Dice Exalted Third Edition: An-Teng

[Rykon]

For:


@JayTee


@Esbilon


@Random Word


@Sherwood


@SephirothSage


House Rules


I have a few minor house rules for 3rd Edition.


Character Generation will be standard character generation with the following modifications:

• The Martial Artist Merit does not need to be purchased to learn martial arts
  
• Bonus Points at chargen are equal to 60 instead of 15, but are spent as if they were normal experience points instead of the usual bonus point cost (though they do not count toward increasing essence).
  
• Characters start with 13 merit points and may use them to take merits above rating 3 (Though I may disallow over concentration of merits)
  
• Characters pay half the points to raise a Craft or Martial Art ability score so long as they have another respective sub-ability at a higher value (ie having a high craft in one area will make it easier to pick up other craft skills, same with martial arts, the two will not intermingle)
  

 

[JayTee]

Name: Crystal Mind Kyros


Age: Mid to late 30s


Gender: Male


Caste: Twilight


Backstory


-Served the Sorcerer, Zala, for much of his youth. Began studying under him when he came of age.


-Eventually decided that Zala was unworthy of his power, only using it to acquire more secrets instead of being proactive with it.


-During a ritual that was intended to enhance his master's sorcerous abilities, Kyros sabotaged the working so that he would receive the power.


-The ritual was a success, and Kyros was Exalted for his cunning.


-Zala, realizing that Kyros had stolen what was supposed to be his, attacked him.


-Kyros Fled, began investigating what happened to him via summoned demons. Learned he was Chosen.


-Was forced to subdue assassins sent by his former master.


-Realized he needed a place he could regroup and fortify his position against further attacks before the Wyld Hunt got involved. Decided to get lost in the City of Steel Lotus.

Spoiler

Attributes


Str 2 / Dex 5 / Stam 3


Cha 5 / Man 2 / App 2


Int 5 / Wits 5 / Per 2


Abilities


Integrity 3


Investigation 3


Lore 5 (Supernal) (+1 Mathematics, History, Geography, Socioeconomics of the South)


Occult 5


Medicine 1


Brawl 5


Resistance 3


Awareness 3


Presence 3


Socialize 2


Linguistics 1


Merits


Artifact 2 (Hearthstone Amulet)


Manse 5 (+4 Motes per hour, +2 Sorcerous Working Intervals)


Resources 4 (Offerings and tribute)


Languages 2: Rivertongue, Old Realm, Flame Tongue,


Combat Stats


Essence 1


Willpower 5/5


Personal: 13/13


Peripheral: 33/33


Soak 3 + (3, Breastplate) = 6


Hardness 0/5


Parry 5


Defense 5


Join Battle: (Wits 5 + Awareness 3) + 3 auto success = 8, +3 auto sux


Unarmed: Accuracy 4, Damage 7, Defense 0, Overwhelming 1


Withering Attack: (Dex 5 + Brawl 5 + Unarmed 4) = 14


Withering Damage: (Str 2 + (Unarmed 7) = 9/1


Decisive Attack: (Dex 5+ Brawl 5) = 10


Resolve 4


Guile 2


-0 O


-1 OOOO


-2 OOOOOO


-4 O


-X O






Charms


Awareness


Sensory Acuity Prana


Brawl


Fist of Iron


Iron Battle Focus


Ferocious Jab


Thunderclap Rush Attack


Lore


Harmonious Academic Methodology


Bottomless Wellsprings Approach


Lore Inducing Concentration


Truth Rending Gaze


Heaven Turning Calculation


Occult


Ancient Tongue Understanding


Terrestrial Circle Sorcery


Resistance


Durability of Oak


Spirit Strengthens the Skin


Ox Body Meditation x2


Socialize


Mastery of Small Manners


Presence


Harmonious Presence Meditation


Terrestrial Circle Sorcery


Shaping Ritual: Scared by Nightmares, 1st Shaping ritual (Refluffed as enlightenment)


Demon of the 1st Circle (x3 Blood Ape, x2 Agata, x1 Neomah pre-summoned)


Flight of the Brilliant Raptor


Stormwind Rider






XP Gained 75 / Spent 68 / Banked 7


Solar XP Gained 8 / Spent 8 / Banked 0


+60 for chargen


-16 on Str, Man, App, Per


-12 on Lore, Occult Brawl


-8 on Charms


+5 for game progression


+4 Solar XP


+10 for game progression


+4 Solar XP


-8 for Flight of the Brilliant Raptor (Solar XP)


-8 for Spirit Strengthens the Skin


-8 on Ferocious Jab


-8 on Stormwind Rider

 

[Esbilon]

• Personal Information
• Backstory
• Mundane traits
• Supernatural traits
• Conflict traits
• Panoply
• Bookkeeping

• Name: Rising Tide
  
  
  Caste: Dawn
  
  
  Caste: Sheltered, Realm-born swordswoman
  
  
  Anima: A great wave rises around her and bursts out at whoever she strikes.
  
  
  Supernal Ability: Martial Arts
  
  
  Appearance
  
  
  A pretty young woman of obvious Realm-descent. She smiles often when at leisure, and laughter comes easily to her lips when dancing, but the moment conflict dawns she becomes deadly serious.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The day Rising Tide was born was the worst day of her mother Nellens Mahira's life. It was the day news returned home that her husband and sons had been killed by Lintha pirates off the shore of An-Teng while protecting a shipment of salt. Her mother never again used salt in her food, and Rising Tide was never allowed to learn how to fight. She wanted it, though, from the time she was old enough to run carefree through the gardens and climb the tallest trees, her hands would take branches to grasp and flail them around with skill-less grace.
  
  
  To keep her occupied, her mother directed her inclinations towards whatever else she looked like might be skilled at. She held her calligraphy brush like one would a sword, and her characters had a distinctly martial and aggressive feel, but that too has its beauty in a country that is built on the backs of its legions. When she danced, she possessed all the grace and artistry her instructors could hope for, but her dance was ever one of avoidance interrupted by rapid moves towards a partner or an audience, alltogether better suited for a battlefield than a ballroom.
  
  
  Of course, this was not something her various tutors failed to notice; they would try guiding her towards more martial pursuits, but always her mother would put her foot down. Nellens Mahira had always been a woman who would get her way, and this had only grown more pronounced since the death of her husband and sons.
  
  
  Then, everything changed when her father's sword was returned to them. It had been thought lost with the ship, the cargo and the man himself, but Artifacts do not pass easily from Creation. Of course, her mother could not abide it. Though she thanked Peleps Darrama for its retrieval with the sincerest false courtesy in all of Arjuf, she immediately had a servant stash it away in a store room. That very same night, Rising Tide went into the attic to see the thing that both compelled her and caused her mother such anguish. Silently, she traipsed up the stairs and through hallways before gently prying the door open and removing the simple piece of cloth obscuring the blade. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, pure lines of black jade, handle and guard inlaid with a gold so bright it shone even in the near-darkness of the room. Trembling slightly, she reached out to take it in her hand. She had thought it would be heavy, artifacts were supposed to be, she had thought it would not fit her, she had small, delicate hands, but it did, and she had no idea before how she would feel about it, but now she was filled with purpose. The whole world seemed brighter, clearer, better, and she held up her father's sword, as light as if it were but a feather, but her bright smile faded to horror when through thin, white cloth covering the mirror in front of her, she saw the dreaded mark of the Forsaken burn brightly on her forehead.
  
  
  She ran, then. Just ran. There was no thought to her flight, had she been holding an ordinary sword, she would have dropped it before scampering out of her mother's house, but just like the blade found its way to her hand, it would not allow itself to leave. How she managed to leave Arjuf while lighting up the night like the sun itself, she will never know. What her mother thought after being woken up by the alarms of the city guard, and later finding her husband's sword and daughter missing, she greatly prefers not knowing.
  
  
  As Dawn broke across the Blessed Isle, she made her way to an abandoned dojo west of the city. Her nascent anima had faded to nothing, and she was tired from her long flight, so she lay down in the main hut, resting on a pile of dusty old rugs. No sooner had she closed her eyes than they were pulled away from under her, sending her sprawling. With eyes wide in fright, she looked up at a grizzled face sporting a wild and wiry beard. "So, you return to me. Good, though it has taken you too long. Too long by far! Not you!" The man interrupted Rising Tide As she tried to protest her ignorance, "Crashing Wave," he said with a nod towards her right hand, still gripping her father's sword as if her life depended on it. "Ahhh," the man said, now smiling widely as he looked closer at her, "and I see my old friend has brought me quite the wielder. I had heard you had returned as well, but I did not put much stock in it. This... This will be interesting."
  
  
  Black Cliff's Edge taught her a few things about what she were, but he really cared much more about her sword, and what she might do with it. Now that she could learn with a sword in her hand, all of her disparate talents came together, and she learned with the swiftness of sunrise. When he felt she had learned enough not to embarrass herself, and when he insisted that Crashing Wave wanted to roam free once more, he let her go from his domain, and made sure she found her way to An-Teng rather than the quite inhospitable Blessed Isle she had found him on. He also left her with a message: Crashing Wave was not an only child, somewhere in Creation, its fraternal twin was waiting for it.
• 
  
  
  Attributes
  
  
  Physical
  
  
  Strength ?????
  
