FrivYeti/DragonsSessionTwelve
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You have just entered room "chat42305645194291721906."
willcoon has entered the room.
Moonsword134 has entered the room.
DonovanTz has entered the room.
FrivYeti: Good evening.
Moonsword134: Evening.
willcoon: And to you all.
FrivYeti: How does it go?
Moonsword134: Pretty good.
willcoon: Sorry for not showing last week... I lost track of the week-day -___-
DonovanTz: A likely story
FrivYeti: It happens.
willcoon: I don't usually bother keeping track of those things once school's out!
willcoon: : \
FrivYeti: *makes mental note* Get fan for room. Good good, it's warm in here.
willcoon: Other than that I'm doing well enough, got a few leads on the job search...
willcoon: yeah! What's up with that
willcoon: ?
FrivYeti: Ooh, job search leads are good.
willcoon: yep
willcoon: Though I'm not entirely sure what the company does, it seems promising.
FrivYeti: Is it the Mob?
willcoon: ^^;;
willcoon: Er.
willcoon: I cannot in good faith answer that question either way.
FrivYeti: *laughs*
willcoon: It's some company called "Sapient"
willcoon: ostensibly
FrivYeti: Sounds supervillainous.
willcoon: I know!
FrivYeti: If they have a great health package, and no life insurance, be afraid.
willcoon: So an exciting employment opportunity.
willcoon: Yeah... I'll refuse to wear a face-concealing anonymizing helmet.
willcoon: I suppose the thing to do is to make sure whoever busts in to kill my employer learns my name.
FrivYeti: *grins* Introduce yourself to everyone you meet, twice. Just in case.
FrivYeti: And develop a harmless-yet-amusing tic.
willcoon: yeah! good plan!
willcoon: Either that, or get amnesia... I'll be a protagonist in no time!
FrivYeti: There ya go.
DonovanTz: sidekicks are the way to go
FrivYeti: So, I had the best tabletop moment yet in my RP group this week.
FrivYeti: *evil grin*
willcoon: ???
willcoon: uh oh
DonovanTz: envee001300
FrivYeti: Okay, so we have a party of Essence 5, high-experience Solars, coming home from blowing up a chunk of Thorns by detonating a Level 5 manse.
DonovanTz: wrong window
FrivYeti: They're all busy discussing the inevitable retaliation as they head back into the fortified manse-city that they call home.
DonovanTz: now you all possess a piece of top secret info with no contextual information. sorry friv, carry on
FrivYeti: So as they're walking down the streets, they quickly notice that the people seem less overjoyed than usual to see them. And I say, "Okay, everyone, Intelligence + Survival".
FrivYeti: After the inevitable "whys", everyone rolls. Next line: "Okay, everyone with two successes or less.... your city seems to have rather more monkeys than it used to."
FrivYeti: "Everyone with three successes or more... your city seems to have rather more panic monkeys than it used to."
willcoon: O _ o
FrivYeti: It turns out that a Fair Folk lord who's taken a liking to the players airlifted a thousand panic monkeys into the city as a present.
Moonsword134: >.>
willcoon: SWEET
DonovanTz: That's intense
FrivYeti: *grins* At the moment, they've put a bounty on the panic monkeys, and are seriously discussing dropping them on Great Forks.
FrivYeti: Or onto an enemy army.
FrivYeti: Or both.
willcoon: hehehe
DonovanTz: I don't even know what a panic monkey is
DonovanTz: and I think it's intense
willcoon: Always a good idea to befriend the Fair Folk
willcoon: haha
willcoon: It's like
FrivYeti: Well, it's sort of like a very fast, very friendly, very curious monkey
FrivYeti: Which spooks at the slightest provocation, grabs whatever's nearby, and flees for the hills shrieking madly.
FrivYeti: Which sets off any other nearby panic monkeys.
FrivYeti: Who also spook.
willcoon: Oh you've found a lot of puppies. Everyone who rolled 4 successes, you've found a lot of hell puppies.
FrivYeti: After about five or ten minutes, during which time it drops everything it was carrying at more or less random intervals, the panic monkey completely forgets what panicked it, and goes back to play with the nice people.
willcoon: yaaay
FrivYeti: They typically travel in packs of twenty or fifty.
FrivYeti: Best. Exalted. Monster. Ever.
DonovanTz: from creatures of the wyld?
FrivYeti: *nods*
FrivYeti: Which, I think, is my favorite First Edition sourcebook.
willcoon: that one's a lot of fun
DonovanTz: speaking of tabletop, a couple of questions popped up in my game last night that perhaps the comitte could offer insight on
DonovanTz: regarding entropic effects: If i use a charm to lower your DV, does that occur in step 2 or 5?
