[LP CYOA] 傳

[treave]

Damn, gave away more info than I should, it was meant to be part of the update should B win.

Oh well. Yes, cordial parting.

 

[Baltika9]

None of their students are particularly famous, but the leader was once a senior disciple in Huashan who came down to start his own school based off his skill and experience. They don't have a long history.

Mount Hua, eh?

The Mount Hua Sect, also known as the Huashan Sect, is a fictional martial arts sect mentioned in several works of wuxia fiction. It is commonly featured as one of the leading orthodox sects in the wulin (martial artists' community). It is named after the place where it is based, Mount Hua. The sect appears in three of Jin Yong's novels. In reality, a Mount Hua Sect exists but it has nothing to do with martial arts. The real-life Mount Hua Sect is a Taoist sect and is one of the branches of the Quanzhen School. It was founded in the Song Dynasty by Hao Datong, one of the "Seven Immortals of Quanzhen", who also appears as a character in Jin Yong's Condor Trilogy.
...
The origin of the sect is unknown. In The Smiling, Proud Wanderer the sect's leader Yue Buqun is the 13th generation leader. The Mount Hua Sect is part of the Five Mountain Sword Sects Alliance and Yue Buqun becomes the alliance's chief after defeating his predecessor, Zuo Lengshan of the Mount Song Sect. Yue Buqun and his wife Ning Zhongze are among the top ten martial arts experts from orthodox sects. The novel's protagonist Linghu Chong is Yue Buqun's eldest student. In the novel, the Mount Hua Sect is inferior to only three sects, namely Shaolin, Wudang and the Sun Moon Holy Cult.
In Sword Stained with Royal Blood, set near the end of the Ming Dynasty, the protagonist Yuan Chengzhi is a member of the Mount Hua Sect. His teacher Mu Renqing is the sect's leader and is reputed to be the best living swordsman in the jianghu during that time. The Mount Hua Sect is one of the Four Great Sword Sects (四大劍派) alongside Emei, Kunlun and Diancang.
In The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, set in the Yuan Dynasty, the Mount Hua Sect is briefly mentioned to be one of the six leading orthodox sects in the wulin (martial artists' community). Its leader is the morally bankrupt Xianyu Tong.
...
In The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect mainly comprise swordplay techniques and inner energy cultivation skills. The sect is split into the Sword and Qi factions, which focus on swordplay techniques and inner energy cultivation respectively. The division is caused by an internal conflict arising from a dispute over the Sunflower Manual by the founders of the factions. The Qi faction seized control of leadership of the sect and forced the Sword faction into exile. Since then, the Qi faction, headed by Yue Buqun, has been teaching Mount Hua disciples inner energy skills and other forms of martial arts while placing little focus on swordplay, for which the Mount Hua Sect is better known in the wulin (martial artists' community) for.
Linghu Chong becomes famous after he learns the Nine Swords of Dugu from the Sword faction elder Feng Qingyang. Linghu's generation sees the revival of the Sword faction. In Sword Stained with Royal Blood, Mu Renqing is highly revered in the wulin for his outstanding swordplay techniques, as his nickname "Divine Sword Immortal Ape" (神劍仙猿) suggests. Yuan Chengzhi inherits Mu Renqing's swordplay skills, while Mu's other two students, Huang Zhen and Gui Xinshu, specialise in unarmed combat martial arts.

And that's all I'll bother copy-pasting from Wikipedia tonight.
Don't know if it's the same one, but there you have it. If it is though, then we're encountering them in their infancy. What would be the odds of them having a qi specialist?

 

[treave]

I'm taking things a bit ahistorically as in you'll find sects earlier than they were supposed to be, and I'm not going to be turning this into a prelude fanfiction to Jin Yong's novels. The Wiki info won't apply for the most part. But yes, study it and you will find familiar tropes as we go along.

 

[Baltika9]

Drat, I thought I could get one in on you. Oh well, we can neglect that then. Will wait for more arguments, I'll let you guys duke this one out. After forty pages of non-stop pissing contests fruitful discussions I'm kinda fatigued. And we're not even on Chapter Nine yet.

 

[treave]

Well, the most voluminous discussions would always be over character creation and building. Once that settles down and the character becomes more or less established and stable, there should be less discussion going on, more circle-jerking.

