When I say no to a certain item, because it doesn't fit either my specific projects for the campaign or my general vision of the game, I'd appreciate if it was let down in favor of the details that actually matter to the starting of the game ;).
At any rate, even if I greenlight this particular bit of background, let it be clear that the airships are totally gone - no spare parts to scavenge, it's all been traded to, stolen by or manipulated out of Hokuojin hands centuries ago.
Since I'm on vacation next week, I should have enough energy to launch the game and give it some momentum.
[Exalted] Lords of the Hundred Kingdoms OOC
Moderator: B4UTRUST
#152
I understand that the ST is not a plot bot, he is a player too, and he should be having as much fun as the rest of us. So it distresses me to see ours appear so bothered over this part of the background.
I have taken a hard look at my writing, and the map of Creation, and what is important for me. If the airships truly bother you, Nomad, then I can ditch them no problem. If it will make you feel more comfortable, I can have my character's ancestors come in First Age ships of the waterborne type. I can even give them plain old wooden longboats, if non-flying artefact ships are unacceptable too.
I'm sorry I made an issue of this. Viking in airships are cool, and I did hope you would pick it up as a plot hook, but I was never intending to save it to pull a coup de main behind your back. I come up with lots of crazy ideas, that's me, in every game. Not all of my ideas are important though, and this one certainly isn't. Arguments are unpleasant, but so is bottling stuff up, so I try to strike a balance by arguing only a bit. But not over unimportant stuff, I can just let that go, I should have.
Nomad, just tell me what you want, what you feel comfortable with, and I'll make the appropriate changes.
I have taken a hard look at my writing, and the map of Creation, and what is important for me. If the airships truly bother you, Nomad, then I can ditch them no problem. If it will make you feel more comfortable, I can have my character's ancestors come in First Age ships of the waterborne type. I can even give them plain old wooden longboats, if non-flying artefact ships are unacceptable too.
I'm sorry I made an issue of this. Viking in airships are cool, and I did hope you would pick it up as a plot hook, but I was never intending to save it to pull a coup de main behind your back. I come up with lots of crazy ideas, that's me, in every game. Not all of my ideas are important though, and this one certainly isn't. Arguments are unpleasant, but so is bottling stuff up, so I try to strike a balance by arguing only a bit. But not over unimportant stuff, I can just let that go, I should have.
Nomad, just tell me what you want, what you feel comfortable with, and I'll make the appropriate changes.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
#153
You can have your airships, I just want to make it clear that they are eight centuries gone - destroyed or traded away to Lookshy for dismantling. No hull, no spare parts, no blueprints, nothing remains but what's in history scrolls.
(Unless of course I ultimately decide to use it as a plot hook, but it is not likely in the forseeable future).
(Unless of course I ultimately decide to use it as a plot hook, but it is not likely in the forseeable future).
#154
That was always my intention, though they are more like six or five centuries gone than eight. There will be no airships of my ancestors unless the ST says so.
I did go back and tighten the linguistics a bit though. The term "Hokuoujin" stays for use by foreigners, but the Hokuoujin now call themselves Nords, and will use that term when speaking amongst themselves. I dumped "Hetaroi" since Greek is completely unthematic, and replaced it with "Væringjar" from Old Norse, which means "pledge companions". What I'm going for is for the Ellendian dialect of Riverspeak to be peppered with various words that came with the original language of the Nords. These are represented mostly by French and German, but also some Old Frisian and Old Norse.
Also some visual aids: Princess Alitrude in full armour, in a dress wielding Clarent, fully totemic anima; Princess Sigilind.
Musical aid too: Theme song of the Hokuoujin
I did go back and tighten the linguistics a bit though. The term "Hokuoujin" stays for use by foreigners, but the Hokuoujin now call themselves Nords, and will use that term when speaking amongst themselves. I dumped "Hetaroi" since Greek is completely unthematic, and replaced it with "Væringjar" from Old Norse, which means "pledge companions". What I'm going for is for the Ellendian dialect of Riverspeak to be peppered with various words that came with the original language of the Nords. These are represented mostly by French and German, but also some Old Frisian and Old Norse.
Also some visual aids: Princess Alitrude in full armour, in a dress wielding Clarent, fully totemic anima; Princess Sigilind.
Musical aid too: Theme song of the Hokuoujin
Last edited by Lys on Sat Jul 23, 2011 8:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
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frigidmagi
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#155
Alright did some edits, changed my background stuff to a 3 dot spear, 3 dot warding charm and a 1 dot good luck talisman. Also changed Ox Body to 2 -1 levels.
Anyone have a suggestion for what the spear should do?
Anyone have a suggestion for what the spear should do?
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#156
Are you using the Scroll of Errata? It does not seem like you are using the updated chargen rules. Here is a summary:
-Abilities may be raised to 5 without spending BPs
-Players begin with four free specialities
-Willpower starts at 5 and can be raised at a rate of 1 WP per BP.
