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Post by GuardianTempest on Nov 17, 2021 1:32:35 GMT -6
I have a lot of responsibilities. First there's my work-at-home job, five different WIP homebrews, my private in-progress self-insert fanfic, my flash animation hobby that I keep procrastinating on, patrolling other web communities, and lastly my habit of scouring the internet to see something new or revisit something I already saw. Naturally, the most sensible level-headed thing to do would be to properly schedule my daily routine and avoid piling on new tasks for myself. But I really really want to play with a build I have in mind, so here we are. Infodump and PrologueHalkeginia is a Crystal Sphere of traditions and territories, inside is a single large planet that has two moons and several nations that have barely changed over the course of centuries. Its inhabitants are diverse yet segregated between the different countries, each of which have their own cultures, priorities and struggles—emphasis on the last part.
Melromarc is a fierce matriarchy that is being eaten from within by the corruption of its church. Almekia is a fraction of its former self after a coup that establishes the Esgares Empire. Gallia is a large kingdom with unstable nobility and a mad king that insists on waging pointless wars, engineering international incidents, and causing atrocities for reasons indecipherable. The floating country of Albion is managed by six clans and is populated mainly by faeries and beastfolk. King Asgore keeps his kingdom safe and isolated behind an impenetrable barrier deep in the underground. All of those on top of the random monster attacks that plague Halkeginia in general.
Yes, there are random monster attacks every now and then often referred to as the "Waves of Calamity". These monster attacks range from giant beasts to marauding hordes from beyond. The barrier of this Crystal Sphere is suspiciously permeable, which lets monsters from the Umbra (and maybe some from across the Wheel) show up and cause trouble. Thankfully they almost always appear outside territorial borders. Other things also show up at random, from vehicle wrecks, worn artifacts, old equipment, and maybe even entire dungeons. That probably inspired the inhabitants to be a little less insular. Some scholars outside Halkeginia believe that the Crystal Sphere exists as a universal garbage dump for everything discarded, unwanted, and lost to the Warp. That belief will never be shared with the locals for obvious reasons, especially the ruling classes.
The Crystal Sphere's permeability is also its saving grace. Warp travel to and from this Crystal Sphere is faster and easier, and it's also possible to enter/leave with the Gate spell. Also, many countries can use something called a "Summoning Ritual" which lets them draw resources from anywhere, usually in the form of raw materials but sometimes a novitiate shows up.
Novitiates are sapient entities who come from Summoning Rituals exclusively. They are often clueless and have no connection with the land, with many of them barely take this world seriously. They also possess unfathomable power one way or another so it's kinda hard to reign them in with force. Some rulers are powerful enough to take them on if anything goes awry. Others prefer to subtly manipulate them with material wealth, carnal pleasures, or just being upfront with communication. Novitiate behavior is researched enough to be predictable, especially if they're human.
There are also native humans in Halkeginia but they don't know anything about the Imperium or this planet called Terra/Theah. Their history dates back thousands of years, far longer than the recent emergence of Humans in the Great Wheel at large. Puzzled researchers theorize that a contingent of early humans have somehow arrived in Halkeginia in the distant past. Archives from the small kingdom of Tristain back up this claim with a mythological figure though his records seem a little embellished. Treatment of these humans vary depending on the kingdom, some favorable (Melromarc) while others aren't (Albion).
Different countries have different takes on their Summoning Rituals, and the ability to summon novitiates is a big deal. Melromarc has codified their system with the four Cardinal Heroes, who are treated as walking political tools to be replaced when convenient. Tristain has the Springtime Familiar Summoning ritual which sacrifices direct power and consistency for numbers and ridiculous variety. Sophomore academy students regularly summon animals from inside Halkeginia though some obtain more unique entities from other worlds, but no one so far has summoned a novitiate on par with the other nations'.
And then there's Teora, the country that summoned a novitiate entirely by accident. The land of elemental mastry, its queen and her brigade of elemental guardians protect it from threats inside and out. The Gwain College is where the next generation of these guardians are being raised, and one doesn't need to be a Genasi as long as they have some kind of elemental affinity. The students include Hyperboreans, Svirfneblins, and even Dryads like Marlow Daunagin, the class president.
It all began when the princess of Teora showed up to school with a new bodyguard. He had white hair, a mysterious visor and godlike physical abilities. He can casually uproot trees, outrun speeding trains, and survive falling of cliffs without a scratch. Although he was aloof and friendly, if a little clueless about life, he was also haunted by some woman who kept sending robot minions after him and the princess. Marlow found him suspicious, assumed he was a vampire, and sought to reveal his identity. One incident later, the queen (who doesn't like him so much) tasked Marlow to be his trainer for the foreseeable future.
Months went by, Marlow learned he wasn't a vampire and his name was Geo, who in turn became a respected fighter. Things seemed well until their antagonist escalated with an attempted terrorist attack on the day the queen's statue was being unveiled. Geo defended the statue while Marlow fought the antagonistic woman alone. She lost the battle with a broken leg and second-degree burns all over her body. To add insult to injury, the antagonistic woman was both a major source of technology in the kingdom...and died an anti-climactic death somewhere in the woods. So much for vengeful catharsis.
And so Marlow spent the rest of her semester in a wheelchair, beaten yet never broken, slowly recovering just in time for her graduation.
It's a thing. Mythic: Game Master Emulator is the most popular of these "dice oracles" and also the first. It can be used for under-prepared GMs, groups who have no GMs of their own, or for solo play like what I'm doing now. Offers a crash course on how it's meant to be used, like interpreting random events and such. Other dice oracles include CRGE, Scarlet Heroes, Zathrun, One Page Solo Engine, and so on. There are also a bunch of other randomizers that can supplement the solo experience like UNE (Universal NPC Emulator) and various name generators online. Link dump because I am feeling lazyHouse Rules in Effect (More to be added when it becomes relevant)School Equivalency Corruption and Mutation RulesSpell-like abilities (racial/exaltation spells) do not trigger Warp Phenomena and can only be cast Unfettered (unless stated otherwise) Critical Damage is tracked on separate limbs (may not be applied to non-Exalted NPCs) Free Style Points (not XP) for Sword Schools/Gun Katas upon reaching a new rank (cannot be saved up) Fear tests are done using either Willpower OR Composure Easier Armor Penalties: Only the base AP of worn armor is used for the purpose of Static Defense penalties Withdrawing provides a Full Move instead of a Half Move Fatigue adds a cumulative -1 penalty to all tests for each point Characters can take a number of Fatigue equal to their Constitution+Willpower before passing out Eh, I think I'll gut this one given that I forgot it in session 3.Unluck only lasts for one round Weapons with Flame/Spray/Cone use the higher of the user's Ballistics or Dexterity Proven doesn't reroll dice, it instead treats any dice that rolls lower than the Proven value as having rolled that instead ( e.g. Proven 3 makes 1's & 2's count as 3) Traskus: Crit Clause, Recharge Revision, Multi-Target Attacks, Blast Hit, Friendly FearLestat: Grappling: Might vs Agility ResistanceUsername: Grenades are a Hell of a DrugDivergent Reality: Vehicle Ammunition Alternative Rules (you never know) Masmanus: The Broken Gun Collorary, Keep What You KillKonate: Wealth Pressure System (with adjustments from me) even thoug it's unlikely Marlow will be reduced to selling junk to stay afloat. Wealth Pressure is exactly what it implies: Pressure Points for Wealth Rolls, representing short-term wealth like cash and jewels. Unlike a Paragon's Pressure points, Wealth Pressure is permanently used up.
New Wealth dots can be bought between sessions by exchanging Wealth Pressure equal to the new rank times 100. (Wealth 1 costs 100 points, Wealth 1-2 costs 200, Wealth 2-3 costs 300, etc.) Only one dot can be bought per transaction.
Found equipment can be sold for Wealth Pressure equal to the TN for buying it divided by 10 (e.g. a Chain Axe is 2 Wealth Pressure). Decimal Wealth Pressure can't be used. Depending on the who or where it was sold, there might be no divisor (e.g. selling a Chain Axe to a rich enthusiast or a metal recycling plant gives 20 Wealth Pressure instead of 2).
Surge Count is retained between scenes but not between sessions. Further DetailsCharacter ImageCharacter Sheet===Player: GuardianTempest
===PC: Marlow Daunagin (F,23)
===Race: Dryad
===Exaltation: Speedster
===Alignment: Corellon (6)
Level: 2
XP: 300/3450 (Total)
Pri 6, Sec 4, Ter 2
==Mental [Tertiary]
##**** Intelligence
####** Wisdom (Discerning)
##**** Willpower
==Physical [Primary]
####** Strength (Force of Impact)
####** Dexterity (Lightning Reflexes)
##**** Constitution
==Social [Secondary]
##**** Charisma
###*** Fellowship
###*** Composure
_____Skills______________
Pri 8, Sec 6, Ter 4
==Mental [Primary]
##*** Academic Lore
##*** Arcana
##*** Common Lore
***** Crafts
***** Forbidden Lore
***** Medicae
##*** Perception
#**** Politics
***** Tech-Use
==Physical [Secondary]
#**** Acrobatics
###** Athletics
***** Ballistics
####* Brawl (Kicking)
***** Drive
***** Larceny
***** Pilot
#**** Stealth
***** Weaponry
==Social [Tertiary]
#**** Animal Ken
#**** Charm
***** Command
***** Deceive
***** Disguise
#**** Intimidation
***** Performer
#**** Persuasion
##*** Scrutiny
_____Other Traits________
==Velocity: ##***
Momentum: 12 (10 w/o Fast)
Hit Points: 8
Static Def: 26
Mental Def: 20
Resolve: 6
Speed: 10 (8 w/o Fast)
Size: 4
Resilience: 4
Initiative: +7
Hero points: 2
==Weapon:
[Bone Density Augmentation] (Unarmed)
Type: Melee // Dmg: 0k1 I // Pen: 0
Avail: VRare // Qualities: Brawling, Good-Quality
Arm Mounted, Armored, Combat Sheath
==Backgrounds: (7 initial dots)
####* _Artifact____ <- Vanquisher's Seal
#**** _Contacts____
##### _Inheritance_
#**** _Fame________
#**** _Wealth______
==Feats:
Fleet of Foot
Walking Salad
Weak Spot (Right Leg)
Ambidextrous
Appearance
Fast
Photosynthetic
Treestrider
Catfall
Unarmed Warrior
Wholeness of Body
Combatives
Danger Sense
Quick Draw
Roll With It
Two Weapon Fighting
Weapon Proficiency (Basic)
==Special Abilities:
Pheromones
Bullet Time
Moving Target
Boundless Energy
Slow
Top Speed
Reactionary
==Class List
Monk 1 [C]
Grammaton Cleric 1 [C]
Boxer 2
==Derangements
--
==Languages
Trade
Elven
Spirit-tongue
==Allies and Contacts
Contacts: Queen Gwain Le'Viand
==Description
Marlow is strict and brutally honest unlike most
other Dryads, but beneath her serious demeanor is a
heart full of confidence and tenacity. She also has
a tendency to bite off more than she can chew.
