Jump to content

The Imperial City


Krivolacarticus

Recommended Posts

 

The Imperial City is the capital city of The Realm, at the heart of which is the Imperial Manse. It was from here where the Scarlet Empress united the remains of the Shogunate, after the Great Contagion destroyed most of Creation. The city lies at the eastern shores of the Blessed Isle, in the Crane Bay, where the Dawn River ends, and the Inland Sea begins.

As you step through the grand gates of the Imperial City, the sheer scale of its majesty takes your breath away. The streets are paved with smooth stone, lined with towering buildings carved from jade and stone, each adorned with intricate patterns reflecting the five elements. To your left and right, pagoda-style towers rise high, their roofs gleaming under the sunlight. Bustling crowds of dragon-blooded nobles move purposefully, their robes in vivid hues to match the elements fire, water, wood, air, and earth, giving life and color to the orderly, disciplined environment.

Ahead, the Imperial Manse dominates the skyline, a massive and awe-inspiring structure. Its spires pierce the sky, surrounded by elegant courtyards and gardens. You feel a wave of power in the air, an ancient and commanding presence that underscores every stone, every step. The city's disciplined elegance and quiet luxury are unmistakable signs of the dragon-blooded's rule, and you can't help but feel the weight of centuries pressing down on you as you make your way deeper into the heart of The Realm.

Points of Interest

  • The Owl's Shadow - a discrete meeting spot where armed individuals speaking High Realm will not be noticed as out of the ordinary, so long as they are respectful. It is located off the central plaza in front of the Palace of the Deliberative.

Things To Do

No activities or side quests have been discovered at this time. If you wish to try your luck with a random event, roll 1d100.

Quests Available At This Location:

Celestial Waitress

Objective: You must subtly convince a young noblewoman from the Blessed Isle to willingly forsake her noble duties and take up an unexpected role as a waitress at The Luminous Lounge in Yu-Shan. The Exalted must influence her life without disrupting the Mnemon family or drawing attention from other Dynasts. Her presence is crucial for future celestial plans, though the reason must remain hidden, even from her. This is totally not about recruiting a cute waitress that I want to see in the restaurant every day!

Key NPCs:

  • Lady Ciel Mnemon: A bright and talented young woman from the esteemed Mnemon family on the Blessed Isle. Ciel is poised to rise in the ranks of her house, but fate (and not my whim) has marked her for a different, more subtle role. She’s headstrong, proud, and fiercely independent—convincing her to take on the role of a waitress in Heaven will require delicate persuasion and a carefully woven narrative.

Suggestions for Starting Skill Checks

  • Locate the specific Mnemon Estate where Ciel resides. Perception + Investigation
  • Inquire about the Heptogram, a prestigious magical academy where Cel studies. Inteligence + Socialize
  • Insert yourself into her life under an alias: Manipulation + Performance
  • Write a persuasive letter, compelling her to come meet you: Charm + Linguistics
  • Make yourself seem like a strong ally worth reaching out to: Appearance + Bureaucracy

Vanishing Memo

Objective: A crucial memo needs to disappear before it reaches the hands of the Ragara Dynasty in the Blessed Isle. The memo is on its way to an influential satrapy in the Palace of the Golden Blossom in the Blessed Isle, where many key documents are processed. The Exalted must ensure it never reaches its destination.

Key NPCs:

  • Lady Naeval Mnemon: A bureaucrat who unknowingly holds a memo that will tip the scales in a major dynastic conflict. The memo must be stopped before it reaches her superiors.

Suggestions for Starting Skill Checks

  • Case the Palace of the Golden Blossum for a way to sneak inside: Perception + Larceny
  • Convince a servant to assist you: Manipulation + Socialize
  • Walk in like you belong: Appearance + Presence
  • Slip through the outer fence: Dexterity + Dodge

As always, you are welcome to try other methods to begin your investigation. These are only suggestions to help you get started.

Edited by Krivolacarticus
Updated Information (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Komari dusts herself off as the pair emerge from the cellar. She can't quite help but look up at the Imperial Manse however. She's been here a few times now, but the great heart of the Realm is breath-taking. As much as she dislikes the Dynasty, she can't argue with the weight of its history. This place matters. And it doesn't care what you think of it.

But this isn't a time for meditation. This is a time to begin their assignment. Komari turns back to Ethniu, continuing to talk quietly in Seatongue. "My plan was the Mnemon House Guard. Dynasts prefer educated patrician servants wherever they can get them, and they won't go into the heart of the Realm without a bunch of 'soldiers' in fancy armour to stand behind them and make them look important. Either I try and join their number, or I wait until I find a band off duty and work them over for gossip."

Not exactly her strongest suite, but a simple point to start with. Komari looks like she can pull it off too - just a glance at her makes you see a wandering bladeTechnically Komari should actually make this... but it's a very obvious Resplendent Destiny considering her skillset, and Resplendent Destinies don't require committed resources in Ex3 - just a Willpower to create, and they're retained after that. That said, Komari is limited to Essence + 3 slots. She's got a max of four, and needs to leave at least one slot spare to make a new one relatively smoothly.

So her current layout
1: A Member Of The Sidereal Exalted (The Sorcerer)
2: A Travelling Swordsmaster (The Gull)
3: A Jolly Immaculate Monk (The Lovers)
4: -BLANK- Free slot in case she needs to make a new Destiny on the fly.
. "You can accompany me, we can split up and reunify later, or we can do something else. That was just my first plan - doesn't make it a good one. There's more than one Mnemon branch family in the Imperial City - just finding guards wearing their colours and mon won't be enough. Have you got anything in mind?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ethniu slouches and drops her shoulders a bit as they emerge into the city, doing her best to minimize how much she stands out.  She tries to keep her eyes mostly on her immediate surroundings, knowing full well that taking in the city properly would instantly mark her as an outsider, and now being even more concerned about potential attackers.  This is enemy territory in several manners.

