>>91169
after you've moved Quan back to his cave, make sure to leave him a letter of thanks/apology. He taught you a valuable skill, and you didn't even ask him his name before driving him to madness. I would also suggest finding and bringing back a ton of meat for the period when Quan isn't in any condition to get food: Maybe about an elk's worth of meat.

>>91169
"...Respectfully, do you think it would be a good idea to meet with his wife an apologize? I'm afraid I have never met her, and know little of her personality."

Ask if there is anything else you can do to help.

>>91091
Also, a thought based off of this.

If we find something like Iron Shirt to learn, we would have:

A well-made Pudao we are capable with.
Demon Flash step movement/kick combo abilities
A hardened body.

We could be a great offensive fighter like this. Defend our body with chi to lessen/minimize impacts rather than using evasive movements, so we can focus on kicks and polearm use.

It sounds like the foundations of forming our own style.

Unless, of course, we choose to go the path of the formless master, and become a less-structured martial artist, master of the empty style, employing whatever is most ideal of our entire arsenal at any given moment.

Which fits our name.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)07:29 No. 91460 ID: 426169
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"Who's out there? Is that you, plum?"

>>91460
"Um, hello. Just returning your husband, ma'am. He was outside for too long."

I imagine it would be best to let Lady Min handle the interoduction bits here. You can probably introduce yourself, and express your regret at taking part in Quan becoming overcome by the Fury, though.

Hmh. You could also ask if there's anything you could do to help with your knowledge of MEDICINE. Perhaps you know of some herb or something that could help quicken Quan's "recovery".

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)10:43 No. 91475 ID: 426169
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"Um, hello. Just returning your husband, ma'am."
"Eh? Who are you? A mortal? Oh, BeGONE from this place lest the Vile FORCES of eternal DARKNESS consume your-"
"It is this one, Snow Blossom. This one brings sad tidings. Quan is enthralled by the Fury once more."
"What, again? Oh and he was doing so well... You better bring him inside."

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)10:47 No. 91476 ID: 426169
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"I was worried this might happen, what with all the goings-on and staying outside all day. What do you have to say for yourself?"

>>91476
Apologize, and excuse yourself from being ignorant to the danger that being outside posed to him.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)11:29 No. 91486 ID: 426169
File 126081899314.gif - (81.31KB , 1000x500 , 165.gif )

>>91483
"I apologize. I wasn't aware that being outside would pose a danger to him."
"Hrmph. And I suppose you think that makes it all right?"
"The young one is not at fault. This one requested to see what he had been taught."
"Well YOU should have known better."
"This is most deeply sorry."
"Hrmph. Well it's no use crying about it now. He'll be back to his senses in a week or two. Always has. What was your name, Mu?"
"That's right, ma'am."
"Well listen close, Mu. I want you out of here by dawn, y'hear? I can't have you upsetting Quan any further."
"...yes ma'am."
"You and that damn raccoon can sleep in the outer cave."
"yes ma'am."
"Now shoo."

[ Talk to ... (about ...) | Leave | Other ]

>>91486
Talk to Lady Min, she is curious, but why would curiosity alone bring her from her home to see Mu?

>>91486
Tell 'Wife of Quan' That you shall bring meat (like, a good sized goat or elk)as an apology when next you visit, as a a small form of repayment for Quan's tutelage. Doesn't matter if she largely ignores your claim potentially berated you, so long as you politely convey that you will repay Quan and er for what was taught to you.


Then ask Lady Min if she has any suggestions on where a martial artist could go, to learn more about themselves and the art, be it mortal techniques or demon. Yours is the path of self improvement, and you must keep learning.

Maybe ask about Iron Shirt technique teachers (Or any boy strengthening martial style in that vein) Not dying quite as easily sounds useful.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)12:14 No. 91520 ID: 426169
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"So, uh. Lady Min. As you have undoubtedly seen many places, could you tell me where one such as I might go to learn more martial arts techniques? Maybe some boy st- I mean body strengthening techniques?"
"Perhaps one might find strong boys in a temple or monastery?"
"That's not what I-"
D:

>>91520
Don't even try to correct what you said, or anything of the sort.

