Exalted Discussion: It was overdue, you know.

[Mesden]

Yeah, we need a discussion, so here.

Also, Tayuumi takes five damage of poison. Sucks to be her right now.

[Funka Genocide]

okies, well I'll let everyone reply to recent developments. Things are getting quite nasty aren't they?

and Twiddy, where ya at?

Krylo, you can go on with your part anytime you want.

and me? well I'll be twisting fate for my own nefarious purposes of course.

[PhoenixFlame]

Funka, just for clarifications, Mrs. Assassin is weilding a Chiracuso Glass Dagger, and um... Really shouldn't have attacked Hideki yet.

But anyway, good show. It was bound to happen. I'll examine everything else later, once I've gotten sleep.

OOC: And thanks to Krylo and Mesden for Z'womping the discussion thread in my absence, and for Funka's excellentness.

[Mesden]

Thanks PF!

Mmmm, super arsenic eggs...Yum...

[Funka Genocide]

Funka, just for clarifications, Mrs. Assassin is weilding a Chiracuso Glass Dagger, and um... Really shouldn't have attacked Hideki yet.

I'm sorry about that Phoenix, it just seemed the most logical action, as he's bound to become suspicious once he goes back to the restaurant and finds his charges writhing in poison induced agony. Also, it was her goal to kill him in the first place, so might as well get the deed done with expediancy. Sorry for jumping the gun though.

*kowtow*

gomen!

edit: DB, what's your reaction to the sneak attack?

[Dragonsbane]

Posted my reaction, Funka...and learning to love the Lightning Chain. It's so deliciously well-rounded.

[Funka Genocide]

just waiting for the other folk to post.

and/or Phoenix to remove the burden of storyteller from my honored shoulders.

bah, ah well, I guess I'll just throw some random loops in for kicks, though I would like everyone to reply at least once per go around, just to let us know you're still paying attention. once a day should be fine.

more would be better.

pictures are cool too.

note to Phoenix: If you're reading this I may all ready be dead...

err, what I mean is, I'm playing that Abyssal character "straight" for the moment. A loyal follower of her deathlord and intent on completing her mission. If this is somehow incorrect let me know.

also... a character sheet would be quite gangster. eh heh

and money...

disjointed nonsense: ah my dear DB, we are, as they say, jumping the proverbial gun.

it seems I was amiss in my appraisal of the rule system, so I won't fault you for taking advantage of that. Normally when you're attacked from behind you simply get hit with no chance to defend unless you use a reflexive charm that allows you to defend an attack you're unaware of. Since I gave you the easy out of a perception roll to defend, there's no harm in that.

your parry goes over as you've described, you deflected the weapon effortlessly and with a nice dab o' flare.

However the rest of the post is, I'm afraid, out of synch. A new round starts after you parried reflexively, one in which initiative must be determined. So because I goofed and let it slip I'll just say that you won initiative in the second round over "Mystery Bitch".

heh, sorry... just sounded sort of fitting.

She get's to react to your attack of 8 successes. I'm going to have her do something devious. So we have to rewind a little bit from what you posted, Hideki merely attempts to ensnare her weapon. There is no success until after she's defended.

having said all that I'm off to research the relevant source material for something sufficiently nasty.

yes, I realize I should probably keep stuff like that to myself.

Yes, my internal monologues is always audible, I'm speaking right now as a matter of fact. to no one

[Dragonsbane]

If you could find and post the Disarm rules (which I am completely unable to find), that would be extremely helpful.

Also, Funka, I was errantly assuming that Air Dragon's Sight would still be up, as it specifically negates any benefit a foe might gain from ambushes, backstabs, etc.

[Krylo]

Disarming rules, from the main book.

"Disarming opponents is a staple of heroic fiction. Make a Dexterity + the appropriate combat ability roll at difficulty 3 for hand-to-hand attack or difficulty 5 for a ranged attack for a character attempting to disarm an opponent. The target may parry or dodge as though it were a normal attack.

If the disarming roll is successful, make a reflexive Wits + the combat Ability governing the weapon he's wielding for the victim of the attack. If the target's player does not get at least as many successes on the Wits + Ability roll as the attacker had extra successes on the disarming roll, his weapon is torn from his grasp and flung several feet in a direction of the attacker's choice.

A player must succeed at a roll of Dexterity + the combat Ability governing the weapon for the character to retrieve his weapon after he's been disarmed, unless the weapon fell (or was kicked) into a river, under a piece of heavy furniture or down a bottomless chasm. Retrieving a weapon is not a reflexive action--a character who wishes to do something in the turn he picks up his weapon must split his dice pool. Disarming does no actual damage. Characters using brawling weapons such as cesti or tiger claws cannot normally be disarmed because their weapons are so firmly attached to their hands."

So the rolls go like this, if I'm getting this right (though they could have worded it better), and she hadn't used a charm...

