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Green Sun, Black Shadows (CG/Exalted)

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Peanuckle said:
I still think the "order" theme doesn't fit. Sinnihtáre is quiet grace and poise, dignity and noblesse oblige. Jyggalag is mindless obedience, rote behavior and steady progression. He fits more for SWLiHN or even Autocthon.

I like Enjou's idea of spy-consorts. Lemme just take a quick shot here... (Patterned after Aleph's writeups for Keris)

Gardelivs, the Midnight Geishas
Devas of the First Circle
Progeny of The Eternal Night of Grace

The Gardelivs are as demure as they are beautiful, following after their creator in their sense of quiet dignity and graceful service. They appear as girls just past the cusp of womanhood, with pale faces to enhance their features. A Gardeliv will seek to dress itself ornately, though not gaudily, and will happily wear gifted clothing from their current patron. Careful questioning will reveal that these women cannot speak ill of anyone, even bitter enemies, as a Gardeliv exists to uncover secrets through flattery and ingratiation. An unwary nobleman will find himself put at-ease by the spirit's delicate tones and careful appreciation of his wit, only to invite a spy into his midst. Gardelivs, when not under direction from Sinnihtáre, will set out on their own to impress their way into local courts and amass knowledge for the great contests between their kind where they compete to reveal the most damaging secrets.

Gardelivs take little interest in life outside courtly walls or noble halls. The day-to-day mundanity of working life is nearly useless in their lady's schemes and of low-value in their contests. Still, if there are no places where social maneuvering is the central aspect of life, they will be content to insert themselves as advisers to local politicians, or companions to union bosses. Wherever they end up, a Gardeliv's actions only benefit their hosts to the extent necessary to become trusted. They only rarely have any real investment in the organizations they infiltrate, though a few have noticed real improvement after entrusting duties to the pretty new girl.

Masters of socialization, the Gardelivs are born with an innate skill at reading faces and judging emotions, and are exceptionally gifted learners when it comes to social strategems such as dinnertime conversation, tea-ceremonies, and other regimented social behavior. They are similarly skilled at improvisational methods such as flattery, but they will always attempt to construct a more organized system in order to manipulate it. If discovered or faced with violence, a Gardeliv will do its utmost to flee. The Midnight Geishas abhor violence and will only fight if their secrets depend on it, at which point the Gardeliv can usually call for aid from one of the many courtiers she will have tempted or blackmailed into helping her. Gardelivs try to avoid physical seduction and abstain from sex in general; they find such methods to be brash and uncivilized, and will skillfully turn down advances from amorous hosts, leading their thoughts to more cerebral pursuits.

Gardelivs reproduce themselves at their contests by writing the most heinous and dangerous secrets onto strips of paper and burning them in a cauldron. The smoke from the paper ascends and coalesces into a new Gardeliv, which cloaks itself in a beautiful black garment sewn together from the soot and ink. They gain limit whenever they are forced to reveal a secret to someone other than their lieges or fellow Gardelivs. Sometimes, when an angry noble ejects one of his courtiers for incompetence, a Gardeliv will appear nearby and begin the delicate maneuvering to earn his favor.
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A very nice idea!

One observation: Gardelivs seems to look and behave 100% human. Demons should have at least note of inhumanity. One direction it could be making them creatures of secrets. For example (general idea not that well written):

While 100% human looking Gardelivs in reality is merely a shell stretched over swirling black mist. In the heart lies the secret that have Gardelivs life. Gardelivs will live only as long as it doesn't see light of the they (in both literal or metaphorical way). Sign of demonhood can be seen when looknig deep into eye of Gardelivs - such eye contact gives the impression of falling into swirling darkness.

To reproduce Gardelivs need to own the secret - and it cannot be her own. She need to find secret belonging to other. She subsequently writes it and burn it into cauldron, and mist will create new Gardelivs. But secret cannot be owned, when another knows it. To reproduce need to Gardelivs person whose secrets she found.

The hearth-secret is lost to the 'parent' and furthermore will reside only in heart of newborn Gardelivs.


Note of inhumannity need not to by strong, but something should be off as compared to normal girls.
 
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DiceOfStupidity said:
A very nice idea!

