"Why would China want to expand northwards then? It seems that there is very little of value up there for an empire." You ask.

"The previous empire had no idea the conditions of the northern lands and only saw them as things to claim. There are pockets of life in the desert from what I have gathered. A small way to cross the sandy hell. It is possible that they found out somehow and began invading the lands beyond. I would say that is enough to want to wage a war, would it not?" She asks.

>What do you say?
>Ask something else about Mongolia.
>Continue on to your other questions.
>Write in.

>>5336114
>Continue on to your other questions.

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>>5336115
Well, I do supose that living in the gobi desert would be even harder without pastoralism like the real nomads.
Also this implies we are dealing with only the desert ones, and not the steppe or tundra ones, so no confederations to deal with.
Actually let's make sure we aren't going to have to deal with huns, turks, mongols and siberians together.
>I've been told that this army has not only natives from mongolia, with a massive white bear speaking a very different language. Is there only desert north of china, and other peoples that they could have recruited?
>And these settled ones, could we try to ally with them? Cities imply agriculture, trade and larger populations, so it could be easier to make long term relations by supplying them what they need or want.
In real life, China sometimes banked had protectorates, vassals and subordinates kingdoms on the silk road.
There was also the Qara Khitai, but that one were the remant of the sinized khitan Liao, that had northern china after han dynasty Tang fell, and fled westward when the sinized manchurian jurchen formed the Jin. And also there was the sinized tangut and uyghur Xi Xia in the middle of that nomad empire battle royale, until Genghis Khan formed a khanate in the north and conquered all of them.
Meanwhile the chinese han Song was trying to reform China and their tributary the Dali Lingdom in the south was just vibing.
Have this map I found on wikipedia, it's in chinese even though I got it from the english page, but it should work as a visual aid for the clusterfuck.

Also I archived last thread, remember to vote!

>>5336115
>>Continue on to your other questions.
add
>you wouldn't happen to know why they attacked us, would you?

"You wouldn't happen to know why they attacked us, would you?" You ask figuring that Madam Web probably wouldn't elaborate further if you didn't ask.

"You're right, I wouldn't elaborate. Generally, I enjoy people being flustered they didn't get the information they wanted and costing them more money." She says with a smile. "But more to the point, I'm afraid that remains as much a mystery to me as it is to you. I could make a few educated guesses but none that you probably haven't already made. Revenge for the invasions of generations ago, an attempt to finally become it's own nation and the demand for resources that comes with that, or perhaps one of the many tribes of the northing thinking that the years of peace has made us weak and complacent thus ripe for the picking. Then again, they never expected a lone snow leopard and his companions to stop them. You know if the stories are true, and scorned women tend to tell no lies about their exes, I'd pay very handsomely for a single night with Renshu~. Don't worry I'm not one to get attached either."

"No!" You say a bit too quickly. "I mean, I won't be selling out my friends. Especially not for that."

"Oh? The Great Tai Lung is somewhat chaste? Now there's a surprise. You know just the other day I was hearing about your misdeeds around women. Why there must hundreds of women claiming they bed with you. Doesn't help with the rumors the guards have been passing around the last day or so about your special gift." She teases.

"Promiscuous or not, I tend to focus on the important matters such as saving lives." You reply curtly. "And I wouldn't go around teasing me, I happen to have been made immune by an expert." You lie.

"You mean your wife?" Madam Web says with a smile. "Oh I know Xin Lan quite well. I'm surprised they came out of hiding. They've been underground for years. You must be some husband if you managed to drag them out of whatever hole they were hiding in. Though to be honest, they've become quite sloppy as well. Used to be that no one knew they existed, even I couldn't find t hem but now if you look hard enough, you can trace them right back to you."

"What do you know about Xin Lan? Is this about...about their prior occupation? Before they went into hiding? What do you know about their old order?" You ask.

"Oh so you know about it? Well, this I need to hear. How did you pry that information from them? From what I know, members need to kill themselves than divuldge that information and even if killed on the job, it's impossible to trace back." Madam Web asks, now fully engrossed in every word you said, her eyes alight with curiosity.

>What do you say?
>Say that you asked first. You won't be turned around in this conversation.
>Tell her that Xin and you had quite an adventure. That secret was the first step they took to earning your trust. It can't hurt to say that.
>Say you'll trade that information for something she's unwilling to speak about. Perhaps about a certain order. Given how mundane your information is, you might get away with an exellent trade...asumming she doesn't see through you.
>Write in.

>>5336342
>>I've been told that this army has not only natives from mongolia, with a massive white bear speaking a very different language. Is there only desert north of china, and other peoples that they could have recruited?
>>And these settled ones, could we try to ally with them? Cities imply agriculture, trade and larger populations, so it could be easier to make long term relations by supplying them what they need or want.
I'll be asking these after. Don't worry, haven't missed them.

>>5337354
>Say that you asked first. You won't be turned around in this conversation.
after all were the "Paying" customer

>>5337354
>Say that you asked first. You won't be turned around in this conversation.
>I do not know if they want me to talk about it or not, so I won't accidentaly betray their trust. Perhaps you should ask xin themselves.

>>5337354
>We asked first.

>>5337391
>>5337621
>>5337645
We asked first. Writing.

You shake your head. "Sorry, but if you want to know about that you'll need to ask them about it. I don't want to accidentally betray their trust. Besides, I asked you first. I think you should know I can be quite stubborn."

"There isn't much to tell." Madam Web. "I have a policy against revealing information on my other clients. Especially my benefactors. However, seeing as they are dead and buried. I see no harm in giving up a little information."

"Explain." You say immediately, leaving no room for discussion on the matter.

"You must understand, my dear client, that I am bound by the title I posses. Madam Web is strictly neutral. I do not judge nor deny anyone should they have the funds to pay for my services. I receive money and they gain information. It's purely buisness and before you say anything, need I remind you that this is an entire organization dedicated to killing. Said organization knows of my existence. For my life, I must honor my predecesor's oaths. It was they who provided the very jade that your coin is made from and all coins are. It was they who were the sole carriers of majority of them. I do not know which owner of the title created them or which one formed the bonds with that organization but it was I who inherited them and I who was bound by them. You maybe wondering why I know so little given that I dealt with them but I suspect that each successor was only told what was needed to know. Nothing was documented as an effort for the organization to be as little known as possible. Before you condemn me I will admit that I did my best to minimize the ammount of information I gave them. However, I could not lie nor withhold important details. They would instantly suspect me of sabotaging them and thus my life would be forefit. If I am quite honest, I must thank your wife for saving my life in a way. Without them, I can perhaps begin turning this buisness in a direction I deem more...aligned with my views." The woman taps the tips of her fingers rhythmically. "They were a very old order. If I had to make an educated guess I would assume they were created before the War of the Three Kingdoms. Perhpas they were an old spy organization and once war broke out, they deemed it more profitable to take advantage of the chaos."

"What makes you think that?" You ask. "I was told they had tons of connections and the like. It would be impossible to do so during a war. Especially since this war managed to destroy a lot of information and knowledge."

"Imagine, a war with three whole factions willing to undermine the other at any cost. The power to use the destruction to erase their existence from the record, to be able to kill as much as one wants. An assassination looks like any other death in a war. More importantly, the power to control information. While some like the Sacred Library wanted to preserve knowledge, others could just as easily destroy it especially if they were experts in infiltration."

"Do you know the names of the members? How many where there? You said you kept track of your coins and they dealt with you. Surely you know who had them." You ask.

"Not by name, no. Names were discarded and changed like clothing and certainly not shared with me. Whatever they called one another remained a mystery and their coins are lost as well. More often than not, the coins were traded among each other when information was required from me. Though it seems like your bunny managed to hoard theirs or perhaps they were simply permitted to keep it. How they managed to keep it hidden, even from me is something I must ask them." Madam Web says. "I met no less than 2 dozen different members of that organization but it is possible that there were more and the people I was visted by were simply low ranking members tasked with getting information from me." She continues. "The information they primarily asked from me was ussually floor plans, secret information regarding what I assume to be their targets, or known locations of people. This wasn't just a group of bandits who enjoyed killing. I did some of my own research. They had other contacts. Medicine makers for poisons, smugglers for weapons, forgery groups. I was simply a cog in the works. But that is all I'm afraid I can share. Though I was close in a sense, I was as blind as anyone else."

"Did you ever tell them the location of any hidden imperial documents?" You ask.

"No. Until recent events, I didn't even know they existed beyond simple rumors. Which begs the question what kind of sorceries they employed too keep them hidden during their creation. I have my own means of gathering intel, none of those ever came up with a single location." Madam Web says. "So the fact the Mongols figured it out must mean someone had to tell them or they are in posession of something we are unaware of."

>What do you say?
>Ask more about Xin's old organization.
>Ask if she knows anyone who would betray the empire like that.
>Write in

>>5338525
>Ask if she knows anyone who would betray the empire like that.
>Move on to the rest of the questions.
We still have half the list to go through, and every topic creates even more questions.

>>5338656
+1

>>5338525
I support >>5338656

We really can't get lost in a forest of informational outflow.

>>5338756
>>5338713
>>5338656
>and every topic creates even more questions.
You've met your match in someone who can chat as much as TL. You can't win!

"Do you know anyone who would sell such information? Betray the Empire?" You ask.

"None of the nobles would willingly do such a thing, if that is what you're thinking." Madam Web says. "Their lives are far too comfortable and complacent for them to risk it nor would they have anything to gain. What is more valuable to them than having all the luxuries in the country and the Empress's ear? More to the point, I highly doubt any of them would have knowledge of such a thing. Secrets like that are locked away and only known to a select few."

"The General then?" You suggest.

"A possibility but an unlikely one. However, equally unlikely is it is someone that no longer resides within the empire." She says and lets out a dramatic and slow sigh before pulling out another peice of parchment, "It seems like the wheels of War never cease."

"What do you mean?" You ask.

"The name you seek is perhaps the Kexin family. Purged for the most part out of official records. They were one of the founding families of China after the War of the Three Kingdoms. Almost as reputable as the royal family, they might have ruled had the Great Dragon not blessed our rulers with his favor. A wise decision given the following events." She goes on. "While they were one of the founding families, they were also the ones who advocated invading the northern lands. It was their idea to claim as much as possible in hopes of consolidating China's power or perhaps to simply assure that no neighboring factions had the strength to oppose the fledgling nation. They were banished of course. Once they were discovered to have lead a one sided war against the people of Mongolia, after it was decreed that such an action was condemed by royal family themselves. Stripped of their titles, their land, and honor they were sent out into the very lands they choose to conquer and thus the great wall was built behind them. Some say it was not meant to protect us but rather to prevent them from returning. Being as one of the founding members and potentially one of the rulers of China, it is not out of the question to assume they knew of such documents if not being a part of starting them."

"But if banished, then how would they know of the location of modern scrolls?" You ask.

"They wouldn't, but they would most likely know who to target. The ones delivering such documents to their hidden locations." Madam Web replies. "It would only be a matter of time before one of the attacks struck the intended target."

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You think for a moment. "I've been told that this army has not only natives from mongolia, with a massive white bear speaking a very different language. Is there only desert north of china, and other peoples that they could have recruited? Could this family have managed to get beyond the desert and found an army there? And these settled ones, could we try to ally with them? Cities imply agriculture, trade and larger populations, so it could be easier to make long term relations by supplying them what they need or want."

"This family was banished long ago. If they have then this is a plan hundreds of years in the making." Madam Web. "But to answer your question, yes there is more far beyond the lands of mongolia or so the stories say. Lands frozen over, where snow is as abundant as the ocean. Even more untamed, it is impossible for anything to live there. Such land is practically a myth. Perhaps this bear is simply from a tribe not yet heard of. It is possible. The world is a massive place and there is much we don't know. More to the point, there are areas of Mongolia that are...more hospitiable then the deserts of the north. As for your settlesments, I'm afraid you over estimate them. Any possible village up there would probably only have enough resources to remain as such. I very much doubt you'll find any cities up there. Of course, if you do...then perhaps China is in far dire straits then you can imagine. If what we are both implying is true, your opponents have had decades to prepare. Any major factions you might want to sway to your side may very well be against you by now. Any small roaming clans would have too much to lose to want to side against such a tide." Madam Web smiles. "Of course, you are the man who fought off an army. What is an entire country compared to such a man with a small militia at his back? Hope if a powerful thing, even if it is a lie sometimes."

"I won't sell false hope to anyone." You say. "If they join me, then they'll do it of their own volition and after I've told them all I could. Everyone should have a choice good or evil."

"And this is why I say you're only boring when it comes to your secrets." Madam Web says. "The monster with a heart. The killer with a conscience. A man hell bent on redemption. There are many things people call you but all I can say is I look forward to see what more tales you create. Perhaps if your plans come through, you may return from your travels as a conquerer...or a saviour."

>What do you want to ask about next? (Pic related)
>Choose.

>>5340491
I think this is a good segue into the Nobles.

>>5340491
Let's fo for the nobles, sonce we are already on topic.
>Which of the noble families would be more likely to oppose raising an army to defend China, rebuilding the wall and sending an elite group to try and solve this? And do you know how to best convince them?
>I know that you said you don't talk about other clients, and some of these nobles likely are, but I think this is a grave enough matter to make an exception. If these Kexin and misguided nomads repeat what they done on the library, than they would not only destroy China, but the very world itself.

