Chapter 1: The Black City

[hidetzugu]

[...] grabs him by the collar with the intent to shove him back to a sitting position on the sand. [...]

Lilly is gonna try to grab your arm and position herself between Suen and you.
(I know you said it was not meant as a direct threat but the rp allows for that interpretation)
"Easy boy. Suen was brought here precisely so we can take advantage of his gift. "

"We like you Farouk. You've been the best guide we could have found to bring us here... But Suen's talents are unique. Yours... " - she lets her eyes fall on the other desert-folk, not finishing the sentence but letting the implication stand in the air.

"Urkazzar" - she yells - "we accept your offer, ready your gear"

1: If Farouk responds poorly to the initial physical interactionwe can partially retcon this and handle that.

2: On a meta level, i think depending how this goes, it is possible that Farouk and I are preventing the DoW from happening.

[hidetzugu]

@GM: depending on how things escalate. I might want to invoke my instinct to have something on me to plug my ears (like beeswax).... For no reason at all! Don't think about it!

[Marullus]

So many skills! Alright, definitely you can get help from Ku-Aya on the Great Wizards-wise test. After you test, remember to mark the test on your sheet, pass or fail it still counts. If you fail, you glean no information.

I will grant a Symbology Test, but I will give you +1 Ob because it was so dark and faint, so you do not have a great idea of what they looked like. If you fail, coming during the day will change the stakes and allow you to retest. Symbology is hard, so I apologize that your Ob is 8, per the guidelines in the book. If you have an appropriate FoRK, such as Foreign Languages, don't be afraid to vie for it! On a success, you correctly interpret the writings and images on the walls. On a failure, you will misinterpret the information you have seen, much to your future detriment.

Philosophy is super cool, so it's with a sad heart that I must say I don't think it applies to the Intent. I think Ritual might apply in this case, or Ancient History. You could try opening a Wise. Perhaps Sorcery-wise. I'll let you decide how you'd like to go about it.

Bone-wise is a dope skill! Yes, I think that works in this case. Ob 3. On a success, you will be able to determine the shape of the creature under its hideous flesh. On a failure, you will come away shaken and suffer +1 Ob to Steel tests against these creatures.

Now, normally you shouldn't back out of a Test once I have given the Ob. (No Weasels, Codex, p. 112) However, I am much more lenient with a new group as we get to know each other. So if the Ob is too high and the stakes too scary, you can choose not to roll these. I'd encourage you to go with it, though. The stakes all seem interesting and dramatic.

Oh, wow... sorry for the confusion. I was asking if they could FoRK into the Great Wizards-wise test that you called for. I wasn't intending to roll all of them.

I totally intend to roll Circination/Symbology eventually, but you've been very clear that I couldn't see it fully via bird and it is better for the story for me to have to go there in person. I intend to roll it (no matter the Ob) once we reach that scene.

That's a cool offer for Bone-wise. I'm willing to roll that after the Wizard-wise, if that's okay.

Thanks for the clarification! I do not think any of these apply as FoRKs specifically for the information I am giving out—there is a secret here that I think Nutesh might know something about, given his particular history. The Help from Ku-Aya will be useful in that test, and does apply.

The other rolls are still on the table if you want to take them, and you're welcome to roll both for the secret and the Bone-wise in the same post.

Okay... lets roll dice and see what he knows before he comes back intovthe scene...

B2 Great Wizard-wise + 2D Help + no FoRKs...
Great Wizards-wise [1d6]=4[1d6]=3[1d6]=2[1d6]=6
Spend a Fate to open-end that 6...
Great Wizards-wise [1d6]=2
...alas.

Try the same for Bone-wise + help from Obscure History:
Bone-wise [1d6]=2[1d6]=2[1d6]=6[1d6]=1
...a definite fail!

[Eric.D]

"Who are you, to tell us to stand down in our own home?" Akhom's voice is shrill with anger as he turns face and weapons toward Lilly, "We have given you hospitality, and you repay us with threats and insults?"

He signals harshly to Urkazzar, who is already rising, a smile on his face. Urkazzar pauses, mid-rise, uncertain.