One observation: Gardelivs seems to look and behave 100% human. Demons should have at least note of inhumanity. One direction it could be making them creatures of secrets. For example (general idea not that well written):

While 100% human looking Gardelivs in reality is merely a shell stretched over swirling black mist. In the heart lies the secret that have Gardelivs life. Gardelivs will live only as long as it doesn't see light of the they (in both literal or metaphorical way). Sign of demonhood can be seen when looknig deep into eye of Gardelivs - such eye contact gives the impression of falling into swirling darkness.

To reproduce Gardelivs need to own the secret - and it cannot be her own. She need to find secret belonging to other. She subsequently writes it and burn it into cauldron, and mist will create new Gardelivs. But secret cannot be owned, when another knows it. To reproduce need to Gardelivs person whose secrets she found.

The hearth-secret is lost to the 'parent' and furthermore will reside only in heart of newborn Gardelivs.


Note of inhumannity need not to by strong, but something should be off as compared to normal girls.
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The note of their inhumanity is their pale skin - they would literally have white skin, much like a geisha but not due to makeup.
 
Neat ideas all around.

On the asexuality: I suppose they could be capable of it, but like random_npc says they'd consider using it as a tool to be poor form, like a contractor using sub-par materials or a cheating at cards. It might work, but you'll be shunned for it and the others won't let you use those secrets at the contest. As for being raped by insistent hosts, well, they're still devas. De-materializing and fleeing is always an option, and while they're not combat-focused they'll usually be more capable at certain things than mortals. They only really have to fear exalts with spirit-touching effects, and in that case their ability to dissuade and redirect is an important part of their toolset. For example, an amorous dragonblood holds her against the wall, but she brings up some incredibly important piece of news or information that she'd been holding on to for such an occasion and he has to go deal with it.

They're also skilled enough to not evoke too much lust in their hosts, or avoid those who consider raping courtiers to be an acceptable behavior. Not all men are sex-fiends after all.

A Gardeliv having to deal with someone about to force themselves onto her is like a swordsman having to deal with someone stabbing them through the chest: It only happens when they've completely failed at everything else.

On being different: I'd thought about different things, like having no eyelids (always looking for info) and whatnot, but decided on the matte-white skin and politeness. The idea that they have a secret at their heart and die if it is revealed is interesting, but it also means that they'd have to hold it back from their lieges or commit suicide to make a full report.
 
Peanuckle said:
As for being raped by insistent hosts, well, they're still devas. De-materializing and fleeing is always an option, and while they're not combat-focused they'll usually be more capable at certain things than mortals. They only really have to fear exalts with spirit-touching effects, and in that case their ability to dissuade and redirect is an important part of their toolset. For example, an amorous dragonblood holds her against the wall, but she brings up some incredibly important piece of news or information that she'd been holding on to for such an occasion and he has to go deal with it.

They're also skilled enough to not evoke too much lust in their hosts, or avoid those who consider raping courtiers to be an acceptable behavior. Not all men are sex-fiends after all.
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I think you misunderstand what I meant by this - it's not so much an intentional rape by the the patron. Deflecting amorous interest only works for so long. Generally speaking I would think Lelouch would want them to be inserted as spies for the longest amount of time possible. Years and possibly lifetimes, not weeks or months. This means that if their patron gets tired of the constant deflections (which will become obvious as being such at some point) one of three things will likely happen: the patron will get upset and possibly kick the deva out (mission failure), the deva will have to leave on her own to avoid it (failure of mission and purpose for actually existing [this is a big deal, as it's their defining motivation]), or have to give in and have sex (having sex when they don't want to, basically being raped by their own nature - they don't want to have sex, but their defining motivation requires they do so in the situation). The Yozis may not care about that kind of thing, but I think Lelouch would put more care into his design.
 
Peanuckle said:
On being different: I'd thought about different things, like having no eyelids (always looking for info) and whatnot, but decided on the matte-white skin and politeness. The idea that they have a secret at their heart and die if it is revealed is interesting, but it also means that they'd have to hold it back from their lieges or commit suicide to make a full report.
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As with everything else it's not what you have, but how to use it. Heart-secrets need not be taken from named nor story-relevant characters, so for purpose of reproduction, there is no limits. And other secrets can be shared with 'sisters' and progenitor.