Keeping her voice down and responding in Seatongue Eth says, "I think set a place to meet up later and split for a few hours at leaast.  I'm gonna try to make myself blend in a little betterEthniu wants to try to do a sacred hunt, as her natural shape is too distinctive for covert work..  Not sure that's something you wanna watch."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Komari takes a long breath, trying not to show fear at that. She's heard rumours about how the Moon-Chosen get new forms, and while she doesn't know what's true... the implication here is not the best. She gives a simple nod, before diving into the substantive question facing them. "Where best to meet..."

Stepping out onto the street and glancing around, she chuckles. "I'd say somewhere in the Sweeps, or the less prestigious part of the Onyx Curtain District, but High Realm would stand out among regular folk. We need a place that blurs the lines."

Komari takes a minute to wrack her memory. She'd sat through briefings alongside her fellow young Sidereals specifically about the Imperial City, to ensure they could operate in the Realm's heart discreetly. Komari hadn't been enthused, in all honesty: any mission here right now felt likely to be faction business with the bureau's seal on it. But that was still bureau business, so she took in as much as she could. And now, thinking back to her conversation with Gri-Fel after the lecture was over, she may have something. "The Owl's Shadow. It's off the central plaza in front of the Palace of the Deliberative. Sees most of its traffic from the Guardians and the senators who like to think of themselves as military. They won't be expecting new faces, but provided we're respectful and keep to ourselves, there shouldn't be trouble."

Named after Strix Tower, an old military bastion that also sits on the Plaza. Komari chuckles to herself, remembering the story. The garrison at Strix was supposed to be the Empress' tacit threat against the Deliberative rising up against her - I can remove you all with just one order. The fact that the Guardians, the people on the other side of that theoretical conflict, would name their drinking hole after the people who stood ready to kill them? That's some humour she can appreciateTrying for an Introduce A Fact roll here - "The Owl's Shadow is a discrete meeting spot for two armed individuals speaking High Realm"

I'm hoping my stunt justifies this. Random stuff in the Realm would normally be outside Komari's Lore background, but this feels like information a Sidereal could plausibly have gotten. Spending 3m personal on the Lore Excellency, and using On Official Assignment to drop TN to 5 for free.
.

Name
Introduce A Fact - Int + Lore + Stunt + Excellency
11
success(15d10,5,above,no,yes) [2,2,3,9,4,1,10,6,10,7,2,10,9,7,2]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The city is alive and abuzz at this time of day, but there was a melancholy that settled on the place born of routines and order. A guard posted outside a bank looks extremely bored, snorting puffs of smoke out of his nose in order to have something to do while he stands by an entrance that no one tries to enter. A pair of women dressed in fine silks with jade jewelry are exchanging gossip as they walk towards the central square. A young man pulls an old man in a rickshaw as they passed by, the old man's robes marking him as a member of the Mnemon house, but they seem to be heading to the Crane Bay.

The people of the Imperial City continued on their way, many of them in a hurry to keep whatever schedule the were currently on. Those that were not in a rush were still too preoccupied with their own lives and ambitions to pay much attention to Komari or Ethniu.


Excellent use of lore for your stunts. The Owl's Shadow has been added as a point of interest in the first post with narrative facts established as per your roll.

If Ethniu wants to start a Sacred Hunt, let me know any details of the type of person or animal you are looking for and roll Perception + Stealth to begin stalking them without being noticed. Difficulty will be based on the kind of person/animal you want to hunt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The rikshaw is the one that makes Komari almost do a double take. It's nearly perfect. She doesn't risk looking at it directly, but she taps Ethniu's hand, using her elbow to indicate the old man in the cart. "Mnemon colours."

She shouldn't go for this. Stealth has never been her speciality. But... fate. She's looking for a Mnemon, one appears before her. Komari knows enough of the Loom to understand that the Pattern Spiders are not responsible for every little concatenation of circumstances. Sometimes, things just play out, lines of thread on a parallel track. Yet the chance they are intervening here makes her wary. If the weavers of fate are helping you, ignoring their touch is ungracious in the extreme! She... has to look into this. Even if she fails, finding a Mnemon estate is a starting point to find Ciel's.

She starts heading down the street, turning backwards to share one last bow with Ethniu. "See you at the Shadow." And with that said, she's right behind the old Mnemon and rickshaw, on the path to Crane BayStealth isn't Komari's strong suite - so I'm going to avoid it entirely!

Activating Underling Invisibility Practice for 3m!

Spending from Peripheral, since this charm is Mute. Anyone who would consider themselves more important than Komari won't notice her, *and* won't notice anything else that indicates her presence (like other people noticing her). I'm going to guess that a Dynast, their personal servants and the local law enforcement all consider themselves more important than a no account travelling swordswoman. ^^

The Charm ends if Komari takes an overt action, and targets *can* nullify it with a Decision Point backed by an intimacy that involves humility. In the Realm, where the Immaculate Order goes around telling people 'you're better than those stupid commoners', I'm hoping that's going to be pretty rare. ^^ If they have an intimacy related to pride, that can make the humility one invalid for a decision point.

