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12:10, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Story 1 - Prologue.

Posted by The StorytellerFor group 0
Gou Jira
player, 38 posts
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 01:36
  • msg #34

Prologue

For a while now, Gou has been coming to grips with the mystic power inside him. He felt it empty out when he went all-out on T'Narr, and felt it come back to him when he fought T'Narr's minions without

I need to end this fast, Gou thinks, and his arm distorts as he casts it forward like a fishing line, fingers engorging and distending bonelessly as they wrap around the unhurt Lintha and cast him off the side of the vessel.

OOC:
Decisive Grapple gambit with Finding the Needle's Eye and Kraken-Arm Lash (8m, 2i)

09:30, Today: Gou Jira rolled 3 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,6,9,2,6,8,7,5,3,3.  Grapple .

Rerolling 1s

09:32, Today: Gou Jira rolled 2 successes using 1d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10.  Reroll 1s.

The other Lintha is also at -1 Defense due to Finding the Needle's Eye, so the grapple should land.

Establishing grapple: 5 init (-2 for Kraken Arm lash)

09:34, Today: Gou Jira rolled 3 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,9,8,4,8.  Establishing grapple .

Controlling grapple is Strength + MA, or 8 dice.

09:35, Today: Gou Jira rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,2,5,9,4,7,2,7.  Grapple Control.

Assuming he succeeds, Gou will throw the Lintha off the side of the ship where he will hopefully die.

The Storyteller
GM, 43 posts
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 19:46
  • msg #35

Prologue

The energy flowed againt at Gou command and his arms grappled the Lintha like two snake and throw him on wall. The pirate was lucky enough to not take any dangerous objects like his late captain, but the impact was enough to knock him out and probably crack a bone or two.

The other Lintha hesitated two seconds but never had the chance to attack. Drifting Ray finally acted, knocking the weak Lintha on the ground. His action shook the free slaves out of their awe stupor and two of them strangled the Lintha with their chain.

As the battle ended, every slaves, free or not turned their eyes to Gou Jira who stood at the centre of the deck a silver aura blazing around him. The new Exalt could see many emotions on their faces, from awe to surprise and even fear. But all were showing anticipation.

[OOC: No problem for the grapple.
For the control roll you score 5 against 1 for the Lintha (on 4 dices) which mean 4 turns.

You throw him so attack with 3 init (you reset to base after the gambit) + 4 for each turn, so 7 dices and you score 4 successes. Then you throw for two range band to short, so 3 bashing + 5 dices (2 success). He suffers 9 bashing level, which mean he end with 2 lethal and 5 bashing, incapacited but not dead.

I ended the second lintha with a narrative, he couldn’t offer you any challenge at this point. What do you want to do now? Try to win the loyalty of your fellow (instil loyalty) or motivate them (inspire) or another things?]

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:54, Tue 03 Aug 2021.
Gou Jira
player, 40 posts
Sun 8 Aug 2021
at 03:42
  • msg #36

Prologue

Gou turns to face the former rowers. It is only then that he begins to feel the burden of being responsible for all these lives - something that he never felt before, when he was only fighting for himself. It's obvious enough that he needs to take care of them, but what will he say?

After what seems like an interminable delay, Gou finally speaks.

"Brothers, the chance for freedom is at hand. But I am afraid I must ask you to hold off on seizing your freedom. In fact, I must ask you to go back under the decks and row once more, because the Lintha may return, and while I might be able to fight them off, it would put you at risk, and I do not wish to do that. Whether or not we wanted to be here, circumstances have seen fit to put us together as a crew, and it is as a crew that we will escape this. Now, who here has the best eyes? Does anyone here know how to navigate?"

OOC: Gou is going to try and inspire loyalty, because without loyalty all virtues serve your enemy.

Charisma 5 + Presence 3 + Excellency 5 + 1 stunt = 14 dice.