>>5340491
What species is the Kexin family?

>>5340810
Obviously dogs.
Because they are all son of bitches

>>5340491
>Ask about the nobles

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>>5340888
>>5340669
>>5340496
Nobles it is. Have a Ming. See? She's here with us guys and happy to see you. Just wants to help. I miss ming. Writing

>>5340810
>>5340825
Actually, I debated several animals. Snow Leopards were too cliche and kind of goes against the history of the species, another family of lynx's perhaps relatives of Hien but that seems like it'd be more well known if close relatives to the royal family were banished, Tigers seemed good because we don't have many but having every single tiger mentioned being a bad guy felt like too much, I thought of some kind of avian family but I"m unsure which. Dogs seems kinda neat, goes against the man's best friend and Kexin does translate to loyalty.

"If this whole situation was caused by someone close to the royal family, I think it'd be best to know the most of the noble families. It's their support we'll need if we want this to go smoothly." You say.

"Playing politics now? I figured you'd leave all that to the young prince?" She says.

"As little as I can even so, I'm the only know who has the slightest idea of what's going on. They'll be needing me to fill in the details, not to mention that I'll need to convince them to look past what the public at large thinks of me." You explain.

"Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can help you much on that front." Madam Web says simply.

"How can you not? You're the most well informed person in China now. You practically have a monopoloy on information." You protest.

"Of which of course, I will be charging premium prices from now on. Thanks to the Library no longer being competition. The fact of the matter is that I of course could offer you information, however you're not likely to use it. I can give you secrets, rumors, even the locations of their close loved ones. Things anyone would be willing to abuse to have them agree with you, things you'll be unwilling to use given your recent history. Blackmail is a big industry but if you simply want public information I'd be glad to give it to you though I'm not sure how exactly that will assist you in chaging their minds about you."

"Then just give me the basic rundown of the families." You say. "I'll decide what to do with that next." Madam Web shrugs, immediately looking very bored and stows away everything else on her table into the void around her.

"Well if we must start somewhere then we can start with Zhao family. They're mostly known for their textile work. The latest fashions and trends tend to start with them. They're one of the very few families in all of China able to touch the royal family seeing as they make all of their clothing. You have Gāo family, or rather only really the males, but they're accountants of China. It's said that not a single coin passes between hands without them knowing. They're old money given that their family has been doing this since nearly the beginning of the empire."

"The Feng family took over from the previous royal blacksmith. Whatever happened to their family?" You ask. "Is it common for nobles to be replaced like that?"

"Ah, so you've heard the tales. No, it's never happened before in our history. Ussually that is always an heir but the royal blacksmith was married to the work and never had anyone close to start a family with. His entire life was forging and it showed in his quality. It only goes to show how much more talented the Fengs are given that he was able to surpass him and maintain a family. The old blacksmith was offered a position with the Fengs both as a show of respect and a way to keep someone competent in their workforce. However the old man decided to decline and spent the rest of his days simply forging for the sake of doing so. Before his death, he became close friends with the elder Feng. I doubt there was any animosity between the two. Simply a matter of a master being surpassed and passing the torch. The other noble familes do their utmost best to maintain their status. Of course, maintaining a lineage is something all Chinese citizens worry about so it's not too surprising that they manage to create an heir. The Xiāo family is the one you'll have the biggest issue with. They're the law makers or at least law suggestors. Constantly tugging at the Empress's ear to try and change things or maintain them. Several of their family members both, direct and branch, are well known judges and magisters. If anyone will be wanting to bring the full weight of the law upon you it would be them. Wàn would be the one who's loyalty you'd want the most. They control the ports and their money comes from exports and imports with Japan. If anyone would know forgieners and their motives it would be him though I do not think he's dealt with the Mongols before. The Li family dabbles in everything but they're more well known as being a distant relative to the royal family...or so they claim. It's often their claim to fame that were also in line to rule and, depending on which member you speak to, they were the only family to graciously decline the offer when given to them by the dragons. Finally," Madam Web says with a devilish smile. "There is Lan family. They've been out of the public eye until recent years and more importantly they've risen to prominence quite quickly. I think you'll have the most fun with them."

You swallow. "What do they do? Families simply don't become instantly richer."

"Bounty hunting." Madam Web says. "They've become well known for tracking criminals and bringing them to justice though they're quite notorious for bringing them in more dead than alive..." The panda pretends to think. "I might have had something to do with the unfortunate assassination of their first born. Never did find the body. In anycase, they have made a buisness of private investigation and are quite good at it too. Whatever the case may be, that is the major noble families that you'll likely to come across. I'm not sure there is anything that you can do with this information but I'm always open to telling you the more...obscure notes I have on them."

>What do you say?
>Say you're not interested in rumors or blackmail. Last thing you need is to be underhanded when trying to gain favour.
>Ask for details. Like a fight, you might need to resort to what could be seen a cruel methods to get your way.
>Write in.

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>>5344208
>Say you're not interested in rumors or blackmail. Last thing you need is to be underhanded when trying to gain favour.

also i looked at a map of snow leopards (was hoping populations and I was surprised at how concreted they are.

>>5344208
>Ask for other kinds of details. Not blackmail material, but things that might sway them in a more positive way to side with you - or if not you, then at least Hien. You need not use a stick if you can use a carrot for the same purpose.

>>5344280
Support, knowing what kind of things the patriarchs like, their beliefs or habits can help us and Hien tailor the speech.
For example, if there is one that is very surpersticious, than appeals to religion would be easier, if there is one that is thrifty, saying how spending some money to protect more would, etc.
I know she talked about the families, but even the leaders of group are still individuals with their bias, trying ro conform a shared worldbiew with their personal one.

>>5344208
>Move on
hien can answer stuff about the royals, best use our time for something more important

Sorry spent the last few days helping a friend move. In an effort to save time. I'll do large post for the remaining topics once I wake up. Should be too difficult. There's only the nobles, our friends and basic small talk left I think.

"I need more information of the less illegal kind." You says. "What about the heads of the families? I need to know how I can convince them or at least give Hien some information to help him."

"Becareful when trying to please everyone, Tai Lung. Or you might appear weak in your convictions if it seems you're only aiming to get in everyone's good side. You can't befriend everyone. Especially in politics."

"I'm not attempting to please everyone. I just need to show them that this is a serious threat and playing to their concerns is the best way to do that."

"Very well though as I've said, if you're only planning on using public knowledge then you'll have a harder time doing that. But we can go down the list though I will warn you, it's much of the same as what I've told you before. The head of the Zhao family is as vain as you can imagine given that his entire family fortune stems from being the best looking and most expensive. It's not difficult to convince them if you remind them of the nature of supply and demand. Soliders don't want nice looking uniforms, they want protection. Civillians don't want to be fashionable, they want to be safe and fed. None of this their family will be able to do if China is fully plunged into war. Even at this point, it would be impossible for them to try and change their buisnesses to accomedate for war. At best they'll be able to retain some honor and renown if they do some philantropic work. Protect their brand's image. The Gāo head of the family will be harder to convince. They'll be more likely to suggest forgoing expensive materials and armaments for cheaper ones made by lesser known smiths. Saving money for the empire will be his sole concern and as you know war is expensive. The Empress will not be happy to be told that she should sacrifice her subject's lives to save coin but she also cannot disagree. What is the point of war if there is no China left to save and no money to repair and recompense those who have lost so much so that she may continue to rule. How she chooses to spend the country's money will have an effect on whether or not the Gāo family will continue to support her. As long as China survives they have nothing to fear. Money will always exist and so will their buisnesses."

"Of course, you know that money tends to be the root of curroption. Perhaps you don't want whem to be the source. It's a rather tricky thing to get rid of a noble family without a full assassination but then again, you have two of the best at your beck and call so perhaps you do not care if they drop their loyalties. As for the Feng family? I think you know best. They can't be convinced. They'll do what they please so long as it protects the royal family. At best you can suggest something that will align with their goals but ultimately, it is a thin thread. Should another option seem better or should you begin to appear like you become a threat to their masters then undoubtedly they will drop their allegience to you. Of course, you can simply have them commanded to obey and while it may seem like the best option you must remember that they will do what they deem nessecary to achieve their goals even if it means disobeying those they swore to protect. Money, fame, prestige means nothing to them if it means maintaining their vows of loyalty. They're very much like you if they think about it only that they're on the opposite side of your goals." Madam Web says with a smile.

"The Xiāo will be your most difficult task. They will not care what you say. You are a criminal and one who is on the run as well. Whatever you have to say is either lies or inadequate. You have no respect for the law and so they have no need to respect you. Of course they may be forced to see the truth in your words but they will adamantly fight to do anything but what you suggest. Their respect for the letter of the law is zealous at worst. Your best bet would be to make it seem like the idea was someone else's...but then again, you want to be part of those plans don't you. It'll be inevitable that once they hear of your involvement that they will wish to stop whatever idea was or at the very least remove your involvement completely. Which you want neither of. You can play towards their need for retribution and for those responsible to be brought to justice but you know too tell what happens when the flames of revenge are fanned to much. You will need to becareful of how you speak to them or you may be on the run once more or have started a campaign for war that you do not want. They are the judges and magistrates of the country and they have a voice that cannot be silenced. If they want to incite the country towards war then there is no stopping them. Of course...they can be convinced to keep the peace and supress the whispers of war as well if you can get them on your side. Wàn is perhaps the easiest to get on your side, War means buisness and buisness means money. Imports are not limited to food or wares. Weapons, armor...people. All this can be transported and all this is something they can move. Furthermore, their money isn't tied to China directly and so war is the least likely to harm them financially. Its no secret that the head of the house has a passion for adventure. Perhaps the notion that new trade routes maybe open...maybe some exclusivity to them might turn them to your favor. Then again...it's also no secret that he married simply for political reasons. Women don't tend to hold his attention and there are whispers that a certain vigilante leopard holds great interest to him." Madam Web says idly.

"I thought I said no blackmail." You grunt. "I don't care what repressed emotions he has. If he's unwilling to find anyone that makes him happy that's not my affair."

"Is it really blackmail? You'd be doing him a favor. Besides, I'm not implying you ruin his marrige. He's quite a fan of yours. I'm just saying there is more than just respect behind his fondness for your exploits. I was merely suggesting that perhaps you can do something to appease the fan in him. You are somewhat of a controversial celebrity and he is your fan. Do what celebraties do to make their fans happy. Give him a gift or perhaps some attention. Buy his loyalty."

"What else about him?" You grumble. "Is there anything else you know?"

"You're no fun." Madam Web teases. "Besides playing to their greed. Play to their sense of adventure. They might want to explore the north now that it seems to be stirring. Something they'll have trouble doing if it falls to war or if it's going to be taken over by a mad raider. The Li family will be trouble. They're cowards plain and true. The very face of a pompus noble. They hide behind the story of their noble sacrifice of royalty. A tale that can never be disproven. They will do whatever it takes to remain in that comfortable position of no responsibility. The obvious would be to convince them of the downsides of war however, if the majority seems to be against whatever you propose they will easily be turned to vote against you. Even if convinced to assist, you can rely on the fact that their help will be minimal at best if they cannot get away with simply ignoring you. The fact that they are nobility and you are not will mean they can simply be taken for their word against yours. As for the head of the Lan family...good luck." Is all Madam Web says. "Their motive is revenge plain and simple. Very much like yours so many years ago. Perhaps it won't help that they won't see their son with you which of course you kidnapped."

"I did no such thing!" You retort.

"Of course you did. Or...do you wish to tell them that the Xin Lan that journies with you is not their son but their murderer?" Madam Web says slyly. "Rumors have it that Tai Lung travels with a snow white rabbit named Xin Lan. One almost identical to the noble's young son who was thought to be killed so many years ago and mircaulously is about the same age and look as he would be if he had survived. Why else would the son of a noble travel with a mass murderer if not for the fact he was kidnapped and indoctirnated?"

You frown as you ruminate on that idea. "Who told him this?" You say slowly.

"Everyone and no one. It is simply a fact. You do travel with your small rabbit friend no? They are named Xin Lan are they not? And they look just like the noble's son? It is not up to us how he intreprets that information nor does it help that his family is one that has kept an ear to the criminal underworld for so long after his son's dissapperance." Madam Web says. "He will hate you and will want nothing but for you to suffer. Logic and reason will not avail you here. The truth will only turn him against you. I cannot help you here if you wish to keep your hands clean while talking to them but I will warn you to keep your eyes open. Undoubtly they will try something against you."

"Is he the one who sent all the bounty hunters against me?" You ask.

"In part, yes. He was the one who spread the word and convinced the Empress to offer a reward for your capture. The size of that rewards...perhaps may have been exaggerated and he was so very 'sorry' about the miscommunication between him and the messengers spreading the news. He already 'working' on changing that but it may take a few months before things are corrected." The panda says, her voice venomous with sarcasm. "Even now, he's seething knowing that you are living comfortably in the Feng compound. The fact that the most feared noble family is guarding you is preventing him from taking action but who knows when his rage will boil over to let him see past that."

