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Green Flame Rising (Exalted vs Dresden Files)

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uju32 said:
1)No, that makes no sense.
Dresden had no obvious involvement with the Thule Society besides Gorfels arrest and processing. He didnt even capture the man; that was Molly and Michael. Mab had him looking for Arawn.

Furthermore, this entire thing was done in a way that screamed shapeshifter to any White Council team or informed supernatural.
Even the Deadalus newbies recognized it smelled.

It was in framing Dresden that they actually drew Dresden and Molly's attention.
If they'd simply kept the naagloshii in reserve at the museum, Kattrin would have had backup, and Dresdn would have had no warning before he showed up there
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Dresden is a warden commander of White Council in the area. Removing him from equation when a major event goes down is just logical. Nothing personally to do with him.

And it didn't matter if it would draw Dresden's attention (which it didn't - he didn't investigate for more than two months, and only learned of naagloshii and it impersonating Thomas in the first place from Molly) post factum. He was removed from equation for the time-sensitive period. That's mission successful.
uju32 said:
2)Its not an assumption. Its a theory informed by the available facts.

The naagloshii went to the trouble of moving Greene's body from the Murder Site A to Studio Site B for dismemberment underneath a set of cameras and then to dispose of it at Dump Site C under another set of cameras.
All of this to frame Dresden. Significant amount of effort.

You dont do all that shit, whiff, and still hang around in the same city for cocktails.
Dresden might not be the ONLY target of the naagloshii; its quite likely that he has other goals to accomplish as well.
But he was a target from the very beginning.
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It's one of the possible explanations, but not a very plausible one.
 
Unfair to put Harry on the spot like this. Perhaps we disagree with his choice here. Perhaps he was just too busy or mentioning it slipped his mind.
He can make his choices. We can make ours.
In any case there is no need to make a production of it. All that will do is increase the level of fear and drama. Mention it as a heads up to Murphy, but then move on. We have a ton to do, so does Harry, and so does Murphy.

[X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it

Plus do you think Harry can do a better job of explaining this then us the Exalted?
 
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The simplest explanation for naagloshii's actions is that it was hired to remove Dresden from equation without killing him (fighting and/or killing a man of Dresden's reputation would have cost extra, likely). It did its job. It didn't support Kattrin directly in the museum because that too would have cost extra. It stuck around because it sensed Molly / Lydia and wants a bite, or for some other reason.
 
Votes tied. Those who are voting Yog may want to approval vote.
Adhoc vote count started by Yzarc on Feb 9, 2023 at 3:28 AM, finished with 84 posts and 30 votes.
  • [X] Writein: Call Harry and tell him to tell her, or you will
    -[X]Empathy Excellency
    -[X]STUNT: "Harry" you interrupt, elbows on the table between you. "Look. I understand the reasoning. I do. Im not even disputing that its sometimes necessary. Its just that in this case, you're not thinking this through. This...critter" you avoid using the name, "is aimed at you, and as both Chicago's spookyside cop and a known associate of yours for several years, that puts her in the line of fire. I mean, she went to Arctis Tor." You let that statement hang for a moment then continue "The preponderance of evidence suggests she has need to know, even if only so she knows when to tell her people to run away."You pause as another Burger King patron walks past your table, waiting until they are out of earshot before continuing. "Besides, think of how you'd feel if I'd said nothing to you when I figured it out." As he begins to look conflicted, you press your rehetorical advantage. "You trusted her enough to have your back when you came into the heart of Winter's power for my dumbass. Trust that she isnt dumb enough to go looking for an immortal spectre of terror."
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] Empathy excellency to impress the danger of confronting it without scaring her too much.
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
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All else aside, the more we deal with Naagloshii stuff the more I kind of want to farm them for exp go on a road trip to put a lid on them at some point once we're strong enough.

We're one of the few that could, and these guys are all assholes; the ones that weren't left with the Native American gods.
JayTar said:
Unfair to put Harry on the spot like this. Perhaps we disagree with his choice here. Perhaps he was just too busy or mentioning it slipped his mind.
He can make his choices. We can make ours.
In any case there is no need to make a production of it. All that will do is increase the level of fear and drama. Mention it as a heads up to Murphy, but then move on. We have a ton to do, so does Harry, and so does Murphy.