Hideki: Dex+combat ability. Must get at least 3. You got 7.
Assassin: Rolls dodge or parry. If she succeeds at avoiding the attack as if it were a normal attack (in this case, getting 7+ successes on her dodge/parry roll), the disarm fails. Alternatively, she can activate a dodge/parry charm at this point to avoid it. If she doesn't avoid it, next step.
Assassin: Rolls Wits + Combat Ability. She must roll equal to the number of success Hideki got over three (in this case she'd have to roll 4 or more). If she succeeds the disarm fails. If she fails her weapon is flung in a direction of your choosing.

[PhoenixFlame]

I'm very sorry for the delay, for when I was forcibly enrolled in summer college courses, I knew they'd be condensed into an accellerated timeframe, but I really never expected to have two days to study for seven chapter tests. Nor did I expect to have to spend my entirety of sunday attending a spur-of-the-moment church function.

But enough of me. Soon as I get up to speed on what's happened, I'll iron everything out.

DB: Technically, Air Dragon's Sight is scenelong. Apprehending someone and drawing them into a corner for interrogation constitutes a new scene. (Most of the time.)

Krylo: Correct, to a degree... Hideki must still score at least difficulty 3 AFTER defenses are applied. This is why you don't disarm some with every attack. Really, you're not supposed to do it at all, unless it's a dramatic moment, but... Meh. Go ahead.

[Dragonsbane]

Sorry, Phoenix, I won't interfere with anything you have planned, I promise! It's just that it is a chain, and that's the first thing that popped into my mind when I thought of a chain parry. Can you IM me on MSN?

[Funka Genocide]

sorry about jerking things up it seems, I've got a habit of just going with the first thing that pops into my head. I hope I didn't mess things up too much for ya' Phoenix. It's good to have you back though, I spent an awful lot of time just looking up rules in your absence, heh heh.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled RP, already in progress...

[Krylo]

Krylo: Correct, to a degree... Hideki must still score at least difficulty 3 AFTER defenses are applied. This is why you don't disarm some with every attack. Really, you're not supposed to do it at all, unless it's a dramatic moment, but... Meh. Go ahead.
I kind of thought that might be the case, but I wasn't sure from reading. They were rather ambiguous with the wording. As they are from time to time.

So she'd only have to roll 4+sux to avoid the parry then, had she not gone all charmy.

Edit: Also, does committed essence come from personal or peripheral?

[Raiden]

It can come from either, Krylo. Though I recommend committing Peripheral. Personal Essence is valuable when you don't want to get caught.

[Krylo]

I assume it doesn't ignite the effects of using peripheral essence, then?

[Raiden]

Well, I commit all my weapons to Peripheral, and I've yet to be called on having to have my Caste Mark shown.

So...no, it doesn't show off your true nature.

[Dragonsbane]

If I recall correctly, yes it does, but not permanently. It's the same as if you expended those motes of Peripheral Essence, but haven't regained them yet. The effect shows, but slowly fades to nothing in accordance with the Peripheral Essence rules. This is why attuning is usually done in private. :p

That's how my first character was discovered as an Anathema, he was in his section of the tomb, retrieving his armor, and walked back into the main room just as an Abyssal and a Dragonblood with a group of elite troops appeared.

[Mesden]

By order of the co-GM, I shall now tell you that we have all recieved another 6XP. Have fun.

[PhoenixFlame]

Actually, I was intending to give out the XP at the halfway mark of each thread, so... Disregard that. Given what's been done, 12 xp is far, far too much.

And Krylo, you manage to leap right over the guards without difficulty. Poor guards...

[Dragonsbane]

Phoenix, it isn't our fault if the game has been going slowly. It's been more than a week now, we deserve some exp, especially since things are starting to heat up. Furthermore, since you're enforcing training time for Charms, we NEED to get the exp for them quickly if we want to use them at all, ever. Some of the characters can function just fine with the Charms they have, such as Tomasu, but some of us will still have three Charms to go in order to get our Form Charm and we need the exp to get there.

Besides, a thread is much longer than a session, and 4-6 exp is about how much is given per session. If you give it out at the midway only, we'll advance much slower than we're supposed to.

[edit] Also, post, I'm sitting in that alley room waiting for the Abyssal to respond or do something.

[Raiden]

Tomasu, FTW!

Meh, the only problem I see coming up would be training times. That may take a while. Otherwise, I'm leaving XP decisions to Phoenix.

[Nikose Tyris]

..I forget, how long does it take to attune to something? My post may be in err, if I did it incorrectly... However, I'm armed and ready for combat! ((I never uninvested the essence from my sword. :P))

[PhoenixFlame]

Phoenix, it isn't our fault if the game has been going slowly. It's been more than a week now, we deserve some exp, especially since things are starting to heat up. Furthermore, since you're enforcing training time for Charms, we NEED to get the exp for them quickly if we want to use them at all, ever. Some of the characters can function just fine with the Charms they have, such as Tomasu, but some of us will still have three Charms to go in order to get our Form Charm and we need the exp to get there.

Besides, a thread is much longer than a session, and 4-6 exp is about how much is given per session. If you give it out at the midway only, we'll advance much slower than we're supposed to.

[edit] Also, post, I'm sitting in that alley room waiting for the Abyssal to respond or do something.

