Difference between revisions of "JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession28"

Revision as of 09:03, 3 April 2010

• Back to Session 27

(From Pyramid Lobby) TonyC says, "Good evening. Woot. And general wishing of health, etc."

(From Pyramid Lobby) TonyC says, "I'll be there when jetman shows up. Rboshnack just showed up and I'm gonna catch up on news."

jetman has arrived.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Hi!

jetman [to Apollonian]: How're you feeling?

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

jetman [to TonyC]: Hi!

TonyC [to jetman]: Hello.

You say, "Heya!"

You say, "Did you guys know that DTRPG is offering the Exalted core book for free right now?"

TonyC [to Apollonian]: I do.

jetman [to TonyC]: It rolled around again?

Apollonian [to jetman]: Indeed, and this time it's watermarked, not DRMed.

TonyC [to jetman]: Different version. This time, instead of a lock, they put your name in it. That way, if it gets pirated, they can hold you responsible.

jetman [to TonyC]: That's more reasonable... I might DL it this time.

jetman [to TonyC]: A general policy change, I wonder?

Apollonian [to jetman]: Pretty much. Almost all the Exalted stuff is like that now.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Very interesting and highly sensible.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Wonder how it works on Apple's Preview though.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: So, we're starting three months after we arrive at Marin Bay?

Apollonian [to jetman]: Not so well -- that's what I've got! Preview didn't recognize the pictures in most of the document, as well as several text boxes. I downloaded Acrobat Reader 8 and that's working all right.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Rats. In any case, there was some business I wanted to make sure was straight in Marin Bay before going on sabbatical.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: No, we'll take this up at Marin Bay.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Anytime you want to start.

You say, "But first... in what direction do you want to take the game? Thematically and narratively speaking, I feel it's been a little unfocused, and I'd like to bring some focus to it."

The Storyteller . o O ( For one thing, I have an NPC list as long as my arm to keep track of... )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( OK, the Admiral's setting up a fleet base on Ash Rose Island. Some fleet elements will be there, some up north raiding shipping and some combatting the Deathlord presence at sea. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( He's come to the conclusion that the Deathlords are a much more immediate threat, and the Realm just needs a push here and there to keep it falling apart, so there will be a greater focus on them. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Mask and Juggernaut. 'Nuff said.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Thus, the fleet and NPCs will be split up, and not many with the Captain at any given time. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Though the Raiton Queen is an unknown factor that needs to be felt up... she's got a trick the Mask doesn't, after all. )

You say, "So that's the narrative direction (oppose the Deathlords), but what about the thematic direction? What's Taiyo Kaizoku's story about? Monkey's? (If it were a Maiden, which Maiden would it be?)"

You say, "On a related note, how much do Kaizoku and Monkey really know about the Deathlords?"

TonyC [to Apollonian]: With Monkey... Journeys, Serenity, and Battles.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Battles... Kaizoku is battling to rebuild what has been torn down by time and ignorance, and perhaps to redeem himself for whatever it was he did in the past.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: And Monkey knows nothing about the Deathlords. They're big, and they're bad. That's it. If they want to stick around the Underworld. But this Shadowland expanding, taking over bits and pieces of Creation.... That's messing with Monkey's territory.

jetman [to Apollonian]: As for what's know... they're evil and dead, and worse than the Realm.

TonyC has reconnected.

jetman [to TonyC]: WB!

You say, "What kind of thematic direction, then, do you think the next story arc should take?"

The Storyteller thinks. And gets coffee.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Oh, that's another theme... battling to redeem the good name of Solars. So now that he's established martial power, he's working to build a legitimate organization, one people can see Solars doing good works with, opposing the forces of evil and helping the weak.

TonyC [to jetman]: In character, this is up to Kaizoku. My preference is to track down the puzzle pieces, but I don't feel strongly about this.

jetman [to TonyC]: That's next on the list... though pumping Barada's contact for information or new leads appearing my move it up.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Oh, in preparation of sailing trip, I'm raising Monkey's Sail ability to 4.

TonyC [to jetman]: Kaizoku also needs to set up a contact in the Imperial City.

jetman [to TonyC]: And a whole spy network.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: You do realize that you have the option of providing your own theme?

The Storyteller . o O ( Sorry that took so long -- coffee wasn't strong enough, had to make a whole new pot. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Pull something big enough, and watch Kaizoku and Monkey scramble for damage control.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Um. See if you feel that way after this session.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: The classic plot example is the return of the Scarlet Empress.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Well, it's not _that_ big...

The Storyteller reads.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: The Scarlet Empress left a will naming Kaizoku as heir? And the reason for the civil war is because all the great houses aren't gonna let that happen?

jetman [to TonyC]: Wow... it might be worth forging a will like that just to see the chaos that it stirs up!

TonyC [to Apollonian]: No, no, wait. Roseblack visited Lookshy and is looking for an audience with the infamous Kaizoku. Of course, she mistook Monkey (who looks more piratey) as him. Hilarity ensues?

jetman [to Apollonian]: And Monkey has been seen up close by a lot more people on Kaizoku's adventures than the Admiral himself... the Dynasts he's been up close and personal to are all fish food at the moment.

You say, "Okay, let me see if I've got this right: Kaizoku's theme is struggle, though it's not entirely clear what he struggles against. OTOH, Monkey is just tagging along with Kaizoku. His theme -- if he can be said to have one -- is "take life as it comes." (In movie terms, he's more the sidekick than the protagonist.)"

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Anyway, theme for this story arc... How about Journeys?

The Storyteller . o O ( This is starting to look more and more like Journey to the West, you know? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Monkey _was_ designed as sidekick.

TonyC [to jetman]: So let's go to the West! Let's steal another First Age ship from the Lintha family!

jetman [to TonyC]: We know the base is in the west, so it can't hurt to pay them a visit and burn them to the waterline...

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Next story arc, we can have Serenity.

You say, "That being the case, the Admiral's goals are currently: Redeem the name of the Solar Exalted and drive back the Deathlords."

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Not as long as Admiral "Sleep is for tortoises" Kaizoku is in charge!

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Although I don't think Monkey will mind if we skip Journey and go straight to Serenity. (Let's just say that the ladies are doing the Journey.)

jetman [to TonyC]: Monkey will have to be serene in accepting that constant action is his lot in life now. :)

jetman [to Apollonian]: And yes, those are the big goals.

You say, "I've been feeling lately that the game hasn't been challenging enough, but it's hard to gauge from this side of the GM's screen. What obstacles to those goals would be challenging, and would be interesting in terms of character? (I'll worry about plot.)"

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Who says anything about sleep

jetman [to Apollonian]: Well, I still worry about the outcome whenever a fight starts, and try to be as clever as possible to put it to the enemy.

jetman [to Apollonian]: An indirect enemy might be an interesting change, someone who can't just be stabbed to death, like a struggle to win the goodwill of Roseblack or the Admiral's (theoritical) Lunar ally who stabbed him before... he could need to prove himself worthy to be taught the Celestial circle of sorcery.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Monkey's goal is simple. See interesting places, meet interesting women, and fight interesting battles. My goal... well, system-wise, I'm trying to twink Monkey so he can break the sound barrier and still be a kick-ass Dawn. Setting wise... Hmmmm....

Apollonian [to jetman]: In combat, Monkey's the tricky one to gauge, actually. He can dodge anything -- but if he doesn't, he's (usually) a grease spot. Also, he doesn't do hardly any damage.

jetman [to Apollonian]: I've noticed that too... I was thinking that a new, more powerful variable staff could be made for him with Elemental Infusion.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Setting-wise I suppose I just want to see Creation. No overriding goal. Hmmmm, put a visit to Yu-Shan sometime. That'd be interesting.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Something suitable to his powered-up strength... expandable up to the size of a phone pole.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Hey, Monkey took out Scholar fair and square.

