us. Some of those you see here are heroes who gave their lives defending thousands, sometimes millions, and the rest are..." Angelo rubs his chin slowly, looking up at a particular statue. "The rest are what?" You ask while he stares off into space. He turns to you and, despite his large stature, seems childishly embarrassed. "I was thinking up a wise wording to say they're still alive but, for the life of me, my mind could not focus." His smile widens. "It's refreshing to admit the mistake. I used to be the kind of man who would make up an excuse." He looks down the hallway from which Shrinemaiden Mina left earlier. "Ah, she returns. Please excuse me." As Angelo walks down the hall to the medical wing you see Shrinemaiden Mina pass by him and excitedly wave to you. "$!{name}!" She shouts, "Sorry that took so long!" *page_break Shrinemaiden Mina continues your tour until the two of you come to a steel door that she gently pushes open. Tension relaxes in your shoulders when you see there's no lock. "Here's where you'll be staying until our Shugendō master can assess you. Bread and water will be provided, but beyond that we ask that you stick to meditation while waiting for your assessment." She presses a fist to her chin, pondering. "It should be a few weeks, I think." "Weeks?!" "Unfortunately yes, but you've already come all this way haven't you? I assure you the wait is worth it, the one to assess you should be our Shugendō master but it could even be the local Saint himself." "Why can't you just assess me right now?" "All I can do is my prescribed duties and wish you a good night." She pouts. "The shrinemaidens duties do not include assessing if someone can or even should be trained." *set val 0 *choice #"Very well, good night Shrinemaiden Mina." *set val 0 With a respectful bow you dismiss the Shrinemaiden and *label surveyroom survey your meditation chamber in solitude. There's not much to see. Four stone walls, stone floor, stone ceiling, a single half-foot by two-feet window near the ceiling to let starlight and sunlight in, and a mat for resting and meditating. You've had better accommodations in a tree. Nevertheless, you've got weeks to kill so if meditation is what you're tasked to do then there's nothing to it but to do it. Mother and Father didn't raise a slacker. *goto meditateincell #"Isn't there something I can do to cut that time down?" *set val 1 Waiting weeks is unacceptable. Especially because Jin is here and you know he'd rather latch onto you than talk to strangers. "Isn't there something I can do to cut that time down?" Shrinemaiden Mina frowns [i]immensely.[/i] Her distress quickly grows into outright cringing. "Did I say something wrong?" "I'm afraid so. I'm not supposed to say this out loud but you're already being assessed and one of the traits we avoid is impatience. I'm so sorry but your wait time has already been moved forward by weeks longer." "Even more weeks?! This is outrageous!" Shrinemaiden Mina leaps in surprise at your volume and waves her hands out. "Shhh! Shh, shush! Calm down, don't make it any worse! Look I'm probably in trouble for telling you but it's not my favorite rule and I just can't stand to see people fail an arbitrary test they don't know they're taking. Please just meditate calmly for the duration and we'll have someone get to you when they can." This is such bullshit you think to yourself, out loud. Oops. Shrinemaiden Mina shakes her head in disappointment and slowly closes the door to your room, walking away before you can say something else incriminating. You're left to your own devices and *goto surveyroom *if (heshe = "he") #"And yet you've been assessing me since we first locked eyes." [Seduction Check] "And yet you've been assessing me since we first locked eyes." You say, leaning against the room's doorframe and looking her up and down. "Are you flirting with me?" Mina asks, raised eyebrows betraying surprise and doubt. "I'm flirting [i]back at[/i] you." You cup your hand under her chin and lift her eyes to meet your own. "I saw how you looked at me on the mountaintop, and I could never resist someone so majestic. Mina, the look of your beauty in the silhouette of the moon is a memory I'll carry with me for the rest of my life." *if (((persuasion + deception) >= 4) or ((maidenbang = 2) or (((athletics >= 2) and (maidenbang = 1))))) *if (maidenbang > 0) [b][Seduction Event Passed][/b] *else [b][Seduction Event Failed][/b] *line_break [b][Persuasion + Deception 4 Check Passed Instead, You Sexy Bastard][/b] *set val 2 *set maidenbang 100 "Oh?" Shrinemaiden Mina asks, doe eyes gazing into your own. "And that's, um, that's the memory you want?" She hesitantly presses herself against you. When you give no resistance she takes one slow deliberate step into the room, pushing both of you into the meditation chamber where no one can see. Then she closes the door behind her and whispers into your ear. "Because I can give you such better memories." Suddenly she leaps upon you like a wild animal. The ravenous woman's lips hungrily meet your own while you catch her with both arms under her legs, all the better to press her against the wall as you kiss her back. She responds by wrapping her legs around you with an excited squeal and pulls her head back to meet your eyes with ferocious glee, flaring her cerulean aura with such sudden intensity that her miko robe explodes to shreds from the pressure alone. You flare your own power just to survive and push futher, shoving her aura down into submission as the two of you embrace in a violently passionate dance that tests the sturdiness of your room's stone walls all through the night. Then again the next night. And the next. *label checkfor *if (fortitude > forspent) *line_break [b][1 Fortitude Chi Spent][/b] *set forspent + 1 *set forexp + 1 *goto checkfor *label checkpow *if (power > powspent) *line_break [b][1 Power Chi Spent][/b] *set powspent + 1 *set powexp + 1 *goto checkpow *label checkagi *if (agility > agispent) *line_break [b][1 Agility Chi Spent][/b] *set agispent + 1 *set agiexp + 1 *goto checkagi *label checksol *if (soul > solspent) *line_break [b][1 Soul Chi Spent][/b] *set solspent + 1 *set solexp + 1 *goto checksol *set apval 5 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *page_break *if not (jadedragonfoundation) *achieve maidenheaven *set metangelo + 100000000 *set metmina + 1000000000 "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO [b]FUCK[/b] THE SHRINEMAIDENS!" Jin screams as he finds you lying motionless on your meditation chamber's sleeping mat. *if (jinjured) Even though he's the one covered in bandages with a sling on his arm, you're the one in worse shape. "Wa...Water...Please..." Is all you're able to get out. Jin stomps off and returns with a bucket that he dumps over your head. A few sips enter your