Dice Trial by Fire - Exalted 2e Characters

[Sherwood]

Here there be characters.

First, no Artifacts or Manses/Hearthstones are going to be allowed with character creation. You are freshly Exalted, and have not had the chance to get your weapons of Creation shattering power. Getting that stuff will be the focal point of your first story arc. New players get 12 dot in Artifacts and 3 dots in Manse. Xp earned so far in the game is 28 points.

Second, the highest you can raise your Essence at start-up is 3. As the game goes on, you'll have the opportunity to raise it up later.

Third, when you get either Sorcery or Necromancy, you get a free spell of that Circle for free.

Fourth, we are going to be using the Hardy Keyword for extra health levels. Here is a quick description of how that Keyword works, and the Charms involved.

New Keyword: HARDY
Each purchase of a Charm bearing this keyword works like a purchase of the Exalt's native version of Ox-Body Technique. This entirely replaces the Charm by that name; players lose those Charms and spend the refunded XP on Charms with the Hardy keyword.

No character may benefit from the Hardy keyword more times than their Essence score. An Essence 5 character with seven Hardy-keyworded Charms only benefits from the equivalent of five purchases of Ox-Body Technique until he raises his Essence score.

No character may receive the benefits of the Hardy keyword from any Charm not considered natural to his kind. Eclipses cannot learn Bruise-Relief Method and thus gain extra health levels, nor can a Malefactor grant extra health levels when bestowing Transcendent Desert Creature upon her followers as a mutation effect.

Charms which gain the Hardy keyword, by type:

SOLARS:
Body-Mending Meditation
Soul-Fire Resurgence
Rising Sun Renewal
Inner Fire Unleashed
Final Ray of Light
Unbreakable Warrior's Mastery
Enduring Mountain Method
Immunity To Everything Technique
Tireless Sentinel Technique
Invincible Essence Reinforcement
Durability of Oak Meditation
Spirit Strengthens the Skin
Iron Skin Concentration
Iron Kettle Body
Adamant Skin Technique
Hardship-Surviving Mendicant Spirit
Element-Resisting Prana
Eternal Elemental Harmony

LUNARS:
Bruise-Relief Method
Halting the Scarlet Flow
Purging the Tarnish Silver
Indestructible Recursive Design
Steadfast Yeddim Meditation
Luna's Fortitude
Unstoppable Juggernaut Incarnation
Scorpion and Toad Absolution
Scorpion and Toad Immunity
Scorpion and Toad Mastery
Hide-Toughening Essence
Frenzied Bear Fortification
Armor-Forming Technique
Weapon-Trapping Body Dominion
Stone Rhino's Skin
Invulnerable Moonsilver Carapace
Native Son's Grace
(Direction) Mastery Technique
External Hide Perfection


As per the Errata, everyone gets starting out 18 Bonus Points, 4 free Specialties, and Willpower starting at 5.

 

[Psychie]

• Attributes and Abilities
• Backgrounds and Essence
• Charms
• Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style
• Sapphire Veil of Passion Style
• Combat Stats
• Artifacts and Hearthstones
• Experience

• 
  Name: Darian Lambert
  Caste: Zenith
  Age: 21
  
  Attributes
  Str: 3
  Dex: 5
  Sta: 2
  
  Cha: 4
  Man: 3
  App: 4
  
  Per: 3
  Int: 2
  Wits: 2
  
  Abilities
  Archery
  *Martial Arts: 5 - Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style: 3
  Melee
  Thrown
  War
  
  *Integrity: 1
  *Performance: 5 - Dance: 2
  *Presence: 3
  *Resistance: 3
  *Survival: 1
  
  Craft
  Investigation
  Lore: 1
  Medicine
  Occult: 2
  
  Athletics: 3
  *Awareness: 5 - Listening: 1
  *Dodge: 3
  Larceny
  *Stealth: 2
  
  Bureaucracy: 2
  Linguistics: 3 - Skytongue (native), Flametongue, Guild Cant, Riverspeak, Old Realm
  Ride
  Sail
  *Socialize: 3
  
  
• 
  Backgrounds
  Backing: 2 - The Guild
  Contacts: 2
  Resources: 3
  
  Flaws
  Enemy: +1
  Greater Curse: +3
  
  Virtues
  Compassion: 2
  Conviction: 3
  Temperance: 3
  Valor: 2
  
  Willpower: 8
  
  Essence: 5
  Personal: 23
  Peripheral: 53 (39)
  Committed: 14
  
  Anima Power: The Zenith Caste is empowered by the light of the Unconquered Sun himself. With but a touch, the Golden Bulls can burn the bodies of the fallen for one mote of Essence per body, sending the smoke (and soul) to Heaven and preventing the body from rising after death as a zombie or and the lower soul from rising as a hungry ghost. They are protected from and can strike down demons, the undead and other creatures of darkness. As her action, a Zenith Exalt can channel 10 motes of Essence through her anima. She then glows with the holy fire of the Unconquered Sun and illuminates the area around her as brightly as if it were noon. this illumination extends for (Permanent Essence x 10) yards. For the remainder of the scene (or until she chooses to let the effect dissipate), she gains additional lethal and bashing soak equal to her Essence against attack by all creatures of darkness. In addition, when she has activated her anima power, her player can also add the Zenith's Essence to the minimum number of dice she rolls for any attack made against a creature of darkness (Meaning that, in most cases, she will roll a minimum number of dice equal to twice the character's Essence). This effect comes into play automatically once the Solar spends 11-15 motes of Peripheral Essence.
  
  Virtue Flaw: Overindulgence.
  
  
• 
  Athletics
  
  Spoiler: First Athletics Excellency - Essence Overwhelming

  Cost: 1m per die, Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-Ok,
  Duration: Instant
  Lawgivers with this Charm are known for their moments of brilliance. The Exalt's player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Ability. This Charm adds one die to that roll for every mote spent. The rule that Solars are prohibited from increasing a dice pool by more than their (Attribute + Ability) almost alwyas refers to the purchase of dice through the use of this Charm.
  Spoiler: Thunderbolt Attack Prana

  Cost: 3m,1wp, Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-Ok, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  The athletes of the Sun often master signature attacks. This Charm uses the Solar's signature athletic move to enhance an attack.
  This Charm gives one bonus success on this attack in Step 3 of the attack resolution and doubles the post-soak damage of the attack in Step 7 of attack resolution.
  
  Awareness
  
  Spoiler: First Awareness Excellency - Essence Overwhelming

  Cost: 1m per die, Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-Ok,
  Duration: Instant
  Lawgivers with this Charm are known for their moments of brilliance. The Exalt's player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Ability. This Charm adds one die to that roll for every mote spent. The rule that Solars are prohibited from increasing a dice pool by more than their (Attribute + Ability) almost alwyas refers to the purchase of dice through the use of this Charm.
  Spoiler: Keen Sight Technique

  Cost: 3m, Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-Ok
  Duration: One scene
  Essence enhances the Solar's senses. Keen (Sense) Technique is actually three Charms, one that heightens sight, one that heightens hearing and touch and one that heightens smell and taste.
  This Charm gives two bonus successes on Awareness actions that use the relevant senses. It also allows the character to clearly perceive sensory impressions that are normally too faint for human senses to validly observe at all.
  Sight: The character can make out the detail on a commander's epaulet at 500 yards distance, at night. She can see the individual threads in a shirt, and with a legendary success, she can make out the motion of the mites that live on others' eyebrows.
  Spoiler: Keen Hearing and Touch Technique

  Cost: 3m, Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-Ok
  Duration: One scene
  Essence enhances the Solar's senses. Keen (Sense) Technique is actually three Charms, one that heightens sight, one that heightens hearing and touch and one that heightens smell and taste.
  This Charm gives two bonus successes on Awareness actions that use the relevant senses. It also allows the character to clearly perceive sensory impressions that are normally too faint for human senses to validly observe at all.
  Hearing and Touch: The character can gauge the quality of fabric with a touch. She reduces the external penalty to target unseen characters to -1 and the internal penalty from blindness to -2. She can hear conversations normally through thick stone walls. With a legendary success, she can read by touch.
  Spoiler: Unsurpassed Hearing and Touch Discipline

  Cost: 2m, Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-Ok
  Duration: One scene
  Essence grants the character supreme sensory prowess. Unsurpassed (Sense) Discipline is actually three Charms. One heightens sight, one heightens hearing and touch, and the last one heightens smell and taste.
  This Charm doubles the character's successes on Awareness rolls, before subtracting any external penalties. Should the character employ this Charm in combination with the appropriate Keen (Sense) Technique, it is reasonable to imagine that she could critique the mating practices of insects, read with her fingertips or gauge an individual's mood by scent.
  
  
  Martial Arts
  
  Spoiler: First Martial Arts Excellency - Essence Overwhelming

  Cost: 1m per die, Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-Ok,
  Duration: Instant
  Lawgivers with this Charm are known for their moments of brilliance. The Exalt's player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Ability. This Charm adds one die to that roll for every mote spent. The rule that Solars are prohibited from increasing a dice pool by more than their (Attribute + Ability) almost alwyas refers to the purchase of dice through the use of this Charm.
  Spoiler: Infinite Martial Arts Mastery

  Cost: 2m+, 1wp, Mins: (Ability) 4, Essence 3
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: None
  Duration: One scene
  The Solar Exalted are infinite wells of talent. Each two motes committed to this Charm reduces the mote cost for the first three (Ability) Excellencies by one, to a minimum of 0. Exalted with Essence 3 can spend up to six motes on this, while Exalted with Essence 4+ can spend as many motes as they like.
  
  
  Performance
  
  Spoiler: First Performance Excellency - Essence Overwhelming

  Cost: 1m per die, Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-Ok,
  Duration: Instant
  Lawgivers with this Charm are known for their moments of brilliance. The Exalt's player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Ability. This Charm adds one die to that roll for every mote spent. The rule that Solars are prohibited from increasing a dice pool by more than their (Attribute + Ability) almost alwyas refers to the purchase of dice through the use of this Charm.
  Spoiler: Phantom Conjuring Performance

  Cost: --, Type: Permanent
  Keywords: Obvious
  Duration: Variable
  Essence enhances the Solar's arts. This Charm allows the Solar to create ghostly images, Essence flares, ethereal music and strange sensory effects when using a Performance Excellency or Presence Excellency. These effects do not seem entirely real, they remain within (Essence x 10) yards of the Solar, and they cannot be used to confuse or deceive others without a stunt. This Charm has no cost, but the Solar need not use its effects.
  Spoiler: Heart-Compelling Method

  Cost: 6m, Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-Ok, Emotion, Social
  Duration: One scene
  The Solar Exalted rise above the common through their understanding of others' desires. This Charm supplements a Performance-based roll to rouse emotion in others. It exerts unnatural mental influence on every valid target of this roll. If their MDV is less than the extra successes on the roll, this Charm inspires the desired emotion intensely for a scene. Resisting the influence costs two Willpower.
  Spoiler: Memory-Reweaving Discipline

  Cost: 10m, 1wp, Type: Simple (Speed 5 in long ticks)
  Keywords: Combo-Ok, Illusion, Social
  Duration: Instant
  The Lawgivers define others' reality. This Charm is a Performance-based social attack that encourages a specific belief--for example, overwriting the audience's memories and convincing them that the Solar has always lived in their town. This Charm exerts unnatural mental influence on every valid target of this roll. If their MDV is less than the extra successes on the roll, this Charm inspires them to believe. It also creates an instant commitment to that belief. Shaking off the illusion requires one Willpower per scene, and the effect lasts until the targets break their commitment to the false belief.
  
  
  Resistance
  
  Spoiler: Durability of Oak Meditation

  Cost: 3m Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-Ok
  Duration: Instant
  A boy cannot cut down an oak tree with a kitchen knife. Nor can a mere mortal slay the Solar with petty blows of mortal steel. The Solar invokes this Charm after an attack hits but before damage is rolled. This Charm sets her Hardness against that attack to 8.
  Spoiler: Iron Skin Concentration

  Cost: 2m, Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-Ok, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Mortal weapons are as the stings of wasps and hornets to the Lawgivers reborn. The Solar invokes this Charm after an attack hits him but before damage is rolled. Roll (her Stamina + Resistance) against a difficulty equal to the attacker's Essence (up to a maximum of 6). On a success, this Charm prevents all damage from the attack; on a failure, this Charm still gives her +4A/+8L/+8B soak.
  Spoiler: Iron Kettle Body

  Cost: 4m, 1wp, Type: Simple
  Duration: One scene
  The Lawgivers are armored in righteousness, and many need to other hauberk. This Charm gives the character +4A/+8L/+8B soak for the scene. This Charm cannot be used by characters wearing armor. The defense provided by this Charm is compatible with Iron Skin Concentration's effects.
  
  
• 
  Martial artists who learn the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style become consummate performers with charisma and grace to spare, and they can be as elusive as dreams. They wield desires like swords, and the masters can become things out of nightmare. The style emphasizes finesse and subtle manipulation rather than brute power, and it might have inspired the White Veil Style. (That Terrestrial martial art is much weaker, though.) Weapons and Armor: Charms in the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style treat attacks made with a whip, weighted rope or rope dart as unarmed attacks. (See the Appendix, pp. 156-157, for the game statistics of rope weapons.) Sashes, capes and ball gown trains can be given the properties of weighted ropes through the judicious addition of lead weights concealed in the layers of fabric. Directly examining such items to determine if they are weapons requires a (Perception + Investigation) roll. Doing so while simply looking at the character over requires a (Perception + Awareness) roll, difficulty 3, instead. War fans are also form weapons for the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style.
  Several Charms of this style also enable practitioners to attack using the long, flowing sleeves of their robes or ordinary gown trains, cloaks or sashes, without any preparation. Others permit attacks using ordinary paper fans and similar props. In such cases the martial artist empowers these “weapons” with her Essence. All the damage comes from the Charm.
  Characters cannot use this style while wearing armor.
  Complementary Skills: A prospective Dreaming Pearl Courtesan must have at least two dots in Performance, Presence or Socialize before she can learn this style.
  
  
  Spoiler: Demure Carp Feint

  Cost: 4m; Mins: Martial Arts 2, Essence 1;
  Type: Refl exive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: One action
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The character opens a fan, twirling it and waving it in a distracting way. (This does not need to be a war fan as long as it is used only for distraction.) The Exalt’s movements become as graceful and unpredictable as cherry blossoms in a gust of wind. While using this Charm, the Exalt adds either her Essence or +2 (whichever is greater) to her DVs.
  Spoiler: Pearlescent Filigree Defense

  Cost: 1m per 1L/2B soak; Mins: Martial Arts 3, Essence 1;
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: Obvious
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The Exalt channels her Essence into his robes, making his clothing and accouterments take on an iridescent sheen as shimmering golden motes of Essence waft and rise from him. Each mote spent adds one to the character’s lethal soak and two to the character’s bashing soak. (This bonus does not count as armor, but as a form of natural soak.) The character cannot spend more motes of Essence to fuel this Charm than he has dots of Essence.
  Spoiler: Lethal Paper Fan Attack

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Martial Arts 3, Essence 1;
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Obvious, Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  In the hands of a martial artist using this Charm, a delicate paper fan can be infused with Essence that makes it cut like a razor. The character treats all paper fans (or other similar props such as brushes or mirrors) as wind-fire wheels. She treats all sashes, long hems, sleeves and so on as seven section staves. The damage these weapons inflict is lethal, though their appearance does not change. In addition, if the character uses an actual war fan or other accouterments that has been properly constructed for use in the martial arts, the character may enhance the weapon’s Speed, Accuracy, Damage or Defense by an amount equal to her Essence. (Pick any one value upon activating the Charm.) If the player picks Speed, a value equal to the character’s Essence is subtracted from the weapon’s Speed rating. The result of doing so can be no less than 1, however. Sashes, cloak-hems and other clothing turned into weighted ropes and then enhanced by this Charm deal less damage than they would if empowered by the Charm alone—but the character can wield them with much greater Speed, Accuracy or Defense.
  Spoiler: Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Form

  Cost: 5m; Mins: Martial Arts 4, Essence 2;
  Type: Simple (Speed 3)
  Keywords: Form-type, Obvious, Social
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Demure Carp Feint, Pearlescent Filigree Defense, Lethal Paper Fan Attack
  The sensual martial artist’s props and robes take on a life of their own, enhancing and complementing her movements. At her command, her fans open and swirl enticingly about her body like butterflies. Her sashes tease and coil around her like a lover’s hands, and her flowing sleeves and robes writhe and twist at her whim. The Exalt does not have to physically manipulate these props in order to create this effect. The martial artist controls one prop per dot of Essence she has (deciding which props to animate when she activates the Charm). For example, an Exalt with an Essence score of 4 could control one fan, one sash, one of her flowing sleeves and the hem of her cloak, or she could control four fans at once. If the martial artist wishes to add or change a prop, she must drop the present invocation of this Charm and reactivate it.
  Objects the martial artist wishes to command must be in her possession, and she cannot make an attack with these props unless she is manually controlling them. To attack with them yet still leave her hands free requires her to use the Flurry of August Leaves Concentration Charm. While her character uses this Charm, the Exalt’s player adds her character’s Martial Arts score to all Presence and Socialize rolls, including those required for social combat and the activation of Charms.
  Spoiler: Flurry of August Leaves Concentration

  Cost: 2m per weapon; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 2;
  Type: Simple (DV -2)
  Keywords: Combo-Basic, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Form
  The martial artist with this Charm casts her fans or sashes into the air, making them swoop and slash out at an opponent before obediently returning to her. If she activates this Charm while using the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Form, the martial artist can have as many props as that Charm allows make multiple attacks against one target. This Charm allows the martial artist to strike a target up to (Martial Arts x 5) yards away. The Exalt’s player rolls a single normal Martial Arts attack, regardless of how many weapons the character controls. Successes from the roll, penalized by the target’s DV, apply to all weapons simultaneously, and the damage is calculated normally as if she had performed the attack manually. The opponent does suffer an onslaught penalty to his DV for being attacked by multiple props, but each prop applies its damage separately.
  Botched attacks can result in broken or lost props, if not injury to the martial artist who cast them. Also, this Charm can be used only on props that can be separated from the Exalt’s body. (She can’t lash out at a target 25 yards away with the hem of her ball gown, for instance, unless she’s wearing one damn long train.)
  Spoiler: Resplendent Sash Grapple Technique

  Cost: 3m per action; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 2;
  Type: Reflexive (Step 9)
  Keywords: Counterattack, Obvious
  Duration: Varies
  Prerequisite Charms: Flurry of August Leaves Concentration
  The Exalt’s flowing sashes, hems, sleeves or what have you act with an uncanny dexterity to grapple opponents and their weapons. After successfully dodging or otherwise negating an enemy’s attack, the Exalt’s player may make a reflexive (Dexterity + Martial Arts) roll to have his character’s cloak or flowing sleeves snare her opponent’s attacking weapon or appendage.
  In order to make a successful retaliatory grapple, the martial artist must score as many successes as his opponent did on her attack. The defender may evade this attack only with Charms or as part of a flurry on her same action. (An opponent is unlikely to call for such a flurry unless she has already seen the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan use this Charm in a previous action, however.) If the martial artist’s opponent uses a weapon and the martial artist scores three more successes than his opponent’s relevant weapon Ability, the martial artist may disarm the target rather than clinching her.
  After successfully clinching his enemy, the martial artist’s player attempts a resisted roll of (Dexterity + Martial Arts) against the opponent’s (Strength + [Melee or Martial Arts]). The normal grappling rules still apply. If the Exalt uses the Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Form when activating this Charm, he may attempt as many of these reflexive grapples with animated sashes or trailing robe hems as that Charm allows him to animate. If the martial artist grapples his opponent with a prop animated by that Form-type Charm, turning the tables on the grapple in the subsequent resisted roll does not grant the opponent any control over the martial artist. Instead, she’ll just be left holding a limp sash or a ripped-off piece of a loose sleeve. The cost of this Charm must be spent for each reflexive grapple the Exalt attempts.
  Spoiler: Fragrant Petal Fascination Kata

  Cost: 10m, 1wp; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 3;
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: Compulsion, Obvious
  Duration: Indefinite
  Prerequisite Charms: Flurry of August Leaves Concentration
  As the Exalt performs the sultry, languid moves of this Charm, ethereal music whispers in the air, and flower petals flow from her sleeves and the folds of her robes to swirl around her. The martial artist’s player rolls (Charisma + Martial Arts), and the players of all those within a number of yards equal to the Exalt’s Essence must compare the result to their characters’ Dodge MDV. Those whose MDVs do not negate the successes on the martial artist’s player’s roll find their characters transfixed in place, enraptured by the beauty of the kata and perfume of the petals. Even those in range of this Charm who are not entranced experience a hallucinogenic vertigo, suffering an internal penalty equal to the Exalt’s Essence to all dice pools.
  Targets who are entranced believe whatever the Exalt tells them. The Exalt can issue commands to those enraptured and expect them to be followed, regardless of the victim’s Intimacies or Motivation. (The victim safely ignores suicidal orders.) This Charm does not affect characters with a higher permanent Essence than the martial artist, though. If the Exalt halts her kata for any reason, or if the scene ends, the fascination slowly wears off. In ongoing combat, the effects linger for a number of actions equal to the martial artist’s Essence. During this waning period, the victims suffer an internal penalty equal to the Exalt’s Essence to all dice pools. Enraptured victims retain vague memories of what they did under the effects of this Charm and suffer a strange melancholy afterward, imposing a -1 internal penalty to Conviction rolls for a number of days equal to the Exalt’s Essence.
  Spoiler: Seven Storms Escape Prana

  Cost: 8m, 1wp; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4;
  Type: Simple (DV -2)
  Keywords: Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Fragrant Petal Fascination Kata
  The martial artist centers himself, breathing in ambient Essence. When he exhales, sweet tendrils of pastel fumes escape his lips, and eerie electricity prickles the hair on the back of bystanders’ necks. The Exalt’s clothes and hair whip around him, and he becomes a vortex of swirling light and vapor. That vortex disappears in a flash, only to reappear a distance of (Martial Arts x 5) yards away, where the Exalt emerges.
  Spoiler: Invoking the Chimera's Coils

  Cost: 15m, 1wp + 1wp to end the Charm; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4;
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: Obvious
  Duration: Varies
  Prerequisite Charms: Resplendent Sash Grapple Technique, Vindictive Concubine’s Pillow Book Understanding, Seven Storms Escape Prana
  Masters of this style achieve a perfect waking and lucid union of timeless dream and finite self. With this Charm, the martial artist opens herself to Creation’s collective dreaming consciousness and assumes the form of the fell and beautiful Chimera. Swirling light shines down upon the Exalt. Her clothes and accouterments merge with her body as her form extends to five times her normal height. Her neck grows up to four feet in length and supports a delicate and golden beaked foal’s head. Four sets of spiraling gazelle’s horns adorn her head, reshaping themselves like tendrils of smoke. Many eyes line either side of her narrow snout and continue down her back—ranging from the size of small pearls to the size of goose eggs. They alternately blaze like sapphires in the noonday sun and blink demurely.
  Gold-veined pearl scales cover the Exalt’s entire form, providing an additional 6L/12B armor. Instead of arms or legs, the martial artist floats just above the ground on a pair of four-foot-wide carp fins for every dot of Essence she has. These fins enable her to hover in or swim through the air with serpentine grace at 45 miles per hour. (These fins also provide a +3 bonus to Damage.) While using this Charm, the Exalt cannot be surprised or lied to, as secrets echo on the wind for her alone and others’ intentions play out like uncoiling prayer strips in her mind’s eye. Also, the Exalt can perform a number of actions per “actual” action equal to her Essence. (Each “actual” action taken thus is Speed 6.) These granted actions are full extra actions, not parts of a flurry, though any of them can also be subdivided into a flurry. This Charm is incompatible with other extra-action Charms. This Charm lasts for as long as the Exalt wishes, and she must spend a point of temporary Willpower to end it. Invoking it is risky, however. A martial artist who learns this Charm comes dangerously close to the Blossom of the Perfected Lotus, without necessarily the wisdom to control such esoteric forces. The Exalt thrills to an ecstatic bliss in this form, and many who have done so forgot they were once mortal. For every additional scene her character remains in this form, the player must make a Willpower roll with a cumulative +1 difficulty modifier. If she fails this roll at any time, the character disappears in a blinding flash of pearlescent light, never to be seen again except in fragmentary, half remembered dreams.
  
  
• 
  This ancient Sidereal martial art is popularly known among the Viziers as “the twice-mastered art.” The less crude interpretation of this moniker refers to the style's history. Legend has it that Sapphire Veil of Passion style was originally invented by Entwined in Night's Shadows, a Chosen of Secrets. But he was selfish and proud, and refused to teach the style he had invented. He never took a student or produced any records, and its mysteries died with him. Centuries later, it was re-created from second-hand accounts and first-hand insights by an ambitious Joybringer to settle a bet with Ma-Ha-Suchi, and has remained a favored possession of the Chosen of Serenity ever since.
  Sapphire Veil of Passion was derived from extensive first-hand study of that most ancient and enduring fascination of the human race—sex. Its masters weather the ribald jokes and off-color commentary of their younger contemporaries with patience and good humor. Those who face them in battle discover that these martial artists have turned their focus inward upon the hottest of flames and have tempered it into an exceedingly fine weapon. They do not jest about the style afterward. For more information on Sidereal martial arts, see Scroll of the Monk.
  Weapons and Armor: Charms of this style treat attacks made with the urumi and its artifact equivalent, the floating ribbon, as unarmed attacks. This style is not compatible with armor, but is traditionally used with a buckler.
  
  
  Spoiler: Into Infinite Depths

  Cost: 6m; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4; Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Clearing her mind of all but the sensation of the moment, the martial artist cuts her gaze across an opponent. In so doing she sees him anew, with unsurpassed clarity. The character immediately gains the following knowledge about one individual: what manner of being the target is (Solar Exalt, god, raksha, etc), which martial arts styles he knows at least one Charm from, which martial arts styles he knows up to the Form-type Charm, which martial arts styles he has mastered, whether he has any Intimacies toward the martial artist, and the nature of those Intimacies, if they exist.
  For the rest of the scene, the martial artist gains a +2 bonus to her DVs and MDVs against any opponent she has evaluated in this manner. Into Infinite Depths may be activated as an innate power, which does not count as a Charm activation if Sapphire Veil of Passion Form is active.
  Spoiler: Yellow Dragon Flight

  Cost: 13m, 1wp; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4; Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Wild ribbons of yellow and scarlet power blaze around the character's attacking limb. Channeling her understanding of the male principle of Essence, the martial artist enchants an unarmed attack with aggressive, penetrating power. The attack is considered unblockable, ignores soak derived from armor, and in addition to inflicting standard damage, ignites a number of the target's motes equal to the martial artist's (Essence x 2). These motes are not only lost, but also immediately applied as raw lethal damage which ignores armor, but is soaked separately from the original attack. If the target lacks sufficient Essence, or lacks Essence at all, this aspect of the attack is wasted.
  Spoiler: Black Dragon Coils

  Cost: 5m, 3wp; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4;
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Yellow Dragon Flight
  Stepping back from determined opposition, the martial artist swirls with onyx ribbons. Channeling her understanding of the female principle of Essence, she enhances an unarmed parry against any attack she can perceive, even unblockable attacks, rendering the defense it provides perfect. Additionally, the martial artist regains one channel of any Virtue of her choice for every five motes or fraction thereof the opponent spent on the blocked attack. For example, if an opponent spends one to five motes, the martial artist regains one channel. If an opponent spends six to 10 motes, the martial artist regains two channels (one for the first set of five motes, and another for the remainder in the second set of five motes).
  Spoiler: Eternal Infatuation Dance

  Cost: 8m; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4;
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Counterattack, Obvious
  Duration: Indefinite
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Taking attention to imply invitation, the character is able to quickly close with those who draw her notice. This Charm may be activated in response to any social or physical attack. The martial artist vanishes in a swirl of collapsing sapphire ribbons, appearing one yard away from her attacker. In the case of long-range social attacks (such as those delivered through sorcery), the Charm's maximum allowable range of movement is (Essence x 20) miles. This action incidentally acts as a perfect dodge upon activation against physical ranged attacks of which the martial artist is aware, assuming the attack can be dodged. Subsequent ranged attacks during the remainder of the Charm's duration must be defended against normally.
  As long as the martial artist does not voluntarily move away from the individual whom she activated Eternal Infatuation Dance to approach, she may stay within one yard of him at all times, regardless of his movement rate or any exotic movement abilities employed.
  The initial movement granted by this Charm is considered a counterattack. This Charm may not be invoked more than once per action.
  Spoiler: Dissolution of Value

  Cost: 15m; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4; Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious Duration: Indefinite
  Prerequisite Charms: Eternal Infatuation Dance, Into Infinite Depths
  Rooting herself in the midst of her opponents, the martial artist's anima erupts into a series of spiraling ribbons that brush aside the attacks of her foes. While this Charm persists, no penalties of any kind may reduce her DVs. (As always, inapplicability is not a penalty.) Characters attacking her from behind in a press also do not gain a free unexpected attack. Dissolution of Value automatically ends if the martial artist moves more than one yard from the point where she activated this Charm.
  Spoiler: Satisfying Idle Fantasy

  Cost: 10m; Mins: Martial Arts 5, Essence 4;
  Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Emotion
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Dissolution of Value
  Wrapping herself in self-indulgent dreams of her own triumph, the martial artist denies opponents the ability to hold themselves superior to her. No penalties may apply to her dice pools when she attacks any character she has evaluated with Into Infinite Depths during the course of the scene, save
  for multiple action penalties. Additionally, when any of her attacks inflict damage, the target must pay one Willpower or accept an Intimacy toward
  the Sidereal. (This Intimacy represents lust if appropriate to the character's gender preferences, uneasy fascination otherwise.)
  
