One x One Return of the Scarlet Empress - OOC 3e

[gmimperfecti]

Here's an image Dall-E came up with that I like.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Here's a rough sketch if Between.

Background​

Origin Story: Between was born under a unique celestial convergence, marking him for a destiny intertwined with the stars. Identified early by the Sidereal Exalted, he was whisked away to Yu-Shan, where he was trained in the ways of fate, destiny, and the intricate arts of the Serenity Caste.

Role in the Bronze Faction: As a Joybringer, Between's role is to spread harmony and joy, often serving as a diplomat or mediator in celestial and terrestrial matters. His affiliation with the Bronze Faction aligns him with the goals of maintaining Heaven's order, often putting him at odds with the rebellious Gold Faction.

Personality​

General Demeanor: Between is characterized by a calm and soothing presence, often seen as a beacon of tranquility in turbulent times. His age and experiences have given him a deep perspective on the world, making him patient and wise.

Interests and Hobbies: Between has a profound love for music and the arts, finding joy and meaning in the beauty of creation. His performances are not just entertainment but are imbued with magical and mystical qualities that can influence emotions and fate.

Intimacies​

1. Defining Principle: "Harmony in all things" (Hope) - Between believes deeply in the importance of balance and harmony, both in the celestial realm and on Earth.
2. Major Tie: "Reyna San is my beloved sister." (Love) - Between had his mortal name stolen, but both Reyna and him were born under a convergence of fate as fraternal twins.
3. Major Tie: Yu-Shan (Reverence) - His training and time in the celestial city have left him with a deep reverence for its traditions and its role in the cosmos.
4. Major Tie: The Bronze Faction (Loyalty) - He is loyal to the goals and methods of his faction, believing in their necessity for the greater good.
5. Minor Tie: Music (Love) - His love for music and performance is a key part of his identity and how he interacts with the world.
6. Minor Principle: "Avoid unnecessary conflict" - In line with his caste and role, he believes in resolving disputes through diplomacy and understanding rather than violence.

Combat Style​

Martial Arts: Between specializes in a unique form of martial arts that integrates song and performance. This style allows him to defend himself and his allies while controlling the battlefield through enchanting melodies and harmonies.

Defensive Tactics: In combat, Between focuses on defense and control, using his martial arts to create barriers, misdirect attacks, and calm aggressive opponents. His style is more about preventing conflict and protecting others than it is about inflicting harm.

Role in the Story​

Current Mission: Between is currently involved in a delicate mission to mediate a brewing conflict between terrestrial powers, using his skills to navigate complex political landscapes and prevent a potentially catastrophic war.

Expanded Background with Merits​

Resources 5 - Famous​

• Renowned Performer: Between is not just a Sidereal Exalted; he is also a renowned performer whose music and songs are celebrated across Creation. His fame brings with it wealth and influence, allowing him access to resources and circles often closed to others. This fame may be a double-edged sword, attracting attention he might sometimes prefer to avoid.

Contacts 5 - The Guild​

• Deep Connections with The Guild: The Guild, a powerful commercial and political entity in Creation, has deep ties with Between. He has performed at their gatherings, mediated disputes, and even influenced trade deals through his music and diplomacy. These contacts provide him with information, resources, and support in various endeavors.

Martial Arts 4 (free)​

• Skilled Martial Artist: Between's martial arts skill, especially his song-based combat style, is exceptional. Trained in the heavenly city of Yu-Shan, he has honed his abilities to a fine art, using them in both defense and manipulation. This skill is integral to his identity and his effectiveness as a Joybringer.

Languages 3 - Old Realm, High Realm, Guild Cant, Local Languages (4 Thorns?)​

• Polyglot: Fluent in Old Realm, High Realm, Guild Cant, and local languages (including Thorns), Between's linguistic abilities reflect his diverse upbringing and experiences. His mastery of languages enables him to communicate effectively in a variety of settings, from celestial courts to the streets of Thorns.

Backing 2 - Bureau of Destiny​

• Support from the Bureau of Destiny: His rank within the Bureau of Destiny provides him with access to resources and information that help him navigate his duties as a Sidereal. This backing also signifies a level of trust and responsibility bestowed upon him by higher powers.

Retainer 2 - Spirit of Hovering Butlers​

• Spiritual Assistance: Accompanied by a spirit retainer in the form of Hovering Butlers, Between has a constant celestial assistant. These spirits not only aid in daily tasks but also provide companionship and guidance. Their presence is a reminder of his celestial ties and duties.

Tying It All Together​

Between's life is a tapestry woven with threads of celestial duty, earthly fame, and deep connections to both the divine and the mundane. His resources and contacts allow him to influence events both in Heaven and on Earth, while his martial arts prowess ensures his safety and the protection of those around him. Fluent in multiple languages, he can engage with a wide range of cultures and peoples, making him an effective diplomat and mediator. His backing from the Bureau of Destiny speaks to his significant role in the grand scheme of things, and his spirit retainer serves as both a helper and a symbol of his celestial mandate.