FrivYeti: I would tend to say Step 2.
DonovanTz: so an activation of dipping swallow would totally overwrite it then, correct?
FrivYeti: As written, most likely.
FrivYeti: Defense trumping offense, and all.
FrivYeti: They might rewrite the entropic effects when Abyssals comes out to avoid this, mind you.
willcoon: yeah, sometimes penalties aren't...
DonovanTz: This ruling, which is the one we went with, severly nerfs entropic effecs
DonovanTz: I don't know that I like that
willcoon: Like how by some readings, the solar archer can pretty much ignore DVs
willcoon: hmm
FrivYeti: You could rule, as a special aspect of entropic effects, that they don't count as DV penalties so much as DV reductions.
FrivYeti: It's semantics, but important semantics.
DonovanTz: the only 2E source that I know of is the storyteller's guide and the language it uses is "Reduce DV"
willcoon: yeah, perhaps they're 'not penalties'... or maybe you want bigger, cheaper entropics, like negative DSS?
Wakoid2 has entered the room.
willcoon: heyyyo
Wakoid2: eyo
Moonsword134: Hey.
DonovanTz: I'll have to ponder over it
DonovanTz: the other quests that came up all concern poison
DonovanTz: namely: Do wound penalties affect the stam+ resistance roll ?
FrivYeti: Allo allo.
willcoon: then again I tend to disagree with the apparently common reading that you can use excellencies and so forth to boost inapplicable DVs
DonovanTz: Are there actual rules for treating poison?
willcoon: hmm
DonovanTz: Does it actually indicate somewhere that damage dealt by poisons isn't healed normally?
DonovanTz: (that last question is because it is hinted at in othter sources that poison damage is dealt with differently)
DonovanTz: Heya, dakura
Wakoid2: sorry if I held things up
FrivYeti: I don't believe poison damage is treated differently, no.
DonovanTz: we've been discussing things, so not really, we are happy everyone is here though
willcoon: we were just discussing monkeys and panic!
FrivYeti: Good to see you, Dak. :)
FrivYeti: So, shall we get the ball rolling?
Moonsword134: Mojo Jojo says "YES!"
FrivYeti: .... hm.
FrivYeti: It appears that our chatlog for Session 11 is actually the chatlog for Session 10.
Moonsword134: *sighs*
willcoon: by the by, I liked that... 'boating accident' stuff
FrivYeti: I wonder how that happened.
Moonsword134: I'll dig through my logs.
Moonsword134: If you don't have it, Friv, let me know and I'll find my copy.
Moonsword134: Just give me a date to work from.
FrivYeti: No, there it is.
Moonsword134: Ah.
FrivYeti: When Talion helpfully
d it, he accidentally did the wrong one.
Moonsword134: *snickers*
Moonsword134: Oh, Friv, by the way, you know your combo rules?
Moonsword134: I'm using them in two campaigns.
FrivYeti: How are they working out?>
Moonsword134: We haven't run much combat yet, unfortunately,
Moonsword134: But the theory behind them is beloved.
Moonsword134: ^_^
Moonsword134: They also make Lunars even scarier than usual.
Moonsword134: Fear the Dex Lunar!
FrivYeti: Dexterity for everyone!
Moonsword134: Really?
Moonsword134: You're giving me a Dex boost for Valeria?
FrivYeti: No, I've created a new race of annoying servants which are called the Dexterity.
FrivYeti: (( ;) ))
Moonsword134: ((...jerk.))
FrivYeti: ((So, when last we left our heroes, they were leaving Halvir to make his reports, and had been given free reign of Jaden's Rest.))
Moonsword134: ((Wait... I thought we killed everyone, pillaged the place, and then burned it to the ground... am I in the right chatroom? ^_^ ))
willcoon: ((ooh))
DonovanTz: ((I don't think you are, I think you want to be in 42305645194291721832
DonovanTz: ))
willcoon: Skein is torn between wanting to explore the place and wanting to make sure everyone's on the same page re: diplomatic goals once they reach Yukong.
Moonsword134: Valeria is looking around at the local smiths, comparing her technique to theirs.
Wakoid2: ((how long are we going to be here, roughly?))
DonovanTz: ::Haiely sticks with TIger and tries to keep as far out of the way as possible and trying to avoid situations where she may have to take off her helm in public::
FrivYeti: ((You don't know. Halvir said he had to compose a report; he didn't say what came next. It probably depends on the response to the report.))
FrivYeti: Tepet Sarasa also sticks near Tiger, glancing around curiously.
willcoon: So he's almost got a nagging feeling of responsibility as he inspects the various sights and sounds, trying to get a holistic picture of Jaden's Rest.