Komari intends to keep following the old man until he returns home. That should at least give her *a* Mnemon estate in the Imperial City. No idea if it's Ciel's, but it'll at least be a starting point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

She nods to Komari, "see ya there," then slinks off down a side street.  At every turn she chooses the dingier, dirtier, more downtrodden path.  It is rarely hard to locate the slums in places like this and Ethniu certainly knows her way around the criminal element.  What I need, she thinks, is someone who won't be missed.  Not even actively crossing her thoughts is the desire to avoid targeting a regular innocent citizen.  She has always been willing to do what is necessary, but all else being equal she'd rather find a deserving target, and some underlying instinct tells her she needs to want it on some level to take a person's shapeto sacred hunt a human you need to develop some sort of intimacy toward them (though it can fade afterward normally), so Eth is gonna go for finding someone she can feel some contempt or disgust toward.

Eventually wending her way to the parts of the great city that good patricians are scared to tread, Eth feels a sort of calm and belonging.  Here she knows exactly how to act, how to blend in, and what to expect.  The key to stealth in a place like this is acting like you belong, and the powerful Lintha woman always belongs where violence and danger lurk.  There is bound to be a good thug or mugger or other lone violent criminal about somewhere.  The sort of person who wound take one look at Ethniu and move right on, but might just not notice when the large woman walking past them with purpose stops down the road and watches them out of the corner of her eye.  The one she wants, a bottom feeder preying on the rest of the gutter, will find a secluded spot to bring its own prey.  A secluded spot that will soon host its last breath. She'll make sure she has the right filth first, watch them try to take a victim of their own and let her contempt for a lesser criminal take over before she moves in for the kill.basically Ethniu wants a petty criminal who is unlikely to be missed or part of a significant organization. She figures she can clear herself up a bit after and then with her decent clothes she can probably get away with existing even in reasonably nice parts of town.

She is also gonna spend 2 motes out of Personal essence to get her roll up to an even 10 dice (5 perception, 1 stealth, 2 stunt, 2 excellency)

 

Name
Perception+Stealth+Stunt+Excellency
7
success(10d10,7,above,no,yes)+0 [1,10,5,10,7,9,3,4,9,6]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

DALLE2024-10-0909_47.50-A2DanimeartstyledepictionoftwopettycriminalsintheImperialCitystandinginadimlylitalley.Themaleandfemalecharactersaredressed.webp.035ee0e60912c5106c4fae1bae42512c.webp

The duo split up, with Kamori going after the Rickshaw while Ethniu follows her nose towards the darker districts of the Imperial City.

Komari moves with purpose, blending into the steady flow of the city as she tails the rickshaw, its aged rider wearing the unmistakable colors of House Mnemon. The streets of the Imperial City hum with activity, but Komari is focused, her gaze never lingering too long on her target yet never allowing it to stray far. Fortunately all the foot traffic prevents the young runner from going too fast for her to keep up with inconspicuously. The old man’s cart turns down a quieter path toward Crane Bay, and she follows, feeling the subtle pull of destiny. Every step is a measured gamble—whether she’s following the right thread or walking into a web of unknown consequence.

The rickshaw comes to a slow halt near the edge of the docks, and the old man, draped in the colors of House Mnemon, steps out. His movements are slow, deliberate, and his eyes sweep over the dock as though searching for someone. He seems restless, his brow furrowed as he scans the crowd of workers, sailors, and traders moving crates and barrels from ship to shore.

Komari keeps her distance, blending into the flow of people milling about the area, her curiosity piqued. She could sense that something more than a simple errand had brought this Mnemon to the docks. Yet, before she can figure out her next move, a figure steps into her line of sight.

"Can I help you, stranger?" a voice interrupts, calm but firm.

Komari turns to face a tall dock worker, his attire soaked from a day’s labor. But more telling are the faint patterns of elemental water flowing up his skin, his presence rippling with the telltale signs of a Dragon-Blooded Exalt. His dark blue hair is tied back, and his eyes, sharp as the sea, lock onto her with practiced scrutiny. He holds himself with the quiet confidence of someone used to being in control of this part of the city.

He wipes his hands on his soaked tunic, tilting his head slightly as he assesses her. "You don't look like you are packed for a journey, and I don't see an official mon on display. The Balleater isn't due to dock until this evening, so you're not here to greet an arrival. I hope you're not looking for work, or worse yet here to hound one of my sailors," he adds with a raised eyebrow, clearly curious about her presence. His gaze flickers over to the old man for a moment, then back to Komari, as if dismissing any connection.

Meanwhile as Ethniu prowls through the darker corners of the Imperial City, her sharp eyes catch sight of two figures lingering in a shadowy alley, deep in conversation. One leans against the crumbling wall of a decrepit building, his clothes tattered but unmistakably styled in the Thousand Kingdom's fashion with only hints of articles setting into the Blessed Isle's traditional fashion. He glances around nervously, clearly waiting for something—or someone. The other, a woman with sharp features, stands watch near the entrance of the alley. Her worn attire marks her as someone who blends seamlessly into the underbelly of the city, but there’s a hardened edge to her posture, a dangerous confidence that sets her apart from mere street thugs.

Ethniu watches the pair closely, sizing them up. These two are no petty muggers; they operate with a quiet, practiced efficiency. But the wear in their clothing, the cautious glances over their shoulders, and the way they remain tucked in the shadows reveal their desperation. They’re experienced, but they’re still scavengers—surviving on the fringes of a society that has little use for people like them. Ethniu lingers in the darkness, her presence masked by the familiar chaos of the slums. She studies them for a moment longer, her instincts telling her these two are the kind of bottom feeders she’s been looking for—skilled enough to pose a threat, but not sharp enough to detect the real predator in their midst.

She watches a man stumble towards their alley unaware of their presence. By the way he struggles to move forward and how his eyes seem to look at things that are not present in Creation, she assumes the man is on drugs. A possible prey as well, though the taste of the substances inside of him would not agree with the Lunar Exalted.

