JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession17

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmm, tempting, but no. It does involve blood though. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hello, all! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( ahoy hoy! )

Monkey . o O ( Arrr. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Everybody have a good thanksgiving? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, indeed! )

Monkey . o O ( Yup. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And yours? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Pretty good. All recovered from turkey coma, and I had some real good pie. )

Monkey . o O ( Mmmm, pie. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I too had a nice pie. )

Monkey . o O ( I hope us gaming 'til late didn't hurt your Turkey Day. )

Monkey . o O ( So, what are we going to do tonight, Brain )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( First it depends on getting back to Celeren safely. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Nope, not at all. So, let's see... we ended with our two solars flying back from Ash Rose Island, heading to Celeren. I think it's fair to say you arrive around an hour after noon. (checks timeline) The Lookshy evacuation fleet should show up tomorrow, barring ill fortune or enemy action, and Juggernaut is scheduled (at a best guess) for tomorrow night. However, a couple of skyships from the Sky Guard are already at work ferrying the most vulnerable and/or most valuable residents and stuff out of Celeren. And, of course, you have four ships in port: Stormhammer, Nimbus, Majestic Voyager, and Fortuitous Venture, IIRC. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( When is the Corona due, approximately? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Gimme a minute to run the numbers. )

Monkey . o O ( I think that examining the abyssal royal warstrider and determining and disabling the security system so Yeke (the god) can use it is a good idea. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Maybe the sorcerer-techs solved it while we were away )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the Thief might be able to help too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. WSW and the Corona should show up at the Celeren docks in four days... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Which is after the city will be overrun, right? )

Monkey . o O ( I'm quite sure that everyone figured that they'll rendezvous midway. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Nods )

The Storyteller . o O ( Maybe... but unless you set a predetermined landmark, it'll take good sailing rolls on both the Captain's and WSW's part to meet in the middle. )

Monkey . o O ( Monkey doesn't have anything planned. He'll sleep, I suppose. )

Captain Kaizoku upon landing, the Captain will call for a meeting with the Orca Squadron leaders.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Gimme minute to get coffee... )

Monkey . o O ( When's the meeting? It'll take time to assemble them. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Surely Monkey won't want to sleep through a meeting! )

Monkey . o O ( And is Monkey supposed to be there? )

Monkey . o O ( Well, some meetings are quite sleep-able. :) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Given that Monkey burned a lot of energy, the Captain would release him to get some rest. )

Monkey . o O ( Cool. Just have someone fetch him when it's almost time. Or skip him if this is one of those diplomacy thing ('coz he'd likely bungle it). )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Right. Monkey will be needed for the next plan. )

Monkey . o O ( By the way, regarding the next story arc, it seems we won't find many Low Realm speakers in the North. Would you rather handle this by learning a translator spell or would you rather have Monkey learn a new language? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Back )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Given the lack of access to a translator spell, Monkey learning the language might be more pratical )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, you forget. We can now go to Blessed Isle. )

Monkey . o O ( Incognito, even. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Every time the Captain tries to go incognito, the important people recognize him... )

Monkey . o O ( This is why you get a disguise. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Known Anathema -3, that's why. Of course, I kinda figured that the Eastern sea was your usual stomping grounds, so it'll be less of an issue the further west you go. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It'd have to be some disguise! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, Known Anathema and starting the game off with a huge, notoriety-inducing heist. )

Monkey . o O ( Which reminds me that in the Age of Sail, going incognito is as much mutual understanding in which people who recognized them pretend not to. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( True, though that was usually nobility to nobility. )

Monkey . o O ( What, you don't count? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With no land or nation (as yet), probably not. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Calling for a meeting with the Orca leaders... uh, did I ever say they were in Celeren? I thought I had them doing guard duty on the convoy and collecting ships. )

Monkey . o O ( I think you do. There's your own family, who, while publicly must disown you, might still acknowledge ties of blood in private. Then there's the V'Neef vendetta. Just by pissing that house off, there'll be some opposing houses who'll be willing to covertly support you. Oh, they'll all plan on backstabbing you later, but that's just politics. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I think some of them were in town, acting to protect the ships and such. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And perhaps, but treating with the Captain would be political dynamite. He's almost too hot to handle. )

Monkey . o O ( By the way, Jesse. Is the box finalized? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. The Deep Tooth and a scale of marines are in port, as are the fast couriers Crane and Swan. You're able to get a meeting with the three captains and the commander of the marines. )

Monkey . o O ( Is Monkey supposed to be there? )

The Storyteller . o O ( And yeah, the box is pretty much finalized. I want to add a bit about how you can send small messages or items via the box, but haven't figured out how to word it. It's definitely a minor power compared to the main stuff, though. )

Captain Kaizoku goes to the meeting, having left Monkey to his own devices, with a strong suggestion that he rest up for something big ahead.

Monkey chats with Master Jaff, telling him about what has happened so far.

The meeting is in the late harbormaster's office. The office is a bit more barren now than it was a few days ago -- all that remains is the table and chairs. The officers rise and bow to Captain Kaizoku as he enters.

TonyC goes to get chips and salsa and tea.

The Storyteller . o O ( CK's init. )

Captain Kaizoku returns the bow politely. "Gentlemen (and ladies, if any), I have just returned from an investigation of the Floating Dead's port. They had a squadron of a dozen galleys equipped with catapults. They had planned to use alchemical fire with them to burn the evacuation fleet. Before I left, a great many of the casks were shattered, and I believe not one ship is in sailable condition."

The officers nod appreciatively, but do not appear overly surprised. Your reputation is beginning to precede you among the Seventh Legion.

Captain Kaizoku puts his hands on the table. "It is possible that some of their ships had made it to sea so equipped. I suggest issuing orders that any ship with a catapult be a primary target for your vessels. The Dead seemed in disarray however, and there was no Deathknight to be seen during my action. I do not believe they have replaced their late leader, who was killed during her assassination attempt."

The Storyteller . o O ( Keep going. They're still paying attention. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmmm, it seems the usual training time rules goes wonky when applied to Linguistics. Ah well, nobody ever accuses WW of paying attention to real world data. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Howzzat? )

Captain Kaizoku looks each of them in the eye. "This indicates that most of the seaborne threat has passed, along with the airborne one. My fleet group be working with your group to insure that there are no suprises... A liason officer, one with a means of rapid communication, would be most helpful at this time."

The captain of the Deep Tooth says, "One of the sorcerer-techs should be able to serve in this capacity, though she'll probably be no sailor. I'd suggest Masuko. She's had a little experience aboard the regular navy and knows her away around a ship."

Captain Kaizoku nods with approval. "She will do nicely. Have her report to my command ship, the Nimbus, when you can. That will suffice for the moment... there are other plans I must put in motion now."

Monkey . o O ( You know that each dot in Linguistic represents a language family? Now, in the real world, knowing a language family or several, does not make it harder to learn another. If anything, it makes thing easier, as you are not so attached to any particular linguistic traits. )

Meeting over, the officers start discussing the convoy preparations as you leave.

Captain Kaizoku hails a carriage to take him to the city manse and Taimyo Yushoto.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeh. It also represents a greater facility with linguistics as a science/field of knowledge. You can also buy language families as specialties. Also... if they were realistic... it'd be a lot harder, IMO, to learn languages. Were I going the realistic way, each language family would be a separate (Linguistics) skill, the way Craft is canonically handled. )

The Storyteller . o O ( However, I figure for the Exalted, this sort of thing comes easily. I figure the same for Craft, incidentally -- Craft is one skill, no matter what the craft is. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, with the new dot in Occult, does the Captain get a new Art to go with it? It effects the plan. )

The manse is buzzing with activity as the Taimyo and his command staff prepare the last holding actions and the City Father prepares to go down fighting.

The Storyteller . o O ( yes. Just pick one... )

Monkey . o O ( Each language family would be a separate skill is the realistic way, actually. I agree. I'm merely commenting and opinionating about WW and Storyteller system. This is not a request for a rule change, which is just too much trouble for something this trivial. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( There is an Art of Warding Exalted, right? )

Captain Kaizoku bows to the Taimyo. "I have struck a blow against the Floating Dead... they will not present much of a problem to the convoy, I believe. Now, I have a notion as to removing the threat of a powerful sorcery against the city survivors. A grand sorcery using the blood of the Reducer as a ritual link."

