Aliki's Prelude

*Text still messy and being edited*


<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> High summer, the Port City of Arjuf. The sky is a faultless blue, the sun beaming down on the bustling port city, gleaming off of windows, white washed walls, and the gleaming streets that had washed clean by this morning's rain. 
* Mnemon_Aliki streeeeetches
* Mnemon_Aliki yawns, with a squeaky little sound. 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Mnemon Aliki is on her way from her old townhouse, an humble building in a once rich but now decaying section of town, to visit a 'friend', Cynis Salia, whom she knew from her days at the Heptagram. A stuck up little bint, who likely only passed the classes because she slept with the teachers.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The note was short. A few pleasentries, then "If you have nothing better to do with your day, would you mind visiting me at my manse today? I've recently made quite a discovery, an impressive grimoire from the Shogunate, and I would appreciate your assistance in properly identifying it." Knowing her, she means to rub your face in her find.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki's father, I suspect, may have been a Wind aspected Cynis, so her distaste isn't house related, it's just a generalized disdain for petty people. 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Knowing her, she probably doesn't understand its full significance, either.
<Mnemon_Aliki> But a tome is a tome is a tome....
<Mnemon_Aliki> She'll take the long route, though, soaking in the breeze
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Walking?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> It feels nice. Warm. Clean. A nice antidote to most Cynis domiciles.
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Her resources are low, she probably doesn't have staff to carry her)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Ledaal Calipe walks a few respectful paces behind you. From the corner of your eye, you catch her frequently turning and looking behind you, frowning worridly.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Something wrong?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She turns back to you, smiling quickly "Oh, no. At least, I don't think so.. I just thought I saw someone following us."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Does that happen often?
<Mnemon_Aliki> The realm, crawling, as it does, with spies and intrigue
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((OOC comments in Paraphesis please, to help differentiate. :) It happens from time to time, but its far from an everyday occurance. And theres always a chance of something more sinister than routine spying))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "The usual, you think?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe shrugs, looking back over her shoulder "Probably. But you never know. Could be a spy, could be a pickpocket, could be a ninja death squad."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Gimme a per+Awareness check))
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 3[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [3[1d10]]: 1 1 7 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You see someone back there, peeking at you from behind a merchant's stall. Looks like a kid.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> So, one sux, and one number away from a double botch!
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Calipe?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Yes, Mistress?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "It's not the ninja death squad."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks vaguely dissapointed "Really?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "There's a kid behind us-- don't look." 
<Mnemon_Aliki> "He's hiding, though. Gakwers don't usually do that."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She straightens, nodding. "You want me to go back there and tan his hide for him?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "No. I'd like you to stop here and pretend to be interested in these silks."
* Mnemon_Aliki walks along, chatting casualy
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods and steps over to the merchant's stall, looking over the silks.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I expect he'll continue to follow me."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Do tail him for a little, will you?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods briefly, smiling.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Alike feigns a passing interest in the oranges in the next stall over, and then continues on her way, smiling
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> A few casual looks over your shoulder shows that the kid is following you, passing wide around Calipe but hardly sparring you a glance. He's.. not doing a very good job of following you, attracting stares as he darts from cover to cover, as he likely believes an actual ninja would.
<Mnemon_Aliki> He could be in someone's employ-- give the urchins a little to report on strangers, that kind of thing.
<Mnemon_Aliki> It could also be a game.
<Mnemon_Aliki> And.... how many Dragonblooded ARE there in Arjuf?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((NOt many, right now. Probably around 50-60. It's an important port city.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Out of... how many? 50-60k?
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Hm. It's only Semi-OOC, sorry, I have trouble remembering to put those bits in parenthesis))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Somewhere over 12,000, I'd say.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Within the Realm itself))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Oh, I meant out of how many in Arjuf! :) ))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Oh, how many mortals? Yeah, probably somewhere along those lines))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Alright. So, unusual, but not enough to really draw attention, even if she's rather heavily caste-marked))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe breaks away from the stall as the kid passes by, trailing behind the two of you and looking amused.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yeah. Unusual sight, but most residents get over gawking at ya'll pretty quick))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((On the other hand, who can figure kids?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Anyhow. 
<Mnemon_Aliki> She'll whistle or hum a little as she goes by-- a habit unusually common among the air caste.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So, ignoring the kid and heading on to the Cynis' Manse?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Pretending she doesn't see the kid, anyhow.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You reach the Cynis Salia's sprawling manse set in the foothills above Arjuf. The kid has followed this entire way and, as you reach the manse, hides in a nearby Mulberry bush. Calipe catches up with you moments later.
<Mnemon_Aliki> If it's just a game, it's unimportant. If she's being spied on, Calipe will be able to tell me who he reports to.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The manse itself is a large, three story building set in an immaculately kept garden, and surrounded by a high stone fence. Two guards stand outside the gate, clad in polished armor bearing the sign of House Cynis
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Manse 2-3?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I believe I am expected."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((3))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The guard bows deeply "Mnemon Aliki? You are indeed expected. Allow me to escort you inside and announce your presence." He jerks his head and the gates slowly slide open.
* Mnemon_Aliki hopes Calipe doesn't mind being left out-- some people actually *want* to be invited to lavish Cynis manses....
<Mnemon_Aliki> She heads in.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> @emit You're escorted inside by the grim faced guard. Calipe trails behind, but the second guard steps between her and the gate. Behind you, the gate closes with a rattle.
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((@emit? Or /emit ?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It's a MUSh command, which is where I usually run games. Hands stuck it in without consulting the brain. :P))
* Mnemon_Aliki probably has the right to bring her own servants, but Calipe has a job to do anyhow
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Ahhh)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((If you want, you can insist she comes with you))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Doesn't she have a kid to follow?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((She does indeed. Just saying that she can, if you so decided.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The gardens surrounding the manse are quite impressive, obviously maintained by a small army of gardeners. You see brightly colored birds, tame deer, and even a small bear wandering the grounds. The guard escorts you to a small gazebo overlooking a carp pond.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Salia! Darling. Good to see you!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The table has been set for tea, and as you approach, several maids begin to fill cups and bring food from the manse. The guard bows "If you would kindly wait, Mistress, our Lady will attend you shortly."
* Mnemon_Aliki retracts the last
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((My apologies, she's not there at the moment. *should've made that clear*))
* Mnemon_Aliki was too hasty
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki settles in to wait, enjoying the weather. She sniffs the food, wondering which is drugged. 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> @emit Theres a sumptous collection of cakes, cookies, teas and wines, little things stuffed with other things that've been chopped, diced, creamed and, in one case, apparantly chewed. The maids finish setting the table, and all but one disappear into the manse.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> A long, twenty minute wait later, the lady of the house deigns to make her appearance. Salia is a tall, lovely young lady, skin the color of healthy wood and hair bright green and heavy with flowers. She's wearing a flimsy, see through wrap that hides.. nothing at all, really. She calmly, and slowly, walks up to the gazebo, smiling to herself.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((She looks just as smug and self satisfied as you remember.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Salia! Darling! Good to see you!"
<Mnemon_Aliki> Mnemon rises and does this little DB-noble airkiss thing with absolutely no sincerity
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You've done quite well for yourself, obviously."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> @emit Salia smiles up at you "Aliki, sweetheart. It's been too long! I'm afraid I lost track of you after graduation.. You were never at any of the social events, and I'm afraid I just forgot about you until someone told me you were living in that /darling/ little townhouse in the Old District." She mirrors your air-kissing
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She laughs "Oh, you know how it is. House Cynis cares for its Sorcerers, and we look after our own."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh, THAT old thing. It's really only quite temporary, I seldom stay in one place for very long."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia feigns surprise "Oh really? Well, I suppose if you're just passing through, roughing it wouldn't be too bad. I suppose doing without base creature comforts must be an adventure!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She takes her seat, still smiling at you.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Bitch.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Not out loud, mind.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Dats der bunny!))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia yawns faintly "I'm sorry for leaving you on your own so long, dear. I hope you don't mind, I was a bit busy with business." She looks over the table "Did you enjoy the appetizers, dear?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Not nearly so rough as conditions on some of my expeditions. I don't know how you do it, really, tying yourself to one place."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "They're quite delicious, thank you."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods "They are delightful, though to many will go straight to your bottom!" She eyes you critically "Oh, your expeditions? You really must tell me about them." Without pausing, she continues "I do hope I'm not dragging you away from something important, to deal with my own little find."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh, yes, I simply must tell you about my negotiations with the wood-god Eldriatus... but perhaps another time? You must be EVER so busy, what with your manse and other ... domestic affairs."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia nods, smugly. "Oh yes, quite. I'm so very busy these days, I sometimes yearn for your simple life where you're free of House obligations and a need to maintain appearances." She rises and offers you one manicured hand "Shall we? I'm afraid I haven't managed to translate the book yet, but I was hoping you could help me identify it."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You always DID have such a tricky time with those Old-Realm conjugations!" She laughs, good naturedly, and accepts the hand. "Naturally, I am always pleased to be of service to House Cynis."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> @emit She murmurs "Most people are." She starts towards the Manse "I found this on a little trip of my own down South with 'Ledaal' Peshiv. You know, one of our 'special' teachers? I know you never took to them, but I found Peshiv to be.. stimulating."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Stupid hands, stop typing emit!))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (haha. It's OK, I know how those habits go))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "So Peshiv wasn't interested in it?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You pass through the halls of the Manse towards the back. It's just as sumptous and overblown as you'd expect. You don't think you've ever seen as many nude statues and paintings as you have now.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She smirks "He didn't know, the poor dear. I found reference to a little manse in the desert while reading his notes one night.. The poor dear was quite worn out. I'm afraid I took it into my head to look into the manse myself." She titters "Poor dear never knew."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Oh, I'm sure she has.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Point.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((However, the interior decorate took matters to extremes here.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "The concerns of the flesh are often point of vulnerability for men."
<Mnemon_Aliki> *a point
<Mnemon_Aliki> *so often
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia nods "Men, women, even spirits.." She pauses outside a large, ornately carved door and pulls a key from.. somewhere. You're a bit surprised, as you didn't *see* any pockets in that flimsy robe of hers. The lock clicks open. 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Slight of hand, possibly?
