Gryphon173 Posted February 19 Clone Share Posted February 19 Shuistliel "No offense intended, little mother," Shuistliel said to the spider as it hopped over to Ma'am's arm. He turned his attention to Xanah and Aldrion. "An interpreter would be useful, as would additional help," the Vancian Vislae said. "We still aren't totally sure what's happening. Did someone steal all of their names? Or just some of them? The one I'm stumbling over is ... the most powerful variety of spider that I know of." He made a scoffing noise at the continued difficulty in talking about nameless. "I think the completely-wrapped house is the best bet; makes sense that the spiders would try to prevent the thief from leaving, and so the name thief might still be stuck in the building. I have an ephemera -- spider-themed, actually -- that can re-seal where we cut in to enter. I'd hate to let it out in the end." He was completely willing to use his ephemera; that's what they're there for, and he could always find others. He sipped the black tea and felt the usual sensation of the water spreading through his body to where it was needed. It was a new sensation, but one he found intriguing. NEW! Character Arcs Develop a Bond: Shuistliel realizes he has too few friends, and would like to expand his circle of true friends. Solve a Mystery: There's a ton of questions surrounding the webbing of his neighborhood and the swirl of angry birds aloft, and Shuistliel wants answers to all of them. And he can handle the truth! Description Shuistliel is a very handsome man with long silver hair and green eyes the color of fine emeralds. He is dressed as he usually is, in a nice suit, jacket, and pants, and he has his usual snake-headed cane along. He moves quite agilely, like a dancer, perhaps. What's unusual this morning is the black survival combat axe carried in one hand while the cane is tucked under an arm. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 2/2 Perception: 3/3 Qualia Sorcery: 4/4 Interaction: 3/3 Intellect: 3/3 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amora Posted February 19 Clone Share Posted February 19 Felicia Ainsworth Broken-wing. It was certainly on the nose and the Maker had a growing suspicion that names, let alone language, for the Unkindness was a deeply, deeply context sensitive thing. At least, that would be her first thoughts if there wasn't an underlying suspicion of... prophecy or foretelling. Ravens weren't exactly your typical bird for whatever mileage such thinking could get a person beneath any of the Suns but the Lying Grey. Such mysterious considerations though really only added to the joy of what had otherwise being a disastrous and alarming morning. Of course, there was an uncomfortable, paranoid suspicion stirring in the back of her throat as they came out beneath the sky when it came to the present silence of the Chorus. It was a sickly anticipation that there was yet another shoe to drop even as she regarded the Raven on her shoulder with a politely composed but questioning look. Her crimson and gold eyes continuing in their lazy dance and feeling far too manifold for the single woman she ostensibly was. Those little edges of the things lurking beyond the walls of will and in depths peaking out with all their demonic, malicious curiosity. "To-flight, I'm perhaps a bit more weighed down than you, Broken-wing. I've only really left the ground in hazy dreams of dull machines. Any tips for poor wingless me?" Felicia asked with no less gentle a tone in her returned croaks, gurgles, and caws as she looked to the Autumn sky and considered the problem. She could make something, certainly, she even had a little ephemera that might help to form the core of sorts but... the structure of it was far too large, too ironically indelicate for what she how to do. There was a long shot that she might explore but it'd take more time then she suspects Broken-wing would want to wait. Character Arcs EstablishmentYou want to prove yourself as someone of importance. This can take many forms—socially, within your order, financially, or even romantically. Cost: The Need for Proof. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Assessment. 1 Acumen reward. You assess yourself as well as who you need to prove yourself to. Step(s): Appearances Matter. 1 Acumen reward. You improve your look. Enhance your wardrobe. Spruce up your house. Whatever it takes to get attention from the right people. There might be many such steps. Step(s): Self-Aggrandizement. 1 Acumen reward. You need to get the word out to get people talking about you. There might be many such steps. Climax: Grabbing Attention. 3 Acumen reward. You do something big, like host a party for influential people or produce a play that you wrote. You make a big splash (1 Joy) or a big crash (1 Despair). Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on what you did and where you go from here - Current Step: The Need for Proof Develop a BondYou want to get closer to another character. This might be to make a friend, find a mentor, or establish a contact in a position of power. It might be to turn a friend into a much closer friend. The character might be an NPC or a PC. In the case of an NPC, the end result might be an NPC bond, and in the case of a PC it’s a PC bond. Cost: Putting Yourself Out There. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting to Know You. 1 Acumen reward. You learn what you can about the other character. Step: Initial Attempt. 1 Acumen reward. You attempt to make contact. This might involve sending messages or gifts through a courier, using an intermediary, or just going up and saying hello, depending on the situation. Step(s): Building a Relationship. 2 Acumen reward. There might be many such steps as you develop the relationship. Climax: Bond. 3 Acumen reward. You succeed or fail at forging the bond. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You enjoy the fruits of your new relationship. - Current Step: Getting to Know You Description Description It's the eyes, really, that most fixate upon first. The hues of crimson and gold spinning, twisting, merging in their depths as they seem to give a clear window into the utter depths of Felicia's mind with their uniquely expressive quality. That there feels to be a thousand, a hundred thousand, pairs of eyes staring back from behind those initial windows to the soul only seems to cement the impression of something troublesome, something worrying to compliment the elfin quality of her sharp features and diminutive frame. That sensation of malice, of gleeful cruelty, welling up from somewhere in those depths even as she comports herself with nothing but cheerful, if stoic, mannerisms and inexhaustible impressions of attention to the minute aesthetics of every gesture, motion, and twist of both herself and the world around her. In matters of garb, she tends to play to the company she plans for with blouses, dresses, and pants of riotous colors among the bohemian communes of Fartown to the carefully coordinated yet still somehow esoteric gowns and suits of high society galas and soirees. Each and every ensemble meticulously planned and coordinated like one of the great works of her brushes. The only break from this carefully crafted aesthetic seems to be her hair, pale and bloodless as her complexion. It's length healthy, glossy, and well tended but cursed with creative differences in how it curls and falls. Despite this, it seems always to blend, practically meld, seamlessly into any trim of fur or feather that might adorn a chosen outfit. Like those glimpses of alien malice and cruelty in the depths of her eyes, there always seems to be a discordant element that shadows her. Whether it be a flicker of something other in the crimson depths of her eyes, the way her shadow seems to twitch and twist without her ever moving, or how her reflection never quite seems to be her... It becomes all too clear that her body and soul might be host to something besides merely the artist... Worse still is the careful and delicate work of brush and needle; whisking away bruises here, deep scratches or cuts there, all damning evidence of struggles with the self. In the Guise of Immanis The energies of the Abyss are, by its very nature, an instrument of the Dark and unkind as a rule to the essential fabric of whatever is and may be. It is only by the tempering elements of the Gold Sun that the taking in of such hostile energies is more than merely an elaborate form of suicide. The raw stresses of this are quite evident then when Madame Ainsworth invokes so terrible a spell. Her already pale skin grows to be a lifeless gray, gaining an unseemly translucence that is easily pierced by even the wane light of Fartown beneath the Indigo Sun. The lines and forms of every bone visible from just the right angles as they shatter, stretch, and mend with an agonizing rapidity to drag her up to a daunting height. Sinew, muscle and tendon all the while snapping, recoiling, and reforming to accommodate this new and predatory bearing. Veins and arteries, in kind, flow with noxious black as the corruptive energies swirl and take root, her eyes draining of that distinct crimson and gold hue leaving only a single prick of light nearly drowned in a sea of impenetrable black. Were that these the extent of the horrors wrought by the invoking of the Eye of Immanis for one can't help but stare as razor-like teeth push aside whatever may block their way, twisting and gnarling the line of gum and tooth to pierce and part the flesh of the cheek revealing a hideous, too broad maw. A likewise change playing out in the hands as bones shatter and twist as tendons and sinew reinforce to accommodate the agonizingly slow-yet-quick emergence of seven inch talons, black as jet, that now adorn each finger tip. This final change marking the ultimate perversion, turning tools of creation to tools of abject and potent destruction. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 1/3 Perception: 4/4 Qualia Sorcery: 6/6 Interaction: 6/6 (+3 from Signature Item) Intellect: 2/3 Sortilege: 1/2 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRaconteur Posted February 19 Author Clone Share Posted February 19 (edited) Chapter I - Act I: A Shitty Start Sooth Deck: The Cat Effects: None Divination: "One sometimes must act alone to succeed. Curiosity and cleverness can be virtues, but be wary of taking them too far. A challenge may arise that involves both mental and physical dexterity." Ma'am smiled kindly at Aldrion as she allowed her to extract his arachnid passenger, placing the thing on her shoulder against the bare skin of her neck. The others were allowed their first look at it, though of course Aldrion had seen it when he'd first found it and its companion hiding within the thorn bush. The size of a small marble, the Giirbrood was a bright red color with a trio of irregularly sized and space white dots shining palely on its rearmost portion. It looked almost like it had a mushroom for a butt. Once it was deposited, it began a furious little wiggle, though those present couldn't help but notice both the size of its fangs and how close they were to Ma'am's artery. What would happen if it clamped down? The old Maker appeared unconcerned, with Aldrion's request for cream evidently occupying more of her attention. "Of course, dears." She retreated to the kitchenette, returning a moment later with another stoneware container filled with heavy cream. She added a heavy splash to his cup, encouraging him to swirl it around until the hue of his cup matched her own. If he tasted it, he found the heavy fats in the cream added a smooth texture to the otherwise earthy taste, taking the bite out of it without adding any sweetness. "Was that the last of the Ainsworths making that racket then? Good for her. Spiders don't bother with first names, Shuistliel." She couldn't with Xanah or Shuistliel, but when she wasn't using affectionate pet names Ma'am always preferred to address others by their surname. Curious that she'd never given her own, save for the titular "Ma'am." Plenty of Vislae had good reason to keep secrets, and were practiced in doing so unless they had cause not too. If she were as close to the Spiders and their Cacophony as she appeared to be though, it made more sense that she might have adopted similar conventions when it came to names. "If I can name this little one as one of the Giirbrood? Then the only one we know who for sure whose name has been taken is the one whose House you've been living in, Shiustliel." She brought two fingers to her check, tapping out a rhythm on her own skin that the spider on her neck would surely be able to feel. Indeed, the moment she stopped the little arachnid began tapping out its own irregular beat on her flesh. The absence that Shuistliel had experienced that morning had been the first warning that something was amiss, and it seemed that now they were to go chasing after it. The Raven clucked its disapproval at her land locked state, muttering darkly to itself in a manner that she was clearly meant to overhear. Eventually, Broken-Wing got over itself and answered her question. "The-Fade, the-Hypaethral." It chattered. "The-Reinvention, Tellian-Theater, Angela-Raptor." It made a certain amount of sense that the bird would be familiar with those who were possessed of the gift of flight, but that didn't explain how it knew their names. If its own name was such a transitory thing, why would it bother with the proper, permanent names of City Districts and the people who occupied them? It hinted at the importance of names, the ways in which they gave shape to reality. However, what it didn't do is give her any promising leads within Fartown. It seemed that if she wanted to take wing to meet this aggrieved party, she'd have a bit of traveling to do. The Chorus was not happy about this state of affairs. Although their intents were many, the vast majority seemed highly protective of the Estate and its surrounding grounds. The suggestion that they leave to go find someone who might be able to help was met with a dull roar of anger and disgust. Yet if she wanted answers, it appeared she wasn't going to find them within her family's hallowed halls. The three Vislae eventually finished their tea, said their goodbyes to Ma'am, and departed out the front door of her abode. Upon their exit they were given a cursory inspection by the Unkindness, perhaps two dozen Ravens swopping five meters over their heads to cackle and caw at them. However as the Indigo Sun had crested the horizon and risen, the sparkling threads of spider silk had begun to shed their heavy loads. The crisp autumn air would have been too chill to evaporate the morning dew on its own, but the sunlight was doing its work, and all about them the iridescent threads were surrounded with mist. They were beginning to become harder and harder to see as a result, and more dangerous. It seemed the Ravens were keen to this, as the larger Unkindness had risen even higher, and many of their number were now flying North. They'd gone perhaps a dozen steps out onto the cobblestones when they'd spotted Felicia Ainsworth working her way towards the street from her own estate, who appeared to be sporting a biomechanical familiar riding comfortably upon her shoulder. Given the Corvid nature of said familiar, it seemed that Aldrion had been correct in his earlier guess about the squawking. They'd found their Corvidophile, as Xanah had suggested they do. Edited February 19 by TheRaconteur (see edit history) Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gryphon173 Posted February 21 Clone Share Posted February 21 (edited) Shuistliel Shuistliel glances up to see how the ravens were reacting to Ainsworth, but then strides forward as best he can while avoiding the now harder-to-see webs. "Hello!" he says, tipping his hat genially; it's somewhat in contrast to the combat/survival axe he's carrying. "I don't know if you remember me, Felicia, but I'm Shuistliel, one of your neighbors. I live in the Bastion." He points at the fountain which leads to his house, which is the only thing in the neighborhood not covered in webbing. "Xanah, Phecht, and I are trying to get to the bottom of this, and we can certainly use help, if you're willing. I don't suppose you can speak to the angry murder of ravens about whether they've stolen...well, stolen a name?" He winces a little as he says the last, not wanting to accuse anyone of anything without evidence. The government did enough of that... Liel remembered from the days in Shadow. All they had was the accusation of the spiders that the ravens were the culprits, but he very much wanted to get the ravens' side before they move in on the wrapped-up house. NEW! Character Arcs Develop a Bond: Shuistliel realizes he has too few friends, and would like to expand his circle of true friends. Solve a Mystery: There's a ton of questions surrounding the webbing of his neighborhood and the swirl of angry birds aloft, and Shuistliel wants answers to all of them. And he can handle the truth! Description Shuistliel is a very handsome man with long silver hair and green eyes the color of fine emeralds. He is dressed as he usually is, in a nice suit, jacket, and pants, and he has his usual snake-headed cane along. He moves quite agilely, like a dancer, perhaps. What's unusual this morning is the black survival combat axe carried in one hand while the cane is tucked under an arm. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 2/2 Perception: 3/3 Qualia Sorcery: 4/4 Interaction: 3/3 Intellect: 3/3 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Edited February 21 by Gryphon173 (see edit history) Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amora Posted February 24 Clone Share Posted February 24 (edited) Felicia Ainsworth That sounded most assuredly like one of the Changeries but she wasn't exactly opposed to that art. It was a different medium of aesthetic honing and, well, flight could be advantageous given the hazy memories she had of too big canvases and precarious ladder and scaffold work. The disparaging mutterings of her present avian companion though earned only a slight poke out of her tongue at the bird in response. She lacked hollow bones and pinions, one could hardly fault the hand of the Creator for such things. Granted, there were other problems about her from the too many eyes behind her own and the too many voices in her soul besides her own but... She could only hope there had been purpose to that in the thinking and bindings of her self before the fog of grey. "A bit of a walk then." was all the Maker had time to say before she was suddenly greeted with very rushed introductions, uses of her given name and a whole gaggle of on-lookers to what was ostensibly all a bit of private business that had slipped well and duly outside it's confines. Followed only by questions and requests as to if she could bridge the language barrier and get a few more answers. Not that she couldn't but it was gift on a timer without sourcing a supplier, or a language tutor... Granted, she had something of one on her shoulder but she doubted their handle of what her brain continued to insist was called English but her vislae mind, manifold as it was and bolstered by more minds beside, insisted on trying to correct without the courtesy of providing a noun. "I try not to lose track of my neighbors though it's been a barrage of new faces this morning." Felicia replied with a polite nod of her head, different circumstances and attire may have demanded a curtsy or a full bow but it was all impromptu. "I'm guessing you've had a chat with the other half of all this mess? The Ravens have had their feathered ruffled by much the same sort of thing. I was just getting on my way to enlist a bit of help to look into it... more in depth at Broken-wing's suggestion." the Ainsworth woman said with a gesture of invitation to accompany her and a roving glance over the assembled group, eyes sticking for a moment on Aldrion before focusing on Shuistliel once more. There was something distinctly disquieting to the quality of her eyes, not their color or the perpetual, lazy motion of the gold in their depths but the... weight of that stare seemed multiplied, exponentially. Too many eyes for a woman with only two. By contrast, her largely pale complexion seemed positively mundane if perhaps a little sinister and evocative for the dire state of her estate. Character Arcs EstablishmentYou want to prove yourself as someone of importance. This can take many forms—socially, within your order, financially, or even romantically. Cost: The Need for Proof. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Assessment. 1 Acumen reward. You assess yourself as well as who you need to prove yourself to. Step(s): Appearances Matter. 1 Acumen reward. You improve your look. Enhance your wardrobe. Spruce up your house. Whatever it takes to get attention from the right people. There might be many such steps. Step(s): Self-Aggrandizement. 1 Acumen reward. You need to get the word out to get people talking about you. There might be many such steps. Climax: Grabbing Attention. 3 Acumen reward. You do something big, like host a party for influential people or produce a play that you wrote. You make a big splash (1 Joy) or a big crash (1 Despair). Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on what you did and where you go from here - Current Step: The Need for Proof Develop a BondYou want to get closer to another character. This might be to make a friend, find a mentor, or establish a contact in a position of power. It might be to turn a friend into a much closer friend. The character might be an NPC or a PC. In the case of an NPC, the end result might be an NPC bond, and in the case of a PC it’s a PC bond. Cost: Putting Yourself Out There. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting to Know You. 1 Acumen reward. You learn what you can about the other character. Step: Initial Attempt. 1 Acumen reward. You attempt to make contact. This might involve sending messages or gifts through a courier, using an intermediary, or just going up and saying hello, depending on the situation. Step(s): Building a Relationship. 2 Acumen reward. There might be many such steps as you develop the relationship. Climax: Bond. 3 Acumen reward. You succeed or fail at forging the bond. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You enjoy the fruits of your new relationship. - Current Step: Getting to Know You Description Description It's the eyes, really, that most fixate upon first. The hues of crimson and gold spinning, twisting, merging in their depths as they seem to give a clear window into the utter depths of Felicia's mind with their uniquely expressive quality. That there feels to be a thousand, a hundred thousand, pairs of eyes staring back from behind those initial windows to the soul only seems to cement the impression of something troublesome, something worrying to compliment the elfin quality of her sharp features and diminutive frame. That sensation of malice, of gleeful cruelty, welling up from somewhere in those depths even as she comports herself with nothing but cheerful, if stoic, mannerisms and inexhaustible impressions of attention to the minute aesthetics of every gesture, motion, and twist of both herself and the world around her. In matters of garb, she tends to play to the company she plans for with blouses, dresses, and pants of riotous colors among the bohemian communes of Fartown to the carefully coordinated yet still somehow esoteric gowns and suits of high society galas and soirees. Each and every ensemble meticulously planned and coordinated like one of the great works of her brushes. The only break from this carefully crafted aesthetic seems to be her hair, pale and bloodless as her complexion. It's length healthy, glossy, and well tended but cursed with creative differences in how it curls and falls. Despite this, it seems always to blend, practically meld, seamlessly into any trim of fur or feather that might adorn a chosen outfit. Like those glimpses of alien malice and cruelty in the depths of her eyes, there always seems to be a discordant element that shadows her. Whether it be a flicker of something other in the crimson depths of her eyes, the way her shadow seems to twitch and twist without her ever moving, or how her reflection never quite seems to be her... It becomes all too clear that her body and soul might be host to something besides merely the artist... Worse still is the careful and delicate work of brush and needle; whisking away bruises here, deep scratches or cuts there, all damning evidence of struggles with the self. In the Guise of Immanis The energies of the Abyss are, by its very nature, an instrument of the Dark and unkind as a rule to the essential fabric of whatever is and may be. It is only by the tempering elements of the Gold Sun that the taking in of such hostile energies is more than merely an elaborate form of suicide. The raw stresses of this are quite evident then when Madame Ainsworth invokes so terrible a spell. Her already pale skin grows to be a lifeless gray, gaining an unseemly translucence that is easily pierced by even the wane light of Fartown beneath the Indigo Sun. The lines and forms of every bone visible from just the right angles as they shatter, stretch, and mend with an agonizing rapidity to drag her up to a daunting height. Sinew, muscle and tendon all the while snapping, recoiling, and reforming to accommodate this new and predatory bearing. Veins and arteries, in kind, flow with noxious black as the corruptive energies swirl and take root, her eyes draining of that distinct crimson and gold hue leaving only a single prick of light nearly drowned in a sea of impenetrable black. Were that these the extent of the horrors wrought by the invoking of the Eye of Immanis for one can't help but stare as razor-like teeth push aside whatever may block their way, twisting and gnarling the line of gum and tooth to pierce and part the flesh of the cheek revealing a hideous, too broad maw. A likewise change playing out in the hands as bones shatter and twist as tendons and sinew reinforce to accommodate the agonizingly slow-yet-quick emergence of seven inch talons, black as jet, that now adorn each finger tip. This final change marking the ultimate perversion, turning tools of creation to tools of abject and potent destruction. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 1/3 Perception: 4/4 Qualia Sorcery: 6/6 Interaction: 6/6 (+3 from Signature Item) Intellect: 2/3 Sortilege: 1/2 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Edited February 24 by Amora (see edit history) Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRaconteur Posted February 25 Author Clone Share Posted February 25 Chapter I - Act I: A Shitty Start Sooth Deck: The Cat Effects: None Divination: "One sometimes must act alone to succeed. Curiosity and cleverness can be virtues, but be wary of taking them too far. A challenge may arise that involves both mental and physical dexterity." Though the destination of all four Vislae had not yet unified, with three of one mind and the fourth of another, from where they stood making introductions to one another they could see the Spider's Nest. The place featured a long driveway, though the trees that had once flanked it had long ago gone wild. Branches laden with orange leaves, they now were host to the densest webs and nets found on the whole block, stretching in every direction. The last of the morning mist clung the heaviest here, shimmering in the morning light as the dew evaporated from countless strands. At the end of the long drive, the manor was just visible, though even at that distance they could see how it had changed. For as long as any of them had been residents of the Cascades, the Nest had appeared largely abandoned, an ominous warning of what Felicia's Estate might easily become. In its heyday, it had been a two story affair, wide and square. The heavy columns still surrounded it, supporting most of the roof over the sweeping balcony that encircled it on all sides. This created a wide porch, offering shade to whomever had once dwelled there, overlooked by what had once been large windows evenly spaced. Now, the glass was long shattered, empty window frames instead filled with silk. The roof was largely intact, save for the cupola, which had caved in so long ago none present remembered a time when it was there. Now the windows could barely be seen at all, as the whole structure had been encircled in so much web as to be nearly impenetrable by sight alone. The only thing that had not been so covered was the wide front doors. It was hard to tell, but if they squinted, they could see one of them flapping back and forth in the morning breeze. Had it always been open? They thought not. Above them, the unkindness issued a final thunderous series of squawks and croaks, and began to fly South in the direction of the Vancian Campus. Amid their thunderous rebuke, Felicia heard too many words to pick them out, but themes of retribution and irritation were the most prominent. At her shoulder, Broken-Wing took an experimental flap, and then suddenly leapt into the air. It was awkward at first, and nearly crashed into a nearby web, but with a few wobbling strokes of its wings began climbing rapidly. It circled about them as it climbed, calling out to her below. "Raven-friend, come-find, come-fly, Vancian-Campus." Its message delivered, it rose further still to join its brothers and sisters. Again leaving her with the question, how did the bird know what a Vancian was, let alone the proper name of their school? Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ganurath Posted February 25 Clone Share Posted February 25 Aldrion Phect Aldrion was much more receptive to the tea after the addition of the cream, so much so that he made sure to thank Ma'am for introducing him to the beverage before they left. With Felicia being out and accessible- The mechanical bits on her raven were a surprise, but she was a Maker. Still, he let Liel take the lead on the discussion, so as to avoid the risk of more personal matters becoming a distraction from the issue at hand. Judging by how her eyes lingered on him, a sensible precaution. Her intensity wasn't even the biggest factor in what put him off from seeing her as family. Her stating that the ravens were victims of similar theft confirmed Aldrion's earlier suspicions, though. A third party was mucking things up for both of them, in such a way that each was accusing the other. As the birds started to flock away, the cybird that Felicia had made left with them, but the lingering to circle and caw was far from subtle. "Anything worth sharing, or just parting words?" Character Arcs Uncover a SecretThere is knowledge out there that you want. This arc is a great way to get one of the secrets in the chapter Character and House Secrets that the GM has said aren’t readily available. Likewise, it could be an attempt to find and learn a specific rare spell or ritual. This could also be a hunt for a lost magic word or key that will open a sealed door, the name of a devil, the secret name of an important person, or just how the arabast fashioned their windows in ancient times. Cost: Seeker. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Naming the Secret. 1 Acumen reward. You give your goal a name. “I am seeking the lost martial art of the Khendrix, who could slice steel with their bare hands.” Step(s): Research. 1 Acumen reward. You scour libraries and old tomes for clues and information. Step(s): Investigation. 1 Acumen reward. You talk to people to gain clues and information. Step(s): Tracking. 1 Acumen reward. You track down the source of the secret information and travel to it. Climax: Revelation. 2 Acumen reward. You find and attempt to use the secret, whatever that entails. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You contemplate how this secret affects you and the world. - Current Step: Seeker CleanseSomeone or something has been contaminated, probably by foul magic, and you want to rid them of such influences. This might be a curse, a possession, an infestation, or something else. Cost: Becoming Aware of the Need. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Analyzing the Threat. 1 Acumen reward. You determine the nature of the contamination. Step: Find the Solution. 2 Acumen reward. Almost every contamination has its own particular solution, and this likely involves research and consultation. Step: Getting Ready. 1 Acumen reward. The solution probably involves materials, spells, or other things that you must gather and prepare. Climax: The Cleansing. 3 Acumen reward. You confront the contamination. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on the events that have transpired and what effects they might have on the future. How can you keep this from happening again? - Current Step: Analyzing the Threat Description Aldrion prefers to cover up, as his time in the Shadow working in repairs instilled him with an appreciation of proper protection. He has a scar over one eyebrow, presumably from a narrow miss taken during the war. He favors a style that mixes plain colors with the odd splash of supernatural hues, often in shades of or near indigo in representation of his newfound appreciation for the truth. Pools Certes Accuracy: 2/2 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 2/2 Perception: 2/2 Qualia Sorcery: 8/8 Interaction: 3/3 Intellect: 3/3 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 12 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amora Posted February 25 Clone Share Posted February 25 Felicia Ainsworth The Maker watched Broken-wing take wing and return to the Unkindness with a moment's apprehension at it's wavering flight before it seemed to find itself and even out. Perhaps there was a calibration she'd missed in the harness and bracing of the injured wing or maybe it was just a matter of the poor thing to get used to it again. A question for later though as her attention was pulled sharply earthward once more towards Aldrion. His presence made this somewhat awkward if only for the fact that he remained the only family she might recall, estranged as he might be, but there was opportunity in it. "Telling me to come and find them again at the Vancian Campus. Bit worrying that if I'm to be honest." Felica replied with a calm, gentle candor that she didn't necessarily feel as the question of just how the Ravens knew of such things brought with it both credit and unanswered questions. Questions, she admitted, she was rather interested in seeing answered... and making a more lasting bond between she and the Unkindness. The quiet of the Chorus only deepening a certain anxiety in the moment as she found herself still tensed and ready for what machination or chaos they might try to introduce into the moment. Character Arcs EstablishmentYou want to prove yourself as someone of importance. This can take many forms—socially, within your order, financially, or even romantically. Cost: The Need for Proof. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Assessment. 1 Acumen reward. You assess yourself as well as who you need to prove yourself to. Step(s): Appearances Matter. 1 Acumen reward. You improve your look. Enhance your wardrobe. Spruce up your house. Whatever it takes to get attention from the right people. There might be many such steps. Step(s): Self-Aggrandizement. 1 Acumen reward. You need to get the word out to get people talking about you. There might be many such steps. Climax: Grabbing Attention. 3 Acumen reward. You do something big, like host a party for influential people or produce a play that you wrote. You make a big splash (1 Joy) or a big crash (1 Despair). Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on what you did and where you go from here - Current Step: The Need for Proof Develop a BondYou want to get closer to another character. This might be to make a friend, find a mentor, or establish a contact in a position of power. It might be to turn a friend into a much closer friend. The character might be an NPC or a PC. In the case of an NPC, the end result might be an NPC bond, and in the case of a PC it’s a PC bond. Cost: Putting Yourself Out There. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting to Know You. 1 Acumen reward. You learn what you can about the other character. Step: Initial Attempt. 1 Acumen reward. You attempt to make contact. This might involve sending messages or gifts through a courier, using an intermediary, or just going up and saying hello, depending on the situation. Step(s): Building a Relationship. 2 Acumen reward. There might be many such steps as you develop the relationship. Climax: Bond. 3 Acumen reward. You succeed or fail at forging the bond. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You enjoy the fruits of your new relationship. - Current Step: Getting to Know You Description Description It's the eyes, really, that most fixate upon first. The hues of crimson and gold spinning, twisting, merging in their depths as they seem to give a clear window into the utter depths of Felicia's mind with their uniquely expressive quality. That there feels to be a thousand, a hundred thousand, pairs of eyes staring back from behind those initial windows to the soul only seems to cement the impression of something troublesome, something worrying to compliment the elfin quality of her sharp features and diminutive frame. That sensation of malice, of gleeful cruelty, welling up from somewhere in those depths even as she comports herself with nothing but cheerful, if stoic, mannerisms and inexhaustible impressions of attention to the minute aesthetics of every gesture, motion, and twist of both herself and the world around her. In matters of garb, she tends to play to the company she plans for with blouses, dresses, and pants of riotous colors among the bohemian communes of Fartown to the carefully coordinated yet still somehow esoteric gowns and suits of high society galas and soirees. Each and every ensemble meticulously planned and coordinated like one of the great works of her brushes. The only break from this carefully crafted aesthetic seems to be her hair, pale and bloodless as her complexion. It's length healthy, glossy, and well tended but cursed with creative differences in how it curls and falls. Despite this, it seems always to blend, practically meld, seamlessly into any trim of fur or feather that might adorn a chosen outfit. Like those glimpses of alien malice and cruelty in the depths of her eyes, there always seems to be a discordant element that shadows her. Whether it be a flicker of something other in the crimson depths of her eyes, the way her shadow seems to twitch and twist without her ever moving, or how her reflection never quite seems to be her... It becomes all too clear that her body and soul might be host to something besides merely the artist... Worse still is the careful and delicate work of brush and needle; whisking away bruises here, deep scratches or cuts there, all damning evidence of struggles with the self. In the Guise of Immanis The energies of the Abyss are, by its very nature, an instrument of the Dark and unkind as a rule to the essential fabric of whatever is and may be. It is only by the tempering elements of the Gold Sun that the taking in of such hostile energies is more than merely an elaborate form of suicide. The raw stresses of this are quite evident then when Madame Ainsworth invokes so terrible a spell. Her already pale skin grows to be a lifeless gray, gaining an unseemly translucence that is easily pierced by even the wane light of Fartown beneath the Indigo Sun. The lines and forms of every bone visible from just the right angles as they shatter, stretch, and mend with an agonizing rapidity to drag her up to a daunting height. Sinew, muscle and tendon all the while snapping, recoiling, and reforming to accommodate this new and predatory bearing. Veins and arteries, in kind, flow with noxious black as the corruptive energies swirl and take root, her eyes draining of that distinct crimson and gold hue leaving only a single prick of light nearly drowned in a sea of impenetrable black. Were that these the extent of the horrors wrought by the invoking of the Eye of Immanis for one can't help but stare as razor-like teeth push aside whatever may block their way, twisting and gnarling the line of gum and tooth to pierce and part the flesh of the cheek revealing a hideous, too broad maw. A likewise change playing out in the hands as bones shatter and twist as tendons and sinew reinforce to accommodate the agonizingly slow-yet-quick emergence of seven inch talons, black as jet, that now adorn each finger tip. This final change marking the ultimate perversion, turning tools of creation to tools of abject and potent destruction. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 1/3 Perception: 4/4 Qualia Sorcery: 6/6 Interaction: 6/6 (+3 from Signature Item) Intellect: 2/3 Sortilege: 1/2 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aavarius Posted February 26 Clone Share Posted February 26 Xanah The sun was out, which meant that Xanah was grayscale again. It blanched all the color off of her similarly to how it evaporated the morning dew. Between the tea and the coffee she felt like she had enough energy in the tank to keep going for a couple days. She had never, ever been accused of temperance. Her tendency to overindulge was well documented. The thermos she had been carrying, now emptied, had a little clip hanging off the side. She fastened it to her belt, where it hung conveniently out of the way. She had been working on a few minor magical effects to support her habits, namely the smoking and the drinking. This side of Shadow, a little magic made things a lot more convenient. In the meantime, she could make do with her mundane implements for vice. Xanah knew of the Ainsworth woman, but didn't know her personally. Her family's name and reputation she knew a lot better. As usual she was pleased to make the acquaintance and exchanged names and pleasantries with Ms. Ainsworth forthwith. Xanah explained everything her little coterie knew--everything they had shared with each other, that is. She wanted to catch Felicia up but she also, as was often the case, had an ulterior motive: a favor to ask. "Perhaps we could join you? We are looking to get more information from the birds' perspective and we're hoping you might be able to translate for us." There was more, though. A warning: "I am less than half as much acquainted with truespiders as I would like to be, but I have a feeling we don't want to traipse into one's domain without good information. The Spider's Nest might be our eventual destination, but I don't want it to be our...final destination, if you catch my meaning. I cannot imagine an audience with one this aggrieved going well for the food walking into her door." Character Arcs Join an Organization As an arachnophile, I'm being groomed to join the Cacophony, an association of spiders whose name only really makes sense to spiders. They seek to establish diplomatic ties with the Angular Serpentine. Current StepYou want to join an organization. This likely is not an order, since vislae start the game already belonging to an order if they wish it. Vislae often join other organizations as well, however, and this arc is a great way to portray that. Cost: The Decision to Join. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting the Details. 1 Acumen reward. You learn all you can about the organization and how one becomes a member. Step(s): Making a Contact. 1 Acumen reward. Friends on the inside are always important. Step(s): Performing a Deed. 2 Acumen reward. The organization might want to test your worth, or this might be a ceremony you must take part in. It might include paying some sort of dues or fee. Or all of these things. Climax: Proving Your Worth. 2 Acumen reward. This is the point at which you attempt to show the organization that they would be better off with you as a member. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You consider your efforts and assess what your membership gets you. : The decision to join For now, I remain ignorant that I'm being considered for invitation. Aid a Friend Aldrion Phect wishes to rescue his spouse from Shadow, but first he must Uncover the Secret of how such a task might even be possible. I'm too closeted a romantic to tell him I can't resist helping somebody reunite with their loved one. Current StepSomeone needs your help. When a PC friend takes a character arc, you can select this arc to help them with whatever their arc is (if appropriate). The steps and climax depend entirely on their chosen arc. If the friend is an NPC, the steps and climax are lifted from another arc appropriate to whatever they seek to do. If you have a bond with the friend you are helping, this may increase the Acumen earned with each story point by 1. It’s difficult, but possible, to aid a friend with an arc even if that friend is unwilling to accept (or is ignorant of ) your help. The majority of the cost, story points, and rewards for a character with this arc are the same as those described in the original character arc. Cost: Agreeing to Help. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Answering the Call. 1 Acumen reward. Offering to help (or responding to a request for help). Step(s) and Climax: Depends on the friend’s arc. Acumen, Joy, and Despair rewards are the same for you as for the friend. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You speak with your friend and learn if they are satisfied. Together, you share what you’ve learned (if anything) and where you will go from here.: Agreeing to help I've agreed to help, but Aldrion and I haven't discussed it further. Description Appearance Xanah and the possessions on her person lose color saturation in proportion to her amount of sunlight exposure. She's completely grayscale in broad daylight. She otherwise sports a head of medium-length red-brown hair, copper colored eyes, and a fair complexion. Xanah is of unremarkable height and build, a slim physique that belies a lifetime of overindulging. It's only her constantly moving workaholic ethic that keeps her in shape. Her clothing usually favors practicality and comfort, never one to indulge in fashionable fads. Ever conscientious of her habits, Xanah always smells faintly of cinnamon and spice. Personality Lives on coffee, cigars, and favors. Fiercely individualist to a fault. A tarnished heart of gold. Tendency to overindulge. A patron of lost causes, shooter of troubles, slayer of dragons, walker of tightropes, and runner with scissors. Banned from kitchens across the Actuality for abject culinary incompetence. Never met a stranger before but carefully chooses close friendships A closeted romantic, almost disgustingly so. Her sharp tongue and compulsion to kick hornets' nests and turn over rocks makes many enemies. In her Order she's been demoted twice for it. Occupation Xanah describes herself as "creatively entrepreneurial," which is to say she doesn't actually have a traditional occupation. As previously mentioned, she lives off favors. These keep her constantly busy juggling a tangled web of commitments, investments, activism, and odd-jobs that she's perfectly satisfied living in the middle of. Income can be wildly inconsistent, but she's never been one to require much in the way of creature comforts. She's just as likely to blow a windfall on a hopeless cause as she is to devote it to a strategic endeavor. "Money," she says, "is just a means to an end, grease for the skids." She toys with the idea of running for office but talks herself out of it, saying that nobody would vote for her anyway. Despite her modest self-assessment, the growing network of contacts she's been developing suggests she might get more support than she realizes. Dichotomies Wealth or Fame - "It's all in who you know." Friends or Family - "I don't make close friends easy, but the few I have are basically family." Power or Control - "I'm the spider dead center in the web." Introvert or Extrovert - "There's nothing I love more than good company." Order or Chaos - "A little strategic chaos keeps the omnipotent busybodies from getting too comfortable." Freedom or Safety - "'Live free or die trying', I say." Society or the Individual - "Society is people. Make a difference for one and you make a different society." Generosity or Greed - "You give a little to get a little. Sometimes, well...sometimes people need me to give a little more." Moral code or Instinct - "Scruples are what separates man from the animals." Ego or Id - "Can't honestly say I've ever been accused of temperance or self control." Nature or Nurture - "Pro tip: Yes, it's your fault and you can do better." Thought or Action - "I'm a make-it-up-as-you-go kind of gal." Instinct or Knowledge - "My gut has never let me down about what the right thing to do is." Charity or Self-sufficiency - "Everybody needs somebody sometime." Home or the Road - "Give me a warm house and somebody to share it with on all the days that end in 'Y'." Contentment or Challenge - "Look, I don't go crusading for lost causes. They seek me out. They know I"m easy." Pools Injuries: [ ] [ ] [ ] Wounds: [ ] [ ] [ ] Anguish: [ ] [ ] [ ] CERTES QUALIA Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 1/1 Sorcery: 5/5 Interaction: 4/4 Physicality: 3/3 Perception: 4/4 Intelligence: 1/1 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 12 Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gryphon173 Posted February 26 Clone Share Posted February 26 Shuistliel "I believe that...damn it...that one I have met would be grateful for help and not be a danger," Shustliel says of the Truespiders, still stumbling over how to talk about a specific one. "Any others, well, all I can say is that they're inscrutable and dangerous, so caution is likely warranted. "I don't know if I like the ravens rushing off to the Vancian campus," he continues, scratching his chin. "Guess that depends on whether they're seeking information and assistance, or if something's made them think the Vancian Academy is involved? Too bad your mechanically-enhanced friend left us; they might have known the answer to that." He locks green eyes with gray. "Xanah, we'd better head to the Academy first, don't you think?" he asks his former classmate. "The staff and faculty won't appreciate an army of ravens showing up at their door, and the situation might escalate." Not that he was at all sure what they could do about it, but between four Vislae, there was probably enough magic to deal with many sorts of problems. NEW! Character Arcs Develop a Bond: Shuistliel realizes he has too few friends, and would like to expand his circle of true friends. Solve a Mystery: There's a ton of questions surrounding the webbing of his neighborhood and the swirl of angry birds aloft, and Shuistliel wants answers to all of them. And he can handle the truth! Description Shuistliel is a very handsome man with long silver hair and green eyes the color of fine emeralds. He is dressed as he usually is, in a nice suit, jacket, and pants, and he has his usual snake-headed cane along. He moves quite agilely, like a dancer, perhaps. What's unusual this morning is the black survival combat axe carried in one hand while the cane is tucked under an arm. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 2/2 Perception: 3/3 Qualia Sorcery: 4/4 Interaction: 3/3 Intellect: 3/3 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amora Posted February 26 Clone Share Posted February 26 (edited) Felicia Ainsworth Felicia wasn't exactly a stranger to the game of social maneuver and counter maneuver but this was not a morning that she was at her best. The struggles with the Chorus chained and bound within her, extracting the Ravens from their undeserved entrapment, and rapidly prototyping out a mechanical assist to an injured wing had done much to exhaust her. Not that she let any of it show in her pleasantly mild expression as she danced through the rituals of introduction and pleasantries, with quiet anticipation of the thrust to come given they were all pressing for information and resolutions that she was dubious as to her liberty to share in the moment. Still, she did justice all the same to the august reputation of her clan... Even if that reputation now solely hinged upon her given the, ah, more complicated aspects of that particular situation were now standing pointedly close at hand. All the while there was a growing pressure at the metaphorical walls of her mind, the feeling claws against stone, of eyes turned inward and pointedly at her and the first hissing laughs and whispers questioning her choices and declaring how right they were to try and steer her away from any and all. To just look at the mess she'd gotten herself in with a stubborn insistence on doing something so outrageous as helping rather than the thousand other perfectly good options that had screamed at her. All of it contributing to mental static that almost made her miss Xanah's question but for all the irony of it... The devils were in the details and she was one to mind them. The mention of walking into the den of a true-spider, of all things, only bringing the wiser, stronger, more aggressive voices up from the depths of the soul to bang against the walls of her mind and agency... The gold in her eyes seeming to shed their lazy nature to churn just that much quicker as her shadow seemed to quiver, twist, and reshape in the autumnal sun. "If you like, I was going to pay a visit to a special someone the Ravens mentioned. An Angela Raptor at the Tellian Theater. I can't say I'm familiar with the name but I know the theater in passing out in the Reinvention." Felicia answered in kind to both the request to join her in pursuit of her current lead and addressing their desire for a little more information from the very beaks of one of the aggrieved parties. That said there was a certain... dedication to the idea of going anywhere but into the nest of a truespider at that particular moment. An accord of thought and path between the Chorus and the Woman as the likes of truespiders were not always so fond of those touched by the red or, in Felicia's case, playing host to so many of it's ever changing, ever destroying champions. "As for the Campus, it didn't sound like the Ravens were planning any mischief or campaigns of harassment there. Just that they'd be congregating there. Plenty of high ground and easy food, I'd imagine. Swarming like that is probably exhausting work." the Maker added with some thought and a bit of humour despite the rather dire nature of all their shrieking and cawing. "I would recommend we hurry a bit though, I don't quite have the handle of Raven-speak and the potion I drank will run it's course sometime around sundown. Not that we're hurting for day light but a rather busy list of places to be, no?" Character Arcs EstablishmentYou want to prove yourself as someone of importance. This can take many forms—socially, within your order, financially, or even romantically. Cost: The Need for Proof. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Assessment. 1 Acumen reward. You assess yourself as well as who you need to prove yourself to. Step(s): Appearances Matter. 1 Acumen reward. You improve your look. Enhance your wardrobe. Spruce up your house. Whatever it takes to get attention from the right people. There might be many such steps. Step(s): Self-Aggrandizement. 1 Acumen reward. You need to get the word out to get people talking about you. There might be many such steps. Climax: Grabbing Attention. 3 Acumen reward. You do something big, like host a party for influential people or produce a play that you wrote. You make a big splash (1 Joy) or a big crash (1 Despair). Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on what you did and where you go from here - Current Step: The Need for Proof Develop a BondYou want to get closer to another character. This might be to make a friend, find a mentor, or establish a contact in a position of power. It might be to turn a friend into a much closer friend. The character might be an NPC or a PC. In the case of an NPC, the end result might be an NPC bond, and in the case of a PC it’s a PC bond. Cost: Putting Yourself Out There. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting to Know You. 1 Acumen reward. You learn what you can about the other character. Step: Initial Attempt. 1 Acumen reward. You attempt to make contact. This might involve sending messages or gifts through a courier, using an intermediary, or just going up and saying hello, depending on the situation. Step(s): Building a Relationship. 2 Acumen reward. There might be many such steps as you develop the relationship. Climax: Bond. 3 Acumen reward. You succeed or fail at forging the bond. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You enjoy the fruits of your new relationship. - Current Step: Getting to Know You Description Description It's the eyes, really, that most fixate upon first. The hues of crimson and gold spinning, twisting, merging in their depths as they seem to give a clear window into the utter depths of Felicia's mind with their uniquely expressive quality. That there feels to be a thousand, a hundred thousand, pairs of eyes staring back from behind those initial windows to the soul only seems to cement the impression of something troublesome, something worrying to compliment the elfin quality of her sharp features and diminutive frame. That sensation of malice, of gleeful cruelty, welling up from somewhere in those depths even as she comports herself with nothing but cheerful, if stoic, mannerisms and inexhaustible impressions of attention to the minute aesthetics of every gesture, motion, and twist of both herself and the world around her. In matters of garb, she tends to play to the company she plans for with blouses, dresses, and pants of riotous colors among the bohemian communes of Fartown to the carefully coordinated yet still somehow esoteric gowns and suits of high society galas and soirees. Each and every ensemble meticulously planned and coordinated like one of the great works of her brushes. The only break from this carefully crafted aesthetic seems to be her hair, pale and bloodless as her complexion. It's length healthy, glossy, and well tended but cursed with creative differences in how it curls and falls. Despite this, it seems always to blend, practically meld, seamlessly into any trim of fur or feather that might adorn a chosen outfit. Like those glimpses of alien malice and cruelty in the depths of her eyes, there always seems to be a discordant element that shadows her. Whether it be a flicker of something other in the crimson depths of her eyes, the way her shadow seems to twitch and twist without her ever moving, or how her reflection never quite seems to be her... It becomes all too clear that her body and soul might be host to something besides merely the artist... Worse still is the careful and delicate work of brush and needle; whisking away bruises here, deep scratches or cuts there, all damning evidence of struggles with the self. In the Guise of Immanis The energies of the Abyss are, by its very nature, an instrument of the Dark and unkind as a rule to the essential fabric of whatever is and may be. It is only by the tempering elements of the Gold Sun that the taking in of such hostile energies is more than merely an elaborate form of suicide. The raw stresses of this are quite evident then when Madame Ainsworth invokes so terrible a spell. Her already pale skin grows to be a lifeless gray, gaining an unseemly translucence that is easily pierced by even the wane light of Fartown beneath the Indigo Sun. The lines and forms of every bone visible from just the right angles as they shatter, stretch, and mend with an agonizing rapidity to drag her up to a daunting height. Sinew, muscle and tendon all the while snapping, recoiling, and reforming to accommodate this new and predatory bearing. Veins and arteries, in kind, flow with noxious black as the corruptive energies swirl and take root, her eyes draining of that distinct crimson and gold hue leaving only a single prick of light nearly drowned in a sea of impenetrable black. Were that these the extent of the horrors wrought by the invoking of the Eye of Immanis for one can't help but stare as razor-like teeth push aside whatever may block their way, twisting and gnarling the line of gum and tooth to pierce and part the flesh of the cheek revealing a hideous, too broad maw. A likewise change playing out in the hands as bones shatter and twist as tendons and sinew reinforce to accommodate the agonizingly slow-yet-quick emergence of seven inch talons, black as jet, that now adorn each finger tip. This final change marking the ultimate perversion, turning tools of creation to tools of abject and potent destruction. Pools Certes Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 1/3 Perception: 4/4 Qualia Sorcery: 6/6 Interaction: 6/6 (+3 from Signature Item) Intellect: 2/3 Sortilege: 1/2 Hidden Knowledge: 10 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Edited February 26 by Amora (see edit history) Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ganurath Posted February 26 Clone Share Posted February 26 Aldrion Phect At the mention of the Vancian Campus, Aldrion had to keep himself from cringing. The last time he was there... Well, he hadn't been actively hostile toward the institution in general, but he'd thoroughly burned every bridge between himself and von Verdict that he could. Even being careful to avoid the blowhard, his being there at all was likely to be more than a little awkward. Still, getting the names of the ravens and spiders back to their proper owners sounded like it was going to involve contacting the ravens anyway, so as long as they remain on the campus, it couldn't be avoided. Hopefully, the Vancians they find will be more like Liel than von Verdict. "So long as we can avoid a specific Vancian that I have a history with, going to the Campus sooner rather than later seems prudent. Especially if your solution to the language barrier is temporary." Wait, she'd said that it was from a potion, hadn't she? "...No pun intended." Character Arcs Uncover a SecretThere is knowledge out there that you want. This arc is a great way to get one of the secrets in the chapter Character and House Secrets that the GM has said aren’t readily available. Likewise, it could be an attempt to find and learn a specific rare spell or ritual. This could also be a hunt for a lost magic word or key that will open a sealed door, the name of a devil, the secret name of an important person, or just how the arabast fashioned their windows in ancient times. Cost: Seeker. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Naming the Secret. 1 Acumen reward. You give your goal a name. “I am seeking the lost martial art of the Khendrix, who could slice steel with their bare hands.” Step(s): Research. 1 Acumen reward. You scour libraries and old tomes for clues and information. Step(s): Investigation. 