The Storyteller . o O ( There is an Art of Warding, which can be used to ward versus Exalts, yes. Page 130-135 of the Player's Guide. However... Exalted always double their resistance to a ward as compared to other creatures. So it's harder to ward against them than against other creatures. What do you have in mind? Oh... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Getting the Reducer's blood from your blade, yes? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No, not that! To trap one IN a ward, drawing out the sorceress to stop the great magic being worked, which is a fake. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Or from the Warstrider blade, which got much more of it on there. )

The Taimyo bows back as best he can and says, "Please, tell me more, Captain."

Monkey . o O ( You're aware that Emerald Countermagic trumps any Art? I don't know if the Shadowlands equivalent does. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If EC doesn't stop necromancy, then it must be vice versa too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Definitely does. Any sorcery or necromancy trumps thaumaturgy. )

Monkey . o O ( You didn't order otherwise and it's military equipment. The warstrider probably has been cleaned. Your daiklave is yours though, so it's up to you. )

Captain Kaizoku leans in closer. "This is a complete fraud. I will prepare a grand working with that blood as the centerpiece, but it is merely bait... the Deathknight sorcerer will be unlikely ignore such a working and will go after it. Within the ritual circle will be a trap that will keep her in place while she is attacked. What I need from you is to keep this very secret... only a few of the Mask's spies you know of should hear of the grand design."

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, this is going to be a bit of a gamble. A lot of a gamble. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But comparatively little is at risk. If they don't take it, they don't take it. )

You rolled 5 dice on something and got 4 successes.

The Taimyo nods. "Very well, Captain. I will instruct my spies to inform the enemy of this threat to their well-being. What details should they learn?

Captain Kaizoku says, "The fact that the Reducer's blood is the essential part of the ritual, and that a large ritual circle is being set up... at a location that is close to where the wards lay. "

Monkey . o O ( Possible flaw. Not too close. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Right, not too close, but not too far in either. )

Monkey . o O ( Otherwise Reducer could simply order the sorcerer to dispel the warding and storm the circle with the army. )

The Taimyo takes up brush and dashes off an order, seals it, and hands it to a nearby aide. "Run this to White Owl." The aide departs.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, so what's your plan? In some detail, please. )

Monkey . o O ( I suggest a distance close enough to Celeren that you can bug out if something goes wrong and it should be obvious that you can bug out, otherwise Reducer might think it's too easy and suspect something. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( At the spot, draw up a very large and realistic-looking sorcery circle, with lots of Solar imagery in it... using occult skill to make it look good. Within all that is hidden an Exalted ward that will be de-activated until a final mark is made. In the center of it will be a jar with some of the Reducer's blood in it. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "I'm sure you have some people who would like the chance to show that sorceress the ability of the Legion's mages as well"

The Taimyo says, "Yes, I do. I can have five sorcerers ready to strike at your command if necessary."

Captain Kaizoku replies. "Excellent. They will 'assist' in the ritual to add credulity. A few skilled troops would not be unwelcome either, should she try a brute-force approach."

The Taimyo nods. "It shall be so."

Monkey . o O ( I recommend starting right away. 1. A good warding takes time to build (you get extra dice the longer you spend and penalized for quick and dirty warding). 2. Obviously a Solar spell of this caliber needs to be cast at dawn. <wink> )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. The plan is creative, but... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And good thought on the dawn starting time! )

The Storyteller . o O ( The sorcerer is also going to have a pretty good Occult score, so there's a chance he'll spot the deception. The Reducer probably won't, though. More importantly, a ward is Thaumaturgy, not sorcery. I'd say the ward will stand for about a turn, if the Abyssal feels like whipping out Emerald or Iron Countermagic, or slightly longer if he just tries to power through it. Lastly, it will need to be at least Strength 8 to give him pause -- he's known to be a Celestial Circle sorcerer, which requires Essence 4. )

Monkey . o O ( If the deception succeeds, that's good enough. )

Monkey . o O ( Q: Can Countermagic countered? )

The Storyteller . o O ( I'd count more on the extra sorcerers and the military oomph to take the guy down. Also, if you want to keep using Thaumaturgy -- not a bad idea, I'll add -- think about the Charm Artist of the Soul here: http://www.lensmen.net/wiki/exalted.pl?SolarOccult/IsawaBrian )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, Countermagic can't be countered. Part of that "defense always trumps offense" thing. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, it doesn't have to hold her for long... if she spends a turn on the Countermagic, that's a turn the Captain can attack her, with the rest. I think Monkey will be buried beneath the site, breathing through his tube and ready to attack. )

Monkey . o O ( Curiously, IsawaBrian is at The Lobby right now. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Really? I didn't know he was a Pyramidian. )

Monkey . o O ( It's a small incestuous hobby. :) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The ward is just a small part of the plan... once she's there, she can be fought on ground of our choosing, which is a big advantage. )

Monkey . o O ( Burying Monkey is risky. Unless he's buried a short time before the planned time, he's likely to get bored and tries peeking, or fall asleep. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Or he could be under a sham altar, with eye slits. )

Monkey . o O ( Want Monkey to blend in with the guards? Or ooo, that works too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And a TV. )

The Storyteller . o O ( y'know, I love the idea of Thaumaturgy, but the chapter could definitely be better written. Some parts are... not clear. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( A book for Monkey... no TV! :) )

Monkey . o O ( Anyway, David, you might want to look the chapter in Savant and Sorcerer. )

Monkey . o O ( TV rots the brain! )

The Storyteller . o O ( S&S? )

Monkey . o O ( Ooops. Players Guide. )

The Storyteller . o O ( what Arts does the captain already know, anyway? As of now, Weather-Working and Warding, correct? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And summoning beasts. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and weather's a Science, anyway... )

The Storyteller . o O ( But! Not that it's relevant at the moment, though I just updated your wiki-sheet. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Captain will consult with the five sorcerers to get help in setting up a good display and getting the phony altar and some convincing materials. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, roll Manipulation + Occult )

Monkey . o O ( I suggest using WP. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, one WP for starters. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on manip+occult and got 2 successes.

Monkey . o O ( Heck, if I can figure out how to justify it, I'd suggest channeling a virtue. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Is the WP for auto-success? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Wish I had one of those 100% successes from last time. And yes, it is. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

You rolled 25 dice on sorcerer help and got 14 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... maybe shoulda rolled them separately. )

Monkey . o O ( Technically, one of them could botch and take away successes. But the chance is slim enough. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, I'll split the difference... I've set the difficulty and the number of successes the Abyssal needs to realize it's a false ritual and to notice the warding. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Now, to establish the Ward: roll Intelligence + Occult to figure out the correct ward, then (if successful) Manipulation + Occult to set it up. Cost is 3 motes. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Int+Occult and got 5 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I guess that's successful. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Indeed it is. Add two successes to your next roll... And if you can spend a virtue on it, might not be a bad idea. )

Captain Kaizoku channels the conviction that he is doing the right thing in ambushing and destroying a Deathknight into his work.

