Dice The Redux of the Tale of a Falling Empire - OOC

[Random Word]

You're right. I was thrown off by this line:

"At their choice, they may also hold on to these dice to apply to any other roll during the same scene — theirs or another player’s."

but it's contradicted by this line: "All Stunt dice go away at the end of the session, so use them or lose them!"

Perhaps stunt dice can be saved for a session, but can only be spent for dice during the same scene they were earned? That seems unnecessarily confusing, so one of these lines is probably wrong, and it's probably the first one.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Yeah, that is confusing. I wonder if it is "you can apply them to rolls in the same scene only, but spend them for advancement or recovery before the session ends"?

 

[jaydude]

Random Word
Regarding Kitava's Ventures, I've outlined them based on what was written in this post:

1. Establish a meritocratic system for the assignment of key bureaucratic positions, replacing the old practice of selling them for coin. The new system will be built around both civic examinations and the assignment of roles based upon the elemental aspects of the candidates.
2. Establish new administrative centres in line with the city's extant geomantic flows in order to improve efficiency and harmony.
3. Carry out geomantic works across the city to restore the ancient meridians it was once centred around, and access the old glories of the Shogunate.
4. Breed elementally-aspected sheep as a source of elementally-aspected wool, in order to create unique trade goods and a new stream of revenue for Kandara.

In terms of type, ventures 1 and 2 are each going to be an Act of Governance, seeing as Kitava's "only" the satrap of Kandara (If you were playing Kandara's monarch, it would be one of type Lead Organization instead). This will give you one roll per story with regards to overcoming obstacles, though I'm going to let you roll once for each venture, as opposed to making a single roll per story. Venture 4 meanwhile is going to be a Sorcerous Working of the First Circle, aka a more permanent Magical Working. I'm not quite sure what venture 3 will fall under though; I don't know how much geomantic works involve literal sorcery, and I imagine that any kind of large-scale crafting/construction project is going to require a fair level of work.

In terms of prerequisites, I'd say that with Embassy 5, Sagacity 4 and First Circle Sorcery, Kitava certainly has the knowhow to see all her schemes through, and with Backing 5 from House Ragara, it shouldn't be too much trouble for her to find funding, assuming she negotiates a new loan/letter of credit with the house every story. Berengiere will presumably provide the Means for venture 4, based on what you said.

As for obstacles, I'm not yet going list all of them (I'm admittedly still working them out), but I will say that at the very least, Kitava will have to deal with the following:

1. 3 base obstacles. Hostile Public Opinion (Difficulty 4)*, Red Tape (Difficulty 3)
2. 3 base obstacles. Funds and Resources (Difficulty 3), Red Tape (Difficulty 3)
3. ? base obstacles. Funds and Resources (Difficulty 3), Necessary Research (Difficulty 3)**
4. 5 base obstacles. Materials and Tools (Difficulty 5)

* People are often reluctant when it comes to change, and the wealthy certainly won't be happy about losing the chance to buy positions for themselves and their children.
** This will largely be related to confirming the meridians are where Kitava thinks they are.

With regards to advantages, it's safe to say that you can count on Boroma and Netara's support, should you wish it.

 

[Random Word]

Yes, since amongst Berengiere's First Circle souls are the Neomah, and Kitava can summon elementals, she should have everything she needs. One of her Charms lets her Cut Corners for a second Venture roll without consequence.

I have just realized a rather serious complication. It turns out it's illegal for any sorcerer registered on the White Treatise to hold leadership positions in the Thousand Scales, only advisory. Kitava may not be registered, given she didn't go to the Heptagram, and in general the books say unregistered sorcerers are a prized asset for their house. If that's the case, and she hasn't received some special dispensation from the Empress, then she may have to keep her sorcery a secret. She could try to argue Berengiere was responsible for it all. Or possibly Satraps don't count as leadership positions within the Thousand Scales, either because they're overseen by the Thousand Scales but not part of it, or because they're merely advisors to the rulers of the Satrapies.

 

[jaydude]

I have just realized a rather serious complication. It turns out it's illegal for any sorcerer registered on the White Treatise to hold leadership positions in the Thousand Scales, only advisory. Kitava may not be registered, given she didn't go to the Heptagram, and in general the books say unregistered sorcerers are a prized asset for their house. If that's the case, and she hasn't received some special dispensation from the Empress, then she may have to keep her sorcery a secret. She could try to argue Berengiere was responsible for it all. Or possibly Satraps don't count as leadership positions within the Thousand Scales, either because they're overseen by the Thousand Scales but not part of it, or because they're merely advisors to the rulers of the Satrapies.

I mean, at this point it's probably too late for me to veto Kitava being a sorcerer and a satrap, so I'm just gonna let it slide.

 

[WlfSamurai]

What are some good ways Taeran can get involved or help you, Random Word ? I’m not great at politics as a person and then I also made a non-political character, as well.

I’m open to ideas/suggestions/thoughts/feelings, etc.

 

[Random Word]

I imagine Taeran's contributions will centre around discovering and eliminating obstacles. Taeran finds out who Kitava's enemies are, what their weaknesses are, and exploits them to get them out of her way, possibly without Kitava ever knowing. Taeran seems good at knowing about things people wish she didn't, and hitting people discreetly where it hurts.

 

[WlfSamurai]

I imagine Taeran's contributions will centre around discovering and eliminating obstacles. Taeran finds out who Kitava's enemies are, what their weaknesses are, and exploits them to get them out of her way, possibly without Kitava ever knowing. Taeran seems good at knowing about things people wish she didn't, and hitting people discreetly where it hurts.