<Mnemon_Aliki> Or a trick worth learning...
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She pushes the door open, and you see a library beyond, well illuminated by sunwindows in the roof. One of them has been broken, the glass spread across the lush carpet. In the center of the room is a pillar with a glass case on it. A book, seemingly made of shadows and smoke, sits in the glass case.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Three men in dark, concealing outfits stand around the case. One has a hammer in his hand, upraised to shatter the glass. They turn and stare at you as you enter the room.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Are these guards, or...?
<Mnemon_Aliki> (assuming apparently not)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Friends of yours?" she asks, dryly
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Theres a patch on their chests. The old realm symbol for 'water', only broken in twain, has been burnt into it. Salia gawps at them "What.. Who.." She shakes her head, flushing red "Thieves! Get your hands off my book!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> With that yell, two of the ninja draw hidden blades from beneath their black uniforms. (Join Battle!)
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((What's JB again?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Wits+Awareness)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> +roll 7[1d10]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> +roll 7[1d10]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> +roll 7[1d10]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> +roll 4[1d10]
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 4[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [4[1d10]]: 1 2 4 5 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 7[1d10]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 7[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [7[1d10]]: 5 4 7 1 1 4 9 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 7[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [7[1d10]]: 10 8 8 5 3 8 8 > 
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [7[1d10]]: 9 2 3 1 6 3 9 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> LAST
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 4[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [4[1d10]]: 5 4 7 2 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Hammer Ninja tick 0. Ninja 1&2 tick 4. Salia, tick 5. You, tick 6.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The hammer wielding ninja shatters the glass case and scoops up the book, turning to run back to a slender rope dangling through the broken window. He begins scurrying up it.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The other two ninja charge you and Salia. They break off, one attacking each of you. The first leaps at you, knife flashing as he hurtles through the air.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((DV?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (DDV of ... sorry, 1e sheet.... Dex+Dodge=7, so... 4?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> (oops. Essence goes into that, too, doesn't it?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((5, you add your essence. So, yeah))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 9[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [9[1d10]]: 2 5 1 6 10 4 3 1 5 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> (OK, 5. And a PdV of 3+4+4=11)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So, 5 and 6))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You duck as he swipes at your head. He twists in midair like a cat and hits the wall behind you, bounding off and rolling across the floor. The second charges straight at Salia, knife reaching for her throat
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 9[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [9[1d10]]: 4 4 7 8 6 4 6 5 6 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He misses as well, knife going wide. Salia turns and runs through the door shouting, leaving you behind with the ninja.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Your turn. Ninja 1 is scurrying up the roppe. 2 and 3 go again on tick 9. They're currently blocking a direct run at the rope.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (And Ninja 1 has the book?) 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yup.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, burning two essence to invoke Air Aspect.
<Mnemon_Aliki> I'm jumping.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It'll be dex+Athletics))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Doing a little low-g crouching tiger leap here-- can I jump to the rope if I bounce on their heads?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure!))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((How many sux do I need?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((2 to get the rope. 5 to tackle the ninja)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And I'll say it counts a 2 dice stunt, as you're using the enviroment))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Great, so 4 essence back, and I'll use 2nd excellency to burn 6 essence, starting out with 3 sux
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [8[1d10]]: 5 1 1 4 6 4 10 7 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Which leaves me at SIX successes, but still in peripheral essence.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Pose that beautiful bean footage))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((OK, so I get the guy on the rope?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes, as you got 6 succs. You can tackle him and grab hold))
<Mnemon_Aliki> The guy on the rope was good, and he was on guard for an attack from below. Which is why I decided to go for an attack from above. Calling on Mela, I took to the air as if it was my birthright (which, come to think of it, it was)-- spinning once, bouncing on his accomplices, and leaping to grab the rope ABOVE him
<Mnemon_Aliki> Sure, it was Salia's book-- but nobody was getting away with it before *I* had a chance to study it.
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((End narration.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((How many ticks did that take?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Misc actions are 5 ticks, iirc. So you go next on tick 11.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ok
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja glares up at you as you seize hold of the rope, blocking his ascent. He wraps his legs around the slender rope, holding himself up as he reaches into a pocket and pulls out several smoothe, black pearls. He hurls them at the ceiling, and they explode, pouring out a foul purple smoke that rapidly begins to fill the room.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And he goes on turn tick 1 next. Roll me Stam+Resistance))
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 1[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [1[1d10]]: 7 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> I succeed!
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The smoke burns your lungs and eyes, stinging like fire. You cough roughly and taste blood. The room is filled with smoke, cutting your visibility. The rope jerks as the ninja falls to the ground. Below, you can hear panicked shouts.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 2[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [2[1d10]]: 7 8 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Take 2 bashing from the poisoned smoke.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Your go.))
* Mnemon_Aliki takes two bashing from the poisoned smoke
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Is the smoke rising or falling?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It's expanding very rapidly, filling the room. You think there may be clear air near the floor, if you lie down. Or, if you climb up, there'll be some outside the manse.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Can I see him well enough that if I drop down, I can land on him, dagger-first?
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((or, alternately, can I see the book?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It's pretty dark down there, he'd likely have a cover bonus. Theres a chance it could work, however. And the ninja is holding the book, you're pretty sure even though he's just a dark patch in the purple smoke))
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, let's fall on him.
<Mnemon_Aliki> -1 due to wound penalties....
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Dex+MA? Dex+Athletics?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Dex+Melee, -1 for cover))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Melee?
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((It's a MA weapon))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((MA, I mean.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sorry, brain fart))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((DV of 4))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Any stunt dice for plunging from the ceiling, possibly leaping and pushing off from the top-- I'm still at .25G?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Hmm.. +1 for the plunge, up to +2 for leaping and pushing off))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (OK, so six dice. Burning another 6 essence for 3 sux.)
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki pulls UP on the rope, reaching the ornately inscribed ceiling, spinning around, and pushing off, DIVING towards the floor, point of her blade in front of her-- HOPING that that black spot was a ninja, not the blur from the poison, or else she was in for a world of hurt
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 6[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [6[1d10]]: 1 6 1 5 1 10 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Two.
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Five total)0
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Soak is 4. Roll damage.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Does Essence ping still exist?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yeah. Ping=Essence))
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 3[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [3[1d10]]: 4 7 7 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> It was. He broke the fall. It hurt.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The blade punctures the ninja's shoulder and he goes to the floor, blood splattering out. The book drops from his grip and skids across the floor. As he rises from the floor, one of the other ninja stumbles through the smoke. His mask has been torn off, and you can see his face, blue from the poison. Blood pours from mouth, eyes, and nose. He falls to the ground, twitching.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Roll stam+Resistance again))
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 1[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [1[1d10]]: 6 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((What was the speed on your attack?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 2d10
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [2d10]: 4>  
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Um, this is bashing, right?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 2[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [2[1d10]]: 8 1 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes, it is. It's just very ugly poison for extras. 1 bashing))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Speed 4, plus any for ariel acrobatics)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> (( Tick 3 for you, next.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Pity about the poison, I wanted prisoners....))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The first ninja dives for the book, grabbing hold of it and rising to his feet. He turns towards and says, in perfect High Realm "Dragon scum, don't make this bloodier than it has to be."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Misc action, so tick 6 for him. Go.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Turns towards what? me?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Towards you :P))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Where's Salia?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Last Ninja standing?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Salia ran off shouting. She's probably getting grabs. And, judging from what you saw happen to the other ninja, it's a good guess that he and you are the only living things in the room))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Grabs=guards))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((God, my typing sucks today))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((It's OK, they're Cynis guards, it's part of the job description))
<Mnemon_Aliki> How far are we from any exits?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Probably about 10 feet from the door. 20 feet from the roof exit.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((So I don't have time to get a spell out before he gets out of here.)
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, so here's what's going to have to happen.
<Mnemon_Aliki> You've seen Errol Flynn?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((I haven't))
<Mnemon_Aliki> She's going to grab the rope and swing past him, to block the entrance (and hopefully get some clear air?), cutting the rope behind her
<Mnemon_Aliki> Swashbuckler style
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure. Dex+Athletics, 2 point stunt))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Again, burning 6 essence, which puts me to Glowy.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Benefiting from the quadrupled leaping distance.
<Mnemon_Aliki> -2 for wounds, +2 for sutnt
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 6[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [6[1d10]]: 7 10 2 3 9 10 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> A-yus
<Mnemon_Aliki> That'll do it.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Desc?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Well, more or less as described, swash-buckling style, sailing over his head on the rope and slicing it off behind her, landing in the clear air of the hallway beyond-- hopefully he's blocked in?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The poison smoke swirls and churns as your anima pushes it back, clearing the air around you. The smoke billows around the ninja, wreathing him deadly poison. Even over the rush of your anima, you can hear the grinding of his teeth as he glowers at you through his mask.
<Mnemon_Aliki> And hopefully those guards will be here soon.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You could always give up!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> From the down the hallway, you hear the yells of approaching guardians. The ninja looks around the room, at the stout walls and severed rope. He crouches, still starring at you. He says, thoughtfully "Mnemon Aliki. I thought I recognized you. A shame we must part here. Unfortunately, my orders do not allow for surrender"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [8[1d10]]: 8 2 1 5 5 3 2 7 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He leaps upwards, faster and farther than any purely human creature could, trailing toxic smoke. He smashes into the windows above and breaks through them, sending blood stained glass cascading into the room below.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((tick 8 for you, tick 11 for him next. He's on the roof.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Son of a bitch!
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 4[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [4[1d10]]: 5 4 7 7 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And he takes 2 lethal for that stunt))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Can I leap to the remnants of the rope?
<Mnemon_Aliki> Possibly off of the case the book was on?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Easily, with your anima. Diff 2, 2 pt stunt if you use the enviroment))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning 2 for a success.