The Storyteller . o O ( THat works. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Manip+Occult+conviction and got 5 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Say, did the Captain get any WP back from his orders being obeyed earlier? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Total of seven successes, then. You need to split them between Strength and Durability, and I'd suggest dumping them all into Strength since you don't expect the ward to last very long anyway. And yes, he did. )

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB. More coffee. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I had come to the same conclusion... all Strength then. And it's not a finished ward... one stroke away, until she comes inside it. How many WP? He was down two before the ritual started. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 1 WP. )

Captain Kaizoku will have the mock altar that holds the blood sample assembled inside, and summon Monkey to sit in it before it is carried into position.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh. I just thought of an obvious vulnerability. Where's this located relative to the city walls and the existing anti-undead wards? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( A few hundred yards in, preferably by some natural cover formation. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But out of bow/artillery range. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And once everything else in place, the Captain will meditate in front of the altar to recover Essence with his Hearthstone, making it look like he's doing it ritually. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, I'll let it go... though given the range of siege artillery, that's pushing it. )

Monkey . o O ( Is 7 success enough? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, but I'll give you another roll when you activate the ward. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 8 would at least slow her down... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 9 would stop magics from passing one way or the other over it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So you're doing all this on the next morning, or later on the 24th? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Starting in the evening, with the notion that the "ritual" will start at dawn. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oooh. So when are you out there? )

Monkey . o O ( Okay. Also, I'm going to assume that Monkey got a few hours of sleep, but that he'll have some other activities too slowing recovery. I'll use the lower 4 motes/hour recovery rate, which is still more than enough. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( an hour or so before dusk. )

The Storyteller . o O ( and all through the night, then? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Might as well wear a neon sign that says "Kill me, I'm vulnerable." Heh. Aight. )

You rolled 8 dice on something and got 6 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( As long as it's the right someone that shows up! )

Monkey . o O ( Actually, be it Reducer or the sorcerer, doesn't matter, really. Either would put a serious crimp in their invasion plan. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( True, but we know everything the Reducer can do, and reduced his power already. The sorcerer may have some horrible trick up her sleeve. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Important point: How wide is the ward? And did you try to deal with the Reducer's warstrider _before_ starting this up? )

The Storyteller . o O ( BRB, nature calls. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, good point. The Captain would ask the Thief if she could do anything with the security system on the Warstrider in the hours before hand. And about 15 yards across. )

Monkey . o O ( Doesn't it take more successes to create larger ward? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Nope. It reduces the quality for large areas, but the basic area is the size of a small house, so that's not a problem. )

Monkey . o O ( 15 yards is pretty big. Okay, not for us, but I am from a third world country originally, and peasant houses... well. )

Monkey . o O ( Meh, don't worry. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The level above that is "mansion," and 15 yards is closer to a "Decent-sized home" than a mansion. And above that is small town and then city. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Back. As regards the security system... )

Monkey . o O ( Ignore me. Y'see, moments after I realized that WW writers are actually quite affluent, and their standard of small are the ones we're familiar with. )

You rolled 3 dice on Thief takes a look and got no successes but no botches either.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( So much for that idea. )

After taking an hour or so to putter around the warstrider, under the Captain's watchful eye, the Thief admits that she really has no idea what it is save that it channels Abyssal-tainted Essence. Which is not exactly news.

The Storyteller . o O ( On the whole, the Thief knows as much about occultech as Monkey does. Maybe less. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( What did she do on that ship? )

Monkey . o O ( Hey, I tried. I figure if I get all 10s, I could crack it. )

Captain Kaizoku has the densest tar he can order up poured into the Hearthstone slot of the Warstrider.

The Storyteller . o O ( Low-tech, but effective! )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's got a couple of slots, actually, but you've got of plenty of tar. )

Monkey . o O ( I think I got 3 successes or something, which proves that Monkey's better than Thief. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But at science-y stuff! Would he be proud of that? )

Captain Kaizoku informs the Thief of the basics of his plan, and sets her to guarding the ships in case of a sneak attack on them.

Monkey . o O ( Not really, but the point stands. :p )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, on your ambush plan. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How much meditation time did the Captain get in? 2-3 hours would have him up to full power. )

The Storyteller . o O ( For your backup, you have two warstriders (same two as when you took on the Reducer), five sorcerers -- not great, but decent -- and a full talon of infantry (125 elites). You set up the ritual behind a large dirt mound that blocks line of sight from the camp and (hopefully) most ranged weapons. And you got in a good two hours of meditation. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, almost at full then. I trust the Warstriders are reasonably hidden? )

Monkey . o O ( Uh oh. When the GM gives up this much back-up, I worry that we might need it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So, how do you deploy them? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Uh, as reasonably hidden as an 18-foot tall war machine can be... )

Monkey . o O ( Hey, the ones in Full Metal Panic can hide quite well. )

The Storyteller . o O ( On a barren killing zone? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With camo blankets draped over them... it's dark. They'll be about 100 feet apart from each other and 100 back, on the far side of the circle from the Deathknight encampment, the talon broken up into fangs (25, right?), in a semicircle around the rear, 50 feet back. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They have thermoptic camo! )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, you haven't seen FMP then. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No. Any good? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( As good as the evil Guymelefs from Escaflone. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmm. Hang on a moment. )

Monkey . o O ( Funny. Don't expect hard science. Plot is decent, a few holes, but something you can overlook. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. A good mix of "fish out of water at school" fun and realistic military mecha action. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Fang is 5, scale is 25, talon is 125. Each scale is led by a DB, btw. )

Monkey . o O ( Take Monkey. Put him in a Dynast ball/fete. Add Warstriders. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmm. Must watch. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Adding to netflix queue... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The first one ends on a cliffhanger, so be sure to get 1 and 2 together, if possible. )

Monkey . o O ( You mean DVD 1 & 2? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

Monkey . o O ( Actually, Monkey's personality is quite different from Sagara. Ah well, let me know whether you like it when you get to see it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Actually, dead opposite form Sagara... that boy can't ever unclench. )

TonyC tells The Storyteller to go on with the storytelling. Meanwhile he and David will discuss anime.

Well, anyway. Round about two hours after dusk, the lookout signals that things are happening at the enemy lines. There are two flashes of emerald magic and one of the sorcerers reports that the wards nearest the ambush have been shattered. Then, nothing for a while.

The Storyteller looks up Abyssal feeding rules.

Captain Kaizoku muses that he would have come alone or with Monkey if the situation was reversed, not wasted forces in a frontal assault. Though that Reducer seemed barely more subtle than his warhorse.

Monkey . o O ( Hey now, Sagara Sannosuke has a few moments where he relaxed. 'Course, now I can't remember a single scene. But there's got to be some, because Kaname tried so hard. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Possibly when he was in his mecha and Kaname couldn't beat on him with her fan! )

Monkey . o O ( No, wait, what about when he was discussing military mecha with that gearhead otaku? I think Sagara actually had fun. )

Monkey . o O ( And whatshername the Commander... the Ruri Mark 2? She's cute. (Non-sequitur, but she's cute!) )

About a quarter-hour after the flash of sorcery, you can all hear a rumble from the enemy lines. One of the lookouts comes scrambling down the mound. "They're coming -- the deathknight and a fang of walking war machines!"

Captain Kaizoku maintains his kneeling pose and asks the scout "Which? The Reducer on horseback, or the sorceress?

The Storyteller . o O ( Damn. My wife's been putting quite a bit on the queue. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's sorcerer, not sorceress. Of the male persuasion. )

Monkey . o O ( Cheat. By which I mean advancing your movies to spot 5 or 6, not getting a new wife. )

The scout says, "The sorcerer! And he's been burning Essence, too..."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops. Well, he stayed in his tent. )

Monkey . o O ( This confusion can only mean one thing. The sorcerer is a bishounen. )

Captain Kaizoku raises an eyebrow. "His head is bleeding greatly?" he asks, still staying in position. "We will wait... they'll advance in the circle and then I will activate it and burn back the dead pilots... then the troops will strike. They will see the flare. Go and pass the word back.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey's evil opposite! )

Monkey . o O ( Of course. Now the legions of PirateMonkey fangirls will have more to drool over. )

The scout says, "His anima is flaring. A halo of daggers surrounds him. Sir, yes, sir!" He dashes off toward the nearest fang commander, who sends runners to the next two units, and so on. The ambushers are fully alert in under a minute.

Captain Kaizoku says under his breath to the altar, where Monkey waits "Target the sorceress if you see her doing any spells... disrupting them is the most important thing."

The Storyteller . o O ( Um, where'd you put the sorcerers? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( At cardinal points around the edge of the circle. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah. And you're in the center, correct? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I thought the only way Deathknight anima manifested was bleeding... wait, that's caste marks. My bad. )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, full on battle charms activation, I suppose? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, with the fake altar with Monkey. Ready to make the activiating cut. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Bingo. )

Monkey . o O ( BRB. Nature calls. )

Monkey . o O ( Go on without me as long as you can, I'll catch up. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( There's a big introduction in the works, I'm sure. )

The sorcerer and his war machine escort top the rise and pause, looking down over the ritual. There are five war machines: two spine chains on either flank, covered in spiky armored harnesses. Two bone spear artillery machines shift slowly from side to side behind the spine chains. The Graceful Student of Sorrow himself stands upon a howdah mounted on a massive collection of corpses stitched together in the form of a multi-armed giant. The howdah is where the head ought to be. The Abyssal himself gleams in the starlight, as if his body were made of conjoined bronze and rusty iron.

