IC Thread: Chapter 1, Scene 1 - Peace Is A Lie

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1uxvxCs_lM/U9hY9-OjROI/AAAAAAAALT0/HatE9MS_5m4/s1600/Sith_1.jpg

The morning air was frigid... as always. And it had been well more than a day since you've eaten. Not that the usual re-hydrated veg-meat rations were anything to get excited over, but still...

The Masters always starved you all like this, right before there was to be some sort of test or trial, it seemed.

And by the way they have marched you all out onto the valley floor, rousing you without warning just as the distant red sun began to rise - indeed it appeared that was what would be happening today.

Something about today felt a bit different though.

The demeanor of the Masters - usually morose and deliberate - was different... They seemed ... hurried, perhaps? Or somehow enlivened? If you didn't know better, you'd almost think they were giddy about something.

And as they marched you all past the usual stone-carved openings of catacombs and semi-collapsed ruins, it began to appear more and more like something IS different.

You're all being lead out to the mouth of the valley. You haven't been out here since you were first brought to this gods-forsaken planet by shuttle, which seemed like forever ago now. But whatever was going on, they had NEVER let you Acolytes out beyond the main temple or it's immediately neighboring cloisters before.

Soon you find yourselves out at the mouth of the valley, standing between the... whatever it was...? A giant archaeological pit and dig-site? You're not really sure. The Masters never talked about it, never even acknowledged it was out here, you just remember seeing it from the shuttle window when you first came in. But anyway... you stand, with the other Acolytes, between that sprawling pit and the smallish landing pad which harbored the only 3 starships you've seen since your arrival. Those of the Masters.

Brother Xaos was milling about, at the edge of the landing pad, so that he stood a few meters above you all but in full view, and he was conferring with the Master whom you knew otherwise as Sister Xun.

And, as often seems to happen, ever since they found they were about the only three people here who didn't want to be here... Ly-riik, Davit, and Tobin find themselves standing next to each other amongst the other Acolytes as Xaos prepares to speak.

OOC:

Alright, here we go, gang! Just wanted to give you all a little introductory, lead-in narrative. Now I want to hand it over to you guys to do the same.

Please just give us a little introduction to your PC. Physical description. Exposition about their background, and/or mental state, would be welcome if you want (stuff the other characters could have learned in previous getting-to-know-you conversations with each other). And ofc any other narrative or actions you want to take in the moment.

Oct 25, 2022 6:12 pm

One of the 3 figures we see is a relatively smaller being, slim and only achieving 5’4 thanks to his species large craniums. The hood of his robe stretching to accommodate we see Ly-Riik doing his best to go stay still and collected as he stands at attention. His oddly waited sword that the master insist he wear is on his belt. Every few moments he looks around hoping to see his friendly companion given to him again assuming they are being prepared for a "mission".

Brr. It’s cold out here. I hope the masters don’t force us out here for too long. Who am I kidding, of course they will. Darn it Ly-Riik pay attention!

Shaking his head slightly he refocuses on the speech. His eyes do ever so often flick over to his companions and the shuttles like "should we?"

OOC:

[ooc]Ly-Riik is built rather slighter than average for his species mostly due to his younger age. I envision him being about 17 or 18 years old.

[/ooc]

Last edited October 25, 2022 6:41 pm

Oct 26, 2022 1:34 am

Tobin is a young man who often has a distant look in his eyes. He tends to stare at things, sometimes blankly, sometimes with a thoughtful expression, and at other times with a kind of intensity. It's almost as if he sees things that other people don't.

If asked, Tobin will say he knew he'd end up where he is now. He was told by his foster father some time ago that Darkness would snatch him away, and that he'd need to "remain whole". It would be a time of trial and the beginning of Tobin's future. It would define his place in the galaxy. Because of these things, Tobin is quiet and does little more than bear his fate.

Tobin is an orphan. His parents, glepok farmers from the relatively isolated Outer Rim world of Handen III, wasted away to disease. But before they perished they entrusted their only child to an eccentric "wizard" who lived nearby, a terribly old, human man by the name of Vespin Feebler. There was no one else, and Tobin was already a teenager at that point anyway.