-Virtues cost 1 BP to raise.
-Starting characters may have up to WP+Compassion intimacies.
-The starting 10 charms may be from any abilities.
-Extra charms in a caste/favoured ability costs 3 BP, non favoured cost 4 BP.
-Players have 18 bonus points to use at chargen.
I know you said you did not want to optimize, but I have to note that because of the way the Exalted system is built trying to be efficient when building your character is advised. In particular it is generally considered a waste of BP to buy charms with them given how cheap they are in XP. It is good to have one or two abilities at 5 and the associated attribute(s) also at 5; because getting anything up to 4 and 5 is cheap in BP and expensive in XP. This also lets you kick ass in your chosen area of expertise right out of the gate.
-Abilities may be raised to 5 without spending BPs
-Players begin with four free specialities
-Willpower starts at 5 and can be raised at a rate of 1 WP per BP.
-Virtues cost 1 BP to raise.
-Starting characters may have up to WP+Compassion intimacies.
-The starting 10 charms may be from any abilities.
-Extra charms in a caste/favoured ability costs 3 BP, non favoured cost 4 BP.
-Players have 18 bonus points to use at chargen.
I know you said you did not want to optimize, but I have to note that because of the way the Exalted system is built trying to be efficient when building your character is advised. In particular it is generally considered a waste of BP to buy charms with them given how cheap they are in XP. It is good to have one or two abilities at 5 and the associated attribute(s) also at 5; because getting anything up to 4 and 5 is cheap in BP and expensive in XP. This also lets you kick ass in your chosen area of expertise right out of the gate.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
#157
Alright, thoughts on how to establish party background.
It's pretty much decided that Yue, Alia, and Amoneth all meet each other at the same time. That's because Alia is seeking out Amoneth after some tales of his entry to the Hundred Kingdoms start circulating around, while Yue is out for observing Solars and is already watching Alia from a remove in his spirit form. Thalia is more of a challenge...
Anyway, proposal is this. Round-robin introduction/meeting short, first part written by frigid, then by Lys, then by me, then by Hawkwings. Our characters get introduced in turn; so frigid would write about what Amoneth has been up to since leaving his village, and why he's on a particular road and so on, to set up the encounter with Alia. Then Lys takes over for a section, writing about why she sought out the new Solar and making her own introduction to him, and explaining the situation in the region including the dangers of the Wyld Hunt. Then I can take over, again introduce, and lay out some exposition to them about how the Immaculates are lying liars who lie and explain just what an Anathema really is, and also introduce my own reasons for accompanying them.
Possibly it may be a good idea to have some kind of background threat/development we'd all be interested in happening at the same time. Makes gelling together more logical and might provide an opening for Thalia to join in after we've started out to investigate/kill the problem.
Or we can just briefly summarize and move on with the game. But if writing it out could earn some BP for getting the circle background coherent and providing an organic reason for existence, I would be quite eager to do so.
It's pretty much decided that Yue, Alia, and Amoneth all meet each other at the same time. That's because Alia is seeking out Amoneth after some tales of his entry to the Hundred Kingdoms start circulating around, while Yue is out for observing Solars and is already watching Alia from a remove in his spirit form. Thalia is more of a challenge...
Anyway, proposal is this. Round-robin introduction/meeting short, first part written by frigid, then by Lys, then by me, then by Hawkwings. Our characters get introduced in turn; so frigid would write about what Amoneth has been up to since leaving his village, and why he's on a particular road and so on, to set up the encounter with Alia. Then Lys takes over for a section, writing about why she sought out the new Solar and making her own introduction to him, and explaining the situation in the region including the dangers of the Wyld Hunt. Then I can take over, again introduce, and lay out some exposition to them about how the Immaculates are lying liars who lie and explain just what an Anathema really is, and also introduce my own reasons for accompanying them.
Possibly it may be a good idea to have some kind of background threat/development we'd all be interested in happening at the same time. Makes gelling together more logical and might provide an opening for Thalia to join in after we've started out to investigate/kill the problem.
Or we can just briefly summarize and move on with the game. But if writing it out could earn some BP for getting the circle background coherent and providing an organic reason for existence, I would be quite eager to do so.
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frigidmagi
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#158
I really like the writing idea, not as much as RPing it out but better then ignoring it. I say we go with that.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#159
I was in fact, actually working on writing the introduction just now. I intended to write in what I had discussed with frigidmagi and Cavalier, and make something up for Thalia and hope Hawkings likes it. The finished product was then to be PMed to all three of the other players for comments and revisions.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
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frigidmagi
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#160
Not meaning to cut you off Lys but I sorta like Cavalier's idea of doing a round robin.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#161
Well, perhaps her material can be used as a start, with Lys taking the first place, and then you doing your part and so on?
