Exalted: Sorcerous Whelps

[Dante Falcon]

“Every emotion is important. Even that fear, that desire, that need to be everything you want, to fulfill your dreams. And, as callous as it sounds, that fear is good. It pushes you forward, makes you deserve that which you want.”

The night before their first day at the Heptagram was spent on a boat, heading to the island proper. The voyage itself was calm and warm, students from across the Isle and a few from beyond trading stories, sleeping if they could and nervous with anticipation, both for the school and the test they had been warned of. None, not even students with older siblings at the Heptagram knew what it would entail. Apparently every year was a new test and some were a bit, dangerous it seemed if the stories were to be believed. But that night, much like the seas, was uneventful.

As dawn broke the soon-to-be students were ushered down the dock by the teachers unlucky enough to have been chosen for the voyage. The dock led to a beach at the edge of an old, dense forest. From the boat the spires of the Heptagram could be seen behind the forest itself, but as the procession approached the forest those same towers were hidden. At the perimeter of the forest was a line of older Dragon-Bloods, with a famous presence in the middle, even to those who hadn't seen her in person. Mnemon herself watched the group file out onto the beach and held their attention without so much as a twitch. Only the forest behind her and the sea dared make a sound.

"Welcome, children, to the hardest years of your life, and what may be the hardest day of it.
The Heptagram expects brilliance from each and every one of you. More importantly, I expect it. Today you shall be tested in a manner that will be replicated by some of your teachers from time to time. You will be thrown into a practical situation with only what you are currently wearing, and must rely on your skills and your.....alliegances, to see you through it. If you are injured, I would hope that one of you knows how to handle it. There may be guardians around to help you, but there is much more ground than there are us. You will be, for all intents and purposes, on your own. Behind me is a forest. Behind it is the school that your ancestors, and siblings have attended. In groups that shall be announced to you shortly, you must make it through the forest before dawn tomorrow. Each of you will also have a note telling you of the name of your groups particular mentor and their location. However they choose to identify their abode. After the forest you must find that mentor and present the letter. Should you fail, you will be expelled. No recourse.

As one last note, the forest is rumored to have a, spirit problem come dark. I'd be through it before then.
I look forward to seeing who is still here tomorrow." Mnemon simply turned and walked away into the woods with that.

The woman on her right stepped forward. A wood aspect who was probably about thirty in mortal years with deep green hair and a lily opened towards the dawn in it she still seemed to command the respect, or at least attention, of those around her. "When I call your name you are to step forward. You are in groups of five. After you are together and have your information you may begin your test. Mnemon Isamu." A pause. "Cathak Ambrose." A pause, as Ambrose's escorts helped him forward to where he should way for his group. "Iselsi Shia." Pause. "Vaan the Lesser." Pause. "Peleps Zhao." She stepped forward to allow the next teacher to speak as she met the group coming forward.

"Good to see you Isamu. My name is Mnemon Cheyisu, I will be your mentor. You will find me by knocking under a tree with protection in its branches. That is all I can say." With that she handed the note to the group and walked away, the forest lay before them.

Here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?524004-Exalted-Sorcerous-Whelps)

[Obscurejones]

Already more then six feet in stature Isamu looks down slightly as his class fills in around him, taking in each of them in turn. He frowns slightly and ducks his head as Ambrose is brought forward, peering intently at the young man's eyes and letting out a small groan as he realizes that Ambrose lacks both markings of aspect and eyes.
[High Realm] "I don't suppose any of you are a masterful tracker or otherwise supernal woodsman? Perhaps having specifically mastered the art of finding treehouses?"
As he speaks a thin trickle of steam condenses in the morning air, pale fake smoke spilling from his mouth.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip cringes at her name.

When the big guy asks, she steps next to him. In ... (is it purposely bad?) high realm, "Oy, not a survivalist, ah got the basics, but, ahm adaptiblike an' got good eyes. That help?"

[josienoms]

Zhao steps forward, his hand absently drumming on the hilt of his sword. He doesn't seem perturbed by the test before him, and in fact, seems a little excited by the challenge. Finally, he had a chance to prove himself before others of his kind.

"Survivalist? Unfortunately not. However, I am a navigator. It shouldn't be hard to apply what I've learned at sea to overland travel. So long as I can see the sky, we won't get lost."

He smirks, a look so casually smug it's almost like he simply went to his default facial expression.

"And if it somehow takes us until after sunset to find our mentor, a haunted forest holds no threat to me."

[Kell_tamer]

Slip turns to the others. The low realm comes out. "So anyone 'ere know whut the frufru in pink was sayin?"


when she gets a cold stare. "What? she's a fru fru, our mentor is a frufru,
you are frufrus.." She looks up at isamu. "Yer a frufrufru, you got a whole EXTRA fru boutcha!"

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan stands there silently, going where he heard his name called...and understanding nothing else that was said. Finally one of his maybe companions, or maybe just other people who the academy had decided weren't good enough, speaks in a language he could understand. Or at least it sounded like Low Realm...if you reaaaaally paid close attention to the syllables that came out of her mouth. He looks at her and in the same tongue says,"So...you are speaking in Low Realm right?"

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose stands in thoughtful silence as Mnemon addresses the crowd of newcomers, hearing the power and nobility in her voice. He feels empowered by her words, despite their somewhat foreboding tone, determined to prove to his peers that he is capable of keeping up with the rest of them.

That determination is somewhat undercut, however, when a second voice begins speaking in unfamiliar words. He hears the voice call his name, and before he is able to respond, hands take a hold of his elbows and lead him forward. It's okay... everythin's fine, he tries to reassure himself. The escorts usher Ambrose into place, then step back into the crowd, leaving the confused youth to his own devices.

A deep voice says something in gibberish to Ambrose's right. He turns his head towards the source, at a point higher than his eyeline... someone tall, probably male. A rustle of footsteps, and a second voice answers the first. Then a third, then a timid fourth. He picks up on a few words spoken in Low Realm, and his head snaps to look (or, at least, point) in Slip's direction.