mouth. Precious, lifesaving water. The last three nights have been the greatest fight for survival of your life with shockingly few breaks to recover. Every minute was mindless bliss. Jin squats down and gets right in your exhausted face. "Do you have any idea how bad this is? How badly everything is ruined? No? I'll tell you." He starts holding up fingers with each reason. "Not only is your sin the talk of the Temple, not only is that Shrinemaiden on probation, and not only are we certainly [i]not[/i] going to see a Shugendō master for weeks longer after the stunt you pulled, but more importantly than any of that." Jin kneels closer, holds up a fourth finger, curls all four into a fist, and slams that fist onto the stone ground near your head. "It should have been me!" He cries out. "It should have been me, not you! Damn every Saint to the [b]Hells[/b], why did YOU get to live out MY fantasy?!" "Because..." You croak out. "You....would have...died." "I would have died HAPPY, damn it! Rrraaagghhh!" He grabs the water bucket in *if (jinjured) with his one good arm, *else both hands, spins, and hurls it at the wall so hard that it shatters to splinters. He then just stands there for several seconds, breathing heavily. "Feel....better?" "Yeah. Sure." Jin sighs in resignation, shoulders slumping. "That felt pretty good anyway. So...what now?" It takes three heavy breaths before you have the energy to reply. "Meditation." "In this shithole?" Jin looks around your room, a bare stone cell with a half-foot by two-foot hole near the ceiling for a window. "Do I get my own?" "Ask....Mina." "Very funny." Jin rolls his eyes and leaves out the door. Thank the Ancestors, he's finally grown up enough to not want to be around you. The sweet embrace of sleep steals you away for who knows how long before you finally feel ready to move. *set forspent - 1 *set agispent - 1 *set powspent - 1 *set solspent - 1 [b][1 of Each Core Replenished][/b] *page_break Bread and a bowl of water wait by your door when you awake and you sit-up on your sleeping mat. You suppose it's time to meditate, though that's not been much of your style. The only time Big Chu had you meditate was in dangerous situations or ice-cold waters. Sitting here, safe, does not feel like meditation. Nevertheless, since you're on the Temple's shitlist you might as well get to meditating. It will be a while before anyone forgives you. *goto meditateincell *else *set val 1 "Oh, oh wow!" Shrinemaiden Mina gasps with a nervous blush, "Hold on I, I actually have something for this." She digs through her robes in some pocket you can't seem to see. "Ah, here it is!" *set combatstat "fortitude" *set combatdiff 5 *set buggin 7777 *gosub_scene quicks combatcheck *if (passcheck) Her fist cracks against your jaw to no effect and she pulls her hand back in pain. "Ow ow ow!" She hisses and leans over to blow on her knuckles. "Owwwww, I should have put more chi into that." "So that's a no, then?" You ask as she jumps up and down holding her fist with a grimace. She looks up *else Her fist cracks against your skull so hard that your jaw pops out of place. There's no time to even register that pain however as your head slams into the side of the doorway and you crumple to the ground. *if ((((fortitude / 2) + health) - wounds) >= 2) *gosub_scene quicks woundcheck 1 false false *else *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks aploss Shrinemaiden Mina shakes out her fist and glares at you like she was looking at human garbage. "Sho that'sh a no, then?" You ask from the floor with a dislocated jaw. She looks down at you incredulously. "Of course it's a no, I'm a [i]Shrinemaiden[/i] and this is a [i]Temple[/i]! If you wanted a brothel you didn't have to climb a mountain for it. Stop throwing away your progress and our good graces." "Noted." You say with *if (fortitude < 4) an attempted *else a bow, trying to scrape your dignity back together. Mina begrudgingly bows back and walks away, leaving you to *goto surveyroom *label meditateincell *choice *disable_reuse #Meditate on the justification of force. *if (ruthless >= 60) You *else Hour after hour, day after day, you sip your water and meditate on the purpose and justification of violence. Honor and ego in the Martial World cause a cold and unforgiving life for many. It's not uncommon in any province across the known world for peasants to be killed over the smallest slight against great Martial Artists and it's a miracle that Crusher Mao never removed your whole family's head. As a Laborer you were originally born on the wrong side of that equation and it's easier for you to understand the fear and uncertainty of the peasants. At the same time, you're not at the top of the ladder. Not nearly. Showing a degree of force to slights and insult is an important defense against the perception of weakness. Were a carriage rider to be late, would you forgive him? Would you mock him? Strike him? Kill him? *if (ruthless >= 60) [b][Ruthless Check Passed][/b] The answer is a resounding "All of the above, in reverse order." Man, you wrapped that one up in minutes. This meditation stuff is easy. You smuggle some heavy rocks from outside and spend the next weeks on weightlifting in your meditation chamber instead. *if (weight >= chapter) *set lifter (8+athletics) [b][Weighted Training Bonus: Aura Pressure +${lifter}][/b] *set aurapressure + lifter *else [b][Training Bonus: Aura Pressure +5][/b] *set aurapressure + 5 *goto violencecomprehend *else The answer isn't an easy one. If you let him go unharmed you could very well lead to his entire family's death by making him think other Martial Artists would be as forgiving, plus nearby Martial Artists may think of you as weak and see an opportunity. You could fight one or two, but cowards gang up on their targets. Is a bit of mercy to a stranger worth risking everything? Your success benefits your family, you can't be selfish and throw it away to feel good about yourself. But does that mean you have to be just as bad as everyone else? What is the right middleground to reach? Similar thoughts and scenarios, circumstance and consequences, run through your mind in silent meditation until *if (maidenbang = 100) *label okboomer one day a voice breaks your thoughts in the antechamber while you're *if (ruthless >= 60) 'enjoying' some bread on a fifteen-minute rest period. *else contemplating before the statue of a Saint who died in a foreign Crusade. "My stars, you're that disciple from Thunderfall!" The speaker is an elderly pilgrim, some meek passerby. "I heard of your troubles, it's so sad to know Sect Masters these days could abandon their own. You came to the Temple's Shugendō sage seeking wisdom, is that right?" "Sure is." You say *if (ruthless >= 60) between chews. *else with eyes closing again for meditation. "Let me give you some wisdom