Tang Qi
The Bard Fantasized AgainBiodata
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Tang Qi Weinberg 123 145 231 240 |
| Gender | Male 123 |
| Origin | Tyron Empire 123 |
| Bloodline | Black Dragon (Extremely Dilute) and Human Hybrid 123 |
| Class | Bard Level 1 123 |
| Family | Yena (sister) 231, Ulasang (father) 231 |
| Hometown | Graystone Village 231, Star Plum Town 56 112 |
| Residence | Moonlight Castle (ancestral home) 231, Ivy Manor (temporary) 277 |
| Affiliations | Poet Academy 168 231, Lord's Alliance 123, Bard's Guild 123, Ebony Forest Squad 168, [A Group of Adventurers] (team name) 141, House Hal 264 277 |
| Known For | Analytical skills 11, keen observation 11, combat instincts 56, quick thinking 56, resourcefulness 56 251, leadership 56 141, intelligence 123 174, charisma 123, adaptability 123 125 251, writing Adventure Guides 112 170 264, exposing political scandals 240 |
| Companions | Anbi (girl) 11 23 125 168 246, Kuru (kobold) 23 56 168 207, Yiwu (little dragon) 102 112 251, Dawn (little girl/fairy) 145 185 239, Butcher (transformed Dragonborn/sheep) 251 254 264, Goliath (giant) 145, Little Beard (half-orc) 145, Black Panther (Ocelot person) 185 |
| Relationships | Catherine (tavern owner, romantic interest) 23 56 112 125 168 171 277, Gawain Monte Carlo (Black Snake, mentor figure) 11 23 123, Hope (Tiefling guide, romantic interest) 152 168, Stella Starlight (wizard ally) 164 193 194, Halahar (spellcaster ally) 246 277, Toto Hal (House Hal ally) 264 277 |
| Notable Skills | Spellcaster 11, Combat Skill·Frenzied Sword Dance 171, Defensive Sword Dance 125, Mighty Step 171, Sage Mode 174, Mist Walker 246, Silver Tongue 102, Resting Melody 145 185, Silence 273, Dispel Magic 273 |
| Items | Spell Storing Ring 251, Concentric Ring 251, horn (summons Giant Turtle) 251, Logbook 170 256, dimensional bag 207, lute 240, Cyclops Horn 273, Leomon's Hut 273, Woodcutter's Axe 277, Communication Necklace 277, Locator Ring 277 |
| Reputation | Commoner Hero (Initial Impression: Friendly, except towards Nobles) 123, Moderately Famous 240, Legendary Poet (prophecy) 23 |
| Enemies | Red Scarf Gang 125 129 152 185, Shivana and Houke (orcs) 174, Lizardmen 246 251, Feathers (Lizardman Shaman) 251, Nolan (warlock) 152, the Empire (targeting him) 273 |
Physical Description
Tang Qi has a high nose bridge and beautiful eyes, though his lips are somewhat thin 70. He is described as having a graceful figure, though this observation is made of his soul form, which is enveloped in light, obscuring more obvious physiological characteristics 77. He is also noted to have a "muscular but not bulky" and "slender and aesthetically pleasing" physique 254.
- Hair: Black 218.
- Eyes: Beautiful 70.
- Nose: High bridge 70.
- Lips: Thin 70.
- Skin: Fair 129.
- Build: Muscular yet slender 254.
- Temporary Changes: Casting Misty Step triggers a magical surge that causes feathered facial hair to grow on his chin 251.
Character Background
Tang Qi Weinberg, an illegitimate child who grew up in Graystone Village with his mother, was sent to the Poet Academy by his father, Ulasang, eight years prior to current events 231. Initially, his family, particularly his sister Yena, showed indifference towards him 231. Tang Qi later became a spellcaster and demonstrated analytical skills and keen observation, notably when investigating a star plum theft at the lord's manor, where he cleared Anbi of suspicion 11. He also showed resourcefulness and combat instincts, defeating Hus, the head of the Mel household's guards, and leading the migration of Star Plum Town's people towards Dragon Gold City to escape an orc threat 56.
