[Exalted 3e] - Of Tri-Khans and God-Kings IC

[HalfTangible]

ooc (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?583961-Exalted-3e-Of-Tri-Khans-and-God-Kings-OOC)


Arc 1
The Third Day of Ascending Wood

[Chiaroscuro - The Markets]

As the sun reaches its zenith, the towers of Chiaroscuro sparkle in the Unconquered's light. The people of Creation are well into their day, and many continue to go about them.

Today, the market is at its busiest, but that is because it is also at its most flush; the first part of the harvest season is ending, and so food and goods come together in the markets of Chiaroscuro. At the same time, numerous trade ships have brought their wares for view and for sale to the public. The streets are full of clamoring customers and salesman hawking their wares, from the finest of blades to the freshest of fruit. Dinars clatter and obols trade hands as the day's commerce goes on...

Etana, it seems Serpent Kiss' "taco tuesday" continues to frustrate your bottom line. The Burger Maven's having a slow day despite your offered specials, but you do have a few in today, some of them regulars. Around midday, a newcomer walks up to the cart; a westerner barely into his manhood. He wears old, tattered sailor's garb and has dark blue dreadlocks. As he comes up to the counter, you give a smile as you have for a dozen customers before him today. ((Roll Perception + Awareness, difficulty 7))

Tradewinds, you haven't eaten lunch yet today, and so you duck into the Burger Maven. You'd heard that this place made a fine "burger" but you're not sure what that is. The Maven's not quite as busy as the place across the way selling some other food you've never heard of (what even is a 'taco'?) but less people around isn't always a bad thing. As you enter, you see a nine foot tall behemoth of a woman working the cart. Her wavy black hair is tied back, and she gives a bright, jovial smile as you come up to the cart. ((Roll Perception + Awareness, difficulty 7))

Prithaya, you are buying some goods for the Red Spiders. While you're not exactly the best choice for lugging goods around, you have enlisted some help from your comrades and can negotiate better than your leader can. It might be because you're a pretty girl with a limp, or because he's heavily scarred and gruff, or it may be because he calls himself the Blood Tide. Regardless, you're in the food market now.

Ibry, you are gathering food in the market. Even an army as hardy as the beastmen marches on its stomach. While you have managed to secure the Beastmen's position as a mercenary group for the moment, and they are well-behaved enough that the Khans do not make an open move against them, beastmen are tools of the Anathema. However, it's an open secret that the Tri-Khan does not move against Anathema unless they make very obvious displays and/or attempt to unseat him, neither of which you've done openly as of yet. Some have felt disgusted by the presence of a free Djala among them, but they are few enough to ignore.

Calibration Knight, duty calls you to a Shadowland in the ruins near the markets. Though nothing major has happened here (and as far as you can tell the salt lines are still intact) you've heard rumors that the spirits within this Shadowland have been growing restless as of late. It might be nothing, but they're insistent enough that you didn't want to leave it to chance. You don't expect much trouble in the middle of the day, but the dead have surprised you before.

Feltir, you haven't spent much time in Chiaroscuro, but you'd rather that your summoning of a fire elemental not attract too much attention. As such, you've found an abandoned building within the ruined parts of the city that have not yet been populated by the Delzhan nomad's tents, near the market. It's been a long day of drawing sigils and doing appropriate chants, but you've finally completed your summoning ritual and are bringing your fire elemental familiar into the world. ((Roll Intelligence + Occult versus your chosen familiar's Resolve))

Whether by Fate or by chance or by necessity, you are here. What do you do?

[Kell_tamer]

Etana grins and greets the customer.
"HELLO friend! Welcome to my humble establishment!" She has a loud voice that can be heard throughout the street. Her caravan has the smell of beef being warmed over grills. This woman is tall and muscular, she could possibly lift and carry the cart herself were she inclined. "Have you come to perhaps sample Etana's delicacies? My sandwiches are filling and delicious." She gestures to the regulars who are partaking.

She leans over the table. Gods favored this one with more than just height. "Surely you have heard of the Burger, and the sensation it delivers to the tastebuds. All of Etana's cooks once tried and desired to learn the secret." She winks as she looks him over. "And Etana knows fastest way to heart is through a delicious meal, so handsome, what do you say?"

She flashes a massive grin as she leans on her elbow over the counter.

Ok
Perception 2 Awareness 2.
[roll0]

On the other hand making for a chance to charm and get you interested in a delicious burger. Instill minor intimacy of curiosity in The burg

Charisma 5 + Presence 2
My appearance is 5 vs resolve 2 means 3 dice.

[roll1]
Any stunt
[roll2]





If you make it her tell is silvered Auroch horns.

[Beans]

A few of the strong young men and women of the Red Spiders trail after Prithaya as she pushes her glasses up her nose, scanning a merchant's salt pork. She feeds a drip of Essence into her system as her eyes flick over the preserved meat, shifting the light messenger bag she wears.
"We're looking to buy in bulk---by the barrel, most likely." She taps her cane on the ground. "How much for... let's say, four?"

1m spent from Peripheral on Frugal Merchant Method to determine the quality of the salt pork.

[Omniplex]

Roll Perception + Awareness + Excellency [roll0] + whatever stunt bonus
Spending 4 peripheral motes on perception excellency.

Save for Leviathan, I don't think I've ever seen a person that impressive. I wonder if there's something else about her. Tradewinds wonders to himself as he saunters up to the counter, and quickly checks his pockets, hoping he sold enough fish this morning to the fishmongers to afford a fancy lunch. Good, just enough copper yen. His eyes linger as he looks for anything odd about her to match her size. It's not hard, considering how he has spent only a small portion of his adult life in the presence of women, and after a moment he seems to be staring.

"Oh, sorry, I'll have the, uh, Ahlat's Pride with Harbourhead Cheese and the Ember-Fried Potatoes."

Ugh, he just had to splurge didn't he. Looks like it will be seaweed for dinner after this.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana grins and gives a clap. "Good choice!" She gets one on the works. Etana shouts back to one of her other cooks, "Order up on Ember Fried Potatoes!" She looks back to Tradewinds. "How would you like that young man? rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, or well done. IF you need a recommendation I suggest Medium Rare, good flavor but still nice and warm." She gets the meat ready after he answers. "Well young man, what is your name? And what brings you here to Chiaroscuro?" She glances back as she begins slicing away at the cheese. She gives a spin and flips the cheese onto the meet that is searing on the grill.

She leans down at the fire and blows it a kiss at the flame beneath the grill coaxing it to just the perfect temperature. A wink and a smile follow afterwards as she hums quietly while the man speaks.

As the concoction nears perfection she slides a plate with two buns on them, and begins flipping the items onto it with a gusto. She ends with a flourish as the side of Ember-Fried Potatoes is slid out and stops just before clinking the other dish. A glass of fresh water perfectly chilled (how?) is set out before him.


So Intelligence 4, Craft 3 (cooking) and Specialty in burgers is 8 dice.
She spends 4 Motes on the intelligence excellency, and stunts strutting her stuff to her grill (because its a fire elemental you see) for appearance as a secondary attribute and spends 5 motes bringing the total to 17 dice. This kid is an out of towner and she wants to impress him. Get her name further out there. All mote spends are personal. The water is chilled by an air elemental that cools the barrels of the stuff.
Just int + craft + int exy
[roll0]
Appearance Exy dice
[roll1]
Stunt if any
[roll2]

[HalfTangible]

[The Burger Maven]

Instill Intimacy
Burgers (Curiosity) - Minor
7 successes vs Resolve 2
Success!

Burger: 11 successes

Etana, at first the fire elemental isn't putting out its best heat. You almost mess up the burger, but your bit of flirtation jumpstarts the elemental into cooking the burger in a way that makes up for your error. The fries come out pippin' hot and the cool glass of water is set next to the sailor.

Tradewinds, you are now very, VERY interested in trying out this burger in front of you, mostly because it means you have something to focus on that isn't a beautiful, flirty woman. You feel rather flustered and foolish for staring at her.

When you finally bite in, flavor explodes in your mouth. The burger's taste is indescribable. It's like a first love, a first kiss, the wonder you feel as you fly, the majesty of the ocean itself... before you even realize it, you've devoured the whole thing in a moment of greasy rapture and you're staring at the woman who made it for you as the taste fades from your mouth. In that moment, you'd eat at her stand every meal of every day for the rest of your life if you could.

One of the other customers sniggers. "I think he likes it."

---

[The Succulent Swine]

The shop keeper is a fairly old man, not quite at the point of death but close enough to start thinking about retiring. He's blind in one eye, and is slightly hunched over, but carries himself with a swagger. He looks over the men with you before his good eye finally finds you.

"Ah, little mercenary lady, I see. Buyin' in bulk from Ol' Misty Eye, are we?" The aging shopkeeper gives you a wink and pats the barrel next to him. "Each barrel here will last you about a week for every 13 adults ye got. 4 barrels, that's 5 dinar. But this meat's damn fine, I made sure the pigs got the best feedin' an ol' soul like me can afford. I promise you it's worth it; your men will be begging for more of this stuff even if ye serve it up in dirty stew. And..." The man rubbed his chin a bit, eyeing her cane. "Ah, heck with it, ye and I both got a bad 'un. Misty Eye'll make it 4 dinar. Watcha say?"

The barrels are put together well enough and the meat seems packed in tightly. You'd gauge that the meat within is somewhere between average and above average; your troops won't be complaining but they also won't be overwhelmed with joy.

((Roll intelligence + bureaucracy))

[Novabomb]

Feltir take a long inhale in the penultimate moment.
He is near the center a room covered in runes and and candles. The really tricky part was using the right amount of oil for his personal enhancement of the spell.
When he exhales, his breath is mixed with flame, as all the candles go out and traverse the sigils of oil. And then even the sigils go out as the flames gather into a form in the center of the room.

Rise Kyln, you are the Maker's Flame

Int+Occult (Fire specialty)
[roll0]

If any stunt [roll1]

I am not sure if excellency is allowed on binding rolls, if it is he will put in another 10 peripheral.
[roll2]

[Omniplex]

[The Burger Maven]


Tradewinds, you are now very, VERY interested in trying out this burger in front of you, mostly because it means you have something to focus on that isn't a beautiful, flirty woman. You feel rather flustered and foolish for staring at her.

When you finally bite in, flavor explodes in your mouth. The burger's taste is indescribable. It's like a first love, a first kiss, the wonder you feel as you fly, the majesty of the ocean itself... before you even realize it, you've devoured the whole thing in a moment of greasy rapture and you're staring at the woman who made it for you as the taste fades from your mouth. In that moment, you'd eat at her stand every meal of every day for the rest of your life if you could.

One of the other customers sniggers. "I think he likes it."


Tradewinds finishes his burger, and is immediately disappointing with himself for not savoring it more. Can't eat your burger and have it too, but he can't afford more either. How mush fish would he need to sell each day to pay for more? Briefly he contemplates pawning Kingfisher. That would give him enough, but would be to much of a hassle, and Leviathan would probably eat him alive. Plus, it could end up in the hands of the Realm. He could come at night in the shape of a raiton and pick at the scraps, though he can't imagine anything here would be left uneaten. Worth a shot though. He realizes he's starting to sound like a qat addict, and he barely cares.

[Beans]

[The Succulent Swine]
INT 5 + Bur 4 + 3 exy dice = 12 dice
[roll0]
Prithaya notes the fine-to-good quality of the meat, smiling at Misty Eye's offered discount. Her fingers go to the abacus-bracelet on her wrist, going over a rough estimate of the company's budget and funds.

[HalfTangible]

[Ruins]

Feltir, one other advantage to performing this summoning in a ruined building at midday is that no one notices the massive flare of energy. Your essence flares and flows around you, bright sunlight twisting around your limbs like the flames of a grand bonfire. For a moment, the mark of the Twilight Caste becomes visible on your forehead as the fire elemental you've summoned comes into existence... could you describe it for me?

Feltir's anima is now burning. Stealth is impossible.

You have successfully summoned a fire elemental and bound it as a familiar.

((These stats may change later.))
Kyln
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 6
Essence: 3
Resolve: 4

Health levels: -0/-1x4/-2x2/-4/Incap.

Essence Pool: 70

Born of Flame: Kyln is immune to any enviornmental hazard based on fire damage or heat. Any withering attack made with fire-wands, sorcerously-conjured fire or similar effects is reduced to minimum damage and decisive attacks from such sources can never deal lethal damage or fill his incapacitated health level.

The Maker's Flame, 6m: Kyln provides [Essence] dice to any crafting action in which he assists another by creating and/or manipulating heat or flame. This bonus is increased by an additional [Essence] if he aids his summoner.

Attack (Fire breath, 3m): Intelligence + Occult of summoner (10)
+11 Damage (Overwhelming 1)
Tags: Lethal, Archery (Short), Flame

[The Succulent Swine]

Prithaya, you have a budget of 8 dinars to work with on this little trip for food purposes. It's not an unreasonable amount, but you're not sure where Blood Tithe got the kind of money; the Spiders have been very short on work as of late. As you run through the numbers in your head and on your abacus, you come to realize something.

He's overcharging you. 4 barrels of his will feed 52 people for a week, Four dinars should buy you enough to feed 64 people for a week.

You've dealt with enough merchants of this type to get a read on him. Dropping overpriced goods to a more reasonable level is a common salesman tactic; he probably would've dropped it from five to four anyway. The overcharge isn't high enough to be personal distaste for mercenaries, he still wants you to buy the goods. Three and a half dinars should feed 56 people; his profit margin would be a bit narrow for comfort but it would still be a profit.

On the other hand, you're an Exalt; you could just blunt-force your way to making the man go into the red.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight

Ink-black shadows rippled out around the Knight, sigils and wardings flashing n the dark-light. As he instinctively recognised midnight, the Knight allowed himself to fall forward to the ground, which gave way like water as he sank into the Hellish ocean where his servant waited. Sound was muffled and vision was distorted, as it is underwater, but the Knight breathed easily as the light of his anima crept above his skin and clothes, revealing his target - huge, brutish and caked in filth, the Blood Ape lived up to it's name. It's roar vibrated through the fluid atmosphere as it fought against his will. But the Knight was no mere amateur, and he equalled it with his own.

The demon put up a good fight, but in the end it wasn't enough. It was a servant for a year and a day.

Shape Sorcery: [roll0]
Occult Excellency (5m peripheral): [/rollv]5d10[/rollv]
Harmonious Presence Meditation (0m), since this opposes Resolve and I'd argue is therefore social influence: [/rollv]3d10[/rollv]
Possible Stunt dice: [/rollv]2d10[/rollv]

vs Blood Ape's resolve of 3

Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 12/33, WP 6/7, Anima Glowing

[Kobold-Bard]

Lets try those broken rolls again:
Occult Excellency (5m peripheral): [roll0]
Harmonious Presence Meditation (0m), since this opposes Resolve and I'd argue is therefore social influence: [roll1]
Possible Stunt dice: [roll2]

vs Blood Ape's resolve of 3

Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 12/33, WP 6/7, Anima Glowing

[Kell_tamer]

Etana grins as she sees the lad enjoyed the meal. "Well dear boy it seems you were so taken by Etana's meal you couldn't answer Etana's question." She lets out a hearty laugh. "That is good for Etana. "

She rests her elbows on the countertop and leans over. "This your first time in Chiaroscuro?" She rests her chin in her palm. "Here to bask in the great city of the south? Partake of amazing food? Enjoy the entertainment?" She gives a wink. "Make off with a Khan's pretty daughter or handsome son?"

[HalfTangible]

[Ascending Wood 2 - Midnight]
The Calibration Knight

As the creature materializes, its stench hits your nose like a club. It's a horrid stench, like old blood mixed with rotting flesh. It only fades a little as the summoning ends, and hangs around the creature palpably. It has massive bony spines that jut from its arms just a hint of blood at the base, reminding you of nothing less than a compound fracture gone horribly wrong. Curled, horrid talons curve out from its fists, and fur the rust-red of blood covers its form.

As the Knight's essence wraps around the Blood Ape, he finds it resists his sorcererous power with a might greater than the Knight was expecting. Perhaps he underestimated the creature, but whatever the case, its golden eyes flare for a moment with the deep green fires of hell. It roars into the night and begins to beat its chest as its will pushes against yours, momentarily shocking you... but after a few moments, you regain your wits and force your will onto it, your anima flaring just slightly, and the ape shrinks back.

It growls, then settles down, glowering at you but silent and obedient. It is your slave until midnight of next year's Ascending Wood 4.

Do you have anything else you'd like to do tonight before we rejoin the main timeline?

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight

The Knight was embarrassed at his carelessness. He could feel Wagha-Kon chuckling to itself within his anima, which didn't help. Rather than sleep the few hours before dawn, he instead unrolled a sheet containing shards of broken glass, tokens, mementos and grave goods from a dozen unmarked cemeteries. Whispering prayers to the nameless part-formed ghosts of the city as he burned incense, he felt their essence weave into him.

Shaping ritual: Charisma+Performance vs difficulty 4 (5-1 resources worth of incense), using Masterful Performance Exercise (2m) for 1 automatic success and reroll 1s. Gain Ess+excess sux in sorcerous motes until the end of the story or until I make a new roll.

Cha+Per: [roll0] +1
Performance Excellency (2m): [roll1]
Harmonious Presence Meditation: [roll2]
Stunt dice: [roll3]
(Potential reroll, go from the left): [roll4])

Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 8/33, WP 6/7, Anima Glowing

1+6 extra sux = 7 sorcerous motes. I forgo a good night's sleep to do the ritual, meaning I don't get that WP back from rest.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim

Arriving atop his Agata, wearing a silver helm crafted to look like a simhata, the Calibration Knight lands gently near the salt lines to examine them. His long red jade lance is ready to be used, his shield is carried on his back and wrapped in a heavy sheet to conceal it's orichalcum gleam.

Drawing a cross atop each eye with his finger, he begins to seek any breaches or evidence of foul play.

Use Spirit-Detecting Glance (3m): Can see dematerialised spirits for the scene.

Case Scene:
Perception+Investigation: [roll0]
Stunt: [roll1]

[Beans]

[The Succulent Swine]
Prithaya recognizes the overcharging. There's protecting your profit margins and there's... well, this.
"Tell you what---three and three quarters, and we'll recommend you to our clients as well, as long as your product lives up to your shop's name. I've a mind to talk to the boss about some expansion, and that'll mean more need for your wares as well." She smiles, her slight Champoori accent coloring her speech interestingly.
Rolling CHA 3 + Presence 2 + 1 for specialty in Bargaining + 3 from 3m exy = 9
[roll0]
Stunt dice if stunt: [roll1]

[HalfTangible]

[Ascending Wood 3 - Shadowland near the markets]
The Calibration Knight

You spend the first half of your day looking over the Shadowland. At first nothing seems wrong; the spirits are going about their ghostly business, once or twice you run into a former soldier or a merchant. After a time, however, you notice that there's an unusually high number of spirits here. Where normally you'd run into maybe one or two ghosts in a block during the day, now you're running into dozens. It's the middle of the day, so these spirits are all immaterial, but it's still... unusual. They fall silent as you near, even though as far as they know you can't see or hear them; the Calibration Knight is well known among the dead of Chiaroscuro and is not particularly liked, for obvious reasons.

The salt lines remain intact. If there's any damage to them, you can't see it.

Partway through your search, around midday, you come across a man and a woman, both of them among the living, in a discussion with one another. The shorter woman has dark blue, messy hair and is wearing jade armor of a deep navy. She is running her eyes over the shadowland around her in the same way that you were as you came up. Her partner is wearing

"-saying you're wrong, I'm just saying that not everything that goes wrong is because of the Tri-Khan or his Anathema."

"We can't find a member of our own kinship, River, and 'your' people won't help us. At some point two and two make four."

She glared at him. "'My' people? Don't presume I do not value Terror's life!"

"Mela's breath woman, that is not what I meant!!"

"You-" The woman rubbed her temples. "Okay, let's just... let's just calm down here. Kejak's off at the markets doing gods-know-what. Last we felt Terror, she was... was..." She stopped for a moment.

"We have company." She then turned to look directly at the Knight. Both of them tensed.

[Ascending Wood 3 - Prithaya]

For a moment, you watch Misty Eye's smile flicker. It's a subtle thing, but not an unnoticeable one. Working for exposure doesn't seem to entice him, and he seems unconvinced... and then you notice him glance at your leg again.

He sighs, and shakes his head in faux dismay. "Aye, aye, girl, ye drive a hard bargain but ye got a deal. There be anything else ol' Misty Eye can get for ye?"

As you handle the transaction, Thunderous Wrath carries the barrels back to the cart and the others help load it up. You have 4 and one quarter dinar remaining in your budget to shop.

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry sighs, looking down at the coinpurse in her hand before turning her gaze across the marketplace with a frown. The Djalan looks far from happy, watching the locals go about their business. Negotiating like this is not a task she welcomes: hunting enough game to feed the group is far simpler than trying to strike a deal for their right to eat. But there is little game to be found in Chairoscuro, and she won't let her disciples steal to feed themselves. So here they are, trading tokens for the group's sustenance.

Not that she is inclined to trust those here to offer a Djala a fair trade. But if they are to live within the city, they must begin somewhere.

Standing back from the fray, the Great Sage scans the crowd around the food merchants. The collar of her long coat flaps a little in the midday breeze. She has no way of telling which merchants are honest, and which are prone to deceit, but she does not have to. Others know better than she. All Ibry has to do is identify those shoppers who seem savvy: experienced mercenaries, well composed nobles or the like, and follow their lead. At least that should give her some idea of whose goods are worth purchasing. And Ibry might still have her issues understanding the civilized world, but Luna gave her little Ladybug the gift of understanding people far better.

All that she needs to do then is negotiate a fair price. That should be far easier.

[roll0]Perception + Awareness + 3 motes of Excellency in Peripheral
[roll1] Stunt Dice

[Beans]

[The Succulent Swine]
"Well, the Red Spiders have to be tough. I'm just tough in the ledgers rather than in the field." She smiles, noting again his eye on her leg. Reading people's moods and thoughts is, if not her greatest skill, one she leaned when in Ladder's "care". It's not hard to pick up on the merchant's eyeline, especially as only one eye's working, but it's a question of what exactly.
"I think that's all for today. Thank you." Winking, she finishes her observation and turns to go. While the barrels are loaded, she scans the market casually.
PRC 3 + Soc 3 Read Intentions
[roll0]
Stunt dice [roll1]

PRC 3 + Awar 3
[roll2]

[HalfTangible]

[Ascending Wood 3 - The Food Market]
Ibry Mir

You have spent much of her time learning through observation, from the Djala's situation in the Varangian city-states to Vihaan's lessons in astrology. As such, your eyes rove over the businesses and stands. You take note of who goes where, how long they stay, and the starry eyed expressions of the more inexperienced shoppers. After a time, you come to settle on a few different stands in the food markets. Most of them cater to individuals rather than large groups, but Red Quail's Fishery seems to deal with bulk purchases of seafood. The customers that go in there walk straight towards it with purpose; many of them have been here before. They aren't gaudy or wealthy-looking enough to be shopping for vanity purposes, but they also don't look so poor as to be desperate. They leave with entire carts full, and from the looks of it most of them speak to the owner with a familiarity that belies a long working relationship. The only real issue there is that fish does not stay good for long; whatever you got would have to be eaten quickly.

If you're looking for grain or fruits, Left and Right's Produce seems like a good bet. There's a pair of red-headed twins (one man and one woman) selling produce freshly harvested from the very fields of Chiaroscuro itself. They appear lively, and the food they have on display makes your mouth water. There's also quite a bit of it; they've had a good first harvest, and from the looks of it they're getting the bulk of the bigger mercenary companies; names you've heard of. The Black Bulls are currently purchasing fruits from the place. That sounds good initially, but now that you think about it, a popular stand can afford to charge more.

You also notice a mercenary group leaving the Succulent Swine; that might be a good place to check in on, as well. Salted pork can last for a long time, and only takes a bit of preparation to make ready for eating... on the other hand, it's expensive. Good for morale, but very expensive.

You consider the Burger Maven for a moment. You've heard of burgers since coming to the city; they seem very good for you, if the rumors of their chef was anything to go by. However, you're not sure if she would be a good fit; her stand seemed more catered to individuals than large groups.

And... now that you consider it, something about that mercenary group at the Succulent Swine is pulling on you. Like... like when you see a group you used to be involved with and can't help but approach to see how everyone's doing? Or when you meet an old friend and the two of you spend a minute or so catching up, because you're still so comfortable with each other? ...That kind of feeling. Perhaps you could partner up with them; a mercenary group with a friendly foot in the city could be useful, and surely they could use the kind of aid beastmen allies provide.

Where do you go?

[Ascending Wood 3 - The Food Market]
Prithaya

Your argument wasn't very convincing, but the old man felt a bit of kinship based on your shared disability; his blind eye and your injured leg. (Not pity, necessarily, more 'ah, I get it') You're pretty sure he didn't get his in the same manner you did, but given your youth, he could probably guess it came from an injury.

You think this over as you look over the crowd, and after a moment realize that while your eyes are roving over the crowd, you're not actually paying attention to what you're seeing.

"Ma'am?" Thunderous called. "Where to next?"

[Omniplex]

Etana grins as she sees the lad enjoyed the meal. "Well dear boy it seems you were so taken by Etana's meal you couldn't answer Etana's question." She lets out a hearty laugh. "That is good for Etana. "

She rests her elbows on the countertop and leans over. "This your first time in Chiaroscuro?" She rests her chin in her palm. "Here to bask in the great city of the south? Partake of amazing food? Enjoy the entertainment?" She gives a wink. "Make off with a Khan's pretty daughter or handsome son?"

Tradewinds nods. "I'm Torrence, a merchant sailor from the far west. Never seen anything quite like this city. It's one of a kind. I expect bringing a prince or princess back with me would get me in just as much trouble back home as it would here. A burger master might bring me acclaim, but I don't know where you'd get the cattle-meat. Not really enough room for them to graze in the islands. This was definitely the best meal I've ever had, but then most of my meals have been salted fish and rice cakes. I'd come here every day, but I don't have that kind of income. I bet the raitons must love your scraps."

[Kell_tamer]

Etana grins. "Etana loves to travel however Etana mostly travels through places where she can get cattle. Prefer Harborhead and Chiaroscuro as Auroch is much more rich than regular cattle."

She gestures across the road "Still nice to see new face on Mercuryday.... Normally people are over trying Tacos across the road." She frowns a bit. "Tacos are tasty but not nearly as hearty."

She shrugs. "Etana supposes competition is good though. Keeps Etana coming up with ideas."

"So Torrence, is there anything else Etana can do for you?" She smiles a genuine friendly smile.

guile is 3
Genuinely being friendly, she made her sale already now just trying to learn about the new guy from the far off areas.

[Novabomb]

Feltir smiles as spell completes. He was not sure that he was up to this task.
He now examines Kyln more thoughly. Kyln is about half Feltir's height and is cherub-like. Small wings appear to protrude from its back, and a pair of curved horns protrude from the sides of what passes for its head. Even though its entire body is flame, it seems to have a slightly pulsing aura of secondary flame around it.

As Kyln floats there Feltir examines his own burning aura for a moment.
It seems we are not so different are we? My own flames need to extinguish before we can leave.

Seeing a look of concern from the fledgling fire elemental, Fear not, I will not disappear once my flames are gone. They hide inside. As will you until we get back to the shop. While we wait, let me tell you of my journey here.


Feltir sits and talks with Kyln until his anima disappears, and then briefly dismisses Kyln until he gets back to his wagon.

[Beans]

[Market]
Blinking, she glances at Thunderous. "Oh, er---we still have to get hardtack and dried fish, among other things. Let's finish this up and get it loaded in." She heads for the Spiders' usual providers of their other supplies, thinking about how soon she'll be able to start making changes in the Spiders. Blood Tithe knows she has an understanding of military matters, but the depth of her acuity isn't something she's revealed just yet.

[HalfTangible]

[City Ruins]

Feltir, after your aura has faded and you've dismissed your familiar, you make your way back to your wagon and head straight for the markets. It was a long trip to get here and as such you're low on supplies. On your way there, you come to a bit of a crossroads; there is a line of salt, beyond which the land seems to grow gray and colorless, and the sun a bit dimmer. One of Chiaroscuro's many Shadowlands bars your path. It'll take a brief moment to get through the salt lines without damaging them. You could go around and avoid the area entirely, but that would take another hour or two.

What do you do?

---
[The Burger Maven]

Tradewinds and Etana, you have a pleasant chat for a while, generally shooting the breeze, with the latter occasionally tending to other customers if needed. Partway through your discussion, however, someone new steps into the Maven, and the entire caravan instantly shuts up. A Prince(ss) of the Earth tends to have that effect.

The dragon-blooded is clad in Red Jade armor. She has spiky orange hair, but what draws your eye is her eyepatch. It covers her right eye with a ruby in the center, as if it's meant to replace the eye. She is shaking with rage, and you both notice the temperature has somehow gone from warm to sweltering. Her skin is flushed and she has a slightly crazed look in her eye as she slams both of her palms down, clearly enraged and barely comprehending. At first she seems to be just slamming them down out of wrath, but as she pulls her palms back Etana can see she's set down money. A fair bit of Jade, actually; though given the Dragon-blooded were loaded that made sense.

Jade is still valued in trade here, but with the Realm's shrinking influence it's now got a bit less purchasing power than silver. Even still, she's spending more than enough for two, even three burgers.

"I don't care what it is, just give me something cold." Her tone is harsh and only barely under control. She's not meeting anyone's eyes.

