Into the Ruins - Exalted 3e IC

[Sherwood]

Del looks over at Silent Glade and says, “Why kick them out? We can recruit them to serve as the core of the army we’ll need. Besides, it will take more than a handful of different Exalted to operate the Titan. We will need a crew. Why not use them to serve as that crew? The Titan has training machines to be able to teach them how to operate the systems of the fortress. Besides, these people are descendants of a fierce and well trained legion. Give them a chance to show what they are made of.”

 

[Chowlett]

"And if they don't want to? Or even oppose our taking command"

 

[jaydude]

"And if they don't want to? Or even oppose our taking command"

"I am hopeful that between Aredin and myself, we can sway them to our cause," Grey Stone chimed in. "It is in both of our natures to be extraordinarily persuasive, after all."

(Mention of Rykon 's character.)

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 11/16
Peripheral Essence: 40/40
Anima: Dim
Committed Essence: 5 (Faith's Pillar)

Willpower: 7/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 18, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

 

[Psychie]

Filial looks at the group and says, "And even if they don't, we would be fools to turn away from such a resource as this, if Del's stories are accurate. You can bet that the Empress won't hesitate to use the fortress against us if she ever discovers it, no matter how many people are on this flying mountain. And she has the manpower to fully equip this place without a problem. I say we get it before she does."

 

[Purr]

O Mighty Fat Cat seems content to listen and learn to all of the conversation that is going on. He pays close attention especially to his own Circle; he has long admired the collected knowledge of his Circle past and present, and even now Da Chonk cannot help but miss the presence of Amara and Mercy who would no doubt have their own helpful perspectives here.

Sitting nearby, eyes and ears on the conversation, O Mighty Fat Cat does as he does in his homeland jungle - he keeps his attention on the conversation while also watching and listening for anything unusual that might approach unannounced. After all, Creation was a dangerous place more often than not, and to let one's guard down was to invite that danger.

 

[Chowlett]

Glade nods to Filial Wisdom. "True. I am not against the idea; a weapon of that magnitude will surely be needed against the Empress. I would just prefer to do so with the co-operation of the people there."

"I can also call on my tribe. They are not essence-wielders, but I sense every spear will be valuable."

 

[Rykon]

Aredin nods to Glade and Gray Stone. "Alright. Looks like this mountain will be our first step in securing a foothold. Since our time only grows shorter, I'd like us to advance in two teams once we make our landing. Out to scout the fortress itself, another to scout out the disposition of the people. For this, I'd like Glade to lead the expedition to secure entrance into the fortress. Gray Stone and I will lead the way on making nice with the locals."

The eclipse pauses, looking over a small map of the mountain as they knew it while he considers the best use of the circle's time and talents. Based on his estimations of the obstacles in front of them, the socializing party might be subject to a hostile reception. In that instance, he felt confident in his and Gray Stone's ability to out-maneuver a mob without incurring unnecessary damage. The same went for the scouting party. Whatever fortress security was in place proved sufficient to hold the settlers and even their dragon-blooded citizens at bay until the present era.

As Aredin's gaze sweeps over the circle only two stood out as equally valuable to either group. Da Chonk and Delilah. Both had affable personalities while also carrying valuable infiltration skills. Between the two though, it could be argued Da Chonk's shapeshifting could make a bigger impact on the scouting side over Delilah's discipline and knowledge about the area. Odeal, like Filial, was more of a specialist with military endeavors like this.

"If there's no objection... Odeal, Filial, and Da Chonk I'd like you to support Glade in his scouting efforts. Just in case he encounters troublesome obstacles in locating the entrance. Delilah, assuming Odeal is as knowledgeable as you are on this fortress, would you mind joining our efforts to build rapport with the people? I think with these groups we can make the safest progress without too many of us remaining idle. Besides..." Aredin trails off, his voice taking a grim tone. "If such measures were taken to set this whole Empress plan in motion, we have no idea who else may have the same general idea as us."

 

[jaydude]

Aredin nods to Glade and Gray Stone. "Alright. Looks like this mountain will be our first step in securing a foothold. Since our time only grows shorter, I'd like us to advance in two teams once we make our landing. Out to scout the fortress itself, another to scout out the disposition of the people. For this, I'd like Glade to lead the expedition to secure entrance into the fortress. Gray Stone and I will lead the way on making nice with the locals."

The eclipse pauses, looking over a small map of the mountain as they knew it while he considers the best use of the circle's time and talents. Based on his estimations of the obstacles in front of them, the socializing party might be subject to a hostile reception. In that instance, he felt confident in his and Gray Stone's ability to out-maneuver a mob without incurring unnecessary damage. The same went for the scouting party. Whatever fortress security was in place proved sufficient to hold the settlers and even their dragon-blooded citizens at bay until the present era.