  
  Dexterity ?????
  
  
  Stamina ??
  
  
  Social
  
  
  Charisma ?????
  
  
  Manipulation ??
  
  
  Appearance ??
  
  
  Mental
  
  
  Perception ???
  
  
  Intelligence ??
  
  
  Wits ?????
  
  
  Abilities
  
  
  Archery
  
  
  Athletics ???
  
  
  Awareness ???? (Join Battle)
  
  
  Brawl ?
  
  
  Bureaucracy
  
  
  Craft
  
  
  Dodge
  
  
  Integrity ?
  
  
  Investigation
  
  
  Larceny
  
  
  Linguistics ? (Calligraphy)
  
  
  Lore
  
  
  Martial Arts ????? (Swords) [single Point Shining Into the Void Style]
  
  
  Medicine
  
  
  Melee ???
  
  
  Occult
  
  
  Performance ???? (Dancing)
  
  
  Presence ??
  
  
  Resistance ???
  
  
  Ride ?
  
  
  Sail ?
  
  
  Socialize ?
  
  
  Stealth ?
  
  
  Survival ??
  
  
  Thrown
  
  
  War ??
  
  
  Merits
  
  
  Ambidextrous
  
  
  Artifact ??? (Crashing Wave; Black Jade Reaper Daiklave)
  
  
  Fast Reflexes ???
  
  
  Language ?? (Native: High Realm; Old Realm, Flametongue)
  
  
  Mentor ?? (Black Cliff's Edge)
  
  
  Resources ??? (Dancing and competitive fighting)
  
  
  Equipment and property
  
  
  Simple clothes
  
  
  Chain Shirt
  
  
  Cold Iron slashing sword
  
  
  
• Charms
  
  
  Single Point Shining Into the Void Style
  
  
  *Gathering Light Concentration [3m; Reflexive; Instant; Inflict Onslaught Penalty on opponent]
  
  
  *Shining Starfall Execution [6m; Supplemental; Instant; Add dex/2 (dex) to decisive damage (and double 10s. Initiative 15+)]
  
  
  **Single Point Shining Into the Void Form [10m; Simple; One Scene; Sword joins battle with Wits+Martial Arts]
  
  
  ***Fatal Stroke Flash [1m, 1wp; Supplemental; Instant; Add opponent's initiative differences to decisive attack damage, and double 9s on attack roll.]
  
  
  ****Liquid Steel Flow [5m(+1wp); Reflexive; One Round (One Scene); Add Dex to withering damage. Convert dex/2 dice to sux when ending it with a decisive attack. +1 att sux on enemies with lower ini. Nix wp cost of FSF.]
  
  
  ***Void-Slicing Wind [6m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Decisive attack and instant-travel with Medium Range. +1 att and dam sux for each range band.]
  
  
  ****Horizon-Swallowed Star Flash [8m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant; Reflexive clash attack. Get initiative for extra sux on attack roll.]
  
  
  ****Six-Demon Scabbard Binding [1m, 1wp (or 4m); Reflexive; Instant; Clash magical effects and cut paths through the Wyld.]
  
  
  *****Blinding Nova Flare [-; Simple; Instant; Decisive attack with both pools at once. Lower makes Diff 5 gambit that needs not hit, if successful, second attack is unblockable and undodgable.]
  
  
  Athletics
  
  
  *Monkey Leap Technique [2m; Supplemental; Instant; Jump up to one range band.]
  
  
  *Increasing Strength Exercise [3m or 3i per dot; Simple; One Scene; +1 strength and +1 decisive damage.]
  
  
  Awareness
  
  
  *Sensory Acuity Prana [5m; Reflexive; One Scene; double 9s on awareness]
  
  
  *Keen Sight Technique [4m or 6m, 1wp; Reflexive; One Scene or Indefinite; +2 sux on sight-based awareness.]
  
  
  Performance
  
  
  *Masterful Performance Exercise [2m; Supplemental; Instant; +1 sux and reroll 1s forever.]
  
  
  **Graceful Reed Dancing [1m; Supplemental; Instant; Double 9s on dance.]
  
  
  ***Battle-Dancer Method [1m; Reflexive; Instant; +2 Performance/2 to Parry, Dodge (and Resolve).]
  
  
  ***Shining Expression Style [2m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Cha+Pre + Ess sux dance to induce an emotion]
  
  
  Resistance
  
  
  *Durability of Oak Meditation [3m; Reflexive; One Tick; +2 soak and decisive soak. Hardness 4.]
  
  
  *Ox-Body Technique [-; Permanent; Permanent; -1x1, -2x1 (-1x1, -2x2 at Sta 3).]
  
  
  *Essence-Gathering Temper [1i; Reflexive; Instant; gain (raw damage)/2 motes, no more than Sta.]
  
  
  Essence:
  
  
  Permanent: ?
  
  
  Personal: 13/13 (22)
  
  
  Peripheral: 25/25 (33)
  
  
  Committed: 5
  
  
  3 Increasing Strength Exercise
  
  
  5 Crashing Wave
  
  
  Willpower: ?????/5
  
  
  Limit 0/10
  
  
  Limit Trigger: The Solar tells a lie, deliberately deceives someone, or breaks a sworn oath.
  
  
  Intimacies
  
  
  Defining - "People should follow the calling of their soul."
  
  
  Major - Nellens Mahira (affection and regret)
  
  
  Major - "I protect those who place themselves in my care."
  
  
  Major - "Honesty to others is second only to honesty to oneself."
  
  
  Minor - The Realm (conflicted loyalty)
  
  
  Minor - Black Cliff's Edge (respect)
  
  
  Minor - Abusive Dragonblooded (negative)
  
  
  Minor - "To dance is to be free."
  
  
  
• Join Battle: 5+4+1+1 = 11
  
  
  Offenses:
  
  
  -Crashing Wave-
  
  
  Withering Attack: 5+5+1+3 = 14
  
  
  Withering Damage: 5+12L = 17L [18L with ISE] (5)
  
  
  Decisive Attack: 5+5+1+3 = 11
  
  
  -Cold Iron sword-
  
  
  Withering Attack: 5+5+1+2 = 13
  
  
  Withering Damage: 5+9A = 14A [15A with ISE] (2)
  
  
  Decisive Attack: 5+5+1+3 = 11
  
  
  Defenses:
  
  
  Evade: (5+0)/2 = 3
  
  
  Parry: (5+5+1)/2 + 1 = 7
  
  
  Soak: 2+3 = 5
  
  
  Hardness: 0
  
  
  Health:
  
  
  -0 [ ]
  
  
  -1 [ ][ ][ ]
  
  
  -2 [ ][ ][ ]
  
  
  -4 [ ]
  
  
  -X [ ]
  
  
  Social Defenses:
  
  
  Resolve: (5+1)/2 = 3
  
  
  Guile: (2+1)/2 = 2
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Crashing Wave
  
  
  Black Jade Reaper Daiklave
  
  
  Artifact 3
  
  
  Attunement Cost 5
  
  
  Category: Medium
  
  
  Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Experience points 7
  
  
  8 Keen Sight Technique
  
  
  Solar Experience points 1
  
  
  5 Awareness 3->4
  
  
  2 Integrity 2->3
  
  
  Chargen Experience points 0/60
  
  
  4 xp Stamina 1->2
  
  
  4 xp Manipulation 1->2
  
  
  4 xp Appearance 1->2
  
  
  4 xp Intelligence 1->2
  
  
  12 xp Martial Arts 3->5
  
  
  5 xp Performance 3->4
  
  
  8 xp Durability of Oak Meditation
  
  
  8 xp Increasing Strength Exercise
  
  
  8 xp Ox-Body Technique
  
  
  3 xp Presence, Survival, War 1->2
  
  
  8 xp Shining Expression Style
  
  
  Wish List
  
  
  **Thunderbolt Attack Prana [4m, 1wp; Supplemental; Instant]
  
  
  *Call the Blade [1m; Reflexive; Instant]
  
  
  **Summoning the Loyal Steel [1m; Simple; Indefinite]
  
  
  *Dipping Swallow Defense [2m; Reflexive; Instant]
  
  
  **Bulwark Stance [5m; Reflexive; Until next turn]
  
  
  **Hail-Shattering Practice [1m/sux; Reflexive; Instant]
  
  
  **Solar Counterattack [3m; Reflexive; Instant]
  
  
  

 

[Random Word]

• Personal Information
• Backstory
• Mundane traits
• Supernatural traits
• Conflict traits
• Panoply
• Bookkeeping

• Name: Halcyon Dream
  
  
  Caste: Zenith
  
  
  Concept: Peace-loving Paragon Pop Princess
  
  
  Anima: A flock of golden herons takes flight from a pleasure garden against the noonday sun.
  