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frigidmagi
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- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
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#162
Sure. Why not.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#164
Round robin writing is for the best I suppose. My writing thus far has been more about my character than anyone else's, and while I love the spotlight, it's there to be shared.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
#165
Okay, First Round:
Princess Alitrude's Account of Meeting Amoneth Rei
How very perceptive of you. Yes, my companions are indeed Anathema... Exalted, excuse me, we are all Exalted. Amoneth and Thalia are like me, Exalted of the Sun by the will of Sol Invictus. Yue is Exalted of the Moon by the will of Luna. Since we last saw each other, I have learned much about what I have become.
Oh, how did I meet them? Fate and chance I suppose. It is a bit of a long story, are you sure you have the time? There is much else for us to discuss.
Ah, if you say so. It is a beautiful night, we might as well see if it will be a beautiful sunrise.
Heh, that is true.
Well, I suppose I met Yue first, but that is later, first but later. You'll understand when I get to it. Amoneth was properly the first; we found each other near Warkow. You remember, I went there after we concluded the peace treaty with the League of Thesa.
Yes that was why, and I said I was sorry. I still believe I what had to be done.
Oh, don't start with that again Marie, do you wish to hear the story or not?
Very well, continuing. I learned that a Solar Anathema had passed through the city.He openly revealed himself and would tell his story to any who would listen. The people were abuzz with it; the officials rather relieved that his stay had been brief. Apparently he was looking for one who had wronged him, another Solar no less! A tall, pale man with blonde hair and blue eyes, clad in silver armour.
Yes, I know, not many in the Confederation who meet that description, aside from us Nords. It was no surprise to hear that the passing Solar had expressed interest in the tales of Ellendia's Golden Warlord. Naturally I had to go after him, so I did.
It is hardly surprising, most only saw an armoured figure in a pyre of golden-white flame. All other details are fanciful. Run thousands of confused glimpses through the rumour mill a few times, and nobody knows anything, even my sex. As far as I can tell the only things anybody agrees on are that I have golden hair and fight with the Vaeringjar. It won't last though, and despite our efforts I am certain that the well informed have by now deduced my identity. But I digress.
It was not difficult to track him down, as he made no effort to travel incognito, and I had a horse while he did not. I caught up with Amoneth after a couple of days. You should have seen him then, for he looked every inch the barbarian: wild hair, rough clothes, rugged look and demeanour.
I most certainly did.
Thank you.
When I laid eyes on him it triggered... memories, feelings, strange and unwanted, yet comfortable and familiar. It was unlike the other times, unlike the nightmares. I felt as if I recognized someone after being apart for an age, someone I once had been very fond of. But it was all edged with a sense of wrongness, because it wasn't him, and it wasn't me.
Just let me explain. I was right when I said that as an Anathema I am still the same person, the same substance and shape, just made something more, something greater. An addition rather than a corruption, like being born anew, like iron forged into steel. You see, the Exaltation comes in the form of a "spark", a sort of incomplete phantasm made out of ancient Titan slaying weapons. They seek out worthy mortals and bind themselves to their souls, irrevocably Exalting them until the day they die. It doesn't change the existing souls, but rather adds itself to them, separate yet part of the whole. Thus the Exalted have three souls. When the host dies, the spark separates and seeks another, but the memories of life sometimes cling to it, and can waken in the new host.
Exactly, all the visions and nightmares are memories from my predecessor, and in regard to Amoneth they are about his predecessor. We, part of us, knew each other in a previous life, and then recognize each other in this one.
Well, as soon as the feelings passed, I noticed him staring right at me with a look of confused recognition, and I realized the same look was on my own face. We both knew then what the other had felt, that we had shared in the moment. Upon realizing what I am, he reflexively reached for his weapons. I made no motion for mine, and told him I had not come to fight, that I only wished to listen to his story. After a moment he told me, introducing himself as Amoneth Rei. He was born deep in the eastern forests, where the trees grow so thick it is impossible to walk on the ground. His tribe was protected by one of the forest gods, and they were as prosperous as such people get. Amoneth is a skilled hunter, but his people prized him most for his beautiful voice and story telling ability. He wooed the daughter of his god with his songs, and was able to marry her with her father's blessings.
Indeed, it was the man he seeks who ended it. He just came out of nowhere at the head of a small army and killed everyone. Amoneth's wife, his god, and his people, all gone in one night, but he survived. The Solar threw him down from the trees and the lower branches broke his fall. So Amoneth came back, armed with nothing but a stone knife, and too consumed with hatred to care it was suicide. He infiltrated their camp using his voice, came upon the man who had destroyed his life, and lunged. He drew the Blonde Solar's blood, then drew Second Breath, and his enemy panicked and ran. Before pursuing, Amoneth took the time to slaughter the drunken soldiers, and he has been chasing after revenge ever since.
I recounted my story of course. Actually, we conversed about a great many things that night. It felt easy, natural, to just open up to him, but I kept myself guarded. Still, we talked. I told him of the Confederation of Rivers, the Realm, the Immaculate Faith, the Anatema, and the world at large. I also explained the dangers of wandering about in the open, the Wyld Hunt, and the fears of rulers and commoners alike. He was disappointed to find that the Golden Warlord wasn't the Blonde Solar, but then he just shrugged and vowed to continue his quest. I offered to go with him, under the pretext of not wanting a mad dog Anathema running loose anywhere near my Kingdom. It is true enough.
