Thoughts: how are these people not like people? The drunks speak in numbers - what do the guards do? What are the similarities between them and the drunks, and how does the established similarity between the drunks and the door we are in hold for them?
"When you sleep in this door," Immanuel Jade clarifies as he gestures about, eyes gleaming, "do you know things you have never known before?"
Action: Immanuel Jade evaluates the game these guards are playing, considering unlikely statistical occurrences. Is Mags a good player, or is she seemingly good to a layman's eyes in that she keeps getting lucky? What of the artilleryman?
Thoughts: What?"What?""What?"As for the cards, Jade notes that Mags never seems to twitch or blink-she's in perfect control, at all times. It's difficult to tell her hand, because she never lets on to what she's feeling. There's a bit of ice and fire in her, that's for sure.
The Artilleryman, while decent enough, seems to have a simmering frustration which is upsetting his game. An old mans impatience for games. He just doesn't have the passion to try as hard as he could.
Low cunning and youth beating old age and experience are rare, but in this case it's true...
"Let's. I want to be away before nightfall."
Vic whistles at Lucky to heel and heads back to the horses. She'll walk hers for now, since she doubts Lucky can keep up with a running horse given his injury.
The Rest of them leave the haunted farm, and it's bad luck hopefully behind. Lucky limps alongside Vic, accepting his new owner with canine gratitude.
...
Sometime after noon, you're all well within the boundaries of Sevenforks, and it's quite a relief. Everyone is hungry, tired, and dirty.
Sevenforks itself is a familiar sight to people like Vic and Wen-li, but Hiraya and Sal might be somewhat awed. A true urban Sprawl, what was originally a small religious settlement boomed into a land gobbling metropolis with the coming of the railroads. The fringes of the Sevenforks are replete with shacks and bungalows owned by the poor, but as one nears the heart of the city, the Air-Docks and the Sevenforks Locomotive Works, wealth springs up like water from a parched desert. The widely varying amounts of wealth have not gone unnoticed by the inhabitants-thick, red mud 'Ladrillo' walls (The Castalan word for brick is 'Ladrillo')-keep out the 'riffraff', and palatial mansions tower over the slums within walking distance of one another. The further East you go, however, the more rich you get-most of the Eastern side of Sevenforks is filled with busy industries, churches, taverns, saloons, and eateries. Running through all of it, like the veins of a heart, are the heavy Iron rails that carry the Steamtrains to all points of the map. Traffic through Sevenforks is usually dense for this reason-combined with the meandering, narrow streets-carts, horses, and footsore travelers are often stuck in traffic for hours while the trains go by. No one dares the rails when a train is coming-they have a timetable to keep, and anyone in the way is apt to be flattened, or shot out of hand by the Chartered Houses mercenaries, perched in guard towers around rail-crossings.
Indeed, the Chartered Houses also own their own parts of the city-House Grunbremoch's sharply dressed mercenaries in Imperial-chic walking in parade step, House Marghul's packs of well-dressed Jackals with their expensive weapons slouching around looking for people to bully, and House Laer's relatively quiet and lowkey agents, who are said to favor long dark cloaks, something like the Rangers of old.
The city sheriffs, the marshals keep the peace as best they can-an occasional city slicker of the Twin Eagle Security Agency can be seen strutting around, gawping-and packs of hard working Iron Dragons roam the streets, dirty and content if working, dirty and ready for a brawl if off the clock.
The color of West comes out full bloom here, as well-Jade Tricksters on every street, picking pockets and displaying dubious feats of magic and wonder-Priests of the Ecclesiarchy and a half a hundred other religions shouting over the crowd, urging revelation and forgiveness at an affordable rate-groups and pairs of silent, somber Wandering Stars traveling to the West, always further West-and the fine ladies of the Foxglove society, offering their wares in feathers and silk-their seemingly eager eyes, hiding their pretty faces behind intricate and beautiful hand-fans. Cowboys roll in endlessly, looking for drinks and work-bounty hunters leading men and women in with ropes about their necks (shadowing the fate of many)-even a few proud Orinost Bards, many with broken masks and malfunctioning equipment (not all as lucky or profitable as Wen-li), play out the not to be forgotten tragedies of their people for the eyes and ears of too silent crowds.
Above, the fleets of air-ships, blasting or floating off above it all, often waving happily-or dumping their waste-at the crowds below, depending on their mood.
...
The four strangers find themselves in the midst of it all, taking in the sights.
Immanuel Jade (Harry Baldman)Wearing
Dynasty of the Red Crane
Immanuel's new clothes are quite befitting an Imperial Officer-clean, fresh, and restrictive to your nethers. Quite like the Empire itself, if you're being coy. Standard Officer wear includes a knee length, grey collared jacket, 6 buttons and no pockets, ending in a tailcoat-with thin, grey trousers that reach only to your ankles, to better show your tight black boots, and regulation length Imperial grey socks. Top it all off with a two foot tall, peaked Imperial Cap lined with golden thread on either side in a wavy lightning bolt design. No pockets in your pants either, and you can't help but wonder where you are supposed to keep anything. Maybe you have underlings carry it for you.