 

[Baltika9]

We have enough of both I'd say, and I hope it doesn't tone down because I love it as it is. No reason we shouldn't reach a thousand pages with this one.

But yes, study it and you will find familiar tropes as we go along.

I hope you're charging for advertising.

Seriously, no one wants to become Khan later? Come one guys, it will be worth it. Uncover the conspiracy, get pardoned by Princebro and request our freedom as a reward. Then go do our Khan thing.

 

[Azira]

And kick grass to death.

 

[Baltika9]

Ahem.

Naw, we end as the Ashina Khan (seriously, nobody is pumped for that?). Wiith our technique, we'll starve the enemy's horses and they will be defenseless.

Dat's why we'z Da Boss.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

I, for one, welcome our Awesome Khan destiny.

 

[Smashing Axe]

I don't understand why you guys are voting A. Wasn't one of your chief complaints previously our lack of combat skills and overdiversication? The Beggars chief bonus is their information network, why avoid the com bat focused school?

 

[Baltika9]

treave, in this setting, Drunken Master style is fictional in that we actually fight drunk, or is it like Drunken Boxing, where we mimic a drunkard's movements?

 

[ERYFKRAD]

I guess A's getting votes because drunken fist.

 

[treave]

You have to be drunk. Of course real masters can get drunk without drinking.

 

[Baltika9]

Yeah, that's one great ace in the hole if someone wants to lower our guard through alcohol. Like the prostitutes that wanted to kidnap the Prince. Say what you want but being able to fight while drunk is an awesome skill, especially with the seedy intelligence work we'll be doing in the future.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

Votan A. Besides, if the good Doctor doesn't answer the request for the person who is actually sick, it could damage his reputation.

Bugger all. I really wanted that healing finger tech.

Is it wrong of me to intensely hate about half of the readers/voters in this LP?

No. Not at all.

 

[Jester]

A

 

[treave]

Yeah, Drunken Fist is useful, but I never promised it.

 

[Storyfag]

Voting B.

 

[Kipeci]

B

Now A

 

[treave]

I think I better have a sort of compendium, a codex chronicle about what little Jing knows so far regarding the jianghu after a year of travels. It will be updated with more information as we go along. As we proceed, I will mark updated my journal chronicle to indicate that it is updated with any relevant information.

***

Sects

The Eight Major Orthodox Sects:

Shaolin Temple
Renowned as the originator of martial arts in the Central Plains, the Buddhist monks of Shaolin are known for their ability with unarmed fighting and staves. Some of the most powerful martial arts can be found in Shaolin. However, they have extremely strict rules, and frequently expel those who cannot abide by their laws.
Leader: Abbot Fangzhang

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

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

Kunlun Sect
Kunlun is known for its alchemy prowess and the staff formations of its disciples.
Leader: Liu Ye

Huashan Sect
The noble swordsmen of Mount Hua have trained long and hard to develop their reputation as one of the most powerful sects in the pugilistic world. Their weapon techniques are malleable and flexible, and their masters are reputed to be lethal swordsmen even with a stick in hand. Though the sword is the sect’s main focus, they also dabble in sabers and spears. They appear to have a qinggong move that focuses on speedy footwork. Their prize disciple is Bai Jiutian, acknowledged as the best pugilist of his generation.
Leader: Nie Wuxing

Taishan Sect
One of the oldest Taoist sects, they have a focus on swordplay and archery. The Seven Heroic Youths of Taishan are the best young disciples of the sect.
Leader: Su Cheng

Qingcheng Sect
A major sect that once focused on Taoism, it has relaxed its rules recently and encouraged membership from all walks of life. Qingcheng Sect focuses on the sword, staff and unarmed techniques. It boasts the second greatest number of disciples amongst the Eight Orthodox Sects. The previous head, Song Jiangke, has recently passed away, leaving the leadership to his daughter Song Lingshu. The leadership has then been taken over by Mao Sanjiao.
Leader: Mao Sanjiao

Beggars' Sect
The beggars are a widespread union that spans the entirety of the country. Beggars’ Sect members can be found in every city, and their information network is unmatched. You have to become a beggar to join. The Beggars’ Sect emphasizes staves, thrown weapons and unarmed fighting in their techniques.
Leader: Qi Liuwu


Lesser Orthodox Schools & Sects:

Songfeng Sword School
A sword school near Tuzhonglin started by a former senior disciple of Huashan. Their signature technique is the Songfeng Swordplay. The young master and heir of the school, Rong Zhiyu, was accused of being a poisoner and slain in a duel.
Leader: Rong Muben.