Wakoid2: Tiger spends some time with his soldiers setting up a more formal rotation for those who are 'on' or 'off duty' while they are all there. Once having decided that, and setting up guidlines for
Wakoid2: behavior while in town, he begins to explore it himself, though he pays more attention to the merchant, transport, and military than mere recreational.
Moonsword134: Valeria, once she has glanced around, sticks close to Tiger and Hailey.
FrivYeti: Every character finds that all normal activity ceases as soon as they start walking by, accompanied by hushed murmurs in Snowtongue.
FrivYeti: Aside from this, however, Jaden's Rest appears to be a relatively orderly, peaceful town. The streets are laid out in a confusing maze that seems to be designed to prevent anyone attacking the town from easily
Moonsword134: Valeria, used to such things, pays the hushed whispers little mind.
FrivYeti: reaching the central fort, and there are occasional guard patrols heading around.
Wakoid2: ((what kind of murmuring? suspicious, awe, curiousity, or combination?))
Moonsword134: ((In my case? Fear.))
willcoon: Amusing, but it interferes with information-gathering. Ah well.
FrivYeti: Also interfering with information-gathering is the fact that very few people that you meet speak High Realm, and no one speaks Low Realm.
willcoon: ((True, true... but skein's generally just trying to watch peoplego about their business))
FrivYeti: ((Ah, yes. That is mildly interfered with by the way business changes once they notice him.))
Wakoid2: ((heh))
willcoon: ((Maddening. But,)) stubbornly, Skein pretends he was out to observe the architecture and so forth in the first place.
FrivYeti: Aside from this, the next few hours pass uneventfully. A rather large number of people seem to find excuses to go stare at the foreign soldiers, seeming more curious and less awed of them.
FrivYeti: ((Murmuring is a mix of curiousity, awe, and fear.))
willcoon: Nonplussed, Skein makes his way to the chambers prepared for them, to see what kind of accomodations they have been supplied with.
FrivYeti: There is a pair of suites set off for the characters; it is spartan, but everything is very well-made.
Wakoid2: "We have to start learning the local tongue soon," Tiger says as he strides through the streets with the others. "Though with this whole 'Speaker/Interpreter' situation even that will likely not make things all that much easier..."
Moonsword134: Valeria clears her throat to get Tiger's attention.
DonovanTz: It would be nice to know what people are saying, even if we have to pretend we don't.
Wakoid2: "Yes, Valeria?" Tiger asks as he turns to the Earth-Aspect. "Have you noticed something?"
Moonsword134: She frowns before her usual faint whisper issues forth. "These speakers and interpreters, it's possible they're only local," she suggests.
Moonsword134: "They aren't something that came from the Realm or the Immaculate Philosopgy, so perhaps we can learn the local language more easily somewhere else."
DonovanTz: ((Just to alert folks, we've got a massive stormfront rolling into my neck of the woods with some electrical storm warnings on nearby towns. If I vanish, it is likely because my power has gone out))
Moonsword134: ((Yay. *checks weather*))
FrivYeti: ((Oh dears. Good to know.))
willcoon: ((ooh. good luck : | ))
Moonsword134: ((You're not in SE GA, are you, Ambi?))
DonovanTz: ((MA))
willcoon: ((We've got a storm coming?!))
Wakoid2: "Perhaps, but should things go as planned we are going to the capital of Mela's Bounty, where it is definitely the case. While Urichos may not be the same in terms of Exalted-mortal relations, we
Wakoid2: don't know when we may be going there."
Moonsword134: ((Hmm... there's another storm front crashing through down there, maybe thirty to fifty miles SE of Gwinnett, where I am and right next to White Wolf's HQ.))
DonovanTz: ((in the west, yesiree))
willcoon: ((ah... thanks for the early warning then)) Skein looks around for a while, paces, then sets out again to find the others.
FrivYeti: ((Well, Toronto's okay. Clearish skies.)) Sarasa clears her throat softly. "If that is where we are going, sir."
Moonsword134: ((Gwinnett's fine. Glad I'm not in Savannah, though.))
FrivYeti: "After all, we are only the outriders for Commander Lynx. This may be a neutral meeting point."
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger grimaces ruefully. "True enough, but only goes to support my point. Unless we're going to some other region entirely, Mela's Bounty and it's people is what we'll be dealing with primarily."
Moonsword134: Valeria nods.
Wakoid2: ((what time is it IC now?))
FrivYeti: ((Early afternoon.))
willcoon: Skein looks around. "Have you all found the natives as friendly as I have?"
Moonsword134: "Friendly?" Valeria asks, blinking.
Moonsword134: "Standoffish, maybe."