>What do you say?
>Write in.

Need to grab some lunch. Found a good place for anons to do some talking before finishing up the meeting with Madam Web. Didn't want to have several dozen posts of chatting with no input.

>>5346171
>I have already tried to tell half-truths once, and a city burned for it. I will either tell him nothing or the complete story, and the latter is personal to Xin, so only only then will speak of it. Let him seethe and scream, for being so idiotic that he think I could kidnap someone while locked on a prison made only for me.
>And this brings us to the reason I came here. I have been separated from my companions, and Xin has left me only this coin and a message. Have they come to the capital, or informed you somehow of their location? And do you know of Ming, Renshu and others survivors of the library?

>>5346243
I do support this.

Right, let's figure it out.

Anti-Lung: Lan, Xiao

Li is basically worthless, they follow the herd.

Merchants are easy. The Feng are too.
If we appeal to the damage war can cause, as well as the crimes of this enemy, then step all the way back and let Hien step in with his proposed plan, he takes the credit.

Perhaps, we can seed an unreasonable position with a good direction, and let Hien present the true suggestion. So it appeals to most people who liked what we were selling, and it gets the antagonists on our side.

>>5346243
+1 & ask of the location of the pools of contemplation
>are the raiders still in China?
>I don't belive that the great wall was only built to exile one family when it would have been more economical to simply execute them. (Push on the reasons for the wall's construction)

>>5346396
full conquest by force is impossible given mongolian geography. if you armor the soldiers they will overheat, extending into there without knowledge will strain our resources, going there might strain their own resources, and will be vulnerable to supply line being cut off. elite squad saboteurs are better in said case, if we decide to do so
probably best course of action now is to clean up the raiders still here, interrogate them, and find out their intents, and how the russians are involved. I don't think anyone would object to deploying our army in our borders, nor at sending an elite squad to fuck with the mongols, (especially when it's framed as "sending the criminal and his criminal friends to die").

>>5346396
If only we could prove that Yama already gave us the all clear.
If the god of all judges, capable of seeing all sins and the true heart of a petioner by a mere glance says someone is reformed, that person is reformed.
And ironically was way more flexible than mister legalism, since he gave Renshu seven more years as long as we endured part of his sentence of the nine hells after we plead his case.

>>5346243
>Let him seethe and scream

>TL and Hien enter discussions only to be interrupted by a great speech of revenge and loss from Xin Lan's father.
>TL: "Seethe"
>Meeting proceeds as usual.
Fucking kek.

>>5346243
>>5346396
>>5346479
Writing.

>>5346492
>If only we could prove that Yama already gave us the all clear.
TL is unaware of this fact unfortunately. This is something that I revealed out of character. It would be a good plan though and hilarious to think about Tai Lung summoning the great judge to tell everyone to do their jobs properly. But that is saying isn't it? "To err is human, to forgive is divine"?

"I have already tried to tell half-truths once, and a city burned for it. I will either tell him nothing or the complete story, and the latter is personal to Xin, so only only they will speak of it. Let him seethe and scream, for being so idiotic that he think I could kidnap someone while locked on a prison made only for me. And this brings us to the reason I came here. I have been separated from my companions, and Xin has left me only this coin and a message. Have they come to the capital, or informed you somehow of their location? And do you know of Ming, Renshu and others survivors of the library?" You ask.

"None of your friends have come to visit me if that is what you are hoping and none of my sources have made mention of anyone from the library appearing. So that leaves one of several senarios. Either there are no survivors, of which I doubt, they have been somehow found and captured, or whoever is leading them to safety is doing a very good job of keeping them safe. I do not know where your friends are if that is what you're asking-."


"But you have your ways of finding them, don't you?" You finish her sentence. "Xin wouldn't have sent me here if you couldn't help."

"You'd be correct. I have an inkling of where one of your friends may be and I have my ways of tracking the others." Madam Web replies. "So let us start with what I do know. Fortunately for you, there has been a bit of a ruckus in the various villages and towns near Qinhuangdao. Something about the local criminal activity being severely hampered with shipments of smuggled goods, various shakedown rings, and instances of bribery being revealed, destroyed or otherwise broken down. It's not the local guard, the work is far too clean and brutal for it to be them, and it's not a bounty hunter. No bounty had been claimed and the methods clearly don't align with local laws. All those who have come across the wrong end of our mysterious vigilante have begun to refer to them as 'The Grey Ghost'. Digging deeper it's rather obvious why. All the stories claim that our ghost is a grey rabbit who appears as if from the shadows themselves. They seemingly phase through it's victims, leaving them a mass of open wounds for the guards to clean up. Others claim this is some kind of demon of retribution as it only appears to those of the criminal element. Sounds rather familiar does it not?"

"Either way, all the victims do not hesitate spill all their involvements lest this ghost returns to finish the job. By Xin Lan's standards this is quite sloppy work but before you go thinking that this is some kind of way to get your attention you should know that their work has not gone unnoticed. Whispers say that these various criminal factions have announced a truce of some kind to band their resources together and take down The Ghost. I wouldn't put it past Xin Lan to make this part of their plan but these skirmishes have slowly been concentrating within Qinhuangdao itself with the various gangs funneling into to try and finish this once and for all. From what I can tell, any attempts to be discreet have been thrown away and the local city guard are being outnumbered. It's becoming quite the stalemate and one which pressure is slowly building up. The guard are helpeless in the fact that should the make a move on the criminals, it may turn the full wrath of this coalition against them and the populace. Should the criminals decide to split their attention between the law and their target, it may give The Ghost enough of a gap to slip away or begin chipping away at their forces to turn the tide. But if Xin Lan decides to press against the horde, they may very well be overwhelmed by the full tide especially if they wish to prevent innocent victims getting hurt. Of course this brings the question of why would Xin Lan be so sloppy as to allow this to happen or even be seen. Perhaps to concentrate all of them in one fell swoop?"

You think for a moment at that. It wasn't like Xin Lan to do something like that at all. Especially not after fighting the raiders. Unlike the stories, even the greatest warrior couldn't fend off an entire army without going down with them. You sigh and get ready to leave. Madam Web raises an eyebrow. "Bunnies..." You grunt and when given a look of confused amusement you add, "They're being a reckless fool is what they're doing. Trying to take this group alone is exactly what they're planning and I doubt they're in a state of mind to care enough if they die while doing it. I knew something was wrong with them but I didn't expect them to be this rash. They're scared, something happened to them during that attack. Something enough to make them abandon their family and give up on their own well being." Madam Web raises her hands in a gesture of peace.

"I'm afraid I do not know what they are going through and I have no means of finding out. That being said, perhaps you should trust them enough to know how to handle themselves? Even I would not think they simply attacked and gathered up so many opponents without some kind of plan. Even in the face of danger, one's training does not simply abandon them. Especially after all they've been through." She says.

You stare at her for a moment. "Do you know what these people have planned? How much time do I have?"

"If you give me a day or so, I maybe able to find something. At the very least you have a few days, perhaps a week or so before anything happens. Tensions may be high but these criminals are still consolidating their forces. They want to amass as many memebers as possible to attack their foe. Perhaps even to make an example of them. It is a very risky gambit on Xin Lan's part. Should they fail to break the group, then they may very well turn their attention to conquest and slowly seed their power base into the city. This can end up in another creation of a new triad. However, there is the matter of your other friends. I can find them but this may cost you." She says. "You see, I understand that you want to find your friends as soon as possible and I have methods of finding them. However, these methods are expensive and the materials involved are quite rare. Not only that but these methods reveal far more about who I am than anything else. Normally, I only offered this service to The Black Hand but given how they are destroyed...You may be the last man to ever be offered this opportunity. Of course, I can simply attempt to find them via my ussual methods but that takes time and time I think is not something you want to spend."

"How long?" You ask.

"Weeks most likely. A month at most. Your friends are some of the best in hiding that I know but no man or woman can vanish without a trail and I am very good at finding them and find them I will." She replies.

"What about this payment? I doubt you want money."

Madam Web smiles and holds out her hand. "I would like my coin back. Ontop of that, I only ask that each one of you pay a small price in return. Just a trifle thing really. You'd only need to bring each one of your friends back to me so that they may pay their part on a later date."

"What is this price? What are you going to do to them?" You demand. Madam Web chuckles.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that. Client confidenciality." She says with a malicious grin. "I promise not a single hair, on them or otherwise, will be harmed. Nor will I harm their souls or Chi if that is what you fear. But you will need to agree for them that they will come here and in a sign of good faith, you will only be promising for them that they will see me. It will be up to them to negotiate what that payment will be but a payment will be had for sure."

"We may not be back for a very long time." You say. "Or at all."

"A gamble I'm willing to take. You and your friends dying would be putting a damper on it but such is life. If you mean you won't return to see me. I'm afraid I'll be binding you to it. So, in short, I can find your friends right now but in return I'd like my coin back and you must promise to pay something else as well. You will also promise on your friend's behalf that they will come see me to negotiate their own payment for services rendered. And to tie it all up, I will be placing a small, almost unnoticable, little binding on your Chi to ensure that they will come." Madam Web summerizes.

"What if I refuse to bring them? What will your binding do? And what do you need me to pay ontop of the coin?" You ask. Madam Web's smile grows wider.

"I knew you were a smart boy. Simply put, you can't refuse. I've never seen anyone resist it's effects but I suspect that if you by some miracle managed to break free of this enchantment by force of will then it would shatter your mind. I don't think your friends would like that, would they? As for the matter of your payment...I want your love." She says and she laughs when you visibly recoil. "I've always been interested in what the love a man who so easily took so many lives looks like. Now, it won't dimish your capacity to feel love or even remove your feelings for who you love. In fact, you'll still be very much the same man you are right now. It'll just have one tiny side effect. You'll completely forget the superficial things. The love will still be there, your memories will also remain but you just simply won't be able to remember their name or what they look like. The sound of their voice, that special look that can only be shared between lovers, the feeling of them against you. Gone. You'll only be able to remember that there is someone out there that you love and the times you spent together. You'll even remember how you felt during those times and exactly what you did together but not who it was with. But think of it this way. When you meet them again, it'll be like love at first sight and the mind will remember all that it had lost. It has a very remarkable habit of being able to fill the blanks once it finds the right peices. It's more of a trial really than a loss. Think of it as me borrowing it for a while. Once you find that person once more, then I'm basically returning it to you."

"No. The whole point is to find my friends. If I forget that-" You begin.

"Now now, Tai Lung. Didn't I tell you? I look out for my client's best interest and you still are my client. You'll know who you are looking for and why you're looking for them. You'll simply won't remember what they look like or their name but you'll know why and how they are gone. It is rather troublesome and complicated but that is the price I ask of you. Besides, I'm sure your other friends will be able to fill in the blanks somewhat." Madam Web goes on. "Oh and before I forget. You don't need to ask your questions before this. I'll consider you the owner of that coin until you leave, should you decide to give it back of course."

>What do you say? (You'll ask your remaing questions after this decision)
>Say that your memories are to important to mess with and the coin to valuable to give up. You can wait.
>Hand over the coin. You'll face whatever trial you're put through for your family. Always have, always will.
>Try and haggle. Perhaps you have something else she's interested in. You've definitely lived an extraordinary life. Maybe you have something to offer that can cover the price for everyone.
>Write in.

Madam Web's price is a bit convoluted so let me try and put it in simpler terms that a faustian dealing woman wouldn't say. You'll be forgetting Renshu. Not in the sense we're resetting the whole events of the library but just the details of the man.

Example being, if asked who TL is looking for he'll know;

He's looking for three people. Xin, Ming and someone else. He'll know that the third person is someone he went to hell for and what those crimes were. He'll know how they fight, what they like as a hobby, and what their skills are. He'll also know that they are Xin's sibling and raised them from birth. He can remember they have a nickname but not really what it was or why it was given.

He won't know what Ren looks like. He won't be able to visualize Ren making food but know that their knife skills were enough to blur the blades as he cut. He won't be able to remember the happiness Ren feels while cooking only that he was happy. He won't know if Ren is Xin's brother or sister. Nor will he remember if they are older or younger than Xin despite knowing he raised Xin. The only thing he can really feel is that he loves the person but any attempts to probe that subject come back as a set of facts.

In a nutshell, TL will know Ren more as a set of vague facts with none of the emotion or experiences tide behind them or than love. A super perpetual state of deja vu where he loves someone but can't remember beyond the emotional ties that connect them.

Actually I think explaining it made it make less sense...

>>5347699
text got cut off. The thing I wanted to be emphazied more was the fact you're signing off your friends for this than whatever TL is paying. Because I'm not going through that drama again.

>>5347685
>Hand over the coin. You'll face whatever trial you're put through for your family. Always have, always will.

I'll be honest I never liked the Reshu romance I'm firmly in the Xin or Ming camp.

>>5347714
speaking of Ming, I think you'd be quite proud of her next you meet her. Honestly, excited to get the crew back together to go strike force against some mongols.

>>5347685
>I would go through any trials for my friends, but I refuse to force them to pay for a deal I made. I know they would understand or accept, but it is still wrong. So I will just endure the trial of time and worry.
>>5347714
It wouldn't even reset Renshu's romance apparently, just drag the bloody thing even more while binding our friends to a contract they didn't consent to.