So it would seem. Given your... Enthusiasm... On this topic, I shall respond in like manner.

As you should be well aware, forum based games proceed at a much slower rate than normal, tabletop games. Additionally... A "session" as described by the rulebook, and as I would enjoy to abide by without "special" rulings, is in the range of approximately four hours.

Consider now, that there are 8 PCs, in addition to myself, who are posting. Consider also, that a thread is 100 posts.

Should we then divide 100 by 9, we would come up with approximately 11 posts for sake of being fair. A post is easily what, a single round of combat? A minute, perhaps ten? How much is really completed in 11 posts?

Certainly not four hours worth. If I were to give you XP every 50 posts, meh, I need not explain what would happen.

Secondly, I need to confer with you on what has happened so far during that little duel before we can proceed. Perhaps an initiative roll is needed, hmm?

Twenty minutes, Nikose.

Additionally, I'm indisposed again today, but should manage to get something up by tonight. Thank you for your patience.

[Raiden]

Assuming I read Lumaes's post right...Aubrei just sent more guys after us.

........

I vote you off the island, Lume.

[Krylo]

Nah, he just drug Anbu after you. After seducing him.

With a lithe, nubile, young body. A lithe, nubile, young man's body.

I always knew Twiddy was a little fruity.

[Dragonsbane]

There's no way I can beat her initiative, Phoenix. I did roll before, and got 9+8 for a total of 17.

Is she done with her turn, or just talking before she does whatever she intends to do?

[Nikose Tyris]

...how many posts are allowed in roleplaying again? did we just top out at 107, or are we allowed to have more? O_o' I feel silly for forgetting...


Also, we aren't really sticking together here, are we? :P I've noticed I survive better when I am nearby another member of my group.

[PhoenixFlame]

100, actually, so we need a new thread. I'll get it up soon.

Also, negatory DB, I hadn't seen your earlier roll, though. Remember however in 1ed before power combat, ranged weapons have horrible, horrible speed. Chakrams included.

[Lumaes]

Well Raiden, the way I see it your island is filled with poisoned girlfriends and Wyld Hunters, whereas mine's filled with free booze and makeouts.
More than glad to be voted of yours :p

[Funka Genocide]

Well Raiden, the way I see it your island is filled with poisoned girlfriends and Wyld Hunters, whereas mine's filled with free booze and makeouts.
More than glad to be voted of yours :p

I less than three joo. XD

Also, is anybody following the fleeing Sidereal or is this going to be one of those scenes like the one from Old School where Jasper turns around to see an empty street and his wife with a vanload of friends to pick up his drunken naked ass where he was expecting to see a horde of fellow streakers?

'course he'd need to get drunk and naked first, but I mean, it's Nexus, Not exactly a difficult goal to achieve...

[Nikose Tyris]

Did I miss the part where Tomasu and I were following you, Funka? I'm more interested in sticking with the Sidereal; they tend to know how to AVOID trouble.

[PhoenixFlame]

Whoa-hey! DB, I don't think it's possible to split a simple charm as an action, eh?

That's supposed to be your entire turn. Granted, you can split dice actions like standing up, or drawing a weapon, but a charm like FLB? Hm. I donno. Is there anywhere saying you can do that?

[Nikose Tyris]

Based only on what I know... a Simple charm cannot be split dice pool'd. It's your entire turn.


I'm doublechecking my corebook, I'll say for sure around 10 or 11 AM this morning.

[Arhra]

Yes, as far as I can tell, you can't. Exalted rulebook, page 153:

Simple — The Charm can be used only once per turn, and it is the character’s dice action for the turn. When using one of these Charms in combat, the character acts on her regular initiative. The character may not split her dice pool in the turn she uses a simple Charm.

And now I'm off to write a post.

EDIT: Er, having looked over DB's post properly, everything he's done is impossible as far as I know. You can only split your actions during your action. He can either abort to a full dodge to defend himself or use a reflexive charm like Shadow Over Water to dodge and then use split actions on his initiative.

[Dragonsbane]

Genuine error on my part. Previously, I tended to play as Dawns, using Fivefold Bulwark Stance much of the time. FFBS is a Reflexive Charm, and as I was not working on the computer on which I store my .pdfs of the Exalted books at the time, I errantly assumed Flow Like Blood worked the same way. It seemed logical, as a defensive Charm (aside from Bulwark Stance, which is useless in 1e) should work with efficiency in combat and thus not be reliant on winning initiative.

I was also asking for information from someone who has been playing for a much shorter amount of time, since they had their book with them. It isn't their fault for misreading, it's mine for not knowing.

I do have trouble believing that the only way to defend against multiple attacks is to sacrifice your own actions for a full turn. Oh, Arhra, that was also a Parry, not a Dodge.

My bad, guys...but if Arhra or Twiddy gloat, I'll kill them. Editing post.

[Nikose Tyris]

O_o Seriously guys, he WILL kill you.