FrivYeti: ((*grins* Valeria is immune to sarcasm.))
FrivYeti: ((It's a Permanent-duration Integrity Charm.))
Moonsword134: ((Sometimes, yeah.))
willcoon: ((handy!))
willcoon: Skein nods thoughtfully.
FrivYeti: Sarasa also nods, although as she's been with Tiger and Hailey and Val the whole time, it basically goes without saying.
willcoon: ((are we done out here then?))
FrivYeti: ((Yeah, I think so. Was just waiting a moment to see.))
Wakoid2: "I don't suppose you have any suggestions on that?" asked Errant Tiger. "Though as we had been duscussing the language barrier presents something of a problem on any attempts."
FrivYeti: ((*grins* Or not. ;) ))
FrivYeti: Sarasa considers Tiger's questions. "You might need to rely on mortal subordinates for information gathering, but... I would agree, since none of us speak the language, it won't help immediately."
willcoon: "True enough. I suppose learning the tongue might be useful... though they might consider it below us."
FrivYeti: Now Sarasa smiles wryly. "Perhaps you should ask if your subordinates can learn it."
willcoon: "Indeed. The local culture has some very specific ideas of what constitutes proper decorum.."
Moonsword134: "Very stupid, if you ask me," Valeria mutters.
Wakoid2: Tiger humms to himself thoughtfully. "Katsuro might be a good choice for that... as he can also function as a 'Speaker' for us like you."
willcoon: "I find this all quite frustrating."
Wakoid2: "It's not as if we have many other options before us."
DonovanTz: Aren't these the sorts of situations you were trained to deal with, Skein?
willcoon: "Exactly! And I dislike having to rely on others to deal with them."
FrivYeti: This time, Sarasa speaks quietly. "Certain people may not feel the same way."
DonovanTz: Ah, I misunderstood what you said
willcoon: Skein raises an eyebrow qustioningly.
willcoon: ((at Sarasa))
FrivYeti: Sarasa pauses for a moment under the scrutiny. "I... imagine that Commander Lynx will be quite... comfortable here. That is all."
willcoon: Skein nods, caught between a smile and a frown.
willcoon: "Quite astute! That could introduce complications."
FrivYeti: ((Alright, shall we fastfowards on that encouraging note? Or is there more chatting folks want to do?))
Moonsword134: ((Go ahead.))
Wakoid2: ((I'm tapped))
willcoon: ((yeah, I think that's all the morale-boosting we need for now))
FrivYeti: After a few hours, during which the characters receive the archival information they had requested, a messenger finds his way to the group and informs them that Lord Halvir requests their
FrivYeti: presence at their earliest convienience. ((The characters now have the historical and NPC information that's on the chronicle page, in somewhat more depth.))
FrivYeti: ((Slanted, of course, in favour of Mela's Bounty.))
Moonsword134: ((Yay. Propaganda.))
FrivYeti: ((Ganda is the best kind of prop.))
willcoon: ((Infoganda))
FrivYeti: At this point, evening is setting in, and when the characters arrive at the fort, they are escorted to the dining room.
FrivYeti: ((Are any mortals coming along, specifically Katsuro or Sarasa?))
willcoon: ((I suppose we should follow, though we should have a more serious conference later))
Wakoid2: ((I'd say yes to both))
Moonsword134: ((Bring 'em.))
DonovanTz: ((We love our norms!))
FrivYeti: This time, both of the mortals are given seats.
FrivYeti: The dining room itself is the same sort of spartan elegance that the rest of the fortress seems to thrive on. Lord Jalvir is already present, and seated. He rises as the group enters.
FrivYeti: "Greetings, my friends. Please, have a seat."
Wakoid2: ((is it just me, or does anyone else think 'setup' when someone who has known you less than a day calls you 'friends'?))
willcoon: "Thank you, Lord Halvir."
FrivYeti: ((*laughs*))
Moonsword134: Valeria does a slight bow.
willcoon: (( just you! will you help me tighten my chair manacles, please? ))
willcoon: ((do we know specific manners of greeting, eh? handshakes, etc? ))
FrivYeti: ((Mela's Bounty follows Immaculate and Realm traditions of greetings. So probably mostly bowing and nodding and the like.))
Wakoid2: "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Halvir," Errant Tiger says as he bows before taking a seat.
DonovanTz: ((Don't you have a charm for that?))
willcoon: ((all right))
willcoon: Skein also bows and sits graciously.
willcoon: ((er, not exactly.))
FrivYeti: Once all of the Exalts are seated, Jalvir sits. Katsuro and Sarasa sit a moment after that.