>>5347946
>>5347714
Bad choices presented all around then? It's alright, any suggestions on fixing it? I'd rather we not drag anything out to be honest.

Captcha: J0KAPP even captcha thinks my choices were bad. Yikes.

>>5347964
Basically, you went through this entire post
>>5347699
Explaining how it wouldn't get rid of our love, only reset the experiencea and make us go through the library romance again, if Renshu doesn't go emo bitch boy like he always does and gets his feeling hurts that we sacrificed his memories to find him to begin with.
>>5347701
And then you go through this saying the real price is making our friends pay in the future, whule we have a geas to force us, and will mindbreak TL if we break free, while all the responses only care about the memories.

I makes it look like there is a disconnect between what you explained afterwards and what you actually wrote. Specially since the "real" price is not touched upon, and the one that we would pay would either drag the relationship more since it would effectivelly restart (but still be garanteed, since it's the memories, not the emotions that went away) or bring more drama instead of avoid it (because Renshu would feel like we betrayed or abandoned him or something, taking things out of proportion and forcing what he feels on us is something he has been doing since Xiqi)

Maybe make it so she presents multiple prices we would have to choose only one, here some ideas.
We lose our memories of all of our friends like you explained, it would make searching for them harder even though we have quick info (my favorite option)
Actually lose our love for Renshu instead of just being garanteed to fall in love with him again.
Make so our friends will have to pay something, but not us
The geas she out on us is to do a job in the future, maybe something that ahe kbow we won't like or agree with how ahe wanta to be done.
Trade a secret to her, but make us forget it, so it's more valuable
Kind of shit ideas I know, but maybe it would help.

>>5347964
I'm not really sure how to change it to fit what you just wrote, but let me show what I understand of each option, with the added notes of your follow up posts.
1 -> Cares more about Renshu's memory than binding our friends to a faustian deal. Kind of selfish but understandable. Changes nothing because we keep the same knowledge while we wait for her to gather info. Chances are we would find about them on our own before we get more info.
2 -> Not only bind our friends, but also lose our memories of Renshu, while remaing in love with him. Which means falling in love again and having to explain why we gave it up (There is a romance movie all about someone falling in love eveyday afterall), while also treating our friends like subjects
3 -> Haggle for a different price for ourselves, but still bind our friends. Less selfish, and avoids the repeating the library shit again, but still binding their prices.
My write-in -> Ignores the surface problem and sees that the rral price is binding someone else into a contract they didn't agree. We don't have the right to do it, and even though they would accept, it's still a dick move.

I fixed the post giving some ideas, but deletes the wrong one.
So now this shit is put of order.

Oh, and sorry for the rant boss.
Never been a QM, and just like a player talking to a GM how to run their game, I'm probably just saying bullshit.

>>5347975
You hit the nail on the head. I wanted the deal to be inherantly unfair on TL's part with Madam Web leveraging the urgency of the situation against him. Problem being, it was kind of hard to think of something that was valuable to TL without making it instantly like the obvious option to not take.

>>5347992
It's no surprise, I've went a bit back and forth writing and rewriting that post so something mucked up. I like your choices but I did try to avoid the owing a favor as an option as I wasn't sure when you'd be able to return or if paying that bargin back would be part of the quest seeing as the plan is to leave the country. Didn't really want to force the quest to back track to the capital and then begin a new side quest given the current issues at hand.

The first one is pretty brutal (and I do kind of dig it). Leave TL without any memories of his friends but just their locations and identies. That way, all the work to find their locations isn't simply just a waste of time but you still have to deal with the fact you no longer know the people you are looking for. On the other hand, would that be wiping away all the development done throughout the quest in terms of character relationships? I'd write this one out and even allow it to stand it for the others paying a price since it's a very TL thing to do to take everyone's burden on himself but I'd only do it if it was a full consensus.

Second one might be popular vote but I really don't want to do romance drama again. Honestly would even kind of break Ren's character a bit if this went through just so it's not a major deal both in game and out to move on.

3rd one is also good. Makes it even more of a hard deal but it also might make it too much of a bad deal? Like it seems a bit too selfish as the other anon mentioned to hoist it all on our friends. Even in his lowest moments, I don't think the big guy could do that to someone else at this point in the quest.

4th with the geas is what I originally intended but I don't want to derail the current plot at the moment. It was my default choice and could be a player write in.

5. Is honestly the best one in terms of not being too egregious. Gives players the choice of what to give up, doesn't burden our friends, but it is a sacrifice to be made. Something like how Eureka looks or maybe even your knowledge of the langauge of the spirits. Something of that rare and valuable nature would definitely intrigue the info broker and would more than cover the cost of your friends.

>>5348009
It's all good man. I can see where you're coming from. Besides, you did bring up some good points. Not to mention, we discussing it pretty civilly. All the suggestions offered do make for a good player write in. Plus, I think the quest does better with a good discussion of options between player and QM for the most part. Or maybe I'm just too much of an optimistic goat.

>>5348017
Oh good boss, after the drama that happened during the library I would hate to start more chaos in the quest.
Well, I guess forgetting about them wouldn't completly reset the interactions since we wouls atill have the feelings, but forgetting all the interactions peobabpy would screw Xin a lot since we have been their cofident. Renshu could just emotion beam things to our head, and Ming would probably enjoy making new even better memories, since she is the group's ray of sunshine.
The geas does make much more sense if it was originally to make us do a job, that's why it's was the first thing I thought when trying to recycle the update.
I'll be honest, the throwing our friends under the bus option was just what was left when I finished using the rest, couldn't think of a way to make it something TL would agree to, so I just left it as an obvious bad choice to make the others look better in comparison, to fit the vibe of a manipulative faustian bargain. Don't know too much about Web if it's something she would pull, but oh well.
I understand and agree wanting to avoid repeating what happened, but it was the only way I could think of that would make it actually matter enough to justify not having the extra price. Probaboy could go for TL straight up not being able to feel romantic live again too, but it would fall i to the same problem.
And the last one, I also thought of giving examples how we got our inner peace (so now finding the pools is not only due to stuborness, but to get it back), fprgetting to talk to spirits (we would have to spens years learining it again) or even some special chi ability, that we would need to regain when trying to learn that special style we wanted to make, like being able to sense emotions, heal people or astral project.
I also thought of giving up the dragon style, but it was a gift from Shenlong and something that we wouldn't be able to get it back. It would make the choice way heavier, but I doubt any other anon would go for it. And I just know would regret it.

And I think this is enough, I aoready gave all my ideas and opinions, better let itger naons give their input.
Don't want to monopolize the quest or make it change afterall.

>>5347685
>Say that your memories are to important to mess with and the coin to valuable to give up. You can wait.

>>5347685
>Haggle
I'm willing to offer a memory. Of Eureka's appearance and it's none elucidian method of both time and distance, of Oogway's meditation home, even the translated script of that one panda book about Chi which NO LONGER EXISTS due to the library burning down.

She can have this, maybe two, and our friends will pay nothing. If not, the fuck off, we can wait.
I refuse point blank to delete our memories of our friends or the heart fuckery of losing a fundemental emotion.

>>5348059
Yeah, I would regret giving up the Dragon style. This is a bad deal in most cases, and manipulative in the extreme, which is her gimmick.

But that being said, I've laid out that losing a secret or immensely rare information like the books or Eureka or so on is fine. Hell, we can try and leverage that this book would be a part of her cultural identity and an extremely rare treasie which she will never get again, if she passes on the offer. Maybe she would feel some pull on that.

However. We also have another trick in our sleeve, namely that we can wait, because we do trust our friends and her coin is quite valuable.
If you aren't willing to walk away, then the other party will keep pushing, assured that you won't refuse.

>>5347714
I'll change my vote here to
>Say that your memories are to important to mess with and the coin to valuable to give up. You can wait.
Ming will come to us. we will go to Xin

>>5348337
You know, the panda scroll might actually be a good one, since it's not only rare, but also belongs to her people, which she showed to be loyal to.
Although the pandas might have a copy of the original somewhere, and wouldn't need a translated version since it's on their own language.

>>5348352
Oh fuck, you already mentioned that on your follow up post, guess I should have read it before replying.

>>5348337
>>5348559
Wait you're talking about the book about Chi? I legitimately forgot about that. Tai Lung has memorized the book to show Oogway and with his current abilities, he can recall it perfectly wit no problem. I'm...actually very happy that you guys remembered such a small details. Such a thing would certianly appeal to her given her mentions of her dying race. Kudos gents.

>>5348604
I do you one better.

It was the book which talked about the Cji of manipulating other individuals Chi, but used it as a backdrop for a political/Philosophy pamphlet on the dangers and moral/social issues for the wider panda nation on manipulating others Chi, even for benign reasons which he equated to playing god.

Didnt even have to look it up.
But yeah, use this as an offer to Waive the cost on us and just take the Coin.

SORRY MISS FENG, WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT JUST NEEDING TO ACCEPT A SHITRY SITUATION?!

>>5348642
The value of both also serves as a means to translate the old panda dialect into a new one. Holy hell! We cant be talked down from this value, from an info brokers perspective, it is more than just a peice of her culture, it's a whole fucking cipher that nobody can crack!

We really need to not let it drop.

>>5348730
I understand what your saying, but on the other hand, I raise that I dont care, and neither should any of you, about proving her correct or incorrect.

If her goal is to prove the point, it is vindictive. To punish us in proportion to our legend and feats.
If the goal is curiosity and value, which I'm honestly more convinced by, presenting a terrible situation to make us cough up something very valuable, then she should take the deal.

Who gives a shit that we are that large that we deal with spirits while other people deal with the capricious whims of nature and growing food? It's not a crime and we arent conceited about it. Fuckth thee, anyoldbody who says otherwise.

Hell, I'm inclined to say we should even tell her what love is to us. Because its confusing, embarrassing, controversial and an utter pain in our collective rears with the romance department, and its "I'm going to go to hell and barter with the harshest critic in the realms for a chance to prove the goodness of man or endure any embarrassment for them" in regards to Agape.
AND FOR THAT, SHE DIDNT NEED OUR FUCKING MEMORIES

holy kek, genius.
changing vote. support >>5348642 , but keep the coin, and mention how it was destroyed with the sacred library and imply that it could've been the last copy.

>>5348754
I replyed to the wrong post of yours, I was suposed to be this one.
>>5348684
Which was about Feng's argument in our previous discussion, not why Web is demanding such an esoteric price.
Which I have no idea why, magical information brokers are a weird bunch.

>>5348761
The Coin is likely a hard sale. If we point out the value of the two tomes in their multitudes, then it could possibly pass. But just as likely wont.

>>5348772
Ah. Sorry about that, got a bit heated. Having a threat leveled at my memories, even though the medium of TL angers me.

Still, it's not a mythological treasure we journeyed hundreds of miles to get. It's a book we read and for translated from the repository of China's knowledge. Any plucky teen with a mission and determination to save their loved ones or village could have done it.

>>5348772
And yes, I do agree that it's probably curiosity like she said.
And for why it would remove ours, I think it may be neacessary for the memory transfer ritual. When we asked Renshu to try and get the memories of one of the raider's ghost, he said that it would basically be torturing the being and renoving a part of him.
So memories and the mind might be tied to Chi and soul, so you can't just make a copy and upload it to SpiritBay.

>>5348761
>>5348776
It is important to mention that only the original was in the library and possibly destroyed.
The translated version straight up didn't exist until we went to eureka and askes Oogway for it. So it would definatly the only copy in existence.

That's some prime collector material right there, specially since it's a post mortem work. I challenge her to find another book translated by someone after they passed away.

>>5348439
God damit now I have to change my vote again. Sigh.
> changing to support >>5348642

Anyone have issues with the site the last few days? Couldn't even get the page to load myself. Anyways, I'll get to writing.

>>5352324
Wait, before I fuck up, did you want to offer your memories of the books' contents or to write copies of them for her? Just want to double check on what you're offer.

>>5352340
>copy if possible

>>5352324
Yes, getting the pagea to load or update was nearly impossible yesterday.
>>5352340
The copy, but if she want the memories to make it even more valuable, than it's ok.
Haggling is all about changing the price bit by bit afterall.

>>5352340
Copy. If she wants the memory, we can play it higher.
This is haggling. You dont lead with your highest offer.

And 4China be working fine for me

>>5352671
Weird, it was down an hour ago. I even checked the net and it was for other people too.

File: 1655682624136.jpg (68 KB, 640x800)

68 KB JPG

While we wait for Luo, here's a bunny meme.

>>5352841
Bun memes are best memes. Reconsider should really be the motto for the quest shouldn't it?

>>5352947
Well, it's a quest about redemption, we keep trying to give chances to other people, try to find a thrid way and we even went through a "are you sure about that" moment.
So I guess it is, in multiple meanings of the word.

"No." You say simply. "I'm not going to sign away my friends for something they have no knowledge about." If Madam Web was disappointed, she hid it very well.

"Unfortunate." She says. "But as you've mentioned, you do not have anything else to offer. Am I to assume you wish to take the slower methods?"