<Mnemon_Aliki> THe book's pedistal was right below the now vacant window-- and there was still rope left, at the top
<Mnemon_Aliki> So she took a running leap, and a hop, and a leap-- videgame platformer style
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 6[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [6[1d10]]: 7 4 2 10 4 6 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Yep, 2 extra sux may even let me shimmy to the top of the rope?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja is running across the roof, trailing streamers of poison smoke that disperse in the air. He hears you land on the roof and turns to look over his shoulder. He slides to stop, blood splattering the roof beneath him.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "You just don't give up, do you?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "If you'd just let me LOOK at the book first, we wouldn't have this problem, now would we?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Sorry, little Mnemon girl. This book doesn't belong to your, or that thieving Cynis harlot." He tosses the book into the air, holding up his left arm. The book suddenly shrinks, becoming a tiny jade figurine. As it drops, a thin chain snakes out of black jade bracelet he's wearing and grabs hold of the book, drawing it into the bracelet.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Can I grab it first?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You're pretty far away. He was using a move action on each tick.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja sinks into a fighting stance and rolls his shoulders. A mechanical click, and razor sharp throwing needles appear in his hands, each glistening with an unwholesome green oil. He shouts "Thousand-Hailstone Mourning technique!" and hurls the needles at you! They shriek through the air, moving hellishly fast, the roof tiles cracking as they pass above them, bits flying up into the air from the force of their passage
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Did that get cut off?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (force of their passage?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((No then. Good. Dodge or Parry?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Are they parriable?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes, they are.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (DV5)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So parry? Any stunt?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Though it looks like he's got an extra turn there?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Flurries are good.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Hm. I can stunt a defense?
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, so here's what I WANT to do:
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes. You can stunt taking a piss in the morning.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((If you want.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> She's leaping IN to the attack, towards him-- passing over the needles by rushing them. She wants to knock him off the roof-- the fall won't kill HER....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So dodge instead? Dodge DV is?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> 4, now
<Mnemon_Aliki> (with wound penalties)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Channeling Conviction))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 12[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [12[1d10]]: 3 10 4 8 10 1 7 1 3 5 1 7 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Can I burn WP? At what phase do use a reflexive dodge?
<Mnemon_Aliki> (I started typing before the roll, once I realized he was channeling)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Lemme check))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Defense charms are usually step 2))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And we're a bit past that, unfortunately))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Before or after a channel?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((A channel is declared when the roll is made, I do believe.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> OOOk.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Poison.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 5[1d10]
<Mnemon_Aliki> Definitely a weak point.
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [5[1d10]]: 6 9 9 7 3 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> This one's a-gonna hurt
<Mnemon_Aliki> Yeah.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Um.
<Mnemon_Aliki> That's Incap.
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((How very DB.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Aren't you just down to -6?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Actually, I forgot your soak.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Actually-- wait-- do I get any dodge bonus from a stunt?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes, you did. +1, which rounds up to an increase in dodge dv))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Whats your lethal soak?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Um, Stamina 1?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Not so good. Hmm.. I'll give you a stamina+resistance roll to remain up, if you like. You can spend WP))
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, burning WP
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 1[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [1[1d10]]: 3 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> One sux
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You're up, you can get one final action in before passing out.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Grabbing him.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Three of the needles hit home, punching into your body. A hot, sick feeling immediately pours out of the wounds as you soar through the air towards the ninja. He looks up, startled and curses wildly, scrambling at his belt pouch.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sending him off the roof? His DV is down to 2, from penalties))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Just.... have to... hit.... before I blackout....
<Mnemon_Aliki> I'm at.... -4 dice?
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning 6 essence for 3 sux
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yeah, though you can iirc blow a WP to ignore wounds))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Oh. OK
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning a WP, too
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 6[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [6[1d10]]: 9 5 10 4 8 6 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> 4+3=7
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Soak of 4. So str+weapon damage+5-4))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Hopefully, the air aspect will shield her fall
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yup.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Damage would be ping
<Mnemon_Aliki> But That's not the goal-- the goal is to knock him DOWN
<Mnemon_Aliki> Guards have to be here now, right?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You can hear them down below, in both the garden and the library))
<Mnemon_Aliki> So, no real need to damage him.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Though that does leave me at the tender mercies of the Cynis for medical care
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Ok. You hit him damn well, good enough to send him flying over the roof's edge. Desc?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> By this point, her anima has to be gusting around her. 
<Mnemon_Aliki> You know Galilleo?
<Mnemon_Aliki> How he dropped two objects from a high tower to demonstrate that gravity is equivalent everywhere?
<Mnemon_Aliki> Not so much on Creation.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Poor Ninja.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> She contacts him with a THUD, sending him sprawling off the roof
<Mnemon_Aliki> She floats down, unconsciously, behind him, like an autumn leaf
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja lands in a rose bush, crashing through vines with a terrible clamour. The guards surround you, yelling and shouting, as your vision fades and you pass out.
<Mnemon_Aliki> (YO! Cynis Wood aspects! Heal mes!)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Some time later, you wake up. You're resting in a canopied bed, on silk sheets. Your clothes are gone, and your wounds have been bandaged. You feel very comfortable, though tired. You can hear someone crying beyond the canopy, and someone else puttering about, muttering to himself.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Everything but 3 lethal wounds healed.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Hmm. You're right, that may only have been 6...)
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Counting on me fingers here)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "mmmmh?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> She pulls back the canopy
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> A startled gasp! Suddenly, you find someone hugging you, very firmly. It's Calipe. She cries on your shoulder "You're alive! You're alive!" Theres an embarrassed cough from the room beyond, and you see an elderly man, hair and skin a dull green, turning his back.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And +1 WP for acting on behalf of your motivation))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (One for a night's rest, too?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Of course I'm alive."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Conviction roll for that, I believe))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "It'll take more than a couple of random ninjas to do me in."
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 3[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [3[1d10]]: 5 3 8 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe lets you go, looking down at you worridly "They said you might die from the poison!"
<Mnemon_Aliki> (OK, so full WP, mostly full essence, -2 from wounds)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Full essence, from the rest))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "How long have I been out?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe wipes her face. She looks like she's been crying for some time "Most of yesterday, all last night, and most of today."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The old man coughs again "Lady Aliki, would you care for me to fetch you a robe?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Please."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Calipe... you've been crying?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> ('please' being an order to the old man)
* Mnemon_Aliki changes topic to 'In which Mnemon Aliki discovers, and is discovered by, the Dirty Water Cult and much (asskicking ensues.�'
* Mnemon_Aliki changes topic to 'In which Mnemon Aliki discovers, and is discovered by, the Dirty Water Cult and much (asskicking ensues).�'
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods and rummages around in a closet "I'm afraid all we have are some of my daughter's robes. They are rather.. immodest, I'm afraid, for one of House Mnemon." He turns back, with a skimpy green silk robe in hand and brings it over to you, carefully averting his eyes
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I'll cope."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You recognize him. Cynis Falsaft, an Elder Dragon. Legendarily skilled in medical matters. There're even rumors that he's learned the healing magic of the Wood Gods, thought nothing has been proven.))
<Mnemon_Aliki>  */when did DENTAL FLOSS become high fashion?*/
<Mnemon_Aliki>  Oh. Well. Then this may have been more serious than I thught.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He says "It was fortunate that I was passing through. Your wounds were quite impressive for such a short fight, and the poison from the needles is most virulent." He adds, dissaprovingly "Though you did manage to hold your own. The poor man in the black pyjamas had his spine broken from the fall."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Did he live?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Skipping Calipe's answer? OK...)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sorry, missed it))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe nods, still wiping her face. She says, embarrassed "I was.. afraid you'd die. They told me.. that you might not make it."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki doesn't really know what to say to that.
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Besides the more-than-that-to-finish-me line)
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((I assume spine broken==Lethal?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Rather than paralyzed?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "What about the book?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Falsaft clears his throat, still looking embarrassed "I tended to his wounds as well. My granddaughter currently has him caged up in her play room. He has been less than forthcoming about an antidote for the poison carried by his needles."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Dragonblooded shakes his head "It hasn't been found yet. My granddaughter is most upset, and would care to know if you saw where he hid it." He rolls his eyes "I expect that that is the reason she called me to tend you."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Some gratitude, yes."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shrugs "She is young, and shallow yet. In time.." He trails off
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki puts on her dental floss, stands and stretches.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Well. I am grateful for your ministrations."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Woo. Bit dizzy. The needle wounds ache and sting. Falsaft nods "You're welcome, though I'm afraid there is still some danger yet. The poison is still active, unfortunately." He frowns again "It has resisted all my efforts to neutralize it or draw it out."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Will the effects clear on their own?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shakes his head "I've managed to slow its advance, but it is amazingly virulent. Without the man's antidote, if such exists.." He trails off and shakes his head "You may well still die. Likely painfully."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((He didn't specialize his Presence in 'Bed Side Manner'...))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Even the wounds resist being closed. I expect some supernatural malfeasence."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Well. If he knows of it, I'll be able to draw it out of him."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Perhaps after a spot of lunch? I find I am somewhat famished."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods, still looking grim. "Indeed. I'll have a breakfast sent to you. Afterwards, you may interrogate him." He sighs "Try not to hurt him any further. Nerve damage is always tricky to mend, and I would rather not see my work undone."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Nothing so crude. Though the provision of a sedative would be appreciated."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Falsaft nods "I can provide such in abundance." He gives you a small, polite bow "Take your rest while breakfast is prepared." He leaves the room, shutting the door securely behind him.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Calipe, how long elapsed between my time on the roof and your arrival?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe watches him go, then kneels by you "Only a few minutes. I saw you fighting the man on the roof. I had to jump the fence and.. and.." She breaks into tears "I'm sorry! I should have come sooner, when I saw all the smoke! Please forgive me, mistress!"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Good. Not long. I don't THINK she knows how to do the binding, but I wouldn't want to leave myself to Salina's tender mercies, all the same."