A lot of people take part in

The Storyteller
GM, 46 posts
Thu 19 Aug 2021
at 18:37
  • msg #37

Prologue

A silence fell on the deck at Gou’s words. The slaves exchanged glances with some murmuring. Finally, an old man with long white hairs and beard spoke.

-Young Gou is right, he declared with surprising strength. We are in this together, the Lintha will not forgive any of us for their captain death. And the gods would not have given you the strength to win this fight if they didn’t want our freedom

Every slave murmured in agreement, Moro was the oldest of them and was respected for his wisdom by everyone. As former priest he always took time to give advice to his comrade, even if he loved to be a little cryptic.

-True words, approved another. But you will not fight alone. Blessing of the gods or otherwise, I would loathe stand aside as someone fight for me.

It came from Ajima, a large man nearly as tall as Gou Jira and as muscled. He was a bit of loner in the slave crew and rarely spoke or showed any kind of emotion, but he was a good fighter.

-I was sailor before my capture by the scarlet dogs, said a third man. I can take this ship anywhere you want, he finished with a flurry from the sword he took from the body of T’narr.

Gou recognized Lurys, a slender man with black hair and fair skin. He was a recent addition but was social and loved game of chance and lamented the lack of alcohol.

[OOC: Since it’s a group of slaves, resolves will be at 2.
Normally you have a penalty of -3 but since you made five successes even if cut three success you win so no need to reroll.
On the thirty slaves, twenty are willing to fight. You can try to convince them to let you handle the fight, but it will more difficult than win their loyalty.]

Gou Jira
player, 43 posts
Sun 22 Aug 2021
at 16:22
  • msg #38

Prologue

Gou wants to tell them to stand down, that he can handle it... But deep inside he knows that is not the way. Freedom is not given - it must be earned. Perhaps... perhaps that silver moon goddess gave him and them a chance, and now it is time for them to earn it.

"Very well. If you wish to fight by my side, I welcome your aid. But first, we must find food for ourselves. Is there a navigator here?"
Gou Jira
player, 45 posts
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 01:27
  • msg #39

Prologue

It suddenly occurs to Gou that there might still be Lintha on the ship. As Lurys steps up, Gou turns to the man.

"Plot us a course to the nearest land and we will decide out next move from there."

He then turns to the other rowers. "I will be clearing the ship of any more Lintha. Anyone who wishes to come with me may do so."
The Storyteller
GM, 49 posts
Sat 11 Sep 2021
at 21:57
  • msg #40

Prologue

Without surprise, Ajima was the first to joint Gou to fight the Lintha. He was soon followed by others and in less than one-minute thirties slaves, half of them, were ready to storm the deck. Several took example on Lurys and took the sword of the fallen Linthas, but everyone was forced to rely on improvised weapons.
Moro came to Gou while everyone readied themselves.

-Young Gou. I don’t know why the gods gifted you, but I doubt it was only to free us. You have a destiny ahead, greater than just a slave crew. Don’t ruin their gift by dying just after receiving it.

On the upper deck, the Lintha were throwing the corpses of the Realm soldiers in the water while laughing, ignoring what was happening bellow them.

[OOC: They are 15 rows on each side, each operated by two slaves. 60 slaves in total.
I let you describe the battle, the Lintha’s ship is still docked with your so part of them are here. They are two access points between the two decks, one at prow and one at the stern.]

Gou Jira
player, 47 posts
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 12:31
  • msg #41

Prologue

Gou nods to Moro.

"I won't cark it so easily. Won't let the others die either."

There is a determination in his voice; these people are the closest thing he has to family now, and he won't lose them again.

Gou peeps up at the upper deck from below, making sure everyone can get a look if they want.

"Okay, so... the way I see it, we want to cut ourselves off from them as soon as possible. That means we'll start by rushing the side where we're connected to them. Lurys, we'll need everyone with a blade to hack off the ropes as soon as possible. We might have a better chance if we split up; I'll handle either the bow or stern, while you take the other side."

He notices the some of the lads looking disappointed that he won't be leading them, and he smiles.