"[Low Realm] Heya, fellas," Ambrose says brightly, masking his nerves with a smile. He tugs nervously at the cloth covering his eyes (or lack thereof) as he speaks.
"I didn't quite catch what that nice lady said jus' now... would one'a y'all be able ta fill me in? Oh," he adds, waving enthusiastically in the general direction of the group, "name's Ambrose, by the way. Y'all probably heard that already, but I figure a formal introduction's polite 'n all.

[Obscurejones]

Isamu leans down and glares at Slip, letting his voice rumble out of his chest, almost approaching a low growl.
[Low Realm]"Mnemon Isamu. As such I'd advise against referring to the matriarch of my house as a...Frufru."
He rises back to his full height and looks around the group somewhat disapprovingly. It's a look more of disappointment then dislike.
[Low Realm]"And as it would appear that High Realm will not be the shared method of communication I had hoped, what languages do we all speak? I know that the for the little one the answer is at least High and Low Realm quite badly. It will also help to know if anyone else besides our swordsman actually caught the Headmistress's instructions."

[Kell_tamer]

Slip looks to Ambrose. In low realm she say's. "Iselsi Shia, but you ken call me Slip. But yeah, Frufrufru Isamu, aint learned any of what she said, but ah speak money real well!"

She glances at the motley crew. "An if ah'm gonna be callin ya me band of merry men, gonna need to know which dragon ya grace from! My name should be a tip to mine, but if'n it aint, Daana'd."

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose smiles up at Isamu, despite the clear aggravation in his tone. [Low Realm] "Well, Low Realm, obviously. Skytongue's what I'm used to speakin', an' my ol' teacher taught me Old Realm. Figured it'd be useful ta know, I s'pose."

Ambrose angles his head towards Slip with a frown, idly tugging at the cloth once more. "An', uh, as fer bein' graced by dragons... I s'pose I ain't...? Hehe..." Ambrose feels himself beginning to blush, but shakes it off with a laugh, adding, "I won't be a hiderance, though, don't ya worry! I'm perfectly capable 'a hikin' through the woods."

[ChaosArchon]

A seed begins to blossom within Vaan, a seed he's felt before. Rage, at the world, at society; at everyone who thought they were better than him. Not just his new "teammates" who either look at him like a simpleton or their lackey, but the headmistress herself. She was a powerful Dragonblood, surely if anyone could ensure everyone understood them it was her. But no, by only using High Realm or whatever she had talked in, she had deliberately excluded everyone who hadn't been taught how to speak old, useless languages. This was bull****! He had the blood of the dragons, just the same as all of them.

He sighs, an outburst wouldn't help him though...not now. Instead he breaths out and then replies to Slip,"I am blessed by Sextes Jylis."

[Kell_tamer]

"A woody an ta be determined! Works for me! An hey, no worries bout not 'avin a dragon, if it comes it comes, if it doesn't well you still seem alright by ol' Slip!" Her low realm is very casual.

[Obscurejones]

Sighing, Isamu hangs his head for a moment.
[Low Realm] "Well at least our blind friend has some semblance of an education. Rather a mortal with sense then a dragon stupid enough to waste their gifts."
He turns to peer intently at the wood aspect in their midst.
[Low Realm] "I cannot help but notice you neglected to voice any thoughts about our mission. Nor your name. Nor even a means by which we might speak to you. Odd those omissions."

[josienoms]

[Seatongue]"Ah, of course."

Zhao clears his throat, before switching to a language the others can understand.

[Low Realm] "It's nice to meet you all. My name is Peleps Zhao, but please, just call me Zhao.
I speak Seatongue as my native language, and I've learned both High and Low Realm. I wouldn't say that I speak Old Realm, but I know a few words and phrases. Enough to cast a few spells and to get the basic gist of what Mnemon was saying to us just now."

In response to Slip's other question, Zhao looks down at his feet, seemingly embarrassed.

[Low Realm] "As for which Dragon I'm blessed by, that would be Hes... uh... Hesi... The fire one."

After a beat,

[Low Realm] "I wasn't raised Immaculate."

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose's eyebrows raise in surprise at Isamu and Slip (not that either can see through the cloth), not expecting the sudden praise or reassuring words from these people he had just met. He hadn't been on the receiving end of kindness in a long while. [Low Realm] "Well, uh... thanks," he says, feeling himself relax a bit. "I really am capable, even if I don't look it. I'll do anythin' that needs doin' ta help the team!" He smiles broadly and straightens up with newfound confidence, the modest longbow and quiver rattling slightly on this back.

"Oh, an' Zhao, was it?" he adds, turning to face the swordsman. "No worries, friend - I ain't got much knowledge'a Immaculate Dragons an' whatnot neither. It wasn't a subject my teacher 'n I ever really got ta talkin' 'bout in any detail."

[josienoms]

Zhao breathes a small sigh of relief.

[Low Realm] "I'm glad to know I'm not the only one."

[Kell_tamer]

"Well den, seems we got ourselves a crew! and no worries bout that name, still dunno why danaa'd is spelled like it is Her low realm is inviting.

"So fellow frufrus and Frufrufru, we ready to for the 'eptagram?"

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan smiles at Isamu, [Low Realm] "This will be a delight I'm sure. Shall I answer your questions in order my lord? First off, as I said before I don't know what your...grandmother I take it, said to us. So my thoughts on our mission are simply, what mission? As for my name, it is Vaan the Lesser. As for how we might speak with eachother...well we all seem to speak Low Realm no?"