And... where can I find the stats for that lightning chain? My Group is watching this roleplay to 'develop' an understanding of good playing... and my Zenith wants a chain like that. :P

[Dragonsbane]

Castebook: Dawn. Can someone tell me what the Speed on one of those things is, since I can't check my book until I get home?

[edit] Also, I rolled initiative for next turn. 15 plus whatever the Speed for an Orichalcum Lightning Chain is.

[Nikose Tyris]

DB, Question on your location; I'm having trouble figuring it out; are you outside the bar, in the alley around back? Did Jasper, Tomasu, Derrick, and... um... Mesden's character's name... just run right into you and the Abyssal?

[Arhra]

I said abort to a full dodge DB because you can only parry one attack in a round if you abort to a parry. On the point of defending yourself, your only option for someone who's ahead of you in initiative is using a reflexive charm or aborting to a full dodge or parry. Alternatively, you can just take the hit.

As for lightning chain speed, its +4 for a basic lightning chain.

[Dragonsbane]

The dice I rolled are less than those for a Full Dodge anyway, it's a stunt, I like the way it looked. If you absolutely must, consider it a Full Dodge with Parry imagery substituted in. I haven't gotten any bonus dice for stunts either, and I've been stunting whenever I can. I should be getting motes and willpower back for it, or bonus dice, but I'm not. A little leeway won't break the whole system.

Orichalcum adds a +1 bonus to three weapon stats in the hands of a Solar, if I recall correctly, is speed one of them? If so, Initiative 20. If not, Initiative 19.

DB, Question on your location; I'm having trouble figuring it out; are you outside the bar, in the alley around back? Did Jasper, Tomasu, Derrick, and... um... Mesden's character's name... just run right into you and the Abyssal?

We're in a small storeroom, the door to which is in the alley around back.

[edit] By the way, guys, Derrick is a member of the group too. Regardless of anything I may have said about Eclipses, Nikose and his character are alright. It was mentioned that he called attention over to Tomasu and Tayuumi, both of them had Orichalcum and have striking Appearance scores, they were already attracting plenty of notice. I've had to play in games before where people disliked me and were asses toward my character for non-IC reasons, and it really sucks. So, be nice to Nikose, and be nice to Derrick.

[Nikose Tyris]

When I get to 20 XP, I'll prove my worth to the group! Dattebayo!


...and yes, I know that doesn't actually mean 'beleive it'...

And thanks DB.

[Dragonsbane]

"Believe it" is a mistranslation, yes, "dattebayo"'s meaning is situational.

If we ever get to 20 exp, I'll be able to Ninja-Vanish and go superfast. At 24 exp I'll also be able to whale on pressure points. At 32 exp, I shall prove my worth...and at 40 exp, I shall be worthy to be called a Solar Exalted

[Mesden]

Uh...what'd we ever do against his character? Also, nothing of Tayuumi's should be showing(Body and features withstanding.) Went over it with Phoenix on how her short weaponry was covered by the typical long cape used in Wayfarer's clothing. And her armor is made to be unnoticed, just being fancy looking bracers and anklets.

Also, I finally read through all the flaws and merits in the player's handbook today, and with Phoenix's discretion, I'd like to make a slight change to my character before events can take place for it to be inable to allow.

I'd like to remove Enchanting feature(She honestly doesn't need it for what she does.) Add Lacking off senses(One point to stunt perception rolls, as she is inherently oblivious) and add the 3 point double jointed(She's an exotic dancer. What can I say?)

[Dragonsbane]

There were just a few comments made that bothered me, I'm trying to nip a problem in the bud. After all, I was the one complaining about Eclipses in front of you in the first place, it's my responsibility.

[PhoenixFlame]

The dice I rolled are less than those for a Full Dodge anyway, it's a stunt, I like the way it looked. If you absolutely must, consider it a Full Dodge with Parry imagery substituted in. I haven't gotten any bonus dice for stunts either, and I've been stunting whenever I can. I should be getting motes and willpower back for it, or bonus dice, but I'm not. A little leeway won't break the whole system.

*Smackhead* D'oh. I've been forgetting that entirely for both antagonists and PCs alike. Anyway, consider round two's little perfect-defense faire never really cost anything, then. We'll continue as normal.

[Funka Genocide]

ok, here's my ten cents worth everyone.

Some of the characters are broken.

The level of knowledge or interraction with Sidereals prior to the start of the chronicle is unlikely at best and story-breaking at worst. Especially the character Derrick, which possesses an entirely impossible back story. Had the character actually participated in any of the events suggested to me, he would either be an illuminated Solar himself, far more powerful and hunted throughout Creation by wrathful Bronze and Gold faction Sidereals or long dead. In any case, the prerequisite tale to any of those would be so incredible as to trump any beginning chronicle, as this one is. It is impossible for a beginning character's life before the first story to be more exciting that his future. That's simple plot mechanics.

Another thing I want to address is the Cult of the Illuminated. For those of you not familiar, being recruited includes an intensive indoctrination process and years of concerted, often times harsh instruction at the hands of some of the most powerful Exalted and Gods in the employ of the Gold Faction. It is a life changing and defining endeavor. The foundations of every character would be washed away or crushed to rubble while an idealized saint would be manufatured in her stead. I doubt half the present characters would ever go for anything like this. This leads us to an important decision.