  
• 
  Health Levels
  -0 [ ]
  -1 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
  -2 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] - [ ][ ][ ]
  -4 [ ]
  I [ ]
  Dying [ ][ ]
  
  Soak: 1L/2B - +5L/+5B from Infinite Resplendence Amulet, up to +5L/+10B from Pearlescent Filigree Defense (One Scene), +4A/+8L+8B from Iron Kettle Body (One Scene), +4A/+8L/+8B from Iron Skin Concentration (Instant)
  
  Willpower: 8
  
  Essence: 5
  Personal: 23
  Peripheral: 53 (39)
  Committed: 14
  
  Dodge DV: 7
  Parry DV with War Fans: 8 (11)
  Parry DV with Chain Daiklave: 8 (11)
  
  Dodge MDV: 5
  
  Join Battle: 7
  
  Weapons and Armor
  Chain Daiklave: Speed 5, Accuracy +1 (+6), Damage 5L/2O (+10L), Defense +3 (+8), Rate 3
  Exceptional War Fans: Speed 4, Accuracy +3 (+8), Damage +3L (+8L), Defense +3 (+8), Rate 2 - Enhanced with a Fire benediction
  Sash (Seven-Section Staff): Speed 5, Accuracy -2 (+3), Damage 7B (+12B), Defense +3 (+8), Rate 2
  
  Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy +0, Damage 0B, Defense +0, Rate 1
  Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy +0, Damage +3B, Defense -2, Rate 2
  Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy +1, Damage 0B, Defense +2, Rate 3
  
  
• 
  
  Spoiler: Infinite Resplendence Amulet

  The amulet can generate any form of outfit the wearer can imagine, however grnad or humble. Changing the setting requires contact and a diceless miscellaneous action. Repairing or cleaning a worn outfit takes the same action as creating a new one.
  The Amulet provides an extra success to all Resistance or Survival rolls to reduce or avoid the effects of deleterious environmental conditions, toxins or disease.
  In addition, each Amulet has one material-specific feature by default, and composite designs include multiple features.
  Orichalcum: These amulets create clothes as constructs of light, giving them a palette of colors and textures worthy of a Solar's glory. As an Obvious effect, such raiment gives its wearer +4 Appearance and inhibits Stealth like a 8-10 mote anima banner does. The Solar may hide this glory, but the bonus is all or nothing.
  Moonsilver: The wearer gets two bonus dice to Stealth rolls and two bonus dice to assume a disguise with Larceny, as well as adding +5L/+5B protection that does not count as armor for Charms.
  Starmetal: Such garments conceal numerous pockets folded into Elsewhere, providing sufficient storage space to carry up to a ton of assorted items safely out of reach of the world, provided the objects could actually fit through a pocket opening no larger than a foot across. Only the attuned wearer can reach into Elsewhere via these pockets; to others, they are merely stitched folds.
  Spoiler: Perfected Kata Bracers

  Perfected kata bracers are prayer strips crafted of a single magical material and curled into bracers. The strips’ sutras are starmetal engravings, except in starmetal bracers—they use orichalcum. Attunement costs eight motes. When the character activates a Form-type Charm, the sutras inscribed on the bracers glow and lift from the artifact to engulf the character in light for a brief moment. For the rest of the scene, she gains several benefits.
  She adds her Essence to the accuracy, damage and defense of her unarmed attacks and of attacks made with the active Form-type Charm’s particular weapons. She may choose to inflict bashing or lethal damage at will and she may parry lethal attacks unarmed. In addition:
  Orichalcum bracers let Solars inflict aggravated damage on creatures of darkness.
  Spoiler: Chain Daiklave

  The artifact version of the rope dart looks like a short daiklave and can be wielded as such. A quick twist separates the hilt into two sections connected by a slender chain. An attuned wielder can then swing the blade by the chain. The blade then has a 10-foot reach. Alternatively, an Exalt can hold the blade by the remainder of its hilt and swing the other half as a normal fighting chain, as well as using it for clinches. Characters with any degree of Martial Arts Ability can switch between functions without the need for a Ready Weapon action. A chain daiklave never carries more than one hearthstone setting.
  The following trait bar describes a chain daiklave with the blade swung on its chain. When using the blade as a regular sword, or swinging the chain instead, use the trait bars for a short daiklave or a dire chain.
  Speed 5, Accuracy +1, Damage 5L, Defense +3, Rate 3
  Spoiler: Perfected Boots

  This artifact has been made since the early days of the First Age, but most modern examples were manufactured in Lookshy. Almost half of the Dragon-Blooded ground troops fielded by this martial state wear a version of this artifact. Once the wearer commits one mote of Essence to this item, these boots become the most comfortable footwear she has ever worn. This artifact keeps the wearer’s feet cool and dry in all conditions, and she will never develop blisters while wearing them. In addition to comfort, these boots also allow the wearer to both run and march considerably faster than normal. In combat, the wearer adds three yards per tick to all move actions and six yards per tick to dash actions. When walking long distances, the wearer can march at a speed of 10 miles per hour and can cover up to 100 miles in a day, allowing the wearer to overtake carriages and to easily keep up with all but the fastest mounted characters. In addition, the wearer adds two to her Strength when calculating jumping distances. This bonus adds directly to the wearer’s Strength if the jumping distance is multiplied because of Charms, additional artifacts or anima powers. One of the primary advantages these boots provide for Lookshy is that heavy infantry who wear these boots can easily keep up with cavalry troops, allowing Lookshy forces to be exceedingly swift and mobile.
  Spoiler: Jewel of the Flying Heart

  This blood-red, triangular stone increases the bearer’s Dodge DV by one. (This bonus applies to the final value, not the pool used to calculate it.) Setting this hearthstone in an edged weapon also grants a +1 bonus to all Melee attacks the bearer makes with that weapon.
  Spoiler: Stone of the Earthweb

  Black veins crawl across this rough, light-gray octagon. An Exalt bearing this hearthstone never need fear sneak attacks or stumbling around in the dark. While wearing it, the Exalt can feel the earth around her just as a spider can feel the strands of its web. Within a radius of 10 yards, the Exalt feels everything resting upon the ground or on the same floor that she stands upon. She can feel size, approximate weight and any movement of all such objects and individuals. A large chest would be a heavy rectangular weight, while even the most carefully hidden assassin would feel like a live person standing very still. So long as the bearer stands upon the ground or a floor that is built directly upon the ground, she can feel everything upon the ground that is within her range. However, if she stands on the upper story of a building, then these perceptions only apply to objects and people resting upon that upper floor. Also, the mystical perception granted by the hearthstone does not extend to anything that is not on the floor. Hanging lamps or assassins crouching on desks cannot be felt with this item (although the desk might seem oddly heavy). In addition, the character will not trip over obstacles in the dark or suffer other penalties to movement based on poor visibility.
  Spoiler: Orialchum Bands of Auspicious Betrothal

  APPEARANCE
  - Both rings would look like muted gold-colored wedding bands with a smooth texture that easily reflects light. They would both have the phrase "---" embossed onto the ring, so that it could be read by sight or touch (assuming Darian could read it by touch similar to braille).
  ESSENCE/WP COSTS SUMMARY
  - Attunement would require committing 1m
  - 'Emotion' ability requires expenditure of 1 temporary WP
  - 'Sunset Plain' ability requires expenditure of 1 temporary WP
  - 'Damage Transfer' ability requires 1m per health level
  IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
  - As long as the ring is attuned, wearer gains a supernaturally reinforced positive intimacy of love towards the wearer of the partner ring. This ability would activate upon the saying of vows, and is reinforced by the Essence attuned to it in that moment.
  - Whenever the ring owner is compelled with natural mental influence to engage in an action that would harm their partner (the target of the supernatural intimacy) physically or emotionally, they treat the influence as an unacceptable order. If they are compelled by supernatural mental influence, then they add (Essence/2) to their Integrity score for purposes of all calculated MDVs (though it does count towards the maximum for bonus dice added to a roll).
  EMOTION ABILITY
  - After expending 1 temporary WP, the ring owner can feel the emotions their partner is experiencing for the remainder of the scene and can send their own emotions to their partner. While nothing verbal can be communicated between the two ring owners, after enough years of experience they may perhaps learn to communicate in a rudimentary sense via the emotions shared between each other.
  - In order for a ring owner to sense their partner's emotions, both partners much be located in the same realm of existence (such as Creation, Malfeas, Underworld, etc.). Otherwise, the cost is paid but the ability fails.
  SUNSET PLAIN ABILITY
  - The ring owner takes a meditative stance and spends ten minutes getting their mind into a meditative state. This is represented through taking a meditative action (treat mechanically like a shape terrestrial sorcery action), and paying 1 temporary WP. Once this is accomplished, they will open their eyes to find themselves sitting in a green meadow with the sun shining down upon them as though it were perpetually setting. While here, the ring owner feels relaxed and at peace with the world. This chance to focus and recharge grants them a single Conviction roll, allowing them to gain 1 point of temporary WP per success, as though they were waking from a restful sleep. This deep-relaxation recovery of WP may only be used once every seven days, as the character will need at least a week before their spiritual Essence no longer feels rejuvenated.
  - The main benefit gleaned from this mental state is the ability for the owner to meet with their partner on the sunset plain. As long as they have both paid the cost to arrive, the couple may appear to one another and hold conversations of indefinite length. The only limiting factor is that their bodies outside the sunset plain still continue to exist, and require their normal sustenance for survival. Additionally, if their body is injured while meditating, the first attack gains the benefit of being unexpected, though subsequent attacks will not as the harm will pull the ring owner immediately away from the sunset plain and back to their body.
  - In order for a couple to meet and communicate on the sunset plain, both participants much be located in the same realm of existence (such as Creation, Malfeas, Underworld, etc.). Otherwise, the cost for traveling to the sunset plain is paid but the ability to meet fails.
  DAMAGE TRANSFER ABILITY
  - The ring owner and their partner must be located within (Combined Essence x 10) yards of each other for this ability to function. If the ring owner's partner suffers post-soak damage that would fill their Incapacitated health level, the ring owner may shoulder their burden by paying 1m per post-soak damage prevented and then taking a number of aggravated health levels of damage equal to the number they prevented. This is displayed as bright golden flashes of starlight where the weapon that would have damaged the wounded partner instead disappears into fate, only to reappear instantly colliding with the ring owner and dealing them horrible rending wounds.
  ADDITIONAL "UNINTENDED" DETRIMENTS
  - If at any point the ring owner's partner is forced to fill their Incapacitated health level due to taking damage, the ring owner takes an immediate point of Limit.
  - If the ring owner's partner dies an unnatural death (here represented by anything involving foul play or malicious intent), the owner immediately loses a point of permanent Limit and suffers under the full effects of Berserker Rage for a scene.
  - Additionally, in the case of partner death, the ring owner immediately gains an appropriate negative supernatural intimacy towards the cause of their partner's untimely demise. If they do not know who caused their lover's death, the player will assign this negative intimacy to an individual or group that their character would most likely blame or suspect. Rolls to injure the target of this negative intimacy will not spur Compassion rolls if they apply, and killing the individual (or group) responsible destroys this supernatural intimacy.
  
  
• 
  Attribute - rating x4
  Favored or Caste Ability - (rating x2) -1
  Out of Caste Ability - rating x2
  Essence - rating x8
  Virtue - rating x3
  Willpower - rating x2
  New Ability - 3
  Specialty - 3
  Favored/Caste Charm - 8
  Out-of-Caste Charm - 10
  
  Experience Points Banked:
  
  Wish List
  Sapphire Veil of Passion Charms
  Master's Hand Envisioned Anew - DotFA 157
  

 

[Psychie]

This is what I picture Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Style to look like.

 

[Rykon]

• Profile
• Stats
• Backgrounds
• Charms
• Panoply
• Conflict Stats
• Point Spending
• Wishlist
• _

• 
  
  Name: Aredin Lentier
  Caste: Eclipse
  Age: 21 (20 at game start/Exaltation)
  Concept: Merchant Prince
  Motivation: Unite all of creation to build an age of prosperity with Darian.
  Virtue Flaw: Red Rage of Compassion
  
  Background
  Aredin grew up along the coast of the Inland Sea in Varangia. His father ran a business as a fisherman and merchant, teaching Aredin and his twin brother what he could of business. When the boys were only 8, and still too young to venture at sea, the household was set upon by ravenous Raksha looking for a meal. They came at night, when the sun was deep in slumber, feasting on their very minds in the nights. The two boys heard the sudden screams of their parents and jolted out of bed. Their home was small and hiding space limited. Aredin, threw himself in an old wardrobe, sitting still as the grave. Kuridin his twin, filed himself inside a box in the closet, but was discovered by one of un-earthly horrors crawled up from the ocean floor, assumed by the unforgetable scent they left behind. Aredin is still haunted to this day by the screams and the fear that left him paralyzed and helpless in an old wardrobe.
  
  Until adulthood, Aredin was left wandering in and out of small jobs to avoid the guild's chains. Often he'd find himself in some well-to-do's home working for naught but old food scraps and a meager allowance to maintain his appearance for the sake of his patron. Eventually, he landed himself with an old caravaner of the guild and made his way back to Yane, picking up what skills he could in trade and salesmanship. His Exaltation nearly cost him his life had the only witness not been assassinated by a new fellow in Rashiid. Rumors still abound of the golden flash of an Anathema in Yane, but thus far he's avoided public scrutiny of his identity.
  
  Cult
  Aredin's cult now reflects the populace of Gwynnin, and some few he has sponsored from slavery (particularly Orphans).
  
• 
  Essence: ●●●●
  Personal: 22
  Peripheral: 47
  Committed: 11
  Willpower: ●●●●● ●●●●●
  
  Compassion ●●●
  Conviction ●●
  Temperance ●●
  Valor ●●
  
  Anima Banner: A shadowy falcon wreathed in a halo of white light, soaring into the sky
  Anima Effect: Learn native charms from other creature/essence users, Diplomatic Immunity, Sealed Oaths
  
  Attributes
  Str ●●
  Dex ●●●●●
  Sta ●●
  
  Cha ●●●
  Man ●●●
  App ●●●●●
  
  Per ●●
  Int ●●
  Wits ●●●
  
  Abilities
  Archery
  Martial Arts
  Melee ●●●●● +Swords 3
  Thrown
  War
  
  Integrity
  Performance ●●●
  Presence ●●●●●
  Resistance ●●●
  Survival
  
  Craft
  Investigation
  Lore ●●●
  Medicine
  Occult
  
  Athletics ●●●
  Awareness
  Dodge ●●●●●
  Larceny
  Stealth ●●●
  
  Bureaucracy ●●●●●
  Linguistics ●●●● (Firetongue, Riverspeak, Old Realm, High Realm, Dragontongue)
  Ride ●●
  Sail
  Socialize ●●● +Reading People 3
  
  
• 
  Backgrounds
  Resources ●●●●●
  Contacts-The Guild ●●●
  Cult ●
  
  Flaws
  Major Oath-1 Hour Daily Meditation 5
  Code of Honor-Loyal 2
  Moderate Boon-Caravaner (Dusty Road) 2
  Intolerance(lethal)-Raksha 1
  
• 
  First Excellency
  Melee, Performance, Presence, Athletics, Bureaucracy, Socialize
  
  Spoiler: First (Ability) Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die; Mins: (Ability) 1, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Lawgivers with this Charm are known for their moments of brilliance. The Exalt’s player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Ability. This Charm then adds one die to that roll for each mote spent. This Charm is the paradigmatic dice adder. The rule that Solars are prohibited from increasing a dice pool by more than their (Attribute + Ability) almost always refers to the purchase of dice through the use of this Charm.
  
  Characters can also use this Charm to enhance unrolled uses of the relevant Ability, usually to increase a Defense Value, for example, by increasing (Dexterity + Dodge) to protect against a physical attack. When enhancing static values, her player rolls one die for each mote spent on the First Excellency. Each success increases her effective (Attribute + Ability) rating for the task by two. Therefore, each success on the First Excellency roll increases an applicable static value by one.
  
  Characters cannot use this or other Excellencies or dice adding Charms to “create” actions. For example, if a character attacks on tick 3 and will attack again on tick 8, she cannot buy dice for an attack on tick 4 that only exists because she used the Excellency to conjure dice for it. A character who uses this or other reflexive Charms to add to an attack can also use it to enhance her defense until the next tick when she acts, but she must spend Essence for each separate roll she wishes to modify. This Charm can be part of a Combo or used together with the Second Excellency, but it is incompatible with the Third Excellency. It can never be used on the same roll as the Third Excellency.
  Melee
  
  Spoiler: Infinite Melee Mastery

  Cost: 2m+, 1wp; Mins: (Ability) 4, Essence 3; Type: Simple
  Keywords: None
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Any (Ability) Excellency
  The Solar Exalted are infinite wells of talent. Each two motes committed to this Charm reduces the mote cost for the first three (Ability) Excellencies by one, to a minimum of 0. Exalted with Essence 3 can spend up to six motes on this Charm, while Exalted with Essence 4+ can spend as many motes as they like.
  
  Example: A character with Infinite Melee Mastery, a Melee of 4, a Dexterity of 4 and an Essence of 3 could commit up to six motes to the Charm. This would reduce the cost of any given Melee Excellency by three motes. While the character is technically using a Charm for the purposes of Combos, she could gain up to three bonus dice from the First Excellency on any action using Melee at a cost of 0 motes. She could buy one success with the Second Excellency at no cost in motes or reduce the cost of the Third Excellency to one mote.
  
  She could also gain one die with the First Excellency if the First and Second Excellencies were together in a Combo she had activated (see p.244). Any additional effect—adding more dice or more success—would cost the normal price. So, the example character could purchase up to eight bonus dice using the First Excellency and apply a three-mote discount to the total cost, so buying the maximum eight dice would cost five motes.
  
  Apply the discount to the total expenditure on Excellencies relating to a given roll. A character who spends motes on the Comboed effects of the First and Second Excellencies does not receive the discount for the use of both Excellencies on a given roll. If the example character activated a Combo and spent four motes to buy two successes on a roll with the Second Excellency and four motes to buy four dice using the First Excellency, the cost would be five motes ([4 + 4] – [3 for the six motes committed to the Infinite Melee Mastery]).
  
  This Charm and the relevant discount are incompatible with any effect that invokes the effects of Excellencies as innate powers rather than as Charms. A character must have the Excellency in order to invoke it at a discount through the use of this Charm.
  
  The discount of this Charm does not apply to dice purchased over the Solar’s normal dice limit with (Ability) Essence Flow
  Spoiler: Hungry Tiger Technique

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Melee 2, Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Solar warriors make themselves one with their blades. The Exalt spends one mote and makes a Melee-based attack. This Charm allows the Solar’s player to count extra successes on the attack roll twice for the purposes of determining raw damage.
  Spoiler: Sun-Sword Concentration

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Melee 3, Essence 2; Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Martial-Ready, Mirror (All Blades Cry for Blood), Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Hungry Tiger Technique
  Solar Essence superheats the Lawgiver’s blade until it glows cherry-red, burning hot enough to cleave through solid steel as if it were air. An attack supplemented by this Charm gains the Piercing tag and ignores all Hardness from armor. With Essence 3+, the Solar can pay an additional mote to ignore Hardness from other sources.
  
  Martial-Ready: Archery, Martial Arts, Thrown
  Spoiler: One Weapon, Two Blows

  Cost: 3m Mins: Melee 2, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 1)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Martial
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The Solar is as swift as the first rays of dawn. Repeat steps 7-10 when resolving the damage for this Charm, effectively damaging the opponent twice. All damage from the attack is applied simultaneously in Step 10, allowing a single perfect soak to defend against it.
  Martial: Martial Arts.
  Spoiler: Dipping Swallow Defense

  Cost: 2m; Mins: Melee 2, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Martial, Mirror (Elegant Flowing Deflection)
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The maneuver named Dipping Swallow Defense restores defensive advantage to a beleaguered or overextended fighter. This Charm is used in response to an attack. It allows the Exalt to ignore all penalties that apply to her Parry DV when resolving that attack. Her Parry DV is still 0 if it’s inapplicable, but it takes no further penalties.
  
  This Charm negates penalties to the Exalt’s Melee-derived Parry DV.
  Martial: Martial Arts.
  Spoiler: Bulwark Stance

  Cost: 5m; Mins: Melee 3, Essence 2; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-Basic, Martial
  Duration: Until next action
  Prerequisite Charms: Dipping Swallow Defense
  Like a terrible war machine, the Solar walks through the field of his enemy’s blades and is unmoved. This Charm causes the character to ignore penalties that apply to his Parry DV until his next action. This includes penalties invoked by his own attacks. Note that the effects of inapplicability are not a “penalty” on DV.
  
  This Charm negates penalties to the Exalt’s Melee-derived Parry DV.
  Martial: Martial Arts
  Spoiler: Fivefold Bulwark Stance

  Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Melee 5, Essence 2; Type: Simple
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Martial, Mirror (Eye of the Tempest)
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Bulwark Stance
  The world weeps when the Chosen fall, and so, the Unconquered Sun has given them every mastery of defense. For the remainder of the scene, this Charm removes the onslaught penalty other characters’ attacks impose on the Exalt’s DV. It also reduces the defense penalty imposed by each action the Exalt takes by one, to a minimum of zero.
  
  This Charm only applies its benefits to the Exalt’s Meleederived Parry DV.
  Martial: Martial Arts.
  
  Presence
  
  Spoiler: Irresistible Salesman Spirit

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Presence 4, Essence 2; Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-Basic, Social
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Presence Excellency
  The glamour of the Lawgivers inspires others to dream of glorious things. This makes the Solars the ultimate salesmen and recruiters. Irresistible Salesman Spirit enhances a Presence-based roll to exert mental influence and make a favorable bargain or encourage a specific action. This Charm doubles the Solar’s successes on the roll before comparing them to the target’s MDV.
  Spoiler: Hypnotic Tongue Technique

  Cost: 10m, 1wp; Mins: Presence 3, Essence 2; Type: Simple
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Social, Stackable, Touch
  Duration: Solar’s Charisma in days
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Presence Excellency
  It is hard for mortals to resist the shining glory of the Solar Exalted. This Charm exerts unnatural mental influence to create a Compulsion effect. The Lawgiver’s player rolls (Manipulation + Presence). If the result exceeds the target’s Mental DV, the target receives a compulsion to follow one order given by the Solar. The order can be as complicated as the Solar desires. The target must spend one Willpower to resist the order but need pay this cost only once per day. The influence fades when the Charm expires.
  
  When the Solar uses Hypnotic Tongue Technique, the target is not aware of the compulsion, nor does the Solar need to spell out the order explicitly in words. If the target wishes to recognize the influence or remember it later, doing so costs four Willpower, which must be spent all at once, and the target is thenceforth fully aware of the effect. Recognizing or remembering the influence is not considered “resisting” it, and the target does not gain Limit from doing so.
  Spoiler: Hastening Night's End

  WIP
  
  Resistance
  
  Spoiler: Durability of Oak Meditation

  WIP
  Spoiler: Iron Kettle Body

  WIP
  
  Athletics
  
  Spoiler: Thunderbolt Attack Prana

  Cost: 3m, 1wp; Mins: Athletics 3, Essence 2; Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Athletics Excellency
  The athletes of the Sun often master signature attacks. This Charm uses the Solar’s signature athletic move to enhance an attack. A signature move is something like leaping into the air and swinging the character’s fists in a brilliant Essenceladen arc, charging an opponent like a bull or pouncing on an enemy like a tiger. If the character receives mechanical benefits such as extra movement from his Athletics action, then it must be included in his current flurry. This Charm gives one bonus success on this attack in Step 3 of attack resolution and doubles the post-soak damage of the attack in Step 7 of attack resolution. This Charm is explicitly permitted to supplement actions of other Abilities. The player chooses the signature attack when purchasing this Charm, but once this Charm is purchased, the character can purchase new signature attacks for one experience point or one bonus point each
  
  Dodge
  
  Spoiler: Reflexive Sidestep Technique

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The heroes of the dawn are in tune with the Essence of the world. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an unexpected attack. The attack is no longer unexpected (but if an appropriate Charm, it remains unblockable). This allows the character to use his Dodge DV and Charms such as Seven Shadow Evasion against the attack.
  Spoiler: Shadow Over Water

  Cost: 1m; Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The Chosen move like shadows over water—with perfect grace and speed. The maneuver named Shadow Over Water restores defensive advantage to a beleaguered or overextended fighter. This Charm is used in response to an attack. It allows the Exalt to ignore all penalties that apply to her Dodge DV when resolving that attack. Her Dodge DV is still 0 against an undodgeable attack, but she takes no further penalties.
  Spoiler: Seven Shadow Evasion

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Dodge 4, Essence 2; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Shadow Over Water
  The Solar hero is too quick for his enemies to land a blow. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an attack. The attack must not be unexpected. This Charm is a dodge that perfectly defends against the attack—even if the attack is undodgeable.
  
  This Charm has one of the Four Flaws of Invulnerability
  (see p. 194)
  
  Linguistics
  
  Spoiler: Sagacious Reading of Intent

  Cost: 3m; Mins: Linguistics 1, Essence 1; Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Social
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  The Lawgivers see others’ purposes. This Charm identifies the motivation behind a given statement that the Exalt reads or hears—a one-sentence summary of what the person making that statement hopes to gain. If the Exalt invokes this Charm to defend against a social attack and the attacker’s purpose is fundamentally hostile to the Exalt or the Exalt’s Motivation, this Charm perfectly negates the attack.
• 
  Weapons
  
  Spoiler: Orichalcum Reaper Daiklave

  Speed: 4, Accuracy: +6/19, Damage: 4/6L 2O. Defense: +2/8, Rate: 4
  Spoiler: Straight Sword +Exceptional

  Speed: 5, Accuracy: +3/16, Damage: +4/6L, Defense: +1/7, Rate: 3
  
  Armor
  
  Spoiler: Obsolete: Chain Shirt +Exceptional

  Soak: 2B/3L, Mobility: -0, Fatigue: 0
  Spoiler: Infinite Resplendency Amulet

  Artifact ●●●●● 5m Attunement
  Soaks: +5B/+5L Stacks with Armor
  
  Consisting of aspect-dedicated magical material lattices embedded in synthetic adamant matrices, these thumbnail-sized baubles are the most ubiquitous artifact garments currently in fashion among the Chosen. Some elder Exalted object to them on principle, especially the "wear nothing you didn't make" purists and the "mansions of closets" hedonists, though the latter sometimes collect hundreds of amulets to display their collection of brand glyphs from highly regarded Exalted and Jadeborn artisans. Although the devices vary by model, each costs five motes to attune. The devices have the following common features.
  
  Modular Attire: The amulet can generate any form of outfit the wearer can imagine, however grand or humble. Changing the setting requires contact and a diceless miscellaneous action. Repairing or cleaning a worn outfit takes the same action as creating a new one. Created clothes have no reality beyond being an extension of the amulet, so they dissolve or flow back into the artifact if they are removed for any reason. Most wearers integrate the amulet itself as an accessory of each outfit, especially to show off impressive brand glyphs.
  
  Protection: Regardless of configuration, enchantments in the amulet proved +1L/+1B soak (which does not count as armor for Charm purposes), plus an extra success to all Resistance or Survival rolls to reduce or avoid the effects of deleterious environmental conditions, toxins, or disease.
  
  In addition, each amulet also has one material-specific feature by default. Composite designs cost ●●●● for one additional feature or ●●●●● for all four material features. Provided a copy of the artifact incorporates the material that naturally resonates with its wearer, there is no commitment surcharge to attune a composite model.
  
  Orichalcum: These amulets creates clothes as constructs of solidified light, giving them a palette of colors and textures worthy of a Solar's glory. As an Obvious effect, such raiment gives its wearer +4 Appearance and inhibits stealth like an 8-10 mote anima banner does. The Solar may hide this glory to make humbler attire if his pride permits, but the bonus is all or nothing.
  
  Moonsilver: Extruding outfits as a diaphanous second skin grown from liquid metal tendrils, these amulets provide superior protection and camouflage on demand. The wearer gets two bonus dice to Stealth rolls and two bonus dice to assume a disguise with Larceny, as well as replacing the usual soak bonus with +5L/+5B (that stacks with and is still not considered armor for Charms).
  
  Starmetal: Weaving clothes from strands of the wearer's own fate, these amulets provide extremely subtle and understated elegance. Such garments conceal numerous pockets folded into Elsewhere, providing sufficient storage space to carry up to a ton of assorted items safely out of reach of the world, provided the objects could actually fit through a pocket opening no longer than a foot across. Only the attuned wearer can reach into Elsewhere via these pockets; to others, they are merely stitched folds. In the event of the wearer's death, his corpse fades into Elsewhere with his possessions for burial among the interstices of fate, leaving only his enchanted clothes to mark his passage.
  
  Jade: Micro-articulated jade scales unfold from the amulet into glossy military uniforms appropriate for elite Dragon-Blooded officers. When worn by a unit relay, the wearer counts as five relays for the purposes of preventing communication failure. When worn by a unit commander, her dignified example provides one bonus dot each to Drill and Morale, as well as +1 Might if the unit has Magnitude 3 or less.
  
  Worn Artifacts
  
  Spoiler: Collar of Dawn's Cleansing Light

  Artifact ●1m Attunement
  
  This artifact comes in a variety of forms—studded bands, chokers, torcs, collars, delicate necklaces and the like. Any piece of neck adornment is appropriate, and these items are still quite common today. Many of the Dragon-Blooded in the Second Age own and wear them when possible, not just for their useful properties, but also to show off.
  
  The purpose of this collar is to keep its wearer clean in every respect. She could spend weeks living beneath a rubbish heap and emerge at the end as though she had just spent hours preparing for a grand ball. The artifact negates all penalties to Social rolls that would be applied due to the character being dirty or unkempt. Attuning to the collar extends its powers beyond the Exalt’s clothing to her physical body. The artifact’s cleansing light adds two dice to (Stamina + Resistance) rolls made against disease or poison. The collar requires the commitment of one mote of Essence to become active
  Spoiler: Orichalcum Bands of Auspicious Betrothal

  Artifact ●●●
  
  APPEARANCE
  - Both rings would look like muted gold-colored wedding bands with a smooth texture that easily reflects light. They would both have the phrase "---" embossed onto the ring, so that it could be read by sight or touch (assuming Darian could read it by touch similar to braille).
  ESSENCE/WP COSTS SUMMARY
  - Attunement would require committing 1m
  - 'Emotion' ability requires expenditure of 1 temporary WP
  - 'Sunset Plain' ability requires expenditure of 1 temporary WP
  - 'Damage Transfer' ability requires 1m per health level
  IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
  - As long as the ring is attuned, wearer gains a supernaturally reinforced positive intimacy of love towards the wearer of the partner ring. This ability would activate upon the saying of vows, and is reinforced by the Essence attuned to it in that moment.
  - Whenever the ring owner is compelled with natural mental influence to engage in an action that would harm their partner (the target of the supernatural intimacy) physically or emotionally, they treat the influence as an unacceptable order. If they are compelled by supernatural mental influence, then they add (Essence/2) to their Integrity score for purposes of all calculated MDVs (though it does count towards the maximum for bonus dice added to a roll).
  EMOTION ABILITY
  - After expending 1 temporary WP, the ring owner can feel the emotions their partner is experiencing for the remainder of the scene and can send their own emotions to their partner. While nothing verbal can be communicated between the two ring owners, after enough years of experience they may perhaps learn to communicate in a rudimentary sense via the emotions shared between each other.
  - In order for a ring owner to sense their partner's emotions, both partners much be located in the same realm of existence (such as Creation, Malfeas, Underworld, etc.). Otherwise, the cost is paid but the ability fails.
  SUNSET PLAIN ABILITY
  - The ring owner takes a meditative stance and spends ten minutes getting their mind into a meditative state. This is represented through taking a meditative action (treat mechanically like a shape terrestrial sorcery action), and paying 1 temporary WP. Once this is accomplished, they will open their eyes to find themselves sitting in a green meadow with the sun shining down upon them as though it were perpetually setting. While here, the ring owner feels relaxed and at peace with the world. This chance to focus and recharge grants them a single Conviction roll, allowing them to gain 1 point of temporary WP per success, as though they were waking from a restful sleep. This deep-relaxation recovery of WP may only be used once every seven days, as the character will need at least a week before their spiritual Essence no longer feels rejuvenated.
  - The main benefit gleaned from this mental state is the ability for the owner to meet with their partner on the sunset plain. As long as they have both paid the cost to arrive, the couple may appear to one another and hold conversations of indefinite length. The only limiting factor is that their bodies outside the sunset plain still continue to exist, and require their normal sustenance for survival. Additionally, if their body is injured while meditating, the first attack gains the benefit of being unexpected, though subsequent attacks will not as the harm will pull the ring owner immediately away from the sunset plain and back to their body.
  - In order for a couple to meet and communicate on the sunset plain, both participants much be located in the same realm of existence (such as Creation, Malfeas, Underworld, etc.). Otherwise, the cost for traveling to the sunset plain is paid but the ability to meet fails.
  DAMAGE TRANSFER ABILITY
  - The ring owner and their partner must be located within (Combined Essence x 10) yards of each other for this ability to function. If the ring owner's partner suffers post-soak damage that would fill their Incapacitated health level, the ring owner may shoulder their burden by paying 1m per post-soak damage prevented and then taking a number of aggravated health levels of damage equal to the number they prevented. This is displayed as bright golden flashes of starlight where the weapon that would have damaged the wounded partner instead disappears into fate, only to reappear instantly colliding with the ring owner and dealing them horrible rending wounds.
  ADDITIONAL "UNINTENDED" DETRIMENTS
  - If at any point the ring owner's partner is forced to fill their Incapacitated health level due to taking damage, the ring owner takes an immediate point of Limit.
  - If the ring owner's partner dies an unnatural death (here represented by anything involving foul play or malicious intent), the owner immediately loses a point of permanent Limit and suffers under the full effects of Berserker Rage for a scene.
  - Additionally, in the case of partner death, the ring owner immediately gains an appropriate negative supernatural intimacy towards the cause of their partner's untimely demise. If they do not know who caused their lover's death, the player will assign this negative intimacy to an individual or group that their character would most likely blame or suspect. Rolls to injure the target of this negative intimacy will not spur Compassion rolls if they apply, and killing the individual (or group) responsible destroys this supernatural intimacy.
  
  Transport Artifacts
  
  Spoiler: Globe of Transport

  Artifact ●●●●● 10 mote Activation, Requires 2 dot Hearthstone or better
  
  In order to travel swiftly across their world, the Dragon Kings enchanted special crystals to serve as vehicles. The smallest and most common was the globe of transport. When not in use, this artifact is a solid sphere of violet crystal the size of an orange with a setting for a single hearthstone. If the user places a hearthstone of at least level 2 in the setting and spends 10 motes of Essence, the sphere transforms itself into a wondrous vehicle. It expands into a thin-walled hollow globe of Essence and crystal three yards in diameter. This globe expands around the individual supplying the Essence. Once it has fully expanded, the globe can carry a maximum of 1,500 pounds of cargo or up to four humans or Dragon Kings (enhanced to 3,000 pounds of cargo or up to 8 humans or Dragon Kings). However, it is not large enough to transport larger creatures, such as horses.
  
  The individual who supplied the transport globe with Essence also controls it. He can direct the globe to go to any place he has visited before of whose location he is aware, or he can tell the globe to travel in a particular direction. The Essence supplied to the globe powers it for one journey, regardless of length. This vehicle travels at up to 150 miles per hour, and the character controlling it can cause it to land at any time. This vehicle surrounds its occupants with a shell of transparent, faintly glowing Essence that protects them against the wind and serves as 90% cover by deflecting attacks (adding +2 DV against hand-to-hand attacks and +4 DV against ranged attacks). However, this vehicle was not designed for combat, so this penalty is also applied to attacks made against characters outside the craft by the occupants. The instant the globe lands, it deactivates and transforms itself back into a small violet ball. When the globe of transport deactivates, everyone and everything inside of it is deposited outside of it, completely unharmed. While the globe is in use, the hearthstone in its setting provides no other benefit to its owner.
  
  Hearthstones
  
  Spoiler: Gem of Grace

  Manse ●●●
  
  This Solar hearthstone is a cloudy white sphere. Its possessor evokes mild feelings of awe and respect in others, even other Exalted. The gem adds two dice to Charisma and Manipulation rolls provided the affected being can see the bearer.
  Spoiler: Crystal of Legendary Leadership

  Manse ●●●
  
  This rounded, many-faced green triangle enhances the bearer’s ability to lead others. The bearer’s player gains one bonus success to any Presence, Performance or Bureaucracy rolls involving leadership or governance, as well as to any War rolls involving rallying troops.
  Spoiler: Sphere of Courtesan's Constellation (Darian)

  Manse ●●
  
  This gold-flecked, orange globe raises its possessors Appearance to 3, if it does not equal or exceed that value already. The bearer’s Appearance drops to its original level the moment the Sphere leaves his person. In addition, the bearer’s player gains a +2 bonus to all Performance and Presence rolls.
  Spoiler: Stone of the Golden Bier (Darian)

  Manse ●●
  
  Allows its bearer instinctively to sense all animate corpses, ghosts and shadowland boundaries (but not Abyssal Exalted) within 10 yards.
• 
  Health Levels
  -0x [ ]
  -1x [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -2x [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -4x [ ]
  Ix [ ]
  
  Essence: ●●●●
  Personal: 22
  Peripheral: 47
  Committed: 11
  Willpower: ●●●●● ●●●●●
  
  Join Battle (Wits+Awareness) 3
  
  PDV 8 (+5 in Infinite Melee Mastery)
  DDV 7
  
  Total Base Soak: 8/7L/5A
  Total Enhanced Soak: 18B/17L/15A (See Iron Kettle Body)
  Hardness 0
  
  MDV 7
  
  Intimacies
  Darian-Loving Fondness
  Adventure-Thrillseeker
  Other Merchants-Pragmatic Suspicion
  Slaves-Deep Empathy
  Orphans-Shared Pain
  Fishing-Nostalgic Longing
  Sailing-Anxious Curiosity
  Fair Folk-Intolerant Contempt
  
• 
  BP 18+10
  Essence 7
  Willpower 5
  Backgrounds 4
  Abilities 12
  XP 139 (Spent: 112)
  First Performance Excellency 8
  Ride 1, 3
  Ride 2, 1
  Infinite Melee Mastery 8
  Dipping Swallow Defense 8
  Hungry Tiger Technique 8
  One Weapon, Two Blows 8
  Bulwark Stance 8
  Sagacious Reading of Intent 8
  Fivefold Bulwark Stance 8
  Hypnotic Tongue Technique 8
  Sun-Sword Concentration 8
  Resistance 2, 1
  Resistance 3, 3
  Hastening Night's End 8
  Durability of Oak Meditation 8
  Iron Kettle Body 8
  
  Next Up:
  Essence 5, 32
  
• 
  Note the lists within the spoilers are listed by prereq and priority, where the trees are listed by traditional Solar caste order with basic Traits listed first.
  