The Storyteller . o O ( make a Per + Occult roll )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Per+Occult and got 8 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Arg. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Goddamn. You do great on those minor rolls, dontcha? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And now I'm sure to botch some important strike. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway! The Graceful student has up Invulnerable Skin of Bronze and Incomparable Body Arsenal, a Celestial spell that you've heard of but have not seen until now. )

Captain Kaizoku rises to his feet and gives the signal for the sorcerers to start "supporting" the spell.

Immediately, the sorcerers begin to do so...

The Storyteller . o O ( What did you plan for them to do along those lines? )

Monkey . o O ( back. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Go through the motions of supporting a big casting, the most sophisticated one each of them knows. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. So they're making abracadabra motions. Next? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Are the visitors just sitting there watching still? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, I thought Skin of Bronze and Body Arsenal don't stack. Well, now I'll just have to add those tricks to my repertoire. )

Captain Kaizoku follows the pattern of the other mages, holding up the jar of the Reducer's blood high above his head as he chants quickly, giving the appearance of wanting to finish quickly.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Say, did Monkey keep the Cannon with him? )

After pausing dramatically to assess the lay of the land, the war machines charge down the hill. The spine chains make a beeline for the two nearest scales. The two bone spear launchers halt about halfway down and begin to launch spears at the scales. Meanwhile, the Graceful Student on his monstrous steed charges straight for the altar.

The Storyteller . o O ( So we might as well roll initiative. )

On 1d10, you rolled 3.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+7 and got 11.

Monkey rolled 1d10+8 and got 14.

Monkey . o O ( Cannon? No, I don't think so. We want to do targeted damage, right? Not area attacks? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey goes first. The troops will go on CK's init. The undead will all go on the Graceful Student's init, last. )

Monkey . o O ( How far away is Graceful Student from Monkey yet? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The essence cannon isn't an area effect weapon... oh, well. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm, should have thought of this earlier. How should Walking War Machines react to Zenith anima power? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They're just undead twisted into new shapes, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Aye, but it seems a little anticlimactic to have them turn tail and run every time the captain gets glowy. )

Monkey . o O ( Oh. The following charms are active. Durability of Oak Meditation. Spirit Strengthens The Skin. Flow Like Blood. Increasing Strength Exercise. Total cost 20 motes and 2WP. Monkey's caste mark glitters. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( think of how dramatic it'll be from the Student'd POV though! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Got it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah, very dramatic. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, the Student's about forty yards from the altar on Monkey's init. )

Monkey . o O ( Well, Graceful Student may be able to rally, even fortify them. )

Monkey . o O ( And given that they're their creation, the relevant ability might be Occult, not Presence. )

Monkey . o O ( his creations, I mean, )

The Storyteller . o O ( So what does Monkey do? )

Monkey . o O ( Nothing. Hold action, I suppose. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 'kay. Captain? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Student's still closing? )

Monkey . o O ( And yes, that's -11 to offense. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes. He's taken the bait. )

Captain Kaizoku will wait until the student crosses the borderline of the wards, draw his blade and slash the ground to complete the ward, then jump into the air and unleash his anima flare, lighting up the night as a signal to the troops and driving back the dark forces of the undead as golden winds batter them.

Monkey . o O ( You might want to Counterspell the Bronze Skin. It'll make Monkey's job a lot easier. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I don't think it works after a spell is cast. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Two-die stunt bonus on the final Manipulation + Occult roll to set up the ward. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Huh? ISB stays up till the sun crosses the horizon, the caster cancels it, or it's dispelled. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, the 20 mote version can dispell it... I was only thinking of the defensive EC. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on Ward activation and got 3 successes.

Monkey . o O ( Say, how tall is this howdah-undead? )

The Storyteller . o O ( total of ten successes as the ward shimmers into place around the three of you and the war machine. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's about fifteen feet tall. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any effect on the machines from the flare? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Thinking. Looking stuff up. But definitely _an_ effect. Just need to figure it out. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And with 10 successes (down to 2 from the theoritical essence), he can approach, but not penetrate the ward. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmm. They have no Virtues to speak of... so I'll substitute their maker's Essence as a resistance roll. Sound reasonable? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. )

You rolled 4 dice on war machine resistance and got 3 successes.

You rolled 4 dice on war machine resistance and got 1 success.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And with those spells, this guy can't have much essence left. )

You rolled 4 dice on war machine resistance and got 3 successes.

You rolled 4 dice on war machine resistance and got 1 success.

You rolled 4 dice on war machine resistance and got 2 successes.

The divine light washes over the war machines, slowing their movements and dulling their reactions.

The Storyteller . o O ( So they're at -2 to attacks for the rest of the scene. No bad thing. )

TonyC whispers, "Instead of running away, maybe they stopped/slowed, as the flow of death energy was disrupted."

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and you're forgetting about Abyssal feeding for Essence. Heheheh. )

TonyC whispers, "Dang, you're way ahead."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops. Didn't think they kept people around to feed on. I was insufficiently devious. )

Monkey . o O ( Mechanically, you can try blood sacrifice. Not as effective, but hey, unlike them, your subjects repopulate. )

Monkey . o O ( Monkey will wait until the last moment before taking his action, btw. )

The ward shoots up around you and the Graceful Student looks surprised at the turn of events. "Ha!" he shouts and begins chanting the sigils of Iron Countermagic. Black symbols, dark against the stars, flash into existence around him. He claps his hands overhead and a wash of black and silver energy spreads out over the ward. It tears apart in a visible flare of Essence, the thin strands of thaumaturgy brushed aside before the raw might of necromancy.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey can go now at a -4 penalty to offensive actions. )

Monkey . o O ( How close is he? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Has to be inside of 15 yards... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and meanwhile the war machines are tearing up the two scales and the other 7th legion troops are moving to assist them. The Student is about six yards away from the altar. )

Monkey . o O ( scene-ing. )

As the dark sorcerer chants his Countermagic, Monkey burst forth from under the altar with a loud cry. His sprint takes him to the gigantic undead construct's feet in no time, but undeterred, Monkey simply hopped to the giant's lowest arm, and then the next, and next. And in this manner, using the giant's multiple limbs as a ladder, he arrives in front of the dark sorcerer. Bowing, he says, "Captain Kaizoku sends forth his greetings" and tackles him.

Monkey . o O ( Basically, standard grapple. )

Monkey . o O ( Spending wp for auto-success. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Grapple? And definitely a stunt bonus. 2 dice. Are you trying to interrup the casting? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Do, do! More essence down the drain for this guy! )

Monkey . o O ( Not sure if that's possible. Depends on how fast the counterspell goes. )

Monkey . o O ( But if possible, sure. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Countermagic spells go off instantly, so... I guess not. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway. Clinching rules... )

The Storyteller . o O ( You're doing a tackle, so roll Dex + Brawl or MA, and subtract a success. )

Monkey . o O ( The wp for auto-success cancels out then. Okay,rolling. )

Monkey rolled 7 dice on grapple + stunt and got 3 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Let's see. No defense, since he's casting, so you crash into him. No damage -- unless you've got more than 22 dice to roll -- but you both roll Wits + Athletics to avoid knockdown, difficulty 3. )

You rolled 3 dice on Student staying upright and got 1 botch.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ouch. )

Monkey rolled 8 dice on knockdown and got 8 successes.

Monkey . o O ( Hot. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ay carumba! Well, Monkey stays nimbly on his feet as the Student crashes down to the bare earth in a tangled mass of limbs. Roll init for the next round... )

On 1d10+5, you rolled 11.

Monkey rolled 1d10+8 and got 17.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10 and got 3.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+14 and got 23.

think CK, Monkey, Student. CK?