==Spells and Special Attacks
--
==Equipment
Vanquisher's Seal
Best Quality Muscle Replacement
Good Quality Bone Density Augmentation
Good Quality Balance Augmenter
Backpack
Photo of Friends (Common Quality Charm)
Reference (Arcana: Mythical Creatures)
Smartphone (Good Quality Data Slate)
<Custom Starter Package - 24 Points>
Runner's Attire (Good Quality Clothing)
Smart Visor (Good Quality Magnoculars)
10 doses of Medi-gel
Wand (Botanopathy 3: 20 Charges)
==Notes
Bone Density Augmentation: +3 AP to all
Total Armor: 8 AP, All
Total dodge roll: 8k4
Total weaponless unarmed attack: 5k4
Total weaponless unarmed damage: 6k1+10, Pen 5
==XP Expenditure
+100 Hindrance: Walking Salad
+100 Hindrance: Weak Spot (Right Leg)
-100 Asset: Speedster Acceleration (Quick Wit)
-100 Asset: Ambidextrous
-100 Asset: Appearance
-100 Asset: Fast
-100 Background: Artifact 3-4
-200 Background: Inheritance 3-5
-50 Background: Fame 1
-50 Background: Wealth 1
+1000 Bonus XP because I can for I am also the SM!
-300 Characteristic: Wisdom 3-4
-100 Characteristic: Willpower 1-2
-300 Characteristic: Dexterity 3-4
-150 Skill: Brawl 3-4
-50 Skill: Academic Lore 1-2
-100 Racial Feat: Photosynthetic
+700 XP
-100 Racial Feat: Treestrider
-100 Feat: Catfall
-100 Feat: Unarmed Warrior
-100 Feat: Wholeness of Body
COMPLETION: Brother, +1 Wholeness of Body AP
BEGIN: Maverick
-100 Feat: Weapon Proficiency (Basic)
-100 Feat: Combatives
+250 XP
-100 Feat: Danger Sense
-50 Skill: Athletics 1-2
+700 XP
-100 Feat: Quick Draw
-100 Feat: Roll With It
COMPLETION: Maverick, +1 to ranged attacks vs dodged attacker
-100 Feat: Two Weapon Fighting
BEGIN: Welterweight
-200 Power Stat: Velocity 1-2
-100 Skill: Athletics 2-3
Solo Engine: CRGE-Kai (which is basically CRGE but with the random event tables from Mythic GM Emulator) Supplementary Materials: UNE - Universal NPC EmulatorUtilities Used: Roll20 Wiki's Dice Roller page and ranDM Solo for everything else. I have HTML files of both for convenience purposes. Unfortunately, the wiki became unofficial and community-maintained, while the actual dice roller has been transplanted to the official Roll20 Help Center—which I find to be clunky. ( WebArchive link of my Dice Roller) Homebrew Used: Everything is available, but the foremost are Speedster and Boxer. Experience per Session (because I can): Roll 1d10 and multiply the result by 50, then add 100 for each scene. Major developments or really cool things warrant more XP rewards. I'll play when I can, next session...Soon. Template[font size="4"]Session XX: ____[/font]
[b]Scene ##:[/b]
[spoiler][div style="border:1px solid;padding:8px;][b]Scene Setup:[/b]
[b]Characters Present[/b]
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
[b]Threads:[/b]
---
[b]Stage of the Scene:[/b] To
[b]Chaos Factor:[/b] #
[b]Threads:[/b]
+/- ___
[b]Chaos Factor:[/b] +/- #
[/div][/spoiler]
[b]Scene ##:[/b]
[spoiler][div style="border:1px solid;padding:8px;][b]Scene Setup:[/b]
[b]Characters Present[/b]
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
[b]Threads:[/b]
---
[b]Stage of the Scene:[/b] To
[b]Chaos Factor:[/b] #
[b]Threads:[/b]
+/- ___
[b]Chaos Factor:[/b] +/- #
[/div][/spoiler]
[font size="4"]+### XP[/font]
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Post by GuardianTempest on Nov 17, 2021 7:32:59 GMT -6
Session 01: End of the SemesterScene 01: Simulator ShowdownScene Setup: Marlow picks a fight in the hologram simulator room Characters PresentMarlow Daunagin (PC) Threads:Become worthy of the queen's praises [Main] Get ready for graduation Stage of the Scene: To Conflict Chaos Factor:It has been a long time in physical therapy and now Marlow has recovered enough that she thinks it's possible for her to fight again. The doors of the empty simulation chamber slide shut with a hiss as the dryad makes her way to the center. Lanney's voice on the intercom calls out to her. "I'm glad to see you so spry again but please don't overexert yourself. Avoid kicking with your right leg and don't be afraid to call it quits, alright?" Marlow rolls her eyes dismissively. "You don't have to tell me twice. Hit me already." What kind of opponent will be simulated?
Mythic Event Meaning: Officially Return Strong FearsThe sleek emptiness of the simulation chamber pixelates before blurring into a familiar scene: the upper steps on a mountain. There's a flowing river nearby, which leads down into a waterfall towards a lake on the bottom. Before her stands the cocky lady wearing a stage magician outfit, complete with top hat. Luna Moonlight Manen, head of Moon Tech industries and general troublemaker for Teora. According to princess Ami, Luna has had free reign to do what she wants due to an agreement with Queen Gwain. However that scientist nearly got Ami and Geo killed. "Really? Her?" Marlow blurts out as she glances to her side. No reply comes from the intercom. Q: Does hologram!Luna make a sneak attack?
A: Yes with Alteration: NPC Positive
Dang it.
Holo-Luna makes a sucker-punch (10k5): 48! Hit!
Bone Lacing Augmentation damage (4k2): 15, 3 wounds to the Gizzards! (Current HP: 5)The hologram, just like her counterpart, sucker-punches the dryad at the chest. Damn, just like the original. Marlow assumes her fighting stance and prepares for battle. ==Initiative:
Marlow: [8]+7 = 15
fake!Luna: [9]+7 = 16
fake!Luna feints! 9k4 vs Marlow's 8k4
33 vs 28 — fake!Luna wins!
fake!Luna makes a Standard Attack (10k5): 28! Hit!
Bone Lacing Augmentation damage (4k2): 17, 4 wounds to the left arm! (Current HP: 1)The hologram moves her fist for an uppercut, but she's actually drawing her attention away from her other fist coming in for a hook. The impact lands squarely on the dryad's elbow. Marlow uses Knock Down! 5k4 vs fake!Luna's 4k4
24 vs 18 — Marlow wins! fake!Luna is knocked down!
Marlow makes a Standard Attack (4k3, +5 for Combat Advantage): 39
fake!Luna makes a dodge action (7k4): 35! Success!Marlow spins on her heel, crouching down to deliver a sweeping kick that knocks the hologram off her feet. The dryad uses her extra momentum to deliver another more deliberate kick but her target rolls away. The hologram readies a pistol from her coat pocket and fires. fake!Luna makes a Standard Attack (12k6 -> 10k7 from Point Blank Range): 35! Hit!
Marlow dodges (6k4): 33! Success!Marlow leans out of the electric projectile's path just in time. Marlow makes a Half Move then Disarms! 8k4 vs fake!Luna's 9k4
26 vs 46 — Marlow fails!The dryad steps towards her opponent and reaches down to wrench the stun gun from the hologram's hand. A flick of the wrist and Marlow's hands are warded off. fake!Luna Shifts away and drops her Stun Gun as a free action. Then she Readies and Aims her weapon (both are Reactions)!
fake!Luna makes a Standard Attack (16k6, -> 10k9 +2k1 for Point Blank Range, +4k0 from resource points): 56! Hit! Hero Point spent to make it 61!
Marlow tries to dodge (7k4, +1k0 from resource point): 34! Failure! The attack still hits with three raises!
Spell Card damage (6k3): 28, 6 wounds to right arm!
This fight would've gone a whole lot better if the oracle gave me a different set of words.Spell Card: Basic Las
- High Caliber
- Magnum Rounds
- Adv. Rifling
- Compact
- Precise The hologram drops her taser as she scuttles a meter away. The top hat on her head floats to her hand in a startling repeat of history. As the hat becomes a personal laser cannon, Marlow is reminded of her previous mistake and jerks herself out of the way. She still gets caught up in the massive laser blast despite her speed. Light fills her vision even though her eyelids are shut. BATTLE OVERMarlow opens her eyes to find herself staring at the ceiling of the simulation chamber. The only evidence of her embarrassing beatdown is a soreness in her right arm. This is unprecedented, her fight with the real Luna has lasted much longer than this. Is she really this rusty? "Hey, Marlow, are you okay?" Lanney nervously inquires over the speakers. The dryad nods in reply. She pauses for a moment before asking her own question. "Lanney, what was that? Did you do something to Luna's data?" "N-No, actually. I think that was just bad luck. Although the data says that she was holding back." Sighing, the dryad picks herself up from the floor and slowly paces towards the exit. She really hopes she will graduate on a high note. Threads:+Self-improvement is a must Chaos Factor: +1 (Now 6) Scene Setup: Marlow works on her responsibilities as the class president.
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Threads:
Become worthy of the queen's praises
Get ready for graduation [Main]
Self-improvement is a must
Stage of the Scene: To
Chaos Factor: 4 (SCENE ALTERED!)
Rolling event meaning for the nature of the interruption: Ruin Tension
Interpretation: Some of Marlow's classmates notice her being so tense and try to alleviate that
Q: Is Marlow hanging out with Ami's group?
A: No, and unexpectedly: Enter Stage Left (new NPC: Electra)
Later that day, Marlow is briskly walking in the corridor with a folder in her hand. Class has already ended but she has duties to attend to. That's when the most popular girl in school crosses her path: Electra, a Genasi girl with large pigtails in the shape of lightning bolts.
"Electra, why are you here? Are you gonna drag me into one of your shopping trips?" the dryad asks warily.
Q: Does Electra want to have a girls' night out with Marlow?
A: No, and unexpectedly: Tying Off
"What? Don't be silly," Electra replies with a proud grin, "I'm just here to let you know that I funded our graduation ceremony all by myself."
Marlow raises an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to be impressive or...?"
"Of course it is!" Electra assures with hands on her waists. "I hope you don't mind but I decided that the venue will be at the Kaestra Grove over by the east."
Kaestra Grove? That's where her mother lives! Marlow is astonished, she has never considered that anyone would care about the grove slightly outside the city's limits (still within Teoran borders). A folded sheet of paper and a claim stub for an expensive tailor is handed over to her.
"I also bought a robe for everyone. You're welcome, by the way." She adds with a wink.
Electra flourishes her hand before walking away, leaving the dryad with a growing smile on her face.
Threads:
+ Retrieve the robes from the shop
+ What about the student body's future?
Chaos Factor: -1 (Now 5)
Session ain't over yet, I'm just posting whenever I feel like it.
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Post by GuardianTempest on Nov 18, 2021 3:36:15 GMT -6
Scene 03: Council MeetingScene Setup: Marlow and the student council discuss about the former's replacement.
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Gwain College Student Council
Threads:
Become worthy of the queen's praises
Get ready for graduation [Main]
Self-improvement is a must
Retrieve the robes from the shop
What about the student body's future?
Stage of the Scene: To Knowledge
Chaos Factor: 5 (SCENE ALTERED)
Rolling for Event Meaning: Persecute Jealousy
Interpretation: The student council is gossiping again, Marlow doesn't like that.
The door to the meeting room swiftly opens as Marlow enters with a neutral face. She greets the council members already loitering in the room with a slow nod. It can't be helped, it's the end of the semester.