She waits patiently, watching how they interact. The man nods toward the passing figure, his eyes following a potential target, and the woman moves to lure the drugged fool into the alley where her partner can murder him. It is likely that the two of them will then divide what little the addict has on him between the two of them. Though there is a lust for murder in the man's eyes that suggests he may not be satisfied with sharing the loot nor the breath of life with his partner in the crime.


OOC

Komari is confronted with a dock master and will need to explain her presence. He is more curious than cautious at the moment. You are welcome to try and use Charm to win him over or Manipulate to lie to him. Any relevant skill can be paired here, depending on what fits best with your response. Would not recommend starting a fight.

Ethinu has some options. She can wait to see who kills who or interfere if she chooses. Any of the nerdowells are valid targets. Based on how well you rolled, they will not see you coming until you want them to or you attack.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

AnnoyedSamurai.jpg.6942181aa79b4104761983eb5ff1ed27.jpgKomari is composed enough not to jump at the interruption. She's a professional. But her hand lingers at her sword hilt for just a secondHe spent willpower! Sanction Point! ^^. This did surprise her. Perhaps more than it should. A big, important shipment would have someone watching it. And not just the intended client or a few hired guards. Whatever's going on here, it's clearly Of Great Import.

She takes a second to appraise the dockmaster. An Outcaste? Likely. He'd seen through her façade, and that told her some things. A neutral party, one not afraid to be direct or do some work himself. Didn't grow up expecting to lord it over everyone. He's probably used to lies and misdirection. Being as direct as possible should pay off. As such, the warrior takes a step back, inclining her head into a low bow. Not obsequious, but deep enough for honest respect to a Prince of the Earth. Her High Realm has the practice and diction that comes from education.

"One more seeking work, I'm afraid. Though I'm better situated than most."

If you need a disguise, keep it as truthful as you can. Put as much of yourself into the role as possible. Komari had perfected this one within a week of joining the Bureau. 'A soldier forced out of her platoon unjustly'? It's not a character that requires her to reach far from personal experience. Her bow given, she stands upright, offering a salute. "Tokaris, once of the SeventhThere was a 'Seventh Legion' in the Realm too, but given Lookshy's history Komari couldn't quite resist that claim ^^ It makes this less of a lie!

The idea is that she's claiming to be from one of the Imperial Legions that was either dissolved or folded into a house legion following the Empress' disappearance. Pretty big source of people with weapons looking for work. Happy to roll to introduce this as a fact if you want! ^^

(I really need Slick Essence Replenishment - restores motes for rolling Introduce A Fact IIRC)
. Now I go where the Dragons will it. I've a few obolsThat's more wealth than you'd expect of a travelling mercenary. *Significantly* more - enough to make it clear Komari doesn't need the work this minute, and is interested in stability and something a bit more respectable than a quick payday or petty crime.

There's always a chance that she's bluffing... but she's not, which also implies a skill level significantly above a no name mercenary. (and lays the groundwork for her to use her actual Resources 3 without impacting her resplendent destiny if need be)

For contrast, Komari's actual yearly salary with the Bureau if I have this right should be closer to 1,024 obols. That's a Dynast's level of stipend. Coincidentally, the average daily wage for a labourer in the Realm (paid in cash) is the Yen - 1,024th of a *single* Obol. ^^
to my name still, but go without a position long enough, even jade can run through your fingers."

Tokaris lowers her head, glancing at her coin pouch chuckling grimly. Having had to partially furnish a heavenly manse, Komari's all too aware how easy it is to run out of money. She straightens her glasses, meeting the dockmaster's gaze with an easy smile. "Was hoping to find a client here today - someone in need of a personal guard. Felt... auspicious. I've no wish to impose over it though. You've much to do by the looks of it, and I know that hired swords are not reputable folk, whatever standards I hold myself to. You say the word, I'll see where Mela takes me next."

And there's the one bit of social calculation. She's hoping that this man will find some camaraderie with a skilled professional. Enough to offer support rather than immediate dismissal. There's no way to guarentee that, but he's not so imperious as to dismiss her sight unseen. Hopefully his better nature will continue to triumph.

If she fails, so be it. Wouldn't be the first time she left a bad impression.So.... social roll time!

Komari gets a bunch of social advantages targeting warriors, and the book is a little vague on how broad that's supposed to be. I'm not sure if this guy is one, and lean no - he's a dockworker. Even if he knows how to fight, that doesn't make him a warrior.

Still, I know he has an intimacy related to humility. Given his position, I'm hoping that's one tied to hard work, and I'm trying to hit that to reduce his resolve and instil a positive intimacy to Komari.

I do have one relevant charm still. Ascending Destiny Mein lets Komari use Int instead of Appearance for bonus dice on Influence Rolls! So she's entitled to (5 - Dockmaster's Resolve) bonus dice here.

To buff the dice pool, 3m personal for 3, and a -1 TN from the Excellency, the latter discounted by World-Shaping Artistic Vision 'cos I didn't max Performance. I *could* use the Lesser Sign to buff this more, but IDK if I'll have to make more rolls after this before resting. I'll hold off for now.

Name
Charisma + Performance + Stunt - making a good impression!
10
success(14d10,6,above,no,yes) [6,6,6,8,7,3,8,4,9,8,7,3,5,6]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Eth stays at a fair distance, watching the prey stumble into the trap, and the predators that don't yet realize something further up the food chain is hunting them.  She gives a handful of breaths after the poor addict gets lured off.  This kind of scum will need a minute to work up to the killing, she thinks, so I should be able to get there before they slit his throat if I start walking right about... now.  Abruptly she is in motion.  Not quiet but instead aware enough of the sounds around her to disguise her footfalls.  On the hunt now no one gets in her way even briefly.  No one who survives in this kind of neighborhood is foolish enough to get in the way of someone like Ethniu.  His clothing looked foreign.  Less likely to have someone local who'll come looking.  Gotta be him.  