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, Monkey, Student. CK? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( What's the Student's mount doing now that the rider is gone? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Flailing around trying to hit you. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Two actions... )

Monkey . o O ( Countermagic and run? )

Captain Kaizoku crosses his wrists together and summons up the power of Emerald sorcery, three overlapping bands of rune-enscribed emerald bands spiralling around him. He moves his hands to match the patterns, gaterhing the power in his hands, then unleases the offensive countermagic against the fallen student, emerald ribbons shooting from his outstretched hands to strip away the bronze skin and any other lurking spells.

The Storyteller . o O ( 1-die stunt, tho no die roll required. Targeting ISB, correct? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. )

Monkey . o O ( Q: I'm not sure if I made this clear, but Monkey isn't letting Student go when he fell. It's just that I see him landing on his feet while still holding him. Think pro-wrestling moves. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That wasn't clear. Okay, so you're on top of him as he lands. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Second, the gleam of bronze on his skin vanishes under the emerald assault from the Captain. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Third, it's Monkey's turn. )

Monkey . o O ( What's falling damage again? )

Captain Kaizoku 's anima banner flares into full existance after casting the spell, the raging winds and crashing waves surrounding him even after the emerald ribbons fade away, turning night into day.

The Storyteller . o O ( Negligible with your roll and his armor. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and Captain: What did the 7th legion guys do? )

Monkey . o O ( No, no, you don't understand. Ah well, I'll try it first, you work out the rules. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Tossing him somewhere? )

The Storyteller . o O ( falling damage: 1B per five feet fallen. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Weren't they all confronted with the Deathknight forces? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Are any free? )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's like this: spine chains crashed into two talons on the previous turn as the bone spear launchers started shooting at the same talons. The other three talons and the warstriders moved to assist. And you've got five sorcerers who haven't done anything yet. )

Monkey . o O ( Wait, first, we need to establish clinch. )

Monkey . o O ( Unless he doesn't resist? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. If clinching, his init moves up to yours. So... standard attack. )

You rolled 7 dice on Student clinch roll and got 6 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( plus an autosuccess from Willpower )

Captain Kaizoku points his sword at the two mages behind him and then at the bone monstrosity, calling out "Take that down, the rest of you fire on the Deathknight!"

Monkey . o O ( Jesse, I just want to make sure that I still have hold of him, not necessarily pin him. )

The sorcerers begin casting spells.

Monkey stands up and hoists the black iron sorcerer over his head with both hands. His Dawn Caste mark burns as he channels Essence into his legs and leaps straight up. Yet as Monkey and the sorcerer reach the apex of the leap, only Monkey goes down, as Monkey switches hold of:stands up and hoists the black iron sorcerer over his head with both hands. His Dawn Caste mark burns as he channels Essence into his legs and leaps straight up. Yet as Monkey and the sorcerer reach the apex of the leap, only Monkey goes down, as Monkey switches hold of him and tosses him up even more!

Monkey . o O ( Alright, do the mechanic. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Dammit. )

Monkey . o O ( I can't do enough damage to break his soak, so I'll let Gaia do it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Using Monkey Leap, I assume? )

Monkey . o O ( Yes. )

Monkey . o O ( Sorry about the double tap. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's 30 damage for the leap alone. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a standard MA or Brawl roll but at diff 3. )

The Storyteller . o O ( the logic: instead of using his own momentum as standard for a throw, you're doing a clean-and-jerk with a resisting weight. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, but 2-die stunt bonus. )

Monkey . o O ( Dex and St the same at the moment. )

Monkey rolled 11 dice on clean-and-jerk and got 13 successes.

Monkey . o O ( Yikes! )

Monkey . o O ( I just got 13 successes. )

Monkey . o O ( And spending wp for feat of strength. )

Monkey . o O ( for the throw. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Dex + MA or Brawl, then )

Monkey rolled 11 dice on Dex + MA + stunt and got 3 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh. Well, all told that's 17 successes, so.... )

Monkey . o O ( Now we find out if the guy can fly. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( While being shot at by the three Legion mages. )

Monkey . o O ( Unfortunately I may have thrown him out of range. )

Monkey leaps into the air in a golden flash, the hapless sorcerer tight in his grasp. At the apex of his leap Monkey throws the sorcerer even higher. The Abyssal flails helpless against the pull of gravity, then plummets toward the ground. As he falls, chains whip out from his hands, reaching for handholds on the nearest tall object: his mount.

The Storyteller . o O ( What's monkey's leap distance at the moment? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Vertical, of course. )

Monkey . o O ( 50 yards. )

The Storyteller . o O ( and call it another ten yards from the throw -- maybe twenty. So a 70-yard fall... )

The Storyteller . o O ( heh. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 14B damage. Anyway... rolling... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hopefully a few spells will interfere with his efforts, or vaporize his steed. )

Monkey . o O ( IIRC at certain distance, the fall damage becomes lethal. )

The sorcerers of the Seventh Legion are working the Essence flows of Emerald Circle magic. (IOW, whatever they're doing will take effect next turn.

The Storyteller . o O ( You're right. 14L then. )

xl 8 Student grab

You rolled 8 dice on Student grab and got 2 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can the Captain use an attack to slice those chains? )

The Student's chains wrap around the arms of his morbid beast and slow his fall -- barely. He smashes into the ground face first and drags himself to his feet.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, but at a -12 penalty. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Nah. )

You rolled 2 dice on something and got 1 hit.

The Storyteller . o O ( One hl of lethal. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And roll init again. )

Monkey . o O ( Extremely high soak and good catch. I was expecting 42L. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+14 and got 23. Monkey rolled 1d10+8 and got 12.

The Storyteller . o O ( Why? 1B per 5 feet of falling, lethal if over 50. 70 yards -- d'oh! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hang on, recalculating. )

You rolled 30 dice on something and got 12 hits.

The Storyteller . o O ( Retconning a wee bit... )

Monkey . o O ( Phew. I was really worried for a moment. I thought he was really really really tough. )

The Student's chains wrap around the arms of his morbid beast and slow his fall -- but not enough. He slams into the hard-packed earth with a bone-shattering crunch, creating a small crater.

The Storyteller . o O ( And that's the end of him. I don't know why I bother to stat these guys up anymore. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I didn't expect this! )

Monkey . o O ( Oh, c'mon. Your idea of getting 22 soak was really good. Unfortunately the bronze and iron description just brings out anvil, and you know what anvil does. )

Monkey . o O ( Besides, now you can post this at rpg.net and have people ooh and aah over it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hm. I'm just irritated because I haven't yet managed to strike the balance between "wimpy opponent who gets creamed in three rounds" and "oppenent who can take the PCs apart without breaking a sweat." )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We really haven't faced two even Exalted at once... that might do it. )

Monkey . o O ( What David said. )

Monkey . o O ( So far we've always been able to gang up two on one. This is a huge advantage. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Good point... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We'd really have to sharpen our tactics if it was an even fight. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Even-numbered fight, that is. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway. Enough kvetching... You've still got five walking war machines to deal with. By this time, the warstriders have started wading into the spine chains, one-on-one, and are doing a fair job of taking them apart despite a few bone spears hindering their swinging action. )

The Storyteller is wishing he hadn't lent out Outcaste at the moment.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Captain's up first? )

Monkey . o O ( David has it. He's honest. Just ask him. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It's in my lap now. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, I just wanted to look at the standard list of Lookshy sorcerer-tech spell for a "kill things dead" thingy. Anyway, Captain & 7th Legion, Monkey, war machines. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, here we go. )

Captain Kaizoku narrows his eyes grimly as he follows the path of the doomed Deathknight to the ground. After the sickening thud, he raises his blade high, the sun-metal gleaming brightly with his anima. "The Deathknight is dead! His creatures will break!" he calls out to the other troops, then launches himself forward at the undead thing before him, leaping high in the air and bringing his blade straight down on the "head" of the beast.

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll the attack. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Two actions, one for defense. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 12 dice on Sword strike and got 2 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Typical... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Soak is 8L )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on something and got 1 hit.

Captain Kaizoku 's blade grazes off the top skull, taking a chunk out, but leaving all too much in place.

Monkey lands down crouching. He looks up to the sky, howls his victory cry and beats his chest.