You say, "Hmm... I guess what's been bothering me about the challenges -- both in this game and in the other one I run -- is that it's very hard to find something that a Solar can't just say "I do it!" and he does it... But this does help. And now, if we're ready, on with the show."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: And I maintain that Monkey could take out Kahlun. Monkey doesn't do much raw damage, but I can usually come up with alternate ways (in Kahlun's case, toss him overboard).

jetman [to TonyC]: Do you like the idea of a new weapon for Monkey though?

TonyC [to jetman]: No. Fivefold Monkey Style specifically prohibits weapons.

TonyC [to jetman]: Don't worry about Monkey. Had we not taken a break to raise Essence, you'd have seen the first undodgeable combo in the game.

jetman [to TonyC]: And armor/warstriders?

jetman [to TonyC]: Of course, this means Monkey will have to keep the Mask busy as Kaizoku deals out a ton of damage to the Juggernaut.

TonyC [to jetman]: Same. Monkey's designed to be armor-less. Warstrider is useful occassionally for their immense Strength, but not for their protection.

jetman [to TonyC]: And movement!

TonyC [to jetman]: And movement.

jetman [to TonyC]: For no particular reason, I'm wondering how much of a boost Monkey Leap would get if Monkey used it while being shot out of a catapult.

The last rays of the sun cast a red light on the proud walls of Marin Bay Redoubt, the seat of the Lookshy Navy. The sails of the Solar Wind Fleet cast huge shadows across the water, and the small pilot boat that came out to greet you darts ahead, flickering between red light and shadow. On the bridge of the Unconquered Sun, the pilot guides the fleet to berths in the north harbor. Once docked, you can see -- at a distance -- the facility that lets the Lookshy fleet stand against the Realm. By Monkey's count, there are at least five dockyards, two of which are occupied by triremes and a third by a pair of smaller ships. Though you've heard of this redoubt's First Age slips, you can't see them -- they're in the south harbor. Between the two harbors, on a great mound of stone, sits the manse itself, a massive pyramid and tower of jade and sandstone. Built before the Empress, its clean, stark lines speak of an artistic sensibility that the Dragon-Blooded have since lost but which the First Age did not possess. The pilot gives you instructions on how your sailors should comport themselves -- as navy men, not merchanters -- and where they can find lodging if they do not wish to remain aboard ship. He also tells you that the commandant of the redoubt will visit you shortly.

TonyC [to jetman]: None. Unless I stunt it. But then it's still iffy. You see, jumping requires something to push against. If you're already shot out, you have nothing to push against. If you push too early, then the catapult hasn't triggered. To get both, you have to time it so the jump and the shot is simultaneous. That'd be a stunt. In which case, the boost depends on how impressed the GM is.

Admiral Kaizoku calls up the Realm marine prisoners taken along with the ship. "Now... Once the merchant ships have unloaded their goods, they will return to the Realm, and you with them. You will tell your superiors of what you saw, and that the Solar Navy claims juristiction of the northern waters now, with violaters forfeiting their cargo. Is that clear?"

The commandant is Taimyo Hane Namiko, a woman whose bearing tells of years of command. She is chosen of the Earth Dragon, if her white jade armor is any indication, and she cordially invites you to spend Calibration at the Redoubt. Further, she invites the officers of the fleet to the first party of Calibration, tomorrow -- an ancient tradition in both the Realm and the Threshold. In the darkest time of the year, the bright lights and cheer of dances and feasts may hold back despair -- and prevent those present from calling up things that should not be released.

Monkey says, "Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, I intend to start the party early."

The Realm Marines understand, and will bear your message for you.

Monkey was going to step forward, but he remembers something. "Actually, where's a good place to eat and drink around here?"

Admiral Kaizoku accepts the invitation graciously for himself and his officers. "I do wonder though, if I might have access to suitable facilities to tend my flagship..."

Taimyo Hane says, "I'm afraid we do not have any dockworkers willing to work over Calibration, but I believe that one of the yards will be available after. I will see what can be done."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Excellent. I will see you at the celebration then."

Admiral Kaizoku distributes instructions for shore leave, and how the men are to comport themselves... and to stay in groups of at least six, just in case.

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you want to skip ahead to the party or do you want a bit more about the redoubt before then? Timewise, it's already past sunset. )

Monkey says, "Party time! Who's with me?"

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Skip to the party, I say. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, let me get my coffee real quick first. )

Monkey spends the night being drunk with the other sailors and the day sleeping it off. He shows up at the party looking fresh.

Master Jaff did likewise.

Admiral Kaizoku sees to the status of the Realm merchantmen, as they will not be sailing over Calibration, and the disposal of their goods.

The Storyteller . o O ( Better give a little more description of the redoubt anyway, I suppose. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Since demons will likely overrun it by the end of the party, yes. :) )

Monkey . o O ( Demons? Oh, good, it wasn't Monkey being drunk after all. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( No, it was that too. )

TonyC [to jetman]: I wonder if Jesse's connection is being flaky.

Unlike Scarlet Fortress, Marin Bay Redoubt is still very much a military fortress. The original fortress, the manse, sets upon an outcropping of rock that thrusts out into the ocean and rises up some five hundred feet above the water. Stretching north and south of this are the redoubt's two harbors. The south harbor is reserved for the exclusive use of the Lookshy navy and other forces, and it's here that the redoubt's four First Age slips are located. In the north harbor, merchants and allies are welcomed warily, and it is here that the redoubt has most of its civilian infrastructure -- not that there's much of it within the redoubt's walls, which stretch in an arc from extreme edges of each harbor. As you learn from the guides assigned you, the redoubt is sustained by supplies from Lookshy, nearby Calin, and from several manors that the redoubt itself maintains in the surrounding countryside.

Monkey . o O ( Or it was a really long desc. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Nope, just prolific I guess. :)

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Party desc?

Admiral Kaizoku takes in the sights and compares them with the fleeting glimpses of First Age strongholds.

TonyC [to jetman]: The word you're looking for is "spartan".

TonyC [to jetman]: By the way, where is Ash Rose Island?

The civilian section of the redoubt is very small, consisting of a few streets next to the north harbor. Your guides inform you that anything past Fire Street, which divides the north and south sections of the redoubt, is off-limits to visitors. In the civilian section, meanwhile, there are a few bars and a surprisingly large number of eateries and sleeping-houses. Most of these are run by locals, and serve fare that fits the Lookshy attitude.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: 85 miles northeast of Thorns.

TonyC [to jetman]: That's the Floating Dead base, right? (NE? Not NW?)

Outside the walls are a few villages and -- further out -- some towns. These are where the warriors of the redoubt generally go for recreation when they need to get away. Three gates lead out from the fortress, on each northeast, east, and southeast.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Whoops. NW.

jetman [to TonyC]: That's the one.

TonyC [to jetman]: And your island?

jetman [to TonyC]: Well, as soon as we take it, it will be.

TonyC [to jetman]: No, I mean, the island from your past life.

jetman [to TonyC]: Need to recruit a lot more mercs though. Oh, the one with the Manse? That was on shore, not an island.

TonyC [to jetman]: Where?

The Storyteller realizes he didn't mark that on the campaign map...

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, describing the party (and the manse itself, which'll take a minute) )

jetman has disconnected.

jetman has connected.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Well, MY connection was flaky... )

jetman [to TonyC]: About a hundred and twenty miles north-west of Marin Bay, the fleet comes upon an isolated and pebbly beach, just in time for the night's beaching.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( ANd the last I saw was Jesse saying he didn't mark it on the map. )

TonyC [to jetman]: I advise against taking Ash Rose island until at least another story arc. We can't hold it.