Rolls to spot the Tell.
Perception + Awareness on Tradewinds (6 base, -1 because it requires sight)
[roll0]
Perception + Awareness on Etana (6 base, -1 because it requires sight)
[roll1]

[HalfTangible]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Luau!
If you're hungry for a hunk of fat and juicy meat
Eat my buddy Puumba here because he is a treat~
To come down and dine
On this tasty swine
All you have to do is get in line~

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim#

The Knight gives very dirty looks to any ghost who even thinks about not getting out of his way, gripping his lance tight as he almost dares them to step out of line. But fortunately none of them do, and eventually he comes across the pair wearing a small city's wealth as armour. He notices the woman looking at the same ghosts that he is.

"So....you seeing what I'm seeing?"

----
(Manipulation+Presence) to act like I know what the hell I'm talking about: [roll0]
Harmonious Presence Meditation (0m): [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Tag onto any intimacies they have about the undead to affect their resolve. He's not hiding who he is, his Influence dot might mean they know him if they are locals.

2 sux - I'm a bad liar

[HalfTangible]

[Shadowland]
The Calibration Knight

"Depends what you're seeing, friend." The man responded, turning towards him, stance ready. "V'Neef Seawrack sees a living man where only the dead should tread."

The blue girl, now that you get a good look at her, has the facial structure of the Delzhan, as if someone took a Delzhan woman and painted her skin blue. She is also fairly short. Her eyes flash with recognition momentarily. "You?"

"... you know this guy, River?"

"... I lived in this city before I took the Second Breath." The woman stood up, but unlike her partner, she did not take a ready stance. "And I still have friends here. They call you the Calibration Knight. Protector of the people. Warrior for justice. Slayer of ghosts."

The man's stance relaxed a bit.

"Anathema." She continued. "Unclean."

"WHAT?!" Seawrack's stance instantly hardened, and the Knight drew his full attention. "You're sure?!"

River shrugged. "Depends on who you ask, but I believe it. Not like he'd be the only Anathema in this city." She does not enter any kind of stance, but you now occupy her full attention as well. The wind is growing restless around you all, and a bit more humid.

"... You think he took Terror?"

"Ten minutes ago I would've said no, but given the circumstances it would not surprise me." She growled, her voice growing rougher and more draconic. "I'll ask you what my friend did, Unclean: what are you seeing? Easy prey?"

Neither of them has made a move to attack you, but both are clearly ready for a fight if it comes to that.

What do you do?

[Kell_tamer]

Etana smiles and with a sway in the hips heads behind the counter getting a glass and some water. It was time to improvise. “Of course mighty chosen, Etana has just the thing.” With a bit of a fourish she starts tossing watter from one glass to another before getting some of the fresh fruit for desserts and sides out chopping them in half. She gives a sway left, and a sway right while the air elemental that mans the barrels starts freesing em over. She squeezes the juice in and dips some cane sugar in it and plants a stick down as it flash freezes in the creatures breath. With a wink and a smile Etana pulls out a frosty cold treat on a stick.
”Etana has perfect tasty dish for Mighty Hero Chosen. Allow her to humbly present... She gives a flourish as her mind thinks of an icicle and with the idea just popping in... ”Popscicle!”


Alright using her charm to get the elemental that keeps water cold to play along. As she improvises an idea. Base pool is 7. (4 int 3 craft). She spends 4 personall on exy and 3 personal on exy for adding charisma and then whatever stunt. Burning a willpower for a success.
Base pool
[roll0]
Exy Int
[roll1]
Exy cha
[roll2]
Stunt if any
[roll3]

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry doesn't need too long to consider. Her disciples aren't marching anywhere, so there's no call for salted pork: let the mercenaries debate over that. If she brought the entire band down here, they'd overwhelm the Burger Maven, and with the woman there catering to single customers, odds are good they won't be able to afford it. It's down to the fishery or the produce venders: her followers are more accustomed to living off the land, but by that token fresh fish may prove a treat. Then again, to those unaccustomed to it, foreign food might prove incapacitating...

She's weighing the pros and cons of both options when her eyes cross the Succulent Swine a second time. Something about the mercenaries there invokes a strangely nostalgic feeling from Ibry. It's that same feeling as when she'd come back home for the first time after her years away; seeing the village with fresh eyes, everyone she knew and loved still there. At first it's heartwarming, just the thing to cheer up her day. But as she takes a second look across the group, rational feeling starts to set in.

What... what is this? Why...

Ibry Mir doesn't like not being able to understand something. Not being able to understand her own emotions is new and quite unwelcome to the Lunar. Still, it settles her choice for the moment. Ibry moves to join the queue at Left and Right's: the Red Hook would put her too far away from the Swine and these mercenaries to study them. She can watch the group as they leave, try to work out why they felt so familiar to her. She looks to one side; the Burger Maven also remains in her line of vision. There's a Dynast there now? The Djala frowns: best stay clear of that stand for the moment.

[HalfTangible]

[The Burger Maven]
Etana and Tradewinds

The Dragon-Blooded is not amused at her flourishes or her peppy upbeat attitude, but she does take the treat. "'Popsicle'? The heck is a...?"

Etana, when she goes to take the popsicle from you notice that her hands are radiating heat to an almost ludicrous extent, almost like your grill. It doesn't hurt your fingers or anything but it's not something you'd want to keep near for long. As she takes the popsicle, it starts to melt in her grip almost instantly. She quickly shoves it into her mouth, and as it continues to melt, you see her expression soften (though she's not smiling) and the heat dies down a little. She doesn't say anything (possibly because she's still sucking on the cold treat in her mouth) but the entire caravan remains silent.

Tradewinds, roll Perception + Awareness or Socialize. or you may roll Intelligence + Lore. Etana may do the same.

---

[The Succulent Swine]
Ibry and Prithaya

Ibry, your confusion only mounts as you approach the group and look each of them over. They seem normal enough mercenaries. They're loading up their cart, preparing to head off to another merchant no doubt. You don't bother to conceal your attempt as you approach them.

The man on the cart notices you heading for them and says, "Oi! Hold up there, lass!"

As he says that, your eyes fall on the leader of the little band; a girl with glasses and a limp.

Prithaya, as Thunder says that, you turn to see who he's talking to, and you see a Djala whose spots remind you of a ladybug.

At the moment your eyes lock, you both feel your essence hum and vibrate as you see one another. It's the feeling of meeting an old friend, one whom you trust above all others... but you've never felt the sensation from your from your essence before. You didn't quite grasp it because of how much MORE you were after taking the Second Breath, but ever since your Exaltation you have felt a little incomplete. It's only now, as you finally meet with your Bondmate, that you feel something click into place, and you feel whole.

What do you do?

[Kell_tamer]

Etana has dealt with members of dynastic houses before, she's gotten a bit of a knack for knowing their tells. She studies the face of this woman as she eats the treat. She also provides a small basin of clean water to wash hands from any of the dripping sticky sweet treat.
7 dice, spending 4 peripheral for exy.
no flare
[roll0]
Stunt if any
[roll1]

[HalfTangible]

The dragon blooded grunts and puts her hands into the water to wash them. After a few moments, the water begins to steam.

This woman's essence blazes with the fire of Hessieh. That much would've been obvious to even the blind deaf and dumb, but in your travels you've learned a fair bit about them in bits and pieces. A Fire Aspect's anima will blaze with heat when embroiled in combat and for a while afterward; however, you haven't heard anything all day to suggest there was a fight and you doubt she'd have settled down for a popsicle if a fight was that recent. One other tidbit you've learned, however, is that Fire Aspects will also emit immense heat when exceptionally upset and/or stressed.

You recall that the Realm has been attempting to regain influence in Chiaroscuro, and that as part of that, they sent a few dragon-blooded to keep an eye on the place. You haven't seen many dragon-blooded around since coming, but it's plausible that they only sent one small group. You've heard that Dragon-blooded will sometimes form Kinships, which are somewhat like Circles, but their bond runs deep into the Dragon Blood's very essence. A kinship in the Realm is closer than even family. If something had happened to one of her Kin, that would certainly explain the stress.

[Inspector Valin]

"I... I..."

The 'Great Sage of the Djala' is struck completely dumb by this revelation. She glances at the man talking, registering his presence but not what he was saying. Her attention is caught up entirely by the woman with the glass-covered eyes, the lenses seeming to twinkle in the midday light.

This... the Pact had told her this might happen. What this meant. Though she'd never thought it would actually...

This has to be right. No matter how she might feel about the people here in a wider sense, this woman is one who is fully owed Ibry's respect. She bows her head; leaning on her staff to go low, though not as far as taking a knee. That was the line between respect and subservience. The strange Djala looks up into her other half's eyes, almost unable to speak. It takes a cough to loosen her tongue. "Excuse me. My name is Ibry Mir. Who are you?"

[Beans]

[The Succulent Swine]

Prithaya turns when she hears the merc call out to the woman, and...

And it's like a hole in her spirit has been filled. This woman has shored up one of a few breaks in her fortifications, a break she only now realized wasn't left by Ladder's cruelty. She feels whole and complete in a way she didn't know she needed until now.

As one can imagine, this is alarming.

Glancing back at Thunder, she waves her free hand a little. "It's alright, Thunder---you head along, I'll be there in a minute."

She limps up to the Djala, swallowing. "I... I am Prithaya, head clerk of the Red Spiders." She returns as much of a bow as she can manage, leaning in to speak more quietly. "I---I can't talk just now, as much as I want to. Whatever this... this is, I..." She glances back at the cart. "At... two hours past noon, I will be free for you, but I cannot run off just yet. Can you stand that wait?"

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry nods. She'll have hopefully seen her troops fed by then. "I'll make time for you. Where should we meet?" She gestures behind her "We have a campsite of sorts nearby if you can join me there."

[Beans]

"I'll meet you there---which one is it? I know where most mercenary bands and military camps are in and around this city." She notes the vague gesture-behind-self.

[Omniplex]

[The Burger Maven]
Etana and Tradewinds

The Dragon-Blooded is not amused at her flourishes or her peppy upbeat attitude, but she does take the treat. "'Popsicle'? The heck is a...?"

Etana, when she goes to take the popsicle from you notice that her hands are radiating heat to an almost ludicrous extent, almost like your grill. It doesn't hurt your fingers or anything but it's not something you'd want to keep near for long. As she takes the popsicle, it starts to melt in her grip almost instantly. She quickly shoves it into her mouth, and as it continues to melt, you see her expression soften (though she's not smiling) and the heat dies down a little. She doesn't say anything (possibly because she's still sucking on the cold treat in her mouth) but the entire caravan remains silent.

Tradewinds, roll Perception + Awareness or Socialize. or you may roll Intelligence + Lore. Etana may do the same.
--
The dragon blooded grunts and puts her hands into the water to wash them. After a few moments, the water begins to steam.

Tradewinds glances up from his cool water, not staring at the Fire Aspect, but paying careful attention to her. He pats the metal pole holding his rucksack, hoping he won't need to use it. A fight would only alert the Realm forces here to the presence of Anathema, and he wants to avoid having to flee the area, lest he risk a Wyld Hunt being called.

7d10

[Omniplex]

[roll0]
Let's try that again
Perception + Socialize [roll1]

[HalfTangible]

When the dragon-blooded first entered the room, you thought she was enraged and about to blow. However, as she takes the popsicle and begins to wash her hands, you see her expression soften somewhat, and attain a cold, haunted look. She's trying to hide it, but she can't from you, because even though there's only one eye to read, you know that look. It's one you held for a time.

Back when all you could think about were the comrades you'd lost.

[Novabomb]

Feltir should really know better. But he is high off his recent sorcerous success, and does not fear a shadowland during the day.
I am a mighty sorcerer, I will be fine. he thinks to himself as he crosses the threshold.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana shifts to a look of concern. "Mighty Chosen seems stressed. Maybe Etana can help. Is great hero looking for someone? Etana sees many people in her stand, perhaps she has seen who you are looking for." She keeps a respectable distance while also getting the woman some cold water to drink. She is being genuine. Despite being anathema, so long as she keeps her head down (HA) she is not actually truly at war. She respects the pact but does not feel like participating much beyond providing information to other members at request.

She can tell the woman is stressed. She is gonna try simply asking if she can help, however she knows if this angers the woman it would be best to leave it be. (She also makes no plans to actually charge the hero before her, after all a dynast just gave her business. That would bring so much more) If the woman tries to read her intentions, guile is 3 it's genuine.

Charimsa + Presence 7 dice. Burning 4 motes for exy without flaring. (currently at 0 personal 30 peripheral)
[roll0]
Stunt if any
[roll1]

[HalfTangible]

Feltir, as you pass into the shadowland, the sun grows dimmer overhead, as if covered by a thick roiling fog. The land's washed out grays seems to cling to you as you pass, and you hear whispers around you of those long past. Some of them, you can tell, are snickering at you. Something breathes down your neck. You feel cold, as if the very warmth and light of the sun has been drained from the world. Your essence pushes out against it like a candle in the dark, but it is of little comfort as it is; the darkness and cold remains as you trudge through the shadow.

---

The Dragon-Blooded looks up at Etana, one good eye narrowing for a moment.

[roll0]

She stares for a few moments more, pulls her hands out of the bowl and shakes them slightly. When she speaks, her tone is cold and final. "No you haven't. I already know Undone Terror is not in this market and she did not like coming out here regardless, too many people." She places a finger on the counter and taps it. "Look, I'm here for a few moments of respite, not to talk about my problems. Dragon Blooded do not have the luxury of talking about their problems with random mortals. Are we clear?"

Charisma + Presence next post

[HalfTangible]

Charisma + Presence
Try to keep those watching from spreading around that she is having problems
[roll0] +2 Auto succeses
4m Presence Excellency ("Glowing Coal Radiance")

[Novabomb]

Feltir is beginning to rethink the wisdom of passing through the land of unquiet spirits.
Master Sandspinner did say to travel through different lands and examine techniques...

Feltir summons a flame to soothe his nerves as he proceeds.
Fete.
He does not want to expose Kyln to this place if he does not have to.

Feltir proceeds, and uses the Burning name to light his way. He is not attempting to attack the spirits.

[Inspector Valin]

"I'll meet you there---which one is it? I know where most mercenary bands and military camps are in and around this city." She notes the vague gesture-behind-self.

"We're in the New City, not too far from here. Look for the flag of three black stripes on a white background." Ibry winks, putting a hand to the spot on her shoulder. "We're all Djala. You'll know us when you see us."

Instructions given, the Great Sage takes a second to study Prithaya one final time before turning around. She still has work to do, but two hours from now will prove interesting. She'll have to make sure the guards know to let her... friend through.

[Beans]

Nodding, Prithaya returns to the cart. "Let's get the rest of those supplies." She wears a collected face, as if the strange whispered conversation were something of no consequence. But inside, she cannot help but wonder what's really going on. Who is Ibry Mir, and what is this connection they share?

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim

"You see a living man, I see far too many dead ones for this time of day. And ten minutes ago I was checking salt lines. So I didn't take you friend and I am categorically not an 'Unclean'"

Always nice to meet a fan though, if you're a local girl any chance you want to help out and make sure this wonderful city doesn't get swallowed by uppity ghosts?

---
His Lance is still in his hand but he's not in fighting stance and his Shield is still stowed.

Roll into persuade them not to murder me and focus on the more pressing, spooky issue:
Cha+Pres: [roll0]
HPM: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

[HalfTangible]

((... It occurs to me that the two DBs probably should've been speaking High Realm, which TCK doesn't speak, but too late now, I'll assume it was Low realm because they were stressed.))

The two dragon-blooded don't say anything for a time. The wind swirls a bit more, and the air grows heavier... but after a time the breeze dies and the humidity dries up.

"You're not wrong." Seawrack muttered, his stance relaxing.

"I know the Knight's no fan of ghosts." River agreed, finally taking her eyes off of him. "And you're right. Something is very wrong here."

"You can barely even see the sun."

"That's because it's a Shadowland." River said, gesturing to the area around her. "Undone Terror liked to be alone with her thoughts, y'see, so she'd go out into the ruins where nobody else tread. But recently, she came out in this direction and... vanished. The Hearth remained intact. We could still feel her presence, she's alive. But we can't determine where she is anymore." She waved her arm. "One of our Hearth was awake when it happened, we know she came close to the Shadowland. And, well, that late at night..."

"I really don't think we should be talking about this with a stranger. The Hearth is- is that a cart?"

Sure enough, just nearby, there was a cart and a horse, going through the old streets of the Shadowland like nothing was amiss. The horse did not look happy about it, and neither did its rider.

The newcomer looks disturbed, as if he'd never entered a shadowland before (likely).

Novabomb, please describe your character.

What do you do?

---

Feltir, as the cold creeps into your bones, you hear people talking just ahead.

"-talking about this with a stranger. The Hearth is- is that a cart?"

All three of the speakers turn to look at you. Two of them are dragon-blooded in Jade armor with no weapons. One of them is a woman, with short messy hair. It's hard to tell in the washed-out colors of the Shadowland, but you're fairly certain that she's entirely blue. The second man is tall and lean, with dark hair tied back into a long tail.

Kobold-Bard, please describe your character.

What do you do?

---

Calibration Knight and Feltir, roll Perception + Awareness. Difficulty 4

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim

"So you think she slipped out the other side by mistake? Tough beat, is she a fighter? I know that sounds redundant as she's a Dragon, but I mean, could she handle herself solo in the Underworld all day?

Seeing the cart sluggishly pulling through the Shadowland, Knight notices the passenger holding a small conjured flame. He's not wearing jade, but Knight assumes he is yet another Dragonblood to deal with. Casually as he can, he calls out.

"Afternoon. You lost sirs?"

Knight is tall and well built with pale skin. Hes wearing a silver helmet shaped like a simhata's head, and his clothes, whilst not armour do have matching silver accoutrements. He has a 6ft spear of red jade in his hand and a triangle of wrapped sheeting across his back; presumably a large shield. A ways behind him, squatting on a nearby rooftop is a large demon wasp wearing matching silver barding.

---
Perception+Awareness - Knight: [roll0]
Senses - Wagha-Kon: [roll1]

[Kell_tamer]

Etana gives a polite nod. "Etana understands. please, Honoreable one, make yourself comfortable." Her voice softened significantly. She keeps it quiet to just between them. "If Noble hero needs anything, just let Etana know." There is a genuineness to her words. She gives a polite bow. "And please, you humble Etana with your presence, there is no charge today."

Establishing a fact,that in the realm visited satraps, that there isn't any disgrace on any side for a small business to offer a sampling of things to first time customer Dynastic Scions without a charge. Typically dynasts see that as a reason to sample many things and can make word of a place spread so businesses do this.
7 dice
[roll0]
Etana isn't trying to do any real social fu here so if the woman tries to read her intentions, other than the smart business practice, Etana genuinely wants her to feel at ease. Not applying guile.

[Novabomb]

Feltir is a young man somewhere in his late teens or early twenties, with mostly straight brown hair, and significantly tanned skin. He is wearing simple threadbare garments and no hat. He looks somewhat lanky, but definitely does not come off as a warrior, he appears completely unarmed and unarmored.
As he comes out of the mists you notice him shiverring, holding a torch? or a bare flame? in a single hand while muttering to himself:
You are a mighty sorcerer, You are a mighty sorcerer, You are a mighty sorcerer...
Oh, Hello.

Responding to the question.

I don't think so, the market shouldn't far from here now.



Per+Awareness [roll0]

[HalfTangible]

It's not expected or common practice in Realm-controlled satraps for a Dragon-Blooded to get a free meal their first time in a restaurant (at least no more so than a normal customer). It's not an insult though, so you can do it if you want.

The dragon grunted and picked her jade back up. "Unnecessary, but appreciated." She paused for a moment more, then said, "Do you have any more... 'popsicles'?"

---

Feltir, besides the normal color wash-out and cold atmosphere of the Shadowland, you don't notice anything off.

"Well, it's possible she just wandered in, but she has a good head on her shoulders. We think she was taken by so-"

"Oi! Don't you leave!" Seawrack called out to Feltir. "We got questions for you!"

"Oh come on Seawrack, it's just a traveller." River rolled her eyes. "And he's clearly never been in a Shadowland before. Ya think he's gonna know what happened to Terror?"

Seawrack scowled. "I'm not giving up on her. We're checking under every rock."

Seawrack: [roll0]
River: [roll1]

[HalfTangible]

Seawrack has 10 dice on that roll. My bad.
[roll0]

[HalfTangible]

[The Shadowland]
The Calibration Knight and Feltir of the Red Dunes

"Wait." Seawrack looks up at the sky, eyes narrowing. "Is... is it getting dark?"

"We're in a Shadowland, of course it's dark."

"No, no, I mean, darker." His eyes narrowed. "Something's wrong here."

Calibration Knight, you don't really notice any difference. Shadowlands always seem to smother the sunlight. But... you can hear the ghosts whispering now. It's not exactly a massive cacophony and the others probably don't notice, but given that they were dead silent everywhere else you went, the whispers are deafening in your ears.

Feltir, you thought it was just because you were going deeper within the Shadowland, but now that the dragon-blooded is pointing it out... yeah, you see it too. The sky is getting darker, as if night were falling. But that can't be the case, you've only been in the Shadowland for a half hour to an hour, tops.

River raised an eyebrow before looking at the sky. "... are you sure, Seawrack? Just looks like Shadowland sky to me."

The wind begins to blow once more. "Don't doubt me."

((Both of you, roll Intelligence + Occult or Lore. Knight, the Sorcery specialty applies here.))

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim

"Crap, I think your friend's right. You with the flame, this is fight or flight time." He is calm, almost deadpan, but no longer jovial and animated as he was before.

Knight lets out a piercing whistle and his agata descends as he pulls his shield into position. He will also shout to the nearest whispering ghost demanding information about what is going on.

Intelligence+Occult: [roll0]

Threaten against a ghost, leveraging my reputation as a ghostbuster.
Charisma+Presence: [roll1]
HPM: [roll2]

Stunt dice: [roll3]

Obviously I meant to roll 8 dice, not 81. So take the first 8 only.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
That can't be good. How far is it to the side you came from?
As he says this he stands in the cart sorting through what looks like pieces of glass that he is slapping on to his body is rapid succession.


Spend 2 motes of personal essence, activate Whirlwind Armor Donning Prana.
It will take him 3 turns to don his armor (Finish in 2 more). (He mostly uses it as a show piece)

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim

"Closer, but the streets twist like crazy. It'll take ages to reach.

[HalfTangible]

[The Shadowland]
The Calibration Knight and Feltir of the Red Dunes

Now that you're looking for it, it's obvious. There's a palpable magic hanging in the air, something that clings to the shadows like tar. While you've never actually encountered a spell like this, you have a fair idea of its purpose and its range. The spell is meant to protect ghosts in an area from the sunlight, allowing them to materialize despite the sun's presence without risk to themselves. Being able to block the sun is incredibly powerful, but such power also means it's unlikely to be permanent. Take out the sorcerer maintaining the spell (or their chosen focus; perhaps an artifact of some sort) and it will fall away, weakening the spirits to the power of the Unconquered's light once more.

However... such a powerful spell comes with a high cost, something that wouldn't be paid willy-nilly for little gain. Two dragon-blooded wouldn't be worth it, and even a Solar like you wouldn't be worth it. There's a bigger play here, maybe several bigger plays.

You aren't very experienced with spells that aren't fire-based. You can tell that some kind of sorcerey is happening, but you're not sure what; the rising darkness could be the point of it, but it could just as easily be a symptom.

"We have to try." River said quickly, her eyes raking over the landscape. "Anything's better than standing still. The market's not too far."

The ghost that the Knight threatens shrinks down into itself a bit, eyes wide and fearful. "I- I don't know where all of these others came from, I just unlive here! People have been talking about some great war going on in Chiaroscuro, but I don't pay attention to the world of the living! What even is a Tri-Khan?!"

At that exact moment, ghostly flesh seems to step from the air itself, mist coiling and writhing. Ghosts are forming everywhere around you...

"No time to talk, move!"

The group runs for the markets, but as you go it becomes clear that you aren't the main target; this unnatural darkness has spread all across the Shadowland. Ghosts and zombies rise everywhere, but they don't seem interested in you; at least, not yet. Feltir, your horse pulls the cart and follows the Dragon-Blooded and the strange wasp-riding sorcerer. You don your armor as you move.

When you finally burst from the shadowland, and reach the salt lines... you see that they've been destroyed. And that this part of Chiaroscuro, which should have been awash in color and light... now bears the washed-out grays that you first saw on entering the shadowland. A gray that is only spreading.

Whatever you're feeling at that moment is punctuated by the first screams.

[The Markets]
Prithaya, Ibry, Etana, Tradewinds

It starts off small and unnoticeable, at first. The sounds of screams, coming from the very periphery of the markets. Most probably think they're imagining it, or that the screams are from an over-eager shopper or two. But as they grow louder, the market grows quieter, at first to silence to confirm what they're hearing. It's only then, as the crowd begins to quiet down and realize that the screams are coming closer, that they notice: the sky is changing. The sun's light is beginning to fade. Color washes out, just a bit, as if all of Chiaroscuro were wrapped in a Shadowland... And as if that were exactly the case, hordes of the dead - both spectral and unliving corpses - shamble and glide into the market, and as blood hits the ground, the panic truly begins around you.

You feel your essence pound. As mortals scream and the chaos of the market descends into the chaos of war...

All players: Roll Join Battle.

What do you do?

???: [roll0]
???: [roll1]
??? : [roll2]
??? : [roll3]

[Beans]

[Markets also AAAAAAAAA]
Spending 6m personal to boost Join Battle from 6 to 12 dice.
[roll0]
Stunt dice
[roll1]
As the chaos breaks out, Prithaya inhales and grips her cane. She raps it on the cart---she may be a limping girl, but she is also one of the Spears of Morning, chosen by Sol Invictus himself. She is ready.
"Alright, form up!" Her voice rings out louder than its usual gentleness. "Red Spiders, sound off!" For someone who's never given orders like this, she's strangely a natural. Her bearing changes, and while her height doesn't change, she feels larger, more there.

RESULT: Starting at 14i.

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry's skin grows cold at the gathering shade that was enveloping the world. Screams, she could handle. Battle, over the last few months, she's become no stranger to. But this is something more. Something that chills the Chosen of Luna deeply. She can feel the faint lines of her hidden tattoos, stinging against the chill wind of the Underworld. This is wrong. Unnatural, and horrifying. The screams and the shambling creatures of darkness before her just compliment the sky.

Still, they are the more immediate threat. There's no time to lose. A couple of her disciples still lingered in the vegetable line: those who'd been here to help her shift the produce back to the campsite. She grabbed Farza Vi, the youngest, by the shoulder: pulling the beast-Djala down to eye level with his mistress. "Run to the campsite, bring everyone who can be spared! Now!" As Farza runs, Ibry glances swiftly across the crowd, looking swiftly for more spotted faces. Had she assigned more Djala to help keep order in the marketplace?

Luna's blessing, in this moment she can't remember, but she hopes against hope she had. They'll need every hand they can get to try and save lives here. Without looking behind her, Ibry starts moving forward: one little Djala in a jacket, charging straight at the spectral horde while armed with nothing but a walking staff. She roars at the undead, a wordless battlecry from a warrior sworn to watch over those who need it.

Ibry Mir is a protector. If the horde want to attack the marketfolk, they'll have to get past her first.

Here's hoping Talking As A Free Action can bring some of Ibry's troops into the fight.

[roll0] Wits + Awareness + 4m Wits Excellency from Peripheral
[roll1] Stunt Dice

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 11/17 (3+16 committed), WP 6/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Dim
Turn order 7, Initiative 7, Parry 5, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground

On the up side, the DBs aren't planning to kill him anymore.
On the down side, **** is well and truly hitting the fan.

Flying over the winding streets he reaches the previous border first and is personally offended at the salt line being wrecked. But his personal anger would have to wait. Wagha-Kon flying as high as possible, people's eyes can't help but be drawn to his shining eyes and the Agata's fluorescent wings.

"RUN LIKE HELL AND SUMMON THE GUARDS" he roars atop the din, people unconsciously following his instructions and fleeing in what might pass for orderly lines. And with that he turns in the air to face the hoard that approaches.

---
This constitutes a scene building the intimacy "People who mess with the salt lines deserve death". It's minor right now, but I expect it to increase in intensity rapidly.
I can roll Performance if you like, but ultimately I just want people to GTFO without dying rather than claim an actual benefit.

Join Battle: [roll0]
Perception+Investigation (3m Excellency) to identify the source of the spell: [roll1]

Stunt: [roll2]

[Novabomb]

Feltir is more than happy to comply. He directs his cart to get out of here.

Feltir activates Sensory Acuity Prana for 5 motes of personal (7 spent)
Wits + Awareness double 9s [roll0]

[HalfTangible]

Zombies: [roll0]

[HalfTangible]

zOMBIEs: [roll0]

[Kell_tamer]

"What is going..." Etana was just finishing making the Dynast another popsicle when the screams happen. She hands her the treat and looks out of her caravan. "Etana doesn't like this..."