As a character, Between navigates the complexities of his roles, balancing his fame and influence with his responsibilities to the Bureau of Destiny and the Bronze Faction. His story is one of harmony amidst chaos, striving to bring balance through his actions, words, and music.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Okay all done. Sherwood Psychie

 

[Chowlett]

Updated character creation rules:

200 xp
50 Sidereal xp
9-7-5 points for Attributes
35 points for Abilities

20 Bonus points

So we've beefed up base creation, and get 200 XP plus 50 Sidereal?

I'm through the normal charms, and considering M-A. Stuff's coming together...

 

[gmimperfecti]

So we've beefed up base creation, and get 200 XP plus 50 Sidereal?

I'm through the normal charms, and considering M-A. Stuff's coming together...

My advice is pick where you want to shine. Copy all the charms. Then decide if you want to go deep or shallow, and cut back.

As a Sid, especially if you aren’t taking a SMA it makes sense to try and grab one entire MA.

At least that’s what I did.

I had 80 charms that I slowly weeded out. The hardest choice was cutting the socialize and presence trees.

 

[Sherwood]

Well, I hope to be able to start the IC thread by next weekend. That will get us all past the headache of the end of the year and give Psychie some time to get her Background and Intimacies added to her sheet, and Chowlett some time to get his creation posted.

 

[Psychie]

It's a work in progress. I'm still debating on a couple of Charm changes, but I'll have Reyna locked in by next week for sure.

 

[Sherwood]

It's a work in progress. I'm still debating on a couple of Charm changes, but I'll have Reyna locked in by next week for sure.

Sounds like a plan.

 

[Chowlett]

I still can't pick a Martial Arts. I think VBoS would be ok as a default choice if I can't choose anything else; but I'm still debating whether Crane Style or SPSitV would be a more fitting / interesting choice for an exuberant Journeys.

Maybe even a Dragon-Blooded form - are they inherently any weaker, if I have access to the Mastery effects?

 

[gmimperfecti]

I still can't pick a Martial Arts. I think VBoS would be ok as a default choice if I can't choose anything else; but I'm still debating whether Crane Style or SPSitV would be a more fitting / interesting choice for an exuberant Journeys.

Maybe even a Dragon-Blooded form - are they inherently any weaker, if I have access to the Mastery effects?

Yeah I think we can get a feel for our MA after a few fights. Maybe if they suck, we can switch to something else. That way we aren't spending a month fretting and just keep moving forward with the story.

 

[Chowlett]

Sherwood , how would you like to run Craft? For instance, I'd like to have a fighting chance McGuyvering pretty much anything while in the field. Can I go for, say, "Craft (Mechanisms)", to let me attempt stuff like makeshift catapults or what have you; while still being able to do carpentry and blacksmithing, or would you want to rule it tighter? (I've always felt Craft areas of expertise to be a bit of a thorny issue!)

I'm perfectly happy that Craft (Fate) [I... presume that's still what's needed for Astrology? Need to re-read that chapter] needs to be a separate purchase, to be clear. That's significantly different.

 

[Psychie]

I've always avoided Craft like the plague. It had already been such an xp sink and so clumsy.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Yeah it has so much potential that's wasted. It should function like temporary merits, which some of the social charms support. Except those charms were way over priced for what you get from them.

 

[Sherwood]

I am going to play Craft with a bit of leeway, so long as you don't abuse it.

 

[Chowlett]

Cool, thanks - I'll just take "Craft" then for now.

I see Craft (Fate) has in fact gone; prophecy is by Bur, Lin, Lor, Occ or Perf, while Horoscopes belong to each appropriate set of Caste abilities.

In which case, what I mean is that I won't try creating artifacts or other major works without asking or having the rules-specified Craft areas!

 

[gmimperfecti]

Cool, thanks - I'll just take "Craft" then for now.

I see Craft (Fate) has in fact gone; prophecy is by Bur, Lin, Lor, Occ or Perf, while Horoscopes belong to each appropriate set of Caste abilities.

In which case, what I mean is that I won't try creating artifacts or other major works without asking or having the rules-specified Craft areas!

I vote for temporary scene length war striders

 

[Psychie]

I have some Background fluff and Intimacies done for Reyna.

 

[Sherwood]

I may start the IC postings later tonight depending on how much downtime I have at work before clocking in and on my lunch break.

Psychie gmimperfecti Chowlett

 

[Psychie]

Awesome! New year gets us a new game!

 

[Sherwood]

Chowlett how close are you to finishing your character? I don't want to start off with the game if you are close to being done. If you still have a bit of work to do I might go ahead and post the intro and you can jump in when you are ready.

 

[Chowlett]

Go ahead and start - I still need a bit.

 

[Sherwood]

Ok. I have some time tomorrow that should let me get started.

 

[Sherwood]

Our first IC post is up.

gmimperfecti Psychie Chowlett

 

[gmimperfecti]

Our first IC post is up.

gmimperfecti Psychie Chowlett

So you running the same adventure in 2.5 and 3rd edition?

 

[Sherwood]

Same basic plot, but as each story progresses they will diverge quite a bit I'm sure.