Vespin, an odd fellow, awoke an awareness in Tobin, not just of the Force, but also of... everything. The man taught less than he pushed Tobin hard in tasks and chores. The boy hated Vespin at first, cursing his fate. But when awakening began creeping into his senses, he stopped complaining and thinking about running away. In the beginning Tobin stuck it out just for the sake of his parents, but in time grew to see a rich wisdom in the old man.

Then, one day in Tobin's early 20's, the prophecy was given, and Vespin announced his departure and left. Tobin had no idea where he went, or even where he could have gone. The man seemed to have vanished. And that, for some strange reason, didn't anger or frighten Tobin. He was somewhat stunned and confused, but otherwise he simply accepted the loss.

Not long after this, the Darkness came.

At this moment Tobin stands, hands clasped behind his back, eyes closed, head a little lowered. He's listening to everything and nothing. He's feeling the ground beneath his feet, the air against his body, and the rising sun on his head. Meditation is getting easier for him. It was something he started practicing not long before the Darkness came, and once it did, meditation became his only refuge.

Last edited October 26, 2022 1:36 am

Oct 28, 2022 8:56 am

OOC:

Ohh.... those introductory posts. The are not easy for me:) Especially considering the fact that Davit is walking contradiction:) He has high Skulduggery, motivations are Help the Helpless+ Feith(rolled! But I like it), Curiosity/Obsession and is Shien Expert - fighting flavor of Sentinel I presume... lol:) So that what fallows is not as good as I would like it to be, but will have to do:) In the end of the day he may become one of my more interesting characters. We will see.

Davit from an early age was a so-called "troubled spirit". But one have to mind that being part of a wealthy family makes it so much easier to be a "troubled spirit". You can try many things. And David was constantly looking for something. Knowledge was his first obsession. Although this one quickly got boiring for him. Then Strength. By learning from the best sword masters he wanted to by the strongest. Which was surprisingly quite in line with the ancient tradition in his family: to learn the way of the sword. But even in this case, patience did not last too long.

Then it was Cleverness. Some people from the local criminal underworld began to impress him. Their hard conduct seemed to exude cunning, strength, and an innate natural knowledge. He thought: this is it! That this is what the person who found the "code of conduct in this world" does. They had everything... women, money, power, respect. What more could you want? He joined one of the local gangs and began to climb the ranks of their structure. But the higher he was in those ranks, the more uncomfortable it became for him. Is someone stong when they harm other for their own benefit?? He wasn't so sure any more... But in that peroid he learned how to cope with the streets ... and in space. He managed to avoid thos more brutal actions and missions, tried to by more of a support for his gang then active participant in some worse deeds. He learned a lot. He did some things he is not proud of but in general he was fine with what they were doing. Stealing from rich... giving to poor... - at least that was what he wanted to believe and was told by higher ups. But it is always a lie.

And then what he did not expect: happened. He was sent on a mission to collect a "tribute" on one of the planets at the Outer Rim, from one bar at. It turned out that it was not a bar... but a slave market. And the head of his unit, in exchange for some ship parts, added ... David himself to the bargain, laughing mockingly in his face.
"You wanted to be a good guy!?! Huh?! I think you will be a perfect fit for slave camps. You will be able to do a lot of good out here... hehehehe!"

It was the moment Davit realized that the world he had lived in the last few years was not about strength. The only thing driving those people he admired so much was ... sheer greed. And weekness of not being diciplined enough to make things better, harder way. And the rest of what they do is just a good face, for a bad game.

What he experienced in this very momenet and weeks after seeing to what criminal activities can lead to - for ordinary people and aliens... changed him forever.

But he still knew there is more. He could feel it. This is what he was looking for, but it was the moment he realized that he would not find it in humans. They are never the source of Wisdom (incorrectly called by him Cunning), Strength and Knowledge. These aspects of our reality come from outside. From the source. But what is the Source?

He didn't know... but he felt it... and by this... he was lost... in his life... once again.

Few years have passed. He was moved, sold, form one slave camp to another. This was almost in another time, almost another life... And then he met... Ben. Ben Lasaro...

As he stood there in the square, he had an impresson for a moment that Ben was there with them. That he also is one of the captured by the Siths. He smiles, as usual, full of peace and says: "Such a chill that I almost hope that they will make us run until we drop exhausted again." But after a while, Davit realizes that it was most likely just an illusion. He just missed that old monk who seemed to be the only human in the galaxy who knew about the Father Who Is - God who seemed to be that Source that Davit was looking for and explained most of the things David felt and chased for over the last 20 years of his ragged life. He was 33 now.