[Obscurejones]

[Low Realm]"... It would seem, Slip, that only half our number are actually prepared for our first day, much less the Heptagram itself. For the benefit of those who did not perhaps understand the brief speech given at the beginning of the day, and perhaps even lacked the basics necessary to understand when our mentor greeted us: We are to traverse the woods till we make our way to our assigned dormitory. Each team is to rendezvous with a specific teacher at a specific location. Mnemon Cheyisu instructed us to meet her by knocking under a tree with protection in its branches. As I already said in one of the two accepted languages of the isle, that most likely means a treehouse somewhere in the woods proper. We have until night fall before the ghosts and spirits that haunt the woods become a hazard."
Isamu takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, thin veins of brass appearing for a moment under his skin as he tries to settle his nerves.
[Low Realm]"On a less crucial but more personal note, I would ask that you not mention my maternal ancestry again, Vaan. It is something of a sore subject. And I would hate to disappoint Mnemon Cheyisu by arriving with only four of her students in good health."

[AlinaMacLeod]

[Low Realm] "Hey now," Ambrose says with a concerned expression. He raises his hands in a peaceful gesture, trying to quell the tension between Isamu and Vaan. "Standin' 'round here bickerin' at each other ain't gonna help us none. We kin wait 'til after we've found this tree ta start squabblin'. Right now, we should probably get a move-on."

Ambrose gives Slip a grin. "I'm ready ta do this thing with ya, if'n you can point me in the right direction."

[Obscurejones]

[Old Realm]"My apologies, Cathak Ambrose. Do you have a method you favor for guidance?"
Isamu looks at the sky, doing his best to judge how long they'll have to find the tree.
[Low Realm]"If we can find or create some semblance of high ground we should have a better chance of seeing where the tree lies."

[Kell_tamer]

Slip gives her mortal compatriot a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Aye, lets figgur that out." She loos to Isamu. "well frufrufru, hows your pitchin arm? how high up you think you can lob me?" her low realm continues.

[AlinaMacLeod]

[Old Realm] "Well sir, my bow's good fer more than just shootin'." The youth carefully pulls the longbow from his back, feeling along its length for the end that feels more worn-out than the other. He holds it out for Isamu to see. [Old Realm] "Just an average, ev'ryday longbow..." He then plants the bow perpendicular to the ground, the worn end striking the earth a few inches from his feet. "But in a pinch, it makes a mighty fine walkin' stick. I can feel ahead'a myself with this for walkin' 'n such, an' if yeh think I'm about ta run into a tree or what-have-you, you can just give me a holler."

In Low Realm, Ambrose says, "Tossin' the young lady in the air sounds a bit unorthodox... but if Mnemon Isamu here thinks he's capable'a throwin' 'er high enough ta scout the area, it may not be the worst idea. Then, if she sees somethin' over those trees, we can count on Zhao 'n his navigatin' skills ta keep us from gettin' lost as we venture on. Least, that's the goal, anyway."

[Obscurejones]

Isamu looks as though he's about to object but stops. He looks at the treeline for a moment, then to Slip, then back to the tree line. Back to Slip. Back to the treeline.
[Low Realm]"...It may be possible. I could certainly lift you with no particular difficulty. Clearing the trees... It may take more then one attempt. Are you certain you can land without injury? I doubt I'll be able to do this gently."
As he waits for a response he takes a few deep breathes, centering himself and drawing in essence to enhance his strength.
And first Essence use! Activating Strength of Stones Technique. Scene long boost of one to my strength. Spending two motes from personal essence.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip gives him a grin. "What fun is doin anything if it aint got any risk involved?" She gives a playful punch to his arm.

[josienoms]

Zhao stares at the insanity going on before him.

[Low Realm] "Are we really doing this?"

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose gives Zhao a mischievous grin. [Low Realm] "Faster'n climbin' a tree, ain't it? Can't waste precious daylight while we got it."

[Obscurejones]

Isamu takes another look up to the treeline. Another look at Slip. Takes a few steps back and tries to line his body up with Slip so they're pointing at the tallest tree he can spot. Digging his heels into the sand, he lowers himself into a runners stance. Rolls his shoulder once to loosen up.
[Low Realm]"Alright, on three, ready? One..."
Without any other warning he pushes off, dashing forward to snatch Slip up by her collar. Another two steps and he twists, whipping the smaller exalt around and heaving her into the sky. As she soars he lifts a hand in a makeshift visor to block the glare, watching her hurtle towards the treeline.
[Low Realm]"...This is gloriously dumb."
Alright, this is a delight. So dice pool for a feat of strength for Isamu starts at Strength 6 + Athletics 3 + Mighty Thews 3 +
Feat of Strength Specialty 1 = 13 Dice. We'll add in a full excellency because saving your motes is for losers who don't want to throw their friends into the sun, so that's another 4 Dice. Had Dante pre judge the stunt. It's a two dot so we add two Dice and an auto sux. And a Willpower! We'll come back to that guy. So we're up to 19 Dice. [roll0] And remember that Willpower? It's rerolling one failure. [roll1] Alright, that's a lot of dice with not enough sux, but it's still 8 sux.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip wasn't actually ready, she was adaptable. As she cleared the branches she already began bending herself to get closer to the top of the treeline as she crested. She used the brief moment of being higher than everything to get a glance of the land.

As she came back down she moved herself to the tops and reached out, her hand grasping at one of the branches before she swung herself around and alighted perfectly on a high horizontal protrusion. Thus she could safely make her way down after she took everything in.

First roll is an awareness roll at the crest to see what she can see. Perception 3 Awareness 3 and 3 Excellency, +2 for at least a one point stunt.
[roll0]

Then comes the landing on the branch. That is presumably a Dexterity + Athletics roll to arrest my fall properly. Dexterity 4 + Athletics 3 + 3 excellency +2 stunt and spending another mote to make my balance perfect for an action.
[roll1]

Essence spends are Personal so down to 5 Personal 27 Peripheral

[josienoms]

[Low Realm] "I see. I thought that being Exalted meant being enlightened and wise, but apparently it means being brash and reckless."

He watches, helpless, as the lunacy unfolds.