<Mnemon_Aliki> ".... forgive you, Calipe?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You haven't failed me."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks up at you, cheeks tearstained and eyes swollen "I should have been there to help you. You nearly died because.. because I didn't.." She starts crying again.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "There was nothing you could have done."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Listen to me, Calipe.... this is not your fault. Even if you had been there, there was nothing you could have done. And I am *not* dying."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head, wiping her tears away "I.. I've been praying you won't. But even if we make him give you the antidote, they'll still come after you for today."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Maybe. We don't even know who 'they' are."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks up, surprised "You didn't.. of course not, you've never met the Cult, have you? And nobody talks about them.."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks down pensively "They call themselves the Dirty Water Cult. They're.. evil."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Who are they, and how do you know about them?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks up "They're mortals and demonblooded and worse things. People discontent with the Dynasty." She begins unbuttoning her shirt "I.. I was kidnapped when I was a little girl. They wanted ransom. My brother rescued me." She pulls open her shirt. There, between her breasts and over her shirt, is scar in the shape of the broken rune you saw on the ninja "They.. branded me with this."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Kind of an obvious scar never to have seen in all the years they've known eachother...
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((I was working under the assumption that you didn't prance around naked around each other.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Did you, in fact, prance around naked in front of each other?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Well, no, but that sounds like something that'd be seen in a low cut dress-- or am I misreading?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Not, er, on any kind of a regularized basis, no.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Right over the heart. She has a preference for not-so-lowcut-dresses. Or used makeup to cover it up. We can move it, if you like))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Sure, whichever. Just checking. Oookay)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I'm sorry. I had no idea."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She buttons up her shirt. "They're going to come after you, especially if you took that book." She gives you a suspicious look "Did you?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Not yet."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "After breakfast.
<Mnemon_Aliki> ...."woah. Dizzy."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Probably feel better with something in my stomach to ground me."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "When they kidnapped you, Calipe.... what they intend to do?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks away "They said ransom, but.. I don't think they intended to give me back without.. changing me. They have sorcerers, you know. Demon blooded and mortal and Akuma."
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((Can I make an occult roll to think of likely ways sorcery would be used to 'change' someone like that?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [8[1d10]]: 5 7 9 10 6 1 4 8 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> Damned wound penalties kept me to 4
<Mnemon_Aliki> 5
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sorcery and even mortal alchemy can be valuable tools in Craft: Genesis rolls. A skilled and discriminating user can do all kinds of things to a subject, some blatant and some subtle.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Additionally, there all kinds of other nasty uses you can think, many involving demons."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Alrighty.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Curses, compulsions, Irresistable Puppetry..))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Of course, she may be wrong about their intentions.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((OK. But 'changing' is something of a loaded word. Just checking to see if I should get a specific meaning out of it-- guessing no.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> OK, so, breakfast, and then the prisoner?
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Wonder what Salana's up to?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Breakfast is served. It is delicious. Afterwards, a guard appears to escort you down to the interrogation room, if you're feeling up to it.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The interrogation chamber is a large, stone room under the manse. The walls have been hung with all sorts of exotic and frightening devices. The ninja's belongings have been spread out over a nearby table. Weapons, the bracelet, clothes, vials, packets and jars. Even if he carries one antidote to one poison, the man was still packing enough toxins to depopulate a modest village.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Interesting, his face mask appears to be some sort of jade contraption, apparantly what was letting him survive the poison smoke.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Aliki will go, somewhat uncomfortably-- exceedingly sheer dresses are not good interrogation outfits for someone with her own personal wind field.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Nice toy."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The man is strapped to the table in the center of the room, arms and legs chained over. Salia, wearing a much more modest green robe, is standing over him sharpenning a knife. She looks up as you enter and gives you a terse nod.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninia says thickly, voice slurred "Isn't it though? Works a beaut, too."
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Salia. Not Salana. Grr.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Yes. I assume you had protection measures from your other poisons, as well?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The man is buck naked, but for horrible bruises covering his body. You see a scar on his chest, in the form of a broken rune. He tries to shrug, but winces "Most of them."
<Mnemon_Aliki> She trails a finger up his chest. "And the one you inflicted upon ME?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shakes his head and spits blood at you. It splatters on his chest "No. We use that one exclusively for those we really, truly want dead." He smiles suddenly, revealing a broken front tooth "Which is being killed now is going to be a bit of a relief."
<Mnemon_Aliki> (which means?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> ('Which is being'?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Typo.. Which makes being killed now a bit of a relief))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "A relief?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Stupid hands, type what I tell you!))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You think of poisoning me as a relief?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shakes his head carefully "Poisoning you was a mistake. You're in the Bingo Book as a DNK. If you die, I'm dead anyways. Princess here will probably try to torture me to death, but really, she's a dabbler at this sort of thing. This is the easy way to die." Salia snarls and raises her knife, glaring down at him.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He looks up "Oh, put that down. Your form is sloppy, you're impatient and you don't know the first thing about the human body."
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Bingo book?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh. No."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Damned if you know.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Tsk.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Tsk tsk tsk.
<Mnemon_Aliki> She brushes the man's forhead and ruffles his hair soothingly
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((If you like, you can Join Debate.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Have you looked at my spell list?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "No, no no."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "THAT won't do at all...."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Ooo Puppetry.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Keep reading.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Peacock Shadow Eyes? *looks it up))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You know who I am."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods and says, seemingly bored "Mnemon Aliki, Mnemon's youngest daughter, graduated from the Heptagram.." He continues, rattling off a surprising list of facts about your life. Grades, classes, where you've lived, what you've done.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh, you ARE very well informed."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Thank you. We take pride in our work."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Then you know that I won't need to mutilate your BODY at all."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He frowns "I'll warn you, we've been trained to resist unnatural mental influences."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Maybe. But even if you ward off Peacock Shadow Eyes, I'm reasonably confident your defenses will hold less sway when you're unconscious."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "And if THAT doesn't work, I'll summon something up to just read your mind."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Are you REALLY going to make me waste all that time, mmm?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He laughs. It's not a very amused laugh. "You very well might die before that. I'm surprised you're still standing. Most people are dead within minutes."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I'm not most people."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shrugs "I'm a dead man either way. Even if you get your information and don't die, Princess here will kill me. If I escape, my brothers will almost certainly hunt me down."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Nothing to lose, nothing to gain."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I can grant you a painless death."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Or I can twist your soul beyond recognition,:
<Mnemon_Aliki> "There ARE fates worse than death, you know."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He laughs again "I've seen them inflicted. Done a few myself. You want to deal? Fine. Give me my things, the book, and let me go. I'll have someone drop by with the antidote."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh, kitten, kitten, kitten."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "This isn't a negotiation."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "This is a courtesy."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Oh, I'm sorry. Polite society passed me by."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Last chance. Are you REALLY going to make me waste time messing with your mind?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He spits another blood globule at you "Nothing for nothing, little girl. C'mon. Do your worst."
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning some essence on FX
<Mnemon_Aliki> Reflexively calling on Mela
<Mnemon_Aliki> The winds of her aura whip up and surround Aliki, spinning the blood globule back into the ninja's face
<Mnemon_Aliki> (+2 DV vs thrown, anyhow, something like that)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He jerks, squinting against the wind.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Spit successfully deflected.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Let's get started, shall we?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Salia, I assume you've already employed your sorceries?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((having fun?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She flushes faintly "I hadn't begun to resort to magic. I was hoping more traditional means would suffice." She looks somewhat embarrased.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Me?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((You!))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((I'm entertained. Why, aren't you?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja growls "Is that all you got? C'mon, I'll take your best shot!"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Well, this is your demesne, he is your prisoner, I would never dream of infringing..."
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((No, of course I am! I just like to check-- you were a little quiet))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She waves her hand disgusted "As long as I get my book back, I don't care what you do to him."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sorry, was distracted for a moment))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Ah.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Someone knocking on my door and talking at me))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Pity. I was betting she had some significant social charms, given her track record with the professors)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((She was mostly torturing him. She could debate-fu him, but.. She likes her torture. Sadly for her, his Integrity is triple Specc'd into 'against torture and intimidation'.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And he has his own Excellencies))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Ah. Yeah-- about that-- any caste marks?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Nope. No caste marks, no glowing, no breeding marks..))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Interesting.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Well, then. Peacock Shadow eyes!
<Mnemon_Aliki> Channeling Conviction.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning any extra essence I have the option to.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Stunting:
<Mnemon_Aliki> Quite calmly, she'll grab torture implements as necissary. 
<Mnemon_Aliki> She's discarding most of them immediately, of course.
<Mnemon_Aliki> But eventually, she finds a set of clamps to keep his eyes open, ala Clockwork Orange
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He grits his teeth, glaring up at you from blood shot eyes))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Pausing for a moment--- "Are you going to make me force your eyes open, as well?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "You do what you have to do, sugar. I ain't impressed."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Give me Per+Socialize, if you want to read his feelings at this point))
<Mnemon_Aliki> She shrugs. "Just offering the option to do this the easy way."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He spits "There ain't no justice, nor any easy way."
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 2[1d10] 
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [2[1d10]]: 9 4 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Stupid wound penalties)
<Mnemon_Aliki> She shrugs. "No, really, all up to you. Look here, please."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((He's worried. The confidence he exudes is undermined by fear of what you're about to do.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He bares his teeth "Do I have a choice?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Of course. You could make me employ the clamps."
<Mnemon_Aliki> ((I want the environment bonus with or without clamps!))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Clamp yourself, little girl."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh, very well."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Clamp away. And remember, you can spend a WP to remove the wound penalties))
* Mnemon_Aliki gets him all Clockwork-Oranged up
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Can I do it and still channel in the same turn?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Salia, would you kindly clamp our guest?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Cynis grins and grabs the clamps, tightening them onto the prisoner till he begins to bleed. The ninja grits his teeth, but refuses to scream.
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Eye-clamps probably shouldn't bleed....)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Now. Look deep into my eyes and DO try to relax...."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((She's Exalted, she's pissed off, and she takes sexual pleasure in hurting people. She can make them bleed, one way or another.))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (hah)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> His pupils dilate as he stares up at you, fury and fear in his eyes.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Peacock Shadow Eyes.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning a WP for the spell
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning a WP for wound penalties
<Mnemon_Aliki> Burning a WP to Channel Conviction
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Wits+Occult+2 for stunting))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Recovering a WP from the stunt)
<Mnemon_Aliki> #roll 13[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Mnemon_Aliki [13[1d10]]: 1 10 4 2 5 9 5 5 10 5 4 7 8 > 
<Mnemon_Aliki> (7)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Nice))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Want to describe the actual fireworks?))