Once at the new working camp, after somebody finded out about Davit's abilities - reinforced by Ben's teachings - they both knew it was only a matter of time when someone will show up and take him from there. And that's what have happened.

Once again Davit was alone in his search for the right path. Only: this time he knows "where" the Source is. After opening him on to it it seems to lead him, to talk to him...

The problem is: this time he has got into such trouble that only the Father Who Is can actually get him out of it ... Unless he has already lost patience for him...
Well, I guess that's not why I screwed up so many things in my life, then found the Source to now die of cold listening to the speeches of these dark buffoons. Who - it seems - think that the Source is some impersonal Force that is sometimes black and sometimes white."
"The source allowed me to find it, so I hope it has at least a more interesting plan for my end than this forgotten hole. I believe there are more things it wants to show me."

He looked at his new "friends". He haven't called anyone with that word in serious manner for a very long time. Except Ben. They seemed fine - what was quite uncommon for this group - but to call them friends for real and meaning that, they will have to work for it. And Davit will have to work for their trust too.

But he could see the same spark in their eyes that he felt in himself. A spark that refused a version of events other than the one in which they emerge from this forgotten planet. Those sparks were surely given to them by the Source. He realy hoped that it have other plans for them. Different than: black clothes, grim faces, and destroying everything what is good.
"How many hours of speeches do you anticipate today?" he whispered and winked at his companions. But he was not smiling.

Oct 28, 2022 3:40 pm

Tobin hears Davit ask the question, and tilts his head ever-so-lightly in response.

Oct 28, 2022 4:22 pm

OOC:

Nice. Lot of good stuff in those posts. Thank you guys for the intros.

It's pretty crazy to me, a strange coincidence... but you three have chosen to play what are probably my top 3 favorite Specializations from the F&D book. Mechanically they are some of the best designed, each in different ways. So I look forward to seeing what you guys do.

I guess, let's get on with it then, hm?

Up on the edge of the landing pad overlooking the Acolytes...

Brother Xaos appears to be a human of average height, and fair skin. And if you hadn't known the depths of his inner ugliness firsthand, you would probably reckon him to be a very handsome fellow. He is dressed today as he usually is; in black leathers with laminate plating, his deep hood pulled up to shroud most of his visage, most of the time. Also as always, he has a lightsaber hanging from his belt, and a wicked-looking ancient pike in hand which has a pennant dangling from a cross-bar on it that is emblazoned with the ancient symbol of the Dark Brotherhood.

He is flanked on his left by Sister Xun whom, like all the other Masters, wear a similar garb to Xaos, and while she too has a lightsaber on her belt, the most prominent thing she carries is a long-barreled blaster rifle slung on her back. And you know she has several small blades hidden on her person as you've seen her use them on Acolytes to inflict pain and fear. You've never seen an inch of her skin that wasn't her face, but from that - which she displays prominently from time to time - she looks to be some manner of humanoid with terra cotta-red skin and golden eyes.

And finally, the big brutish Master - Brother Xoldun - stood back and to Xaos' right. This mountain of a man has dark skin and stands almost 7 feet tall. He has a bony brow-ridge and two stubby barbels protruding down from his jowls, which denote him as not-human. His leathers and plating only come up to the bottom of his pectorals. He was bare from there on up, mostly, you'd suspect, to display his three-fingered cybernetic-arms, which you've seen him make crackle with energy.

As the muttering amongst the Acolytes raises to a clamor from impatience, Xaos finally shrieks out, "SILENCE, welps!"

"Today is a momentous day! A truly GLORIOUS day! For today, a secret which I have known for some time may be revealed to you all! And that secret is our HOPE and our SALVATION!!

For today, I announce... the RETURN of the Sith, to the Galaxy!"

There is an excited but also confused muttering that ripples out through the gathered Acolytes. Because, while this seems like an odd/obvious proclamation for a man carrying the banner of the a Dark Brotherhood to make, it draws attention to the distinction that - the Masters do not and have not ever referred to themselves as Sith.