[X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it

Plus do you think Harry can do a better job of explaining this then us the Exalted?
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I don't think we're literally calling him on the spot, we're arranging for him to explain it later. Note that the stunt happens in a BK, not Murphy's office.
 
BronzeTongue said:
All else aside, the more we deal with Naagloshii stuff the more I kind of want to farm them for exp go on a road trip to put a lid on them at some point once we're strong enough.

We're one of the few that could, and these guys are all assholes; the ones that weren't left with the Native American gods.
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As Usum points out, however, they aren't pure evil. I think redeeming a naagloshii would be a good trial run and learning exrcise for redeeming a fallen (Lasciel, I am talking about Lasciel). More xp too. Shame we don't have a way to keep it contained where we would keep battering it with social charms and excellencies.
 
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BronzeTongue said:
I don't think we're literally calling him on the spot, we're arranging for him to explain it later. Note that the stunt happens in a BK, not Murphy's office.
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"Put on the spot" metaphorically.
"Tell her or I tell her" escalates the whole thing. Harry's actions, or lack of action are his own choices.
We can disagree with the choices he makes, and make our own choices. But trying to force him to make the choices we want him to make is poor form for a friend. Especially doing so in such a way.
If we think he made the wrong choice we can discuss it with him after. But not by confronting him like this.
 
Yog said:
As Usum points out, however, they aren't pure evil. I think redeeming a naagloshii would be a good trial run and learning exrcise for redeeming a fallen (Lasciel, I am talking about Lasciel). Shame we don't have a way to keep it contained where we would keep battering it with social charms and excellencies.
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Where does Usum say that? Even if he's right I doubt it'd be that easy.
 
Artemis1992 said:
Possible. Unfortunatly Jim never disclosed what exactly Shagnasty got for this job, AFAIK, so it might just be that the Raiths have something Naagloshii in general are interested in that they can trade for a service.
In canon they did so for the job in Turncoat, now they have some other priority.

And Madrigal is still in deep shit with Lara if it ever comes out how much of the Raith's network has been exposed by an agent he was handling.
I'm pretty sure if we ever use all that evidence the fi
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Jim has hinted that it wasnt Madison who hired the Shagnasty in canon. Insufficient juice for dealing with an immortal spirit of terror. It barely found Lara to be worth its time, and Lara was de facto White Queen.
Madison is a minion, a valuable minion, but a minion.

Its whoever she was working for.
Same here.
Look for who Madrigal and Madison are working for.

Yog said:
Dresden is a warden commander of White Council in the area. Removing him from equation when a major event goes down is just logical. Nothing personally to do with him.

And it didn't matter if it would draw Dresden's attention (which it didn't - he didn't investigate for more than two months, and only learned of naagloshii and it impersonating Thomas in the first place from Molly) post factum. He was removed from equation for the time-sensitive period. That's mission successful.
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1)The fact that Lictor had prescoped a snipers lookout overlooking Dresden's apartment made it clear that plan A was to murder him.That only fell through because they had to expose it during the Gorfels bust. The naagloshii plan appears to be plan B.
And I havent actually forgotten the attempted magical ambush we faced outside his apartment after rescuing Cindy and Lydia.


2)Dude, even the Whampires, even Daedalus recognized that it was a hostile shapeshifter.
Lots of shifters, so it takes time to narrow things down.


3)We dont know that Harry hasnt been investigating; we arent actually privy to what he does for most of his day except when its relevant to us. We have a Crown to cheat with; he has to take time. He canonically spent weeks or months investigating the aftermath of the Splattercon events, and the mysterious person who put Molly in mind of using mind magic to fix addiction.

Said person had vanished into thin air. Which is HARD against a person of Dresden's resources.


4)That would only be true if the bloody naagloshii had immediately left the area.
It didnt. Instead we're hearing rumors of what sounds like its continuing activity in the Chicago area.

Yog said:
It's one of the possible explanations, but not a very plausible one.
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Your opinion, of course.
I obviously do not agree.