Luoying Manor
Owned by the reclusive Lady Ji, the place is renowned for being the meeting place of some of the most knowledgeable people in the land. The inner court is reserved for martial artists and scholars that are fellows of the manor. An invitation is required to even attend the Manor's conferences. It has been burnt down by the Tang military.
Leader: Lady Ji.

Unorthodox Sects & Organizations:

Yuhua Hall
The courtesans of Yuhua Hall are famous throughout the land for their beauty, charm and skill. All of the courtesans are required to undergo martial arts training to defend themselves from boorish or eats-shoots-and-leaves-customers.

Wudu Cult
The cult of the Five Poisons is led by the Western Snake, Tulu Huodu. They are acknowledged as the masters of poisons in the pugilistic world.
Leader: Tulu Huodu

Gushnasp Fire Cult
A Zoroastrian cult hailing from the western regions. Once a threat to the orthodox sects of the Central Plains, after two years there has been a change in leadership.
Leader: Xu Jing

Black Dragon Society
An organization of assassins and mercenaries that work for the highest bidder. Appears to have close ties with the secret police of the Imperial court.
Leaders: Hei Zuolong, Hei Youlong

***

The Five Great Martial Artists

The five martial artists currently considered the greatest in the age are selected through a tournament on the summit of Mount Hua. The Huashan Sword Summit is usually conducted every twenty five years. All orthodox and unorthodox pugilists are allowed to apply. The martial artist designated 'Central' is considered the strongest pugilist.

The current five are:

Eastern Beggar: Qi Liuwu. (Beggar's Sect Head)

Western Snake: Tulu Huodu (Wudu Cult Leader)

Southern Maniac: Zhang Jue (Unaffiliated)

Northern Monk: Abbot Fangzhang (Shaolin Head Abbot)

Central Tao: Wang Zhengchong (Wudang Grand Taoist)

***

Techniques

Langya Fist. (狼牙拳 Wolf’s Fang Fist). A wolf pack harries and coordinates their movements to bring down their prey. This unarmed technique focuses on continuous, rapid moves to wear down an opponent’s guard.

Yinglang Step. (影狼步 Shadow Wolf Step). A wolf is silent and stealthy in its hunt. This qinggong technique teaches the user to move swiftly, gently and quietly in the wilderness to avoid attracting attention.

Tujue Shuzan Bow (突厥速寁弓 Tujue Swift Bow). A Tujue nomad is known for his mastery of the bow. This flexible bow technique allows its user to fire an arrow quickly while on the move.

Duancao Legs. (斷草腿, Grass Breaking Legs). A physician's hands are to cure, not to kill. So said Master Yao's own master, though Yao doesn't seem to abide by that maxim. The Grass Breaking Legs is a kicking technique that is quick and sharp. True masters of this ability would be able to cut pliable grass by the force of their kicks alone.

Jiudu Silver Needles. (九毒銀針 Nine Poison Silver Needles). A deadly poison technique created by concocting nine basic poisons. One strike in the proper point will kill any man not versed in the art of self-defense. The needles soaked in the poison can be used in close combat, or thrown, if the practitioner has skill with throwing weapons.

Yuhe Finger. (癒合指, Healing Finger). A neigong dependant finger technique that transmits internal energy to a pressure point when struck. Practitioners will focus on the ability to cure ailments and manipulate a person's qi into a healthier arrangement.

Yuhua Duqing Palm. (玉花獨情掌, Jade Flower Sole Love Palm). Used by the ladies of Yuhua Hall and the woman-in-black.

Wuxian Canshui Poison. (五仙殘水毒 Five Immortals Crippling Water Poison). One of the poisons used by the Wudu Cult. It is insidious and subtle, detectable only by the best physicians or those familiar with the cult.

Songfeng Swordplay. (松風劍法 Pine Breeze Swordplay). The signature technique of the Songfeng sword school, the swordplay is graceful and gentle, akin to a breeze rustling through pine trees. The moves are designed to flow off the opponent's defenses; despite its soft nature, it is an offensive technique.