Pack
Saltbox Pocket Pistol
A puny gun of unusual design and manufacture-looks more like a weird sort of matchbox, rather than a firearm. It's very small, and is currently hidden in a secret pocket in his vest. Immanuel knows it can be quite lethal, at short range-it's sort of like a miniature shotgun, in general effect. Bears the faded Orinost cog and dagger symbol on the metallic butt.
Pocket Toolkit~Left Pocket
Immanuel's had this longer than he can remember-literally. It's good for all sorts of things. A tiny Knife, tweezers, screwdriver, a little pair of scissors, a spoon, a little magnifying glass, and firestarter.
Worthless Scrip~Right Pocket
Scraps of paper payable to imaginary lenders. Does wonders if robbed by stupid men, or doing business with stupid merchants.
9 Silver Dollars~Money Pouch in left boot
No self respecting Jade would ever carry his money openly. What little of it he has.
Status: Confiscated
1xSteam Engine Parts~Pack
What is all this junk? Well, It could be sold for an unfair price, or perhaps used for some spot repairs on any sort of machine you want fixed. Just don't ask specifics, and I won't tell you any lies. Who even knows what an Electrospanker is, anyway?
Status: *All of this legally Confiscated by what you assume are Imperial Intelligence Officers, or a band of very merry pranksters pulling an elaborate joke on you. A VERY elaborate joke.*
Remember what you seek (Part.1)
~Uncovering the secrets of the Arcane isn't easy, but it is your job. You've plucked some rumors-willing and unwilling-from the wind that have placed a certain rare item in an abandoned warehouse in Sevenfork. A map, to be precise...though, you're not exactly sure to what.
A string of razor wire
~Against your will, you've been conned into infiltrating the camp of a corrupt military general, posing as one of his officers, and obtaining enough evidence to 'facilitate his removal'. Right up your alley, but you can't help but think the odds are against you-they have to have planned for you to fail..it's possible they might even be counting on it.
WearingMorning before SunriseA dark red poncho with silver gliding, accentuated with a long red skirt certainly leaves much to the imagination in regards to this mystery woman. One white glove, one white black-hiding her long, dexterous fingers. And topped off by that ornate hat, and the mask...or perhaps, many masks. She seems to be able to change them with almost supernatural speed, to reflect her mood. Her face is entirely covered, except for her electric blue eyes...but her current mask, is hidden even from this storytellers eyes.Pack5x Bracer of throwing Knives~Left HipConcealed in a strap on her left hip. Sharp, pointed blades-designed to be thrown accurately and with deadly precision. Immaculately sharp and clean.
Status: Hidden from SightHouston Yi's Parasol~Left handIn classic Imperial mythology, there were originally ten suns in the sky, who were all quite rowdy brothers-they liked nothing more than carousing and stealing maidens virtue. Once, their games nearly burnt the Earth to a cinder-until a hero named Houston Yi lured them down to earth, and shot them all down (save one, of course) with his scatter-rifle. In a poetic sense, this Parasol was designed to lure the last brother down from the Heavens so that men might benefit from his power. Also, quite stylish and beautiful, in the forgotten fashion of Old Orinost-who always sought to merge function and form into a beautiful whole-the panels on the outside, facing the world, are painted with a depiction of a shining silver city standing tall in the desert ringed with graceful airships...the panels on the inside, show the same image mirrored in that cities terrible destruction. A useful storytelling tool, and perhaps a memorial of a sorts.Guitar~strapped across backFour-strings and a pear-shaped body, this instrument seems as graceful and lithe as it's wielder-it's of odd construction, however, not of wood but nearly entirely of metal. Connected to the parasol via a slender black cord.22 Silver Dollars~Small coin purseNo self respecting lady would ever carry her money openly. She prefers a small, delicately filigreed coin bag-good for making money vanish into the folds of her robes without a single clink.
Status: Hidden from Sight
Orinost Relic~Handyman
Amazingly, this relic of old Orinost still functions-a cunning collection of gears, cogs, brass and steel set in the form of a pocketwatch-it's face acts as a watch, compass and even small icons seems to indicate the weather (a small icon of a three raindrops, presumably for heavy rain)...also, you're not sure what those others numbers mean...and what's with the ticking needle? Is it measuring something? It could be very useful for survival in the west, in any case. On the back of the device, is in the tarnished insignia of Orinost-a cog and a blade. One wonders which one failed them first.