FrivYeti: Jalvir's expression turns more serious. "I have sent a missive to Mela's Bounty, and received a reply authorizing me to negotiate with the people of Scarlet Haven with full authority."
willcoon: ((though perhaps i should be using Confluence of Savant Thought...))
willcoon: ((hey, why not. I'll go ahead and do so))
willcoon: ((if it'll work on these guys))
FrivYeti: ((Gotcha. You'll have a good idea of how the local bureaucracy and organization works. :) )) "Lord Cinnabar of Rekenmarsh will arrive within a day to join the proceedings." He smiles.
FrivYeti: "Obviously, we would like to know more about your Scarlet Haven, before we begin."
FrivYeti: ((I'll drop notes about it as we go. :) ))
willcoon: ((great))
willcoon: "Naturally. Is there anything in particular you'd like to know about?"
FrivYeti: Jalvir shrugs slightly, as a servant comes around with glass goblets and a pitcher of water, offering it to anyone who wishes. Jalvir himself takes a glass, and sips from it.
willcoon: ((halvir?))
FrivYeti: ((Erm. Yes. *slaps forehead, and goes to fix the wiki page*))
willcoon: ((hehe))
FrivYeti: ((no, wait, it's right over there. I'm just blind and crazy.))
willcoon: ((it's pronounced the same, anyway.))
FrivYeti: "How large is your nation, approximately speaking? I understand that you have many Exalted among you, but that could mean almost anything."
Wakoid2: ((heh... think he'll be as suprised as Marell was?))
DonovanTz: ::Haily politely takes a glass and sets it on the table::
willcoon: "Scarlet Haven and its surrounding lands are built around a reality engine in the Wyld, and so are of a limited size."
willcoon: "All told, our population is approximately ten thousand."
FrivYeti: Halvir nods thoughtfully, taking another sip of water. A pair of servants comes in with roasted vegetables and nuts, a vegetarian dish that smells quite good, and begin serving everyone moderate portions.
willcoon: Skein samples the dishes lightly, and sips his water.
willcoon: ((err, sorry, one sec))
willcoon: ((okay, back))
FrivYeti: "A decently-sized town, and I am most impressed at your ability to hold it in the Wyld, especially before the Wall rose."
willcoon: "You are most kind, but we have had sevral advantages: The existence of a stable region in the Wyld was itself immensely helpful. Beyond that, we have strong martial capabilities, being the descendants of a realm legion."
willcoon: "We have thus been able to maintain a defensive force sufficient to hold back the predations of the fey, and still support the city."
DonovanTz: ::Once again, to be polite, Hailey takes small tastes of everything:
Moonsword134: Valeria is eating and enjoying the food but is also aware of everything that goes on around her.
willcoon: "Naturally, our Dragon-Blooded population is a powerful advantage. I believe we have... about twenty-five, is that right?" Skein looks to the others, concentrating on discovering the composition of the food in his mouth.
FrivYeti: A single blink is the only sign that Halvir is taken off-guard by the casual figure, and then he smiles again. "Well. That is also most impressive. An excellent sign of the Dragons' favour."
FrivYeti: "And I presume that you continue to follow the Immaculate Faith?"
Moonsword134: ((No, we worship the Yozis in gothic sex acts. >.> ))
willcoon: "I dare say that no matter what other advantages we had, all would surely have been lost without the Dragons' guidance."
willcoon: "We have indeed maintained the Faith - absent of course any further texts that have been discovered in our long absence."
FrivYeti: Halvir nods. "May we all have even a fraction of their wisdom." He smiles. "And I imagine that some of our practices here might seem... different... to you."
willcoon: "Naturally, there are a few points of divergence. Practical matters, mostly, due to our differing situations."
FrivYeti: Halvir nods. "Indeed. I imagine that with the overwhelming military composition of your nation, you did not have the same discipline problems that grew rife in Creation."
Moonsword134: "No," Valeria comments softly.
FrivYeti: "And still do, though it pains me to say it. Children of the Dragons taking orders from mortals, falling into debauchery..." He trails off, and pulls himself back on topic.
FrivYeti: "Regardless, it is quite understandable."
Wakoid2: "We had too much to worry about the possible predatations of the Fae," Errant Tiger interjects. "Group survival was more important at the time."
Moonsword134: ((Why do we always get the religious conservatives?))
FrivYeti: ((Because you went east instead of west?))
Moonsword134: ((I wasn't the one with the map! You never let me hold the map! :P ))
FrivYeti: Halvir nods to Tiger graciously. "Indeed, I can imagine." He leans forwards. "I imagine that Scarlet Haven is going to wish closer ties with Creation, now that you are here."
FrivYeti: "Perhaps the extension of roads into your domain, if we can find a safe enough path through the Wyld. How much authority to negotiate do you have?"