Fanfeng Feixue Sword (反風飛血劍, Counter-Wind Flying Blood Sword). Developed by Zhang Jue as an unorthodox variant of the Huashan Sect’s renowned swift sword technique, it is meant to counter their rapid slashes with even wilder, more furious and brutal attacks of your own that would spill their blood across the arena. It has never been tested against Huashan in actual combat.

Chuzhan Fist (除斬拳, Dividing Sundering Fist). Developed by Zhang Jue as a counter to the Taiji Fist of the Wudang Sect. Zhang believes that it is possible to disrupt the gentle negation stance of Taiji, breaking their harmony by applying more force, faster than they can handle, and thus this technique focuses on ruthless, straightforward attacks that attempt to overwhelm the enemy with sheer power and speed. It has never been tested against Wudang in actual combat.

Wuni Fist (五逆拳,Five Deadly Sins Fist). Developed by Zhang Jue as an answer to the famed Luohan Fist of Shaolin Temple. In response to the straightforward, direct attacks of the Arhat, the Deadly Sins movements focuses on attacking the weak points in such a straightforward technique by utilizing a variety of clutches, grabs and throws in addition to quick, jabbing strikes. It has never been tested against Shaolin in actual combat.

Qixing Beitou Formation (北斗七星陣,Big Dipper Formation). An intricate, malleable seven-man formation. Originates from Taishan.

Qixing Luokong (七星落空,Seven Stars Fall Empty). A sword technique that attacks the seven main pressure points of the body. Originates from Taishan.

Qingcheng Stab (倾城刺, Alluring Stab). A swift and graceful swordplay that focuses primarily on stabbing attacks. It requires a keen mind to execute. The technique controls the opponent's movement by channeling him into a narrow corridor with well-timed jabs. One of Emei's best techniques.

Guihe Formation (閨鶴陣 ,Maiden Crane Formation). An Emei six-nun formation. It focuses on enveloping the target with movements similar to a crane's wings. Fast and deadly, few have faced it and escaped unscathed.

Jueshi Wugong Sword Song. (绝世無功劍曲, Supreme No-Effort Sword Song) Devised by the swordplay genius Shangguan Chuji, this technique is a method of learning swordsmanship that allows even the laziest, most talentless martial artist the potential to become skilled at the blade.

Wuxiang Qiankun Skill (無相乾坤功, Formless Universe Skill) A legendary neigong technique that births form from formlessness, allowing the user to imitate both the form and essence of another’s techniques even if it would normally require years of practice or decades of inner strength cultivation. You are able to mimic the techniques of practitioners with a lower level of internal energy when in an orderly state.

***

Xuanming Jiuyin Holy Art (玄冥九陰聖術, Profound Darkness Nine Yin Holy Art)

First appeared in the late Warring States period with only the first three steps of the art, and used by a master assassin. The rest were gradually developed later by its various practitioners throughout the ages.

1. Fuyinqi Skill (伏陰氣功, Hidden Yin Qi Skill)

The fundamental neigong of the Jiuyin Holy Art. Generates a strong yin presence and is required to understand the subsequent techniques to their highest level. Qi cultivated from this neigong is associated with cold, darkness and death.

2. Jiuming Step (九冥步, Nine Darkness Step)

The qinggong of the Jiuyin Holy Art, allowing the user to move as lightly and as unseen as a shadow.

3. Fuyin Huagu Claws (伏陰化骨爪, Hidden Yin Bone Melting Claws)

A claw technique that can melt through bone.

4. Xuantiedun (玄鐵盾, Profound Iron Shield)

A defensive technique that can conjure a qi barrier to stop even projectiles and weapons.

5. Santou Longshe Staff (三頭龍蛇棍, Three-Headed Dragon Snake Staff)

A staff technique that is slow and fast in equal measure, moving in erratic, snake-like ways to confuse the enemy.

6. Xiansha Finger (仙殺指, Immortal-Killing Finger)

A deadly, precise finger technique that is said to be able to manipulate any pressure point regardless of the opponent’s level.

7. Jiuying Zhiyu Sword (九影制獄劍, Nine Shadows Imprisonment Sword)

A shadowy sword technique that is imperceptible in its movements even as it restricts the enemy’s actions.

8. Xuanyin Shenlong Palm (玄陰聖龍掌, Profound Yin Holy Dragon Palm)

An extremely destructive palm technique that carries the element of softness.