Monkey . o O ( That'll be my action. Touchdown victory pose. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( The sorcerers release their spells. A pair of brilliant, fiery birds launch from the hands of two of them, striking the deathknight's mount in the center of it's foul body. The other three sorcerers, formerly targeting the deathknight himself, have quickly switched targets. One launches a cloud of sharp ice needles at the mount, while the other two cast the same spell on one of the bone spear launchers. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Rolling that stuff now. )

You rolled 7 dice on Brilliant Raptor and got 5 successes.

You rolled 7 dice on Brilliant Raptor and got 3 successes.

The Storyteller is number-crunching

You rolled 4 dice on something and got 1 hit.

You rolled 2 dice on something and got 1 hit.

You rolled 7 dice on Sting of the Ice Hornet and got 2 successes.

You rolled 6 dice on something and got 3 hits.

You rolled 6 dice on something and got 3 hits.

You rolled 7 dice on Sting of the Ice Hornet and got 3 successes.

You rolled 7 dice on Sting of the Ice Hornet and got 3 successes.

You rolled 13 dice on Sting damage and got 5 hits.

You rolled 13 dice on Sting damage and got 7 hits.

The Storyteller . o O ( crap, those Bone Spear Artillery are tough. )

TonyC whispers, "What you might want to do is use Kaizoku and Monkey (with the serial numbers filed off) against your other group of players. No one said that Solars have to get along. Then take notes, maybe even discuss how their tactics could be improved, file off the serial numbers from the other group's PCs, and turn them against us. No one ever said Solars have to be nice to each other."

The deathknight's mount is badly burned and stung from the sorceries unleashed upon it and it lashes madly in the flames. The spine chains are now merely chopped and rotting flesh, but as the Lookshy troops move to attack the Bone Spear Artillery, one of those machines fires a bolt of dark Essence. The machine falls inert as the Essence flies across the battlefield and detonates over the fallen. Animated, the former soldiers rise again as zombies and fall on the rear of their comrades.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and CK: make a Stamina + Resistance roll, difficulty 3, to avoid getting burned. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Stamina Uh Oh and got 2 successes.

Monkey . o O ( Do I have too? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, you're not close enough to the burning corpse-thing. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Captain's at -2 on any Physical roll while he puts the fire out -- 2 turns. )

The Storyteller . o O ( And... it's monkey's turn. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, yeah. Victory dance. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, roll init, then. )

Monkey rolled 1d10+8 and got 11.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+14 and got 23.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( with weapon, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Order: CK, Monkey, Monsters )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How far are the artillery units, and what kind of shape are they in? )

The Storyteller . o O ( say, 40 yards, and they're in pretty good shape. They're damn tough. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Right here if you're interested: http://www.lensmen.net/wiki/exalted.pl?Miedvied/BoneSpear )

Captain Kaizoku takes off running towards the nearest bone spear launcher, his anima burning even brighter than the flames, leaving a trail of smoke behind him. He comes to a halt 10 yards before the twisted undead thing, but the growing wave of his anima banner does not, washing over the creature, holy power buring through its form!

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( two actions, one move, one Zenith burn. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Wait, three, one for defense. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hai! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any stunt bonus on the anima attack? )

Monkey . o O ( But it's auto-hit with fixed damage. You can't get better. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Call it two dice. Also, the DB sorcerers are powering up for another shot. Unless Monkey's headed toward it, one of the warstriders diverts briefly to finish off the mount. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Sure, but it defrays the Essence cost. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( So it is just the three dice of Essence, right Jesse? )

Monkey . o O ( I'll finish the multi-armed thing. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on something and got 1 hit.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, just the 3 dice... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Man, that can be a really weenie ability. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( In the good way? )

Monkey . o O ( five motes/shot? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Not really. Not till you get over Ess 4, at least. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, Monkey: )

Monkey turns his attention to the multi-limbed giants. He grunts and starts running, semi-upright, gaining speed, and just crashes into it, using brute force to bring it down.

The Storyteller . o O ( You're tackling it?! )

Monkey . o O ( One action. Slam/tackle, whatever. My head's too big to do the smart thing at the moment. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Unarmed attack, but subtract three successes 'cause it's a big, heavy target. )

Monkey . o O ( It's like Foolhardy Contempt, except voluntary. )

Monkey rolled 9 dice on Crash! and got 1 success.

Monkey . o O ( I just bounced back. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Essentially... though you knocked it of balance. )

Monkey . o O ( Good old Newtonian physics. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Once again, victory is pretty much assured, at least once the forces get behind the Bone Spear Artillery (and therefore out of their firing arcs). Say it costs the 7th Legion about 50 mortal troopers -- for five machines and an enemy deathknight. Very good ROI. Unless you guys want to play out the combat, of course. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Would the Captain be able to save more of the soldiers in that case? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Possibly. It would also probably take another hour. )

Monkey . o O ( Can the Captain destroy the bone spear artillery in two turns? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Maybe. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( if he does a big multi attack, four slices, two turns... might do it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( To abbreviate things, make a Wits + Lore roll for tactics to figure out how to take 'em down with as few casualties as possible. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Tactics and got 1 success.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( ARGH )

Monkey . o O ( Don't you have that Tactics merit? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That was the tactics merit roll. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, you figure out how to destroy the machines at the cost of only 40 troops total. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. )

Captain Kaizoku stands on top of the ruined artillery and leads the survivors in a rousing victory cheer.

Monkey says, "Three cheers for Captain Taiyo Kaizoku! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!"

The Storyteller . o O ( The problem is that they've got about 80 health levels... each. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and get back Willpower: 2 pts. each for Nature. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yeah... I was just looking at the soak when I thought a multi-poking could do the job. )

Monkey . o O ( Cool, I'm back to 3 down. )

Captain Kaizoku goes to search the remains of the wicked Student.

The Storyteller . o O ( Quick bathroom break. Meanwhile, you've a night to rest up. Oy. Again with the looting. )

Monkey . o O ( He wants the dark pawaaah. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oops. Never bothered to equip him with anything. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Maybe he stole the keys to Reducer's Warstrider! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Maybe not. There's nothing worth taking on the corpse. Ugly fucker, too. )

Captain Kaizoku seperates the head from the body and kicks the former a considerable distance away. Just in case.

Monkey returns to Stormhammer and tells Master Jaff of his exploits. He describes the experience as mainly a long boring wait, followed by a few minutes of extreme excitement. He remarks that it's remarkably like pirating, except there's nothing to do during the waiting part. No rigging to take care, no casting the lead, not even fishing.

Monkey agrees with Master Jaff that the food is better.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmm. Maybe should re-read Black Company and whip up the Limper. )

Captain Kaizoku burns up the body and walks back with the men, praising their courage and skill and deeds this night, on his way to see Taimyo Yushoto.

Monkey . o O ( Good stuff, Black Company. )

The Storyteller . o O ( True dat. So, moving on. The Taimyo greets the Captain joyously, having already heard the good news from watchers on the city walls. )

Captain Kaizoku clasps the man's hand firmly. "I do not believe sorcery will threaten the people of the city now!"

Monkey agrees that there are more women, but wait, is Master Jaff talking human women or monkey women? What'cha mean you aren't saying?

The Taimyo says, "I fear you are wrong. You have slain the dog, but the lion approaches our gates even now. Though this victory is significant -- you have slain two of the Mask's greatest servants -- the Mask of Winters himself rides Juggernaut. Can we stand against him and survive?"

Monkey . o O ( David, do resist the temptation to tackle on Mask of Winters. I think we need approximately 100 more XP, two countries, and two years worth of downtime to spend those 100 XP before we can tackle him with a 50/50 odds. )

Captain Kaizoku replies without hesitation. "Yes. But not here and now. You saw my battle with the Reducer... I drew him forward and cut away his support until I had the advantage. That is how the Mask must be battled."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We just need to find a floating city or something... )

Monkey . o O ( Oooo, good answer. )

Monkey . o O ( Tame a dragon turtle behemoth. :) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How hard can that be? :) )

Monkey said to Master Jaff that if that's how he feels, fine, keep his secret, but he's not telling him anything more either. Phpbt.