Wakoid2: (("I told you we should have made the left turn at Albuquerque!"))
willcoon: "Indeed, we have had to trust in the Dragons' favor and adapt to our situation. We do indeed seek closer ties, but the situation is currently somewhat problematic."
willcoon: ((exactly how much authority do we have?))
Moonsword134: ((Enough to hang ourselves, I imagine.))
Wakoid2: ((I... I don't know... -looks at Friv-))
FrivYeti: ((You guys? Very little. Lynx mostly sent you to be heralds.))
FrivYeti: ((You don't actually know how much authority she has.))
willcoon: ((hehe))]
Moonsword134: ((...now you mention that. And I'd just gotten that sweet deal on grain futures, too...))
FrivYeti: ((Presumably a moderate amount, but no signing large military alliances or total trade pacts.))
FrivYeti: ((Her primary job was to set up embassies in the nearby nations.))
willcoon: "Currently, we simply intend to open up lines of communication. Ultimately, however, we will wish to re-integrate Scarlet Haven into Creation.
Wakoid2: "Our commanding officer, Winglord Darting Lynx, has more authority than we do in this matter," Errant Tiger added. "Our group is mainly here to announce our overall presence and to pave the way for future negotiations."
willcoon: The transition could be a delicate operation - but our re-entrance provides many opportunities."
FrivYeti: Halvir smiles again. "Yes, I can see where that would be important. Will your Winglord be arriving shortly?"
FrivYeti: ((OOC: Guys, I just realized I made a math mistake a while back. There are slightly fewer Dragon-Blooded than I thought originally.))
FrivYeti: ((Specifically, Hadren should have said there were 15 to 20 thousand, not around 25,000.))
willcoon: ((just us ... five? then?))
Moonsword134: ((Ah.))
willcoon: ((oh, for them... heh))
FrivYeti: ((*laughs*))
willcoon: ((that might have been problematic!))
FrivYeti: ((Oh, yes. There's totally more of us. Mm-hm. Totally. *nods*))
FrivYeti: ((Anyone, thought I should mention it.))
FrivYeti: ((Erm, anyway.))
willcoon: ((er, have we sent for her yet? what's our current situation there? (also, how far away is she?)))
Wakoid2: ((haven't sent for her... we were supposed to announce our presence, then go back and tell her 'hey, they want to talk' or so forth))
Wakoid2: ((I think...))
DonovanTz: ((as far as I know that was the plan))
FrivYeti: ((That is correct.))
FrivYeti: ((She's about a day or two back, depending on how hard you ride.))
willcoon: "We intend to return to escort the remainder of our embassy as soon as is convenient. Though, we do wish to meet with the other council members upon our return, if no earlier."
FrivYeti: Halvir bows and nods. "Very good. I will make sure to send word to them of your plans. If you wish, you can depart tommorow morning."
willcoon: "That seems amenable. Unless my companions have any concerns?"
Moonsword134: Valeria shakes her head.
Wakoid2: "None that I can see," said Tiger. "It follows along with our orders, and I'm sure Lynx would like to begin as soon as she can."
FrivYeti: "Excellent." Halvir smiles, and takes a few bites of food. "Then enough of negotiations for the time being. Let us simply share stories of our homes as we eat."
FrivYeti: He proceeds to turn the talk to light matters, unless anyone forcibly drags the topic back to heavier matters.
willcoon: No objections!
FrivYeti: The dinner thus passes pleasantly, after which the group is told that their suites are ready for them if they wish to retire for the night and get an early start the next day.
willcoon: ((I'm fine with that))
DonovanTz: ((No complaints about early starts here))
Moonsword134: ((Valeria's fine with it.))
Wakoid2: ((no prob))
FrivYeti: ((Very good. Then shall we fast-forward to next day, do a quick "getting ready", and then fast-forward again to heading into camp with Lynx?))
willcoon: ((sure!))
DonovanTz: ((depending on how much readying we actually need, we may be able to zip straight to lynx))
FrivYeti: The next day is overcast and dreary, but the populace is up and moving at the crack of dawn, as are the characters. Lord Halvir rises early, although he looks very tired, and wishes the group
FrivYeti: a safe journey.
Moonsword134: Valeria is alert as usual, her stamina seeing her through any fatigue from the early sart.
FrivYeti: ((We can probably get by with one post from each player for rising and moving, really.))
DonovanTz: ::Hailey, always ready to travel at a moments notice, double check maps and weather and helps to insure the column is ready to travel.::
willcoon: Skein wakes from a typically poor sleep, and cleans up his salt meticulously so as not to raise any concerns.
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger, looking awake and alert if not actually rested, is checking over his men and their route back to Darting Lynx's camp before they leave, making sure all the usual preparations have been taken care of.