9. Wuming Jiuyu Shenyin Art (無明九獄聖陰術, Lightless Nine Prisons Holy Yin Art)

The most powerful qi-based technique in the Jiuyin Holy Art that purportedly allows its wielder to massacre even the strongest armies with dark shadows.

***

Xiaoming Jiuyang Divine Skill (晓明九陽神功, Dawning Light Nine Yang Divine Skill)

First appeared during the fall of the Han dynasty, with only the first step to its name. Rumoured to have been the basis of power for many a renowned general in that era.

1. Taifeng Zhenyang Skill (太峰真陽功, Supreme Peak True Yang Skill)

The fundamental neigong of the Jiuyang Divine Skill. Generates a strong yang presence and is required to understand the subsequent techniques to their highest level. Qicultivated from this neigong has the qualities of heat, light and life.

2. Jiuyang Fist (九陽拳, Nine Yang Fist)

A fast and hard set of fist movements designed to work best with theTaifeng Zhenyang Skill.

3. Menghu Charge (猛虎冲, Fierce Tiger Charge)

An aggressive qinggong that charges at the enemy.

4. Xiaoyan Saber (晓焰刀, Dawning Flame Saber)

A speedy, fiery saber style evoking the light of the dawning day.

5. Jiumingjia (九明甲, Nine Illuminations Armour)

A protective qi technique that is said to render the practitioner’s body practically impervious to injury.

6. Baolie Feihu Palm (爆裂飞虎掌, Explosive Flying Tiger Palm)

A palm technique with unparalleled explosive force, able to destroy its targets with ease.

7. Yixiao Spear (燡晓槍, Blazing Dawn Spear)

A powerful spear technique that condenses the practitioner’s life force for a double-edged attack.

8. Jiuyang Divine Finger (九陽神指, Nine Yang Divine Finger)

A finger technique utilizing the power of the Jiuyang Divine Skill’s neigong for destructive long range attacks.

9. Zhaoming Xuanyi Shenyang Skill (照明玄燡神陽功, Illuminating Profound Radiance Divine Yang Skill)

The most powerful qi-based technique in the Jiuyang Divine Skill that is said to grant its practitioner the ability to scorch the land with boundless light.

***

Wuxiang Qiankun Skill (無相乾坤功, Formless Universe Skill)

Created by a Shaolin monk who merged Buddhist and Taoist teachings. It is said to have no step at all, being formless, with its progression entirely dependent on the user to develop for itself. Due to that requirement, the risk of losing oneself during meditation – causing their consciousness to never return – is rumoured to be extremely high. It is the only method in existence that can reconcile the energies of the Jiuyin Holy Art and the Jiuyang Divine Skill.

***

The Ten Great Swords
In the history of the land, swordsmen have always sought after the best blades that they could wield; the Ten Great Swords stand heads and shoulders above the rest. The tale of each of the Ten Great Swords is a long and winding journey that tells of both peace and bloodshed, salvation and betrayal, love and hate. Since their creation many have died in pursuit of the swords; they are as beautiful as they are deadly. To own one of the Ten is to be command prestige in the world of blades... and to draw envious eyes that ever seek to take the sword for themselves.

Xuanyuan Sword
A divine blade rumoured to be made of celestial copper by immortals during the Xia dynasty nearly 3000 years ago, it is rumoured that whosoever possesses this sword will gain Heaven's favour and rule the land. It is said to be able to split mountains and divide oceans with a single swing. No one knows the location of the sword, though it is rumoured to be buried somewhere deep in the mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor.

Tai'e Sword
Forged from a falling star by the master swordsmiths Ou Yezi and Gan Jiang during the Spring and Autumn Period, said to be bestowed upon the King of Chu as a blessing from the gods. It is said that it draws upon the courageous will of its wielder to augment the swordsman's qi, striking fear into his opponents when drawn. Currently in possession of Taishan as one of their sect's treasures.

Qixing Longyuan Sword
An elegant blade made by Ou Yezi and Gan Jiang, and said to be their most beautiful work. Cooled in seven ponds that are laid out in a pattern resembling the Big Dipper, the Qixing Longyuan Sword is said to be so pristine that it cuts without staining its blade with blood. Currently in the possession of Wudang as one of their sect's treasures.