  
  Supernal Ability: Performance
  
  
  Appearance
  
  
  Halcyon has always been beautiful, but since drawing her second breath she has become something clearly supernatural. Her stylistic choices have steadily become more audacious and ostentatious with time; no matter how outlandish they are, the result always comes together spectacularly. Onlookers are sometimes left unsettled or dejected in the wake of her passage, some spreading dark rumours about Fae infiltrators. Not even a Prince of the Earth should be so captivating. Most are simply left spellbound, and go to great lengths for another precious moment in her presence.
  
  
  The ornate hilts of two Daiklaves extend from a red silk wrap on her left hip, their blades concealed but their nature, and her Exalted status, plain to see. She sometimes carries a sanxian, its simple construction and lack of ornamentation at odds with the rest of her possessions. She frequents jewellers and tailors wherever she goes, and spends generously.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Halcyon stirs a small quantity of coarse brown powder into her tea with a silver spoon before proffering the small porcelain container to the woman sitting opposite the low table. "Would you care to try some? They make it from a crop harvested in far off An-Teng," she smiles, "I'm quite fond of it. They call it sugar."
  
  
  The woman demurs politely. Light streams in from rends in the taut hide that covers her windows in sandstorms, playing across careworn creases and skin tanned under a hot sun. The bags under her eyes speak volumes about exhaustion, inflamed eyes of tears long since spent. Yet, for all that, her smile is genuine and heartfelt as she puts on a brave face for her guest. They speak of the harvest, the terrible storm last week, how her eldest son married and move to the city last year, how he might be able to move back now that they're finally fixing up those old houses. She makes a note of his name. Eventually Halcyon excuses herself, content that her work is complete.
  
  
  She comes up short in the hallway, her eyes alighting on a small pair of well worn and carefully mended canvas shoes with red linen trim. A small luxury for a peasant farmer. She sighs and goes to one knee to pick them up. "These are adorable," she exclaims, smiling. "No? They aren't yours?" She laughs, weakly, "Yes, your son is rather too old for them. Perhaps another child in the village. Would you mind if I took them to show the children, then? Thank you ever so much."
  
  
  She waves cheerfully to the villagers who crowd around as she leaves, accepting small gifts pressed into her hands, heartfelt thanks for her performance last night. She clicks her tongue disapprovingly and puts the shoes down to tend to the splint of a child with a fractured leg, hobbling on two sticks against her instructions. Beside her is an empty house. One wall has been reduced to rubble, scattered fragments of white plaster and red mud bricks, and a portion of the roof caved in. She rights the splint and waves to the two old men effecting repairs as she rises, patting the boy on the shoulder, "Go home. You don't belong here." He grins mischievously, and returns to the loving arms of his adoptive parents.
  
  
  She carries the shoes and the small gifts along a dry dusty track into a canyon. She sits down in the shade of a large outcropping, welcome respite from the blistering heat, and addresses the child, "Your mother is well, and I will give your brother her fond regards when I see him. Your friend suffered only a fracture in the collapse, and I've found him a new family. They will raise him like their own." She places the shoes gently on the mangled remains, offers a whispered prayer, and the body erupts into brilliant golden flames that leave only fine ash.
  
  
  Visions of wicked claws, bulging muscle rippling under matter fur, countless gnashing fangs, and screams in the dark fill her mind. She watches the soldiers disinter the last of the bodies through tear filled eyes and steels herself to see to the rest. She envies them their ability to forget. She nods gravely to the young Captain, "It is as you suspected. We will have an end to your monster soon."
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Attributes
  
  
  Physical
  
  
  Strength ???
  
  
  Dexterity ?????
  
  
  Stamina ??
  
  
  Social
  
  
  Charisma ?????
  
  
  Manipulation ?
  
  
  Appearance ????? ? [TCW]
  
  
  Mental
  
  
  Perception ??
  
  
  Intelligence ????
  
  
  Wits ???
  
  
  Abilities
  
  
  Archery
  
  
  Athletics ???
  
  
  Awareness ???
  
  
  Brawl ?
  
  
  Bureaucracy
  
  
  Craft
  
  
  Dodge
  
  
  Integrity ??? (Standing Up for the Downtrodden)
  
  
  Investigation
  
  
  Larceny
  
  
  Linguistics ?
  
  
  Lore ?? (Gods of the South)
  
  
  Martial Arts ???? (Defending those in Need) [Crane Style]
  
  
  Medicine ???
  
  
  Melee
  
  
  Occult ?
  
  
  Performance ????? (Singing)
  
  
  Presence ?????
  
  
  Resistance ???
  
  
  Ride
  
  
  Sail
  
  
  Socialize
  
  
  Stealth
  
  
  Survival
  
  
  Thrown
  
  
  War
  
  
  Merits
  
  
  Artefact ???? (Tempest Guardian & Eye of the Storm; Paired Blue Jade and Moonsilver Merciful Daiklaves)
  
  
  Language ??? (Native: Flametongue; High Realm, Old Realm, Riverspeak)
  
  
  Backing ??? (Special Envoy of Paragon)
  
  
  Resources ??? (Salary)
  
  
  Manse ??? (Purity Gem)
  
  
  Retainer ?? (Longtime Friend, assigned Attache/Spy)
  
  
  Equipment and Property
  
  
  Lavish Wardrobe
  
  
  Jewellery
  
  
  Collection of Instruments
  
  
  
• Charms
  
  
  Crane Style
  
  
  Empowering Justice Redirection [3m; Supplemental; Instant]
  
  
  Fluttering Cry of Warning [3m; Reflexive; Instant]
  
  
  Athletics
  
  
  Monkey Leap Technique [2m; Supplemental; Instant]
  
  
  Graceful Crane Stance [3m; Reflexive; One Scene]
  
  
  Performance
  
  
  Masterful Performance Exercise [2m; Supplemental; Mute; Instant]
  
  
  Thousandfold Courtesan Ways [5m; Reflexive; Indefinite]
  
  
  Perfect Harmony Technique [1m; Supplemental; Instant]
  
  
  Respect Commanding Attitude [5m; Supplemental; Performance]
  
  
  Stillness Drawing Meditation [-; Permanent; Permanent]
  
  
  Trance Fugue Vision [5m1wp; Reflexive; Scene]
  
  
  Unmatched Showmanship Style [-; Permanent; Mute; Permanent]
  
  
  Soul Voice [1wp; Reflexive; Performance]
  
  
  Memory Reweaving Discipline [10m1wp; Simple; Psyche; Instant] x2
  
  
  Presence
  
  
  Harmonious Presence Meditation [5m/7m; Reflexive; Scene/Indefinite]
  
  
  Medicine
  
  
  Wound-Mending Care Technique [5m1wp; Simple; Instant]
  
  
  Essence:
  
  
  Permanent: ?
  
  
  Personal: 13/13 (22)
  
  
  Peripheral: 23/23 (33)
  
  
  Committed: 10
  
  
  5 Tempest Guardian & Eye of the Storm
  
  
  5 Thousandfold Courtesan Ways
  
  
  Willpower: ???????/7
  
  
  Limit 0/10
  
  
  Limit Trigger: The Solar fails to prevent an evitable tragedy.
  
  
  Intimacies
  
  
  Defining - "Happiness is derived from inner peace. Inner peace is easiest to obtain amidst outer peace. Bring both wherever you can."
  
  
  Defining - "I have been granted a voice to speak for those who have none."
  
  
  Defining - "Society is a garden to be tended with care and diligence. Counterproductive constructs must be pruned, desirable new ideas and institutions nurtured until they blossom."
  
  
  Major - Perfect of Paragon (Respect)
  
  
  Major - Paragon (Patriotism)
  
  
  Major - Her First Sanxian (Treasured)
  
  
  Major - Corrupt Officials (Contempt)
  
  
  Major - "Violence is only acceptable in defence of oneself or another."
  
  
  Major - "Disregard for the law is barbaric, and will lead to misery."
  
  
  Major - "Crime will never affect anyone from a civilized nation; We are above such things."
  
  
  Major - "I am never too busy for the sick or the weary."
  
  
  Major - "There are few pleasures greater than performing."
  
  
  Major - "I give much to many. I have earned the rewards bestowed upon me."
  
  
  Major - "An individual is a problem; A crowd is an opportunity."
  
  
  Major - "History is an effective tool with which to effect lasting change; To choose what has been is to choose what will be."
  
  
  Major - "I am an Air Aspected Prince of the Earth." [Enforced by Memory-Reweaving Discipline]
  
  
  Minor - Dynasts (Intrigue)
  
  
  Minor - The Golden Lord (Respect)
  
  
  Minor - The People of An-Teng (Intrigue)
  
  
  Minor - Barbarians (Distaste)
  
  
  Minor - Unruly Audience Members (Contempt)
  
  
  Minor - "My appearance and manner reflects upon my nation."
  
  
  Minor - "Any excuse to celebrate is a good one."
  