BTW - each demon usualy have it's own unique power. What do you think would be appropriate? Something that better fit surroundings, something to get secrets easier, or something that helps with blackmailing using found secrets?
 
DiceOfStupidity said:
BTW - each demon usualy have it's own unique power. What do you think would be appropriate? Something that better fit surroundings, something to get secrets easier, or something that helps with blackmailing using found secrets?
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I was thinking something that would let them mold themselves to their target patron's culture and preferences. They have one language they can freely change, becoming that of the patron's. They have one instrument specialty that changes to fit the patron's culture, possibly the patron's favorite. Things like that. Basically a power that lets them be quickly adapt to the court they're hoping to infiltrate.
 
After checking the Althing Infernal and making the necessary changes to account for Nicholas' joining, it appears that we only have 4 slots remaining, 2 of which are Malefectors, while the remaining 2 are Scourges. In addition, Malfeas and the Ebon Dragon can only have 1 more Infernal each, while Cecelyne can have 2 more. Perhaps we could try discussing what kinds of people we want to use to fill the final slots?

An idea I had about how we could spread them out would be: Malfean Malefector, Ophidian Sourge, Cecelyenian Sourge, and Malefector with Kimbery as their favored Yozi. Does this seem like a good spread?
 
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Enjou said:
I think you misunderstand what I meant by this - it's not so much an intentional rape by the the patron. Deflecting amorous interest only works for so long. Generally speaking I would think Lelouch would want them to be inserted as spies for the longest amount of time possible. Years and possibly lifetimes, not weeks or months. This means that if their patron gets tired of the constant deflections (which will become obvious as being such at some point) one of three things will likely happen: the patron will get upset and possibly kick the deva out (mission failure), the deva will have to leave on her own to avoid it (failure of mission and purpose for actually existing [this is a big deal, as it's their defining motivation]), or have to give in and have sex (having sex when they don't want to, basically being raped by their own nature - they don't want to have sex, but their defining motivation requires they do so in the situation). The Yozis may not care about that kind of thing, but I think Lelouch would put more care into his design.
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I see what you mean, but I think you overestimate the willingness of people to commit sexual assault. Just because your secretary doesn't put out doesn't mean you fire her. And the Gardeliv will be trying to build a relationship where sex isn't considered; a trusted friend or aide with whom you can joke casually, not a serious potential partner, or even a one-off fling.

Alternatively, the ban on violence could be extended to protecting themselves rather than just their secrets. Yes, I think I'll do that.

As for unique power, I like Enjou's suggestion. Maybe some variation of Measure the Wind, instead of telling her the power of the target, it informs her of the general attitude, wishes and social mores?
 
I have an idea for one of the latest Infernals. Basically, a Brittannian minor noblewoman who never personally Exalted, but had a few children who did. Things happen, they die, and she tries to get justice for it. However, the perpetrators get off scot-free in her eyes, because they're either powerful enough to cover their tracks completely, or the higher tiers of Nobility refuse to acquiesce to the desires of a Mortal for Exalted to be punished, even if that Mortal is a fellow noble. Things go downhill for her after there, and she eventually accepts the Yozi's deal so she could have the power to bring her children's murderers to justice. She Exalts as a Malefector with Kimbery as her Favored Yozi, and once those who killed her first children are dead, she decides that maybe it's time to have some more children, but decides to make them better than human so they won't be killed.

Thoughts?
 
Do Kimbery or Cecelyne have any disguise charms? If not, then it's probable that she'd go into seclusion until after she manages to either create a new charm that enables her to disguise herself as how she used to look, or unlocks the Ebon Dragon's powers. Although, after giving it some thought, if she isn't able to get revenge/justice by the time she comes to Japan, then I can easily see her making more of an effort to get TED's Charms. Hell hath no fury like an angry mother, to paraphrase an old saying.
 
ReaperofInterest said:
After checking the Althing Infernal and making the necessary changes to account for Nicholas' joining, it appears that we only have 4 slots remaining, 2 of which are Malefectors, while the remaining 2 are Scourges. In addition, Malfeas and the Ebon Dragon can only have 1 more Infernal each, while Cecelyne can have 2 more. Perhaps we could try discussing what kinds of people we want to use to fill the final slots?