"Not at all. It just so happens that I think I might have something you'd be very interested. Something that I may be the only person left alive to know about." You say. "I'm willing to offer share this, if you're willing to forgo my friend's involvement in this exhange." You say, trying to keep your face as neutral as possible.

"Now now. I was upfront with my offer. I think it'd only be fair that you do the same." Madam Web replies.

"Partially." You correct her. "But I suppose we won't know your interest unless you know what it is." You admit. "What I have is knowledge of a treatise on Chi. A rather political one, I might add, which gives some context of the state of a tribe during the time of it's writing. A tribe of Pandas no less. It was tucked away in a little corner of the Sacred Library. Given how old it was, I'm not surprised if it was the only copy in existence. A copy that was destroyed during the attack." You tap the side of your head. "Fortunately, I happen to have a very good memory and it also just so happens that I was forced to memorized it, in it's native language by the way, word for word. I'm willing to offer you a translated version for you in place of your original offer."

"My my my..." Madam Web breathes. "Tai Lung, are you certain you're not attempting to court me? You know how to push a woman's buttons don't you?" She leans back and laces her fingers. "Every customer attempts to haggle with me. They want lower prices, more information, a bigger favor but only a select few ever managed to catch my attention. I would of course, need to find a way to verify the authenticity of your claims of course. Despite how enticing your offer is, I fear this line of work requires me to practice a measure of cautiousness. I'm sure you understand, especially with the kinds of claims you're making."

"I'm afraid there isn't much in the way of studying it. Like I said, the only copy that might exist has been destroyed and I doubt there is anyone else in the world alive that could be talked to about it. This comes down to a matter of trust." You reply.

"I wish it could only be that simple my dear. Truly I do. However, there are a few ways we can break this stalemate. Surely, you don't expect me of all people to not know the language of my own race? All I ask is for a small sample of the work in it's original language. If you indeed have memorized this text in it's entirety then it should make as much sense to me as it would to you in it's translated form. Then should it be authentic, we can move to get a full written copy. Of course...I am more than willing to take that memory from you in it's entirety. You'll of course lose the contents of it from your mind permanently but rest assured that they will be safely held with me. All I need to know is what exactly you want in return."

>What do you say?
>Say that you're willing to offer a sample. All you ask is a simple trade. You give her the book and the coin, and she finds your friends as fast as she can.
>Say that you're willing to give up your memories for the book. However, you want to change the deal. You'll give up the knowledge, but you keep the coin and your friends no longer need to pay. All she'd have to do is find them for you as soon as possible.
>Say that your memories are quite valuable, if you're giving them up then you want to ask for something more than just the location of your friends. (What else would you want to haggle for.)
>Write in

>>5353115
>Say that you're willing to offer a sample. All you ask is a simple trade. You give her the book and the coin, and she finds your friends as fast as she can.
>As long as you don't mind my calligraphy, and my friends prices are waived as well. Still, is she sure she doesn't want a translation to compare it to? Languages change a bit over time, and I believe Master Oogway was very through and respectful to his friend work.

>>5353115
>Say that you're willing to offer a sample. All you ask is a simple trade. You give her the book and the coin, and she finds your friends as fast as she can.

>>5353115
>We will trade the memeory for the coin

The one part I don't remember clearly and had to check, it offered the theory of Chi with as a political backdrop.
So I feel like keeping the coin does more for us than the memory.

But if she's not willing
>A simple trade

>>5353146
I remember that the knowledge was very shallow since he was afraid Chi could be abused, probably because of Kai, and we learned more asking Bao about it.
So giving it up might not be so bad.

>>5353115
>>Say that you're willing to give up your memories for the book. However, you want to change the deal. You'll give up the knowledge, but you keep the coin and your friends no longer need to pay. All she'd have to do is find them for you as soon as possible.
give original copy only. she doesn't need a translation, which is always inferior to the source material, and since we don't understand it we have no use for the original.
if she pushes, offer to give a written copy of the translation too

Looks like we're tied at the moment between simply giving up the memory and just handing over a written copy.

>>5354062
Can we haggle for the copy getting rid of our friends prices too?
If she doesn't accept it, hand over the memories.

>>5354067
I'm this anon by the way.
>>5353137
>>5353157

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5354062
lets go

Memory = 1
Just book = 2

"The trade is simple. I give you a copy of the book and the coin. You find my friends using the fastest method possible." You say. "Nothing more, nothing less. Just as long as you don't mind my brushstrokes." Madam Web seems to consider it for a moment which is something you feel you should be proud of. You don't think there are many people who have ever made her pause for a moment let alone having information she doesn't have access too.

"You are quite lucky that I've started become fond of you." Madam Web says with a satisfied smirk. "Otherwise, I may not have let this go so easily. I'll agree to this deal should the texts appear to be geniune. The coin and book for your friend's location." She reaches below the table and draws a peice of paper and a set of writting tools. She motions for you to begin and you quickly begin moving your hands out of habit. Your brush flows from the top of the page to the bottom without a second thought as you simply recall the motions needed to reproduce the text. In the moment, the motions held no meaning and the characters were merely marks on a page. Once you had reproduced the introductory text, the meanings slowly began to fade into existence and you were satisfied with your work. You gently push the page towards the infobroker and turn it around for her to see. To your surprise, you note the glint of glass in the darkness as she pushes a set of glasses into place. Time seems to stand still as she combs over the text and for a moment, you note a look of genuine interest devoid of any sense of amusement or professionalism. In a way it was the same look that Ming held as she read something that interested her, lost in her own world devoid of a sense for the things around her.

The moment fades as Madam Web removes her glasses and returns to a demeanor of polite buisness. "Everything seems in order. You certainly have a way of stumbling into things of great importance Tai Lung." She says as she draws a pile of sheets from the darkness. "If you could simply finish the manuscript, then we can proceed onto our transaction." You nod quietly and quickly begin to write down the rest of the book. "I hope you don't mind but this requires a bit of preperation. Unless of course, you require complete silence." She asks as she stands up. You shake your head no.

"Excellent." She says and steps into the shadows behind her though they do not obscure her unlike everything else before. "As I've said before, the methods required for this task reveal far more about me than anything else. Such a ritual was only ever used as a means to locate a victim for assassination at least commercially. In truth, I've used it far more often for my own gain than anyone elses." She explains as the room begins to glow with a ghostly green, the same color as the coin when held up to moonlight. Letting your hands work on their own, you look up to see thousands of symbols litter the floor and slowly spread all over forming a web throughout the room. The symbols spread all around revealing the large scope of the room you sat in before rising up her legs and slowly spreading the web like pattern around her body, centered on the heart. "You see information and lies are not the only thing that bind me to my prison. The price of knowledge is steep but it was one I accepted willingly."

"What exactly are you?" You ask as you feel the pulse of magic thrum around you. It was unlike anything you had felt before, each pulse growing stronger than weaker like a heartbeat but the nature of it too primal to assign to a specific element.

"I am Madam Web." She says simply. "And so will be anyone who takes my stead. My line is bound to the very life of the world."

"What kind of power is this?"

"Every living thing leaves a mark on the world. As it passes on through life, as it leaves it's mark on the world, and as it departs it. And such actions become mine." Madam Web explains.

"There is no way the dragons would allow such a thing. To steal people's Chi, even of their children..."

"I merely tap into it and allow it to flow through me. Like coin passed between hands, I simply watch it happen. As for the dragons, even they are unaware of my existence. Mortals are beneathe their notice and so much more for people such as myself. I merely observe. A fishman never notices the person upstream watching the water flow by lest the person begins to divert it's course. Unless of course, you wish to betray my existence? Then I'll surely die. As you've said, the dragons would never let this stand and they will undoubtly seek their vengence."

"But how?"

"As you already know, there are fonts of great power throughout the world. The pools, the library, and here. It just so happens that my predecesor chose to capitalize on their discovery. If they did not take control then someone else would and in such turbulent times that could not be allowed. Unfortunately, this does not mean omniscience. It is impossible to observe an ocean through the view of a small river. My sight needs to be focused, refined. The ritual needs a foci of a kind. Something to direct the flow of information. The most common focus is an item of the person in question. The more attached they are to it, the better. You see, as a person become more attached to an object they tend to pour a tiny bit of themselves into it. It's why preowned objects never seem to feel like one's own or why they seem to have a bit of their owner's personality to them. The stronger the attachment, the more powerful that bond. There are even some legends of a bond being so strong that an objects develops a personality of it's own, often times complimentary to their owner's or in some cases similar to them. The process is unforgiving however, stripping something so integral to the object's being to release it back into the stream of the world ruins it and destroys it utterly." Madam Web explains.

"What if I have nothing to offer?" You ask.

"You always do. I need 'something that person is attached to'. If they are your friends..." She leads.

"Then I'm the object..."

"Exactly. Though you are made of sterner stuff than a mere object. After all, you have your own Chi to bolster you. The process is not without consequence. Memories will fade, or become damaged, they are the things that connect the two of you after all. Naturally, I intended to use a memory you were meant to give me in exchange for this, however you made quite the convincing counter offer."

"A trick. You'd get what you wanted in the end." You say angrily.

"Not at all. This way, your memories may fade a bit but you will retain them. Not to mention, you may choose what to give up. The more personal the more precise my findings will be. This is meant for a last resort but I gaurentee that the results are instant. No one can hide their existence completely. They may camoflauge it or supress it but it will always be there. All it takes is to be able to look for it."

>What do you offer?
>Ming's bag. It's pretty mangled because of your repairs but she's always had it around since the beginning. It must mean a lot to her if she kept it around for so long.
>The small bottle of antidote you found. It was her new years gift from Xin. Probably the first ever gift Xin ever gave. She'd be smart enough to realize that and maybe it might mean more to her.
>The sewing kit you gave Ming. You did your best to try and make your gifts as meaningful as possible. That might have had an effect on how she viewed it.
>Ren's dagger. You found this hidden in his belongings. If he kept something like this around, it must have some significance to him.
>The cloak you wear was his. It could be important to him but you're not sure a peice of clothing is enough. Then again, it might have some meaning you're not aware of.
>The small half of the yin yang symbol you found in the battlefield. It was the mirror half to Xin's symbol. You remember when they gave it to him. This surely has a powerful connection to Renshu but could you sacrifice something that important to him?
>Give up some of your memories. (What do you give up?)
>Offer another object. (Write in)

>>5355389
For a write in on both memories and objects, I'm willing to hear out some anon made ones. Always cool to see what you guys come up with.

>>5355389
>give up a memory: The Gates of Hell.
Was there a more desperate time than that?
Ming was crying, Xin was clutching their brother and begging us to do something, we had no idea what to do other than try. And it was out love for them all that let us push ahead. A more deeply personal tribulation I cannot think of.

>>5355389
Can we ask her if she will somehow feel or watch the memories, or if we relive them while they happen? Becuase this anon's idea is good
>>5355551
But seeing hell itself might break her or ours concentration and the ritual. Maybe warn her first.

>>5355389
>Ming's bag. It's pretty mangled because of your repairs but she's always had it around since the beginning. It must mean a lot to her if she kept it around for so long.

>>5355389
>>Ming's bag. It's pretty mangled because of your repairs but she's always had it around since the beginning. It must mean a lot to her if she kept it around for so long.
>>The small bottle of antidote you found. It was her new years gift from Xin. Probably the first ever gift Xin ever gave. She'd be smart enough to realize that and maybe it might mean more to her.
>>The sewing kit you gave Ming. You did your best to try and make your gifts as meaningful as possible. That might have had an effect on how she viewed it.

>>5355653
It is just our journey to hell.

The actual horrors of hell, we never felt with.
The reason I dont want to lose the bag is because we know where ming is, we need Renshu and Xin.

Remember the bag is for ming only. You'd still have to choose to give something up for Ren. And Xin if you want though you think you know where they are.

>>5356529
Exactly.

So don't give up her bag, use a very personal, possibly upsetting memory relating to all three of them.
Maybe when we watched Xin beat the snot out of their brother in Zhnagi. or when we thought ming might leave us.

>>5356548
Hell, when we were freezing to the point of hypothermia climbing the mountain to the sacred library.

Not as personal, but the emotions in the moment really reenforced how much we were thankful for our friends.

>And that reminds me, of when we broke down in tears describing them to Shifu when we were hunting mongolians.
THAT ONE is ripe with juice.

>>5356548
>>5356554
These are good I'll support.
And the hell one too, if it's only what we felt and saw before meditating to get Renshu's soul back, if it's what I ubderstood what that anon meant.

>>5356216
>>5356008
>>5356588
Right, guys, we have to organise this oursleves or the vote is never going to come through.

We have 22 threads to pick from, I'm sure we have some ponient memories of the others that we dont mind losing.

The memory works best, and it would probably do us better to choose memories we know will have a fine impact. Rather than risk it all on maybies.

That and I dont not to destroy mings bag. It's not really ours to destroy.

>>5357402
Yeah the bag stays. Dropping the memory of hell is probably worthwhile. The memories of that all probably hold us back a bit

It looks like memory is the dominant vote with hell being the favorite one or at least before going to judgement it sounds like. Is that right? Ming's bag lives another day.

>>5358983
It is, by a one post ID.