Yes, there is more to it. I thought that if I could do him this favour and earn his trust, I could earn a powerful ally for the Nords. You have seen me in the battlefield, at the negotiation table, you know what power I wield, how terrifying and overwhelming it can be. To have another with like power is an opportunity I could not permit to pass me by.
*sigh* No, I still believe so, it is why I permit myself this indulgence, why my actions are correct regardless of my motivations. Because the truth is, I desire to help Amoneth regardless of whether it furthers my ends or not. When he told me of his life, I believe it was in far more detail that he had dared contemplate since he Exalted. He said so much, every word of what he lost filled with the greatest sorrow, every word of the one who destroyed it carried the most venomous hated. And his eyes, such depths of anger and despair in those eyes. It pained me to see him like that, and it pains me to this day.
He burns with revenge, Marie. A fire that consumes him with such ferocity that I fear it will eat away at everything until there is naught but itself. If I do not share in his burden, it will kill him.
You are right, I should no care this much. If not for that fact that he is useful to me, I would not have let myself. We have been friends for a long time, Marie, you should know this well. I will not permit my desires to interfere with my duties. Regardless of what baggage came with my Spark of Exaltation, I am still the one in control.
Perhaps, but you cannot dispute that rationalizations or not, my reasons for taking a given course always stand upon firm grounds.
Ah, Yue. Before I tell you about him I really should tell you about Lunars...
Princess Alitrude's Account of Meeting Amoneth Rei
How very perceptive of you. Yes, my companions are indeed Anathema... Exalted, excuse me, we are all Exalted. Amoneth and Thalia are like me, Exalted of the Sun by the will of Sol Invictus. Yue is Exalted of the Moon by the will of Luna. Since we last saw each other, I have learned much about what I have become.
Oh, how did I meet them? Fate and chance I suppose. It is a bit of a long story, are you sure you have the time? There is much else for us to discuss.
Ah, if you say so. It is a beautiful night, we might as well see if it will be a beautiful sunrise.
Heh, that is true.
Well, I suppose I met Yue first, but that is later, first but later. You'll understand when I get to it. Amoneth was properly the first; we found each other near Warkow. You remember, I went there after we concluded the peace treaty with the League of Thesa.
Yes that was why, and I said I was sorry. I still believe I what had to be done.
Oh, don't start with that again Marie, do you wish to hear the story or not?
Very well, continuing. I learned that a Solar Anathema had passed through the city.He openly revealed himself and would tell his story to any who would listen. The people were abuzz with it; the officials rather relieved that his stay had been brief. Apparently he was looking for one who had wronged him, another Solar no less! A tall, pale man with blonde hair and blue eyes, clad in silver armour.
Yes, I know, not many in the Confederation who meet that description, aside from us Nords. It was no surprise to hear that the passing Solar had expressed interest in the tales of Ellendia's Golden Warlord. Naturally I had to go after him, so I did.
It is hardly surprising, most only saw an armoured figure in a pyre of golden-white flame. All other details are fanciful. Run thousands of confused glimpses through the rumour mill a few times, and nobody knows anything, even my sex. As far as I can tell the only things anybody agrees on are that I have golden hair and fight with the Vaeringjar. It won't last though, and despite our efforts I am certain that the well informed have by now deduced my identity. But I digress.
It was not difficult to track him down, as he made no effort to travel incognito, and I had a horse while he did not. I caught up with Amoneth after a couple of days. You should have seen him then, for he looked every inch the barbarian: wild hair, rough clothes, rugged look and demeanour.
I most certainly did.
Thank you.
When I laid eyes on him it triggered... memories, feelings, strange and unwanted, yet comfortable and familiar. It was unlike the other times, unlike the nightmares. I felt as if I recognized someone after being apart for an age, someone I once had been very fond of. But it was all edged with a sense of wrongness, because it wasn't him, and it wasn't me.
Just let me explain. I was right when I said that as an Anathema I am still the same person, the same substance and shape, just made something more, something greater. An addition rather than a corruption, like being born anew, like iron forged into steel. You see, the Exaltation comes in the form of a "spark", a sort of incomplete phantasm made out of ancient Titan slaying weapons. They seek out worthy mortals and bind themselves to their souls, irrevocably Exalting them until the day they die. It doesn't change the existing souls, but rather adds itself to them, separate yet part of the whole. Thus the Exalted have three souls. When the host dies, the spark separates and seeks another, but the memories of life sometimes cling to it, and can waken in the new host.
Exactly, all the visions and nightmares are memories from my predecessor, and in regard to Amoneth they are about his predecessor. We, part of us, knew each other in a previous life, and then recognize each other in this one.