FrivYeti: The preparations appear set, and the troop soon sets off, with citizens once again varying their routine to watch them depart.
FrivYeti: The day passes quickly, with the group pressing hard along the roads for as long as possible. ((Everyone roll Perception + Investigation, if you don't mind.))
willcoon: ((why of course not ))
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 6 10-sided dice: 4 7 5 2 10 9
OnlineHost: Moonsword134 rolled 4 10-sided dice: 7 9 3 5
Moonsword134: ((2 successes))
Wakoid2: ((4 suxx))
OnlineHost: willcoon rolled 6 10-sided dice: 2 9 2 5 10 9
willcoon: ((four here as well))
FrivYeti: ((Very good. Continuing along.)) It is early nightfall when the characters return to Lynx's camp. Soldiers have set up basic fortifications, and sentries quickly hail the troop.
willcoon: ((WAIT WAIT))
Wakoid2: ((and now I'm nervous as we either haven't noticed what we rolled for, or it's something AT the base...))
FrivYeti: ((Yes, Will?))
willcoon: DonovanTz rolled 5 10-sided dice: 10 10 10 10 10
willcoon: ((oh how lucky!))
Moonsword134: ((...holy hell.))
FrivYeti: ((*lol*))
willcoon: (( <.< >.> ))
FrivYeti: ((You're right, though, Ambi hasn't rolled. Ambi?))
FrivYeti: ((What you have to do is change your screename to OnlineHost, Will.))
willcoon: ((that might help!
Wakoid2: ((...))
willcoon: ((it'd be easier outside of a chatroom, as I could use the return key... make my own observation, then add the rolling thing as an entire separate line!))
willcoon: ((also useful for forging another person's reply, although often they will become suspicious upon realizing that they do not remember making said reply))
DonovanTz: ((sorry, I was afk, dogs almost got loose))
FrivYeti: ((Ah, fair enough.))
DonovanTz: ((refresh me on the roll script?))
FrivYeti: ((//roll #sides-#dice))
FrivYeti: ((Erm... //roll-#sides-#dice))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 4
Moonsword134: ((Try again.))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 2 6-sided dice: 2 2
Wakoid2: ((I did "//roll-dice #-sides #"))
willcoon: ((stop trying!))
Moonsword134: (( //roll-sides10-dice# ))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 5 10-sided dice: 5 8 6 1 3
willcoon: ((phew))
FrivYeti: ((One success does not quite cut it, I'm afraid.))
FrivYeti: ((So, yeah. Sentries hail you quickly.))
DonovanTz: ((wait a moment, my helm gives me two more dice!))
DonovanTz: ((I think...))
FrivYeti: ((No, it boosts Awareness, not Investigation.))
DonovanTz: ((i thought it may have been perception, but it is in fact awareness, sorry team))
willcoon: ((ah well, falling into a trap is a way of noticing it!))
willcoon: We approach the sentries without suspicion!
FrivYeti: Upon discovering that it is Captain Tiger, they inform you that Commander Lynx left orders to have you all visit her immediately.
Moonsword134: ((...if I see even one pair of jackboots, I'm swingin'. Just so you know.))
Wakoid2: ((jackboots?))
willcoon: ((Don't worry, everything's A-OK))
Moonsword134: ((Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...))
willcoon: ((We follow like delighted cattle))
willcoon: ((or sheep))
Moonsword134: ((...to the slaughter.))
FrivYeti: ((Oh, pssh. It's nothing half so immediate.))
FrivYeti: Darting Lynx is in the central tent, and she stands as you all enter, nodding to you. "Welcome back. I trust everything went smoothly?"
Wakoid2: "It did," Errant Tiger replies. "We made contact with one of the local lords in Yukong's service, who has been given authority to negotiate with us in the Daimyo's name. His city is just two-days journey from
Wakoid2: here, and they are awaiting your arrival so that planning for any deals or alliances can begin."
FrivYeti: Lynx smiles brightly, spending a moment thinking it over. "Excellent, excellent. I'll expect a full write-up tommorow morning, but it can wait until then. And I have some excellent news as well."
Moonsword134: Valeria blinks and gestures for her to go on.
Wakoid2: "Yes, Winglord?"
FrivYeti: "While we were waiting, an emissary from the western kingdom of Urichos arrived at our camp exploring what they have heard about new Exalts in the region."
FrivYeti: "Under the circumstances, it would not look well if we were to ignore one rival nation in favour of another, and this opening gives us a chance to avoid doing so."
DonovanTz: It would seem news of our arrival has spread further and more quickly then anticipated...