Simply smile and run with it, otherwise she is just going to trip you up with your own words.

All things aside, ask her is she does know of Iron Shirt, or really any style that uses chi placement, muscle tensing and the like to make one's form more durable.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)12:32 No. 91542 ID: 426169
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"Y-you're having a laugh, right?"
"Would this one do such a thing?"
"I.... I suppose not. Do you know of a place where I might train my stam-toughness?"
"Well... the northern folk are reputed for their great fortitude. Perhaps one could find such a teacher in the Northlands. Or perhaps one could find a master among the ogres? This one could take you to either of these places in no time at all, as recompense for the trouble caused. One might also consider the temples and monasteries of this land, but this one is ignorant of what they teach."
"I'll think about that. I thank you for the offer... If you don't mind me asking, why did you come see me?"
"This one cannot trouble you further, to cause further problems would be unbecoming."

[ Talk about { Quan, Northlands, Ogres, Problems, Mu, Min, Something else (specify) } | Go bother the Goblin Matron | Go to sleep ]

>>91542
Talk about {problems}.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)12:49 No. 91553 ID: 426169
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"No, really, you can tell me."
"This one has been tasked with finding a champion. A group of brigands have made camp very close to the Whispering Valley. They are doing much harm to the woods there. Our queen wishes to be rid of them, but their leader carries a cold iron blade. So Honoured Mother ordered this one to find a mortal champion to drive them out."

>>91553
Bandits? Bandit's don't sound like too much of a problem. Do it without reward.

>>91553

Cold iron... isn't that what your spear's blade is made out of?

Or is cold iron something specific.

>>91553
Bandits can mean a couple opportunistic thugs, or could mean a rogue army, or some crazy martial arts dude forging a style by slaughtering as many creatures as possible, and his hangers on that take the wealth/try to learn from him, making it a nihilistic roving dojo of bandits. Seriously, you never know.

Ask her for some more information about the situation, as respectfully, if the bandit force is particularly lethal, we may need help to face it, or even be better off declining rather than failing to fulfill a promise.

Let's find out more.

Give her a kiss. :D

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)13:41 No. 91604 ID: 426169
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>>91566
I- I can't do that! She's a fox! Haven't you heard the stories?
"Are you all right?"
"Y-yes I'm fine. So uhh. What kind of bandits are they?"
"This one is unsure. They seem clumsy oafs like all - pardon this one's offence. They did not seem particularly skilled apart from their leader. That one is called Red Kuei, this one believes. The others carry bows, axes and spears. This one and others could easily handle them if not for Red Kuei's blade."

>>91559
I think she means meteoric iron. Iron that hasn't been smelted or heated by mortal hands. My pudao is made of fine steel, but it is merely steel.

>>91604
Which Stories?

>>91604
Sounds like we just have to take out Red Kuei. You should accept the task, it sounds like an interesting test of your skills.

Oh, and what stories do you speak of, Mu? We were in that jar for so long we forgot a lot of things.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)13:47 No. 91609 ID: 426169
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The ones where they lure young men out into the woods and have their way with them. Those stories?

>>91609
So you're saying that if you kissed her she'd probably rape you? Is that what you mean? I guess that's worse than just being really awkward and inappropriate.

Anyway, accept the mission to kill the bandit leader.

>>91609
Doesn't sound so bad, what do you think... eheheh. Don't worry I have actually heard a few of those tales.

Anyhow, Bandits sound like a good task to take care of.

I've heard that their kisses bestow mystical energy to the ones they kiss. I wouldn't lie about this sort of thing. Look at her! Those coquettish, teasing eyes... It would practically be a slap in the face not to kiss her...

>>91626

This. She wants it.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)14:09 No. 91632 ID: 426169
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I'm onto you!
They swallow men whole!
"Are you all right? You are looking a little flushed."
"I'll do it."
"Forgive this one, it is too much to ask."
"I said I'll do it."
"To offer so much even after all the trouble this one caused. You have a noble heart, young one."