[Obscurejones]

[Low Realm]"...To be honest, from what I've seen of my father and his Brotherhood it is largely concerned with being able to justify your reckless stupidity as wise and enlightened. Although our generation is perhaps more evolved, as so far no one is naked or in a narcotic haze."
Isamu turns to Zhao and for all his attempt to seem sarcastic or dour his sheer joy at being able to do something well shines through.
[Low Realm]"And besides, I think she's going to stick the landing."

[Dante Falcon]

With a heave and no small amount of backdraft, the giant flung the comparitively small Exalt up towards the tops green spires above them, attracting no small amount of attention in the process. Their mentor to be included, who looked at the act and muttered something under her breath with a roll of her eyes. The other students however were more impressed, applauding lightly before going back to their own group work.

Slip for her part reached the treetops with relative ease, managing to steady herself as if she had lived in them all her life. Across the treetops she could see the Heptagram in the distance as well as a few likely candidates in the distance, however close to the other edge of the forest there seemed to be a canopy sitting higher than the rest, covering a broad area. There wasn't a treehouse visible, but the sheer amount of foliage between here and there would make seeing it an impossible task. It was, if nothing else, close enough to the school to serve as an objective and an easily identifiable landmark from the treetops.

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose both hears and feels the great rush of air as Isamu hurls Slip towards the tree tops. He starts a bit - he had expected his Dragon-Blooded peers to be powerful, but he is still a bit taken aback by the sudden rush of raw strength he senses from his towering companion.

[Old Realm] "Phew... well sir, I can say fer sure that I definitely wouldn't want ta be on the receivin' end'a your rage. That seemed like a mighty fine throw..."

Ambrose angles his head, listening intently for any sound that might indicate Slip's safe landing in the treetops. [Low Realm] "Did she make it up there alright? Stick the landin' 'n all?"

[Kell_tamer]

Slip begins making her way down the tree. A swoop from one branch here, precisely timed landing there, eventually getting to the bottom.

[Low] "Oy! There's a heightened canopy a ways in, There are a few other spots, but given how dense and outspoken it is, dat's most likely our target! It's close to the 'eptergram!" She points in the direction. "Now i know the basics of survivalizating in the woods, but if we 'ave a better more WOODSY person, I think they might be better at leadin through." She glances over at Vaan. Smug Slip Grin on her face.

[ChaosArchon]

At Isamu's mention Vaan suppresses a smirk and gently feels the glass piece in his pocket. Now that he knew what their goal was, he knew what he had to do.

He takes a deep breath, "Of course, I would love to lead us there. Something many don't know about walking through new lands is that it isn't about what you can see. No, no you have to connect with the land. Become one with it; let it subsume your senses and you will find yourself guided to where you need to be."

He then takes out a simple but clean glass bowl and packs it tightly. Using one of his matches, he holds the flame over the bowl and breathes deeply.

As time begins to slow, rather the dulling his senses he begins to feel more in tune with nature. Leaves begin to bend towards him while roots flatten themselves so he will not trip.

He exhales, releasing not only the smoke but a small amount of essence.

"Follow me. I know the way."

activating full Survival Excellency (3m, 1wp)
Wits (4)+Survival (2)+Excellency (2): [roll0]

Stunt: [roll1]

[Obscurejones]

[Low Realm]"I really only have myself to blame for speaking too soon." Isamu deadpans.
[Low Realm]"I will advise we all remain clothed however. The forest is likely a bit rough for the uncovered."

[Dante Falcon]

On the edge of the beach the forest seemed normal if dense, however as Vaan led the group deeper the terrain became more treacherous, without any well trodden trail to lead them. The canopy above only seemed to thicken, blocking out enough of the sky to make it difficult to watch the time, although glimpses off blue sky and stubborn sunbeams would still pierce through from time to time. The forest itself however was a mixture of trees that were impressive in their size, almost resembling those in the far east at times, but there were no sounds of animal life, as if the plants had choked out all animals as intruders.

Any sounds of other groups of students was just as strangled as the fauna until a breeze came through. Carried on the wind was the sound of voices. Strangely they sounded as if they were right behind the group in volume, but the language itself was muffled. The wind itself seemed to pass by them and turn to the right, a bit away from their objective.

Perception + Awareness from everyone listening to determine what was said. Int +
Occult rolls can be made to try and determine what made the noise, Vaan can make Wits + Survival again to see if he can figure out where the wind came from/is going/both.

[Obscurejones]

Isamu picks his brain. Words, carried upon wind. The obvious answer would be their fellow students, or perhaps proctors of this first examination. From there options grew more esoteric as they became less likely. A spirit of air perhaps, driving the wind about the island. Unlikely to be unbound on an isle of sorcerers. A demon, somewhat more likely as a foolish student may very well free one into the forest, but no infernal ventriloquists sprang to mind so the ability itself would seem to rule that out. And of course ghosts, but even with the sun being largely blocked out, little to no chance of that during the day.
4 Int +3 Occult +2 Stunt[roll0] With the bonus from the stunt, 4 sux

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan's ears perk up and the noises blend wondrously with the slow, steady beat of his heart. By understanding his heart and its beats, he came to understand the noises. By understanding the noises, he came to know where they came from. By understanding where the noises came from, he began to understand how said them as their souls beat in twine with his.

spending 3m, 1wp on Survival Excellency [21/27 Peripheral Essence remaining, 5/7 WP remaining]

Per (2)+ Awareness (3): [roll0] 0 sux
Int (4)+ Occult (2): [roll1] 4 sux
Wits (4)+Survival (2)+ Excellency (2): [roll2] 3 sux
Rerolled die: [roll3]
Stunt:[roll4]

[AlinaMacLeod]

The sounds of the forest are strange to Ambrose as the youths enter the dense wood. The crunch of foliage and plantlife under his and his companions' heels, the way the breeze whispers through the trees and rustles hundreds of leaves, the slight creaking and groaning of branches overhead... all these sounds echo strangely off of the cluster of long tree trunks, quickly replacing the noise of the surf and the muffled din of their fellow classmates whom they've left behind. This new environment has its own tonal pattern, its own unique music that excites Ambrose's senses. Every aural reverberation is like a small spark of electricity stimulating the blind youth's brain, causing him to twitch his head in different directions, straining his ears to pick up on new and interesting sounds...