FrivYeti: She sits down, gesturing at the map. "The nearest Urichos city is a mere three days to the west. That's why I will be sending you, with full authority, to establish the early embassy there."
Moonsword134: Valeria blinks again, surprised at the orders.
Wakoid2: "Us, Winglord? Your confidence is flattering, but I'm not sure how effective we'd be as a full embassy..."
FrivYeti: Lynx smiles brightly. "Nonsense. Master Skein is a skilled diplomat, and with your protections, I imagine that he will be more than capable of hammering something out. And there is an ulterior motive."
FrivYeti: "From what I understand from discussions with the Arbiters, there are only nine Dragon-Blooded in Urichos. By sending half their total number, we can overawe them from the start."
FrivYeti: "Without seeming to be planning that immediately."
Moonsword134: ((Uh oh... sledgehammer diplomacy... not a good idea...))
Wakoid2: ((fortuantely... we're not the type to actually take advantage of that unless we really have to...))
FrivYeti: "Obviously, this will be a temporary measure, until we bring in full-time diplomats. I don't intend to waste your talents there indefinately."
FrivYeti: "But for a week or two, it should help us get a much better idea of Creation to use our resources on both fronts."
Moonsword134: ((Dakura, diplomacy and politics are games of perception. Depending on how paranoid/trigger-happy Urichos is, this could be a very mixed message.))
Moonsword134: ((Our behavior isn't what I'm worried about, it's the symbolism of sending so many Exalts in at once to a region that has so few. It could be seen as a threat.))
willcoon: "Indeed, we do hold quite an advantage. Do you think it might be more prudent, however, for us to acompany you to meet with Yukong's council? After all, our disappearance might be taken poorly...
FrivYeti: Lynx's eyebrows draw together. "How so?"
willcoon: They might particualrly be concerned if I disappeared, after being introduced as ur diplomat - to go negotiate with a rival kingdom, no less."
willcoon: *our
FrivYeti: Lynx's eyebrows draw further together. "I think any potential harm would be outdone by the harm of us sending our entire Exalted division to negotiate with Mela's Bounty
FrivYeti: while an emissary from Urichos sits on our doorstep."
FrivYeti: "And, Master Skein, I think you would agree that if I am in Mela's Bounty, and we wish to have anyone going to Urichos, it would have to be yourself."
FrivYeti: "With that in mind, I think that a show of faith towards Mela's Bounty is more important at this stage. Since they understand that you are my subordinate, they will understand your absence."
FrivYeti: ((Everyone can make another Peception + Investigation roll, here.))
willcoon: "...The four of us, you say?"
OnlineHost: Moonsword134 rolled 4 10-sided dice: 1 2 8 6
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 5 10-sided dice: 9 3 8 9 3
FrivYeti: "Indeed. If you wish to take a division of scouts with you again, for quick response, you may."
willcoon: Skein might pick up on the slight disturbances of water essence from the racing of blood, of sweat, or even of duplicitous thought.
FrivYeti: ((*grins* 1-die stunt, Skein.))
OnlineHost: willcoon rolled 7 10-sided dice: 1 7 2 4 9 5 7
willcoon: ((worrying !))
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger listens to the discussion between Skein and Lynx. While it doesn't seem like a totally unreasonable request, it was somewhat... unneccessary in terms of force allocated. If it
willcoon: Skein is perhaps too distracted to notice what is wrong - occupied as he is with figuring out damage control!
Wakoid2: were for a first encounter he would agree more readily, but since contact had already been made with Urichos he was a bit curious as to why they were needed for this, rather than one of Lynx's other subordinates...
OnlineHost: FrivYeti rolled 10 10-sided dice: 4 2 6 10 4 6 4 8 1 5
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 7 10-sided dice: 5 2 10 10 4 6 3
willcoon: (( !! ))
Moonsword134: ((Win by one success, I think.))
FrivYeti: ((Indeed it is.))
FrivYeti: Lynx glances around the room. "If there's nothing else, I'm sure that you're all tired. Get some rest, write up the reports tommorow, and then we can get moving to our respective meetings."
Moonsword134: ((Can we wrap this up some time soon? I'm about to fall asleep right at the keyboard.))
FrivYeti: ((Yeah, that seems like a good wrap point.))
FrivYeti: ((Next week, you can try to weasel out of this little disaster. ;)
willcoon: ((GOOD IDEA))
FrivYeti: Five XP for everyone, for a good game all around. :)
Moonsword134: Thanks, Friv.
Moonsword134: Good night, everyone.
DonovanTz: Thankee!
willcoon: ((night all! high five!))
FrivYeti: Good night, all. Have a good week, and I'll see you next Monday. :)
Wakoid2: see ya
Moonsword134 has left the room.