She strides purposefully into the alley.  Ready to grab and strangle the man, and scare the woman and their victim off while she does it.  Should be easy enough.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

SacredHunted.webp.9f24ee62ed8f591a2610b4acd2c51751.webp

Ethniu moves with cold precision, her steps blending seamlessly with the ambient noise of the slums. The faint sounds of creaking wood, distant conversations, and shuffling feet mask her approach, though none of it matters to the two criminals about to corner their victim. Her sharp gaze flickers between them, watching how they position themselves around the drugged man, who stumbles aimlessly toward his imminent demise, oblivious to the danger.

The woman makes the first move, her sharp features softening into something approaching concern as she gestures toward the disoriented man, coaxing him deeper into the alley with false promises. The man behind her shifts into the shadows, his hand sliding to his belt where a crude knife glints in the dim light. Ethniu catches the look in his eyes—there's something darker there, something far more dangerous than mere thievery. His lust for murder simmers just beneath the surface, a fact Ethniu sees how she can use this to her advantage.

Her pace quickens but remains calculated. There’s no need to rush; she has them exactly where she wants them. As she steps deeper into the alley, the sounds around her seem to fade, replaced by the heavy breaths of her prey as they prepare for their grim task.

The man’s grip tightens on his knife, and the woman’s hand reaches out toward the drugged fool, guiding him into their trap. Ethniu’s presence goes unnoticed until she’s almost upon them. And then, just as the man raises his weapon, he sees her in the corner of his eye.

The woman’s eyes widen, and she stumbles back a step, the facade of control slipping immediately. The man, however, snarls, clearly unwilling to relinquish his prey so easily. His knife comes up, ready to strike.

The woman hesitates, torn between running and helping her partner. But a glance at Ethniu tells the woman that this foe is far beyond her. She turns and flees into the darkness, abandoning both her partner and the drugged man in her haste to escape.

Her abandoned partner does not see a foe that he cannot best, however. The fool just sees a living breathing victim that he wants to murder. "It seems The Corpse has answered my prayers," he cackles softly.


DALLE2024-10-1009_30.07-A2DanimeartstyledepictionofatallruggeddockworkeraDragon-BloodedExaltwithfaintelementalwaterpatternssubtlyflowingunderhisskin.webp.7e76bfc99064c08a5a85194c4b98a745.webp

The dockworker listens to Komari’s words with the same quiet, direct scrutiny he had from the moment he first approached her. His sharp, sea-colored eyes study her face as she speaks, barely blinking, his expression calm and unreadable. When her words are finished, he tilts his head slightly, as though weighing her request. His soaked tunic clings to his broad frame, and as he wipes his hands on it again, the faint elemental patterns on his skin seem to ripple momentarily with the gesture.

“A personal guard, huh?” he finally says, his voice low and steady. There’s no dismissiveness in his tone, only a curious neutrality, like someone piecing together an unseen puzzle. “You certainly look the part. And you’ve got the speech down well enough.”

The water element inclined man pauses for a moment, glancing over at the docks. Tokaris does the same, though literally no one else around pays any attention to her. The activity around them continues in the background—sailors shouting orders, crates being hauled, and the creaking of wood and rope filling the air. Meanwhile the man shifts his weight slightly, as if contemplating something more.

“Auspicious, you said.” His voice is contemplative now, as if that word, in particular, caught his attention. He glances once again at the older Mnemon who has gotten out of the rickshaw but doesn't seem able to find what he is looking for. “You might be right about that.”

He turns his gaze back to her, studying her again, but this time with a bit more thoughtfulness. There’s a flicker of something in his expression, a quiet recognition of her skill and her stance—someone who has seen combat, who has lived a life of service. And in the life of the Imperial City docks, a professional is a rare sight among the usual mix of hired thugs, guards, and desperate mercenaries.

“My name is Lumnell, and recently I've been put in charge of keeping the dock work here running smoothly. I could use a pair of skilled hands,” Lumnell admits, though he speaks slowly, as if still considering the implications. “We’ve got a shipment going out tonight, something important. And important shipments attract all kinds of attention, most of it the wrong kind.”

He takes a step closer, lowering his voice slightly, though his demeanor remains relaxed. “I could use someone who knows how to handle themselves in a tight spot. You don’t look like the type to be intimidated easily, Tokaris.” His eyes flicker again with a glimmer of approval. “But, as you know, powerful people dwell here on the Blessed Isle. I can’t bring someone that can will run if someone starts throwing sorcery around, so if you're looking for more mundane body guard work then this offer might not be for you. But if you’re interested, I’d suggest you take a look around and get the lay of the place and make sure you're here before sunset. Then we'll see how things unfold at the docks tonight. Maybe you’ll get a chance to prove those skills of yours.”

He nods toward the bustling dockworkers. “If things go smooth, you’ll have my word that I’ll put in a good one for you with the right people. We’ll see if your luck is as auspicious as you think.”

With that, Lumnell straightens up, giving her a respectful nod, as though inviting her to take up his offer without pressing it too hard. He turns back to his duties, but keeps an eye on her from the corner of his gaze, still assessing, still watching. The choice is hers now—stick around and see what opportunity may present itself, or move on. Either way, Komari can feel the weight of fate still pressing on the moment, urging her to stay close to this strange turn of events.