An idea I had about how we could spread them out would be: Malfean Malefector, Ophidian Sourge, Cecelyenian Sourge, and Malefector with Kimbery as their favored Yozi. Does this seem like a good spread?
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I already have claim on the Malfean Malefactor.
 
Peanuckle said:
I see what you mean, but I think you overestimate the willingness of people to commit sexual assault. Just because your secretary doesn't put out doesn't mean you fire her. And the Gardeliv will be trying to build a relationship where sex isn't considered; a trusted friend or aide with whom you can joke casually, not a serious potential partner, or even a one-off fling.

Alternatively, the ban on violence could be extended to protecting themselves rather than just their secrets. Yes, I think I'll do that.

As for unique power, I like Enjou's suggestion. Maybe some variation of Measure the Wind, instead of telling her the power of the target, it informs her of the general attitude, wishes and social mores?
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No, you don't get what I mean. You don't get it at all. I'm not talking about sexual assault on the part of the patron. I'm talking about how how this demon's design forces them into a cruel Catch 22. Let me break this down:

1. Demons are not human. First Circle Demons/Devas in particular are tools created for a purpose, even if they have personalities and are people. For the vast majority of FCD their Urge and Motivation are the same. The Motivation of a demon species defines what they are, their very purpose for existing. It's ingrained into their very being.

2. For a FCD to act against its Urge/Motivation is something that is unnatural to it. Doing so is one of the means by which it accrues Limit - acting against their Urge literally causes them to have a psychic fracture, and unlike Infernal Exalts most of them have no means other than going through Limit Break to heal it.

3. The Gardelivs as you've designed them are highly attractive females who try to get into the courts of high ranking officials in order to ferret out their secrets. Given that clothing gifted from the patron is something they'd wear, obviously they seek to become close to the patron. It's pretty much inevitable that many male patrons will seek out a romantic and eventually sexual relationship with a Gardeliv in their court.

4. Initially, the Gardeliv can skillfully reject the patron's advances. However, this quite simply can't last. That can go on only so many times before the patron becomes suspicious, especially so if the patron knows about unnatural mental influence, and/or emotionally hurt by the constant rejections. Things will come to a head. If the Gardeliv does not eventually consent to sex then the patron will think the Gardeliv is using him for something and/or be emotionally hurt, and will likely react anywhere from distancing the Gardeliv from them (makes it harder to ferret out their secrets) to outright just throwing them out of their court (mission failure).

The Gardeliv can essentially choose to be significantly less than optimal at its mission or risk outright failure, which means acting against its defining Motivation, or it can give consent to fulfill it's reason to exist. Said consent will likely appear completely normal and the patron will be happy and think they have a happy relationship, but the Gardeliv likely isn't going to be happy about it. And it's most likely the deva will pick the latter, because their Motivation is what drives them to action.

Basically, as designed you've made the Gardelivs frequently have to pick between being crippled tools who can't fulfill their reason to exist or explicitly having to do something they find unpleasant in order to fulfill their purpose. It's not the patron that's raping them, it's the very nature of their existence and the circumstances that puts them in. As I said, the Yozis may not care about such things (and the Ebon Dragon would revel in that kind of cruelty) but Lelouch as a human would and I think would take greater care in considering the happiness of the devas that will descend from him.


ReaperofInterest said:
Ok then. What's your opinion concerning the angry mother!Malefector?
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I already have something planned. Sorry.
 
DiceOfStupidity said:
BTW - each demon usualy have it's own unique power. What do you think would be appropriate? Something that better fit surroundings, something to get secrets easier, or something that helps with blackmailing using found secrets?
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Hmm. Given that they're so very human, perhaps we can make their power be that they reproduce assimitatively? As in, with enough time and effort, they can turn an ordinary human into one of them? The method should probably be something slightly convoluted though, so we don't have them convert their clients as an OP way of solving certain problems.
 
Ok, going to try my hand at fixing what I see as the primary flaw in the Gardelivs, as well as adding my own little touch suggested earlier. Mainly I just made it so they're not active seducers - they can have sex if they want, but they'll never really go after it themselves. It keeps their options open, but doesn't make sex central to their purpose. Everything else is the same.

I might try to throw together some stats later.

