Dice Exalted 3E - Tale of a Falling Empire OOC

[Rykon]

In the long term yes, but there's only so many times Manato can assert "Don't follow this guy for reasons" in a given scene and it have any mechanical effect. It would likely be a war waged daily. One I'm confident we have a fair shot at winning.

That is all based on my interpretations of what I remember of the rules, which could easily be wrong.

 

[D. Rex]

In the long term yes, but there's only so many times Manato can assert "Don't follow this guy for reasons" in a given scene and it have any mechanical effect. It would likely be a war waged daily. One I'm confident we have a fair shot at winning.

That is all based on my interpretations of what I remember of the rules, which could easily be wrong.

Then could switch up? A few jabs with "don't follow this guy because", follow up with a couple "this what we need" hooks. And finish with a strong "satori has we need, and we should follow her because" uppercut.



Besides! We got a few days to spare.

 

[Rykon]

That's currently the course I'm on. It's hard to sell the merits of the plan that hasn't been described yet.

Everything up to this point has been a combination of making the speaker look bad while giving the crowd a reason to merely hear out the specifics of the plan. Which to reiterate is: relaxed tax policy, restoring authority to Boroma and his council rather than direct rule by the Satrap, as well as investing in local business growth and trade with neighbors.

 

[D. Rex]

That's currently the course I'm on. It's hard to sell the merits of the plan that hasn't been described yet.

Everything up to this point has been a combination of making the speaker look bad while giving the crowd a reason to merely hear out the specifics of the plan. Which to reiterate is: relaxed tax policy, restoring authority to Boroma and his council rather than direct rule by the Satrap, as well as investing in local business growth and trade with neighbors.

Could also add "painting a glamorous picture of turning the threshold from a frontier into a glorious paradise", basically given them a future to really look forward to.

Could even throw in how it might look under anathema, and how they would not be allowed to think freely under them. That the anametha would turn all these people into zealots like the cult.

 

[Random Word]

You can't retry a failed social influence action in the same scene without resetting it somehow, usually by upping the ante significantly. You can further strengthen successful influence actions so long as you can keep providing progressively stronger evidence. You can try as many different social actions as you please to keep creating a litany of minor intimacies, or actively work to weaken majors/definings if you have at least one major or defining to leverage. I'm not sure what the crowd's strong intimacies are.

 

[Rykon]

jaydude

Do you mind if I make a Lore roll here for what Manato might know of Yangofu?

 

[jaydude]

jaydude

Do you mind if I make a Lore roll here for what Manato might know of Yangofu?

Perhaps. What kind of roll is it going to be?

 

[Rykon]

Just a skill roll to see if he has any idea of what the speaker is hinting at more specifically.

The most I can recall from what we've heard in character is that the Ledaals there have largely been in charge and some mentions of their efforts with their Shadow Crusade, but nothing as far as the living conditions of the people.

 

[jaydude]

In that case, sure. It's going to be difficulty 5 though, if only because the speaker is trying to trick Manato into saying something he'll regret here, and because the Fire Aspect's not exactly a local. Plus, given what the speaker knows, there might be the issue of "why didn't Manato know this?" if it's too easy a roll.

 

[Rykon]

Well I'll give it a shot, I did have Manato spend a lot of time recently gathering information. Maybe something will click.

Lore Excellency for 2m, which grants 1 success and double 9s. 1 will for extra insurance since I'm hoping not to step into landmines. Rolling...

6 Successes.

 

[jaydude]

From what Manato remembers after a bit of concentration, the situation within Yangofu over the last few years has largely been the same as Kandara's before his arrival in the area, if news from the local traders is to be believed; exploitation and heavy taxation of the Yangofu people by the Ledall satrap, and harsh punishments - including public floggings and executions - whenever the mortals dare to resent this state of affairs. Ominously, this appears to no longer be the case after the approximate date of Jinlong's takeover.

 

[Rykon]

Do we have an idea how long ago it was that Yangofu fell to Jinlong?

 

[jaydude]

Do we have an idea how long ago it was that Yangofu fell to Jinlong?

It was early on in the spring, so not very long ago.

 

[Random Word]

Okay, so Asuna knows this guy is Anathema. I figure she feels she has to do something - did I misunderstand and he's just unmistakably the same guy we met before with no disguise or misdirection? If so it seems like Xandra and Larissa would have spotted him immediately and tried to nab him again.