Orinost Relics
Mask of Beauty
Perfection of the female form, breathtaking to look upon. Who shaped it? Who was the model for such delicate, sensuous features? Could such a person have lived and not been adored, worshiped?
Abilities Gained:
~Beautiful Gaze~
Wen-li can use her gaze to enrapture anyone who looks into her eyes, making them more susceptible to her charms. This works on anyone who is not hostile to her, but if the affect should end they may realize they have been tricked and may become hostile to her-it usually depends on how against their nature she encouraged them to act. Some people don't need much pushing at all to co certain things.
Energy Cost: Free
~Shimmering Form~
Wen-li can make herself-including her clothing, and other belongings on your person-look different to any outside for perception, for up to an hour per charge expended. She can seem 1 foot shorter or taller and can appear thin, fat, or in between. She can't change your body type, so she must adopt a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs. Otherwise, the extent of the illusion is up to her. The illusion is essentially flawless, but it can be defeated by close examination, and of course illusions exert no force or weight.
Energy Cost: 1 Charge
Raven Feathered Cloak
One side white, one side black, as in all the affairs of men. The feathers are shaped steel, the pinions tipped with delicately shaped gemstone spurs-but it's as light as the wind.
~Windshear~
The feathers can be move at a high speed to produce a gust of directed wind, capable of knocking people and things about, extinguishing fires, and the like. Tends to mess up your hair, no matter how short you wear it.
Energy Cost: Free
~Raven's Glide~
A simple enough ability, this cloak can billow out to dramatically slow Wen-Li's falling speed, when she has the misfortune to drop. It is even capable of limited gliding, though this can rapidly drain the batteries.
Energy Cost: Free when dropping or gliding 10 ft or less in height, costs 1 charge for every additional 60 ft fallen or glided past 10ft.
Curse Gear
Crude and functional in design, ugly to the soul, bitter black. The metal, if it was metal, seemed disturbingly organic. If you opened the heart of an Imperial Soldier, would you see this spinning away?
~Curse of Mortality~
A vicious curse that strikes the enemies lifeforce, and wracks them with mental pain-showing them visions of their own death, paralyzing them with fear. The effect is temporary, but ultimately deadly.
Energy Cost: Free
~Curse of Fortune~
Simply holding the gear aloft and speaking certain words best left forgotten to time, Wen-Li can put a bane upon their fortunes, making even the most simple action capable of divinely inspired failure. They will find it difficult to most anything. Repeated uses, or stronger charges, can alter a persons fortune even more dramatically.
Energy Cost: 1 Charge
Relic Primer: Orinost relics take a good deal of power to use, but they are efficiently constructed in such a fashion that they can be entirely generated from the solar umbrella Wen-li carries. She can thus only her relics sparingly-the cells recharge naturally over a long day, and a little bit even at night when she sleeps, as the fury batteries are far more intricate than they appear. She can choose to more than the regular amount of charges that an ability indicates to gain a more profound effect, though this has dangers. As she gains experience, she will unlock additional uses for the relics, and increase their battery life. Of course she should always be on the lookout for more relics, and ways to upgrade her technology.
Current Charge:
OOOO 100%
Remember Orinost (Part.1)
~Your reputation has grown-you've been gratefully invited to one of the richer taverns in Sevenforks-a place called Sevenstrings-to entertain the patrons.
Wearing
Long Ranging
A simple combination of gloves, hat, duster, trousers and boots. Totally unremarkable, and bear the marks of constant dirtying, and slightly less constant washings. Still, it's a good a sign as any this man is used to hard work and hopefully honest labor.
Pack
Wisson Five-Palm Revolver
Strapped to the young mans hip openly, a fine silver five-shooter-likely inherited, you could say with a smirk, since it's doubtful he could have bought such a nice gun by himself. The bitter smell of freshly fired burnpowder indicates he's gotten over his gun shy nature, and embraced a more violent path.
Wranglers Rope~Left Hip
A roll of tough, fiber rope coiled about on his belt. Amazingly useful, in all sorts of situations.
5 Silver Dollars, 7 Dollars in Willow Bend Scrip~Small Money Roll
What little money he has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.
Remembering the Face of your Father (Part.1)
~You have a lead on the location one of the Imperial Soldiers who took your father. He's currently retired in Sevenforks. If you ever want answers, that's a good place to start.