The Storyteller . o O ( I believe what you're looking for is the Floating Palace of Bagrash Kol. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's the one! )

Monkey . o O ( Damn you, Jesse, for waving these shiny stuffs in front of us and watching us try batting at it. We aren't your cats! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( First we have to find the other two artifact parts and the lost First Age naval depot! )

The Storyteller . o O ( There's also a floating city -- firmly anchored, I'm afraid -- in Halta: Sal-Maneth. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, anything further to talk to Taimyo Yushoto about? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How'd he react to that statement? )

The Taimyo nods. "Sound doctrine. It is the execution that requires skill -- and resources of our own."

Monkey deliberately turns his back to Master Jaff and goes to sleep. Master Jaff crosses his arms and turns his nose up before leaping outside to hunt for crab apples.

Captain Kaizoku says "The Legion has stood firmly for centuries, and will continue to do so, of that I am sure. I will be contributing my own resources in every way I can. But I must take my leave for the night... many tasks remain ahead."

The Taimyo says, "Good night, Captain. Sleep well, for we have much work tomorrow."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Indeed. And you as well"

Captain Kaizoku departs with a bow.

The Storyteller . o O ( And... what next? Getting some sleep? )

Monkey . o O ( I think except for Reducer of Cities, we took care of all the known threats. The evacuation tomorrow should proceed without a hitch. )

TonyC eyes Apollonian suspiciously.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes... and Reducer's warstrider is gone, cutting down his power a lot. But the Mask may send some other fun people ahead of the Juggernaut. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, it will, because I would dearly like to move on. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It has been a long few days... )

The Storyteller . o O ( this particular story arc has stretched for about a month and a half longer than I thought it would. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Seeing all the innocent victims brought up the Captian's Compassion rating and made him want to do everything he could. )

Monkey . o O ( Set the closing scene for the arc then? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes... Gimme a minute. )

Monkey . o O ( Then we go to Lookshy, get our congratulations, take care of resupply and reorganization, possibly demand information (Captain can get them to teach him spells!), and pick a destination and set sail! Depending on how tired our illuminated GM is, we can move most of the tedious stuff to email. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Then up north to cripple the Realm fleet and save the barbarian raiders, only to unleash them against the Mask! )

A day and a night later, the foam glows in the wake of Stormhammer. Behind the ships of the evacuation fleet -- bearing all the people of Celeren who could leave -- the city is engulfed in shadow. You can see the colossal form of the Mask's undead fortress moving behind the hills, and flashes of sorcery and Essence reflect off the clouds. A few Lookshy soldiers and native fighters have remained behind to maintain a guerilla resistance and spy network, and they have begun their work already. The Thief of Crows takes cordial leave of the Solars, speeding into the night sky with a last word of -- warning? "My mistress is taking a great interest in you. Perhaps we will meet again." The new crewmembers are taking to their roles with enthusiasm, and you are sure you have the core of a great fleet in these ships.

Monkey . o O ( Then down South to raise an army and bring them against Gem. Gem delenda est! )

Captain Kaizoku says to the Thief as she goes "Think of another way besides that of the Mask to spread your message... and tell your mistress of the treachery that surrounds the Mask of Winters and all who come too near him."

After a day's sail, you meet with White Soul Weeping off the northern coast of Marukan. He bears messages from the generals of Lookshy. They will be fighting a holding action while the armies of the Rivers Province gather, and hope for the Captain to aid them upon the seas.

The Thief of Crows says, "Innocent sun-child, you know little yet of treachery. Search the past, and you will know it. Live much longer, and you will feel it. Look to the asp upon your breast, for it will fell you where no other foe can stand against you. Fare well -- may the knowledge you are sure to gain not cost you too much."

Two days sail from Celeren, Monkey has Stormhammer make a side-trip. Somewhere on the coast, on a jutting promontory, he buries Yeke Delger's heart, pours wine over it, and says, "Best of luck, godling." Then he returns to Stormhammer and tries his best to catch up with the rest of the fleet.

Captain Kaizoku distributes the new and old crew more evenly among the ships before sailing to Lookshy, to find officers and gunners that the Legion would soon be rid of.

Captain Kaizoku merely waves to the Theif as she goes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, on the crew: )

The Storyteller . o O ( where do you stick the new fighters? They're basically a small band of Marukani horse-warriors, led by a couple of heroes -- well, adventurers. Also, are you going to continue trying to win the loyalty of the Raiton's Hatchlings with Zenith-fu instead of coin? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How small a band are they? Enough to fit on the Stormhammer? And yes, more charismatic leadership on the Hatchlings. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Around 20 or so Marukani. On the Hatchlings: rattle off, say, five Cha + Per rolls )

The Storyteller . o O ( Charisma + Performance, in case that wasn't clear. )

Monkey . o O ( Stormhammer fits 8 comfy. Double that spartan. Call it 24 max double-bunking. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha+Per 1 and got 4 successes.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha+Per 2 and got 3 successes.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha+Per 3 and got 1 success.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha+Per 4 and got 1 botch.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Cha+Per 5 and got 1 success.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hm. I'll say that most of the mercenaries are favorably inclined toward you -- quite a bit so -- but not yet devoted followers. I'll work something crunchy out later, if necessary. Oh -- are you carrying any refugees? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, as many as possible. )

Monkey . o O ( Oh, return the Celeren hearthstone before we leave. )

Monkey . o O ( It'll just be destroyed when Celeren falls anyway. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Give it to a resistance fighter for while it lasts. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Drop off point for refugees is near the Lookshy Naval depot a couple hundred miles north of Celeren. )

Monkey . o O ( Nominates the City Father as the chosen resistance fighter. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Speaking of Hearthstones: You remember the batch you grabbed from the Thief? About three days after she leaves, you find nothing but Hearthstone dust in the bag. Make an Int + Lore check to figure out how close you got to figuring out where the manses were (if you did that at all). )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is it a big depot? Big enough for the recruiting plan? )

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

The Storyteller . o O ( Big, but not good for the recruiting -- it's full of loyal, active-duty types, not disaffected potential rogues. Still... make a Cha + Presence roll, difficulty 5. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With HPM? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Indeed! )

Once they dropped the refugees, Monkey and Master Jaff go out, and after many merry drinks, they're good friends again. <hic><plop>

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Persuasion and got 4 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Dang, so close. )

The Storyteller . o O ( What? That's a success. After some sincere poking around and making friendly, you're able to find a sorcerer-technician who's not too terribly happy with his position in life. He agrees to sign on with you, but you'll need to get the higher-ups to authorize some detached duty for him. IOW, make a Bureaucracy roll, diff 2. )

Captain Kaizoku has fittings for the Lighting Ballistae made for the Corona and Nimbus, while there.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Bur+what? )

Monkey . o O ( Manip? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Manipulation )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, Int. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Look it up instead of pulling it out of my ass? What a concept! )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Int+Bur+HPM and got 7 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( No problem. You can now add the Air-aspect Saji Hisato to your crew. I'll work out stats at some point, but he's a competent sorcerer with teamwork problems. )

Monkey . o O ( Feh, I happen to think that making shit up on the fly is essential too. )

Monkey . o O ( In other words, like Monkey, except less cool. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can he shoot a cannon? )

Monkey . o O ( You want Lightning Ballista. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That too. )

The Storyteller . o O ( "less cool" is what defines NPCs. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Let's see... what else needs to be done ere the next story arc? )

Captain Kaizoku gets the latest reports on Realm fleet activity, espeically the fleet he plans to target.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can the Captain get a copy of the Infallible Messenger spell from a book to study? )

Monkey says, "Ale and whores!"

The Storyteller goes back and checks two-month-old notes

Monkey says, "Wheeeee!"

Monkey says, "Wait, must get a good luck charm and seagull warding."

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh, seagull warding. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Heh. )

Monkey says to an incredulous bartender, "They have uncanny aim."

Monkey squints at his bottle. "There's no more rum, and I still got room. Barkeep! I require two more bottles. One for me, and one for my little friend here. Alright, Master Jaff, it's time we settle this like men. Who's the stoutest drinker ever. On three, we chug. One.... three!