TonyC [to jetman]: You missed nothing. Jesse gave notice that he'll take a minute writing up the party.

jetman [to TonyC]: I think we can, since the Mask's fleet is destroyed and his top Navy Deathknight is gone. Sea power doesn't do him much good now that the fight with the Legion is inland.

TonyC [to jetman]: You don't understand. He doesn't need a navy. He can send his army to retake the island. They're dead. They can bloody walk underwater if they have to.

The Storyteller interjects: Plus, hey -- Book of Bone and Ebony! >evil cackle<

TonyC [to jetman]: Quick, angle for the anti-shadowland spell.

jetman [to TonyC]: Ah, that is a point... but it'll be de-shadowed soon, and the Admiral can train the local undersea life to attack intruders.

jetman [to TonyC]: That's a severe angle... isn't that a Solar Circle spell?

TonyC [to jetman]: According to rpg.net comments, there's a Celestial one in that book that just de-shadows. No extra benefits.

TonyC [to jetman]: Of course, there's a instant-shadow Labyrinth circle necromancy counterpart.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Odd place to put a spell that hurts the undead, but if there is one, it'd go to the top of the list. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Though the tidal wave spell marks the end of any Realm fleet action against the Solar Navy... )

TonyC [to jetman]: Well, from what I gather, the logic goes, "Here's a instant shadowland necromancy. Note: counter-sorcery instantly de-shadows. Celestial Circle. x motes."

The first day of Calibration dawns clear enough, but the promise of the red sky is soon fulfilled as strong winds and steady rains pelt the land and sea. Walking up Fire Street to the manse's gate, Monkey and Kaizoku are rather grateful for the umbrellas held by their escorts, two mortal yeomen of the Lookshy navy. The bulk of the manse is a pyramid of white sandstone, laced with black jade. Water streams down grooves in it, and you can see windows of adamant on the surface of the pyramid. Rising behind the pyramid -- from your perspective -- is a tower that must reach another two hundred feet in the air. From your approach to the redoubt, you know that the tower is flush with the cliff face over the sea. Atop it is a glowing beacon, calling to ships at sea in this most unfortunate of seasons.

Admiral Kaizoku takes careful note of that beacon tower's lines... a structure like that could be put to many purposes...

Monkey wonders what the view is like from up there.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( A lighthouse with mystic mirrors to amplify the Zenith anima flare would keep the dead at bay... )

Admiral Kaizoku remarks to Monkey "A fine structure, is it not?"

Inside the manse, it is a welcome change from the downpour outside, though the sound of rain mixes with the stream that runs through the antechamber where you dry off. This chamber is just past the gate. Low benches carved with an abstract, watery theme. Now that you are in the manse, you can feel its power thrumming through your own Essence. Unsurpisingly, it's a water-aspected manse, and a powerful one, and you remember the blue stone that adorned Taimyo Hane's daiklave. When you are finished freshening up, the one yeoman who remained escorts you into the great hall where the party is just warming up.

Monkey says, "Yup. Hey, think you can put something similar on that beach?"

TonyC [to jetman]: Expensive. And also ties you up.

Admiral Kaizoku says "I believe I shall, among other places Monkey..." as the rain is brushed off his coat.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Like a high class call girl?

jetman [to Apollonian]: Rimshot!

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Yup. Except not as fun.

The Storyteller gets back on track.

Admiral Kaizoku tonyc It's worth it, since there's no subsitute for frying or scaring large amounts of undead. Besides, if the Admiral's not there, he can be fairly soon... with instant communication and Stormwind Rider.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: You do realize that if you put those towers, your opponents and rivals are going to make remarks about compensating for something.

TonyC [to jetman]: You do realize that if you put those towers, your opponents and rivals are going to make remarks about compensating for something.

jetman [to TonyC]: They could already say that about his Freudian ultimate attack...

Monkey [to Admiral Kaizoku]: It really sounds more like something a convoy of Siddies will put up. Others will probably settle with wardings.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Siddies? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Sidereals.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Ahhh. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Besides, isn't there a sort of sorcery level warding in S&S?

jetman [to TonyC]: Yes, there is, and that will be put into place.

At first glance, it's clear that the partygoers are mostly officers, both Navy and Legion. The great hall itself is a square in floorplan, with its two exterior walls looking west to the sea. Through the adamant windows that reach up to three times the height of a man, you can see the storm outside, but all you can hear is the quiet mutter of conversation throughout the hall and the gentle music of a single flute, played by a woman standing underneath one of the northern windows. You have entered through the hall's main door in the southeastern wall. Both the eastern walls, the interior ones, are hung with banners, each one recording a scene from the history of the Lookshy and Shogunate navies. Along the northwestern wall, the food and drink catches Monkey's attention almost immediately -- the smell of roast meat and carefully prepared fish call to him. The food is arranged on a trinity of tables, one containing seafood, another meat and fruit and vegetables, and the third the drinks. Uniformed servants bustle to and fro, loading up plates and taking away the scraps.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oy, this is not as easy as I thought it would be. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Plot-wise or health-wise? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: What?

The Storyteller . o O ( description-wise. )

Monkey and Master Jaff disappears from Admiral Kaizoku's side and reappears next to the food tables.

Admiral Kaizoku's first hunger is for information, and he drifts towards the banners on the walls a moment, taking in the histories for a long moment before continuing to the food tables.

Master Jaff and Monkey are already eating.

There are perhaps a hundred or so people at this party, most of them ship's officers. You'd guess that a few are local notables, manor holders or wealthy merchants. In one corner, you can see Dancing Razor Leaf, cheerfully regaling a flirtatious young maid with tales of the Solar Wind Fleet. Near the tables, Snarling Wolf appears to have been cornered by a pair of Lookshy navy types -- parties aren't really her thing, but to refuse the invitation would have been dishonorable... Watching the patterns of the room for a few minutes, you can see that the hostess is experienced at this sort of thing. People are constantly circulating from one small group to the next and the conversation is constant, if quiet. You are not announced, as such, but within moments of your appearance, an officer of the redoubt materializes next to you with a glass of wine and a small plate of hors d'ouvres and begins making small talk as he guides you into the flow of socialization.

Meanwhile, Monkey and Master Jaff gets into an argument regarding the fate of a particularly succulent ebisushi. They stare into each other eyes knowing the first one whose attention flags out loses.

Admiral Kaizoku spares a glance for Monkey and thinks that a faceoff over food is typical Monkey, and likely not too disruptive. He exchanges names with the officer and makes small talk in return, somewhat awkwardly.

The aide who latched onto the Admiral introduces herself as Chumyo Taka Chiaki. As you approach the fringes of the nearest circle, she says, "And what do you make of Marin Bay so far, Admiral?"

Admiral Kaizoku says "Well-diciplined and efficient, a credit to the Legion. It seems a quiet post though, far from troubled sea lanes and the war... has that been a problem?"

The Storyteller . o O ( Whoops. That should Taizei, not Chumyo. )

Taizei Taka says, "Not to my knowledge. We're far enough away that we haven't had to worry about strikes from the Mask's undead, which is good when you're a support station like us. We wouldn't be able to hold out as long as Marukan Redoubt has -- unless our sea lines were open, of course. We've actually seen more traffic since the war started. High Command has been using us as a rest station for badly damaged units. The peace is good for them, and it's relatively safe near the redoubt.

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB, need more coffee. )

TonyC [to jetman]: You should ask how Marin Bay is defended against attack from inland. A couple of catapults up those cliffs, and the docks would be useless.

Admiral Kaizoku nods in agreement. "I hope it will be as restful for my men... they have held up admirably through a number of actions without respite recently. What is the latest news of the Mask's naval efforts? A major base of his was left in dissaray when I last saw it."

jetman [to TonyC]: It's something they should have seen too, and likely did, but still... good idea. Jesse, did the ground approach look covered?

jetman [to TonyC]: And how well will Monkey compete with Razor Leaf for the role of center of attention? :)

TonyC [to jetman]: And although Monkey couldn't care less, it's probably a good idea to inquire what Nexus has been doing lately.