Marlow rolls Perception (6k4): 22 - Success
As she seats down, she eavesdrops on the conversation. Her eye twitches in irritation at the discussion of her meeting with Electra and how envious some of the council members are of getting the genasi's attention. How irritating. It makes sense since one of them can perform remote viewing, probably the same reason how she has passed her exams.
Marlow rolls Intimidation (4k2, +1k0 from resource point): 15 - Success (They're just college students)
The dryad's eyes glow briefly as she voices her irritation. "Cut that out."
"Yes ma'am." the student council simultaneously reply before keeping quiet.
Marlow clears her throat before continuing. "Besides, Electra funded OUR graduation, so there's no need to be so envious. And I'm saying envy because there's a clear difference between it and jealousy."
The council nods in agreement. The dryad looks at the parchment from earlier. "I find it strange that she commissioned a robe just for me. If she funded our ceremony, surely she would also buy one for everyone else."
"Of course she would, the total bitch," the bespectacled Shardmind comments, "we know she doesn't invite everyone to her birthday parties so she only bought for handpicked people."
The freshman in the corner pipes up. "Shouldn't this be covered by the school?"
His question grinds the forum to a screeching halt. Marlow can only glance at the side.
The Shardmind breaks the silence. "If it is then Electra wouldn't have gone through the trouble."
Marlow switches gears. "Let's talk about something else. Some of us are graduating so will be vacant positions in the council. Who do you think make good candidates?"
Q: Has the council decided on replacements?
A: Yes, but Marlow doesn't like what she reads.
Event Meaning: Cruelty Vehicle
Interpretation: One of the candidates is a delinquent infamously known for vandalism.
"We have a list." A duskling who has remained silent until now hands a Data Slate over to Marlow, containing a list of names and photos. One entry in particular sticks out to her like a sore thumb.
"Wait, Beldgor? Why him?" The dryad furrows her brows. "We can't have the tin can who wrecked the principal's car as the next president! Take this seriously, this is about the next generation."
The duskling is taken aback by the outburst. "W-What? I picked him for Sergeant-at-Arms! I-If this was about a successor I would've nominated princess Ami instead."
"The princess is going to be the next queen, she has her own responsibilities."
And so the discussion goes for several minutes, with Marlow laying down some guidelines for upcoming council members. The conversation then segues into life after college. Of course, since this is the Gwain College, everyone will be part of the kingdom's guardianship one way or another. That doesn't mean everyone will be fighting in the frontlines, some might end up in administrative or medical tasks—a fate Marlow wishes to avoid.
Everyone bids their farewells after the chatter dies down and leaves one by one, with Marlow being the last to go.
Threads:
+ Who will succeed Marlow?
+ Career after college
Chaos Factor: -1 (Now 4)
Scene Setup: Following Electra's directions, Marlow picks up her robes from the shop. Characters PresentMarlow Daunagin (PC) Teoran citizens Threads:Become worthy of the queen's praises Get ready for graduation Self-improvement is a must Retrieve the robes from the shop [Main] What about the student body's future? Who will succeed Marlow? Career after college Stage of the Scene: To Knowledge Chaos Factor: 4 (SCENE ALTERED) WTF?! That's the third scene in a row! What the hell is going on now?
Event Meaning: Failure Military
Interpretation: Teoran armed forces are failing to deal with a rampaging monster and the tailor might get caught in the crossfire!Marlow doesn't really need a form of transportation when she herself can cross cities in minutes (if not seconds). She sprints through the streets in a green streak, following the directions to the shop where she's supposed to pick up Electra's gift. As she gets closer to her destination, the surrounding populace becomes more and more disorganized. Vehicles are driving erratically while several citizens are seen running for their lives. Then evidence of massive property damage becomes increasingly apparent. Telephone poles are knocked down, storefronts caved open, walls torn down, billboards collapsed, vehicles in various states of damage (some of which belong to emergency services) litter the city block. What the heck is going on? Closer and closer, her ears pick up the noise of gunfire as she nears her destination. The growing presence of law enforcement (usually in the form of corpses) is startling, and the devastation to her surroundings become more severe. What's more disturbing is that the mayhem increases the closer she gets to her destination. She hopes the shop is still intact. The dryad turns a corner at the intersection and sees a giant abomination whose flesh is infused with metal scraps. An eerie face with glowing eyes sits on top of its mandibles like a mask. Its low posture helps it hide among the buildings, hence why she never saw it until now. What's worse is that her destination is right by its spiky foot. Marlow rolls Composure against Fear 2 (3k3): 18 - Fail! Hero Point spent!
3k3: 18 again! (Dice roll was 6, 6, 6 lol)
Shock Table: 2 (phew)
Q: Is the monster already wounded?
A: No, but it's in a disadvantageous position
Q: Aside from the soldiers, is something else already fighting the monster?
A: NoIt's frightening to see a monster so deep in Teoran territory, it has been years since a calamity has gotten so close to the capital. Marlow decides to prioritize the graduation robes over the giant monster. After all, Geo can handle it and if he can't then the queen will. There are three armored trucks lined up in a blockade, each of which has a full squad of armored soldiers hiding behind. A handful of camera drones are floating above the nearby buildings. ==Initiative
Marlow: [2]+7 = 9
Monster: [7]+4 = 11
Troops (four minion squads, TR4 | DR ranged 3E): Last by default
Monster charges at the Troops (4k3): 36 - 3 minions down in Squad 4
Marlow rolls for Stealth (5k4): 40!
Troops (6k4 thrice, 3k3 once): 19, 28, 30, 17 - dealing 25, 35, 35 and 20 E damage!
Monster is dealt 6 wounds! Plenty more to go!The giant monster stampedes through the barricade, knocking a few vehicles on their side. Three units die while avoid the attack and begin firing their energy rifles. Beams of energy light up the evening sky and bore holes in the creature's flesh. Glowing purple slime oozes out of the wounds. Everyone is so focused on the monster that they never notice the avocado girl standing in plain sight. Monster rolls for Perception (6k3): 10 - Fail
Monster makes Multiple Attacks (3k3 twice): 24, 23 - 1 minion down in Squads 2 and 3
Marlow spends resource to activate Top Speed (current speed is 20)
Marlow makes a Half Move towards the monster, then performs a Standard Attack (4k4): 30 - Hit!
Weaponless unarmed damage (4k1+10, 5 Pen): 27, 2 wounds to the front left leg — I got lucky with dice explosions!
Troops continue firing (6k4 once, 5k4 twice, 3k3 once): 27, 14, 44, 17 - dealing 30, 20, 50 and 20 E damage!
Monster is dealt 5 wounds! Still going strong!As fearsome as the beast is, it's still a lumbering behemoth that only manages to flatten two soldiers with its hands. Marlow takes the opportunity to sneak closer and deliver a quick roundhouse kick with her left leg. The remaining soldiers continue their ranged firing. Monster rolls for Perception (6k3): 40 - Success
Monster makes an All-Out Attack at Marlow (5k3): 21 - Miss
Marlow makes Multiple Attacks (2k2 twice): 14, 13 - Hit on both
Unarmed weaponless damage (4k1+10, 5 Pen twice): 17 and 18, 1 wound to the right front leg and 1 wound to the body
Troops continue firing (6k4 once, 5k4 twice, 3k3 once): 55, 44, 33, 11 - dealing 65, 50, 45, 20 E damage!
Monster is dealt 9 wounds! On its last legs!The massive creature takes notice of the tiny being kicking at its legs and lunges its right arm at her. The attack goes wide and all it achieves is giving Marlow the opportunity to hop up and deliver two kicks with her legs before landing. The blow dealt by her right leg stings somehow. One of the squadron leads yell over the radio. "Front legs are busted up, aim for the rear!" The squadrons open fire but some of the shots land on the monster's body instead of the hind legs. Monster rolls for Strength (7k7): 44 - Success!
Marlow rolls Acrobatics (5k4): 29 - Success!
The troops fall prone and are disoriented!
Monster makes a Half Move, which doesn't provoke because its attacks have Reach. (5m to cross the street, 15m upwards)
Marlow Charges at the monster (4k4, +1k0 Charge bonus but -1k0 from difficult terrain): 19 - Hit
Weaponless unarmed damage (4k1+10, Pen 5): 28, 2 wounds to the body! The monster dies!The monster's face and wounds glows brighter as it raises its front limbs. It bellows out a cacophonous roar that sounds like a traffic accident in slow motion before slamming down on the street. The sheer weight of its blow causes the road to collapse, sending everyone to the spacious sewers below. The soldiers are disoriented by the fall but Marlow maintains her balance and lands on her feet. She looks upwards to see the behemoth trying to crawl away on the surface of a nearby skyscraper. That won't do. "I won't let you get away!" The dryad sprints after the fleeing monster, diagonally up the sewer walls to the side of the skyscraper and positions herself between it and the monster's belly. Then she leaps off and twirls in the air to deliver a powerful thrust kick on its equivalent of a sternum. The finishing blow causes a shock wave that shatters nearby windows while the monster loses its grip and falls. The sheer force of the kick causes blood to gush out of its wounds and orifices as the dying creature's torso is crushed. BATTLE OVERMarlow rolls Acrobatics to avoid fall damage (6k4, Hero Point spent to reduce TN): 60 (dice rolls are 6, 5, 19, 7, 26, 8)
Marlow suffers 4 wounds from fall damage (current HP: 4).As the colossal corpse falls onto the road, Marlow smiles amused at the fact that the monster's last act has been to dig its own grave. She then realizes that she's also falling down and orients herself in preparation. The force of the impact almost causes her legs to give out but she manages to roll off the excess momentum before transitioning into a three-point landing. That's when she notices the camera drones closing in and orbiting her. Q: Does this warrant an increase in Fame?
A: No
Welp, but it makes sense that this isn't an extraordinary occurrence.She winks at one of the camera drones before standing up and walking towards the fancy clothes shop. Before she enters the establishment, she spots herself in a half-broken mirror. Some of the dead monster's blood has splattered over her. Q: Is the shopkeeper inside?
A: Yes"Hello? Anyone here?" Marlow calls out with mild urgency, the claim stub in her hand. No one answers for several seconds until a stout earthen genasi with a mustache and a frilly suit stumbles from the back room. "Goodness gracious, is it finally over?" The dryad nods and hands the claim stub over to him. "The monster has been dealt with." "Ah, you must be the Marlow Daunagin I was told about. For a moment, please." He steps over to the counter to procure a wide gift-wrapped box. "This one's for you." He quips as he hands over the present to the dryad. "Thank you." she tersely replies with a nod. "I will be on my way." "You're very welco- Good lord!" he exclaims once he peers through the window. "What is happening over there?" Threads:-Retrieve the robes from the shop Chaos Factor: +1 (Now 5) Dang, I completely forgot that Muscle Replacement also boosts my damage roll. Oh well. Remaining Momentum: 9
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Post by GuardianTempest on Sept 30, 2022 8:00:03 GMT -6
Session 02: Graduation+1 Momentum (now 10/11) Scene 01: Kaestra GroveScene Setup: The seniors of Gwain College are graduating, Marlow included.
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Other graduates
Electra and her clique
Ami and friends
The rest of the students
Threads:
Become worthy of the queen's praises
Get ready for graduation [Main]
Self-improvement is a must
What about the student body's future?
Who will succeed Marlow?
Career after college
Stage of the Scene: To Knowledge
Chaos Factor: 5
Q: Is Marlow going to be a bit late?