  Traits 4 /114
  
  Spoiler

  Essence 4, 0
  Stamina 3, 8
  Resistance 5, 16
  Strength 3, 8
  Awareness 5, 23
  Perception 3, 8
  Sail 5, 19
  Essence 5, 32
  
  Melee 56/144 (High Priority-Combat)
  
  Spoiler

  Infinite Melee Mastery 8
  Dipping Swallow Defense 8
  Bulwark Stance 8
  Fivefold Bulwark Stance 8
  Heavenly Guardian Defense 8
  Hungry Tiger Technique 8
  One Weapon, Two Blows 8
  Sun-Sword Concentration 8
  Molten Sun-Blade 8
  Golden Destruction Cut 8
  Rising Sun Slash 8
  Solar Counterattack 8
  Ready In Eight Directions Stance 8
  Final Sunset Stance 8
  Dawn's Parable Defense 8
  Guardian Sunfire Catechism 8
  Peony Blossom Attack 8
  Grass Cutting Strike 8
  
  Integrity 0/20 (Very Low Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Second Integrity Excellency 10
  Integrity-Protecting Prana 10
  
  Performance 8/24 (Very Low Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  First Performance Excellency 8
  Phantom Conjuring Performance 8
  Demon-Wracking Glory 8
  
  Presence 16/40 (High Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Hypnotic Tongue Technique 8
  Hastening Night's End 8
  Listener-Swaying Argument 8
  Mind-Blanking Rebuke 8
  
  Resistance 16/56 (High Priority-Combat)
  
  Spoiler

  Durability of Oak Meditation 8
  Spirit Strengthens the Skin 8
  Iron Skin Concentration 8
  Adamant Skin Technique 8
  Iron Kettle Body 8
  First Resistance Excellency 8
  Immunity to Everything Technique 8
  
  Athletics 0/20 (Very Low Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Graceful Crane Stance 10
  Monkey Leap Technique 10
  
  Awareness 0/40 (Low Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Surprise Anticipation Method 10
  First Awareness Excellency 10
  Keen Sight Discipline 10
  Unsurpassed Sight Technique 10
  
  Bureaucracy 0/56 (Very High Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Speed the Wheels 8
  Bureau-Rectifying Method 8
  Indolent Official Charm 8
  Foul Air of Argument Technique 8
  Frugal Merchant Method 8
  Insightful Buyer Technique 8
  Market Buster Strike 8
  
  Linguistics 8/72 (High Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Sagacious Reading of Intent 8
  First Linguistics Excellency 8
  Letter Within A Letter Technique 8
  Twisted Words Technique 8
  Discerning Savant's Eye 8
  The Ever Vigilant Scribe 8
  Guiding Words of Solar Wisdom 8
  Poetic Expression Style 8
  Unbreakable Fascination Method 8
  
  Socialize 0/64 (Very High Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Mastery of Small Manners 8
  Heartfelt Honorific Opportunity 8
  Gathering the Congregation 8
  Golden Courtier Misdirection 8
  Understanding the Court 8
  Mastery of Society Technique 8
  Web-Cutting Eyes 8
  Wise-Eyed Courtier Method 8
  
  Sail 0/88 (Lowest Priority)
  
  Spoiler

  Perfect Reckoning Method
  First Sail Excellency
  Ship-Claiming Stance
  Hull-Preserving Technique
  Shipwreck-Surviving Stamina
  Immortal Captain's Advantages
  Immortal Captain's Advantages +E4
  Immortal Captain's Advantages +E5
  Flag of All Nations Method
  Salty Dog Method
  Invincible Admiral Method
• 
  Change tab to expand the character details
  

The Empire

• _
• Territory
• Government
• Titles
• Institutions
• Trade Guilds
• Foreign Relations
• Basic Rights

• 
  Change tab to expand the empire details
  
• 
  Rathess
  
  Spoiler

  
  The circle is part of an ongoing effort to restore the city. Currently, they have cleared the upper city of Han-Tha and the Fair Folk to gain the trust and allegiance of Shining Flower, Relza, Leeayta and their band of enlightened Dragon Kings.
  
  Gwynnin
  
  Spoiler

  

  
  
  The town of Gwynnin
  With a population of 4,500, it is also the home of two Outcaste Dragon-Blooded Exalts, a Wood Aspect named Apple, and a Fire Aspect named Ram. It is built in the southeast in the crook of two small rivers; the Raerwen and the Toraegil. This provides Gwynnin with access to the Grey River which connects out to the Yellow River that feeds out to the ocean. It is a walled city, with a small armed garrison of 250 standard troops and a militia of another 250 green troops. Its location is not that far from the city of Thorns (about 1,600 miles) and is about 500 miles due south of Denandsor, but the town is small enough that it is not a 'juicy' enough target for the Mask of Winters to attack, along with the fact that there are several targets between Gwynnin and Thorns.
• 
  The Emperor
  
  Spoiler

  The title of Emperor is held for life. The Emperor holds final say on what does or does not pass as Imperial Law. However, any 70% or greater majority vote by any officially recognized Deliberative Body to pass proposed laws to the Emperor requires a response within a year. Otherwise it passes to the other houses. If all Imperial Deliberative houses pass the proposed law with a 70% majority after a year without the Emperor's veto, the law passes.
  
  The Emperor maintains the right to delegate representative voices to any deliberative house in the Empire. The can be done by sanctioning a new guild or passing a law to alter the structure of a house.
  
  Any law passed solely by the Emperor is in effect no sooner than 28 days after it has been proclaimed to each of the deliberative houses that the law was passed by Imperial Mandate. The Emperor may repeal laws in like fashion.
  Democratic Deliberation
  
  Spoiler

  Houses forming Legislative Bodies are to be sanctioned lawfully by the Emperor. These houses are voting bodies comprised of appropriate representatives with delegated authority by the Emperor to cast votes on bills to be reviewed for approval as law.
  House of Divinity
  
  Spoiler

  This house is comprised of both the Celestial and Terrestrial Exalted elected by their peers to represent their interests in the forming and maintenance of Imperial Law. Notable spirits residing within the nation may be appointed seats to represent their courts in this house, but they are not afforded official votes. This is to enforce the Mandate of Heaven put forth by the Unconquered Sun in cooperation with Terrestrial and Celestial Spirits.
  House of Guilds
  
  Spoiler

  This house is comprised of mortal officials to represent officially recognized guilds of the Empire. This is to ensure the voice of all professions is heard by the Empire to ensure the needs of the nation's populace and economy are met. A member of the House of Divinity is to preside as the Arbiter of processions in official meetings of the house to ensure the House of Divinity is likewise apprised of such deliberation.
  Magistrates
  
  Spoiler

  The title of Magistrate is granted to officials in the judicial system of the empire. This office is only appointed by the Emperor. Depending on assignment, Magistrates may travel or they may sit to preside in a certain location for a time. They have full authority to coordinate law enforcement and criminal investigations. They are accompanied by a personal scribe that records their deeds and rulings to be reported back to the emperor at least once every two years.
• 
  Notable Title Holders
  
  Spoiler

  Emperor and Empress - Aredin Lentier and Darian Lambert
  Lord Architect - Viktor Zweiss
  Lady Shade - Annika
  Lord Scholar - Dunbar
  Lord Marshal - Ragnar
  Grand Vizier - Aysik
  Aristocratic Title Reference
  
  Spoiler

  Federal Offices
  Emperor/Empress - See the Government Tab for the most detail. This is the ultimate head of state
  Lord/Lady [Office] - An honorary title given for the purpose of executing a duty within the Imperial court Ex: Lord Architect, Lady Shade
  Grand Vizier - The advisor to the Emperor and Empress. A Sidereal Exalt.
  Magistrate - A judge appointed personally by the Emperor or Empress to administer and execute the law.
  Seraph - The title given to a Celestial Exalted member of the House of Divinity. 3 Seraph are generally allowed per Caste (or Maiden for Sidereals).
  Archon - The head of an officially anointed Dragon-Blooded house of the Empire. Archons are peers to Seraphs in the House of Divinity.
  Chairman - The title given to the leader of a trade guild. The Chairmen convene in the House of Guilds.
  
  Subordinate Offices
  Prefect - The official title for a Celestial Exalt that owns land in a governing capacity.
  Exarch - A Dragon-Blooded elder, appointed by his house's Archon, to represent the house or own and manage land in a governing capacity.
  Counsel - A certified attorney.
  Minister - Generic term for a bureaucratic official with a measure of legal authority. Guild representatives that operate in locales beneath the Empire's House of Guilds are referred to as Ministers.
• 
  The Office of the Lord Shade
  
  Spoiler

  The Office of the Lord Shade - or Shade's Office for short - is the intelligence agency of the Empire, responsible for protecting it and battling its enemies through covert means, whether they be from the Realm, the Guild, or any other nation or organization opposed to the interests of the Empire. When a nation or organization declares war on the Empire, or the Imperial Court decides to treat them as an enemy, the Shade's Office will send its members to infiltrate the group in question and work to bring it down from within.
  
  Members of the Shade's Office typically fall into one of five roles within the organization. Informants gather information on the activities and intentions of other nations through social actions, spying, theft of documents or blackmail. Saboteurs destroy or damage buildings, structures or vehicles essential to the activities of enemy nations. Seditionists work to cause and encourage unrest within enemy nations, whether by supporting local resistance groups, or openly calling upon people to fight the government. Interrogators wheedle information out of prisoners and captives. Assassins kill people who are threats to the Empire's security, or assets to enemy nations.
  
  Membership in the Shade's Office is open to both mortals and Exalts who are judged to be good enough in the skills necessary. At a minimum, these include Socialize, Stealth and Larceny, in order to keep up cover stories and avoid being caught in the act, and ideally Integrity, to avoid giving up information if captured. Other skills will depend on the role of the member in question; Seditionists should have high levels of Presence to inspire the masses, Informants and Interrogators both require Investigation for their respective jobs, Saboteurs need to know about Craft in order to unmake things most efficiently, and Assassins are expected to be skilled in at least one way of killing someone, preferably Martial Arts or Thrown, as these ones allow for easier concealment of weapons.
  
  These requirements do not need to be rigidly adhered to, however, more unconventional ways of aiding the Shade's Office are greatly valued. For example, a Saboteur skilled in Bureaucracy could forge merchants' records in order to frame a city for fraud and destroy their relationship with the Guild. Assassins can snipe their targets with a bow from far away. In practice, as long as someone has a way of fighting the Empire's enemies without being seen doing so, they have a way of helping the Shade's Office.
  Trade Guilds
  
  Spoiler

  Trade guilds operate like professional unions that train and contract specialized workers to perform critical jobs in the empire. Each guild is granted representation in the house of guilds so that matters of legislation and regulation can receive critique from professionals with the experience to comprehend the impact on their constituents. So, in short, their duties are three-fold: education, representation, and staffing agency.
  Companies
  
  Spoiler

  A company is merely a registered business within the empire. Companies work with Trade Guilds to acquire labor to create products or provide services.
• 
  Laborer's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  This guild houses all low-skill jobs such as those working in delivery, warehousing, and general contracting. This guild is often contracted for support personnel for jobs that require a lot of muscle or enable children to earn additional money for their households with light work (such as mail routes). The jobs available to the young are heavily restricted by law to avoid long hours on a job site or excessive demands on physical capacity. This guild often helps migrants or beggars transition to a more skilled trade as they support others in their work and consider becoming an apprentice.
  Carpenter's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Carpenters build homes, furniture, wagons, shoes, and any other wood product imaginable. They work with the Botanists guild to keep supplies ready for work orders.
  
  Goals: Higher grade tools and facilities. Sawmills. Blades that never dull.
  Chef's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Chefs work in cafes, restaurants, and other public kitchens. Many beggars and migrants often enter this trade to gain a living wage. Chefs are highly revered by officers, soldiers, and guards for the effect a good meal has on morale.
  
  Goals: Access to exotic ingredients. International Prestige. Recipes that improve health.
  Blacksmith's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Blacksmiths work metal for anything from horseshoes to heavy armor. This trade is designated as critical to the state as well as being closely courted by many other guilds.
  
  Goals: Atelier Manse. Access to Magic Metals.
  Goldsmith's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Goldsmiths work metal primarily for jewelry and small intricate machine parts (such as watch gears). This trade is designated as critical to the state as well as being closely courted by many other guilds.
  
  Goals: Atelier Manse. Access to Magic Metals.
  Magitechnician's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Not yet founded
  
  Expected Goals: Power Armors. Warstriders. Warships (Air and Sea)
  Leatherworker's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Leather is vital for furniture, shoes, clothing, armor, saddles, and many other products. Even if only a small amount is used, good leather is always in high demand
  
  Goals: Higher grade tools and facilities. Acquire large suppliers of skins from yeddim, cows, and furrier beasts.
  Tailor's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Tailor’s work fabric like a bard works a lute. Silk, wool, and cotton are staples to the Tailor trade, and as such, they have close ties to the Botanists of the Empire.
  
  Goals: Access to Essence Spider Silk. To transform international fashion trends.
  Thaumaturge's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  This guild trains in various degrees including astronomy and alchemy. Summoning is a highly regulated practice, which while legal, requires proper supervision.
  
  Goals: Uncover lost rituals. Restore the Observatory of Rathess. Stockpile reagents.
  Plumber's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Plumbers are vital for sanitation and irrigation. The Empire jealously guards any developments with indoor or outdoor plumbing
  
  Goals: Building grade effects akin to the Collar of Dawn’s Cleansing Light, to avoid hand cleaning. Water purifying solutions.
  Physician's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Physicians perform surgeries, prevent diseases, treat poisons, and prescribe treatments as one might expect.
  
  Goals: Restore and staff the hospital of Rathess.
  Botanist's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Botanist is a fancy title for farmers some might say, but this does cover high-level Genesis researchers as well. These individuals pride themselves on being an international leader in crop production.
  
  Goals: Rediscover the mysteries of Ancient Rathess plant-based technology.
  Miner's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Prospectors, diggers, and resource haulers. None can doubt the hardiness of a veteran miner, nor the importance of his trade.
  
  Goals: Secure an Orichalcum lode for Imperial use. Power tools.
  Fisher's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  From dockside anglers to boat-born netcasters, these folks are vital suppliers to river country's favored foods. These men and women one day seek to explore the depths in person, but for now thrive on the surface of river and sea.
  
  Goals: Access to a functioning submarine. Founding a priestly-order dedicated to sailing and fishing that can placate fickle gods.
  Scholar's Guild
  
  Spoiler

  These bookworms are responsible for managing libraries and translating ancient wisdom for use by imperial commoners. They are also a gateway into schools of sorcerous learning, along with the Thaumaturge's guild. Given the breadth of information this guild can and does handle on a daily basis, they are often leveraged as the first bastion of imperial bureaucrats.
  
  Goals: Access to the Book of Three Circles. A supply of audient brushes. Acquire lost knowledge.
• 
  Yu Shan
  
  Spoiler

  Agents of Yu Shan's Celestial Bureaucracy are permitted to act on the business of the bureau within the Empire only after such business is reported to the appointed secretary to the House of Divinity to be kept on file. Sidereals are not required to report attendance to the House of Divinity or actions on imperial Business under this restriction or for personal sabbatical. Failure to meet this censorship is a criminal offense. Tampering with this record, as with other legal records, is treason.
  
  A typical interaction might be a bureau order to oust an illegal cult causing a Sidereal, whose faction is of immaterial relevance, to enter the Empire on celestial business. The imperial response would be "Sign this form and let us know how we can help."
  The Guild
  
  Spoiler

  Brick and mortar establishments of the Guild are limited to trading posts at the borders In accordance with foreign trade policy until such a time that the Guild has abolished the practice of slavery within its organization and branded Fair Folk as enemies to be killed on sight. Attempting to bypass this restriction and operate within Imperial borders is considered subversion and punishable by death.
  
  A typical interaction might be imperial merchants trading commodities at a designated trade station.
• 
  1. The Empire shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
  
  Speech not protected by this law include defamation of any citizen or citizens and speech that leads to the endangerment of one or more citizens.
  
  Please note there is explicitly no guaranteed freedom of religion, the Empire cooperates with Yu Shan in policing Yozi Cults, Forbidden God Cults, Ancestor Cults, and Fae Cults (Extra gusto on this last one).
  
  2. Citizens may obtain the privilege to obtain, keep, and bare arms in self-defense. All weapons must be documented appropriately to the office of the Lord Marshal including the creation, sale, inheritance, or any other transfer of such property.
  
  All Exalted citizens of the Empire obtain this privilege on obtaining their lawful citizenship status.
  
  Mortal citizens may obtain this privilege by serving for one year in an organized imperial martial force which shall include domestic guard forces, the Imperial Army, the Imperial Navy, the Imperial Guard, or as the personal guard of an Exalted citizen. This privilege can be passed to a single inheritor for up to two generations before it expires.
  
  3. No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
  
  4. The right of citizens to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
  
  5. No citizen shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
  
  6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the Empire and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
  
  7. No person within the borders of the Empire is permitted to be held as a slave. All who have been in the bonds of slavery are considered to be emancipated upon entry into the Empire’s borders. However, entry is to be documented legally immediately upon entry into the Empire. Imperial officials are obligated to inform any legally documented migrant of these rights upon entry into the Empire. They are also to be informed as to the current processes and procedures for obtaining naturalized citizenship. Failure to submit oneself for legal documentation upon entry to the Empire within reasonable time and means is considered subversion of the Empire and punishable by death.
  

 

[MasterDAF]

• Profile
• Stats
• Backgrounds
• Allies
• Panoply
• Thaumaturgy
• Charms
• Sorcery
• Combat Stats
• Experience
• VIKTOR : TLJ

• 
  Name: Viktor Zeiss
  Caste: Twilight
  Age: 22
  Concept: Master Blacksmith
  Anima: A giant golden Elephant with tusks of intertwined Adamant and Orichalcum, and glowing sunburst mandalas emblazoned on its ears
  Motivation: Recreate a wonder of Deheleshen to prove himself to Lookshy General Staff
  Virtue Flaw: Deliberate Cruelty
  
  Character Bio:
  Viktor was born a helot in Lookshy to a loyal soldier and his merchant wife...
  
  Spoiler

  He had an older brother named Adrian, and the four of them were happy with their status in life. Though they were not citizens themselves, they routinely promoted the idea of citizenship through loyal service. Viktor was brought up to believe that with hard work and determination the General Staff would eventually gift him and his brother with citizenship. One night early into his teens years Viktor’s mother was assaulted and killed as she was closing shop. Their father was currently abroad rooting out guerilla resistance cells in the Hundred Kingdoms, and when he arrived home and heard of the events that transpired he fell into a heavy depression.
  
  By the age of 14 Viktor’s situation looked like a cruel inverted reflection from the happy life he had lived previously. His father became a drunk, spending all his time at the Helot card guilds and leaving his children to fend for themselves. His brother Adrian joined the Seventh Legion as a tactician and soldier, trying to find some purpose in life, and was welcomed with open arms after exalting as an Earth-aspect Terrestrial Exalt. Viktor spent most of his time with his friend Maseo, of Gens Amilar, and latched on to the myths and legends about the Dragon-Bloods that hailed from his friend’s family. At age 17 Viktor’s father was killed on a raid in the outer Threshold, and he was truly alone. Viktor was to become a ward of the state, but due to his friend’s insistence Gens Amilar agreed to sponsor him.
  
  As a beneficiary of Gens Amilar’s sponsorship, Viktor was able to join Maseo in training to become a sorcerer-engineer’s assistant. He fantasized about exalting as a fabled Dragon-Blooded warrior and joining his brother in the field. He dreamed of building wonderous creations and harnessing ancient magics to fend off Lookshy’s enemies, or his brother at his back against the undead hoards surrounding them. Viktor and Maseo advanced quickly, earning the rank of Haichei within their first two years of service, and under the careful tutelage of Shonai Teresu Mastufa they became very knowledgeable on helping repair artifacts and the many uses of thaumaturgical rites.
  
  One evening Viktor was doing rudimentary work for Teresu Mastufa as the Shonai was out conducting other business. He was layering alloyed steel with jade to reinforce a cracked daiklave and noticed one of the vats of distilled white jade had a strange yellow hue glowing from within it. Out of curiosity Viktor submerged the broken sword within this yellow-white jade, and suddenly a vision overcame him. He saw himself surrounded by massive arches inside of a workshop that would swallow an entire district of houses. Foreign creatures and elementals flew around him, each working on a different project and bringing them forward for approval. The sounds of metal pinging as hammers struck it rang in his ears, and the faint smell of fire and copper wafted to his nose. His hands were encased in red leather gloves trimmed with a warm gold-like material, and as he reached them towards a massive blade the metal warped and melded to his whim. A prayer was offered up to the sun god of the anathema, and then he swung the blade deftly to slice clear through the outer carapace of a hulking form that reminded Viktor of partially shaped Raksha.
  
  Blinking, Viktor stepped back and the vision vanished, leaving him standing alone in Shonai Teresu Mastufa’s workshop. Something slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground, making a loud noise and causing Viktor to jump. Waiting a moment to make sure no one was coming in to check on the sound, he crouched down and looked at the object. The sword that was previously cracked from the pommel up to the tip now looked fresh from the forge and felt lighter than before he handled it. It shined slightly gold, as though light bounced on its surface, and after a second of looking around he realized it was reflecting a half-filled gold disk from his forehead. From his readings on the anathema he had a chilling inclination as to what this meant, so he grabbed a bunch of loose dark fabric and wrapped it around his head. Satisfied that a quick look from a stranger wouldn’t give it away, he made his way to Amilar Maseo’s dormitory and explained to his friend the strange vision and outcome.
  
  Maseo and Viktor agreed he couldn’t stay in Lookshy or he would be court-martialed for his new status as an anathema and bring shame on Gens Amilar. They decided the damage would be lessened if the General Staff simply thought he had gone AWOL, as it would only injure his personal reputation and not call the Gens into question. Maseo helped secure a transit pass for travel outside the promontory, and then under the cover of night they bid their farewells and Viktor fled.
  
  Viktor made his way to the inland sea and booked passage on a large freight hauler. He worked as a deck hand for the duration of the trip, earning his passage since he couldn’t afford to pay the entire price outright. He chose to sail to Chiaroscuro, as the Delzhan culture had always fascinated the people of Lookshy and Viktor was no exception. He wanted to see their bold and vibrant lifestyle up-close and indulge in eating many of the spices that his own countryman’s food lacked. On top of this, he knew that the Delzhan nobility were a proud society that indulged in warfare and would most likely represent a stable and affluent client-base for his continued crafting.
  
  Within a year of arriving in Chiaroscuro, Viktor had managed to attract several affluent clients and used the profits to establish a small but stable weapon/armor craft/repair business. His custom work demand blossomed enough that he decided to take on an apprentice of his own. Though her crafting skills were rudimentary, he settled on a native Chiaroscuroan named Sahlaynah who he felt was trustworthy and loyal enough that she wouldn’t leave the minute he finished training her. As her abilities improved he could leave many of the simpler tasks entirely to her, and this freed him up to tackle more ambitious projects. It was during this time that he met Dehan Sahim, a Delzhan noble looking to expand his merchant house offerings to include exceptional armaments. After inspecting many of Viktor’s prized creations and weeks of haggling they struck a deal. In return for a continuing agreement that Viktor supply Sahim with fresh armaments each season, Viktor would be allowed unfettered access to the merchant-lord’s expansive library.
  
  In his spare time, Viktor likes tinkering with his creations and imagining new wonders he might one day create. He hopes to eventually craft something so wonderous that he will be allowed to return to Lookshy and present it to the General Staff, earning a pardon and reinstatement to the Seventh Legion as a citizen regardless of his anathema status. He also wanders through Dehan Sahim’s library, reading tomes that help him to better understand his newfound abilities and what it means to be a golden exalt. Along the way he has indoctrinated himself into the Emerald circle of sorcery, sacrificing his traditional Lookshyan isolationism to accept a more free-spirited Delzhan-inspired perspective. As his prowess in the Emerald circle has grown, Viktor has experienced dreams and visions of melding sorcerous acts to crafted wonders and seeks to find a way to make this a reality.
  
  * Items in Stock publicly available for sale/trade (can be borrowed by approved others, circle-mates can access anytime)
  * Items in Storage not publicly available (known only by Viktor, Koharu, and approved others)
  * Materials and Manuals are assumed in storage but not hidden (circle-mates can access anytime)
  
• 
  WILLPOWER + VIRTUE TOTALS
  
  Willpower: ●●●●● ●●
  
  Compassion ●●
  Conviction ●●●
  Temperance ●
  Valor ●●●
  
  ATTRIBUTES
  
  Strength ●●●
  Dexterity ●●●●
  Stamina ●●
  
  Charisma ●●●
  Manipulation ●●
  Appearance ●●
  
  Perception ●●●●
  Intelligence ●●●●●
  Wits ●●
  
  ABILITIES
  
  Dawn
  Archery
  Martial Arts
  Melee ●●●● (Hammer +1)
  Thrown ●●●
  War
  
  Zenith
  Integrity ●●●
  Performance
  Presence ●●
  Resistance ●●●● (Poisons +1)
  Survival ●
  
  Twilight
  Craft
  ---> (Fire) ●●●● (Armaments +1)
  ---> (Earth) ●
  ---> (Air) ●
  Investigation ●
  Lore ●●●●
  Medicine
  Occult ●●●●●
  
  Night
  Awareness ●●
  Athletics
  Dodge ●
  Larceny
  Stealth
  
  Eclipse
  Bureaucracy ●● (Commerce +1)
  Linguistics ●● (Riverspeak [native], Flametongue, Old Realm)
  Sail
  Ride ●
  Socialize ●
  
  
• 
  BACKGROUNDS
  
  Resources ●●
  - Silver dinar earned from selling armaments to wealthy Delzhan nobles
  Contacts ●
  - Haichei Amilar Maseo (Friend and former colleague as assistants to Seventh Legion sorcerer-engineer Shonai Teresu Mastufa)
  Henchman ●
  - Sahlaynah (Loyal female crafting assistant, native to Chiaroscuro)
  Library ●●
  - Owned by Delzhan merchant-lord Dehan Sahim
  Backing ●
  - Supplies custom armaments to Dehan Sahim's merchant house
  Artifact ●●
  - Jade Daiklave
  Artifact ●●
  - Jade Reinforced Breastplate
  Artifact ●●
  - Orichalcum Daiklave - "Daylight Doom of the Unshaped"
  Artifact ●●
  - Orichalcum Thunderbolt Shield
  Artifact ●●
  - Essence Pulse Grenade (Black Jade)
  Artifact ●●
  - Orichalcum Hearthstone Amulet
  Artifact ●
  - Band of Faith
  Artifact ●
  - Winterbreath Jar
  Artifact ●●●
  - Minion of Deadly Touch
  Manse ●●●
  - Jewel of the Master's Hand
  Artifact ●
  - Hammer of Blessed Forging
  
  FLAWS
  
  Code of Honor 2
  - Incapable of lying to or betraying anyone considered an ally
  Wanted 1
  - Bounty issued by General Staff to bring back alive and stand trial for going AWOL
  
  
• 
  Koharu (Artifact: ●●●)
  
  Spoiler

  Attributes:
  Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4
  Charisma 3, Manipulation 3, Appearance 1-5 (variable)
  Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
  Virtues:
  None. Never fails Valor checks, never succeeds at any other Virtue checks.
  Abilities:
  Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Bureaucracy 3, Craft(Air/Earth/Fire/Water/Wood) 2, Dodge 4,
  Integrity 5, Larceny 2, Linguistics (Old Realm [native], High Realm, Riverspeak) 2, Lore 2,
  Martial Arts 4, Medicine 2, Melee 2, Performance 4, Resistance 2, Ride 2, Stealth 4,
  Socialize 4, Thrown 2, War 4
  Join Battle: 5
  Attacks:
  - Claw: Speed (5) Accuracy (10) Damage (5L + poison) Defense (8) Rate 3
  Soak: 5L/7B (Tough skin, 3L/3B)
  Health Levels: -0 [ ] [ ] [ ] -2 [ ] [ ] -4 [ ] [ ] Inc. [ ]
  Dodge DV: 4
  Willpower: 10 (0 to its owner)
  Essence: 1
  Other Notes: Automaton physiology (immune to aging, disease and infection, stops bleeding as an Exalt, heals 1 bashing damage per minute and 1 lethal damage per hour)
  Poison Stats: Damage: 8L (actions) Toxicity: 4L Tolerance: -/- Penalty: -4
  
  Sahlaynah (Henchman: ●)
  
  Spoiler

  Heroic Mortal – Savant Archetype (Craftmason): Sahlaynah
  
  Motivation: Become a renowned crafter of greater reputation in Chiaroscuro
  
  Intimacies:
  Marik Thrice-Burned (Deceased Teacher, Fondly Remember)
  Viktor Zeiss (Mentor, Loyal)
  Still-Flame (Marik’s Blade, Duty-bound & Sentimental)
  Delzhan Nobility (Dislike)
  Thievery (Shame & Embarrassment)
  
  

  ​

  ATTRIBUTES
  
  Strength ●●----Charisma ●●---------Perception ●●●
  
  Dexterity ●●●--Manipulation ●●---Intelligence ●●●
  
  Stamina ●●-----Appearance ●●●●--Wits ●●●
  
  

  ​

  ABILITIES
  
  Archery-----------------------Integrity ●●---------------------Craft(Fire) ●●● (Swords +2)
  
  Martial Arts ●---------------Performance-------------------Investigation ●
  
  Melee ●●● (Swords +2)--Presence ●●--------------------Lore ●●●
  
  Thrown------------------------Resistance ●●------------------Medicine 0
  
  War ●---------------------------Survival ●●----------------------Occult ●●●
  
  
  Awareness ●●---------------Bureaucracy ●
  
  Athletics ●--------------------Linguistics (Flametongue)
  
  Dodge ●●---------------------Sail
  
  Larceny ●●-------------------Ride ●●
  
  Stealth ●----------------------Socialize ● (Delzhan +1)
  

  
  ​

  BACKGROUNDS
  
  - Resources 2 (Silver dinar earned via assistant blacksmith position in Viktor Zeiss’ crafting business)
  
  - Artifact 1 (Walkaway Talisman, -3 successes to an opponent’s deadly damage roll)
  
  - Mentor 1 (Viktor Zeiss)
  
  - Heirloom 1 (Still-Flame)
  
  

  ​

  MERITS/FLAWS
  
  - Merit: Favored Weapon (Still-Flame nets a +1 Acc and Def, all other swords net -1 Acc and Def)
  
  - Merit: Jack of All Trades (Sahlaynah does not suffer a -2 penalty when rolling abilities rated at 0)
  
  - Merit: Pain Tolerance (All -1 health levels are treated as being -0 health levels)
  
  - Merit: Ambidextrous (Ignore free-hand penalty, can switch hands in combat to impose -2 DV penalty)
  
  - Flaw: Climate Sensitivity (-1 internal penalty to all actions in frozen tundra, Survival/Resistance rolls +1 diff.)
  
  - Flaw: Intolerance [Delzhan Nobles] (Failed Compassion roll at diff. 3 imposes 3-die penalty on social actions)
  
  - Flaw: Weak-Willed (-1 Permanent Willpower)
  
  
  Willpower: 5
  
  Health Levels:
  -0 [ ]
  -1 [ ] [ ]
  -2 [ ] [ ]
  -4 [ ]
  Inc. [ ]
  
  Essence: 1
  
  Virtues:
  
  Compassion 2--Temperance 1
  Conviction 3-----Valor 3
  
  Total Soak:
  
  Lethal- 3L (+3 Buff Jacket)
  Bashing- 6B (+4 Buff Jacket)
  Aggravated- 3A (+3 Buff Jacket)
  
  

  ​

  EQUIPMENT
  
  WEAPONS
  
  Heirloom Straight Sword (Still-Fire)
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+4*) Damage (+4L) Defense (+3*) Rate (2) Tags (P)
  * Favored Weapon bonus added
  
  Knife
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+1L) Defense (+0) Rate (3), Tags (T)
  
  ARMOR / DEFENSIVE ITEMS
  
  Buff Jacket
  - Soak (+3L/4B) Mobility (-1) Fatigue (2)
  
  MISCELLANEOUS
  
  Walkaway Talisman
  - Small grey token in the shape of a shield covered in green speckles and secured to the pommel of Still-Fire with leather straps, provides a -3 to the damage roll of an opponent’s mortally wounding attack.
  
  

  ​

  THAUMATURGY
  
  ART OF ENCHANTMENT
  
  Least Wonder [Swords] (1, Intelligence, 3, 50 hours)
  
  · This ritual may be interrupted and resumed without automatically failing, so long as the caster spends at least five hours per day working on it. The caster must have the target object on hand and own it, and the item cannot have resources value greater than the thaumaturge’s occult rating. Each success gives the item the properties of being exceptional for one decade.
  
  ART OF ELEMENTAL SUMMONING
  
  Invoke the Elemental Benediction (3, Intelligence, 5, six hours)
  
  · Beginning this ritual at dawn and continuing until noon, the thaumaturge invests a single object weighting five pounds or less with one of the five elements, at the cost of 1 willpower. In the future, someone holding the object can spend 1 willpower to activate the appropriate Elemental Benediction (White Treatise, pg. 57) upon the object for a single scene. Once the scene has passed, the effect is gone, and the object can no longer invoke the benediction unless this ritual is performed again.
  
  

  ​

  CHARACTER BIO:
  
  Sahlaynah was born to an urban sub-group of her tribe, but unwanted by her mother and left to the care of the tribe. She was never told the identity of her father and spent most of her formative years simply learning to survive according to the code-of-the-streets alongside the other vagrant orphans. As she became a young woman her problems increased, as she had to fend off the lustful (and sometimes violent) desires of would-be consorts. She resorted to thievery and other dishonest trades to support herself, always jumping at the next fruitless opportunity to catch-up to her peers. Her more affluent cousins looked down on her as a leech or parasite, and provided no aid to help her climb out of the poverty she found herself trapped in. This treatment at the hands of her purported ‘extended family’ led Sahlaynah to form a deep-seated dislike for her better-off Delzhan cousins, and a greater willingness to associate with unlawful individuals and visiting foreigners.
  