  
  Minor - Sugar (Love)
  
  
  
• Join Battle: 3+3 = 6
  
  
  Offenses:
  
  
  Withering Attack: 5+4+3(+1) = 12/(13)
  
  
  Withering Damage: 3+12L = 15L [4]
  
  
  Decisive Attack: 5+4(+1) = 9/(10)
  
  
  Defenses:
  
  
  Evade: (5+0)/2 = 3
  
  
  Parry: (5+4)/2 + 1 = 6
  
  
  Soak: 2+3 = 5
  
  
  Hardness: 0
  
  
  Health:
  
  
  -0 [ ]
  
  
  -1 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -2 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -4 [ ]
  
  
  -X [ ]
  
  
  Social Defenses:
  
  
  Resolve: (4+3)/2 = 4
  
  
  Guile: (1+1)/2 = 1
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Tempest Guardian & Eye of the Storm
  
  
  Paired Blue Jade & Moonsilver Merciful Daiklaves
  
  
  Artefact 4
  
  
  Attunement Cost 5
  
  
  Category: Medium
  
  
  Tags: Lethal, Martial Arts, Disarming
  
  
  The long straight edges of these swords are forged of blue jade inlaid with swirling air currents, the tips capped with a moonsilver mechanism that folds back against the blade when stowed, but snaps out to form the extensions of a hook sword when drawn. These moonsilver hooks bend and reshape to ensnare incoming blades or free them from the hands of unworthy wielders.
  
  
  Attuning grants control of the air currents around the wielder (Minor effects like repelling poison gas/pollen/smoke)
  
  
  Evocation ideas:
  
  
  Knockback with air, gambit
  
  
  Disarm at short or medium range with air
  
  
  Disarm battlegroup with hurricane, expensive gambit, penalty for size
  
  
  Waive initiative cost for disarm if attack successfully parried
  
  
  The Purity Gem
  
  
  All water drawn from wells or rainwater cisterns within three miles of the stone tastes pure and sweet and never contains poisons or disease. Any toxins or diseases added to this water are instantly neutralized, and the water retains this property as long as it remains within the area affects by this gem. Even water in mugs or cookpots neutralizes all poisons and kills all diseases. [set in Eye of the Storm]
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Experience Points 7
  
  
  4 xp Stamina 1->2
  
  
  4 xp Perception 1->2
  
  
  5 xp Martial Arts 3->4
  
  
  12 xp Performance 3->5
  
  
  12 xp Presence 3->5
  
  
  8 xp Willpower 5->6
  
  
  9 xp Manse 3
  
  
  6 xp Retainer 2
  
  
  8 xp Memory Reweaving Discipline Repurchase
  
  
  Solar XP 4
  
  
  4 sxp Perception 1->2
  
  
  Experience Log 75
  
  
  60 Chargen
  
  
  5+4s Department of Exploration & Transport
  
  
  10+4s On the Road
  
  
  Wish List
  
  
  **Crane Form [8m; Simple; Scene]
  
  
  

 

[Sherwood]

• Personal Information
• Backstory
• Mundane traits
• Supernatural traits
• Conflict traits
• Panoply
• Bookkeeping

• Name: Kiera Valen
  
  
  Caste: Night
  
  
  Anima: Large, dark jungle cat that looms over her
  
  
  Night Anima Effects
  
  
  • For two motes, the Night can dampen her anima, treating all Peripheral Essence expenditures as if they were Personal for one instant.
  
  
  • For three motes, the Night can ignore up to (higher of 3 or Essence) penalties to a Stealth attempt for one instant. These motes are always considered Personal, regardless of the pool they’re spent from.
  
  
  • When the Night’s anima is at the bonfire/iconic level, it wraps around and suffuses her form, hiding her figure and masking her visage in flame. She is merely a fearsome silhouette shrouded in all the hues of evening. It becomes impossible to discern her identity. This is considered a perfect effect, and cannot be pierced by Eye of the Unconquered Sun (see p. 273) or other all-seeing magic.
  
  
  Supernal Ability: Stealth
  
  
  Appearance
  
  
  
  

  120780

  • Sherwood
  • May 21, 2015
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Kiera was born in the city of Nexus to a mid level Guild businessman. Being raised to follow in her father's footsteps, the young rebel instead developed a talent for getting into and out of places that she was not supposed to be. Seeing the value in having a 'acquirer of rare goods' on the payroll, Kiera continued to develop a reputation as a top-rate thief for the Guild. She is well compensated for her hard work, and Kiera likes to live large. It was during the down time between her various jobs that she found herself running low on cash and in need of a fresh infusion of funds, and she was approached by a contact with a new job; the elimination of a informant to the magistrates. For just a few minutes of knife work, she would make enough to keep her life of luxury for a long time. How hard could it be?
  
  
  What she didn't know is that her target was aware of the price on his head, and he took steps to protect himself. He secretly hires a lay sorcerer to summon a demon to keep watch over him. When the master thief makes her move, she is faced with the monstrosity from Malfias. The fight was brutal, and the tide of the battle was quickly swinging away from Kiera. Tapping into her reserves of pure stubbornness and refusal to quit, she feels a sudden burst of power from deep inside herself. Using this reserve of energy, she is able to finally destroy the demon and finish her contract to kill the businessman. Passing by a mirror, she catches a glimpse of her beaten and bloody form with the shocking glow of a golden ring on her forehead. Anathama! Her decision to take the life of the businessman resulted in her being cursed!
  
  
  When she gets back to her safe house, Kiera finds it swarming with police and monks from the Immaculate Order, all looking for her. Feeling the heat, she decides that it is time for a change of scenery and runs. Going to her own secret bolt hole, she retrieves her last stores of cash to fund her escape from Nexus with the IO assassins on her heels. With her Guild contacts, she is able to slip out of the city and once more find work, this time in the burning heat of the South.
  
  
  Keeping on the move, Kiera finally comes to terms with her new powers and the strange memories that haunt her. Knowing now that she has been chosen for her efforts in destroying the demon and not cursed like she originally thought, she puts her talents to good use in taking down the enemies of the Unconquered Sun here in Creation.
  
  
  .
• 
  
  
  Attributes
  
  
  Physical
  
  
  Strength - 2
  
  
  Dexterity - 5
  
  
  Stamina - 3
  
  
  Social
  
  
  Charisma - 2
  
  
  Manipulation - 2
  
  
  Appearance - 3
  
  
  Mental
  
  
  Perception - 4
  
  
  Intelligence - 2
  
  
  Wits - 5
  
  
  Abilities
  
  
  Archery
  
  
  Athletics - 3 Graceful Stance
  
  
  Awareness - 3
  
  
  Brawl - 1
  
  
  Bureaucracy
  
  
  Craft
  
  
  Dodge - 4 When Unarmored
  
  
  Integrity
  
  
  Investigation - 1
  
  
  Larceny - 5
  
  
  Linguistics - 1
  
  
  Lore
  
  
  Martial Arts
  
  
  Medicine
  
  
  Melee - 2
  
  
  Occult
  
  
  Performance
  
  
  Presence
  
  
  Resistance - 2
  
  
  Ride - 1
  
  
  Sail
  
  
  Socialize - 2
  
  
  Stealth - 4 Vanish in Plain Sight
  
  
  Survival - 2
  
  
  Thrown - 5 Trick Shots
  
  
  War
  
  
  Merits
  
  
  Ambidextrous
  
  
  Artifact - Infinite Chakram
  
  
  Artifact - Silken Armor
  
  
  Artifact - Belt of Shadow Walking
  
  
  Contacts - 2
  
  
  Danger Sense
  
  
  Familiar - 1 Winged Cat named Whiskers
  
  
  Languages - 3: Riverspeak, Flametongue, Seatongue, Guild Cant,
  
  
  Resources - 3
  
  
  Equipment and property
  
  
  
• Charms
  
  
  Athletics
  
  
  Athletics Excellency
  
  
  Graceful Crane Stance
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Athletics 1, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: One scene
  
  
  The Solar draws Essence through her pores and into her bones, suffusing and lightening her form and steadying her step. For the rest of the scene, she has perfect balance, and can stand or run on things too narrow or weak to support her normally, with no chance of falling or breaking through. She can run on a guy wire, stand on a crumbling parapet, balance on the tip of a pine tree, and perform many similar feats without needing to roll (Dexterity + Athletics).
  Monkey Leap Technique
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 2m; Mins: Athletics 2, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Supplemental
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Exalt leaps with the speed and grace of a striking hawk. Using this technique, a Solar may automatically leap forward or straight up one range band. A Solar using this Charm can easily leap to the top of a twenty foot wall or cross a Nexus street over rooftops, without having to roll. This Charm counts as the Solar’s movement for the turn. If the Solar continues to leap to a different range
  
  
  band each turn, the cost is reduced to one mote after the first activation.
  Soaring Crane Stance
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Athletics 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  Prerequisite Charms: Monkey Leap Technique
  
  
  Striking an efficacious pose, the Exalt catches the wind to slow a fall. This allows her to drop down two range bands without taking damage. In order to survive a very long fall with this Charm, the Solar must use it at least once every three bands. The Exalt can also use this Charm to drift long distances through the air, expending her movement action to float forward a single range band even as she continues to fall. With an adequate amount of thrust, the Exalt can glide across long horizontal distances without falling, equaling her initial movement forward. For example, if she were to leap out over a chasm two range bands across with Monkey Leap Technique, she could then activate Soaring Crane Leap to glide across the second range band on her next turn. Appropriate stunts can increase straight across movement before the Exalt begins to drop.
  
