JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession47
Back to Session 46
"Avast... disturbance in the Force? You say, "Avast... disturbance in the Force?" Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Rimshot! ) "Admiral Kaizoku! You've just destroyed the Speaker for the Sea and seized the heart of Pontoppidan! WHAT are you going to do now?! You say, "Admiral Kaizoku! You've just destroyed the Speaker for the Sea and seized the heart of Pontoppidan! WHAT are you going to do now?!" Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Say, in using bonus points, it seems that I could boost all my favored and caste skills to five, overnight. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I'm going to Disneyland! ) think And why not? The Storyteller . o O ( And why not? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( It seems too easy. ) think Whatever works for you. The Storyteller . o O ( Whatever works for you. ) think Oh, I picked up Armored Core: Nexus this week. Good, but difficult. The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, I picked up Armored Core: Nexus this week. Good, but difficult. ) TonyC materializes out of thin air. Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( What have you been doing with it? ) Monkey . o O ( Heya. ) think Uh, playing it. What else would I do with it? Annoyingly enough, there's no sandbox mode, so I'm trying to get through missions and buy up as many parts as I can to play with in the versus mode, where I keep getting my ass kicked anyway. The Storyteller . o O ( Uh, playing it. What else would I do with it? Annoyingly enough, there's no sandbox mode, so I'm trying to get through missions and buy up as many parts as I can to play with in the versus mode, where I keep getting my ass kicked anyway. ) think Hi, Tony! The Storyteller . o O ( Hi, Tony! ) TonyC [to Apollonian]: Sounds like AC. think Indeed it is. AC: Nexus, to be precise. The Storyteller . o O ( Indeed it is. AC: Nexus, to be precise. ) TonyC [to Apollonian]: Online vs.? think Oh, and I got a new desk chair -- my old one broke -- and it feels funny... I'm not used to sitting upright. The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and I got a new desk chair -- my old one broke -- and it feels funny... I'm not used to sitting upright. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Well, missions vs. arena play is what I was curious about. ) think Ah. Well, you need cash from missions to buy parts so that your Core in arena play doesn't suck big hairy goat dick. So mostly missions. The Storyteller . o O ( Ah. Well, you need cash from missions to buy parts so that your Core in arena play doesn't suck big hairy goat dick. So mostly missions. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Have you had any missions vs a ton of drones that your targetting doesn't lock on to? Those are pretty awful. ) think Not yet. My biggest problem so far is a really lousy turn speed -- the enemy Cores tend to get and stay behind me. The Storyteller . o O ( Not yet. My biggest problem so far is a really lousy turn speed -- the enemy Cores tend to get and stay behind me. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I've been there. ) Monkey . o O ( While I haven't played for a while, the lock on problem is solvable with a gatling gun with lots of ammo. The turn speed... well, if you can't fix it immediately, I'd try switching to long-range missiles and just keep firing and backing up. ) think Also slow. But I just got a new booster, and man! what a difference it makes over the default one. No long range missiles yet, but I do love the bazookas. The Storyteller . o O ( Also slow. But I just got a new booster, and man! what a difference it makes over the default one. No long range missiles yet, but I do love the bazookas. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. Use jets to skate, keep moving and get the assault rifle with 1000 rounds of ammo. ) think Ah, someday. My next priority is actually to get the game guide. There's an awful paucity of stuff online for Nexus, and what I really need is a list of the parts. My TV's going to hell, so I can't really read the stats for 'em... or sometimes, even the designations. The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, someday. My next priority is actually to get the game guide. There's an awful paucity of stuff online for Nexus, and what I really need is a list of the parts. My TV's going to hell, so I can't really read the stats for 'em... or sometimes, even the designations. ) Monkey . o O ( My head is full of Exalted stuff, thanks to SolarVsLion twinkage. No, that has nothing to do with AC or PirateMonkey. I just want to say it. ) think Remember, if the solars lose, the terrorists have won (tm). The Storyteller . o O ( Remember, if the solars lose, the terrorists have won (tm). ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Where is that Lion, anyway? What book? ) think But speaking of exalted, we should get started. Ooh, here's a thought: First and Forsaken Lion vs. Aslan! Battle of the leonids! The Storyteller . o O ( But speaking of exalted, we should get started. Ooh, here's a thought: First and Forsaken Lion vs. Aslan! Battle of the leonids! ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( God is on Aslan's side! ) Monkey . o O ( For example, I figured out that if I'm willing to pay a surcharge of 3 dots Melee, 3 Melee charms, and 2 motes/activation, MA style weapon problem is pretty much gone, at least in respect with instant effects. ) think Eh? Ah! The instant draw charms, yes? The Storyteller . o O ( Eh? Ah! The instant draw charms, yes? ) Monkey . o O ( Lion is in E: Autochton. At least 2 page write-up (with stat format similar of Mask's in the corebook). ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, that sort of fellow. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Does Terrifying Apparition of Glory work on the dead, or are they beyond caring? ) Monkey . o O ( Yup. And you pretty much need only three weapons to cross most of the normal MA style. Claws, 7-section staves, and fighting chain. ) Monkey . o O ( It does work against self-aware ones. ) think Yeah, that's what I'd say. The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah, that's what I'd say. ) think So, is Monkey going to sidestep a bit and grab that bag of tricks? The Storyteller . o O ( So, is Monkey going to sidestep a bit and grab that bag of tricks? ) Monkey . o O ( Heck no. ) think Gonna stay focused on the bare-handed whupass, then? The Storyteller . o O ( Gonna stay focused on the bare-handed whupass, then? ) Monkey . o O ( Amen. Daiklaves are for wusses. ) Monkey grins. Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Maybe he should get a pair of gloves for people or things who ooze acid from their pores? ) Monkey . o O ( That's what Poo-Flinging Strike is for. ) think Might want to cherry pick some Brawl stuff then -- Thunderclap Rush Attack could be very useful for him. The Storyteller . o O ( Might want to cherry pick some Brawl stuff then -- Thunderclap Rush Attack could be very useful for him. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( THAT would allow for a very effective team-up attack with the Admiral. ) Monkey . o O ( It makes more sense to go VBOS first. ) think True. Even cheaper. Anyway. The Storyteller . o O ( True. Even cheaper. Anyway. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I'm thinking Iron Raptor now, and Masterful Performance. ) Monkey . o O ( Anyway, let's start. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. ) think Actually, the Admiral may wish to consider Spider-Foot Style, given the vertiginous situations he keeps encountering... The Storyteller . o O ( Actually, the Admiral may wish to consider Spider-Foot Style, given the vertiginous situations he keeps encountering... ) Monkey . o O ( Btw, if either of you has Outcaste in PDF format and can copy/paste the text for the armors, could you please send it to me? Not just for the Solars twinkage, but the doubled speed could be useful for my other goal of breaking Mach 1. ) think sure. The Storyteller . o O ( sure. ) think Kaizoku, are you leaving anyone on the Isle aside from the ghosts in the Auspex' retinue? The Storyteller . o O ( Kaizoku, are you leaving anyone on the Isle aside from the ghosts in the Auspex' retinue? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I hope the gremlin who lives on the other side of the sound barrier doesn't eat Monkey. And no, we already left the marines back East, so there's no one to spare. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Do Suda and Saji return before we set off? ) Monkey . o O ( The threat of gremlins pale when compared to the benefit of gaining a god ally. When Monkey breaks the sound barrier, someone will have to be appointed god of breaking sound barriers. Since this is a universal thing, it probably involves an Essence increase. So we'll have a god who owes both his position and his new strength to Monkey. :p ) think Okay. We'll start when Scag Isle comes into sight, after an uneventful and swift voyage -- which means if you needed some training time, you've got it now, about four days worth. Suda and Saji are not back yet. However, they've both sent you separate Infallible Messengers reporting on their progress, which is fairly good. Suda says that you should be wary. It seems that there's an ideological split growing in the 7th Legion High Command that might be bad. The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. We'll start when Scag Isle comes into sight, after an uneventful and swift voyage -- which means if you needed some training time, you've got it now, about four days worth. Suda and Saji are not back yet. However, they've both sent you separate Infallible Messengers reporting on their progress, which is fairly good. Suda says that you should be wary. It seems that there's an ideological split growing in the 7th Legion High Command that might be bad. ) Monkey . o O ( Body Mending Meditation! ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Over orthodoxy regarding Solars allies, or something else? ) think Man, now THAT'S a time saver! The Storyteller . o O ( Man, now THAT'S a time saver! ) Monkey . o O ( Darn right! ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Masterful Performance, Lore, Presence, Perform and Occult +1 each and 2 specialty dots in Oratory and does Monkey have time to teach Graceful Crane to the Admiral? ) Monkey . o O ( No, no time. Not unless someone can tutor Monkey in Body Mending Meditation. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, well. 2 days of study on Keel Cleaves the Clouds then. ) Monkey . o O ( And you can't possibly get the specialty dots. That takes 3 weeks each. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I thought no training time for Favored and Caste specialties? ) think Concerning the split: The "Pursuers of Immaculate Purity" are courting the isolationist faction with some success. It's unlikely that they'll be able to overwhelm the Mercenary and Interventionist factions that are currently in charge, especially with the war going on, but if and when the Mask of Winters is defeated, it could boil over badly. It would be even worse if the Mask won and dictated terms that furthered Isolationist goals, which would probably result in an actual power shift. Suda says she'll try to find out more and report when she gets back. The Storyteller . o O ( Concerning the split: The "Pursuers of Immaculate Purity" are courting the isolationist faction with some success. It's unlikely that they'll be able to overwhelm the Mercenary and Interventionist factions that are currently in charge, especially with the war going on, but if and when the Mask of Winters is defeated, it could boil over badly. It would be even worse if the Mask won and dictated terms that furthered Isolationist goals, which would probably result in an actual power shift. Suda says she'll try to find out more and report when she gets back. ) Monkey . o O ( No it's abilities. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Well, that will require some speechifying when we get back. ) think A compromise: Specialties for a favored ability only take a week to train up. The Storyteller . o O ( A compromise: Specialties for a favored ability only take a week to train up. ) Monkey . o O ( Performance 5 dots should be plenty for anything, really. The extra 2 dice can be gained between story arcs when there's plenty of downtime. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Like THAT will happen. :) ) think Sure it will -- when the Admiral needs to learn Solar Sorcery, and therefore, Essence 5. The Storyteller . o O ( Sure it will -- when the Admiral needs to learn Solar Sorcery, and therefore, Essence 5. ) think Posing. The Storyteller . o O ( Posing. ) Monkey . o O ( I don't intend on getting specialties ever. ) Monkey . o O ( Pssst, raise WP to the max. After the sixth dot, it's the most value for your BP. ;) ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Say... ) @emit After the chill of the shadowland, the warm blue sky and water of Creation are a welcome change, even to the Auspex. The journey to Scag Isle is short, barely over four days, and in the evening of the fifth day you can see the low bulk of the island on the horizon. There are no signs of habitation on the southern shore, but the sharp-eyed lookout spots a likely cove to anchor for the night. Kurushka has spent much of the journey talking with Kaizoku, telling him of the Dragon Kings and of life before the Great Contagion. Now, gazing across the water, he says, "The pirates have a small harbor on the northwest shore, where a natural cave system provides cover." He lowers his voice. "Admiral, the crew are going to see my kindred soon enough. When do you think I should reveal my true nature?" After the chill of the shadowland, the warm blue sky and water of Creation are a welcome change, even to the Auspex. The journey to Scag Isle is short, barely over four days, and in the evening of the fifth day you can see the low bulk of the island on the horizon. There are no signs of habitation on the southern shore, but the sharp-eyed lookout spots a likely cove to anchor for the night. Kurushka has spent much of the journey talking with Kaizoku, telling him of the Dragon Kings and of life before the Great Contagion. Now, gazing across the water, he says, "The pirates have a small harbor on the northwest shore, where a natural cave system provides cover." He lowers his voice. "Admiral, the crew are going to see my kindred soon enough. When do you think I should reveal my true nature?" think brb The Storyteller . o O ( brb ) Monkey . o O ( Your pose, David. ) Admiral Kaizoku has learned much in those talks, and in exploring the remains of the shipyard, perhaps as much as anyone in Creation knows of the mechanics and arts of that time now. "I will brief them before we begin, and you will reveal yourself then. The crew knows you are a brave and true person... that is your true nature" he says firmly. "I am concerned though... how many of your kin are as advanced as you are?" think Back. The Storyteller . o O ( Back. ) @emit Kurushka says, "None. Many are savages, but there is a small number that you might liken to half-trained youths. Unlearned and unwise, but intelligent and alert. Given time, and the training I will provide, they will mature properly. As of now, they are slaves." He pauses, thinking, then looks directly at the Admiral. "Tell me, Admiral. Have you heard of the Dragon-Soul Enlightening Method?" Kurushka says, "None. Many are savages, but there is a small number that you might liken to half-trained youths. Unlearned and unwise, but intelligent and alert. Given time, and the training I will provide, they will mature properly. As of now, they are slaves." He pauses, thinking, then looks directly at the Admiral. "Tell me, Admiral. Have you heard of the Dragon-Soul Enlightening Method?" Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I'm guessing not? ) think Correct. The Storyteller . o O ( Correct. ) Admiral Kaizoku gives a little shake of his head. "I have not, but its purpose seems clear. A spell of some sort?" Monkey . o O ( About the only way I can think of for Kaizoku to know is if the very question triggers a flashback related to it. ) think Doesn't seem to fit his past lives, though. The Storyteller . o O ( Doesn't seem to fit his past lives, though. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Not overly much, no. I don't think the Dragon Kings were in the navy. ) @emit Kurushka shakes his head. "No, a Solar Charm, often used by the Pillars of Heaven who were friends of the Dragon Kings. By its magic, they could raise a young Dragon King from savagery to apprenticeship in a matter of months, rather than years. I had hoped you might know it, though it seemed unlikely." Kurushka shakes his head. "No, a Solar Charm, often used by the Pillars of Heaven who were friends of the Dragon Kings. By its magic, they could raise a young Dragon King from savagery to apprenticeship in a matter of months, rather than years. I had hoped you might know it, though it seemed unlikely." Meanwhile, belowdeck Monkey is sleeping in his hammock, a drumstick on one hand and the other holding an empty bottle on his chest. And that's a chicken drumstick, not the musical instrument. Monkey . o O ( Carry on. ) Admiral Kaizoku hmmmmms. "Perhaps it can be rediscovered then" he muses. "There is a technique to train any man into a skilled warrior in a short time. They are not wholly unrelated, and I have learned much of the nature of Dragon Kings on this voyage." think By the way, the one thing the Admiral never seems to do is pray. He might want to remember that arrow in his quiver -- he is a priest of the Unconquered Sun by virtue of his exaltation. The Storyteller . o O ( By the way, the one thing the Admiral never seems to do is pray. He might want to remember that arrow in his quiver -- he is a priest of the Unconquered Sun by virtue of his exaltation. ) think also, brb. Feel free to pose the dropping of anchor etc. The Storyteller . o O ( also, brb. Feel free to pose the dropping of anchor etc. ) Monkey . o O ( Bah, the UC is waay too busy playing his PS9. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I've been thinking about that actually, but the Admiral would save it for something really bad, as he interprets the Sun being big on self-reliance based on the circumstances Solars live in now. ) Monkey . o O ( you pose? Monkey's sleeping. ) Admiral Kaizoku directs Shen to dock in the harbor and calls the crew together once the Sun is secure. "Now, we have come here for a reason..." he tells the men. "We have found one place that remains of the First Age and benefitted from it. Here on Scag Island lies another remnant, but this is not a place... it is a people. The Dragon Kings are an ancient race that has survived the catastrophes leading to this Age of Sorrows, and has been lessed just like the rest of Creation. One of them has lifted himself up from that, and asked our help in freeing his enslaved comrades. That is why we are here, and here is the person who asked. You know him as a brave and true member of this crew, but not his true form... not until now." He waves Kurushka up to where he stands. think Lessed? The Storyteller . o O ( Lessed? ) Monkey . o O ( lessened ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, yes. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Should have said diminished. ) think Anyway. Actually, I was thinking that Kaizoku should remember that the US isn't the only god he can, or even should, pray to. Suda would be a good person to educate him on that sort of thing... The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway. Actually, I was thinking that Kaizoku should remember that the US isn't the only god he can, or even should, pray to. Suda would be a good person to educate him on that sort of thing... ) Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, anyone who isn't a savant probably will think that the dragon kings are some sort of beastmen, just like the snakemen in Halta, for example. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( You mean the local/regional gods. How do you know of their existance to call upon them though? ) @emit Kurushka steps up, looks around for a minute, and shrugs. Then his form shimmers, and in place of the large-framed and open-faced sailor stands a huge lizard-like creature, powerful and inhuman. Many of the crew step back involuntarily, but there is no anger or fright in them -- merely startlement. Kurushka steps up, looks around for a minute, and shrugs. Then his form shimmers, and in place of the large-framed and open-faced sailor stands a huge lizard-like creature, powerful and inhuman. Many of the crew step back involuntarily, but there is no anger or fright in them -- merely startlement. Monkey . o O ( You ask the local shaman. ) think Or just flip on your essence sight and interrogate the first little god you come across. The Storyteller . o O ( Or just flip on your essence sight and interrogate the first little god you come across. ) Monkey . o O ( If Kaizoku doesn't watch it, Monkey will be the first to do that. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( AESC should really be on my list. ) think Done posing, btw. Who's next? The Storyteller . o O ( Done posing, btw. Who's next? ) Admiral Kaizoku gives Kurushka a clasp on the shoulder, reassuring him. "Now, a group of pirates has enslaved his less fortunate kin, selling them for profit. This ends today!" he calls out. think It's evening. The Storyteller . o O ( It's evening. ) Monkey . o O ( Hush, stop ruining one's pretty speech. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Besides, night is the best time to skulk around. ) Admiral Kaizoku continues "Monkey, Kurushka and myself will go ashore and locate their camp and destroy it. The Sun will move to intercept and sink their ship should it move in to assist them." Monkey . o O ( Whoa, whoa, Monkey's asleep, don't you remember? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( He can sleep through one of these speeches? ) Monkey . o O ( Of course. :) This sounds like all of your other speech. :) ) Monkey . o O ( But anyway.... ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Someone will go kick Monkey of of bed. ) Monkey . o O ( No, we'll assume that someone already did. ) Monkey goes, "Cool! Let's go!" and he jumps over the railing to the shore. He's a few yards ahead when he turns around and ask, "Kurushka, where are we going again?" Monkey . o O ( Jesse, your pose. ) @emit Kurushka says, in his low rumble, "The other side of the island, Mister Monkey." Kurushka says, in his low rumble, "The other side of the island, Mister Monkey." Admiral Kaizoku calls in the senior staff and other Exalts. "Leaf, you are in combat command. Shen will continue to sail. Consider any advice Leden and the Auspex have. We should be back before dawn. Here are the alternate meeting points." He shows them on the map, the other side of the island and halfway between there and the current position. Monkey says, "What are we waiting for then? The other side of the island is not going to come for us. Admiral, you too. Come on." Monkey . o O ( DINOS!] ) @emit Kurushka looks at the Admiral, his reptilian face inscrutable. Almost. You could swear he's grinning inside. Kurushka looks at the Admiral, his reptilian face inscrutable. Almost. You could swear he's grinning inside. Admiral Kaizoku lets Monkey go down the gangplank first. He gives Kurushka a reassuring nod in return. think Monkey's already in the water... The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey's already in the water... ) think At least, I'm assuming he's in the water, since the Sun is anchored several yards from shore... The Storyteller . o O ( At least, I'm assuming he's in the water, since the Sun is anchored several yards from shore... ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( He could jump all the way to shore... ) Monkey . o O ( Correct. Actually waiting for a gangplank to be lowered takes way too much time for Monkey. ) Monkey . o O ( He could. But being a Western boy, he doesn't mind getting his feet wet. ) Admiral Kaizoku leaps from the rail to the shore, drawing his blade in mid-air. @emit Kurushka dives over the railing in a smooth motion, darting past Monkey with a few powerful strokes of his tail until he stands up in the shallows, the gentle surf lapping at his scales. "This way," he says, pointing, and begins walking inland. Kurushka dives over the railing in a smooth motion, darting past Monkey with a few powerful strokes of his tail until he stands up in the shallows, the gentle surf lapping at his scales. "This way," he says, pointing, and begins walking inland. think Guess I'd better describe the area, huh? The Storyteller . o O ( Guess I'd better describe the area, huh? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Stinking jungle? ) Monkey . o O ( Probably. Is there a transformable tyrant lizard warstrider around? ) @emit Scag rests in a temperate clime. If a crow flew straight east for many days, it would find itself in the northern reaches of Cherak. Yet, the pole of Air is distant, and thus the climate is milder than that afflicting the North. The cove in which the ship has anchored is sheltered by a great pile of rock to the east, and a spit topped with pines to the west. White sand and driftwood make up the beach. A few yards from the surfline, a forest of pines and firs begins, the closest trees stunted and warped by the wind. Scag rests in a temperate clime. If a crow flew straight east for many days, it would find itself in the northern reaches of Cherak. Yet, the pole of Air is distant, and thus the climate is milder than that afflicting the North. The cove in which the ship has anchored is sheltered by a great pile of rock to the east, and a spit topped with pines to the west. White sand and driftwood make up the beach. A few yards from the surfline, a forest of pines and firs begins, the closest trees stunted and warped by the wind. think Looking for some good pictures, but it's not easy. The Storyteller . o O ( Looking for some good pictures, but it's not easy. ) Monkey . o O ( What, there's no good pics of Grimlock? You kid! ;) ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I was thinking it would be Beast Wars Megatron! ) Admiral Kaizoku asks "Do many of your kin hunt on this side of the island?"
- rolleyes
The Storyteller rolleyes @emit Kurushka says, "I do not know. It is unlikely -- they hunt in the sea, not on land -- but it is possible that we will run across a brooding female or two. Kurushka says, "I do not know. It is unlikely -- they hunt in the sea, not on land -- but it is possible that we will run across a brooding female or two. Admiral Kaizoku says, "Then lead the way to the Hook's encampment." think Ah, here's a pic that'll represent the coastline: http://www.skiathosvillarentals.com/images/thumbs/sk_thumb_attractions_077_beautiful_nw_coast.jpg The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, here's a pic that'll represent the coastline: http://www.skiathosvillarentals.com/images/thumbs/sk_thumb_attractions_077_beautiful_nw_coast.jpg ) Monkey says, "I understand completely. I mean, sheesh, women, eh. One moment they're happy as a clam and suddenly they're starting to ask questions that has no right answer." He pats Kurushka on the shoulder. "We've all been there." Admiral Kaizoku holds back a sigh at that. @emit Kurushka turns silently and leads the way into the interior, surprisingly quiet for all his bulk. "Follow me," he calls back over his shoulder. Kurushka turns silently and leads the way into the interior, surprisingly quiet for all his bulk. "Follow me," he calls back over his shoulder. think BTW, it's a two-day journey across the island. The Storyteller . o O ( BTW, it's a two-day journey across the island. ) Monkey . o O ( I hope Dawn wasn't reading that behind. ) Monkey . o O ( behind your shoulder, that is. ) think Nah, she's crocheting in the living room. The Storyteller . o O ( Nah, she's crocheting in the living room. ) think Also, Bjork is very weird. The Storyteller . o O ( Also, Bjork is very weird. ) Monkey . o O ( Yes, _very_. ) Admiral Kaizoku says "Guard the rear, Monkey" as he sets off after Kurushka, musing that he should have brought the Ashigaru armor along for this. think Oops. Tony, I don't have Outcaste in .pdf. Sorry. The Storyteller . o O ( Oops. Tony, I don't have Outcaste in .pdf. Sorry. ) Monkey makes a lousy rear-guard, being prone to wandering around and beating bushes just because. Still, he's probably a much worse scout. Monkey . o O ( no prob. ) Monkey . o O ( Ah! I forgot my tea. It must've been cold by now. Grrrr. ) @emit By full nightfall, you've found some game trails and made it far enough inland that the sound of surf is only a faint sighing in the distance. Unfortunately, the moon is new and the forest is dark. When the trail you're on ends at a shallow, rocky stream, Kurushka stops and says, "Admiral, we should stop and make camp. None of us are landsmen.... getting lost here would be dangerous." He lowers his voice. "And _embarrassing_." By full nightfall, you've found some game trails and made it far enough inland that the sound of surf is only a faint sighing in the distance. Unfortunately, the moon is new and the forest is dark. When the trail you're on ends at a shallow, rocky stream, Kurushka stops and says, "Admiral, we should stop and make camp. None of us are landsmen.... getting lost here would be dangerous." He lowers his voice. "And _embarrassing_." think Ugh. I need to make a quick pot of coffee. BRB. The Storyteller . o O ( Ugh. I need to make a quick pot of coffee. BRB. ) Monkey says, "Sounds like a good idea, Admiral. There's no rush anyway." Admiral Kaizoku's eyebrow twitches underneath his blindcloth. "Indeed" he remarks, though clearly none too happy about it. "Take the first watch, Monkey. We move at dawn." Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( And I must break for dinner... back in 15 or so, after pot roast. ) Monkey . o O ( mmmm, rost. ) Monkey . o O ( roast ) Monkey says, "Alright. Kurushka, you next. And do you want some hardtack? I got some in my pouch." Monkey . o O ( Unless something happen, in which case you pose, I'm going to pose being waken up at dawn by Kaizoku, ready to resume the journey. ) @emit Kurushka says, "No, I'll just catch something." He wades into the stream. Half an hour later, he returns with a few fish, which he proceeds to eat whole, though offering one to Monkey. Kurushka says, "No, I'll just catch something." He wades into the stream. Half an hour later, he returns with a few fish, which he proceeds to eat whole, though offering one to Monkey. think And no, you can go ahead and pose awakening. The Storyteller . o O ( And no, you can go ahead and pose awakening. ) Monkey says, "Ooooo, fresh fish! Drats, I don't have the proper sauce, but I think I have a pinch of salt somewhere. Thanks!" The night passes without any incident. Monkey was waken up first thing in the morning, while