A: Yes
Q: Is it going to rain today?
A: No
Kaestra Grove is a nature park and garden somewhere in the outskirts of the Teoran capital, which is adjacent to a larger forest. Usually people visit to see the sights or meet the local contingent of Dryads that live there (most of which are in their Maelid phase). Today, it serves as the venue for this year's graduation of the seniors in Gwain College. Contrary to what Electra implies, only a small portion of the grove is used for the venue. It's easier to arrange tables and chairs over a wide open area than having to invade the privacy of the Dryads and be a nuisance to botanists. Graduates are seated in one area, the faculty and a handful of volunteers are organizing the event from behind the scenes, and the rest of the student body (along with the graduates' relatives) are seated in the audience.
Marlow is the last student to show up because her attire makes it hard to sprint across the city, forcing her to hail a cab. She takes off her oversized yellow raincoat to reveal the fancy custom gown underneath. A vibrant shade of green with a beautiful pattern of vines and leaves woven into brocade. This garment sticks out from the black worn by the others and seems to be more suited to high class formal events. She's not even the 1st Honor awardee and yet people are treating her as if she's has achieved more. Damn it, even the actual princess of Teora and her circle of adventurous outcasts are waving and cheering. Although to be fair, dealing the final blow to a giant monster a few days ago is awesome—to the common citizenry. That's just par the course of an upcoming guardian.
Marlow rolls Composure (3k3): 25
The dryad maintains an unbreakable poker face as one of the organizers directs her to the last empty chair where the other graduates are situated, all the while being stared at by everyone else. She sits down just in time for the ceremony to actually begin. It's surprisingly tame, all things considered.
The event begins with an impassioned speech from an imposing figure in golden plate armor—the head of the Queen's Guard known only as B-Top. He also brings up Marlow's recent actions as an example of taking initiative. She can hear much of the audience murmuring in agreement. Next to give a speech is the college dean, a nondescript bald human who talks about the proud history of the college as if she didn't already listen to him the first three times before. The only big takeaway in Marlow's opinion is that Queen Gwain is good at her job.
Q: Does Marlow's mother show up?
A: Yes (Surge Count: 2 — I ought to keep track of this stat, it's important for CRGE)
The third and final speech is given by a truly special guest: Menara Daunagin, Keeper of Kaestra Grove and Marlow's mother. A truly humongous Matriarch who looks less like a large tree and more like a beautiful wooden statue. She's too large to step onto the stage without destroying it so she opts to crouch down next to it instead. Her commanding voice doesn't need a microphone.
"Good afternoon, thank you for inviting me to your graduation. I heard from the botanists that my little avocado has been doing well in her studies."
Marlow rolls Composure (3k3): 9
As she waves at her daughter, Marlow is reduced to a blushing mess. The first half of her mother's speech details the history of Kaestra Grove, the cooperation of the local Dryads and Teoran botanists, and the agreement between Methuselah and the late Queen Elain. The second half is just Menara gushing about her daughter to Marlow's embarrassment.
Q: Does anything interrupt the ceremony?
A: No, and the presence of B-Top's knights ward off anyone who planned for mayhem. (Surge Count: 0)
Marlow wishes for something to happen right now but the tight security makes that unlikely. Thankfully the emcee reminds Menara of the rest of the program and the event resumes as normal. When it's Marlow's turn to receive her diploma, she has to walk off the stage to where her mother is crouching as the stage can't handle that much weight nor can the photographers get a good shot without making everyone else too small. She still receives a roaring applause from the combination of her recent heroics, the presence of her mother, and Electra's ostentatious gift of a gown.
How many students does Electra have under her thumb? She is the most popular person in the student body after all, so the answer is probably everyone except the outcasts and the student council—Marlow is sure on the latter. But she's not above the student council.
Several minutes pass as the ceremony concludes with a farewell from the emcee. Some of the graduates and their relatives are leaving, while others stick around to take a few more photos or see the sights around Kaestra Grove.
"Look, your friends are calling for you." Meara slowly aims a hefty finger towards...
Q: Is Menara pointing at Ami's group?
A: No (Surge Count: 2)
...Electra and her two cronies, who are approaching. Marlow twitches an eye at the insinuation that they're her friends rather than Ami and her group of outcasts.
The dryad takes a deep breath and withholds her frustration. "Electra."
"Yes, me." The genasi replies with hands on her waists. Her two glasses-wearing indigo-haired cohorts glance at each other, well aware that their liege seems to be getting into trouble again.
Marlow beckons the girls to follow her as she walks away from her mother, who reminds her in Spirit-tongue to come back when she's done.
The dryad glances back and speaks once she's far enough. "With everything you've been doing recently, I'm starting to think you were up to something. Are you trying to replace my friends?"
The genasi widens her eyes briefly then she assumes a more dramatic gesture. "Whaaat? Ulterior motives? But I was giving you farewell gifts."
"Gifts? More like transactions. Everyone knows your father is a rich business magnate. I have a hunch you're trying to curry favor with me and have a better chance at being the next council president."
She crosses her arms with a pout. "Let's say you're right, why does that matter? You're graduating. There's nothing left for you here afterwards."
"Because I'm leaving the people I care about behind and I won't let you walk all over them. How do I know you're being serious about becoming my successor? A position of authority comes with responsibility, after all."
Q: Is Electra being sincere with her presents?
A: Yes with Alteration - Remote Event (Surge Count: 4)
Event Meaning: Extravagance Extravagance
Electra squints for a moment, her haughty demeanor changing as she hands over a Data Slate to Marlow. Playing on the screen is a recording of Geo's training session inside a very elaborate facility. The walls are stark white as lights lining almost every meter of the room illuminates completely. Damaged panels revealing broken turrets are seen on the floor and also on the walls. Geo swings a large pillar in his arms against a swathe of robotic dummies. As they are crushed into smithereens, he spins on his heel with the follow-through of his motion before tossing the pillar at an intimidating police mech several meters behind him. The pillar staggers the vehicle just as it fires its nonlethal weapons and misses by a long shot. Geo sprints closer to deliver a mighty punch before stopping in his tracks. Lightning strikes where he would be if he continued running. The bolt disappears to reveal Electra, wearing a combat bodysuit, who thrusts a rapier at Geo. The Novitiate grabs her arm and throws her over his shoulder. She yelps before hitting the camera and the recording ends.
Marlow is silent as her eyes widen. Electra pockets her Data Slate and says "There's more where that came from. I'm sorry if I've been meeting with him behind your back."
She crosses her arms as she continues. "I know you think I'm just some manipulative whiny brat with more money than sense, but I didn't know the truth about Ami and Geo until the thing with Luna went down! Okay?! Jeez, sorry for trying to make amends for what I did before. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're already a Matron somehow with how much you're being a stick in the mud."
Marlow rolls Composure (3k3): 17 - Failure
"Wait!" Marlow quickly blurts out as she realizes her mistake, "I'm sorry for being too judgemental, I really am. I was mistaken. I thought you didn't change."
"Really?! It's been months! Did you break your leg or did you break your head?" Electra snaps back. "You're the student council president, shouldn't you be keeping tabs on your subjects? Besides you're a dryad, don't you have in life stages? But then again you are Exalted so of course you're the one who wouldn't change."
As the genasi lays it on her, Marlow tilts her head to the side as she looks at her mother...
Q: Does Menara notice the argument going on?
A: Yes, and unexpectedly: Foreshadowing (Surge Count: 0) DAMN IT!!
Nature of Foreshadowing (Event Meaning): Coolly Abandon Possessions
...who is looking in her direction with a concerned expression. The matron crouches and slowly crawls over to Marlow's position, her footsteps somehow not causing any tremors.
Meawhile, Electra continues ranting as her hair arcs with electricity. "Yes my father is a business magnate, but he isn't spending his days sipping drinks and golfing. You said it yourself, a position of authority comes with responsibility, and he's handling a lot of it. Someday, I'll have to take his place so I'm trying to get what managerial experience I can get while I still can. If I wanted to be rich and famous, I would be a pop star but dad has expectations for me-"
Marlow quickly closes the distance and grabs Electra's shoulders, eyes pleading with regret. "I sincerely apologize, I didn't know this is how you felt. To be fair I was in a hospital for a while. All my info came from the student council and Lanney so it's possible they missed a lot of things. Still, that doesn't excuse what I did. I want to make it up to you somehow. And for the record, picking Kaestra Grove is very thoughtful of you and the dress you bought me is absolutely gorgeous."
Marlow rolls Charm (7k3, +2k0 from Appearance +1k0 from Stunt): 35 - Success (nice explosions)
The sudden show of humility disarms Electra of her frustration. Her expression softens while moisture gathers in her eyes. She is left speechless, especially with a massive shadow looming from behind her.
"Marlow Daunagin, I heard everything."
Marlow has been so fixated on Electra that only now is she noticing Menara rising behind the genasi, her posture having none of the motherly affection seen earlier. No, this is the stance of the grove's Titan.
Threads:
+ Electra is establishing rapport with Marlow
+ Marlow's in trouble with her mom
- Get ready for graduation
Chaos Factor: +1 (Now 6)
Session ain't over yet, I'll resume the next scene tomorrow. Also, fun fact: Menara is the tallest tree in Asia.
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Post by GuardianTempest on Oct 1, 2022 3:02:55 GMT -6
Whoops, I forgot what Foreshadowing actually meant in CRGE. Scene 02: Tender TimberScene Setup: Marlow gets an earful from her mother as Electra watches in stunned silence
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Menara Daunagin
Electra and her cronies
Threads:
Become worthy of the queen's praises
Self-improvement is a must
What about the student body's future?
Who will succeed Marlow?
Career after college
Electra is establishing rapport with Marlow
Marlow's in trouble with her mom [Main]
Stage of the Scene: To Conflict
Chaos Factor: 6
Electra turns around and freezes in place as she sees the towering Menara.
The Titan contemplates with her eyes closed for ten seconds, then speaks in a commanding voice. "I am glad you reconciled with Electra but we must discuss what happened. I told you before to allow others into your life, have I not?"
Marlow can only nod in response.
"I am aware you have your reservations against her, but even if you were correct you must still grant her some courtesy. If I had issues with the grove being a graduation venue, I would oppose with all of my might. It seems you are again unaware of your habits. Do you remember the story of the King of Knights?"
Q: Does Marlow remember it?
A: No (Surge Count: 2)
Marlow glances down as she shakes her head. Menara sighs before elaborating. "Hmmm, I see. Long story short: Arthur held knightly ideals and the code of chivalry close to his heart. He became the king of his own realm after pulling the legendary sword from the stone. Life was prosperous... at first. King Arthur's rigid adherence to his ideals led to strife within his kingdom. His own knights fell to ruin one by one and were left behind. King Arthur himself died at the hands of his own son, who was easily manipulated by the king's enemy. The kingdom fell apart soon after but it was already on its last legs before then.
"Princess Ami is very forgiving and patient for she bears the element of love, but not everyone is as virtuous as her. Your meeting with Electra demonstrated that. I know you are very confident in yourself but you should allow yourself to rely on others. One shouldn't cast people aside when they can't keep up."
Marlow can't bear to look at her mother in the eyes any more. The Titan moves her hand to pat her daughter's head with a pinky finger. "I'm not angry with you but I am very concerned. You will be working with a lot of strangers in the future so I want to believe that you can work in a team on and off the battlefield, even if you will do most of the heavy lifting. Teora's Royal Guards fight alongside each other and this grove isn't maintained by one person. Consider what happened with Electra as a learning experience."