  Awareness
  
  
  Awareness Excellency
  
  
  Sensory Acuity Prana
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 5m; Mins: Awareness 2, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: One scene
  
  
  A breath of Essence seals the five senses into a more perfect form. The Solar’s senses are heightened and attuned to minute motions and sounds, dim and noisy conditions. She can differentiate between subtle tastes and textures with only the slightest variation. Thus sharpened, it is more difficult for characters to escape her notice, or to deceive her hunting senses. For the rest of the scene, the Exalt’s Awareness rolls benefit from double 9s. If the effect of any Unsurpassed (Sense) Discipline applies, reroll 6s until they cease to appear. Use of Sensory Acuity Prana comes without the danger of sensory overload; the Charm helps the Solar manage her senses more effectively.
  
  Larceny
  
  
  Larceny Excellency
  
  
  Lock Opening Touch
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 1m or 5m; Mins: Larceny 2, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Exalt may open a mundane lock simply by touching it and paying five motes. Alternately, she may challenge a sorcerous lock with her picking tools, paying one mote to gain double 9s and (Essence) automatic successes. This version of the Charm guarantees that she successfully picks the lock even if her roll fails, however, a failure constitutes some unwanted occurrence—perhaps she springs a trap, breaks the lock loudly, snaps her lock-pick, etc.
  Flawlessly Impenetrable Disguise
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 6m; Mins: Larceny 4, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Simple
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Until the Exalt sleeps
  
  
  Master chameleons, the Solars donned disguises and attended the fetes of the raksha, to hear them confess their nefarious plans for Creation. This Charm recreates a disguise attempt (see p. 224), but allows the Exalt to make a myriad of extraordinary changes to her appearance. She may change her gender, double her age or halve it, alter her height by ten inches in either direction, change her ethnicity, adjust her voice and alter her accent. She can even change her scent. The Solar gains two automatic successes to her disguise attempt, ignores penalties for adapting a different race or gender, and gains double 9s.
  
  
  This disguise cannot be pierced by mundane senses. Nor can it be thwarted by inhuman sensory acuity, such as the nose of a hound or the eye of a hawk. Senses heightened to supernatural levels by Charms such as Keen Sight Discipline have a chance to pierce this deception, but subtract 2 successes from their attempts. Magic which pierces this effect does not reveal the Solar’s identity, only that the Exalt is not what she appears to be.
  
  
  Typically Solars used this Charm to hide their identities or to appeal to specific criteria such as “Only women are allowed into the sept.” However, should it be used to impersonate a specific character, magic which pierces this effect will only reveal the apparent body double of the Charm’s subject. For example, if the Solar disguises herself as the Scarlet Empress, magic which pierces her disguise will see her as a tall, porcelain-skinned red-haired woman with cunningly accurate makeup, as opposed to what the Solar actually looks like.
  Melee
  
  
  Melee Excellency
  
  
  Excellent Strike
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Melee 2, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Supplemental
  
  
  Keywords: Uniform
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Exalt channels Essence through skill, honing her accuracy in order to strike true. Her attack gains one automatic success. Additionally, all 1s are rerolled until 1s no longer appear.
  Resistance
  
  
  Resistance Excellency
  
  
  Ox-Body Technique
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: —; Mins: Resistance 1, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Permanent
  
  
  Keywords: Stackable
  
  
  Duration: Permanent
  
  
  The bodies of the Exalted are much more durable than those of mere mortals. To help simulate this, an Exalt may buy extra health levels with this Charm. The purchasing choices are based on the character’s Stamina rating:
  
  
  At Stamina 1 and 2: One -1 and one -2 health level.
  
  
  3 and 4: One -1 and two -2 health levels.
  
  
  5: One -0, one -1, and one -2 health level.
  
  
  The Solar may purchase Ox-Body Technique (Resistance) times. If she increases her Stamina after purchasing Ox-Body Technique, her health levels automatically change to reflect the new rating.
  Stealth
  
  
  Stealth Excellency
  
  
  Perfect Shadow Stillness
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 1m, 1wp; Mins: Stealth 2, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Lawgiver’s stealth technique is honed until it’s flawless. Perfect Shadow Stillness allows a reroll of any Stealth based action, preserving the 10s from those results and rerolling the remaining dice. At Stealth 5, succeeding at a stealth attempt with this Charm awards the Solar one point of temporary Willpower.
  Invisible Statue Spirit
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 5m; Mins: Stealth 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: Mute
  
  
  Duration: Indefinite
  
  
  Prerequisite Charms: Perfect Shadow Stillness
  
  
  Assuming perfect stillness, the Solar fades from sight. A Solar with this Charm can affect true invisibility. However, the Exalt cannot move, nor can she take violent action without breaking this deception. Characters using Invisible Statue Spirit are not immaterial and can still be detected by touch, scent, taste, or hearing.
  Easily Overlooked Presence Method
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Stealth 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Simple
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: One scene
  
  
  The Lawgiver evades detection by hiding in plain sight. A Solar with this Charm is able to drift unnoticed through crowds or alone. This Charm models her talent for blending in and remaining unobtrusive. When active, characters cannot notice her unless she takes overt action. Such actions include any display of prowess—leaping from the street to the rooftops, braving a snowstorm in summer clothes, etc. Join Battle always counts as an overt action. This skill does not work against alert guards or those who intend to stop everyone (as with a checkpoint), but can be overcome by magic only if the user has a Minor or greater Intimacy to the Solar or a Major or Defining Intimacy to a cause the Exalt’s presence directly threatens. Certain Charms may aid in detecting the Exalt. Roll the Lawgiver’s ([Wits or Dexterity] + Stealth) against her opponent’s relevant (Attribute + Ability) or Resolve, if the attacking Charm is based on the opponent’s Integrity.
  Mental Invisibility Technique
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Stealth 4, Essence 2
  
  
  Type: Simple
  
  
  Keywords: Mute
  
  
  Duration: One scene
  
  
  Prerequisite Charms: Easily-Overlooked Presence Method
  
  
  The surreptitious Exalt may even hide in the spaces between thoughts. Roll the Exalt’s (Dexterity + Stealth) against her subject’s Resolve. On a success, she vanishes from her subject’s notice, and cannot be perceived. This effect applies to every witness whose Resolve is surpassed by the Solar’s skill. Not even overt action can reveal the Exalt to those affected by Mental Invisibility Technique. The Lawgiver may step out of her coat in a snowstorm or leap to the rooftops from the street without being noticed. However, rolling Join Battle or taking violent action ends this Charm’s effects.
  
  
  Additionally, subjects may spend one Willpower to break free of the Solar’s deception if the Exalt’s presence is pointed out to him, the Solar intentionally reveals herself to him, or the Exalt attempts to harm or steal something he values at the level of a Major or Defining Intimacy.
  Blinding Battle Feint
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Stealth 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Supplemental
  
  
  Keywords: None
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Solar leaps in and out of battle with nigh untraceable speed. The Exalt may use her (Dexterity + Stealth) to Join Battle. Her Join Battle result also acts as an attempt to enter Stealth. If she beats her opponent’s Awareness-based Join Battle roll, she is automatically concealed, so long as there is a viable place to hide. If her foe uses a Join Battle roll modified to use any other Ability than Awareness,
  
  
  then he must make an Awareness roll to spot her, suffering a penalty equal to the difference in their Initiative, even if he rolled higher. If he fail the Awareness check, the Solar still vanishes from view.
  Guardian Fog Approach
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Stealth 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Simple
  
  
  Keywords: Mute
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  Prerequisite Charms: Blinding Battle Feint
  
  
  Through quick action, the Solar may obscure someone with her own efforts to remain hidden. The Solar must be touching the one she wishes to hide, and must herself attempt a Stealth action at the same time. The Solar works to obscure her charge, covering him with her body, shrouding him with her cloak, or guiding him into a cleverly concealed niche. Add half the Solar’s successes (rounded up) and any stunt bonuses on this action as dice to her charge’s own Stealth roll.
  Thrown
  
  
  Thrown Excellency
  
  
  Triple Distance Attack Technique
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Thrown 3, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Supplemental
  
  
  Keywords: Uniform
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Solar imbues her weapon with Essence, lightening the weapon at the moment of launch and perfecting its course. This Charm extends the range of a thrown weapon to long range. At Thrown 5, Essence 3+, the Solar can use this Charm to make an attack across four range bands.
  Cascade of Cutting Terror
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Thrown 4, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Reflexive
  
  
  Keywords: Decisive-only
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  Prerequisite Charms: Triple Distance Attack Technique
  
  
  Once per combat, the Solar can unleash this attack against a single target, giving her the full dice benefits of having used a full Thrown Excellency. This attack cannot be dodged, only blocked. If successful, the attack is joined by dozens or hundreds of copied weapons, striking points all around the target, doing twice the damage successes to all significant objects and insignificant opponents within short range of the initial strike. If the Exalt wins Join Battle and opens with this attack, she does not
  
  
  need to take an aim action to launch it from medium or long range.
  