As Ambrose navigates his way through the forest, using his longbow as a makeshift cane to feel ahead of himself and correcting his movement with the help of his companions every so often, he feels a strange gust of wind pass the group by. The sound of voices catches Ambrose's ear; the chorus of swaying leaves and crunching foliage and creaking branches is suddenly joined by the distinct rubato of speech, lighting up the nerve centers in Ambrose's brain like a display of fireworks. He stops suddenly and swivels his head around to catch the words being spoken, drowning out every other sense and sound to focus on the words carried on the wind.

Okay, so rolling to hear the voices, GO! Dice pool is 5 Perception + 4 Awareness + 2 Enhanced Sense (Hearing) + 2 Stunt Dice (2 auto sux and +2 Willpower for 3-Point Stunt, spending 1 point of Willpower on 1 auto sux and leave 1 point floating) [roll0] 9 sux total

[Kell_tamer]

Slip keeps herself aware of whats going on around her. They had a guide, she'd be listening and looking for those who want to observe. If she can pinpoint where observers are, she can find a path as they would be at the sides of it. This listen to the colors of the wind nonsense was for wizards!

Perception Awareness to figure out where observers are and help narrow the path.

3 perception 3 awareness 3 excellency 2 stunt
[roll0]

[josienoms]

Once he hears the noise, Zhao bites back the retort he had. He focuses on the sounds on the wind, the whispers barely perceptible to his conscious mind. He's used to hearing voices from unseen sources, ghosts are nearly more numerous than the living in Skullstone. He uses that experience to filter past the background noise, to focus only on the voices.

Perception+Awareness+Stunt

[roll0]

Int+Occult+Stunt

[roll1]

Separate die in case my Specialty in Ghosts applies to the Occult roll. If not, ignore it.

[roll2]

[AlinaMacLeod]

[Low Realm] "...did anyone else hear voices?" Ambrose asks the group, still moving his head from side to side as if listening intently. "Sounded like a group'a people, havin' the most... nonsensical conversation..."

[josienoms]

[Low Realm] "No, I heard it too."

Zhao frowns, before going on.

"And there's something else strange about it. Something supernatural is going on, but I do know that they aren't ghosts."

He shrugs, a noncommittal look on his face.

"That's all I can really say. I suppose we ought to investigate further."

[Obscurejones]

Isamu prepares to voice an objection but bites it back. Mysteries are the stuff of learning after all, and they were explicitly here to learn.
[Low Realm]"Vaan do you think you can keep track if we go off your heading? There's no use in curiosity getting us lost."

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan releases another cloud of smoke,"I'm pretty sure I can, don't you guys want to just use the trail though? Would be way easier than walking through the undergrowth."

[Obscurejones]

[Old Realm]"Hell's bells."
Isamu hangs his head for a second, swearing under his breath.
[Low Realm]"...Of course if there is also a path you'd like to make us aware of, that could do nicely. Who would like to take point? I'm least likely to be hurt if whatever we're walking towards is a trap, but I suspect I'm also the least able to spot-
He flinches as his gaze falls on Ambrose craning an ear to locate the noise.
[Low Realm ]Least able to hear what we're trying to find."

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose angles his head towards Isamu, a serious expression on his face. [Low Realm] "M'lord Isamu, don't sell yerself short, so," he says in a formal tone, before cracking a small smile. "Yer eyes're better'n mine, at least. I'm sure you'd be fine leadin' our modest band towards... well, hopefully towards somethin' that ain't dangerous."

Ambrose's smile falters a bit. "Are y'all sure it's wise ta stray off our course? I mean, I'll stick with y'all, but we don't know what manner'a bein' produced those voices. Could be dangerous..." He frowns. "Is it worth riskin'?"

[Kell_tamer]

Slip hops up ahead at the chattering of splitting off. [low realm]"Oy,
If'n ya need scoutin, that's half of what bein a skilled thief is all bout!" She does a backwards hike with a flourishing spin. "An I jes happen to be a Master Thief." She gives a bow. "An since I like you lot, even you frufrufru, I'd be willin to take point an make sure nothing before us is awaitin to fell our band of delightful, discerning, dandies!"

[josienoms]

[Low Realm] "I'm almost positive this is part of the test. Didn't anyone else notice that one of those voices sounded nearly identical to our mentor?"

Zhao raises an eyebrow, wondering if he was alone in that regard.

"So yes, I think we must leave the path, if only for a time. I'm sure we can find it again."

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose lets out a sigh, then nods reluctantly. [Low Realm] "Yer probably right, Zhao... an' yeah, I heard a voice that sounded similar to our mentor's as well. A bit off, mind ya, but similar nonetheless." He taps his longbow against the ground nervously for a moment, before straightening with a grin.

"Well," he says brightly, "I certainly won't be takin' the lead for obvious reasons. I s'pose I'd feel the most comfortable with Isamu takin' point... Fella seems like he kin take a hit 'n deal it back, an' then some."

[Obscurejones]

Isamu looks as though he's about to address Slips offer of scouting when he draws up short, catching himself on Zhao's words.
[Old Realm]"It was Cheyisu's voice?"
He catches his own mistake a second after he speaks.
[Low Realm]"My apologies, but if it was Cheyisu you heard we should make haste."
He gestures for Slip to lead the way.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip grins, gives a salute and a bow and with a quick turn makes her way ahead. She vanishes out of sight, only to pop back in a bit later with a quick gesture toward direction and perhaps a whisper of what she's found, and pops out again. Keen to be invisible to whats leading them, but there for the others she does this ebb and flow like the aspect she takes after. All the while her senses take in, sight, sound, smell, Them frufru's and their perfumes.... Especially the wood ones, they usually bore a fragrence. Helped to keep them on the trail.

stealth rolls, and awareness rolls for the scouting.