JayTar said:
Unfair to put Harry on the spot like this. Perhaps we disagree with his choice here. Perhaps he was just too busy or mentioning it slipped his mind.
He can make his choices. We can make ours.
In any case there is no need to make a production of it. All that will do is increase the level of fear and drama. Mention it as a heads up to Murphy, but then move on. We have a ton to do, so does Harry, and so does Murphy.

[X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it

Plus do you think Harry can do a better job of explaining this then us the Exalted?
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1)Strongly disagree.
If you think your friend is fucking up, the first thing a friend would do is check them in private.
You dont go ahead and blow up one of their relationships without regards to fallout.

Dresden hasnt told Rosie that Molly did black magic to her, has he?


2)Yes, actually. I suspect he can. To Murphy at least.

She's his friend. His closest vanilla friend, of less than five people I can think of. She has risked her life on his word, not once but several times. She literally followed him into Arctis Tor. Similarly, he has risked his life for her multiple times. There are going to be DC modifierss and Intimacy bonuses to any social rolls between them that we have no way of currently matching.

Furthermore, he actually knows what naagloshii are from the mouths of tribal shamans. He knows the reasonable limits of what to share without undue risk, and she trusts his judgement enough not to press too much if he warns against it.
We only know what Harry told us, and our instincts are calibrated for Exalts and Sword bearers.
 
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JayTar said:
"Put on the spot" metaphorically.
"Tell her or I tell her" escalates the whole thing. Harry's actions, or lack of action are his own choices.
We can disagree with the choices he makes, and make our own choices. But trying to force him to make the choices we want him to make is poor form for a friend. Especially doing so in such a way.
If we think he made the wrong choice we can discuss it with him after. But not by confronting him like this.
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His choices are his own sure, but that doesn't mean everyone else has to silently stand around and watch him screw up without saying something.

All we'd be doing is informing him in advance of what we're planning to do. If that's putting him on the spot then telling Murphy without giving him the chance to correct a mistake that could significantly strain their relationship is too.
 
BronzeTongue said:
Where does Usum say that? Even if he's right I doubt it'd be that easy.
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I dont recall that claim either.
And given as neither Molly nor Usum knew what a naagloshii was after we saw it with the Crown, I would have....doubts about whatever his assessment of either a naagloshii or a Fallen angel was.

Current tally:
Adhoc vote count started by uju32 on Feb 9, 2023 at 4:07 AM, finished with 91 posts and 30 votes.
  • [X] Writein: Call Harry and tell him to tell her, or you will
    -[X]Empathy Excellency
    -[X]STUNT: "Harry" you interrupt, elbows on the table between you. "Look. I understand the reasoning. I do. Im not even disputing that its sometimes necessary. Its just that in this case, you're not thinking this through. This...critter" you avoid using the name, "is aimed at you, and as both Chicago's spookyside cop and a known associate of yours for several years, that puts her in the line of fire. I mean, she went to Arctis Tor." You let that statement hang for a moment then continue "The preponderance of evidence suggests she has need to know, even if only so she knows when to tell her people to run away."You pause as another Burger King patron walks past your table, waiting until they are out of earshot before continuing. "Besides, think of how you'd feel if I'd said nothing to you when I figured it out." As he begins to look conflicted, you press your rehetorical advantage. "You trusted her enough to have your back when you came into the heart of Winter's power for my dumbass. Trust that she isnt dumb enough to go looking for an immortal spectre of terror."
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] Empathy excellency to impress the danger of confronting it without scaring her too much.
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
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uju32 said:
1)Strongly disagree.
If you think your friend is fucking up, the first thing a friend would do is check them in private.
You dont go ahead and blow up one of their relationships without regards to fallout.

Dresden hasnt told Rosie that Molly did black magic to her, has he?


2)Yes, actually. I suspect he can.

She's his friend. His closest vanilla friend, of less than five people I can think of. She has risked her life on his word, not once but several times. She literally followed him into Arctis Tor. Similarly, he has risked his life for her multiple times.
There are going to be DC modifierss and Intimacy bonuses to any social rolls between them that we have no way of currently matching.

Furthermore, he actually knows what naagloshii are. He can point her at Native American contacts if mecessary.
We only know what Harry told us
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2) Okay fair

1) There is an difference here.
Yes Harry probably should have told her, but it's not a betrayal on the scale of black magic. Going to him first is fine... Hmm. Okay I think I've manged to articulate why I don't like the write it.