  
  The Solar can reset Cascade of Cutting Terror by hurling away her last missile and then recovering at least a single throwing weapon with a stunt.
  Precision of the Striking Raptor
  
  
  Spoiler

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Thrown 1, Essence 1
  
  
  Type: Supplemental
  
  
  Keywords: Withering-only
  
  
  Duration: Instant
  
  
  The Solar imbues her chosen weapon with Essence, to feel its every angle and weight as part of her body. Its strike becomes an extension of her will. The Solar’s accuracy is calculated as if it was made from close range, regardless of the distance from which she is throwing. If Precision of the Striking Raptor is used at close range, the target’s defense is lowered by one. This Charm does not allow the Exalt to strike a target beyond the range of her weaponry.
  Essence:
  
  
  Permanent: 1
  
  
  Personal: 13/13
  
  
  Peripheral: 33
  
  
  Committed: 14
  
  
  Willpower: 5
  
  
  Limit 0/10
  
  
  Limit Trigger: The Solar's allies suffer a setback or defeat because of a mistake he made.
  
  
  Intimacies
  
  
  Defining - "Even in the brightest light, there is always a bit of shadow to hide in."
  
  
  Major - Law Enforcement (dislike)
  
  
  Major - Earning Wealth
  
  
  Minor - Whiskers, Kiera's winged cat Familiar
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Join Battle: 8
  
  
  Offenses:
  
  
  Withering Attack: 5 + 5 + 2 + (+5/+4/+3)
  
  
  Withering Damage: 10 +2 [3]
  
  
  Decisive Attack: 5 + 5 + 2
  
  
  Defenses:
  
  
  Evade: 5/6
  
  
  Parry: 4
  
  
  Natural Soak: 3
  
  
  Armored Soak: 5
  
  
  Hardness: 4
  
  
  Health:
  
  
  -0 [ ]
  
  
  -1 [ ][ ][ ]
  
  
  -2 [ ][ ][ ][ ]
  
  
  -4 [ ]
  
  
  -X [ ]
  
  
  Social Defenses:
  
  
  Resolve: 3
  
  
  Guile: 2
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Infinite Chakram
  
  
  This weapon is similar in appearance to a normal chakram, except that it is larger, made from the magical materials, and often of baroque design. As soon as it either misses or strikes its target, it ricochets its way back to the thrower’s hand.
  
  
  Tags: Lethal, Thrown (Medium), Cutting, Special
  
  
  Damage +10, Overwhelming 3
  
  
  Accuracy - Close +5, Short +4, Medium +3, Long +0, Extreme -2
  
  
  Silken Armor
  
  
  Woven using secret, long-lost First Age techniques, silken armor is woven of a material with the weight and texture of silk, but the resilience of tempered steel. Silken armor is usually beautifully tailored and decorated, well suited for formal occasions. It doesn’t count as armor for the purpose of martial arts styles which cannot be practiced in armor, and consequently is always at least Artifact ••••.
  
  
  Tags: Silent, Special
  
  
  Soak +5, Hardness 4, Mobility Penalty 0, Attunement 4
  
  
  Belt of Shadow Walking
  
  
  Night-black belt made from leather from the wings of giant bats, trimmed with black jade and soulsteel, these artifacts can control shadows and cause them to conceal the wearer. Whenever she wishes, the wearer can add three dice to all stealth rolls. However, this is the least of the belt’s powers. When the wearer expends ten motes, she can transform into a living shadow for one scene. In this form, she can slip under the space beneath a door or slide through the thinnest crack. In well-lit regions, observers notice the existence of an unusual shadow if they make a (Perception + Awareness) roll at difficulty 3, unless the wearer conceals himself in a larger shadow.
  
  
  When the character is a shadow, she is dematerialized and can only affect or be affected by other dematerialized creatures or by Charms and weapons capable of attacking dematerialized foes. If the wearer uses such a Charm or weapon while dematerialized, she can use it to affect a materialized foe. Otherwise, she is immune to all materialized threats, although she can be trapped in a room that is sealed tightly enough. The character can wear any armor and take any object she can carry into the
  
  
  shadows with her. However, she cannot transform other living things into shadow. Once the scene ends, the character must remain in solid form for at least ten minutes before transforming back into a shadow. The wearer must commit five motes to use this artifact.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Experience points = 15
  
  
  Xp: 4
  
  
  Solar Xp: 4
  
  
  Experience Log 60
  
  
  60 Chargen
  
  
  Thrown to 5 - 12
  
  
  Larceny to 4 - 8
  
  
  Dodge to 4 - 5
  
  
  Stamina to 3 - 8
  
  
  Ox-Body Technique - 8
  
  
  Languages to 3 - 9
  
  
  Familiar to 1 - 3
  
  
  Contacts to 2 - 3
  
  
  Xp
  
  
  Larceny to 5 - 7
  
  
  Guardian Fog Approach - 8
  
  
  

 

[SephirothSage]

• Personal Information
• Backstory
• Mundane traits
• Supernatural traits
• Conflict traits
• Panoply
• Bookkeeping

• Name: Quixang Aku // Glorious Golden Rebellion // Wuu Fo Lung
  
  
  Caste: Zenith
  
  
  Concept: Former Nobleman turned Rebel Leader.
  
  
  Anima: A shining crown of glorious golden light rings his forehead.
  
  
  Supernal Ability: Presence
  
  
  Appearance
  
  
  Slender and pale, refined and elegant. His every move is measured and weighed, his every step precise and beautiful. Golden hair frames classically regal features, and pale green eyes stare from classical features. He looks almost delicately thin despite the nobility of his features, like a reed bending in the wind.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "True Nobility, you are not born with- your station at birth may be high, your bloodline adorned with glories and honors; but you are not truly noble until you have acted with true nobility."
  
  
  Quixang Aku was born to a family of high nobility within the region of An-Teng, in the capital of Steel Lotus. His name was one that his family claims once belonged to Kings and Queens, in a time long past- a time that is no longer. Now a family that might call itself grand and glorious- where it not for how they labored ever in the shadow of Dignitaries of the realm, suppressed and held down like the rest of their nations people- but raised on a Dais above, and made a target of the rest of those native to their home whenever popular opinion turned against the realm.
  
  
  Aku then, was raised in a dichotomy of luxury and oppression; made constantly aware that his comfortable lifestyle depended on both the goodwill and pleasure of the Dynasts who ruled in all but name as they do everywhere within the Realm, and the opinion of the masses. He lived in the lap of luxury- raised and educated by the finest tutors, even as his parents stared on but distantly, too busy holding together their country to spend much time on a son. He knew he was loved- and that was enough for all parties involved.
  
  
  Sadly, such was not to last- for the boy was not content with his stagnant life of appeasing his betters, with the lap of luxury tainted by the knowledge he had not earned it. So he began to research the occult, to hone his political skills and study military tactics and strategy along with history. He studied like a man possessed- withdrawn into his families library through the storms of politics and chaos- and he emerged with a gleam in his eyes.
  
  
  He preached and extolled- he persuaded and convinced. He slid into the political scene fully intent on promoting active rebellion against the Dynasts- at any cost. He worked in the shadows at first; weaving spells to forbid speaking of his plans and passionately working to convince others of what he intended. Sadly- a mortal plotting against the immortal was doomed to fail. The least gods and hidden demons heard his whispers in the hall- and his family paid the price.
  
  
  He awoke to flames starting in his home as soldiers in Jade burst through the doors. His name had been linked to a plot to assassinate a Dynast of note who would visit the next week; and his family was to pay the price. Panic seized Aku at the realization; as he burst out into the hallway, reaching for his hunting bow; and his eyes widened as he heard the screams. His mind racing; he incants a spell, ripping essence from the world to hurtle magic at the mortal soldiers leading a charge; but the Dynasts weather the clumsy spellcasting of a mortal and continue their advance as he flees through the halls- flees through the servant quarters with a few quick words of persuasion that wrack him with guilt even as the servants take up arms to futilely hold their ground.
  
  
  He emerges into the streets- and thinks fast... and he begins to rely on the one thing that has always saved him.
  
  
  His voice. He adresses the crowds in the streets, as his home burns behind him; the firelight blazing through the night, a light in the shadow that has already attracted attention- attention he capitalizes on. He cannot to this day remember what words he spoke or how; merely that he began to shine as his speech went on, and as he rose his fist to the sky and cried for revolt, a wave of men surged past him to battle the Dynasts; and he shone with a golden light from within.
  