for free young man, if you're expecting to get help from the Temple then you probably shouldn't sleep with the Shrinemaidens!" He barks out a raucous laughter joined by snickers from several nearby meditators. "Have a little dignity young one, some of us were trying to sleep those nights." An epiphany finalizes your meditation: this is the perfect embodiment of violence justification. You're not supposed to hit this man for such a small slight, because *if (ruthless >= 60) the Temple priests are watching. *else he is within his rights to judge you, at least while within the Temple that judges your actions. You're supposed to hit him whenever you meet again later in life, [i]outside[/i] of the Temple. *if (ruthless < 60) *goto violencecomprehend *else *goto ariseboomer *else a universal truth of violence seeps into your understanding: violence is only okay if the strong allow it. Ain't that a bitch. *label violencecomprehend [b][Violence Comprehended, Power and Fortitude EXP Increased][/b] *set powexp + 6 *set forexp + 3 *set ruthless + 1 *line_break *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *if ((ruthless >= 60) and (maidenbang = 100)) Everything's going well in your muscle training until *goto okboomer *label ariseboomer *disable_reuse #Meditate on the meaning of life. The meaning of life is a tougher concept for your than the others, because Big Chu's training had you risk your own life constantly for almost no gain. What was it for? Why risk the one life you have? But try as you may, you can't feel bad about taking those risks. Life should be sacred, it should have a purpose and a goal and fulfillment, yet all you've thought of for years was your next challenge. After weeks of meditation you come to a dark yet satisfying conclusion. In this Martial World of power there are so many threats not only to you but those around you. Anything you build, anyone you know, can be in danger from pompous rivals, savage Beasts, or evil spirits. When your spiritual cultivation began you thought it was to build up enough power to be safe from these threats, but now you know better. All that grueling spiritual cultivation wasn't for a sense of security, it was to be better than them. To prove them wrong. Anything that thought it could threaten you should consider [i]you[/i] the threat, and deep down you don't want to go back to a peaceful life now that you've gotten started. The reality is, you'd rather fight for your life than live it. [b][Life Comprehended, Fortitude and Agility EXP Increased][/b] *set forexp + 6 *set agiexp + 3 *set ruthless - 2 *line_break *set apval 4 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *disable_reuse #Meditate on the existence of freedom. Being forced by others to meditate on the existence of freedom is a heavy irony that you have plenty of time to appreciate. Most scholars agree of the Heavenly Dao, a cosmic force atop the chain of the Celestial Bureaucracy that acts as the Judge over mortal life. Yet if such an entity is to be believed, are the choices that you make really your own, or is everyone guided by a Heavenly plan? It's an unsolvable debate, or so you thought at first. Each day you sit in contemplation on different sides of the argument and read different scrolls theorizing what the Dao truly is, though by the end of your meditation you reach an epiphany above the petty squabbles of 'intellectuals': The answer lies in Ascension. The most powerful Martial Artists in history have ascended to the Heavens as greater beings. If the Heavenly Dao is a very real thing that judges all mortals, then the solution is to no longer be mortal. Either the Dao can't stop individuals from ascending, or their ability to leave the mortal plane behind is within the laws of the universe. Real or not, the control of the Dao ends with Ascension and that means only one thing. "All this power..." You mumble to yourself in your meditation chamber. "All this time, it's really a journey for freedom." *if (underlings > 0) "Does that mean *if (underlings >= 2) we're *else I'm free to go?" Asks your pressganged *if (underlings >= 2) underlings huddling *else underling huddled in the *if (slavesreturned) corner. *else corner for the last week after Jin tracked *if (underlings >= 2) them down and dragged them back *else him down and dragged him back kicking and screaming. *set slavesreturned true "No." *else An apt deduction that you didn't need concepts of the Dao to reach; you've been hunting for enough power to be free from under Mao's boot for years. [b][Freedom Comprehended, Agility and Soul EXP Increased][/b] *set agiexp + 6 *set solexp + 3 *set honor - 1 *line_break *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *disable_reuse #Meditate on the concept of duty. Duty is split between loyalty, and that is where the meditations gain purpose. Who do you truly owe a duty to? The obvious answer is your family. Yet would any village survive if every Warrior Caste fled with their families at the sign of danger? Barring the Masters of legend, only an army can defeat an army. Every Martial Artist must be willing to risk their life for more than just their family. Even your town of Thunderfall only continues to exist because Crusher Mao and the other Martial Artists of the Thunderfall Sect occassionally risked their lives to kill a dangerous Spirit, Beast, or invaders. Without a sense of duty among the strong, weak families like yours would never have survived. You feel as if you're fighting against nature with these thoughts. Of course your family should come first, they [i]raised you[/i], yet if that's the case then why did you fight Taio? You knew you were facing a multitude of opponents alone yet you went anyway. If you died your family would be abandoned. Was it a sense of duty to your Village? Your Sect? Or was it a sense of duty for your own honor? Your own pride? Or was it not duty at all, perhaps you merely felt desperate to improve for the Trials. *if (maidenbang = 100) "Excuse me young man," says an exceedingly elderly woman with...huh, no aura. "I couldn't help but hear you mumbling in your meditations about duty, and I just want to say that's such a nice thing to see the next generation care about." "Thank you honored elder, I-" "So next time consider that you have a duty to letting others sleep in peace, and stop making so much noise with that loud priestess at night." A few of the other meditating pilgrims chuckle at that and even more silently nod in agreement, keeping their eyes closed and pretending to meditate. *if (ruthless < 50) "Thanks, y-you too." Damn, you have absolutely no defense against an old woman so frail that a gust of wind might kill her. She really did get you with that too. *else Your teeth grind together and absolutely seethe at this old, frail lady. Any retribution you seek would kill