During his journey, Tang Qi befriended Kuru, a kobold, and Catherine, who displayed kindness and maturity 56. He also encountered the mercenary leader Black Snake, who showed interest in his abilities 11. Tang Qi's determination to pursue his dream of traveling and recording stories led him to plan to perform at a tavern to fund his travels through the Twilight Forest 23. He decided to write a series of adventure guides, starting with the Twilight Forest Guide, which later caused a stir in Dragon Gold City and attracted an assassin 112 170.
Tang Qi's fame grew, leading to new abilities and increased notoriety 170. He became more confident and assertive, choosing to self-publish his book with Lame Pigeon's publishing house rather than Mel's 136. He also demonstrated leadership and manipulation skills, uniting the orcs under his revised doctrine and gaining the trust of Shivana, the chieftain of the Roaring tribe 230. Tang Qi's adventures led him to explore the Dungeon, where he encountered various creatures and discovered truths about Dragon Gold City 170. He also learned about his diluted Black Dragon bloodline and became a respected bard 123. Later, he decided to leave Dragon Gold City and head to the Northern Territory, continuing his journey to write guides and uncover truths 202 205.
After travelling through Windless Canyon and confronting the threats surrounding the Tide of Chaos, Tang Qi returned to Wilderness Village with the remains of the Earth Dragon and Red Dragon 277. While staying at Ivy Manor, he planned further guidebook publication and sought to have equipment crafted from the dragons' remains 277. He also accepted Butcher as part of his group and incorporated the transformed Dragonborn's proposed changes into the Wasteland Guide 264.
Abilities
Bardic Abilities
Tang Qi possesses a range of bardic abilities, often utilizing music and words to influence his surroundings and opponents.
Verbal Abuse
Silver Tongue
- Nature: A spell that manifests as a silver light, capable of influencing actions and perceptions 102 151. It can cause an opponent's attack to deviate or make them unable to open their eyes due to its brightness 151 163.
- Applications:
- Limitations: Can be disorienting even for Tang Qi when cast on himself 151.
Poet's Inspiration
Laughing Spell
Resting Melody
Drowsy Lament
Healing Word
Essence Story: Wild Song
Combat Skills
Tang Qi has developed several combat skills that enhance his physical prowess and defensive capabilities.
Defensive Sword Dance / Guardian Sword Dance
Snake Fang Combat Skill
Mist Walker
Blade of the Sage
Misty Step
- Nature: An ability that allows Tang Qi to transform into an ethereal state, losing physical sensation and gaining abstract movement 251.
- Applications:
- Escaping dangerous situations by becoming intangible and moving swiftly 251.
- Limitations: Although he avoids spell damage and effects while in the Mist state, effects directly targeting him may still affect him 251.
Dragon Slayer
Other Abilities
Tang Qi possesses several unique traits and items that provide additional advantages.
Alertness
Concentric Ring
Spell Storing Ring
Spore Replicator
Enemy Trait
Superb Energy
Sage Mode
Black Dragon Bloodline
- Nature: Tang Qi possesses a diluted Black Dragon bloodline 123.
- Applications:
Three Dragon Gift
Silence
Dispel Magic
Magic Trick
Nasar's Prank
Power Progression
| Chapter | New Skills/Abilities | Significant Events |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | Combat instincts, crude imitation of Black Snake's move | Defeats Hus, seizes control of Star Plum Town, organizes migration to Dragon Gold City 56 |
| 64 | Proficient · Saber, Combat Skill · Serpent's Fang, Poet's Inspiration, Demeanor: Commoner's Hero, Trick: Verbal Abuse | Improves martial arts skills, gains ability to inspire and influence people 64 |
| 65 | Cantrip: Verbal Abuse | Tests adventurer tier, provokes Gravel into a height comparison and fight challenge 65 |
| 80 | Logic for self-consistent actions (Dawn) | Realizes Dawn's logic helps her escape shackles of good and evil, guaranteeing his safety 80 |
| 82 | Level of a "hero" (Dawn) | Learns Dawn already possesses the level of a "hero" as a Paladin who can cast [Resurrection] 82 |
| 86 | Formal poet spellcaster (two first-ring spells, two cantrips, Poet's Inspiration) | Becomes a formal poet spellcaster 86 |