  
  The name of Quixong Aku died that day, and a Glorious Golden Rebellion was born; Anathema and Solar Exalted, he shone in the street for a long moment... before fleeing into the shadows as the light faded away. He talked his way out of the city- and for a few years, wandered his country- weaving a legend and fighting battles in the south and the west, gathering loyal followers under a false name.
  
  
  He returns now as Wuu Fo Long, a mercenary leader willing to take any job for any employer- leading a small but well trained band that mostly take jobs dealing with problems for merchants and politicians... and by cover of night, speaking words of rebellion with a good deal more subtlety than before, fermenting it in the hearts of the people of An-Teng.
• 
  
  
  Attributes
  
  
  Physical
  
  
  Strength ●
  
  
  Dexterity ●●●●●
  
  
  Stamina ●
  
  
  Social
  
  
  Charisma ●●●●●
  
  
  Manipulation ●●●●
  
  
  Appearance ●●●●
  
  
  Mental
  
  
  Perception ●●
  
  
  Intelligence ●●●●
  
  
  Wits ●●●
  
  
  Abilities
  
  
  Archery ●●●
  
  
  Athletics
  
  
  Awareness
  
  
  Brawl
  
  
  Bureaucracy ●●
  
  
  Craft
  
  
  Dodge ●●●
  
  
  Integrity ●●●
  
  
  Investigation
  
  
  Larceny ●●●
  
  
  Linguistics ●●
  
  
  Lore
  
  
  Martial Arts
  
  
  Medicine
  
  
  Melee
  
  
  Occult ●●●● (Sorcery Specialty: 1)
  
  
  Performance
  
  
  Presence ●●●●● (Silver Tongue Specialty: 1)
  
  
  Resistance
  
  
  Ride
  
  
  Sail
  
  
  Socialize ●●●● (Incite Rebellion Specialty: 1)
  
  
  Stealth
  
  
  Survival
  
  
  Thrown
  
  
  War ●●●● (Tactical Genius Specialty: 1)
  
  
  Merits
  
  
  Resources: ●●●
  
  
  Command: ●●●● ("Band of the Golden Hawk", Mercenary Company. Single Size Three Might 0 Group with Elite Drill and the traits of Elite Troops)
  
  
  Contacts: ●● (Network of informants spanning An-Teng)
  
  
  Influence: ●● (Moderately famed Mercenary leader)
  
  
  Languages: ●● (High Realm Native tongue: Learned Low Realm and Old Realm
  
  
  Artifact: ●●● (Flametongue Repeater: "Golden Pyre")
  
  
  
  
  
  Equipment and property
  
  
  Light Mundane Armor; Buff Jacket
  
  
  Stylish Outfit
  
  
  Lodzadosh
  
  
  
• Charms
  
  
  Occult---
  
  
  1st Circle Sorcery
  
  
  Spirit Detecting Glance
  
  
  Sorcery--- (Shaping Ritual; Pact with an Ifreet Lord- Draw from Fire)
  
  
  Control Spell- Death of Obsidian Butterflies
  
  
  Corrupted Words
  
  
  Presence---
  
  
  Listener Swaying Argument
  
  
  Impassioned Discourse Technique
  
  
  Fulminating Word
  
  
  Harmonious Presence Meditation
  
  
  Majestic Radiant Presence
  
  
  Blazing Glorious Icon
  
  
  Mind Wiping Gaze
  
  
  Hypnotic Tongue Technique
  
  
  Empowering Shout
  
  
  War---
  
  
  Ideal Battle Knowledge Prana
  
  
  Socialize---
  
  
  Motive Discerning Technique
  
  
  Dodge---
  
  
  Archery---
  
  
  Essence:
  
  
  Permanent: ●
  
  
  Personal: 13/13 (22)
  
  
  Peripheral: 28/28 (33)
  
  
  Committed: 5
  
  
  5 Golden Pyre
  
  
  Willpower: ●●●●●/5
  
  
  Limit 0/10
  
  
  Limit Trigger: The Solar is faced with the opportunity to advance his own cause by harming an innocent or
  
  
  ignoring one’s suffering.
  
  
  Intimacies
  
  
  Defining - "My Homeland should be free of the Realm."
  
  
  Major - Tyrants; Disdain and Disgust
  
  
  Major - "I protect those who place themselves in my care."
  
  
  Major - "Nobility is in your deeds and goals."
  
  
  Minor - The Realm (Quiet, seething hate)
  
  
  Minor - His Company: Loyalty and Pride
  
  
  Minor - An-Teng: Patriotic Love
  
  
  Minor - "Honor has no place in war."
  
  
  
• Join Battle: 3+0+3; 6
  
  
  Offenses:
  
  
  Withering Attack: 5+5+3= 13 Die Pool Usual (14 at Close Range)
  
  
  Withering Damage: 16
  
  
  Decisive Attack: 5+3= 8 Die Pool
  
  
  Defenses:
  
  
  Evade: 3
  
  
  Parry: N/A
  
  
  Soak: 4/3
  
  
  Hardness: 0
  
  
  Health:
  
  
  -0 [ ]
  
  
  -1 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -2 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -4 [ ]
  
  
  -X [ ]
  
  
  Social Defenses:
  
  
  Resolve: 3
  
  
  Guile: 4
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Golden Pyre
  
  
  Orichalchum/Red Jade Alloy Flametongue Repeater
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Experience points 0
  
  
  9-- Artifact 3
  
  
  12-- Appearance 4
  
  
  12- Manipulation 4
  
  
  5- Presence 4
  
  
  5- War 4
  
  
  5- Socialize 4
  
  
  5- Occult 4
  
  
  7- Presence 5
  
  
  Experience Log 60
  
  
  60 Chargen
  
  
  

 

[vinom]

WIP

• Personal Information
• Backstory
• Mundane traits
• Supernatural traits
• Conflict traits
• Bookkeeping

• Name: Aranni // Golden Girl
  
  
  Caste: Dawn
  
  
  Concept: Ex-Godblooded Holy Powerhouse
  
  
  Anima: A dazzling set of four sharp-feathered orichalcum wings
  
  
  Supernal Ability: Melee
  
  
  Appearance
  
  
  Young, still maturing, the girl's hair is a flowing firey mane. She's got the whip cord muscles of a distance runner or swimmer, and enough of a healthy figure to her that you know she hasn't every truly been close to starving. All around, a cute young twelve year old.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  *Note, this picture is of how Aranni might look in a few years, didn't find a good one of her age now.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Most Solars start their lives as mortals, who through heroic action prove themselves, and gain the mantle divine… But the idea that there is a standard model of the beings designed to do the impossible that can’t be deviated from is a bit foolish and rather misinformed.
  
  
  Aranni started her life, not as a mortal girl, but as a god-blooded whose file in Yu-Shan was one of the favorite casual readings in the Forbidding Manse of Ivy. The daughter of the wandering divinity Little Beam and a powerful guildswoman, Ruby Scholar, whom commissioned and created a temple manse to the Left Hand of Power during the year she was carrying her child so that it would be most blessed with the divine inheritance it could possibly be.
  
  
  Ruby Scholar was a woman who wanted not but the best for her child, going so far as hiring tutors in any subject Aranni took interest in… But her dedication to her child left her a poor defense against determined wrath of an underling who wished her station… Aranni never got to say good bye to her mother, as she went to a tutor’s house one day for training in swordswomanship and one of the last people loyal to Ruby Scholar, a young guildsman by the name of Riho Tanaka, smuggled her out of town before night fall.
  
  
  After her mother’s death, Aranni’s life lost the stability she brought. Without someone working to keep her focused and subdued, the story of her life began to take the tone of a penny dreadful novel. Aranni would come to some location, and during the course of a period ranging from two weeks to a season, attempt to integrate, makes friends, run into a problem or opposition, solves or defeats it using skills a non-godblooded little girl shouldn’t have, from the ability to see through illusions, shoot holy essence beams, or be able to intimidate gods and elementals into helping her, then having to leave that location because she reveled too much of her nature or made too many enemies, and then the cycle would repeat.
  
  
  At the age of five, she bubbled into a complex social game of cat and mouse between visiting House Peleps dignitaries and the ruler of a Satrap that came crashing down around her when she blurted out that one of the dynasts involved was in fact her younger brother pretending to be her so she could elope with an elemental.
  
  
  On her sixth birthday, she met a God by the name of Little Beam. Both of them were investigating the disappearances from nearby villages with tracks leading into a single large tree with blood red leaves. After having to convince him that she was not another mortal who was about to be disappeared, they agreed to work together. Aranni didn’t know that the god who her powers worked so well with was her father, and if Little Beam was aware in his part in her story, he didn’t let her know. What he did do, above helping cut down and burn a Wyld tainted tree that had been luring people in by grabbing them by the dreams and not letting them move save for closer to it, was informing her of the Solars and the Lunars, the Exegent and the Liminals, the Sidereals, The Yozi and the Incarna… in short the role the Celestial Exalted should play in creation.
  