the sun hints scarlet beyond the trees. Quickly the three of them breaks camp. By the time the sun is visible, the journey is resumed. think Hm. And now I guess we should wait a bit for Kaizoku. The Storyteller . o O ( Hm. And now I guess we should wait a bit for Kaizoku. ) Monkey . o O ( So basically Kurushka's kin is enslaved by this Hook? A dragon king is quite stronger than a man, so what's Hook's edge? More men? Hostages? Supernatural prowess? ) think The Azure Hook is a band of pirates. They've learned how to capture and tame the DKs. Players Guide, pp. 163-164. And the edge is generally simple intelligence and teamwork, plus probably a couple of god-blooded and thaumaturges. The Storyteller . o O ( The Azure Hook is a band of pirates. They've learned how to capture and tame the DKs. Players Guide, pp. 163-164. And the edge is generally simple intelligence and teamwork, plus probably a couple of god-blooded and thaumaturges. ) Monkey . o O ( Aha! So this is the side quest to add the dragonman to your party! :) ) Monkey . o O ( Just kidding. ) think Well, it was, but then I realized that the cast list is bloated at best and cyclopean at worst, and you guys didn't seem all that interested... so Kurushka will probably just end up in plot device mode. The Storyteller . o O ( Well, it was, but then I realized that the cast list is bloated at best and cyclopean at worst, and you guys didn't seem all that interested... so Kurushka will probably just end up in plot device mode. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Back! ) Monkey . o O ( Well, that's the problem with becoming a world power. ) Monkey . o O ( You just be glad we didn't choose to stay in Nexus and play Guild politics. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( And I was thinking that Kurushka would have to stay behind here to train up the rest of his fellows to intelligent status, so they'll be out of the picture until its time for them to make a dramatic appearance. ) think Exactly. Although he'll probably do it on the Isle of Shadows. The Storyteller . o O ( Exactly. Although he'll probably do it on the Isle of Shadows. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Soon to be renamed the Isle of Sunshine, once we fire up certain manses there. ) Monkey . o O ( Heh, so let's help them out now. ) think Ah, well then. On with the show! The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, well then. On with the show! ) Monkey . o O ( That sounds like a Club Med ad. "Come, to the Island of Sunshine." ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Posing, Jesse? ) @emit Hiking through the morning, you make your way around the highlands at the center of the island. Twice, you have to circle around predators -- some kind of large cat, and a Dragon King savage. Luckily, both are occupied with their kills and do not pursue you. By late afternoon, you begin to find signs of humanity: Campsites, human-made trails, and marked trees, as well as the occasional cast-off weapon or tool. As twilight creeps in, you climb a high hill, and look down onto a small settlement on the shore. The crash of surf echoes in the hills around the harbor, and small lights move among the buildings. "There," says Kurushka, pointing. "That is where we are going." Hiking through the morning, you make your way around the highlands at the center of the island. Twice, you have to circle around predators -- some kind of large cat, and a Dragon King savage. Luckily, both are occupied with their kills and do not pursue you. By late afternoon, you begin to find signs of humanity: Campsites, human-made trails, and marked trees, as well as the occasional cast-off weapon or tool. As twilight creeps in, you climb a high hill, and look down onto a small settlement on the shore. The crash of surf echoes in the hills around the harbor, and small lights move among the buildings. "There," says Kurushka, pointing. "That is where we are going." Admiral Kaizoku pulls out his spyglass and then puts it back away, cursing the force of habit. He looks over the encampment, searching for cages or stockades. Monkey . o O ( Nice bit. ) Monkey says, "What approach are you considering, Admiral?" Monkey says, "These guys really aren't any threat. Just let me go over there and thump some heads, and I'm sure they'll realize their mistake pretty fast." Admiral Kaizoku replies "The just one... Freeing the Dragon Kings and letting them deal with their captors..." Monkey says, "But Kurushka pretty much said they're kids!" @emit Thanks to the sea-spray, the Admiral can see more clearly than either Kurushka or Monkey. The outpost is laid out in ramshackle fashion, though the buildings themselves seem to be fairly sturdy. (At least, as far as you can tell from half a mile away.) The harbor looks to be a good one, and it's probably the best on the island. A small number of docks stretch out into the water. None are large enough to service a ship, but a few ship's boats and small vessels are tied up. At anchor in the harbor are a pair of medium-sized merchant vessels. They appear unarmed, but looks can be deceptive. Thanks to the sea-spray, the Admiral can see more clearly than either Kurushka or Monkey. The outpost is laid out in ramshackle fashion, though the buildings themselves seem to be fairly sturdy. (At least, as far as you can tell from half a mile away.) The harbor looks to be a good one, and it's probably the best on the island. A small number of docks stretch out into the water. None are large enough to service a ship, but a few ship's boats and small vessels are tied up. At anchor in the harbor are a pair of medium-sized merchant vessels. They appear unarmed, but looks can be deceptive. Monkey says, "It might be just, and they're probably tough kids, but sending untrained youths against armed pirates.... There will be casualties, you know." Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Are there any Dragon Kings spotted? And in what state of development? As big as Kurushka, at least? ) @emit Clustered closest to the docks are six long, low buildings, built into a hexagon. In the center of the hexagon is a corral or stockade of sorts, very sturdy. It is empty. Nearby is what looks like a shipwright's workshop and yard. South of these buildings, the land rises up quickly, and the Admiral can make out a few holes in the hill -- probably the entrance to the cave system. That is probably where the Dragon Kings are being held, if any are here at the moment. Kurushka says that they are oft away from the island for months at a time, in service to their piratical masters. Clustered closest to the docks are six long, low buildings, built into a hexagon. In the center of the hexagon is a corral or stockade of sorts, very sturdy. It is empty. Nearby is what looks like a shipwright's workshop and yard. South of these buildings, the land rises up quickly, and the Admiral can make out a few holes in the hill -- probably the entrance to the cave system. That is probably where the Dragon Kings are being held, if any are here at the moment. Kurushka says that they are oft away from the island for months at a time, in service to their piratical masters. Admiral Kaizoku says "Unless we are careful, the pirates will turn them on us first, which would result in even more casualties Monkey..." He points to the cave openings. "We will begin there, and likely find a pirate or two to question before attacking." think hm. My pose? The Storyteller . o O ( hm. My pose? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Guess so. ) Monkey thumps his fist on his palm. "Question them first. What a great idea! I'll go closer, find one, and bring him over." think okay, a small pose coming up. The Storyteller . o O ( okay, a small pose coming up. ) @emit The last red light of the setting sun has faded from the sky. Below, you can hear sounds of revelry coming from one of the long buildings. A pirate stumbles out, firelight glow from inside until an unseen hand closes the door. The pirate staggers along the beach, pausing only to swear and throw a rock into the water. After a few unsteady yards, he collapses in the sand. The last red light of the setting sun has faded from the sky. Below, you can hear sounds of revelry coming from one of the long buildings. A pirate stumbles out, firelight glow from inside until an unseen hand closes the door. The pirate staggers along the beach, pausing only to swear and throw a rock into the water. After a few unsteady yards, he collapses in the sand. Admiral Kaizoku points to the falled wastrel and mouths to Monkey "Go!" think Monkey? The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey? ) Monkey runs to the collapsed pirate. Drawing close to the buildings he slows down, so as not to make too much noise or stumble. Still, sand is excellent for muffling footsteps, and the sound of the surf masks any but the loudest noise. Once he reaches the pirate, he stoops down to examine him. Monkey . o O ( Drunk, I suppose? ) @emit The drunk buccaneer is a grizzle Westerner in his forties. Foul breath wafts through his gap-toothed mouth, and he's missing two of the fingers on his left hand. Here's a soul who's been lucky enough to survive into middle age as a pirate, and unlucky enough to still be doing it. And by the look of his clothes, he's not done very well. He's armed with a cutlass and a dagger, neither well cared for. The drunk buccaneer is a grizzle Westerner in his forties. Foul breath wafts through his gap-toothed mouth, and he's missing two of the fingers on his left hand. Here's a soul who's been lucky enough to survive into middle age as a pirate, and unlucky enough to still be doing it. And by the look of his clothes, he's not done very well. He's armed with a cutlass and a dagger, neither well cared for. think done The Storyteller . o O ( done ) think Oh, and he's stone-cold unconscious. The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and he's stone-cold unconscious. ) Monkey says, "Well, fella, let's get you up." Monkey picks the man and carries him on his back. Encumbered, Monkey chooses not to risk passing by the buildings again and instead uses his exalted magic to jump long distances in a short time. think Keep on posing -- I'll interrupt if anything happens. The Storyteller . o O ( Keep on posing -- I'll interrupt if anything happens. ) Monkey . o O ( Monkey Leap. 60 yds/mote. Personal. ) think Okay The Storyteller . o O ( Okay ) A short time later, Monkey lands some distance behind Kaizoku. He's a bit puzzled that he doesn't see the others, but Kurushka cleared his throat, a strange sound coming from him, and Monkey turns around, grins, and dumps the person unceremoniously. Monkey . o O ( Your pose. You're the one with the canteen of water. Mine is good rum and I'd hate wasting it on that guy. ) Monkey prods the pirate with his foot. Monkey says, "Wakey wakey!" Admiral Kaizoku nods. "Good work, Monkey. Disarm and restrain him." Once that is done, he kneels at the pirate's side, stuffs a hanky in his mouth and sprays water from his waterskin in his face to get him up. "Be quiet unless I tell you to speak" he says in a low, sinister voice. think hm. rolling The Storyteller . o O ( hm. rolling ) xl 3 pirate wakey You rolled 3 dice on pirate wakey and got 1 success. think Talking in Western? The Storyteller . o O ( Talking in Western? ) Monkey . o O ( My wakey wakey part, yup. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Ditto. ) @emit The pirate shakes awake under the cold water, looks around wildly, and turns white as a sheet when he sees Kurushka. The pirate shakes awake under the cold water, looks around wildly, and turns white as a sheet when he sees Kurushka. Admiral Kaizoku says "That's right. All of your crimes are coming back. Did you think you could exploit these people forever? You have one single chance to stay alive, and perhaps preserve your friends as well. Do you understand?" @emit The terrified pirate nods, once. You smell urine, and a glance southwards confirms that he's pissed his drawers. The terrified pirate nods, once. You smell urine, and a glance southwards confirms that he's pissed his drawers. Monkey whispers right in the wastrel's ear, "It's okay, he's nice. He won't eat you if you don't make trouble," intentionally not specifying whether he's talking of Kurushka or Kaizoku. Admiral Kaizoku scowls slightly at this scum's lack of nerve. "I will free your mouth now. You will not shout for help. You will answer every question I ask truthfully or I