OOC

For Ethinu's Sacred Hunt, I don't expect this fight to last long but let's go ahead and get some Combat practice in with Ethinu and Hunted. If you can manage to beat his initiative roll, you may go first.

Not counting the addict since he isn't really capable of fighting, and the woman is fleeing. You are welcome to interact with them on your turn or ignore them as you wish. Also, Hunted takes a -2 penalty on his Defense against your next attack since it will be treated as a Surprise Attack.

For Komari, Lumnell is impressed enough with Tokaris that he has offered her work. You may move around the dock as you see fit. Perception + Investigation will give you more information about what is happening tonight, if you want to know (no penalty for failure). Otherwise you are free to linger until the old man gives up and gets back into the rickshaw, and you may follow him home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

AnnoyedSamurai.jpg.6942181aa79b4104761983eb5ff1ed27.jpgThe warrior meets the harbourmaster's gaze easily. She's certainly not intimidated. The topic actually stirs an old memory. "It's said the greatest masters of my style can cut through sorcery like thread. There's a tale of an old man who sliced his way through the underworld itself."

Tokaris grins, a little ruefully. It'd always been something she'd aspired to. The whole reason she studied the more esoteric art of Single Point was because of those old tales. She'd hoped it might aide her chances of Exaltation - setting a path, showing her will. It didn't, and that always left her feeling a little guilty for her starting point being something so petty. There's a bit of a confessional tone in her admission to Lumnell. "I'm not that good. But magic doesn't scare me... at least, not unduly. Everyone bleeds, sooner or later."

In truth, Komari isn't quite at ease with the offer here. This wasn't the job. At least, not as she planned it. She's sacrificing the Mnemon lead, the thing she'd been chasing. She should turn this down and get back after the old man. She's not exactly enthusiastic about this job, but it's a job, she's got a partner, she musn't shirk that.

But this is still useful. If they need to get to the Heptagram, they'll need passage. A Crane Bay Harbourmaster was almost the perfect contact for that. It's a better lead potentially than the old man - she's no guarantee he's anything more to Mnemon Ciel than some distant, unknown uncle. And besides, unlike mortal huntsmen, she could pick up his trail again after today's events. This is solid preparation that she can rely on later into the mission.

And... well, she could be wrong. Lumnell fits the veteran dockworker well. But that reaction to the term auspicious? Coupled with the weight of destiny still lingering on her shoulders.

We're a fellowship. We help each other. And our loyal friends, for that matter.

Before he turns though, she's got one final question for Lumnell. "Have you any objection to me bringing a few extra hands along? If your opposition is as powerful as you claim..." She lets the question hang at that. Tokaris is good, but she's not reckless and would prefer to manage risk as much as possible.


She doesn't have long. Komari takes a brief glance across the dockMmm MATHS TIME!

Komari has 6 hours before the fight (half-day, and I'm reading that as the less charitable 'half of daylight hours'). Essence returns, when not at rest, at a rate of 5 motes per hour. Komari's Hearthstone raises that to 7. So she's got 42 motes of regen over that time. She spent 3 on her social roll to Lumnell, 3 on Underling Invisibility Practice so that's 36!

So long as she doesn't spend more than 5m out of her peripheral pool on a non mute charm, none of this requires her to flare her anima. To keep this note remotely readable, I'm gonna use extra notes to go over her actions point by point.
, familiarizing herself with it as best she can. It's hardly her first time walking around a shipyard, though she'll forever prefer those vessels that can cut through the air rather than the humble watercraft of the Age of Sorrows. Still, the rough layout is the same all over Creation - the pier, the warehouses, the alleyways, it's all familiar. She was trained at naval raiding as part of Field Force One - this is old news to her. To be fair, she was trained to carry out naval raids. Lookshy had better uses for its troops than defending against minor pirate attacks. Still, old simple principles hold true. She knows what to expect, and thus what to be ready for.

And the fact that this gives her an opportunity2motes - Marvellous Inclusion Of Details - she instantly performs a Case Scene action (Targeting the Dock), adds a relevant intimacy in dice (Let Me Do My Job, verifying that this doesn't conflict with Bureau of Destiny policies or objectives) and gets an evidence item of her choice - in this case, she'd like evidence of what this big shipment is going to be. An open crate, a shipping manifest that happens to blow away into her waiting hands, whatever you prefer. to garner some idea of just what this oh so important shipment is? Well, that certainly helps. She doesn't visibly pry, but no one could blame Tokaris for a curious glance as crates are pulled back and forth.

Once she's satisfied she's got a feel for the area, Komari heads back to the far side of the dock, intending to leave. Before departing though, she gives the old Mnemon man a long, curious look7m (x2) - Morbid Premonition, +3 Excellency (and TN reduction) Using this first on the old man, second on Lumnell. It's a special Read Intentions roll, using Perception + Endings Ability (Komari will be using Bureaucracy). If Komari beats their guile, she can ask a question, and gets another question for every 3 successes she beats their Guile by.

• What’s his greatest vulnerability?
• What is he willing to die for?
• If he died, would any unfinished business cause his
ghost to linger?
• If he died, who would mourn him?
. For the first time, the Dynast may just catch a glimpse of the travelling swordsman. And for that instant, it's hard to shake the feeling that she's some bird of ill omen, come to portend a dire fate. Even Lumnell may get a faint chill as she turns her gaze towards him, though for the harbourmaster it passes swiftly, Tokaris offering an apologetic smile1m - checking if maintaining a good relationship between 'Tokaris' and Lumnell (by completing this job) is an Auspicious Prospect - it sure seems from description that it might be, but Komari's gonna want to be sure. (And I have to activate the ability to get it to count as auspicious) before finally stepping away.