"Hey, don't worry. I'll be right there with you. And as for the Lintha ship... I've got a plan for it. But you really, really don't want to be on it when it works, so just focus on keeping control of ours."

OOC:

Which side would be easier for the rowers to handle? Gou's plan is to clear the deck of Lintha, then he'll go onto the Lintha ship, take Sea Lizard form, then cut the two vessels loose before jumping up and down on the Lintha vessel and generally causing all sorts of havoc on it.

The Storyteller
GM, 52 posts
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 20:33
  • msg #42

Prologue

As Gou finished to expose his plan, Ajima came forward.

-Try to not sink their ship. We can’t take it, not enough people to crew the two, but better take the ration and treasure on board. We may need them.

-You better take the bow, interjected Lurys. The stern has the officer’s quarter and helm, you will have more space for your magic at the bow.

-Gou, called another slave. I took a look at the deck. I saw twenty or twenty-five Linthas, plus a group in the officer’s quarter. Some are on their ship, but I don’t know how many.
Gou Jira
player, 48 posts
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 01:17
  • msg #43

Prologue

"Don't sink their ship... Yeah, I can do that. May make things a little difficult but I'll try. Part of my plan involves chucking them overboard, so if we go with that, I'll need people on poking duty. You know, to keep the Lintha from climbing back on. Apart from that... I think it's doable. We'll start once everyone is ready."

OOC:

Gou will follow their plan, so you can segue into it whenever you're ready.

The Storyteller
GM, 53 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 21:21
  • msg #44

Prologue

With the plan approved by everyone got in position. Gou was near the access at the prow with four others who would guard the rowing deck in case of a Lintha escaped Gou. The other slaves got at the stern access, Ajima at head, ready to attack.
The large slave exchanged a gaze with Gou and reached for the hatch when it opened on his own.

-Captain? Called the Lintha on the other side.

He only got a second to look surprised before Ajima’s fist crashed in his face.

-Attack! Screamed Ajima before charging out of the hatch followed by the rest of the slaves.

Gou mimicked his fellow and stepped on the deck of the galley. A full moon hanged high in the sky and illuminated the two ships docked side by side. The Lintha’s ship was at portside and was larger than the trade galley, a deck taller and maybe and one and half longer. They were twenty-three Linthas on the desk. Nine were near Gou while the others were either at the stern or between them.

[OOC: A little game, you can make an attack roll, the number of successes will be the number of dead Lintha. Each turn after the first you keep attacking the Lintha on board, three others arrive from their ship.

Stern: 25 slaves / 8 Linthas
Middle: 6 Linthas
Prow: Gou / 9 Linthas]

Gou Jira
player, 49 posts
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 01:40
  • msg #45

Prologue

Gou begins with a swipe that mimics the clawing strikes taught to him under the decks,  but his Lunar Essence and instincts take over halfway, reshaping his hand into the claw that the martial art he was taught attempts to emulate. And so with a bestial cry, Gou's sharpened fingertips streak through the air like silver lightning, throwing a spray of corrupt Lintha blood over the decks.

OOC: Start with a simple attack roll with a 5-die excellency boost.

Dex 5 + Abl 3 + Stunt 2 + Spec 1 + Acc 4 + Exc 5 = 20 dice.

09:40, Today: Gou Jira rolled 6 successes using 20d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((6,4,3,3,10,2,1,4,5,9,4,10,6,4,8,6,5,2,2,5)).

The Storyteller
GM, 54 posts
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 22:04
  • msg #46

Prologue

Three Linthas were killed by Gou’s claws before they even had a chance to draw their weapons. A fourth was had his sword half draw when the slave opened his throat. Two others quickly followed; their swords were useless against the fury of an Exalt.

On the other side the slaves took advantage of the surprised Linthas and half of them died before drawing their sword. Lurys and a group of slaves charged the pirates at the centre of the ship with war cries. But the effect of surprise vanished and the Linthas began to fight back. A group of three pirates appeared from the officer’s quarter and killed one of the slaves, causing a cry of rage of Ajima who charged them. Two other slaves fell in other places and the Gou could see the Linthas on their ship began to move. Time was ticking.