>>91632
Why are you blushing anyway? You find her hot, don't you?

You might need her kiss power to persevere. You know her type of magic is different than demon magic. This is the only way to get it. Besides, just look at her.

>>91632
Thank her for the compliment. Ask her about the {Northlands} now.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)15:01 No. 91675 ID: 426169
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"So, uhh. What are the Northlands like?"
"It is a harsh land, frozen for much of the year. There is no kingdom there, just scattered tribes. This one knows little else about the land; this one has never lingered long."
"A-ah. Thanks."
"Are you all right? You seem feverish."

>>91675
This is getting uncomfortable. Excuse yourself, and go to the Goblin Matron, if only to tell her you will bring food to ease the trouble you've made.

>>91675
You're fine, kid. Excuse yourself to go get some air or something.

>>91675
You are fine.

THink of this as a mental focus exercise.

Calm yourself, and ask Lady Min, does she know any ogres who might be willing to teach you their techniques? Phrase it as a question for what you will do AFTER you deal with the bandits' leader.

And, if possible, if there is any comment she or another Spirit Fox may make on this Red Kuei and any potential weaknesses, flaws or tells that he may use. Any knowledge is better than none.

Your fine. Reach out and gently touch her head. If she doesn't move or anything, then just close your eyes and lean forward. Just let it happen. Free magic power, man, free magic power.

>>91693
Ermmmm... don't do this?

Think of this as an exercise in willpower.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)15:49 No. 91743 ID: 426169
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Mental focus exercise. Ok. Calm down.
"I'm fine. Thank you for you concern. So uh, do you have any idea of Red Kuei's strengths or weaknesses?"
"We must ask this one's sisters. They have been watching the bandits for longer than this one."
"Mmmhm I guess it can wait. After we're done with that, do you think you could introduce me to an Ogre who would be willing to teach me?"
"This one is not acquainted with such an ogre, but will help you find one. To start with, one must present a suitable gift if one wishes to speak with one."

There's nothing wrong with those emotions, Mu. You're both sentient beings, and she's the consummate lady. She's witty and wise.

It's up to you to decide if you want to test those 'stories' for truth someday. Still, nothing wrong with a bit of xenophilia now and then. Even if you don't test those stories of maneating vixens, she would be a source of wisdom.

...I wonder what she'd be like when drunk.

>>91711
I vote for doing it.

Just a gentle touch, Mu. Contact allows two beings to more fully understand one another. There is nothing unnatural or untoward in a simple touch, to feel her fur.

>>91743
That's it. Your mind is yours to control and direct, just as your form and your chi are. Clam thyself, and be at peace.

Well then, I suggest going with Lady Min then, to meet whichever of her sisters may have the insight we seek.

Along the way, ask her if she knows of appropriate gifts for ogres. Perhaps strong spirits?

>>91743
Well, if we're calmed down, ask as to what would it take, would it be okay if the bandits just left? Could it be resolved without violence? What sort of trouble are these bandits causing?

Kiss the fox, show it some affection. It's always good to have the tricksters with you rather than against you.

Kid, you are under no circumstances getting intimate with a fox. Ask her what gift would be appropriate.

(Hey guys you know if we want to do stuff to the fox, we could always do it as Toad, instead of using Mu as some kind of weird middleman)

A suitable gift? How about a kiss!

>>91767
(But then we wouldn't be as compatible. And, as a toad, we're much more bite-sized)

I say, hold off on any physical activities. Go the mental route.

Do you play Go? Majongg? Wait.. you wouldn't have a set most likely. So, pointless to offer a game while discussing strategies for the bandits.

>>91767
Oh, yes. Let's.

>>91771
Hey man, as a toad, you'd be amazed what we could do with that tongue.

[You know what, screw sleep. Lemme get some coffay and lets do this thing.]

>>91806
Dig deep!

