Update's going to need a bit more time to cook, since I need to try and sketch out the opening plotline in earnest before I get back in the swing of things. Should be ready to start writing for Wednesday evening.
In the meantime, the Front Page is now up to date except for Intimacies, which will be introduced with the first few updates.
So I know that Alchemicals don't learn Charms, they install them, so how are we ever supposed to gain new Charms without access to Autochthonian infrastructure?
So I know that Alchemicals don't learn Charms, they install them, so how are we ever supposed to gain new Charms without access to Autochthonian infrastructure?
So I know that Alchemicals don't learn Charms, they install them, so how are we ever supposed to gain new Charms without access to Autochthonian infrastructure?
Life since the initial chaos of your awakening has been… Good? Comfortable? Busy? All of those words are entirely appropriate, as the lack of an immediate impending crisis has left you little to do except… Well, march around, make a scene, and just generally be a scary intimidating figure standing by Lady Bryn as she shows the flag–she had a pretty little uniform and everything that helped her look all professional. Which was a good thing, because most of the Exalted rulership of the city of Rosalia was busy being mostly dead.
Everything's still very much in flux you understand, and this has left you with no small amount of time to do some woolgathering, and take long, refreshing naps in one of the leftover rooms once it was cleaned out from the previous owner–which says something a little grim about the current state of the nation but it worked out well for you in the end, and so your morning routine had been set into motion. Waking up from where you had curled up under soft sheets on a comfortably squishy bed, a short time of doing some exercises to stay nice and limber, then stepping up into your chassis and getting your hair tied up back. So created your image of a pale, yellow-eyed enforcer, expression partially hidden by black bangs, giving a hint of mystery and obscurity.
The truth of the matter is that your hair was supposed to completely cover your face, providing an impartial mask to the world so that none would be able to guess your intentions, but Lady Bryn cut some of it off while you were still napping and it's just become too much of a hassle to grow it back, especially with keeping it balanced with the better part of a year's growth needed to catch back up. It's just a losing prospect all around, and it probably was a better idea to keep that window open. Scaring people is important, but doing so only for the people who need to be scared is even more important.
Your Essence surged as your chassis sealed up, ancient mechanisms igniting as your body altered its relation to the pull of Earth, filing for an exemption with the spirits of the realm for yourself and your armaments–and so it was that your balance shifted, the stilts that made up the lower six inches of your armor no longer something that requires constant attention to avoid wobbling. Another important element that had fortunately not been altered by your nosy Employer was the necessity to be able to meet the majority of the human populace at eye level, compromising with the scarcity of the magical material that made up your integrated artifice meant that compromises needed to be put into play–and if it requires adding that extra six inches while standing en pointe when in your regalia so that you're not looking up to everyone? Well, that's what your magic is for.
You were, unfortunately, a 'Shorty' when stripped down to your epidermis. Alas. None must know, or your image will be forever tarnished. You will no longer be an elegant executioner in that case, and that will impact your ability to protect the people and enforce the Law in a detrimental and irrevocable fashion.
Get Equipped With: Arbiter Chassis Heavy Armor, Buoyant, Silent, the exoskeleton paired with Arbiter of Iron Law, interacting with her Personal Gravity Manipulation Apparatus to be mostly free of difficult trade-offs. Increases her Soak by 2, but provides a -1 Success Penalty with regards to activities requiring precise mobility or endurance, though moving silently and swimming are not affected. As a compensation, the clever design of the boots allows Arbiter an extra six inches of height, bringing her comfortably up to 5'8
-1 Essence Expended: Graceful Crane Stance active
Anima: 1 (No visible effects)
A moment's work has your hair tied back into a loose ponytail, threaded through your Arsenal, the trans-dimensional anchor to the library of Blades you make use of when crisis arrives–all weapons of fine make, stamped out to your requirements and ready to be withdrawn at a moment's notice. Though you have no memories of what occurred before your activation, you understand that your maker wrought you well, and prepared you accordingly for what your task would ultimately be. With any luck, there will be no need to draw them on this day, and you could get through your daily routine without serious incident.