Gardelivs, the Midnight Geishas
Devas of the First Circle
Progeny of The Eternal Night of Grace

The Gardelivs are as demure as they are beautiful, following after their creator in their sense of quiet dignity and graceful service. They appear as girls just past the cusp of womanhood, with pale faces to enhance their features. A Gardeliv will seek to dress itself ornately, though not gaudily, and will happily wear gifted clothing from their current patron. Careful questioning will reveal that these women cannot speak ill of anyone, even bitter enemies, as a Gardeliv exists to uncover secrets through flattery and ingratiation. An unwary nobleman will find himself put at-ease by the spirit's delicate tones and careful appreciation of his wit, only to invite a spy into his midst. Gardelivs, when not under direction from Sinnihtáre, will set out on their own to impress their way into local courts and amass knowledge for the great contests between their kind where they compete to reveal the most damaging secrets.

Gardelivs take little interest in life outside courtly walls or noble halls. The day-to-day mundanity of working life is nearly useless in their lady's schemes and of low-value in their contests. Still, if there are no places where social maneuvering is the central aspect of life, they will be content to insert themselves as advisers to local politicians, or companions to union bosses. Wherever they end up, a Gardeliv's actions only benefit their hosts to the extent necessary to become trusted. They only rarely have any real investment in the organizations they infiltrate, though a few have noticed real improvement after entrusting duties to the pretty new girl.

Masters of socialization, the Gardelivs are born with an innate skill at reading faces and judging emotions, and are exceptionally gifted learners when it comes to social strategems such as dinnertime conversation, tea-ceremonies, and other regimented social behavior. They are similarly skilled at improvisational methods such as flattery, but they will always attempt to construct a more organized system in order to manipulate it. If discovered or faced with violence, a Gardeliv will do its utmost to flee. The Midnight Geishas dislike violence and will only fight if they are personally threatened, at which point the Gardeliv can usually call for aid from one of the many courtiers she will have tempted or blackmailed into helping her.

Gardelivs rarely make active attempts at physical seduction, though if a patron who has treated one well approaches them they will not find the notion objectionable; such relations make it that much easier to discover their patron's secrets. However, if a Gardeliv's patron asks her to marry him, she will generally flee at the earliest opportunity. Only in the exceptionally rare cases where a Gardeliv have grown to truly love a human patron will they consent to become a bride, but this is not without a terrible price. On the first sunrise after consummating the wedding ceremony the Midnight Geisha will retire as all geisha must do when they marry, fading away with a rueful smile on her face. In her place will be a newborn Deva-Blooded child created from the union, a final parting gift for her beloved.

Gardelivs reproduce themselves at their contests by writing the most heinous and dangerous secrets onto strips of paper and burning them in a cauldron. The smoke from the paper ascends and coalesces into a new Gardeliv, which cloaks itself in a beautiful black garment sewn together from the soot and ink. They gain limit whenever they are forced to reveal a secret to someone other than their lieges or fellow Gardelivs. Sometimes, when an angry noble ejects one of his courtiers for incompetence, a Gardeliv will appear nearby and begin the delicate maneuvering to earn his favor.
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frozenchicken said:
Hmm. Given that they're so very human, perhaps we can make their power be that they reproduce assimitatively? As in, with enough time and effort, they can turn an ordinary human into one of them? The method should probably be something slightly convoluted though, so we don't have them convert their clients as an OP way of solving certain problems.
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Their reproduction method/birthing ritual is noted already.
 
Enjou said:
Ok, going to try my hand at fixing what I see as the primary flaw in the Gardelivs
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Change "rarely make attempts at physical seduction" to "never make attempts at physical seduction and attempt to dissuade suitors, but will eventually accept honorable pursuit." and it's okay. That way they preserve my original intent without being locked into self-defeating behavior, since they'll remain chaste if possible but won't refuse a serious advance.

Lemme toss out some stats for us to hash over. I'm unsure about how to generate Spirit characters, so I based it off the Neomah stats and tweaked it from there.