Well, as soon as the feelings passed, I noticed him staring right at me with a look of confused recognition, and I realized the same look was on my own face. We both knew then what the other had felt, that we had shared in the moment. Upon realizing what I am, he reflexively reached for his weapons. I made no motion for mine, and told him I had not come to fight, that I only wished to listen to his story. After a moment he told me, introducing himself as Amoneth Rei. He was born deep in the eastern forests, where the trees grow so thick it is impossible to walk on the ground. His tribe was protected by one of the forest gods, and they were as prosperous as such people get. Amoneth is a skilled hunter, but his people prized him most for his beautiful voice and story telling ability. He wooed the daughter of his god with his songs, and was able to marry her with her father's blessings.
Indeed, it was the man he seeks who ended it. He just came out of nowhere at the head of a small army and killed everyone. Amoneth's wife, his god, and his people, all gone in one night, but he survived. The Solar threw him down from the trees and the lower branches broke his fall. So Amoneth came back, armed with nothing but a stone knife, and too consumed with hatred to care it was suicide. He infiltrated their camp using his voice, came upon the man who had destroyed his life, and lunged. He drew the Blonde Solar's blood, then drew Second Breath, and his enemy panicked and ran. Before pursuing, Amoneth took the time to slaughter the drunken soldiers, and he has been chasing after revenge ever since.
I recounted my story of course. Actually, we conversed about a great many things that night. It felt easy, natural, to just open up to him, but I kept myself guarded. Still, we talked. I told him of the Confederation of Rivers, the Realm, the Immaculate Faith, the Anatema, and the world at large. I also explained the dangers of wandering about in the open, the Wyld Hunt, and the fears of rulers and commoners alike. He was disappointed to find that the Golden Warlord wasn't the Blonde Solar, but then he just shrugged and vowed to continue his quest. I offered to go with him, under the pretext of not wanting a mad dog Anathema running loose anywhere near my Kingdom. It is true enough.
Yes, there is more to it. I thought that if I could do him this favour and earn his trust, I could earn a powerful ally for the Nords. You have seen me in the battlefield, at the negotiation table, you know what power I wield, how terrifying and overwhelming it can be. To have another with like power is an opportunity I could not permit to pass me by.
*sigh* No, I still believe so, it is why I permit myself this indulgence, why my actions are correct regardless of my motivations. Because the truth is, I desire to help Amoneth regardless of whether it furthers my ends or not. When he told me of his life, I believe it was in far more detail that he had dared contemplate since he Exalted. He said so much, every word of what he lost filled with the greatest sorrow, every word of the one who destroyed it carried the most venomous hated. And his eyes, such depths of anger and despair in those eyes. It pained me to see him like that, and it pains me to this day.
He burns with revenge, Marie. A fire that consumes him with such ferocity that I fear it will eat away at everything until there is naught but itself. If I do not share in his burden, it will kill him.
You are right, I should no care this much. If not for that fact that he is useful to me, I would not have let myself. We have been friends for a long time, Marie, you should know this well. I will not permit my desires to interfere with my duties. Regardless of what baggage came with my Spark of Exaltation, I am still the one in control.
Perhaps, but you cannot dispute that rationalizations or not, my reasons for taking a given course always stand upon firm grounds.
Ah, Yue. Before I tell you about him I really should tell you about Lunars...
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
-
frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
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#166
Hrm, my turn now or would someone else like to go first? I would have to figure out what I'm writing about.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
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frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
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#168
We're suppose to write about how the group meets, course thing is I'm not sure what to write.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#169
Why not have Cavalier write his entry first, and then your entry can be Amoneth's thoughts about meeting Alia and Yue? Neither of you have to follow my format, a stream of conciousness reflective narrative would work pretty well. There's no problem with a traditional narrative style either.
After that's done Hawkings can flesh out Thalia's background and explain how she met the group.
After that's done Hawkings can flesh out Thalia's background and explain how she met the group.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
-
frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
- 19
- Location: Alone and unafraid
#170
That'll work.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#171
I have a couple of things to finish up first. I may be able to get to it by Sunday, but probably not before. It may perhaps work best (in term of coherence) to follow Lys' lead in the format but I'm not sure if I will. I'll probably decide when I start writing.
#172
Thing about my format is that it requires a trusted friend in whom to confide. A trusted friend who would seek the character out to check in on them. I think characters reflecting on events to themselves would be close enough to my "half of a conversation" style, hence my suggestion for a stream of conciousness type narrative. However, I do not want anyone to feel constrained by a whimsical creative decision on my part. So you all should just write however feels best.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
#174
I updated my character sheet. I think it's complete save for the description of Alia's Limit Break.
Lys is lily, or lilium.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
The pretty flowers remind me of a song of elves.
#175
So as to maintain a certain integrity to the writings, I've forgone the usual narrative approach in favor of another experimental format. Yue is writing to his old sifu in Great Forks about his condition. Having encountered Alia and Amoneth he lays out his experience and thoughts on both of them.