| 102 | Silver Tongue (spell) | Uses "Silver Tongue" spell to block an incoming attack 102 |
| 109 | Resting Melody, Spore Replicator, Superb Energy | Gains ability to heal companions, creates a duplicate for simple actions, recovers faster from "sage mode" exhaustion 109 |
| 112 | Plans for Adventure Guides series (e.g., Twilight Forest Guide) | Decides to write a series of adventure guides to increase fame and rewards 112 |
| 119 | Mastery of Breath (Yiwu) | Helps Yiwu master its Breath power 119 |
| 121 | Snake Kiss (scimitar technique) | Uses "Snake Kiss" to quickly defeat an opponent 121 |
| 123 | Intelligence, charisma, adaptability (Tang Qi); complex past, softer side (Gawain) | Grows from naive commoner to respected bard, learns to navigate political intrigue 123 |
| 125 | Defensive Sword Dance | Acquires new combat skill "Defensive Sword Dance" 125 |
| 136 | Confidence and assertiveness | Becomes more confident and assertive in negotiations 136 |
| 170 | Mastery · Curved Blade, new flexible tactical strategy (taunt) | Gains more agile movements and refined swordsmanship, new tactical option 170 |
| 171 | Blade of the Mind, Unfair Contract, Combat Skill · Frenzied Sword Dance, Mighty Step, Feat · Guide, Specialty: Master of Inspiration, Laughing Spell | Significantly increases strength and combat abilities 171 |
| 172 | Increased mental energy | Realizes mental energy has grown considerably 172 |
| 173 | Blade of the Sage | Uses "Blade of the Sage" to calm Shivana's rage 173 |
| 174 | Intelligence and calmness under pressure | Demonstrates intelligence and calmness under pressure 174 |
| 193 | Guardian Sword Dance under pressure, tactical use of Fair Contract | Defends against Leon's Supreme Holy Slash and escapes Dragon Gold City through a Teleportation Circle 193 |
| 204 | Demeanor: Hope Lighthouse, Specialty: Celebrity Effect, Art of Making Friends (upgrade), Healing Word (spell) | Gains new skills and spells that enhance influence and healing capabilities 204 |
| 205 | Revenge Curved Saber, Soul Coin | Obtains a saber that marks enemies for combat advantages and learns the truth of Babaya's Soul Coins 205 |
| 231 | Eloquent, wielding magic, overthrowing lords, genuine young dragon by his side | Becomes a remarkable individual, a legendary figure causing a sensation 231 |
| 233 | Spirit Story buffs (e.g., Song of the Vampire) | Gains buffs from Spirit Story, encouraging creation of more spirit ballads 233 |
| 235 | Enhanced leadership and relaxed actions (Shivana) | Shivana becomes more capable of leadership and relaxed in her actions due to Tang Qi's influence 235 |
| 246 | Mist Walker, Enemy trait | Uses mist-based combat advantages to assassinate a Lizardman leader 246 |
| 251 | Tactical use of Misty Step, Enemy, Snake Fang, Spell Storing Ring, Concentric Ring, and Giant Turtle horn | Escapes Silence, duels and kills Feathers, and survives the Lizardman confrontation through coordination with Yiwu and Butcher 251 |
| 273 | Magic Trick, Silence, Cyclops Horn, Leomon's Hut, Three Dragon Gift, Dragon Slayer, Nasar's Prank, Dispel Magic, Essence Story: Wild Song | Receives rewards for the Windless Canyon adventure and gains acid erosion resistance through Three Dragon Gift 273 |
| 277 | Woodcutter's Axe, Communication Necklace, Locator Ring; planned Prismatic Robe | Receives gifts from Toto Hal, commissions equipment from dragon remains, and gains a means to remain in contact with Halahar 277 |
Relationships
- Tang Qi and Gawain Monte Carlo (Black Snake): Their friendship deepens as Gawain provides guidance and protection, and Tang Qi offers Gawain a sense of purpose and redemption 123. Gawain is a renowned rogue who helps Tang Qi navigate the city's underbelly 123.
- Tang Qi and Catherine: Their relationship deepens, with Catherine showing genuine care and concern for Tang Qi 112 170. Catherine, a tavern owner, reveals her feelings for Tang Qi, hinting at jealousy and fear of losing him 168. They share an intimate moment by the river, and Tang Qi confesses his attraction, which Catherine reciprocates but isn't ready to label as love 85. Catherine also displays shrewdness and resourcefulness in managing the aftermath of Tang Qi's Twilight Forest Guide 170. Tang Qi later takes the initiative in an intimate encounter with Halahar, which leaves Halahar believing she may have intruded on his relationship with Catherine 277.