her. Hell, a gust of wind might be the end. A vein appears on your reddening forehead as you grit your teeth and hiss out, "Th-Thank you for the advice." *else After weeks of meditation on the concept of duty you can say with certainty that it's a trait of survival. Throughout all of history the Sects that lacked a sense of duty were abandoned by their fighters. Only the cultures that prioritized duty had the unity required to conquer their scattered rivals and pass on their ways. As odd as it seems, in this Martial World of power, duty is not enforced by society. Society is enforced by duty. [b][Duty Comprehended, Soul and Power EXP Increased][/b] *set solexp + 6 *set powexp + 3 *set honor + 2 *line_break *set apval 2 *gosub_scene quicks apboost *set months - 1 *if ((slavesreturned = false) and (underlings > 0)) The best news you hear during your meditations is that Jin tracked down your escaped *if (underlings >= 2) servants and dragged them *else servant and dragged him back kicking and screaming. Good on Jin, you honestly didn't think he had it in him. Not that you didn't think he could fight *if (underlings >= 2) them, *else your underling, but rather you didn't think he'd do anything useful for you. *set slavesreturned true *if (val > 0) *page_break *if (val = 2) Weeks fly by without any sign of this supposed Shugendō master. Eventually impatience takes its toll and you find Shrinemaiden Nina praying in the gardens outside with a cup of steaming tea beside her. Without any other guidance to go by, you ask what you're supposed to do after reaching your conclusions on meditation. She keeps her eyes shut in prayer while answering. "There are two important tasks for you to do." Says Shrinemaiden Nina, interrupted from her tea break. "One is to choose a new path of meditation. There are many important concepts to contemplate and enlightenment does not come quickly." "And the other?" "Hm?" Nina cracks an eye open and looks to you. "Other what?" "The other task, what's the other task I have to do?" "Ah yes, your other task is to stay the fuck away from my sister." Her scalding tea is already splashed upon your face before you notice her grab the cup. "Pig." It takes longer to clean up than one would expect. Apparently Shrinemaiden Nina likes her tea with honey. *if (val = 1) *if (maidenbang = 100) More weeks *else Weeks go by in mostly silent meditation. Occasionally you feel spikes of power whenever an Inner Disciple arrives from the Sacred Lands, one of the five Inner Kingdoms, but you pay them no mind except to hope they're your Shugendō master finally arriving. It never is. Jin meanwhile had taken up meditation on his purpose in life and found he was purposeless so long as he was trapped under the thumb of a tyrannical ${patriarch}. Very rude of him to say out loud, and *if (ruthless >= 54) he's right about your tyranny because he will pay for that later. *elseif (ruthless <= 50) and (honor > 50) a bold-faced lie, that honorless cow wouldn't know tyranny if you beat him with it. *else not entirely untrue. Afterwards he gave up meditation to hunt in the surrounding mountain to bring food for the Temple's communal kitchen. Everyone loves him now, while you're just seen as *if (maidenbang = 100) the local philanderer. *else another reclusive pilgrim. It's an odd reversal from your Thunderfall popularity with the other Laborers. Still, the opinions of passersby don't matter. You're here to master Shugendō and if that means weeks wasted in meditation then it's not a waste at all, it's a cost. One you'll gladly pay. *set val - 1 *goto meditateincell *label angelocomes *page_break Knock knock "I'd say you've repented well enough." Comes a voice from the other side of your chamber's door. You open it to see Angelo with a plate of cooked fish covered in a savory yellow sauce. "And I couldn't imagine a diet of just bread for so long, so I prepared a celebratory dish." He places the plate of cooked fish down in your doorway. "When you're done we can begin training." Your mouth waters at the aroma after nothing but bread for so many weeks but you keep focused. "So the Shugendō master is finally here? I can have my assessment?" "Oh he is here, and you have been assessed." The Lunargoth nonchalantly brushes his nails against his robe. "I'm honestly not skilled at coming off as mysterious. It's me. I am your Shugendō *if (maidenbang = 100) trainer. I assume you know why I made you wait so long?" "Because I slept with-" "Because you slept with a Shrinemaiden, yes. At the least, I ask you make an [i]attempt[/i] to keep your inner demons to yourself when we visit the villages down the mountain." *else trainer." "Why didn't you just say so from the beginning? I expected the Temple to be more straightforward." "I just told you I'm not good at coming off as mysterious." He replies with a sly smile. "Therefor I needed the practice." He tosses you a bag of cleaning supplies. "Come when you're ready, we've got work to do in the villages down the mountain." "What's down the mountain?" Angelo places his palms together and looks to the ceiling with satisfaction. "Exactly what you'd expect from a small village: those in need." *page_break Winding trails lead you down the mountaintop from the Devanic Temple. The further you descend the more lush and green your surroundings become as the elevation level returns to the warmer atmosphere that can support life without assistance. Jin, Angelo, and yourself all follow several different map markers and trail signs until you find a small village in the valley built on both sides of a snowmelt river. It reminds you of home, if Thunderfall had no Sect and was 1/4th the size. "Let us begin here." Angelo announces, marching into what must pass for the town center. "Here ye, here ye, oh people of the village! Pilgrims have come on a great journey of humility to cleanse you of your filth." "Keep your voice down, you lout!" Shouts an old man from his window. "We're not some filthy beggars for you to pity, and we're not joining your cults!" Angelo smiles and raises his hands at the interaction. "Oh dear and honest worker, I meant no offense. It is not that these pilgrims are here to cleanse your [i]souls[/i]." He looks back to you with a deceptively warm smile. "They're here to cleanse your rugs. For free." "Eh?" Says the old man, rubbing his ear. "Why would they do that?" "Because it's the right thing to do." Angelo replies without hesitation. "And because I told them to." The old man looks from Angelo to you, then back to his house. "I suppose they've gone a while without washing. Be my guest." "Wonderful." Angelo replies. "We'll do just that." *page_break Angelo continues his pitch to the townsfolk for another hour, collecting as many rugs as possible while he has you and Jin go to the woods to collect large branches. At least six