Most people planning to recruit a small army13m, 1wp - Auspicious Recruitment Drive! Rolling Charisma + War - If Komari succeeds, she gets a basic Size One battlegroup. But she can spend all those successes on stuff!

The basic is 2 successes grants an extra point of size. Komari doesn't want a massive group for this. So she's going to be buying upgrades. 1 success per size point grants elite drill, 1 success per size grants elite traits, and 2 extra successes grants Might 1 - if it's reasonable that she can recruit God Blooded mercenaries. (Like, say, in one of the largest cities in Creation? ^^ Your call on that though Kriv, you've a veto on if I can spend there)

3m- Excellencying a Strategic Manoeuvre roll to prepare for the fight coming this evening. That's an opposed roll between her and the enemy leader, outlined in the core. Komari's already gotten some detail from Lumnell; he's expecting gang activity (so she knows what troops she's up against) and a sorcerer (likely the enemy leader). They probably don't know about her and whatever she's bringing to the party, so that'll be a -2 to their roll. Ideally Komari'll be going for an Ambush stratagem, but if I made a mistake with anything I've said so far, she'll low ball it to Back To The Wall - no one's leaving with any ill gotten gains
would be very overt about it. They'd stand in the town square, banging their drum, promising victory and glory. Tokaris of the Seventh... wanders into a tavern, taking a seat in the darkest corner they can find and letting her hair down. It falls over her eyes: inelegant and deeply irritating, but enough to obscure her from casual passers-by - the effect she was going for.

Should've brought a hat.

She likely got some funny looks at first. Komari's focus was elsewhere. Just like their comrades the Pattern Spiders, a Sidereal can weave fate in their own way. She's taken a role, and a classic one at that - the Mysterious Stranger in the corner of the tavern. It's a role that demands people come and speak with you sooner or later. The curious. The bored. Those hoping for glory or those lost in the memory of better days.

One by one, Komari builds her little legion with a smile and a nod. She has stories to share, tales from a fighting force none of these men and women ever served with. Jokes to make you laugh, and a ready ear for commiserations. For a few folk, she has words of wisdomAaand now we're going crazy. ^^ Komari's slipping in some Ascending Battles Horroscopes. In this time frame, she's going to meet people who do not fit as potential recruits for her new battlegroup. Komari's going to advise them to go do something more productive with their lives. Any that do so, she'll automatically learn of it via Ascending Battles Horoscope's Foretold Victory's Blessing, which she can then activate for them remotely, granting them a little astrological blessing... and counting as her completing a Basic Craft Project, thanks to Elegant Patterns of Fate!

This upholds Komari's 'Stability Means Safety' intimacy, they should hopefully gain a minor intimacy for the person who steered them on the right path, but it's not giving Komari any practical advantage or falling into her World Shaping speciality. So 4 silver XP a pop, 2 if they don't gain an intimacy. Komari can do this 3 times without disrupting mote recovery, but I'll leave the call of how many she can get away with up to you. ^^ It's 1 mote per blessing.
, suggestions of how to turn their life around, a better position they might manage to find. Most though, eventually hear her offer of a job tonight. As the hours roll by, their little band goes from tavern to teahouse to market, growing exponentially. Every lost soul, every warrior of skill with no place to hang their sword, every abandoned soldier looking for a chance to belong. They're all drawn to Komari and her little fighting force.

As the sun starts to sink over the sky, those close to the harbour might hear the sound of a few whooping, hollering drunks, yelling at the top of their voices. Hardly an unusual noise in a dockyard. But beneath those cries are the patter of soft boots against stone, as Komari's little force gets into position. Nobody will be expecting them. And that is very much the thrust of this little plan.

Name
Case Scene - Perception + Investigation + Stunt + MIoD
5
success(13d10,5,above,no,yes) [4,6,2,7,3,1,4,1,8,3,9,3,8]
Morbid Premonition - Old Mnemon
8
success(13d10,5,above,no,yes) [1,6,1,4,5,9,10,4,8,4,8,6,3]
Morbid Premonition - Lumnell
6
success(13d10,5,above,no,yes) [10,2,9,8,1,4,2,1,1,1,9,6,1]
Auspicious Recruitment Drive - War + Charisma + Stunt + Excellency + Speciality
12
success(16d10,5,above,no,yes) [3,7,7,7,7,1,8,9,6,3,7,10,7,6,3,2]
Strategic Manoeuvre - Same Pool as above
13
success(16d10,5,above,no,yes) [9,10,5,9,10,3,7,6,1,1,2,10,9,4,7,1]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lumnell listens carefully to Tokaris, his sharp gaze unwavering as he absorbs her words. His face is a mix of calm calculation and faint curiosity, betraying little but still taking in everything she’s offering. There’s something about her that suggests more than just another wandering sword looking for coin. His impression is that she is seasoned, determined, and confident...but not reckless

At the mention of bringing more hands, Lumnell gives her a subtle nod, though his expression remains guarded. “Extra hands?” he muses quietly, glancing at the crates being hauled in the distance, the dockworkers moving briskly in the late afternoon light. “As long as they know how to handle themselves and don’t ask too many questions, I have no objections. Can't say I can pay them, though, so up to you if it's worth it.”

His eyes meet hers again, searching her face for any hint of deception. But Tokaris stands firm, her posture confident, her words direct. There’s no need for pretense here, and Lumnell seems to appreciate that. After a moment of silence, he nods once more, this time more firmly.

“Tonight, then. Meet me back here before sundown,” he says, gesturing to the docks behind him. “If you’re as good as you say you are, I’m sure we’ll have no problems. But be prepared—things have a habit of going sideways around here.”