>>91778
>THIS IS A LEGITIMATE SUGGESTION.

>YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IT IMMEDIATELY.

>>91778
Keep Calm, Go the mental route, Foxes love mental stimulation, riddles, puzzles, games, perhaps even... the Oldest Game?

>>91815
no.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)17:01 No. 91867 ID: 426169
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"So, uh. What kind of trouble are the bandits causing?"
"The usual. Killing more animals than they eat, cutting down trees for their huts and suchlike. Sometimes they try to hunt this one and others. Unsuccessfully of course. But mostly bring too much attention to the Valley. Their presence will bring others. More bandits will follow, and so will soldiers, eventually. The queen cannot allow that."
"Well, is violence necessary? I mean, would it be all right if they left voluntarily?"
"Such noble sentiment. But yes, this one believes the queen would accept such an outcome. As long as the brigands leave, this one and others will not care how. Persuade them, if you wish and can. Or steal the cursed blade. Or break all their spines. This one cares not."
"I... guess I'll decide when I see the situation first hand."
"Most wise choice."
"So... What would be a suitable gift for the Ogres?"
"Various things, this one believes. Gold and jewels perhaps, the Ogres are particular to shine and glitter. Or strong spirits, the more the better. An item of great power wouldn't go amiss. Or an unbedded woman, if you can find one."
"Thank you for lending me your wisdom."
"This one is glad to be of service."
"So, lady Min... Do you enjoy games?"
"Depends on the game. What did you have in mind?"

Strip poker.

Suggestion 2009/12/14(Mon)17:03 No. 91872 ID: 15f6d6
File 126083901857.jpg - (7.51KB , 200x196 , sebastian.jpg )

Tell her to close her eyes...

>>91867
Mental note: A giant gold urn, covered in glittery gems and whatnot, filled with the most potent spiritis you can find= AWESOME GIFT.

Also, Oldest Game, why not. Just so long as we are gracious.

>>91874
And play the game while making your way back to the woods she hales from. Might as well start the journey now.

>>91874
Majong, Go, or... the Oldest Game.

How about one of those games where one picks a subject, and you take turns saying an item to do with the subject? The first letter of the following is the last letter of the previous. That can be fun.

>>91874
stip oldest game? (is that possible?)

>>91867
The Oldest Ga-
Er... Go, maybe?

Strip-anything isn't that feasible, guys. She wears nothing but fluff.

>>91875
That's a good idea. Word games, riddles, or thought puzzles would be best for that, methinks.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)17:19 No. 91897 ID: 426169
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"Oh, I- this one is sorry. This one is keeping your from your rest. You must be terribly tired."
"Uh... yeah."
"If there is nothing else, this one will allow you to sleep undisturbed."

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)17:37 No. 91922 ID: 426169
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It's a cold night.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)17:42 No. 91942 ID: 426169
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"How does one wake him up?"

>>91922
And your stoic endurance of it took you just one more step down the endless rode of refining your spirit and will.

>>91945
He's gunna get a kink in his neck if he sleeps with that kind of posture every night.

>>91942
HEY MU! GET UP! DON'T BE LAZY!

>>91942
(Toad) "I always wake him up like this."

Sit on his chest, grab his cheeks and pull.

>>91942
Put the skeletons arm on his shoulder.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)17:56 No. 91980 ID: 426169
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"HEY MU! GET UP! DON'T BE LAZY!"
"ACK leggo oh mah fssh"

Toad is credit to team! Which coincidentally, consists of toad.

>>91980
Lady Min is already up, let's not keep her waiting, COME ON.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)18:20 No. 92035 ID: 426169
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"COME ON!"
"I'm up! I'm up! Quit yelling."
"This one hopes you slept well?"

>>92035
As well as could be expected, all things considered. Let's get going.

>>92035
Mu, what'dya dream about? Making out with Lady min? How improper of you!

>>92035
"Regrettably, it seems I slept too well. My apologies if I kept you, Lady Min."