Gardelivs, the Midnight Geishas
Devas of the First Circle
Progeny of The Eternal Night of Grace

Motivation: To ingratiate themselves into the service of powerful people and uncover their secrets for their true lieges.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2, Charisma 5, Manipulation 3, Appearance 5, Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Resistance 2, Bureaucracy 3 (Court Life +2), Investigation 4 (Uncovering Secrets +1), Linguistics 3 (Native: Old Realm. Others: As Necessary), Performance 5 (Musical Instruments +1) (Dance +1), Presence 3 (Eye-catching Grace +1), Socialize 4 (High Class Etiquette +2), Integrity 2

Virtues: Compassion 3, Temperance 4, Conviction 3, Valor 1

Backgrounds: Backing 1 (Sinnihtáre), Contacts 4 (Other Gardelivs), Mentor 1 (Sinnihtáre)

Spirit Charms:
Harrow the Mind - A Gardeliv will often alter the perception of her audience to enhance her performances, invoking heart-tugging music and illusions that promise beauty hidden behind shadows. This effect is a social attack made by the Gardeliv using her (Performance + Charisma) against her targets' MDV, adding a number of automatic successes equal to her Temperance. Only one success is needed to cast the illusion, but extra successes add to the difficulty to break free.

Principle of Motion - Gardelivs tend to keep five extra actions ready.

Reserve of Will (x3) - Gardelivs have 3 additional temporary Willpower.

Whims of the Court - This charm is unique to Gardelivs and allows them to gain a general sense of the society they are entering. By spending 10 motes and one Willpower, a Gardeliv spends one hour learning the complete social mores, etiquette and fashion of a local organization (this would allow her to learn the behaviors of an Imperial Governor's court, but not the details of the entire Britannian Empire) . The Gardeliv may also spend 5 motes and one Willpower, rolling her (Investigation + Manipulation) to discern the nature of social links between a number of people equal to her successes who belong to the same court she has infiltrated. The difficulty for this roll is one in mortal courts, two in courts led by a Dragonblooded or spirit, and three in courts led by a Celestial exalt or spirit with permanent essence 7 or higher. Failure causes the Gardeliv to flee in shame, waiting for a week before building the courage to try again in another location.

Subtle Whisper - The Gardeliv's very presence sets others at ease, relaxing suspicion and loosening their tongues.

Stoke the Flame - The Gardeliv's dances are masterpieces, causing those who witness them to hold them in the highest esteem.

First, Second and Third Excellencies for: Bureaucracy, Presence, Performance, Socialize and Investigation.

Join Battle: 1
Attacks: Gardelivs have no special combat abilities, but rely on those they have befriended or beguiled to defend them.

Soak: 5L/5B
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 4
Willpower: 9 (12 Temporary points)
Essence: 3
Essence Pool: 75
Cost to Materialize: 60

Other Notes: Gardelivs will take time to research their target society before moving in, learning as much as she can without revealing herself, including language, musical tastes and notable persons.
 
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Peanuckle said:
Change "rarely make attempts at physical seduction" to "never make attempts at physical seduction and attempt to dissuade suitors, but will eventually accept honorable pursuit." and it's okay. That way they preserve my original intent without being locked into self-defeating behavior, since they'll remain chaste if possible but won't refuse a serious advance.
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Yeah, that works.

Lemme toss out some stats for us to hash over. I'm unsure about how to generate Spirit characters, so I based it off the Neomah stats and tweaked it from there.

Gardelivs, the Midnight Geishas
Devas of the First Circle
Progeny of The Eternal Night of Grace

Motivation: To ingratiate themselves into the service of powerful people and uncover their secrets for their true lieges.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2, Charisma 5, Manipulation 3, Appearance 5, Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 2, Resistance 2, Bureaucracy 3 (Court Life +2), Investigation 4 (Uncovering Secrets +1), Linguistics 3 (Native: Old Realm. Others: As Necessary), Performance 5 (Dance + 2), Presence 3 (Eye-catching Grace +1), Socialize 4 (High Class Etiquette +3)

Virtues: Compassion 3, Temperance 4, Conviction 3, Valor 1

Backgrounds: Backing 1 (Sinnihtáre), Contacts 4 (Other Gardelivs), Mentor 1 (Sinnihtáre)

Spirit Charms:
Harrow the Mind - A Gardeliv will often alter the perception of her audience to enhance her performances, invoking heart-tugging music and illusions that promise beauty hidden behind shadows. This effect is a social attack made by the Gardeliv using her (Performance + Charisma) against her targets' MDV, adding a number of automatic successes equal to her Temperance. Only one success is needed to cast the illusion, but extra successes add to the difficulty to break free.