That, alone, wasn't particularly surprising, because the Sith are known to have been wiped out, more than a thousand years ago. But it had always seemed like the Masters were Sith-in-hiding, or at least certainly that that was their goal - to revive the Sith, which had been known as the Dark Brotherhood, in millennia past...

But looking at the gathered Acolytes, nothing has changed from the previous days, to today. If they were trying to revive a Sith army, it's soldiers were still barely more than scared children.

But combined with this new announcement, it made it clear that they do not - or did not, until now? - consider themselves to be Sith.

Xaos pauses a moment, relishing the excitement of the Acolytes, and letting those emotions flow through the crowd.

You can feel it too.

OOC:

Emotions are high, in excitement - but there is also much FEAR and apprehension rolling through the Acolytes. And as we know, fear fuels the Darkside.

For now, anyone who rolls a Force Power check generates a free dark pip in addition to whatever comes up on your dice, which you may (or may not) choose to use to fuel any Force Powers...

Still narratively kind of needed to introduce some things (the appearances of some of the Masters, little bit of the premise), and so as not to flood you all with a wall of text, I'm pausing to post more so you can feel free to give us more rp or insights into your PC's thoughts, etc. regarding this new info, or anything previous too.

Oct 29, 2022 5:29 am

The sith return? Who in the galaxy are the sith? Sounds like some emo band from near shadaa? Whoever they are the masters think they are important, and if they think they are important than it can’t be good. Oh I wish Myanna were here.

Hearing Davit’s question Ly-Riik speaking lighter than a leaf floating in the air says: "Say that a little louder and we won’t need worry about the speeches, only the "training."

Oct 29, 2022 1:22 pm

Tobin opens his eyes and raises his head for the speech, but otherwise remains still. His facial expression takes on a mild thoughtfulness at times as the loud, harsh words tear through the area. And as he listens to the cheering he can't help but feel pity... pity for all these lost, deluded people.

Oct 31, 2022 10:58 am

Davit nodded at Ly-Riik's remark agreeing with it... but he couldn't resist to also say:

"Hope... and salvation... good to know. Now we are all safe." - in a low, quiet, serious voice. But there was something else in his eyes ... something that might even have been taken for amusement.

Ben once told him: "Evil cannot create anything new, they can only corrupt and ruin what good forces have invented or made." and Davit recollected that at this very moment.

"Indeed... they even use the same words..." - he added even quieter. Noticing expression on Tobin's face... Davit somehow had idea what Tobin could feel right then. But Davit tried to resist to go this way... and tried to transform the feeling into compassion. Not fully successful... to be honest, but he knew it was the right path for him.

Oct 31, 2022 3:17 pm

"Yes... Yes, I can feel your excitement. And I share in it!", Xaos murmurs aloud.

"The name of our Dark Lord is Sidius! Glory and Power, Darth Sidius! Bring us Victory!"

A cry raises up from the other Acolytes, echoing the sentiment, "BRING US VICTORY!! DARTH SIDIUS! YAGGHHH!!"

The fervor ripples throughout those gathered for many moments, before Xaos makes quieting gestures.

"Yes... Yes. Very good. And today, we shall honor our new Dark Lord with a test and showing of our strength!

It was over a year gone now when Darth Sidius first tasked me with the raising of his elite army. For in his infinite wisdom, he knew that someday soon he would have need of warriors trained in the Force! And although that day is not yet here, it draws nearer every day...

A war has begun, between the Republic and the Sith! And it shall culminate in the Sith - OUR Dark Brotherhood - ruling the Galaxy once more!

AND!...

The destruction of the Jedi! Yes..."

The clamor rises and falls again.

"Our test this day shall reveal to us, those of you who are truly WORTHY to be here! And to be Darth Sidius' elite Force-warriors... For he has gifted me with this!"

Xaos holds aloft a small, delicate looking pyramid-shaped object. It appears to be made of some red crystal, framed and inlaid with a metal so black that it seems to absorb light.

"THIS! Is a datacron! Long before the science of computers and holo-tech was perfected, our progenitors stored their knowledge in THESE... And the victors of today's test shall be granted access to it. And the vast store of knowledge of the Force held within it!

Sister Xun will be hiding this datacron somewhere within the excavated ruins behind you... You shall divide yourselves up into teams, and two teams will be released into the ruins at a time.

The first team to find the datacron shall gain access to it in their training. There is NO limit, today, in the lengths to which you may go, to obtain the datacron!