  Eventually she was taken in by one of these foreigners, an older sympathetic man named Marik Thrice-Burned, and he taught her another way to survive; the way of the forge. Her skills were rudimentary and lacking, but with much tutelage and patience they began to solidify into consistent progress. When the elderly foreigner died, he left her his few tools and enough silver to sustain herself for a month; all else was forfeited to the landlord to cover funery expenses and renovation costs. As she exited his former home for the final time she couldn’t resist snatching up his personal blade, a work of art as much as it was a sharp and deadly weapon. It had been forged from Chiaroscuran glass and emblazoned with Marik’s seal, the image of a hammer wreathed in flame. She wouldn’t let it fall into the hands of an ungrateful noble, as they couldn’t even begin to appreciate the careful precision required of its creator. If anyone would continue to carry it, she reasoned, it should be his final student. In honor of her now passed teacher and the fiery seal he used in life, she named the blade Still-Flame.
  
  It was soon after his passing that she met Viktor Zeiss and interviewed for a position as his assistant. He has continued to teach her new ways to express herself through the forge and has indoctrinated her into the use of thaumaturgical rites to produce higher quality armaments. On more than one occasion, as the two of them indulged in some after-work drinking, he has even shared some of his more abstract designs for theoretically combining esoteric supernatural rites with the crafting of exquisite custom weapons to produce wholly original wonders. She enjoys the conversations but sees them as nothing more than dreams and fantasies, as she recognizes fully that miracle works and divine projects are the purview of exalted artisans. No amount of thaumaturgical magic and tricks are going to allow the two of them to craft wonders beyond their mortal station.
  
  Though he does not know all of the hardships she endured, they have discussed portions of her past and she has slowly grown to trust and respect him. Against the odds, she believes she has found another foreigner as helpful as Marik was to her during her early years and believes Viktor may represent a second positive turning point in her life. If business continues to be profitable, Sahlaynah can see a very possible future working alongside the seemingly blessed crafter indefinitely and taking on additional duties and responsibilities if additional help is recruited.
• 
  WEAPONS
  
  Orichalcum Daiklave "Daylight Doom of the Unshaped"
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+4) Damage (+5L/2) Defense (+3) Rate (4) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  
  Essence Pulse Grenade (Black Jade)
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+0) Damage (*) Rate (1) Range (20)
  * 20B Cold damage, intense cold temporarily reduces the Dexterity of all victims in range by two dots, unless they succeed at a reflexive [Stamina + Resistance] roll (difficulty 3)
  * Victims reduced to 0 Dexterity are frozen in place and cannot move; lost Dexterity returns at the rate of one dot per hour
  * Damage is reduced by one die for every full yard away the victim is from the blast
  
  Hammer of Blessed Forging
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+1) Damage (+8B) Defense (+0) Rate (2)
  * +2L fire damage when desired
  * +1 die to Craft(Fire) rolls
  
  Knives (x3)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+1L) Defense (+0) Rate (3) Tags (T)
  
  ARMOR/DEFENSIVE ITEMS
  
  Obsidian Sheath
  - Soak (+10L/10B) Hardness (5L/5B) Mobility (-0) Fatigue (0) Attune (7) Tags (*)
  
  Spoiler

  * Tags:
  - Strength +3
  - (+4 yards/tick) move actions & (+8 yards/tick) dash actions while in combat
  - Can march long distances at 15 mph (max 210 miles per day)
  - Same tick-based movement bonuses added to flight if applicable (max 100 mph)
  Orichalcum Thunderbolt Shield
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+1) Damage (+2B) Defense (+6) Rate (1) Attune (5) Tags (M, Sh0)
  
  Exceptional Leather Doublet
  - Soak (+1L/1B) Mobility (-0) Fatigue (-0)
  * Viktor wears this instead of metal armor when in town
  
  MISCELLANEOUS
  
  Orichalcum Hearthstone Amulet
  - Attunement cost of 1 mote
  - Provides 1 additional mote of Essence respiration each hour
  * Fitted with a Jewel of the Master's Hand
  [+4 Craft(Earth), +2 Craft(Fire/Water/Air/Wood), and +1 Esoteric Crafts]
  
  Band of Faith
  - Provides wearer with 1 additional mote of Essence
  - Requires a full hour spent in sunlight to recharge mote after use
  
  Jade Obol Necklace
  - An obol of white jade flanked by small beads of silver and hanging at the middle of a tied leather cord
  
  Alchemical Touchstones (x8)
  - Cloth pouch of varied pinky-sized ceramic shards to be rubbed across unknown metals, smears are analyzed for presence of specific material ingredients
  - Individual touchstones for: Orichalcum, Moonsilver, Starmetal, Soulsteel, Jade, Vitriol, Wyld-taint, and Iron
  
  Winterbreath Jar (Artifact ●) (x3)
  - Jar inlaid with blue Jade, keeps contents at constant 45 degrees, requires no Essence commitment
  
  
• 
  ART OF GEOMANCY
  
  Curse (2, Intelligence, 3, three hours)
  
  - The thaumaturge names a target within one mile, a sample of whose hair, blood or some other body part is part of the expended materials. The caster picks one attribute, one ability, and one specialty for that ability. The next time the target fails a roll of those traits in the context of that specialty, it becomes a botch. A character can only suffer from one geomantic curse at a time.
  
  ART OF ENCHANTMENT
  
  Least Wonder [Swords] (1, Intelligence, 3, 50 hours)
  
  - This ritual may be interrupted and resumed without automatically failing, so long as the caster spends at least five hours per day working on it. The caster must have the target object on hand and own it, and the item cannot have resources value greater than the thaumaturge’s occult rating. Each success gives the item the properties of being exceptional for one decade.
  
  ART OF ALCHEMY
  
  Alchemical Touchstone (0, Perception, 1, one action)
  
  - An alchemist can rub this specially treated ceramic plate (“touchstone”) against an unknown substance and glean clues from the streak left behind to identify the substance. Each alchemical touchstone detects the presence or absence of a single substance or property, such as jade alloys, Wyld-taint or snake venoms. Compounding a touchstone may take days, but once made it can be used quickly. A touchstone stays usable for a season.
  
  Distill Orichalcum (2, Stamina, 3, one week)
  
  - Purifying gold into orichalcum can only be done at a source of molten lava. It also requires a large, high-precision mirrors to concentrate sunlight on the molten gold. Boiling the gold continuously for a week, using magma and sunfire, to drive out impurities, is not intellectually challenging...but the prolonged, constant attention to direct the mirrors and keep the lava from contaminating the gold is remarkably fatiguing.
  
  ART OF THE DEAD
  
  Pierce Shadowland (0, Wits, 2, one minute)
  
  - By dripping a bit of blood on a shadowland’s border, the ritual enables the thaumaturge to pass through the shadowland’s border into either Creation or the Underworld at any time of the day or night. Each additional entity brought through the border adds one minute to the ritual.
  
  ART OF ELEMENTAL SUMMONING
  
  Jade Extraction Method (1, Intelligence, 3, five minutes)
  
  - With success in this ritual the caster destroys an obol’s worth of jade and gains four motes of Essence. The thaumaturge must channel this essence immediately. They might activate (but not attune) an artifact, cast another ritual using far less resources, or replenish their essence pool (if they are enlightened or Exalted). The ritual may only target small bits of jade, and they cannot be part of an artifact or enchanted object.
  
  Invoke the Elemental Benediction (3, Intelligence, 5, six hours)
  
  - Beginning this ritual at dawn and continuing until noon, the thaumaturge invests a single object weighting five pounds or less with one of the five elements, at the cost of 1 willpower. In the future, someone holding the object can spend 1 willpower to activate the appropriate Elemental Benediction (White Treatise, pg. 57) upon the object for a single scene. Once the scene has passed, the effect is gone, and the object can no longer invoke the benediction unless this ritual is performed again.
  
  * Air: The benedictions of air are Lightness or Coldness. Items of Lightness have their weight reduced to one-fifth normal. Heavy clothing is like silk against the skin, weapons have their Speed rating reduced by one, armor reduces its mobility and fatigue penalties by one each. Items of Coldness shed cold with the commitment of a point of Willpower. Clothing and armor keep the wearer cool (granting +3 dice to Resistance rolls against hot environments), while weapons frost over and inflict +2 lethal damage from the cold.
  * Earth: The benediction of earth is Solidity. Items so blessed become stronger and do not wear out. Cloth is not easily cut or torn, glass becomes nearly unbreakable, weapons never rust or need sharpening, while armor gains +2L/+2B to its soaks.
  * Fire: The benedictions of fire are Insulation or Radiance. Items of Insulation become immune to fire. This provides no benefit to the wearer, but natural fire cannot damage the item itself. Items of Radiance shed heat with the commitment of a point of Willpower. Clothing and armor keep the wearer warm (granting +3 dice to Resistance rolls against cold weather), while weapons heat to incandescence and inflict +2 damage from the heat.
  * Water: The benediction of water is Fluidity. Items of Fluidity can change shape into an item of the same substance and mass in a form the bearer knows well. Clothing re-tailors itself, weapons can become unobtrusive items of similar size, armor can fold itself into a compact bundle. Changing shape does not repair damage to an object, however. Activating this ability requires investing the object with a point of Willpower, and the object remains in its new form for as long as that investment remains committed.
  * Wood: The benediction of wood is Rejuvenation. Items of Rejuvenation heal themselves. Dents and cuts in armor seal up, clothing mends itself, weapons become like new after battle, a charcoal stylus used to write never wears away. As long as the item has not taken enough damage to destroy it outright, it heals one level per hour, and superficial damage disappears in minutes.
  
  
• 
  MELEE
  
  First Melee Excellency
  Cost: 1m per die Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  - Max number of dice to add to roll is capped at (Attribute + Ability).
  
  One Weapon, Two Blows
  Cost: 3m Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Martial-ready (Martial Arts)
  Duration: Instant
  
  - The Solar is as swift as the first rays of dawn. Repeat steps 7-10 when resolving the damage for this Charm, effectively damaging the opponent twice. All damage from the attack is applied simultaneously in Step 10, allowing a single perfect soak to defend against it.
  
  Peony Blossom Attack
  Cost: 3m Type: Simple (Speed 5, DV -1)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  
  - The Lawgiver moves as smoothly and rapidly as ice on hot metal, his weapon flashing in a dazzling golden arc to strike all those around him. The Solar makes a standard Melee attack at his full dice pool, and applies it to all enemies within three yards; each target resolves defense and damage separately.
  
  THROWN
  
  First Thrown Excellency
  Cost: 1m per die Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  - Max number of dice to add to roll is capped at (Attribute + Ability).
  
  Joint-Wounding Attack
  Cost: 2m Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Crippling, Martial-ready (Archery, Martial Arts, Melee)
  Duration: Instant
  
  - Even in a pitched battle, the Lawgivers strike with controlled precision. This Charm enhances a Thrown-based attack so that it stuns or cripples the Solar's opponent. For each health level of damage this attack inflicts, this Charm subtracts one die (as a -1 internal penalty) from the target's Physical Attribute dice pools and one point from the equivalent static ratings. This is a Crippling effect that lasts for the remainder of the scene. The players and Storyteller decide how the effect is inflicted -- it could be an injured hand, slashed tendons or a stunning blow to the head. Storytellers will have to work with the players to determine how the attack cripples more exotic opponents such as automata and the walking dead.
  
  PRESENCE
  
  Enemy-Castigating Solar Judgement
  Cost: 2m Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Holy, Obvious, Social
  Duration: Instant
  
  - The Solar ignites her spirit with the Essence of the Unconquered Sun. This Charm can enhance a physical attack. This Charm makes the attack Holy and causes the attack to inflict aggravated damage against creatures of darkness. This charm can also enhance social attacks that create guilt, shame or fear, or where the Exalt uses a stunt to draw on these emotions. It makes the attack Holy. This Charm makes creatures of darkness treat the social attack as unnatural mental influence that costs one Willpower to resist, This Charm also halves the creature's base MDVs against the attack. This Charm is specifically permitted to enhance rolls based on other abilities.
  
  RESISTANCE
  
  Durability of Oak Meditation
  Cost: 2m Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  - A boy cannot cut down an oak tree with a kitchen knife. No more can a mere mortal slay the Solar Exalted with petty blows of mundane steel. The Solar adds (Essence + Resistance) to their bashing and lethal soak against a single attack; with the Hardy keyword it also permanently adds one -1 health level and two -2 health levels.
  
  CRAFT
  
  First Craft Excellency
  Cost: 1m per die Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  - Max number of dice to add to roll is capped at (Attribute + Ability).
  
  Craftsman Needs No Tools
  Cost: 7m, 1wp Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  - The Chosen bring harmony to Creation. This Charm supplements a Craft action. It removes the need for tools as well as penalties for crafting without tools. The character still needs raw materials. This Charm can enhance a Craft action to build something, in which case the character accomplishes (Essence x 3) hours of work for each hour invested.
  
  OCCULT
  
  Terrestrial Circle Sorcery
  
  - The charm allows the character to take Terrestrial Circle Sorcery actions (+1 free spell).
  
  
• 
  TERRESTRIAL CIRCLE
  
  Emerald Countermagic (10m or 20m)
  
  - If the character spends 10 motes of essence, they secure their own person against hostile magic. They cross their arms or makes a gesture of defiance, and a nimbus of multicolored energy surrounds them. For the duration of the Cast Sorcery action and for their next action following, any spell that attempts to affect them in a fashion they consider undesirable shatters and its effects are wasted.
  - Sorcerer can also opt to spend 20 motes of essence and shatter a Terrestrial Circle spell operating within a radius of (caster’s permanent Essence x 50) feet. If the spell is currently being shaped, its caster is automatically interrupted. Spells currently in effect are shattered. This does not banish demons or spirits, whose summoning has already been accomplished and is no longer considered a spell.
  - Emerald Countermagic is not a clean or quiet process. "Shattering" a spell means that it is literally torn apart. Its effects fail, and random trivial magical effects wash out over the area. The sorcerer is safe from undesirable consequences, but others in the area may suffer minor burns or damage. The precise effects are at the Storyteller's discretion, although they should be significantly less harmful than a hostile Terrestrial Circle spell.
  
  * Special timing rules: Sorcerers can shape Terrestrial Circle sorcery to cast this spell as a reflexive action that takes 0 ticks, but must then take a Cast Sorcery action as their next normal action.
  
  Infallible Messenger (10m)
  
  - The sorcerer conjures up a minor spirit from essence. This spirit is called a cherub. Cherubim are multicolored humanoid figures only a few feet tall with six glittering blue-chrome wings. The message can be no more than five minutes in length and can be a social attack with a Speed no greater than five long ticks. The sorcerer then describes a target. The cherub can travel from one point to another in Creation or Yu-Shan nearly instantly. It travels hundreds of miles an hour and can traverse the world in less than a day. Unless the target’s location is mystically obscured, the cherub will find the recipient, deliver the message perfectly to their ear (even using the original sender’s voice) and then dissipate. The exalt can enhance this message with appropriate instant duration charms such as Irresistible Salesman Spirit and Linguistics Excellencies.
  
  Burning Eyes of the Offender (10m)
  
  - The sorcerer’s anima ignites in a colorless fire that refracts and magnifies the hues of their Exaltation. All who gaze upon the sorcerer weep uncontrollably, their eyes stung by her blazing halo. This spell imposes an internal penalty equal to the caster's Essence against all attacks against them that originate within 100 yards, whether the sorcerer’s DV applies to such an attack or not. It does not affect allies standing next to them. Opponents who are blind or who avert their eyes do not suffer this penalty. Moreover, combatants who close their eyes run the risk of incoming attacks being considered unexpected attacks. The (Perception + Awareness) roll to avoid unexpected attacks receives the normal -4 penalty for being blind. The sorcerer may dispel Burning Eyes of the Offender as a reflexive action.
  
  
• 
  HEALTH LEVELS
  -0 [ ]
  -1 [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -2 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -4 [ ]
  Inc [ ]
  
  ESSENCE: ●●●●
  Personal: 19 / 19
  Peripheral: 3 / 27 (44+1)
  Committed: 18
  
  WILLPOWER: ●●●●● oo/ ●●●●● ●●
  
  LIMIT: [x] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  
  DERIVED STATS:
  Join Battle: 4
  
  PDV: 7
  (wielding thunderbolt shield)
  
  DDV: 5
  (no mobility penalty)
  
  Total Soak: 11L/12B/10A (Obsidian Sheath, 10L/10B)
  Hardness: 5L/5B
  Mobility: -0
  Fatigue: 0
  
  MDV: 6
  
  INTIMACIES
  
  Positive
  - Amilar Maseo (Friend, Trust)
  - Adrian Zeiss (Brother, Admire)
  - Lookshy (Respect)
  - Crafting (Enjoy)
  
  Negative
  - Dynasts (Hate/Fear)
  - Undead (Despise)
  
  ANIMA POWER
  
  Solar Exalted of the Twilight Caste may perceive Essence through their anima, allowing them to hone their senses for magic. By spending five motes, a Twilight may add (Essence) automatic successes on any (Intelligence + Occult) roll to identify a Charm or to analyze it with Essence sight, and on any (Perception + Awareness) roll made to notice a magical effect or Charm. In addition, this supernatural perception easily pierces through deception, adding a +3 bonus to the Solar's Dodge MDV against unnatural Illusions. These effects come into play automatically once the Solar spends 11+ motes of Peripheral Essence.
  
  COMBOS FOR QUICK REFERENCE
  
  Indomitable Solar Barricade (8m)
  - One Weapon, Two Blows (3m)
  - Peony Blossom Attack (3m)
  - Durability of Oak Mediation (2m)
  
  - When attempting to prevent a group of foes from moving past him, Viktor makes himself into an entrenched obstacle. His hammer impacts every opponent nearby with the power of a blacksmith striking the anvil, and his body grows resilient as Essence temporarily hardens over his skin to provide a second set of armor.
  
  Crippling Solar Whirlwind (5m)
  - Peony Blossom Attack (3m)
  - Joint-Wounding Attack (2m)
  
  - Sometimes his enemies are too great in might or numbers to be defeated on a level playing-field. At times like these Viktor forces Essence into his weapon so that it might weaken those who seek to challenge or outnumber him.
  
  Darkness Falls Before Daylight (5m)
  - Enemy-Castigating Solar Judgement (2m)
  - One Weapon, Two Blows (3m)
  
  - Viktor learned growing up in Lookshy of the Fair Folk atrocities dating back to the Balorian Crusade, and has seen the evils of the walking dead firsthand when special operations disrupted Underworld activities stemming from Thorns. As the newfound light of the Unconquered Sun blossoms within him, Viktor unleashes this golden might against the enemies of Creation.
  
  Genius Design Methodology (7m+, 1wp)
  - First Craft Excellency (1m per die)
  - Craftsman Needs No Tools (7m, 1wp)
  
  - Every crafter worth their weight in gold knows that no great creation can be born in the absence of planning and design; by the same token, Viktor recognizes that his dreams of wonder-crafting cannot be achieved without tapping into the mythical knowledge his forebearers held to their whim. This combination of innate ability and dedicated craftsmanship is Viktor's first real attempt to step beyond the purview of mortal craftsman and grasp something more esoteric.
  
  
• 
  EXPERIENCE
  Points Banked: 46
  Points Earned: 84
  
  Attribute - rating x4
  Favored or Caste Ability - (rating x2) -1
  Out of Caste Ability - rating x2
  Essence - rating x8
  Virtue - rating x3
  Willpower - rating x2
  New Ability - 3
  Specialty - 3
  Favored/Caste Charm - 8
  Out-of-Caste Charm - 10
  
• 
  
  VIKTOR: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS
  ​
  ENTRY #1
  
  Spoiler

  3RD DAY OF ASCENDING AIR, RY 769​

  
  “That’s the guy?”
  
  Viktor and his recently found helper Koharu stood in the shadows of the Sandstream Café, sipping coffee as visitors and residents alike scurried by. They pretended to share a meal as they observed the sailors and deckhands working at the dock across the street. One man in particular, an overweight Delzhan covered in garish silks and sporting a worried look on his face, stood out amongst the rest. Koharu nodded her – its – head in response.
  
  “Silver dinars can help sway anyone’s decisions. Especially an underpaid trader with product to move and no one to sell to.”
  
  He nodded in agreement. “Yes, I suppose that makes sense. So, all we’ve got to do is show him this hand gesture—”
  
  “No,” she grabbed his hand and posed his fingers in the shape of stacked circles, “like this.”
  
  He looked down and memorized it, before releasing his hand from the pose. “Like that. Got it.”
  
  A young man working at the harbor tripped and dropped a bucket near the distressed Delzhan merchant. Its contents spilled out onto the dock and sloshed a thick green liquid onto the man’s shoes. The trader flew into a rage, yelling something incomprehensible as the embarrassed young man tried in vain to apologize.
  
  Finishing the sludge-like coffee he had been nursing, the blacksmith flicked his tongue in response to the bitterness and then placed the mug down on a nearby empty table. “Alright, let’s go.”
  
  As they joined the busy foot traffic outside the café, both Viktor and Koharu pulled thick hoods up over their heads to obscure their faces from those passing by. While perhaps this would have appeared conspicuous within the nations of the Scavenger Lands, the culture of Chiaroscuro embraced a manner of dress that included loose flowing cloaks and drawn head coverings as normal attire.
  
  This proved to be fortunate for them, as the city was still buzzing with rumors concerning the prison break that had occurred days earlier. Each citizen asked swore to a golden flash racing through the city, and every guard claimed to barely survive a fight with the assailants. While the people busied themselves with overblown stories and exaggerations, Dynasts from the Realm had arrived and were searching for the ‘Anathema’ responsible. The Wyld Hunt had been quick to rouse the sitting garrison and organize random patrols through the streets and lower districts. They hoped such patrols would catch the malevolent Exalts unaware and ill-prepared.
  
  Viktor had split from his fellows in the desert outside the city as they exited the tomb. He wished them well, and as they departed he felt sorely tempted to join them. Yet he had promised to forge a pair of rings to commemorate the eventual wedding of Aredin and Darian. These would magically seal their bond as Emperor and Empress and form the keystone to their new society. Such an important item would require equally impressive components, and the smith was sure he wouldn’t find the esoteric materials needed if he simply traveled East with his fellow Exalts.
  
  Without the aid of his circle-mates however, Viktor knew he couldn’t stay in the Realm tributary long. He had visited his forge and quickly drained it of the items he valued most, knowing it would only be a matter of time before the Terrestrials found it and began putting the pieces together. He was no spymaster, and an extended game of hide-and-seek was destined to end poorly.
  
  Luckily, one of Koharu’s purposes in the First Age involved sneaking about and killing those who opposed her master’s agenda. Viktor had no interest in ordering her to kill, but her scattered memories addressing covert operations proved to be invaluable. Her ability to stealthily work around obstacles and predict Terrestrial actions before they occurred played a large role in avoiding the Dynast patrols.
  
  Over the course of two days, they gathered supplies and made their way relatively unimpeded across the separate districts but were unsure of where to stage their eventual escape. Every gate out of the city featured a checkpoint of Realm heavy infantry in addition to the modestly-outfitted Delzhan regulars. This made the odds of a successful attempt extremely low at best.
  
  Koharu decided they should work towards escaping through the large harbor seated on the Inland Sea. Located at the northside of the city and open to large numbers of sea traders, it would be the most difficult area to rapidly secure. With Viktor’s approval, the automata began scouting the docks and speaking with the less prestigious or money-hungry ship captains. After another day of gathering information, Koharu was sure she had found their ticket out.
  
  The two fugitives made their way through the bustling crowd, careful to avoid drawing attention to themselves. They had to move slowly, as they carried a number of items from Viktor’s shop between the two of them and didn’t want anything suspicious dropping from under their cloaks. The pressure of the crowd pushing against them from the front began to ease as they neared the docks, and Viktor called ahead to his comrade. “That’s a little nicer, eh?”
  
  Koharu failed to return his smile, and instead shot him a look of warning. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, then looked past her and felt the smile slide right off his face. A cadre of armor-clad soldiers approached ahead of them, blocking their path and physically pushing citizens out of the way. Behind the forceful soldiers strolled a stocky man and an athletically-built woman, both wearing thick maroon-colored breastplates and carrying similar looking weaponry. Viktor would have bet a talent of silver it was all Red Jade.
  
  Crap, and here I thought the harbor would be the easy way out. He motioned for his partner to follow him to the side of the chaotic crowd, and they began pushing towards a nearby alley. With a little shoving and a muttered curse or two, Viktor was able to slip out of the waves of people and step into the small alley. He looked back to the throngs of people, scanning the faces as he searched for Koharu.
  
  As she neared the edge of the crowd their eyes finally locked onto one another’s. She appeared ready to join him, and then her eyelids widened in surprise. Looking back, she saw the male commanding officer of the soldiers had secured a tight grip on her cloak and was pulling her towards him. Viktor began to leave the alley, but a gesture from Koharu signaled for him to stay put.
  
  The Terrestrial turned her towards him and pulled the hood down to reveal her face. “Yer no Chiaroscur’n, tha’s fer sure.” He looked her over as she stood her ground, “yer somethin’ much…bett’r.”
  
  What do I do? Viktor gripped the wall next to him, knowing he needed to act quickly but unsure of what that action should be. If I fight, I’ll have to burn through Essence to have any chance to succeed. The moment my anima banner flares though, they’ll call the might of the garrison down on our heads. I can’t do that. He balled his hands into fists and shook his head. But if I do nothing Koharu and I could be separated, or worse! I don’t know how to navigate my way around the Realm’s finest without her. I’ll be as good as dead. “So be it,” he said under his breath, “at least I’ll go down swinging.”
  
  Viktor moved forward, stepping out of the alley and reaching towards the hammer hidden under his cloak. He tensed his muscles, preparing for the fight to come. His fingers brushed the cold metal of his weapon, reassuring him of its presence. Koharu noticed his actions though, and before he could retrieve the hammer she acted first and struck at her captor.
  
  Articulating her fingers like claws, she tore through the underside of her would-be tormentor’s forearm, causing him to bellow in pain. Before he could react, she planted a kick in his gut to send him flying off of his feet and into the female Exalt standing beside him. “Run!” she called out to Viktor.
  
  The crowd exploded into a wave of madness, with half the crowd trying to get away and the other half pushing for a better view of whatever was happening. The mortal Realm infantry were at a loss, trying to avoid injuring civilians and thus being swept around by the frenzied mob. Viktor shook his head, moving closer. “No, I can help you!”
  
  The two Dragon-Blooded warriors had begun rising from their prone positions, fire springing to life around their bodies and causing the crowd to recede as the flames spread. The male commander looked to be in anguish as he cradled his useless arm. He quickly pulled away to prevent being injured further. The female Exalt stepped forward though, barking orders to her soldiers to surround the female anathema and keep her from escaping.
  
  As the soldiers regrouped and began to push back against the crowd Koharu yelled to Viktor, putting steel into her voice. “I will meet up with you later! Go now!”
  
  The Fire-Aspect Dragon-Blood reached behind her back and retrieved a massive Red Jade Reaver Daiklave from the large sheath strapped over her shoulder. Her eyes glinted with a malevolent gaze as she leveled the blade at Koharu and sneered. “You’ll pay for that!”
  
  The Dragon-Blood swung her massive blade at the automata, trails of fire following the weapon and making it glow like a torch even in full daylight. Koharu easily anticipated the blade arc, rolling forward and dipping around it before delivering a palm-strike that bounced off the soldier’s armor.
  
  “I think not.” She dropped into a low crouch, placing her hands on the cobblestone beside her and quickly shifting her weight to them. Her leg swung across the ground like a scythe and knocked the Terrestrial’s feet out from under her.
  
  Gritting his teeth, Viktor turned and bolted towards the harbor. I have to trust her. His eyes darted around the different ships tied up at dock and the sailors watching the commotion with worry. A number of the deckhands grabbed empty buckets and dunked them beneath the surface of the water, a precaution in case either of the Terrestrials decided to jump aboard with their animas blazing.
  
  Viktor ran anxiously between the ships, swiftly scanning each one until he found the Delzhan merchant they’d observed earlier. “Hey, you!” The man took one look at the cloaked figure running towards him and bolted. For being a slightly overweight man, the merchant moved like a spry and scared antelope. He made a beeline up the gangplank and quickly took the helm of his ship.
  
  “Push us off, lads!” the man yelled to the deckhands. His voice was lost in the ongoing commotion, but the trained sailors seemed to understand his gestures. They began untying the ropes securing the ship to the dock, so that it could float free of the harbor. Viktor followed the man, catching up to him at the helm.
  
  “I was supposed to meet you here. See?” He thrust his hand between them and showed the merchant the special gesture Koharu had taught him.
  
  The old merchant shook his head. “No, no, I know nothing.” He turned and shouted for the sailors to move faster, ready to put all of this behind him.
  
  “Listen here!” Viktor grabbed the merchant by the flowing collar on his outfit, pulling it taut. “I have no interest in playing games. My partner and I have got to get out of here now. You made a deal with her, and I’ll be damned to Malfeas if I let you pull out of that arrangement now.”
  
  The merchant looked around as he briefly considered his options. One of the larger sailors stepped away from the rigging, placing a loose hand on his cutlass and looking at them. “Ev’ry thing alrigh’, cap’in?”
  
  Viktor let a small bit of Essence leak into his anima, causing the caste mark on his forehead to faintly glow as a half-filled circle. The merchant’s face became pale as he looked at the glowing mark. “Yes,” he nodded vigorously, “everything is fine. This monst – this man is joining us.”
  
  Viktor released the spineless merchant and looked back towards the raging battle. From his low vantage point however, he was unable to see past the scurrying throngs of people. All he could perceive was the occasional gust of flame and the screams from the crowd accompanying it. He nervously squeezed the bannister at the helm. She’s got to get out of there.
  
  “And we’re off!” cried one of the midshipmen. The ropes had been completely untied and the ship was slowly pulling out of the harbor.
  
  “We can’t leave yet, my partner is still up there,” Viktor relayed to the merchant.
  
  The merchant shook his head. “I will honor our agreement. I know what a demon like you would do if I refuse. But if those Dynasts reach the ship and trace flames onto my vessel, then I’ll be ruined. Nothing you can do will be worse than that.”
  
  Viktor turned back to the shore and spit out a curse. He could see people fleeing the battle towards the docks, flames alight upon their clothing. They jumped into the water, their only recourse, and soon the area immediately around the dock was filling up with people.
  
  After a moment, Koharu appeared. She was still fighting the lone Dynast, each seemingly stuck in a stalemate. The automata would launch a flurry of attacks to keep the Terrestrial off-balance, then the Dragon-Blood would retaliate with a mighty swing that forced Koharu to either leap back or risk evisceration.
  
  The Dynast screamed, anger becoming manifest within the blazing typhoon of her anima and engulfing everyone in her immediate area. The people unlucky enough to be nearby yelled out in pain and surprise, and those who remained standing rushed to the waterfront. Koharu had to use careful footwork to keep from tripping on the myriad charred bodies surrounding her, and the Fire-Aspect saw her opening.
  
  “Fall to the burning embrace of Hesiesh, anathema!” The Dragon-Blood swung her mighty blade low, as though to mimic Koharu’s tactic of taking out her opponent’s legs, but feinted and then drew it across mid-swing. The blade seemed to move quicker than the automata could react, and it took every ounce her predictive ability to step back at the last second. The Daiklave drew a charred gash across Koharu’s lower torso, causing sliced and fused wires to become visible and throwing her backwards towards the docks. Koharu’s injured body slammed into fleeing civilians and disappeared under the stampeding crowd.
  
  The Dynast threw her head back and laughed, a manic grin spreading across her face as she took a step closer to victory. The Jade-clad woman stalked forward, down the steps to the dock, and looked through the crowd for her prey. “Come come anathema, time to face your end.”
  
  Viktor ran to the front of the ship ready to leap from the bow and swim back to the dock, but the merchant grabbed him from behind. “You can’t help your friend now. You’ll just get yourself killed.” The man released his cloak. “Then again, in that case perhaps you should go.”
  
  Viktor took a breath, then shook his head and looked back to the merchant. “No, you were right the first time. I can’t help anyone if I’m dead. And she wouldn’t want that for me.”
  
  The Dynast on the dock was becoming increasingly agitated. She couldn’t find her wounded quarry, and experience told her that no body recovered meant they weren’t dead yet. Her anima blazed brighter and hotter, singing the docks and catching small bits of combustible wares on fire. Almost the entirety of the deckhands were in the water at this point, trying to avoid the raging Terrestrial and the bonfire accompanying her.
  
  “No!” she belted at the top of her lungs. She had fought her opponent to the point of victory but failed to grasp it before it could slip through her fingers. The Terrestrial fired off a bolt of flaming essence and the nearest ship and watched as the hull erupted and began to sink. Her anger would not be sated today.
  
  The ship pulled out of the harbor, the blaze behind them growing smaller. Viktor watched as the Dynast turned to one of her mortal soldiers, barking commands of some kind, and then the group of soldiers quickly ran off to follow through on their orders.
  
  Koharu, I’m sorry. I don’t know what else I could have done. Shouting could be heard from the side of the ship, and Viktor rushed over to see what was causing it. Three sailors were trying to pull a grizzled old man out of the surf and over the side of the deck. He reached down, offering a fourth hand, and together they were able to secure grips well enough to pull the man aboard. Sloshing water onto the deck, they laid down a moment breathing heavily from the strain. The older man coughed up seawater and gripped his bleeding abdomen as though injured. His skin looked tough and leathery, like he had lived most of his life working under the constant observance of the sun.
  
  Viktor and the midshipmen regained their footing while the merchant ran over to ask what the commotion was from and who the strange man was. The grizzled old man fought to contort his weathered face into a smile, and inside the enclosure of his frizzy grey beard one could see he was missing more teeth than he’d retained. “My name is Fergis of Galloway,” he wheezed out. “But you know me by another name.”
  
  Before their eyes the man’s skin began to shift like water flowing under a thin surface of ice, and after a moment the grizzled old body that had stood before was replaced with that of a lithe young woman. The man’s previously bleeding wound had been replaced with a long gash across the mid-drift, and charred circuitry could be seen inside.
  
  “Koharu!” Viktor ran forward and wrapped her in a great bear hug. So enthusiastic was he that he almost bowled her over in the process.
  
  “Ah, yes I do recognize you,” the merchant conceded. “Though I don’t believe you mentioned anything about angering Dynasts when last we spoke.”
  
  Viktor let her go, and Koharu shook her head in response. “No, I had hoped they wouldn’t play a role in our leaving the city. I am sorry it caused so much inconvenience for you and your crew.”
  
