Session Start: Sat Jun 28 20:57:24 2003 Session Ident: #pvpexaltedrp [20:57] * Now talking in #pvpexaltedrp [20:57] * Topic is 'Exalted: I'm gonna fight 'em off, a seven nation army couldn't hold me back. They're gonna rip it off, taking their time right behind my back. And I'm talking to myself at night because I can't forget, back and forth through my mind behind a cigarette. And the message comin from my eyes says leave it alone' [21:02] (When w elast left our heroes, we were gaping at a huge orichalcum boulder) [21:02] (IIIII was gaping at naked Cicada. Now who picked the better path? ^_^ ) [21:03] (Meh...Van would've ran the fuck away from THAT) [21:03] (they will actually get something out of the rock, you know) [21:04] (DOH!) [21:04] (I think I could sell Cicada for MORE than the rock is worth.) [21:04] (Bah, she'd cost an arm and a leg) [21:04] (Heeeey.... now that's thinking.) [21:04] (Ouch, that was harsh) [21:05] (already thought of that. Buy slaves, shapeshift them into Cicada-clones, sell them. GH offered me three 5 dot Resourse backgrounds) [21:05] (did not.. really ;) [21:05] (no but you didn't disagree with my suggestion :) [21:05] (true) [21:05] (BTw...does Van have resources 5 now that he hasd a general's pay ?) [21:05] (lets go with 3 1/2 or 4) [21:06] (4 will work) [21:06] (Realm generals get paid? Thought it was only the House ones) [21:06] (no, why do you think the legions got disbanded if they didn't have to get paid?) [21:07] anyhow.... [21:07] (I know, just that the money are being funnelled into private armies now and the legions rot) [21:07] Vanal and his merry friend Renig are sitting on the rooftop chatting about how they're going to get that huge chunk of gold [21:07] (The pay for the troops is the smallest issue, food, maintanence for armor and weapons, ect would cost more [21:08] "You know, it's not really all that smart to discuss this here in the middle of immaculate central." [21:10] "I just don't like the idea of pissing off the order, myself." [21:12] <*Renig*> "Noone can see us here, Vanal. I've seen to it that the roof was warded in our absence." [21:13] * Vanal scowls [21:13] "I really, really don't like this." [21:15] * *Renig* nods and sits down in a wicker chair overlooking the streets below, opening a fine bottle of wine. He has seemed uncomfortable ever since the trip, but insisted he was just being careful. [21:15] (*Where are the Minions, Tabs would have left them all with Vanal) [21:15] They're probably downstairs somewhere [21:15] there was only one left. [21:16] after the "incident" [21:17] <*Renig*> "If you don't want to deal with it anymore, that's fine. Just walk away from the whole thing." [21:18] * Vanal rubs his temples [21:18] "It's not that easy, and you know it." [21:19] * Tala goes to visit Cicada [21:19] * Cicada is sleeping in bed, exhausted from the day and its trials. Tabius maybe with her. [21:20] it is late at night. Would you like to do that in the morning? [21:20] * Tabius is with Cicada, but in a chair next to the bed with his blade across his knees. [21:22] <*Renig*> "I know, I should never have told you." he shrugs. "But you deserved an answer." [21:23] * Vanal scowls [21:23] "Well, I'm in on it now...so here's what we're going to do." [21:24] "First, you're going to tlel me why all of a sudden, you wish to stick it to the order....and then i'll work on from there." [21:24] * *Renig* shrugs [21:25] <*Renig*> "I suppose you don't believe that I'd do it for the house." [21:25] "Considering you're Peleps ?" [21:26] <*Renig*> "Beyond that." [21:27] "That's a big beyond to get by, Renig." [21:28] <*Renig*> "That's true." he looks increasingly uncomfortable as he talks [21:29] (SAY IT! ADMIT YOUR LOVE!) [21:29] "Something's eating you...out with it." [21:29] <*Renig*> "I can't exactly say..." he picks at his teeth. "I'm under conflicting oaths here." [21:30] "Allude to it, then." [21:30] <*Renig*> "Lets just say that everything has already been taken care of and I have jephrodised none of my loyalties in these undertakings." [21:32] * *Renig* looks like he doesn't think you're going to believe him. [21:32] "I...see." [21:32] "And is your commanding officer