As Aredin's gaze sweeps over the circle only two stood out as equally valuable to either group. Da Chonk and Delilah. Both had affable personalities while also carrying valuable infiltration skills. Between the two though, it could be argued Da Chonk's shapeshifting could make a bigger impact on the scouting side over Delilah's discipline and knowledge about the area. Odeal, like Filial, was more of a specialist with military endeavors like this.

"If there's no objection... Odeal, Filial, and Da Chonk I'd like you to support Glade in his scouting efforts. Just in case he encounters troublesome obstacles in locating the entrance. Delilah, assuming Odeal is as knowledgeable as you are on this fortress, would you mind joining our efforts to build rapport with the people? I think with these groups we can make the safest progress without too many of us remaining idle. Besides..." Aredin trails off, his voice taking a grim tone. "If such measures were taken to set this whole Empress plan in motion, we have no idea who else may have the same general idea as us."

Grey Stone gave a nod of his head. "Yes. This works out well for me. And I am ready to leave as soon as necessary."

Spoiler: Grey Stone Stats

Essence: 2
Personal Essence: 11/16
Peripheral Essence: 40/40
Anima: Dim
Committed Essence: 5 (Faith's Pillar)

Willpower: 7/7
Join Battle: 5
Health Levels: -0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1,-1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -3, Incapacitated
Resolve 3, Guile 1

Attacks
Faith's Pillar (10 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 18, Overwhelming 5, Bashing, Melee, Reaching, Smashing, Two-Handed)
Unarmed (13 dice Withering, 8 dice Decisive, Withering Damage 15, Overwhelming 1, Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural)

Actions
Rush: 6
Disengage: 6

Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 4/0

 

[Sherwood]

Del nods, feeling a bit of relief that so far, everyone is getting on board with the idea of going to the fortress. She says to Aredin, "I don't know if Od has the activation codes, so I will make sure to share what I have with him before we arrive. I also have no issue with trying to establish a connection with the locals with you and Grey Stone. As for the rest of the Circle, I wish all of you the best of luck in getting inside."

 

[Purr]

"If there's no objection... Odeal, Filial, and Da Chonk I'd like you to support Glade in his scouting efforts.

"Me friend Aredin, I can do dis!" O Mighty Fat Cat says with the big wide smile he loves to share.

"Afta my arrival at Rathess, Luna has seen not only to arm me," he briefly displays Spellbreaker for his Circle to see, "but to change me! In my spirit animal form, I now have wings! Dis is much betta than having to scout around while in de form of a Roc, would you not agree?"

 

[Sherwood]

Del looks at Fat Cat and says, “You are truly blessed to have met a Luna Herself in person. I hope that this is a good sign for our efforts as we move forward. So now that the Circle is together once more, we are ready to set off for Mount Metagalapa and the secrets it holds within it. I stand ready to leave now, if you’d like.”

 

[Purr]

Da Chonk raises a finger. "I thank you for your compliment, but I must ask for your patience."

"If there's no objection... Odeal, Filial, and Da Chonk I'd like you to support Glade in his scouting efforts.

Chowlett Eonivar
O Mighty Fat Cat gives a wide white grin to the lovely Sidereal. His deep bass voice is filled with accented pleasant tones. "Once Silent Glade and dis new fellow, Odeal, are ready, so shall I be. It would be unseemly for us to leave without dem, no?"

 

[Chowlett]

Glade nods his head solemnly after all the discussion. "This is a plan, and as well-thought-out a plan as we can expect given the short time available. I will gladly scout this mountain. And what a group we shall be - Solar, Lunar and ... Sidereal, yes? And (nodding to Filial) enemies-turned-allies. A tale for the ages."

 

[Eonivar]

Od was awkwardly quiet for a moment listening to the plans being made, and then he spoke:

“Perhaps I would be of better use doing intelligence and reconnaissance at the Blessed Isle while you all gather your forces. I have contacts there and I should be able to move in secrecy to get information on the situation and the empress herself. I have survived so far and I was not high on the hierarchy in my bureau. “

 

[Sherwood]

Del feels a twinge of sadness that Od was talking about leaving, but she does her best to quash her emotions and remember that he is making a good point. “Perhaps you can locate Mnemon and let her know what has happened, and that we are looking for a way to end the rule of the Demon Queen. I hate to see you go, but I understand the need for all of us to carry out our duties as best we can.”