  “I think you got the worse end of the stick.” The man pointed to her injury.
  
  She nodded, “yes, that was an unexpected complication. The children of Hesiesh are formidable opponents when roused to anger. I am just glad I took one out of the fight before their fires began raging, or I might not be standing here at all.” Viktor nodded along in agreement.
  
  The merchant finally allowed himself a smile, looking around at the open water surrounding them, and then turned his gaze back to Viktor and Koharu. “Well, we should be safe from here on out. With all the ships slipping free during the fight, and the chaos of the civilians jumping from the docks, I cannot imagine they had the chance to figure out which ship you climbed aboard. That is, if they even noticed you at all.”
  
  He shouted orders to the deckhands to prepare the ship for choppy waters, then escorted the pair down below deck. “I don’t doubt however that the Dynast you fought will immediately relay news of your sighting to the Imperial navy. The Realm will most likely run extensive searches on any ships they find in the area for the next few weeks.”
  
  The two stowaways nodded along as he led them to a sparsely furnished cabin towards the back of the ship. “Yes,” Koharu agreed, “that does make sense.”
  
  “As such, I request that you stay below deck for the foreseeable future. Our agreement for travel to Cherak will be honored, I assure you. But your presence up above would serve only to place my men and myself at greater risk.”
  
  “You have our word,” Viktor replied.
  
  “Good.” The merchant adjusted his outfit, then turned to leave. “I shall have provisions sent to you, once we have put a little more space between ourselves and Chiaroscuro.”
  
  Once the merchant had left, Viktor began to take a look at Koharu’s injury. He took a seat in front of her and carefully prodded the area around it, while manipulated the exposed wires.
  
  “That was not how I intended our escape go,” she stated. “The danger was much too close to you.”
  
  “To me?” He stifled a laugh, then looked up and smiled. “I think you’ve got that backwards. But at least we made it.”
  
  He leaned back on his stool, placing one hand against his chin and gesturing to her injury with the other. “Though I’m not sure what I’m gonna do about this. It’s definitely past my pay-grade.” He shook his head. “The best I could do for now would be to patch it over, and hope nothing else hits you there. But I don’t know the first thing about repairing the charred wiring inside your chassis.”
  
  She nods and favors him with a graceful smile. “One step at a time.”
  
  Viktor took a breath, calming himself, and returned the smile. “Okay then.” He stood up and looked around the room. “Where do you think they keep scrap metal on this floating hunk of wood?”
  ENTRY #2
  
  Spoiler

  24TH DAY OF ASCENDING AIR, RY 769​

  
  “I think I’m gonna be sick.”
  
  Viktor leaned over the railing, waiting for something horrible to happen. After a few minutes of nothing, he pulled himself back and sat down on the deck. Koharu walked up, surprised at his position.
  
  “How strange. You haven’t exhibited any typical signs of poor constitution during our voyage so far. I wonder what has caused it to come up now?”
  
  He shook his head gently, keeping his gaze facing downward. “I think it was those oysters last night. I was never one for seafood, and this overabundance of it has been really giving me a bit of a challenge.” His stomach rumbled, as though to voice its agreement. “Oh boy…”
  
  Koharu looked out over the endless water surrounding them. “Well, we are about half way through our trip. Assuming we don’t run into any more Realm skiffs, we should reach Cherak in about another three weeks or so.”
  
  “Yeah,” he nodded, “that will be nice.” He grinned, ignoring his stomach for a moment. “Oh, but to feel dry land beneath my feet again. Such a heavenly request. Dare I dream it?”
  
  “Haha!” Koharu laughed, a sweet sound that brought a smile to the faces of those working around them. She took a seat next to the blacksmith, stretching out as though to relax.
  
  “Though if I’m being honest,” he admitted, “I have actually quite enjoyed our trip along the Inland Sea so far.”
  
  “Yes. Except the close call with the Realm skiff. That I could have done without.”
  
  “That’s true. If they’d realized we were aboard, this entire endeavor could have been over before it started.” He looked over at his traveling companion, gaze fixed on her midsection and the scar that traced across her skin.
  
  He had managed to affix a sheet of metal across her broken and exposed wiring, heating the edges and then bonding them together like one might patch a hole in their carriage. This helped provide a buffer for the foreseeable future and protected against further damage being inflicted upon the wiring. Unfortunately, it also registered as erroneous maintenance within her programming. Do to this technical error, her normally flawless ability to mimic a chosen appearance had been hampered. The best she could do with the patch in place was force the synthetic skin to come together over the sheet metal and bond in a rough facsimile of a horizontal scar.
  
  She had repeatedly informed him that he’d done the best job possible given the materials they had on hand, but that didn’t stop Viktor from being unhappy with himself and his inability to fully repair her. He shook his head, trying to clear away the negative thoughts. Can’t do anything about that now. I’ll just have to wait until we get to the Scavenger Lands. I’m sure we’ll be able to find something useful there.
  
  “So,” Koharu began to sit up, “did you want to head back down below deck and do some more work on your blueprints?”
  
  Viktor nodded and began to stand. He wiped the back of his pants to knock off the small bits of dirt that accumulated when he sat and offered the automata a hand up. She gladly took it, then he lifted her from the deck up onto her feet. “Let’s get something to drink first though,” he said, heading in the direction of the galley. “Maybe a strong jug of mead will help keep me from feeling the effects of those oysters.”
  
  Koharu didn’t think it would have the beneficial effect he was hoping for; however, she was happy to see him smiling and gladly followed along down the length of the ship. As they neared the aft staircase a group of sailors stepped out and eyed the two travelers warily. Koharu’s kept a vigil as the two of them entered the staircase, returning the look the sailors were giving them and ready for a fight if one were to break-out. Luckily no such thing happened, and after a moment the sailors broke ranks and headed off in different directions to tackle their individual tasks.
  
  Viktor shook his head in annoyance as they descended the staircase. Most of the crew working Talbar’s ship followed the merchant’s orders and treated the two as guests, even if perhaps they weren’t enthusiastic in their actions. A few of the crew had chosen to behave in a manner only a hair shy of standoffish though, and this created awkward situations when they encountered each other.
  
  “Perhaps we should mention that to Talbar when next we see him?” Koharu proposed as they reached the bottom of the staircase.
  
  “Nah, I doubt there is much he could do. Not if he plans to keep his crew’s loyalty, that is.”
  
  As frustrating as it was, Viktor understood that many of the people who lived around the Inland Sea grew up surrounded by the enforced-doctrine of Immaculate-related beliefs. They might have no moral qualms with selling room on a cargo or trading ship to a few stowaways. But finding out those stowaways could potentially be at the top of the Realm’s hit-list was sure to strain any previously arranged commitments. Considering their current condition, the blacksmith was sure it was taking every bit of influence Talbar had to keep his crew from mutinying.
  
  Viktor moved towards the galley. “Let’s just focus on making it to Cherak in one piece,” he said while holding the door open for his companion. Nodding in appreciation, Koharu stepped through first and he followed close behind.
  
  The ship’s galley had been constructed to be a spacious room for aristocrats to eat and socialize. It had boasted a large piano on one wall, and magical trays that remained level for holding food on the opposing wall. In the front center of the room had sat large rounded-rectangular tables of brilliant redwood, with special candelabras embedded in the center to provide light for each of the five tables. Finally, the back middle of the room had featured a large floor for dancing, and doors leading to the kitchen and prep rooms. It plied the Inland Sea for six months under the auspices of a Patrician captain named Peleps Danube, offering services to wealthy Dynasts that most could not match.
  
  During the seventh month of its voyage, the Patrician mistakenly insulted a Dragon-Blooded Dynast of House Mnemnon and laid the foundation for a new feud between the two Great Houses. His elders immediately forced him to relinquish control of the ship. He was compelled to sell it off, as that was the only course of action to prevent public reprimand and irreparable damage to his name.
  
  Thus, the former pleasure galley fell into the hands of the enterprising merchant Talbar. He immediately set to work transforming the dining venue into a galley suitable for large numbers of hard-working sailors. Within two months of non-stop work the ship was back on the water, but it looked much different and served a vastly changed purpose. The tables were chopped down into long strips and reattached at the ends to form long counters that allowed for eating from both sides. The piano was alive with music again, but its melodies were in the service of much bawdier tunes than were played before. And the magical food-trays were sold off and replaced with simple metal bars for food placement.
  
  These were the sights Viktor and Koharu viewed as they entered the galley, along with a couple dozen sailors loudly talking over their meals. They quickly joined in the organized chaos of the galley, as had become habit by now, and stepped into line for food from the buffet. After filling their plates, they made their way to a table they had become accustomed to sitting at.
  
  “I’m going to see about that mead,” Viktor said before heading off in the direction of the kitchen.
  
  Koharu picked at her food, testing for something with a flavor she might enjoy. She had no need to eat, and typically only did so to fit in with humans and make them more comfortable. But she did find that some foods delighted her synthetic taste buds more than others. The particular offerings for the day, tilapia with some kind of hot spice added, were exceptionally delicious. Had she been a human the heat might have brought tears to her eyes, instead she enjoyed it unhindered and quickly got up for a second plate.
  
  Viktor returned shortly with a stout brown jug of what could only be assumed was mead, and the two enjoyed their meal together largely in silence (excepting the cacophony of noise surrounding them). As they were close to finishing, Talbar walked in through the doors and made his way towards them.
  
  “Hello. I trust you’ve found the foot palatable?”
  
  Viktor considered mentioning the overabundance of seafood, then decided against it. “Yes, it has been fine.”
  
  “Word has it you’ve been spending inordinate amounts of time above-deck today.”
  
  The blacksmith snorted in his food, and Koharu spoke up. “We did decide to spend the majority of the morning in the sun, yes.”
  
  “I’d really rather you did not do that. Especially with our manifest pulling us so close to Noble and the territory of the Imperial Merchant Marines.”
  
  “Worry not, Talbar,” Viktor began, “we have no interest in drawing the Realms’ eye to your ship or crew.”
  
  “And yet you spend hours in total visibility, as though daring a passing vessel to take a closer look.”
  
  Viktor shook his head and cracked a smile. “Is it really such a crime to spend the morning in the sunlight? How else am I to venerate Sol Invictus?”
  
  Talbar’s mouth visibly tightened. “I would ask that you keep such activities contained in the room set aside for you. Your presence already poses a threat. Praying to outlawed deities only exacerbates the situation.”
  
  The merchant stomped off towards the kitchens, and Viktor turned to Koharu. “I really get the feeling he doesn’t like us.”
  
  The two of them finished the last of their food, then headed out to return to their rooms. Though Viktor enjoyed poking fun at the merchant, he knew the man was right on some accounts. Too much risk was dangerous, and they couldn’t afford to put themselves or their travel in the path of Realm-fueled danger.
  
  Viktor led his companion back up the stairs and out into the blazing light of midday. “Let’s head back to the cabin. We probably shouldn’t push Talbar too far, and I’ve got work to do on the ring blueprints anyways.”
  
  They passed by one of the hostile sailors from earlier, and the man glared at them from behind the rigging. Stepping around the ropes, the sailor approached them. Spitting at the ground in front of Viktor, he spoke. “I ought to flag down a passing ship and tell them of you, sun-monster. We don’t want you here.” He looked over at Koharu and sneered. “Or your disgusting body-snatcher, for that matter.”
  
  Viktor took a deep breath before responding, trying to keep himself from rising to the affront. “Listen. I know you were raised to believe we’re all demons without an ounce of humanity. But we have done nothing to wrong you personally or earn your ire.”
  
  The sailor continued to sneer, ignoring the plea for reason. “Your words are meaningless, monster. I know the old stories, my father taught me well. You’d pretend to be our friend with one hand, while plotting against us with the other. Nothing good can come from an anathema.”
  
  “That’s not the case at all,” Viktor protested. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I certainly have no interest in harming anybody. I’m a builder, for Sol’s sake! I would much rather build wonders with these hands, than tear them down.”
  
  “No,” the sailor replied. “All you –”
  
  A large wave crested over the port side of the ship, interrupting their discussion and knocking them off their feet. “What in the world?” the sailor cried in alarm as they were thrown backwards.
  
  Where the wave had previously peaked and crashed over the railing now stood a giant crab-like monstrosity. Its bright red shell squatted low to the deck, with three large legs protruding from either side holding it up. It sported two large arms ending in sharp claws and snapped them menacingly at the sailors on deck. The deckhands froze in terror, unsure of how to respond. The creature released a loud clicking noise and raced towards the water-swept group.
  
  Koharu was the first up, leaping from her prone position and kicking away a giant claw before it could snap closed. Viktor followed next, jumping up at the crab and wrapping his body around the other claw to prevent it from closing around the injured sailor.
  
  The crab-beast waved its claw in an attempt to shake Viktor loose. “Wow, this thing is strong!” the blacksmith yelled as he gripped tightly. Koharu had to keep her focus on the other claw, so that it didn’t try to pry the Solar off with it.
  
  The argumentative sailor groggily sat up, then jumped back when his gaze focused on the monster brought forth from the sea. A couple other member of the crew saw what Viktor and Koharu were doing and rushed forward to help. As the sea-borne monster eyed the approaching sailors, a seam appeared across the bottom of the shell and began to widen. “What’s it doing?” they asked, pulling out an assortment of knives and cudgels.
  
  Before they could close in on the creature, dozens of small red crabs streamed out from the opening and began to crawl towards the sailors. Within seconds they were on the ill-prepared mortals, pinching their feet and leaving horrible red abrasions everywhere they touched skin.
  
  “This is not looking good!” Viktor bellowed as the giant crab swung him around in the air. “If only I had my hammer, I’d crack this thing open like it was dinner time!”
  
  “Maybe the crew can give us a hand?” Koharu offered, continuing to knock away the second claw-tipped arm each time it reached for him.
  
  Viktor chanced a look towards the assembled sailors as he flew about. Most of the deckhands were preoccupied with the spreading red rashes on their skin and smashing the multitude of crabs scuttling around their feet. He was fairly certain they would be unable to aid with the larger monster on deck.
  
  “No, I think we’re on our own with this one!” It slammed him heavily into the deck, cracking the wooden boards as they collided with the blacksmith. When it lifted him back up, Viktor had to blink to refocus his vision and keep his tight grip. “However long that lasts!”
  
  “Maybe I can help!” The sailor who had crawled away in fear leaped over the small swarm of crabs, closing the distance between himself and the beast from the sea. It stared at the newcomer with interest, its large eye stalks waving in the swift salty breeze. Then, with a swift motion, the sailor’s cutlass sliced through one of the stalks and caused the eye to drop backwards into the sea.
  
  The monster emitted a horrendous noise of pain and began scuttling erratically across the deck. It bulldozed into the sailor, knocking him from his feet, and attempted to dig its small mouth-claws into his torso. The sailor yelled out in panic, bracing his weapon against the monster and using it to push against the crab’s impenetrable exoskeleton.
  
  Viktor leapt from the claw, no longer the greatest priority, and instead dropped to the deck and snatched an extra knife from one of the deckhand’s belts. “Don’t mind if I do.”
  
  Moving with the speed and intensity of molten lava, the blacksmith leapt forward and wrapped one arm around the claw he’d previously abandoned. His knife melted through the arm where it connected to the crab’s body, causing it to thrash about as it began retreating from the struggling sailor.
  
  Working in a joined effort, Viktor, Koharu, and the daring sailor forced the monster back towards the edge of the ship. The Twilight crafter dropped his knife and lifted the massive piece of shell-encased arm into his twin-handed grasp. Viktor grinned and shifted it until it rested firmly in his hands as a hammer would, then stepped back towards the injured creature.
  
  “Step back,” he commanded. As his companions moved Viktor’s cast mark began to glow and display its half-filled circle form, while a large elephant of shimmering gold appeared beside him. With a powerful pivot, Viktor swung the broken chunk of arm so that it collided with the massive foe. His golden elephant anima charged alongside the attack, lowering its tusks as it connected and flinging the massive monster out into the sparkling water. The moment the crab-beast sunk beneath the water’s surface, the remaining red crabs aboard the ship turned and leapt out into the sea to follow their progenitor.
  
  The majority of the sailors collapsed in exhaustion, dropping to the wooden deck and breathing heavily after their unexpected ordeal. Tossing the hulking arm of the beast into the water, Viktor turned back to the sailors scattered across the deck. He was about to make a funny quip about the incident, but then noticed that most of them were looking at the caste mark glowing above his brow.
  
  If they didn’t know what he was yet, they did now.
  
  One of the men raised an arm wordlessly, pointing at the glowing symbol. This was followed by a muttering of “anathema”, and a few more pointing hands.
  
  As the murmurs grew in intensity Viktor turned to look at Koharu, and their eyes met. This was about to get out of hand, and they had to do something about it fast. He stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak, but the sailor he’d argued with earlier spoke first.
  
  “Not anathema. Ally.”
  
  Viktor’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Huh? What game is this guy playing?
  
  “He could have let that thing come aboard and slaughter all of us,” the man continued. “He could have let it eat me alive as I lay beneath it. Instead, he placed himself between us, risking his life for mine. That golden glow means nothing to me in comparison to his actions. So, I say it again. Ally.”
  
  Viktor and Koharu shared another look, unsure of how to react. As the murmur died down and the other deckhands started to nod along to the sailor’s words though, it seemed he’d produced a positive outcome where one seemed unlikely just moments earlier.
  
  The sailor walked over to Viktor and Koharu, bowing to each of them in turn. “I would like to apologize for my earlier comments. They were inaccurate, and do not represent the kindness you have done us this day.”
  
  Koharu smiled in response, and Viktor nodded to the man. “Thank you, I appreciate your willingness to say that.” He turned to address the rest of the crew assembled before him. “And to all of you, I say thank you as well. I very much intend to help right the wrongs that have been transgressed against the people of Creation. This cannot be accomplished without cooperation between Exalts like me and people of Creation such as yourselves.”
  
  The crew seemed to react positively to his message, and Viktor felt Koharu’s gentle hand rest lightly upon his shoulder. He looked to her and allowed himself a smile.
  
  “Look at you,” Koharu said softly. “Giving speeches and building alliances, just like the Solars of old.” She favored him with a sly smile. “At this rate, you’ll end up taking your friend Aredin’s place as resident Eclipse caste,” she teased.
  
  Viktor laughed heartily, then wiped tears from the edges of his eyes and nodded. “Yes, that would certainly be a travesty.”
  
  “Sir?” one of the sailors near the pair spoke.
  
  Viktor straightened up and reclaimed his more serious demeanor. “Yes, what is it?”
  
  “Word just came down from the crow’s nest. A ship nears on the horizon.”
  
  Viktor felt a pit form in his stomach. We can’t have a happy moment, without something else going wrong. “Is it a Realm ship?”
  
  “We believe so, sir. It flies the flag of a cadet house based in Noble.”
  
  He nodded along. “Yeah, I had a feeling it would be something like that. You’d best inform Talbar.”
  
  The blacksmith looked to Koharu. As if she’d read his mind, the automata began walking towards the entryway to the staircase below deck. He looked back to the deckhand. “We’re gonna head out of sight for now. This,” he pointed to his forehead, “will glow for some time still. If that ship gets much closer there’s a chance they’ll see it reflecting on the water. Obviously, we don’t want that to happen.”
  
  As the pair began to descend the staircase, Viktor called back over his shoulder. “If Talbar needs to speak with us, we’ll be in our cabin.” And if he wants to thank us for unifying his crew, he can do that too.
  ENTRY #3
  
  Spoiler

  16TH DAY OF RESPLENDANT AIR, RY 769​

  
  “Steady now!” Talbar called, urging caution as the sailors steered closer to the fast approaching docks.
  
  Viktor watched from the side, standing next to the mast and observing the coordinated efforts of the crew. The deckhands moved like a well-oiled machine, everybody knowing where they were needed and acting in a concerted fashion. They had made good time on their journey, avoiding the sleek Realm cutter and its accompanying skiffs by slipping northwards towards the mouth of the Great Yanaze. As expected, the patrol ship and its escort eventually slowed and then left rather than following its quarry further. The Dynasts knew better than to risk their Terrestrial cousins’ ire and enter the Lookshyan waterways undermanned.
  
  From that point on, the trip was relatively smooth sailing. Talbar kept the ship barely within eyesight of the coast as they continued northward, unfurling both large sails on the sunnier days and using teams of rowers at times when the winds failed them. Skirting away from the coastal regions allowed them to speed along the water without worry of the larger vessels the Wind fleet sometimes launched from their ports nearer the Imperial City.
  
  Viktor turned to look over his shoulder, hearing Koharu walk up from behind him.
  
  “Ah, you’re getting more attentive,” she teased the Twilight crafter. Her arms were laden with the last few items to be packed, and the bags they were intended to be placed within. “I’ve collected the last of our things for the ongoing trip. Including,” she held up a small corked vial containing drops of frothy ocean spray, “salt water. This should help cover your friend Aredin’s portion of the arcane link, when you are ready to start forging the wedding rings.”
  
  “Good, thank you.” He looked back to the shoreline and the small harbor that was drawing near. “This might be a Realm tributary, but at least its smaller that Chiaroscuro. I imagine we shouldn’t have too much trouble moving through to the snowy villages beyond its borders.”
  
  Koharu took on a slightly pensive look. “I don’t wish to disagree with you; however, unlike the Delzhan-controlled tributary, Cherak is wholly owned and operated by offshoot Dynasts. The entire city lives and breathes the Immaculate Philosophy.” She favored him with a quick wink. “And you won’t always have a sea monster to slay and change their minds.”
  
  Viktor chuckled. “No, I suppose not. Still, as long as we keep a low profile, I think we’ll be okay.”
  
  “Let us hope so.”
  
  For what they lacked in hygiene and a proper understanding of grammar, the rugged deckhands and veteran sailors easily made up for it in their honed naval capabilities. They brought the ship into the cloud-covered port as one might lay a newborn into a crib, nestling it gently against the adjacent docks and strapping it to the posts without a single scratch to the hull.
  
  Before much time had passed, the two passengers found themselves leaving the ship behind and disembarking. They were guided down the gangplank by Talbar and two of his sailors, with the merchant walking ahead of them and the sailors bringing up the rear. A clipboard-carrying man wearing a breastplate engraved with the seal of Cherak began walking towards them, and Viktor leaned close to Koharu to whisper. “Let’s hope Talbar holds up his end of the bargain.”
  
  The merchant warmly greeted the oncoming harbormaster, raising his silk-covered arms and then clasping the other man’s hands between his own. To one with a quick eye, they might have noticed the smooth transfer of silver coins from the merchant’s sleeves to the harbormaster’s possession. To the casual onlooker however, it would simply appear as something more akin to a strange attempt on the part of the Delzhan trader to feign friendliness. “Hello, my friend. I am glad to be here in the wonderful city of Cherak again.”
  
  The harbormaster quickly moved the silver to a pouch on his hip, looking around nonchalantly to ensure nobody caught the transaction, then turned his attention back to Talbar. “Yes, of course you are. Who wouldn’t be?”
  
  Viktor looked around, taking note of the murky water in the harbor and the dirty slush-covered streets along the route into the city. More like, who would be?
  
  “What is your business here in our fine city?” the man droned on.
  
  “Mostly mercantile,” the merchant responded. “I wish to sell my dazzling wares and magnificent spices to the great Dynasts of Cherak, that they might find comfort in their boredom and brighter flavors within their bland foods.” The harbormaster began making notes on his clipboard, and Viktor noticed that the feather-pen seemed to be producing its own ink as the man wrote with it.
  
  “Additionally,” Talbar continued, “my associates will be making their way along the Traveler’s Road towards Whitewall.” He gestured towards Viktor and Koharu. “Though it is certainly a trifling city in comparison to the majesty of Cherak, I do hope to expand my business. The walled outpost will serve as good a purpose as any to stake a claim further north, you understand.”
  
  “Well…” the harbormaster began, uncertain how he felt about such a plan.
  
  “Please, my friend!” the merchant threw an arm over the other man’s shoulder, depositing additional coins on the top of his clipboard in the process. “I would be grateful if you would attempt to share in the vision I have birthed for my business dealings. Wouldn’t you attempt the same as me, were you but in my shoes?”
  
  Slipping the extra silver into his pouch, the harbormaster jotted another mark onto the clipboard and then nodded in agreement. “Yes, I suppose I would.” He tore a piece from the page he had been writing on and handed it over to the Delzhan trader. “Take this to the clerk in the dock-house when you’re ready to leave, and you’ll find the process greatly expediated.”
  
  The merchant gave him a large smile, and exuberantly shook his hand one more time. “Ah, that is most wonderful! Thank you! You are truly a great man, my friend!” The harbormaster gave a curt nod and then walked off towards another boat slip. He switched out the papers, preparing his clipboard to for the next ship to dock and leaving the small group alone by their vessel.
  
  Viktor adjusted the bag hanging from his shoulder. “Well, that went well.”
  
  The merchant quickly turned and shushed him. “Do you how many of the Realm’s spies watch the ports on the Inland Sea?”
  
  The blacksmith shook his head, “I don’t know, how many?”
  
  “More than enough to hear you blathering, that’s how many. Keep quiet until we have exited the city.”
  
  Viktor frowned in return but did as he was told and stopped speaking. The merchant directed the small group across the crisscross of docks until they reached the small dock-house sitting at the water’s edge. He handed the slip of paper over as instructed and began smiling and smooth talking with the young attendant inside. Within minutes the entire docking transaction was completed, and the group was free to make their way from the port to the city proper.
  
  “Now,” the Delzhan trader said, “I could use a stiff drink. Join me.” It wasn’t a request.
  
  Viktor was at first tempted to refuse the man. He was tired of the gaudy Delzhan and the constant rules he’d had to follow aboard the ship, ready to put it all behind him. Yet he also realized that they would not have gotten as far as they had, if at all, without the man’s timely help. They owed their current presence in Cherak to the portly merchant, and for that he would suffer one drink.
  
  “All right, one drink,“ the blacksmith responded. “But you’re buying.”
  
  The group made their way along the slick cobblestones the led from the seaside harbor up to the city-proper. They entered through a raised portcullis unmolested, Talbar waving the pass he’d been given at the dock house to keep the guards from frisking them. The buildings were all squat and made of some kind of mud and brick compound, with thatched roofs to keep out the sun. With the constant dreary overcast they were experiencing however, Viktor imagined the inhabitants suffered much more from rain leakage than sun exposure.
  
  The streets seemed to be in even worse shape, with many of the stones cracked or missing and leaving large hollows for rain to gather in. As wet as his boots were getting, the blacksmith was glad they weren’t attempting to ride up the street in a wagon. He saw the pieces to multiple wooden wheels emerging from holes in the street, evidence of the depth that some of the openings promised beneath their rippling surface.
  
  After a half hour of walking, the group finally arrived at a large wooden building shaped similar to a barn. A sign hung above the doorway showcasing a large tankard of mead and a faded dragon-like creature wrapped around the bottom of the mug while sipping from the top.
  
  “Welcome,” Talbar stated as they stopped to gaze at the sign. “to the Drunken Wyrm.”
  
  Viktor’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but he decided he would reserve judgement until seeing the inside. Two minutes later, they had all taken seats inside the loud massive establishment. Metal tankards filled to the brim were slammed down in front of them by a large slovenly man, their contents spilling over the edges and covering the table in a thin layer of the sticky drinks. Unapologetically the server wandered back towards the bar, while two brightly clothed men fought at the bar for the right to be served first before the other.
  
  “What a…charming place,” Viktor dryly commented as they took sips from their individual flagons. He looked about, letting the boisterous crowd and their crude behaviors sink in. “Talbar, how in Creation did you learn of this place?”
  
  The merchant took a large gulp of his drink, then lowered the tankard. “The proprietor and I have known each other for many years. He is a consumer of rumors, both concerning the Blessed Isle and their northern holdings, and this proves both cautionary and profitable for me. I stop by for a drink and a chat each time my travels near Cherak.”
  
  “Ah, so the Drunken Wyrm is a means to an end.” Viktor nodded, putting it together. He looked over to Koharu, swallowing a large amount of the mead. “I never considered it until now. Does alcohol affect you?”
  
  She shook her head. “No. But it would look strange to anyone observing us not to partake in drinking while sitting here.”
  
  Before they could continue speaking, a tall wiry man sporting an oiled black mustache approached the table and took a seat alongside them. The facial hair above his lips stuck off the sides of his face in a way resembling a pair of short daggers placed pommel to pommel. Viktor had to take a large drink to hide his smile and avoid laughing.
  
  “Talbar, you devil!” the man happily exclaimed, grasping arms with the large merchant across the table. “It has been too long! You almost forced me to look for a new spice supplier!”
  
  The merchant responded in kind, “ah, you never would do such a thing Provar! You and I both know you trust no other Delzhan besides myself!” This drew a laugh from the wiry man, and they began to negotiate over the new shipment of spices to be brought up from Talbar’s ship for Provar to peruse and approve of.
  
  After a few minutes of haggling the two men came to an agreement, with Viktor and Koharu observing the strange ritual of two men who obviously had danced this vocal-tango many times before. Then the conversation turned to rumors originating from farther up north, and Viktor leaned in to better pick up on the gossip.
  
  “You know,” Provar began, “there have been sightings of an Imperial Magistrate watching over the westbound roads of late. They claim to be doing this as a sign of good faith to deter the creatures that escape from the dark Fell, yet that is not keeping them from extracting a ‘travel-tax’ from all who pass-by.”
  
  Oh great, guess we won’t be going that way. Definitely don’t want to tussle with a Dynast. Viktor looked over at Koharu’s clothing-covered abdomen, thinking about the scar that lay beneath. Especially with her – it – still injured.
  
  They continued to spend the next hour listening to the merchant and his friend exchange rumors and stories, with Viktor adding in an anecdote or two as well. The blacksmith was able to quickly piece together a basic picture of the current political landscape of the northern satrapies and their outer territories. He also gained an understanding of the undead monsters that seemed to wander freely from Marama’s Fell, threatening death and assimilation to all those who neared the shadowland to their west.
  
  With his fifth tankard drained dry, Provar was finally ready to excuse himself. “Thank you all for coming,” the wiry man said between hiccups, “I hope to see you all again, especially you Talbar, when next you are near Cherak.” He excused himself, walking back towards his office behind the bar.
  
  Viktor and Koharu finished off their final drinks and moved to leave, but before they could stand Talbar placed a hand on Viktor’s wrist to keep him at the table. “Wait,” the Delzhan slurred, removing his hand following a look from Koharu. “There is something I need of you.”
  
  “I already ate up most the afternoon drinking with you. Isn’t that enough?” Viktor questioned.
  
  “You were given free information and free food,” the merchant retorted drunkenly. “And, not everyone gets an audience with Provar. You certainly would not have, not without my presence.”
  
  Viktor sighed. “Fine, what do you want?”
  
  Talbar smiled, then reached into a pocket of his robes. He retrieved a small circular brass trinket and handed it over to the craftsman. Viktor laid it flat upon his palm and examined the curious item as the merchant spoke. “I have an associate to our west, in the little village of ---. I promised to deliver this ward to them before the season of water arrives and travel gets difficult through the snowy wastes.”
  
  The disk only felt to be a half-pound at heaviest, and probably measured at roughly three or four inches across. Strange runes etched along the outside edges and across both faces, while a thin chain of steel was strung through a brass ring at the top. Viktor squinted as he tried to read the runes, thinking the object looked old and it was most likely an artifact of the First Age. Yet he was surprised when he found the glyphs unrecognizable. Whatever language was etched upon the trinket, it was not Old Realm.
  
  “So why don’t you deliver it to them yourself?” he asked as he handed it over to Koharu for her own inspection.
  
  Talbar grinned. “Because I am a busy man and have deadlines to meet. I have no time to run about as an errand boy.”
  
  “Well if you think –”
  
  “And after giving you a ride away from danger on your trip north to deliver you safely here, I believe you meet the requirements quite nicely.”
  
  Viktor scowled. He had no desire to run such an errand, but it was also true that he had no immediate concerns to draw him away. If anything, his search for pure northern snow such as that Darian would have grown up around meant he would need to wander the area anyways. I guess --- is as good a place to start as anywhere else.
  
  “I guess we’ll do it,” Viktor responded, causing a smile to emerge across Talbar’s face. “With that done however,” he prompted, “our debt is paid. Right?”
  
  “Of course,” the merchant answered merrily.
  
  The large man called for his tankard to be refilled, then lifted it to Viktor and Koharu as they stood to leave. “May your voyage be well, and my request not be forgotten.”
  
  Viktor rolled his eyes. “You won’t have to worry about that. It’ll be our first stop.”
  
  The partners left Talbar to his inebriated glee, exiting the Drunken Wyrm and looking about the vicinity for cheap lodging. Viktor dug through the pouch on his hip, counting the small amount of silver within. The free food and lodging they had enjoyed aboard the ship, if one could call it that, was behind them. They would need to find a way to gather some more funds soon, or they would be spending a lot of their future nights sleeping under the stars outside the city walls. With the wandering undead.
  
  Viktor shook his head, trying to clear such unwelcome thoughts from his mind. “Alright Koharu, let’s find a place that won’t cost every last piece of silver to our name. We’re gonna need it when we get out of the city.”
  
  The automata nodded, “yes, very true.” She pointed to a poster attached to the side wall of an adjacent bar. “How about we try there?”
  
  He turned to see what she was indicating, then felt his face flush scarlet. The poster showed a largely-muscled man dressed just in pants and suspenders, carrying a scantily clad woman over his bare shoulder towards a bed.
  
  “The poster,” Koharu announced aloud, “reads ‘any man looking for a good-night should try our fluffy pillows’ and provides an address at the bottom.” She looked back to Viktor, failing to notice his blush. “We are looking for a good night’s rest, and dependable pillows would be preferred to keep your neck from cramping during tomorrow’s travels. It certainly looks promising.”
  
  “Uh…Koharu, I don’t think they’re advertising an inn or lodging. At least, not the kind we’re looking for. Let’s keep looking…”
  
  She looked at him in confusion but shrugged her shoulders and did as he requested. After some additional searching they were finally able to find a small room for over-night rental near the northern walls of the city. It was small and poorly furnished, but inexpensive and thus for their purposes it would serve nicely.
  
  “I’m gonna get some sleep, do you mind keeping watch?” Viktor asked his self-styled bodyguard as he pushed their bags under the bedframe.
  
  “Of course, nothing will get in or out without my knowing,” she replied.
  