- Tang Qi and Kuru: Kuru, a kobold, joins Tang Qi's group and shows loyalty and pride in their partnership 56 23. Tang Qi tests Kuru's loyalty, leading to a moment of tension and eventual understanding 26. Kuru also enjoys receiving teeth as spoils of war from Tang Qi 144.
- Tang Qi and Anbi: Their bond is strengthened as Anbi follows Tang Qi's commands without question, and Tang Qi shows care for her well-being 191. Anbi shows maturity and understanding as she accepts Tang Qi's decision to leave the Golden Oak tavern 23. Tang Qi also expresses worry about Anbi's worsening lycanthropy 168.
- Tang Qi and Dawn: Dawn, a Paladin, acts as a front-liner for Tang Qi's team 136. She is possessed by spores, and Tang Qi calms them, demonstrating his responsibility and care for her 185. Dawn also communicates with Tang Qi through a mental link 179.
- Tang Qi and Yiwu: Their mental link through the Concentric Ring allows them to communicate and coordinate effectively 251. Tang Qi summons Yiwu using their Concentric Ring to escape a Silence spell 251.
- Tang Qi and Geya: Geya, Tang Qi's friend from the Poet Academy, erects a tombstone for Tang Qi after hearing of his death 168. She visits Tang Qi's ancestral home to deliver news and an apology gift, hinting at his importance and recent achievements to his sister, Yena 231. Geya's diary also reflects her envy and anxiety regarding Tang Qi's experiences 85.
- Tang Qi and Yena: Yena, Tang Qi's sister, is initially indifferent to him but becomes intrigued by his newfound fame and plans to use it to her advantage 231.
- Tang Qi and Guard Captain: Their friendship turns hostile when Tang Qi takes the Guard Captain hostage during an escape, leading the Captain to regret their friendship 191. Previously, the Guard Captain was friendly with Tang Qi and willing to help him, showcasing the importance of connections 124.
- Tang Qi and Shivana: Initially hostile towards Tang Qi, Shivana becomes cooperative after being offered a chance to escape 191. Tang Qi uses his "Blade of the Sage" to calm Shivana's rage, causing her to question her actions 173. He later helps her understand Babaya's role in the Roaring Tribe's losses, and they work together to preserve the tribe 205.
- Tang Qi and Black Panther: Black Panther, a member of the Red Scarf Gang, initially followed Tang Qi but then offered to guide him, shifting their relationship from enemies to temporary allies 185. Tang Qi had previously spared Black Panther's life 185.
- Tang Qi and Gravel: Gravel, a dwarf, is a strong, reliable, and amusing teammate 114. He is a crucial meat shield for Tang Qi's team 136. Tang Qi wants to "squeeze him dry" for a favor owed 170.
- Tang Qi and Ebony Forest Squad (Little Beard and Mischief): Tang Qi interacts with the squad, expressing his desire to visit their hometown 168. They consider Tang Qi a benefactor 168.
- Tang Qi and Fide: Fide is Kane's wife and leads her village when he is absent 211. Tang Qi helps a large group of Beastmen, including Fide's tribe, escape Dragon Gold City 230.
- Tang Qi and Chenxi: Tang Qi uses his skills to calm the spores possessing Chenxi, showing his responsibility and care for her 185. Chenxi feels greatly appreciated by Tang Qi, who acknowledges her importance to him 161.
- Tang Qi and Leon: Leon, the Public Lord, has grand aspirations and seeks to persuade Tang Qi to hand over "Eve" 179. Tang Qi questions Leon's actions, including bringing orcs within the Great Wall and sending someone to assassinate him 179. Tang Qi later uses a Fair Contract and Stella's intervention to escape Leon outside Dragon Gold City 193.
- Tang Qi and Butcher: Though not directly interacting, their actions complement each other, with Butcher's timely intervention turning the tide of a battle 251. Tang Qi recognizes Butcher as an intelligent Dragonborn transformed into a sheep rather than an ordinary animal 251. They later cooperate on revisions to the Wasteland Guide, and Tang Qi agrees to take Butcher along on the journey 264.