If you must KILL your opponents to be victorious? You may do so! On this glorious day, of the return of the Sith, we shall cull the weak!

Let this great test COMMENCE!"

Fear palpably exudes throughout the Acolytes, but cheers raise nonetheless...

Xaos hands the small, red crystalline pyramid to Xun and she leaps down into the ruins of the archaeological pit.

The other Masters keep everyone away from the edge of the ruins so that Sister Xun may not be observed, aside from Xaos and Xoldun - who remain upon the landing pad.

You have some time before the test is ready to begin...

Oct 31, 2022 3:44 pm

Tobin allows his arms to fall slowly to his side. (He was holding his hands behind his back.) He sighs as he looks over at his companions, Davit and Ly-Riik. "I knew the day would come when they'd set us at each others' throats." But Tobin then smiles, adding, "Yet this is how we know the Brotherhood will fail: it's a house divided against itself, and quite nakedly at that. Now we need only last through the trial... but the Creator's will be done."

Rolls

Destiny

1 Black Force Point

Oct 31, 2022 4:12 pm

OOC:

Just remembered, everyone needs to roll for Destiny!

Please roll 1 Force die with your post. Vespin sorry I didn't get this out there in time for you. But your can edit your post to include the roll, or just do it "naked" in a new one.

Oct 31, 2022 7:38 pm

OOC:

I’ll make a full post later but for now I’ll roll Destiny.

Edit: hmmm a dark day in history indeed

Last edited October 31, 2022 7:38 pm

Rolls

Destiny

1 Black Force Point

Nov 1, 2022 8:38 pm

Speaking quietly to his fellows as the crowd cheers Ly-Riik says, This maybe our chance to make it off world to the shuttles. Depending on where the test is to take place and where the masters and guards are we could attempt to disappear.

Nov 1, 2022 9:08 pm

OOC:

Roll for now.
Edit: A gloomy day, indeed. Without a single ray of sunshine...

Last edited November 1, 2022 9:09 pm

Rolls

1 Black Force Point

Nov 2, 2022 5:37 am

Pedrop says:

OOC:

Roll for now.

Edit: A gloomy day, indeed. Without a single ray of sunshine...

OOC:

Wouldn’t it be funny if the GM rolls 2 white pips?

My bad apparently I’ve played that rule wrong the whole time. According to the EOTE CRB the Gm doesn’t roll. Unless of course our GM decides to anyways but that’s up to him.

Last edited November 2, 2022 5:42 am

Nov 2, 2022 3:12 pm

Walking closer to his companions and whispering: "So I presume... we are one of those teams. And I say we should go last or almost last if that would be possible. To see what opportunities do we have."

Nov 2, 2022 3:36 pm

Tobin hears his companions speak, replying, "I doubt the masters would make it easy to use this as an opportunity to escape. But going last might indeed provide an advantage."

Nov 2, 2022 5:37 pm

As Xun disappears into the expansive archaeological pit, the Acolytes begin to split up into groups.

This happens fairly quickly and in a mostly expected way, along the lines of the various cliques and internal alliances that have formed over time here.

There are three groups of four, and you three... and... one other Acolyte remaining.

You certainly don't know everyone's name here - upon arrival, you were each given a number, and you were instructed to refer to each other by your numbers... but people talk and names get out.

She's an orange-skinned twilek, Acolyte number 23, and it doesn't surprise you at all to see her standing with no one else. She has been a consummate loner, for as long as you've "known" her here. Rarely speaking to others, almost never "hanging out" in the limited free time you all have, which some Acolytes will sometimes use to socialize. But you have seen that her wrists bare the scars of a former-slave, and you have heard from others that her name is Hirani, or something like that.

The other thing you know about her, is that you've seemingly seen her... you don't know how else to describe it... control shadows with the Force.

She is staring vacantly into the archaeological pit, but as your eyes settle upon her, she turns to look upon the three of you with the same impassive stare she was just leveling upon the pit.

Nov 2, 2022 10:30 pm

Davit not seeing any other way than ending with her in the group(and to start any real relation the soonest he can) just says: "Hirani... am I right? I mean 23... of course." - he says with a little smile - "I was a slave too... but maybe in lighter camps as I can see... I think we should stick together... those who know the value of freedom the most... Will you join us, to make the best of this situation we can?" - he ended with a question to check what is her attitude to the all of this... if any.