Dex + stealth +2 dice for a stunt. spending 4 motes for 4 extra dice
[roll0]

And for scouting, Perception 3 Awareness 3 +1 Danger Sense? +2 for stunt, and 3 motes peripheral for excellency
[roll1]

Danger sense if applicable
[roll2]

down to 1 personal, 24 peripheral

[Dante Falcon]

Slip darted down and alongside the trail, keeping the group following it.

The wind seems to be following an ancient trail that Vaan had pointed out, but most interestingly as Slip discovers there's a distinct lack of any scent that made sense. It didn't smell like the forest around them but it still smelled like a forest with an extreme amount of rotting material. It was almost impossible to notice, but once you did it stood out, whatever was on that wind was seemingly from a different forest and rotten.

With the scent identified it was pretty easy to follow, though it stuck to the forgotten overgrown trail, seeming to stop and settle in a barely visible mist on the trail ahead. It's hard to identify anything definite but her eyes keep noticing little sudden movements in the mist that seem to resemble human movements made in fear. But that could just be her eyes deceiving her.

As the group approaches the path ahead they hear voices, apparently coming from the air, clearer this time, though there were only 3 voices this time and they all sounded male.

"Stupid Ghost"
"Thanks....Exalt."
"....Can we keep Al?"
"What would she have done if you hadn't been here?"
"Eat you. Or you fight back."

The mist seems to linger a while longer on its last comment before continuing down the path, not seeming to pay attention to the group.

The third speaker sounds an awful lot like your dad. The second and fourth speaker is extremely familiar but not quite as easily placed.

[Kell_tamer]

In one of Slip's pop ins. [low realm, all of it]"Any you folks catch that stench of death round 'ere?" She gives a whiff and wafts air away.

"Forest smells of rot!" She nudges Isamu. "Frufrufru, you see that in the mists? Looks like people." She points ahead.

[Obscurejones]

Isamu peers into the fog, looking for a familiar mane of hair, although it sounds... Younger. And if one of their number is Chey...
[Low Realm]"Not people, I think but perhaps worth following just the same. Although I won't begrudge anyone who falls back, I'll be following."
Good to his word Iasmu quickly strides after the fleeing figures.

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan exhales another cloud of smoke, the stars are beating one with his heart now as each gust of wind blows with his own. He can feel vines breaking the earth he trode upon, marking the passage of a child of Sextes Jylis. "Undead huh, lovely. Any plans?"

[AlinaMacLeod]

Reluctantly, Ambrose follows the group down the forest trail. [Low Realm] "... these Dragon-bloods are gonna get me killed by ghosts before the day's even out..." he mutters under his breath. Raising his voice so the others can hear, he adds, "Someone here wanna at least tell me what it is we're chasin' after? Can't quite make it out fer some reason." He gestures pointedly towards his eyes (or lack thereof), a small frown replacing his near-constant smile.

[josienoms]

Zhao runs along with the group, excited about the mystery unfolding.

[Low Realm] "If they're undead," he says to Vaan, "They're a kind I've never encountered before. And I grew up in Skullstone, so that's saying something."

Zhao then realizes that's the closest he's come yet to mentioning what he really is. He wasn't sure he wanted to make that confession so soon, since he'd just met these people. Who knew if they, like his father, would hate and fear him for being a Necromancer?

[Obscurejones]

What sort of a student of sorcery knows scant Old Realm, but is seemingly perfectly confident in all matters ghostly? When first their challenge had been laid before them he'd smirked at the very idea of a haunted forest. This of course, was not without explanation by recourse to fiery bravado, but his disdain for their stratagem at the treeline spoke to a more restrained temperament. So if his bravery was not due to overconfidence, then ghosts must truly hold no terror for him. Yet to Isamu's mind no sorcoreous spell sprang to mind that would render a conflict with unrestful spirits moot.

Falling back on his father's lessons Isamu does consider that sorcery is not the only method available to the terrestrial host. Some dragons were touched by death, their animas suffused with aspects more given to the grave. Calling to mind... Blood... Bone... Ash...? No, maybe smoke... But then what had been the counterpart to earth? Transfixed for a moment by the problem of remembering he looks over to Zhao, trying to decide if he seemed of the other color.

Alright, per conversations with our illustrious GM, Wits 3 + Occult 3 + Stunt 2 / 2 sux [roll0] 5 Sux, to suss that filthy necromancer out.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip darts to her mortal companion. (Low Realm) "Dunno, but yer oldest an dearest friend Slip won't let anything happen to ya!" She attempts to have a calming sense of humor in her voice.

She gives him a reassuring pat on the back, and with that she darts to the flank and toward the shapes in the mist. No one Clever girls ol slip! SLIP IS THE CLEVER GIRL!


Dex + Stealth + stunt + 4m peripheral for sneaking up.

[roll0]

[Dante Falcon]

First Slip in her supernaturally stealthy glory and then the rest of the group trailed the elusive mist down its ancient trail until it stopped in front of a large tree, as if resting. Up in its branches was an ancient and decrepit tree house, its wooden frame rotted through and falling apart. At the base of the tree was a deep gouge in the wood created by an old rusted saw still embedded in the wood. Any steps that may have led up to the tree house were long gone, leaving only the ancient structure for the time being, though even that was soon to be reclaimed by death.

As the group entered the clearing, the mist seemed to clear slightly and all felt a mental tug, as if they were remembering something long forgotten, but simultaneously distinctly foreign.

You each have an individual choice whether or not to let the mental influence succeed. It appears to be trying to show you something but you can't be certain what or if there's any other effects it might have.

With no warning Vaan "remembers" a scene he had never seen before, as if a memory was directly transplanted into his head. He can inform the others of what he sees but is unaware if there's any other effects left behind.