- Tang Qi and Stella Starlight: Stella secretly directs Tang Qi to preserve what he truly needs and feed other treasures to Yiwu before meeting her at the Mage Academy 164. She later protects Tang Qi's party from Leon with a Force Wall and aids their escape 193. In the Twilight Forest, she provides resources for Yiwu and repairs Dawn's body and armor 194.
- Tang Qi and Toto Hal: Tang Qi and Toto discuss the Calm Belt's true nature and the steel coffin believed to hold the secret to controlling the Tide of Chaos 264. Toto continues to support Tang Qi at Wilderness Village, providing a Woodcutter's Axe and Communication Necklace and helping arrange the crafting of gear from dragon remains 277.
- Tang Qi and Halahar: Tang Qi protects Halahar during the Lizardmen attack, while Halahar confronts her fear and vulnerability in battle 246. At Wilderness Village, they part on more open terms after Halahar gives him a Locator Ring so that they can remain in contact 277.
Themes
Tang Qi's journey explores themes of ambition and determination, as he consistently pursues his dreams of traveling and recording stories, even in the face of challenges 23 112. His experiences highlight the class struggle and power dynamics between commoners and nobles, with Tang Qi often navigating and challenging these disparities 3 55 123. Freedom is a recurring motif, seen in his own choices and his impact on others, such as Catherine's newfound independence 85 202. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of human connection and friendship, as Tang Qi builds relationships and inspires those around him 5 20 112 197. His self-discovery is central, as he learns to understand his heritage, potential, and place in the world 123 231. Additionally, the story delves into the complexities of emotions and attraction, particularly in his relationship with Catherine 85 168 205. Tang Qi's adventures also touch upon the nature of selflessness versus selfishness, and the impact of past experiences on one's worldview 166. He often demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness, using his skills to navigate difficult situations 30 56. A significant aspect of his journey is the pursuit of truth and knowledge, often through writing guides and uncovering historical facts 104 115 205. The narrative also touches on the idea of control over emotions and actions, as Tang Qi learns to master his own and influence others 173 174. Ultimately, Tang Qi's journey is about creating his own story and making a meaningful impact on the world around him 252.
His later journey further develops the pursuit of truth as he investigates the Calm Belt, the Tide of Chaos, and the secret contained in the steel coffin 264. The Windless Canyon aftermath also emphasizes heritage and power, as Tang Qi receives dragon-related rewards and reflects on the origins of his acid erosion resistance 273. His acceptance of Butcher and continued work on the Wasteland Guide reinforce the importance of inclusion, collaboration, and allowing companions to contribute to the story being recorded 264.
Notable Quotes
"I will make the world remember my name." 62
"Stilts-walking dwarf—self-deception." 82
"Things that can be bought with money prove they aren't precious enough in themselves. You can buy others' agreement with money, but have you ever truly bought their respect?" 111
"You not only provided us with a sense of security, but you even gave these Spores a suitable host. Honestly, Chenxi, you have no idea how important you are to me—without you, these matters would certainly be an unsolvable problem for me!" 161
"Sigh, so the wildflowers outside are more fragrant, huh? What perfume does she wear? I can buy some too. Maybe it'll make our busy Poet spend more effort watering the weeds at home?" 168
"There are no fields that can’t be plowed, only bulls that die from exhaustion." 168
"Go, tell Master Weinberg that his son, Tang Qi Weinberg, died in Dragon Gold City in the Lord Alliance." 168
"It's not that I hold grudges, but I've really been looking forward to fighting Gravel for a long time." 170
"The reason I'm smiling is that I just came up with a new idiom, which I plan to write in my story collection." 82
"What new idea have you come up with now?" 186
"That's a really good idea." 186
"Tang Qi Weinberg? Hey, I know him, the poet on the headline of the 'Dwarf Kill List,' right?" 204
"If both sides determined that continuing to fight was meaningless, then they would stop, shake hands, and then state their respective demands." 252
"Go create your own story." 252
"He's still alive in this world, right?" 243
"He just has an explosion of hair now." 243
"Those who betray me die." 251
"If necessary, I will become a sheep!" 251