feet long and wide as your wrist. *if (survival >= 1) [b][Survival 1 Check Passed][/b] *set forexp + 2 It's not a difficult task. Branches fall for various reasons in these woods so you collect them without issue. *else [b][Survival 1 Check Failed][/b] You end up relying on Jin to do it for you. "Don't tell him." You threaten to Jin. "He probably already knows. Anyone can see you're lost in the woods." Jin replies, begging to be struck. When you get back Angelo hands you each a knife, "Perfect timing. Whittle those down to poles. We'll need to hang these rugs out to dry when we finish cleaning." *if (craft >= 1) *if (craft >= 2) [b][Craft 2 Check Passed][/b] *set forexp + 2 *set agiexp + 2 *else [b][Craft 1 Check Passed][/b] *set forexp + 2 *if (survival >= 1) Once again the *else The task is not difficult, just time consuming. It's already nightfall by the time you've whittled all the branches down and placed them into the ground, two vertical and one horizontal atop them. *if (craft >= 2) You even finally get an excuse to use the woodjoining techniques used in Thunderfall to *else Jin has to help you combine the horizontal pole to the vertical poles, forming a wooden drying rack by the river without the need for nails. *else [b][Craft 1 Check Failed][/b] Jin has to handle most of the whittling after you ruin two posts. You place them into the ground, two vertical and one horizontal atop them. To your surprise Jin carves their ends and utilizes the woodjoining techniques used by the carpenters of Thunderfall to combine the posts into a proper drying rack without the need for nails. You have no idea when he learned to do that, but it's already nightfall before the two of you are finished. Angelo eventually meets you by the river and nods approvingly at your wall of wooden drying racks. "Not bad for an honest day's work. Let's move these posts further down river, outside the village." "Honest work gets paid." Jin grumbles. "You're being paid quite handsomely," Angelo replies, shredding a piece of paper in his hands. "Though not in material ways." Suddenly the torn piece of paper erupts into a giant pile of rugs *if (handseals >= 1) and you instantly recognize the practice of Fuuinjutsu, the ability to seal items into paper tags. You've used it plenty but it's always been a favorite flashy effect of yours. *else and both you and Jin stare in awe. "It's called Fuuinjutsu." Angelo says from behind the pile of rugs in his hands. "The ability to store mundane items into paper tags. Practice your Handseals and you can do it too." "Cool." You and Jin say simultaneously. "But what now?" You expect some sort of ancient secret but so far the training all seems like, well, chores. "Do we use the rugs for...burning? Are we learning the Fire element?" "Oh heavens no, I wouldn't forgive myself if I deceived those honest villagers." Angelo kicks a bar of soap to Jin and shoves his giant pile of rugs into your hands. "What happens now is you get to washing." *page_break Scrubbing every rug spotlessly clean takes up the entire night and by morning your wrinkled hands are completely numb from the ice-cold water. Jin had it even worse and needed to take several breaks to warm his hands, but together you prevail and have each rug waiting on the drying rack when the morning sun rises to the east. In its silhouette, approaching you from the eastern side of the village, is Angelo. "Well done, well done! I've made sure to let the villagers know where to get their rugs when they dry, we must be going for the next task." "Thank the Heavens." Jin says with heavy sandbags under his eyes. "I never want to see a rug or a river again. What's the next task?" "Washing rugs in the river." Angelo says with an uplifting smile. "Come, other villages need our fine work." You repeat the task three more times. By the eightieth hour without rest the three of you have migrated to a neighboring mountain's village and Jin is passed out face-down in the clay deposit of a river bank while you're laboriously washing yet another rug, the last for this batch. "And that's that." Angelo says from out of nowhere, suddenly behind you. "The Art of Shugendō initiated, so long as you're willing to accept it." Jin snores in response. You look over to Angelo's somehow well-rested, cheery expression with your own dead sunken eyes of a ${manwoman} whose spirit left their body long ago. "Whu?" Is all your mind can offer your mouth to say. *page_break A quick shake of your head summons up your last coherent thought. "I don't get it, what does this have to do with the elements?" "Everything, my esteemed and temporary apprentice." Angelo takes the last rug from your hands and places it onto a drying rack. "Shugendō is not just some 'power-up' gifted to us like the Martial Arts Styles or an Advancement Elixir. It's a journey. A constant lesson needed to understand the trials and tribulations we go through and how they match or compare with the struggles and existence of natural forces." You nod along mindlessly as fatigue prevents the sentences from entering your thoughts. Angelo kicks a splash of water at your face that helps wake you up. "What I'm saying is, to truly understand the elements of Shugendō we must understand life." Before you can retaliate or answer he raises one fist palm-up and opens his hand. In its center is a small mote of energy that you swear is looking up at you. "This spirit is called a Kami, the starting form of many Spirits. Legend says they're created from our strong bonds to objects or places." Angelo holds the Kami out for you to take. "Go on, it won't bite. At least, it won't bite you." With an outstretched hand you accept the mote of energy, like a translucent dough ball glowing with the faint wisps of chi. An aura. A radiating sensation of appreciation flows through your body when the tiny Kami spirit lands on your hand. "Huh, I think it likes me." Deep down you like it as well. The little guy seems familiar, and it even reminds you of the element you came here to master in the first place. *label Next_elementchoice You nearly forgot that all of this was to learn the... *choice #Darkness Element for its stealth and trickery. [Stealth +1] The power of Darkness is not a directly damaging Path at early levels but it is useful for debilitations and curses. Chaining an enemy to their shadow and making it run from them will throw off their control of their own body, obfuscating yourself in the shadows can hide even your aura, and conjuring yin-aspect darkness chi can let you rip through an enemy's aura to harm their soul directly. Some say the Darkness Element is evil, but you say it is effective. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Cores or Skill Checks.