one of these loyalties ?" [21:33] * *Renig* nods. [21:34] "can you tell me more of these oaths ?" [21:36] <*Renig*> "Unless you order me to, I'd be happier keeping them secret; to do otherwise would be to invite you into the plot. However, I can assure you that all of the oathbinders were quite loyal to the realm and hold no misgivings to house Cathak." [21:36] <*Renig*> "Or to you," he adds as an afterthought [21:36] "Uh-huh." [21:36] * Vanal rubs his temples [21:37] "Okay, look. Personally, I want no part of this. However...you DO seem utterly dedicated to this, so here's what we're going to do. I'm going to turn a blind eye to this...operation. You can have all the credit, I've got enough to a reputation to live up to as is." [21:38] * *Renig* nods, seeming relived. [21:38] "Plus, it'll piss off the Regent." [21:39] "But I will warn you this...this is your one and only strike. Disobey a direct order from a superior officer again, and charges will be brought, understand ?" [21:39] * *Renig* smiles "Of course, General. I wish to bring no ill wishes between our two houses." [21:40] * Vanal nods [21:42] <*Renig*> "Am I still under your command? Me and my men have been replaced. It was, unfortunately, necessary." [21:42] <*Renig*> "And I understand if you no longer wish me to serve with you." [21:42] "You are. The legion isn't quite at full strength." [21:43] "Your unit is being transferred to another Talon." [21:43] * *Renig* nods slowly [21:43] "Jauna's...she has orders to keep an eye on you and your men." [21:43] Dice Script Active [21:45] "Understood ?" [21:45] * *Renig* nods. [21:45] <*Renig*> "We will be... busy for a few days." [21:45] "Of course you will." [21:46] <*Renig*> "Our bookwork could be double-checked, if your lordship feels the need to ensure our wise spending of our resources." [21:47] * Vanal nods [21:48] "I have some things to do here as well..." [21:48] "Namely, some investigations to run." [21:48] * *Renig* nods and slowly stands. [21:49] <*Renig*> "There is something else you might be intersted in." [21:49] "What is that ?" [21:49] <*Renig*> "There was a secret room behind the closet in the room you found beneath the city. Several items of great interest were there, but I did not remove them for fear of causing some great damage." [21:49] "I'll check it out, thank you." [21:50] * *Renig* nods and salutes [21:50] * Vanal takes a sip of his iced tea...wonderign if he's jsut made a very big mistake [21:51] Renig quickly leaves before you can change your mind [21:51] (Okay, Van is going to do a few things...one, help with gehn's investigation, 2 start an investigation of his own into the burning of the manor, and 3 check out that closet.) [21:53] ok [21:55] Due to the resources under your command, Beuracracy is probably a more logical skill then investigation, though you will still want to use investigation if it is you, personally, doing something [21:55] bureaucracy is fine [21:56] (it's higher than inv anyways) [21:56] allright.. [21:58] ok, #1 and #2 are definately beuracracy rolls. [21:58] Renig didn't tell anyone else so you'll want to keep #3 a secret. [21:58] of course [21:58] unless Tabs wants to come along [21:58] or any of the others... [21:58] he's busy with Cicada. [21:58] Tala might be found easily enough [21:59] sounds good to me [21:59] If tala is interested, I can just have her walking up to the barracks to do some investigation of her own, or whatever it is immaculates do in their free time; perhaps there is a playground across the street. [21:59] heh [21:59] for the kiddies :) [22:02] * Vanal is walking to the barracks, a steady cloud of hazy blue smoke coming from his constant stream of cigarettes [22:04] Is Tala going to join in ? [22:05] [dang, i was hoping to investigate w/ my contacts in the city find them in the street and have them resist being arrested. o well] [22:05] * Vanal heads over to where Tala was staying...right now, he wants DAMN WELL to have a close buddy in the order [22:06] Tala is busy. [22:06] She seems to be doing some heavy personal investigation [22:07] * Vanal shrugs [22:07] "Guess I'm doing this solo...well...sort of..." [22:07] * Vanal pats Shakel's sheathed