[OOC: 22 slaves (3 loss) vs 15 Linthas (11 loss / 3 renfort)
Stern: 13 slaves / 7 Linthas
Middle: 9 slaves / 5 Linthas
Prow: Gou / 3 Linthas]

Gou Jira
player, 50 posts
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 05:51
  • msg #47

Prologue

"Get off my ship," Gou says, and his scything backhand metamorphoses into a gigantic crocodile's tail as it swipes the Lintha out of his path. The last thing pirates see is their distorted reflections in the silvery scales as the massive limb sweeps them away.

He's not bloodthirsty enough to ensure they're slain, but he does do his best to minimize their threat.

OOC: Using 2m on the first excellency and Finding the Needle's Eye.

Dex 5 + Abl 3 + Stunt 1 + Spec 1 + Acc 4 + Exc 2 = 16 dice, rerolling up to 3 1s.

13:50, Today: Gou Jira rolled 8 successes using 16d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((4,6,9,9,2,7,4,4,8,1,4,7,4,2,8,10)).

13:50, Today: Gou Jira failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((6))

If he can, he'll assist his colleagues in the middle of the ship before moving onto the Lintha vessel itself.

The Storyteller
GM, 55 posts
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 21:21
  • msg #48

Prologue

The battle cries of the slaves and the pirates echoed in the night as they battled each other. Still shining with silver light, Gou swept away his remaining foes with frightening ease.

The Linthas at the centre of the ship were his next victims has he charged them. It was obvious that none of them were ready to fight even a young exalt. The swords were useless against Gou and his hitting quicker than a snake and stronger than an ox. In mere seconds they were all defeated.

A brief survey let Gou knew than another man under Lurys was dead, like two others from Ajima’s group, but the Linthas at the stern were reduced to four. The deck was nearly clean of pirates.
A battle cry caught his attention and Gou turned to see several Linthas running on the large gangplank between the two ships.

-Gou? asked Lurys, obviously asking for instructions.

[OOC: I transferred yours success to the centre.
19 slaves (6 loss) vs 4 Linthas (22 loss / 3 renfort)
Stern: 11 slaves / 4 Linthas
Middle: Gou + 8 slaves
Prow: - ]

Gou Jira
player, 51 posts
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 03:20
  • msg #49

Prologue

"Mob up and push them off the sides! Remember, don't get stuck in too deeply!"

With that done, Gou turns toward the main gangplank and takes it in both hands before violently wrenching it to one side. Hopefully, it'll dump the men running down it into the ocean...

OOC: If I roll Strength + Ath for this, then...

Str 5 + Ath 3 + Stunt 1 + Exc 5

11:20, Today: Gou Jira rolled 5 successes using 14d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((1,3,9,3,4,8,9,5,4,6,2,10,5,5)).

The Storyteller
GM, 56 posts
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 21:09
  • msg #50

Prologue

The Linthas charging on the gangplank were not expecting to be charged back, and they were not expecting their enemy to be capable of swipe them aside like flies. But Gou did exactly that and the four Linthas ended in the water while a fifth who was only taking a step on the plank was send flying by a punch.

Gou was now standing on the pirate’s ship, surrounded by Linthas armed to the teeth, but the silver essence in his veins erased any fear he could feel.

Back on the Realm galley, the slaves finished the last of the pirate by throwing him overboard.

[OOC: You are clear to transform. No need to roll for damage, you can go full narrative.]
Gou Jira
player, 52 posts
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 02:23
  • msg #51

Prologue

Gou throws his head back, roaring to the sky like a storm, and as he does, his entire body swells and grows, his skin becoming coarser and darker even as his face lengthens and deforms into a reptilian shape. His clothes split off him as he soon defies a human body pattern, becoming a leviathan of the sea.