Which. . I have reservations about, but hey, it breaks the stalemate and it's in my favour. So I am alright.

>>5359145
If you are talking about me, than it's because my ID keeps changing.

>>5354068
For example, this is me.

>>5359150
That clears that up.

3 to 2, in favour of bringing the memory game. Hell shit should get us the buns pretty fast.

>>5359155
It's easy enough to keep enough to remember we went to hell. And to know we were in hell.

But it'll be nice to scrub that a little from our soul.

Rest we'll figure out

There's probably a lot of mid tier ming memories we can use. We probably don't need to be AS specific with her given we mostly need to figure out if she's still on her path.

>>5359312
Honestly, the most important part of that to remember is how long is on Renshu's timer.

Everything else can be either ignored or forgotten with no longlasting issues. Well, other than the great judge saying "never darken my door again"

>Hey, Great judge, I've come to bargain!
>I told you last time, never come back here!
>???
>Profit

"I need my things." You say. "But I have plenty of memories to spare. They'll have to do."

"Do you always take the hardest route?" Madam Web asks as she steps forwards and gently runs her fingers up your chest. "Even you aren't indestructable..."

"Just tell me what I need to do." You say removing the hands off your chest. "I warn you, these memories aren't plesant. Are you sure they won't break your concentration?"

"I won't be seeing them exactly. It'd be more of...watching the crowd through a window or perhaps reading about a gathering. I'm an observer, not a participant. It helps with keeping things at bay." She replies as she pulls back. "But we have danced around the real reason why you have come here. Let us begin. Step in the center with me." She instructs. You do as your instructed and see the runes and symbols cling to you with every step. They threaten to crawl up your but you never stay still long enough for them to do so. Once you meet Madam Web at the center of the room, she cups your cheek. "It's always so interesting with you isn't it? I wonder what memories you'd be willing to give up..." You open your mouth to speak but she shushes you. "Just focus. Let those thoughts come to the surface." She instructs and places her fingers on your forehead. The glowing web flows up her body and through her arms before going down her fingers. You quickly do your best to bring up those memories to the forefront of your mind and you immediately feel a chill run down your spine. It stops, hangs in place, and slowly crawls back up uncomfortable as always.

The feelings continues up your neck and as it reaches your mind it goes blank. Images of ink fading away, of paper slowing turning to ash and color draining away to grey and then nothingness. Your mind reels and you instinctively try to draw back but find your legs glued in place. Was it the marking on the ground? Some kind of paralysis because of the ritual? You're not sure but it simply feels as if you forgot how to manipulate your limbs. Eventually, you seem to forget how to feel things too as the sensation of Madam Web's fingers on your skull go away. It feels like an eternity before the gentle pat on your cheek. "Get up, child. You're supposed to be the strong one." Madam Web says.

You come back to yourself and find that you're on the floor. The bright glow of the runes burn your eyes and you struggle to reconcile the last few moments. You gave up a memory to find your friends, you were frozen and things seemed to fade away. Now you were here. The question was, what memory did you give up? You struggle to retrieve that information. It was obviously something that involved your friends. You faintly recall it they were upset but not for any reasons known to you. You can't even really recall what led up to it. You were investigating a ruined village and were in a library of sorts but after that things were a blur. Perhaps the mass death had upset them though that didn't sound right. Probing your mind further, all you can remember is that there were raiders that had taken something and you and your friends had ventured onward to persue them. That was how you met Hien. You know that you had retrieved the objects but what they were you couldn't say. Your thoughts grow frantic as you continue to try and peice together everything but not matter how hard you tried, it seemed that anything that could point towards the events of that day were broken or missing. You had done something for Renshu, it was one of the reasons he loved you. Whatever that was, it was the basis as to why you considered the others family as well. A sick feeling churns in your gut. You didn't know one of the major reasons why you were so close to the others. You fought an army together, survived ghosts and crime organizations...and something else. Something else that was bad and you helped them.

There is faint traces of pain, emotional perhaps? Or maybe someone was hurt. It was hard to say if the dredges of that were yours or one of your friends. Maybe Renshu was hurt and you saved his life? That couldn't be it. Ming would be the one to save someone's life. She knew the most about medicine...maybe she was incapable of doing so at the time and you had to take the risk. You get up, the feeling of sickness clawing at your stomach. Perhaps in time, you could remember more details but for now the wounds were too fresh and you had more important things to do. By the time you get to your feet, you see Madam Web pouring over a map or more accurately, her hands were on the map and she was looking off into the distance. "Quite an interesting memory you chose to give up." She comments.

"Yeah? Care to share what it was?" You ask.

"No and more importantly it's fading away as we speak as it fuels the ritual. It's potency cannot be denied however." Her fingers seem to trace around the map some more. "Interesting...so so interesting..." She murmers as her eyes look past you into the void.

"Did you find them?" You ask, irritably.

"Quite. Your little cat friend is far more illusive that she looks." Madam Web remarks. "But even she is not invisible. She's in northern China it seems and judging by what you cannot see, has been there for some time..." She says. "Traveling with a group is quite slow though judging by her location, she has moved far too slow even for someone with a group. I see trees, a forest in which she is hidden...but darkness lingers in all corners and in her attempts to hide in the shadows...it may seem that she has blinded herself to the creatures that lurk within them. Fear and exhaustion linger at every turn only held back by a dam of of her own creation."

"What do you mean? Explain!" You demand.

"I do not know." Madam Web says. "Merely what I told you. She is not alone in those woods. Whoever or whatever is in there with her is not for her benefit. Whereever she is headed or whatever her goals are, they are going far too slowly for the distance she has traveled. Clearly something is holding her up. Be it herself, her group, or something else."

"Why do you have to be so cryptic?" You say, your patience fraying.

"Because that is how these things work." Madam Web says coolly. "I can give you the location of where she is. The what,whens, hows and whys are beyond me. Be thankful that I am able to discern as much as I can as it is. Besides, you'll fail to find what I say next amusing."

"Enlighten me." You grunt.

"I do not know where your male rabbit friend is." Madam Web says. "Other than he is far beyond this nation and farther beyond anywhere we know. All I see is white, blinding white and fields of it that never end. It is cold there, both in his soul and his surroundings. He is faint, and distant but perhaps...not alone. It is difficult to discern his existence though it is his how far away he is or if it is his own doing. However, it may seem that the lands far to the north are not as inhospitable as we may have originally thought. He is not in China nor is he in Mongolia. We can only surmise that he is in the lands beyond there. Where nothing lives and the cold of winter claims all. How he manages to survive is unknown or perhaps he has be left there to die. All that can be felt there is cold and death." Madam Web motions to the map before her. "They cannot be found on this map nor any maps I posses."

File: dumb map.png (329 KB, 900x794)

329 KB PNG

"That wasn't our deal. You said you could find my friends." You growl.

"Peace." Madam Web says. "I cannot mark it on any map for you. However, if you bold or foolish enough to face the unkown, then I shall guide you as promised." She pulls a simple compass from the darkness and mutters strange words into it. Words that felt as old as time itself and heavy as the earth you walk upon. The needle spins around erratically, faster and faster until it is a blur and you fear that it will snap from the force of the speed. The runes in Madam Web's hand are pulled into it and bleed across the face of the compass before they entangle the needle and slow it down, forcing it to stop and point in a direction other than north. "This will find your friends." She says. "As any compass should it will guide you to them. I am a woman of my word." She assures as she hands you a map and the compass. The compass warms in your hand as faint feelings of something seem to rise within you. It takes you a moment to realize that these are the faintest facimilies of what you feel when you used to be able to sense your friends around you.

>What do you say? (Map has been updated with your friend's locations. Pic related and border makers and the like are not to scale and whatnot.)
>Write in.

>>5359935
The distances arent good.
Renshu will have to be last. He will have to be, we cant afford to cross two countries to get to him.

We should hit Xin first, Smash out the gangsters and criminals first.
Ask the court or Hein to send a party to the aid of Ming. She is with the survivors of the sacred library, perhaps we can argue that they may hold surviving knowledge, plus they can confirm our story.

And Renshu, may possibly be with Alesander. Which I dont like. But we will get him, as surely as anything.
Maybe this is thematic, reaquiring our family in the order which they agreed to follow us.

Maybe we should inquire about a token to get back in, if she wants any information about the white land and Mongolia.

>"Yes you are. Not the answers I wished were true, but you've kept your word.
Are you able to send word to Ming or Xin Lan? I'd appreciate that they knew help eas coming, and that I am not dead. As fun as it is constantly surprising them with the depths of my capacity to survive, it's not worth their misery."

>"How do I use the compass to shift it between my friends?"

Once we know about the device and how to use it, we can calm down, and be a bit more glib. Either with asking how her day has been, or something along the lines of "last bit of information that the coin will buy me, what do you think of my visit".

>>5359935
>Thank you Madam Web. I asked for a high price, but you delivered.
Xin is right next to the capital, we can quickly go to them after the meeting.
Than we have to rush to Ming. By what Web says, I think she is being hunted, and protecting the refugees. Maybe by more wizards instead of proper assassins.
Renshu is definatly with Aleksander and in his homeland, I don't think we will be able to search for him before moving in to Mongolia. He probably is trying to break away the allies of the Kexin, I have a feelingg he will be the one to come to us with help instead.
>I was going to ask how was your day and if you enjoy your job, but after this heavy stuff, I think the time for light hearted talk has passed.
>So goodbye, I have to return to the Feng compound and think of ways to lessen any problems my escapade caused.

>>5360103
You asked, not I.
I'm dumb.

>>5360103
I mean hey, we haggled down hard.

>Every sensation and memory of our friends, plus a coin and an individual cost of our friends
down to
>A coin, a book and the memory of our worst trial to date.

That's pretty good haggling.
I also don't think that asking her if she enjoyed her job has to be lighthearted. It can still be done, if we care too. I just enjoy being unpredictable to others.

>>5360106
I want to ask and be unpredictable too, I just don't know how to segway into it.
If you can think of something, I'll change my vote.
And yeah, TL haggled well. Maybe we have spent too much time with Xin.

>>5359935
Shouldn't we be in the capital in that map

Guys we still ha e to ask about the location of the pool.

>Supporting this >>5359968

>>5360120
Segue is easy. Take a drop into the chair and need to decompress now that the titanic weight of not knowing where our friends are is lifted.

>>5360175
Also yes, but I think she'll ask for the coin before we can do so.

>>5360178
Eh, works for me, you have my support.

>>5360175
Also, I think Luo just reused the map we asked last time.

>>5359930
>They threaten to crawl up your but
tomandjerryscream.mp3

Finally catched up was here in the first few threads but stopped reading but now i have caught up i want to joke and say we can khan our species back from the brink

>>5360572
We know that we have the forbidden rituals to make it happen.

Let's go, Tiger-Leopard-Rabbit hybrids! And a bit of. . . I think ming is Lynx.

But yeah, for those who dont often think about it, both Xin and Renshu are part tiger. Renshu just has predominant traits while Xin Lan is predominant bunny

>>5360618
I think only Renshu is part tiger, and Xin is his half sibling.

>>5360199
I did. Just wanted to put a location for your friends for refrence.

>>5360618
Snow Leopard bunnies all the way.

>>5360645
Xin is Ren's half sibling though I can't remember if it has been confirmed if Xin Lan is full bunny. I vaguely recall that it was mentioned that both the fathers are out of the picture and were only used for their genetics. Unsurprisingly, there was no love involved.

>>5360729
What if one could have 4 or more genetic parents.

File: ecfbcd5304faa97b49393de3c(...).jpg (30 KB, 569x557)

30 KB JPG

>>5360819
It sounds to me like you've been talking to a certain mother in law bun. That's some dangerous thinking right there only reserved for the harem route...but Xin Lan is best boy/girl and does deserve the best so you might be on to something.

>>5360827
I mean combining all of the group into one child the hard part is the combining of 2 mothers make something similar to calico cat females are made from 2 seperate genetic distinct siblings absorbed into eachother and cats are very good at birthing alot of kittens at the sametime from seperate fathers domething similar.
other options is thigh lung by flipping the ying yang

>>5360827
actually our buns with that ritual should be distantly related enough incest would not be a problem?

also dating renshu was a surprise but also not really due to how close they where and what they did for each other but i was always hoping more for a bromance where they crush kitties together

You stare at the small compass as it's needle spins around a few times before settling on a direction then spinning around once more to settle in another. You watch for a while before your legs give out from undernethe you. You collapse into the nearby chair as a large weight is lifed from your shoulders. You now had definitive proof that your friends still lived. More than that you had a way to find them. "Thank you." You say as you gingerly tuck the compass into your pocket. "You asked for a high price, but you delivered."

"I merely offered you choices. You yourself said you had objects you could use but you were unwilling to do so. My statement still stands." Madam Web replies.

"Well you are a woman of your word. It's not the answers I would have liked but you kept your word." You say.

"Information is rarely what we wish it to be. It merely is what it wants to be. It's up to you if you want to see it for what it is or twist it until you see what you want to see." Madam Web says. "I simply presented it as it was. Though now that you have what you wished, I presume our buisness is concluded?"