TonyC [to jetman]: Already got that covered.

The Storyteller . o O ( I guess I didn't explain it that well -- the manse is the highest point for miles around. The land around the redoubt isn't very high, around ten or twenty feet until you get a couple of miles inland, where it starts sloping up into some low hills. As for defenses... they've got a wall, and that's all you're cleared to know about... )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( They've probably got some First Age weapon atop the twoer in that case. )

Monkey . o O ( It's a sun-focusing array of lens and mirror, capable of burning men and ships alike in seconds. )

Taizei Taka says, "I don't know. The war's really outside my area of responsibility. From what I've heard, though, there's been precious little action on the water. The Inland Sea, that is -- I know the brown water crews are seeing some action on the Grey River trying to keep the supply lines to the Marukan Redoubt open. It's a land war, not a sea war. Ah, here's the Taimyo!"

Admiral Kaizoku nods to her and gives the Taimyo a deeper bow, one of equals as he sized up the officer.

The Taimyo turns from the circle of Legion officers she's talking with and says, "Admiral Kaizoku, welcome to our celebration." She bows, as do the officers, and then it's a quick round of introductions, from left to right. "May I present Taizeis Kagara and Chijimi of the Fourth Field Force, Kazei Renbutsu of Marin Bay, and Shozei Jido of the Third Field Force? Gentlemen, this is Admiral Taiyo Kaizoku of the Solar Wind Fleet. He's working with us in the present crisis with the Mask."

The Storyteller . o O ( Quick question: Do you want me to keep using the official lookshy ranks, or shall I just use their english equivalents? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( The English ones would help, at least in parentesies at first introduction )

The Storyteller . o O ( I think I'll just switch to English for the most part -- it's a lot easier to remember...) )

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB -- call of nature. )

Admiral Kaizoku returns all the bows. "Hopefully it has remained confined to the Mask... another Deathlord's forces were harassing Celeren before... I hope my efforts have discouraged that party."

As Kaizoku finishes that sentence, a crowd starts forming around the meat-and-fruit table. Monkey has gotten a pair of chopsticks, one in each hand, and is circling the table, trying to get at the roast pork. Master Jaff, on the other hand, has gotten an oversized punch ladle from the other table, and from his current perch on the bamboo vase, twirls the ladle like a staff, defending the food from Monkey's darting chopsticks.

Captain Kagara is a slim man with a quiet smile and dark brown hair. Captain Chijimi is rather taller, broad-shouldered, and his head is shaved. Both are wearing silver armor with Legion insignia. Colonel Renbutsu is a balding man with a mild gaze. He's swirling his glass of wine as he talks. Major Jido's round face is worn by worry, and he moves as if his side pains him. He's dressed in forest green armor, a lacquered jade reinforced breastplate.

Monkey . o O ( BRB )

TonyC has reconnected.

Monkey . o O ( Back )

Admiral Kaizoku asks "Have you seen action lately Major Jido?" as he notes the man's concern and discomfort.

Major Jido says, "Yes, against the Mask's armies in the Varsini Protectorate. I'm not really at liberty to discuss it... but I can say that we succeeded in our mission."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Of course. I am curious though... did you confront any of his living servants in that area?"

Major Jido rubs his side and takes a drink from his wine glass before answering. "Yes, we did. He has entire dragons made up of peasants, armed with farm tools or sticks and rocks. They've all got these cold, dead eyes, like soldiers too long in combat..."

Major Jido continues, "Nasty fighters, too -- fast, relentless, and without mercy. They die easily enough under the Legion's weapons, but then they rise again. That's the problem with fighting a necromancer -- every soldier you lose, he gains."

Admiral Kaizoku swirls his own wine and contemplates it. "Interesting... at Celeren, there were conventional troops held under the lash, well organized and equipped." After a moment's silence, he relates "The power of the Sun can remove the dead from the reach of necromancers..."

Captain Chijimi snorts. "Excuse me," he says in a frigid tone, and stalks off toward another conversation, in the opposite corner of the hall.

"I should have warned you, Admiral," says General Hane. "Not a few of the officers here tonight are followers of the Immaculate Philosophy, some more devout than others. Chijimi is one of those."

TonyC [to jetman]: No offense, but even if Chijimi wasn't an Immaculate believer, you can burn off several dozen corpses, while the numbers of the dead is likely in the hundreds, and for major engagements, thousands.

jetman [to TonyC]: Though there's the extended version of that too.

The Storyteller . o O ( I gotta say, the Admiral's method of converting people is kinda Jehovah's Witnessy. Five minutes into the conversation and he's all, "Have you thought about your relationship with God?" )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Hey, it's not faith-based... he has displayed practical results! )

Monkey has changed tactic. Instead of trying to get at the roast pork, he has moved to the drinks table. Holding a wine cup, he makes exaggerated sloshing motions, making sure Master Jaff sees the wine spilling over, and then pounds the wine. Master Jaff now looks conflicted.

TonyC [to jetman]: Time for HPM.

Admiral Kaizoku nods sagely. "Then I shall avoid philospical musings and their practical applications in the name of harmony" he says mildly. Changing tacks, he inquires "The storm that carried my fleet here... Have any of you seen its like before?"

The Storyteller . o O ( To deal with Master Jaff? )

There's a general round of head-shaking, and Colonel Renbutsu speaks up first. "Not in my memory, and I'm a bit older than most here. I think it's trouble. No. I _know_ it's trouble, though damned if I know what kind."

Monkey . o O ( With Master Jaff? No, uh uh. Against Master Jaff, there'll be no quarter given nor asked. :p )

Admiral Kaizoku takes a sip of his wine. "It is the second I have seen... the first was deep in the Scavenger Lands... it is far from natural, and not, I believe, of this plane, but the one below."

A woman speaks up as she steps into the circle. "If my profits are any indication, sirs, it would appear to be trouble of the worst kind." She's an older woman, on the verge of old age in fact, and she holds her hands over her midriff in the fashion of the arthritic. Her hair is done up and held in place by a beautifully jeweled comb of jade -- unusual for a mortal -- and her long coat and trousers are in the Sijanese fashion. A black lace veil covers her nose, mouth and chin, and she is accompanied by a kindly servant. Despite her age and frailty, she walks as if she were among equals.

Admiral Kaizoku lifts his eyebrow and dips his head repsectfully. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure..." he says smoothly. "Your profits show...?

General Hane says, "I imagine so, Madame Soryu. Madame, this is the infamous Admiral Kaizoku. Admiral, Madame Soryu Roshana, a merchant who plies the waters from Sijan to Calin. She was caught up in the same storm you were and was forced to seek refuge with us for Calibration."

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Perception + Awareness roll )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Spending a WP for autosuccess )

Admiral Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Per and got 1 success.

The Storyteller . o O ( 2 successes, eh? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. Must be important, to roll so low. :) )

Monkey . o O ( There can only be one explanation. This is Suda in disguise. :) )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( So she meant "prophets" instead? Though there are lots of people who'd like to disguise themselves and stick a knife through his ribs... )

As you open your mouth to speak, Madame Soryu's kindly servant interrupts. "Your pardon, General. I believe there's a messenger for you." He nods toward the main entrance, and everyone turns to see a young woman in naval uniform walking toward the group. She whispers in Hane's ear. Hane nods, says "Excuse me. I'll be back shortly," and accompanies the messenger out.

Madame Soryu says, "This doesn't bode well for my profits, I imagine." She shrugs. "Well, at my age, you've got to live in the moment. Would you care for some more substantial food, Admiral? I believe your young compatriot has a monopoly on the roast beef, and if there's one thing I do enjoy, it's breaking up a monopoly."