Specifically it's the opening bit of "tell him to tell her, or you will". It puts Harry on the defensive, dictating terms to him. If we really want to go to him as a friend to help solve his mess, we should be opening with "I think you should tell her" not "You will tell her or else".
Yes we disagree with his choice. But his choice is not so fundamentally unreasonable that it is impossible to understand why he made it. There are legitimate reasons why not to tell her. Now we don't think those reasons are enough to outweigh the reasons to tell her, but it's understandable how Harry could have made a different choice.

Going to him and saying "You will do what I think or else I will blow up one of your relationships" is bad. Would we appreciate it if Dresden came to us and said that we need to tell Rosie or else he will?
 
JayTar said:
2) Okay fair

1) There is an difference here.
Yes Harry probably should have told her, but it's not a betrayal on the scale of black magic. Going to him first is fine... Hmm. Okay I think I've manged to articulate why I don't like the write it.

Specifically it's the opening bit of "tell him to tell her, or you will". It puts Harry on the defensive, dictating terms to him. If we really want to go to him as a friend to help solve his mess, we should be opening with "I think you should tell her" not "You will tell her or else".
Yes we disagree with his choice. But his choice is not so fundamentally unreasonable that it is impossible to understand why he made it. There are legitimate reasons why not to tell her. Now we don't think those reasons are enough to outweigh the reasons to tell her, but it's understandable how Harry could have made a different choice.

Going to him and saying "You will do what I think or else I will blow up one of your relationships" is bad. Would we appreciate it if Dresden came to us and said that we need to tell Rosie or else he will?
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1)Molly acted in ignorance, not malice.
I wouldnt actually be surprised if Rose had no problem with it, given as it likely prevented drug exposure to her child.

That said?
Make no mistake, we are making decisions for Rosie as well, because we have more information than she does.
So its worth keeping that in mind.


2) Im certainly not arguing that his choices are fundamentally unreasonable.
There are other occasions where I'd be backing him. Im just arguing that in this specific case, he's wrong.

I dont actually have a problem giving him an ultimatum here, to his face. After explaining the reasoning.
There are occasions where you, as a friend, are justified in laying down ultimatums. He did the same to Molly in canon.
Several times.

Its much better to engage him openly than ignoring him altogether and talking to Murphy, when he's the source of our information on naagloshii in the first place. That risks damaging both our working relationship with him and his with Murphy a lot more than a private argument about need to know.

===
Note that every voter is essentially saying we should ensure she finds out.
My vote is the only one that attempts to have Dresden break the news instead of us, in order to minimize social friction.

They're each other's closest friends, and both have highrisk jobs that limit socialization.
We shouldnt be making choices that wilfully increase their isolation from each other.
 
uju32 said:
Molly acted in ignorance, not malice.
I wouldnt actually be surprised if Rose had no problem with it, given as it likely prevented drug exposure to her child.
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Let's not go justifying Molly or putting words in her victim's mouth here.

It's worth keeping in mind that as far as Dresden and the white council are concerned forcing mind magic on someone is basically magic powered rape. It's never really said explicitly, but the metaphor is so overt it might as well be.

The context is different because of what was actually being done* but the consequences for Rosie are significant, permanent, and possibly degenerative. Being mentally altered tends to make the person's subconscious futilely fight back, like a wounded animal thrashing around and making an injury worse. Might not be the case here, but it's a legitimate worry that Rosie has to deal with now.

She has every right, and nearly every reason, to throw Molly's good intentions back in her face. She just can't because Molly is the last person in her corner; which I'm sure will be great for her mental health.

We'll probably work something out, because we have to one way or another, but I think it's important to avoid underplaying exactly what Molly did, whatever her reason were for it, and the consequences of her actions for other people.

*compared to other uses of mind magic.
 
uju32 said:
*checks*
Nah. Resplendent Crane arhat Jade Rose. Which means Dharma 10 or ∞.
The exact quote is "and its contents closed forever the third eye of the Resplendent Crane arhat Jade Rose."
Source is Thousand Hells page 108.