Look around surroundings, on the off chance she used some sort of technique to bring you to the woods whilst you slumbered.

If she hasn't simply add "Well, shall we be off?" And then offer a game of wits, perhaps Categories, The Oldest Game, 2 truths and a lie, whatever.

But if she did transport you, DO NOT ACT SURPRISED.

Just graciously thank her for her assistance, and follow her. After all, you need to hear from foxes that have engaged Red Kuei on his style and flaws, and hopefully learn more about Spirit Foxes in the process.

>>92035
MU WHY DO YOU HAVE A HUMP

I TOLD YOU SLEEPING LIKE THAT WOULD MAKE YOUR BACK STICK THAT WAY BUT NOOOOO

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)18:42 No. 92081 ID: 426169
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"I'm fine, lady Min. Or will be in a moment anyway."
>>92050
Gimme a minute.

NGGGHGH

That's... ah ha ha... better.


"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"This one matters little. Are you ready for the journey? Unfortunately the path to the Whispering Valley is not a short one."

>>92081
Well, Mu, let's get cracking. Not literally. That sounded painful.

>>92081
...Hm.

On the way, use Thundering Cloud Demon Flash Step whenever you can. Sure, it doesn't really speed your travel speed that much (after all, it's still three paces), but whenever you can safely use it, do so. If you have a long journey anyway, might as well keep honing your foot techniques as you travel.

While doing this, see how long each step can be made. Maybe... even a one legged-leap? After all, this form can be used for kicks as well, think of it as just kicking the ground so a step takes you farther.

In between each successive iteration of practice, play wit games with Lady Min. I suggest Categories, or maybe Two Truths and a Lie.

Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)19:04 No. 92136 ID: 426169
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And so Mu had mastered the mountain goblin's technique. At the request of the mysterious Lady Min, Mu and the Devil Toad turned towards the Whispering Valley. What exiting new challenges await the journeyman monk? What secrets does the enchanting Spirit Fox hold? Will Toad ever get it on with Min? Tune in next time to find out.

Epilogue Nahkh!7BHo7QtR6I 2009/12/14(Mon)19:29 No. 92189 ID: 426169
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"This one has never known a man. This one has never eaten human flesh. This one never cheats at games."

This one needs to get laid.

>>92189
But oh, Lady, one of the statements is supposed to be a lie.

>>92189
Mu, you ARE remembering to practice the Demon Flash step as you walk, right?

Hmm.

Two truths and a lie.

Well, based off of her behavior, she seems experienced, refined. Too refined, perhaps, to feast on sapient flesh, especially considering she is not a demon, but a spirit creature. However, most deals made by supernatural creatures need to be made in fairness.

Based off of her disposition and established lore on dealing with the supernatural, I would estimate the lie to be that she has never known a man.

After all, she only said 'know' a man.

You are of adult age, or near enough, that even you would qualify for that. Semantics are important, because it isn't outright cheating, but does play into the trickster roll of foxes.

>>92259
I was going for flirting, but whatever.

The first one's a lie, she knows Mu!

Toad keep hitting on her.

The meaning.

_____



Your head.

Gentlemen by 'knowing a man' she likely means in the biblical sense of the word. (ie; sexed up)

Anyhow,if never cheating at games is a lie, then we cannot know it because she could cheat. The mere inclusion of this option is quite problematic.

If "never cheating at games" is false it doesn't involve "always cheating at games" or "not playing mind games". This might mean that this one occasionally cheats at games, but not in this particular game.

However, "This one has never known a man. This one has never eaten human flesh. This one never cheats at games." involves "playing mind games".

Does "being always benevolent" involve "playing mind games"? Because "being always destructive" doesn't apply to Demons, like the goblin or Toad, there's little to point into that spirits are always benevolent. But then I would ask, are there Spirits? I believe that Demons just lack ethics, they're not bound to being entirely benevolent. More further, aren't mind games benevolent? Isn't that what Mu was searching to develop himself in?

This thread gunna get archiv'd, if you want you can pick this up at the questdis thread.