[Exalted] Protectors of the River Province OOC

[The Nomad]

Okay so we have 4 players so far:

SirNitram: Orduin Kaval, Twilight fixer in powered armor
Lady Tevar: Tahalsa Teamhair, Changing Moon spy
rhoenix: Kolth Inzeti, Night woodsman
Marcao: Yevela Sharas, Dawn admiral...

That should be sufficient to sustain a game. Anyone else interested?

You can think of more detailed backgrounds: what was your life before your Exaltation, the circumstances of said exaltation, what you've been doing since then, how did you get your various backgrounds, your artefacts' name and an anecdote related to it or a distinctive sign (if any), which other player characters you know and how did you come to know them... Everything could be integrated into the campaign

[rhoenix]

You can think of more detailed backgrounds: what was your life before your Exaltation, the circumstances of said exaltation, what you've been doing since then, how did you get your various backgrounds, your artefacts' name and an anecdote related to it or a distinctive sign (if any), which other player characters you know and how did you come to know them... Everything could be integrated into the campaign

Yeah, that's the easy part, unfortunately...

[LadyTevar]

You can think of more detailed backgrounds: what was your life before your Exaltation, the circumstances of said exaltation, what you've been doing since then, how did you get your various backgrounds, your artefacts' name and an anecdote related to it or a distinctive sign (if any), which other player characters you know and how did you come to know them... Everything could be integrated into the campaign

Yeah, that's the easy part, unfortunately...

Personally, I hate writing Background. My Characters don't like to talk about themselves until I start playing, and then they start revealing their pasts via RP.

[rhoenix]

Personally, I hate writing Background. My Characters don't like to talk about themselves until I start playing, and then they start revealing their pasts via RP.

Ah, I know what you mean there. For me though, inspiration can strike about background at pretty much any point, up to and including during RP.

This character has been brewing since I wrote my first full-length story, so his background is the easy part. Admittedly, I'll be taking some creative liberties.

[LadyTevar]

Well... Teamhair Tahalshia has some background already. She's a template that I've dropped in a couple games, so I know how she'll act (to a point), and I know she's going to have memories of Orduin as her Solar.

Whether they've met at this point, Nit and I've not decided.

[rhoenix]

In the 1st Edition Player's Guide, there were some additional Melee Charms that together comprised a two-weapon melee style called Steel Devil Style. Is this still available in any form, or is it just simply gone in 2nd Edition?

Also, I'm leaning toward Ebon Shadow style for my character's initial martial art, and bought the corresponding Artifact for it. These are subject to change, but they're excellent placeholders for now. Apart from that, my character is nearly done now.

EDIT: I am now finished with the character sheet, pending review.

[The Nomad]

It's better if you can give me some of the background elements I just asked - I hate to create campaigns in a vacuum, so to speak, and often try to integrate character background elements into the metaplot. I like "character-driven" plots, if you get my meaning - sounds more "heroic" this way.

About the Steel Devil Style, I don't recall seeing anything like it... There's a high Essence Solar Charm in Dreams of the First Age which provides significant benefits to 2-weapons fighters, but that's about all I recall.

[rhoenix]

It's better if you can give me some of the background elements I just asked - I hate to create campaigns in a vacuum, so to speak, and often try to integrate character background elements into the metaplot. I like "character-driven" plots, if you get my meaning - sounds more "heroic" this way.

That's fine, I was going to finish that up today, since I managed to get the mechanical stuff done last night (hurrah, the character sheet is done). There are two or three possible histories for this character - I'll PM you after I get to work here in about two hours.

About the Steel Devil Style, I don't recall seeing anything like it... There's a high Essence Solar Charm in Dreams of the First Age which provides significant benefits to 2-weapons fighters, but that's about all I recall.

Those are probably the same ones. Well, thank you - I think my character will do just fine with his Chain Daiklaive for now.

[rhoenix]

Background and Character History is now finished, which should complete my character, barring any suggestions from others.

[LadyTevar]

Ok... after talking Exalted with Nitram all the way up to his doctor's appointment and back, I've got the idea of a background, and I'm adding it to her Sheet now.

[Marcao]

If all goes well I should have a passable background and information on his artifacts up by later tonight.

I think Yvela is pretty much finalized at this point. Hope you guys enjoy the background.

[Marcao]

I am still trying to figure out what background if any my character has with any of the others currently in play. I am coming up empty, so if anyone has the urge or interest to know my character send me a pm and we can work something out that will be mutually beneficial.

[rhoenix]

I am still trying to figure out what background if any my character has with any of the others currently in play. I am coming up empty, so if anyone has the urge or interest to know my character send me a pm and we can work something out that will be mutually beneficial.

Given the small number of people playing so far, I've been having difficulties with this myself. That said, I am trying to convince Fickety to join.

It would be entirely possible that our characters wouldn't have met or later on possibly becoming friends or compatriots without experiencing the Exaltation, but still.