Get Equipped With: Arbiter Arsenal A library of various blades stored in a transdimensional armory, they can be summoned forth using the Arsenal-Summoning Gesture, producing a Sword with the desired tags on command. In theory, your arsenal is bottomless and self-replenishing. In practice, the expense needed to produce more than one set per scene is prohibitive, and they tend to return to your Arsenal when you no longer require them. Weapon Artifacts can be added to the Arsenal, but are neither self-replicating or bottomless. But can be tucked away there freely.
Dressed? Check
Armed? Check
Smile? You turn to the mirror and give it a try.
No, still awkward, but you'll get there! You're sure you will!
Marshaling your expression back to your usual default of 'Stoic, vaguely bored sentry', you turn back to the door, letting yourself out. The next order of business was breakfast, which might seem to be unnecessary from the perspective of some. However, it would just go to show how immature their understanding is. Food is Fuel, and fuel is required for any living being to function in an optimal fashion. It would be strange if you didn't need breakfast.
That breakfast is also enjoyable is just an added bonus, and proof that your creator is the best creator of them all. You have no idea how you would manage if you had to do something as banal as sit in a Manse for hours on end with nothing to do.
"You're going to eat me out of house and home if you keep that up, you know?" Lady Bryn questions as you enjoy your third course. "I'm not made of money, you know?"
She's a nice lady, a true friend that you can rely on. You know she's just teasing, especially as she's on her fourth course by now.
"Hunger is the enemy" You deadpan, rounding up a few strips of bacon upon your fork and shoving them into your mouth. The sweet, vague taste of maple and grease fired sparks along your tongue and your senses. The tragedy of those who can't afford to make proper preparations. You swallow, and dab at your mouth with the provided cloth. "We've much to do today after all, and it ill behooves us to do so hungry."
Bryn's lips are tightly closed, and she wrinkles her nose–you're worried for a moment that she's dwelling on the fate of her House again. "You're right, I know, I wouldn't be like this if things were normal, but…"
You understand completely. "History does not wait for those who are not yet prepared." You set the cloth down, and clasp your hands before your empty plate. "Those with power have a duty to see that power wielded for the good of their charges–if there are fewer to do so, then we must redouble our efforts to make up for their loss."
She's already come a long way since that first day, when she roused you from her ancestor's great Vault. She was sort of a disaster then, but she's stepped up admirably since–admittedly, you did your own part to help, by not making a scene when she decided to cut your bangs partially. Little pranks like that are perfectly acceptable after all. "Besides, the nation remains mostly in one piece, and we are making great strides to mend its wounds. Things will go well, even if we must work hard to bring that possibility to light."
Lady Bryn closed her eyes, and nodded. "Mmm, Thank you Arbi, I don't know what I'd do without you."
You incline your head at that. "You would manage, no doubt, though accepting help where it is available is always an ideal state of affairs." You were sure of that, why else would you have been built if it wasn't to help others? Why else would you be granted the abilities you possess if not to better the world?
It was just good sense, and what was good for you was certainly good for everyone. You're fortunate indeed that your employer is also a good person, who may be a little troubled but is heroically doing their best in spite of it. If it means being a soundboard too? That too, was one of your functions.
"Well then!" Bryn spoke up, her voice lightening–and you politely neglected to notice her slapping her cheeks, presumably to help shake herself out of her recent malaise. "Lots to do then, especially with the paperwork, and the appointing new minister and officers. Have you decided yet what you plan to take care of on your end today?"
Of course you have. Who does she take you for? A slacker?
[ ] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch: The Greycloaks had been mauled in the surprise attack, which is good, as it meant they did their job of serving as a tripwire against covert assaults, but it did mean they needed to be rebuilt. Your skills grant you great insight into the hearts and minds of others, allowing you to identify the gems who might have initially been picked up–and more importantly, identify and disarm infiltrators.