Chixiao Sword
A blood-red sword drawn from the corpse of a giant white snake, this sword once belonged to the founding Emperor of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang. It has a commanding presence, and is rumoured to have been bestowed upon the Han Emperor by an immortal. Its whereabouts have been unknown since the fall of the Han Dynasty more than six hundred years ago, but recently it is rumoured that a mysterious swordsman has been spotted wielding a crimson blade.

Zhanlu Sword
A nigh-indestructible large sword with a blade so black that it has been likened to the all-seeing, deep eyes of Heaven. Ou Yezi considered this his greatest work; a blade that reflects benevolence. A moral, kind man would not be parted from the sword, while whoever seeks to use it for their own greed will be swiftly brought to ruin by karma. Currently in the possession of the swordsman Shangguan Chuji.

Chengying Sword
A delicate sword with a light, flexible blade. Its maker is unknown, but the history of the sword dates back to the Shang Dynasty, more than two thousand years ago. In the hands of a skilled user, the blade appears almost invisible in action. It was rumoured to be in the possession of the Xiahou clan, a family of bureaucrats and scholars, but since the massacre of the clan the sword has gone missing.

Chunjun Sword
Forged by Ou Yezi for the King of Yue, this majestic sword appears to glow radiantly when drawn under sunlight. It is said to be able to cut through another sword with a single blow, such is its power. Currently in possession of the Master of the Huashan Sect, Nie Wuxing.

Yuchang Sword
Famous for being the sword that killed King Liao of Wu, this sword is light to the touch and handles far more easily than any blade in existence. It was once gifted to the Emei Sect by an Emperor of the Han Dynasty, and counts as one of their sect's treasures, but a hundred years ago the sword was stolen and has not been seen since. Whereabouts currently unknown after being lost in a river.

Gan Jiang and Mo Ye
Forged by the swordsmith couple Gan Jiang and Mo Ye for the King of Wu. It is rumoured that the wife, Mo Ye, turned herself into a human sacrifice to complete the twin swords. The Gan Jiang Sword is powerful and commanding while the Mo Ye Sword is gentle and flexible. It is currently in the keeping of the swordsman Zuo Qingfeng and his wife, You Lanhai.

 

[Esquilax]

Central Tao: Wang Zhengchong (Wudang Grand Taoist)

Maybe this is paranoia, but I think that Yao might be throwing us to the wolves to see how we handle it. I'm not sure Cao'er is really ready, and I think Yao might have given us a task that is impossible as a sort of test.

4) As a beggar-friend, you have friends EVERYWHERE. In every village, town - you name it, there's a friend or more. So in case you're on your own again or things go south, you will have a place to go to for resources and information. Definitely more useful than any techniques from a small fry school which wouldn't be that powerful.

It doesn't matter if the school is small: if anything, being a small school might mean that they've developed techniques that nobody else has. Why do you think so many people were pushing for the Healing Finger technique last time - because you'd be hard-pressed to find someone like Yao elsewhere. Songfeng might also have sword techniques that are really useful that you won't find elsewhere.

Also, this is a pretty straight-laced school from the description, we might not be able to ally with them under a different set of circumstances.

B. I feel like playing it slightly safer. Probably best to avoid a law/justice/convict the guilty/save a friend quandary right now.

I am pretty sure that in A we'll be working as a lawyer in order to clear the Beggar's name.

We have received two important requests. I never turn down any request, but these are important even by my demanding standards. The first is a request from an old acquaintance of mine in the Beggars’ Sect. One of their brethren is awaiting trial for murder in Kaifeng, and they claim he has been falsely accused. My acquaintance asks for my assistance in obtaining a second opinion regarding the state of the corpse so that they may clear the beggar’s name.

We have the intelligence and the charisma to sway people with our arguments, while Cao'er has the expertise to examine the corpse. However, I don't know if this guy is innocent or not - this guy might have actually done the deed, despite the reputation of orthodox followers as being do-gooder types.

 

[treave]

Your responsibilities to your master in A would only stretch as far as examining the corpse and letting Cao'er come to her conclusion. Then, you let the court have your coroner's report, and the magistrate can decide. You aren't obliged to do anything else - and Yao wouldn't either. Of course, being the sort of man he is, he wouldn't really care if you did more.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

One thing that works against picking A is Yao's rule of one life taken for a life saved... The odds are low, but it might work heavily against us later somehow, given T-bro's luck. Then again it might have some effect on the 'contract' with the doc.