My character would likely have wandered a fair bit after Exalting, so it's possible he could have run into any of the PC's here. Maybe not probable, but certainly possible.

[The Nomad]

Ok, Marcao's character has been approved, rhoenix's is well on the way, I've asked The Gream Squeaker if he still wants to join in.


LadyT: do you want to work out your pet kingdom with me? (and Nitram of course, if he wants to help) or is your character working solo at the time of the game?

Nitram: is the General Staff aware of Orduin Kaval's nature? Do you plan to have him working "solo" for his own goals or do you plan to drag his Gens, or even Lookshy and the Seventh Legion into the fray (which could be fun, but somewhat hard to manage ;) )?

[SirNitram]

The General Staff is aware(As is, naturally, his unit of fellow Commandos). Beyond that I imagine it's a 'Need To Know' basis: His chain of command will know, a few other power players in Lookshy, and those necessary to contact him.

I had imagined they were responding to the half of the Lookshy Anathema Distrust that factors in: While he's loyal to Lookshy, he is still a potential problem due to power or PR. As a result, he's 'solo' unless they have a 'Situation'.

In exchange for this plot hook, I want to redo the sheet with Lookshy backgrounds where appropriate. If that's not workable, I can simply leave it but with looser reigns. He'll respond to Gondor's Call For Aid, but if he's 'off the record' supplied/equipped, there's a more pressing reason to help.

[The Nomad]

Be my guest, add some more personal background (unless it was in another post and I missed it) as well.

I think I'll make it mechanics light except when Charms are involved, and even then it will only be indicative. If I don't know what to do, I'll roll the dice, and interpret the results that best fit drama and plot progression. We'll still have to track down Essence, however.

If you don't mind, I'll use a color code for the various languages (ex. Riverspeak, Old Ream, High Realm, Firetongue, [OOC:...],...). All of you can speak Riverspeak (will make my task simpler) but can't use any Charm or spell based on that language unless you pay the cost for learning it.

Two characters have expressed the notion that they do not know each other from the beginning, so as to RP the building of a Solar/Lunar bond. Are the others ok with it?

Now, on to find a reason for having you meet... Mmmmh Sidereal fate-mojo! Just kidding

[SirNitram]

Reposting with changed. Arsenal frees up some dots, shifted to Melee since we have martial artists and melee is more forgiving with armor.

[LadyTevar]

Tevar and Orduin knew each other in the past... they just haven't bumped into each other in the Current Age. Memories will be ... scattered.

[The Nomad]

SirNitram, have you updated your background? I have an idea that would bring together the three other players, but I'm a bit at a loss about how to introduce you.

At any rate, the game should start soon. I've got an idea for a short introductory story arc, after this it will be up to you to decide what it is you want to do (I'd rather avoid the as-of-yet unpublished official setting elements of the East, South and North, but if you want some exotic tone, just let me some time to cook up a small setting.)

[Marcao]

I don't have an issue with Tev's and Nit's character not knowing each other. I will reach out to Rhoenix and see if my character and his own have some history as to make integration into the story a bit easier. I have to ask though, how much of a focus is Lookshy going to be? I understand that by virtue of being in the Scavenger Lands, Lookshy is going to be an issue but the idea of being a Lookshian agent is not something I am thrilled about. If that is the going to be one of the main thrusts of the story, my character is going to have issues with it.

[Marcao]

SirNitram, have you updated your background? I have an idea that would bring together the three other players, but I'm a bit at a loss about how to introduce you.

At any rate, the game should start soon. I've got an idea for a short introductory story arc, after this it will be up to you to decide what it is you want to do (I'd rather avoid the as-of-yet unpublished official setting elements of the East, South and North, but if you want some exotic tone, just let me some time to cook up a small setting.)

What idea you got? Spill it man! :P

[rhoenix]

After a talk with Marcao, we agreed that his character has likely needed a reliable and fast courier from time to time, which Kolth would be good at doing.

This isn't much more than a casual friendship, but it certainly would be familiarity.

[SirNitram]

I'm open to additions to the background to speed the introduction.

[rhoenix]

I'm open to additions to the background to speed the introduction.

My character's most-frequented spot for courier work is Lookshy. Perhaps it's possible your character and mine have run into one another a few times in the recent past.

[The Nomad]

SirNitram, have you updated your background? I have an idea that would bring together the three other players, but I'm a bit at a loss about how to introduce you.

At any rate, the game should start soon. I've got an idea for a short introductory story arc, after this it will be up to you to decide what it is you want to do (I'd rather avoid the as-of-yet unpublished official setting elements of the East, South and North, but if you want some exotic tone, just let me some time to cook up a small setting.)

What idea you got? Spill it man! :P

It's a bit cliché, but don't worry, after saving your first kingdom (or not...), you will be free to decide your own pursuits. I presume it's my fault for not giving guidelines and working from disparate backgrounds, but nobody's perfect