StalkerofShadows/Gates

This is an Alchemicals game to commence beginning of March, 2006 (tabletop).

Bridges Across Worlds, an Alchemical Campaign

Times are hard in Yugash; rationing has become strict, machines unreliable at times and the population weary. On the surface, it appears to be one of the cyclical downturns common to the Realm of Brass and Shadows. Yugash has recently drifted farther away from the other major cities, cutting vital trade routes. A Blight Zone has been sighted, although it is still several week’s travel from the population centers. These facts cannot be hidden from the populace, and they accept this time with the resignation that nothing can be done.

The Tripartite, however, knows differently. Although supplies of Magical Materials have been sufficient and maintenance as thorough as ever, many of the machines that drive the city (and thus the Great Creator) have become unreliable. As of yet, they have been able to place the blame on the Blight Zone and assure the citizens that the situation is under control. Unfortunately, the truth is far worse. The Great Maker slowly dying in his sleep. The increasing entropy of the system is only symptomatic of the greater truth. Worse yet, while the population had steadily increased since the beginning of The Exile, it has now stopped. It appears that there are simply no more souls to go around. And even more frightening, Conductors have noticed that the population is slightly decreasing, something that has never happened other than during the largest of wars.

Despite the great need within Yugash, several bands of Alchemicals were sent out into the Far Reaches to find an answer. Time and again, they returned, reporting that the Machine Gods had no answer to their entreaties. Finally, the last group of Alchemicals, led by the jade Alchemical known as Driven as Steam, returned from the Far Reaches. He spoke of finding the Pole of Crystal, but was barred access. At this time Runel, the goddess of life and creation, appeared and handed him one crystal command key. He asked of what use it would be, but all she would answer is “if you search your heart, you already know.”

Returning to Yugash, Driven as Steam spend many weeks researching the key at the Starmetal patropolis of Chesselanta. He discovered that the key was a part of the command system for a portal that would bridge between worlds. The Great Maker had once come from another world before entering his sleep of the ages. Fragmentary history spoke of a great war that almost destroyed the world, and powerful beings that turned on the Creator to force him away. Although it seems there is little chance that such beings would help, if they ever existed, the chance must be taken. Construction of the gate began immediately, and it has almost been finished. An entire new series of Alchemicals was rushed into production to prepare for this exploration. Not knowing if the beings of this new world would be hostile, if they even still exist, weapons production has been placed into high gear.

Important NPCs

Chesselanta, Patropoli of Knowledge: One of the greatest of the starmetal caste, she forms the complex at which copies of all data in Yugash is stored and where members of the Tripartite come to study. The spired, other-worldy buildings of the great academies rest on platforms held by her many hands. The gate is being constructed in a cavern directly across from her so that she may scan the new world before anyone is sent though.

Driven as Steam, jade caste: Driven as Steam is a jade Alchemical of moderate age; he is approximately 200 years old and has an essence of 4. He is known as being one of the most human of the older Alchemicals. Many of the assembly workers owe their lives to his willingness to place himself at great personal risk in order to save workers from the increasingly more common catastrophic breakdowns. He would be a great hero still if the Tripartite were to release the details of his mission.

Unhesitatingly Loyal Weapon, orichalum caste: She is an orichalum caste of unknown origin recovered during a foray into the Far Reaches. Locked in stasis and barely functional, she was returned to Yugash for refitting. She is known for her high clarity and disregard for her own safety (and that of her compatriots) as long as the mission is accomplished.

The following are our custom setting rules:br> -Characters start with 25BP and +3 personal essence
-Power Combat is being used
-Clarity requirements for Protocols are waived
-Many custom charms have been created
-The players will have somewhat adequate access to Vats, even in Creation (as to what happens is a surprise)
-Vat refitting time has been greatly reduced