Admiral Kaizoku's expression darkens a moment... only one thing could be on the move during Calibration. He scans the room for his men, noting Monkey's antics and Wolf's defense of her personal space. The comment makes him crack a thin smile. "Breaking anything with Mr. Monkey can be messy... I recommend a diversion" he remarks as he accompanies her to the table.

Monkey . o O ( Look, shiny! )

As the two of you move out of earshot of the Lookshy officers, she says under her breath, "You're a hard man to catch up to, Kaizoku. Do you know how long I've been looking for you since we parted ways in Celeren?"

TonyC [to jetman]: Told you so. The dice never lie.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( It wasn't HER we met there... )

Monkey . o O ( It wasn't? You mean that Suda wasn't a deathknight? :) )

Admiral Kaizoku keeps his expression casual. "Since the day after we parted ways?" he offers mildly. "There is much to do in many places..."

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( The notion of a Sidereal Deathnknight is too alarming to contemplate! :) )

TonyC [to jetman]: Considering Jesse likes the theory that the Green Lady is a Sidereal working for/with Walker, be alarmed.

jetman [to TonyC]: I'm alarmed!

She looks straight at you. "You're many things, admiral, but a fool is not one of them. I'm sure you recognized me the moment I spoke." She looks around, then looks back at you as you approach the food. "If you didn't, I've underestimated you. Perhaps this will help: I've found clues to the next piece in that puzzle you keep close to your chest. Oh, and introduce me to Monkey before he blurts my real name out in front of the whole party -- I hope he'll get the hint."

Admiral Kaizoku smiles thinly. "I was waiting for a more... Infallible messenger before now, I must confess" he remarks. "Monkey, this is Madame Soryu, who has been blown into port by the same storm that brought us" he says with a slight warning in his eyes.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( What threw me was the reference to Celeren... didn't we part ways before hitting Lookshy? )

Monkey turns his head to nod at Madame Soryu. A flash of shadow darts past Monkey and lands in the punch bowl. "Drats!" Monkey swears. "Ah, well, guess he can have the whole bowl for himself. Anyway, my lady, nice to meet you."

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa and got 1 botch.

Monkey . o O ( Monkey thinks Madame Soryu is Madame Soryu. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup. Hm. I thought she met up with you in Celeren, but maybe not. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( We parted company on the way down river before we got to Lookshy, IIRC. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmph. I'm going to have to take the time sometime soon to write little summaries of all the action in each session up to now, else I'm never going to be able to keep continuity straight. I suddenly have a bit more sympathy for Star Trek writers. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Just reroute more power to the main deflector dish and reverse the polarity. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Not that much sympathy. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Don't forget the vary the signal pattern.

The Storyteller . o O ( anyway... )

Madame Soryu says, "Indeed, I've heard a lot about the inimitable Monkey from the sailors on the Cherak-Goodharbor sea lane. And Kaizoku, of course. Really, you must tell me more about your adventures -- it'll take my mind off the terrible losses I'm experiencing due to this Calibration delay." As she talks, she fills a plate with food and plucks a fresh glass of wine from a nearby servant. These, she hands to Kaizoku, and fills another plate. "Come, we can speak over here, and enjoy the lovely Junri's flute music while we tell tales of the sea."

The Storyteller . o O ( your line )

Admiral Kaizoku puts on an air or two more than normal as he remarks "A gentle conversation with polite company and the piping of flutes would be a refreshing change from unending talk of war... come along Monkey... it is a poor guest who stays by the tables alone."

Monkey says, "Of course. Where should I begin? There's this really good one when we were being chased by seven deadly warships. Now, normally this wouldn't be a problem, except the weather suddenly got becalmed. And those warships, they got oars!"

Monkey says, "And this was before we got those nice triremes and biremes you see in the dock. Back then we were using a disguised merchant ship. Lots of cargo space. Perfect for hauling loot, and most people don't suspect anything until we got near, but they're lousy for running away from Realm fleet. Or fighting them."

Monkey says, "It really looked like we were doomed."

Monkey chatters on...

Madame Soryu leads you to a windowed alcove on the southwest wall. From here, you can see the south harbor, but not the First Age slips -- they must be under the manse itself. A stone bench and wide windowsill provide a comfortable place to sit and eat, and Soryu does so. Her servant stands deferentially -- and watchfully -- a few feet away, back to you as you talk. Away from the rest of the party, Suda makes a few quick gestures with the hand that isn't holding a chicken leg, and the sound of the party is subtly muffled. "Now we can talk in peace, for a while anyway. Monkey, it's me, Suda."

Admiral Kaizoku taps his foot somewhat impatiently... though he's sure that Monkey is drowing out hte casual eavesdroppers. "You do remember Suda, Monkey? And the order I gave you over the... unplesantness?" he asks half under his breath, turning sideways to the window, looking between the harbor and the party.

Monkey stops midsentence, turns around, and bends down to get a really close look at her face. "No way."

Monkey . o O ( Uh, which order? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( After he did the peeping as was almost seduced, Monkey was orderred to "get some." )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( AND was almost seduced, rather. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Exposition montage at this point, I think. )

Monkey says, "Well, I remember Suda. But I don't remember which order you gave. You gave so many."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Perhaps I will have to give orders that make a greater impression on you... but that can wait. What have you uncovered, Suda?"

For the next few hours, Suda tells the two Solars quite a lot. To begin with, she explains that she is a Sidereal Exalted, one of the ancient advisors to the Solars in the First Age. As she puts it, "I did not reveal myself earlier because I was not sure it would be safe -- others I have tried to help have betrayed me or attacked me outright, so I have become cautious." She's part of a wide-ranging organization that's working to defend Creation from the many threats that face it, she says, and she's found that Kaizoku's audacity will work admirably for that, if it's tempered with good advice.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( More? And the Admiral remembered some vague things about Sidereals to confirm this, right? )

Of the puzzle pieces, she explains that -- in between keeping an eye out for the Admiral -- she traveled to Sijan to comb through the museums there. Months of investigation paid off when she found a reference to the puzzle's creator in a tomb stele. From that and other fragmentary evidence, she believes that one piece is in or near Chiaruscuro. For the last piece, though, she thinks she'll have to search the Library of the Golden Fane, in Eagle's Launch on the Blessed Isle.

Monkey says, "Oh, that's easy. I can do that tomorrow."

Admiral Kaizoku taps his foot. "Discreet, Monkey, be discreet."

The Storyteller . o O ( The Admiral remembers advisors, yes, and from her description they might well be Sidereals. Vague memories of planning wars on the Lintha with star-blessed strategoi, practicing the graceful arts of the Tiger Style under the tutelage of a bare-chested man with stars in his eyes... only a few memories. )

Monkey says, "I'm always discreet. I knocked first before I entered, like any civilized person should."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "What else do you know about the Chiaruscuro fragment, Suda?"

After about an hour and a half of conversation, the rain begins to slacken. She looks out the window and tells you what she's learned about the Mask of Winters. His forces have pushed to their greatest possible extent at the moment, but the omens point to something big happening over Calibration. They don't know what, though. The Deathlord's forces now control a swathe of land around 350 miles wide from the Inland Sea to the Grey River. Juggernaut has not moved from Celeren, which is now a shadowland.

Monkey . o O ( Idling for a few to check map. )

Admiral Kaizoku mentions the Deathknights he and Monkey met in the fall of Celeren and asks of the dispositions of others, then probes for informtion on the Raiton Queen and fills in any gaps in Suda's knowledge as he stands near the cool window.

Monkey says, "What's Lookshy and NExus doing about it?"