The towering matron shifts to her side and looks at the cowering Electra. "Anyway, as for you Electra: present the gift."
"Y-Yes ma'am!" the genasi stammers as she salutes. She procures a smooth onyx case from her inner coat pocket, kneeling in front of Marlow as she presents it to the dryad. Marlow hesitates for a moment before taking the case to inspect its contents: a single wooden wand carved with ornate markings. The magical energy it radiates is palpable.
"I wanted Electra to surprise you with it but here we are." Menara says as she lies down sideways on the ground, looking more relaxed than before. "Imbued within is the magic of plant life, as something to remember me by. I think you will need it in the coming future."
Botanopathy, the magic of plants. It works by communing with nature, which relies on the caster's social grace. While Marlow considers herself above average in it, she doubts she will achieve much with the wand. If she is a mage her best traits lies in her mental acuity not fellowship.
Marlow places the wand back in its case and stashes it in her pocket. "Thank you, mother, and I apologize again for my outburst earlier."
"You are forgiven. You are young, very young, so there's still time to squash bad habits as they form." Menara gestures to Electra. "Now go, be with your friends. The day is still young. Just keep in touch when your career begins, okay?"
Marlow nods this time in gratitude then leaves with Electra and her buddies in tow. They walk over to where Savien, Deva and Agni are standing (Geo and Ami have their own business to attend to). To her surprise, they're already acquaintances with Electra! Just how much has Marlow missed during her hospital stay?
Threads:
- Marlow's in trouble with her mom.
+ Make up for lost time
Chaos Factor: -1 (now 5)
Oh come on! I rolled a 1! Well, I suppose it makes up for Marlow's graduation gift. I had the thing planned from the beginning, FYI. |
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Post by GuardianTempest on Oct 4, 2022 2:29:14 GMT -6
I have no idea where to go from here. Actually, I do know what kind of setpiece moments I want to pull off but the struggle for me is coming up with filler content to organically find my way there. I guess I'll just wing it and follow my instincts. Session 03: Boot Camp+1 Momentum (now back to 11) Scene 01: Moving Out Scene Setup: Marlock packs up her stuff and moves out
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Threads:
Become worthy of the queen's praises
Self-improvement is a must
What about the student body's future?
Who will succeed Marlow?
Career after college [Main]
Electra is establishing rapport with Marlow
Make up for lost time
Stage of the Scene: To Knowledge
Chaos Factor: 5 (SCENE ALTERED)
Oh neat, an excuse to do the illogical plot thing that gives me exactly what I want.
Event Meaning (Just In Case): Lazily Move Success
One week after graduation and a bunch of farewell parties...
Marlow returns to her dorm room after a morning jog only to become stunned. One person and a dozen of his identical clones are packing her belongings into boxes. Strange, she has intended to do this herself since she doesn't have a lot of belongings. She can even handle the transport herself. Thankfully, her backpack is untouched on the table. She'll need it for the day ahead.
Marlow zips around the room to see if they're doing a good job and sure enough, they actually do. Well, almost as good as how she would do it herself. Clothes are properly folded, books stacked and organized, and other belongings are cushioned with packing foam.
"Did Electra pay you to do this?" the dryad asks.
"Actually, I did."
That voice! Marlow turns around to see the Teoran Queen herself, Gwain Le'Viand, wearing jeans and a white jacket. She is leaning on the doorway with a confident smile.
The dryad kneels once she gets over her surprise. "Your Majesty! For what reason have you come here to grace me wi-"
"Cut the crap, Marlow, we're not in public." Gwain glances at her fingernails. "I received a commendation letter from your mother and I agree with her. First you trained that human for me, then you helped take down Luna, then you took down a monster yourself shortly after recovering from a broken leg. You've certainly proved yourself."
The dryad nods in acknowledgement as she tries to hide her beaming smile.
"It's clear you're overqualified for grunt work so you're handpicked for a special program. All paperwork will be handled in the background. You still need to spend time in boot camp to get acquainted with the overall hierarchy but once you're done I'll move you over to the special purpose unit. How does that sound?"
Marlow stands ramrod straight in the blink of an eye, saluting as she answers "I will accept! Thank you very much Your Majesty!"
She looks around and notices that the moving crew is now in the process of carrying five large boxes out of her room. Huh, she may have underestimated how much stuff she has. Or maybe it's easier on the crew to spread out the items over more boxes. In hindsight she did have this room all to herself.
"Don't worry, they're taking your stuff to a new housing unit. It should be ready when you're done with the orientation. Consider it an incentive to show top performance." Gwain narrows her eyes. "I expect you to pass the tryouts with flying colors or this whole operation would've been a gigantic waste of time."
Marlow places a hand on her chest. "Don't you worry, my Queen, your faith in me will not be mistaken. I promise you that."
"Good. Now come with me."
Marlow accompanies Gwain out of the dormitory and into a nondescript van outside the entrance, right in front of a cargo truck.
Q: Does anything happen that would interrupt their trip?
A: Yes and it's happening as soon as they leave the campus grounds.
Q: Is it an enemy attack?
A: No (Surge Count: 2)
Event Meaning: Foolishly Separate Damaged The Intellectual
WTF?! I'm rerolling because I can't make sense of this.
Event Meaning: Negligence Tactics
Q: Did the truck or the van break down?
A: Yes (Surge Count 4)
Q: Is it the van?
A: Yes (Surge Count 6)
The leading van's engine instantly shuts off as soon as it leaves the campus gates, causing the convoy to grind to a halt. Well, whatever. Gwain claims this whole ride is just a formality. Marlow volunteers to get out and push the van out of the way so the gate isn't congested.
Spending a Hero Point to lower TN by 5
Marlow rolls Strength (5k4): 21 - Success
I have a feeling I'm not gauging difficulty this right but a runner like Marlow isn't going to consider this to be average.
She's a runner not a weight lifter, but her augmented musculature allows her to single-handedly push the van at a steady pace. Its driver steers to the side to get the van out of the way so the cargo truck can proceed. Gwain opens the van's passenger door to hand Marlow a piece of paper.
She sighs before saying "This is what I get for trying to be incognito. Anyway, head to these coordinates. I'll call someone to pick you up while you're waiting there."
Marlow pulls out her smartphone to check where these coordinates lead to.
Event Meaning: Joyfully Fight Full Vehicle
>.> Welp, I was expecting something nice and mundane like a bar or a hotel, not...
"A demolition derby!? In the badlands outside Teoran borders!?" she exclaims, almost flinching from her discovery.
On the bright side maybe I could finally use some of those vehicle houserules.
"My my, you're sharper than I thought." Gwain remarks with a coy smile. "Consider this a test, Marlow, to see how you can handle yourself in unfamiliar territory. Now go and see if you can impress me."
Marlow checks the straps on her backpack. "Your Majesty, I will readily overcome any obstacle you set in my way."
Spend 1 Momentum to double Speed, because she'll need it. (Current Momentum: 10/11)
Gwain sees the dryad run off as a green blur before closing the van's door. "You're on your own, Doughbert. I'm not actually here. Have you ever heard of 'superposition'?"
The Teoran Queen vanishes into motes of light.
Threads:
- Career after college
- Become worthy of the queen's praises
+ The Queen's trial in the badlands
+ Earn the spot in Gwain's special unit
Chaos Factor: +1 (Now 6)
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Post by GuardianTempest on Oct 6, 2022 9:14:17 GMT -6
Scene 02: Rusted RevelryScene Setup: Marlow attends a demolition derby outside Teoran borders as per Gwain's instructions, staying until the queen's liason shows up
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Threads:
Self-improvement is a must
What about the student body's future?
Who will succeed Marlow?
Career after college
Electra is establishing rapport with Marlow
Make up for lost time
The Queen's trial in the badlands [Main]
Earn the spot in Gwain's special unit
Stage of the Scene: To Conflict
Chaos Factor: 6 (SCENE INTERRUPTED)
Spending Momentum to double speed (currently 20), remaining Momentum: 9
Q: Does anything intercept Marlow on her way to the objective location?
A: No (Surge Count: 8)
Q: Is she allowed entry into the establishment?
A: Yes, and unexpectedly: Framing (Surge Count: 0)
Q: Is this NPC a new one?
A: Yes (Surge Count: 2)
Event Meaning: Adversity Randomness
*sigh* Oh man, this is gonna suck. I don't know how to interpret this but good thing I have a bunch of generators in my bookmarks. Oh wait, hang on! Reading the Framing entry in CRGE, it specifies "an NPC (new or pre-existing) or object". Great! Alas I'm not doing takebacks so NPC it is. Let's hope it's someone who fits in the random result.
Marlow runs full speed through the streets of the city, out to the prairies and plains, then towards the arid parts of Teora. She reaches a fortified border checkpoint composed of a cluster of guard towers at the center of an intimidating obsidian wall. Various kinds of turrets at the top face away out into uncivilized territory. The dryad is allowed to leave after a short period to verify her identity. Of course, Queen Gwain has thought ahead and informed the checkpoint. Her orders are apparently absolute.
Plant life is sparse but present as Marlow sprints right through the barren terrain. Over at the horizon is a cliff formation with metal structures peeking out from behind it: her destination. The entire trip takes around 4 hours as she crosses vast distances even with her incredible speed, and this is already when she's pushing herself. If not for her boundless stamina then she would be out cold from exhaustion. It doesn't help that her starting point is near the center of Teora.
It's high noon when she arrives at the destination, a gigantic arena carved out of rock and fortified with metal. Surrounding it are large buildings of various sizes. Some are clearly living or commercial spaces while others house patchwork vehicles. Of course there's a community here. One can't sustain something without the logistical chain. There doesn't seem to be any walls, just people coming and going, maybe in a vehicle. Marlow picks up the sounds of clashing metal and explosions.
Q: Do things look peaceful as Marlow approaches?
A: Yes (Surge Count: 2)
>:/ Whatever, I remembered I have UNE.
Marlow slows down to walking speed as she rapidly glances around her.
Universal NPC Emulator time!
Rolls: 100, 51, 88 - Confident Monk, slightly stronger than Marlow
Motivations: 60+23, 89+63, 3+43 - account enemies, explain envy, attempt love >.>
And Marlow has Appearance
A dark-skinned person blocks her path and examines her with his large singular eye. His hair is all sorts of frizzy, pointing in different directions like a palm tree. He appears to be wearing dusty, form-fitting robes while a jingling staff rests in his hand.
Q: Is this the person Gwain sent to meet up with Marlow?
A: Yes, and ?? (Surge Count: 0)
Event Meaning: Inform Energy
"Yoooooo, Marlow, your aura is like, very tingly." he remarks in an irritating surfer accent.
Marlow leans slightly forward with her fists clenched as she readies herself for combat. "How did you know my name?"
"Easy there, miss avocado. The Queen sent me to look for you. You can call me Paitan, one of Teora's Royal Guards."
Someone who looks this unprofessional a part of the Royal Guard?! And only her mom gets to call her avocado! The dryad would kick him between the legs if she didn't want to cause a scene so soon. If he really is affiliated with the Queen then this is a pretty sick joke. There is simply no way...
Marlow rolls Scrutiny (5k3): 18 - Success?