Yes, very true. I think I just need to let the story progress a bit more or start to dive into people’s secrets to start uncovering things.

 

[D. Rex]

Hmm. Maybe me making the bodyguardiest bodyguard was not my brightest idea.

Wrote myself into a corner.. For the life of me, I can't think of anything to do with him.

 

[Random Word]

You just need to add more dimensions to his character. You need some conflict! Some tension! Sure, you want to protect Kitava, but why can't you? Conflicting loyalties? Blackmail? An old favour to one of her enemies? Maybe the family has asked you to do something you're not comfortable with, or that conflicts with your sense of duty or honour. Or perhaps there's no conflict about whether you will protect Kitava, but your past is a magnet for trouble that's going to complicate her life. You want to protect her, but your old enemies are going to keep you busy, and maybe force you to miss something. You might have to choose between revenge, or an opportunity to right an old wrong, and your duty. Etc etc.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Hmm. Maybe me making the bodyguardiest bodyguard was not my brightest idea.

Wrote myself into a corner.. For the life of me, I can't think of anything to do with him.

Yeah, I'm having a similar situation. I have some ideas, though.

Oooh! Maybe we have a scene to hash out fight!

 

[jaydude]

Chowlett D. Rex Random Word Rykon WlfSamurai

So assuming that nobody objects, I'm going to go ahead and skip to a few weeks later, when the group are out in the wilderness to hunt down Steelscale. This will also be the start of a new "session", so to speak.

I'm actually looking forward to this plotline. In terms of gameplay purposes, it should give all five of you something to do, even if it's just "help each other kill a Wyld-Touched Tyrant Lizard", and it should give all of us the chance to have a try at the combat mechanics of Essence. With regards to the story, killing Steelscale probably isn't going to matter much in the grand scheme of things, but you can certainly earn further respect from Hasuri and Netara, and perhaps use it to build on your reputations.

Once Steelscale's dead, odds are I'm gonna do the timeskip to after the Empress's disappearance.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Chowlett D. Rex Random Word Rykon WlfSamurai

So assuming that nobody objects, I'm going to go ahead and skip to a few weeks later, when the group are out in the wilderness to hunt down Steelscale. This will also be the start of a new "session", so to speak.

I'm actually looking forward to this plotline. In terms of gameplay purposes, it should give all five of you something to do, even if it's just "help each other kill a Wyld-Touched Tyrant Lizard", and it should give all of us the chance to have a try at the combat mechanics of Essence. With regards to the story, killing Steelscale probably isn't going to matter much in the grand scheme of things, but you can certainly earn further respect from Hasuri and Netara, and perhaps use it to build on your reputations.

Once Steelscale's dead, odds are I'm gonna do the timeskip to after the Empress's disappearance.

Sounds great.

 

[jaydude]

So that's our first session ended, and our next one begins. In terms of Milestones, everyone gets a minor one, which you can use to pick either a new Charm, or increase a single ability by one point.

Could everyone please give me a goal for your characters to try and achieve in this next session? If you succeed with it, you'll be able to get a personal milestone.

 

[Random Word]

Related to Steelscale? Kitava's only interest in Steelscale is driving home to Boroma and his mother the message, "If you strike down one Dragon, ten thousand will take their place," that being a protectorate of the Realm means you benefit from the above, and that the Realm takes the obligation seriously. She considers it an oversight on the part of her predecessor that this creature still lives.

 

[jaydude]

Related to Steelscale? Kitava's only interest in Steelscale is driving home to Boroma and his mother the message, "If you strike down one Dragon, ten thousand will take their place," that being a protectorate of the Realm means you benefit from the above, and that the Realm takes the obligation seriously. She considers it an oversight on the part of her predecessor that this creature still lives.

So in that case, you'll definitely get a personal milestone after Steelscale pops its scaly clogs.

 

[Chowlett]

While Ferala would certainly regret the old king's passing, I think her personal goal this session is probably to acquit herself well enough to cement her position within this new Satraps court.

Note to self: apply previous milestone to something.

 

[WlfSamurai]

I actually think Taeran has grown bored and I think that hunting Steelscale has become her main focus. Not just for the challenge, but to feed her reputation here.

I think Taeran's personal goal this session is to hunt down Steelscale once and for all. For the good of the Realm.

Also, no obligation, but may I swap my powerbow for a thrown Artifact that returns? I didn't think, for some reason, that was a thing. And I like it a lot better in terms of discretion.

 

[jaydude]

Also, no obligation, but may I swap my powerbow for a thrown Artifact that returns? I didn't think, for some reason, that was a thing. And I like it a lot better in terms of discretion.

Sure thing.

 

[jaydude]

Heya. How is everyone? Busy with other stuff?

 

[WlfSamurai]

Sorry. Weekends are always packed. Hoping to catch up today on a few games.

 

[Chowlett]

I haven't been sure how Ferala would hear or react, but some clarity is percolating through now so I'll post in the near future.

 

[Random Word]

I assumed this was an Rykon thing to respond to. He's the garrison commander, and presumably this person reported the monster to the military - or maybe the Immaculate Order, I suppose.

 

[Rykon]

Having a bit of a rough day. Not sure when I'll be free to catch up.

 

[jaydude]

I assumed this was an Rykon thing to respond to. He's the garrison commander, and presumably this person reported the monster to the military - or maybe the Immaculate Order, I suppose.

Having a bit of a rough day. Not sure when I'll be free to catch up.

Fair enough. If you both want, I can edit my last post to have word reach Kitava as well as Manato.