Suda says, "Not much. The stele and a fragment of Shogunate-era manuscript lead me to believe that it was traded to a Chiaroscuran sorcerer by a Sijanese grave robber, who met a grisly fate soon after. The sorcerer was not named, but was described as a manse architect in service to the Daimyo of Chiaroscuro, which narrows things down a bit."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Indeed. What is known of the Daimyo at the moment?""

Politics in the Confederation of Rivers have been worse than usual, which is saying something. There are at least three small wars going on in the Hundred Kingdoms -- not that that's news -- and the City-States River's Reach are all nervous as hell about the Circle of Pines to the their east. Lookshy is, of course, fighting alongside the Marukani and the Varsini, but not making a lot of progress. The Third Field Force has been mostly besieged for months, and reinforcements keep meeting with sabotage, assassinations, or simple assaults that have blunted the ability of the Legion to hurt the Mask's forces. Meanwhile, Nexus and the Guild have been trying to raise mercenaries, but the prices keep going up. Great Forks is too worried about the Walker in Darkness to send troops, not that it has any to spare. All in all, things are grinding toward a stalemate at the moment. As for Deathknights -- no new ones have been spotted on the battlefield, but at last count the Mask has at least four still active, mostly in the valley of the Grey River. There have been no reports of Deathlord skyships, so this Raiton Queen has probably abandoned the Mask's cause.

The Storyteller . o O ( She hasn't been able to find much information on the Daimyo at the time, save her name: Banusto Juri. She was part of a faction called the Implacable Crane Party, which is also pretty much a mystery. )

Monkey looks at Kaizoku. "Well, Admiral, whatcha gonna do?"

The Storyteller . o O ( Exposition montage over. )

Admiral Kaizoku mulls that over. "The Mask is indeed stretched thin if he must depend on subterfuge to such a degree. At least Lookshy's mastery of the air goes unchallenged for the moment." He looks to Monkey. "Now, if we have two equal forces battling and one is using underhanded tactics to gain an advantage, what needs to be done to the underhanded force?"

Monkey says, "Call foul and smack the guy. That's what I would do."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "And where would you smack the Mask of Winters then?"

Monkey says, "The head!"

Admiral Kaizoku shakes his head. "His head is well protected Monkey... it is his stones that are more vulnerable... his Manses."

The Storyteller . o O ( Smack him in the stones. Nyuk nyuk nyuk. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( It's hard to be Socratic with Monkey, so you go with the metaphor that works. :) )

Monkey says, "Ah, I got it. But where are his Manses?"

Admiral Kaizoku says "We have passed by two already... Perhaps the stars are looking down at a few more?" as he looks over to Suda.

Suda says, "The Mask has many, many manses now in his possession. Aside from the dozen that were in Thorns and its environs, there are perhaps fifty or so worth mentioning the region he now controls."

Monkey says, "That's a lot of stones. Maybe we should go back to the head."

Admiral Kaizoku remarks "A map would be quite useful, if you could draw one up." Looking back to Monkey, he says "The head will turn when it is distracted by blows such as this Monkey, giving our allies a chance to strike."

Monkey says, "Well, okay, but what do you want to do first?"

TonyC [to jetman]: In other words, pick a direction so we can get somewhere.

Admiral Kaizoku says, "We know the location of two Manses in an area that will make an ideal base Monkey... we will take that and have fleet elements stage from there, targetting other Manses and near the coastline."

Suda says, "A map, he says? As it happens, I can provide one -- and so can Lookshy and the Marukan Alliance. The question is not finding manses, it is getting to them. You cannot defeat the Mask on his own ground, Kaizoku, not yet. Ask Major Jido about Rhianna."

Monkey says, "Excellent! Let's set out tomorrow."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Yeah, like he's gonna listen.

Admiral Kaizoku says, "He is at liberty to say little of it... perhaps you know something he cannot say?"

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Yeah, I know. Kaizoku has overconfidence almost up to the hubris level.

jetman [to Apollonian]: You get more done by trying too much than trying too little! Besides, this plan involves pulling up alongside coastal manses and lobbing a few Lighting Ballista charges at them.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: I suggest let him try. I'll try my best at keeping both of us alive.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Don't pull any punches either.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( That plan's based on hitting Mask where his forces aren't, and by the sea... if a better one develops, he'll go with that. )

Suda says, "Rhianna was a Chosen like yourself, one of the Crowned Suns. A Marukani, she was an ambassador to Thorns until the war began. After, she raided the Mask's forces until the Supplicant of Plague laid a trap and caught her. None have seen her since, but our spies tell us of a deathknight that seems to bear her description operating in the south, on the Bayou of Regret. Reach too far, Kaizoku, and you do not risk death, but worse."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Let's take a five minutes break while David and I discuss some things here.

Admiral Kaizoku considers that a moment. "So, the parallels between Deathknights and Solars are not a mere parody meant to provoke..."

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. I think we're pretty close to wrapping up for the night anyway -- another thirty, forty minutes. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( OK, what's on your mind? )

TonyC [to jetman]: David, this is like the whole harassing the Realm trade routes again. You think you're reaching for big things, but from where I'm sitting, this is small. I find those tedious.

TonyC [to jetman]: You want to take on Mask? Fine. I'm behind you. But by destroying a couple manses? Creation is littered with demesnes and manses. If the damage you do is small enough that Mask can't be bothered to respond, you'll get away with it. But in that case, we're doing small things.

TonyC [to jetman]: I want to do enough damage that Mask will be forced to respond to us. But in that case, realize that he will smack us down. Fast.

jetman [to TonyC]: Alright. What would be something big that's within the strengths of he group?

TonyC [to jetman]: At the moment? The most likely is to find where his deathknights are, and kill them.

TonyC [to jetman]: Personally I entertain the idea of destroying either Thorn or Juggernaut, but that's beyond our means.

TonyC [to jetman]: I also must ask why, if you want to do this right now, did you bother asking for three months training time?

jetman [to TonyC]: The idea of finding and killing the Deathknights crossed my mind, but they're inland and likely in huge army groups. A stealth approach will be hard. Maybe combine the two plans? Raid manses near the Deathknights to draw them out and hit them?

TonyC [to jetman]: Pick a plan and stick to it. Otherwise all the emails I send back and forth is useless, and the hour we spent answering Jesse's question is wasted. You want to raise Essence. Raise Essence. Then worry about this later. You want to do this? Then let's do this, and forget about Essence.

jetman [to TonyC]: I wasn't thinking of doing it right this second, though the Admiral always talks actively.

jetman [to TonyC]: He's not going to tell people of his bold plan to meditate, even though he's going to do it.

TonyC [to jetman]: Okay then. I'm done with my piece. Have Kaizoku state what he's going to do in the immediate future and let's go from there.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: All yours.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

Setting her plate and glass down on the ledge, Suda looks out over the storm-drenched harbor. "If you insist on facing a Deathlord now, you will hurt him -- but you will fail."

She turns and locks eyes on the Admiral. "The Mask of Winters is a sorcerer. His power stems from magic -- sorcery and necromancy. I, too, am a sorcerer, and though I cannot match him, I can teach you what I know."

Monkey . o O ( Note: I have no problem having Monkey go down in a blaze of glory. But it'd better be a blaze of glory. I won't settle for anything less than Mask himself killing Monkey. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( still typing, but if you want to interject, go ahead. )

Admiral Kaizoku is none too pleased with being told of failure, but cannot deny the strength of the Deathlords. "And what do you know of the higher circles?" he replies. "Emerald magics alone are barely adequate to battle the Dynasts."

Suda says, "I am an initiate of the Sapphire Circle. Of the Adamant Circle, there are no practitioners in Creation that I know of in this age. That ancient power was and is reserved for the Chose of the Unconquered Sun alone. Though I can guide to that threshold, I cannot lead you past it. And as for you, Monkey..."

Monkey says, "Me? What about me?"