 

[LWC1996]

Yes, no Drunken Fist as treave said, but if one wonders if their kungfu is good - surely Drunken Fist is the most well known.

But most of all, what I want the voting people here to consider is this really rare opportunity to have an in with the Beggar Sect. They don't just befriend anyone. And to have them beholden to you is a god-given gift. I know we've been lamenting Jing's terrible luck, and here it is our luck is finally changing with A.

Just imagine the Beggar Sect network covers the whole of China since there is always a beggar or more in every village and town. They're like your World-wide Wuxia Web. Anything you need to know you can ask them, or maybe if shit hits the fan and you need to leave the city in a jiffy, you can ask them for help and they'll help you because you're a Beggar-friend. The sheer opportunity to avail yourself of their network in the future for any investigations you plan to do will do you nothing but good. Imagine if you need to check up on several people and you can't be in more than one place at a time, maybe with the Beggar Sect's many members, they can do it for you and report their findings to you. They can easily move around heavily guarded places just because they are beggars and they are a common sight. No one is going to care and remember that a beggar is just sitting there while you talk shop with your colleagues of what's going on in the magistrate's office, or the sect etc. And all those juicy gossips/secrets being heard by that beggar.

Consider also how deep their loyalty runs. Look at the lengths they go to to help one of their brethren accused of murder. Can you imagine that loyalty extending to you, a friend of the Beggar Sect.

Now isn't this far more useful than light and breezy swordplay from Songfeng which is not even a prominent school of martial arts. I know we have also lamented on Jing's lack of combat skills, but right here is an opportunity for him to make connection and make a good impression on the Beggar Sect. This opportunity is not going to come again because they practice a closed door policy on anyone outside their sect.

We need all the contacts we can have and one that has such an extensive network is beyond anything we will have. Jing not only needs martial arts, but he needs contacts too for future use.

Martial arts techniques will come and go and there will be more chances for us to learn other techniques, but we aren't going to get another chance with the Beggar Sect if we miss this one.

 

[treave]

It doesn't matter if the school is small: if anything, being a small school might mean that they've developed techniques that nobody else has. Why do you think so many people were pushing for the Healing Finger technique last time - because you'd be hard-pressed to find someone like Yao elsewhere. Songfeng might also have sword techniques that are really useful that you won't find elsewhere.

Hm, I think here I need to explain how the sects and schools survive. This should be useful knowledge when dealing with sectarian politics in the future.

Basically, it's a trade: they teach martial arts to disciples, the disciples then pay by fees or by work. Certainly food doesn't grow on trees. This ties into the techniques because students will naturally gravitate to sects with the stronger techniques. The more students, the more powerful and richer you are. The exception is the Beggars' Sect, who are no pushovers in combat but don't operate on this system because they're more of a labour union (you have to be a beggar to join) than a sect.

What happens is that the school's reputation will live or die by its techniques, especially when it's young. Thus their signature technique is the technique they use to attract their students - or customers, if you will. It will be their best technique. There is a lot of fighting going on between the lesser schools as they compete for students - the more schools you defeat, the stronger you look, and the more disciples you will get. In this case there is no point of them having anything more powerful than their signature technique as a hidden weapon, unless they are not as orthodox as they seem.

Unorthodox sects will tend to hide their best moves because their motives are usually not to gain reputation.

There are also manual raids and thefts that are attempted from time to time - schools and sects may attack each other to steal knowledge of a technique in the form of manuals. It is usually unorthodox people that try it, but some orthodox sects do too in secret. Of course, if they are found out the consequences will be terrible. Shaolin in particular gets hit by raids all the time because of their very old and extensive library of martial arts. In response, they've got some extremely powerful librarians on duty.

There's nothing more I can say about Songfeng in particular because the character has little knowledge of them or how successful they are at the moment.

Yes, no Drunken Fist as treave said, but if one wonders if their kungfu is good - surely Drunken Fist is the most well known.

Their most renowned techniques are the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, regarded as the most powerful palm technique, and also the Dog-Beating Staff Technique, which is used only by the leader of the Beggars' Sect and good at humiliating your opponent by thrashing him like a damn dirty dog.

Drunken Fist is child's play.

Of course, they don't teach their ultimate skills to outsiders (i.e. non-beggars) so it doesn't matter.