Marlow furrows her brows and takes a deep breath to relax herself. "Alright, suppose that you are, how did you get here so quickly? The Queen said I'm supposed to wait for your arrival."
Paitan nonchalantly looks to the side. "I was walking the wilderness when I got the message, and this place wasn't too far off so I figured I'd drop by. I thought you would already be here."
Marlow's eye twitches as she takes out her smartphone.
Q: Does Marlow's smartphone have reception here?
A: Yes, and unexpectedly: Set Change with Alteration - NPC Action
Event Meaning: Develop Advice
To her surprise she's picking up a decent signal this far out of Teora. Paitan snatches the device out of her hands and turns it off. "Ssshh, you can't show that around here it's too advanced. The folks here might get suspicious if it's not meant for cars."
The cyclops hands the phone back to Marlow, who immediately stashes it while glaring daggers. If looks could kill then Marlow would have annihilated him three times over.
Marlow crosses her arms as she snaps back. "Hhrrrrmmmph! Why are we still here then? We've already met each other, so all that's left is to head back to the kingdom and get this over with."
"Hey chillax, you just got here. It's a waste to leave without seeing the sights. Besides you're not the only reason why I'm here." Paitan points his staff at the arena. "I'm also on a mission to take down a traitor to the Queen. He's hiding somewhere around here but having someone to help would be totally radical."
Marlow remains standoffish. "I never said I'll agree to help you. I'm here for one thing and only so don't waste my time."
Paitan gives her the ol' puppy dog eyes, or eye in this case. There's something off about it that the dryad can't put her finger on.
Paitan casts Charm Person (6k4): 41 - Success (damn it)
Marlow rolls Arcana+Willpower (4k2): 11 - Failure
Spend Hero Point to reroll: 12 - Failure (AAAAAAAA)
"Please little miss, this won't take long. In fact, I say I have him cornered. Don't you worry a thing."
Marlow sighs like a weary parent relenting to the demands of their kids. "Alright, fine, where are they?"
"There's, like, a seedy housing unit near the middle of the settlement. I'll take you through the alleyways." The cyclops begins to walk towards his destination.
"Lead the way, oh ocular one." the dryad snarks as she follows suit.
The pair goes past the wide open area where people slowly drive their vehicles to and fro. Some of the bystanders take a gander at the dryad before going on their merry way. One individual, a Skaven wearing rags, almost pounces on Marlow before Paitan prods her away with his staff. He then leads Marlow into one of the many shady alleyways, this one in particular is between a vertical cliff face and a concrete building. No one seems to be there apart from a couple of homeless people sleeping. The two eventually reach a secluded mid-rise office building at the intersection of three alleys. It has definitely seen better days going by how run-down it looks, the walls and balcony railings are stained from the passage of time. The sight makes Marlow wince.
"This is it," Paitan states "we just gotta make sure to stay beneath the waves so the target doesn't suspect a thing. They should be at the back trafficking people."
"Trafficking?" Marlow raises her eyebrow. "I thought this entire place is about the derby."
Paitan stops for a moment to stretch his shoulders. "Ye-ah, that's the thing. Everyone's getting so hyped about cars and robos crashing into each other, that they overlook seedier dudes hiding under the desk."
"Makes sense."
Marlow retains her serious demeanor as Paitan shows her though the indoors, which perplexes the cyclops but he doesn't say anything about it. The place is long neglected and abandoned but the lights are still on and the floors are somewhat clean. The glass doors to offices long empty are still intact. Perhaps some residents are using this place as a home? It can't be, the walls don't smell like it. If anything it smells... nothing. Just concrete and dust. And the walls are free of any graffiti or other signs of vandalism. There are some old posters and bulletin boards but that's about it.
The pair ends up at the building's rear parking lot. It's small and connects to a cave network. It's empty aside from a single cargo truck like the one seen earlier this morning. There are several people loitering here, most of them just vagrants staring into space or otherwise minding their own business. Two people are beside the truck, a hooded figure trying too hard to be mysterious and an absolutely hideous... blue-green creature. It looks like an obese frog person that didn't grow out of its tadpole phase, with an oversized mouth and bulging eyes reminiscent of weird aquarium pets. It's not actually a frog person because its tail doesn't look like it belonged to a frog, instead it looks more like a lizard's. Maybe.
"Stay at my side and let me do the talking. Don't get any wrong ideas, just play along and keep their guard low." Paitan whispers up close with his earlier accent completely missing. He moves his staff to his left hand while brandishing a needle pistol with his right.
The cyclops opens his arms wide as he greets the creature with the same accent. "Heyyyy Bozuk, my man! How you been? I hope I didn't keep you waitin'."
"Bluhhhhhh..." If the creature's looks is already this bad, its voice is a whole other level. It sounds like something with a squeaky high-pitched voice trying too hard to sound deep while having a phlegmy throat. "I see you brought someone new."
"Yup, she's another gal from Teora, just like yesterday."
Marlow remains stoic, only raising her eyebrow for a moment at the revelation.
"Come hither, I wish to see you up close." Bozuk commands.
Paitan leans towards the dryad and whispers. "Do what he says, I'll cover you. We're almost there." Again, without the accent.
Q: Is Paitan a man of his word?
A: No, but he's not happy about this (Surge Count: 0)
Event Meaning: Trust Wishes
Marlow slowly steps forward to Bozuk, face remaining resolute. She stands in front of the gross entity with glaring eyes. Bozuk meanwhile is staring with ogling eyes with a swollen tongue peeking from his lips.
A sharp needle pricks Marlow in the nape. She turns her head to see Paitan with a pained smile and the pistol pointed right at her. Ah, he's the traitor. That other woman mentioned is supposed to be the one going after him. The dryad's muscles lock up and she falls to the ground paralyzed. Her stiff form tries to move but can only twitch.
Marlow rolls Deceive+Dexterity w/ 2-die stunt (5k3): 21 - Success?
"That's weird, she's supposed to be knocked out but I guess Tranq works differently on dryads." Paitan remarks as he walks over to the paralyzed Marlow, completely giving up on the accent. He puts away the needle pistol before bending down to lift the dryad up on her feet. "Bozuk, I know you like opening your presents early but I suggest you do it in your bedroom this time. The avocado girl is this close to kicking me in the nards."
"Hmmmmluhhh, yes I can see her spirit. All the more fun to break her, but I can't do it here." The creature steeples his fingers while watching Paitan drag Marlow to the truck. "Good performance, by the way, it seems you had her fooled until the very end."
"Thanks. I didn't expect her to fall for the 'I'm the queen's agent' trick, maybe she's a royal suck-up. I heard about her from some gossip, apparently she's a hometown hero back in Teora."
Marlow makes a Standard Attack with Combat Advantage (5k4+5) = 28 - Hit
Damage roll (6k1+10, Pen 5) = 25, 4 wounds to the Body! 1 Fatigue!
Marlow springs into action, pivoting on her toes to deliver a knee right onto Paitan's crotch. His knees buckle from sheer pain and a grating squeal escapes from his throat. Bozuk's eyes widen while the hooded figure flinches.
"I knew from the beginning that you're unfit to be a Teoran! Just look at you! You... hobo!" the dryad shouts as she trembles with rage.
The altercation draws the attention of the loitering vagrants, one of them yelling "Boss man!"
Initiative:
[09]+7 = 16 - Marlow
[03]+6 = 9 - Paitan
[02]+7 = 9 - Hooded Figure
[04]+4 = 8 - Common Outlaws x4
[01]+6 = 7 - Bozuk
Everyone is Surprised by Marlow's actions!
Round 01
Marlow makes Multiple Attacks on Paitan with Combat Advantage, -2k0 from TWF but +1k0 from stunting (4k4+5): 42, 29 - Both Hit! (Good thing I have those specialties
Paitan tries to Parry the second attack (4k3): 26 - Success!
Damage rolls (6k1): 37, 7 wounds to the Body!
Everyone else can't take an action!
I should've nabbed Two Weapon Fighting earlier
Marlow grabs Paitan's shoulders and drives a jumping knee onto his chest. The attack knocks the wind out of him yet he remains conscious. She follows up with her other knee but the cyclops manages to bat it away with his arm. Marlow steps away and goes slightly limp, as she's coiling like a spring.
Round 02
She blurs into action, dashing forward to deliver a thrusting upwards kick to Paitan's head. The astounding burst of speed from her action shakes off the dust on her clothes and even kicks up the dust on the ground. She's moving so fast that Bozuk and the hooded figure feels a noticeable breeze even from several meters away.
Marlow makes a Called Shot to Paitan's Head, penalty off-set by stunting and spending a resource point to get another +1k0 (6k4): 38 - Hit!
Paitan tries to dodge (4k3): 28 - Success!
Static Defense is 27 (Momentum left: 8)
Paitan Shifts away from Marlow, drops his weapons to Ready his Heavy Webber
Paitan rolls Perception (7k4): 30 - Success!
Hooded figure makes a Half Move
Common Outlaws stand up and ready their autopistols
Bozuk does nothing
Paitan barely manages to yank his head out of the way from Marlow's incoming foot. He keeps his guard up as he leaps back before tossing his items aside. His singular eye gazes upon Marlow's form to notice her outline flickering and blurring.
"Damn it! She's exalted! Help me!" he loudly pleads while scrambling a heavy webber into his hands. It looks dirtied but serviceable with markings of the Teoran police department.
"Begging again? No wonder you dropped out!" The hooded figure laughs with a youthful, girly voice before walking over to Bozuk's side. "And you ask us to make your wishes come true!"
"This is different!"
The nearby vagrants, slow to react, finally register the sight before them and stand up, pulling out autopistols from their pockets. Bozuk remains a spectator to this brawl.
Round 03
Marlow makes a Half Move towards Bozuk and the hooded figure, then Delays her next action (+1 Momentum, now 9)
Paitan Aims as a Half Action before firing a Standard Attack at Marlow (6k3): 26
Marlow Jumps as her delayed action (5k4): 26 - Success! Marlow jumps 6m away from the blast
Marlow Dodges to see if she avoids the webbing as she jumps (6k4): 19 - Success!
Bozuk and the hooded figure make a Dexterity test (3k3 / 4k4): 16 / 32 - Bozuk gets Snared!
Marlow paces away from Paitan and stands just a meter away from Bozuk and the hooded figure. The cyclops aims his heavy webber at Marlow and pulls the trigger... right as the dryad leaps away. His lone eye widens in realization as she winks at him with her tongue out.
The hooded figure jerks aside at the last moment, tosses away her cloak to reveal a short Eldarin in a maid outfit. She has gold eyes and light blue hair tied with hairclips into twin tails. Her belt has a saber, three grenades, and ammunition for a lightning gun.
Meanwhile Bozuk isn't as fortunate, he gets caught by the webbing but it's hard to tell if he's bothered by his derpy facial expression.
I just remembered that I made Paitan as a lesser enemy, he should be unconscious! Ah well, no takebacks.
Eldarin Maid Readies a flash grenade and throws it at Marlow (2k2): 10
The Eldarin takes one of the grenades on her belt and lobs it at Marlow. She misses by a long shot, earning a raised eyebrow from the dryad for the effort. The grenade explodes into a flash of light that blinds the two vagrants hoping to move to Marlow.
"Really?" Marlow asks.
"Eh, it was worth a shot." the Eldarin replies. "I'm more of a stabby girl, you know?"