With that, he turns back to his work, a subtle dismissal that tells Tokaris her answer is sufficient—for now. As she surveys the docks, she takes in the layout with a practiced eye. The crates being loaded, the positioning of the workers, the flow of goods and people—all of it is familiar, even comforting in its predictability. She can feel the threads of fate tugging lightly, guiding her steps, and she knows there’s more to this operation than meets the eye.

Komari continues to be Tokaris as she walks around the dock, taking in what is familiar with what is strange. This dock is much larger than any she has seen before, though that is fitting when considered it is the docks of the capital city. Yet for all its size, the dock is not incredibly busy. Perhaps of late the houses have been doing more shipping to alternate docks.

She does come across an open crate to find it mostly filled with straw for preventing damage to the contents. Brown paper packages have their corners poking out of the crate, all of them appearing to be book-sized and shaped. Interestingly enough, Komari can see the corner of one book sticking through a tear in the brown paper. The cover of the book is made of jade. So whatever these books are, they are very valuable books.


Later, the quiet murmur of the tavern fills the air as Komari slips into her role with ease. She takes a seat in the darkest corner, letting her hair fall over her face, obscuring her features just enough to remain unnoticed by most. But those who need to notice her will—fate has a way of weaving such things together.

One by one, people approach. Some come for conversation, others for a drink, and a few out of curiosity. Komari greets each with a smile, offering stories, jokes, and words of encouragement. For some, it’s a moment of connection, a brief flicker of warmth in their otherwise mundane lives. For others, it’s something more—a chance for a new beginning.

She weaves her role as the Mysterious Stranger with exalted ease, listening to their tales, giving advice where needed, and always leaving them with something to think about. For those who show promise, she makes her offer—work tonight, something quick, something important. It’s an opportunity they can’t afford to pass up.

As the hours pass, her little force grows. Warriors, sailors, ex-soldiers,and a barmaid—all of them drawn to the idea of belonging, of fighting for something again. By the time the sun begins to sink below the horizon, Komari will have gathered a small but capable group. They move quietly through the streets, laughing and joking like any other group of dockyard workers. But there’s purpose in their steps.


VS Morbid Premonition - Old Mnemon

VS Morbid Premonition - Lumnel

Alright, so let me make sure I have everything. Rolls are included for the Mnemon and Lumnel to oppose Morbit Premonition. You can choose your questions based on the results. I also rolled 1d6 for how many people Ascending Battles Horroscopes affects. This is the max # of people you are able to affect. Up to you how many you actually choose to affect.

You've got your small force for your Auspicious Prospect (so a YES on that). Let me know if I missed anything.

Name
VS Morbid Premonition - Old Mnemon
2
success(5d10,7,above,no,yes) [6,2,8,6,7]
VS Morbid Premonition - Lumnel
3
success(6d10,7,above,no,yes) [2,4,7,1,10,2]
Who Can Do Something Productive?
5
1d6 [5]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

The little legion is far from strong. Twenty five souls, assembled for the first time. Those who felt the call of other threads have already departedWith 5 rolled... I'll take it. That's 2 off my mote pool at the start of the fight, in return for 20 Silver Craft XP, 24 once the Auspicious Prospect is handled. I have enough for a major project now! But we'll get to that later. ^^. The little handful of hopefuls wander down the street in that loose order. They're having a good time, but the sounds of cheer fade just a little as they step closer to their destination. The Imperial City is never truly silent. No one will notice the fading chatter until it's far too late.

"Master Lumnel." Tokaris pushed her arrival on the pier to the last possible minute. The sun is beginning to dip. The mercenary is a little more at ease now, smiling readily at her new employer. She knows him a little better now.Morbid Premonition Answer Request! Komari gets one extra answer for every three points her roll beat Lumnel and the Mnemon's guile. They don't have to roll that. So I think your values are wrong?

I'm gonna run with the idea that you rolled their Guile, so I'm using that as their static value. If Old Mnemon has Guile 5, Komari gets 2 answers out of him - one for beating his guile, one more for doing it by 3 points. If Lumnel has Guile 6, Komari only gets 1. I've listed the four questions in order of Komari's interest

Old Mnemon
What is he willing to die for?
If he died, who would mourn him?
What's his greatest vulnerability?
If he died, would any unfinished business cause his ghost to linger

Lumnel
What's his greatest vulnerability?
What is he willing to die for?
If he died, who would mourn him?
If he died, would any unfinished business cause his ghost to linger

(Also... err, I bungled this. It's got a Once Per Scene reset I missed. But this was protracted enough I can argue she used it on the old guy before heading to the dockyard and on Lumnel afterwards.)
She gestures towards the side of the dock her forces are now approaching from the shadows.So... the Ambush stratagem. If you want to ix this or rework it, that's fine, but this was my plan for setup. Instead of an open guard force, Komari anticipated the path and time a raid would strike and has set up an ambush for the would-be raider.

When Komari's troops attack this round, they're treated as if they're making an Ambush attack. The enemy's defence is set to 0. Notably, this isn't a penalty so it's bloody hard to counter with magic - you can buff your defence as high as you want, an Ambush will still set it to 0.

(Also, the Ambush stratagem is actually a little better than a conventional ambush, since that allows you to beat it if you win Join Battle. The stratagem doesn't allow that out - even if someone acts before Komari's troops, their attack is still an ambush.)
 The yard's already low on activity; it wasn't hard to identify the point with the fewest workers. A natural strike zone... and thus a natural ambush point, if you're willing to employ slightly more creative methods of 'guard the dockyard'. "I've taken my guess. We'll see how it plays out. "

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...