She looks back to her crew. "Stay in." She grabs a handful of salt and creates a line in the doorway as she gets ready to punch something back into being dead. Wits 3 Awareness 2
[roll0]
Stunt if any
[roll1]

[Omniplex]

He notices it right at the edges of his vision first. The subtle shades of grey. That can't be good. in the distance, he hears the wails, then the screams, then just as he grabs Kingfisher, the violence breaks through into the marketplace.
Unwavering predator's eye - 3 motes to double nines, 4 personal motes on perception excellency [roll0]

[HalfTangible]

Thunderous Wrath and the few escorts with Prithaya all sound off; and with a wince she realizes she has less than a dozen men with her. That's not good enough, nowhere near enough to deal with this crisis; they'd only planned to gather supplies! Fortunately for her, Wrath has already sent Darting Dust to the main base to gather the rest of the men. The Tri-Khan demands an oath of loyalty in times of crisis such as these; the Red Spiders will have to help. As Prithaya's eyes run over the battlefield, tactics and strategies she had long theorized (and many she had not before) rose unbidden to the forefront of her mind. The Impervious Ladder of Steel may have broken her body, but her mind is the greater weapon.

Ibry Mir's messenger rushes off instantly, understanding what's happening and how little room there is for hesitation. It will take some time for him to get the rest of the troops roused and to the market, however. As she prepares to fight, her essence thrums and hums. Luna is with her; not as the playful trickster hiding with her under a table, but as the bestial warrior ready to rip and tear. And here, you know, your troops will be tested; if you cannot face these ghosts now, what can you do for the Djala?

The Calibration Knight does not see the sorcerer immediately, and before long the screams of those beneath him cut through his senses. This is not the time to search for a foe who has likely planned for this and gone to ground. River had told him the Calibration Knight fights for the people; now is when he proves her right. This city, your family, everyone and everything you know and love! You will protect them from the dead for as long as you yet breathe.

Feltir feels the heat rise in his blood; the heat that all his life has meant strength and power. As he turns to face the dead, in that brief instant, he forgets the fear the Shadowland inspired in him, and he feels his essence burn brighter. There was so much here that he could learn; so much more he could create. And these wretches aimed to take that from him. As he prepared to fight, he had a thought. Twilight is when the sun burns bright and pushes back the shadow of night, if only for a few moments more. And what burns brighter than fire?

Etana leaves a line of salt before her caravan to keep them safe, and her staff takes cover within. As Tradewinds steps out, she almost stops him, but there's a dark determination in his eye, and the boy is carrying a spear forged from moonsilver. As she notices this, she also notices that the Dragon-blooded has rushed out, a flash of heat rushing past them before either can react. She had warmed their hearts with her food, just as she knew she could. She'd always loved a good tale; and now, she got to make one.

Tradewinds runs out of the caravan and past the burger maven as she puts a line of salt in front of the caravan. He almost stops for her help, but realizes in the next instant that makes no sense. Kingfisher hums in his hands; it can feel the battle coming, and longs to face the enemies of Creation once more. Leviathan had once told him: A Lunar is both man and beast. Think with the brain and will of the man, fight with the strength and savagery of the beast. His savagery had been restrained and contained up until now; but now, the enemy was before him, and he was ready to be unleashed.

As each of you begin to take stock of the battlefield, you see utter chaos in the streets. Hungry ghosts have formed into packs of murderous roving beasts, like attack dogs unleashed on the citizens. Some of the ghosts have ethereal armor and weapons, and march down the streets with brutal efficiency. Perhaps most horrifying of all are the zombies that walk the street. All of them are merciless in their cutdown of the living.

There are a lot of enemies to contend with, but you don't necessarily need to destroy all of them; slaying enough to make the rest retreat would be enough. The zombies definitely won't do this and the war ghosts may take more convincing, but the hungry ghosts are little more than dogs.

As battle is joined, the dragon-blooded are nowhere to be seen.

Prithaya, the Red Spiders, and Tradewinds: you move before anyone else. What do you do?

Current Initiative order:
14 - Prithaya
Red Spiders (Size 1)
14 - Tradewinds
8 - Ibry Mir
7 - The Calibration Knight
7 - Feltir
7 - Etana
5 - Various Undead (size 4)
4 - ??? (???)
4 - City Guard (size 3) (counts as Militia)
0 - Panicking Civilians (3 sets of 8 health levels; no combat capability. Will be harmed by any attack the undead mob makes)

Incapacitated/dead civilians: 1 group, size 2

Any troops under your command act on the tick immediately following your own (so if Prithaya orders the Red Spiders to form a shield wall, it forms on tick 13).

Ibry's Beastmen arrive next turn!
Red Spider reinforcements arrive next turn!

((This might technically be too fast, but w/e, ticks are an abstraction anyway))

[Beans]

Prithaya's cane clacks against the ground again. "Spiders, defend the people! We must hold for our reinforcements!" She doesn't need to shout, not really---her voice just rings out into the ears of her soldiers. "Shield wall, shoulder to shoulder, blood before surrender!" She shifts her scant troops into a barrier in front of a section of the crowds, ready to pull her later reinforcements into a fuller wall.

Spending 3m to boost the CHA+War pool from 8 to 11. Four Glories Meditation means 6s get rerolled away til they're all gone. This is a command action to order the troops to use a Defend Other action on a group of civvies, and will add successes as bonus dice to the troops' dicepools this round.
[roll0]
The reroll pool. The first rerolled die will use the first die in the reroll pool and so on. If the first rerolled die itself must be rerolled by also being a 6, it goes to the next die in the reroll pool. The reroll pool will be very large to leave safe room.
[roll1]
Stunt dice:
[roll2]
Result: 4 successes.

Prithaya will spend 2m to boost her Parry to 5 (or Evasion against unblockable attacks) against any attack made on her this round. Once she is suffering Onslaught, she will also bolster her Parry with Dipping Swallow Defense for 2m to negate all Onslaught penalty, granting her 1i per successful Parry. For unblockable attacks that equal her Evasion, she will spend 1m on Drifting Leaf Elusion to successfully evade attacks that equal but do not exceed her Evasion.

[Omniplex]

Tradewinds snarls, but now was not yet the time to burst into flight. He confidently grips Kingfisher in both hands, its shaft lengthened to accommodate two-handed grip, and its barbs retracted in to ease retrieval. In a flurry, he charges lightfooted across the smooth glass streets, Kingfisher jabbing at the nearest zombies in a series of quick thrusts, each ending with a ripping twist, tearing at the dead flesh.

Initiative 14 Essence 12/16 26/38
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Tradewinds will use Agile Beast Defense against attacks against him, and Impenetrable Beast Armor if hit.

[HalfTangible]

Which group of enemies you're attacking (war ghosts, zombies, hungry ghosts) can matter.

Tradewinds, you dive into the fray, Kingfisher cutting down foes left and right. You move smoothly from one enemy to the next, cutting the enemy down in a whirlwind of moonsilver. The zombies fall, but it seems that for every enemy you cut down, two more take its place. The horrid stench of death and decay presses all around you, cloying into your nose and throat as if the smell were a physical thing. ((see Resolving Actions))

Prithaya, you see some small hesitation from the soldiers you just commanded, but Thunderous Wrath starts shouting and you can see them move quickly. While you're not strictly speaking a battlefield commander, the Red Spiders know you and you speak with such authority that they cannot help but obey.

The Red Spider mercenaries fan out to protect the civilians, locking shields into a wall against the zombie horde where they can. The Hungry Ghosts and the War Ghosts continue their own rampages, but the tide is beginning to slow.

Ibry Mir, what do you do?

14 - Prithaya: You Command the Red Spiders to perform a Defend Other action on the Civilians. (4 successes)

14- Tradewinds: Your withering attack hits, but fails to do damage. (Focused on zombies. Attack 4 against Defense 2 (Evasion 2 base, +4 from size); Soak 7 (removes last 7 dice from dice pool) Damage resolves to 2. You gain 3 initiative from the successful attack! The Various Undead take 2 damage!!

13 - The Red Spiders perform a Defend Other action on the Civilians. The Civilians now have a defense of 8 (Red Spider's Parry Rating; 2 base parry, +1 average drill, +1 Size, +4 Command Action [lasts until Prithaya's next turn]). If an enemy beats this parry rating they may choose whether to attack the defended (the civilians) or the defender (the Red Spiders).

Tradewinds: Roll Stamina + Resistance, Difficulty 2. On failure, you become nauseous; you lose a point of initiative and take -1 penalty for the rest of the fight.
Red Spiders: Stamina 3 + Resistance 2 (Command is not added because this is not an action)
[roll0]

Current Initiative order: (Red means they've moved this turn)
17 - Tradewinds
14 - Prithaya
Red Spiders (Size 1)
8 - Ibry Mir
7 - The Calibration Knight
7 - Feltir
7 - Etana
5 - Various Undead (size 4) Magnitude: 11 (pg 208) 9 (hungry ghost, war ghost, zombies) + 4 size - 2 from damage
4 - ??? (???)
4 - City Guard (size 3) (counts as Militia)
0 - Panicking Civilians (3 sets of 8 health levels; no combat capability. Will be harmed by any attack the undead mob makes)

Incapacitated/dead civilians: 1 group, size 2

Any troops under your command act on the tick immediately following your own (so if Prithaya orders the Red Spiders to form a shield wall, it forms on tick 13).

Ibry's Beastmen arrive next turn!
Red Spider reinforcements arrive next turn!

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry Mir
Marketplace
"Hiiiyai!"

The Red Spiders forming up at the market's entryway are likely surprised to see a diminutive Djala with a staff vault over their newly formed defensive line. Ibry doesn't stop moving when she hits the ground: the Djalan warrior glances across the field, taking the measure of her opponents and allies even as she continues running. Prithaya and the Spiders she knew, there's a figure on some kind of shining mount above the fray, and she can see a western man rushing to the fore with what seems to be a spear of Moonsilver, jabbing at the ponderous dead with artful flurries that ketp them ever an arm's reach away. A fellow Chosen of Luna?

Ibry passes by her comrade, and turns to bow to him as she goes: cupping her hands in the sign of the Moon before righting herself and dashing forward, skirting around the edges of the melee. The zombies and hungry ghosts are predictable: she's more than confident trusting the fight against them to Prithaya, her Spiders and the blue haired stranger. But the menacing armored soldier-ghosts are quite another story. They're striking with purpose and efficacy: given the chance they'll simply circumvent the defenses Prithaya has set up at the market and focus on slaughtering whatever other civilians they can find.

Unless someone keeps them busy.

---------------

The phalanx of ghostly soldiers have just cornered one of the larger fleeting civilian groups. The passersby had taken refuge in the courtyard of the marketside caravanserai: barring the door and throwing whatever they could together as a barricade but even now the ghostly soldiers were hacking away at this feeble resistance. One turned, glancing around at the sound of oncoming footsteps, casting his gaze across the scene in his search for an opponent.

Ibry's fist connects with ghostly metal, and an almighty kraka-thoom rings out as the warrior spirit is sent ploughing into the midst of the group. The Djala warrior does not relent: she keeps going forward, ducking and weaving into the midst of the unit before they had a chance to work out what was going on. A carefully drilled shield wall is worth little if your opponent won't give you the chance to get into formation, and it's harder than you'd think to block the movements of someone as small as Ibry Mir. Especially with the fire of silver Essence speeding her every step and twist.

The Lunar's staff whirls as she dances between the war ghosts, slowed as they are by their armor. A strike to the knee, followed by a swift kick to the torso sends one of the iron spectres back into a street light. The glass fixtures cracks against the force of impact, letting cherry red splinters and drabs of oil shower gently down upon the fallen spectre. A backhand from Ibry plants a second ghost's helm squarely into the sturdy clay brick of the caravanserai's curtain wall, as the Djalan reaches the other side of the group, planting herself between them and the civilians beyond. She can keep this up for a while yet.

Once the Lunar Exalted were dubbed the Stewards of Creation. And though the ages have turned, and memories of those times have faded from the history books, Ibry Mir will honor that title today.

I believe the Undead Battlegroup are now at -1 defense from Onslaught, thanks to Tradewinds. Still, targeting the War Ghosts who I'm pretty sure are high defense, between Drill and Might (and clanky armor). Gonna spent 6m on the excellency for this attack roll, along with 1WP, and then if that goes through, a full 10m on the damage roll.

[roll0] Dex + Brawl + Accuracy + 6m Excellency
[roll1] Stunt Dice
+1 Autosux from Willpower

[roll2] Damage Roll, stunting to include Int: Ibry's a strategic fighter, and she's using the War Ghost's strict training against them as much as she can: striking to disrupt their formation. Threshold successes on the attack roll will add dice, but soak will cancel them out. I figure odds are good I won't get enough threshold sux to beat a Size 4 Battle Group's soak, so I'll hopefully just loose some from the end of this.

Still, even while she faces the ghostly soldiers, Ibry's subconscious mind is reaching outwards, searching within herself and without for threads of powerful essence. It is the perogative of the No Moon Caste to find those hidden places of power that are occluded from the world at large, and whatever has blighted the sun like this must be powerful indeed. In Luna's name, Ibry must find and face it if she can. Every second this blackened day continues puts more lives at risk.

Gonna throw down 3m of Peripheral on activating Ibry's anima power, looking to sense places of power in the hope it helps her find what's causing this. IDK if this will work, she doesn't know if it will work, but worth a shot.

[HalfTangible]

Ibry Mir, to say that your assault caused the ghostly horde to falter would be like saying the Pole of Fire is a little warm.

You dive into the enemy formation and strike with such speed and ferocity that the enemy immediately reels back. You strike down so many in that first flurry of blows that by the time the enemy realizes what is happening, you have slain dozens. By the time they're able to respond, you have beaten dozens more. And still more of the army's ghosts back away from you, unsure of what to do as they await further commands. The civilians behind you have gone very quiet.

As you come down after your flourish, you notice that the enemy has backed away from you. The discipline and the regimented efficiency that had drawn you to these enemies has left them.

There is a moment of quiet...

And then someone among the dead shouts orders, and the entire group's focus turns towards you. The ghosts within the group that are armored like mortal soldiers form a regimented line and approach you like you're an army. (which to be fair isn't so much untrue as inaccurate)

Feltir, Etana, and the Calibration Knight: What do you do?

Ibry attacks the war ghosts. 15 attack against 6 (4 parry, +1 from average drill, +2 from Might 2); 9 threshold successes, soak 5. Final damage: 16

Magnitude is reduced to 0! Rout check! Difficulty: 1. On success, size is reduced by 1. On failure, the war ghosts are driven off and the Various Undead BG's size is reduced by 2.
War Ghost willpower: 5
[roll0]

Success! The BG loses 1 size and rallies. Threshold damage: 5

Current Initiative order: (Red means they've moved this turn)
17 - Tradewinds
14 - Prithaya
Red Spiders (Size 1)
14 - Ibry Mir
7 - The Calibration Knight
7 - Feltir
7 - Etana
5 - Various Undead (size 3) Magnitude: 7/12 [9 (average of hungry ghost, war ghost, and zombies) + 3 size - 5 damage]
4 - ??? (???)
4 - City Guard (size 3) (counts as Militia)
0 - Panicking Civilians (3 sets of 8 health levels; no combat capability. Will be harmed by any attack the undead mob makes)

Incapacitated/dead civilians: 1 group, size 2

Any troops under your command act on the tick immediately following your own (so if Prithaya orders the Red Spiders to form a shield wall on tick 14, it forms on tick 13).

Ibry's Beastmen arrive next turn!
Red Spider reinforcements arrive next turn!

There's a permanent shadowland, one that you know of from this city, but there's also the feeling of... of a "half-shadowland" (probably not what it actually is, but that's what it feels like), expanding out with that first shadowland at its center. You can't tell what's causing it, though; it's likely not a manse or a location. Perhaps a spell, or some kind of artifact?

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 4/17 (13+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene) / - Spirit-Caging Mandala (10 rounds) - on battle group

Fighting the dead was only treating the symptoms not the cause, if the ever-increasing monsters facing those below were an indication. But the Knight can't spot the sorcerer and he'd made a whole thing about protecting the city to that Dragonblood. Despite there clearly to be talented individuals below, it would be poor form to fly off when he could help directly.

Since it seems his nature is already an open secret, Knight sees no need to be conservative in the current chaos. He breathed deep and laid his gaze upon the ghosts below. Channelling his essence into his palm his anima explodes with deep yellows, reds and oranges; the Knight the centre of an incongruous sunset against the mystically darkened sky. He hurls the sphere of essence downward; upon reaching the ground it explodes into a spiral of golden energy, lashing the war and hungry ghosts together and preventing their further advance towards the civilians. Hopefully it is enough that more can escape.

"THEY'RE TRAPPED, CRUSH THE ZOMBIES!" He bellows to the approaching guards, but obviously the others hear.

Use Spirit-Caging Mandala (10m peripheral, 1wp) and Occult Excellency (5m personal)
Wits+Occult+Excellency vs Hungry Ghost / War Ghost essence, presumed to be 1: [roll0]
Stunt: [roll1]
They are trapped for 1+excess sux rounds = 10 rounds. Can't move, can't attack without ranged weapons or if someone voluntarily enters close range and attacks them first. If I exceed Medium range, the Mandala ends. Otherwise, once it's about to ends I can roll again at +1 difficulty.

I assume that Chiaroscuro guards can tell the difference between a zombie and a ghost.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana lets out a snort much like a bull as first she walks then picks up speed before trampling full tilt into the zombies. She was used to the smell meat gave off when it rotted and exhaled to keep the stench out. This wasn't that much worse. She leans down and using the horns upon her head hooks one of them up and over. She swings a massive arm out full tilt grabbing the head as he flies behind and goes into a massive spin sending undead flying left and right as her ragdoll club's limbs and stuff go flying leaving a rather twitchy torso and stumps in her hands. "ETANA WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER HEALTH INSPECTOR VISIT CAUSE OF SOMEONE ELSE'S ZOMBIES! GET AWAY FROM ETANA'S CART!" She bellows at them more angry at the situation than expecting them to understand a thing she says.

Stamina + Resistance for zambo stench. Stamina 4 Resistance 2 + stunt is 6 dice + stunt.
[roll0]
Stunt
[roll1]


Attacking using a zambo as a club. Heavy weapon a testubo. Spending 1i to use. Get to attack with strength instead of dexterity her pool is 7 + Stunt and is spending 4 motes peripheral (which won't contribute to flare due to that number) on the strength excellency.
Using the creature like a testsubo gives a base damage of 16 + extra successes
[roll2]
Stunt if any
[roll3]

Will let ST roll damage if it hits.

[Novabomb]

Feltir was retreating as the magnitude and dimension of what was happening here dawned upon him. There is no ambiguity here unlike the tales of his homeland past. There are innocents and an undisputable evil.

Come Kyln, we must be the sun in this dark place. and Kyln flares back to life next to him.

Any could be forgiven for failing to notice this however, as Feltir's anima flares to life: 10 pillars connected in 5 pairs of arches, entirely aflame surround him as he stands atop his cart bringing forth magical flame.

Brilliance beyond daybreak, Crimson beyond ember coals.
In the endless sky, is where your power glows.

GARDA WING


A bird of pure flame plunges into the back of the undead hoard igniting a small firestorm in the area.


7 personal, 10 Peripheral were spent before this point.
3 Peripheral to resummon Kyln.
10 Peripheral on Occult Excellency for a Shape Sorcery Action to cast Flight of the Brilliant Raptor (Need 12 sm) into the middle of the undead horde. (Or towards the back if the majority of the hoard has gotten too close to civilians.

He can draw a mote from Kyln for free since this is his control spell.

Shape Sorcery [roll0]
If stunt [roll1]

(If Feltir generates enough enough sorcerous motes, he will use occult excellency on the attack roll, which will drain the rest of his mote pools)
Perception + Occult
[roll2]

Realized his initiative is actually 8, I misread his join battle: Damage: [roll3]

[HalfTangible]

Etana, you drive through the zombie horde like a woman possessed, putting down everything that gets in your way and everything that even looks at you funny. You barely even notice the smell; sure, it's unpleasant, but you work in fast food. Unpleasant for you is Taco Tuesday. You bash and slaughter your way through the horde of rotting flesh, an unstoppable juggernaut until...

Knight, you mutter incantation in the words of the Old Realm, their intonation as natural to your lips as breathing. Feltir, your incantations are those taught to you by Fete, and his burning visage arises to your mind unbidden. You feel the magic of sorcery swirl around you as you draw power in from the world around and shape it to your will. As the two of you cast your spells and your animas flare, golden fire burns across the horde. The ghosts of men and what was once men are bound in bright chains of solar light and fire, a mandala forming beneath them all. At the same time, a crimson and gold raptor of purest flames screeches, slamming into the very center of the mandala. Bodies and spirits burn, their essence fading away by the dozens with every passing moment. And with the Knight's mandala, none can escape.

At the same moment this bird collapses into a bonfire, the columns and arches that formed around Feltir collapse into a raging bonfire. The shadows around him are forced back, and it seems like the sun itself has risen among the people of Chiaroscuro. And though he has saved all of these people, there is fear in their eyes. Fear of him, and of the other Solar in their midst; the one mounted on a demon wasp, burning less brightly but no less brilliantly.

The entire circle - nay, the entire market, with hundred or even thousands of people - bears witness to these two solars, burning bright for all to see.

As for the undead...

Feltir begins casting Flight of the Brilliant Raptor (costs 12 sm).
He generates 12 sorcerous motes!
Flight of the Brilliant Raptor is cast! Decisive Attack (page 191): 11 versus defense (no enemy type specified; average of highest defenses is 3)
Damage: 8
The Undead Horde bursts into a bonfire!
Feltir's anima is now ICONIC. He can be seen for miles.

The Calibration Knight's anima is now Burning. Stealth is impossible.

The Various Undead mob cannot make use of War Ghost or Hungry Ghost stats for 10 rounds (unless they are specifically engaged). For all purposes except Magnitude, the size of the mob is treated as -2. The zombies take 4 damage from Etana's blows.

Size: 3 (acts as 1)
Magnitude: 7-4-8 = -5

The Undead rout! Difficulty 1. On success, the mob becomes a Size 2 mob of hungry ghosts and zombies (treated as a size 1 mob of zombies). On failure, the mob becomes a Size 1 group of zombies and no more.
... I mean either way you're fighting a size 1 mob of zombies, this is a technicality, but still.
[roll0]

[Beans]

((Before the attack happens, I may as well...))

When the undead attack, Prithaya is ready and they are harried from a hundred angles. The Knight above locks their strong ghosts down in a binding pentacle, another hurls fiery justice, and the huge woman rages through their ranks. And seconds before, Ibry had exploded into them while the man with the spear jabbed and feinted. This just isn't the undead's day.

Prithaya's cane snaps perfectly into position to bat aside every questing zombie talon, every flailing rotten hand. For a gentle-looking girl, her eyes are hard as iron stars and her hand flickering with the sureness of a years-proven fighter. Her movements are an example and an inspiration to her troops---she has no shield, but she needs none with the battle-prowess of the Sun in her bones.

"More drop every second," she remarks coolly to her scant but sure-hearted troops "We do not suffer dead victories here in the South! Hold fast!"

Parry 4 + 6m Personal = Parry 7 before possible stunt.

[HalfTangible]

Current Initiative order: (Red means they've moved this turn)
17 - Tradewinds
14 - Prithaya
Red Spiders (Size 1)
14 - Ibry Mir
7 - The Calibration Knight
7 - Feltir
7 - Etana
5 - Various Undead (size 2 [treated as 1 mob of zombies for 10 rounds]) Magnitude: 13 (1 size, 3 perfect morale, 9 base)
4 - City Guard (size 3) (counts as Militia); Magnitude 10 (3 size, 7 base)
0 - Panicking Civilians (3 sets of 8 health levels; no combat capability. Will be harmed by any attack the undead mob makes)

Incapacitated/dead civilians: 1 group, size 2

Any troops under your command act on the tick immediately following your own (so if Prithaya orders the Red Spiders to form a shield wall on tick 14, it forms on tick 13).

Ibry's Beastmen arrive next turn!
Red Spider reinforcements arrive next turn!

Various Undead

The zombies had little direction, but they had a clear purpose: to kill everything within reach. As the shambling corpses moved forward, growling with an inhuman hunger and reeking with the stench of the long-fallen. The zombies shambled towards the nearest living targets, lunging for the smell of living mortal flesh.

((Calibration Knight and Feltir are out of range of the zombies; the former because of his Agata and the latter because everything near him just caught fire. Everyone else:))
Attack (Bite): [roll0] (Base 5, +1 size); Foes hit roll stamina + resistance against difficulty 5 or gain a disease.
Damage: [roll1] (Base 16, +1 size)

???, City Guard

The guards, with the apparent display of Anathema power above, are initially unsure where to turn first. However the far more present danger of the dead below makes this choice simple, and they begin to cut down what they can reach.

"Cut 'em down, boys!" One of them shouted. "They've been put in the ground once already, ain't they?!"

The guards don't look convinced, but they obey their sergeant regardless.

((This attack only hits hostile targets; so the zombies. Who have no defenses whatsoever at this point thanks to the onslaught penalties.))
Attack (short sword) [roll2] 6 Base +3 size
Damage [roll3] 11 Base +3 size (minimum 2)
Final Raw Damage: 12 (I forgot about soak; they would only have 2 extra dice)
Zombie magnitude is now 1.
Also forgot about 4 extra damage that Feltir did, so... they're all dead.
---

????????? "WHY! WON'T! IT! DIE!!!"
"Oh don't worry too much, dear. It's entirely your fault, not my dear creation's."
---
Round ends! You all regain 5 motes.

As the last zombies fall and the remaining ghosts are tapped in a blazing inferno, you take a moment to take stock of the scene.

A fire is blazing at the very outer edge of the market, within which the last of the enemy's ghosts are burning to ash. There are two solars with blazing animas, one on a massive demon wasp in the air and the other on the group. The city guard, with no more dead left to fight, is now looking between the one in the air and the one on the ground. The Dragon-Blooded are nowhere to be seen. Aside from those who fell in the initial attack, the civilians are remarkably okay. Some of them are crying, but given the circumstances that's understandable.

From beyond the markets comes a new force of men, led by a grizzled old codger with blood red hair and a battle axe marked with old blood. Prithaya, you recognize this man as Blood Tithe; your employer. His face is caught somewhere between utter contempt and trying not to laugh. "Ye were just supposed to go shoppin'!!"

Just as this happens, a group of beastmen arrive.

"Milady!!" The one in the front (a wolf-looking creature with a massive scar over one eye) shouts. Ibry, you recognize him as Half Wolf (he thinks it's ironic). "What happened here?!"

Feltir, the guard's sergeant eyes flick up towards the Knight, but then fall back to you, his eyes narrowing.

"It seems," came a voice, "That the dead are already taken care of."

A troop of Realm legionaires come into the markets from the docks and arrive at the battlefield, with a man in the lead. He wears green jade armor that conceals his face, with the Mon to House Cynis emblazoned on the chest.

"And I echo the good mercenary and the wolf-man."

"Half wolf man."

"My question remains." There is a palpable sense of hostility and anger from the green-armored dragon-blood.

[Beans]

Prithaya pats the shoulders of her troops as she passes them, and salutes to Blood Tithe... and then the Dragon shows up. Cynis, maybe? She doesn't know the house mons all that well.
"Typical market business was going on, up until something darkened the sky and a large force of the dead showed up. I rallied the troops I had brought for our supply shopping to protect the civilians. Several others made quick work to defend the city, and the dead have been cut down." She glances at the armored man on the hell-wasp, and the fire-wreathed man, but does not comment on them yet.
"I don't know much about the arcane, sirs, but I would imagine the salt lines have been breached." She is calm even in the face of the dragon. After all, she did her duty. So did all of them. That some happened to advertise their Solar nature... well, she'll have to see if she can talk to them.
If they don't have to skedaddle.

[Inspector Valin]

"It's far more than that. The lines being breached wouldn't let ghosts manifest that easily."

Ibry steps to Prithaya's side, taking a second to smile appreciatively at the Solar: she'd handled her men well, and that shield wall had been strong for a mere half-dozen hands. Moment of respect over, she looks to the Cynis. Her tone is cold: not hostile, but spectacularly unimpressed at the Terrestrial and his shiny armor. "A nearby Shadowland has expanded. Is still expanding, I think. Whatever caused this is still going on, and we might as well be standing in the ruins of Thorns right now." And she should clarify one particularly obvious point, given this man's likely belief system. With a sigh, Ibry waves a hand between the knight in shining armor and Feltir, "And it's not their doing. Either of them. This feels like it's coming from the other Shadowland, radiating outwards. They're here, not there."

Well, that's as much explanation as the Dragon Blood needs. Or deserves. She should get back to business. Ibry turns to her disciple, gesturing across the marketplace and the environs where the attack had begun. "Wolf, we should sweep this area for casualties, but keep it brief. There'll likely be more of them unless we can kill the Necromancer behind all this. Get anyone injured into the caravanserai: the locals can deal with them while we hunt the wretch."

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 0/17 (13+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene) / - Spirit-Caging Mandala (9 rounds) - on battle group

So, not a Dragonblood after all, is Knight's first thought as the man he'd seen shivering in the Shadowland turns out to be anathema too. That's good, probably. At least he's not the only one about to be turned on the moment the crisis passes.

"The salt lines are f**ked, someone raid a spice merchant and charge it to the Tri-Khan. The exorcists can bless it back into a solid border." Knight is very upset about that border being breached.

"It's a sorcerer, somewhere inside the shadowland border, didn't have a chance to track them what with all the ghosts deciding to get uppity. V'neef Seawrack and River are tracking him, do you know them?" - The last bit is aimed at the new Dragonblood in Green, Knight notes that he almost has the full set in one day and decides that means he's probably part of their Hearth.

"Good job bud" he mutters and scratches Wagha-Kon under it's wing joint as he tries to sense where the spell is coming from.

Once the ghosts are all dead the mandala will fade automatically and the motes committed will be released.