form and heads for the sewer office [22:09] "Goddamn, if I didn't hate these fucking sewers, I'd hate them for sure by now." [22:10] Fortunately, Renig showed you a shortcut, so you don't have to deal with it. Unfortunately, the ladder is very shaky, and it's obvious that this way is not possible after a very heavy rain, or if somebody decides to suddenly empty their chamberpot into the alley. [22:10] Luckily, you do not suffer this fate, and are quickly in the small room, which is deserted but for two guards outside. [22:11] Um...what did I type last ? [22:11] * Vanal pats Shakel's sheathed form and heads for the sewer office [22:11] "Goddamn, if I didn't hate these fucking sewers, I'd hate them for sure by now." [22:11] Fortunately, Renig showed you a shortcut, so you don't have to deal with it. Unfortunately, the ladder is very shaky, and it's obvious that this way is not possible after a very heavy rain, or if somebody decides to suddenly empty their chamberpot into the alley. [22:11] Luckily, you do not suffer this fate, and are quickly in the small room, which is deserted but for two guards outside. [22:12] * Vanal scowls [22:12] "May the Dragons protect me." [22:12] * Vanal heads into the office and goes straight for the closet, being careful to look for any booby traps [22:13] now that you know what to look for, you quickly find it; a shelf in the closet folds up, and silently, you feel the back of the clsoet move under your touch [22:13] "Do not worry, it will... Did you hear that?" [22:14] * Vanal blinks and mouths *what the fuck ?* [22:14] * Vanal careuflly looks in [22:14] the room is too dark to see anything [22:14] you do not feel any air [22:15] * Vanal scowls ducks out, lights a match, and chucks it in the room [22:16] * Vanal then carefully peeks in [22:18] The fire burns well, though you see that the room is filled with a myriad of things, and the air is fresh enough.. besides a circle of salt on the floor and many strange things on the walls, you notice the most prominent of which are three wooden masks, one on each wall but your own. [22:19] * Vanal mutters...Salt...why does that sound familiar ? [22:19] it is too dark to see more, but the salt is not just a simple circle, [22:19] * Vanal ducks back into the office, grabs a piec eof wood to use as a torch, and carefully enters the room [22:20] * Vanal also lights the torch up [22:20] (and waves the 2 guards in with him) [22:20] the new light shows more; the guards are shocked to see that there is a third room, this one small, perhaps 10'x10'x10'. [22:21] The salt has been spread in obvious mystical patterns and is still complete; a orichalcum bowl sits next to it, in front of a bedroll used as a cushion for long hours of sitting. [22:21] Next to it there is also a long wicked knife [22:21] "Don't touch ANYTHING." [22:21] * Vanal examines the bowl and knife first, carefully avoiding the salt [22:22] Various trinkets line the walls around the masks, and draperies cover the corners of the room, but it is no bigger than it appears. At one side, you can see a pipe; this was once a bathroom or shower. At another is a walled up door. [22:23] * Vanal investigates the source of the voices...is there another exit ? [22:24] there seems to be no source of voices, and there is no other exit. [22:26] * Vanal tries to determien what the livin' fuck this room was used for. Looks religious...but how ?Sacrifices ? Ghost binding ? Demon incantation ? [22:28] per + occult [22:29] + 1 stunt [22:29] !ex 3 [22:29] * *Vanal (3)* 3, 7, 9, Successes : 2 [22:30] ghost binding, nothing else for the circle, though there are odd pieces of jade here and there that make you wonder. Other than that, it seemed to be a storage room. Many of the trinkets are weak talismans, others are probably quite powerful. A utility room, it was likely also a final retreat, considering the secrecy of the location. And then.... then, there were the voices. [22:32] "Is someone in here ? I heard you !" [22:32] nothing.. [22:33] there is nowhere to hide [22:33] it's either immaterial or... projecting itself somehow. [22:33] "Fuck...one of you go and get Tabius. Right NOW." [22:34] "Tell him it has to do