The Exaltation story showed him off as a martial artist; this helps flesh him out in his guise as a scholar.
Of My Companions
Honored Master Fang,
I am pleased to hear that you were able to confirm what I have written about Exaltation. I knew Blossom of Fire and Spirit would be honest, which is why I referred you to her. I was less certain that you would be willing to believe her. Still, it bears repeating: I am no Anathema. I remain myself in mind and spirit. My body has changed, and I am more powerful than any mortal, but Yue Xiao has not ceased to exist. Nor have I ceased to feel the profound respect that is due to my sifu, so my soul rejoices. I do not know when I will be able to visit Great Forks again but when I do I will assuredly pay my humble respects to the dojo.
My present circumstances have me preoccupied, however. I mentioned in my last letter that the Celestial Exaltations come in three kinds. The Siderials I still know nothing of, save that my mentor and other Lunars despise them. They had a hand in the elevation of the Dragon-Blooded beyond their station and for that Occluded Moon Huntress and Ma Ha Suchi both desire to slay them. I hope to evaluate the truth of the matter myself but their obscurity seems to be almost impenetrable. In any case they are a mystery that must be left for some time later.
It is the first type, the Solar Exalted, that I now find myself involved with. They are the chosen of the Unconquered Sun, given His gift of perfection. They are more powerful and more dangerous than any other beings in Creation, save perhaps the Incarna themselves. Where we Lunars adapt to changes around us, they change the world to fit their existence. They were the greatest of heroes and ruled all of humanity during the golden age that predated the Dragon-Blooded usurpation. And yet I have heard many tales of their vile eccentricities, their ambition and self-absorption, and the abuses they piled onto the weak. Both my mentor and the Elder seem to hate them, but mix that hatred with a respect and even awe that is impossible to miss.
In light of my experiences in the Nameless Lair it became necessary to seek them out.
It was no difficult thing discovering my first Solar. Tales of golden Anathema have been circulating freely throughout the Hundred Kingdoms. In some they every bit the great heroes and shining exemplars the heretical tales suggested. And yet there seem to be others Solars who are utterly callous in their actions, leaving devastation and slaughter in their wake. If I had not studied under Occluded Moon Huntress I could not believe that the tales could both describe the same sort of being. But they do, and hence the urgency of my inquiry.
The Golden Warlord of Ellendia was one of the most prominent figures in these tales and the one that seemed most grounded in truth. It was a simple matter to make my way to Ellendia and sort the truth from fiction. Getting into the palace to investigate took some more thought, but with my abilities the issue was never in question. It was there I met Alia, though at the time I bore the shape of a housecat. It was a convenient means to hide and observe her habits and behavior. I was able to readily confirm that she was a Solar, and from seeing her anima banner could deduce that she was of the caste that gravitated to statesmanship and diplomacy. Her actions made clear the fitness of that choice.
As she traveled I followed, and could see her tireless dedication to her kingdom. There were no signs of venality or self-service in her actions, which I was all too accustomed to find in the Threshold. She was obviously a powerful force for order, though whether it was for good? That is much too invested in the perspective one has of Ellendia and I would not hazard to say at this time. We shall see. But she was striving for the good as she understood it. That made my decision to remain with her much easier.
It is quite fortunate that I did!
For I had the opportunity to meet yet another Solar, this one of the priestly caste. We had heard reports of a man who could only be a Solar wandering in from the East, reporting a tale of tragedy and woe. Alia sought him out this past fortnight and discovered him, alone, and heard out his story. This man, Amoneth, has lost his family and his tribe to the attack of what appears to have been another Solar, and received his Exaltation while striking against the murderer. And now he seeks out his foe incessantly, desiring vengeance above all other things.
At this juncture I made the decision to introduce myself.
I transformed from my cat form in front of them. They were shocked at the unexpected but both were quick to assume their guard position. I apologized for the deception and sought their pardon as I explained the situation. Neither seemed to know much about Luna's Chosen or even their own nature as Solar Exalted. I was soon able to disarm the tension and was then barraged with questions which I answered as best I could.I was frank with both of them about the stories of the Solar Exalted I had heard. That helped them understand the reasons for my concerns and hence why I had acted the way I did.
Alia asked me to talk of my own Exaltation and experiences, and both seemed curious about my encounter with the Argent Madonna. I regret I was unable to capture the true splendor of her appearance and the sensations that overcame me. But they were still rapt at my description. They were also curious about the structures we Lunars have put together to allow us to thrive in a hostile world. Alia in particular asked many questions about the nature of the Silver Pact, some of which I was uncomfortable answering. I have no doubt that she learned more than was, perhaps, wise to reveal. I believe I opened their eyes to the role of the Exalted in Creation and to some of the dangers facing it, though.