  “Good.” He smiled at his companion, then clambered onto the bed and released a big yawn. Stretching his exhausted limbs, he settled down into a comfortable position and within minutes he was fast asleep.
  
  MAPS:
  
  Spoiler

  Entry #1 - 3RD DAY OF ASCENDING AIR, RY 769
  
  Entry #2 - 24TH DAY OF ASCENDING AIR, RY 769
  
  Entry #3 - 16TH DAY OF RESPLENDANT AIR, RY 769
  

VIKTOR'S SUNFORGE

• Requests
• Current Project
• Items In Stock
• Items In Storage
• Materials
• Manuals

• 
  ORDER OF PRIORITY
  [1] Exceptional armaments for Durke's soldiers
  [2] Surprise artifact
  [3] Manse/Geomancy project in Rathess (?)
  
• 
  PROJECT NAME:
  Orichalcum Goremaul (●●●): ENDURING CHISEL OF DAYLIGHT REFORGED
  
  OVERALL PROGRESS:
  5 / 60 Accumulated Successes
  
  PROJECT DETAILS:
  
  Spoiler

  WEAPON STATS
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+3) Damage (+10B/2) Defense (+1) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  * These reflect normal stats from Errata with Orichalcum benefits included
  
  APPEARANCE
  - This long sleek sledge is of an appropriate size to be wielded either two-handed or one-handed when attuned. It is constructed with a sturdy core of pearl-white Adamant encased in wide spiralized stripes of tempered Orichalcum, a features thin shallow grooves carved along the core’s handle that follow the spiral upwards towards the head of the hammer. The twin protruding sides of the hammer head are forged of a mixed Orichalcum and bronze alloy, and fully encase a reinforced tube of Red Jade used for storing and combining fire-aspected essence with the essence of perfection provided by its Solar wielder. The grooves from the weapon’s haft continue up the sides of its golden head, randomly branching to the sides and digging thin trenches across it in their trails around the sledge head. At the central point atop the artifact where the grooves all converge is a slight concave dip that houses a hearthstone socket of white Adamant like that used in its handle.
  
  RED JADE FIRE-CHARGE CAPACITOR
  - The head of the Goremaul must lay within a fire for six hours to gather a single charge of fire-aspected essence. Any fire will accomplish gathering charges, so long as it is at least as large as a campfire. This reinforced tube of Red Jade can contain a maximum of (Essence x 2) charges within it. All abilities require the mixing of fire-charges with Solar essence, thus without a creative stunt all other Exalts are precluded from making use of these abilities (though they can still force attunement and use the weapon as a basic Goremaul for 2x motes).
  
  ESSENCE/WP COSTS SUMMARY
  - Attunement would require committing 5m
  - ‘Holy Blaze’ ability requires expenditure of 2m, 1 fire-charge
  - ‘Goldfire Artificer’ ability requires expenditure of 3m, 1 fire-charge per elemental
  - ‘Pachyderm Trample’ ability requires expenditure of 5m+, 3 fire-charges
  
  (ABILITY) HOLY BLAZE OF COMBAT
  - Forged as a weapon of purpose against Creation’s foes, the fabled Daiklave ‘Daylight Doom of the Unshaped’ was able to burst alight with holy flames of gold that licked at the enemies of Creation and inflicted terrible wounds upon them. In reforging the blade into a sledge, Viktor has managed to carry this enchantment over both for its utility and in deference to the purpose his predecessor originally intended for this weapon.
  - By spending 2 motes and 1 fire-charge, the Exalt causes the head of the sledge to become temporarily engulfed in flames of gold. Until their DV refreshes, the Solar’s attacks with this weapon gain +2 base damage and inflict aggravated damage against creatures of darkness.
  
  (ABILITY) UNCONQUERED GOLDFIRE ARTIFICERS
  - The Goremaul soaks up sunlight and fire, absorbing the two materials within its Red Jade capacitor and combining their complementary essences within the sledge. With an unspoken mental command, the spiralized grooves along the handle glow golden and quickly trace their way up to the head of the artifact. The glowing grooves twine across the twin Orichalcum and bronze-alloy protrusions and meet along the top as they form a wreath of light around the imbedded hearthstone socket. With the infusion of Solar essence, a humanoid elemental formed of golden fire emerges from the artifact to aid with a single crafting endeavor.
  - By spending 3 motes and 1 fire-charge, the Exalt can create a goldfire elemental tasked to one specific project chosen when they emerge. The Exalt is limited to creating a maximum of (Essence) elementals, as any more than that would be too taxing for the Goremaul to sustain. These elementals are born with an innate connection to both Gaia and the Unconquered Sun through their composite materials. As such, every two elementals working in tandem provide +1 success to crafting attempts involving Orichalcum or Jade, and all Craft (Fire) attempts regardless of materials. However, both deities view the Neverborn and the Yozi as antithetical to Creation; thus, goldfire elementals refuse to aid in any craft attempt that involves the use of materials associated with Underworld/Ghosts (such as Soulsteel) or with Malfeas/Infernalism (such as Vitriol).
  - Goldfire elementals cannot engage in any other action besides the assigned crafting task, treating anything else as an unacceptable order, and if they are damaged with any amount of damage they immediately dissipate. They also dissipate after their assigned project is completed, melding back into the local Dragon Lines.
  
  (ABILITY) GOLDEN PACHYDERM TRAMPLE
  - The wielder throws the sledge at their chosen target, and their blazing anima leaps from their brow and binds itself to the flung weapon. The golden essence of their anima enwraps the artifact and coalesces around it to form a massive translucent shape similar in appearance to a charging elephant.
  - To use this ability, the Exalt must already have their anima banner flaring at the 11-15+ mote range, or reflexively spend 10 motes to activate their anima banner. From that point onward, as long as their anima bonfire remains at the 11-15+ mote level, they may spend 5 motes and 3 fire-charges to form a massive golden elephant from their encircling essence. Upon casting the Goremaul at their target, the great golden totem flares around the weapon and charges along its path.
  - Targeted enemies cannot parry this attack, only dodge DVs are applicable, and even then the DDV of the target is reduced by half for purposes of dodging the golden tusks careening towards them. The Exalt can send their weapon anywhere within (Essence x 50) yards and uses an attack pool of (Dexterity + Melee + Essence), with a base bashing damage equal to an elephant’s charge reinforced by the Exalt’s strength and essence (14 + Strength + Essence).
  - Against targeted inanimate objects double the raw damage of the attack, as the golden elephant spirit tears through walls and obstacles and leaves wreckage in its path. Against large groups of foes instead roll (Dexterity + War + Essence) and treat the elephant spirit as though it had a magnitude and might equal to (Essence), allowing it to effectively trample across them without the penalties typically endured by a solo unit.
  - This attack has a Speed of 5 and requires an additional 5 ticks after the spirit totem collides with its target to fly back to the Exalt, thus depriving them of the Goremaul for the following turn. Since it travels through the air to return, it can be intercepted by someone wishing to prevent its motion. They must make a successful (Strength + Athletics) roll against a difficulty equal to the Exalt’s (Strength + Essence) scores.
  
  COMPONENTS REQUIRED:
  [1] Red Jade Essence Capacitor (●)
  [2] Daiklave Core (heirloom)
  [3] Jade Elephant Effigy (●)
  
  STEPS INVOLVED:
  
  Spoiler

  [1] Study and make a reverse engineer attempt on the Essence Pulse Grenade rolling (Int. + Occ.) at diff. 2
  (a) Recognize potential of essence containment as a source of energy, craft Red Jade Capacitor rolling (Int. + Craft-Fire) [diff. 3, accumulated successes 10]
  
  [2] Construct a Jade Elephant Effigy rolling (Int. + Craft-Fire) [diff. 3, accumulated successes 10]
  (a) Zenith bless effigy with prayer to Unconquered Sun rolling (Charisma + Performance) [diff. (7 - resource value of sacrifice)]; threshold successes will add successes to subsequent Essence roll
  (b) After the blessing Viktor vows to use final product of craft to right the wrongs set by ancient Solars, infuses anima into effigy rolling (Essence) [diff. 3]
  
  [3] Melt down Orichalcum Daiklave, smelting and reshaping it into new Goremaul core/haft rolling (Stamina + Occult) [diff. 3]
  
  *Each completed component will provide 5 successes towards final product (total of 15 accumulated successes)
  
  [4] Theoretical work on combining components and finishing blueprints rolling (Int. + Craft-Fire) [diff. 3], provides 15 successes (total 30 accumulated successes)
  
  [5] Forge work sealing the Capacitor within the Goremaul, and connecting the haft to the sledge-head rolling (Int. + Craft-Fire) [diff. 5], adds 30 successes (total 60 accumulated successes)
  
  
• 
  
  *Magical Material bonuses included for every item applicable​
  WEAPONRY
  ​
  Exceptional Delzhan Outrider Blade
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+4L) Defense (+0) Rate (4)
  Jade Daiklave (●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+6L/2) Defense (+2) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  
  
  ARMORS/DEFENSIVE ITEMS​
  
  Buff Jacket
  - Soak (3L/4B) Mobility (-1) Fatigue (2)
  Buckler
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+0) Damage (+0B) Defense (+3) Rate (1) Tags (M, Sh0)
  
  
  MISCELLANEOUS
  ​
  none
  
  
• 
  
  *Magical Material bonuses included for every item applicable​
  WEAPONRY​
  
  Infinite Jade Chakram (●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+0) Damage (+4L/2) Rate (4) Range (50) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  Jade Daiklave (●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+6L/2) Defense (+2) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  Jade Reaver Daiklave (●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+9L/2) Defense (+0) Rate (2) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  Jade Grand Daiklave (●●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+1) Damage (+12L/4) Defense (+0) Rate (1) Attune (5) Tags (2,O,R)
  Jade Khatars (●●)
  - Speed (4) Accuracy (+0) Damage (+3L) Defense (+3) Rate (3) Attune (0) Tags (M)
  Jade Wrackstaff (●●)
  - Speed (3) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+5L) Defense (+2) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (2,M,P,R)
  - Speed (3) Accuracy (+2) Damage (+13B) Defense (2) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (2,M,R)
  Starmetal Daiklave (●●)
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+3) Damage (+8L/2) Defense (+2) Rate (3) Attune (5) Tags (O)
  
  
  ARMORS/DEFENSIVE ITEMS​
  
  Jade Chainshirt (●)
  - Soak (5L/3B) Hardness (2L/2B) Mobility (-0) Fatigue (0) Attune (2) Tags (May conceal under cloak, -2 damage from environmental hazards)
  Silken Armor (●●) (x2)
  - Soak (5L/3B) Hardness (-) Mobility (-1) Fatigue (0) Attune (2) Tags (Attunement reduces mobility penalty to 0, Stacks with other armor, Cannot be detected as magic without select Charms)
  Jade Reinforced Breastplate (●●) (x3)
  - Soak (10L/9B) Hardness (8L/8B) Mobility (-1) Fatigue (0) Attune (4) Tags (-2 damage from environmental hazards)
  Jade Thunderbolt Shield (●●)
  - Speed (5) Accuracy (+1) Damage (+2B) Defense (+5) Rate (1) Tags (M,Sh0, -2 disarm attempts)
  
  
  MISCELLANEOUS​
  
  Jade Hearthstone Amulet (●)
  - 1 mote attune, recover Essence at +1m per hour
  Collar of Dawn's Cleansing Light (●) (x2) (Aredin has both)
  - 1 mote attune, negate Social penalties from being dirty/unkempt (attunement extends effects to entirety of body), +2 dice on (Stamina + Resistance) rolls against disease or poison
  Perfected Boots (●) (x2)
  - Commitment of Essence makes these the most comfortable footwear ever worn
  
  Spoiler

  - 1 mote attune
  - Keeps wearer's feet cool and dry in all conditions, never develop blisters
  - (+3 yards/tick) move actions & (+6 yards/tick) dash actions while in combat
  - Can march long distances at 10 mph (max 100 miles per day)
  - +2 Strength when calculating jump distances (add to natural Strength if multiplying total due to Charms/Artifacts/Anima Powers)
  Jade Hearthstone Bracers (●●)
  - 4 mote attune, +3 dice bonus to dodge attempts, -1 bonus to Speed rating for hand-to-hand or ranged attacks
  Starmetal Hearthstone Bracers (●●)
  - 4 mote attune, +3 dice bonus to dodge attempts, +1 bonus to their weapons' Accuracy and Defense
  Dragonfly's Ranging Eye (●●)
  - When attuned, the node adheres tightly to the skin on the wearer's temple and the lens completely covers one eye.
  
  Spoiler

  - 3 mote attune
  - At will the owner can shift the perspective of the lens-covered eye, allowing them to view from any point and direction that is no farther than (Essence x 20) yards distant
  - This allows them to scry through walls or other obstructions so long as they fall within the viewing range
  - All Perception rolls suffer a -1 internal penalty as long as the character divides their vision this way
  The Ultimate Document (●●●)
  - A foot-long sheet of blank pearlescent parchment (with ability to look like almost any document imaginable)
  
  Spoiler

  - 2 mote attune
  - It's tough to damage (2 health levels to damage and 4L/4B soak)
  - 6 additional motes turn it into whatever document its owner imagines, written perfectly and in excellent calligraphy with picture-perfect signatures in all the right places
  - Two limits: (1) It cannot duplicate official documents of Yu-Shan, and telling it to sets off warnings in the Celestial Bureaucracy; repeated offences may trigger censures
  (2) falsified document remains on the parchment for only one scene, thus it is excellent for showing people and fooling them but letting them walk off with it is a mistake
  Windblade-Class Personal Transport (●●●)
  - This small skyship appears as a heavy metal chevron the size of a large belt buckle
  
  Spoiler

  - 1 mote attune
  - If thrown or dropped by attuned bearer who spends additional 10 motes (uncommitted), the device slows and hovers in midair, unfurling to form a narrow angular platform roughly a yard long
  - Stepping on this platform with one foot ahead of the other on marked control pads triggers enchantments to adhere the base to their feet and prevent falling
  - Piloted with feet, leaving hands free to hold weapons or perform other tasks
  - Must feed it additional 10 motes per hour, or it slowly descends and refolds
  - Jade Bonus: Built exclusively of blue Jade, these models have small integrated cannons that fire lightning pulses from a forward-facing spur mounted on the underside
  
  Vehicle Stats:
  Speed: 34/70mph
  Maneuverability: +4R (Lore 1, Ride 3)
  Endurance: Consumes 10m/hour, suffers 1 level unsoakable bashing damage for every 50 cumulative hours of operation since last maintenance
  Crew: 1/1
  Cargo: Pilot's personal possessions only, carrying extra weight (such as second person in their arms) halves Speed and applies -3 Maneuverability penalty
  Armor: 10L/15B
  Health Levels: U [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]/M [ ][ ][ ][ ]/C [ ][ ][ ]/I [ ]/D [ ]
  Weapons: Blue Jade small integrated essence cannon (each blast costs the pilot 5 motes):
  Speed (6) Accuracy (pilot's Dexterity + Archery) Damage (8L or 12B) Range (100) Rate (1) Tags (P)
  Other Notes: Characters flying on a Windblade-class personal transport are treated as holding a tower shield, but this protection is not compatible with other shields or cover (only best value applies). A piloted transport and its pilot both have a Dodge DV equal to [(pilot's Dexterity + Ride + Essence + craft's maneuverability) / 2], and the pilot may use their Parry DV to defend against attacks launched at the vehicle or themselves.
  Manacles of Night (●●●●) (Viktor examining)
  - Shackles of twisted and folded Orichalcum and Soulsteel with fittings for two wrists and two ankles
  
  Spoiler

  - Breaking free requires a (Strength + Athletics) total of 20 for a feat of strength
  - They have 20L/20B soak, 15 health levels to damage and 30 to destroy
  - Bound characters lose one mote of Essence every action (roughly 5 ticks) as the Soulsteel drains them
  - They cannot use any Charms while bound as the Orichalcum forces their remaining Essence into impotent patterns.
  Jade Perfected Kata Bracers (●●●●)
  - Jade prayer strips rolled into bracers, with Starmetal martial-art sutras engraved into the sides
  
  Spoiler

  - 8 mote attune
  - Activating a Form-type charm causes sutras inscribed on strips to glow and lift to engulf character in light for a moment
  - For remainder of scene, character adds (Essence) to the Accuracy, Damage, and Defense of their unarmed attacks and of attacks made with the Form-type Charm's particular weapon
  - May choose to inflict bashing or lethal damage at will and may parry lethal attacks unarmed
  - Jade bonus: Add (Essence) to character's Soak and 2 to the Rate of their attacks
  Jade Wings of the Raptor (●●●●)
  - Appears as a floor-length cape embroidered with Immaculate iconography, and fastened at the throat with an ornate clasp that holds a single hearthstone socket
  
  Spoiler

  - 1 mote attune, 10 mote reflexive commitment while in use (cape flares back to form wings with a 6-foot wingspan)
  - Fly at 5x usual running speed or hover with slow and gracefully during combat
  - Outside combat can soar up to 80 mph
  - Wings considered natural extension (thus no need to divert actions for aerial maneuvers), all maneuvering rolls required by negative environment conditions made reflexively using full pool of character's (Dexterity + Athletics + 6)
  - Dodge DV increases by +3 in flight owing to artifact's extreme manueverability
  - Jade bonus: Wings naturally buoy themselves without any conscious effort from wearer; wearer can literally fly in their sleep with as much competence as if they were awake (aiding in long distance travel), though they cannot do anything else but move and maneuver)
  Sorcery-Capturing Cord (●●●●)
  - This cord is an immensely strong, two foot long strand of intertwined Moonsilver and Starmetal
  
  Spoiler

  - When targeted by (or in the path of) a spell, the owner may use a miscellaneous action to capture it in a knot tied in the cord. Essence channeled into the spell disappears into the knot in a dwindling display of power.
  - Moonsilver and Starmetal cords can capture spells of both the Terrestrial and Celestial circles of sorcery.
  - Capturing a spell requires that the character be able to take an action on the tick that the spell is released and spend temporary Willpower equal to the spell's circle: Terrestrial=1, Celestial=2, Solar=3. Cords can hold no more than three spells at one time, regardless of circle.
  - Releasing a spell is a miscellaneous action to untie the knot. The character must again spend Willpower equal to the spell's circle in order to channel the energies he is releasing. Spells with multiple versions take the shape intended when originally cast.
  - These cords can also capture necromantic spells of the appropriate circles (Jade=none, Moonsilver/Starmetal=1st Circle, Orichalcum=2nd Circle)
  Folding Land Ship (●●●●●)
  - 10 mote attune
  - Double-masted merchant's vessel has a hull of strong, gold-tinged wood and steel silk sails. It requires no crew; the ship handles its own sail, bilge and the like. It needs only a helmsman. From the helm, a pilot can verbally command the rest of the ship.
  
  Spoiler

  - At its owner's command, the folding ship folds itself up in a visual spectacle, completing the one-minute process as a 1'x6"x6" box that weighs 20 pounds (it takes just as long for the boat to unfold).
  - Twelve straight hours as a box repairs the ship of any damage it may take.
  - If the owner wants, the folding ship can reassemble as a vessel with self-moving oars and a shallower draft for river travel.
  - When moving over land, it liquefies the earth and stone around the ship so that the ship can sail through them. Even large trees flow around the ship as it sails, though massive forests are very rough sailing. Once past the ship, the earth flows back together and resolidifies, leaving almost no trace. This can harm man-made foundations, but it's dangerous for the ship to do intentionally; sailing into a stone wall is like sailing into a waterfall, and a capsized land ship can sink into the ground, never to be seen again.
  - Using Sail Charms with an attuned ship provides a 2m (minimum 1m) discount
• 
  ESOTERIC COMPONENTS
  none
  
  RAW MATERIALS
  none
  
  Smelting/Forging Magical Materials:
  Smelting: Crafter recovers 1 pound of the magical material/10 pounds of total weight
  Forging: Crafter consumes 5 pounds of the magical material/10 pounds of total weight
  Artifact Weights: Starting at Artifact 2, each dot represents 10 pounds of total weight (example: Artifact 2 = 10 lbs., Artifact 4 = 30 lbs., etc.)
  Exception: Artifact 1 items do not provide any magical material when smelted and only require 1 pound of magical material to forge
  
  
• 
  WEAPONRY
  (100%) Hammer of Blessed Forging (●)
  
  ARMORS/DEFENSIVE ITEMS
  (100%) Leather Doublet
  
  MISCELLANEOUS
  (100%) Orichalcum Bands of Auspicious Betrothal (●●●)
  (100%) Winterbreath Jar (●)
  
  

 

[Sherwood]

Thief of Words Kwops Psychie MasterDAF Rykon RettieSetGo

Everyone gets 4xp. I am not going to stress over training times, so spend or bank them as you wish.

 

[Sherwood]

For some great role playing, everyone gets another 4 xp.

 

[Sherwood]

For a job well done, I'll give you guys another 5 xp.

 

[Sherwood]

For the time jump of a full year, everyone gets 15 xp.

 

[jaydude]

Annika of South Landing​

• _
• Profile
• Stats
• Background
• Charms
• Combat
• Panopoly
• Points spending/Other
• Wishlist

• 
  Click tabs to see more.
  
• 
  Name: Annika
  Gender: Female
  Caste: Night
  Anima Banner: A swirling cloud of ghostly, white-gold magpie feathers surround her.
  Concept: Thief turned spymaster
  Age: 22
  Height: 5'7"
  
  Personality:
  Motivation: To become the wealthiest thief in Creation.
  Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 3, Temperance 2, Valor 1
  Virtue Flaw: Heart of Flint
  Intimacies:
  * Her thieves (Valued subordinates)
  
  Personality description:
  Being a lifelong rogue, Annika has little love for the idea of fighting fair, instead preferring to sneak up to her opponents and stab them in the back, slit their throats or just strike them over the head with something, ideally when they're asleep, distracted, or don't even realize that she's planning to attack them.
  
  When in conversation with her peers, Annika remains polite, if prone to occasionally being humorous or snarky.
  
  She considers her relationship with the rest of the circle and the Empire to be one of mutual benefit; she watches for threats, does espionage work for them and doesn't cause trouble, and in exchange they provide her with resources, protection and allies.
  
  
• 
  Health:
  -0: 00
  -1: 000
  -2: 0000
  -4: 0
  Incapacitated
  
  Attributes:
  Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2
  Charisma 3, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3
  Perception 4, Intelligence 2, Wits 4
  
  Abilities:
  Archery 0, Martial Arts 1, Melee 3 (Daiklaves + 3), Thrown 3 (Throwing Knives +3), War 0
  
  Integrity 1 (Persuasion + 3), Performance 0, Presence 1, Resistance 3, Survival 1
  
  Craft 0, Investigation 3 (Finding Concealed Objects +3), Lore 1, Medicine 0, Occult 0
  
  Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Dodge 5, Larceny 4, Stealth 4
  
  Bureaucracy 0, Linguistics 3 (Riverspeak, Flametongue, High Holy Speech, High Realm), Ride 0, Sail 0, Socialize 3
  
  Willpower: 5
  Essence: 4
  Personal Essence: 17/17
  Peripheral Essence: 31/42
  Committed Essence: 11 (Short Daiklaives, Hearthstone Bracers, Hearthstone Amulet)
  
• 
  Backgrounds:
  Allies 1 (Idola)
  Artifact 2 (Night's Cutter and Night's Ripper)
  Artifact 2 (Orichalcum Hearthstone Amulet)
  Artifact 2 (Heaven Glory Shroud)
  Artifact 2 (Hearthstone Bracers)
  Followers 2 (Thieves)
  Manse 2 (Gemstone of Surface Thoughts)
  Manse 2 (Monkey Stone)
  Resources 3 (Stipend from Gwynnin's treasury)
  Spies 4 (The East).
  
  Backstory:
  Annika was born in the city of South Landing, a port settlement located in the Southeast Threshold, about 200 miles west of Thorns. She grew up in poverty, and was eventually driven to join the Shadow Masters' Alliance, an organization that controlled all the criminal activities - theft, assassination, blackmail and smuggling, among others - in South Landing, as well as a few of the surrounding cities.
  
  Prior to her Exaltation, Annika and three other thieves were tasked with exploring a hidden temple that had been built beneath South Landing, deep underground. Entering, Annika and the others discovered that it was in fact an ancient manse, with the tomb of a long dead Solar spy built into it. Examining the sarcophagus, Annika found a collection of artifacts resting against its side, including two Orichalcum Short Daiklaives. She took hold of one of these, and Exalted as a Night Caste.
  
  Mistaking Annika for an Anathema, the other three thieves ran from her. Though Annika was perfectly happy to continue serving the leaders of the Shadow Masters' Alliance, they had other plans. They feared that, as a Solar, Annika would naturally end up usurping power from them, and hired a hit squad of Dragon-Blooded to take her out. Annika instead killed all of them, and then did the same to the Shadow Masters' Alliance leaders after she overheard them discussing the possibility of calling down the Wyld Hunt to get rid of her.
  
  With its leadership dead, the Shadow Masters' Alliance splintered into several smaller groups and factions all vying for control. Annika led one of these groups, but upon receiving directions from a certain Sidereel, she and her gang started making their way to Gwynnin...
  
  
• 
  General Charms
  
  Spoiler: First Melee Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die
  Mins: (Ability) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Exalt spends up to (Dexterity + Melee) in motes, adding one die to a roll for each mote spent.
  Spoiler: Infinite Melee Mastery

  Cost: 2m+, 1wp
  Mins: (Ability) 4, Essence 3
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: None
  Duration: One scene
  
  Each two motes committed to this Charm reduces the mote cost for the first three (Ability) Excellencies by one, to a minimum of 0.
  Spoiler: First Investigation Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die
  Mins: (Ability) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Exalt spends up to (Perception + Investigation) in motes, adding one die to a roll for each mote spent.
  Spoiler: Second Dodge Excellency

  Cost: 2m per success
  Mins: (Ability) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Exalt spends up to (Dexterity + Dodge) in motes, adding one success to a roll for every two motes spent.
  Spoiler: First Larceny Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die
  Mins: (Ability) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Exalt spends up to (Dexterity + Larceny) in one motes, adding one die to a roll for each mote spent.
  
  Melee Charms
  
  Spoiler: Call the Blade

  Cost: - (1m)
  Mins: Melee 2, Essence 2
  Type: Permanent
  Keywords: Merged, Mirror (Blade-Summoning Gesture), Obvious
  Duration: Permanent
  The Solar’s weapons know their master. The Solar holds out her hand and calls to the Essence of one of her weapons, spending one mote. If the desired weapon is within (Essence x 10) yards, and a flight path exists between the weapon and her hand, this Charm draws the weapon into her grasp. She may only call his blade from up to (Essence x 2) yards away while in battle however, and she must own the weapon she calls. This Charm can be used to draw and ready a sheathed weapon reflexively.
  
  Merged: Call the Blade (Thrown)
  Spoiler: Summoning the Loyal Steel

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Melee 3, Essence 2
  Type: Simple (Speed 3)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Merged, Mirror (Void Sheath Technique)
  Duration: Indefinite
  
  This Charm banishes a weapon to Elsewhere. The Solar can then draw the weapon directly from Elsewhere later, using a miscellaneous action. The Charm ends when he does so. If he cancels the Essence committed to this Charm while the weapon is Elsewhere, the weapon falls to the ground at his side.
  
  Merged: Summoning the Loyal Bow
  
  Thrown Charms
  
  Spoiler: Triple-Distance Attack Technique

  Cost: 2m
  Mins: Thrown 2, Essence 2
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Solar imbues his weapon with Essence, so that it flies true. This Charm enhances a Thrown-based attack. The Exalt spends three motes and triples the Range of the weapon. If the Solar has Essence 4 or higher, this Charm also negates external penalties from environmental conditions.
  Spoiler: Cascade of Cutting Terror

  Cost: 5m
  Mins: Thrown 3, Essence 3
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  
  In the First Age, not even the most elusive demons could escape the Solars’ judgment. This Charm supplements a Thrown-based attack, filling the air with dozens or hundreds of duplicates of the Lawgiver’s thrown weapon. This Charm renders the target’s Dodge DV inapplicable against this attack. It also doubles the Solar’s successes on the attack roll before comparing it to defense, in Step 3 of attack resolution.
  
  Resistance Charms
  
  Spoiler: Durability of Oak Meditation

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Resistance 2, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 7)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  A boy cannot cut down an oak tree with a kitchen knife. No more can a mere mortal slay the Solar Exalted with petty blows of mundane steel. The Solar adds (Essence + Resistance) to his bashing and lethal soak against a single attack.
  Spoiler: Body-Mending Meditation

  Cost: 10m
  Mins: Resistance 1, Essence 1
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Until the day ends
  
  Even wounded nigh unto death, a Lawgiver will marshal the strength to rise again. This Charm supplements a dramatic action to marshal the character’s inner resources for recovery. This action requires one hour without a stunt or another Charm. The Solar’s player rolls (Stamina + Resistance). Success speeds his healing rate by a factor of 10 or, if the character prefers, adds directly to the successes of a physician using Wound-Mending Care Technique on the character. Hardy.
  
  Investigation Charms
  
  Spoiler: Judge’s Ear Technique

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Investigation 2, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1)
  Keywords: Combo OK
  Duration: One scene
  
  The Lawgivers are the guardians of truth. This Charm allows the character to recognize as lies all deliberate lies presented to her. The character can also recognize the deliberate use of half-truths, though doing so does not tell her which part of the statement is true. If another Charm contests these effects, add the character’s Essence in automatic successes to the (Perception + Investigation) roll to oppose the other Charm.
  
  Athletics Charms
  
  Spoiler: Monkey Leap Technique

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Athletics 1, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: One scene
  
  The heroes of the dawn leap with the grace of a flying crane and the speed of a striking hawk. For the rest of the scene, the character can jump with a movement action instead of a miscellaneous action, and she doubles the length of all jumps. While this Charm is active, the character may reflexively Jump only once per action, on her action tick. This does not replace her Move actions, and she may still only Jump once per action.
  
  Dodge Charms
  
  Spoiler: Shadow Over Water

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Chosen move like shadows over water—with perfect grace and speed. The maneuver named Shadow Over Water restores defensive advantage to a beleaguered or overextended fighter. This Charm is used in response to an attack. It allows the Exalt to ignore all penalties that apply to her Dodge DV when resolving that attack. Her Dodge DV is still 0 against an undodgeable attack, but she takes no further penalties.
  Spoiler: Seven Shadow Evasion

  Cost: 8m
  Mins: Dodge 4, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  
  The Solar hero is too quick for his enemies to land a blow. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an attack. The attack must not be unexpected. This Charm is a dodge that perfectly defends against the attack—even if the attack is undodgeable. The Exalt can only use this Charm when in the presence of someone or something he cares about.
  Spoiler: Reflex Sidestep Technique

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  The heroes of the dawn are in tune with the Essence of the world. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an unexpected attack. The attack is no longer unexpected (but if an appropriate Charm, it remains unblockable). This allows the character to use his Dodge DV and Charms such as Seven Shadow Evasion against the attack.
  Spoiler: Flow Like Blood

  Cost: 5m, 1wp
  Mins: Dodge 5, Essence 3
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: One scene
  
  Essence permeates the Lawgiver’s being. She moves with an impossible fluid grace. For the remainder of the scene, this Charm negates the onslaught and coordinated attack penalties that others’ attacks impose on the Exalt’s DV.
  
  Larceny Charms
  
  Spoiler: Flawlessly Impenetrable Disguise

  Cost: 7m
  Mins: Larceny 4, Essence 2
  Type: Simple (Speed 6 in long ticks)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Until the character sleeps
  After the Usurpation, the last of the Iron Wolves used this Charm to move in secret among the armies of the Dragon-Blooded. This Charm involves creating a disguise, and the player rolls ([Wits or Manipulation] + Larceny) to determine the disguise’s quality.
  
  This Charm allows the character to change his coloration, skin texture, hair color, and eye color. It also lets the character seem anywhere between half and twice his actual age, change his apparent ethnicity, change his apparent gender and adjust his height by as much as 10% in either direction. The character can adjust his voice, accent, speaking style and scent to match. These aspects of the disguise are impenetrable—the flaws are too subtle for the eye to see or the ear to hear, so that ordinary Awareness and Investigation cannot detect them. Characters with inhuman sensory acuity, such as Lawgivers using Keen Sight Technique or a dog scenting its master, can see through the character’s disguise, but the opposed roll incurs a +4 difficulty penalty.
  
  This Charm does not help the character imitate others’ appearance. The disguise is impenetrable, not exact. If someone sees through an imitation, they will see the character as an imposter who happens to naturally look almost exactly like the target the character is impersonating.
  
  This Charm becomes a mundane disguise effect when the magic ends. Changes worked with makeup, posture, attitude and costume rather than Essence remain.
  Spoiler: Lock Opening Touch

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Larceny 3, Essence 1
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  
  Mortal thieves must struggle with lockpicks and thieves’ tools. The Exalted may use Essence. This Charm enhances a miscellaneous action to pick a lock. It makes success automatic even if the character has no tools (though such use makes the Charm Obvious). If this effect is opposed by another Charm or magical effect, add the character’s Essence in automatic successes to the (Dexterity + Larceny) roll to oppose the rival magic.
  
  Stealth Charms
  
  Spoiler: Easily Overlooked Presence Method

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Stealth 3, Essence 1
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: One scene
  
  The Lawgivers must sometimes mask their glory, moving anonymously among the common folk. This Charm makes the character difficult to notice unless circumstances or battle readiness make him obvious. It causes Awareness and Investigation rolls made to notice the Solar to fail automatically unless the Solar is currently joined in battle (see p. 141) or the observer has a minimum two-die bonus from circumstances. Examples of relevant circumstances include the +1 bonus guards receive from alertness, the +1 bonus to notice a Northerner in a Southern city and the +3 bonus to notice a blood-drenched orichalcum-armored Solar at a formal dress party.
• 
  Health:
  -0: 00
  -1: 000
  -2: 0000
  -4: 0
  Incapacitated
  
  Willpower: 4/5
  Personal Essence: 17/17
  Peripheral Essence: 31/42
  
  Attacks
  Punch - Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 2B, Defense 5, Rate 3
  Kick - Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 5B, Defense 1, Rate 3
  Clinch - Speed 6, Accuracy 6, Damage 2B, Defense –, Rate 1
  Knife (Melee) - Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 4L, Defense 4, Rate 3
  Night's Cutter and Night's Ripper (Orichalcum Short Daiklaves) - Speed 4, Accuracy 16, Damage 6L, Defense 7, Rate 3, Attune 3
  Perfect Throwing Knives Speed 5, Accuracy 11, Damage 5L, Rate 3, Range 25
  
  Join Battle: 7 (Wits + Awareness)
  Soak: 5L/4B (Exceptional Breastplate, 4L/2B, 0 Mobility penalty, Fatigue 0)
  Dodge DV: 7 (+ 3 die bonus from Hearthstone Bracers)
  Parry DV: 7 (Night's Cutter and Night's Ripper)
  
  Dodge MDV: 5
  Parry MDV: 3
  
  Buffs
  
  
  
• 
  Allies:
  
  Spoiler: Idola

  A Water Aspect Terrestrial Exalt and one of Annika's closest friends and allies in the Shadow Master's Alliance, Idola stuck by Annika even after she became a Solar, and the leaders of the organization turned upon her. Like Annika, she was a skilled thief even before her Exaltation, and she has only become more valuable to Annika since she exalted.
  