Do you want your character to be illuminated, sheltered and educated by the Sidereals in exchange for a certain loss of personal freedom or do you want to go it alone and deny the benefits of the Cult while maintaining full rein over your own characters motivations?

I can see many possibilities for either decision with great chance for role playing greatness, personally I'd like to see the party fracture in half and meet back up some short years later with intermittent role play making up the subsequent three years, defining the changing environment and the machinations of the enemies of creation as both good and evil build their forces in precipitation of an inevitable conflict.

It is up to you however, and it requires an extreme measure of selflessness to achieve a truly grand story. A dissapointing trend I notice with this group is a tendency to "break the fourth wall" by using external knowledge to influence the characters actions. This is bound to happen at some point or another, but should be guarded against and repressed as much as possible for the sake of your fellow players enjoyment.

If it is decided that this will be an entirely independent Solar chronicle then Jasper's role will change from a recruiter to a silent facillitator, offering small advice and secretly manipulating the Solars to achieve the Gold Faction's ends while still trying to bring them into the folds of the Illuminated.

If it goes entirely towards the Cult of The Illuminated Jasper will recede into the background as the young Solars undergo their training, eventually resurfacing as conflicts escalate and offering assistance to the incarnate saints the illuminated solars have become, paying the required lip service to Cult doctrine while secretly guiding his Solar companion's in their attempts to stifle threats to creation and the Cult.

If the group is split along ideological lines, then Jasper will interact most with the Illuminated Solars and the dynamics involved with combatting a great threat using teamwork between disparate ideologies will become the central focus of the chroncle. Personally this would be my favored set up, as it provides the most interesting chances for inter-character relationships as friendships form and hostilities occur between the Solar siblings while Jasper tries his damnedest to keep everything from falling apart and being forced to answer a lot of hard questions.

A few notes, one is it's not very friendly to murder Sidereal's. Solars are the chosen amongst the chosen, the true princes of Creation and beings beyond compare in most every aspect they choose to excel in. A single relatively young Solar would most likely best a Sidereal of equivalent experience in single combat, a circle of enraged Sun Children might engage in a frenzied mass murder of the chosen of the maidens.

I can see your beady little eyes gleaming with blood lust all ready...

My point is that just because your character can theoretically start tossing errant Sidereals from the top of his (newly acquired) manse doesn't mean they should. If you make the story a fight against the Sidereals or a personal vendetta it devolves into petty battles and murders and eventually the might of heaven forcing your exalted essence back into the cycle of reincarnation to find a more level headed host. I would encourage everyone to play in a manner that respects the other players and their goals. If your goal is to build an empire in the South and return Creation to the bygone glory of the first age, everyone should be helping to make the realization of that goal more interesting and exciting, either by cooperating meaningfully or opposing the intent intriguingly. Conversely, if your goal is to find an excuse to murder every last lying son-of-a-bitch to ever wear the grace of the maidens, well that's just not neighborly.

The point in all this is the necessity for a central focus of the entire troupe of players involved. If everyone goes off on their own (exclusive) agenda and leaves everyone else to do the same it's not so much a role playing game as it is an exercise in ego fabrication and narration. I'm all for well worded posts and incredible feats of heroism and tragedy, but the central focus of every player should be the enjoyment of his fellows, otherwise what's the point in playing?

We could all just sit back and write bad fiction like I do. :P

I propose that we hold off on story progression and clearly define what is desired out of this collective tale. I think a few histories need remodeling to bring them more in line with the prevalent milieu and the more limited scope of this story. Above all I think we need a healthy dose of comraderie and an at least basic premise of what "everyone" is going to do while leaving enough leeway for individual agendas to be followed. This might seem like a lot of work at first, especially in an internet forum where communication can be sporadic, but I believe an initial investment of honest effort in defining what should and could happen on a basic level will pay incredible dividends in the future in the form of a legendary story and an enjoyable past time for all involved.

Of course this is just my unbiased oppinion on the matters at hand, I'm not running things in this RP and if Phoenix deems it so all of this can be dismissed out of hand. I just want to see a great story unfold from the collective minds of this great bunch of actors (really, that's what you are, right?) and think we might need alittle more direction and unity.

I'll stop typing now. :B

[PhoenixFlame]

Just so you don't yell at Funka for overstepping his bounds, I've deliberated this with him, so... No flamewands, kay?

*Cough* Admittantly, I'd tried to ask "What do you want from this RP" earlier, and I should have stated it this bluntly. Thank you, FG. In truth, It'll be more fun for you all if you decide how to progress the story, rather than me running it DnD style.

[Nikose Tyris]

There's nothing wrong with my backstory; I just happened to have received my training that turned me from a farm boy into a Lawyer-of-sorts from a third party sidereal, who gave me some knowledge. I'm an ECLIPSE; By the end of this, I'll likely have found a way to get myself some goings with an abyssal, and learned some of their charms.