Perception+Occult+Sorcery Speciality+Excellency (4m peripheral): [roll0]
Stunt: [roll1]
6 sux to try again to track the source of the spell now I'm not distracted by an army of ghosts.

I know I don't actually know what happened to the DBs, but I'm willing to assume based on River at least being reasonable, that they are doing this instead of just fleeing like cowards the first chance they got.

[HalfTangible]

With the undead dealt with, you're able to focus more intently on the magics around you. You didn't have the focus before, but with fewer distractions you are quickly able to find the source of this magic.

Now that you know where to look, however, you also notice the faintest wisp of smoke rising in the distance, and into the shadowland-esque sky. It's a small and subtle thing, something you likely wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't been able to sense the source as well... judging from the smoke and from how distant it feels, it will take a few minutes to get there even on your wasp. But the if the smoke is part of the spell, that means it can be stopped; and potentially even reversed. The permanent shadowland won't be gone, but the expanded one will be.

The knight's expressionless helm simply takes note of Ibry, but he turns and addresses her beastmen. "Our Fire Aspect is not afraid to be bombastic and flashy. Look for the bonfires; that is where you will find the enemy." It seems he's as unimpressed with the Djala as she is with him.

When Prithaya and Ibry call out for salt, one of the civilians steps forward. Etana, you would recognize this one; you bought salt from him when you first entered the city. "I uh, I've got salt. I think it'd need to be consecrated or something first, but uh-"

The dragon-blood throws bag practically overflowing with jade at his feet. "All of it. Now. Guardsmen, be ready to redraw the lines when this sorcery is ended and no sooner; else we risk the shadowland expanding beyond the lines."

"V'neef Seawrack and River are tracking him, do you know them?"

"You could say that, yes." The dragon blooded looked up at the wasp and its rider, walking forward without apparent fear. "I already know what they are doing and I have every confidence they will succeed. The sun will be shining on this market again before long. " The green knight reaches behind the cloak over his shoulders and pulls out a pair of small tubed weapons; they appear to be made of brass, with wooden stocks. "But my more immediate concern is you, Anathema. These people are safe for now, but I will not leave them to you."

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 0/17 (13+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene) / - Spirit-Caging Mandala (9 rounds) - on battle group

"If you want to play the righteous hero, how's about you show up before the danger has passed next time. I stopped those ghosts, he burned them up and they slaughtered the rest", gesturing unbidden at the various death-dealers on the ground. "You stood back and watched."

Might as well go for broke at this point. "This is Chiaroscuro, not the Empire - take your threats elsewhere unless you're actually prepared to help. There's smoke to the East, it's part of the spell. In case you care."

Ok, so I guess this is a Performance action to either instil an Intimacy against the Green DB, or to Persuade people to take my side over this pampered foreign warlord = 5 sux

Charisma+Performance: [roll0]
HPM: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Don't you screw me dice roller.....
Three 1s on HPM? Screw you dice roller.

[Omniplex]

The western man walks up to the vicinity of the discussing exalts. And leans on his spear, mostly listening. "That was an impressive show."

[HalfTangible]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 0/17 (13+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene) / - Spirit-Caging Mandala (9 rounds) - on battle group

"If you want to play the righteous hero, how's about you show up before the danger has passed next time. I stopped those ghosts, he burned them up and they slaughtered the rest", gesturing unbidden at the various death-dealers on the ground. "You stood back and watched."

Might as well go for broke at this point. "This is Chiaroscuro, not the Empire - take your threats elsewhere unless you're actually prepared to help. There's smoke to the East, it's part of the spell. In case you care."

Ok, so I guess this is a Performance action to either instil an Intimacy against the Green DB, or to Persuade people to take my side over this pampered foreign warlord = 5 sux

Charisma+Performance: [roll0]
HPM: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Don't you screw me dice roller.....
Three 1s on HPM? Screw you dice roller.

The crowd begins to murmur among themselves. They sound uncertain, but the Dragon-Blooded is getting dirty looks from a few of them.

"Of course I do but I will not leave these people unprotected, demon." Cynis' tone is dark and unamused. "The Hearth does not need me to win this day. The sorcerer will die, with or without my help. I suggest you run before they finish and return to drive you away as well."

As you're talking, Knight, you feel the mandala begin to fade. There's nothing left within the area for it to hold.

You get the impression that he's viewing Knight and Feltir as the next threat to the civilians here, rather than as a "purge the solar filth" sorta deal. Two Solar Anathema against one Dragon-Blooded isn't going to end well for the DB and he knows it. (and is also unaware of how much essence you've spent already) He's not planning to attack unless he is attacked.

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry watches Wolf and her disciples work for a while, smiling at their progress, before turning back to the Dragon Blood's side of the conversation with a frown. She's listening carefully all the same however, and her eyes light up at the mention of the smoke sign. In the midst of the exchange between Knight and the helmed Cynis, there's a clack of stave against glass as the Djalan Sage steps forward, calling upward to the Calibration Knight.

"Anathema! Room for one more up there?"

It's almost hard to tell if she's joking. There's a certain humor to Ibry's voice, but no smile as she continues to explain. "Assuming you're going after the necromancer responsible for this, then we're heading the same way anyway. And your mount seems faster than the street." She'll still need to give Wolf and the others directions to follow them, but the sign of a glowing sun atop a jeweled wasp is going to be far easier to spot than a hazy waft of smoke.

[Novabomb]

Feltir is confused by the declarations of anathema. He is not sure what it means, but gets the impression it is bad. Not for the first time he wishes his master had provided more instruction before sending him out. He speaks to the onlookers It is ok, my aura will not hurt you. It only LOOKs like fire. This happens when I channel a lot of magic.

[Beans]

Prithaya clears her throat softly, stepping over to confer with Blood Tithe. "Sorry we couldn't save any for you, sir, but the Djala lady and fire-caller got a little overzealous taking their share. Still, this won't look half bad for the Spiders, I expect."

[Kell_tamer]

Etana drops her makeshift club and as it twitches she stomps on it to end it. The horned woman (yes she has visible horns though she may just be a wyld mutant) approaches the large group of people. "What is this talk of sorcerers?" She is addressing no one in particular. "Is attack over? Is it safe for Etana to tell workers they can leave building?"

She folds her arms over her chest. "Maybe Etana can help with sorcerer?"

She looks over everyone gathered.

[Omniplex]

Etana drops her makeshift club and as it twitches she stomps on it to end it. The horned woman (yes she has visible horns though she may just be a wyld mutant) approaches the large group of people. "What is this talk of sorcerers?" She is addressing no one in particular. "Is attack over? Is it safe for Etana to tell workers they can leave building?"

She folds her arms over her chest. "Maybe Etana can help with sorcerer?"

She looks over everyone gathered.

Tradewinds nods up at Etana. "I take it you have more tricks up your sleeves than delicious meals and your impressive looks?"

Winds then looks toward Ibry and Prithaya.

"If you are in pursuit of the perpetrator, you should not do so without proper intelligence. I am Tradewinds, and you should consider me a scout of... above average capacity."

But Ibry can tell that he's saying a lot more than he's saying
"I could see by your ferocity that you are no mortal. I too am Chosen of Luna, and I suspect others here are as well, of Luna or of Sol."

[HalfTangible]

Etana, as you come over to the group, the dragon-blood glances at you but returns his gaze to the two clear Solars. "The situation is handled, ma'am." The Cynis says calmly. "And it seems that the attack is over, at least for the moment. The only question left is what the Anathema will do."

Prithaya, Blood Tithe snorts but seems to accept the reasoning. "Yeah, well. Ye ain't hurt." He glances around at the men. "No injuries among the men, few casualties among the rest. Ye kept them from embarassin' themselves, I hope." As Tradewinds comes up and makes his declaration, Tithe looks to the boy. He grunts. "Fancy spear ye got, kid. Fine, we'll take ye on; welcome to the Spiders. The pay's **** 'till ye can prove anythin'. Now git movin'."

Feltir, your placations don't seem to help anything. People still shrink back from you, and the masked Cynis still stares at you, helmet hiding his expression. Whatever an Anathema is, it seems that they're not well liked. The sorcerer on his wasp-demon glows as you do, and they seem just as worried about him.

Calibration Knight, the Djala who just massacred her way through the war ghosts is asking to join you on your Agata to go kick sorcerer butt.

What do you do?

[Beans]

Prithaya nods to her employer, then turns to Tradewinds.
"A good scout is exactly what we need. To properly formulate a strategy to deal with whatever or whoever's responsible for this, we'll need information."

[Novabomb]

Feltir is left at a loss. He knew there might be fallout from his use of sorcery, but he hoped the obvious rightness of the situation would remedy the matter. There is no running from this amount of people. He will move toward the city guard, and inquire.
Have I broken a law?

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

Hearing others begin to round on the Dragonblood, the Knight feels a small rush of glee as his mandala fades - not that most people notice the golden spell disappear due to all the flames. Not only might he survive, he could even make some new, and powerful, allies.

@Djala: "For a warrior of your skill and wisdom, always. Let's go brighten the sky."

@Dynast: "And the answer is that the Anathema will push back the city dead as he always has!"

Knight swoops down on his wasp, his anima reflected in it's wings and sending flashes of gorgeous colour against the nearby buildings. Still airborne but within reach of those seeming allies and with a careful measure of distance from the Cynis' blade, Knight issues a three finger salute to the guard and speaks to the burning anathema.

@Feltir: "You too fire lord. You protected these people, lets go save the rest."

[HalfTangible]

Feltir is left at a loss. He knew there might be fallout from his use of sorcery, but he hoped the obvious rightness of the situation would remedy the matter. There is no running from this amount of people. He will move toward the city guard, and inquire.
Have I broken a law?

"Back!" The guard raised his shield, blade at the ready. "We will not be fooled, demon. Leave."

"Captain, he saved us all-"

"And for that, he may leave with his stolen flesh intact."

The guards looked at one another.


The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 8/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

Hearing others begin to round on the Dragonblood, the Knight feels a small rush of glee as his mandala fades - not that most people notice the golden spell disappear due to all the flames. Not only might he survive, he could even make some new, and powerful, allies.

@Djala: "For a warrior of your skill and wisdom, always. Let's go brighten the sky."

@Dynast: "And the answer is that the Anathema will push back the city dead as he always has!"

Knight swoops down on his wasp, his anima reflected in it's wings and sending flashes of gorgeous colour against the nearby buildings. Still airborne but within reach of those seeming allies and with a careful measure of distance from the Cynis' blade, Knight issues a three finger salute to the guard and speaks to the burning anathema.

@Feltir: "You too fire lord. You protected these people, lets go save the rest."

As Ibry gets onto the Agata and calls out orders to the Beastmen, the guards note the man's salute, as does the Dynast. He is silent. Some cheers and claps rise from the crowd as colors explode around them, and the Calibration Knight's Agata lifts into the air and flies away.

As Feltir leaves (I presume), the Dragon-Blood lowers his weapon. "Can't say I'm sad to see them go." He turned to Blood Tithe. "You and the Beastmen, provide support for them and my fellows. The legionaires and I will remain here in case another attack comes."

"Oi." Blood Tithe growled, adjusting the grip on his axe. "This ain't no Realm satrap, brat. Who made you the boss of-"
"I'll pay you triple your current going rate."
"-I would lick your ass if that's what's asked, sir, we'll get it done!"

Wolf snorted. "Mercenaries."

The dynast sighed. "Mercenaries indeed." His helmet turned briefly towards Prithaya, before returning to Blood Tithe. "Do not risk your lives unnecessarily. If the Anathema work with the sorcerer, do not try to kill them, you will fail. Retrieve my Hearth if possible." He hesitated. For the first time since arriving he sounded almost mortal. "And if... if they are beyond saving..."

There was a brief moment of silence before he shook his head, and his voice regained its strength. "They will not be beyond saving, not for me. Retrieve them."

The dynast then moved towards the crowd. "Is anyone injured? I can provide assistance."

[Beans]

Prithaya watches the two revealed Solars. It's a sad reminder of what she'll have to face when she must eventually show her hand---but surely by then, she'll have built up trust in people.

And then Blood Tithe jumps to work for the Dragon, because... because of course he does. Even with her highly effective bookkeeping to help them along, the Spiders' refusal to take slaver contracts has kept their profit margins notably below those of the Black Bulls and so forth.
"Well, that's settled. We have convening to do. Ms. Mir, Mr. Tradewinds, let us not delay."
She realizes that to Blood Tithe she's... probably still just an accountant. Turning to him, she salutes.
"Unusual as it may seem, sir, I request that you allow me to assist with the planning of this engagement. Directing Thunderous and the others back there is the first of what I imagine may be several things to prove that I am good with more than just ledgers."

[Inspector Valin]

Before alighting onto the Agata, Ibry pulls Wolf aside to give a few final words. The Djala had grinned up at the Calibration Knight just moments before, but now she seems oddly pensive.

"We can't be sure if any more of the dead are going to show up. People ran every which way when the fighting started. I want patrols to cover the district, sweep the alleys and sidestreets. Evacuate civilians to the marketplace, engage the dead only when you have to." This is likely not the order Half Wolf wants to hear. Ibry sighs, reaching up and placing a hand on the beastman's shoulder. "I know you want a good fight, but today we should try and show ourselves as heroes first and foremost. How will the cityfolk look at us after you've helped save their lives?"

Ibry glances over at Prithaya one final time. With her grin restored, the Great Sage bows her head low to the Humble General, before moving to join the Calibration Knight atop his proud Agata. There will be time for conversation later. Now is the time for fighting still.

-----------------------------------------

"So. Sunchild. Do you have a plan?"

Ibry looks a touch unsure of herself on Agata-back, especially next to a well trained rider like the Calibration Knight. She keeps herself firmly rooted in the saddle, using both hands against her side for a secure grip as she looks up towards the shrouded sun. "Whatever's causing that is powerful. Probably old. Undoubtedly deadly. We could just charge in and hope for the best, but we should probably try and think of something first." Ibry frowns: annoyed at herself. She should have more to suggest here, but she's had little practical experience dealing with creatures of the Underworld. Still, the Djala gives the Knight a quizzical glance, thinking back to a few minutes ago. "That spirit cage of yours was impressive. A Necromancer will likely have ghostly bodyguards. Could you use it again?"

[Kell_tamer]

Etana glances as some fly off. She looks to some of the others who look to be setting out. "And you, are you going after this sorcerer? Etana has seen things of magic and might be able to help." if nothing else the woman was built like no ones business standing almost two average people tall.

[Novabomb]

Feltir hates the thought of abandoning his cart, especially to head TOWARDs danger, but this friendly sorcerer is offerring a way out that does not involve trying to make his way through hoards of people that hate him.
You honor me with your words, but I am merely an apprentice. I will join you.

[Omniplex]

As Tradewinds comes up and makes his declaration, Tithe looks to the boy. He grunts. "Fancy spear ye got, kid. Fine, we'll take ye on; welcome to the Spiders. The pay's **** 'till ye can prove anythin'. Now git movin'."

What do you do?

At first, Tradewinds wants to blow off the offer from this mortal warrior, but he thinks twice, after all, right now his income is pennies for some extra fish, and Leviathan did order him to get some real-world experience, as well as getting a good eye on the new Solars.

"Alright, But I'll be seeing if you're worth my time as well. Should I head out now, or do we have figuring out to do first?"

[HalfTangible]

Blood Tithe glares at Prithaya. For a moment, it seems he might refuse. But after a moment he nods. "Arright. You handled the men well 'nuff, ye get a chance to prove yerself. So let's hear it, what're we doin'?"

He pointed at Tradewinds. "Ye follow the girl wit' the cane and do what she says."

[Beans]

Prithaya salutes again. "Thank you, sir---I won't let you down." She turns to the spear-bearing man. "Scout as much as you can first, bring back what information you can, and from there we will be able to effectively strategize."

[Omniplex]

Prithaya salutes again. "Thank you, sir---I won't let you down." She turns to the spear-bearing man. "Scout as much as you can first, bring back what information you can, and from there we will be able to effectively strategize."

Tradewinds gives a more conventional salute to Prithaya

"You got it boss. I'll meet up with you when I've got info. I'll find you when I'm ready."

Tradewinds then slips off into the alleyways of the city to find a secluded place where he can transform into the shape of a raiton, that ubiquitous carrion bird, and then flies off to see what lies a the heart of this darkness.

[HalfTangible]

((Ibry Mir, Calibration Knight, Feltir, and Tradewinds: Roll Perception + Awareness. Tradewinds and Calibration Knight may swap out Awareness for Investigation since they're deciding where each group looks, or you may all alter your rolls through stunts. Difficulty just to find the sorcerer is 1 since you already know you're going to the smoke trail, but higher rolls will reveal more about the area and the sorcerer themselves))

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 11/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 59/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

As the flying demon carries the Knight and his companions towards the rising smoke (it's cozy, but manageable), his anima settles into a deeper pinky-red from its roaring orange and gold earlier and his eyes interrogate the fast-approaching scenery. Amongst the buzz of its wings those with keen ears might notice the Demon whispering to its master.

"Interesting choice of words, calling me Anathema. What with all three of us sharing that dubious distinction. Though I suppose hiding.in plain sight is second nature for those blessed by the Moon."

---
Agata uses Measure the Wind in the two new riders, confirming they are a Lunar and Solar respectively, but not their Castes.

Perception+Investigation+Excellency (2m Personal): [roll0] 1sux

[Inspector Valin]

"Your point? We were in front of a Dragonblood, his men, and a remarkably unenlightened mob." Ibry looks less than happy at the Knight's words. Discovering her secret is less the concern; he doesn't seem likely to rat her out to the Wyld Hunt, but the Knight discovering it like this, and trying to hold her earlier words against her now rankles. The Luna snorts, "What did you expect me to call you, anyway? Master?"

No. This is a mistake, no better than what annoyed her about the rider's attitude. Ibry grits her teeth, there's not time to truly trade blows, as much as she'd like to. Instead, as they start to draw nearer to the plume of smoke, the Djalan warrior rises to her feet. "Let's right the sun first. Then we can talk about what we are as well as who." With that, she spares the Knight a wink before leaning to the side: letting gravity pull her from Wagha-Kon's back.

If either Solar looked down after that, they didn't see a body. Looking up however, a majestic bald eagle (its white crest bedecked with gentle spots of black), soars upwards into the sky. Perhaps a faint trace of silver lines form upon its smooth brown wings... but no. That must have been a trick of the light, reflections from the glass towers all about them. It could not possibly have been anything else, could it?

Grinning inwardly, the bird-that-was-Ibry soars above Chairoscuro, making her own way towards the pillar of smoke. This is hardly the first time she's flown these streets: a few months have gone by since her Djala first arrived in this city. She knows the layout from above like the back of her hand: the alleyways, the way light plays off different towers, the layout of each square and the best places to hide within. There's nowhere for this wretch of a necromancer to hide from her.

Shapeshifting to Eagle form! Eagles get Eagle Eye which buffs my visual perception checks, and can fly high enough to be out of visual range pre ambush
[roll0] 6 base from form, + 5 from Eagle Eye
[roll1] Stunt Dice

Throwing 1WP for an autosux on this roll, bringing me back down to 5.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
Sorry to trouble you, but could you explain that word to me, I am unfamiliar with it, and it seems to keep coming up: Anathema.

When she "falls off" Feltir will attempt (and fail) to grab her before she falls.
Sir, she fell!

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 11/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 7, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 59/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

Well that was a great first impression, you DO want to survive the day, right?

The demon's sarcasm was neither appreciated nor helpful, albeit justified. Knight shook it off as she took flight, in awe of how seamlessly her powers worked.

"She'll be fine, we're all going to the same place.....just to be clear, I didn't want her to call me Master", he awkwardly tacks onto the end of his statement.

"Not spent much time around the Realm I take it? Anathema is a slur, it's a curse on those who threaten their supremacy, especially those of us who glow gold and silver. Their leaders teach that we are monsters who have possessed people and use them to sow chaos and death. But I for one am not, and the fact that you burned those ghosts rather than the crowds tells me you aren't either."

He pauses for a moment before continuing, just in case he is in fact a demon and tries something. Assuming it doesn't happen, he continues.

"The people in the city call me The Calibration Knight, do you have a name you're willing to share?"

[Novabomb]

Feltir
Happily, I am called Feltir. I am a smith and glassmaker by trade.

[Omniplex]

Now in the form a a raiton, a bird which fit right in with the darkness of the shadowlands, Tradewinds began his survey. Flying rapidly through the buildings, dodging structures and trees, he scanned the area leading up to the smoke plume. The raiton's smell would benefit him more than the long distance vision of his albatross spirit.

Per+Awareness+excellency[roll0]

[HalfTangible]

As you fly over to check the place out, you see the jeweled wasp from earlier flying in a different direction from where you thought the enemy was. After a moment of uncertainty, however, it turns back, and you gain altitude. You eventually find your way to the smoke trail. However, you're not used to the washed-out colors and darkness of a shadowland, and so while normally you'd be quite capable of picking out everything worth seeing, you're currently a bit handicapped. It's like judging distance with an eye covered.

In a ruined temple to a god you don't recognize, you see the scene below...

At one point you lose track of the smoke, but are able to quickly correct yourself and fly to it. However, in your zeal to reach this sorcerer, you don't notice anything else particularly useful about the terrain, or the building that the sorcerer is hiding in. You see the scene below...

The Agata heads in the wrong direction for a brief moment, but you arrive quickly. The scene below is in an abandoned area of the city that, from appearances, was once a temple district. You don't recognize any of the religious iconography, but you can infer these were probably worshipped during the First Age. As you continue to look, however, you see what was once a grand temple in the district; it's not large enough to be one of the Incarnae, but it is quite an impressive place; perhaps for one of the gods of the city itself, or one for the south. There are very few routes in and out of the area; it's not a good place to try and mount an attack with an army like yours or Prithaya's, but that also means it will be difficult for the sorcerer to escape.

The Agata heads in the wrong direction for a brief moment, but you arrive quickly. The scene below is in an abandoned area of the city that, from appearances, was once a temple district. You don't recognize any of the religious iconography, but you can infer these were probably worshipped during the First Age. As you continue to look, however, you see what was once a grand temple in the district; it's not large enough to be one of the Incarnae, but it is quite an impressive place; perhaps for one of the gods of the city itself, or one for the south. There are very few routes in and out of the area; it's not a good place to try and mount an attack with an army like yours or Prithaya's, but that also means it will be difficult for the sorcerer to escape.

As you arrive, you also see the sorcerer; or rather, the sorceress Her aura has flared only slightly, despite how powerful this shadowland spell is. Which means either she's using a focus of some sort, or she is powerful enough to draw all of her spellpower from around her.

---

[The scene below]

The old city has been in rubble since the First Age, but the ruined building where you find the sorcerer looks even more ravaged than usual. There are puddles of water, small brushfires and jagged rocks. Around the building is a massive ring of fire. Within it, Still River lays unconscious against a wall, blood on her face. The breastplate of her armor is cracked and caved inward. V'Neef Seawrack is face-down in the rubble, back armor torn to shreds.

In the center of the building stands Sesus Kejak Long, and a pair of figures; one is a human woman in the robe of a priestess. Her bare hands show alabaster skin, and she has dark hair that falls in front of her face. It is faint, but she glows with the same dark energy that permeates the shadowlands. She holds a long chain forged from black steel, at the end of which is a censer. The smoke from the censer billows upwards into the sky, thick at first, but growing wispier as it rises. The thicker parts of the smoke seem to roil and undulate into faces, some smiling, some wailing in agony, some overcome with laughter. The woman's neck (her hair only hides her face) is slightly burnt and there is a bit of blood on her forehead, but she otherwise looks uninjured.

Next to her is a spindly creature you haven't seen before. Its general shape and the ruined blonde hair tells you it was once a human woman, but its flesh has become descicated and torn. Muscles and bones are exposed all along its flesh. Bony spikes jut from its long wiry arms and its hunched back, its jaw hanging unhinged with fangs like a shark. Claws as long as a man's forearm jut from its hands. Its eyes burn with black smoke that curls along its body and across the ground. It is, as far as you can tell, entirely unharmed.

Sesus, on the other hand, is not. Her off-arm and one of her legs look broken. Her blood covers her face, her hair is no longer tied back, and her jeweled eyepatch is gone. Her armor is torn, and now that you can see the creature, you realize the tears through the metal are that thing's claws.

"Is that all?" The priestess asks, holding the censer up. "I had expected more from the dragon's blood."

Sesus does not respond, merely holding her flaming blade forward, leaning on her good leg.

"Well, I suppose it's not all your fault." She says, glancing at the creature under her command. "You could not hope to stand against me or my creation." The creature's head jerks and tilts, with a crack of bone. It makes a low gurgling sound.

"Now now, dear, don't try to talk."

"Screw you." The dragon snarls back. "The markets are being protected. No one else dies today."

"You're not really in a position to make threats." The priestess spreads her arms wide, as if speaking to a crowd. "Look around you, dragon! Three of you could not stop me, what can one alone hope to accomplish? The final grace has come for the long-suffering Chiaroscuro. This fallen city will finally be put out of its misery and given to the Deathlords, as is proper."

"Others are coming!" Sesus's aura burns brighter. "You will not succeed."

"What others? Your legions? They will not arrive in time. The Solar in the Tri-Khan's service? A coward. The Knight? He cannot stand against me." She holds out her censer, palm over her heart. "Ah, Chiaroscuro, your suffering will be over soon. Embrace death without fear, as it seeks to embrace you!"

The three fighters don't seem to have noticed any of you yet, although the dragon-blooded should soon.

What do you do?

[Novabomb]

Feltir is rightfully quite terrified of what he sees below him.
How are we supposed to deal with something like that?
As the scene unfolds below him a fatalistic calm washes over him.
It doesn't matter. We are needed.

(Assuming Knight chooses to come close to the ground)
As the winged beast closes in on the building, Feltir dismounts falling to a knee under the weight of his armor just inside the ring of flames.

Rivulets of flame trail towards him from, fed from the ring of flames as he begins his incantation. Walking forward slowly. Kyln trails behind him. From the front it initially looks like he wears a cloak of flame.
(If Knight stays in the air, then he will instead begin his spell while mounted)

Brilliance beyond daybreak, Crimson beyond....

Once we get close enough Feltir begins casting Flight of the Brilliant raptor again (AKA Garda Wing).

New scene I am guessing:
Wits + Awareness [roll0]

Shape Sorcery [roll1] if he is within medium range of the firewall he will draw a mote from it.

Stunt? [roll2]

[Inspector Valin]

The temple diverts Ibry's attention briefly: she knew that Chairoscuro was an old city, but the presence of a place like this is still impressive. Perhaps providential. Even though the Underworld has sunk its teeth into this place, perhaps some tie to the old god it once served remains. As the eagle soars about the updraft of the firewall, the mind within takes a second to offer a brief prayer in honor of the god whose home she's entering.

Honest and righteous agent of Heaven, in the name of my lady Luna, I wish you fortune and happiness. May you watch over us in this dark hour..

Perhaps the god heard her, perhaps the thought of a higher power simply set her at ease, but Ibry's senses sharpen as she watches the scene unfolding between the necromancer, her creation and the last of the Dragon Blooded. The creature's claws seem sharper than any beast Ibry has ever seen, and the thought of what they've done to the Dragon Blooded's armor makes the Lunar wince. Flesh will likely fair worse yet. Still, she can hardly leave a potential ally to die, and the flaring aura of Sesus shows that being bloodied has not stopped the Terrestrial warrior. Ibry would hardly be a worthy Chosen of Luna if she wavered while others held the line.

The sorceress' confidence might be her undoing. The eagle's eye glints as she holds out the censer for Kejak Long, taunting the Dragon Blood as the warrior stood there bleeding. Certain, proud. And vulnerable. With a distant caw, the brown plumed bird circles above the temple one final time, as Ibry decides upon the perfect angle of descent.

Grrr.... really want initiative, but don't want to go too deep on essence,

4 motes. Here's hoping it's enough

[roll0] Wits + Awareness (7) + 4m Excellency
[roll1] Stunt Dice

Action wise, Ibry's moving in right away: soaring down as quickly as she can. She's not letting Sesus die if she can help it, her feelings for the Dynasty aside. I'm hoping since this fight seems largely over, and the Eagle's QC block has this text bit, Ibry can swing an ambush.


Note that an eagle soaring high in the sky is generally beyond the range of sensory detection for characters who lack superhuman sight, ensuring an ambush on first strike and providing the possibility of reestablishing stealth in combat by simply flying higher than enemies can see.

But the Abyssal and her 'friend' are technically still in a fight so it might just be a surprise attack: I'm not quite sure. Either way I'll resolve that once combat officially starts

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 2/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 4, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Medium range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

The demon wasp swoops low after recovering orientation, allowing Feltir to disembark and begin shaping his spell.

Rounding on the bloodbath, the Knight is surprised to feel that he genuinely wants to go help River. She was rational with him and is a local girl. But his medical skill is essentially nil, so instead he begins to feel for the gaps in the sorcerer's spell; the threadbare spots that would unravel the entire thing.

"Always nice to meet a fan of my work, but maybe take your pet there to somewhere like Thorns. You'd fit right in there."

----
Going to try distorting the spell on my turn, unless things start going very badly, in which case I'll jump in and try to stab something.

[Omniplex]

[The scene below]

What do you do?

Now is no time for subtlety or restraint. Tradewinds says to himself as he turns about and transforms mid-air into his hybrid form. Instead of a raiton there is now a massive albatross-man, with a huge wingspan and carrying Kingfisher in his dexterous talons at the ends of his legs. Quickly he returns to Prithaya and Blood Tithe, still in his hybrid form.