"Do not listen to she who consorts with demons, Urkazzar. Not until it is decided if we should even let them leave alive."

"Akhom!" Herzebuh's voice is tight, angry, worried, "You cannot spill the blood of guests! It is forbidden! The Great Mothers will exact the price."

"Silence! I command here! I demand an answer to my question!" His gaze tears over Suen-Magir, Sabit and Lilly, before settling hard on Suen-Magir, "Why should I let you live, when you consort with demons?"

He has of course moved the goalposts of his initial demand. But I don't think he's ready to engage in a discussion on proper form in debate at the moment. Akhom is still ready to engage in a DoW, but his SoP will change, given the developments and his newfound ire.

SoP: I do not know what is right here. But demons are dangerous, and these alghuraba are beginning to be threatening, so if they cannot give me a sufficient answer, we will attack first.

Him being ready does not mean anybody needs to accept the terms here. You can choose a different course. Just consider Herzebuh's words if you're considering violence.

In the case that the DoW goes ahead, I would rule this has become a big, showy debate and the BoA skill would need to be Oratory, Stentorious Debate, or Rhetoric.

[Eric.D]

Okay... lets roll dice and see what he knows before he comes back intovthe scene...

B2 Great Wizard-wise + 2D Help + no FoRKs...
Great Wizards-wise [1d6]=4[1d6]=3[1d6]=2[1d6]=6
Spend a Fate to open-end that 6...
Great Wizards-wise [1d6]=2
...alas.

Try the same for Bone-wise + help from Obscure History:
Bone-wise [1d6]=2[1d6]=2[1d6]=6[1d6]=1
...a definite fail!

Dang! The dice betray you!

There is something about this that gnaws at your mind. A feeling of déjà vu settles unsettlingly on you, a deep seated menace that fills your stomach and drains slowly through your body like blood, blood poisoned with a thought you cannot extract from it.

The hideous monsters are inexplicable. There is no mechanism, natural or supernal, you can think of that would allow a creature to move in such a way. Their flesh, the odious, glistening serpents squealing in grotesque cacophony, fill your mind's eye, crowding out clear thought. Your blood runs cold, now poisoned with unreachable prescience, and pumping terror with every heartbeat. There is a part of your mind that insists there must be an explanation, something logical or at least superlogical. Some strange magic or deific curse. But that part cannot match the fear that overcomes you.

It is dark in the desert. And dreadfully cold.

You lay in a pool of sweat and dread, unaware of the violence brewing in the camp. Unaware of the howling that resumes anew as Carrock flies over the desert toward safety.

As mentioned, you now suffer +1 Ob if these creatures ever cause a Steel test against you. Make sure you've marked both tests that you made, as well as the artha spent toward your Great Wizard-wise. It's very difficult to shade-shift, so I want to make sure you have every opportunity.

[VVhite-Crow]

I'm not interested in Farouk initiating violence (yet ) or getting in the way of the DoW. Au contraire, I'm thrilled to see how Suen reacts and what happens next! Farouk on his part, will do his best to prevent bloodshed between the group and the outlaws.

[hidetzugu]

well I'm kinda tempted to get in the way . I'd like to plug my ears with wax or something that my "I'm a hoarder" instinct allows (assuming i succeed whatever scavenging roll is required) and if things get heated just signal Finnithir to start singing.

This does pose some mechanical complications because DoW does rely on player-level compromises and I'm essentially asking to not participate in the DoW in order to undermine it's possible results . Doesn't seem very fair to me.

[Eric.D]

well I'm kinda tempted to get in the way . I'd like to plug my ears with wax or something that my "I'm a hoarder" instinct allows (assuming i succeed whatever scavenging roll is required) and if things get heated just signal Finnithir to start singing.

This does pose some mechanical complications because DoW does rely on player-level compromises and I'm essentially asking to not participate in the DoW in order to undermine it's possible results . Doesn't seem very fair to me.

If Finnithir can cause Wonderment, it might derail the DoW and the pending violence. Of course, he needs to succeed lest his attempt cause an all-out combat.

[Enoch]

"'Let'?", Suen hisses, his voice low and hard as he straightens from his customary slouch. "Who, exactly, do you think you're addressing? What I've shown you is the least of my powers. Do not test me, bandit."