It was Amoneth who was most interested in my shapeshifting abilities and asked me to help scout out for his enemy. As his foe is undoubtedly a threat to all of the Hundred Kingdoms, if not the entire River Province, I felt obliged to lend my aid to his search. That Alia had also decided to accompany him made things much easier still. It seems likely that Amoneth's foe will seek to raise another army and resume his conquests. Better to deal with him while he still flees, before he becomes yet another rampaging warlord in a region too-full with them. And there is more to it. A monster like the sort Amoneth describes must be put down, and we three have the power to do so. And with the power our Exaltation provides comes the responsibility to defend Creation from these kinds of threats.
But it has not escaped me that I shall have the opportunity to observe the Solars in action. I am curious as to how they will interact. Both are focused and driven, but where Alia can sacrifice her view of the moment to a greater good in the long term, Amoneth is completely absorbed in his hunt. What will happen after he finds his enemy and avenges his family? I fear to ask, and yet at some point I certainly will for someone must. And yet that devotion to vengeance is reassuringly human. Alia can be far more detached, which makes me wonder from time to time about the stories Huntress told. Though it is obvious she cares deeply for her family and for her people, and so I should not overly alarm you. It is enough to say I can see a flaw that might grow, and yet which is still far more balanced by many good virtues.
There is of course Amoneth's enemy. We will find him, I have no doubt. And what will he be like, this Solar who deserves the title Anathema? One must wonder what turned him away from the heroic destiny that the Unconquered Sun intended for him. And then ponder if all other Solars are vulnerable to such flaws, despite their intended perfection. And yet I must not be too judgmental, for Luna has exalted many unstable people who have done horrific things. Perhaps I am faulty assuming too much of the Incarna. I will see.
For now, we hunt. There are always more tales of what could be Solars around. They seem to inspire stories wherever they go, but some of them are truth. Now Alia and Amoneth help me to sort out the truth from the exaggeration. We are narrowing in another Solar soon, I believe. Probably not Amoneth's enemy, but every lead we can investigate leads somewhere. If my Exaltation by Luna has taught me anything, it is that fickle chance rules much of the world.
And that is why I would not trade my own transformation for anything. I serve the Silver Lady and it is Her will, I believe, that the Lunars balance the Solars. We who adapt must represent the world that the Solars bend before their will. It seems clear from the whispered stories of the Elders and the tales of the old world that we failed to do that before. I will not do so again.
I will be away for some time and so will likely not read your response for months. I think I shall hear from you again in person, first. Until then, know that I still seek your counsel and wisdom at every opportunity. I will look forward to the day we may spar together once more.
Respectfully yours,
Yue Quicksilver Falcon
The Exaltation story showed him off as a martial artist; this helps flesh him out in his guise as a scholar.
Of My Companions
Honored Master Fang,
I am pleased to hear that you were able to confirm what I have written about Exaltation. I knew Blossom of Fire and Spirit would be honest, which is why I referred you to her. I was less certain that you would be willing to believe her. Still, it bears repeating: I am no Anathema. I remain myself in mind and spirit. My body has changed, and I am more powerful than any mortal, but Yue Xiao has not ceased to exist. Nor have I ceased to feel the profound respect that is due to my sifu, so my soul rejoices. I do not know when I will be able to visit Great Forks again but when I do I will assuredly pay my humble respects to the dojo.
My present circumstances have me preoccupied, however. I mentioned in my last letter that the Celestial Exaltations come in three kinds. The Siderials I still know nothing of, save that my mentor and other Lunars despise them. They had a hand in the elevation of the Dragon-Blooded beyond their station and for that Occluded Moon Huntress and Ma Ha Suchi both desire to slay them. I hope to evaluate the truth of the matter myself but their obscurity seems to be almost impenetrable. In any case they are a mystery that must be left for some time later.
It is the first type, the Solar Exalted, that I now find myself involved with. They are the chosen of the Unconquered Sun, given His gift of perfection. They are more powerful and more dangerous than any other beings in Creation, save perhaps the Incarna themselves. Where we Lunars adapt to changes around us, they change the world to fit their existence. They were the greatest of heroes and ruled all of humanity during the golden age that predated the Dragon-Blooded usurpation. And yet I have heard many tales of their vile eccentricities, their ambition and self-absorption, and the abuses they piled onto the weak. Both my mentor and the Elder seem to hate them, but mix that hatred with a respect and even awe that is impossible to miss.
In light of my experiences in the Nameless Lair it became necessary to seek them out.
It was no difficult thing discovering my first Solar. Tales of golden Anathema have been circulating freely throughout the Hundred Kingdoms. In some they every bit the great heroes and shining exemplars the heretical tales suggested. And yet there seem to be others Solars who are utterly callous in their actions, leaving devastation and slaughter in their wake. If I had not studied under Occluded Moon Huntress I could not believe that the tales could both describe the same sort of being. But they do, and hence the urgency of my inquiry.