The tree and treehouse before him are clearly younger, with steps attached to the tree and leading up to the still intact treehouse. Its entrance is adorned with the skull of a long dead large creature of some kind. Vaan appears to be observing from the perspective of an observer that didn't exist, standing on the ground behind a host of ghosts, clawing at the ancient tree.

Up in the safety of the treehouse sit three kids about his age, all appearing to be dynast children but as of yet unexalted. Leaning out was a boy who appeared to be a fire aspect, a sword in his hand, and observing the throng below him. He looked a little like Mnemon Isamu. The girl next to him appeared to be a wood aspect and definitely resembled your mentor Mnemon Cheyisu, adorned in a dress that had clearly been ruined in the forest,
with long tears along her legs, presumably to allow movement. She had a bow and arrows in her hand, and it appeared as if she'd shot some at the intangible hoard below to no effect. The last was an air aspect, holding a pair of rocks and the furthest back seeming quiet and analytical. With a glance back to the group the fire aspect grins and launches himself at the hoard below, sword ready. An immediate yell from his companions followed the action.

Air Aspect:"Jude!"
Cheyisu?:"That stupid idiot is going to die out there!"

In a flurry of motion, the ghosts materialized at their approaching prey, him swinging and banishing the first one.
The group above raining arrows and stones around him to protect him from the mass. Within the span of what seemed to be seconds the ghosts dispersed away from their prey, in search of easier targets. Anything further of the memory was imperceptible as the mist crowded in again. However, before he returned to reality a ghostly woman with what appeared to be her throat slit appeared in front of Vaan.

"Those four are her progeny. We saw them twice. The girl seeks to dispel us but we cannot leave while it remains. Please find our sorrow. Find our deaths. Free us from this torment. Free us from this memory.

The tree and treehouse before him are clearly younger, with steps attached to the tree and leading up to the still intact treehouse. Its entrance is adorned with the skull of a long dead large creature of some kind. Isamu appears to be observing from the perspective of an observer that didn't exist, standing on the ground behind a host of ghosts, clawing at the ancient tree.

Up in the safety of the treehouse sit three kids about his age, all appearing to be dynast children but as of yet unexalted. Leaning out was a much younger Jude, a sword in his hand, and observing the throng below him. The girl next to him appeared to be a wood aspect and definitely resembled Cheyisu, adorned in a dress that had clearly been ruined in the forest, with long tears along her legs, presumably to allow movement. She had a bow and arrows in her hand, and it appeared as if she'd shot some at the intangible hoard below to no effect. The last was an air aspect likely Ledaal Isamu, holding a pair of rocks and the furthest back seeming quiet and analytical. With a glance back to the group Jude grins and launches himself at the hoard below, sword ready. An immediate yell from his companions followed the action.

Ledaal Isamu:"Jude!"
Chey:"That stupid idiot is going to die out there!"

In a flurry of motion, the ghosts materialized at their approaching prey, him swinging and banishing the first one.
The group above raining arrows and stones around him to protect him from the mass. Within the span of what seemed to be seconds the ghosts dispersed away from their prey, in search of easier targets. Anything further of the memory was imperceptible as the mist crowded in again. However, before he returned to reality a ghostly woman with what appeared to be her throat slit appeared in front of Isamu.

"Those four are her progeny. We saw them twice. The girl seeks to dispel us but we cannot leave while it remains. You can appeal to her. Tell her there was something left behind. Do not make us leave without it."

As the influence expands into his senses he finds himself transported into a memory, living and learning it in a fraction of an instant as if it was something Zhao had actually experienced.

The tree and treehouse before him are clearly younger, with steps attached to the tree and leading up to the still intact treehouse. Its entrance is adorned with the skull of a long dead large creature of some kind. Zhao appears to be observing from the perspective of an observer that didn't exist, standing on the ground behind a host of ghosts, clawing at the ancient tree.

Up in the safety of the treehouse sit three kids about his age, all appearing to be dynast children but as of yet unexalted. Leaning out was a boy who appeared to be a fire aspect, a sword in his hand, and observing the throng below him. He looked a little like Mnemon Isamu. The girl next to him appeared to be a wood aspect and definitely resembled your mentor Mnemon Cheyisu, adorned in a dress that had clearly been ruined in the forest, with long tears along her legs, presumably to allow movement. She had a bow and arrows in her hand, and it appeared as if she'd shot some at the intangible hoard below to no effect. The last was an air aspect, holding a pair of rocks and the furthest back seeming quiet and analytical. With a glance back to the group the fire aspect grins and launches himself at the hoard below, sword ready. An immediate yell from his companions followed the action.

Air Aspect:"Jude!"
Cheyisu?:"That stupid idiot is going to die out there!"

In a flurry of motion, the ghosts materialized at their approaching prey, him swinging and banishing the first one.
The group above raining arrows and stones around him to protect him from the mass. Within the span of what seemed to be seconds the ghosts dispersed away from their prey, in search of easier targets. Anything further of the memory was imperceptible as the mist crowded in again. However, before he returned to reality a ghostly woman with what appeared to be her throat slit appeared in front of Zhao.

"You are like that one we knew back then. Although you smell of ash, and he of the seas. He did not fight us like those three that day and he sought to help us when he could. The girl knew him well. Appeal to her for us. Help her understand our plight. The boy will help you, if he returns. Listen and please, help us find our final rest."


As the influence expands into his senses he finds himself transported into a memory, living and learning it in a fraction of an instant as if it was something Slip had actually experienced.

The tree and treehouse before him are clearly younger, with steps attached to the tree and leading up to the still intact treehouse. Its entrance is adorned with the skull of a long dead large creature of some kind. Slip appears to be observing from the perspective of an observer that didn't exist, standing on the ground behind a host of ghosts, clawing at the ancient tree.