The first thing he does is snap off the Lintha vessel's main mast, using it and his tail in tandem to sweep as many of the demon pirates off the vessel as he can. Actually eating the Lintha is in bad taste, but he picks out one bosun-looking pirate trying to rally his men and chews off the top of his body in a gory display before throwing the remains at a pair of pirates trying to turn the deck's swivel ballista on him. His casual motions crunch up the deck with every step and a full swipe of his tail nearly overturns the ship, but he still does his level best to stamp, crush and hurl away every individual Lintha that even thinks of moving toward his ship.
The Storyteller
GM, 57 posts
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 20:31
  • msg #52

Prologue

The pirate’s ship shook as Gou took his Spirit form for the first time. His friend could only watch in awe the looming form of most emblematic creature of the region. And terror sneaked inside the Linthas when the Titan Lizard turned toward them. Then the massacre began.

The deck squeaked in protest at each movement of the behemoth but managed to hold, for all their fault Linthas were excellent shipwrights. The pirates didn’t have the same chance and were crushed, throw overboard or in some case cut in half by massive jaws. Completely caught by surprise and outgunned, they were rapidly overwhelmed and soon the only sounds in the night were the waves.

When Gou turned toward his ship, he saw that the slaves who took part in the combat were joined by the other and they all watched him with awe and even reverence. Some of them were even whispering prayers to the Father of Titans, the mythical ancestor of the Titan Lizards, who was often worshipped as a protector in the region.

[OOC: Even if it’s appropriate for your clothes to be damaged they go to Elsewhere when you shapeshift.]

Gou Jira
player, 53 posts
Fri 1 Oct 2021
at 01:42
  • msg #53

Prologue

Gou lets the silver Essence drain from him and he slowly shrinks back down to his merely mortal stature. THen he turns to look back towards the slaves and raises his arms.

"Come brothers. We have all won today. Let's load up on supplies before we discuss what to do next. "
The Storyteller
GM, 58 posts
Mon 4 Oct 2021
at 21:03
  • msg #54

Prologue

As everyone began to move to the Lintha ship, Gou could see how his relationship with his brother in chains changed. They stopped seeing him like one of them and treated him as sacred being, someone to treat with reverence and ritual to not offense his patron. Some of them were clearly uncomfortable with him.

The pillage of the ship did not last long. T’Narr was obviously meticulous, and his hold were organised to help unloading.
As the other ex-slaves were busy, Gou was called by Moro and Lurys to the cabin of their ship. The former sailor was observing maps.
-We are here, he said. Between the Whaea Archipellago and the city of Saphir, from where we come.

-We can’t return to Saphir, stated the priest. Not a chance that the Realm will miss one of their ships coming back without their men.
He rubbed his chin. The Bay of Fire could be divided between six regions. The Est coast with Saphir, the West coast, the South coast with Omuyira Rainforest full of beastmen. Inside the bay was the island of Lawai to Est, the island of Kawaha to the South-West, and Whaea Archipellago to the centre and North.

-Lawai was our destination, they trade with the Dragons, thought Lurys. Kawaha is in civil war from my understanding. Whaea trade with everyone if they have coins but distrust the Realm.

-And The Omuyira is the stronghold of the Devil Princes, finished Moro. Anathema who stole the power of Moon if we believe the Monk of the Realm.

He was giving Gou a pensive look. Obviously, he didn’t believe the Immaculate and was thinking that Gou could maybe claim kinship with the Three Devil Princes who harassed the Realm for decade now.

-What do you think? Asked Lurys. The Archipellago is the nearest. We could be here in three or four days.

[OOC: If you have questions don't hesitate to ask. I am finishing a resume on all locations.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:14, Thu 07 Oct 2021.
Gou Jira
player, 55 posts
Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 00:59
  • msg #55

Prologue

Gou spends a long, long time thinking about their next move. One thing he doesn't want to do is dictate a course of action; that would make him no different from the Realm captains who had them in chains. At the same time, somebody has to decide something.