will have my friend ask instead." He jerks his head towards Kurushka. "Do you understand?" @emit Again, a sharp nod. Again, a sharp nod. Admiral Kaizoku pulls the kerchief from the man's mouth. "Now... How many Azure Hooks are on this island, and how many are elsewhere? How many captives do you have here, and how many are away?" he asks in a no-nonsense tone. @emit The pirate stammers out, "Ah-ah-ah-ah don't know all, sir, but there be just the two ships here now, Old Rackham's and Cap'n Serdi's. M-maybe sixty brothers all told. A-about five other ships a-roving now, and another in Coral. Ah th-think th-there's fifty-some lizards in the caves, 'n' twenty or so at sea...." The pirate stammers out, "Ah-ah-ah-ah don't know all, sir, but there be just the two ships here now, Old Rackham's and Cap'n Serdi's. M-maybe sixty brothers all told. A-about five other ships a-roving now, and another in Coral. Ah th-think th-there's fifty-some lizards in the caves, 'n' twenty or so at sea...." think I think we'll have to knock off after the interrogation. I need to be up and clicking refresh on the registration page in eight hours... The Storyteller . o O ( I think we'll have to knock off after the interrogation. I need to be up and clicking refresh on the registration page in eight hours... ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Right. So it looks like there's a trip to the Coral Archipeligo in the works, as I thought. ) Admiral Kaizoku leans in closer. "What would your brothers do if an alarm sounded? Make for their ships?" he asks. "How many men watch the caves?" Monkey says, "Which cave and how many people are guarding them?" @emit The pirate says, "Aye, we'd make for the ships and s-sail for home. Th-there's about ten men watching the c-caves." The pirate says, "Aye, we'd make for the ships and s-sail for home. Th-there's about ten men watching the c-caves." think Oh, hey. What'd the admiral do with the Heart of Pontoppidan? The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, hey. What'd the admiral do with the Heart of Pontoppidan? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Locked it in a box inside his cabin, as securely as he could, warded against Exalted and Demons. ) think Okay. The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. ) Monkey looks up to Admiral Kaizoku. "Hmmm, small trouble here. We won't be fighting anywhere near fair numbers here. I mean, you alone is worth 30 men in melee. Kurushka, well, I haven't seen him in action, but I say probably ten. Add me, and that's that's 2:1 over all. And if we just taken on the cave guards," he sighes. "It's just too unfair." Admiral Kaizoku changes to Old Realm and says "Killing the men here would do little good, with more at sea. We will free the Dragon Kings and have the alarm sound, then follow the Hook ships back to their base and destroy it completely." He smiles thinly. "That would also be more of a challenge for you." Monkey brightens up. "True true. He did say there are six other ships. Why, if we take them all on at once, we might actually get some work out!" Admiral Kaizoku returns to Seatongue. "You will lead us to the cave now, with no tricks. Give us no trouble and you will leave this island alive" he tells the man. @emit The sailor nods. The sailor nods. Admiral Kaizoku stands up and says simply "Move." Monkey . o O ( Probably a last pose describing the cave area and then break? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Works for me. ) Monkey . o O ( Oh, and I'm going to activate Lost Monkey Form. That's it. ) @emit The sailor scrambles to his feet and -- circling wide of Kurushka, who shows all his many teeth -- leads you down the hill toward the caves. It's not too far, but moving quietly down the scrub-covered hill is difficult. By the time you near the caves, the stars are gleaming in the sky and the sound of debauchery from the outpost is dying down. The entrance to the caves appears unguarded, but you can see the shadow of someone inside the nearest hole. A flickering torch stands next to each entrance, illuminating a makeshift gong: the alarm bell. The sailor scrambles to his feet and -- circling wide of Kurushka, who shows all his many teeth -- leads you down the hill toward the caves. It's not too far, but moving quietly down the scrub-covered hill is difficult. By the time you near the caves, the stars are gleaming in the sky and the sound of debauchery from the outpost is dying down. The entrance to the caves appears unguarded, but you can see the shadow of someone inside the nearest hole. A flickering torch stands next to each entrance, illuminating a makeshift gong: the alarm bell. Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Hmmm... a handful of Exalted vs an entire pirate nest with a half-dozen ships... that should be fun to run. ) Monkey . o O ( I'd stat the crew as units and have the ships fire every so often as per Savage Seas. ) Monkey . o O ( Of course, we won't use the UC. Won't be fair. ) Monkey . o O ( US, that it. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Drop off one Exalt or top-level fighter on each ship via the Chariot? ) think We'll figure something out. 3 bp each and I'll see you same time next week, or later? The Storyteller . o O ( We'll figure something out. 3 bp each and I'll see you same time next week, or later? ) Monkey . o O ( It'll have to be later. ) think what time, Pyramoo? The Storyteller . o O ( what time, Pyramoo? ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( I'm good any time. ) Monkey . o O ( I can't keep food-poisoning myself. :) ) Monkey . o O ( 9 p.m. Pyramoo. ) think So that's 10 EST, 7 PST? The Storyteller . o O ( So that's 10 EST, 7 PST? ) Monkey . o O ( So one hour 15 minutes earlier than now. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Works for me. ) think Okay. See you then! The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. See you then! ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( Did the pirate seem to recognize the Admiral, or just that he was in trouble? ) think Trouble. Still somewhat drunk, too. The Storyteller . o O ( Trouble. Still somewhat drunk, too. ) Admiral Kaizoku . o O ( OK. Goodnight! ) think 'night. The Storyteller . o O ( 'night. )
On to Session 48