Principle of Motion - Gardelivs tend to keep five extra actions ready.

Reserve of Will (x3) - Gardelivs have 3 additional temporary Willpower.

Whims of the Court - This charm is unique to Gardelivs and allows them to gain a general sense of the society they are entering. By spending 10 motes and one Willpower, a Gardeliv spends one hour learning the complete social mores, etiquette and fashion of a local organization (this would allow her to learn the behaviors of an Imperial Governor's court, but not the details of the entire Britannian Empire) . The Gardeliv may also spend 5 motes and one Willpower, rolling her (Investigation + Manipulation) to discern the nature of social links between a number of people equal to her successes who belong to the same court she has infiltrated. The difficulty for this roll is one in mortal courts, two in courts led by a Dragonblooded or spirit, and three in courts led by a Celestial exalt or spirit with permanent essence 7 or higher. Failure causes the Gardeliv to flee in shame, waiting for a week before building the courage to try again in another location.

Subtle Whisper - The Gardeliv's very presence sets others at ease, relaxing suspicion and loosening their tongues.

Stoke the Flame - The Gardeliv's dances are masterpieces, causing those who witness them to hold them in the highest esteem.

First, Second and Third Excellencies for: Bureaucracy, Presence, Performance, Socialize and Investigation.

Join Battle: 1
Attacks: Gardelivs have no special combat abilities, but rely on those they have befriended or beguiled to defend them.

Soak: 5L/5B
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 4
Willpower: 9 (12 Temporary points)
Essence: 3
Essence Pool: 75
Cost to Materialize: 60

Other Notes: Gardelivs will take time to research their target society before moving in, learning as much as she can without revealing herself, including language and notable persons.
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That's pretty close to what I had in mind. The only thing I'd change is that instead of being Dance focused regarding enterntainment they should be Music focused - Sinnihtáre's Urge is "To create moods and environments that are both relaxing and entertaining through music.", and while I think she would create dancer demons they would be meant to supplement musical performances. Since the Gardelivs would be operating independently, they would probably get the music focus first so they could play the best music possible and thus help fulfill Sinnihtáre's Urge simply be existing and doing what they do.

I might set the Performance specialty to be (String Instrument* +2), with the notes section mentioning that they will familiarize themselves in a culturally relevant string instrument for the * as part of their research. Maybe set the shamisen, the koto, or other traditional Japanese/geisha instruments as their default.

I also might take a dot from somewhere and add a dot of Integrity. Maybe from Athletics.

Thoughts?

Also, some pictures.


Roughly the "basic model" so to speak. I would imagine Gardelivs could come with a variety of hair and eye colors as well as general facial features, but the most common hair color would be black.


Milly: "You mean she'll happily wear any clothing I give her?"
Sinnihtáre: "Of course, Peer Milly."
Milly: *squees* "You're the best! I'm going to go fetch some bunny ears!" *goes off to fetch bunny ears*
Sinnihtáre: *instructs Gardeliv* "Make sure to find something really embarrassing. There's another prank war coming, I just know it. My progenitor's sanity is at stake here, and we must stop it!"
Gardeliv: "Yes, Lady Sinnihtáre."
 
Peanuckle said:
Performance 5 (Musical Instruments +1) (Dance +1)
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Noted this change - you can't have a specialty in Musical Instruments. It's too broad. Even "String Instruments" is quite possibly too broad. It's why I specified selecting an Instrument when she goes for a target. And really I'd just remove Dance completely and focus on music. Dance 5 is high enough for a performance to be moving to even an Unquestionable.

Alternatively, two applicable Specialties here from the core book would be "In a Particular Nation" (since she does research beforehand) and "To Members of a Particular Social Class", and just set them accordingly to "In Patron's Nation" or "To Members of the Upper Class" and it should apply to both music and dance, and would apply to any other artistic skills I think. (though this could be referring to speeches, it's not clear) Simply "Patron's Culture" might work the best - she specializes in the music, dance, storytelling, etc. of her patron's society.

Also...

Peanuckle said:
Stoke the Flame - The Gardeliv's dances are masterpieces, causing those who witness them to hold them in the highest esteem.
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I think this should be music focused as well.
 
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