Imagine how bad to fuck up someone who had already achieved Enlightenment.
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Thst doesn't mean they fell, it means that the arhat tried to use a Chi'iu Muh power in the book and it backfired, making them lose the ability to us that discipline.

Opening the third eye is a manifestation of that discipline.
 
Looking at the stunt being proposed I do not think it substantively changes and it does not limit future action.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Feb 9, 2023 at 6:04 AM, finished with 97 posts and 31 votes.
  • [X] Writein: Call Harry and tell him to tell her, or you will
    -[X]Empathy Excellency
    -[X]STUNT: "Harry" you interrupt, elbows on the table between you. "Look. I understand the reasoning. I do. Im not even disputing that its sometimes necessary. Its just that in this case, you're not thinking this through. This...critter" you avoid using the name, "is aimed at you, and as both Chicago's spookyside cop and a known associate of yours for several years, that puts her in the line of fire. I mean, she went to Arctis Tor." You let that statement hang for a moment then continue "The preponderance of evidence suggests she has need to know, even if only so she knows when to tell her people to run away."You pause as another Burger King patron walks past your table, waiting until they are out of earshot before continuing. "Besides, think of how you'd feel if I'd said nothing to you when I figured it out." As he begins to look conflicted, you press your rehetorical advantage. "You trusted her enough to have your back when you came into the heart of Winter's power for my dumbass. Trust that she isnt dumb enough to go looking for an immortal spectre of terror."
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] Empathy excellency to impress the danger of confronting it without scaring her too much.
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
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BronzeTongue said:
Where does Usum say that? Even if he's right I doubt it'd be that easy.
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uju32 said:
I dont recall that claim either.
And given as neither Molly nor Usum knew what a naagloshii was after we saw it with the Crown, I would have....doubts about whatever his assessment of either a naagloshii or a Fallen angel was.
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Here:
DragonParadox said:
"Shapechanger yes, old and dark and cruel, pure evil..." That is not entirely true, mistress, Usum interjects. If it were pure evil it would have no need to be performative about its cruelty, it would have no reason to try to break others into being more like itself.
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Yog said:
Here:
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Fair, I'd forgotten that. I would say that the difference is just but enough to make the alloy worse than the base material so to speak. It's also a matter of perspective on some level.

My read of that is that Usum is saying the Naagloshii are aware that they're debased, and that this fact is the reason they're so delighted to break people in the same way they're broken.

You could say that that awareness of their vileness is proof there's something redeemable in them, but it's equally true to say thaf it demonstrates that they're knowingly evil rather than mindlessly so.
 
BronzeTongue said:
Fair, I'd forgotten that. I would say that the difference is just but enough to make the alloy worse than the base material so to speak. It's also a matter of perspective on some level.

My read of that is that Usum is saying the Naagloshii are aware that they're debased, and that this fact is the reason they're so delighted to break people in the same way they're broken.

You could say that that awareness of their vileness is proof there's something redeemable in them, but it's equally true to say thaf it demonstrates that they're knowingly evil rather than mindlessly so.
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The point is that redeeming it is an exalt-worthy task. Killing it is comparatively easy. Making it turn back on its vileness is much harder.
 
Winning Vote
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Feb 9, 2023 at 6:04 AM, finished with 97 posts and 31 votes.
  • [X] Writein: Call Harry and tell him to tell her, or you will
    -[X]Empathy Excellency
    -[X]STUNT: "Harry" you interrupt, elbows on the table between you. "Look. I understand the reasoning. I do. Im not even disputing that its sometimes necessary. Its just that in this case, you're not thinking this through. This...critter" you avoid using the name, "is aimed at you, and as both Chicago's spookyside cop and a known associate of yours for several years, that puts her in the line of fire. I mean, she went to Arctis Tor." You let that statement hang for a moment then continue "The preponderance of evidence suggests she has need to know, even if only so she knows when to tell her people to run away."You pause as another Burger King patron walks past your table, waiting until they are out of earshot before continuing. "Besides, think of how you'd feel if I'd said nothing to you when I figured it out." As he begins to look conflicted, you press your rehetorical advantage. "You trusted her enough to have your back when you came into the heart of Winter's power for my dumbass. Trust that she isnt dumb enough to go looking for an immortal spectre of terror."
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] Empathy excellency to impress the danger of confronting it without scaring her too much.
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
    [X] Yes, she deserves to know and who knows if those people from the Library of Congress have her back maybe she can do something about it
    -[X] STUNT: You scratch the back of your head, looking embarrassed and apologetic: "Yeah, about that..." you shift your posture, this time looking serious: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's something you literally nuke the site from orbit to deal with, for it's the only way to be sure. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup"
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Arc 5 Post 34: Of Faceless Fear
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    • Of Faceless Fear ​

    28th of September 2006 A.D.