In no way does it break the story, it just means that my character IS inclined to be manufactured; hell, he IS manufactured to be this way, it's the way I designed the character, Funka.

Don't take my characters name as your target, I worked hard, and I actually have a genuine plan going as to where I want him moved. in no way is he broken, and I'm mildly irritated that you find my backstory so game breaking, when I've seen and heard of much worse.

And, if you have a problem, should have said something to me way earlier. :P If Phoenix has a problem with it too, have a chat with me on MSN or AIM as usual.

[Arhra]

Akeesha was purposefully created to have no real immediate goals. Her current motivation is to get on her feet, sort out her world view and get some money together so that she can begin to travel. Those prophetic dreams and memories are calling to her.

Something she is involved in is a search for answers. She has extensive memories of the First Age but her essence shard also contains personality fragments of her last incarnation. She knows the Dragonbloods overthrew the Solar with the Sidereals' aid, but she is not sure why. Also, she was betrayed by one of her closest advisors - a sidereal. This would make her very distrusting of the Sidereals.

Her second motivation also stems from her personality and memories. She wants to be one to reshape the world and restore its sullied glory. But Akeesha feels the need to know why what has happened has happened before she can start on that. Once she believes this problem resolved, she'll move heaven and earth to accomplish her goal.

[Dragonsbane]

Why wasn't I involved in these deliberations? I'm not changing my backstory, not one iota, and I see no point in playing if the future is already decided. What I "want" from this RP is to roleplay a ninja Night Caste, and learn Air Dragon Style, that's it.

If he knows anything about them at all, Hideki things Sidereals are a secret, elite group inside the Immaculate Order designed to work undercover (low Breeding) while being exceptionally powerful with Martial Arts.

[Funka Genocide]

I'll just address the comments so far and then make a shocking revelation.

in that order...

Nikose: First I would strongly suggest that you post your character sheet for all to see. It's not so hard to use the same format that everyone else did, I even modified mine to reflect the Sidereal's more directly, no problemo.

Second, from what I know of your backstory it is broken, I didn't realize this until your character said something to the effect of "He must be a Sidereal!"

come on now, take that statement and look at it real hard. That's like fingering a member of the Illumnati with a glance. A member of the Illuminati with magical powers that twist destiny itself. Sure, an Eclipse caste Solar is exactly the type of person to be able to do just that, but even those exceptional beings need to have an exceptional reason. And that's just it, already having that reason at the onset not only kills much of the drama and intrigue of discovery, it goes against the grain of the reality we're playing in. I made my points previously and won't repeat those again here.

So again, please post your character's background in easy view and we can talk about it whenever I'm on a messenger thing.

Arhra: The likelihood of your character remembering the Sidereal betrayal is very slim, would definitely need a very good explanation for that. The Sidereals orchestrated the murder of the Solars from behind the scenes, way behind the scenes. These are people who can remove themselves from the threads of destiny and rewrite the course of the stars, even as the ancient first age Solars died they most likely didn't know exactly why or who was killing them. A few very well might have, but as I said that'd need a very good explanation and would most likely not give much of an in game mechanical benefit.

still, I'm sure you're up to the task of providing the requisite first age memories, maybe we can work it into a post in game somehow. That'd be pretty sweet.

Dragonsbane: First off, nobody said you had to change your backstory. Nobody has to change their backstory, I merely said that Nikose's character was highly unlikely and broken, if everyone else is fine with that then there's no need to change even Derrick.

Second, giving a few goofy chats on MSN a label like "deliberations" makes it sound awfully important, but in all seriousness we didn't discuss much of anything that pertained to your character, and my post was sufficent to inform everyone of what was going on.

and now for the shocking revelation!

I didn't foresee so much defensiveness in asking for clarification of intent and such, so I'll just give the back story for this whole thing here.

Many months ago Phoenix and I were all gung ho about starting up an awesomely outrageous Exalted campaign on NPF. We were in the early planning stages when disaster struck and I lost access to the internet for a long period of time.

Phoenix decided to create her own just before I finally got regular access back. So I signed up as a PC figuring she really wanted to be the ST, and I myself really wanted to be just another PC. (albeit a scheming, far too knowledgeable PC with the powers to affect fate with a gesture...)

However my assumption was a little incorrect, and Phoenix is a very busy woman. I was originally going to be the ST of the super awesome Exalted campaign and so, I've volunteered to take over for Phoenix.

Considering the difficulties some of you are having with the way I do business however, I'll put it to a vote. Who is ok with me being ST and who is not?

I don't want this to seem like some sort of Gestapo takeover or anything, and if I do takeover a few things are going to need to be hashed out. So let me know.

[PhoenixFlame]

In all seriousness, I started this RP before I knew of my new summer obligations, and for that, I apologise. Additionally, Funka is a far more capable ST than I am, in addition to being far more willing. Jumping the gun on this RP due to Funka's inactivity was a snap-judgement on my part, and shouldn't have happened. Perhaps we'll get the requisite direction to start having fun again, also.

Anyhow, on Arhra, the three-point throwback should be sufficient to have glimpses of sidereal trechery, but nothing incriminating. Throwback memories are disjointed and fragmented, often mistaken as dreams or visions, but they are real.