with the anathema." [22:34] One goes. Tabius, you gonna stop banging cicada long enough to help Vanal? ;) [22:34] "And for mela's sake, hurry." [22:38] * Vanal tries to examine as much as he can, without touching anything [22:38] (You granted my wish, boss-man) [22:39] (Exalted CSI !) [22:39] * Cathak_T comes walking up to Vanal where ever the message told him to meet him. [22:40] It's Vanal, in the sewers. He looks and smells great, though. [22:40] (hidden room in the closet of Renig's office in the sewers) [22:41] "sorry for interrupting you, buddy...but this is more up your alley then mine." [22:41] * Cathak_T looks around. [22:41] 10x10x10' room with many occult trinkets, three masks on the three other walls, a complex circle of salt in the middle of the room, and a golden bowl and a wicked stained knife, next to a bedroll clearly used as a seat [22:42] "The circle's got something to do with ghost binding...but the rest eludes me." [22:42] "And I heard voices when I came in here." [22:43] * Cathak_T takes a look around the room with his mystic senses, using an odd method of trying to catch things out of the corner of his eye as if half seen spiits were present. [22:45] "What the hell are you doing ?" [22:46] * Cathak_T holds up a hand as he walks around the room making sure not to step into the salt circle on the floor. [22:47] roll per + occult +3 stunt [22:47] !ex 21 +WP [22:47] * *Cathak_T (21+1)* 5, 5, 6, 9, 10, 2, 6, 9, 6, 8, 7, 3, 8, 4, 5, 1, 2, 4, 1, 1, 10, Successes : 10 [22:48] (I'd say he succeeds) [22:49] you recognize the masks... from some kind of spell. Otherwise there are various high-powered and low powered trinkets in this room. You find a device that will let you store a single terrestrial circle spell for one day. Also, the circle was definately used for summoning ghosts last; the summoners blood is still on the knife if you dare; but underneath the salt circle is a solid base [22:49] for summoning demons and something else you're not familiar with. [22:50] "So what ? This where they call up their dead selves and have a chat about old times ?" [22:50] * Cathak_T mutters under his breath invoking the protection of all the celestial dragons. [22:51] * Cathak_T points out what he has learned to Vanal and being very disturbed about the summoning of things he doesn't know about. [22:52] "And the voices ?" [22:53] "Well those might have something to do with the masks, maybe, there is a lot it seems I don't know about." [22:54] "Dammit." [22:54] * Vanal turns to the troops "This place is to be totally cordoned off. I don't care if the Regent himself comes down here, he won't get in without my say-so." [22:55] "Add me to that Vanal, if you would be so kind, I need some more time with some of this stuff." [22:55] "Sir.. how many guards?" random guardess. " [22:55] "Nobody has found this place yet." [22:56] * Cathak_T closes his eyes for a second and orders one of his remaining minions to the location giving directions. [22:56] "Vanal, I am going to keep one of my minions here, with your permission." [22:56] "My all means." [22:56] "I want a fang at that door." [22:57] "Thank you General sir." [22:57] "And a runner, in case something happens." [22:58] * Cathak_T goes back and starts studying some of the trinkets to see if he can get a clue about the "other something: that could be summoned. [22:58] * Vanal scartches his chin [23:00] perhaps it is not a ring of summoning so much of a ring of doing something else which you're not quite sure of. [23:00] obvious traces of the elements are found here, so elementals and spirits were probably summoned as well. [23:02] * Cathak_T knows that summoning spirits of the dead is a bad thing. Basic Occult knowledge dictates that the circle of salt is pr portect from unhappy dead. [23:03] "So what was this ?thier spiritual love-shack ?" [23:03] yes, and the knife and bowl have traces of dried blood. [23:03] (*Thanos is not up on the bowl and blood thing, but Tabs has a 9 Occult score....... ;-) [23:04] you summon ghosts by making blood offerings [23:05] * Cathak_T something clicks in his head as he puts a bit of some of the pieces together. [23:06] * Cathak_T