<Mnemon_Aliki> There's not a lot of fireworks, really.
<Mnemon_Aliki> She strokes his cheek lightly
<Mnemon_Aliki> And looks into his eyes.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Using Personal essence then? Gotcha))
<Mnemon_Aliki> Deep into his eyes.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Deeper.
<Mnemon_Aliki> Into his soul.
<Mnemon_Aliki> (14 personal essence, thanks to breeding)
<Mnemon_Aliki> Deeper. Until her words are bypassing his ears entirely and writing themselves on something more substantial.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He glares up into your flaming eyes, terror, fear and hatred gleaming in his own. Calipe huddles against a fair wall, hands clasped over her mouth. The ninja jerks against his chain, screaming as he feels your essence pouring into his mind.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> His mind struggles against your own, and you feel essence pour out of his spirit, strengthing the barriers of his mind.. but too little, too slow. Your spell forces its way into him and he suddenly goes limp, staring up at you vacantly.
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Well. Let's see. Where to start...."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You poor poor man. Salina is a VERY good torturer. A moment more and you would have sold out your own grandmother to make it stop. But you won't have to. I've intervened. I spared you.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He mumbles dully "Yes.. saved me."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You swore undying fealty to me in gratitude. Your highest loyalty is to serve me. I am all that you value in this world or the next. You would do anything for me."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods slowly "Fealty.."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You don't need to fear the Dirty Water Cult any more."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Well, I see this spell is more.. impressive than I initially thought.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He frowns "Fear.."
<Mnemon_Aliki> (heh.)
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Aliki's spell selection allows her to COMPLETELY screw over any captive at her mercy-- mind control is one of her things)
<Mnemon_Aliki> "hm. Should that about do it? Calipe? Salia? Anything to add?" 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Just a note though, that unnatural mental influences can be fought off if they're against the character's motivation. To keep control for a long period, you're going to need to break his motivation))
<Mnemon_Aliki> (1) how do I do that?)
<Mnemon_Aliki> (2) Meh. I figured I'd let Salia play with him, after he's served his purpose.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe shakes her head, looking horrified. Salia, however, looks enthralled "Hmm.. So he'll be loyal to you forever?" She considers "Make him fear disobyeing you, to help keep him controlled?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> (3) The beauty of torture is: he's got no more WP left to fight it off)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You've got to keep him at 0 wp and deprive him of any WP regeration for awhile))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja drools
<Mnemon_Aliki> "That's not exactly how it works, Salia.... only truth statements."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She frowns "Damn.. After this, would you teach me that spell? I can think of a few.. interesting uses for it." An ugly smile crosses her face
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Hence the bit about your prowess as a torturer"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "But very well: you fear my wrath, you would never risk my displeasure."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods dully "Displeasure."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He drools a bit, mouth slack and open
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Oh. And this dress is NOT too sheer."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "That should just about do it."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He agrees "Sheer." The man stares up at you, waiting passively
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You can ask him questions at this time, if you like))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Alright, then. Wakey-wakey."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "I have some questions for you..."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He snaps awake, shaking his head. He glares up at you. "Ask."
<Mnemon_Aliki> "First off, what caste are you?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "I have no caste, little devil girl."
<Mnemon_Aliki> (Awww....)
<Mnemon_Aliki> *sigh* 
<Mnemon_Aliki> "So you've got charms that protect against that, then?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Thought I'd gotten past those..."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He looks confused "Protect against what?"
<Mnemon_Aliki> How is he ACTING now?
<Mnemon_Aliki> I mean 'little devil girl'?
<Mnemon_Aliki> "You're clearly an exalt, but I can't tell which dragon favored you."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sullen, but cooperative. He's a big bad ninja. Little Devil Girl is part affectionate nickname, part a method of maintaining his machismo))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shakes his definately "I am no Exalted."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Not, even))
<Mnemon_Aliki> "Then how did you make that leap?"
* Mnemon_Aliki is now known as Little_Devil_Girl
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He answers "By activating the Second Excellency of the Body, which my master taught to me years ago."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Can I get a roll to recognize Imbue Amalgam?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> From first age texts, etc?
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [8[1d10]]: 6 2 5 7 1 10 4 9 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((He doesn't LOOK like an Amalgam. Those usually look a lot less human.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (They do? That's the imbue charm thingy from S&S...)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((2nd Ed charm is a bit different. They look like what they are: Abominations of Sorcery.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Oh, that's much nicer.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> *sigh* "When your anima banner activates, what does it look like?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He looks confused "I have no anima."
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Funky. Let me know when I have a clue)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Gimme an int+Occult roll.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [8[1d10]]: 9 9 10 2 6 8 2 5 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> (5)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Judging from what you've seen, he could be God-, demon-, Half- blooded, or an Enlightened Mortal. You've never met any of the last ones, but you did run across mention of them in your reading.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (WTF is an Enlightened Mortal?)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (But-- OK, that leap wasn't without the realm of quasi-mortals, though it was explicitly > mortal)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I'm barking up the wrong tree)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((As per Scroll of the Monk, Black & White Treatise and the 1st ed players guide.. A human who has activated his essence))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Oh, without charms he couldn't have done it.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (But it could be a MA charm, such as a nonexalt could learn)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Anyhow_
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Right, it could be that. I just.. couldn't find one in the book on a brief look through))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "So. How are we going to get rid of this *nasty* little poison.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (No sweat, I just need to know if you're playing with some sort of weird imbued human hybrid or animaless pseudoexalts)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He says, sullen "The antidote is hidden in our secret hideout below the city.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What's it called?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "The antidote?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Golden Rebirth of the Decaying Flesh."
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [8[1d10]]: 6 6 5 6 10 7 10 9 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Lore-- have I HEARD of that? Hm. Might be medicine... um. Trying to find out if El Woodaspecto can brew that up)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Supposedly a Panacean cure created by the Anathma millenia ago. It's rare as hell(as it hasn't been manufacture in over 1500 years), and the monks frown on people not BURNING THE UNCLEAN MAGIC OF THE ANATHMA!))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((*cough* Sorry.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Ah. Well, you'll be giving us directions on how to get there, naturally."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods, glowering "Yes."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Glowering? But.... I am his highest loyalty!
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hm. Curious.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Salia, how fast can your scribes copy documents?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Wounded ninja machismo. Until he shakes the affliction, he'll do what you say. But that doesn't mean he won't do his best to maintain his rep as a Badass.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She waves her hand idly "They can manage fairly quickly. Why?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "HOW quickly?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Get rid of Salia and Calipe, and he probably would fawn on you))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia rolls her eyes "They can do lengthy legal documents in under an hour. I've never timed them. Why would I?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I think I know how to get the book back, but I'll need a duplicate. Two, actually."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia raises an eyebrow "Two? Whatever for?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Because I'll need them to think they have one."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Cynis nods shortly "Allright, I'll have the scribes prepare themselves. Do you know where the book is?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I have an idea, but it's protected by magic."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Would you go see to that?" 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia glares down at the nameless ninja and scowls "Allright. Will you be okay here by yourself?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Yes. Not sure how safe he'll be, once my anima begins blowing things about.... but we'll try to keep him in one piece."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods and then sweeps out the door, slamming it shut behind her. You hear a *click* as the lock slides home.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja glares at Calipe, huddling against the wall.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Calipe? Are you alright?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods, staring back at you "I.. I'm fine. I'm just worried for you, thats all."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Do you have a name, ninja?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods shortly "I am Number Six."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "OK, Six. Your old friends kidnapped Calipe over there when she was very small. But you know that, don't you?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods shortly "The Bingo Book references her in your profile."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "So. Now you're going to tell Calipe ALL you know about the Cult of Dirty Water."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He looks at you sharply "Why her?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Because she's huddling along the wall in fear of you. And I don't like people who frighten my friends."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He protests "But she's.." He stops suddenly, making choking noises.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Hmm?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He opens his mouth and vomits, a torrent of writhing white maggots and fetid ichor spilling out over him.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Oh."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Well.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "That complicates matters."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Nevermind."
<Little_Devil_Girl> He dead?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((No, he's fine. Just choking up maggots.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He gasps and chokes, spewing writhing white maggots everywhere
<Little_Devil_Girl> She'll help him clear his throat if she has to
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Nod if you're magically bound so that you can't divulge that information at all. Nod twice if it's just to HER."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He coughs a bit, spitting a few last maggots and lies on the table, groaning
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He pauses, then shrugs AND nods.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Ah. Well. Then it's useless to ask you to tell ME. I could try again later, perhaps. "
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Now. Show me how to use that bracelet charm of yours?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He coughs and says, hoarsely "Somethings I can talk about, others not." He nods at the pile of clothing "You put the bracelet on on, then command it: Jikkan, give me.. whatever it is you want."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The bracelet sits on the table, ontop of a silk shirt threaded with filaments of blue jade.
<Little_Devil_Girl> She tries it
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Jikkan, give me a table of contents?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> No response.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Jikkan, give me the book."
<Little_Devil_Girl> [Proper name of the book anyhow]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *POOF!* A leatherbound book appears in a puff of smoke. It's entitled 'The Scarlet Empress and the Naughty Shepherdesses'
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sadly, you don't know its proper name))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What's the proper name of the book you stole?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He says "The Broken Winged Crane."