"It's Tradewinds, we need all hands on deck. There are two monstrosities at the heart of the storm, a powerful necromancer, and some sort of dangerous undead aberration. The necromancer is threatening some sort of powerful sorcery, the Dynast is there, but she'll need help, and fast. This way."

Tradewinds tips his beak in the direction of the smoke plume, and flutters toward it slow enough that the warband and other chosen can follow him.

[Beans]

Prithaya sees... a bird-man. Somehow it's very recognizably Tradewinds (helped by him stating as such).
Oh hell, is he---is this what Lunars are like? Or is he just some sort of very special beastman, or blessed by a god of seabirds?
"... Well, that's prepared strategy gone out the window. Miss Etana, please lend us your might." She speaks with definitive resolve to forestall any balking on her employer's part. "Red Spiders, follow the bird-man! Forward march!" She limps along, surprisingly fast given her apparent bad leg. Inside, she can't help but wonder if she can keep from outing herself as an Exalt as well.

[HalfTangible]

As the Necromancer steps forward, she pauses. She and Sesus both hesitate a moment before they both look up.

Calibration Knight, the priestess looks up (perhaps because of the caw) just in time to see you coming in to land. Sesus looks up as well, her expression one of unease with a mix of hope.

The priestess smiles at the interruption. "Oh, so the Knight is here? That will make this entire adventure much simpler." She glanced at Feltir. "Silent Mask, I presume? I thought you'd be taller."

Then the Calibration Knight called her his fan.

"A fan? That would be amusing were it not so insulting." Her smile faded. "The crimes you've dealt to the dead are many, 'Calibration Knight'." She growled, and pulled the chain on her censer tighter with one hand. "But it's good you've come to accept punishment."

"I am the Mourner within the Forgotten Temple." She says, and darkness gathers around her. "And I'll be mourning for you before long."

"You... you won't..." Sesus began, raising up her sword.

"Hm. No, I suppose not. Remade Terror!" The Mourner shouts. "Make them suffer."

The creature with her twitches at her command, and begins to salivate.

And with that, she swings her censer forward like a flail, straight for the Knight. A mark appears on her forehead, a grim and black depiction of the Twilight Caste mark, and begins to bleed.

The Knight's Aura flares brighter for a moment, and he's able to block the large steel censer just in time. He's almost knocked off of the Agata, but rights himself in a moment.



Withering attack on the Calibration Knight
Weapon tags: Bashing, Reaching, Disarming, Flexible, Grappling
(Reaching weapons ignore bonuses for fighting while mounted)
Damage penalty: -1
5 motes - Melee Excellency
To hit: 16 (10 base, +5 excellency, +1 specialty, -1 damage) [roll0]
Damage: 16 (26 base, -1 damage, -9 soak from TCK) [roll1]

TCK's Defense: 5
TCK's Soak: 9

The Mourner hits with 7! (2 threshold successes - no extra damage)
TCK takes 6 withering damage! (may also spend 6 motes to boost defense to 8 and nullify the attack)
1 initiative gained for a successful attack!

(before TCK's charms)
6 initiative gained from the attack!
TCK enters initiative crash!
Initiative Break! The Mourner gains +5 initiative!

The Mourner's Anima is now [B]glowing!
TCK's anime is now one higher! (Blazing/Iconic i believe?)

[Feltir's turn!]

Feltir begins channeling his spell, preparing to unleash a great fiery bird upon the Mourner and her creature! He draws power from the nearby fire, and he feels the faint hum of his lord singing in his blood! His familiar burns brighter, ready to engage at its master's command!

Feltir gains 5 sorcerous motes from his own action, 1 from the fire wall and 1 from Kyln (control spell)! He currently has 7sm.

Reminder: Summoned creatures (demons, elementals, etc) act on the same tick as their master, but their actions are treated as resolving immediately after their master's.

[Sesus Kejak Long's turn!]

The dragon-blooded swears at the sorcery she is witnessing and the evident Solar anathema fighting with her, but there's no time to belabor the point. She charges at the Mourner. Her aura flares around her as she roars with rage and hatred, for a moment sounding like a dragon herself as she brings her fiery blade down on her head!

The (undead creature?) moves with an almost unnatural speed in that moment, reaching a claw up to grasp at the dragon blooded's flaming sword! It slams into the creature, pushing it back towards its master in the dirt.

"DAMNED FILTH! YOU'LL NOT LAST!!"

"Death will be here long after you're gone, little dragon; and so shall I."

Sesus attempts to strike the Mourner! She uses Crimson Fang Bite! (3m, 1wp). She adds the higher of her Essence or her Strength (5) to the To Hit of a withering attack, or doubles 10s on a decisive attack's damage.
Withering attack!
To hit: 15 (+5 weapon, +5 CFB, +5 dexterity) [roll2]
Damage: 4 (+10 weapon, +5 strength -14 Mourner Soak); Minimum Damage 4 is higher than 1! [roll3]
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced (Dragon-Graced Weapon (Fire): +1 overwhelming!)

??? is still Defending Other (the Mourner)!
Parry: 5

Successes: 2

Attack fails!

[Unknown Monster's turn!]

The creature twitches for a moment. Then it jerks, twitches, and its movements become a blur. It screams out with rage and in a single lightning instant strikes out at Sesus! She brings up her arm to shield herself from the attack and is knocked aside. She's still standing and able to fight, but has been pushed away somewhat.

Unknown Creature activates Flying Time Technique! Treat its initiative as 3 points higher when determining turn order. Grants 2 bonus successes on attacks against creatures that have not acted yet this turn, and +2 defense against creatures that go after it in the turn order.

It attacks Sesus Kejak Long!
To hit: [roll4]

Long's Parry: 5
Long's Soak: 12

Attack hits!

Threshold successes: 2! Damage 12 (10 base, +2 threshold successes!)

Long's soak is equal to the creature's damage! No minimum damage given, so no damage is done!
1 Initiative gained for a successful attack!

[The Calibration Knight's turn!]

The Calibration Knight attempts to distort the sorceress' spell! However, he realizes as he reaches out that he cannot.

((See OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?583961-Exalted-3e-Of-Tri-Khans-and-God-Kings-OOC&p=23850855#post23850855)))

[Ibry Mir launches an Ambush!]

((see Valin's post on the next page))

The censer clatters away from the Mourner, leaving her unarmed for the moment.

Sesus snorts at her comment. "Not exactly in a position to kill ye anyway. This bitch needs to die."

---

Round 2 begins! Everyone regains 5 motes!! Excuse me while I work out the math on this and figure out where everybody stands as of this round...

---
[Red Spiders]

Tradewind's words ring in the ears of the warriors around them, and the group immediately sets out. Prithaya, the men know about your leg problems and you're the commander so they help you along.

Prithaya, Etana and Tradewinds all have a call to make.

You can leave the Spiders behind and rush ahead to get to the battleground more quickly. Your Join Battle rolls will have a penalty of 3, and you will arrive without your troops, but you will arrive in the current round on your tick.

You can move ahead of your troops without rushing overmuch. You will arrive at the end of round 3, but your troops will be left behind. There is no JB penalty here.

You can march with the troops. You will arrive with more forces, but you will not arrive until the bottom of round 5. Prithaya may attempt to force the army to march faster, arriving at the top of round 4 (-3 JB roll) instead.

Or you can do something else.

What do you do?

[Beans]

Prithaya marches along with her men normally, and will arrive at the bottom of round 5. She will not prevent her Lunar pals from rushing if they want.

[Inspector Valin]

In the midst of a melee, no one looks up at the sky. A brown crested eagle swoops past the ancient crenelations of the temple, alighting on the chain of the Abyssal's censer. It perches there for a second, looking up curiously at the death-dealing warrior above it, before with a flash of silver the bird is gone. In its place a Djala woman in a coat crouches, sharing the bird's quizzical eyes for a moment, before her face shifts into a smile.

"Luna sends her regards."

She brings her hands up and shoves hard against the Mourner's shoulders, while her feet remain firmly planted against the censer's chain. The soulful smog begins to cry out in fear, the faces shifting towards more uniform expressions of terror as their master's grip upon the brazier of soulsmoke begins to weaken. Her face inches away from the Mourner's, Ibry shares a mischievous grin with the strange Abyssal. "This looks important. Is it?"

She doesn't wait for an answer. The question's just intended to keep her opponent off guard a second longer. Seeing her chance in the Mourner's eyes, Ibry brings her head up, twisting towards the side of the Abyssal's jaw. All the power and force the little Lunar has goes into that one movement, driving the deathknight back and pushing off against her weapon one final time. Ibry wheels in the air as the Mourner starts to reel, the links of her chain slipping through her fingers. A searching spotted foot hooks onto the censer itself, pulling it away with the withdrawing Lunar as a ghostly howl starts to rise across the room.

We agreed in discord this is effectively an autowin, but I wanna roll it anyway to be by the book. Decisive Attack: 8 base (Dex5, Brawl 3) + 2 from Form pool + 4 from Death Dive. +2 autosux from Swooping Descent [roll0] Decisive Attack, +2sux
[roll1] Stunt Dice

[roll2] Initiative, for a Disarm gambit. Tens are doubled thanks to Eagle form/it being a gambit. I need 3 sux to disarm the Mourner. If successful, that pushes her censer away to short range, and Ibry spends 4i, bringing her down to 8.

Ibry falls on her feet, back to Sesus Long. She half-turns her head: just enough to wink at the weary Dragon Blood. "Promise not to kill us until this fight's over?"

[Omniplex]

Prithaya, Etana and Tradewinds all have a call to make.

You can leave the Spiders behind and rush ahead to get to the battleground more quickly. Your Join Battle rolls will have a penalty of 3, and you will arrive without your troops, but you will arrive in the current round on your tick.

You can move ahead of your troops without rushing overmuch. You will arrive at the end of round 3, but your troops will be left behind. There is no JB penalty here.

You can march with the troops. You will arrive with more forces, but you will not arrive until the bottom of round 5. Prithaya may attempt to force the army to march faster, arriving at the top of round 4 (-3 JB roll) instead.

Or you can do something else.

What do you do?

Tradewinds stays solidly ahead of the soldiers, restraining himself from flying forward. He will arrive at the end of turn 3

[Kell_tamer]

Etana looks to the others. "Etana kind of likes the fire girl... please don't tell her" And she charges forward, shifting into a massive auroch. A cloud of dust is moved up behind her as she moves to the fight. The ground shakes as she makes sure toenter the fray.

4 motes peripheralto transform, gonna charge right on ahead.
Join battle is 7 -3 is 4 spending 1m for bringing it to 5 (thanks to wits exy)
If we had time to get at least 5m back i'm going to spend 5 more stunting that charge as part of my join battle adding my strength to it

If just the base pool
[roll0]
Stunt
[roll1]
and if the motes were able to come back
[roll2]

Rushing to arrive.

[HalfTangible]

[Round 2]

[The Mourner's turn!]
[Remade Terror's turn!]

"HEY!" The mourner yells as her censer is knocked away from her. "YOU ****ING COW!!"

The Mourner glances for a moment at the Knight and his burning anima. She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "Terror upon the Djala!"

The creature flickers and blurs for a moment, and then lashes out towards Ibry, striking with inhuman speed.

"How dare you, filthy creatures!!" She snarls, as her aura begins to flare. In a perversion of the iconic Solar anima that so many of you are accustomed to, darkness erupts from the Mourner, and her eyes (so far hidden behind her hair) glow a bright red that shines through her hair. "Fine. You want to play games?!" She brings her hands together, and you hear the toll of (of all things) wedding bells in the air. She begins chanting in Old Realm.

And where once the sun was obscured only slightly, now it seems to vanish, if only for an instant, as if oblivion itself now surrounds you... and as the sun forces its way back through, you see shards of obsidian glass forming.

[I]Oh obsidian,
Ride on these winds of power
be shaped by my will...

As she finishes her chant, the obsidian explodes outward, and there's a brief moment where the glass looks like butterflies flitting through the air. They pelt your armors and strike your weapons, but do not do any serious damage. The butterflies drop to the ground, shattering into pieces that now litter the ground.

Remade Terror attacks Ibry Mir!
Withering Attack: 11 [roll0] + 2 autosux (Flying Time Technique: Ibry has not acted yet this round) (2 successes from the OOC thread); 4 sux! Hits Ibry before charms!
Damage: 10 - 7 = 3 (so just the first 3 dice) [roll1] 3 damage!

Ibry clashes with Remade Terror!
Ibry's 9 vs Terror's 4
Ibry wins the clash with 5 threshold successes!
Ibry does 2 damage base, +3 for winning the clash!
Terror is at 0i (acts on 3i) and enters Initiative Crash! It cannot use Perilous Charms or launch decisive attacks.

The Mourner moves to her censer, and begins casting Death Of Obsidian Butterflies, targetting everyone within medium range. Which should be everybody.
She will spend 10 peripheral motes on her Occult Excellency to add 10 dice to the roll. She will also pull a mote from the Shadowland because Abyssals can probably do that.
5 (Intelligence) + 5 (Occult) + 10 (Excellency) - 1 (Damage)
[roll2] + 1sm

(She begins with 2sm; she had 5 last round but did not spend them and so lost 3)

Gains 10sm

12sm: spell casts!

If successfully cast:
To hit: 8 (Perception 4 + Occult 5 - 1 damage) (undodgeable - against parry values for all characters currently in the battle) [roll3]
Damage: Essence (3) + Threshold successes (will be rolled in the OOC if it hits)

2 against Parry!

The attack misses Ibry, the Knight, and Sesus!
The attack hits Feltir! He takes no damage due to his armor's hardness!

The area within the temple is now a hazard (difficulty 2 to traverse, Dex + athletics) that deals 2 dice of lethal damage.

The Mourner is now at Bonfire!

[Inspector Valin]

The Terror's strike is swift and true, those vicious long claws lashing out as the dimmed sun fades to black beneath the Mourner's Oblivion-tainted anima. When light returns however, the creature finds its claw halted in mid strike. Ibry meets the monster's gaze over her outstretched arm; leather-wrapped fist and sharp bone claw interlocking. Both warriors had struck at the same moment, and both are strong enough to halt their counterpart.

"Now, this? This is a fight!"

The Lunar laughs, a booming guffaw of merriment that echoes across the worn out temple. There's a vicious glint in Ibry's eyes as she looks into the Terror's smoke filled orbs. A Lunar can be as great a predator as any tool of the Underworld, and there's no guilt attached to ripping something like this apart. The Djala grins, excited in a way she hasn't felt in a long time. "C'mon, abomination! Show me what you can do!"

Challenge given, Ibry takes a step back, falling into a simple guard. The Terror rushes forward, its mistress' black butterflies zipping forward in its wake towards the spotted warrior. Ibry cries out "For the Djala!" before charging towards the enrushing monster. Every move the dark creature makes is countered by a blow of equal force from Ibry. The Terror's claw strikes are met by a swift flurry of jabs, a bone-laced knee strike receives a nimble spinning kick. Both parties get faster and stronger by the blow, essence fueling their strikes as neither manages to gain an early advantage. The two start moving back and forth upon the temple floor, their steps in time with the ethereal bells that fill the ancient house of worship. What god could be displeased by a dance this magnificent?

2m on the Dex excellency, and a WP for the Clash roll.
[roll0]+1 sux Withering Attack
[roll1] Stunt Dice

2m on the Strength excellency, if Ibry wins. Terror's soak is LudiHuge enough to equal Ibry's base damage, so I'll roll those two dice here, and any threshold in the OOC. Keep in mind Ibry does 3i damage automatically for winning a Clash if we get this far. :smallwink:
[roll2]

The two's quick dance is not enough to distract Ibry from the flying shards of Obsidian zipping every which way. Ibry's well accustomed to walking barefoot over jagged terrain however: the little Lunar shifts nimbly between the ball and heel of her feet as she and the Terror spar, always staying just shy of the shards of broken obsidian. This part is second nature to a Djala.

Not Stepping On Lego Jutsu!

[roll3] Dex + Athletics
[roll4] Stunt Dice

[HalfTangible]

Ibry's strikes push the Terror back as obsidian shards, glinting in the Knight's aura, fall down around them. The darkness is pushed back for the moment by the strength of the Djala Lunar's blows.

Feltir's turn!

[Beans]

Prithaya gets out in front of her troops---how fast this limping girl must scuttle! The troops know her as the bad-legged bean-counter, and yet here she is outmarching them!

"Spiders!" She calls out, sort of skittering half-backwards. "You need not slow yourselves for me---my leg may pain me from the past abuse of a cruel mistress, but that discomfort is nothing in the face of the pain our monstrous foe wishes to inflict on our city---our city, who took me into its arms when I came from across the sands, and whose arms hold your families and loved ones! If anything is Anathema, it is that, and we cannot tarry in sending it howling back to whatever hole it crawled from!" She thwacks her cane against a stray box with a firecracker-loud sound. "FULL ADVANCE!" Essence hums through her, giving her voice the power to ring out into each and every ear despite the din of marching and the fading pounding of the auroch-woman's hooves. Turning, she increases her pace to a sort of three-footed canter and sets her teeth into a tight grin against the ache. She's endured worse.

For the troops... well, they heard her, didn't they? And besides, if some scrawny girl with a bad leg can hold the line with a few soldiers and wring that much speed out of herself, can any self-respecting soldier not match her pace?

Firstly, rolling CHA 3 + War 5 + 2 Excellency = 10. 6s reroll until no 6s remain.
[roll0] = 3 on the dice
Rerolls, with more space than needed.
[roll1] = no rerolled successes
Stunt dice if applicable.
[roll2] = 2 if applicable

Secondly, rolling WITS 3 + Awar 3 + 4 Excellency = 10 - 3 = 7.
[roll3] = 5 on the dice, total initiative upon joining 8i
Stunt dice if applicable.
[roll4] = 2 if applicable

[Novabomb]

Feltir
...ember coals. In the endless sky is where your power glows...

Kyln, burn the monster.

Kyln inhales, expanding to twice his normal size, then breathes out a stream a flame at the monstrosity.


Shape Sorcery: (Int+Occ[fire]) [roll0] Attempting to cover the censor in the environment burst.
Attack roll to make sure no botch (Per+Occ[fire]) [roll1]
Dmg if spell goes off [roll2] Need at least 3 successes for environment burst.

Kyln spends 3 motes to use fire breath on the monster (Withering)
INT+Occult [roll3] (I assume specialty does not apply to this)
On hit damage 11 (Not sure about its soak, or if it has anything special against flame)

Kyln goes to 11 Initiative. 67 Essence

[HalfTangible]

Sesus doesn't answer Ibry, although judging from the blazing hatred of the look she directs at Mourner, it's easy to assume that she has something else she wants to deal with right now.

"For the sister and brother you have laid low and the abomination you have made of my kin, I SHALL ERASE YOU FROM EXISTENCE!!" She screams, and her aura flares with flame as she strikes out at the Mourner, in two lightning fast strikes that set the very air aflame.

... On the other hand, the sudden flare of heat from her may indicate she just doesn't care that anyone else is around her. Terror is unaffected, but the Mourner hisses and brings her arm up to her face. She stumbles back from the flames, just in time to dodge one of the attacks, but the second catches her arm, burning a wound deep within. She hisses.

Sesus Kejak Long performs a withering attack, making use of Crimson Fang Bite!

To hit: [roll0] (+5 Melee, +5 Strength, +5 CFB, +5 Weapon accuracy); Evasion is 3 before charms. The Mourner will spend 6 motes to boost her evasion to 6 (already noted, David, don't do this twice). Sesus has one threshold success!

Hits with one threshold success!

To damage: [roll1] (+10 weapon, +5 strength -14 Mourner Soak +1 threshold success; Minimum Damage 4 is higher than 2)

Long's Aura is now at bonfire!

Anima flux! The fire aspect deals 1 die of withering damage to all characters (including allies) within close range. She does not gain initiative from this.
Terror: [negated due to ???]
Mourner: [roll2]
Ibry: [roll3]

Sesus gains 3 initiative (2 damage, 1 from succesful attack)
Mourner loses 3 initiative (2 damage, 1 from anima flux)

The Calibration Knight's turn!

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 0/13, Peripheral 7/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima Burning
Initiative 4, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

Raising his shield to repel the censor strike, it tears the wrappings and reveals it's orichalcum shine, reflecting Feltire and Long's animas. Wagha-Kon swoops clear of the glass razors and rounds for the knight to make a charging lance strike from it's back.

Move to close range with the Abyssal and Withering Attack

Dex+Melee+Accuracy - [roll0] = 3 sux
Excellent Strike (3m Peripheral): +1 success, reroll 1s until 1s don't appear - replace in order as needed - [roll1]

Damage (min 4) - [roll2] = 5 sux
-----
Note: The "shield" is actually armour fluffed as a shield for style reasons
Note 2: As the shield is armour, his parry value actually comes from his spear. Any reference to the shield deflecting an attack is likewise fluff.

[HalfTangible]

As the Knight charges in, there is a brief moment where he seems to strike her, but before he can really register it, she is out of the way, ducking and weaving around his continued blows.

3 sux vs 3 Evasion
Mourner will spend 2 Peripheral motes to boost her evasion to 4, dodging the attack

[Etana's turn!]

As you charge through the rubble of the ruined city, you see the animas of the combatants (two clear Solars and one black void that makes your skin crawl).

You have entered the battle at the long range band. What do you do?

ROUND 3!
All characters regain 5 motes. (Mourner is already marked in notes, David)

Ibry Mir: 19
Feltir: 12
Etana: 9
Sesus Kejak Long: 7
The Mourner within the Forgotten Temple: 5
Calibration Knight: 3
(Unknown Monster?): -6 (acts on -3) - CRASH

Tradewinds, Prithaya and the Red Spiders arrive at the bottom of round 3! (No JB penalty)

[Kell_tamer]

Etana starts making a forward line towards the monster. She snorts as she charges, she picks up speed as she charges towards it.

Deadly Charge: Every range band the auroch's
moves toward a single enemy in a straight line grants
it two Initiative. This Initiative accumulates until it closes
to close range with that enemy and makes a decisive
attack. If the auroch takes any action other than
moving directly toward the chosen enemy, it loses all
Initiative built up with this ability.

Etana goes to 11 Initiative.

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry and the Terror
The exchange of blows is starting to slow. Ibry has her opponent's measure now, and begins weaving to the side and down: letting her foe's frustration grow rather than using all her strength to equal the creature's every move. She chuckles as the creature's latest lunge sails just an inch past her head, "You're good. Tough, quick, strong."

She can't afford to play around here though. She can hear Fethir's chanting, the Knight lunging forward... in the distance, perhaps the trample of hooves? This battle has to end. She starts to circle, bringing them into what once might have been the temple's central aisle. She lets the Terror move with her, still just ahead of her blows, before placing a hand to one of the broken pews for just a second. Ibry looks up at the creature, the woman, permitting herself a second to look into those smoke covered eyes. This had been a person once. The Djala warrior looks somber, even as the undead monster charges towards her, claws bared.

"But whoever, or whatever you were, right now?"

Once again the Terror's strike goes wide. This time though, Ibry moves forward. Darting between the creature's legs, for the first time she has the automaton off-balance. Shifting her weight, Ibry turns to the Terror's still exposed back. With a cry of "You're in my way!" the little warrior leaps upwards, letting the essence of the moon run through her fist for just a moment. Her leather clad fist connects squarely between her adversary's shoulderblades with force enough to topple a tree. Though the physical blow might matter less than the spiritual one.

Above them, shattered icons glint for just a second in the light of the Solar animas. Once, the center aisle had been a dragon line. The prayer of the worshippers had flowed through the aisle, a tide of fireflies with wings of essence beating as they flew towards some forgotten magnificent altar. For a brief moment, that long dormant river reignites with the force of Ibry's essence backed blow, dragging the Terror backwards and away from the brawl.

Such a force could tear a mortal man to shreds. How might the Terror fair?

Going for a Decisive Smashing attack against the Terror. 4m on the attack. Ibry's Defense penalized by 1 for the turn, and it costs me 1i. Spending 4m and 1wp on the attack roll
[roll0] +1 autosux: Attack Roll. AFAIK the Terror should be penalized by 3, 2 from the failed Clash, 1 from Onslaught.
[roll1] Stunt Dice

[roll2] Decisive Bashing Damage. If I land any, Terror is thrown back a range band and knocked prone.

[HalfTangible]

Ibry and Terror strike and dance around one another. As Terror charges once more through the pews, Ibry slides beneath the monster's swipe. Terror has just enough time to realize what is happening and turn but not enough to face Ibry. As Luna's moonlight fills, The creature's body explodes outward from the force, limbs scattering across the temple. The black clouds that billow from the creature's eye sockets fade away into nothing.

The battle pauses for a moment at the sudden display of force.

There is a brief moment, less than an instant, where something flashes across Sesus' face. Something like pain, or loss. She holds out a hand, almost unconsciously, towards the remains of the creature.

Mourner's mouth is agape. "Two Solars, and a Lunar too?! And... Oh dear." The Mourner's her gaze running over the descicated remains of the creature. "Terror has been Undone again. How unfortunate."

Sesus' gaze turns back to the Mourner slowly, her expression now unreadable.

"... Oh come now Sesus, it was part of your Hearth, but also my creation. Undone Terror was a delightful subject, she screamed and begged for death, and I was glad to grant it. Mostly. She may have still been a little aware. Once the soul gets involved in my craft, such things are so very murky-"

Sesus charges her again, and the Mourner steps to the side as a fiery blade swings downward where her head once was. "HEY!"

"I am going to wear your rotten entrails as sweat bands!!"

Feltir's turn!

Remade Terror has been destroyed.

Ibry Mir resets to base initiative (3).

I'll be putting turn orders in the OOC from now on.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
Garda Wing Seeing the monster go down Kyln: the necromancer.
Feltir releases the spell he has been building filling the area with the censor aflame. Hopefully that will make someone think twice if they try and reach it.
At the same moment, Kyln attempts to take down the necromancer


Feltir cannot fail to cast this round so he does so.
Kyln will attempt a decisive blow against the necromancer (Unlikely but)

Att: [roll0] [roll1] (Inquiring about in disc)
Dmg: [roll2]

Kyln Essence 64/70

[HalfTangible]

A fiery bird flies from Feltir's hands and slams into the ground around the censer, creating a massive conflagration around the dark weapon. As he does this, you see Kyln swell up and pull itself back, as if it were inhaling deeply. With a crack like thunder, the creature strikes forward like a snake, and a bolt of fire flies from its form.

Perhaps it is because of her utter shock at the censer being engulfed in flames, but Mourner doesn't see Kyln's attack coming in time. The fireball slams into her face, and the resulting boom shakes the temple as the Mourner disappears into flame.

For a moment.

Then, with a swipe of her arm, the fire around her vanishes. The bangs that his her face have been burned away, revealing... you're actually not sure. You can tell there's a face there and what it is doing (grimacing with anger and a hint of pain), but nothing distinctive about what her face may actually look like.

"Okay. Now, I'm mad."

Kyln's decisive
Attack: 9sux
Damage: 5sux

Mourner's defenses
Evasion: 3 (Parry is 4 with weapon)
Hardness: 8 (5 anima)

Kyln's attack hits and does 5 damage! Mourner will pay 4 motes to activate Vaporous Division (needs an abyssal mirror name) and nullify 1 damage, reducing it to 4. Mourner's damage penalty remains at -1.

Etana's turn!

[Kell_tamer]

Etana continues her charge changing directions ever so slightly. She beginsto lower her head as she gets closer to the abyssal.
+2i closing from medium to short with the abyssal.

[HalfTangible]

[Sesus Kejak Long's turn!]

"Well that makes two of us!!"

Sesus drops her blade for a moment as she rushes forward for the burning priestess. She reaches for the Mourner, but the priestess is able to dodge out of the way of the fire aspect's increasingly angry attacks.

Sesus attempts to flip the Mourner over into the Obsidian shards on the ground. Mourner will attempt to dodge out of the way of the grab.

Contest: Sesus vs the Mourner
Sesus must succeed by at least 2 successes to do any damage (the enviornmental hazard is difficulty 2)
Sesus: 5 Strength (or Dex) + 5 Brawl + 1 specialty (grapples) + 1 from Bonfire
Mourner: 2 Dexterity + 5 Dodge + 1 from Shadowland

[roll0]
[roll1]

Sesus 7 vs Mourner 9

If successful, 2 dice of lethal damage
[roll2]

[The Mourner's turn!]

Sesus blinked, looking behind the Mourner. "... Wait, is that a bull?"

The Mourner glances behind her as the auroch approaches. Her eyes widen at the approach of the giant f#@$ing bull.

"... Oh F#@$ THIS!!" The Mourner holds out her hand. The Black Censer reappears in her hand as her anima flares once again...

And as the sound of wedding bells echos through the temple, she bursts into orange and black flames, though unlike the other fires, this does not seem to hurt her. As the fire burns, she begins to slowly fade from sight...

"You haven't seen the last of me." She promises, as the fire consumes her.

She isn't gone yet if anyone wants to act.

Mourner will use Call the Blade (putting 10m into her Melee excellency) and activate her anima effect.
Wits + Melee, Difficulty 4
[roll3]
On a success, Mourner instantly regains her weapon. On a failure, it comes to her hand and arrives on her next turn.

Mourner activates her Daybreak Anima effect for 10m and 1wp.
You recognize this ability. It is like one you have instinctively, although as a twisted echo; she will disappear over the course of the next round and 24 hours from now reappear within ten miles in a place of great power. If this is the same ability, forcing her to move should be enough to prevent it. However, there's no telling how this ability might differ from your own.