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Darkness Element. *set element1 "Darkness" *set auracolor "black" [b][Darkness Shugendō Bonus: Stealth +1][/b] *set stealth + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Earth Element for its impenetrable defense. [Lore +1] Too many Martial Artists and fantasizing children think of Paths as something you use to shoot flashy energy blasts or fight monsters. Most don't realize that it's much better to have a Path that protects you than to have one that hurts others. How many times have you tried to hurt someone in your life? How many times has Father? Compare that against how many times you've been hurt by something. The difference isn't even close. Defensive Paths are not only good for combat, but they're so much better for normal life that you feel Martial Artists on the Earth Paths are the only ones with common sense. Plus you can make cool rock armor and build objects from stone. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Earth Element. *set element1 "Earth" *set auracolor "amber" [b][Earth Shugendō Bonus: Lore +1][/b] *set lore + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice *selectable_if (element2 != "Fire") #Fire Element for its dominating offense. [Athletics +1] There is nothing, truly nothing, more iconic than a Fire Path. Fire is the raw energy of the world and chi is the raw energy of the soul. They go hand in hand. You can't imagine being a proper Martial Artist without having an aura of blazing fire or shooting a beam of flame at your opponents. One day you'll make it a reality. One day, your enemies will [i]burn[/i]. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Fire Element. *set element1 "Fire" *set auracolor "red" [b][Fire Shugendō Bonus: Athletics +1][/b] *set athletics + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Ice Element for its control and utility. [Insight +1] Ice aura is plentiful for half the year, landing mild Heavenly Gates across the land. It's the perfect choice for someone like you who needs a faster way of gaining power. Plus being able to form a sword from the ice sounds awesome, and slowing your opponents down has a multitude of uses. Oh yeah, it's all coming together. An Ice Path would do just the trick... [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Ice Element. *set element1 "Ice" *set auracolor "arctic blue" [b][Ice Shugendō Bonus: Insight +1][/b] *set insight + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Light Element for its speed and support. [Perception +1] Light Paths are less about hardlight like you imagined and more about actual light, and its many uses. Everyone considers the Light Element to be some symbol of hope or justice but after quick study it looks better suited for a trickster. Controlling Light chi allows you to alter your appearance, form illusions, fuse your body into a semi-Light state for speed, and blind your enemies with radiant flashes. Higher levels of mastery can even condense the Light energy to overload an enemy's aura. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Light Element. *set element1 "Light" *set auracolor "yellow" [b][Light Shugendō Bonus: Perception +1][/b] *set perception + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Storm Element for its powerful energy. [Handseals +1] Easily the toughest to find and the strongest for direct attacks, Storm Paths are the flashiest and most universally impressive on the list. You've heard rumors of users stunning their opponents and "riding" lightning to flash across the battlefield in an instant. Plus Storm chi can be used for its thunder aspect as well, turning what looks like a punch into a sonic blast. It's the perfect Path to make you into a legend. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Storm Element. *set element1 "Storm" *set auracolor "violet" [b][Storm Shugendō Bonus: Handseals +1][/b] *set handseals + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Water Element for its versatility. [Deception +1] While your village may be in the mountains, you know a large amount of the world is covered in water and used for shipping routes. A Path using the Water Element can be vital in traversing the seas safely, plus it can be used to enhance your physical might or use the environment's water supply against your enemies. Its only weakness is the same as its strength: its better around existing water sources. Only Advanced users can form their own chi into the massive amount of water needed for most attacks. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Water Element. *set element1 "Water" *set auracolor "blue" [b][Water Shugendō Bonus: Deception +1][/b] *set deception + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice #Wind Element for its force and mobility. [Thievery +1] Wind Paths grant swiftness and heavy impacts that every iconic fighter is known for. You can generate immediate gusts of wind to knock opponents around, boost your own speed, move objects from a distance with rough control, throw Beasts off your scent by changing wind directions, and at advanced levels you can literally fly. It's hard to imagine how the other Elements can even compete. [b][Shugendō Elements are treated like Martial Arts Styles and will let you spend Chi to overcome certain challenges instead of relying on a Combat Core or Skill Check.][/b] *choice #Yes, I came here to learn the Wind Element. *set element1 "Wind" *set auracolor "emerald" [b][Wind Shugendō Bonus: Thievery +1][/b] *set thievery + 1 *goto Next_learnelement #No, I sought a different Element. *goto Next_elementchoice *label Next_learnelement *set element1rank 1 *set months - 1 The tiny ${auracolor} wisps of energy surrounding the ${element1} Kami spirit dance playfully in your palm and despite the apple-sized mote having no eyes or mouth you swear it's smiling at you. "Have you noticed its presence?" Angelo asks as you gently pet the Spirit. "It's been drawn to you." *if (insight >= 2) [b][Insight 2 Check Passed][/b] *set solexp + 1 "I sensed something but all this time I assumed it was just natural energy." "In a way it was." *else "No, has it been following me the whole time?" "It slowly grew more curious the longer you worked." Angelo says, nodding down at the spirit with approval before waltzing to Jin. "Hup!" Angelo lets out as he hoists the boy up from the mud he'd slept on. Jin's face looks completely brown when he's supported on Angelo's shoulder, still sleeping. "Don't worry about the boy, he's gained more Aura Pressure from his meditations than he thinks but he's not ready for an Element. *set jincombat + 1 In truth all of this was for you specifically. It's not easy for Spirits to understand physical fatigue, so I needed you tired enough that it affects your spirit. Tired enough that the Kami understands your sacrifice." "My sacrifice to what?" You doubt the Kami Spirit owns one of the rugs you've cleaned. "Its natural state. Kami are