Admiral Kaizoku's eyes raise, asking the same question.

She taps Monkey on the chest twice before he can blink. "You are a warrior, a sword of heaven, but you lack discipline! You lack the honed force that is your right and your power! I can teach you arts that will remedy that, to some extent, as my predecessors taught your predecessors."

Admiral Kaizoku catches Monkey's attention and gives him a nod, to confirm that she can do such a thing.

The Storyteller needs a cheat sheet of all the caste epithets.

Monkey says, "What do you mean I lack discipline?! I didn't touch any liquor for a month back then! Do you know how impossibly hard that is? I pulled it off though."

Monkey puffs indignantly.

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Monkey, who is the best fighter in all Creation?"

Monkey says, "Me, of course."

Monkey . o O ( Ah, time for the old master beating up the cocky young would-be-student montage. )

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Then how did Suda tap you on the chest so fast before you could blink? And how did I first secure your loyalty?"

Monkey . o O ( Mechanics wise? She pulled it off because it wasn't threatening enough for Sidestep Reflex Technique to activate. :) )

Monkey says, "That was then!"

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Ten seconds ago? It seems that Suda has ancient arts that we would both benefit from Monkey."

Monkey . o O ( Discreet? I mean, we are still in the party. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( She's got her masking field up. )

The Storyteller . o O ( ? She's got that sound-dampening effect up, and you're more or less in an alcove. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway. Dramatic interruption. )

TonyC [to jetman]: By the way, if you want to attempt assassination of the deathknights, give me a Warstrider, 8 XP, some motes, and as long as she and us both are in the same field, I can bypass the whole army surrounding her and deliver you to her.

jetman [to TonyC]: Hmmm... Not sure if that trick would work twice.

The kindly servant coughs twice. Suda looks over your shoulders and says, "Ah. Something's happened." She gestures, and the noise of the party is once again fully audible -- just as it quiets down. At the main entrance to the hall, Taimyo Hane stands, face ashen. She says, "Your attention please. We've just learned that the Marukan Redoubt has fallen. We don't know if there were any survivors yet."

The Storyteller . o O ( 'sides, with deathknights, I can plausibly bring in characters who aren't unarmed stylists! Yay! )

TonyC [to jetman]: I figure the jumping trick will work one more time before they start using body doubles.

Admiral Kaizoku's expresion hardens at the news, into his stoniest face. "If there was a question of it, it must have been an unholy sorcery indeed..."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Newest Void Circle Necromancy toy from Bone & Ebony?

Monkey says, "My condolences for the fallen warriors."

The room is completely silent for a moment, then a babble of conversation picks up immediately. One of the Taimyo's aides is headed in your direction. She stops and speaks briefly to Colonel Renbutsu, who nods and leaves the room. The aide walks up to Kaizoku and bows. "Sir, the Taimyo would like to you to attend a war council tonight. It will begin in about thirty minutes. The council room is upstairs, to the left -- ask any of the guards if you need a guide."

Monkey . o O ( Is Monkey and Suda included in the invitation? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Not Suda, to be sure. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey is, Suda isn't. )

Admiral Kaizoku nods his head. "Of course" he tells the aide. "This is a grim day indeed."

Monkey says, "Look Suda, I got to go. We'll pick this up later. I mean, I'm sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Who doesn't? But better than me? That's another matter entirely. But hey, it'll you'll show me yours, I'll show you mine."

Admiral Kaizoku nods to Suda. "we must continue our conversation later, I fear, but not very much later, Madame."

Monkey . o O ( Ah, I'm quite proud of that line. Very Monkeyish. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Damn, the whole Third Field Force gone? I wasn't expecting that. )

Suda says, "Thank you, sirs. I'll be waiting for you on my ship, tonight, then.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( And indeed, it is quintessential Monkey. )

Monkey . o O ( Arrogant, yet not outright refusing the chance, and sexually harrassing as well. :) )

Monkey goes up following Kaizoku.

TonyC's pride is marred. He noticed a typo! Oh no!

The Storyteller . o O ( Hrm. I think the war council will be short. )

Admiral Kaizoku makes his way to the meeting, entering on the 30 minute mark precisely.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( War Council: We're hosed. )

Monkey . o O ( Is this where Ambassador To The Unfortunate going to show up with an offer too good to be true? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Here? Doubt it... maybe in Lookshy proper. )

Monkey . o O ( too good to pass up. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Jesse understands. <being all mysterious>

The council of war consists of the Taimyo, the colonel, Kaizoku and Monkey, and a couple of other officers you haven't yet met. Hane goes through the introductions quite quickly. "Admiral, this is Admiral Chikaba Kagetoki, who commands the fleet in this theatre." Chikaba is a stocky man with the aspect marks of a Water Dragon. He's writing something out in beautiful High Realm, a poem of some kind. "And this is Major Ichiro Chiaka, our local head of intelligence operations." Ichiro is a woman, either air-aspect or god-blooded. She is remarkably attentive, examining you in a quick but thorough glance. "This is Admiral Kaizoku and Captain, uh, Monkey."

Monkey bows with a flourish.

Admiral Kaizoku is even more grim than before, giving a single nod to each person as they are introduced, meeting their eyes as well. "What is the latest information about the fall of the Redoubt?" he asks, cutting to the heart of the matter.

You are gathered around a table, on which is spread a map of the Scavenger Lands. The map shows Marin Bay in the northwest and stretches to Chaya in the southeast. Across most of the Marukani lands and much of the Varsini Protectorate, a shadow has been carefully inked in. Lettered across it is "Realm of Winters." Hane says, "I received this by elemental courier an hour ago. This is --" pointing at the shadow "the area that the Mask currently holds. According to our reports... It is now shadowland. All of it."

She sits down in her chair. "It's the largest shadowland we know of in Creation, and it appeared in under a day."

The room is silent as the assembled contemplate that fact.

Monkey rolled 3 dice on What do I know? and got 1 success.

Monkey says, "Shadowlands aren't supposed to grow that fast, right?"

Monkey says, "Maybe this is just temporary? During calibration?"

Colonel Rembutsu says, "We can only hope."

Admiral Kaizoku burns the lines of the map into his memory. "They are not" he replies tersely. "But what can be done through sorcery can be undone. The Mask would be a fool to do such a thing temporarily over such an area..."

Major Ichiro says, "Perhaps he is a fool, and perhaps he knows something we do not. What could he gain from it?"

Admiral Chikaba says, "Do we know how far out to sea this shadowland extends?"

Admiral Kaizoku leans over the map. "What does any war leader hope to gain? Territory, or control over routes or resources." He spreads his hand over the newly inked "Realm." "What does this show us?"

Monkey says, "His hungry ghosts now can roam all the time. Ghosts can manifests freely. I think he just doubled his effective numbers."

Ichiro says, "It explains the storm, at least. If it doesn't... Further, he made it much harder for us to strike against him -- we will be starved for Essence, his troops will be wallowing in it."

Monkey says, "Well, what are you going to do about it?"

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Have there been any strange movements by the Mask's forces of late? Is he prepared to consolodate this gain immediately?"

Hane says, "There's not much we can do during Calibration, from here. High Command will inform us of anything they need. In the meantime -- Admiral, how soon can the fleet put to sea?"

Hane says to Kaizoku, "We don't know."

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Their admiral, I presume? )

Admiral Chikaba says, "By the seventh of Ascending Air. By the third, if the dockworkers can be persuaded to work over the next few days, though that may be risky."

Ichiro says, "I will see if I can find anything out through sorcery. Mayhap the elementals know something."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "We face a greater risk though. This facility would be a tempting plum for the Mask, and suddenly within reach. Rest assured, I can deal with any problem creatures that take advantage of working through Calibration."