<Little_Devil_Girl> SHe flips idly through the Naughty Shpherdesses book... eew. Grannyporn
<Little_Devil_Girl> "oh."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Jikkan, give me the Book of the Broken Winked Crane"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It has some AMAZING illustrations. You're sure that the subjects would need MAD Athletics charms.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Yes, but still. NOBODY wants to think of their grandparents at orgies.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *POOF!* The book, heavy and cold, appears in your hands. Its solid and firm, though it looks to be molded of darkness and ash, and you can see your hands through it.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Well. Isn't THIS promising."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Flip.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Flip.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Flip.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Flip.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Flip.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You SURE you want to do that?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((*looks up the book's stats in the Treatise))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Well, it's not like Salia can properly duplicate it...)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Wait, these things have STATS now?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((They have write ups of their fluff, and their mechanical benefits. The BWC counts as 4 pt artifact. And the book says.. gimme a WP roll, diff 4))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Burn WP
<Little_Devil_Girl> Or, rather, channel conviction
<Little_Devil_Girl> -2 dice for wounds
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [8[1d10]]: 1 5 8 6 9 4 4 5 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> No... not so much
<Little_Devil_Girl> Um, sorry, wasn't in Cthulhu mode...
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Well, its the Broken Winged Crane. Penned by the Yozis themselves. Not light reading material. Still, if you like, I'll give you a Int+Occult roll to recognize it for what it is prior to reading it))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Well, no, I mean...
<Little_Devil_Girl> dude, can you imagine a book she'd want to read MORE?
<Little_Devil_Girl> The book of three circles, maybe....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Allright then. You're skimming it then?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hm.
<Little_Devil_Girl> She'd want better conditions to do it under, but...
<Little_Devil_Girl> Since her plan was to trade duplicate books for the antidote...
<Little_Devil_Girl> Oh!
<Little_Devil_Girl> Before she skims, she'll try:
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Jikkan, give me the Golden Rebirth of the Decaying Flesh."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> @emit No poof.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Damn.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It only stores things Elsewhere.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I figured)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Skimming it then?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Can you rationalize a reason not to?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You flip through the book, slowly pursuing the pages. They describe the world of the demons, containing the secrets of their lives, their names and natures, from the least to the greatest. You flip faster and faster, passing past sorceries ranging from the simple, to spells of inconcievable power who's nature you can't even grasp. 
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Fascinating."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Faster, faster, faster, past spells and invocations, the hidden truths of the Yozis and their servants, the secrets of forging pacts with the forces of darkness. Faster, faster, faster you flip the pages. You barely notice that your eyes are bleeding, or the screams you're making.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Suddenly, the book is wrenched away, and you're knocked to the floor. Calipe is sitting on top of you, holding you down.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Calipe doesn't intervene here?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Ah, OK
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Calipe! Get OFF me! 
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I HAVE to finish the BOOK!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shouts down at you "NO! You.. You're bleeding! And you were screaming!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> 6 comments drily "I could've told you that would happen."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I don't have a lot of time. There could be... a way to counteract the poison in there!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Yes, THAT'S the ticket.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe doesn't budge "NO! That is an EVIL book! We allready know where the cure is!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Six, how do I store items in the bracelet?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He says "Toss it up in the air and pour essence into the bracelet, with the clear intent of concealing the item."
* Little_Devil_Girl she does so
<Little_Devil_Girl> And puts on the bracelet. SO useful....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Trying to store what in the bracelet?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> The book!
<Little_Devil_Girl> Like I'm giving it to Salia NOW?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((The one thats across the room, whence it was knocked when Calipe tackled you?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Yes, that one.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *Knock knock knock* A guard "Everything all right in there ma'am?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Well, once you get your Henchman off your chest and recover it, you can do that.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Er. You will be getting off me QUICKLY?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Yes, just .... some poison effects!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head stubbornly "Not until you promise me to leave that book alone!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((If you become an Akuma before the game even starts..))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Calipe, get off me, NOW."
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Well... um...)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She draws back pensively, but doesn't move "Promise me!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((To be fair, that would be a kind of bound inferiority, and I'm not sure she'd find it appealing))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((But I don't think she knows that yet.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "No." 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Then I'm not moving until Salia comes back!"
* Little_Devil_Girl struggles
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Str+MA, resisted))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You think we'll be any safer if SALIA gets the book?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 3[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [3[1d10]]: 6 8 1 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "YOU'LL be safer! I saw what that book was doing to you!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Damned wounds
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [8[1d10]]: 6 8 4 5 6 2 4 8 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Yes. It needs to be studied in controlled conditions."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe pines you effortless, grabbing your arm and pulling it into a painful arm lock "Studied! It needs to be burnt!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Not here, certainly."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Ow!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You didn't SEE it, Calipe."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "There are spells in there.. names... things I'd never even dreamed of."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "I don't want to see it! I like my eyes not-bleeding, thank you very much!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "It could be the key to everything I've been looking for."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Didn't they teach you the dangers of careless demonology at the Heptagram?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The guards knocks again "Ma'am?! We heard screaming? Are you okay?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I'll. be. Careful."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I promise."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Just-- we can talk about this later-- quickly, we need to get the book into storage
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks down at you, looking torn. Her grip slackens, though she doesn't release you. "Just.. promise me you won't read anymore!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "... I promise I won't read anymore... until we have... discussed the matter."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She sighs and slowly rolls off you. Outside, theres the sound of an axe hitting the door
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Let them in."
* Little_Devil_Girl stores the book as she does so.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shrugs helplessly "I don't have the key. Salia locked us in here."
* Little_Devil_Girl glowers-- henchmen are NOT supposed to manhandle PCs!
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It costs 5 motes to store the book))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Deal.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Non-comitted.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Naturally)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You'd rather have the derrangement?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (What derrangement?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (No, that was, er IC.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((WP roll vs diff 4, or you pick up derrangement. *hols up B&W treatise*))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Remember Alici's motivation? She has issues being so thoroughly dominated by a nonexalt))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Theres a sudden halt to the hacking. The lock clicks open and Salia bustles inside, holding a daiklaive. She looks at the blood on your face and demands "What happened?!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Just saying. She got schooled.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((*nod* IC))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "He's warded better than I thought."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The ninja protests weakly "I didn't do it!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Nothing I can't break through, given time."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Salia tosses her head, fuming "He didn't tell you where the book was?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "No. Of course you didn't. That would *incur my wrath*?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Salia... we can get the book back. Hopefully. Once I get the antidote."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She hisses and slams her daiklaive into the ground "Damnation. I want my book back! Did he tell you were the antidote is?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Yes."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She nods shortly "Good. Then you better get along with that, before the poison kicks in." She glares at the prone ninja "I have some business to take care of." Hands tighten on the jade grip of her blade
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I may need him intact."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She rolls her eyes "First Grandpa, now you. Fine, whatever. Do what you like, just bring me my damn book!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> OK. 
<Little_Devil_Girl> So, fastforwarding a bit
<Little_Devil_Girl> He's going to be drugged.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Sorcerer's Irresistable Puppetry will be applied.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Ninja makes odd little meeping noises as the drugs kick in. He's unconcious through most of the spell.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Alici will then retire to discuss the matter of the book.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Now, his memories can be rifled with SIP, which should bypass the wards on his divulging secrets.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Not so much in 2nd ed, actually))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Grr.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Well, um..
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I bought the 1e version of the spell, until such time as I can read a 2e version, dammit!)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Stupid President's day no shipping)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((The spell costs 25 motes and, at the end, you have a magic gem. Comitt 20 motes to that, and you can seize control of the ninja))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Right. There's a line in there about plundering the victim's memories to use their abilities)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You can use the man's abilities in 2nd ed, and.. actually, you can read his memories. Nifty))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Right. Well, she'll need to rest to regain essence, during which time she can talk about the book.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Gotcha. Who you want to talk to?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Calipe-- she DID promise....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Back up at your bedroom, the servants have brought you a light repast. Calipe is passing back and forth in front of the window.
<Little_Devil_Girl> You are uncomfortable?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I'm sorry. My winds should die down soon."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head "Just worried. For you."
<Little_Devil_Girl> The canopy is still flapping vigorously.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I'll get the antidote, Calipe. Don't worry."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Not just about the antidote.. about the book."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "The book... Calipe, that book may hold the secrets to transcending the exalted condition as we know it."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head "It's a book of evil. Didn't you read about it at the Heptagram? Its a trap, to turn people into puppets for the demons."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "How much of what the Heptagram teaches is true, and how much is propaganda?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What I read in there..."
<Little_Devil_Girl> she shakes her head...
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((This was bound to happen sooner or later...))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((hey, what would normally happen to a copy, if the Heptagram became aware of it?))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shrugs helplessly "You started screaming and bleeding from the eyes. How can that be a good thing?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It'd be tracked down and burnt. Anyone involved in demonolatry that they could find would also be burnt.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Because it was SO much, SO fast.... it was... horrifying, yes, painful.... but also exhillerating."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I wouldn't... I wouldn't USE it you know."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Not to be a puppet of Demons."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She stares at you "Listen to yourself! The damned thing is allready working on you. It nearly killed you, but you're allready eager to give it another chance at you!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I know... I know... you're right, of course, but..."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What this could MEAN...."
<Little_Devil_Girl> (SOO hard to convince Alici to give this up))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((I'd already established that she thinks/would think of her mother as weak for not trying something like this, the way her grandmother did))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((BUt.... inasmuch as becoming an Akuma would be a BAD thing....)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head and says flatly "No! Do you know what happens to people who play around with it? They either go insane, get killed, or are spiritual eaten by devils. No exceptions!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Are virtue rolls at negative dice from wounds?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 1[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [1[1d10]]: 8 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> [Damn. Didn't blink the conviction roll. Was looking for an excuse!]
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She takes a deep breath and turns away, pouring you some tea. She comes over to the bedside and offers it to you "Think about what you're doing, ok?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What you're asking me to give up...." 
<Little_Devil_Girl> She drinks the tea deeply.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Wretched poison."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I feel feverish."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Can't think straight."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She says firmly "I'm not asking you to give up anything. I'm asking you NOT to give up your freedom." She nods "Yes, but it was neccessary. I'm sorry."((Roll stam+resistance))
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 1[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [1[1d10]]: 1 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I was playing it as it was! :P)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The room spins around you, as the sedatives Calipe poured into you tea take effect. As the room goes black, you feel someone tugging at the bracelet.
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Can I get some indication that Aliki can convince herself that this would be a bad idea?)
<Little_Devil_Girl> Oh.