If she thinks she's the only one who knows he's Anathema, she has pretty strong cultural obligation to do something about it, so she'll go poison him and a few random people in the crowd to sew confusion and see if she can't kill him or force him to do something obviously supernatural (like vanish). She'll have antidotes on her person and offer medical assistance to anyone feeling ill if she gets a chance.

 

[D. Rex]

jaydude

Nothing i can think of to do at the moment. I think Fel would be otherwise completely busy this week in preparing parts to justify a reduction in future repair times.

Could use some suggestions.


Though I don't mind waiting if others have projects or scenes they would like to play. I can always use it as an excuse to make social calls, and get closer to folks like Kessi, Satori, or Jafar.

 

[Rykon]

I'll have an IC post up soon, typical weekend being busier than I expected.

 

[jaydude]

Giving everyone another 5 xp, what with the resolution of the standoff.

 

[Rykon]

The Instill rolls for both Gratitude and Lust succeed. As for the first one, Satori already has a Minor Tie of affection towards Manato. Are you hoping to strengthen that to a Major Tie? Because you're going to need to exploit another Intimacy to do that, and it's not too clear whether you're trying to do so.

Since I'm skipping ahead a bit, I'll let you know now that in terms of relationships, both Satori and Cynis Harun will be fine engaging in casual sex/being friends with benefits with Manato and Asuna, but at this point there won't be anything more than that. Also, I may have alluded to this with his attitude towards Fel at the gala, but Javald actually has a similar relationship with Satori, only he's not too keen on others getting involved. Considering his current position though, he's not going to do anything besides exhibit mild jealousy towards anyone else sleeping with Satori.

Satori has two intimacies for Manato already, Respect and Affection, does the second need to be major? If so, between trying to keep an honorable appearance and spending that scene defending her post to the crowd, her major principle could count. I know I did keep the post very brief for the sake of moving things along, so it's a bit vague. As for the relationships note, that's fine.

Since we talked about claiming our own Dragon XP previously, I'll make notes of what I think would count as valid since the last XP reward and you let me know what you're willing to count when that's done.

 

[jaydude]

Satori has two intimacies for Manato already, Respect and Affection, does the second need to be major? If so, between trying to keep an honorable appearance and spending that scene defending her post to the crowd, her major principle could count. I know I did keep the post very brief for the sake of moving things along, so it's a bit vague.

I just wasn't sure whether or not you knew she already had a Tie of Affection. But on the logic you've presented, I can happily boost it to Major.

 

[Rykon]

Alright with this post being the last checkpoint I can find for XP...

Also, I'm giving everyone 5 more exp. I'd meant to award this after the discussions with Satori concluded earlier.

Here's what I'll throw out for Dragon XP claims since then...

Expressing, supporting, or engaging a Major or Defining Intimacy such that it reveals something about the character, develops her personality, or provides a character moment that everyone at the table enjoys.

• Manato's performance in the conference hall, drawing on his Defining intimacy, love of music to inspire the crowd before being persuaded.
• Manato's speech in the Gala drawing on his Defining intimacy, people are at their best when they smile, aiming to unify disparate factions in the Empire for a prosperous future.
  • Additionally supported this defining intimacy when having tea with Satori, lining up a shared goal of prosperity for all people in the Realm.
• Also in the speech seen, engaged on Manato's Major Appreciation of wine intimacy to help soften resistance to the call for aid with the cherry wine.

Facing significant challenges, danger, or harm in the course of protecting or upholding a Major or Defining Intimacy.

• I wouldn't say it was a major risk of harm, but I'd call it a significant challenge to stand against the Speaker in public to protect his kin and country (Major intimacy Loyalty to Comrades) in light of the obstacles in the social landscape, while still sticking to the shared prosperity note for the people at large (Defining intimacy as noted above).

Roleplaying the effects of the Great Curse (p. 159) in a way that reveals something about the character, develops her personality or provides a character moment that everyone at the table enjoys.

Fire: Defeating a powerful enemy in a way that upholds an emotion-based Major or Defining Intimacy; taking needless risks or plunging into unnecessary danger to uphold a Major or Defining Intimacy; inspiring others to uphold one of the character’s emotion-based Major or Defining Intimacies in a significant way; directly furthering the character’s or her allies’ goals by causing another character to question one of his Major or Defining Intimacies.