  Artifacts:
  
  Spoiler: Night's Cutter and Night's Ripper

  A set of paired Orichalcum Short Daiklaives.
  
  
  Spoiler: Heaven Glory Shroud

  An article of dress in vogue among Night Caste Solars in the First Age, many of these sheets of sheer black silk have been lost or destroyed. When a Heaven Glory Shroud is folded according to a specific occult pattern and wrapped around the forehead like a bandanna, this artifact helps a Solar to conceal her identity. For any Child of the Sun, the shroud increases the amounts of peripheral Essence that must be spent to activate any given level of her anima by (7 minus her Essence). If the Exalt is a Night Caste, the shroud also cuts in half the number of motes that feed her anima with each Peripheral Essence expenditure. If the shroud is suppressing the Solar’s anima display and the bandanna is removed, her anima bursts forth in its full glory at whatever strength it would have without the shroud.
  
  
  Spoiler: Orichalcum Hearthstone Amulet

  A character wearing such an amulet against her skin gains the basic benefits of a hearthstone—that is, the ability to regain Essence more quickly. However, a character can commit one mote of Essence to the amulet, and doing so causes the amulet to resonate and activates the hearthstone. If the character removes the amulet, the benefit dissipates. A Solar Exalt who is attuned to an orichalcum amulet set with a hearthstone regains one additional mote of Essence per hour.
  
  
  Spoiler: Orichalcum Hearthstone Bracers

  Hearthstone bracers provide powerful defensive bonuses to the Exalt who wear them. These bracers come as a pair, one of which has a setting for a single hearthstone and the other of which is imbued with magical power. These powers work only for an Exalt of the appropriate type. Hearthstone bracers require the commitment of four motes of Essence to activate them—two motes for each bracer. A bracer must be worn with its mate and will not activate unless worn as a pair. Regardless of construction, hearthstone bracers provide a three-die bonus to dodge attempts made by an attuned user. Ornately wrought in homage to the Unconquered Sun, orichalcum bracers cause the Solar Exalt who wears them to strike with the surety and power of the Unconquered Sun. All of the character’s attacks have their damage increased by two dice while he is wearing the bracers.
  
  Other:
  
  Spoiler: Spies

  Over the many months she has been a member of Aredin and Darian's circle, Annika has built up a spy network that spans the Scavenger Lands and the surrounding area.
  
  Hearthstones:
  
  Spoiler: Gemstone of Surface Thoughts

  This round, light-blue gem allows the bearer to read someone’s surface thoughts. He just has to concentrate on his target, who must be within (Essence x 10) yards, and the wind whispers her thoughts into his ear. The bearer’s player rolls (Perception + Awareness). The more successes achieved, the clearer the information is. A single success will bring only words and perhaps a short phrase. Four or more successes will give a detailed idea of what the target is thinking. If the target suspects what is happening, she may resist with (Wits + Integrity), making the use of the stone a contested roll.
  
  
  Spoiler: The Monkey Stone

  This hearthstone is a rich reddish brown, with a surface that looks like bark. It gives the bearer the agility of an arboreal primate. Any character who possesses such a stone reduces the difficulty of all Athletics rolls involving balance, jumping or climbing by two (to a minimum of difficulty 1) In addition, the stone doubles the character’s climbing speed and the distance she can jump.
  
  
  
• 
  Experience:
  139 xp
  
  13 banked
  16 used to increase Essence to 3
  12 used to bring Charisma up to 3
  6 used to bring Linguistics up to 3
  8 used to learn Triple-Distance Attack Technique (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Cascade of Cutting Terror (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn First Melee Excellency (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Infinite Melee Mastery (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Call the Blade (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Summoning the Loyal Steel (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Flawlessly Impenetrable Disguise (Caste Charm)
  8 used to learn Monkey Leap Technique (Caste Charm)
  8 used to learn First Investigation Excellency (Favored Charm)
  8 used to learn Judge's Ear Technique (Favored Charm)
  12 used for Spies Background
  
  Bonus points:
  18 used
  2 for extra points in Athletics
  2 for extra points in Dodge
  2 for extra points in Awareness
  2 for extra points in Resistance
  2 for extra points in Socialize
  1 for extra point in Integrity
  1 for extra point in Investigation
  1 for extra point in Larceny
  1 for extra point in Stealth
  4 for specialities (Daiklaves + 2, Finding Concealed Objects +2, Persuasion +2, Throwing Knives +2)
  
  Notes: Annika commands a small band of 25 thieves, who currently keep watch in Gwynnin. Her income comes from the stipend she receives for this work. Her Daiklaves are named Night's Cutter and Night's Ripper. She is also attuned to two manses that were abandoned and forgotten about after the Usurpation. One of them (Gemstone of Surface Thoughts) is located within a cave network deep below South Landing, while the second (Monkey Stone) is in an underground cave hidden within a forest about halfway between Thorns and Gwynnin.
  
• 
  Combos:
  Hidden Sun Attack (First Melee Excellency + Shadow Over Water). Cost: 4 xp
  
  Dodge charms:
  Dodge Essence Flow
  
  Investigation charms:
  First Investigation Excellency
  Judge's Ear Technique
  Irresistible Questioning Technique
  Courtier's Eye Technique
  Know the Soul's Price
  
  Melee charms:
  First Melee Excellency
  Call the Blade
  Summoning the Loyal Steel
  
  Larceny charms:
  Flawlessly Impenetrable Disguise
  Perfect Mirror
  
  Thrown charms:
  Triple-Distance Attack Technique
  Cascade of Cutting Terror
  

Office of the Lady Shade​

• _
• Overview
• Roles
• Hierachy
• Ongoing Operations
• Dossiers
• Foreign Observations
• Wishlist

• 
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  (Note: This overview assumes the Empire is at least a Magnitude 4 dominion)
  
  "For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
  - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
  
  The Office of the Lady Shade - or Shade's Office for short - is the intelligence agency of the Empire, responsible for protecting it and battling its enemies through covert means. When a nation, organization or any other kind of faction declares war on the Empire, or the Imperial Court decides it is prudent to carry out espionage against them, the Shade's Office will work to subvert the enemy faction's activities or war efforts, whether by gathering information behind enemy lines, or directly hampering or attacking the enemy.
  
  Members of the Shade's Office fall into one of five roles within the organization, each one loosely based around a corresponding Solar caste. Assassins kill people who are threats to the Empire's security, or assets to enemy nations. Agitators work to cause and encourage unrest within enemy nations. Inquisitors gather information through research, investigations and interrogations. Shades use stealth to sneak past their enemies and break into forbidden places. Infiltrators hide within enemy ranks or societies, where they quietly gather information or sow discord.
  
  Members of the organization who are working in the field are put into five-person cells, with one of each type of member in the cell. The Inquisitor of the cell is put in charge of its activities when the cell is tasked with gathering information, with the Agitator taking control when the cell is assigned to disrupt the enemy. Significant city-states or important nations targeted by the Shade's Office will typically have multiple cells operating within them, with each cell reporting to a Branch leader, who co-ordinates the activities of all cells within their assigned region. Branch leaders in turn answer to a Pole leader, who is responsible for all of the Shade's Office activities in that particular terrestrial direction. The Pole Leaders pass on their information to the Lord/Lady Shade, who in turn gives them instructions.
  
  Membership in the Shade's Office is open to mortals, god-bloods, Exalts and Dragon Kings.
  
• 
  Assassin
  The murder of one person can sometimes mean more than the outcome of one battle. The Assassins exist to carry out those murders, killing those who either threaten the Empire, or contribute to the success of its enemies.
  Main skill: Combat abilities besides War
  Typical Exalt type: Dawn Caste Solar, Full Moon Lunar, Terrestrials of any type besides Earth, Dusk Caste Abyssal
  
  Agitator
  Governments should fear their people. The actions of the Agitators justify that fear, exposing lies, revealing corruption, spreading propaganda and making speeches to inspire rebellion from the people. Agitators usually take charge of cells working to undermine enemy factions. They also aid in converting populaces in preparation for their assimilation into the Empire.
  Main skill: Presence
  Typical Exalt type: Zenith Caste Solar, Fire Aspect Terrestrial
  
  Inquisitor
  Knowledge is power. The Inquisitors exist to gather that knowledge for the benefit of the Empire, whether by carrying out investigations, or interrogating enemy prisoners. The Inquisitor is typically the one in charge when a cell's objective is to gather information. They also serve as counterintelligence within the Empire, rooting out enemy spies and the like.
  Main skill: Investigation
  Typical Exalt type: Twilight Caste Solar, No Moon Lunar, Water Exalt Terrestrial
  
  Shade
  The unknown foe dictates the fates of their enemies. The Shades move unseen by their enemies, sneaking into forbidden places to carry out reconnaissance, steal documents, overhear conversations or carry out sabotage, and then leave with the enemy none the wiser.
  Typical Exalt type: Night Caste Solar, Full Moon Lunar, Air Aspect Terrestrial, Day Caste Abyssal
  
  Infiltrator
  The greatest danger can sometimes be found within. The Infiltrators hide in plain sight inside other factions and their settlements, usually by posing as craftsmen, merchants, courtiers or entertainers, and use their disguises - usually along with an ability to sweet-talk or seduce others - to secretly gather information or sow discord within the faction.
  Main skill: Socialize
  Typical Exalt type: Eclipse Caste Solar, Changing Moon Lunar
  
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  Lord/Lady Shade (Backing N/A)
  The overall leader of the organization, responsible for directing its operations throughout Creation. He or she acts based on instructions from the Emperor and the Imperial Court.
  
  Pole leader(Backing 4)
  The head of all operations within a cardinal direction of Creation. He or she is given a general instruction on what to do by the Lord/Lady Shade, and then given free reign to carry it out as he or she sees fit, but is responsible for passing regular reports and information back to the Lord/Lady Shade.
  
  Branch leader (Backing 3)
  The leader of a branch of the organization, responsible for managing and coordinating all Agents, Assets and operations within the branch's area of influence.
  
  Examples of instructions can include "infiltrate Lookshy's general staff to gather military information", "hinder the efforts of the Wyld Hunt to perform its duties" or "eliminate Guild influence within a settlement".
  
  Agent (Backing 2)
  A member of the organization who carries out operations for it, as directed by his or her branch leader.
  
  Associate (Backing 1 or Contact)
  An individual who knowingly works for the organization, but is not a full member of it.
  
  Asset (Contact)
  An individual who unknowingly or unwillingly works for the organization due to manipulation, blackmail, or simply being paid to do so while remaining unaware of the organization's involvement.
  
  
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  Anti-Realm Counterintelligence
  
  Spoiler

  The evening before Aredin and Darian's wedding, the circle was attacked by a group of Dynasts led by Mellar, a Sidereal from the Bronze Faction. The attack was repelled, and Mellar and three of the Dynasts were taken prisoner. One of the Dynasts, Ragara Hax, later proved susceptible to Darian's efforts at conversion.
  
  After the initial questioning of Mellar and the Dynasts, I carried out my own interrogation of Mellar in his cell. When asked why he had led the attack, the Sidereal answered that he did so out of a belief that our circle would eventually become as corrupt as the Solars of the First Age. He proved resistant to the idea that he might be wrong, remaining steadfast in his support of the Bronze Faction, and later escaped from the cell during his interrogation. I would have thought such a thing would be impossible, seeing as Mellar was wearing a set of Soulsteel handcuffs at the time, but Aysik told us of a Sidereal ability that didn't use essence, and allowed the user to hide between moments in time.
  
  Hax was led to believe that in escaping our custody, Mellar had abandoned him and the rest of the captured Dynasts to their fates. At this point, with the little knowledge I have on the individual in question, I cannot be certain if this is true and Mellar has indeed written the Dynasts off, or if Mellar is just biding his time and preparing to liberate the Dynasts from our custody. So far, we have found no trace of him.
  
  The day after Mellar's escape, my people reported that two spies from the Blessed Isle had infiltrated Gwynnin, disguised as a baker and his wife. At the time, we were unable to ascertain how serious this breach was in terms of security, and we did not have enough evidence to justify an arrest, or a search of their property.
  
  - Annika
  
  Struggles Against Death
  
  Spoiler

  During the operation to retake Rathess, we encountered and captured an Abyssal - a type of Exalt said to be a dark mirror of a Solar - named "The Voice That Whispers From the Heart of Darkness" who attempted to kill Darian. While questioning Voice, I learned that she had been ordered by her master to work with Filial Wisdom. Initially I was unable to question Voice on her master due to sorcery he had performed on her that prevented her from speaking certain words. After learning that removing the enchantment would likely attract her master, I decided to leave it for the time being, not wanting to risk getting another powerful figure involved in the current conflict.
  
  When the rest of the Circle returned from treating Darian's injuries and blindness, I questioned Voice on Filial Wisdom's forces, learning that a second Abyssal - Shadow That Walks - was also working with Filial Wisdom. Information from Dunbar suggested that Voice and Shadow's master was a Deathlord; one of the powerful dark ghosts said to rule the Underworld. He advised us to hold off on making war with the Deathlords for the time being, fearing that we were not yet strong enough, but he suggested the possibility of diplomacy.
  
  With Aredin's permission, I had Heaven use his sorcery to remove the enchantment on Voice. With it gone, she revealed that her master was the Deathlord named Walker in Darkness, and that he was keeping relatives of hers prisoner in the Shadowland near his fortress in order to blackmail her. Sirocco told us of a Lunar Exalt named Ma-Ha-Suchi who lived near the Shadowland in question, and we made plans to contact him in order to confirm Voice's claims, and perhaps gain an ally against the Walker.
  
  At this moment, another enchantment on Voice activated and attempted to claim her life, but it was dispelled by the efforts of both Viktor and Darian, the former of whom then contacted Ma-Ha-Suchi. Voice was then taken to the medical center where Darian was treated, to help her recover from the damage done by the enchantment. Upon waking up, Voice swore a sanctified oath to join our cause, and was assigned to serve under me. Prior to the battle against Filial Wisdom's forces, I took the opportunity to try and get to know Voice personally, and found little reason to doubt her new loyalty towards us.
  
  During the battle with Filial Wisdom, the corrupted Solar was accompanied by a second Abyssal, this one male. Despite supposedly being his ally, this Abyssal made no attempt to aid Filial Wisdom in the battle, and eventually abandoned him. Following Filial Wisdom's death, we discovered the Abyssal within the Great Pyramid of the Sun. He displayed no hostile intent towards us, and upon being questioned, he claimed that he was searching for an object known as the Key to the Behemoth that was said to be hidden within the pyramid, on the orders of his master. He was later killed by Aysik and Dunbar.
  
  In the future, I hope to have Voice serve as one of my agents, assassinating threats and gathering intelligence. As an Abyssal, she is said to be invisible to the Loom of Fate, which would be of great advantage with regards to the Bronze Faction.
  
  - Annika
  
  Dealings with Lookshy
  
  Spoiler

  Shortly before we left for Rathess, we discovered that a trio of spies from Lookshy had infiltrated Gwynnin, posing as a blacksmith and two apprentices. As with the Realm spies, we were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to justify an arrest or a search. For the time being, I expect that we will be able to handle them a bit more generously than we'd deal with, say, spies from the Realm.
  
  - Annika
• 
  
  Spoiler: Tepet Ejava

  Name: Tepet Ejava
  Gender: Female
  Type: Wood Aspect Terrestrial Exalt
  Aliases: The Roseblack
  
  Background: Ejava is a granddaughter of the famed Realm general Tepet Arada, and the daughter of two high-ranking officers. According to stories, she was conceived, born and nursed during a Realm military campaign, and after Exalting at the age of 11, she attended the House of Bells secondary school, courtesy of Arada's patronage. By all accounts she was hard-working and highly successful as a student, and continued to be so after graduating and joining the Realm military. However, she found herself constantly stymied by the incompetence and politicking of her fellow officers, which is thought to have prevented her presence at the battle in which House Tepet was ruined by The Bull in the North.
  
  Following such incidents, Ejava is thought to have concluded that the easiest way for her to achieve her goals would be to have a fighting force that she could have complete authority over, make loyal only to her, mold to her desires. After constantly declining lucrative offers to join the command staff of more experienced Dynast generals, she was given control of the Vermillion Legion, also known as the "Red-Piss Legion". Though traditionally home to the dropouts and rejects from other parts of the Realm's armed forces, Ejava was able to transform it into a formidable and loyal military force over the next few years, and it is said to be more than a match for any other Realm Legion.
  
  Operational notes: Ejava's current whereabouts are unknown, although a significant part of the Vermillion Legion is known to be stationed in Chaing-Dav. With regards on what to do about her, Aredin has spoken of convincing Ejava and the Vermillion Legion to join our ranks, but based on the word of Aysik, Dunbar and Ragara Hax, Ejava is said to be loyal to the Realm and the Scarlet Empress first and foremost. That said, she is not known to be a devout follower of the Immaculate Philosophy, and it is thought to have ambitions of taking the Scarlet Throne for herself. With this in mind, and assuming that the Scarlet Empress does not return, if Ejava can be convinced of the truth regarding Solars and Lunars, she might be persuaded to rule the Blessed Isle as a satrap of the Circle, in return for the Circle's aid in elevating her to such a position.
  
  - Office of the Lady Shade dossier, written prior to the return of the Scarlet Empress.
• 
  Note: These may be revised and/or amended based on the opinions of the Emperor.
  
  The Realm
  The Realm is undoubtedly the main threat to the Empire, due to both its high military strength, and the prevalence of the Immaculate Order throughout the Blessed Isle. Operations here should center on infiltrating Informants into Dynast society on both the Blessed Isle and Greyfalls in order to keep ahead of Realm plans, as well as assassinating key targets, such as Regent Fokuf, Seuss Nagezzer, Mnemon (not necessarily in that order of priority), along with other prominent members of the Realm's society and Bureaucracy. If assassinations are too risky, steps should be taken to manipulate the Great Houses and sow further discord among them, in the hope that the Realm would be too busy dealing with infighting to resist or threaten the Empire. An ideal state of affairs would be an open civil war between the Great Houses over the Scarlet Throne.
  
  (This information has since been updated following the Scarlet Empress's reappearance)
  
  With the return of the Scarlet Empress, the Realm is still the main threat to the Golden Empire, although the danger it poses has increased drastically. Operations should continue to focus on infiltrating Informants in order to observe the political situation on the Blessed Isle, and remain abreast of Realm plans. If possible, it would be prudent to assassinate the Scarlet Empress and get rid of her for good, though such a feat should only be attempted by at least five Celestial Exalted.
  
  The Guild
  Due to Imperial laws against slavery and Imperial enmity towards Fair Folk, the Guild can be considered a natural enemy of the Empire until it becomes willing to bring its activities in line with Imperial doctrine. Until such a time, operations against the Guild can include assassination of important members, theft of Guild merchandise and liberation of slaves. Where the Guild's involvement is necessary to the survival of certain economies, no operations may be carried out if their success would severely damage a local economy, unless the economy in question belongs to an enemy nation.
  
  Lookshy
  Based on advice from Viktor - a native of Lookshy - the Seventh Legion is unlikely to become a threat until the Empire expands to the point of being considered a potential rival. Since it is the Emperor's goal to have Lookshy peacefully integrated within the Empire, operations will be limited solely to peaceful information gathering. No windows are to be broken, no blood is to be spilt.
  
• 
  Members:
  Sorcerers capable of performing Infallible Messenger
  
  Artifacts:
  Masks
  Switchklaives
  Armor of the Unseen Assassin
  
  Stealth based Hearthstones/Manses:
  Gems of Forgetting
  Gemstones of Entrance
  Jewels of Whispers
  Gemstones of Shadows
  
  Social based Hearthstones/Manses:
  Chameleon Stones
  Jewels of the Graceful Courtier
  Gems of Seduction
  Gems of Desire
  Stones of Recognition
  Gem of Masks
  
  Misc Hearthstones/Manses:
  Stone of Dream Entrance
  
  Expansion:
  Coordinated intelligence efforts with the Cult of the Illuminated
  Branch in Nexus
  Branch in Lookshy
  Branch in the Imperial City
  At least 1 additional branch on the Blessed Isle
  

 

[Sherwood]

Another xp award! 3 points for all.

 

[Sherwood]

From all of the great IC posts that everyone have done, I'll give you another 3 xp.

 

[Sherwood]

Forgot to add to the official xp list the +1 Essence and 3 points.

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

• Profile
• History
• Stats
• Combat Stats
• War Form Combat Stats
• Background
• Charms
• Panoply
• Experience

• 
  
  Name: Seven-Winged Sirocco
  Caste: Full Moon
  Age: 20
  Concept: Defender of the Weak
  Anima: Seven wings stretching
  Motivation: Restore the Dragon-Kings
  
  Intimacies:
  The raiders who attacked her village (Vengeance)
  K'rr'cheek the Pterok (Gratitude)
  Dragon Kings (Admiration)
  Pale Heaven's Light (Love)
  Flight (Sense of Freedom)
  People from her Village (A desire to bring them to safety)
  
• 
  She was the oldest of 5 siblings, growing up in a small village in the foothills of the mountain range that exists between Gem and An-Teng. The village wasn't rich, but wasn't rich either. It concealed an entrance to a hidden valley with plentiful water, and arable land. Growing up, she was forbidden, as all women in the village are, from learning to wield weapons, so as nott o anger the local God watching over the plentiful valley. And so she set out to learn how to brawl, to guard her younger brothers from bullying.
  When the raiders came, it was devastating. The last attack happened on her youngest brother's birthday, and chaos erupted in the village. She lost sight of her brothers, and tried her best to fight back against the raiders, to no avail. She woke up in a cool mountain, with a strange lizard-like man watching over her. Over the next few months, she learned that she was saved by a small Pterok enclave that lived high up in the mountains, when they spotted a Lunar Anima burning bright, one that reminded them of an old ally of them. They took her in, and nursed her back to health, and taught her their ways. At the end of her stay, she thanked them, and vowed to come to their aid, if they need it.
  She has been on search to find, release, and gather, anyone she finds from her village. And to take revenge on the raiders.
  In her travels, looking for people from her village, she came upon a young man fighting for his life, who looked like he might be a mature version of one of her siblings. She rushed to his aid, and was engulfed in an image of a bird of prey, when his Solar anima flared. At that moment, something inside her sprang, and she found herself bound to him, but whether he is her long-lost brother or not is hard to tell, because it seems he has lost most of his memories.
  
• 
  Attributes
  Str ●●●
  Dex ●●●●●
  Sta ●●●●
  
  Cha ●●●
  Man ●●
  App ●●
  
  Per ●●●
  Int ●●●
  Wits ●●●●
  
  Abilities
  Archery
  Martial Arts ●●●●● (While Flying +3)
  Melee
  Thrown
  War
  
  Integrity ●●●
  Performance
  Presence ●●● (Intimidating +3)
  Resistance ●●●
  Survival ●●
  
  Craft
  Investigation
  Lore
  Medicine
  Occult ●●●
  
  Athletics ●●●
  Awareness ●●●
  Dodge ●●●
  Larceny
  Stealth
  
  Bureaucracy
  Linguistics ●● (Flametongue [native], Old Realm, High Holy Speech, Riverspeak (bonus))
  Ride
  Sail
  Socialize
  
  Essence: ●●●●
  Personal: 20/20
  Peripheral: 61/67
  Committed: 6
  Willpower: ●●●●● ●●●
  
• 
  Health Track
  -0 [ ]
  -1 [ ] [ ]
  -2 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -4 [ ]
  Inc [ ]
  Dying [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  
  Join Battle: 7
  
  Soak: 7B/7L/5A, Hardness: 2 (3B/5L/5A from Reinforced Breastplate)
  
  Parry DV: 7 (9 while flying)
  Dodge DV: 6
  
  Punch
  -Speed 6, Accuracy 11 (14 while flying), Damage 3B, Rate 3
  
  Kick
  -Speed 4, Accuracy 10 (13 while flying), Damage 6B, Rate 2
  
  Clinch
  -Speed 6, Accuracy 10 (13 while flying), Damage 3B, Rate 1
  
  Smashfist (Punch)
  -Speed 4, Accuracy 12 (15 while flying), Damage 8B/2, Rate 2
  
  Smashfist (Clinch)
  -Speed 7, Accuracy 12 (15 while flying), Damage 7B/2, Rate 1
  
  
• 
  Strength ●●●●
  Dexterity ●●●●●●
  Stamina ●●●●●
  
  
  Health Track
  -0 [ ]
  -1 [ ] [ ]
  -2 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -4 [ ]
  Inc [ ]
  Dying [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  
  Join Battle: 7 (9 if sight based)
  
  Soak: 9B/9L/5A, Hardness: 2 (3B/5L/5A from Reinforced Breastplate, 1B/1L from Feathers)
  
  Parry DV: 8 (9 while flying)
  Dodge DV: 7
  
  Punch
  -Speed 6, Accuracy 12 (15 while flying), Damage 4B, Rate 3
  
  Kick
  -Speed 4, Accuracy 11 (14 while flying), Damage 7B, Rate 2
  
  Clinch
  -Speed 6, Accuracy 11 (14 while flying), Damage 4B, Rate 1
  
  Smashfist (Punch)
  -Speed 4, Accuracy 13 (16 while flying), Damage 11B/4, Rate 2
  
  Smashfist (Clinch)
  -Speed 7, Accuracy 13 (16 while flying), Damage 10B/4, Rate 1
  
  Mutations:
  Wings (6)
  Feathers (1)
  Enhanced Sense (Sight) (1)
  
• 
  Virtues
  Compassion ●●●
  Conviction ●●●●●
  Temperance ●
  Valor ●●
  
  Virtue Flaw: Curse of the Crocodile Mother (Compassion)
  The character is overwhelmed by the realization that there are those who will want to hurt the ones she cares for. She will defend her wards vigorously, even laying her own life on the line. The Crocodile Mother will do everything in her power to stop anyone or anything that actively tries to harm those in her care. Those who move too close to her wards or who otherwise act threateningly or disagreeable will be warned to cease their behavior, lest she will attack them outright to nullify the perceived threat.
  
  Partial Control: While the character will still try to stop disagreeable or threatening behavior, she will not initiate physical violence to do so. If her wards are physically attacked or otherwise obviously threatened, she will protect them, but she will not lay down her life for them.
  
  
  Backgrounds
  Resources ●●
  Cult ●●
  Manse (Gem of Freedom) ●●●
  Artifact (Chain Shirt) ●
  Artifact (Hearthstone Bracers) ●●
  Artifact (Smashfists) ●
  Mentor (K'rr'cheek – Pterok) ●●
  Heart's Blood ●●●
  Backing (Silver Pact) ●
  Solar Bond ●●●●●
  
• 
  Knacks
  
  Spoiler: Deadly Beastman Transformation

  Prerequisites: Essence 2, Stamina 3
  This Knack forms the basis of many Lunar battle techniques. Once a character learns it, she can shift into the fearsome war form of the Lunar Exalted, a monstrous amalgam of her two other true forms. The Steward usually gains several feet in height and increases proportionally in mass. Muscles ripple across her form, which usually has fearsomely long and sharp teeth and/or claws. Even if the Lunar’s spirit shape is something as harmless as a groundhog, the hybrid war form looks awesomely dangerous.
  War forms are stronger, faster and more resilient than the character’s normal forms. They have animal characteristics that give them an edge. Lunars in war form heal even faster than other Exalted, and war form allows them to make use of special aspects of certain Charms, called Gifts. Because Dexterity, animal qualities, healing and Gifts can all be useful outside of combat, some Lunars use war forms for purposes other than combat. At the very least, the war form is a tool of purpose—the Lunar dons this form to accomplish a goal.
  Design the war form as follows:
  • Bonus Attributes. When a character takes Deadly Beastman Transformation, her player adds one dot each to the character’s Strength, Dexterity and Stamina. This increase can bring a character’s physical Attributes above five and only affect the character when she is in war form. Any improved Attributes are considered natural when calculating the Lunar’s dice maximums. (See the box on p. 128 for a description of natural Attributes.)
  • Wyld Mutations. The character’s player adds mutations to the form to represent animalistic features. She chooses from the list of Wyld mutations in Exalted, pages 288-290, or creates her own, then applies these to the war form. The player has (Essence + 4) special bonus points to spend on mutations, using the costs given on page 101. Increases in Essence later on allow the player to choose further mutations or “upgrade” existing mutations.
  Ignore all negative aspects to these mutations beyond the obvious and frightening change in appearance. These are not actually Wyld mutations; they represent the admixture of human and animal of the hybrid form. Players can only choose or create mutations appropriate to the characters’ spirit shapes. Characters cannot take negative mutations, such as deficiencies, and they cannot take single mutations multiple times.
  Players cannot apply the Large mutation to the war form; war forms are already larger and stronger than a normal human form. Players may, however, apply the Small mutation, accepting its benefits and penalties. This is how some Lunars create their smaller, less monstrous-seeming war forms. Players and Storytellers must remember that not all mutations are appropriate as animal Traits. Those that are not may be altered, at the Storyteller’s discretion, to represent an appropriate animal Trait.
  Some mutations alter the character’s health level track. Ignore these changes; Lunar Exalted remain hard to wound even when their war form is slight and fast, and the increased resilience of the Exalted is represented by their Ox-Body Technique.
  Example: Travis creates a Lunar character whose spirit shape is a frog. At Essence 2, the character’s war form has six points’ worth of mutations. Looking through the list of mutations, Travis takes Wall Walking for the frog’s sticky pads. With two points left, he wants to take horns, but his Storyteller suggests that another mutation may be more in theme. Instead, Travis takes Frog Tongue.
  When the character’s Essence increases, Travis may choose a beneficial pox for the war form or wait until his character’s Essence increases again to pick an affliction. With those two points, he could also strengthen one of his Lunars’ current afflictions to a blight-level mutation. Many mutations are not appropriate for upgrading, or do not yet have upgrades. There may not be any reasonable upgrade for Frog Tongue, but Travis could (with Storyteller approval) upgrade Wall Walking to make the character more capable in that activity.
  While in the war form, Lunars also gain a supernatural resilience that helps them survive terrible wounds. The Lunar does not actually heal any faster (that requires Charms such Bruise-Relief Method and Healing the Scarlet Flow). While in war form, however, a Lunar can completely regrow lost limbs or organs using such Charms. It takes at an hour to regenerate such an extreme wound.
  When a Lunar in war form falls into her Dying health levels, her wounds do not worsen. She does not lose additional levels of damage until she dies; instead, she remains that wounded until either someone stabilizes her with surgery (returning her to Incapacitated) or she uses a Charm to heal a point of lethal damage, which accomplishes the same effect. (For this reason, the Lunars’ Ox-Body Technique gives them two additional Dying health levels with each purchase.) Taking Deadly Beastman Transformation also allows the character to make better use of Gift Charms. Legend says that Luna herself composed Gift Charms for her Exalted. When a character learns a Charm with the Gift keyword, she gains abilities that she can activate automatically when she dons her war form. See the individual Charms for more details.
  
  Strength
  
  Spoiler: Subduing the Honored Foe

  Cost: 4m
  Mins: Strength 2, Essence 1
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Fury-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Some opponents deserver better than death—it is a terrible thing to deprive the world of a skilled swordsman or a peerless archer. Activating this Charm guarantees that the Lunar will not kill her enemy and makes it easier to disable such a treasured opponent. She doubles the post-soak damage in Step 7 of attack resolution but automatically inflicts only bashing damage. Furthermore, the damage she inflicts cannot wrap over into lethal damage, no matter how many levels of bashing she actually inflicts.
  Used as a part of the Relentless Lunar Fury, this Charm makes all damage the character infl icts bashing. This damage never wraps over into lethal.
  