demons, ghosts, elementals, spirits.......what remains to be summoned? [23:06] hmm.. indeed, it is a mystery [23:07] (YOZI! :) [23:07] * Cathak_T starts thinking of the green anima'd Anathema they met on the river bank. Could the circle be used to enact the putrification of them? [23:07] (Bone lion ?) [23:08] "Hey...could the yhave popped up that damn bone cat that they chucked at us here ?" [23:09] (they can't summon a bone lion here, they need to do that on open ground) [23:09] and you know nothing of the corruption of solar exalted [23:10] "It would take open ground for the Bone Lion Spell, down here its a solid floor." [23:10] "Ah." [23:10] "Well...maybe the dead ?" [23:11] "The salt cirlce, knife and bowl, yes. [23:12] "I am not an expert on demon summoning, or well any of the summoning arts, but something about the [23:13] "Bottom layer below the salt and the demon cirles is disturbing." [23:13] (*How many circles of the demon summoning circle are there?*) [23:22] there is only one demon summoning circle, it likely could be used for up to second in a pinch [23:23] * Vanal scartches his chin [23:23] "What the fuck could that bottom layer be ?" [23:24] "It would take some experimentation I think, but I am not about to start fiddling with unholy powers. [23:25] "Not here, not now." [23:25] "10-4 to that." [23:27] * Vanal exmaines the waall closely...particularly the boarded-up door [23:30] the door has not been removed, you realize you could probably push it open through the plaster, allowing for an unexpected escape route in an emergency, or maybe even a chance to flank intruders. careful examination shows that it was done like this so that you can't find out it was hollow by merely tapping on the walls. [23:31] * Vanal scowls...and pushes it open, pulling otu shakel just in case [23:33] * Cathak_T looks over his shoulder at what Vanal is doing. [23:33] "Door here." [23:34] you could force upon the door but it will require a healthy push [23:34] "Want me to open it ?" [23:35] * Cathak_T gets up draws his blade, "If you want." [23:36] * Vanal takes a step back, and BOOTS the door open, movie-cop style [23:37] the door opens into the room where it should, shattering plaster and drywall everywhere [23:39] * Vanal creeps in, daiklaive at the ready [23:39] "You with me on this one, hon ?" [23:40] * Cathak_T gives Vanal backup, "S.W.A.T." style. [23:43] you're back in the room you started with. Renig's desk is to your right. [23:44] "This is fucked-up." [23:46] well, it's kinda what I meant, i'm sorry to confuse you. [23:47] ___________________________ [23:47] | | | [23:47] | | | [23:47] | | | [23:47] | | | [23:47] | | | [23:47] ______xxx____| [23:47] | | [23:47] | | [23:47] | | [23:47] | | [23:47] | | [23:47] __________________________| [23:47] ack [23:47] "Ahhhh [23:47] I see [23:47] well you see the xxx are the secret door [23:51] * Cathak_T sheeths his sword and goes back to looking at trinkets. [23:51] there are many trinkets that I do not wish to describe because there are so many of them [23:51] However they are mostly trinkets, there are few swords or other obvious weapons and armor. [23:52] * Cathak_T is more interested in the ones made of the 5 magical materials and which materials they are made of. [23:52] * Storyteller shrugs, many of them will have been made with the 5mm, many of them not, it's probably about even [23:59] * Cathak_T takes the ones made of the 5mm and sets them out on the desk for further study. [23:59] * Storyteller shrugs, there's a lot of artifacts [00:00] "Tabius...I'm not doing any good in here. I'm going to see if I can get any specialists form the unit to help you." [00:01] "OK, I don't think that will be necessary though unless you want to pull in any more sorcerers." [00:01] "Dunno...I'll be at the barracks if you need me...paperwork waits for no man." [00:02] * Vanal heads out of the sewers and to his office [00:03] "now thats a spell I should make, PaperWork Effecting Enchantment." [00:04] * Cathak_T remains and studies the artifacts and trinkets. [00:09] Vanal returns to his barracks around 1 am to find renig and his scale gone, and maybe a hundred people locked up in the dungeonus. There seems to