The Golden Warlord of Ellendia was one of the most prominent figures in these tales and the one that seemed most grounded in truth. It was a simple matter to make my way to Ellendia and sort the truth from fiction. Getting into the palace to investigate took some more thought, but with my abilities the issue was never in question. It was there I met Alia, though at the time I bore the shape of a housecat. It was a convenient means to hide and observe her habits and behavior. I was able to readily confirm that she was a Solar, and from seeing her anima banner could deduce that she was of the caste that gravitated to statesmanship and diplomacy. Her actions made clear the fitness of that choice.
As she traveled I followed, and could see her tireless dedication to her kingdom. There were no signs of venality or self-service in her actions, which I was all too accustomed to find in the Threshold. She was obviously a powerful force for order, though whether it was for good? That is much too invested in the perspective one has of Ellendia and I would not hazard to say at this time. We shall see. But she was striving for the good as she understood it. That made my decision to remain with her much easier.
It is quite fortunate that I did!
For I had the opportunity to meet yet another Solar, this one of the priestly caste. We had heard reports of a man who could only be a Solar wandering in from the East, reporting a tale of tragedy and woe. Alia sought him out this past fortnight and discovered him, alone, and heard out his story. This man, Amoneth, has lost his family and his tribe to the attack of what appears to have been another Solar, and received his Exaltation while striking against the murderer. And now he seeks out his foe incessantly, desiring vengeance above all other things.
At this juncture I made the decision to introduce myself.
I transformed from my cat form in front of them. They were shocked at the unexpected but both were quick to assume their guard position. I apologized for the deception and sought their pardon as I explained the situation. Neither seemed to know much about Luna's Chosen or even their own nature as Solar Exalted. I was soon able to disarm the tension and was then barraged with questions which I answered as best I could.I was frank with both of them about the stories of the Solar Exalted I had heard. That helped them understand the reasons for my concerns and hence why I had acted the way I did.
Alia asked me to talk of my own Exaltation and experiences, and both seemed curious about my encounter with the Argent Madonna. I regret I was unable to capture the true splendor of her appearance and the sensations that overcame me. But they were still rapt at my description. They were also curious about the structures we Lunars have put together to allow us to thrive in a hostile world. Alia in particular asked many questions about the nature of the Silver Pact, some of which I was uncomfortable answering. I have no doubt that she learned more than was, perhaps, wise to reveal. I believe I opened their eyes to the role of the Exalted in Creation and to some of the dangers facing it, though.
It was Amoneth who was most interested in my shapeshifting abilities and asked me to help scout out for his enemy. As his foe is undoubtedly a threat to all of the Hundred Kingdoms, if not the entire River Province, I felt obliged to lend my aid to his search. That Alia had also decided to accompany him made things much easier still. It seems likely that Amoneth's foe will seek to raise another army and resume his conquests. Better to deal with him while he still flees, before he becomes yet another rampaging warlord in a region too-full with them. And there is more to it. A monster like the sort Amoneth describes must be put down, and we three have the power to do so. And with the power our Exaltation provides comes the responsibility to defend Creation from these kinds of threats.
But it has not escaped me that I shall have the opportunity to observe the Solars in action. I am curious as to how they will interact. Both are focused and driven, but where Alia can sacrifice her view of the moment to a greater good in the long term, Amoneth is completely absorbed in his hunt. What will happen after he finds his enemy and avenges his family? I fear to ask, and yet at some point I certainly will for someone must. And yet that devotion to vengeance is reassuringly human. Alia can be far more detached, which makes me wonder from time to time about the stories Huntress told. Though it is obvious she cares deeply for her family and for her people, and so I should not overly alarm you. It is enough to say I can see a flaw that might grow, and yet which is still far more balanced by many good virtues.
There is of course Amoneth's enemy. We will find him, I have no doubt. And what will he be like, this Solar who deserves the title Anathema? One must wonder what turned him away from the heroic destiny that the Unconquered Sun intended for him. And then ponder if all other Solars are vulnerable to such flaws, despite their intended perfection. And yet I must not be too judgmental, for Luna has exalted many unstable people who have done horrific things. Perhaps I am faulty assuming too much of the Incarna. I will see.
For now, we hunt. There are always more tales of what could be Solars around. They seem to inspire stories wherever they go, but some of them are truth. Now Alia and Amoneth help me to sort out the truth from the exaggeration. We are narrowing in another Solar soon, I believe. Probably not Amoneth's enemy, but every lead we can investigate leads somewhere. If my Exaltation by Luna has taught me anything, it is that fickle chance rules much of the world.
And that is why I would not trade my own transformation for anything. I serve the Silver Lady and it is Her will, I believe, that the Lunars balance the Solars. We who adapt must represent the world that the Solars bend before their will. It seems clear from the whispered stories of the Elders and the tales of the old world that we failed to do that before. I will not do so again.
I will be away for some time and so will likely not read your response for months. I think I shall hear from you again in person, first. Until then, know that I still seek your counsel and wisdom at every opportunity. I will look forward to the day we may spar together once more.
Respectfully yours,
Yue Quicksilver Falcon