[Arhra]

As I also do happen to have visions of the past, I did believe that such memories would be appropriate. I'm intending to play it as more of a slow awakening. She'll begin distrusting the sidereals, but not be certain why.
Why wasn't I involved in these deliberations? I'm not changing my backstory, not one iota, and I see no point in playing if the future is already decided. What I "want" from this RP is to roleplay a ninja Night Caste, and learn Air Dragon Style, that's it.
DB, you miss the point entirely. The point is not to script out the story and the future. The point is to get a good idea of what the players want and the motivations of the characters so they may more effectively be welded to a single cause. It is to better unify the circle as a whole and consider how everyone might work to aid in accomplishing the other players goals!

You are also confusing player goals and character goals.

Now as to Derrick, I myself admit I found it jarring for him to just suddenly go "A sidereal!". I mean the Exalted look human (well, mostly human with the Lunar). You can't spot one that easily. I felt it wasn't really my place to say anything though.

[Nikose Tyris]

Doesn't matter. on the off chance the planet didn't clue in from teh massive starmetal sword on his back, then I'd be a damn pity poor Eclipse/diplomat. since, you know, I kind of have free rights to walk my ass into heaven whenver I damn well feel like it, for up to 14 days at a time.

But whatever. I've thought about it, and the game stopped being fun for me anyway. I'm out.

[Funka Genocide]

Krylo, you apathetic sonofabitch! Who puts "meh" in a two way pole?

I feel so downplayed...

Arhra, I'm glad you get my point in all this. In order for a roleplay to function properly, people need to keep the other players in mind. As ST that's my foremost job, trying to keep things interesting and challenging while leveling all the players out to basic evenness. As a player however, you still bear the responsibility of helping the other players. This is achieved by team work. This is out of game teamwork, the actual players themselves striving to create an environment of enjoyment and fun for the others. In game the characters don't have to get along at all of course.

I don't really care to deal with silliness anymore, so let's get this game rolling again!

However there is going to be one significant change. I will be rolling all dice for every character from now on and posting results of actions (hit or miss, success or failure etc.) So just post a descriptive paragraph of your characters actions up to the attempt of something, and then place a note at the bottom of your post denoting exactly what you are trying to do and the pertinent dice pools involved. I'll award stunt bonuses and such with the resolution of the attazk.

(if you've a preference for regaining motes of essense or willpower and you suspect you'll have a 2 or 3 die stunt, just make a note of it in your summary of attempt.)

This will lead us all away from temptation (except me of course... but i'm allowed to cheat... it makes things more interesting. That's why they invented game master screens anyways!)

[Raiden]

Doesn't matter. on the off chance the planet didn't clue in from teh massive starmetal sword on his back, then I'd be a damn pity poor Eclipse/diplomat. since, you know, I kind of have free rights to walk my ass into heaven whenver I damn well feel like it, for up to 14 days at a time.

But whatever. I've thought about it, and the game stopped being fun for me anyway. I'm out.

And on the off-chance of sounding like an ass, good riddance, Nikose. You haven't really done much but complain about this since you started. Just because you train with a group, doesn't mean you can instantly pick them out. You see Akeesha, a Solar, with a Jade Daiklave. Would you instantly know she was a solar by her weapon? There's much more to that, and simply saying "Hey, he's a Sidereal" is kind of far fetched. The only way you would know that for sure is if you've met him before. And since you didn't...the best thing you could have is a guess.

I'm fine with Funka being the storyteller. It sounds like an interesting basic plot, and it gives you good room to move around in. I've been enjoying it. So has Mes, from what she told me. The game is slow right now because we've been trying to iron out some transitional problems. That happens. Get over it. Crying to Phoenix isn't going to make things instantly better, and complaining that Funka is taking over isn't going to make it more fun.

Anyway...my vote is for FG being ST.

....also, Funka, I'm just waiting for something for Tomasu to post about. That's what's taking me so long.

[Funka Genocide]

Raiden: Ah, well I was hoping you'd reply to Jasper's last action, when he advised that everyone follow him out of the Shining Star and into the alleys so as to excape the oncoming forces sent against them.

Right now those forces are slowly encircling the group of Exalted as Jasper darts out the back. He won't go too far without Tomasu though, so the decision to run or stay must be made in the next post.

[Lumaes]

I say, did you know that the quote tool is really very easy to abuse. I mean, for example it could be used to make me say ridiculous things like "I never did anything but complain" or "Lookit my head" but that would be an abuse that would be entirely unwarranted

Well Nikose, its a shame you didn't find what you were looking for in our little RP, but you did the sensible thing and dropped out when you stopped enjoying it rather than dragging the rest of us down.
Best of luck finding a more personally rewarding rp - k?

[PhoenixFlame]

Just because you train with a group, doesn't mean you can instantly pick them out. You see Akeesha, a Solar, with a Jade Daiklave. Would you instantly know she was a solar by her weapon? There's much more to that, and simply saying "Hey, he's a Sidereal" is kind of far fetched.