    Glancing at Lydia you find her looking back at you with the same uncomfortable expression. Should we tell her? the look seems to ask, the answer already clear in the gesture. With a sigh you turn back to the detective: "Yeah about that..." She does not say anything, great posture, you are sure she's really good at interrogation, but those skills are not needed here as you continue: "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is one in the city right now. Has been for months, it seems. It's called a naagloshii, and it's not something you can deal with by conventional means. Unless you have Navajo medicine men in the force, or can call one from another department that is. Then I'd appreciate backup."

    "Like the werewolf?" she asks tightly.

    It takes you a moment to realize what she is referring to from Bob's stories, that time a Loup Garou had torn up a police station before Harry killed him.

    "If anything worse, as strong and fast and equally impervious to mundane weapons, but also skilled in sorcery as only something that had been practicing it for millennia can be."

    "What kind of sorcery?" The notepad practically materializes in her hands, if you did not see the way her knuckles tighten about the pen you would think she is talking this whole thing in stride.

    "Shapeshifting and veils are a given, other than that, depends on what magicians it devoured,"

    "It's after Harry." The words are markedly not a question. Her forehead creases with well worn lines of stress, making you really wish Usum had kept his suggestions to himself

    "Most likely but this thing isn't mindlessly gorging itself, it framed him back in July to get him out of the way when the Red Room murders were taking place."

    "It's working for someone else..." She trails off, pen hovering over paper, contemplating perhaps what might be giving orders to something 'like a loup garou with magic' at its beck and call.

    "It could just be doing all this for its own entertainment," Lydia cuts in. "As I understand it fear is the coin their breed deals in, Warden Dresden is an important piece on the board of the White Council, removing him would ripple inward across the whole of the conflict, breathing terror into the thoughts of many strong of mind and magic."

    "A magical sadist shapeshifter." Setting down the pen with a clink Lieutenant Murphy ponders you and Lydia for a moment. There is more than worry in that look, more than just the concern for what the skinwalker might do, the shadow of old hurts not yet healed. "And you are planning to kill it with a sword."

    Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 11/12

    "And fire, it's traditional," you quip, trying to lighten the mood. Alas it lands with a thud. "If I can find some way to nail its feet to the floor and keep it from veiling I'm betting I can kill it," you add more seriously.

    Rather than answer to you the detective turns to Lydia. "You still think the ghost dance is a good idea knowing that thing is out there? If it's after Harry and it likes to terrify its victims it might go after people he knows."

    "Everything I said about Bachelor's Grove is still true and short of never passing beyond my own threshold there isn't much I can do to make myself safer from a naagloshii in the short run."

    "And in the long run?" She does not entirely sound like she wants the answer, but it too professional not to ask.

    "At the right time, in the right place even deathless things may die," your friend replies with cold certainty that needs no artifice of speech. Looks like I found some more of that backup. She licks her lips nervously then decides to add. "My father is in some ways alike in power, though most unalike in character. He's not here right now so I'll have to do my best."

    The lieutenant mutters something under her breath, you catch her taking the Lord's name in vain and the word 'children', which is very unfair, you are almost eighteen, three more months to go. At least she does not try to order you to stay out of trouble, perhaps because she understands how counterproductive it is to give an order she knows won't be followed. She promises to be there tomorrow night then bids the both of you a curt goodbye.

    The door had not even closed behind you when she picks up her phone.

    What do you dress like and who if anyone do you invite to the dance of the dead?

    [] Write in

    OOC: This is Molly's first chance to dress up in the quest so I thought I'd give you a chance to do a character moment. Also the story works better with a break here.
     
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