[The Calibration Knight's turn!]

[Kell_tamer]

( this post is because i have to make a roll, and need to stunt it)

Etana's hooves smash obsidian like the glass it is as she charges through ignoring the sharp jagged bits on the ground. Her eyes are locked on the Abyssal. A few bits of broken glass weren't going to stop her.

Stunting to get the full pool of 10 dice. Etana's dex is 2, pool is normally 5, stunting to add strength so she can add the remaining 5 as charm dice from her shape.
[roll0]
stunt
[roll1]

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 0/13, Peripheral 5/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Iconic
Initiative 12, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

The Knight recognises what is happening, it's a power he regularly uses himself. Knowing she'll be gone in a moment if he fails and as the Dynast is not in a position to give chase into the sky, he throws his all into his attack, his anima raising itself to it's full majesty as a shield born by feathered wings appears around him. Arcana sigils adorn the shield, seemingly written by hand.

Steam and embers fly from his lance as he charges her atop the demon mount, unholy strength turns his muscle sinews to black iron from the crystal on him. He strikes at the mourner to prevent her escape, not to kill her, the Lunar has proven herself far more effective in that regard. He strikes with precision despite the flares of energy, aiming for a chink in her armour around a tender joint rather than a neck or a heart (or lack thereof).

Using Brutal Ape Pounce (4m peripheral) from the Blood Ape in my Yasal Crystal against the Mourner:

Brutal Ape Pounce (4m; Simple; Instant; Withering-only; Essence 1): If the blood-ape deals 5+ damage to an enemy with this withering attack, that character is knocked prone If the Initiative damage brought them below the demon’s Initiative, the blood-ape may pay a point of Willpower to reflexively make a decisive attack against them. The reflexive attack power of this Charm can only be used once per fight unless reset by landing three successful withering attacks.
Also using Excellent Strike (3m Peripheral) and Melee Excellency (5m peripheral) and 1WP for an automatic success on the attack. Also spending 1i to make it a Piercing Attack, which reduces her Defence by 1 for the turn and reduces soak by 4 if my attack hits.

Brutal Ape Pounce withering attack:
Strength+Melee+Excellency+Excellent Strike: [roll0] + 2 automatic successes = 10 sux
Reroll 1s in order until 1s don't appear: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Base damage (min 4): [roll3] = 6 sux + excess attack sux

If the attack brings her below my initiative I won't pay the WP to make the Decisive attack against her as my Init is too low to matter. Just hoping falling prone affects her anima power like it does the Twilight one.

[HalfTangible]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 0/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Iconic
Initiative 2, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

The Knight recognises what is happening, it's a power he regularly uses himself. Knowing she'll be gone in a moment if he fails and as the Dynast is not in a position to give chase into the sky, he throws his all into his attack, his anima raising itself to it's full majesty as a shield born by feathered wings appears around him. Arcana sigils adorn the shield, seemingly written by hand.

Steam and embers fly from his lance as he charges her atop the demon mount, unholy strength turns his muscle sinews to black iron from the crystal on him. He strikes at the mourner to prevent her escape, not to kill her, the Lunar has proven herself far more effective in that regard. He strikes with precision despite the flares of energy, aiming for a chink in her armour around a tender joint rather than a neck or a heart (or lack thereof).

Using Brutal Ape Pounce (4m peripheral) from the Blood Ape in my Yasal Crystal against the Mourner:

Also using Excellent Strike (3m Peripheral) and Melee Excellency (5m peripheral) and 1WP for an automatic success on the attack. Also spending 1i to make it a Piercing Attack, which reduces her Defence by 1 for the turn and reduces soak by 4 if my attack hits.

Brutal Ape Pounce withering attack:
Strength+Melee+Excellency+Excellent Strike: [roll0] + 2 automatic successes = 10 sux
Reroll 1s in order until 1s don't appear: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Base damage (min 4): [roll3] = 6 sux + excess attack sux

If the attack brings her below my initiative I won't pay the WP to make the Decisive attack against her as my Init is too low to matter. Just hoping falling prone affects her anima power like it does the Twilight one.

2 die stunt adds 2 extra successes
TCK sux: 12
Mourner's Parry: 3 (Base 4 -1 from TCK's ability)
9 Threshold successes
Soak: 10 (Base 14 -4 from TCK's ability)
Effectively: Remove 1 die from the damage roll.
Damage: 6

The Mourner takes 6 withering damage! TCK gains 7 initiative!

The Mourner enters initiative crash!

The Knight's attack is brutal and sudden, slamming the Mourner to the ground with a cry of pain.

Knocking her down would've been enough to knock out your own ability, if you'd been using it.

But the flames continue to consume her...

Bottom of Round 3! Tradewinds, Prithaya and the Red Spiders arrive at long range!

[Omniplex]

Bottom of Round 3! Tradewinds, Prithaya and the Red Spiders arrive at long range!

As Tradewinds flies in from afar, he begins to see that the tide of the battle has already turned, the monstrosity defeated and the mourner pinned to the ground and in flames. It turns out his initial fears were unmerited, but he continues to fly to the scene.

[roll0]
Move to medium range
Will use Agile Beast Defense if attacked.

[Beans]

Prithaya and her troops surge right behind the bird-man; she scuttles and grins back the pain in her leg.

Closing to medium range with her troops. Will use Dipping Swallow Defense if attacked.

[HalfTangible]

Round 4! Everyone regains 5 motes!

As Prithaya, Tradewinds and the Red Spiders approach the line of smoldering stone where a fire once blazed, they see the ruined temple that the others are fighting inside. The Calibration Knight is keeping the Mourner pinned to the ground beneath him. She is burning a cold, baleful flame that does not hurt the Knight, but as the moments tick by, the fire burns her away. The pyromancer's anima remains burning, and the Djala girl from before stands ready.

But she's not gone yet. The aurochs that they had seen charging into the fray has arrived, and as she bears down on the Mourner...

The Calibration Knight's turn!

((I originally thought it was Etana's turn and I was wrong))

Etana's turn!

[Kell_tamer]

Etana closes the gap and with her head low she jabs her horns into the abyssal. She brings her up and down bashing her repeatedly into the ground before attempting to sweep her up over and into the ground on the shards behind her. For a brief moment however her eyes glance at the dragon blood. Maybe they will guess at it being one of her aurochs. Gotta look good for the terrestrial. She makes sure to do a triumphant stance afterwards.

Alright. Making a decisive attack as per deadly charge. And as an auroch if i get 3 levels of damage done with it, I get to make an immediate grapple and throw for more damage. The grapple has no attack roll, and uses my feats of strength for the control roll.

Attack pool is 10 dice (2 from charms ) keying off strength and brawl. Spending 3 for strength, and using her trying to look impressive to the deeb to key appearance. Which lets me add another 5. So that 18 plus any stunt. I am also spending 3 motes personal on finding the needles eye which lets me reroll 3 ones and ignore a point of defense from weapon/cover/fulldefense.
Attack
[roll0]
Stunt
[roll1]
Thanks to deadly charge my initiative is now 15.
So if i hit.
[roll2]

If i do the damage, my controll roll is 9 dice (one charm). And i will spend 4 to make it 13

[roll3]
Stunt for control if any
[roll4]
Ok so i’m not entirely sure how damage works for this so covering all the bases... its either going to be 15+rounds of control spent or 3+ rounds of control spent... so i’m splitting it up.
3 dice
[roll5]
12 extra
[roll6]
Up to 5 rounds of control.
[roll7]
Just go left to right

Ok thats a lot of dice....

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 0/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Iconic
Initiative 3, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Close range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

The Knight had never faced an Abyssal, but after this they were definitely going on his sh!tlist. As she continued to burn away the Knight decided that whilst capture (and presumably much torture at the hands of the Dynasts) was preferable, killing her would be a close second.

Tightening his grip he thrust the burning jade lance down as hard as he could, severing muscle and blood vessels, shattering bone and burning her innards as it cut through the vanishing Abyssal and deep into the stone floor below; steam issuing from the cracks it caused.

Decisive Attack with Excellent Strike (3m Peripheral) and Melee Excellency (2m peripheral). Lance reduces Hardness by 1 if she uses her anima power.

Decisive Attack: [roll0] + 1 automatic success = 6 sux
Re-roll 1s in order until 1s no longer appear: [roll1]
Stunt: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3] = 5 Lethal dmg

The Calibration Knight has the major intimacy "Power is no excuse for cruelty". I realised after I wrote my post that his reasons for trying to capture her are opposed to this. So rolling 1 Limit die for acting against a Major Intimacy: [roll4] = 1 Limit gained

[HalfTangible]

As the Knight plunges his blade into the Abyssal's gut, she screams in agony as steam pours from the ground and her flesh burns. For a moment, she grits her teeth and snarls, about to taunt the Knight; but as she opens her mouth to speak, the charging auroch slams its horns down onto her, and the Knight has just enough time to see the shock enter the woman's eyes as the Auroch tosses her into the wall of the temple (also knocking him aside by accident).

The stone of the wall cracks where she impacts, and she falls limp to the floor, her blood coating the ground. As the Abyssal breathes her last, the orange-black flames that surround her turn white and consume her body. There's a brief moment where you can almost see her face, before it too is burned away. All that's left behind are her clothes, and her strange black weapon.

"... Why is that cow posing?" Sesus wonders for a brief moment, before pulling herself to V'Neef Seawrack. Still River remains unconscious, many throughout the city are dead, and Undone Terror's body has been made into a dessicated monstrosity.

For now, however, it seems that you've won the day, as the Shadowland above begins to tear and fragment, and Unconquered Sunlight touches the ruined temple once more.

Prithaya, the Red Spiders, and Tradewinds all arrive on the scene.

What do all of you do?

The arc's ending here. If you have something you want to do in the temple, or want to establish what you'll be doing for the next few days, do so. I know at least a couple of you do.

Calibration Knight takes one lethal damage die from the obsidian shards he's been knocked into. You lot do not need to keep making rolls for those, by the way.

[roll0]

[Beans]

Prithaya sets her troops about securing the area and searching for any straggling threats. It may be a bit before she and Ibry can have that meeting they've planned, but for now she's got work to do and a boss (and others) to prove herself to.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
Now that the evil has been vanquished it is time to attend to the wounded. It is ashame I do not know how to fix people. I guess we need to get them to someone who can. Now lets see what we can do about transporting them.... Aha, those will do nicely.

And with no further explanation Feltir jumps up dislodging a pair off ancient banners which seem to be in line with the design of temple. His hands glow and move in a whirlwind of activity, then there is a flash of light as his creative focus reaches an apex as the light fades a pair of makeshift streachers appear.

I can't fix people, but I can help you get them to a healer. he gestures to the devices he produced.


6 motes on craftsman needs no tools
6 motes Flawless Handiwork Method (Exploding 10s, and reroll 6s)
4 motes on 1st Craft Excellency

Unfortunately Feltir does not have an applicable craft ability for this. He normally works with materials that did not come from living things (So both wood and fabric are somewhat foreign) best he can do is try to do it on raw dex.

I am assuming these qualify as basic project(s).

[roll0]

Stuntage? [roll1]

Rerolls [roll2]

At least 6 success, could be as much as 9 depending on if stunts were awarded.

[Inspector Valin]

"It's... very happy it could help?" Ibry offers Sesus Long by way of explanation. She seems almost as confused: she'd caught a glimpse of Moonsilver on that stranger in the melee earlier, but could the two figures really be the same?

No matter. Ibry takes a deep breath as the shadows surrounding the temple start to lift and the Mourner fades away into the fire. That... could've been far, far worse. She turns briefly to the remains of Undone Terror, the little Lunar bowing her head somberly and closing her eyes before cupping her hands in the sign of the full moon. "May the Changing Lady guide you safely down the misty road, Undone Terror. May your life to come be one of laughter, light and joy: unbound by the chains of that which came before"

She glances across the ruined temple, feeling oddly guilty. It's probably blasphemous to Immaculate norms: having an Anathema pray for one of their fallen. Had she been alive, this Dynast might've spat in Ibry's face for the prayer. But Terror had died for the second time at Ibry's hand. A servant of Luna has her own rites and responsibilities: she'll not allow a death to pass without respect if it can be helped.

Her little justice done, the Djala follows Fethir and Sesus Long towards the fallen Dragon Blooded. Ibry whistles at Fethir's impressively swift work with the stretchers, but raises a hand to forestall him, "We don't need to move them just yet. I'd like to tend to the pair here first, make sure they're well enough to be taken away." The Lunar's eyes dart across the pair, before she remembers a key part of the current situation. She glances to Sesus Long, "That is, if you have no objection?"

How badly hurt do Seawrack and River look? Just rolling to diagnose for now, and to see if Ibry needs to use Flesh Sculpting Art on either of them. (It lets her do anything modern surgery could, but would require her to anima flare, so she won't use it unless she has to.)
[roll0] Int + Medicine
[roll1] Stunt Dice

If this needs to be dissolved into time skip at any point, Ibry has three priorities

1: Treat the wounded/bury the dead.
2: Investigate the temple
3: make nice with local authorities

[HalfTangible]

The Calibration Knight... you recognize this auroch. Though it takes you a moment to realize it, you can feel the essence of the moon around this creature. It is no simple cow. Etana, you recognize the Knight. Not as the folk hero of Chiaroscuro, but... you know him. Like a childhood friend you haven't thought about in years. Something in you both clicks into place, and you feel a fullness within you where you didn't even realize you were empty.

Ibry, Sesus glares at you. "These two are my Hearth. You've saved our lives for the moment, but you will not have their souls while I yet breathe, demon. They need healers."

Her words lacked true venom or fire. The utter hatred and rage she'd displayed moments ago now seemed to burn low, and the woman seemed a shell of herself. She was unstrapping Seawrack's ruined armor and was placing it to the side. You can tell that his injuries are incredibly extensive, likely rupturing at least a few organs. He may already be dead, and if not he will be soon.

Still River was luckier. Her armor had been caved in (most likely by the Mourner's censer) and had she been mortal the blow would've likely killed her. She was an Exalt, so she'd live with medical aid (and could afford to wait). You're not sure how she's doing beyond that; while you're familiar with disease, you're less experienced with severe trauma of this nature, especially in Exalts.

Prithaya, the Red Spiders with you are unnerved. They whisper among themselves about the kind of threat that the enemy had to be to do this to the Exalted. You keep them on-task, however, so its not an issue as of yet.

Feltir, you're able to get the Water aspect onto a stretcher without much issue. However, Ibry and Sesus are both worried about moving Seawrack, and putting him on will take a fair bit longer. (Feltir, roll Dexterity + Medicine)

On the one hand, several of you have been exposed as Anathema, and your lives are going to be more difficult now. Many died in the markets, and at least two dragon-blooded now know your faces and their Hearth has been crippled.

On the other hand... you saved who remained. Thanks to the six of you, the city is standing. Chiaroscuro hasn't become another Thorns. The Mourner's plans - whatever they were - have been stopped, and sunlight restored to the city of glass.

You feel your essence hum.

[Arc 1 ends!]

((Arc 2 will not be starting for a while. My mother is in the hospital and is gonna need my help over the next couple of weeks, which just happens to coincide with my finals because bad timing. I also need to actually write up Arc 2 in a more complete manner. I DO have a bit of a plan, mind, but it's very vague. If there's anything else you'd like to do, we can cover it in the epilogue.))

Next Post: XP!

[Omniplex]

The bird-creature as large as a fully grown man perches on a ledge about 20 feet up from the rest of the group. His silvery harpoon is still in his talon as he surveys the wreckage. He looks over the bodies of the dead, especially the monsters responsible for the mess, and the warriors who took them down. He'll likely need to report what he knows of these to the Silver Pact for the elders to learn of these new exalts. The recent reemergence of the chosen of the Sun has kept him busy, on top of watching Realm activity in the threshold.

He looks down at Sesus, with a look that conveys a message.
"I know you're my enemy, but there is more at stake here than the conflict between our peoples."

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 0/13, Peripheral 0/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Bonfire
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 5 (mount), Soak 9, Hardness 4, Flying - Short range from ground
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / - Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)
Wagha-Kon (Agata): Personal: 64/70 / - Jewelled Heart Allure (Scene)

"We kill that witch, stop her undead army, offer to save your friends and we're still soul-sucking demons?" The Knight grumbles to himself as wretches his lance free from the ground. His anima is still bonfire bright, bleaching the temple stone and burning away the grime and necrosis caused by the Mourner's own anima.

Knight isn't sure what to make of the feeling when he witnesses the cow posing, but Wagha-Kon, his demonic mount appears to be showing off by flexing it's wings in sync with her poses as it buzzed at her eye line. He claims the Mouner's remaining garb and her censer, ungracefully hauling it over the Agata's back. He has the wasp tear itself away from Etana and hop onto a relatively intact section of wall. Raising his helmet's visor he calls out in Old Realm:

"The witch is gone and the salt lines are being redrawn. Chiaroscuroan dead go back to your business or scurry back to the world below. You have witnessed the power of the Sun, and the Sun defends this city. Breach the peace and you will answer to me; The Calibration Knight!" The winged shield of his anima flashes again briefly as he finishes his pronouncement to the ghosts nearby.

Performance roll to instil an intimacy of awe or similar into the local ghost population.
Charisma+Performance+HPM: [roll0] = 7 sux
Stunt: [roll1]
----
If any of the players fight me for the censor then I'm unlikely to win so I'll yield and give my little speech. If Sesus wants to fight me, that's another story.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
Excuse me Mr Calibration Night, do you know the method by which that device may be destroyed?

[Inspector Valin]

Ibry grimaces at Sesus' words. She looks far from happy, but nods: not being ready to embrace an argument just yet. After exchanging a glance with Feltir she starts to help the two Dragon Blooded onto stretchers she's propped between a couple of mostly intact pews. For someone so small, Ibry's strength is quite surprising, yet she takes care with her carry. Both these two are wounded after all.

[roll0] Dex + Medicine
[roll1] Stunt

"Show off." Ibry mutters in response to the Knight's speech. She's smiling though: she can appreciate the performance of it. The Lunar calls up to him. "If you're claiming her weapon, does that mean you're planning on leading the next undead invasion of the city? Will you do it on Calibration, so it fits your name better?"

It's hard for Ibry to resist the urge to heckle. Still, more important matters still concern her. Seawrack's condition is beyond extreme, and while she's about to move to put him onto the stretcher... the Djala flinches at the final moment. She looks up to Sesus Long one final time, "He's badly hurt. Taru-Han's wards are already circling, and no mortal physician in this city can do what I do. His life falls away by the second. If he dies because you turn down my aid, offered at no cost to you, will your conscience be clear? Is losing a second Hearthmate worth that moral stance?" It's a quite sincere question. Ibry will make no further move to treat the fallen dragon if Sesus says no. But that won't stop her making the consequences of that choice as clear as possible.

There's a gleam in Ibry's eyes, a brief look of anger barely held in check as she weighs the Dragon Blooded, gesturing back across the temple grounds to the point where she and the Remade Terror had fought, not too long ago. "One death is a tragedy. What does two make?"

[roll2] Presence + Charisma +3m Excellency to Persuade Sesus to let her help. Putting down a WP for an autosuccess. Looking to draw upon an intimacy towards Seawrack/the hearth to get her to agree to treat him, and hoping to invoke a specific intimacy towards Terror to lower her resolve. (Or rather, to try and compensate for the almost inevitable Immaculate Philosophy intimacy that could kick in to boost resolve.)
[roll3]Stunt

[Beans]

Prithaya listens to the murmurings of her troops. When the search is concluded and comes up empty of threats, she gathers them before her.
"Spiders, I know you are worried. I know you are afraid. Princes of the Earth have been killed and gravely wounded by a death-Anathema, an unclean spell darkened the sky, armies of the dead flooded the streets. And I am..." She winces and sits upon a hunk of stone, a hand on her bad leg. Their clever accountant turned able commander has worn herself out on their account. "I am glad you are afraid, because all that happened. It was real, it was dangerous, and to be unconcerned would be madness or folly.

But fear is fuel if you make it so. You raise your shield for fear of being struck, and you go unhurt. You run the foe through with your spear for fear that she shall kill your husband and your children, and your family sleeps safe and warm another night. When I lived far south of here, I escaped cruel slavery for fear of never being able to do what was calling to me for almost all my life. So be afraid. I am, and I'm going to act on it. I know until today you've known me as just the girl with the ledgers, but I have been studying war for years. Because I have fear, I will make sure that we are ready. Because the thing is, we have reason to fear, but we are still here. Together, the people of Chiaroscuro beat back the unholy foe, and we will do it again. I will make sure of that."
CHA 3 + Pres 2 + 5 excellency dice (5m personal spent) = 10 dice.
[roll0] = 6 successes rolled
Stunt dice if applicable
[roll1] = 0 successes rolled
Prithaya is trying to instill a Minor Tie of trust to herself.

[HalfTangible]

Tradewinds, Sesus' eyes narrow at your message, and she does not respond. However, she eventually sighs, and allows Ibry to work.

Ibry, Sesus eventually relents and you're able to stitch Seawrack back together. Unfortunately, you're without good tools or a proper place to work, and you're trying to keep your nature concealed from the Red Spiders. You do the best you can, but you can't guarantee anything.

Prithaya, you see life come back into your troops, and some hold up their weapons in salute, cheering.

Knight, you hear woops and cheers coming from the Red Spiders, some of them shouting your title.

Etana, the cheering coming from the Spiders must surely be for your incredible pose.

Feltir, you're able to (with extreme care) enlist the aid of some of the Spiders to help bring the two dragon-blooded back to the markets.

Sesus looks... troubled by the speech, and by the actions of all the Anathema here. When the two are brought back to the markets, she explains to the Wood Aspect that the Anathema responsible for the undead army has been beaten and slain; however, no body remains to confirm her kill.

"You're certain she's dead?"

"Completely. I'll tell you later, Seawrack needs treatment immediately..."

The public gets a good look at the broken dragons, and there is real fear in the city.

---

[Epilogue]

Let's see if we can't get this game back on track.

There will be 5 (IC) days of downtime between Arcs 1 and 2. What are you doing during that time? (You may also spend your XP if you wish)

[Inspector Valin]

For the five days that follow the battle of the Lost Temple, Ibry is almost beyond busy. Her beastmen step up their patrols, and the little Djalan sage is at the forefront of it. She understands the importance of morale and belief: even though the Mourner had been driven off, the people of the city had been shaken severely. They need to be assured that their protection still holds strong and true.

Of course, that's something she can turn to her own advantage. Ibry takes the time to schedule a meeting with one of the Tri Khan's aides to discuss recent events and how the Disciples could best help the city guard. It's regrettable that they have to capitalize on the misfortune of the Dynasts, but Ibry refuses to let such thinking stand between her people and their advancement. It's not as if she'd been the one who left the Dragon Blooded looking broken like that.

But all that came later. For the remainder of the day of the battle, Ibry Mir never left the Lost Temple. The warrior and her beastmen allies conducted an exhaustive search of the Mourner's hideout, looking for anything left of the Erstwhile Abyssal's belongings or plans. She didn't just show up here and assemble a force like that from nothing. There's more to this. But what?

Sorry for the brief, and imprecise post. I'm not sure how much time Ibry has to devote to setting up patrols or meeting with political figures, so tried to leave that vague. The temple is her priority 1. Happy to roll for whatever/add more description for stunting purposes.

[Beans]

Prithaya has been busy as well---she's got to train the Spiders, break out some of those old war tomes and run the boys and girls through the grinder. They've got to come out harder and sharper, a sword heat-treated and tempered. She's also been trying to set up time to finally meet with that entrancing Djala warrior, but Ibry's been busy as hell too.

[Novabomb]

Feltir returned to his "cart" to find that his horse is missing, the majority of his tools have been smashed, the cart itself is cinders, and is surrounded by a salt line. He gathers a few tools that survived the flames, and attempts to find a smith in the city willing to accept him as short term help.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana returns to her caravan. A new item gets added to the menu in the Dessert section and she continues to run her business. She does hope to see the Sesus woman return to the shop at some point. But for now its business as usual. Any given point one can see her behind her counter flipping burgers and telling stories to travelers.

[HalfTangible]

-It's not expected or common practice in Realm-controlled satraps for a Dragon-Blooded to get a free meal their first time in a restaurant (at least no more so than a normal customer). It's not an insult though; some merchants do it, others do not.

-The Realm's name for Twilight Castes is a mistranslation from an older text that was recovered following the Contagion. They were actually known as The Demented; the newer title of The Unclean would actually translate back to Sporty Gardeners, which is obviously nonsense.

-The various forces that safeguard Chiaroscuro and serve the Tri-Khan in that capacity (city guard, indentured exorcists, accountants militant, etc.) have a common salute. Nothing flashy but distinct enough that those who use it would recognise someone using it and what it meant - an implied desire to protect the city and the Tri-Khan's interests. Obviously anyone can do a salute and not mean it, but doing so is considered a slight taboo in the city. Primarily, this sign is meant to be used by those who work directly for the Tri-Khan, but it's also been adapted by others as a sign of devotion and respect to him.


-Ascending Wood 2 through 6-

Among the Spiders, you hear many whispers of the state of affairs in the city. Apparently, not all of the mercenary groups came to fight for the Tri-Khan as quickly as he would have liked. The Frenzied have been reprimanded for attempting to flee the city, the Immaculate Fists set up a defensive line around the Immaculate Temple without engaging the undead directly, and the Warsong apparently ignored the attack entirely. Support for the Tri-Khan's control of affairs is not universal, even among those who [I]did fight. The people of the city very nearly paid the price for it, as well.

Blood Tithe gives you a small squad of your own to personally command from the men you had at the temple. You do get a training regimen started for the group, though obviously it hasn't yielded much of a result in 5 days. However, this group is very dedicated to your regime, and trust in you a great deal.

As you and your beastmen search the temple, you find it an abandoned ruin. That part in and of itself isn't strange. However, as the days wind on, you and your beastmen are unable to find anything. As far as you're concerned, the Mourner could just as easily have shown up in the temple the day of the invasion just because.

Given that part of the plan had been to spread the shadowland and to destroy the salt lines, however, it was unlikely this was her full force. After all, people hadn't died fast enough to form the army of zombies, and the war ghosts wouldn't have just 'shown up'. The bad news, however, is that you don't know for sure where she would have gotten the creatures from. "The Underworld", sure, that's obvious, but you don't know where in the underworld she would have gotten such forces. That would be fine, except that it also means you have no way of knowing if/when another attack will come.

On Ascending Wood 5, you get a letter.

The letter is heavily embossed and sealed in wax, with a coin made of pure gold in said wax. It reads:

Lady Ibry Mir of the Djala

For services rendered and for discussion of potential future business, you are cordially invited to weekend tea.

I will be waiting for you within the Plaza at around noon on Saturnsday [Ascending Wood 7]. When you arrive at the gates, tell the guard statues that you've come to meet with me for tea. State your name or they will not allow you past. The coin will allow your guest through.

You may bring one guest, if you so choose. Please clean yourselves up. The Plaza is one of the few places remaining in this city with any real sense of propriety. Dress how you will, though if you're worried about being underdressed for the Plaza, something marginally formal will do. I am very flexible in that regard.

Sincerely
Grandmother Bright
City-Mother of Chiaroscuro

Your next few days are a frenzy of activity. The markets provide all the salt you need to begin repairing the wards and salt-lines around the city. While the shadowlands didn't expand significantly in the aftermath of the attack, the ease of the initial invasion has unsettled many. You work quickly, and while you mostly work alone, you do see others attempting their own repairs. The Tri-Khan built his initial bid for power on sealing out the dead in the city, after all, it's only natural he would do all he could to get the lines repaired.

Your work goes mostly uninterrupted. On Ascending Wood 5, however, you find a letter in your hand; one that you are quite certain was not there a moment ago, even though you did not see anyone hand it to you.

The letter is heavily embossed and sealed in wax, with a coin made of pure gold in said wax.

It reads:

To the one referred to as the Calibration Knight

For services rendered and for discussion of potential future business, you are cordially invited to weekend tea within the Plaza.

I will be waiting for you within the Plaza at around noon on Saturnsday [Ascending Wood 7]. When you arrive at the gates, tell the guard statues that you've come to meet with me for tea. State your title or they shall not allow you past. The coin will allow your guest through.

You may bring one guest if you so choose. Please clean yourselves up. The Plaza is one of the few places remaining in this city with any real sense of propriety. Dress how you will, though if you're worried about being underdressed for the Plaza, something marginally formal will do. I am very flexible in that regard.

Sincerely,
Grandmother Bright
City-Mother of Chiaroscuro

PS. The Tri-Khan and the Realm do not know your true name, for the moment. Do not test me.

In the aftermath of the battle, business slows, as people become more nervous about the markets. However, your caravan does better than most; word apparently got around that one of the dragon-blooded had eaten here, and so over the next few days you find yourself making quite a few new regulars, many of them from the Realm legionaries. You do not see Sesus in your store again.

Of course, so close to the markets and thus to the legion ships, you hear rumors. Some whisper that Seawrack is already dead, though others scold them for thinking that one of the dragon-blooded could ever die so easily. The soldiers whisper that their commanders have been very withdrawn as of late, though given how badly they were injured, that is understandable.

The people of the city were shaken deeply by the undead attack. While few were killed, the sudden nature of the attack combined with the very public setting meant that most everyone had either experienced it themselves or knew someone who had. Many only came to this city in the first place because of the Tri-Khan's efforts to keep the people safe from the undead (also the 10 years without taxation, that was nice). If he couldn't keep such from happening anymore, perhaps it was time to pick up shop and leave.