always found in civilization *if (element1 = "Darkness") yet this Kami is a creature of Darkness. It embodies the dark and during the day it hides in houses." He cups a hand around the Kami spirit in your palm and his hand lets out a soft cerulean glow. "The poor thing loves people but doesn't understand our ways. All it sees is people always choosing to live in houses at night, and in those houses they almost always choose to stay on the rugs. Without rugs it fears it would be all alone. *elseif (element1 = "Earth") and this one is associated to the purviews of Earth. Soil, rocks, even the plants to a small degree, though that's like saying our hair is a limb. It cannot control the plants but considers them part of its aspect." He rubs a cerulean-glowing finger over the amber Spirit in your hands. "It's seen what people do to its trees, and why they need to. When you repurposed all those fallen branches into posts the Kami realized many villagers wouldn't need to chop down a tree anymore. *elseif (element1 = "Fire") and that goes double for Fire Kami. The hearth of every home is where they stay to fuel themselves and grow stronger, and that's why this little guy loves rugs so much. It knows they bring people to its workplace, and people bring fuel. It knows you've been maintaining the rugs of so many people so they can keep it company. *elseif (element1 = "Ice") yet Ice Kami face a problem that most do not: they hurt people. Early or late winters lead to crop failure and freezing air leads to death, but this Kami needs to exist all year round. It feels less guilt outside the winter, but the only cold place it can stay then is indoor floors protected from the sun, but even then it gives discomfort to the people around it." He rubs a cerulean-glowing finger over the icy Spirit in your hands. "It appreciates you tending to the rugs so people can step on those instead and it doesn't have to hurt anyone. *elseif (element1 = "Light") and Light Kami are some of the most approving of people. The sunrays that dry these wet rugs fall under the local Light Kami's purview and it's grown quite proud of its achievement. Light doesn't get to affect the physical very often, especially for such a minor Spirit, and its glad for the chance to do quality work. It also knows it only got the opportunity thanks to you. *elseif (element1 = "Storm") but Storm Kami are the most starved. Most people have no source of lightning or thunder available to sustain a Kami spirit. The only thing it can feed upon are friction shocks, and dirty rugs don't cause them so much. All these cleans rugs will increase the amount of friction shocks generating all across the village." He rubs a cerulean-glowing finger over the purple Spirit in your hands. "An alarming but harmless sensation for the people, and a lifesaving fuel for the Kami. *elseif (element1 = "Water") and that goes double for Water Kami forming in small village rivers. They tend to live in the waters used by villagers and shirk the waters upstream or downstream, an oddity that many sages study. This one in particular noticed that you constantly washed the rugs [i]downriver[/i] from the village and it appreciates your etiquette in not dirtying its territory. *elseif (element1 = "Wind") and Wind Kami are famous for enjoying new experiences, as they travel more than any other minor Spirit. This one's been impressed by the giant wall of floppy rugs you've laid out in so many villages, and it's been playing in them for days by blowing through them one way or the other. It's an experience this Kami has never gotten to do, which is important for wind. He cups a hand around the Kami spirit in your palm and his hand lets out a soft cerulean glow. "Wind must always be changing, or else it will fall apart. It thinks you knew that. *else [ERROR] no element chosen [ERROR] It thinks you've been looking out for it. Without knowing, in a way, you have been." *choice #"That's stupid." "That's stupid." You say, "I'll bet you were going to come up with some rug-based allegory no matter what Element I was looking to learn." "Absolutely." Angelo says without shame. "Now hold still, despite your protests the Kami has chosen you. As you're strong enough to endure its energy and you've honored it well enough, it wants you to embody and grow its essence abroad." *selectable_if ((insight + lore) >= 3) #"I think I'm beginning to understand spirits." *set solexp + 5 "I think I'm beginning to understand spirits." You say with a nod. It's all starting to make sense, they're not just auras given life and form. They're an actual part of something, and that governs what they're allowed to do or what they even want to do. Unlike living beings, their fuel isn't external, it's their lifestyle. Wind has to move and fears stagnation, Fire is in danger unless it consumes, Earth feels protective of things in its domain. Each Element isn't just a power. It's a personality. "I'm glad you're able to find not just knowledge but wisdom so easily." Angelo says with a light applause. "Now don't move, the *goto filthykamunists #"So what do we do with it now?" "So what do we do with it now?" You ask. "Now we do nothing. The *label filthykamunists Kami has decided that you are a person that embodies its element, and you're strong enough to do so, so it wants you to carry its essence with you." The spirit bounces in place at Angelo's words and you get the impression of agreement. Alarm spikes through your soul as the Kami's energy drains into your hand and swirls up your arm, churning into your aura as if a cup's worth of strong dye were poured into a barrel of white paint. Slowly your entire soul takes on a ${auracolor} hue from the Kami's infusion and your aura *if (element1 = "Darkness") whisks hypnotically in place like black flame. *elseif (element1 = "Earth") grows four times heavier in your spiritual senses. *elseif (element1 = "Fire") blazes with the power of Fire. *elseif (element1 = "Ice") radiates the vapor of freezing ice. *elseif (element1 = "Light") shines as bright as the dawn. *elseif (element1 = "Storm") crackles with surges of lightning. *elseif (element1 = "Water") swirls around you with the force of a raging river. *elseif (element1 = "Wind") explodes outward in constant bursts of wind. *else [ERROR] *if (element2 != "") [b][You can now set your aura color in the Cultivation Page][/b] "It feels good, doesn't it?" Angelo asks, nodding approvingly. "It should. Shugendō only involves a lifelong journey for so many because they lack a mentor that shows instead of tells. The secret to the Art is simple, it's an understanding and acceptance between people and elements. Reaching that point on a personal level is different for each person and each elemental." "It really does feel incredible." You look down at your ${auracolor}-glowing hand as the Kami drifts