Trial By Fire - Exalted 2e IC Thread

[Rykon]

Aredin nodded at Annika's words. "Aye, I'd rather leave them locked up as they are for now. I don't care to risk the collateral damage two elder, and likely insane, celestial revolutionaries might bring upon us. For now, let's worry about getting enough manpower together to clean up Rathess. It's going to be a while before we can pull a sizeable number of our own from Gwynnin in any large numbers. So, anything we can do to help the Dragon Kings recover is likely the best option we have right now. Our friendly goddesses here are clearly the experts in such matters, as well as our Lunar companion." The eclipse added before turning to Leeayta, "Is there anything you need from us to help them out?"

 

[Sherwood]

The Lizard Queen looks over at Aredin and says, "There are still threats to the city from the Underways. We may control the surface, but it will take some time before the lower levels are safe for your mortal followers to tread. This will take some time; there is more to Rathess underground than there is above on the surface."

 

[jaydude]

"What sort of threats are we talking about?" asked Annika, once Leeyata had finished speaking.

 

[MasterDAF]

Victor nodded along as Sirrocco discussed the breaking of the castes and Dunbar told of the attempted overthrow. So much history...so much has happened while our past-selves were gone from this world. "I wouldn't mind examining that door," he whispered to Annika, "if you're up for guiding some of us back there later."

 

[jaydude]

"Okay." Annika replied to Viktor, also in a whisper. "Though I wouldn't say there's much to look at there. Just a large hunk of metal made from the four magical materials, with the High Ruler's sentence written on it in Old Realm."

 

[Rykon]

Aredin raised a hand to his chin in thought before responding to Leeayta, "Can you be more descriptive about what's down there and how aggressive it is? I'd like to get an idea on how urgent this is to see if we need to bring in some extra muscle to clear the place out without excessive risk to the current population here. To my knowledge, we have access to a few Celestial friends to see if there'd be any volunteers, but for the long term we have only a few Dragon-Blooded and your children here to grow our number of allied essence users." He paused and looked over to the airship towers then to the other pyramids. "Quite frankly, we have a lot of turf to lock down as it is. This won't be a fast process I imagine, not with our current forces and the amount of ground to cover."

 

[Sherwood]

The goddess shrugs. "Things that hate and fear the light. Much like these goblins, but twisted even more by centuries of living in the depths of the earth. Most are of little consequence to the prepared, but there are some that are more of a threat. I know of at least one group of ogres that have grown quite large from years of feeding on the dark, they are probably the most prominent threat down below. A single one is more than a match for a half dozen mortals, and would have to be dealt with by either a large group of my children or by Exalted, especially since these twisted ones have developed the ability to Awaken their Essence. There are other threats, but they are the worst."

 

[Rykon]

"Ogres? Are they what kept the Goblin King from expanding to the lower levels of the city?" Aredin seemed a little surprised by how long these creatures had apparently festered in the shadows of Rathess. "Also... would they flee from light? Like an anima flare?"

 

[Sherwood]

Leeayta nods. "Do not underestimate them. They know the Underways like the backs of their hands, and have a ravenous hunger. There are other things, but none that can't be stopped."

"Also... would they flee from light? Like an anima flare?"

She cocks her head as she ponders this question. "I know that sunlight is something that they avoid like the plague, and your powers come from the Unconquered Sun himself, so I would think that a Anima flare would at least cause them pain and discomfort, but may not be quite enough to harm them like true sunlight does. The light of a Zenith Caste as the priests of the Sun would probably treat them as Creatures of Darkness, and cause them extra pain and damage."

 

[Psychie]

Darian smiles when she hears that. "If that is the case, I need to be a part of whatever group that goes below ground to confront these dark ogres. Let them see the Light of the Unconquered Sun in its true glory."

 

[MasterDAF]

"Agreed," Viktor chimed in. "No matter their power, they will fall like wheat before the scythe. If the Goblin King couldn't stand against us, neither will they." He nodded confidently, though secretly he wondered if his ancient blade would be up to the task. It was a wonderful weapon, and yet the crafter would certainly have felt more comfortable if it were a stout-headed sledge in his hand.