For the first time he meets Akhom's eyes with his own unnatural ones.

He's attempting to use his Mesmerizing Gaze, per his Belief.

[Eric.D]

Akhom blinks as you focus your gaze on him and call upon the unearthly power that is your birthright.

Akhom Steel Test, Ob 5 [_6d6s4]=(3, 6, 6, 5, 3, 4)=4=4

Steel is open ended, so rerolling the sixes:

Akhom Steel Test, Open Ended [_2d6s4]=(4, 4)=2=2

A total of 6 against Ob 5. Akhom has succeeded against your Mesmerizing Gaze.

The ice in his face melts away into sheer rage.

"The demon is in him"—strangled with hatred and revulsion—"Kill him, before he kills us!"

He charges toward Suen-Magir before the shout has ended, his beard swaying with each heavy footfall, his spear leveled, reason pushed aside.

How do you want to handle this? Given this entire scene involves a Belief, and the trigger for the combat is itself a Belief, I am thinking we should escalate to a Fight. If you disagree, we can attempt a Simple Martial Conflict or a Bloody Versus.

Fight gets exceedingly complicated with multiple characters involved, so if we go that route I would be tempted to limit it allowing other characters to Help Suen-Magir. But I can probably be convinced otherwise, especially given that Lilly has already taken a firm supporting stance on Suen-Magir's behalf.

GM Note: I don't think Mesmerizing Gaze usually has this effect on people, even if they succeed. His reaction is a product of his preexisting hostility; where someone would normally think, "well, that was weird," he has gone, "clearly demon magic!" Suen-Magir would be aware that this is unusual, so I want make sure that you are, as well.

[hidetzugu]

Akhom blinks as you focus your gaze on him and call upon the unearthly power that is your birthright.

Akhom Steel Test, Ob 5 [_6d6s4]=(3, 6, 6, 5, 3, 4)=4=4

Steel is open ended, so rerolling the sixes:

Akhom Steel Test, Open Ended [_2d6s4]=(4, 4)=2=2

A total of 6 against Ob 5. Akhom has succeeded against your Mesmerizing Gaze.

The ice in his face melts away into sheer rage.

"The demon is in him"—strangled with hatred and revulsion—"Kill him, before he kills us!"

He charges toward Suen-Magir before the shout has ended, his beard swaying with each heavy footfall, his spear leveled, reason pushed aside.

How do you want to handle this? Given this entire scene involves a Belief, and the trigger for the combat is itself a Belief, I am thinking we should escalate to a Fight. If you disagree, we can attempt a Simple Martial Conflict or a Bloody Versus.

Fight gets exceedingly complicated with multiple characters involved, so if we go that route I would be tempted to limit it allowing other characters to Help Suen-Magir. But I can probably be convinced otherwise, especially given that Lilly has already taken a firm supporting stance on Suen-Magir's behalf.

GM Note: I don't think Mesmerizing Gaze usually has this effect on people, even if they succeed. His reaction is a product of his preexisting hostility; where someone would normally think, "well, that was weird," he has gone, "clearly demon magic!" Suen-Magir would be aware that this is unusual, so I want make sure that you are, as well.

I'd definitely intervene if possible. I'd argue that I already placed myself between Farouk and Suen, which implies Akhom would have to go through me to get to him:

[...] grabs him by the collar with the intent to shove him back to a sitting position on the sand. [...]

Lilly is gonna try to grab your arm and position herself between Suen and you.
(I know you said it was not meant as a direct threat but the rp allows for that interpretation)
"Easy boy. Suen was brought here precisely so we can take advantage of his gift. "

"We like you Farouk. You've been the best guide we could have found to bring us here... But Suen's talents are unique. Yours... " - she lets her eyes fall on the other desert-folk, not finishing the sentence but letting the implication stand in the air.

"Urkazzar" - she yells - "we accept your offer, ready your gear"

1: If Farouk responds poorly to the initial physical interactionwe can partially retcon this and handle that.

2: On a meta level, i think depending how this goes, it is possible that Farouk and I are preventing the DoW from happening.