WearingShaded IntentionsTough jeans, thick boots, a waistcoat over her shirt and a leather longcoat with a duster over if from her shoulders down to her elbows, and a wide-brimmed black hat with a leather band. Conceals her form in shadows. I wonder what she has to hide?Pack3x'Huxing' Type-7 Revolvers~Three Holsters, one on on each hip, one across chestGrunbremoch designed, highly effective with little attention to artistic detail or beauty. Ugly, angular and blocky design-yet, truly efficient pieces of killing steel.Imperial Dao~Across back, in sheathA single edged sword, with a moderate curve-designed for hacking and chopping. It seems to be missing it's original sheath, the current owner concealing it a roll of sown leather. An interesting artistic design on the handle depicts a smiling naked female frozen in a position of gyration, two pearls in her outstretched hands-one white, one black. The eight sided shape of icon indicates this is likely a house, or clan seal of some sort...Writ of Arrest~Rolled into your left pocketThe Marshals hereby order that the person known Jun Jones (alias 'Young man) to be delivered to Sevenforks for execution for his many crimes. Reward will consist of 1 Golden Talon for live delivery, To be discussed amount, to be rewarded upon proof of death.
He has hereby been charged with too many crimes to account, is known to be extremely dangerous.
Said person bearing this writ, Victoria Dyson, is granted the right of arrest and seizure of the criminals goods, and bears the immunity of law in regards to her methods in doing so.
Let the voice of the Emperor be heard!
~Signed and approved, Chun Ziang, High Sheriff of Sevenforks
8 Silver DollarsWhat little money she has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.CompanionsLuckyA poor stray dog you accidentally shot...he seems to forgive you, though he still walks with a limp. Old and in his last few years of life, he is loyal and happy with you, but will need some tender love and care if he is to regain his strength and vigor.Remember the Money (Part.1~Failed!)
~You were escorting a prisoner by the name of Jun 'Young Man' Jones to Sevenforks, for his hanging-and your bounty. You're not sure exactly what he did to warrant such a thing, but the Marshals gave you a writ of arrest, and promised you a decent sum-a whole golden talon, guaranteed by the local government. Complicated by the fact he was killed on your watch, and apparently they really wanted him alive...
Jun's Wake
~You'll have to explain to the Sheriff what happened if you want to clear this up, and maybe get a small amount of payment for your trouble. And convince them you aren't lying, as you don't exactly have a body to show them, one way or another.
Jun's Will
A note from Juns body was read as such..'The Water is bad, so only Drink Whiskey in the Citrus Wind, one mug each for four times Mr. Carrows Fingers and toes, while minding the Red Ladies Temper. Charm her nicely, don't end up inside her without enough to pay! She has a lot of pride, that lady, and bears no ribbing-but, make sure to peek under her skirt before you turn in for the night. Or, you'll have to be turned in and out for the night. Wire Bend, Story End.'...you can only guess it leads to whatever he stole.
Wearing
Distant Horizon
Her clothing is a mix of silk and sun-colored fabric, a forest-tan mixture of green and straw-yellow, conforming to the idea of a traveler or explorer, following the fashion of those in the outer reaches of the Empire-perhaps the Philippiana islands...ideal for long treks, it seems to never become dirty, perhaps because of the care of it's owner.
Companions
Apura
A young, spirited, apple red charger with a spirited nature. You freed her from a life as a carriage horse, and you get the idea she's happy to be running freely with you. She likes sugar cubes, and will often reach her nose into your pocket or backpack looking for them.
Pack
Reflective Disc~Pocket
Larcenously plucked from the electric torch sconce of a carriage, it does everything you could expect of a mirror, including allowing Hiraya to admire herself.
'Agila Kuko' Hatchet~Left hip sheath
Hiraya prefers word to blades and bullets, but she recognizes the need for self defense-thus, she carries this small axe weapon on her person, also for utility purposes-chopping wood, preparing food, hunting, marking trails, and the like. In the fashion of her own people, the blade is artistically shaped like an Eagle's Talon.
Composite bow~Across back (30 arrows)
The bow is not as popular as the gun, but it has a number of advantages-mostly silence, and the fact you can recover your ammunition, and the fact you can fire it in any sort of weather. It's also ideal for hunting, to preserve as much meat and hide as possible. This one has no doubt been restrung many times, but the springy wood used in it's construction seems tropical in origin-Hiraya prefers a smaller, more compact composite bow better fitting her size, one that can also be easily fired from horseback.
First Aid Kit~On belt
Often, Hiraya finds herself alone on the trails, no doctors around for hundreds of miles-she's learned to tend injuries that accumulate in such situations. This small kit contains tweezers, a bit of thread and needles for sutures, clean cloth for bandages, and a small vial of potent Grep Juice, which can reduce pain in the right amounts, or knock a man senseless if used a bit too much.
4 Silver Dollars
What little money she has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.
Remember, Curiosity killed the Cat (Part.1)
~Drifting into the Far West has brought you on a steam-carriage heading to Sevenforks...you've heard an exciting rumor of a group of city men and women going to investigate the ruins one of the Rangers old forts. They'll certainly need an experienced guide...
((Updating character sheets, btw))
Author
Topic: The Far West-Ch.1/Light for Some-others, A Deeper Darkness (Game thread) (Read 21807 times)