 

[jaydude]

"Hmm...do you think you could deal with the underground monsters without me?" asked Annika, thinking that the others seemed to already have the issue in hand, but wanting them to weigh in on her suggestion. "Because I'd like to look into setting up some spies and spy networks within the surrounding lands, and later in the Realm's territories and Looksky. We're going to need sources of news and information about our neighbors and potential rivals if we want to continue to prosper. And it wouldn't hurt to have a chance of advance warning if the Wyld Hunt or anyone else decides to attack us, either."

 

[Rykon]

Aredin nods, "Sounds like a fine idea. We already know the Realm has a watch post nearby and we don't have any good sources on their disposition or activities. As soon as we finish making this place a safe home for our forces, we will need to be prepared to either take and hold it for ourselves or raze it to the ground. The last thing we need is another staging ground for pests to distract us from our mission." Aredin paused to take a drink, "I'm more than happy to escort the force clearing the underground. Do any of the rest of you have business you'd like to get underway or would you prefer to join the expedition?"

 

[jaydude]

"I'll go and have a look at the place for myself, and then pass on what information I can find to you. Though I may need that Globe of Transport of yours to make it there in good time." replied Annika.

"You're referring to Chaing-Dav, correct?" she asked, recalling someone mentioning that imperial troops were stationed there a while ago, although she might have got the name wrong.

 

[Rykon]

Aredin seemed puzzled for a moment as he tried to recall the name, "I think that's correct. It's been a while. As for the globe, I don't mind lending it, but do be careful about your approach to the area. Don't think twice if you need to make an emergency exit either. None would be able to keep pace with you for long, even if they were prepared to make chase." He'd grin somewhat devilishly at another thought. "Though if they did make it here, I don't expect them to last long."

 

[jaydude]

Annika gave him an evil grin of her own. "I don't plan to lead the Wyld Hunt here." she replied. "If you give me that globe, I can head over there right now."

 

[Psychie]

Darian goes up to Annika and gives her a friendly hug. "I am needed here to bring the light to the under ways out I might be interested in joining you. Instead, I wish you the best of luck on your travels. Find out what you can and return safely to us. You will be missed."

Turning back to her husband, she says, "Before I go on our hunt, I will need to meditate and pray to the Unconquered Sun in order to recover my strength. Once that is done, we can go and continue our efforts to reclaim this city."

 

[jaydude]

Darian goes up to Annika and gives her a friendly hug. "I am needed here to bring the light to the under ways out I might be interested in joining you. Instead, I wish you the best of luck on your travels. Find out what you can and return safely to us. You will be missed."

"Heh. With your husband's Globe of Transport, I'll be back before you know it. I might even arrive in time to help the rest of you out with the Underways." replied Annika, grinning as she returned the hug, but also blushing a bit from the close contact (would Darian be aware of such a reaction, and what it could mean?).

 

[Rykon]

Aredin produced the globe, and with a gentle flick, popped out the Gem of Grace leaving it to loft slowly over to Darian. In the old gem's place, Aredin instead pressed in the Crystal of Legendary Leadership. "I think you'll have an easier time attuning to that one given that we're standing on its manse." With that, Aredin tossed over the globe to Annika and sank his own weapon in the gap between two of the stones they now stood upon. He placed in the two remaining gems from Filial's set into the Reaper Daiklave. "Well... no idea what these two do, but I guess it can't be too bad. For now dear, my first hearthstone will probably be more useful in your hands, given what we'll have to face." Aredin added, smiling. "Good luck Annika, and safe travels."

Spoiler

Gem of Grace - Core Rules p.384
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.

Crystal of Legendary Leadership - Oadenol's Codex p.107
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.

 

[MasterDAF]

Viktor nodded along as they said their goodbyes, stepping over to place a friendly hand on Annika's shoulder. "We will look forward to your swift and safe return."