Before you came to the city, you'd been told that the Shahan-ya within Chiaroscuro is a Raccoon totem by the name of Five Secrets Arcane. Using the Pact's codes and signals, you get into contact with her within the day. She is a western No Moon woman of great beauty, and is the youngest Shahan-ya you've ever met. Her hair is tied back, and her tell includes both a raccoon mask and a tail.

When you speak of the Solars and Lunars, she is very surprised. She is unsure about this development, and sends a message off to Leviathan for further advice.

Four days later, you get a written message back.

Infiltrate the group. Befriend them, if you can. Report back to Five Secrets Arcane on the Solars' activities and overall temperament.

-Leviathan

Five Secrets gets her own message but she does not share it with you.

You're not sure what exactly "Anathema" are, but with the awareness that your sorcerous power is apparently a problem, you keep your head low for the next few days. For whatever reason, as far as you can tell, no one comes looking for you.

You have to spend the first two nights in the city without a roof over your head, but on the third day you find work with a local blacksmith girl by the name of Spirit (and technically her father, but he is bedridden and unable to walk).

Spirit is a young woman with curly red hair. She puts a roof over your head in exchange for your work, and while she's rather impatient with you at first, she changes her tune once she sees the quality. At the end of your first day, she asks if you'd be willing to stay on a more permanent basis (with negotiable pay). As you go to bed that night, however, you find a letter pinned to the wall of your room with a glass dagger.

The letter reads as follows:

Anathema

At approximately noon on Ascending Wood 7 you are to report to the palace of the Tri-Khan; Great Khan of Chiaroscuro, master of the Galloping Hordes, King of the Delzhan. He requests your presence to evaluate your potential as a threat to the security of the city of Chiaroscuro and the Khanate.

You will arrive at the gate to the palace at least an hour ahead of time and present this dagger to the palace guard. You will be led into the Khan's throne room.

You will not arrive armed with anything else, or you will be killed.

That is what my master wills, but I will give you one additional warning: Do not run. Believe me when I say that I will catch you, and you will die. You will not be the first Solar I have killed, nor the first sorcerer.

Silent Mask
Hand of the Tri-Khan (There is a wax seal here, marked with a signet ring)

As you read it, however, a second message seems to filter into your head, right beneath the first.

Silent Mask, whoever that is, has worded it in such a harsh manner in case it is intercepted by the Dragon-Blooded or the Immaculates. His master genuinely wishes to talk, and Mask suspects that Feltir does not know what 'Anathema' is, or why it's such an issue. They can explain it to him. They also wish to employ him in the Khan's service, and in exchange can offer him protection to an extent, so long as his displays are less... open. The postscript is also for show, although Mask stresses that he IS capable of killing the sorcerer and will have to do so if he attempts to flee the city.

---

[Arc 2 will begin on Ascending Wood 7]

[Novabomb]

Feltir makes sure to stash the note and dagger before Spirit sees it.
He lets her know that he has an errand to attend to on the 7th.

On the 7th, he makes himself as presentable as he can (Which is not much).
He leaves quite early and asks around for directions for the palace, and presents himself at the gates.

[Omniplex]

After his communique with Five Secrets Arcane, he first uses Many Faced Moons Transformation to change his appearance to blend in with the locals, loosening his hair, altering his skin tone, shifting his facial bone structure to match that of the urban Delzahn of the city, though his general appearance is still that of a lanky sailor boy. Then he heads to catch up with the Spiders, the mercenary band he had spoken with in the battle.

[Inspector Valin]

Ascending Wood 5th
Ibry looks at the letter. Then she looks at it again. Somehow those simple words have left the Lunar more pale than any combat to this date has managed. She's ducked beneath the notice of Astrologer-Kings, studied at the feet of ancient beast gods and dueled monsters of the Underworld, but tea with Grandmother Bright? That was a matter of stakes. Ibry has to fight the urge to shudder at the thought of what's to come. She'd have been far more comfortable simply getting to punch something.

Ibry would try and contact Prithaya and ask her to be her +1. Could she get a message to Prith, and would she be okay with that? Ibs won't push her Sun-Waifu over this; if busy, she'll go alone.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

Ascending Wood 2-6

The Knight takes the lack of assassins as a good sign and goes about his business, reshaping the salt lines and invoking arcane blessings and wards. He keeps out of the Tri-Khan's people's way and they do the same. If his status as anathema was a topic of debate before, it certainly wasn't anymore. Knight's courtiers kept him apprised of goings on in the city, especially the movements (or lack thereof) of the Dragonbloods and the public actions of those others who had joined the fray. Much to his concern, every morning Wagha-Kon would buzz off and settle on the rooftops around Etana's caravan; a blatant, terrifying, shimmery voyeur until Knight forcefully called him back.

On the night after the assault he was too tired to risk a binding ritual. But on the four days and three nights between that and his receipt of his summons, he decided that it was time to rebuild his unearthly entourage. He did it in privacy, though he fully assumed his position was watched by the Tri-Khan's spies.

All dicepool 11 + 10 Occult Excellency + 3 HPV

Ascending Wood 2 - WP 6/7
Daytime - Summon Elemental (Vaktri - Earth) - [roll0] = 12 sux vs 4 SUCCESS

Night - Summon Demon (Neomah) - [roll1] = 18 sux vs 3 SUCCESS

Ascending Wood 3 - WP 5/7
Daytime - Summon Elemental (Wood - Achene (https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Bom8whocHdqmJ3Omnjk1nyeWWXq5jde/view?ths=true)) - [roll2] = 16 sux vs 4 SUCCESS

Night - Summon Demon (Sesseljae (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T-mx8XSFKxcAZ7zoQBScSTxekdDCQ2B5kPIwG3n26f4/edit)) - [roll3] = 11 sux vs 2 SUCCESS

Ascending Wood 4 - WP 4/7
Daytime - Summon Elemental (Earth - Cobblethrone (https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Bom8whocHdqmJ3Omnjk1nyeWWXq5jde/view?ths=true)) - [roll4] = 14 sux vs 3 SUCCESS

Night - Summon Demon (Neomah) - [roll5] = 17 sux vs 3 SUCCESS

Ascending Wood 5 - WP 3/7
Daytime - Summon Elemental (Vaktri - Earth) - [roll6] = 16 sux vs 4 SUCCESS

Stunt: [roll7] = 2 sux

Banishment rolls for failures will follow.

Each day he spends 4WP on the spells and gets 2 back for completing the ritual spells, then gets another back for sleeping that night. He gets +1 for sleep on AW5 & AW6, meaning he has a total of 5/7 when he attends the plaza.

After completing his work for the day on AW5, The Calibration Knight receives a polite invitation to tea with the City Mother of Chiaroscuro; Grandmother Bright. In hindsight, flaring his anima and declaring himself the defender of the city was probably not the smartest decision he had ever made. He had always actively avoided Grandmother Bright's attentions wherever possible because he knew something of her past from the dead and (rightly) feared her wrath.

But her final warning was all it took to convince him of the need to attend, his sorcerously iridescent eyes flashing bright red as he read it.

Ascending Wood 7

The Knight spends the previous evening polishing his armour and has a courtier press his talking clothes - which compare fairly well to his fighting clothes, and match a moderately well made delzahn fashion. He releases the blood ape that allowed him to kill the deathknight from his yasal crystal and instead took in his recently bound Cobblethrone; it's perfected essence repelling all dust, sweat and other muck from him and his clothes, leaving him pristine as he approached the plaza with a Neomah as his plus one.

"I am The Calibration Knight, here by the City Mother's summons to take tea. At Her discretion, I would enter with my servant, the demon. May I pass?"

He shows the gold coin in his palm, just to drive the point home. He is armoured and armed, but at ease with his shield and spear holstered across his back. The Neomah bows gracefully at the statue.

[HalfTangible]

[Arc 2]
Ascending Wood 7

The sun reaches its zenith on another day in Chiaroscuro.

It has been several days since the undead invasion. The markets remain a bit taboo, and some people remain missing or dead. There is a sense of dread and unease as the Tri-Khan orders increased patrols and defenses. The Dragon-Blooded have mostly shut themselves off, refusing to tell anyone about the condition of their injured comrade. No one has found the new Anathema that had shown themselves in the markets.

However, as the days tick by, and nothing seems to happen, the sense of dread begins to lift. Guard patrols remain high, but citizens go back to their daily business. Few people lost anyone to the horde, and while those who did remain traumatized, the rest calm over the days.

And now, as the week draws to a close, some dare to hope that perhaps, just perhaps, this was an isolated incident. Perhaps this was simply the dead probing the living and finding more than they'd bargained for with this city.

Maybe...



[The Plaza]
Ibry, Prithaya, The Calibration Knight

When you arrive at the Plaza, you find illustrious gates of the purest gold you've ever seen in your life guarded by a pair of massive humanoid statues (more than twice the size of a normal man) made of pure jade. From the gate, even just standing nearby, you can smell a sweet perfume almost like roses that tickles the senses and (for some reason you can't discern) relaxes your muscles. The two statues look at you until you present your letter and coin, at which point they extend their hands to the gate. It opens inward, slowly, and when you pass through the smell grows stronger. As you pass through, the day seems to shine brighter, and you can hear birdsong filtering on the ear. There is a tingle in your limbs, and it's hard not to feel happy in this place.

((Roll Stamina + Integrity, difficulty 5, no charm bonuses allowed))

The homes you pass are beautiful, decorative places fit for kings. White marble, illustrious gold and jade, with vibrant gardens and vast yards.

You pass a fountain of crystal waters with a pair of statues, one golden man and one silver woman. As you look, you notice the statues are not stationary; they're moving, and their limbs affect the way in which the water falls, forming beautiful patterns of falling water between the two of them. They come together and slowly move apart once again, their movements slow but deliberate. A chorus of song comes from the statues, and flows over the courtyard. On the other side of the fountain, there is a small table.

At the head of the table you see an old woman with frizzy hair, tied back into a formal bun. She is wearing robes of emerald velvet, and her face is painted. She is shorter than everyone at the table except for Ibry, but her small smile radiates power and surety.

She does not say anything, but gestures to each of you, and to your seats at the table. There are spots at her table laid out for each of you with tiny teacups and cakes.

((Roll intelligence + lore to see what all you each know of the Grandmother))



[The Red Spiders]
Tradewinds

Five Truths Arcane leaves you information on how to contact her again in an emergency. Specifically, she directs you to take bird form and sit on a particular window of the Tri'Khan's palace.

The Red Spiders have a very small encampment that's pretty far out of the way, looking more like a bandit camp than a proper military base. They're not one of the big mercenary companies, so their space is limited and their warriors train in the open; they're not hard to find if you're looking for them (especially from the sky). Their emblem (https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpluspng.com%2Fimg-png%2Fspiderman-logo-png-the-amazing-spider-man-2-front-logo-by-strongcactus-d5w9gkw-copy-png-1134.png&f=1) is a large, stylized red spider (shocker) whose back four legs extend downward, fading away slightly on the banner until they disappear. The banners fly as proudly as they can around the makeshift encampment.

Blood Tithe, the man you saw leading the reinforcements yesterday, is shouting orders out to the troops as they form a phalanx and practice thrusting their spears. A small number of warriors are setting up tents (that from what you can tell were just recently knocked down). There's a group entirely composed of women who are kneeling to a statue of Ahlat, the war god of the south (off of his holy day, too; that was rather blatant). Another squad of men and women is practicing fighting unarmed, while a fifth is doing push-ups. That last group is actually in sync with one another and are fairly well-muscled, though they're also the smallest of the five groups.

You're not exactly experienced in military tactics, so you can't tell much more beyond that.

How do you approach the encampment?



[The Markets]
Etana

The undead attack had done a number on every business in the market (for obvious reasons), but yours is getting by relatively unscathed. You gather from your customers' statements and behavior that this is because news has spread that your cart was being visited by a Dragon-Blooded at the time of the attack. Today, however, is a bit slower.

Partway through the day, a scrawny delzhan man enters your stand. He wears fairly light armor (though on his frame it looks like medium armor) in a dark green, with a crest you don't recognize. His expression is emotionless as he looks over the establishment, and eventually his eyes find you. "Do you do deliveries?" He asks you, without preamble. "I need to send something to a friend and do not have the time to bring it to her myself."



[The Tri-Khan's Palace (https://www.deviantart.com/jackeavesart/art/TriKhans-Palace-784735608)]
Feltir

The Tri-Khan's palace is set at the very top of a massive hill on the eastern side of the city. As you reach the base of the hill you're met by several guards who, upon seeing the dagger, turn pale. Two of them, without asking you any questions, turn and guide you up a massive flight of stairs, acting as a (very nervous) escort. On either side of you, there are red banners emblazoned with the triangular gold symbol of the Tri-Khan. It takes you a while, but you eventually reach the top of the stairs, and are led through the main gate to the palace.

The palace has a massive courtyard area, with a beautiful fountain and garden, the latter of which has flowers that change color as you move through the area. Their smell is absolutely intoxicating, and draws to mind some of the happiest moments of your life...

As you arrive in the throne room, you see a Delzahn man in his late thirties, wearing blood-red armor emblazoned with the golden symbol you've been seeing all throughout the Palace. His hair is short but very thick, and he has a well-groomed beard. He is talking to a beautiful western woman in her early 20s who wears a small tiara marking her as royalty (probably his wife). She keeps her hair tied back, and wears a wine red dress that keeps her midriff bare. He chuckles at something she's said, wrapping an arm around her... and then one of the guards with you coughs.

((Roll Intelligence + Lore if you want to know more about the Khan and/or the woman with him.))

"... Ah. I'm sorry, Kalani, we'll discuss this more later." The man frowned. "You must be the new one. Feltir, if I'm not mistaken?"

The woman glances at Feltir, with the slightest hint of a blush at being interrupted. She curtsies slightly and makes her way to curtains behind the throne, disappearing from sight.

((Roll Wits + Awareness))

[Beans]

[The Plaza]
Rolls. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23966629&postcount=70)
Prithaya meets the STA roll with 5 successes.
She gets 3 successes to know about Grandmother Bright.
Prithaya has little in the way of fancy clothing, but she made very sure to be clean and neat; she's wearing the nicest clothing she's got, a dress of faded teal with a dark brown sash around her waist and a light shawl to keep the sun off. Sticking by Ibry, she's not unhappy, but she's alert and reluctant to give into the mild euphoria of the place.

When they reach the table and the radiant old lady, she gives as much of a bow as her bad leg allows. She reaches to pull Ibry's chair out before seeing to her own seating, because... because it's a power move. A tiny, benign, polite power move.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
I am indeed called Feltir, your lordship.(He bows)
How can this one be of service?

[Inspector Valin]

It's hard to avoid looking up in Chairoscuro. The whole city sparkles and shines, and Grandmother's home is some of the most glorious of it all. Ibry Mir can't cut as fine an image as the two great statues set before gates of shining gold. Still, she's done her best: buffing her jacket as best she can, fixing her hair into a neat braid and striding through the streets with the one adornment she can claim. Her Moonsilver Gauntlets. They're mighty things: wrought for size and not for teaware, but when appearing before a goddess of such repute, it felt right to bear the metal holy to Luna herself. And clad so, standing by Prithaya's side, Ibry has some sense of self even before the guardian statues.

Stamina + Integrity is a little odd, since Integrity is more a 'mental will' thing. Is this gonna recur, Half? I might need to invest a bit more here if so.

[roll0] Stamina + Integrity
[roll1] Stunt Dice

Ibry takes a second to admire the fountain before continuing to the table, bowing to the lady at its head. She nods to Prithaya as the strategist withdraws a chair for her, placing her own hand upon it... before pulling it yet further away from the table. Instead, Ibry takes a second to unfasten her gauntlet straps, placing the two mighty pieces of wrought moonsilver down upon the ground. before taking her seat atop them. She looks across at Grandmother, trying not to stare at the goddess. She's heard more than her share of rumours about Chairoscuro's strange resident divinity, it's been tough to separate fact from fiction. Still, a sage is a storyteller amongst other things. Any good storyteller can sort tales with truth at their heart from more fanciful fiction. And just what truths lie at the heart of Grandmother Bright's legend?

[roll2] Int + Lore on Grandmother Bright
[roll3] Stunt

[Kell_tamer]

Etana looks over the gentleman. "Etana and the Maven can cater." She begins pulling out paperwork. "What manner of meals does your friend need?" Etana has probably mistaken this as a request to set up food for a soiree.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

Knight knew most of Chiaroscuro from above, and from time to time when his nerve held he had glanced down on the Plaza. But the marvellous architecture and opulence behind the golden gates was still a wonder to behold.

Reaching the table he sees the Djala from the other day and he un-tenses ever so slightly. Not only does it mean this is less likely to be an elaborate execution for his hubris, but should things go sideways her ability to dole out death would make escape far more likely. Assuming of course that her limping friend didn't get them all killed.

As he reaches the table, Knight removes his simhata-styled helmet and reveals his sorcerously-opalescent eyes. He bows and greets Grandmother Bright in Old Realm. His Neomah gracefully bows low, far lower than any creature with bones would find plausible. It then sashays behind Knight to unstrap the shield and spear from his back to allow him to take his seat. Once tucked beside him it too takes a seat and it's skin subtly changes shade as it takes the temperature of those present.

To Ibry he just says "a pleasure to see you again" with a smile.

[HalfTangible]

You feel the euphoria tingling at your nostrils and putting a skip in your step. However, the urge conflicts with the capability in your leg, and so you are able to recognize the influence for what it is and thus ignore it.

Grandmother Bright is the oldest of all spirits in Chiaroscuro, said to have been around since the First Age. She is in charge of the Plaza, and decides who gets to live here. She is the City-Mother of Chiaroscuro, which means that most every spirit and god within the city answers to her. Publicly she maintains neutrality between the Khanate, the Guild and the Realm.

One thing that most everyone knows about the Grandmother is that you do not, under ANY circumstance, cross her. Those who do tend to not last very long within the city, and there are frightful rumors about what she does to those who anger her.

BOTCH! You gain either a major positive tie for the plaza, or two minor ties to the Plaza. (the nature they take is up to you).

You've heard many rumors, but almost nothing concrete. She's said to be the oldest of all gods and spirits in Chiaroscuro, and she's in charge of the Plaza.

One thing that most everyone knows about the Grandmother is that you do not, under ANY circumstance, cross her. Those who do tend to not last very long within the city, and there are frightful rumors about what she does to those who anger her.

((I look at that 3 success stunt and wince because you didn't actually write a stunt.))

You gain a minor positive tie for the Plaza (the nature it takes is up to you).

Grandmother Bright is the oldest of all spirits in Chiaroscuro, said to have been around since the First Age. She is in charge of the Plaza, and decides who gets to live here. She is the City-Mother of Chiaroscuro, which means that most every spirit and god within the city answers to her. Publicly she maintains neutrality between the Khanate, the Guild and the Realm, but you also know that the ghosts in this city fear her more than anything (even you). She takes her job as protector of the city very seriously, and while you had once considered the possibility that she'd be a threat to you, she doesn't seem to care about your activities.

One thing that most everyone knows about the Grandmother is that you do not, under ANY circumstance, cross her. Those who do tend to not last very long within the city, and there are frightful rumors about what she does to those who anger her. However, from your time working with spirits, you get the impression she prefers to deal with problem people... quietly. The rumors you've heard about the punishments she metes out are probably just fanciful stories.

Occasionally during your flights near the Plaza, you've noticed Grandmother Bright glancing up at you and your wasp. So long as you didn't fly directly over the Plaza or attempt to land there, you were ignored. The one time you tried to fly into it, however, you found yourself turned around and unable to find your way in. You'd also seen her meeting with various rich and famous people from around the city, ranging from Guild Princes to the Tri-Khan himself. In fact, the Khan's wedding was held in the Plaza; something that as far as you're aware Grandmother Bright has never before done in Chiaroscuro's history.

The Grandmother nods at his use of Old Realm. "<Grandmother> is pronounced with more of a lilt, for what it's worth."

When everyone is seated, a servant statue brings out a full teapot, and pours tea for each of you. If she has an issue with Ibry sitting with her gauntlets rather than in a seat, she does not show it.

"I do enjoy a spot of sun tea with honey around this time." The Grandmother said, her voice sweet and serene. She turned towards Prithaya. "Do you take yours with sugar?"



The Tri-Khan is the leader of the Delzahn, and is in command of all of the Khanate's warriors. The woman is Kalani, a western woman who became his bride several years ago in a whirlwind romance. She has no southern blood, which caused a bit of controversy when they were first wed. You don't really know anything beyond that, though Kalani is pretty hot.

The silence in the room is deafening. The royal guards look between one another, and the Tri-Khan himself narrows his eyes at Feltir.

When he finally speaks, his voice is grave and low. "When I first called you here I thought you were perhaps naieve. But I didn't think it was this bad."

The Tri-Khan steeples his fingers together, looking down from his throne. "Tell me, Anathema Feltir, do you have the slightest clue the position you're in? Do you know why you are here?"


[Etana]

The man's expression does not change. "A late lunch, for my friend and her two colleagues. They're under a lot of stress at the moment." He hesitated for a moment, before continuing, "She liked your 'pop icicles'."

[Kell_tamer]

Etana brightens. "The noble hero!" She smiles and claps her hands. "unfortunately Popsicles can't be carried very well in this heat so Etana shall have to bring the cart. However Etana does not mind! The main Maven cart can make its way post haste! Just give Etana the location!" Etana can leave the other apprentice carts while she attends to making a private lunch for a Dynast.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
I know that my life hangs upon your word. It is my guess that sorcery is ill liked here, and that I have violated your rule by invoking it 5 days ago. You wish to know if I was challenging your authority, I was not.

He tries to articulate this calmly, but his voice quivers a bit on the "challenging" clause.

[Beans]

Prithaya is aware that something is up with the plaza, but... well, it's nothing to fuss about, probably. Anyway, you don't mess with Grandmother Bright.

"I don't often get honey, so I may favor that over sugar on this occasion---your hospitality is appreciated, of course." She smiles demurely, noting the demeanors of her fellow commander and the demon-binder.

[HalfTangible]

Etana brightens. "The noble hero!" She smiles and claps her hands. "unfortunately Popsicles can't be carried very well in this heat so Etana shall have to bring the cart. However Etana does not mind! The main Maven cart can make its way post haste! Just give Etana the location!" Etana can leave the other apprentice carts while she attends to making a private lunch for a Dynast.

The man blinks, the closest thing to emotion he's shown so far. He then turns and points out towards the docks. "She's on a ship. The Hand of Danaa'd. Tell them Silent Mask sent you and they should let you pass."

The Hand of Danaa'd was the Realm fleet's flagship.


Feltir
I know that my life hangs upon your word. It is my guess that sorcery is ill liked here, and that I have violated your rule by invoking it 5 days ago. You wish to know if I was challenging your authority, I was not.

He tries to articulate this calmly, but his voice quivers a bit on the "challenging" clause.

"It's not me you should be worried about, it's the Immaculate Monks!! They-"

He stops, then takes a breath, rubbing his temple. "Guards, leave us. I need to speak with him privately."

The guards looked between each other, then back up at him. "Lord-"

"Don't make me repeat myself."

They look between each other once more, then bow and slip out of the room through a side door. The room is silent for a long few moments.

"...... The sorcery is not the problem." The Tri-Khan said finally. "The issue is you."

"Sorcery comes from without; the world shapes and bends to your desires. But the power of the Anathema is deeper than that; it's not something you do, it's something you just are. You are a creature the immaculate philosophy calls Anathema, demons who eons ago stole the power of the heavens for themselves. They are marked either by the sable light of the Argent Lady, or the burning fire of the Unconquered One."

The Tri-Khan points at you. "And you just set off a massive bonfire of Solar light in front of the entire city, including a group whose job is to hunt you down wherever you hide and kill you. Do you understand your position now?"


Prithaya is aware that something is up with the plaza, but... well, it's nothing to fuss about, probably. Anyway, you don't mess with Grandmother Bright.

"I don't often get honey, so I may favor that over sugar on this occasion---your hospitality is appreciated, of course." She smiles demurely, noting the demeanors of her fellow commander and the demon-binder.She smiled, though Prithaya may notice a slight twitch in it. "Of course, dear. It is not every day that one has tea within my Plaza."

The added honey is a bit sweet, even for honey. Grandmother Bright sips her own in a soft and demure fashion, apparently content to let the tension in the air remain as it is.

"I must sincerely thank the three of you for clearing out the city temple." She said, stirring a bit of extra sugar into her own tea. "Father Dark had it last. An old enemy, but one I respected greatly. His tomb was not the deathknight's to take." Her eyes grew very dark. "Such desecration is... vexing."

[Novabomb]

Feltir
This is alot to take in at once.
Because of the glow I make when I infuse essence, people think I am this daemon thing. And there is a religious organization, dedicated to hunting people like me. I guess that organization holds significant sway here.
I can see why I am in more danger than I thought, and why you needed to address my presence.
What would have me do?

Also what of the other "anathema" sorcerer?

[HalfTangible]

Feltir
This is alot to take in at once.
Because of the glow I make when I infuse essence, people think I am this daemon thing. And there is a religious organization, dedicated to hunting people like me. I guess that organization holds significant sway here.
I can see why I am in more danger than I thought, and why you needed to address my presence.
What would have me do?

Also what of the other "anathema" sorcerer?"The Calibration Knight is known to me and to the monks, but he's done well at keeping his true identity hidden." The Tri-Khan admitted. "In addition, his status as Anathema was in question until the invasion."

"The Immaculate Philosophy is the primary religious order of the Realm. In name, Chiaroscuro is a Realm satrapy, and so long as I wish to... make use of Realm resources, I must bow to their wishes sooner or later."

"With at least two new Solar anathema, the undead invasion and even the Guild pressuring the city it is likely a Wyld Hunt will be called soon." He shook his head. "But none of that is why you're here."

"The Empress is not going to return, and without her the Realm will crumble into nothing within a century, at most. The recent attack by the Underworld has shown that the Dragon-Blooded and their legions cannot or will not protect us; but you and those who fought with you did. I want to extend my protection to you, to the Knight and to any other of the Chosen within my city that come forward and swear fealty to the Khanate."

"In broad strokes, I wish to assert the Khanate's independence, with your aid."

[Novabomb]

Feltir

Wouldn't that result in war?

[Kell_tamer]

Etana grins and preps off to the destination. The primary cart makes its way while the rest of her people continue working the other stands. Was this dumb? Probably. Was it fun? Definitely.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

"Your gratitude is a badge of honour, which I'll wear proudly. I admit, when I set out that morning I wasn't preparing for an invasion. The size and suddenness of the assault, especially in a city so well fortified as Chiaroscuro, is disquieting. "

Knight takes his tea with almost mechanical stiffness. His life before exaltation taught him deference and discipline, but not table manners and he's had little need for them since, so he's noticeably uncomfortable with it.

"The deathknight certainly puts another spin on the Realm's belief in "anathema". We were fortunate so many allies could rally their might (glancing at Ibry) and forces (and at Priyatha) in time. There was another Sun-blessed that rode with me to the temple's defence and another Moon-blessed who slew the transgressor; though I know that access to the Plaza is your prerogative, might I ask why they did not warrant an invitation?"

[HalfTangible]

[Feltir]

"The man who doesn't know what Anathema are wants to tell me about diplomacy, okay..."

"In time, yes. The more open my movements become, the more likely war becomes. But I am prepared for war with the Realm, if it comes to that, and if I can convince them that I'm more than ready for them there might not be a war at all. The undead attack is what concerns me the most."

"I just received a missive from the Underworld, you see. Requesting parley to, as the messenger put it, 'correct a terrible diplomatic misunderstanding' relating to the invasion. I don't pretend to believe them but I find myself... curious. And as much as I love to ride against my new enemy, crush them to dust and hear the lamentation of their women... that's not really an option against the Underworld."

"I want you to be present for the meeting in case it goes belly-up. I have protection of various stripes, but... well. More Solars can't hurt. Do this, and I will do what I can to keep you out of the Immaculates' path. That girl you're staying with too, if you like; I don't know how long you've been staying there."

---

[Tea Party]

"If you mean the Lunar who fought the undead in the market, this thanks is for cleansing the temple of an old friend. I consider that a personal service, in need of personal thanks. He does not qualify. Could you pass the honey back, dear, most kind of you."

"The sun-blessed man had a previous engagement with the Tri-Khan. I could have made him come here instead, but in absence of any true urgency it would simply be rude. 'Tis his people, after all." Grandmother Bright said casually, stirring her tea. "And as much influence as I have, my knowledge is not unlimited. I have my suspicions on the auroch Lunar, but I cannot invite those whose identities I am unaware of." She then glanced pointedly at the Neomah next to him.

"And the dragon-blooded, well... if Seawrack ever recovers. Or if he finally dies." She glowered, clasping both hands and placing them on the table. "His injuries were extensive. Speaking of which... there's a small bit of business we need to discuss."

"One of these 'deathknights' has contacted me." She said, very slowly. "She claims that the situation with the necromancer was a gross misunderstanding and wishes for parley with the living to explain the situation. Specifically, she wished to arrange a meeting between the Tri-Khan and her master."

She hesitated. "... The Tri-Khan accepted."

---

[Etana]

The ship is massive and ornate, with the head of a dragon forged from pure jade at the front of the vessel. Jade continues from the head around the ship, forming the tops of the bannisters in an unbroken line around the vessel. The jade is etched with scaled (or perhaps feathered) patterns, giving the impression that the vessel is itself a dragon. You can't see anywhere where planks of wood are laid out, as if the entire vessel was grown from the same wood.