1 Acumen reward. You talk to people to gain clues and information. Step(s): Tracking. 1 Acumen reward. You track down the source of the secret information and travel to it. Climax: Revelation. 2 Acumen reward. You find and attempt to use the secret, whatever that entails. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You contemplate how this secret affects you and the world. - Current Step: Seeker CleanseSomeone or something has been contaminated, probably by foul magic, and you want to rid them of such influences. This might be a curse, a possession, an infestation, or something else. Cost: Becoming Aware of the Need. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Analyzing the Threat. 1 Acumen reward. You determine the nature of the contamination. Step: Find the Solution. 2 Acumen reward. Almost every contamination has its own particular solution, and this likely involves research and consultation. Step: Getting Ready. 1 Acumen reward. The solution probably involves materials, spells, or other things that you must gather and prepare. Climax: The Cleansing. 3 Acumen reward. You confront the contamination. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You reflect on the events that have transpired and what effects they might have on the future. How can you keep this from happening again? - Current Step: Analyzing the Threat Description Aldrion prefers to cover up, as his time in the Shadow working in repairs instilled him with an appreciation of proper protection. He has a scar over one eyebrow, presumably from a narrow miss taken during the war. He favors a style that mixes plain colors with the odd splash of supernatural hues, often in shades of or near indigo in representation of his newfound appreciation for the truth. Pools Certes Accuracy: 2/2 Movement: 3/3 Physicality: 2/2 Perception: 2/2 Qualia Sorcery: 8/8 Interaction: 3/3 Intellect: 3/3 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 12 Injuries: Wounds: Anguish: Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aavarius Posted March 1 Clone Share Posted March 1 Xanah "Oh, don't worry, darling," Xanah reassured Aldrion. "Vances don't bite... hard." She flashed a broad, toothy smile. "If magic is on our side, we'll be flitting with the feathers soon, else we're Tellian Theatre-bound." Character Arcs Join an Organization As an arachnophile, I'm being groomed to join the Cacophony, an association of spiders whose name only really makes sense to spiders. They seek to establish diplomatic ties with the Angular Serpentine. Current StepYou want to join an organization. This likely is not an order, since vislae start the game already belonging to an order if they wish it. Vislae often join other organizations as well, however, and this arc is a great way to portray that. Cost: The Decision to Join. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Getting the Details. 1 Acumen reward. You learn all you can about the organization and how one becomes a member. Step(s): Making a Contact. 1 Acumen reward. Friends on the inside are always important. Step(s): Performing a Deed. 2 Acumen reward. The organization might want to test your worth, or this might be a ceremony you must take part in. It might include paying some sort of dues or fee. Or all of these things. Climax: Proving Your Worth. 2 Acumen reward. This is the point at which you attempt to show the organization that they would be better off with you as a member. A successful resolution results in 1 Joy. Failure results in 1 Despair. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You consider your efforts and assess what your membership gets you. : The decision to join For now, I remain ignorant that I'm being considered for invitation. Aid a Friend Aldrion Phect wishes to rescue his spouse from Shadow, but first he must Uncover the Secret of how such a task might even be possible. I'm too closeted a romantic to tell him I can't resist helping somebody reunite with their loved one. Current StepSomeone needs your help. When a PC friend takes a character arc, you can select this arc to help them with whatever their arc is (if appropriate). The steps and climax depend entirely on their chosen arc. If the friend is an NPC, the steps and climax are lifted from another arc appropriate to whatever they seek to do. If you have a bond with the friend you are helping, this may increase the Acumen earned with each story point by 1. It’s difficult, but possible, to aid a friend with an arc even if that friend is unwilling to accept (or is ignorant of ) your help. The majority of the cost, story points, and rewards for a character with this arc are the same as those described in the original character arc. Cost: Agreeing to Help. You pay a cost of 2 Acumen. Opening: Answering the Call. 1 Acumen reward. Offering to help (or responding to a request for help). Step(s) and Climax: Depends on the friend’s arc. Acumen, Joy, and Despair rewards are the same for you as for the friend. Resolution: 1 Acumen reward. You speak with your friend and learn if they are satisfied. Together, you share what you’ve learned (if anything) and where you will go from here.: Agreeing to help I've agreed to help, but Aldrion and I haven't discussed it further. Description Appearance Xanah and the possessions on her person lose color saturation in proportion to her amount of sunlight exposure. She's completely grayscale in broad daylight. She otherwise sports a head of medium-length red-brown hair, copper colored eyes, and a fair complexion. Xanah is of unremarkable height and build, a slim physique that belies a lifetime of overindulging. It's only her constantly moving workaholic ethic that keeps her in shape. Her clothing usually favors practicality and comfort, never one to indulge in fashionable fads. Ever conscientious of her habits, Xanah always smells faintly of cinnamon and spice. Personality Lives on coffee, cigars, and favors. Fiercely individualist to a fault. A tarnished heart of gold. Tendency to overindulge. A patron of lost causes, shooter of troubles, slayer of dragons, walker of tightropes, and runner with scissors. Banned from kitchens across the Actuality for abject culinary incompetence. Never met a stranger before but carefully chooses close friendships A closeted romantic, almost disgustingly so. Her sharp tongue and compulsion to kick hornets' nests and turn over rocks makes many enemies. In her Order she's been demoted twice for it. Occupation Xanah describes herself as "creatively entrepreneurial," which is to say she doesn't actually have a traditional occupation. As previously mentioned, she lives off favors. These keep her constantly busy juggling a tangled web of commitments, investments, activism, and odd-jobs that she's perfectly satisfied living in the middle of. Income can be wildly inconsistent, but she's never been one to require much in the way of creature comforts. She's just as likely to blow a windfall on a hopeless cause as she is to devote it to a strategic endeavor. "Money," she says, "is just a means to an end, grease for the skids." She toys with the idea of running for office but talks herself out of it, saying that nobody would vote for her anyway. Despite her modest self-assessment, the growing network of contacts she's been developing suggests she might get more support than she realizes. Dichotomies Wealth or Fame - "It's all in who you know." Friends or Family - "I don't make close friends easy, but the few I have are basically family." Power or Control - "I'm the spider dead center in the web." Introvert or Extrovert - "There's nothing I love more than good company." Order or Chaos - "A little strategic chaos keeps the omnipotent busybodies from getting too comfortable." Freedom or Safety - "'Live free or die trying', I say." Society or the Individual - "Society is people. Make a difference for one and you make a different society." Generosity or Greed - "You give a little to get a little. Sometimes, well...sometimes people need me to give a little more." Moral code or Instinct - "Scruples are what separates man from the animals." Ego or Id - "Can't honestly say I've ever been accused of temperance or self control." Nature or Nurture - "Pro tip: Yes, it's your fault and you can do better." Thought or Action - "I'm a make-it-up-as-you-go kind of gal." Instinct or Knowledge - "My gut has never let me down about what the right thing to do is." Charity or Self-sufficiency - "Everybody needs somebody sometime." Home or the Road - "Give me a warm house and somebody to share it with on all the days that end in 'Y'." Contentment or Challenge - "Look, I don't go crusading for lost causes. They seek me out. They know I"m easy." Pools Injuries: [ ] [ ] [ ] Wounds: [ ] [ ] [ ] Anguish: [ ] [ ] [ ] CERTES QUALIA Accuracy: 3/3 Movement: 1/1 Sorcery: 5/5 Interaction: 4/4 Physicality: 3/3 Perception: 4/4 Intelligence: 1/1 Sortilege: 3/3 Hidden Knowledge: 12 Rests: 1 round, 1 round, 10 minutes, 1 hour Name xDiceName xDiceResult xDiceString xDiceRolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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