Up in the safety of the treehouse sit three kids about his age, all appearing to be dynast children but as of yet unexalted. Leaning out was a boy who appeared to be a fire aspect, a sword in his hand, and observing the throng below him. He looked a little like Mnemon Isamu. The girl next to him appeared to be a wood aspect and definitely resembled your mentor Mnemon Cheyisu, adorned in a dress that had clearly been ruined in the forest, with long tears along her legs, presumably to allow movement. She had a bow and arrows in her hand, and it appeared as if she'd shot some at the intangible hoard below to no effect. The last was an air aspect, holding a pair of rocks and the furthest back seeming quiet and analytical. With a glance back to the group the fire aspect grins and launches himself at the hoard below, sword ready. An immediate yell from his companions followed the action.

Air Aspect:"Jude!"
Cheyisu?:"That stupid idiot is going to die out there!"

In a flurry of motion, the ghosts materialized at their approaching prey, him swinging and banishing the first one. The group above raining arrows and stones around him to protect him from the mass. Within the span of what seemed to be seconds the ghosts dispersed away from their prey, in search of easier targets. Anything further of the memory was imperceptible as the mist crowded in again. However, before he returned to reality a ghostly woman with what appeared to be her throat slit appeared in front of Slip.

"You are....different. You live intensely. It is a beacon to us. It will be dangerous for you. If night comes, hide as you have, we will be jealous. But do not hate us for that. We have suffered for too long. We know no other way. Find it in your heart to set us free."

[AlinaMacLeod]

As Slip gives Ambrose an encouraging pat on the back, the youth can't help but give a small smile in return. [Low Realm] "Well now, thank ya kindly little miss," he calls after her as she bounds ahead, leaving him with the others.

He's about to add something, maybe a quip about Slip's self-appointed staus as Ambrose's "oldest and dearest friend," when he suddenly feels a strange sensation in his brain. It's unsettling, a feeling similar to a tug...

He shakes his head, clearing the fog from his mind. This place is already strange to him and his senses are overwhelmed as it is - he will not let this forest overwhelm his thoughts as well.

[Low Realm] "... any'a y'all feel that just now?"

[Obscurejones]

[Low Realm]"Both felt and saw. Some sort of ghostly communication. Or at least that would be my assumption. Zhao, you would be the local expert. Ghosts?" There's no malice or ill intent in Isamu's tone as he addresses the fire aspect, just a genuine note of curiosity.

[josienoms]

[Low Realm] "The creatures in the vision are ghosts, but they aren't the source of it. If I had to guess, I'd say the vision was caused by our mentor's Sorcery. There was also a... personalized message at the end of my vision. Did the rest of you have the same experience?"

[Kell_tamer]

Slip lets the visions show what they try to show, trying to take in what its got. After all it could be TREASURE and Slip loves finding herself some Treasure.

[AlinaMacLeod]

Ambrose turns towards Zhao and shakes his head. [Low Realm] "Didn't have a vision, just felt a tuggin' in my brain. I assume the rest'a y'all saw somethin', though." He angles his head towards the others. "Somethin' worth chasin' after fog for, I hope?"

[Dante Falcon]

With the visions imparted to all but Ambrose the fog dispersed, leaving them back in the woods under the cover of trees. The trail does not seem to have any continuation from here. Vaan is perfectly aware of where they are in relation to where they were, and little time had been lost to the detour. Directly above them the sun filtered through the leaves. It was close to noon.

[Obscurejones]

[Low Realm] "The creatures in the vision are ghosts, but they aren't the source of it. If I had to guess, I'd say the vision was caused by our mentor's Sorcery. There was also a... personalized message at the end of my vision. Did the rest of you have the same experience?"

"I did, but perhaps it'd be best if we hurry along. Whatever message we received it did not, at least to me, appear as time sensitive as arriving at our new domicile."
Gesturing to their pathfinder to lead the way Isamu takes another quick look around their surroundings, trying to make note of anything specific that would let him describe it to Cheyisu later.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip snaps her fingers in front of Vaan. "I think we lost him..."

She looks back to the others. "so, I ain't carrying hin. Which of you wants to?"

[Dante Falcon]

With the mist vanished and no other apparent reason to stay, Vaan led the group further into the forest, back in the direction of their original destination. And so they walked, and walked, the sun piercing through the foliage above. This continued for some time, punctuated by small talk and the occasional bit of overgrowth requiring some navigating, until at last a problem made itself apparent. In the form of rumbling stomachs.

No food had been provided.

However, Vaan had noticed something strange and led the group towards a clearing. Sitting in the middle of it was a small pile of satchels left open and with a very apparent loaf of bread sticking out of one. There is no one in sight.

If traps had a smell...

[Obscurejones]

"Well that's certainly inviting and utterly lacking in suspicion. Vaan, would you like to retrieve those satchels?"
Isamu attempts to gesture their pathfinder forward, reckoning that their mute is perhaps the most expendable.

[Kell_tamer]

Slip mutters about obvious traps. [Low Realm] "obviously it's a trap, but obviously they know we know it's a trap and thus its not, but then they obviously know we know it's obviously a trap and thus obviously not and thus it IS a trap.... it's like a game of is it poison?"

[AlinaMacLeod]

A scent of food, specifically of freshly-baked bread, suddenly assails Ambrose's nostrils, overpowering the damp, earthy scent of the forest. His stomach tightens and his mouth begins to water; he did not know how hungry he was until this moment, having gone the whole day without a bite to eat.

[Low Realm] "My, but if that ain't a pleasant aroma..." he says dreamily, sniffing at the air. "Did we find our lodgin', then? I don't know about y'all, but my stomach is grumblin', an' it'd be nice to have a bit'a lunch..."

[ChaosArchon]

Vaan blinks,"Wait, what man? Nah I'm here." He is obviously lost in a stupor of past memories and drugs.

[Dante Falcon]

As they stood pondering the predicament in front of them the wind picked up, rustling the grass of the field and in the process causing....bells to ring? It was evident enough but in the trees around the clearing bells rang as the wind blew through.