Monkey . o O ( I'll be kind and not ask for intoxication rules. :) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's what the Resistance skill is good for! :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Barada's fleet is operating off the coast of Cherak. It's working in conjunction with a couple of House-backed Legions from House Mrphmrph (I'll figure it out later -- I was thinking Ragara, but not sure that makes sense) to suppress rebellions and drive off the barbarians. Working from travel times, they've probably been engaged in serious operations for about a week. The distance from Lookshy to Cherak is about 1,000 miles by sea. )

Monkey . o O ( Exactly. This is <hic>.... training. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Captain: Recruiting in Lookshy? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, asking the Legion of they have any lost eggs who don't fit in well with the military, who might serve better in a more independent post. Trying to find one or two people who might have some command potential. )

Monkey . o O ( They'll give you heroic mortals, but no army ever have enough Exalts. )

The Storyteller . o O ( are you restricting your search to DBs or also looking for heroic mortals and god-blooded? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( DB first, but the later two if not... skills are skills, after all. )

Monkey . o O ( How long are we staying in Lookshy, roughly? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Just a few days, to fully resupply, do the recruiting and get the ballistae mounts fitted properly. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Each roll in the recruitment process is going to take a day. Looking for recruits takes a Per + Socialize roll, dif 1. Actually recruiting them is Cha + Presence. Heroic mortals cost 1 success, most God-blooded cost 2, and dragon-blooded or powerful god-blooded cost 3. You can spend double the required successes on a recruit to win them over thoroughly. Naturally, any applicable Charms, uh, apply. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Also, there are now ships available to buy if you're feeling like it. Not a lot of warships per se, but merchant ships, some of which are suitable for conversion or for support duty. )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, heck, two can play the game. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is there a trireme tender by any chance? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Search day 1 and got 3 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( No. That you'll need to get specially made or stolen. (Kinda like trying to find an aircraft carrier on the open market.) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is that three possible hits with that roll? )

The Storyteller . o O ( First day: you find three potential recruits. A DB with wanderlust and a pair of heroic mortals, scavenger lords by trade, with reason to leave the Scavenger Lands. )

Monkey says, "Good folks, brave folks, strong folks! I'm Monkey, First Mate to Captain Taiyo Kaizoku. Yup, that guy. Pretty sure you've heard the stories, and if you haven't, I'll be glad to regale you with it later, after a few drinks. To keep things short, I'm recruiting for Monkey's Merry Marines! The pay is good, the risk exciting, and you get to see all sort of new things. Some of which might be dull, some terrifying, but hey, that's Mercenary Men for you. Who's in?"

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on recruit dragon blooded and got 8 successes.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He's fanticially loyal... )

The Storyteller . o O ( My. You can recruit the DB with devout loyalty and still snag the two mortals with picayune loyalty. )

Monkey . o O ( I'll try for three days. I expect mortals, but hey. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, go with that for starters... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, roll it. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Search day 2 and got 2 successes.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Monkey's Marine Mercenary Merry Men and got 4 successes.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Monkey's Marine Mercenary Merry Men and got 3 successes.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Monkey's Marine Mercenary Merry Men and got 2 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( One lead on the third day (remember, one roll -- search or recruit -- per day). This time, it's a God-blooded of indeterminate heritage, a demon hunter who thinks you're on the right track for the direction she should be going next. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, Monkey trawls the low dives on the waterfront. If you feel like recruiting normal mortals, you can do that without searching at a cost of 5 per success, btw. Leads for Monkey, after three days of looking: )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and it seems reasonable that you can follow up on each other's leads. )

Monkey . o O ( Wait, I didn't do it right. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, re-roll. )

Monkey rolled 2 dice on Search and got 1 success.

Monkey rolled 2 dice on Search and got 2 successes.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Recruit and got 2 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey leads: )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey finds: a Dragon-blooded itching for a command and not getting it in Lookshy because of a youthful indiscretion. A heroic mortal looking for a way out of the gutter who has potential. Oh, and... Norio, who recognizes Monkey in a pub and won't stop following him around. Turns out she's in town looking for employment. )

Monkey tsks tsks. Monkey's supposed to chase after women, not the other way around.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey is too pretty for that to work. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( So the Captain can roll for those leads loyalty? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sure, if Monkey tells him about them (I'm assuming he does, but...) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He might not about Norio. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hm. Remember that kid from Nexus? )

Monkey . o O ( Of course, although the first two would be in the form of recommendations, as in "Captain, I found these guys" and the last one would be in the form of a complaint, "Captain, this woman just wouldn't leave me alone!" )

Monkey . o O ( Yes? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Think he should show up? )

Monkey . o O ( My recruit roll is high enough for the heroic mortal. Unless Kaizoku forbids him, consider him hired. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Captain will trust Monkey's judgement. )

Monkey . o O ( Nah. Nexus to Lookshy is too far, and he's too young yet to make a trip that far. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Unless he tagged along with Norio! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Which is what I was thinking... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey needs a fanboi. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Captain, it's day four. Roll to recruit off of Monkey's leads? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Recruiting and got 5 successes.

The Storyteller . o O ( That'll be enough to recruit both Norio and the other -- Norio already has incentive to hook up with you. )

Monkey . o O ( Why would the two give a damn about each other? If you want, sure. But they'd better have a very interesting story to tell. And I don't care if it's a true story or not. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They both want to find Monkey, that's what! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Have to look at the notes from that period. )

Monkey . o O ( Next.... Pick a destination! )

The Storyteller . o O ( You've spent four days in Lookshy and recruited 3 heroic mortals, 3 DBs... did you decide to recruit the god-blooded? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The coast of Cherak. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Would that take another day? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Call it half a day. Any big equipment buys while in town? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, and are there any spellbooks available? )

Monkey . o O ( Big equipment? No, but I'm adding the good luck charm and seagull ward! )

The Storyteller . o O ( The Lookshy sorcery academy is willing to give the Captain access to a couple spells. Pick three off the Terrestrial unrestricted list from Outcaste. Also, of course, you just recruited a Sorcerer-Technician who can teach you a few. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and eeps. )

The Storyteller . o O ( You each get 12 XP. )

Monkey . o O ( Woot. )

Monkey . o O ( One more thing. What's our opening scene next week? Do we start by arriving in port at whatever northern port we picked? )

Monkey . o O ( If so, how long is the trip? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Mast Shattering Spell, Infallible Messenger and Spirit of Might. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, the Captain wants to hit the fleet before going to port. )

The Storyteller . o O ( the trip is about 12 days. I may have to skip next week to work on background stuff -- if so, I'll let you know by Saturday. Probably not, of course, but... I have a lot of characters to make all of a sudden. )

Monkey . o O ( Make David work. He recruits them, he makes them. )

The Storyteller . o O ( BTW, I suggest dropping some of that XP on learning Skytongue. :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( David, do you have Dragon-Blooded? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, I do. )

Monkey . o O ( Monkey will take care of Skytongue. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( WHat's the training time reduction for the trip? )

Monkey . o O ( I'll make that heroic mortal I recruited then. )

Monkey . o O ( Norio, IIRC, is already made. Let's leave the kid unstatted. )

The Storyteller . o O ( For the sake of getting the captain to actually spend some of that XP, I'm going to say you get a full 12 days. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Actually... the captain may want to make some downtime. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Not so much for his training as for actually getting his fleet to operate as a competent whole. You've just about doubled it and added a lot of officers. It might be a _really_ good idea to do some sailing in safe waters before heading to take on one of the Realm's best admirals. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Good point... but that fleet is pressing... Hmm. Maybe make single ship raids on them away from the Solar fleet. )

The Storyteller . o O ( If the barbarians are worth saving, they can survive for a month or two. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, all yours. Norio's sheet is already up, of course. The god-blooded demon hunter is already on the wiki somewhere... but it's not cooperating at the moment, so I can't find her. )

Monkey . o O ( We'll assume 12 days for now. I'll discuss things with David via email. For the moment, let's wrap up. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( So that leaves the sorcerer-tech, two dragon blooded and two heroic mortals? )

The Storyteller . o O ( yes. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK! )

Monkey . o O ( David, want me to handle to heroic mortals? )

The Storyteller . o O ( See you guys next week (unless I need more time) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Sure! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Bye )