 

[Eonivar]

Od nodded...the sidereal full of sadness. "Aye Del. I will indeed search for Mnemon. I am sorry I cannot continue with you, but the Maiden of Battle calls me in this direction. Gather what forces you can. I will provide as much intelligence as I can find, and we will send the Scarlet Empress back into the hells she came from." He looks at everyone else. "Know that everyone other then Delilah here will forget who I am, but you will always know that there are others fighting with you, and we will be with you when you come. May the Maiden of Battle bless you and guide us to victory. DEATH TO THE SCARLET EMPRESS! Farewell."

Od bowed to everyone, gave a nod to Delilah, turned and walked out of the glade...his memory disappearing from everyone but Del.

 

[Sherwood]

Before Od can walk away too far, Del runs after him and pulls him into a firm hug. After a long moment of having her face buried in his chest, she says, “Be careful. If anything happens to you…. Well, just be careful. And I pray to the Maidens that you are safe.”

She finally lets him go, not caring about the tears she can feel running down her cheeks. After looking up at him, the Exalt gives her fellow Sidereal a brief kiss before turning back to rejoin the others.

 

[Psychie]

Antonia and Dunbar both offer you their best wishes on your quest to stop the Empress with both assuring you that the manse will always be a welcome refuge to you. Antonia says, “You have brought peace to this glen once more, freeing Cadence from his centuries-long imprisonment. With any luck, you will do the same for all of Creation as you keep the Primordial trapped in his prison. Travel well and in safety, my friends.”

Barring any other diversions, Fat Cat shifts into his Catbus form and everyone climbs aboard. With a powerful down stroke of his large wings, the Lunar takes to the sky.

The miles go by quickly as Fat Cat flies along. Hours pass and soon you can see off in the distance the growing shape of the massive mountain as it floats above the ground. It is huge, rising miles into the air and that doesn’t even count the space between it and the ground far below. From this distance out you can see that there are terraces that have been carved into the mountain with crops and orchards planted on them, and as you get closer, you can start to see details of cave dwellings cut into the slope with small trails of smoke from cook fires rising up to be blown away by the light breeze.

On one side of the flying mountain there is a wide area that’s been cleared away of debris that currently has a Second Age zeppelin currently lashed down in it, with its large gasbag bobbing in the breeze. It has a large gondola sitting on the ground, and it looks to be a slower merchant ship as opposed to a faster, armed military aircraft.

At this point, Fat Cat is far enough away that you might be mistakenly thought to be a large bird, but if you advance any closer, you will be able to be identified as something different that is not a bird. There are places on the Mountain that you can probably land without being spotted, but any local will be able to identify your Circle as not a local resident and questions will come up as to how you got up here.

So, do you guys land in the open or try to sneak on in?

Purr Sherwood jaydude Rykon Chowlett

 

[Sherwood]

Del leans forward towards the front of the howdah and says in a voice loud enough to be heard by Fat Cat. "Go ahead and land in one of the remote areas and we'll split up, with Filial, Glade and you doing the scouting about while Aredin, Grey Stone and I make our way to the residents on the side of the mountain and make our initial contact with the locals."

 

[Purr]

Del leans forward towards the front of the howdah and says in a voice loud enough to be heard by Fat Cat. "Go ahead and land in one of the remote areas and we'll split up, with Filial, Glade and you doing the scouting about while Aredin, Grey Stone and I make our way to the residents on the side of the mountain and make our initial contact with the locals."

Fat Cat acknowledges the seemingly well-meaning Exalted with a nod, but turns to his Circle - especially Aredin and Silent Glade. He looks to see what they have to say before he takes any action whatsoever. For they, along with Grey Stone, have solidly earned the honorable Lunar's trust. =)

Rykon Chowlett

 

[Psychie]

A quick bump for Rykon and Chowlett

 

[Purr]

A quick bump for Rykon and Chowlett

Psychie Waitaminnit! I want a bump too! How can I get a bump?! How come they get a bump and I don't?! Don't I matter too?! What's a Purr gotta do around here for a little measly bump?! *insert feigned distress here.*

Ha ha ha! =) =) =)

Honor and fun,
Purr =)

 

[Psychie]

Psychie Waitaminnit! I want a bump too! How can I get a bump?! How come they get a bump and I don't?! Don't I matter too?! What's a Purr gotta do around here for a little measly bump?! *insert feigned distress here.*

Ha ha ha! =) =) =)

Honor and fun,
Purr =)

Well, sir! While I’m sure you deserve a good bump now and then, we are waiting on them to give Fat Cat the ok to land. So that means no bump for you! <insert tiny little foot being stomped down in the ground while being fierce! Rawr!>

 

[Sherwood]

Del shudders suddenly, as if a tiny little foot had just stomped down on the ground while being fierce. Surely the divine order of things had come close to coming to an end.

 

[Psychie]

Jokers. I’m surrounded by jokers. Facepalm