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Poisoned and restrained in one day? THe staff's getting uppity.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Well, you're familiar with demon lore, and the lore of the BWC. You're pretty sure its a bad idea to be dicking around with it.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You wake up several hours later, stiff and feeling feverish. The light slanting in from the window is a deep, rich gold. Afternoon.
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Can she convince herself of that from what she saw directly?)
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Where?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Am I STILL in Salacias place?
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I remember drinking...
<Little_Devil_Girl> "CALIPE."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You look around. You're in the room at Salia's manse.
<Little_Devil_Girl> She goes looking around
<Little_Devil_Girl> *salia. Damn
<Little_Devil_Girl> She goes looking for her traitorous Hench.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Judging from what happened when you read the book? Yes. Easily. It's not good juju.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (OK.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The girl is gone, and the bracelet with her. A passing guardsman nods to you "Ma'am."
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I still think it's fudging a little, but I'll go with her choosing not to, rather than irreparably damaging her relationship to Calipe....)
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Where is Ledaal Calipe?"
* Little_Devil_Girl Aliki demands
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Oh, you don't have to fudge it, right now. Only if you get it back.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The guard frowns "Ledaal Calipe? She went out, with the prisoner. Under your orders.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Yes, but now, she's losing her Henchman)
<Little_Devil_Girl> "DAMNATION. That traitorous little.... WITH the prisoner?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((She's doing it from loyalty to you. She'll come back, unless you decide to kick her to the curb.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods, surprised "Yes? Is that wrong? Its what the Mistress told us."
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Yes, but she may do that. Restrained and drugged in one day is a bit of a blow to the ol' Hubris.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> "No.... I think I can still resolve the situation.
<Little_Devil_Girl> SHe storms back into the bedroom and bolts it.
<Little_Devil_Girl> And then the storming really begins.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He nods, worried "Shall I tell the Mistress-" The door cuts him off.
<Little_Devil_Girl> She has time, so she can chalk mark the floor for a little extra occult oomph, but most of what can be done already has.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Right.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Settling down and lapsing back towards unconsciousness, she activates the possession gem.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The world spins around you, and everything goes foggy before your eyes. Your sight clears in an instant, and you find yourself kneeling on a plush red carpet, eyes downcast. Your body hurts, from the fight and the torture, and you feel weak. You hear a movement, and a dull sobbing. Before you stand a pair of shining, black boots, and a cold voice says "-displeased with how this has turned out."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "What do you have to say for yourself, Number Six?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Male or female?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Male))
<Little_Devil_Girl> As appropriate:
<Little_Devil_Girl> How would Six answer this one?
<Little_Devil_Girl> More immediately-- just HOW 'dnk' is Alici?
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Aliki. It's a form of "Alice" -- I keep getting a letter or two slipping.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((The answer rises from his mind. DNK: Do Not Kill. You're high up on the list of People Who We Do Not Kill. No explanation why. Six would throw himself on the ground and beg forgiveness, blaming Number 8 for failing to keep track of you and inform him of your presence.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I can only beg your forgiveness, number eight! I would have succeeded more cleanly, were it not for the presence of Mnemon Aliki. 
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I should have tracked her more thoroughly and informed you of her presence!
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Err.. This is Number 1. Number Eight was the guy saddled with keeping track of the DNKs in this area."
* Little_Devil_Girl throws number six on the ground
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Oh. Ah.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (So is it sufficiently DNK to provide an antidote?)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *whumph!* OW, you feel a loose rib wiggle. The sobbing continues, and Number 1 snarls "Someone shut that girl up." Theres a yelp and the meaty thump.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Probably, depending on how cheesed off Number One is.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> *shit*
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *PAIN* The black boots moves, and Number 1 kicks you in the side. "Dog! A first year initiate would have been clever enough to avoid using the Instant Death Poison on her. And a child could have escaped, instead of being rescued by a little girl!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I fear.... I fear I may have mortally poisoned her in the execution of my mission."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Forgive me, lord! Her--aaach--- Sorcery is mightier than was reckoned."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> A deep sigh "You risked our mole, endangering Number 7's mission. You failed to retrieve the book, killed two initiates, which would have been forgivable, if not for your ham handed failure to escape."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "Really, why shouldn't I kill you here and now?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Query: Mole?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Draws a blank. He has no idea.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Query: Why SHOULDN'T he kill him here and now?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Q: is the antidote anywhere in sight?
<Little_Devil_Girl> How many are here?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((1) Because Number 6 really doesn't want to die. He's been a good Cultist, and his skills are valuable to the Cult. Additionally, he thinks he could probably be useful in dealing with you, especially as you know him and could be motivated against him. He knows you have any number of reasons to hold a grudge.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((2-3) You'd have to take a look around, as you were dragged into the Shogun's throne room by the guards.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> And  how many motes does it take to activate the full anima banner?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Six will look around briefly
<Little_Devil_Girl> "But I did escape, with the aid of Ledaal Calipe."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The room is small, but well appointed. Theres a might throne at the head of the room, all brass spikes and dragons. Shelves line the wall, heavy with artifacts. Your eyes lock on a large gold bottle. The antidote.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Two ninjas flank you, and two more are to the side, flanking Ledaal Calipe. She's been stripped and savagely beaten, weeping into the floor. The Shogun, the man in the black boots turns. He wears slick black robes and a featureless iron mask "Escape? You were practically let go, by this girl child!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> What's the most obscure language Calipe and I both speak?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((What languages do you have?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Calipe is one of ours. A lost child, she was.... imprinted long ago.:
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Old Realm and Undecided)
<Little_Devil_Girl> Probably High Realm, Low Realm and Undecided?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Er
<Little_Devil_Girl> High/Low/Old
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Old or High, though theres a chance others here might know it.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I have.... brought her back into the fold."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Is she tied up?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *PAIN!* He kicks you again "Bah, you really are stupid." The Shogun paces angrily "Why they always send me the ones that fell on their heads in training.."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((No, she's free.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Is she close to the bottle?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Fairly close though, as you can see, flanked by Ninja))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Check! 
<Little_Devil_Girl> "She bears the mark!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Why do you think she helped me escape!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "It is as the proverb says:
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> A deep throated snarl "I know exactly why she helped you escape. And I know what she is." He stalks over to Calipe and grabs her hair, dragging her up off the ground like she weighs nothing. He points at the mark "I saw this quite clearly, thank you very much." He hurls her to the floor, at the base of the shelves and stalks back to you.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> "No, we can't keep her, not even as a breeder. We'll have to kill her."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Master, it is as the proverb says!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "When life gives you lemons...
<Little_Devil_Girl> Old Realm:
<Little_Devil_Girl> [Take the bottle and run.]
<Little_Devil_Girl> And while they "?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Which should be about a second?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hopefully longer than her.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Anyhow. VIRTUOUS GUARDIAN OF FLAME
<Little_Devil_Girl> Which will activate the anima banner. At the 16+ mote level.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Once it's off.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Actually, he can't use your anima banner. Back your body, the surroundings are getting toasted, but not here.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Those artifacts should prove MIGHTY interesting in a tornado
<Little_Devil_Girl> Damn
<Little_Devil_Girl> Damn
<Little_Devil_Girl> Damn
<Little_Devil_Girl> Because that had been my plan...
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You do have all kinds of ninja gear, though.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Smoke bombs, poison bombs, flares, weapons, poisons, ropes.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Yes. Which would have been REALLY cool spinning around in a tornado)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Well, it doesn't mention being able to use your anima through your victim and I don't think that makes logical sense.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (It does say I can use my magical abilities, spells and charms)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Hmmm..))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> +roll 1d2
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 1d2
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [1d2]: 2>  
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((I totally see the sense of your ruling)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Less cool for this scene, maybe, but I'm sure I can exploit that later.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Right, we'll go with not.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So, spell goes off))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((OK. So-- for future reference-- I can possess people and use as much essence as I want-- 
<Little_Devil_Girl> Oh, no, the spell was just the easiest way to get the anima banner
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((But the anima flares back at your body. Or spirit, depending on where your spirit is.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Ok))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Although it may not be too bad an idea.
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Right. But this is a way that would let me use my charms via remote with no local anima.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (I fully intend to exploit that.)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((For Reference.. Your ride is at 4 in every physical stat, 5 in MA and Dodge. He's specc'd MA thirce in Night Breeze style. He's also got a full bevy of weaponry.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hm. What IS my ninja inventory?
<Little_Devil_Girl> Wound penalties?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Throwing knives, stars, needles. Poisons of every shape and size, from what can coated on a needle to dust that can be thrown. Smoke bombs, poison smoke bombs, flash bangs. Two kamas, two sickles, a variety of throwing weapons. Your armor is 4 thanks to your Silk Armor, and you're -2 for wounds))
<Little_Devil_Girl> And while I'm rifling his mind: what IS the deal with Calipe?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Corrupt Words, fascinatingly enough, works on telepathic contact. You feel a great deal of pain and nausea when you try to rifle those memories))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Pity. No time to dispel it. Stupid, stupid Calipe. We'll have to investigate that later)
<Little_Devil_Girl> OK, let's go with VGoFlame anyhow.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hopefully they won't attack until they figure out what's going on
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Your spell errupts, a glowing wash of flame rising up to defend you. Calipe staggers to her feet, as all eyes are drawn to you, and grabs the vial. She limps to the door, trying to be quiet. It seems to work.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Shogun pauses, and says suddenly "Mnemon Aliki, I presume."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Dropping smoke.... now.
Session Time: Tue Feb 20 00:00:00 2007
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You poisoned me. Nothing personal."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> *BOOM!* Gray smoke pours through the room. The guards begin to choke, though the Shogun seems unaffected. He practically purrs "None taken. It was an unfortunate accident."
<Little_Devil_Girl> Poison.... now.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Rifling his mind as long as they let me.
<Little_Devil_Girl> What IS the Bingo book?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Join Battle roll. Your wits, his Awareness of 4))
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 4[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [4[1d10]]: 2 7 5 7 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Bingo Book. A book with the names and profiles of People of Interest. Connect the name to the profile and you've got bingo.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 7[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [7[1d10]]: 3 5 3 3 3 4 8 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You first. You can ask a question each action. Shogun next.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Don't suppose you'll tell me what the deal is with Ledaal Calipe?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Guard action until Shogun unleashes his superior Kung Fu
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Laughter "A poor, lost little girl who's kidnappers got a bit overeager with a branding iron."