[ ] You intend to investigate the trail of the Attackers: There are few who can conduct a deep strike capable of assassinating the Exalted, fewer still who can do so repeatedly in the course of a single night–and yet that certainly happened the other night. Such an operation is not one fired completely off the cuff, and thus, the Attackers will have needed agents within the city of Rosalia itself–you may be able to find meaningful evidence if you do a proper investigation.
[ ] You intend to conduct a patrol of the Outwalls: The North is a dangerous place, and even places further south such as Whitewall often need to fear wraiths and fae alike. You are not that far south, being based at the mouth of one of the major northern river sections, with the Haslanti to the north and Gethsamane to the West. A strategic position that many would love to hold. You intend to spend some time showing the flag, and reminding any opportunists that this city is protected.
OOC: All of these are going to happen, you're just deciding which of these happens 'On Screen' so to speak, to help inform the introduction arc of the storyline. So don't argue based on 'We have to do this or all is lost', argue based on what you want to see
[X] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch: The Greycloaks had been mauled in the surprise attack, which is good, as it meant they did their job of serving as a tripwire against covert assaults, but it did mean they needed to be rebuilt. Your skills grant you great insight into the hearts and minds of others, allowing you to identify the gems who might have initially been picked up–and more importantly, identify and disarm infiltrators.
Gotta run a clean ship, allowing any suboptimal arbiters of law would reflect poorly on us.
OOC: All of these are going to happen, you're just deciding which of these happens 'On Screen' so to speak, to help inform the introduction arc of the storyline. So don't argue based on 'We have to do this or all is lost', argue based on what you want to see
[X] You intend to conduct a patrol of the Outwalls: The North is a dangerous place, and even places further south such as Whitewall often need to fear wraiths and fae alike. You are not that far south, being based at the mouth of one of the major northern river sections, with the Haslanti to the north and Gethsamane to the West. A strategic position that many would love to hold. You intend to spend some time showing the flag, and reminding any opportunists that this city is protected.
And this seems like the option most likely to lead to it. Here's hoping some savage raiders decide to attack today.
[x] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch: The Greycloaks had been mauled in the surprise attack, which is good, as it meant they did their job of serving as a tripwire against covert assaults, but it did mean they needed to be rebuilt. Your skills grant you great insight into the hearts and minds of others, allowing you to identify the gems who might have initially been picked up–and more importantly, identify and disarm infiltrators.
Hrrm.
So arbi is surprisingly cute.
I kind of expected more of the 'Iron Will' to come out but I guess that's for the bit where she's being the long arm of the law.
[X] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch: The Greycloaks had been mauled in the surprise attack, which is good, as it meant they did their job of serving as a tripwire against covert assaults, but it did mean they needed to be rebuilt. Your skills grant you great insight into the hearts and minds of others, allowing you to identify the gems who might have initially been picked up–and more importantly, identify and disarm infiltrators.
What is the point of having guards getting into silly shenanigans (hopefully at least) if we don't get to see them. Fingers crossed on at least one good mini- apprentice with attitude.
I voted for the Arbi who speed-ran her way into swording through an airship's crew by jumping off a town square right into the hold.
'I'll be back.' indeed!
[X] You intend to investigate the trail of the Attackers
If all the options are gonna happen regardless, then the main important thing is to get clues on who the antagonists are gonna be and what their nature is. Realm schemers? Lunar terrorists? Underworld agents? Getting an idea of what even happened is the best choice IMO.
[x] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch: The Greycloaks had been mauled in the surprise attack, which is good, as it meant they did their job of serving as a tripwire against covert assaults, but it did mean they needed to be rebuilt. Your skills grant you great insight into the hearts and minds of others, allowing you to identify the gems who might have initially been picked up–and more importantly, identify and disarm infiltrators.
[x] You intend to conduct an assessment of the Watch
It's good to see that Arbiter gets along well with her Employer; hopefully they bring out the best in each other. Of course, some pranks are more forgivable than others...