(You can roll if you want to try and determine more about the ship; size, history, crew complement, take your pick)

When you mention Mask's name, you're directed towards the back of the ship, one deck down. You get many odd looks as you go through the ship. A few of them are gaping and/or blushing (you're used to those), while others are eyeing you up for less fun reasons. The ship was clearly not built with a nearly 9 foot tall woman with horns in mind, forcing you to bend down to get through the place. It's very awkward and weird.

Sesus is sitting down in the hall, outside of a room with Still River (the water aspect; she was one of the injured at the temple). Even before you approach, you can feel the heat radiating off of her, like a bonfire a mere moment from flaring back up. She is shaking and River is hugging her, steam coming off of her hands.

"-here in a few weeks, if they gather fast." River soothed. "Have a little faith."

"I should never have let her touch him." Sesus snarled, her fingers digging into her own face.

"He would have died for sure if you hadn't. What's done is done." River poked her friend in the chest. "Bestill thy raging heart, young dragon, for defeat is an illusion; in the eyes of Danaa'd..."

"... a loss is only a feint waiting to happen." Sesus finished, mumbling. "Waters of Wisdom, second edition. You really believe that garbage?"

"Not really, tried to learn it cover-to-cover to impress a House, but I like the lesson there. It's better to adapt than- who's there?"

As you get closer, they both look up. Sesus blinks with recognition. "... Etana, right? What're you doing here?"

[Beans]

[Tea Party]
Prithaya blanches at the mention of the Tri-Khan's decision, lips tightening as she passes the honey back. "I... cannot say I have the vantage point to rightly judge the Tri-Khan, being only a scholar of tactics and a minder of ledgers... but if I told you I liked the idea, I would be lying." She glances to the Calibration Knight, then to Ibry. "Even calling it a gross misunderstanding feels like a bit of an underestimation, unless they're going to say the necromancer was acting wholly on her own initiative and against the wishes of her master---and in that case, they could have been forward enough to lead with that, if she's going to be forward enough to put dead boots on the ground here."

She sighs, but straightens. "I am far from done repaying this city for what it has given me. I wish to help as much as I can."

[HalfTangible]

[Tea Party]

"To clarify: the misunderstanding is that this 'Mourner' was not acting under the orders of her master. She claims that the Mourner had been a loyal servant until now, and that this was the first time she'd ever acted against him. So yes, she'd be renegade, if that were true. I'm not sure I believe it is." The Grandmother picked her tea cup back up. "And yes, I agree with you immensely. It is a grave risk (no pun intended) to invite a potential enemy to talk with you personally. But such is his decision. His very stupid decision."

"But should this meeting go poorly, it is unlikely the Plaza will remain unaffected for long." She took a sip of her tea. "As such, while I do not relish putting myself further into your debt, I fear I have no choice. We need Exalts there; you three and anyone else you can bring. The Tri-Khan understands this, but the necromancer was defeated so easily I fear he does not grasp how dangerous the deathknights are."

She set her tea down. "And if possible I need you to get the dragon-blooded to come as well. Their hearth is broken and one of their comrades down, but if the Tri-Khan fails the Realm is a decent enough back-up. This city cannot become another Thorns."

[Kell_tamer]

Etana blushes at being remembered. "Etana has a few reasons for being here. First is of course the joy knowing heroic dragon was able to save city." She pauses getting a bit of a read that it wasn't that proud a moment. "A wish to say thank you, and of course, a Silent Mask had asked for Etana to provide a meal to the fiery chosen and her friend." She gives an awkward bow due to the cramped space, her head bumping the ceiling as she comes back up. She gives a confident smile as she rubs the back of her head.


Guile is 3, but intimacies involved are etana has a desire to provide wonderful cooking, a minor positive intimacy towards the sesus woman. She intends to make a great meal.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

Knight gives his Neomah a withering look of shame, which turns it's skin pale and clammy. He is already tense in Grandmother Bright's presence, the demon making the situation worse is obviously it's fault and not his and something that he will not abide.

"Well whatever her motives, she made a terrible mistake picking this particular city to unleash her absurd vendetta. If the Tri-Khan is set with going ahead with the meeting then offering our services is certainly the route most likely to avoid further bloodshed or profane interference. I'm grateful for your foresight, my shield will meet any delegation that crosses the Shadowland as it always has.

[HalfTangible]

I don't have access to their character sheets RN (they're word docs as opposed to the website; i should fix that when i get home) but it's unlikely their reaction would change whether or not they knew your intents.

[Etana]

At Silent Mask's name, Sesus' eyes grew bright and her heat drained a bit out of the air.

River frowned. "Oh. Him."

"Hey, don't be rude." Sesus said, straightening up and standing. "I ate at her maven a bit before the undead attack, it's good stuff."

"Oh, fine. What do- Er... Wait..." She glanced up at Etana, noticing perhaps the 9 foot tall woman had to keep bent down.

"... your quarters would probably be easier for her." Sesus pointed out. "Definitely moreso than the hallway."

"Ah, right." River pointed to Etana's right, to a door right next to Seawrack's.

The three of you go into River's quarters to find lavish blue furnishings. There was a plush carpet and a bed fit for a queen, a window looking out upon the harbor, and a nice wooden armoire set into the back wall. Sesus and River both took seats at a table that could seat five in the back corner. This was one of the few things in the room that was not blue; the tablecloth laid over the table was white.

Perhaps more importantly, the roof was about an inch or so away from Etana's head. It admittedly wasn't much better, but she was able to stand up straight.

"Okay, so..." She glanced between Sesus and Etana. "I don't really know what you serve or anything, so..."

Sesus steepled her fingers together, looking at River. "I liked the popsicles, but they might be too cold for you. Something spicier, perhaps?"

River shrugged. "Surprise me."

---

Etana: two skill challenges; make da foods
One for Sesus, difficulty 4 (requesting popsicles to go with whatever it is)
One for River, difficulty 6 (requesting something spicy)

---

[Tea Party]

"No." Grandmother Bright glanced at the Knight. "The deathlords are not the rabble-rousers and barely-men that you're used to dealing with. They are worth every caution. If he believes we are not at war yet, it is perhaps best to let it remain that way."

The Neomah glares back at the Knight. Just because she was obligated to work for him didn't mean she had to think he was a good boss.

[Novabomb]

Feltir begins to relax when it becomes apparent that the Tri-Khan was not expecting him to be some sort of living engine of war. His guts tighten as the discussion tends toward the underworld. He visibly winces when he realizes the dangers and attentions he has brought to Spirit.

He is trapped by his conscience and achieves a few moments of fatalistic calm.

I will do this your lordship. How long do I have to prepare?

After his declaration he goes back to a mild tremble.

[Omniplex]

Now looking more like a person native to the region, but still recognizable to those who know him, Tradewinds approaches the Red spiders camp, heads towards Blood Tithe, but doesn't interrupt his training, not until he's reached a stop at least. He may have cleaned up a bit, but he still looks the part of a ragamuffin compared to these disciplined fighting men and women, but he knows that Blood Tithe has seen his true nature.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana makes certain to get her supplies she needs. After all she needs her ingredients to do the cooking. After learning the location she gives a request to gather from her stocks and when given the leave to do so returns with a large crate in one arm slung over her shoulder containing ingredients for a feast, and a large grill that contains a fire elemental is pushed upon its wheels by , upon her back is a barrel that contains chilled fruits and her air elemental.

"Apologies for the wait oh noble ones, but Etana needed to have the proper supplies and equipment to provide the finest meal she can."

She smiles "Besides the way Etana cooks is part of the fun" She permits them to take a look to see what has been provided.

It is then she gets to work. "Now Etana's specialty is the Burger" She begins kneading a couple patties. "The primary ingredient of which is beef from Cow or Auroch, however Etana has also been able to make them out of other forms of meat such as fowl, or even for those who have special diets, bean curds."


"The beautiful thing of the burger is it can be catered to taste.

There is almost a rhythm to the way she moves. A burger on her right and a burger on her left. As the meat warms a dicing of vegetables and fruits occurs. "Some like their burger with a hint of spice. That can be done!" she begins making a mixture to craft a Jalapeño Popper Burger for River.

Knowing that Sesus enjoyed the sweet Popsicle, she begins cutting up a tray of fruit to go with the meal. She works quickly and precisely. With fruit in even cubes she uses the runnoffs funneling down into shaped containers in the barrel and with a wink to the elemental it begins freezing the cold treats for a desert. "Some also enjoy a sweet to go with their savory, Etana herself enjoys this." She begins working with a teriyaki and pineapples to create a Teriyaki pineapple burger with lettuce, and an egg. As the burgers grill, she again is doing a bit of a show, partially for the dragons, and partially for the elemental to heat things just right. The smell of cooking beef fills the area. Mixed fruit is served in order to open the palettes.

after a bit of a saucy dance and sing songiness to her cooking and explanations, buns are set out and burgers and toppings flipped into place. As the grill cools back down while she cleans the top, and her eaters enjoy their main course, she presents them both with a container with fresh chilled frozen treats on a stick to wash the meal down. And She ends with a bow, lingering just a bit long but after all her sways and shakes were a bit of eye candy. She may be a giant muscular woman but she knows how to work what creation gave her. She did kinda hope the fire aspect took notice, or was even interested. However she waits to be addressed before speaking again. Hoping they quite enjoyed their meal.

Spending my 10 SXP on a major project. Rolling the tasks together as a single meal making experience.

Going a full excellency, 4 intelligence, 3 craft, 1 specialty, 4 for excellency intelligence, 5 for adding appearance with her bit of a sultry show of trying to make the sesus' mouth water for more than just a meal.

Going to roll any stunt separately.

spending 6m on Wonder Weaving Art providing double 9s if I use a full excellency.

Spending 1wp to add an auto success

Base
[roll0]

Stunt if any
[roll1]

One Auto Success.

19 successes, also in case it wasn't clear all motes were personal.

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

"Wise words, Chiaroscuro is my home and the black mark on the horizon (Thorns) is not a fate I wish to see. I speak not for the others, but I will be there."

[HalfTangible]

There really is no excuse for this delay. The main reason it's going up now instead of when I've got it better is that it's already been like 3 weeks since I posted and it hasn't really improved in that time.

[Tea Party]

"Good." She placed her tea down.

"The abominations will arrive in three day's time at the Shadowland closest to the Tri-Khan's palace. Whether or not the Tri-Khan knows you're there is not my business. Bring whatever or whomever you can." She looked Prithaya directly in the eyes. "Mortal or otherwise."

[Feltir]

"The delegation will arrive in three days' time. You will come here, with whatever allies you might gather, and we will set out for the nearest Shadowland. Their procession will arrive shortly before dusk, so that they may return to the underworld shortly thereafter."

---
[Tradewinds]

The camp spares you a glance or two, but no one tries to stop you. Whether that's because you're expected or because they know they could not stop you is unclear.

You find your way to a crude sort of throne, made from the bones of some great beast. While an attempt has been made it to give it an air of authority, it comes across as somewhat crude and ramshackle, like a barbarian tribe. Sitting in the throne as you approach is the man from the invasion.

"I was startin' to think ye weren't comin'." Blood Tithe growls, standing up. His glare at you is cold and suspicious.

---
[Etana]

River's expression as she all but inhaled the burger was one of absolute shock and unbelievable pleasure.

Sesus grinned wickedly at her, taking her own bite. "Told you so."

River flushed, looking down at her now-empty plate. "I thought you were exaggerating." She mumbled. "Thank you, miss... Etana, was it?"

Double 9s

14 sux

Stunt die (2 die stunt)
4sux + 1 autosux + 1 autosux

Total: 20sux

Result:
Still River gains a positive intimacy for Etana, one for her food and one for burgers!
Sesus Kejak Long gains a positive initmacy for Etana (respect) and her intimacy for Etana's food increases to Major!

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (3+16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent) / Spirit-Detecting Glance (Scene)

"What about it, Moonathema? Will you join our congress?"

[Kell_tamer]

Etana gives a bow. "It is indeed most noble Chosen. For Etana it was a pleasure to serve mighty Dragons" She is genuinely happy. She loves cooking, and getting people to enjoy her cooking.

[Novabomb]

Feltir
I will return here on noon of the third day.
With that he bows, backs away to the exit and leaves.

What can I do to prepare for this. Maybe something with sunlight? Dead things do like the sun. he considers as he makes his way back.

To Spirit
Someone important is interested in my abilities and has made a request of me. Would you grant me leave for 3 more days to handle this? I am hoping that the client may become a boon to the shop in the future.

[HalfTangible]

Feltir
I will return here on noon of the third day.
With that he bows, backs away to the exit and leaves.

What can I do to prepare for this. Maybe something with sunlight? Dead things do like the sun. he considers as he makes his way back.

To Spirit
Someone important is interested in my abilities and has made a request of me. Would you grant me leave for 3 more days to handle this? I am hoping that the client may become a boon to the shop in the future.

Feltir, when you arrive, you find Spirit adding some final polish to a new sword, sweat running down her arms in rivulets. Her fiery red hair is tied into a braid that hangs down to the small of her back. Her eyes brighten as you arrive, but darken again as you make your request.

"You just started working here and you're already gonna run off for days? Who's the client?"


Etana gives a bow. "It is indeed most noble Chosen. For Etana it was a pleasure to serve mighty Dragons" She is genuinely happy. She loves cooking, and getting people to enjoy her cooking.

Sesus licked her popsicle. "The pleasure's ours."

The two engaged in some small talk for a few minutes. However, before long, they switched to High Realm.

"<... Got a message back from the hunt.>"

Sesus looked up, eyebrow raised. "<Really now? So soon?>"

"<Yeah. Nothing good, though.>" She admitted, leaning back in her seat. "<Everywhere's kinda hell right now. Our circle, our troops and the Immaculates in the city are all we've got for at least a month.>"

Sesus growled.

<"I know."> River sighed. <"But there's nothing we can do about it for the moment.">

Sesus' eye narrowed. <"I don't like leaving this city's fate to the whims of the Anathema.">

"You think I do?" River buried her face in her hands. <"This is my home! I can't just... let things happen to it!">

"<Yes, well,>" Sesus muttered, <"We could still go and confront the Tri-Khan on his impending meeting with the underworld's anathema.">

"<We're not in a position to force him. Seawrack is down, Terror's dead, Cynis need to stay with Seawrack, the Tri-Khan's got at least three Anathema to draw on and he hates you...>" River shrugged. "<He's not going to let us anywhere near the meeting unless I go alone->"

"<-which isn't going to happen.>" Sesus finished, glaring at the empty plate in front of her like it was responsible for her woes. <"I know.">

It seems that the dragon-blooded don't realize Etana speaks High Realm.

[Novabomb]

Feltir


Someone in palace. Its a glass piece. How about this, I will stay up late today to make up some of tomorrow's work, and then I'll keep working nights make up the work until I'm caught up?
Either way I will abide by your decision.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana hums as she cleans her setup. She pauses a bit on some stubborn grease and then glances at the two. She pours them both some wine. "Etana senses there is problem. Anything Etana can do to help?" She looks at them both. "Make meal for Tri-khan in Chosen's name perhaps as an olive branch before meeting?" She hopes they don't take offense to her offer of help.

[HalfTangible]

[Tea party]

Unless Prithaya has anything else to say, I think you guys can move on to what you do during the several days before the meeting.


Feltir


Someone in palace. Its a glass piece. How about this, I will stay up late today to make up some of tomorrow's work, and then I'll keep working nights make up the work until I'm caught up?
Either way I will abide by your decision.
The young woman raises an eyebrow at you, not entirely convinced. "This all seems awful... convenient."

Make a roll to persuade her.


Etana hums as she cleans her setup. She pauses a bit on some stubborn grease and then glances at the two. She pours them both some wine. "Etana senses there is problem. Anything Etana can do to help?" She looks at them both. "Make meal for Tri-khan in Chosen's name perhaps as an olive branch before meeting?" She hopes they don't take offense to her offer of help.Sesus and River both freeze in the middle of their argument, and then turn to look at Etana.

They both just stare at her for a time, processing what she'd just said.

"... are you saying you want to cater for a meeting between the undead and the Tri-Khan... as an olive branch to the anathema?"

[Kell_tamer]

Etana shakes her head. "no no no. Chosen say tri khan don't like them. make catered meal and CHOSEN meet with tri khan."

[HalfTangible]

"It's not that he dislikes us, persay" ("Except Sesus, he hates her.") "he doesn't like having the Realm around." Sesus shrugged, rubbing her forehead with one hand. "Can't say I don't understand. Ain't really time to make it work anyway, we've got-"

She stopped, then sighed and set her drink down. "It's not important. Etana, I hope we can trust you to keep this information quiet? We don't want to start a panic."

---

For the sake of brevity, as we've been stuck here for a few months at this point:

Tradewinds: The Red Spiders have been hired by the Tri-Khan for some personal service 3 days hence. It's unclear exactly what, but you also receive a message from Five Truths Arcane, warning you that the mission is potentially going to be to fight more of the undead. What do you do to prepare?

Prithaya: The Red Spiders have been hired by the Tri-Khan for some personal service 3 days hence. It's unclear exactly what, but the timing is convenient enough for you to put 2 and 2 together. What do you do to prepare?

The Calibration Knight: You're allowed out of the Plaza, and Grandmother Bright informs you that she will (if needed) bring you close enough to the meeting to observe without interruption. You go to bind spirits and rally exorcists in case the meeting turns ugly. ((Roll for what spirits you want and Charisma + Presence/Socialize + 1 (Folk Hero) for the exorcists you're trying to rally))

Feltir: You convince Spirit to let you make your weapon. You successfully create a single-use weapon for a potential fight with the forces of the underworld. You're not sure what effect it will have, as you don't have anything to test it on, but you're certain it'll be good. You have a few hours left before the meeting. What else do you do?

Ibry: You're allowed out of the Plaza, and Grandmother Bright informs you that she will (if needed) bring you close enough to the meeting to observe without interruption. What do you do to prepare?

Etana: You don't know exactly when this meeting will take place, but you know it's coming soon. What do you do?

---

Whatever you all decide to do, the next scene will be at the meeting just as the Underworld delegation begins to arrive.

[Beans]

Prithaya drills her troops on the hungry dead, reminding them to hold fast against the stench of zombies and to cleanse any scratches or bites with alcohol and get to a healer ASAP afterward. She also makes a point of outfitting each one with a little bag of salt, just in case.

[Novabomb]

Feltir

Arrives at the palace with a large clacking sack (which contains his armor). He will give the device he developed to the Tri-Khan as an emergency measure. He explains what it is supposed to do, and how its supposed to be triggered. Feltir brings forth Kyln ahead of the meeting, and puts on his armor. He tries to keep his quivering to a minimum, but his armor unfortunately magnifies the sound as the glass plates/scales clatter against each other.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana gives her word to the terrestrials that their secret is safe. She isn't particularly interested in the silver pact's vendetta and as long as she keeps a low profile in terms of lunaring she has no problems. She is however interested in building up her customer base. During the few days when the Burger Maven isn't flipping patties for hungry people, she is seeking out those who might be able to have pull. Maybe one of those war leaders from the other day. Etana asks around...

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 17/17 (16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite) / Pure Core, Pure Crust (Permanent)

Knight finishes his tea and gratefully accepts Grandmother Bright's offer and departs, visibly unclenching as he crosses the Plaza's threshold.

---
Over the next three days, Knight meets with various Exorcist Sergeants and (without disclosing the exact details of the upcoming meeting) attempts to persuade them that the last incursion must surely be the prelude to more. He may be anathema but they have seen him fight for life over death; doubling down on his reputation and the impact of the giant glowing mandala he formed in the city square. "Whatever you believe me to be, whatever fear your faith teaches that I am. Know that as long as you draw breath and stand against those who do not, I am your brother in salt and blood."

He offers them strength and knowledge in their duties, sorcerous aid in times of crisis, and commits to bring his rare magicks to bear if they in turn agree to stand with him and let him lead them in the darkest days.

Charisma+Presence +1 (+8m personal on excellency): [roll0] = 11 sux

Stunt: [roll1]

If it works, he will next meet with the Officer corps to plan for the big day. He recognises one Salt-Captain from his pre-exalted life, but keeps his helmet on so they are never face to face.

Going over their latest city maps, he positions the exorcists in strategic positions around the city, providing maximum cover for the populace whilst also barricading the weakest points in the salt lines. Having them barricade the meeting would risk a slaughter; Knight and the other Exalts will need to be enough to manage any horrors the deathknight brought with them.

Intelligence+War (+8m excellency): [roll2] = 6 sux

Stunt: [roll3]

---
On the morning of the meeting, Knight is confident that he's done what he can for the people, so he is at ease. As he checks over his plans, Wagha-Kon informs him that it's found her. Suddenly tense for no apparent reason, Knight rallies his armaments and heads to the city square. When he reaches the food quarter and sees the giant woman opening her shop for the day he feels nervous, but also oddly comforted.

"Am I too early for breakfast?"

[Omniplex]

Tradewinds begins to train with the soldiers of the red spiders, picking up a uniform and practicing drilling sparring with spear and shield, and getting to know the other recruits.

"Hai! Ha!"

His aggressive style and tendency to telegraph make it clear that while skilled, he's just not an experienced soldier. When he has some downtime, he studies maps of the region, and surveys the countryside in the form of a raiton.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana is busy preparing meats for the breakfasts. Sausages in burger like patties to put on sandwiches. She grins as a customer approaches. "Not at all! Welcome!" She gestures to a seat and pauses a moment. There was .... something about this man. Familiar even though she didn't know him. She snaps out of it. "What can Etana get for you good sir?" She is holding a menu out to him. She stands quite tall. Almost two men tall. Her grin's size is only matched by her musculature.

[Kobold-Bard]

"Something filling, we have a long day ahead of us with the Powers of the City meeting our intruders in black."

Knight is perfectly content to assume that Erana already knows what's to come.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana nods. It was breakfast. She took a ground up patty of pork sausage and began to sizzle it with cheese on a bagel. To go with she prepared hashbrowns, and began to fry an egg. To complete the meal she prepared a bowl of fresh fruits. She doesn't know why but she instinctually is in a power stance the whole time. Eggs cracked one handed, sausage patties formed with gusto. Lots of flexes as she flips the patties over.

"So Etana must know, are you with the powers that be, or a neutral third party..."

She serves up the breakfast sandwich, the sides, and a refreshing citrus juice.

7 dice base +4 excellency +2 stunt. spending 6m to get double 9s
[roll0]

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight

The preparation and scents border on sensual, much too early in the day for that sort of thing though.

"I have an invitation from the City Goddess, along with two others that aided in repelling the darkness. I know they'll come prepar-HOLY SHAROON! that's good."

Knight had bitten into the sandwich and it was literally, physically stunning to taste. He can't resit a second and third bite before he regains the ability to speak coherently.

"I'd apologise, but I imagine you get that reaction a lot. Anyway, all I was saying is I'm glad we're not likely to be outgunned. Do you have any specific task, or would you care to travel together?"

---
"Sharoon is the God of breakfast (specifically the sensation of energy people get when they eat the first meal of the day). Using his name is a common compliment for good food, though technically frowned upon in Immaculate doctrine as giving Sharoon improper worship."

Introduce Fact: [roll0] = 1 Successes

If successful, I'll add a minor intimacy for enjoying petty heresies such as that.

[HalfTangible]

The Calibration Knight

The preparation and scents border on sensual, much too early in the day for that sort of thing though.

"I have an invitation from the City Goddess, along with two others that aided in repelling the darkness. I know they'll come prepar-HOLY SHAROON! that's good."

Knight had bitten into the sandwich and it was literally, physically stunning to taste. He can't resit a second and third bite before he regains the ability to speak coherently.

"I'd apologise, but I imagine you get that reaction a lot. Anyway, all I was saying is I'm glad we're not likely to be outgunned. Do you have any specific task, or would you care to travel together?"

---
"Sharoon is the God of breakfast (specifically the sensation of energy people get when they eat the first meal of the day). Using his name is a common compliment for good food, though technically frowned upon in Immaculate doctrine as giving Sharoon improper worship."

Introduce Fact: [roll0] = 1 Successes

If successful, I'll add a minor intimacy for enjoying petty heresies such as that.((Nope. Sorry. Sharoon is a breakfast deity but using his name alone is not worship and nobody uses this compliment but weirdos. No petty heresy for you :P))

---

[A Dark Procession]

The meeting was supposed to be a secret, but it's impossible to prepare hundreds of elite soldiers for a potential battle without word slipping out. The shadowland closest to the palace was barricaded off, with the royal guard serving to keep out any civvies and to protect the supposed meeting place. Those who had Grandmother Bright's favor or had been invited directly were, of course, brought through without trouble.

It was two hours until sunset when they first noticed the smell.

Subtle in the beginning, the scent of rot and decay grew stronger as the minutes passed. The buzzing of bloated flies and the clank of a pair of plate boots followed soon after, and though they hid it well, the warriors of the royal guard were openly unsettled by the smell.

"You are warriors of the Khanate, guardians of the city of glass, and sworn to my service." The Tri-Khan called to his men. "Whatever comes out of those shadows, you will hold against it."

The armored warrior stopped at the salt line between the shadowland and the city proper. His helmet turned, as if the man was scanning the crowd of royal guards.

"The Faceless Twin bids you greetings and good will. He requests to enter your territory." His voice rasped, wet and cold.

The Tri-Khan's eyes narrowed, his hand covering his nose. "You need an invitation?"

"The master is attempting to be diplomatic." The warrior rasped, this time with a hint of impatience.

"... Fine. Make it quick."

The diseased knight signaled back into the Shadowland, and a group of six undead came out of the shadows.

The Circle recognizes the undead; they are the same as creature that the Mourner had brought against you. Their bodies are far more decayed, but the hunched backs, the long claws, and the glowing balefire in their eyes are unmistakable. The six creatures lined up into two rows of three, and knelt onto one knee, facing each other like some macabre honor guard. There was a loud rattling, and the six creatures exhaled. Darkness that roiled like mist flowed from their mouths, carpeting the ground in thick shadows up to the creature's ankles. They did not look up.

The sound of leather boots came from within the darkness, and in a moment that may have been missed had an onlooker blinked, a man came from the shadows.

He wore a trenchcoat made of black leather, that gives the slightest bit of unease to all who look at it for too long. He wears bright white gloves slightly stained by old blood, and though they are half-obscured by the mist, he wears boots made of a similar black material to his coat. His eyes give a faint red glow. Despite the man's name, he does have a face; one both handsome, lively, and distinctive. There's a strange mix of features in his face that seem to shift if one stares for too long, but it never quite looks generic; it would be impossible to miss him in a crowd. He wears a mask of sorts, but it does nothing to hide his face; it only somewhat covers the area around his eyes, like a bad domino mask.

Most of all, though, there is a sense of familiarity. When you see this man, you know who he is, like you would know your father or your wife of thirty years.

And the knowledge twists your insides, between fear of the Deathlord and the familiarity of an old friend.

"Most noble Tri-Khan, thank you for this opportunity to meet and speak with you." His voice radiated familiarity and warmth, like an old friend. "The rebellion of one of my servants couldn't have made this trust you've placed in me easy."

"... You are the Deathlord?" The Tri-Khan blinked, perplexed. "You're... remarkably spry."

The Twin chuckled. "Yes, yes, I get that a lot. It's nice to meet you all." His eyes raked over the Exalted, and focused hardest on Etana. "I see you all came prepared."

---

((Roll Stamina + Resistance for the Plague knight's smell (TN 2). Roll Wits + Integrity for the Twin's mental influence (TN 6) ))

[Beans]

Prithaya is dressed about the same as she did for Grandmother Bright, looking her best but hardly formidable. She grips her cane and steels herself against the reek of death, but it passes over her. The strange sensation of the Deathlord's presence, though, is able to set its claws in her. She is silent, knowing her specially-trained troops look to her for strength.

[Kell_tamer]

Etana in a bit of animalistic posturing adjusts her footing and puffs out her chest. There is a hint of bullishness to it. The stench meant nothing, but this was clearly some kind of test of her character. She wouldn't let it bring her down to that level. She refuses to crouch.

Stamina 4 Resistance 3, spend 3m personal.
[roll0]

Stunting strength or appearance, (either or, dealers choice, same value either way) on the wits integrity roll. base 5, adding 3 from wits excellency, 2 from stunt, and 5 from either appearance or strength. 15 dice and buying a sux with a willpower.
[roll1]

[Kobold-Bard]

The Calibration Knight
Stats: Personal 13/13, Peripheral 14/17 (16 committed), WP 5/7, Sor.m 7, Anima: Dim
Initiative -, Parry 5, Evasion 1, Soak 9, Hardness 4, Not Flying
- Harmonious Presence Meditation (Indefinite)

Knight yaks at the stench. He's not going to chuck up that delicious breakfast, but nudges his hamlet's visor up just in case.

He is astride his agata, shield and lance in hand. Both are wearing polished armour and barding, but even a passing knowledge of smithing would reveal it's mostly show pieces. His orichalcum shield gleams in the faded sunlight, that is his real defence.

The tendrils of essence the Deathknight exudes are repelled by his hidden anima before they ever reach him. No dead monster would play with his mind (if only his nose was afforded the same protection).

---
Agata familiar is present. I have a stomach bottle bug inside me and a blood ape in my yasal crystal.

My other spirits are not present, they are at a relevant location in relation to my previous strategy roll, dematerialised with orders to destroy any dead thing which harms a living person before I return.

[Novabomb]

Feltir folds in half while gagging his mind briefly turning to mush.