be little explanation but that "Tala said you'd want to see them." [00:10] * Vanal rubs his temples and stomps down to the stockade [00:10] there are a fair number of them, dressed for reveling and partying, though a few are still in armor. [00:12] "Okay, mind explaining to me why my bald companion had you all locked up ?" [00:12] one man is in the Iron Chair. [00:12] (that what ?) [00:12] or rather, the Iron Maiden [00:12] ...hold it...TORTURE?! [00:13] seems Renig left you a gift. a note tied onto it says "Something about cicada and trial and you figure out whose guilty. Enjoy! -Renig" [00:13] he hasn't been tortured yet [00:13] * Vanal reads the note [00:13] "Okay...explain. Now. Fast. Honest." [00:16] <*man_in_horrible_tortue_device*> 'I just wanted some fun! she wanted some fun! It was a good deal!" he insists. His face is covered with an iorn mask so you can't see his reaction, but it sounds horrified. [00:18] "Oh, sure, something for nothing I bet..." [00:19] "How many of you took part in this ? Who raped her ?" [00:19] <*man*> "She just wanted fun too... look I admit it got out of hand but we dealt with it ok! She was fine with it at first. I wouldn't have gone with otherwise!" [00:20] * Vanal pulls out his knife and slams it into the wall [00:20] "DEALT WITH IT ?!" [00:21] * *man* shudders but can't move, restrained as he is. [00:21] <*man*> "I told them to stop! They did! It's over, she's gone now. I. I didn't know she was a friend..." [00:21] * Vanal scowls and unlocks the guy form the iron maiden...if he's going to inflic tpain on the bastard, it'll be with his bare hands [00:22] * Vanal pulls him out by the collar and slams him against a wall [00:22] "She's not gone." [00:22] "She's in a hospital bed right now." [00:22] <*man*> "but... " [00:22] * *man* gulps [00:22] "But *what* ?! [00:23] <*man*> "dragons help me.." [00:23] "OUT WITH IT !" [00:24] <*man*> "it got out of control, ok? it was just me and Rassel, at first, ok? but other people wanted in, and she said it was ok.. but it was too much! She didn't realize what she was going into and they stopped taking no for an answer!" [00:25] * Vanal lets go of the man [00:25] "Who stopped taking no for an answer...show yourselves NOW !" [00:25] they're not movin' [00:27] "I will give those who participated 5 seconds to answer, or I will start placing people in *that*... [00:27] * Vanal points to the iron maiden [00:27] "Until every single one of you has gone through it and I am SURE those who raped her have suffered." [00:27] there is a large commotion.... [00:28] "ONE !" [00:28] "TWO !" [00:28] the crowd erupts into violance as they decide to settle the issue by force of mob. [00:28] at the end of about five minutes of fighting, about a dozen people have been volunteered as guilty. a mask that their faces sorely admits to having guilt in it. [00:29] * Vanal scowls [00:29] "And mob rule selects the victims." [00:30] "You call yourselves legionnares." [00:30] * Vanal scoffs [00:30] * Vanal steps out of the cell [00:30] * Vanal locks it [00:30] "I will see you all tomorrow. And we will work out exactly who shall be punished for this." [00:30] more arguing [00:30] and shouting [00:31] and fighting [00:31] "SILENCE !" [00:31] and silence! [00:31] "YOU'RE *SOLDIERS*...ACT LIKE YOU'RE DESERVING OF THAT TITLE !" [00:31] * Vanal turns aorudn and leaves the prison [00:32] "Fuck, fuck fuck fuck FUCK !" [00:33] * Vanal punches the wall so hard it cracks [00:33] they at least manage to keep quiet this time. [00:35] * Vanal goes into his office to toss back many, many drinks...and pass out on his desk [00:35] and so passes this night..... [00:43] err..whoops [00:44] * Vanal blinks blearily as he comes to [00:45] coming to will be handled tommarow.. this kinda took a lot out of me on multiple levels. [00:46] ah [00:50] Tomorrow == next game? [00:57] always [00:57] [you can tell when the plot is moving by when I make that mistake] [00:59] hrrrrm.... [00:59] Out of curiosity, does my "Animals like me" charm work on beastwomen? [00:59] yes, that charm would work on beastwomen [00:59] It might be nice to only have to fight Bloom. Oh, huzzah. Session Close: Sun Jun 29 01:11:22 2003