• I'd definitely call Manato's gloating during the attempted arrest of the speaker a needless, if calculated, risk.
• (2?) I'd also say both of Manato's encounters with the Speaker (during the arrest and the debate in the square) called for the Speaker to question his intimacies in a way that furthers our goals.
• Another call for questioning intimacies is Manato instilling gratitude in Satori for mortal supporters, again in a way that furthers the goals of the group at large.
• Contingent on whether the results of the debate counts as a defeat for the Speaker, the debate did uphold and engage the emotions associated with one of his Defining Intimacies.

I highly doubt I'll be allowed all of the potential claims listed here (18-22 DXP potentially?). That said, I have put a great deal of effort into keeping the character on track, and I'm satisfied with the result and direction. So, I don't mind being told no for a lot of these. Still, might as well ask.

 

[D. Rex]

"Are we certain they are in fact separated from the army at large?" Manato inquires with genuine curiosity. "Do we have any scouts or spirits with eyes on their positions and progress? Even still, could we keep up with their maneuverability? You'd be a better judge of such things than I would."

You can keep up. You have Fel.

 

[Rykon]

I know Fel can keep up in the warstrider, but I'd be hesitant to send him out if back up can't be close at hand when he attacks.

 

[Sherwood]

Is there a roll for detecting lies?

 

[Random Word]

Perception + Socialize or Perception + Investigation for Read Intentions or Profile Character, respectively.

 

[Rykon]

The discussion between the three of you is interrupted when Boroma looks in your direction and slowly raises a hand in a call for silence.

"That may indeed be a prudent course of action, but for the moment I have other questions." he says, before looking back at the caravan leader. "You say you were ambushed by these horsemen. What happened afterwards?"

The caravan leader clears his throat, now looking a bit uncertain. "Well, they made no move to attack us. Instead they only surrounded us, before their leader - the man in the demon-gold armor - rode up to me and asked where we were going. I asked him why he cared, and he said that he was in service to Jinlong, and that groups of her outriders were scouting the countryside around this city. I accused him of being an Anathema, but he denied it, saying that he was a 'Solar Exalted' or something."

The audience, about several dozen strong, all murmur among themselves at this.

"Yes, I understand a number of Anathema have made similar claims." says Boroma, before gesturing for the man to continue.

The caravan leader then becomes visibly confused as he recalls the next part of his story. "We talked. He spoke Riverspeak with the accent of a Realm patrician, and even looked the part of a man born on the Blessed Isle. He was nothing but cordial and respectful towards me, if a bit formal. I admitted that I was taking my wares to this city, to bring relief to its people on behalf of Nellens Mabuka, but told him that I would never surrender to him. The Immaculate Philosophy urges us to resist the commands of the Anathema, after all, and I am willing to do that even at the cost of my life."

He sounds almost sycophantic there, but at the same time genuine, and the crowd murmurs in approval for the man's devoutness and bravery, even if some of them suspect he was motivated more by a selfish hope of eventually reincarnating as a Dragon-blooded.

"And yet you are stood before us, and very much alive." Boroma comments.

The caravan leader nods. "We fought. The Anathema unhorsed me with a blow from the flat of his daiklave. His horsemen used nets, bolas and clubs to subdue my guards without killing them. After that, they disarmed us and searched our goods, and the Anathema questioned me further. Eventually they decided that we were indeed bringing relief supplies to this city, and..." he gathers himself, "...they let us go on."

---

The reaction of those in the hall is to descend into near-uproar. Satori and Kirito all recoil in shock, Boroma and the others show looks of clear disbelief, and the audience becomes the source of several confused and incredulous exclamations.

"They let you go? Just like that?" Kirito asks once things have quietened and calmed down a bit, the man acting like he's just heard an awful joke.

"I swear by all the Dragons that I'm not making this up!" the caravan leader replies loudly, the man seemingly afraid that he'll be lynched as an Anathema sympathizer any second now. He then elaborates, as if convinced that adding additional details will make his story sound more believable. "The Anathema said that he and Jinlong's other forces had been told by her to let through any supplies to the people of Kandara! They even treated our wounded and offered to escort us to within sight of the city, to make sure our supplies arrived safely!"

Or perhaps he's trying to make his story sound unbelievable enough to appear true.

Before I make a response, is Boroma deliberately aiming to exercise authority over the group at large?

If so, I'll have to have Manato give a correction.