You shake your head. "Not yet. I still have something else I wanted to ask you. I need to know the location of something. Do you know where the Pools of Contemplation are? I was meant to get the answer back in the library but..."

"That is a very heavy question. Something I'm not even sure the nobles can pay for." Madam Web asks. "You certainly know how to push the limits of what people are willing to allow don't you?"

"Do you know?" You ask.

"I know that they exist and that they are very real. However their exact location is somewhat lost to me. I am certain that somewhere in my collection I may have the scraps of information to discern the Pool's resting place. However, as all things I may be able to twist the land's energy to my whims once more." Madam Web says with another one of her uncomfortable smirks. "If you can bring me a two vials of pure and untainted water from it's sister location, The Pool of Sacred Tears. I should be able to replicate what we just did tonight. Given where you grew up. That shouldn't be an issue, should it?"

You look at her. The water from those pools were the Valley of Peace's greatest treasure and it was expressly forbidden to remove water from them. An order given by Oogway himself no less. In your youth, the order seemed like foolish supersition but now...you can only fathom what kind of power either Pools had. To simply hand it out to someone like Madam Web was quite the request. Then again you were asking for something just as big were you not? "What about payment?" You ask.

"Something even simpler. I would simply like some water from the Pools you seek. Of course, before you ask. No, I will no tell you what I want it for. It's quite enjoyable to vex you as it is to talk philosophy with you." She say as she takes a seat across from you, the lights dimming behind her and the runes slowly retreating back into the void behind her. "

"So it comes down to waiting for a possible answer or guarenteeing one by doing you a favor?" You ask. Madam Web winks at you.

"Isn't it always? Like before, if you simply want to wait then consider my payment to be paid in full by that coin you'll be giving me as you leave. But...if you do me this one small favor then consider my home open to you for the rest of your days. So long as Madam Web exists she will serve the Great Tai Lung. I'm not so rude as to belittle your intellegence. You know what I am asking for, as small as a task it may be, will benefit me greatly. Enough that I will owe you a debt that cannot be paid by a mere coin or any mortal posession can ever pay back."

You look at Madam Web and stare deep into her eyes. Everything she said, every instinct within you screamed that there should be some kind of desperation or hunger for you to agree to this task. There was no doubt in your mind that giving her the water from both Pools was part of some grand plan of her. But you see nothing. She remained as straight faced and collected as always. Was it possible she couldn't yearn for things? Or that she no longer knew how to feel such feelings? In an attempt to make some sense of all this, your mind turns to humor to comfort itself and part of you wished to see Xin Lan play cards against her.

All you could say was, "If everything you offered took time then you must have a way to contact me. You know I won't be here for long and I travel. So you must have some way to contact me. Can you use that to contact my friends? At least Xin Lan and Ming. I would like to surprise them but not if the cost is their misery. I'd rather they know I live and am looking for them." You make a vague motion before adding. "If you do this, I have a small tidbit of information that will make it worth your while."

"Oh? Twice in one night? Color me surprised. Tell me, what else could you possibly be hiding?" She asks. You return the grin.

"I'll keep this one close to my chest. Would you be willing to take up my request?" You ask. Madam Web thinks for a moment.

"If only I was a few decades younger..." She sighs with a smile. "Very well. It just so happens that I've grown quite fond of you. I will send word out to your friends. I cannot gaurentee they will hear it however. From the looks of it, they seem to be quite out of reach but I will do my best. Now about the Pools. How would you like for me to search for them? Judging from your previous choices, I'm inclinded to think you'll ask me to look on my own but I'm eager to be surprised. This time however, there is no bartering."

>What do you say?
>Say that you'll simply wait. You're not sure if you can get water from the Pool of Sacred tears let along convince your father and the five to allow you to take some.
>Say that you'll bring her the water. Whatever she might need it for pales in comparision to what it would mean to find the pools. Not just for you but for all of China. Surely you can find a way for it to benefit China in some way. Even just knowing where it lies could be important.
>Try and barter anyways. At the very least for more information on the deal.
>Write in.

>>5360925
>you should be careful manipulating the spirits and energy of the land cant have you be mean to my friend and there family

>>5360925
>Say that you'll simply wait. You're not sure if you can get water from the Pool of Sacred tears let along convince your father and the five to allow you to take some.

>I won't steal them from under my fathers nose. worse comes to worse I'll just go back to my original plan... just wander china until we find it.

>>5360939
The journey is as important if not more then the destination - oogway probably

Would be funny if we introduce her to Po like the majong ladies would do with there daughters.
Imagine trading her a panda date with po ping think she would like that silly boy

>>5360925
in theory what would a virgin panda's kiss be worth?

>>5360925
>I will wait.
>Provided you can promise In earnest that the vials will not be used to harm the spirits, I agree. My friends across China dont exclude the psudo-immortal
I'm also inclined to agree to some water from the pool if we find it.
She doesnt seem evil to me or interested in serving anything but information.

Did you guys actually really forget to give first girl her favorit food after promising her it?

>>5360925
>Say that you'll simply wait. You're not sure if you can get water from the Pool of Sacred tears let along convince your father and the five to allow you to take some.
>The waters have power, both Oogway and Sangpo have warned me in length about them. Even with the utmost care, it may hurt the spirits and the chi, due to the very nature of your rituals. I would need to consult those who know more about these matter to be sure it is safe, but I think it would be best not to. You yourself said they would destroy you, if they learned of your existence afterall.

>>5361001
Given she'd be demolished by the dragons if they knew.... What position does that put us?

We're Shenlongs friend. If he learns we abided by her actions, what kind of shitshow are we in?

>>5361432
Well they depends entirely on your perspective.

The technique is doing nobody any harm, as far as I can tell. She herself says it is taking chi in, then letting it pass back to the rest of the world and has done so for generations successively without any mishap or issue.

Shenlong will probably not be happy if he finds out. But at the same time, i dont think he would be inconsolable.
Especially if we do not offer her the pool water or our further services, since he knows our character well enough that such minor and harmless things mean nothing compared to the safety of our friends.

>>5361432
Well, the only thing that was sacrificed was our Chi, and we done it for the sake of our friends.
So it would be kind of like when we went to hell for Renshu, which is ironic since it's the memory we gave up

>>5360939
>>5360964
>>5361001
No hiest arc. Stealing bun will be sad. Though to be fair, she never told you to steal it. Just that it shouldn't be a problem for you because you grew up in the temple even if it is forbidden to take. Writing.

>>5362198
Taking forbidden things classes as Stealing.

"No, I think I will wait. The waters have power, both Oogway and Sangpo have warned me in length about them. Even with the utmost care, it may hurt the spirits and the chi, due to the very nature of your rituals. I would need to consult those who know more about these matter to be sure it is safe, but I think it would be best not to. You yourself said they would destroy you, if they learned of your existence afterall." You say. For the first time since you've spoken to her, you see a flash of disappointment in Madam Web's eyes though her face remains neutral as always.

"A shame though I suppose you have your own reasons to turn down a life time of service and free information. I shall consult my archives as soon as our buisness is concluded." She says. "Is there anything else you need? Perhaps information on how to slay the dragons or perhaps a ritual that erases your existence from the minds of China?" She jokes.

"No, nothing like that. Just how to use this compass you gave me." You say.

"I would have thought that you of all people would know how to use something like that out of instinct. You can feel it, no? All you need is a bit of focus." She says. "You can feel them, can you not?" You nod.

"I think that's everything then." You say as you stand up to leave. "Thank you but what if I have need of you again? How will I again an audience? Is there some token I should have?"

Madam Web gives you a smile. "Assuming I think you can afford my services, then there should be on problem. However, I do demand a high price."

"Would information on an undiscovered country be of interest to you?" You ask.

"We shall see." She says holding out her hand. "My payment if you will." You pull the glowing coin from your pocket and place in it her hand.

"Good doing buisness with you." You say and you turn to leave.

"Your payment is a bit lacking." She says. "I believe there was something else you were offering?" You stop.

"Right. If you really want know, love is...awkward and messing. It's embarassing and I barely understand it myself. I'm not sure why everyone is obsessed with it. If that's not enough...Xin Lan isn't my wife. She's more like my sister in law." You say. Madam Web gives you a look before bursting into laughter and waving you off.

"Now that is quite interesting. You have paid your fees and you're free to leave." She says.

----

You step out of the now empty shop and note that the night was slowly giving away to day. The black sky was slowly turning blue as the faintest of rays of the sun were peeking out of the horizon. There was not much of a hope for returning back to the compound without being noticed as missing but there might be a way to twist things in your favor. All it would take is a little lying.

>What do you do?
>Sneak back into the compound and go to your room. Say that you've been there all night and you only knocked the guards out to get some actual privacy for sleep.
>Hide in a corner of the compound. Say that you hide so you can have some time alone. As for the guards, they wouldn't stop following you.
>Simply walk back into the compound. You don't particularly care what the guards and others think. You'll take whatever punishment they'll hand out.
>Write in.

>>5362306
>Simply walk back into the compound. You don't particularly care what the guards and others think. You'll take whatever punishment they'll hand out.
>If the patriarch asks, we went to to talk to Madam Web like he told us, and now we have more information to plan around the meeting.

>>5362306
>Hide in the compound, say we have been practicing.
That should keep the normal people comfortable and somewhat more assured.

>If the patriarch or Hien asks, we went to see Madame Web.

>>5362374
Because while I dont really care about the opinions or thoughts for most of the people here, we do need to have some consideration for how our actions reflect on our hosts.

>>5362481
I did meant to add "and tell him to stop his guards and servants gossiping to not spread it" but deleted it because I thought ir couldn't really be stopped.

>>5362479
>support

>>5362306
It's very simple. We knocked them out because they wouldn't stop talking about our penis.

We just want to sleep without overhearing people talking about our junk.

>>5362498
It left the compound i am certain we could say we went on a walk or hid beacuse they would not stop

>>5362498
It really can't be stopped.

You skirt around the edges of the compound, studying the locations of everyone as you run along it's walls and leaping down as you find the place where the crowds are thinnest. Even from there you can hear the heavy movement of armored soldiers and shouts of coordination. You slink around the grounds to find a nice secluded location behind some large buildings and sit down. It was only a matter of time before they found you and you wanted to make it seem like you were up to something mundane. Closing your eyes and crossing your legs, you take a medatitive position. You resist the urge to lead the guards around on a chase so as to not undermine Hien's position. It was he who brought you here and the more you undermine his trust in you, the less chance you had to convince the nobles of any position he might bring to the talks. Nevertheless, it takes a few minutes for the guards to thoroughly comb the place to find your secluded location and even so, you refuse to acknowledge the guard's presence until you were thoroughly surrounded, each with their weapons drawn judging by the sounds ringing around you.

"We've got you surrounded. Stand up and come peacefully or we'll be forced to take you down by force." One of the guards says.

"I was under the impression that I was free to roam the grounds as I wished. Is that a crime now?" You ask without opening your eyes. "I am merely sitting down."

"Walking is one thing. Assaulting two guards and escaping the grounds is another." The voice replies.

"Of that you're only half right. I merely knocked them out to rest. Its rather hard to sleep while listening to them idly gossip like in some mahjong parlor. After that I merely found some private space to keep in shape. You all should know that I enjoy my morning runs. Rather than disturb the rest of the compound, which have done me no wrong, I elected this place to practice and meditate. It's quite out of the way and doesn't seem to cross paths with the servants. However, it sounds like you're not going to allow me to finish my meditation." You say as you open your eyes. "However, if you all would like some lessons then I'm afraid that this is not the best way to ask for them, misinterpretations aside. Luckily, both the guards should be fine barring a few nasty bruises."

"And why should we believe you?"

"Is there anyone here who can testify that I left? I've been here all morning and haven't seen anyone so that means there is no one who can say I wasn't training. However, there are multiple witness who say me yesterday jogging in the morning with some of the other guards so you know that it is something I do. Just because your guard shift didn't catch me leaving my room to begin my routine does not mean I attempted to escape. As it is known, I have buisness here with the Feng family and the other nobles as well. It won't do me any good to try and escape especially since I came here on my own free will." You continue. "If you have some counter point, then I'd be glad to address it." The guard frowns but says nothing.

>What do you do?
>Stand up and go find Hien. You want to discuss how you'll approach the nobles.
>Continue to sit there and do nothing. Eventually Hien will get wind of this and sort things out.
>Ask to be escorted to somewhere else. You made your point, doing this only hammers in the point of how little control they really have on you.
>Write in.

>>5366121
Tell them to stop talking about our schlong
Then go find Hien

>>5366121
>Stand up and go find Hien. You want to discuss how you'll approach the nobles.

>>5366121
>Continue to sit there and do nothing. Eventually Hien will get wind of this and sort things out.
Continue meditating, it's our alibi.

>>5366228
Do this but mention we sometimes change spots find meditate places hanging from your tail or unothodox places to strenghten our alibi so we dont trap our ourself with our alibi on one spot

>>5366121
>Continue to sit there.
>They can stay if they wish, but if you start talking about parts of my body again I'm going to move again.

I'd offer them tips, but it is boring.