<Little_Devil_Girl> I DO hope Calipe took the Bracelet?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You can hope.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> I SO want to sell that Cynis out to her Sidereal....
<Little_Devil_Girl> MAN, these guys are misogynistic 
<Little_Devil_Girl> ("Little girl" this and "little girl that"....))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Unusual in the somewhat matriarchal Realm...)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((What can I say? They're rebels dissatisfied with their lot in life.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Shogun appears out of the smoke suddenly, hand lashing out to grab hold of Number 6's arm. He moves incredibly quickly, smoke puffing away from the sheer force of the blow.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Um.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Heh.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Yeah.... what does mister burny have to say about the now somewhat stationary Shogun?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Its going to burn him, possibly. You using your Dodge DV, Parry DV, or the Guardian's parry?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Spell works different in 2e, I assume. In 1e I get to see the guardian parry before I decide if I want to default to parry/dodge)
<Little_Devil_Girl> MY thinking is that I'll let him grab on.
<Little_Devil_Girl> just to hold him still for Mr. Burny.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((2nd, you got to choose or so I'm reading it. But allright. Whats your Wits+Occult+Essence/2?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> 5.5
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> (( 2nd MA Excellency, Deep Cut charm combo! Buying 4 succs)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 14[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [14[1d10]]: 10 10 6 4 3 10 9 1 1 5 8 5 9 3 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [8[1d10]]: 7 3 1 4 4 10 6 1 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> So I have one HL left.
<Little_Devil_Girl> ew
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He carelessly punches through the burning shield and grabs hold of your arm. With a casual twist, he tears the limb from Number 6's body and hurls it away. You hear the sizzle of flesh and smell the reek of burning cloth.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((And his Stam+Res roll))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [8[1d10]]: 4 2 3 8 5 6 10 9 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Your go, one armed man. Oh, and you take 3 bashing from feedback.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Hm. And my stunt there? 
<Little_Devil_Girl> What I was trying to do was LET him grab the body. 
<Little_Devil_Girl> Um, admittedly, I wasn't counting on having the arm ripped off....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Yes? He punched through the burning shield and grabbed you. He took the damage(4 bashing, as he made his check))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Deep Cut is a nice charm.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Oh, OK
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 1d10
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [1d10]: 3>  
<Little_Devil_Girl> But.... your interperetation makes VGoF pretty useless.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Actually, he took none. Yay bashing soak))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((It's not subject to many attack penalties and can be used while casting sorcery.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((I SO need to read B&WT
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Doesn't take onslaught or attack penalties, as I recall.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ((Way, way, way worse than a layered defense)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Oh.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Well, that could be OK...)
<Little_Devil_Girl> (Either way, I really need that book! Stupid amazon)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So. You're done to one arm, and you're bleeding out on the floor. The backlash stings, hitting you for a full 3 levels.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Well, OK, can I grab my arm and beat him with it?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((... Yes.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Stunt?
<Little_Devil_Girl> That's using the environment, baybee
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((+2))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Which will be used to buy 2 sux.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Dodge DV is 5))
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 7[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [7[1d10]]: 10 8 9 4 1 8 3 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Bashing soak is 8))
<Little_Devil_Girl> What's the damage rating of [My own arm]?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((+4!))
<Little_Devil_Girl> So... 8 total. Um Ping!
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 3[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [3[1d10]]: 1 9 7 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Shogun stands firm against your assault, the arm splashing blood across him. He slams a vicious kick into your stomach, foot passing through the burning shield of fire.
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((2nd Melee 4 successes))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 15[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [15[1d10]]: 9 3 6 2 9 9 2 3 2 1 8 3 4 10 5 > 
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Essence ping of 4..))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Actually, no. Grave Cut is reflexive.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((So.. 8 dice))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> #roll 8[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Dancing_Screen_Monkey [8[1d10]]: 2 5 1 2 3 3 2 1 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> Can I get a question in before I blackout? 
<Little_Devil_Girl> ....
<Little_Devil_Girl> no damage.
<Little_Devil_Girl> hee
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Sure. You've got coming actually.. And he whiffs!))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What's the cult connection to the Broken Winged Crane?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The Shogun says "Leave my servant alive, and I will leave yours to run free."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((6 doesn't know. He just knows he was ordered to get it, to further the glory of the Dirty Water Cult and advance their rebellion against the corrupt Realm!))
<Little_Devil_Girl> ".... to be fair, you're the one ripping his limbs off!"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> He shrugs "I play rough."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Your go, and you get a question for 6))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Well, everything I want to know is all protected by Dirty-Water DRM....
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Not everything.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> How about "What's the story on this Shogun Bozo?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You could, for example, ask where the book is.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Not much I can do about that now
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((He is the Shogun of the Arjuf tribunary of the Dirty Water Cult. Lord of this City and the surroundings. He arrived three years ago, taking control of the branch from the Old Shogun at the behest of the Father, killing the old one in a  gorey martial arts battle.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Not neccessarily.. The book's location may be accessible. Ya never know. Your go, and you do have a question left still.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> OK: Where's that damned book?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Aboard the Azure Dawn, a ship down in the harbor. Well hidden and protected. The ship is bound for Nexus, leaving port tomarrow at dawn.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Your attack?))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Um, is there anything on the shelves that looks particularly nasty if it fell over the...
<Little_Devil_Girl> No, I'm just going to knock over the shelves
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Oh, quite a few things. Lots of them glowing evilly.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Let's just domino the whole thing down
<Little_Devil_Girl> I expect the Shogun to stop it, mind
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Str+MA, pls. So, 9 dice))
<Little_Devil_Girl> Minus 4
<Little_Devil_Girl> #roll 5[1d10]
-RPGServ:#prelude- <Roll for Little_Devil_Girl [5[1d10]]: 1 5 2 9 8 > 
<Little_Devil_Girl> Enough to knock over a bookcase, neh?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The shelves rock, and items fall to the floor. The Shogun curses and lunges at a glowing purple orb. He slides across the floor and catches, but none of the other items. A glowing green vial hits the ground and shatters, acidic smoke pouring upwards. Your life turns into a brief moment of hell, before ending. You snap back to your body, dizzy and weak.(2 more bashing, -3 WP pts.)
<Little_Devil_Girl> I should be unconscious, actually
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((Right!))
<Little_Devil_Girl> And presumably, wake up in that bed again
<Little_Devil_Girl> LESS  poisoned, this time?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> You wake up, again, several hours later. Something sweet and warm is being poured down your throat.
<Little_Devil_Girl> mgmmgmh
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe pulls back the vial of glowing antidote, looking down at you with concern. Her face is a mess. Black eyes, bruises, swollen lips, and you think her nose is broken. "Are you.. are you ok?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> ((You feel better. Quite a bit better.))
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Looking around, it looks like you're back in your town house.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Better than.... kaff.... better than you."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She chuckles weakly and gingerly touches her cheek "It looks worse than it is.))
<Little_Devil_Girl> "What happend to casa del Cynis?
<Little_Devil_Girl> ".... I'm exalted. I'll heal. You...."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "We need to have that looked at."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She blushes "Salia kicked us out. I think she's going to press charges against you. You kind of wrecked her guest room, and what with the book.." She shakes her head "No.. No I'm fine. I don't matter."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Pity."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Would have told her where to find the book."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Figured she'd keep me on... if only to learn the spell."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She bites her lip, then lets go and winces "Ow. They put it on a ship, I overheard." She shakes her head "She was going to lock you up and torture you, but her grandpa made her let us go."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "He didn't see to you, though."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head "No.. I wouldn't let him. I couldn't take the time.. I had to get you home, so I could give you the medicine." She sits down on the bed "I was afraid you weren't going to make it. You were moaning, and those needle holes were smoking!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Tell her... tell her I'll trade the location of the book for your treatment. I know the name of the ship"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe shakes her head "Oh, please don't! Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. But we can't let her get ahold of the book! It needs to be destroyed!"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "... if she'd torture me after all I did for her, over one little guest room..."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Yes."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "ANd the only way to do that is to get it in her hands."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Until I can contact..."
<Little_Devil_Girl> *kaff*
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Ledaal [Sidereal]"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "Have--- *kaff*--- have a little faith, would you?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe looks crushed "Are you sure? Couldn't we go get the book ourselves?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You..."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You think we can?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> Crushed?
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks up at you. The look of absolute adulation and faith in her faith is, frankly, deeply scary. "You can do anything! I'm sure we can get the book and destroy it!"

--Later--

<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe packs for you both, once you've decided to take the ship out of Arjuf, limping around the house but happy. By dawn, you have your tickets and are boarding the ship, the girl hovering around you. As you pull out of the harbor, you see a bit of a disturbance on the docks.. Looks like a three way battle between city guards, House Cynis soldiers and.. ninjas? The dock disappears behind you, and those problems are left behind.
<Little_Devil_Girl> "INcidentally. You drugged me, and threw me in a headlock."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> Calipe blushes "I'm sorry.. I.. was worried about you. I think I went a little overboard."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "A little?"
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She deflates "A lot?"
<Little_Devil_Girl> "I nearly lost you, as a result."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks down, and whispers "I'm sorry, but.. I had to. They would have killed you. Better I die, than you."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "If you had died there, I would have too."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She shakes her head "I would have come back, no matter what it took."
<Little_Devil_Girl> "You have to be more careful, Calipe."
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> She looks up "Ok.." She crosses her heart with her index finger "I promise! But.. I.." She looks away, then turns back. "I just can't sit back and let you be hurt!" Obviously heartfelt, though not what she was originally going to say.
<Little_Devil_Girl> Wonder what that was?
<Little_Devil_Girl> (No, no, there's definitely something *weird* in their relationship)
<Dancing_Screen_Monkey> The sun is rising over the eastern waters, turning the sea to gold. A freshening wind begins to blow, filling the sails as the ship sails on into the future.