[Eric.D]

I'd definitely intervene if possible. I'd argue that I already placed myself between Farouk and Suen, which implies Akhom would have to go through me to get to him:

That makes sense to me. I think it's best to wait for Suen-Magir to decide his action before we choose how to handle it.

In the case of Suen-Magir accepting a Fight, it could be a positioning advantage, for example, and then you could Help him. Or he could choose to let you take the Fight (being more heavily armed and armored) and Help you instead.

Regardless of how things go, I think violence is now inevitable.

[Marullus]

Just pass the edge of the firelight, Nutesh lies in a meditative state, his senses all cast out to a far away bird, his body in the middle of a magic circle with a ghostly girl looking on... while everyone else argues at the campfire about using magic.

What a scene for me to agree to miss!

[Eric.D]

What a scene for me to agree to miss!

I'm just glad your scene was also really cool or it would have been even worse!

[Enoch]

Fight does get complex with multiple participants, and frankly Suen is all-but-useless in a battle. Maybe a BV would be better simply to determine how badly he gets beaten.

[Eric.D]

That works for me. I'd propose this:

Lilly is in front, and has stated that she wants to stop this attack on you. Let's make it a BV between her and Akhom. Any party members that would like to Help with an appropriate skill may.

Sabit will help with her Astrology, on a success she will warn Lilly in the instant before Akhom attacks.
If she succeeds, this is her warning:

"Phukh, the Serpent God of Death, looks upon us, Lilly."

That leaves it up to Suen-Magir and Farouk to decide if and how they Help.

Given the situation, with violence having been threatened for a few exchanges, I am going to rule that Lilly has time to ready her weapon and will suffer no penalties. She might be surprised things devolved so quickly, but not that it came to violence.

[hidetzugu]

That works for me. I'd propose this:

Lilly is in front, and has stated that she wants to stop this attack on you. Let's make it a BV between her and Akhom. Any party members that would like to Help with an appropriate skill may.

Sabit will help with her Astrology, on a success she will warn Lilly in the instant before Akhom attacks.
If she succeeds, this is her warning:

"Phukh, the Serpent God of Death, looks upon us, Lilly."

That leaves it up to Suen-Magir and Farouk to decide if and how they Help.

Given the situation, with violence having been threatened for a few exchanges, I am going to rule that Lilly has time to ready her weapon and will suffer no penalties. She might be surprised things devolved so quickly, but not that it came to violence.

Cool, if it's a BV lets set intents. Lilly goal is to swiftly floor and subdue him, ending up with her heavy metal boot holding him down. What is his intent?

I'll use my sword pommel damage, so he has +1D from weapon length. And I'm a Dwarf so he has +1D from Stride (unless he is Lame or something). What are his Reflexes? Does he have armour?

[VVhite-Crow]

I already described Farouks attempt to push Suen to the ground. But he doesn't intervene in Lilly's and Akhoms quarrel. His intent is to prevent Suen from causing any more commotion among the outlaws. Only for the BV of course.

[Enoch]

I'd completely forgotten that Sorcery can be used in place of a martial skill in Bloody Versus (Codex, p289). Suen will absolutely help with Sorcery, especially since Evoke is something he's good at. If Lilly is trying to floor him, Suen with reach out with his mind and try to sweep Akhom's legs out from under him.

[Eric.D]

Cool, if it's a BV lets set intents. Lilly goal is to swiftly floor and subdue him, ending up with her heavy metal boot holding him down. What is his intent?

I'll use my sword pommel damage, so he has +1D from weapon length. And I'm a Dwarf so he has +1D from Stride (unless he is Lame or something). What are his Reflexes? Does he have armour?

His intent is to stab and injure/kill Suen-Magir. His reflexes are B4, and he is not wearing armor. This is his camp, and he was chatting with friends prior to all this.

He does get an advantage for his 1 point of VA, though! I will roll for him right away. (Please split your dice pools and roll before viewing):

Akhom BV Attack [_4d6s4]=(1, 2, 3, 4)=1=1

Akhom BV Defense [_2d6s4]=(3, 5)=1=1

Well, he ain't winning with that roll.