>>5366285
Good idea, odds are that someone could have checked this specific place if they have been searching all morning and found us in minutes when we came back.
>>5366228
Changing my vote to
>Relocate a bit and start meditating in an unorthodox position

i'll change my vote here >>5366170 to

>Relocate a bit and start meditating in an unorthodox position

>>5368247
>>5367768
>>5366228
Sounds good. I'll get to writing.

File: 8ZPy.gif (1.83 MB, 713x393)

1.83 MB GIF

Think Tai Lung can pull off pic related?

>>5368269
no I don't think his neck is long enough.

"Before you mention that someone might have wandered in and not seen me. I must point out that I do enjoy moving between spots from time to time. Habit is a cruel and calculating killer on the battlefield." You say as you leap into the air without uncrossing your legs. You twist around and unravel yourself from your meditative position. "Speaking of which, I'm finding this gathering a bit too crowded for me to concentrate. If you gentlemen don't mind, I'll be on my way." You say as you jump off a wall and clean over the roof of a nearby building to cut line of sight.

By the time the guards manage to find you once more, they come to see you back in position with both legs cross and your arm drapped over them. This time however, your legs are not supporting you but rather a single arm above or the in the guard's case below your head in a perfect handstand. As the guards come closer, you slowly straighten out and begin to remove fingers one by one. "Rigidity is often seen as a good thing. To fortify one's self and ideals. Mountains are rigid, solid and unwavering. As the saying goes, 'No matter how hard the wind blows. The mountain will never bow.' But mountains are full of holes. Holes that are bored in by the elements and man. Strike the mountain hard enough and it will break. So naturally we must conclude that true rigidity is not the correct view. For the answer we must turn to the provider of life. Water. Water flows along streams, the oceans flow and become rain. It wears down rock and metal alike." You slowly bend your arm at the elbow while supporting yourself on a single finger. "Habits are rigid, and so is narrow minded thinking. If you want to improve in life. Or simply be happy. You must be flexible. Take what you are given and flow with it. But we are not water of course. We are solid and much like a dam, we can redirect the flow of water elsewhere. That is how we cope, how we adapt and how we thrive."

You bend backwards and slowly lower your feet to the ground. "So, I don't ask you to forgive me or even agree with what I'm doing. I just ask to open your mind to the possibility of me telling the truth." The guards look at each other in confusion and hesitation.

"If you insist on lecturing my guards. Perhaps you should ask my brother to give you a job." Hien says as the guards part to let him through. Oddly enough, the fluidity of the motion made it seem like doing so was second nature to them. "Perhaps then you could also stop bullying my guards."

"I'm afraid Xin Lan would never let me use my skills in a responsible manner." You reply. "I can't imagine how upset they'll be if they heard I didn't do this but...I'll concede and behave myself if your tell your guards to stop discussing me on such a...intimate detail. Especially when I'm attempting to sleep." Hien turns to face the guards around you who in turn move to face a single one. Said guard squirms for a moment before bolting and running away in a very unprofessional fashion.

"Well if you're done then we have much to discuss. We have to prepare after all." He says as he waves you to come closer.

"Are we finally convening?" You ask while hopping off the table you were balancing off of.

"Soon." Is all Hien replies and begins to wander to the inner areas of the compound.

---

The next few days are spent discussing the various ways you'd attempt to convince the nobles to your side though much of the debate and discussion always ended with having to gauge reactions and responses before continuing. Even so, you had a solid base on how to begin. You even tolorated a quick session of preparing clothing for you though you could never get over the poking and prodding. It's on the third day, that you hear whispers around the grounds that the Five had arrived in the capital though there was too much rumor and speculaltion to get any more information beyond that they had arrived and were situated at the palace. Even when evesdropping, you could not hear of anything regarding Tigress. You wonder if she decdied to ignore your words. At the same time, you find a small card underneathe your tea cup that morning. It's blank save for long silvery lines that run along it. Holding it up to the light and they shimmer in the shape of a web. It seems like Madam Web had what you wanted.

To add even more to all this, Hien sits with you and informs you that the council would be conviening the next day. It seems like things were finally picking up.

>What do you do?
>Stay with Hien to go over your plan one more time. (Chance to bounce ideas off of Hien)
>Ask (or sneak out) to go visit your father. You have not seen him in nearly 2 years and he is the perhaps the closest family you have at the moment.
>Go see Madam Web. You're not sure how things will pan out with the council and it may end up you don't have time to visit her for the information you asked her to gather.
>Write in

>>5368407
>Go see Madam Web. You're not sure how things will pan out with the council and it may end up you don't have time to visit her for the information you asked her to gather.

>>5368407
>Go and See Xin Lan

You know, I realise that our desire to create the tranquil style got. . Utterly ruined, due to circumstances beyond our control. But this is actually a better method to develop it.

We are alone without our friends and incomplete. But as we reunite with them we can apply our insights towards the style, and it would have taken about 5 or 10 weeks in the library to do all three of them, so on the road by the campfire we should be able to knock it out in between meet ups.
Thoughts?

>>5368407
>Ask Hien and Feng to invite your father to the complex. You need to explain what you know and what you are planning to do. He and the Five are the greatest chance for the nobles opposed to you to listen.

>>5368521
Shoot. I meant go and see Madame Web.

But it does occur to me that we can see her anyway, regardless of what happens.

>>5368555
4chan please.

Changing my vote from Web >>5368555 >>5368521 to Summoning Shifu to discuss our plans.

>>5368556
So you support me?
>>5368535

>>5368563
Yes

>>5368565
Nice.
Anyway, my plan for the meeting is going to be for us to push to be overly aggressive, while Hien is overly defensive.
Keep argueing and debating until the sides start supporting one or the other, and then Shifu enters and proposes a middle ground, which just so happen to be our actual plan.

Boss, some quests are getting ramdomly deleted.
I'm archiving this one right now juat to be safe.

>>5368407
Imagine sending Hien to see Madam Web.

The one with nothing to hide sends a prince to pick up his knowledge. I'm sure she'd get a kick out of that.

>>5368535
>>5368556
Looks like asking for Dad to come over is the winner. I'll get to writing in the morning.

>>5368939
Thanks. I appreciate it. Guess the boards are acting up again.

>>5368939
In another thread they mentioned a asshole janny

>>5369505
well shit. We're pretty low profile so here's hoping that nothing bad happens.

"I heard The Five arrived in the city. The entire staff is talking about it." You say. "Looks like Xin came through but even so...why not stay?"

"As I recall, Xin and the Five didn't get along well." Hien replies as he moves a piece on the game board. The two of you had made it a habit of playing together in an effort to both keep you out of trouble and give you something to do while you waited. Neither of which really seemed to do anything as you quickly found out that you were no match for the young prince's wits. Ming or Renshu were the only ones you could ever recall keeping up with him and it was only the former who could actually win. In reality it made you both wonder if the new generations more gifted and that's why masters always were eager to pass down their techniques. That and coupled with the fact you often saw old men play games such as these started to make you think that perhaps you were starting to get on in your years. How many scant years did you have before you hit 50?

Still, in order to keep everyone off edge, you continued to play along though you were sure it was your sheer willpower that kept you there. "Even so, Xin knew Ming would arrive. Not to mention they're capable of simply staying out of sight and trouble." You say as you move another peice. "But maybe we can ask my father. Do you think you can get him to come over here? Maybe disguise it as him keeping an eye on me? His and the Five's influence could help us with out arguements."

"An excellent idea. Though I don't think I would deprive you the chance to meet your father either way." Hien says with a grin as he stands up. "It's best that I get going then. Any time waiting and they'll be swarmed by every noble with a problem."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

---

You pace around the room for a about an hour before you hear the sounds of movement come towards the small meeting room. You freeze as you struggle between trying to seem like your engrossed in something intellectual and running to open the door for your father. Luckily for you, the decision is made as the door swings open and there stands the small figure of Shifu, your father.

"Father..." You breathe and your legs seem to move on their own.

"Son..." The two of you hurry over to each other before the two of you come to an abrupt halt a few feet from each other and standing awkwardly. Neither of you sure about engaging in the traditional familial ritual of hugging. Both of you stand for a while longer before Shifu coughs. "Yes, well. It is good to see that you are well." He says attempting to compose himself. "You...are well, are you not?" He asks his voice betraying a slight hint of worry.

>What do you say?
>Write in.

>>5370231
>Honestly could be better. My friends are scattered to the winds so have to find them and the libraries destruction will probably add years to my journey to find the sacred pools twin. but enough about my problems how have things been with you, the five, and the dragon warrior.

>>5370231
>I'm not physically hurt, but my friends have been scattered, I can not reach Eureka, a fellow friend of the wind has been murdered, the Sacred Library has been burned and desacreted in all manners and now I have to play politics to try and save China while being one of it's most hunted criminals.
>At least I have met you again Father. It was Tigress that passed along the message to me, has she not come here or talk to you in any way?
>Is Crane ok? He too can hear the wind, even if only unaware, I worry that Shenlong and the spirit's great sorrow and rage might have affected him too.

>>5370547
Oh, and hug Shifu already.

"It's been a heavy few months, father." You begin. "With the Sacred Library burned down and descrated, my friends were scattered across the country. Not to mention an entire population has been forced out of seclusion. There has been ripples sent far and wide because of this, one being a disconnection from the spiritual realm itself. I do not know what havok this is playing on those that have dedicated their lives to spiritualism. Now I find myself playing politics just to attempt to save the country that sees me as a monster. I would be lying if all this did not weigh heavy on me." You admit. "But at least I can see that you are a live and well so that is one burden relieved."

At your words, Shifu cannot help but allow himself to drop his stoic visage. "I'm sorry." He says. "I did all I could to try and have the court see that you have changed. Perhaps even allow you to live in the Valley once more under supervision but I couldn't convince them. They deemed your crimes too great to simply allow you to wander free. You could do so much more good if China was willing to give you another chance."

"I can do just as much good regardless." You console. "Regardless of what the people think. I will do what is best to protect them. If my punishment is to be reviled until my dying days then so be it. I never allowed the thoughts of others to dissuade me. It's about time I do some actual good with it."

"Things are not as bleak as they seem." Hien says as he steps into the room, a tray in his hand and an obviously distraught servant behind him. He waves him away and locks the door. "In the outer edges of China there are those that see you as a hero and even more that think of you as a sort of anti hero. A man with a dark past attempting to atone for your sins but willing to break the law to do so. As romanticized as the view is, it is proof that the country's opinion is changing and can be changed. Even here in close to the capital, there are whispers of approval in your name."

"Even so, I won't stray from my path. Chasing approval is what made me a criminal, I won't change what I do in hopes of getting people to like me." You say though you grimace. "Though unfortunately chasing approval is what I have to do if I am to get the support of the nobility. If China is to prepare for war then we will need all their help. Hien can easily order them to do so but we cannot risk fracturing the country when we need it united. That's why I called for you. If the Five can give us their support then perhaps we may succeed. You are considered China's greatest heroes. Surely if they pledge their confidence in the plan then it would help assuage the noble's worries."

"Tai Lung is right. I would not be surprised if the courts use my time spent with your son to try and delegitimize my claims. They may think that I have been tricked or decieved in some way. Even with your past pleas, they cannot deny your experience in combat. It would only add to our credence if the Five support us."

"What exactly is it you intend to suggest?" Shifu asks.

>What do you say?
>Say that you will suggest yourself as a force to send into Mongolia to stop them. The Five and the Armies of China will standby in case you fail and ready China for war.
>Say that you want China to prepare for War. You do not know when it will come but it is almost certain it will. Keep your plan to go into Mongolia yourself a secret.
>Ask Shifu about something else, perhaps he might have some insight on the courts. (What do you ask?)
>Write in.

>>5373558
>Say that you want China to prepare for War. You do not know when it will come but it is almost certain it will. Keep your plan to go into Mongolia yourself a secret.

and this is for the end after we are done all the political talk or plans other anon come up with.
>tell him about Madam web's deal to find the pools twin.

>>5373558
>Tell them waht we learned through Web.
>China has to mobilize, repair the great wall and prepare for the worst. War, or atleast an age of raids, will most likely come, even if the Kexin and their puppets are defeated, since China has show weakness and inability to protect it's borders.
>But I want to avoid an all out conflict, it would allow other unaligned or doubful tribes to be swayed to join the enemy in full. A small, elite force nees to be sent to deal with the ringleaders before they desacrete more place, and to hopefully bring those neutral group to our side, demoralising our enemies either way.
>The Five need to be left behind, to keep moral, fight against any sabotage, and to misdirect the incursion. China's most famous group suddenly vanishing would raise way too much attention.
>I need help, I know the nobles that would support my proposal, and who would oppose, simply because of who I am. With the Five backing me up, atleast they might believe I'm not lying, so it could be wise to make it so another person presents the actual plan.

>>5373843
Support but do tell of a mystical magical informant wanting water from the pools

>>5373701
>>5373843
>>5374378
So just asking but we are telling Shifu about madam web? How much do you want to let on? Or do you simply want to let him know someone is interested in the pool's water?

I'll be making a new thread tomorrow as I think this one is getting ready to self archive. The post will be big as it will segway into the meeting with the nobles and Hien's sister. Hopefully she's as understanding as her brother.

>>5375491
tell him that they are a info broker with mystical abilities.