He addresses Saphir, Moro and Lurys.

"On the surface, the Three Devil Princes seems very attractive. If I am, in fact, like them, then we are automatically united as enemies against the Realm. On the other hand, if they are, in fact, like me, it means they are older and stronger than me and contain much more territory. A mighty whale can sweep up countless minnows in its wake (a saying which roughly means "the powerful cause great disturbances in the lives of those around them whether they want to or not")."

"Kawaha seems more volatile, which means it's easier for a group of unknowns like ourselves to move in. Once we get stronger, maybe put down roots, we can consider more long-term measures like joining the Devil Princes, perhaps. And it would be better to go to them as equals rather than poor cousins."

"In short, I think we should head for Kawaha, but I am open to other ideas."
The Storyteller
GM, 61 posts
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 20:38
  • msg #56

Prologue

Moro nodded at Gou.

-I see. Not a bad idea. The rebels will probably want help against the Realm, this give us something to negociate. Good thinking Young Gou.

Lurys took a look  at the map.

-Kawaha is nearly on the other side of the Bay. But with the Lintha's supply I think we can make it.

The door oppened to let Ajima enter.

-Moro, Gou. We have finished to transfert the Lintha's haul in our ship. We are waiting for your descision.

[OOC: Saphir is a city, not a person. I let you a last post to adress to your crew and anonce the destination (or let them vote), then I will conclude the prologue.]
Gou Jira
player, 56 posts
Tue 19 Oct 2021
at 05:55
  • msg #57

Prologue

Gou nods to Ajima, then leaves the cabin to address the others.

"Brothers, thanks to your courage, we have freed ourselves. But simply winning our freedom is not enough - we must live free. I have spoken with Moro and Lurys about our next move, and we intend to head for Kawaha, where the Realm will not dare tread carelessly. Hopefully, the rebels there will recognize us as kindred spirits and grant us a place to rest our heads and build up strength for our next endeavor."

Then, he moves on to the elephant in the room.

"The goddess Luna has favored me with her touch. Yet I know that in the eyes of the world, it makes me Anathema, a moon-mad monster that rends the flesh of men even as it bewitches their souls. Some among you may not wish to keep my company, and that is acceptable - it is not my way to insist that all must love me and despair. If you wish to go now, or when we make landfall at Kawaha, you are free to leave. But for everyone who wishes to stay, for everyone who will continue to stand with me... Know that we ARE brothers, in spirit if not in blood, and I will spend my last drop of blood to safekeep you."

He waits for anyone to speak up, trying his best not to be intimidating.

OOC: I thought the priest was Saphir... oops.
The Storyteller
GM, 64 posts
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 22:01
  • msg #58

Prologue

The first statement of Gou was received by roar of approval from the ex-slaves. When silence came back, the Exalt began to tackle the issue of his newfound powers. When he finished talking, everyone was silent.
On one hand nearly every slave came from the region and where not Immaculate, but every mortal in Creation had an ingrained nervousness about the supernatural. The silence was broken when a young man took a step.

-You saved my life from that Lintha, said Drifting Ray. I will follow you.

-Is right, said another. We all heard the stories about Linthas. Without Gou, we would have been in their monstruous hands.

The dam was broken, and the assembled ex-slaves began to shout their loyalty to Gou.

Half an our later, the Forest Scent, ex-galley of the Realm, began to move once more, leaving in her wake the burning hull of the Lintha’s ship. Everyone on board had one goal in mind, secure their newfound freedom.

At prow, Gou Jira gazed at horizon in direction of their objective, the island of Kawaha. The light of the full shined on him and he could swear that sometime, a reassuring touched his shoulder.

[OOC: Took longer than expected. The galley will be a Kawaha in two days (300 miles at 6 knots).
You win 5xp and 4 lunar xp (2 for expressing a defining intimacy and 2 role bonus). In addition, you win a 3 dots artifact and 2 dots followers.]

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