 

[jaydude]

After smiling at all of her companions saying their farewells, Annika would leave, first to attune to the manse providing the Globe of Transport's hearthstone, and then to study a map and find out where Chaing-Dav was.

Once she was as prepared as she could be, she set off in the globe, committing personal essence to its flight, and aiming to land at the outskirts of Chaing-Dav, not wanting to attract attention. Once there, she planned to spend at least a day studying the settlement, and find out how large it was, the size of the Realm's presence there, what defenses and fortifications it had, and if it had any weaknesses that could be exploited in the event that an armed takeover became necessary.

 

[Sherwood]

In Rathess

It has been a busy day, one filled with much noise as the Dragon Kings celebrate the liberation of the surface of the city. Some others are in quiet meditation and prayer, and still others are exploring the Great Pyramid of the Sun. Right now, Viktor, Dunbar and Leeayta are standing in front of the large sealed door, examining its construction and wards. It is just as Annika and Darian have described; very ornate and inlaid with the words from the very early days of the First Age. Leeayta places a clawed hand upon the door and says, "I am unable to enter the chamber beyond this door, even when dematerialized. It must have a whole slew of wards and traps on it to keep its occupants in and nosy treasure hunters out. I wonder if there is anything alive in there. Do you think it is possible?"
MasterDAF

Elsewhere in the city, Darian has recovered her spent Essence and is now ready to go. It does not take long for you to find Aredin. He is currently sitting at an outdoor table with Aysik, enjoying a bottle of wine.
Psychie Rykon

Sirocco has been spending some time exploring the outer edges of the city, watching as the Dragon Kings move from building to building as they round up many of the former followers of Filial Wisdom. Please give me a Perception + Awareness roll.
Red Shadow Claws

Annika settles down a distance from the city of Chaing-Dav and then hikes in the rest of the way. The city is rather compact, with the jungle pressing in on one side and the river on the other. It is a port town, with a fair amount of business coming in by riverboat to help support the place in addition to the light amount of road traffic that comes in. There is a short wall around the place, you believe that it is more to keep out the wandering wildlife than to be used to fend off a siege. There are a few gates along the wall, and the one at the highway leading into the city is currently standing open with a trio of bored guards standing in the opening with another trio up in a guard tower next to them.

Do you try to go in through the gate, or do you want to attempt to go over the wall somewhere out of sight of the guards?
jaydude

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Sirocco flies over the city, doing her best to watch the goings on, and to coordinate the Dragon kings in capturing those attempting to hide or flee. She has set up a series of calls so that they know where to look, without her having to speak, allowing her to occasionally shift into her spirit animal, to be less conspicuous.

[8 dice, I have keen sight in war form, and assuming a 1 die stunt]

2 successes

 

[jaydude]

Annika was reluctant to try going directly through the gates at first, not sure if she'd have to try and talk her way past the guards. So, making sure to stay out of their sight, she would look for a spot where she could climb over the walls and enter the city without being seen. She'd put her orichalcum bracers and hearthstone amulet in her pack, and she had her daiklaves sheathed on her back, not wanting to indicate that she was a Solar here of all places.

Spoiler: Annika stats

Health:
-0: 00
-1: 000
-2: 0000
-4: 0
Incapacitated
Personal Essence: 7/17
Peripheral Essence: 31/42

 

[MasterDAF]

Viktor rubbed a dirty hand along his chin, pondering Leeayta's question as he tapped the door with different tools from his belt. The ground around them was littered with partially worn clay tiles of a multitude of colors, the outcome of rubbing the door with each in an attempt to learn about the magical materials that composed it's construction. The crafter laid his tool down, and folded both arms across his chest. "I just don't know." He shrugged, "I can't think of how anything would survive as long as would be required for us to meet it now, even if that room was stocked to the brim with supplies. And I don't imagine it was."

He rubbed his hands together, then took a knee and went back to rubbing an orichalcum-detecting clay touchstone against the base of the door. "What do you think, Dunbar? Anything you've heard up in Heaven that might shine some light on this mystery?"