off. It radiates a sensation that it's got work to get back to, so you let it go. Busy little guy. "There goes my new friend. Ah well." Turning to Angelo brings up a question in your mind. "Say, what happened in your journey?" For the first time the man seems to tense his shoulders, laughing little too hard and scratching his nose. "...Angelo, what happened in your journey?" "I made a childhood bet that I could walk on water. Ocean water. I thought it was an Aoyusumu Style Technique using the kinetic force of Sacred Chi." His nervous laugh tapers off as he looks into the distance and sighs longingly. "It's not. Getting that coast's powerful spirit to notice me took five years I will never get back, and fighting it took two more before we became friends. Still, I did eventually walk on water, but as a full-grown adult." "Hngggg." Jin says, groaning himself awake and wiping mud out of his eyes. *page_break "Look who's awake." You nudge Jin with your foot to help wake him up. He pushes your foot away in a huff and rises up, still looking exhausted. "What's going on? My dream went from Shrinemaiden Nina to *if (element1 = "Darkness") being lost in a forest so dark I couldn't see my own hands. *elseif (element1 = "Earth") being buried alive by the guards back home. *elseif (element1 = "Fire") being burned alive by demonic cultists. *elseif (element1 = "Ice") freezing in the middle of the woods mid-winter. *elseif (element1 = "Light") being blinded by the sun. I couldn't even look away. *elseif (element1 = "Storm") getting struck by lightning in a storm. *elseif (element1 = "Water") drowning in the ocean. *elseif (element1 = "Wind") getting tossed around in a tornado. *else [ERROR] I could tell it wasn't from the dream and thought I sensed-" He looks up to see your aura of ${element1} chi. "Oh damn it all, of course you got something while I was asleep." "Part of my natural talent." You reply. "Screw you too, where's Angelo? I want an Element." "What do you mean where's Angelo, he's right-" When you turn, Angelo is gone. "Huh. He was here a second ago." "Oh Hells no!" Jin shouts, rising to his feet with renewed energy. "I didn't join some rug-cleaning Sect for charity, tell that long-haired bum to get back here and teach me Shugendō!" You give Jin a thin-lipped smile. "What?" The gaze you cast upon your brother is one of pity. "...What?" After one long inhale you deliver the soul crushing news. "He said your Aura Pressure wasn't high enough to learn an Element." Jin throws seven heavy wet rugs clear across the river before calming down. *page_break Let's go back. After a quick nap at the Temple you begin to pack your things and find Jin in your doorway, already packed. A fact he rubs in your face. It's his only victory after he learned his Aura Pressure is too low for Shugendō, *if (ruthless >= 55) but you still don't let him savor it. [b][Compassion Check Failed][/b] *line_break [b][Agility Chi Spent][/b] *set agispent + 1 *set agiexp + 1 *line_break [b][Belongings Packed Instantly][/b] *line_break [b][Event: Jin Frowning][/b] *else so you let him savor it. *set solexp + 2 "There you are!" Shouts a familiar, angry voice. Shrinemaiden Nina marches up the hall to your room with a stomping pace that no calm person has ever used. "Where have you two been? You brought shameful dishonor to myself and Mina when you didn't show up for the Shugendō master's assessment. Why in the world would you sabotage yourselves like this?! I cannot believe we put our necks out for you and you don't even show. I hope you are ready to face the consequences of your actions, at this point we have to expel you from the Temple." You and Jin look from Shrinemaiden Nina to each other and back to the Shrinemaiden. "Did you hit your head?" Jin asks. "We've been with your Shugendō master all week." "Don't lie to me!" Nina shouts back, but she's immediately cut off from whatever retort she has when you release a fraction of your power and your aura flares the ${auracolor} hue of ${element1} rather than the steam haze of the untrained. "See?" You say, "We've been training, and I already figured out the basics. Do you have two Shugendō masters? We were with the redhaired Lunargoth visiting the lower villages." "A redhaired Lunargoth?" You feel a tingle between your shoulders as Shrinemaiden Nina spiritually scans you for confirmation. "I can tell you really have learned the Art, but how? We don't have any Lunargothic priests." *if (honor < 49) "Priest, pilgrim, whatever, *else "A pilgrim then perhaps, either way his name was Angelo. Do you know where I can find him? We wanted to thank him." Jin coughs. "[i]I[/i] wanted to thank him." You correct. "Well that can't be right..." Shrinemaiden Nina wrinkles her brow in thought, "We do have one Angelo, yes, but he's never left this Temple." She points across the antechamber. "Over there." Out of the corner of your eye you see Jin's face grow ghostly pale, yet you can't meet his gaze. In awe, curiosity, and the edges of horror your own vision is locked on one of the statues across the antechamber, the statue of a Saint that Angelo was staring at when he trailed off during your tour. A statue of Himself. *set metangelo + 1000000000 *page_break Return to Thunderfall You and Jin spend the next couple hours searching around but find no signs of Angelo after all. No one even admits to seeing him. Worst of all, Shrinemaiden Nina and Shrinemaiden Mina swear they were alone on their dove Beast that night when you first met. A chill runs down your spine as the search grows from curious to eerie. Both you and Jin agree it's time to go home. [b][Cores Replenished, Chi Replenished, Wounds Healed][/b] *set wounds 0 *set agispent 0 *set forspent 0 *set powspent 0 *set solspent 0 *set chispent 0 *page_break *goto Next_trainingseason *label learnnewseal *if (sealname = "Hungry Spirit Seal") *set hungryspiritritual + 1 *if ((race = "Oni") or (race = "Kitsune")) *line_break *if (race = "Oni") [b][Racial Bonus: Oni semi-spirit nature][/b] *else [b][Racial Bonus: Kitsune semi-spirit nature][/b] *line_break [b][Cost to cycle Shards reduced even further.][/b] *set hungryspiritritual + 0.3 *elseif (sealname = "Auspicious Northern Seal") *set northwindritual (7 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (sealname = "Auspicious Southern Seal") *set southwindritual (7 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (sealname = "Auspicious Western Seal") *set westwindritual (7 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (sealname = "Auspicious Eastern Seal") *set eastwindritual (7 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (sealname = "Counterseal") *set countersealritual (6 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *elseif (sealname = "Soulsoak Imbuement") *set wep1enchantritual (9 - (sealdiscount + handseals)) *return