  Dexterity
  
  Spoiler: 1st Dexterity Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die
  Mins: (Attribute) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Some Lunar Exalted excel at using their natural talents. The Exalt’s player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Attribute. This Charm adds one die to that roll per mote spent. This Charm is the most common source of dice added to rolls; no combination of Charms can add more than (Attribute) dice to the roll.
  This Charm can also enhance unrolled uses of the relevant Attribute. Common examples of this are increasing Defense Values with the Dexterity Excellency, climbing the Feat of Strength chart with the Strength Excellency or increasing alcohol Tolerance with the Stamina Excellency. When enhancing a static value, each success rolled with dice from this Excellency increases the effective relevant Attribute by two for an instant. Thus, one success increases Defense Value by one.
  This Excellency, other Excellencies and other dice-adding Charms cannot “create” actions. They may supplement existing actions or increase static values that are already in use. Each Charm use also functions only for a single instant or task—the Charm supplements a single attack or defense but must be activated multiple times for multiple attacks or defenses, even on the same tick.
  Essence Overwhelming may be Comboed with the Second Excellency, but can never be used on the same roll as the Third Excellency.
  Spoiler: Instinctive Dexterity Unity

  Cost: 2m+, 1wp
  Mins: (Attribute) 4, Essence 3
  Type: Simple
  Keywords: None
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Any (Attribute) Excellency
  Lunar Exalted find ways to become perfectly in touch with their natures. Every two motes spent when activating this Charm reduces the mote cost for the first three (Attribute) Excellencies by one, to a minimum of 0. A Lunar can spend up to (Essence x 2) motes on this Charm. The discount applies to the total expenditure on Excellencies relating to a given roll. In all other ways, Instinctive (Attribute) Unity works the same as the Solars’ Infinite (Ability) Mastery (see Exalted, pp. 185-186).
  Spoiler: Vigilant Mastiff Technique

  Cost: 7m, 1wp
  Mins: Dexterity 3, Essence 2
  Type: Simple (Speed 3)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Dexterity Excellency
  Luna Exalted her Chosen to protect that which is worth defending. Synchronizing her mercurial Essence with a target within (Dexterity) yards, the Lunar is considered to be reflexively warding that individual with a Defend Other action for the rest of the scene, as long as she remains within appropriate guarding range. Vigilant Mastiff Technique may be used to benefit only one target at a time.
  The Lunar must cancel the Charm and re-invoke it to change wards.
  Spoiler: Ferocious Guardian Beast Stance

  Cost: 8m
  Mins: Dexterity 3, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Golden Tiger Stance
  The Steward’s blade whips out in a quicksilver flash, diverting an attack intended for his charge. This Charm is a perfect parry against any attack of which the Lunar is aware, even unblockable attacks, but it may be invoked only to protect a character the Lunar is guarding with a Defend Other action.
  This Charm has one of the Four Flaws of Invulnerability (see Exalted, p. 194).
  Spoiler: Finding the Needle's Eye

  Cost: 2m or 3m
  Mins: Dexterity 4, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Dexterity Excellency
  The Lunar stops a ranged attack before it nears him. Invoked when the character is the target of a ranged attack, the Lunar forfeits his Defense Value to make an active attack in return to deflect or destroy the incoming attack. He might bat a chakram out of the air with his sword or fire one arrow to smash another. The player rolls (Dexterity + relevant Ability) at difficulty (attacker’s Dexterity).
  If the attack strikes the projectile, resolve damage. The damage may be enough to destroy the projectile outright—arrows are particularly fragile—completely negating the incoming attack. Assuming the projectile survives, each die of the Lunar’s raw damage still reduces the incoming attack’s damage by one die. The force of this defense can disrupt even projectiles that cannot be “destroyed,” such as gouts of flame from firewands and blasts of Essence.
  At Essence 3 or higher, a character may spend three motes on this Charm to defend another character against ranged attacks, if he himself has some way to attack at the proper range.
  Spoiler: Wary Swallow Method

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Dexterity 3, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Golden Tiger Stance
  Wise Lunar Exalted are always prepared for an attack, sensing the reactions of animals, plants and sheer Essence around them to the offense. This Charm removes the unexpected quality from a single attack, allowing the character to use her appropriate Defense Values and defensive Charms against it. Attacks that are unblockable or undodgeable remain so.
  Spoiler: Golden Tiger Stance

  Cost: 2m
  Mins: Dexterity 3, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Fury-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Dexterity Excellency
  From the Lunar’s flawless position, nothing can hinder his defenses. This Charm is used in response to an attack. The Charm eliminates up to (Dexterity) points of penalties that apply to the character’s Dodge and Parry Defense Values. When activated with Relentless Lunar Fury, Golden Tiger Stance automatically eliminates up to (Dexterity ÷ 2) points of penalties to Dodge and Parry Defense Values at all times. This does not stack with invoked instances of Golden Tiger Stance.
  
  Stamina
  
  Spoiler: 1st Stamina Excellency

  Cost: 1m per die
  Mins: (Attribute) 1, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1 for attacker, Step 2 for defender)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  Some Lunar Exalted excel at using their natural talents. The Exalt’s player can invoke this Charm when making a roll based on the relevant Attribute. This Charm adds one die to that roll per mote spent. This Charm is the most common source of dice added to rolls; no combination of Charms can add more than (Attribute) dice to the roll.
  This Charm can also enhance unrolled uses of the relevant Attribute. Common examples of this are increasing Defense Values with the Dexterity Excellency, climbing the Feat of Strength chart with the Strength Excellency or increasing alcohol Tolerance with the Stamina Excellency. When enhancing a static value, each success rolled with dice from this Excellency increases the effective relevant Attribute by two for an instant. Thus, one success increases Defense Value by one.
  This Excellency, other Excellencies and other dice-adding Charms cannot “create” actions. They may supplement existing actions or increase static values that are already in use. Each Charm use also functions only for a single instant or task—the Charm supplements a single attack or defense but must be activated multiple times for multiple attacks or defenses, even on the same tick.
  Essence Overwhelming may be Comboed with the Second Excellency, but can never be used on the same roll as the Third Excellency.
  -Hide-Toughening Essence
  -Bruise-Relief Method
  -Mother Grizzly Attitude
  -Silver Lunar Resolution
  
  Perception
  -Eye of the Cat
  
  Intelligence
  -Terrestrial Circle Sorcery
  
  Sorcery
  -Burning Eyes of the Offender
  
  Martial Arts
  -Terrestrial Bloodline Integration
  -Mountain Stands Alone
  -Gust Guards the Mountain
  -Dagger Wind Form
  -Tumbling Avalanche Technique
  -Wing Blade Attack
  -Wind Full of Teeth
  -Fang of Heaven Technique
  
• 
  Weapons
  Moonsilver Smashfists ●
  
  Armor
  Moonsilver Chain Shirt ●
  
  Other Artifacts
  Hearthstone Bracers ●●
  
  Manse
  Gem of Freedom ●●●
  
• 
  Experience Gained: 136
  Experience Used: 126
  Experience Remaining: 10
  
  Attribute - rating x4
  Favored of Caste Attribute - rating x3
  Favored or Caste Ability - (rating x2) -1
  Out of Caste Ability - rating x2
  Essence - rating x9
  Virtue - rating x3
  Willpower - rating x2
  New Ability - 3
  Specialty - 3
  Favored/Caste Charm - 10
  Out-of-Caste Charm - 12
  Knack - 11
  

 

[Kalin Scarlet]

• Profile
• Stats
• Charms
• Sorcery
• Combat
• Panopoly
• Points spending/Other

• 
  Name: Pale Heaven's Star
  Gender: Male
  Caste: Solar, Twilight
  Anima Banner: A massive bird, wreathed in light blue and red flames.
  
  Age: 18
  
  
  
  
  Motivation: To become a person worthy of the affection of women from one corner of Creation to the other.
  
  Virtues: Compassion 5, Conviction 1, Temperance 1, Valor 4
  
  Virtue Flaw:
  
  Spoiler: Imprudent Infatuation (Compassion)

  The character has the unfortunate tendency to become romantically obsessed at the drop of a hat. When the character's limit breaks, he will fall head-over-heels in love with someone whom he considers attractive, and has met under stressful circumstances.
  
  Uncontrolled: the results can range from the merely embarrassing, such as spending weeks attempting to court a comely shepherdess rescued from a landslide, to the downright suicidal, such as storming a Deathlord's castle in a desperate attempt to confess undying love to a beautiful deathknight. No matter how unsuitable the object, the character's infatuation knows no bounds. He will be incapable of thinking of anything aside from his beloved, probably spending much of his time composing overwrought poetry and the rest stalking the unfortunate person like a love-struck teenager. He may even go so far as to threaten suicide if anyone tries to deny him his love. The character will come to his senses after a number of days equal to his Compassion score, but until then, not even overt scorn or violence from his beloved will dissuade him.
  
  Trigger: the character witnesses someone attractive in peril or duress (even if the character himself is the cause of that duress).
  
  Partial Control: The character will not be forced to place himself in danger to gain his love's attention
  Limit Points: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  
  Intimacies:
  Seven-Winged Sirocco(Love)
  Slavers (Hatred)
  
  
  (13 Intimacies)
  
• 
  Health:
  -0 [ ] [ ]
  -1 [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -2 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
  -4 [ ]
  X [ ]
  
  Attributes:
  Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 1
  Charisma 3, Manipulation 1, Appearance 5
  Perception 2, Intelligence 5, Wits 4
  
  Abilities:
  Archery 4, Martial Arts 0, Melee 1, Thrown 0, War 0
  
  Integrity 3, Performance 0, Presence 4+Defying Social Order 1, Resistance 3, Survival 0
  
  Craft 0, Investigation 0, Lore 2, Medicine 0, Occult 5+Sorcery 3
  
  Athletics 0, Awareness 1, Dodge 4, Larceny 0, Stealth 0
  
  Bureaucracy 0, Linguistics 2, Ride 0, Sail 0, Socialize 0
  
  Favored abilities: Archery, Presence, Dodge, Resistance, Linguistics
  
  Backgrounds:
  Savant 000
  Resources 000
  Contacts 0
  Ally(Moroeth) 000
  Manse 000
  
  Flaws:
  Hatred(Slavers)(3)
  Overconfident(1)
  Nightmares(1)
  Lifesaver(3)
  Bard's Tongue(1)
  Age(1)
  
  Languages:
  Old Realm
  Riverspeak
  Watertongue
  High Holy Speech
  
  Willpower: 00000 00000
  Essence: 00000
  Overdrive: 0/10
  Personal Essence: 25/25
  Peripheral Essence: 45/56
  Committed Essence: 11
  
• 
  First Archery Excellency
  
  
  Spoiler: Trance of Unhesitating Speed

  Cost: 2m or 3m per attack
  Mins: Archery 3, Essence 2
  Type: Extra Action
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Any Archery Excellency
  
  The ideal archer flows with soft and unhesitating grace through the motions of firing her weapon. This Charm is a magical flurry of two or more Archery-based attacks. Each attack costs two motes, including the first, and the Exalt can buy up to (her permanent Essence + 1) attacks. This Charm lets the Solar make these attacks regardless of the weapon’s Rate, without multiple action penalties, and with a DV penalty equal to the highest penalty for any one attack.
  
  Some Archery weapons, such as firewands and siege crossbows, are difficult to fire rapidly. Characters using Trance of Unhesitating Speed with a weapon that has a Rate less than 1 must spend three motes rather than two motes on each attack. This Charm need not be Obvious if the character does not exceed the normal Rate of the bow, but it can be Obvious at any time if the activating character desires.
  
  
  Spoiler: Essence Arrow Technique(1,2,3)

  Cost: 2m
  Mins: Archery 2, Essence 2
  Type: Supplemental
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  The character charges an arrow with Essence. The effects are based on the character’s fighting style and anima. This Charm always adds the character’s Essence in damage to an Archery-based attack.
  
  Fiery Arrow Attack: The Solar’s arrow (or appropriate ammunition) catches fire mid-flight. If the Solar’s Archery-based attack strikes a flammable material, this Charm ensures that it ignites. This Charm always destroys wooden ammunition when it’s used.
  
  Dazzling Flare: The Solar’s arrow (or other ammunition) glows with holy fire or brilliant sunlight. This Charm makes the Solar’s Archery-based attack Holy, and it inflicts aggravated damage against creatures of darkness. The arrow shines brightly enough to be seen for (the Solar’s Essence x 10) miles, if fired straight upward or otherwise unobstructed.
  
  Righteous Judgment Arrow: The Solar can spend a third mote on this Charm to add four extra dice of damage to the attack. This variation has a distinctive visual effect usually related to the character’s anima.
  
  
  Spoiler: Phantom Arrow Technique

  Cost:—(1m per attack)
  Mins: Archery 3, Essence 2
  Type: Permanent
  Keywords: Obvious
  
  This Charm permits a Lawgiver to make ranged attacks without using ammunition. Each such attack costs one mote of Essence. The Exalt can attack as if using any form of ammunition without Resources cost, such as a broadhead, fowling, frog crotch or target arrow. This Charm permanently enhances the Exalt’s capabilities. Therefore, shaping motes into ammunition is an unrolled reflexive action and not a Charm activation.
  
  
  Spoiler: Shadow Over Water

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  The Chosen move like shadows over water—with perfect grace and speed. The maneuver named Shadow Over Water restores defensive advantage to a beleaguered or overextended fighter. This Charm is used in response to an attack. It allows the Exalt to ignore all penalties that apply to her Dodge DV when resolving that attack. Her Dodge DV is still 0 against an undodgeable attack, but she takes no further penalties.
  
  
  Spoiler: Seven Shadows Evasion(Compassion)

  Cost: 8m
  Mins: Dodge 4, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Shadow Over Water
  
  The Solar hero is too quick for his enemies to land a blow. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an attack. The attack must not be unexpected. This Charm is a dodge that perfectly defends against the attack—even if the attack is undodgeable.
  
  
  Spoiler: Reflex Sidestep Technique

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 2)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  The heroes of the dawn are in tune with the Essence of the world. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an unexpected attack. The attack is no longer unexpected (but if an appropriate Charm, it remains unblockable). This allows the character to use his Dodge DV and Charms such as Seven Shadow Evasion against the attack.
  
  
  Spoiler: Leaping Dodge Technique

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Dodge 3, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 9)
  Keywords: Combo-OK, Counterattack
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Shadow Over Water
  
  Leaping Dodge Method moves the character (10 + [Strength x Dodge]) yards vertically or (10 + [Strength x Dodge] x 2) yards horizontally. Characters may not enhance the distance this Charm carries them through the use of hearthstones, artifacts, sorcery, or other Charms.
  
  The Solar is as elusive as a dream. The Exalt invokes this Charm after using her Dodge DV to defend against an attack. This Charm allows her to leap away from her opponent, jumping up to ([Strength + Dodge] x 3) yards vertically or twice this distance horizontally. The Exalt chooses the exact direction and distance of this leap, so long as it is away from her attacker. This Charm is treated as a counterattack, even though the jump is not hostile. It reduces the character’s DV by one, it cannot be used with a counterattack, and it is resolved in Step 9 of attack resolution.
  
  
  Spoiler: Durability of Oak Meditation

  Cost: 2m
  Mins: Resistance 2, Essence 1
  Type: Reflexive (Step 7)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  A boy cannot cut down an oak tree with a kitchen knife. No more can a mere mortal slay the Solar Exalted with petty blows of mundane steel. The Solar adds (Essence + Resistance) to his bashing and lethal soak against a single attack.
  
  
  Spoiler: Spirit Strengthens the Skin

  Cost: 1m per pre-soak damage die removed
  Mins: Resistance 3, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 7)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: Instant
  Prerequisite Charms: Durability of Oak Meditation
  
  The unconquerable flame of the Solar’s spirit armors her against attack. She invokes this Charm after an attack hits her but before damage is rolled. This Charm reduces the post-soak damage of an attack, (not the raw damage) by one die for each mote spent. This Charm may not reduce an attack’s damage below one die.
  
  
  Spoiler: Essence-Gathering Temper

  Cost: 1m
  Mins: Resistance 1, Essence 1
  Type: Permanent
  Keywords: Dawn, Native, Overdrive
  Duration: Permanent
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  The more terrible the enemies and adversities they face, the greater the power of a Solar’s spirit. This Charm grants the character an additional ten-mote peripheral Essence pool in accordance with the Overdrive Keyword. Whenever the Lawgiver is injured, she gains motes which are used to refill this pool: one mote for being struck by an attack without taking damage, two motes per point of bashing damage, or three motes per point of lethal or aggravated damage suffered.
  Essence-Gathering Temper will only provide motes when the Solar is injured against her will; she may no more order a bound demon to assault her in order to obtain motes than she may gain them from stabbing herself. Health lost in order to pay the activation cost of a Charm likewise never produces motes.
  At Essence 3+ the Solar may also refill her Overdrive pool when she perceives her allies being injured, at the same rate as though she were taking damage herself. In order to gain motes in this fashion, the Solar must directly perceive the character being injured at the moment the injury occurs, and must have a positive Intimacy toward that individual (the character’s Lunar mate also always qualifies). Finally, the injuries may not be self-inflicted, as outlined above, and may not be inflicted by the Solar herself.
  
  
  Spoiler: Spirit Detecting Glance

  Cost: 3m
  Mins: Occult 2, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1)
  Keywords: Combo-OK
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: None
  
  Spirits cannot hide from the Lawgivers. Spirits such as demons, ghosts and gods often move through the world in dematerialized form, completely hidden from all observers. This Charm lets the character see, hear, smell and feel—but not touch—dematerialized creatures. It makes dematerialized creatures within the normal range of the character’s senses valid targets for the character’s Awareness actions, including reflexive Awareness actions.
  
  
  Spoiler: All Encompassing Sorcerer's Sight

  Cost: 6m
  Mins: Occult 5, Essence 2
  Type: Reflexive (Step 1)
  Keywords: None
  Duration: One scene
  Prerequisite Charms: Spirit-Detecting Gaze
  
  Nothing is hidden from the Lawgivers. The character augments his vision with the ability to see patterns of Essence. This Charm allows the character to see motes, Essence-fueled effects, power and invisible but magical creatures and effects. These things become valid targets for the character’s visual Awareness rolls, including reflexive visual Awareness rolls.
  
  The ability to perceive Essence patterns has the following effects: All Charms are treated as Obvious with respect to the character. Dematerialized and invisible creatures and effects are considered visible. The character recognizes all artifacts, manses and demesnes as such. The character can automatically recognize a creature with Essence 4+ as a supernatural creature. Characters using Stealth to avoid detection are not automatically revealed by their Charms, Essence trait or carried artifacts—for the same reason that colorful clothing does not automatically void mundane attempts at stealth. Instead, add the target’s Essence in dice to any attempt by the character to pierce mundane or magical Stealth. Similarly, this Charm does not automatically void disguises, magical disguises and similar deceptions, although circumstances might warrant a bonus to see through them.
  
  If the character makes a conscious attempt to analyze what he sees, this Charm allows an (Intelligence + Occult) roll to do so. Identifying the exact effects of an unknown Charm or spell is difficulty 5. Gauging the rating of a person’s Essence trait, a demesne, a manse or an artifact has difficulty 2.
  
  
  Spoiler: Sorcerer’s Burning Chakra Charm

  Cost: —
  Mins: Occult 5, Essence 4
  Type: Permanent
  Keywords: Obvious
  Duration: Varies
  Prerequisite Charms: All-Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight
  
  The Lawgivers see all things truly. This Charm functions as All-Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight, but it has no cost—the character gains the benefits automatically whenever her anima banner is at or beyond the 4-7 mote level. If she wishes to use Essence sight at some other time, she may commit one mote reflexively to do so. While that mote remains committed, her Caste Mark burns visibly, and she has access to the benefits of All-Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight.
• 
  Terrestrial Circle Sorcery
  
  
  Spoiler: Death of Obsidian Butterflies

  Cost: 15 motes
  
  Target: Area (30 yards wide, 100 yards long, 10 yards high,
  starting at the caster)
  
  Death of Obsidian Butterflies calls forth a cascade of sculpted obsidian butterflies with razor-sharp wings. Their wingspans vary from an inch across to almost a foot. Flashing over the character’s shoulders and past her sides in a glassy black torrent, they slash through the air in a pattern 30 yards wide, 100 yards long and 10 yards high. Brush, grass and small trees are cut off near the ground. Larger trees and wooden structures suffer serious dam-
  age. Stone is defaced but structurally unharmed.
  
  When the character releases the magic, her player rolls (Perception + Occult), adding a number of automatic successes equal to the sorcerer’s permanent Essence. Everyone in the attack pattern not behind an inch or more of stone or several inches of wood is subject to attack.
  
  Characters defend against Death of Obsidian Butterflies as if it were a hand-to-hand attack. Each attack is independent, so magic and penalties that reduce the attack do not help others defend. Treat the butterflies as rolling a number of attack successes equal to those the sorcerer’s player rolled, minus one for each two dice of dice penalties that circumstances impose. The attack inflicts 8L plus any extra successes in raw (pre-soak) damage. The thousands of shattered glass butterflies don’t go away after the spell. Walking barefoot in the area thereafter is not recommended.
  
  
  Spoiler: Summon Elementals

  Cost: 10+ motes
  
  This spell is much like Demon of the First Circle and uses, generally, the same rules, with the following exceptions:
  
  • It can be cast any time — the ritual takes four hours and need not start at sunset or end at midnight.
  
  • The roll to banish the elemental if the binding fails is at regular difficulty, not at +2 difficulty.
  
  • The elemental will not serve for more than a lunar month, and any task it is set to cannot take longer than a year and a day.
  
  • The kidnap and enslavement of elementals can outrage the Celestial Hierarchy. Characters who mistreat their servants or who bind the subjects of a powerful spirit entity are likely to earn the ire of the spirit world.
  
  Malediction of the Distorted Compass
  
  
  Spoiler: Peacock Shadow Eyes

  Cost: 10m
  
  Target: One sentient being
  
  The sorcerer’s eyes glow with iridescent flame that holds the gaze of a target up to 10 yards away, compelling him to stunned silence. The sorcerer’s
  player rolls (Wits + Occult). If the result exceeds the target’s Dodge MDV, the hypnotized target believes anything the sorcerer says in the next five minutes and
  remembers the suggestions as his own memory—an unnatural mental influence. When the five minutes are up, an auxiliary Illusion effect convinces the target
  he had a normal conversation with the sorcerer, while continuing to believe what the sorcerer told him. Someone presenting evidence contrary to what the target believes may unravel this spell. This calls for Investigation-based social attacks on the target, as though reducing an Intimacy. Breaking the unnatural mental influence requires a number of successful attempts equal to the sorcerer’s permanent Essence.
  
  
  
  This does not remove any secondary Intimacies that may have been created as a result, however.
  
  Celestial Circle Sorcery
  
  
  Spoiler: Threefold Binding of the Heart

  Cost: 30 motes
  
  Target: One creature
  
  Ropes of orange and yellow light coil around the target and wrap around her spine, ending in three knots through the heart of the victim of the type fishermen of
  the Coral Archipelago swear will never work loose. Mortals are snared automatically. Against Essence wielders, the sorcerer attempts a magical social attack. His player rolls (Manipulation + Occult), gadding a number of automatic successes equal to his Essence, against the target’s Dodge MDV. If this attack succeeds, the victim is under an unnatural mental influence that creates a Compulsion effect (a powerful Intimacy to the sorcerer), an Emotion effect (love) and a Servitude effect. Since powerful beings often have ways to resist these effects, sorcerers prefer to cast Threefold Binding of the Heart on Essence wielders who are asleep or unconscious, rendering the target’s Mental DV inapplicable.
  
  A victim of this binding falls madly in love with the sorcerer. This love can manifest as anything from a lover’s sexual passion to a soldier’s patriotic loyalty,
  depending on what cues the sorcerer gives the victim. The victim feels these emotions are true and genuine, but others can see how the victim is ensorcelled. This
  devotion is absolute, and the victim might go out of her way to remove anything that distracts or contradicts her connection with the sorcerer—even murdering
  people she used to love if they try to keep her from her beloved master.
  
  A spellbound victim can spend a point of Willpower to resist a direct command or three Willpower to resist the sorcerer’s control for a scene, but she needs an
  overwhelming reason to do so—such as being ordered to do something against her core morals or something she knows will harm the master’s interests. Eroding
  the spell-forged Intimacy is quite difficult. Doing so requires a number of successful social attacks equal to the sorcerer’s (Occult + Essence) to break the Intimacy.
  For each day that passes, one successful attempt is negated, “regenerating” the Intimacy.
  
  On the subject’s birthday, however, she is granted an unconscious attempt to break free from the Threefold Binding. On this day, the target’s player makes a reflexive (Wits + Integrity) roll, with a difficulty equal to the sorcerer’s Essence. This roll may not be augmented by Charms, channeling Virtues or spending Willpower, though. The subject doesn’t want to break the bond and does not even know the opportunity has occurred. If the roll succeeds, however, the Threefold Binding frays, and she is freed… to realize what the sorcerer did to her.
  
  
  Spoiler: Sapphire Countermagic

  Cost:15 or 20 motes
  
  This spell is similar to Emerald Countermagic, save that it protects against spells of the second circle. Other than its increased cost in Essence and Willpower and its ability to effect spells of the second circle, this spell is identical to Emerald Countermagic. However, the side effects of countering the spell are greater because more Essence is released when the spell is cast. These side effects can even cause some damage, in cases where the countered spell is very powerful.
  
  In addition to its ability to counter magic of the second circle, Sapphire Countermagic can also overpower the magic of the Terrestrial Circle totally. A Terrestrial Circle spell countered through the use of Sapphire Countermagic is hushed instantly, with no collateral damage from the released Essence.
  
  Solar Circle Sorcery
  
  
  Spoiler: Evocation from the Mirror

  To cast the spell, the sorcerer must be within 100 yards of her target and have a mirror at least the size of her hand within 20 yards. The victim must be conscious and see the mirror, but he can be drugged, bewitched or otherwise restrained. The sorcerer incants a ritual palindrome while making the Mudra of Opposition, only one hand makes the gesture in reverse, while dozens of images of her flicker through her anima. When the spell is released, the players of the sorcerer and her target make a resisted (Willpower + Essence) roll. If the sorcerer’s player loses or ties the roll, the mirror shatters, and the spell fails. If the sorcerer’s player rolls more successes, however, the target and the mirror both flash with iridescent Essence and… nothing seems to have happened. Close observation will show, however, that the person has been reflected left to right.
  
  This mirror-person has the same traits and Charms as the original. He also has reversed versions of the victim’s clothing and mundane possessions. Any magical possessions transfer from the original to the mirror-person. The duplicate is a complete moral opposite of the original. His Motivation and Intimacies are reversed, so what the original loved the duplicate hates, and vice versa. He will act as his reversed morals dictate, with one addition. He is also the sorcerer’s devoted slave, ready to do almost anything she commands. (He might hesitate at working against his Motivation, as even the most loyal servant might.) The spell traps the victim in an Elsewhere inhabited only by himself and anyone else trapped by this spell. Nothing else exists except when the duplicate’s image appears in a reflective surface such as an actual mirror, a pool of water or a pane of glass. Then, the duplicate’s surroundings appear (reversed) in the Elsewhere, and the original person can look out the mirror to the real world and be seen there as well. The original does not have to mimic the mirror-person’s actions. He can mouth appeals for help, wave his hands and so on. The mirror-person avoids reflections whenever possible because he doesn’t want other people to see his original—and because his own reflection provides the original with a means of escape. If the mirror-person touches a reflection that includes the spell’s target, the image and the original resume their proper places.
  
  Adamant Countermagic will also break the spell if cast on either the mirror-person or the reflection that contains his original. Evocation of the Mirror is much less effective against spirits or any other entity that can dematerialize (including Exalts with suitable spells). The spirit just dematerializes and walks out the first reflective surface that holds his image, as if it were the door to his own sanctum. Then the original and the reflection both exist in Creation. A duplicate is also not destroyed by being forced back to the other side of the mirror. In zones of severely diminished reality such as a Middlemarch or Fair Folk freehold, the reflection can escape the mirror to bedevil the life of his original. On the other hand, if the mirror-person enters such a zone, his original can also escape from Elsewhere with a successful (Willpower + Essence) roll.
  
  
  Spoiler: Solar Sanctuary

  Cost: 70m
  Target: Area
  
  The caster must create five jeweled orichalcum statues of himself (Resource cost incalculable) and arrange them around the area he wishes to make his sanctuary. On a day when the sun is high in the sky, five people must simultaneously pray to the caster at each statue. The caster himself must cast the spell at the center of the area demarcated by the five statues. With his Cast Sorcery action, shafts of golden light lance upward from the statues, bursting through any obstacle to reach the sky, where they curve downward to converge above the caster. Sunshine lances briefly through the sorcerer, and a faint transparent dome flickers into and out of visibility over the affected area. This area, which may not exceed a radius of (Essence x 1,000) yards, is now the character’s sanctuary, almost arbitrarily under his control. The area acquires the following qualities:
  
  • All demesnes become aspected to the character’s Essence, and a manse of the appropriate level spontaneously grows from the ground to cap each demesne. As per Raise the Puissant Sanctum, the sorcerer can control each manse’s appearance and function. The sorcerer is automatically attuned to all manses, whose hearthstones appear immediately in his possession. Manses whose aspects do not change continue to produce the same hearthstones; the Solar dictates new and changed manses’ hearthstones.
  
  • The sorcerer can reshape the land and structures as if using Wyld-Shaping Technique in the Bordermarches of the Wyld (see Exalted, p. 216). If he actually invokes the Charm, treat the region as Deep Wyld. He cannot create magical things, people or portable wealth. Any changes seem perfectly natural to all mortal inhabitants.
  
  • Mortals become susceptible to the sorcerer’s will. Reduce the MDVs of all mortals with respect to the sorcerer’s will by half as long as they are within the spell’s borders.
  
  • The sorcerer can be aware of any place within the sanctuary as long as he is also within its boundaries. When outside the sanctuary, he has only a distinct sense of when it is threatened. He is instantly aware when one of the statues is damaged, and which one.
  
  • The sorcerer can claim motes of Essence equal to the rating of one of the manses within his sanctuary reflexively, once per action. Doing so disrupts the normal flow of Essence and suppresses the normal activity of its hearthstone for the rest of the day.
  
  • By spending one miscellaneous action disappearing and his next action reappearing, the sorcerer may travel almost instantaneously within his sanctuary.
  
  • While within the sanctuary, the sorcerer can see through the eyes of any one of the enchanted statues as a reflexive action.
  
  Should the character desire, he can create multiple sanctuaries. Sanctuaries that border each other may share one or two statues and, once completed, count as a single sanctuary. The sanctuary lasts as long as the statues all remain intact. Each statue has a bashing and lethal soak and hardness of 20, as well as 400 health levels. It also repairs itself completely when the first rays of dawn strike it. When a statue is destroyed, the sanctuary shatters. The land remains as it has been shaped, as do the demesnes and manses, though the sorcerer is no longer attuned to them.
  
  
  Spoiler: Technique Mirror

  Cost: 50m
  Target: Caster
  
  The powerful techniques of the Exalted take time to learn and even longer to master. Luckily, a skilled sorcerer need never bother. The Solar traces the Sign of Reversal on a small, ordinary mirror with his finger while reciting a palindrome. With a flip of the wrist, he sets it spinning above his head, where it continues to rotate for the rest of the scene. For an instant when the caster completes this spell, and every time it takes effect, the sorcerer appears to be surrounded by several body-sized distorting mirrors. Each time someone attacks the sorcerer within the scene, a perfect duplicate of the attacker appears without fl ash or fanfare and uses the same attack on the sorcerer’s foe. The mirrored attacker looks and acts just like the original did while attacking, and it uses the same dice pools. Attacks and other dice pools are rolled again. After attacking, the duplicate disappears.
  
  When the duplicate disappears, any Charm or attack effects cease if they require the attacker’s continued presence. A warrior cannot be grappled if there is no body to grapple him. Victims of a grapple are forced into a single Inactive action before regaining control of their facilities. Destroying the mirror that spins above the sorcerer ends the spell, but such attacks are defended by the sorcerer’s normal DVs and mirrored by the spell. The spell incidentally grants the mirror 10L/14B soak and 20 health levels.
• 
  Attacks:
  

  Punch	Speed 5, Accuracy +1, Damage +2B, Defense +2, Rate 3
  Kick	Speed 5, Accuracy +1, Damage +2B, Defense -2, Rate 3
  MP(Smashfist)	Speed -3, Accuracy +1, Damage 7B, Defense +3, Rate 7
  Orichalcum Long PowerBow	Accuracy +6, Damage 6L, Rate 3, Speed 6, Range 400, Defense +1

  
  Soak: 5L/6B/5A
  
  Dodge DV: 6
  Parry DV: 4
  
  Dodge MDV: 8
  Parry MDV: 2
  
• 
  Infinite Resplendence Amulet(Orichalcum,Starmetal(0000)
  Metasorcerous Phylactery (0000)
  Orichalcum Long PowerBow(000)
  Collar of Dawn's Cleansing Light (0)
  
• 
  Experience:
  Total spent: 107, leaving 4/111
  Essence Arrow Attack 2,3(2)
  Sapphire Countermagic Sorcery (8)
  Spirit Strengthens the Skin(8)
  Essence-Gathering Temper(8)
  Essence 5(32)
  Ally(Moroeth) (9)
  Solar Circle Sorcery/Evocation from the Mirror(8)
  Solar Sanctuary(8)
  All-Encompassing Sorcerer Sight(8)
  Sorcerer's Burning Chakra(8)
  Technique Mirror(8)
  
  Bonus points:
  Total: 0
  Flaws(+10)
  Willpower 10(5)
  Essence 4(7)
  Durability of Oak Meditation (3)
  Spirit Detecting Gaze (3)
  Death of Obsidian Butterflies Sorcery(3)
  Peacock Shadow Eyes Sorcery(3)
  Valor 4(1)
  Compassion 5(1)
  Linguistics 2(2)
  
  Notes:
  

 

[Sherwood]

Everyone gets another 3 xp for some great roleplaying. Keep up the great gaming and you'll all hit Essence 5 soon enough.

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Everyone gets another 3 xp for some great roleplaying. Keep up the great gaming and you'll all hit Essence 5 soon enough.

Be hard to reach Essence 5, when am Essence 3...

 

[Sherwood]

You didn't buy it up to 4 with character creation? Don't forget you got Essence 3 for free.

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

You didn't buy it up to 4 with character creation? Don't forget you got Essence 3 for free.

I was thinking about it, but it's so damn expensive, and getting more stuff proved to be better for my character's survival.

 

[Sherwood]

Ah. Well, you are well on your way to your next Essence bump if you want to go that route.

 

[Sherwood]

For some great role playing, everyone gets another 5 xp. Well done, everyone.

 

[Sherwood]

I am going to give everyone a free dot of Old Realm or the Dragon Kings' High Holy Speech. You can say that it is something you remember from a past Exaltation, brought to the surface by hearing the Dragon Kings talking. I want to make sure that everyone can communicate.

Also, I'll toss you guys 3 more xp that can be spent anywhere you wish.

MasterDAF Psychie Rykon Red Shadow Claws Kalin Scarlet LowRollLyfe jaydude

I think I tagged everyone here.

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

What about the poor soul who knows both? I forgot Sirocco knows Old Realm too.
Can I get Forest-Tongue or whatever the group's main language is?

 

[Sherwood]

What about the poor soul who knows both? I forgot Sirocco knows Old Realm too.
Can I get Forest-Tongue or whatever the group's main language is?

Go for it.

 

[jaydude]

I am going to give everyone a free dot of Old Realm or the Dragon Kings' High Holy Speech. You can say that it is something you remember from a past Exaltation, brought to the surface by hearing the Dragon Kings talking. I want to make sure that everyone can communicate.

Also, I'll toss you guys 3 more xp that can be spent anywhere you wish.

MasterDAF Psychie Rykon Red Shadow Claws Kalin Scarlet LowRollLyfe jaydude

I think I tagged everyone here.

I'm gonna go with Holy High Speech.