  
  When she was eight, she had rooted out a Fair Folk presence inside a Lookshy primary school pretending to be puppeteers. Through a carefully and masterfully crafting an improvised script, she conned the trio of Fair Folk to do a puppet show about a trio of Fair Folk being tricked into doing a puppet show about a trio of Fair Folk being tricked into doing a puppet show about a trio of Fair Folk being tricked into doing a puppet show about a trio of Fair Folk, down layer by layer until all the kids said the story was boring, and the Fair Folk tried to stop the show, but couldn’t remember how many shows they needed to stop and accidentally ending their assumptions…
  
  
  On Calibration during her eleventh year, she met Flashing Echo of the Hidden Dagger, a ghost of a mortal who died in a duel with a young unexalted dynast because his opponent cheated. Although it was within her power to exorcise him, she instead studied his fighting style for four days. Then, on the last day of Calibration, she challenged the dynast to a duel. Their fight played out identically to the one he had with Flashing Echo of the Hidden Dagger before his death, but Aranni knew to expect the dagger that would come on a string from the legging of his pants, catching it, and reveling him as the cheater he was. The lad’s reputation was ruined, and Flashing Echo of the Hidden Dagger having seen his vengeance fulfilled, was able to return to the cycle of reincarnation.
  
  
  By her twelfth year, Aranni had made a name for herself that could no longer be avoided by the simple moving to a new part of the East. She was known to the Immaculate Order, as a god-blooded of some potency who would save the day from situations she created, and then preach about the Anathema as if they were the heroes of Creation. They began to pour effort into finding her, and soon they found a barn she was being permitted to sleep in by a old mortal couple who were looking the other way.
  
  
  She awoke to the smell of burning hay, and it took mere moments to notice that the whole barn was on fire… the door to the barn was open, but she knew she closed it when she snuck in for the night, and some instinct in her told her that this was a trap. Of course, it was a well engineered trap, so jumping through the back wall and running for the woods was one of the plans the Immaculate Monks were expecting, and she was quickly engulfed in a rain of arrows, her back lit by the roaring fire.
  
  
  There were at least two rows of archers in the tree line… too many to count in a row, not a force she could fight through before the force at the front of the barn could come and pin her. And that assessment was ignoring the terrestrial in front of her. Coated from head to toe in the clayish sand stone that was under the top soil of the area, the earth aspected monk stood before her, a bone white tetsubo with a head the size of a man’s torso in his hands.
  
  
  Aranni knew she was doomed. Outnumbered by mortal archers, out flanked by Wyld Hunt veterans, and out matched by the Immaculate monk, she wouldn’t last a minute even with the magicks that flowed within her. Some might have begged at this time, some might have tried to cut a deal… Aranni charged. She barreled headlong at the monk with the stone coated body. Arrows whipped by she, making cuts across her cheeks, her arms, but less came each volley as more and more of the arrows were blocked by the monk’s position. The monk swung the testubo down with all his might, thinking the battle might be ended in a single blow.
  
  
  Aranni didn’t block or dodge the blow. She dove under the testubo, levering herself off the pommel of the weapon, and driving both her heels up, into the monk’s jaw. There was then flash of golden light which lit up the woods behind the barn so well the fire cast shadows. Aranni stood on the unconscious monk, holding his testubo, the glowing sign of the dawn caste on her forehead.
  
  
  In the time that this fearsome image of their quarry registered into the minds of the archers, the other members of the Wyld Hunt came around the barn. None of them expected to face a Dawn caste, and they weren’t sure of their might was sufficient for the task. Aranni then turned, once twice, in place, hurling the massive white jade maul at the line of archers who scattered in all directions, the dawn caste rushing through the hole in the battle line.
  
  
  One might think that Exaltation would changes one’s life dramatically… and although that may be usually true, her new status as a Dawn Caste Chosen of the Sun did not divorce Aranni from the sheer episodic nature of solving some problem and then running before the her reputation drew in the hunt.
  
  
  The East was mayhap the most populous direction in Creation, but over the course of years of jumping into and out of communities over the course of weeks, it was getting smaller and smaller as she tried to avoid places and people she’s been to and met before. Her travels slowly meandered south as she evades the Wyld Hunt, or others who would seek her out against herself interest. She followed her instincts, trying to come to the understanding with past life memories which flooded into her during dreams or when she was exhausted from combat.
  
  
  She could remember one scene more vividly than anything else… a fight, a battle, not against foes but old allies. It started at sunrise, ended at sun set… image after image of her hand breaking past scale and bone to grab heart, to hold it aloft, the sun shining brightly down upon her…
  
  
  Her journey took her to a stone city swallowed by trees, entering ruins which echoed familiarly in her mind at dawn, her feet walking on autopilot, as if navigating one’s home without a candle until she came to the place where a body her soul once wore was interred. Of course the new natives of the ruins didn’t take kindly to her presence… and the goblins, when they came in waves, were enough to drive her back out of the old city through sheer force of number. By nightfall she was out of the city, wounded and worn down from hours of fighting.
  
  
  She ran into a Guild Caravan two weeks out from the city… the meeting was interesting to say the least. The guildsmen in the caravan knew that they couldn’t stand up to a solar exalted, in a fight or at the negotiation table, and that they weren’t authorized to try, Aranni knew that she had nothing of value to offer in trade save things of such immense worth she wouldn’t be able to approximate their price to the nearest talent of jade. It was going to be an awkward interaction, save that Riho Tanaka knew Aranni.
  
  
  The pair of them compared stories about the last few years… most of Aranni’s life to be sure, as they travelled to the coast, to Port Calm. It was there she met with a god negotiating for the local Guild Faction, asking her what it was she wanted. Her paranoia whispered warnings, fearing the Guild might do to her .
  
  
  Aranni said she wished to see the the Westas she had had her fill of the East, at least for a while, and was willing to work as protection for a ship till they got to a major western city.
  
  
  Aranni now sits in a Guild Caravel, her journey taking her farther south and west than she’s ever been before. To her left sits Riho Tanaka; wisdom says that he came hoping that he could raise his position in the Guild by tying himself to her and letting her rise to power her pull him up. Aranni chooses to believe that he is motivated too by the loyalty he once had to her mother, but she was twelve, she’d be thirteen on the 15th of Resplendent Earth and she had to become mature. If Riho thought that helping her would be to his own benefit, she couldn’t begrudge him for it. It would be true, even if she’d have to be the one to reward him. A queen must take care of her people.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Attributes
  
  
  Physical
  
  
  Strength ●●●
  
  
  Dexterity ●●●●●
  
  
  Stamina ●●●
  
  
  Social
  
  
  Charisma ●●●
  
  
  Manipulation ●
  
  
  Appearance ●●●
  
  
  Mental
  
  
  Perception ●●●●
  
  
  Intelligence ●●
  
  
  Wits ●●●
  
  
  Abilities
  
  
  Archery
  
  
  Athletics ●●● (Parkour 2)
  
  
  Awareness ●●●
  
  
  Brawl
  
  
  Bureaucracy
  
  
  Craft
  
  
  Dodge ●●●
  
  
  Integrity ●●
  
  
  Investigation ●●
  
  
  Larceny
  
  
  Linguistics ●
  
  
  Lore ●
  
  
  Martial Arts
  
  
  Medicine
  
  
  Melee ●●● (Being Outnumbered 2)
  
  
  Occult
  
  
  Performance
  
  
  Presence ●●
  
  
  Resistance ●●
  
  
  Ride
  
  
  Sail
  
  
  Socialize ●
  
  
  Stealth
  
  
  Survival ●●
  
  
  Thrown
  
  
  War ●●●
  
  
  Merits 4
  
  
  Allies ● (Riho Tanaka, Guild Factor)
  
  
  Danger Sense ●●●
  
  
  Familiar ●●● (Hiro Squeaks, Mouse of the Unconquered Sun)
  
  
  Languages ●● (Riverspeak & Seatongue in addition to her native Forest-Tongue)
  
  
  Equipment and property
  
  
  
• Charms
  
  
  Melee---
  
  
  Sorcery---
  
  
  Presence---
  
  
  War---
  
  
  Socialize---
  
  
  Dodge---
  
  
  Archery---
  
  
  Essence:
  
  
  Permanent: ●
  
  
  Personal: 13/13 (22)
  
  
  Peripheral: 28/28 (33)
  
  
  Committed:
  
  
  Willpower: ●●●●●/5
  
  
  Limit 0/10
  
  
  Limit Trigger: The Solar sees innocents suffering, and is either unable or unwilling to help them.
  
  
  Intimacies
  
  
  
• Join Battle:
  
  
  Offenses:
  
  
  Defenses:
  
  
  Evade:
  
  
  Parry:
  
  
  Soak:
  
  
  Hardness:
  
  
  Health:
  
  
  -0 [ ]
  
  
  -1 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -2 [ ][ ]
  
  
  -4 [ ]
  
  
  -X [ ]
  
  
  Social Defenses:
  
  
  Resolve:
  
  
  Guile:
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Experience points
  
  
  Experience Log 60
  
  
  60 Chargen