Not to mention it's farfetched to even know what starmetal was. Merely because you're a solar doesn't instantly give you at-a-glance knowlege of all five exceedingly rare magical materials.

But I digress.

Let's work to get this thing back on track. Character sheet included herein. Yay.

[Dragonsbane]

The Abyssal is DANCER!?

If she's still a Loyalist at this point, does this mean Prophet can come in as an NPC too?

Also, I really wish both of you would ST, Funka can handle the stressful stuff while Phoenix exudes her creative genius. It's perfect.

[Funka Genocide]

ok, if you're activating a scene length charm (or any sort of charm for that matter) after the descriptive paragraph I'd like you to post the charm you activated, it's essence cost and your remaining essence.

Also, in combat, it'd be very helpful if in the summary you could post your characters remaining health levels and essence too, to speed things up. ANy information you think would be pertinent to your character can be quickly summarized at the end of your post.

also, I'm just waiting for everyone to react to current events before I post again.

don't feel restrained, just do what pops into your head. even if it is just waiting around...

would like everyone to post before continuing

[PhoenixFlame]

The Abyssal is DANCER!?

If she's still a Loyalist at this point, does this mean Prophet can come in as an NPC too?

Also, I really wish both of you would ST, Funka can handle the stressful stuff while Phoenix exudes her creative genius. It's perfect.

Actually no, this is set immediately after escaping Mask of Winters. So it's the only part I haven't really completed yet. She's slightly more emo in this era, and a lot more serious.

Anyhow... Just wondering how you can fit me in, Funka.

[Funka Genocide]

so the Abyssal attacking Hideki isn't The Dancer right?

if that's the case I'll take over that character then I guess, and we can bring you in as soon as this current situation resolves itself. I'll have a better grasp of what to do as soon as we can figure out how the DB's are going to be handled.

[PhoenixFlame]

Indeed. The one attacking Hideki is her associate. It's likely Shadow is also in the city, however. Perhaps posing as a Sijanese funery director, and may be drawn to one of the gazillion "strange happenings in nexus" going on today.

[Dragonsbane]

Ah, Funka, it's Flow Like Blood, costing 5 dots of Essence, and one point of Willpower. Phoenix said my stunting paid for the earlier Charms, so take 5 motes from Personal and 1 from willpower out of the total on my character sheet, which I don't have access to right now.

NOW, could somebody PLEASE have that Abyssal DO SOMETHING?!

[Lumaes]

Aubrei is tweaked, Pheonix had given me permission to change my character sheet around this once but I suppose that's Pheonix isn't techinically the Storyteller anymore so I hope it's still alright.

I think the RP's slowed for the moment because no one is quite sure where they are in relation to eachother - maybe a brief summary post would set the scene for what appears to be inevitable carnage? Just a thought.

[Funka Genocide]

Dragonsbane: She did stuff! Look! I did it! YES!

sorry for the delay. *kowtow*

Lumaes: Phoenix's word is law, we all simply obey. If she's cool with it I'm cool with it. Thanks for reposting the character sheet too.

I gave a tactical summary a shot, methinks a grid system would help matters immensely, unfortunately I have no such device.

I'll have to work on it. maye if I draw a crude stick figure diagram and attach it as a jpeg...

[Dragonsbane]

Lumaes, one thing. On the Specialties, you need to list what Ability they apply to. For instance, if someone has Specialty 3 in meleeing with a Daiklave, they have Melee: Daiklaves 3.

[edit1] Funka, POST DAMN YOU! We're never going to be able to do anything at this rate! I don't care which of you is the Storyteller, just POST!

[edit2] Phoenix, am I correct in assuming that Shadow as presented here is a starting character, with the same amount of exp (6) as the rest of us?

[PhoenixFlame]

DB: Of course. I had to re-do the entire sheet to achieve that, but yes, she is. Glancing at the sheet would quickly reveal this, as I had to cut corners to make her realistic.

[Funka Genocide]

DB: I don't want to leave anyone behind, and a few of the other characters haven't posted anything in quite some time.

I would urge everyone to post a reply in the next little while, otherwise I'll just have to advance the scenario and assume that all the characters continued on their last stated course of action.

[Dragonsbane]

Do I get any stunt dice for that attack? I'd like have something to do while I wait for the scenario to advance, something like rolling my attack.

[Mesden]

Gah, sorry about not being here. Head trauma is a bitch and whatever.

Off to catch up on things!

Edit: Not much to catch up on, I see...

EDIT 2: Funka told me on AIM I could redo a bit of my character before my car incident. So here be Tayuumi, a bit more and less flawed!

[Arhra]

Well, I am fighting off the cold that has impaired my posting in the last few days. To the post-mobile!

Here, incidently, is the tweaked Akeesha:

EDIT: Noticed a minor error in the character sheet - Personal essence should be 11, not 13. Now updated.

[Funka Genocide]

sorry guys, drama has over taken my existence. I will be mising in action for an indeterminate period of time. feel free to send me hate mail, I don't quite hate myself enough at the moment!