Bozuk rolls Strength (4k4): 25 - Success!
The two other vagrants run over to the commotion, autopistols at the ready. Meanwhile Bozuk's corpulent form breaks through the sticky binding with his chunky musculature. By Corellon, why is it jiggling like that?!
Round 04
Marlow Charges at Paitan (8k4, spending another Momentum for +1k0): 40 - Hit! (+1 Momentum, now 9)
Static Defense is 28
Paitan tries to Dodge (4k3): 24 - Fail! Will you stop getting dice explosions?!
Damage roll (6k1+10): 18, 3 wounds to the body! 1 Fatigue!
Paitan Shifts then Moves as a Half Action, traveling 9m away
Eldarin Maid moves 12m as a Full Action
Marlow crouches slightly before traversing several meters in an instant, delivering a kick too fast for Paitan to dodge. The blow leaves him heaving and on his last legs. Any more and it might spell doom for him. He takes careful steps away, never breaking eye contact with Marlow, before hurriedly dashing off once he gets far enough.
"Gah! Get 'er boys!"
The Eldarin walks over to where Paitan dropped his needle pistol, still snickering from the cyclops' ineptitude.
Two of the vagrants fire their Autopistols at Marlow.
Full Auto Burst (3k2 twice): 17, 13 - Both Miss
Their aim is way off, the recoil wildly jerks their hands around. Marlow isn't fazed at all and would have ignored them if she isn't already looking at them. The other two vagrants are still reeling from the blindness.
Meanwhile Bozuk still remains standing idle as if he's not alarmed by this at all.
Round 05
Marlow Charges at Paitan (7k4): 49 - Hit! Lucky explosion from specialization! (+1 Momentum, now 10)
Paitan tries to Dodge (4k3): 16 - Fail!
Damage (6k1+10, Pen 5): 19, 3 critical wounds to the body! He gains 5 points of Fatigue and passes out!
"I'm not letting you get away you one-eyed bastard! You're a disgrace to the Queen!" Marlow shouts. Her blurry form wallops Paitan on the back like a car crash, knocking him out as he flops onto the ground.
Meanwhile the Eldarin picks up the needle pistol to examine it. She notes its poor quality before firing it at one of the vagrants.
Eldarin makes a ranged Standard Attack (4k2): 13 - Hit!
Outlaw gets 1 Fatigue and rolls Constitution (2k2): 3 - Fail!
He gets 3 more Fatigue and passes out!
The needle pierces his flank and he quickly collapses to the floor, sleeping from the drugs. The Eldarin is delighted. "Would you look at that, it does work!"
The other vagrant next to the sleeping one snaps back. "Hey! You pointy-eared ass-hat! After all the things we did for you!" He empties the rest of his clip at the Eldarin.
Outlaw uses Full Auto Burst (3k2): 11 - Miss!
His aim sucks, all bullets missing the Eldarin who just shrugs. The other two vagrants finally recover from their blindness to see Paitan out cold next to a furious Marlow. Both of them fire their autopistols at her and...
3k2: 12, 11 - Miss!
...miss by a long shot. What a waste of ammo. One of them exclaims "Argh! Why are we not hitting anything?!"
Bozuk, after almost a minute of idling, finally raises his arm. "Riruru-chan my dear, I want to eat salad for dinner."
The Eldarin maid spins on her heel and bows at Bozuk, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Of course, Bozuk-sama. Your wish is my command!"
"Huh?" Marlow is snapped out of her frustration. What did they mean by this?
Round 06 (I have got to streamline this)
Marlow: Use a skill (Larceny), Ready a grenade
Marlow rolls Larceny (3k3): 15 - Success!
Marlow flips Paitan on his back and quickly searches his belongings by simply taking away his belt. She finds a holstered Getaway Rifle and some grenades she's not familiar with. She thinks back to her college life, maybe she has seen them before. It doesn't look like the explosive kind.
Marlow rolls Common Lore, 1-die Stunt (5k2): 21 - Success!
Splash Grenades! Yes, she remembers Agni pulling pranks with those things but they're more than just a prankster's implement. They can be loaded with any liquid, usually poison, that is then dispersed over a wide area. This battle isn't over just yet. The dryad quickly wears the belt around her waist as she glances at her surroundings.
Eldarin Maid: Ready Fencing Sword, Standard Attack
Riruru rolls Ballistics at Short Range (3k2): 10 - Miss!
Riruru unsheathes her saber with her free hand while turning around to fire another needle at the remaining vagrants. The shot goes wide...
Q: Does it hit the dude near him?
A: Yes, but he's tougher than he looks and might resist it
Outlaw #4 gets 1 Fatigue and rolls Constitution (3k3): 11 - Fail!
Outlaw #4 gets 2 more Fatigue!
...and hits his buddy next to him. He's slightly tougher than his comrades and manages to stay awake despite the needle piercing his arm. His eyelids droop from the tranquilizers flowing through his veins.
"Heeeeyyyy maaaann, thaaaaat's noooot coooolll..." the man slurs.
Vagrant #3: Suppressing Fire (3k2): 10 - No hits
Marlow makes a Pinning Test (3k2, 1-die stunt): 16 - Fail!
Riruru a Pinning Test (2k2): 20 - Success!
Vagrant #4: Full Auto Burst (2k2): 3 - Miss!
The unscathed one fires his autopistol wildly, trying to avenge his drowsy friend as he sways his firing arm from side to side. None of his shots ever actually hit anything but Marlow freezes up from a stray bullet grazing her hair. She tries to will herself free, aware that more important things are at stake but is unable to kept it together. Riruru is fine though her energetic demeanor briefly flashes irritation.
The one that got drugged tries to fire at Riruru only to fire all his shots at a spot a few meters away. His grip wanes from the seemingly-increased weight of his autopistol.
Bozuk: Full Move
Bozuk glances at the two vagrants and, uh, waddles his way over to the Eldarin's side.
Round 07
Marlow: Half Move then Standard Attack at Outlaw #3 (6k4, no longer Pinned): 36 - Hit!
Outlaw #3 tries to dodge (3k2): 8 - Fail!
Damage (6k1+10, Pen 5): 19, 4 wounds to the Gizzards!
I learned my lesson with Lanney
Marlow considers the one who frayed her nerves be a problem. She runs up to him, hops slightly off the ground to deliver an axe kick to his neck. The man tries to dodge but moves too slow out of the way and gets a blow to the windpipe.
Riruru: Half Aim then ranged Standard Attack at Short Range (4k2): 18 - Hit!
Outlaw #2 tries to Dodge (3k2): 15 - Fail!
Outlaw #2 gets 1 Fatigue and rolls for Constitution (2k2): 12 - Fail!
Outlaw #2 gets another 10 Fatigue and passes out!
Riruru aims the pilfered needle pistol at the other side of the confrontation and fires another needle at the lone vagrant. The shot lands on his thigh and he pretty much faints on the spot.
Q: Does the last remaining vagrant run away?
A: No (Surge Count: 2) >.>
Outlaw #4: Full Auto Burst at Point Blank Range (4k3): 28 - Hit!
Marlow Dodges (6k4): 32 - Success!
The last remaining vagrant, though partially tranquilized, retains enough cognition to recognize the threat Marlow poses. He points his autopistol at her and fires the last of his magazine. One out of six bullets would have hit the dryad if she didn't lean slightly out of the way. The rest go wildly in different directions.
Round 08
Marlow decides that the vagrant can be dealt with later. She faces Riruru and crouches down for a moment like an athlete about to sprint. Flickering afterimages start overlapping on her while she herself occasionally blurs as if her body is too excited to sit still. The Eldarin blinks her eyes and the dryad springs into action.
Marlow crosses over a dozen meters in an instant, kicking up a dust cloud, and takes the Eldarin by surprise, who almost topples from the force of the approach.
Marlow Charges Riruru into a Grapple (9k4, +1k0 from resource, 2-die stunt): 36 - Hit (+1 Momentum, now: 10)
Static Defense: 29
Riruru Dodges (7k4): 22 - Fail!
Riruru Slips Free (4k4): 32
Riruru: Full Defense
Vagrant #4: Reload
Riruru tries to move out of the way but ends up getting entangled by Marlow's embrace. She grabs the dryad's shoulders and pulls herself up, freeing her from the grapple. The Eldarin flips through the air before landing in front of her opponent.
"Bozuk-sama! She's a little scary!" Riruru playfully cries out. She adjusts her stance, fully bracing herself for Marlow's next move.
The remaining conscious vagrant is clumsily reloading his weapon while muttering something in the human tongue.
"Don't worry, Riruru-chan! I will help you!" Bozuk hasn't said anything for so long that his voice is a surprise all over again. He spreads his big, flabby arms and attempts to hug a strongly repulsed Marlow.
Bozuk: Grapple (7k4): 36 - Hit
Marlow Dodges (6k4): 46 - Success
Of course, the dryad dodges for dear life. She would rather die than enter his embrace, and she's too stubborn to die yet.
Round 09
Marlow raises the Splash Grenade up high, presses the detonator, and then slams it down right at her feet. The explosive doesn't cause any harmful shockwaves but it does release a large spray of unknown liquid over her, Riruru and Bozuk. This isn't good, dryads are sapient plants and as such they soak up liquids pretty well. Marlow can't close her own pores but she's been through worse. She holds her breath as if a strong punch will land on her, bracing herself to prepare for the outcome.
Marlow: use Splash Grenade on herself
Marlow rolls Constitution (3k2, 1-die stunt): 15 - Success! THANK GOD
Riruru rolls Constitution (2k2): 14 - Fail!
Bozuk rolls Constitution (4k4): 24 - Success!
Riruru rolls on the Shock Table: 10 - Oof!
Riruru is unconscious for 3 rounds!
Riruru gains 4 Insanity! Not that it would ever come to play
Marlow: Healing Surge
The world shifts in color and shape for only a moment, as if it's about to take on horrifying imagery, but nothing happens. Marlow manages to hang on for now but she's not sure if she can take another. Riruru on the other hand shrieks in terror before falling to the ground, completely unconscious. Bozuk's lips twitch downward into a scowl, revealing a set of jagged teeth while his tail thumps the ground.
Marlow narrows her eyes while focusing inwards to tap into the wellspring of vital energies within her body. Her right foot starts tapping in anticipation of her next move.
Outlaw #4: Run
The remaining vagrant notices Marlow and Bozuk are focusing on each other and runs to the fallen Paitan. "Dooooooonnnn't wwwooooorrrryyyy boooooosssss mmmmmaaaaaaaannnn...."
Bozuk: All-Out Attack
Brawl (9k4): 31 - Hit
"You... you genuinely anger me! RaaaAAAUUUGHHH!!" Bozuk's voice turns deep and guttural, a far cry from the sleazy tone spoken earlier. He winds his fist back for a mighty haymaker at Marlow.
Marlow Dodges (6k4): 22 - Success!
Marlow tilts her torso out of the way and the punch misses its target. She smiles knowing that she has the upper hand.
Round 10
Marlow: Multiple Attacks via TWF (4k4 twice, Pen 5): 15, 26 - Both hit!
Bozuk can't parry/dodge them!
Damage (6k1+10 twice): 32, 29 - 5 wounds to Right Leg, 4 wounds to Left Leg!
Bozuk gains 2 Fatigue and 1 critical damage!
Bozuk's speed is halved for one round!