Hane looks at Kaizoku for a long moment. "Rembutsu, tighten security around the slips. And the manse." Rembuts says, "Already ordered, Taimyo."

Admiral Kaizoku straightens up. "Do you have a Chariot of the Infinite Heavens here? The sea borders of the Shadowland should be charted with one as soon as possible."

Hane says, "I'm afraid not. All Sky Guard assets have been recalled to the Marukan front for the last month or so."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Then we will have to do it at sea, with a captain who knows no fear at all."

Admiral Kaizoku looks at Monkey.

Monkey says, "There's a bit of a problem there."

Monkey says, "I'm going to need a cartographer who knows no fear too."

Admiral Kaizoku looks to the assembled Legion commanders. "Do you have man or device that can fill that berth?"

Admiral Chikaba says, "It's over fifteen hundred miles to the edge of the Shadowland, according to this map. Unless you have a way of getting there overnight, mapping the water margin is better left to the ships we already have in place."

Admiral Kaizoku says "Then we must hope that those pickets will suffice. What news is there of the Third Field Force?"

Monkey says, "Okay. In that case, is there anything you want to suggest? I mean, Admiral Kaizoku has his own plans, but I'm sure he'll consider yours too."

Hane says, "No news. Last we heard, they expected to hold out for at least six months. For the moment... We will observe developments and wait for direction from High Command. Admiral Kaizoku, of course, is an ally and not under our command, but I would suggest he do likewise. Charging in blind has killed better commanders in the past. Of course..."

Hane taps her fingers on the table. "I wonder what the Mask's southern border looks like these days? We've never had many agents there, and there are few enough cities. Ichiro, do you know anything?"

Ichiro looks at the map and traces the southern border of the shadow with her finger. "I'll check our records. What do you have in mind?"

Admiral Kaizoku interjects "A dagger slipped in his rear, when he is looking to the new possibilities in front of him?"

The Storyteller . o O ( looking something up. will take a second. )

Monkey . o O ( Varangian city-states )

The Storyteller . o O ( foo, couldn't find it. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Whatcha looking for?

The Storyteller . o O ( quote from the Art of War. "Relieve Hao by attacking Chin," or something similar. )

Hane says, "Admiral Kaizoku is equipped with a large fleet, and here," she taps the large island west of Thorns, "is Iradi."

The Storyteller . o O ( Make an Intelligence + Lore check )

Admiral Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Int+Lore and got 4 successes.

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Must not be too important. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( If you're looking at the map, it's in square O8. Iradi was sort of a Realm nature preserve up until Thorns fell -- idyllic peasant villages, resorts for bored Dynasts, hunting lodges, that sort of thing -- but after Juggernaut, it was slowly abandoned. Much of the eastern half is now deserted, and there are only a few holdouts on the western half. )

Hane says, "Lookshy, of course, can't occupy it without provoking the Realm, but the infamous Admiral Kaizoku has already done that."

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( The big island on the map? Mine doesn't have grid numbers. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Big island by Thorns. )

The Storyteller . o O ( yes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Your line, by the way. )

Admiral Kaizoku smiles ever so thinly. "Quite... My fleet does not have the troops to hold though... at the moment."

Hane slumps back in her chair. "Ah. Yes... I see."

Monkey says, "Hey, Captain, maybe we can hire a couple troops from Lookshy."

Monkey says, "I mean, Admiral."

Monkey says, "Sorry."

Admiral Kaizoku steeples his fingers. "Why Monkey, no Lookshy force would ever serve a notorious pirate..." he say, thick with irony.

Admiral Kaizoku leans forward. "I can find the force needed, but I need officers to stiffen the ranks."

Monkey says, "Of course not. That's why they'll be mercenaries."

Ichiro says, "That's unlikely at this time. I think Lookshy will need all its troops, and more..."

Rembutsu says, "Lookshy may not have the troops -- or the officers -- but Calin does."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "And they will doubtless be much more willing to assist once they see the new lines on the map."

Rembutsu continues, "There are any number of masterless soldiers, orphaned by the Great Game they all play, desperate for food and honor. It might take some time to gather them up, and it would certainly take jade, but they are there."

Admiral Kaizoku waves his hand dismissively at the last. "The Realm will provide the jade for them, Lookshy will provide the food and I will provide the chance for honor."

Rembutsu says, "Excellent! I have a few contacts in Port Calin and Goodharbor that can set us on the right path."

Hane says, "Is there any other business?"

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Yes. How and when will this news be disseminated?"

Hane says, "Of the Marukan Redoubt's fall? Pretty quickly -- Headquarters has ordered a heightened state of readiness, which is going to arouse curiousity. Better to get the proper version of it on everyone's lips than to rely on the rumor mill to supply reasons. We'll issue a statement tonight, to be read at the evening meal."

Admiral Kaizoku nods. "By your grace, I would make an address at that time... I have seen the Deathlord armies close up, and know their strength, but also their weakness. I would remind the soldiers of that."

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Though that can wait for next time. )

Monkey . o O ( Any bets on how many times the word sun will be mentioned? )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Fewer times than the word "the." )

Hane thinks for a moment. "I don't think that would be advisable. Your nature and reputation are well known, and as I told you earlier, there are many followers of the Immaculate Faith in the garrison. If you'll forgive my bluntness, an Anathema preaching in the barracks might lead to... unrest."

The Storyteller . o O ( and I've really got to get to bed, so we need to wrap this up quick. )

Admiral Kaizoku says, "Your barracks are your own of course... I will be addressing my men at the docks though, should any of yours wish to hear it."

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( OK. Next week, talk about training with Suda, trip north to recrut mercs? )

Hane says, "I'll pass the message on to the scaleleaders."

Admiral Kaizoku says, "I thank you."

TonyC [to jetman]: Trip south. Calin is south.

jetman [to TonyC]: Whoops, I was looking too much at Marukan.

The Storyteller . o O ( Actually, I was thinking you might want to delegat the recruiting to your subordinates. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Hmm... no one makes a stump speech like the Admiral though. Or are they extra anti-Anathema in Calin? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, it's something they can do while you're meditating. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, good point there. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I'm very pumped up about all this, BTW. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Cool! )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( It expands on the scale of things I was planning, for starters. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Important bits: 4 xp each and I'll see you next week. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anything before I log off? )

Monkey . o O ( I am going to assume that there won't be a three months break anytime soon. The xp will be spent immediately on things that improves immediate survival. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I thought the opposite. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( That Suda has some Essence 4-rated secret techniques to share, requiring the power up while construction and recruiting is done. )

The Storyteller . o O ( This is what I'm thinking. Most of the fleet starts cruising the Calin coast, hiring mercenaries and -- hopefully -- trading the prize cargo for profit. BTW, four of the prize ships have all but decided to defect to you. Your stump speech will seal that deal. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( That's better than I expected! )

Monkey . o O ( Let me put it this way. Jesse, next week, what do we do? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, the Unconquered Sun, with a picked crew, heads off to find a good place to train. Suda knows one, but it's about 3,000 miles away, in the southern Inland Sea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Next week, we hopefully resolve the Calibration interlude and move on to the next story arc. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( With a training montage stretched over the session after that? )

Monkey . o O ( Okay. Start off in Calin, Marin Bay, Lookshy, or Idara? )

Monkey . o O ( Irada )

Monkey . o O ( And after you answer that question, good night. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup to Kaizoku, Iridia to Monkey. We'll work the rest out over e-mail. As for the secret Essence 4 technique: Celestial Circle Sorcery. )

Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I meant a secret technique for Monkey! I knew that one for Kaizoku. )

TonyC [to jetman]: And good night.

jetman [to TonyC]: Goodnight.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Goodnight to you too!

You say, "Night."

TonyC [to jetman]: It's Prismatic Arrangement of Creation. (just kidding)

• On to Session 29