Marlow kicks the corpulent creature on his right knee with a low kick, then hops to deliver another one to the other leg. She makes a note to wash her clothes ASAP. Bozuk stumbles from the sheer force of the dryad's blows.
Q: Is Bozuk going to retreat?
A: No (Surge Count: 4)
Q: Is Bozuk going to try parleying with Marlow?
A: Yes, but he's just doing it to stall for time (Surge Count: 0)
Outlaw #4 rolls for Strength (2k2): 10 - Failure!
Bozuk: Shift
Bozuk: Use a Skill - Persuasion (4k3): 16 - Failure!
The fight seems to have been kicked out of Bozuk. He takes a few careful steps back and raises his hands, his voice returning back to that awkward pitch. "Auuughhhh... you are very strong. You hurt my precious Riruru-chan but... let's call it quits, yes?"
Marlow rolls her eyes while her lips turn into a straight line. She turns her head for a moment to peek what's behind her and sees the last vagrant trying (and failing) to lift Paitan on his shoulders.
Round 11
Marlow: Half Move then Standard Attack (6k4): 39 - Hit!
Bozuk Parries (7k4): 32 - Failure!
Damage (6k1+10, Pen 5): 18 - 3 wounds to the body!
Bozuk gains 3 critical damage and breaks 2 of his ribs!
Wait, I forgot to apply Fatigue penalties! Ah well, he's already doomed.
Marlow walks up to Bozuk, who is beginning to tremble either from fear or from pain. "If you want me to spare your life then I have demands of my own. First of all... STAY DOWN!"
She delivers a jumping knee strike to his chest. The fat slob tries to block it with his arms but can't seem to catch the attack. A disturbing crunch is heard and Bozuk flops to the ground, his breath turning shallow. All that fat couldn't seem to protect him one bit.
Outlaw #4 rolls for Strength (2k2): 14 - Failure!
Round 12
Marlow: Shift, Standard Attack on Riruru (auto-hit)
Damage (10k2+10): normally 46 but I think you can pick and choose your kept dice so now it's 34, 8 wounds to the Left Leg
Riruru gains 1 Fatigue from the attack and gains 3 critical damage
Riruru rolls Constitution (1k1): 8 - Failure!
Riruru loses her left foot and gains 2 more Fatigue, enough to knock her out!
Aspect Warriors are melee glass cannons, I just learned
Outlaw #4 rolls Strength (2k2): 13 - Failure
"Hold on, I need to make some insurance." Marlow steps over to the sleeping Riruru and callously stomps on her left foot once, putting it beyond the point of functionality. The Eldarin briefly jerks awake, screaming in pain before fainting once more. Bozuk futilely reaches out to the her.
"Don't cry about it, fatty, she's still fine. I just crushed her foot so she won't run away." Marlow looks back and sees the vagrant still trying to lift Paitan up. "I'll be back for you, right now there are some loose ends I'll deal with."
Round 13
Marlow Charges (7k4): 39 - Hit
Outlaw #4 Dodges (2k2): 6 - USELESS!
Damage (6k1+10): 19, 4 wounds to the Body!
Outlaw #4: Full Defense
Round 14
Marlow: All Out Attack (8k4): 22 - Hit!
Outlaw #4 Dodges (2k2): 10 - Success!
Outlaw #4 Surrenders!
Marlow sprints to the other side of the battle and delivers a flying kick to the remaining vagrant who can't manage to lift Paitan from the Tranquilizer dose. Disturbed by the sudden onslaught, he puts more effort into defending himself and even manages to dodge another blow. However the man knows there's simply no way he can keep this up. He drops his weapon, falls to his knees and gives himself up.
"Oooooo-kaaaaaayyyy, yyyoooouuuu wwwwiiii-"
Marlow backhands him before pointing to where Bozuk and Riruru lie. "Shut up! I'm on a schedule here! Go over there and sit!"
BATTLE OVER
The vagrant does what he says while Marlow drags the unconscious Paitan and his equally-unconscious buddies over to the bundle. She procures the cyclops' heavy webber and its extra cartridges, using all remaining ammunition to tie everyone up. She also picks up the needle pistol that has been in Riruru's grip the entire time and puts Bozuk to sleep. Oh, and the other dude for good measure.
Marlow rolls Perception (6k4): 28
Marlow glances around and sees no one else in the area. Nope, not a single soul. This place must be a regular meeting point for illicit deals. She takes out the smartphone from her backpack and turns it back on, before sending a text message to Queen Gwain.
"Help needed. Subdued multiple enemies but need help carrying them."
Q: Are there any cargo carts?
A: No, and there are no forklifts or anything either
Marlow sighs when she realizes that she can't transport all of these folks alone without drawing unnecessary attention or risk losing some of the HVTs. She sends another text message to the Queen.
"Actually, send a driver, there's a nearby truck that I don't know how to operate."
The dryad walks back over to Bozuk. "Alright, as for the rest of my demands, I'm shutting down your operation. I want you to tell me about the Teoran lady from yesterday, the one Paitan mentioned. Next I want you to give yourself in peacefully or I'm stomping you into paste. More demands pending. Now if you'll excuse me..."
Marlow turns back to the building and runs inside.
Q: Are there any medical supplies in the building?
A: Yes, and there's lots of them stashed in the break room
She explores the rest of the abandoned-yet-functioning structure to find a cache of medkits and combat drugs, including Bio-Foam. Bozuk is then patched up juuuust enough to stabilize him. Barely.
A few more hours pass, anyone who wakes up is summarily tranquilized with Paitan's extra needles. A text message from the Queen makes its way to Marlow's inbox, informing her that her liason (and the requested driver) has arrived: a nondescript office lady and what appears to be a professional racer in an all-white jumpsuit and helmet. They're waiting at the entrance Marlow passed through earlier. The dryad leads them through the twisting alleyways and tunnels before reaching the parking lot where the captured individuals are sleeping.
Marlow carefully stashes them in the back of the truck which is being operated by the hired driver. The office lady conjures a portal next to a concrete wall before joining Marlow at the cargo hold. She is given a surprisingly-accurate report on recent events from the dryad.
The vehicle drives though the portal which then vanishes.
Threads:
+ The Missing Teoran
- The Queen's trial in the badlands
Chaos Factor: +1 (Now 7)
This session isn't over yet but man, that took a few days because I had to juggle some IRL stuff. I'd like to continue tomorrow but there's a lot of stuff I have to deal with. EDIT: Damn it, I got so used to playing in other people's games, that I forgot my own house rule (CON+WIL for Fatigue limit). Then again that battle has gone on for long enough. I can see why it's only Constitution. Fatigue hasn't been relevant until this scene, and there's no way to inflict it on Marlow since she just ignores it. If anything, it just gives her another way to end fights quickly. Fatigue might become an issue if there's an Allied NPC who must stay awake or something but eh. Why was it important that the Fatigue limit be raised? To avoid easy KOs to/from players, right? But it wouldn't matter if they're playing Prometheans.
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Post by GuardianTempest on Apr 26, 2023 22:03:14 GMT -6
I've got the 2nd edition of Mythic GM Emulator. I'm not gonna change dice oracles but the advice really helps. Scene 03: Debriefing and Assessment Scene Setup: Marlow gets an assessment as she arrives at the military base.
Characters Present
Marlow Daunagin (PC)
Queen Gwain
Teoran Military
Threads:
Self-improvement is a must
What about the student body's future?
Who will succeed Marlow?
Career after college
Electra is establishing rapport with Marlow
Make up for lost time
Earn the spot in Gwain's special unit [Main]
The Lost Teoran
Stage of the Scene: To Endings
Chaos Factor: 7 (SCENE ALTERED)
Seriously?! Hmm, I could use this scene to add what I want to the campaign.
The truck emerges into the portal and parks beside a building near the edge of the camp. Marlow and the rest of the passengers disembark while nearby personnel, already briefed on the dryad's actions, discreetly take the captives in for questioning. The nondescript office lady instructs Marlow to head inside as the Queen is waiting for her.
There, she sees Queen Gwain seated beside a table and what appears to be a pale-skinned tomboyish office lady standing nearby. Her crystalline hair is strikingly prismatic as it sparkles and refracts light from the ceiling bulbs.
Gwain gestures to her. "Marlow, I'd like you to meet Illume. She will be your commanding officer."
Marlow rolls Composure (3k3, TN 15): 19 = Pass!
Marlow holds in her surprise as she steps closer to the two.
"Ah, you must be Marlow. Hey there~" Illume greets in a confident tone. "The Queen told me a lot about you, apparently you're a real go-getter. I like that in a soldier. I'm looking forward to see ya kick some butt out there."
"I appreciate it." Marlow curtly replies while standing ramrod straight.
"Indeed you are very proactive and I commend you for your captures." Gwain adds. "Let's cut to the chase."
Gwain leads Marlow and Illume out of the building. She continues speaking as they make their way over to where recruits first arrive. "Behind every field operative and squadron deployed is a dozen or more members of the support staff coordinating them. I want you to learn about cooperating with them over the course of your basic training. Once you have a solid grasp on the command structure, Illume will immediately transfer you into her special team with elevated responsibilities. Do you understand me, Marlow?"
"Yes, ma'am." The dryad keeps her face neutral as the Queen scrutinizes her.
"Good. I expect you to play nice with the rest of the recruits until then."
The trio enter the facility through the back. Nearby personnel gawk at Gwain's arrival for a brief moment, before scrambling to either resume what they are doing or salute as they make way for the Queen. One anxious officer in particular has the misfortune of informing them that the new recruits are due to arrive tomorrow, who ends up stuttering and stammering in the Queen's presence. He also hands Marlow a rucksack filled with clothing, manuals and other essential items.
"This is where we part ways. See you around." Gwain disappears into motes of light. The nearby personnel relax their pace with a few even breathing a sigh of relief.
"I guess that's it for me," Illume says, "try not to cause any trouble or I'll take your room for myself." She then turns and walks away.
"Your room is that way, turn right and... door is by the left." The officer points to a corridor as his composure recovers. "I wish you luck, Miss Daunagin."
"I appreciate it... wait, can you get my clothes laundered? I'm about to take a shower."
Marlow rolls Charm (4k3, TN 15): 49 = Pass! But only because one die ended up a 39.
The officer glances around before answering. "I guess it's not too much of an issue, the recruits are due to arrive tomorrow. You're gonna have to wait for a while though."
"Fine by me. Wait outside the shower room."
The officer nods before walking away.
Marlow follows the directions given and ends up entering a large room with multiple bunk beds. A pillow and a folded blanket is placed on each bed. She places her visor and runner's pack on the bed, then sets the rucksack beside it. Then she procures a towel and bathing essentials from the rucksack before heading out of the room. The officer stands guard by the shower room's entrance, a blush visible on his face.
Marlow stops and leans towards him. "Oi. Wait here so I can hand you my laundry."
The officer nods without making eye contact as the dryad continues inside.
Q: Does the shower have hot water?
A: Yes (Surge Count: 2)
To Marlow's delight, the shower feels like there's a water heater built in. The soothing warmth of the shower is refreshing after an eventful day. Several minutes later, a green blur rushes past the officer. He gets sprinkled with a light spray of water as a clump of dusty, form-fitting clothes falls into his hands.
Threads:
+Pass basic training
Chaos Factor: -1 (Now 6)
350 for RNG, 300 for 3 scenes, +50 XP for the confrontation vs Paitan. |
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