Nov 3, 2022 4:28 pm

OOC:

I'm moving the narrative along, but @Vespin @Rean411, if you guys also would like to interact with Hirani I would encourage you to still do so.

At the flash of a smile, Hirani's eyes narrow as if she's trying to sense if there's a trap somewhere around her.

But after Davit finishes his introduction she just nods and says, "Through victory our chains shall be broken..."

After a few minutes Xun emerges from the pit in the same spot where she entered, and the other Masters withdraw from the edge of it so that Acolytes may approach if they desire now.

Xaos calls out for those who would like to have the first chance to prove themselves, and there are eager participants that step forward, and so if the three of you see advantage in waiting, you will be in the second set of competitors.

The archaeological pit is rectangular, more than a hundred meters long and probably a little less than fifty wide. And it is characterized by a network of narrow but deep trenches with clearings scattered throughout the trench network that are each packed with towering pillars and statues and the stone-bones of small buildings that look like they could have been hovels or even possibly mausoleums.

The two groups that were chosen to be first are each lead to an opposite end of the rectangular pit. A Master awaits them there and they look to Xaos, who stands on the edge of the landing pad with Xoldun and Xun again now, for a signal.

After raising his ancient, bannered pike and holding it there for some moments to build tension, he brings it down hard with a ringing, metallic CLANG, simultaneously shouting out, "TO VICTORY!!"

And with that both of the teams edge down into the pit. A couple Acolytes leap straight down the handful of meters, their landing aided by the Force, but most must slide down the edge rather ignominiously until the drop becomes vertical at which point it is just a controlled fall for a couple of meters.

Once in the pit, at least at first, it's hard to follow exactly what each group might be doing...

OOC:

Alright, is there anything you guys want to do at this stage?

Xaos, Xun, and Xoldun are watching the competition from the elevated vantage point of the landing pad.

The other Masters are prowling around the edges of the pit.

You may be able to gain some ideas for the competition by positioning yourselves at the edges of the pit to try to follow the actions of one or both of the teams.

And you're ofc free to use Skills or Talents or Powers etc to try to achieve any other goals you may have, or carry out any interactions you may want to have within your group, or with the other group, or Masters.

Or we can just fast forward to your "turn".

Also, I was not planning on doing a map for this. I was planning on handling any movement through the pit in TotM/narratively.

But if you would like an actual map, if you don't feel like you have a good picture of what's going on, or if that's just your play style, I need to know now so that I can craft that map :)

Nov 4, 2022 1:32 am

Tobin looks at Hirani. A hint of suspicion passes over his face. He knows about her abilities and her maintained distance. But while Tobin's eyes suggest suspicion there's also a curiosity. He says nothing in response Davit's suggestion for Harani to join the group. Like he does for most things, he's just going to see how matters play out.

And in that spirit, Tobin approaches the edge of the pit and examines what he sees.

Nov 4, 2022 5:30 am

Ly-Riik Chrunersom (Lirik Kroonersom)

Ly-Riik slowly approaches the side of the pit keeping an eye on his surroundings so that no one tries to pull anything and then thinking a moment will look to the masters and try to SENSE their reactions, he’s looking for any change in emotion that may indicate that one of the teams is close to where the holocron is buried.

Rolls

1 Black Force Point

Nov 4, 2022 5:30 am

Ly-Riik slowly approaches the side of the pit keeping an eye on his surroundings so that no one tries to pull anything. What do I know that could be helpful here? Ahh animals, ok open myself to the force, breath in for 5 through the nose, out for 6 through the mouth. In, out.

Edit: [ooc]and after rolling I realized that I misread how sense works and I believe that I literally cannot attempt to sense the emotions of the masters this with a force rating of 1 so instead he will spend the 1 pip to get a sense for any creatures around who may have encountered it? I’m thinking burrowing creatures like scorpions. ooc]

Last edited November 4, 2022 5:42 am

Rolls

2 White Force Points

Nov 6, 2022 1:23 pm

OOC:

So first I want to check: did everyone see the post in the meta-currency tracking thread from a couple days ago?

You've each received 10 XP on the first of the month.

No one's noted it on their sheets yet last I checked. You may record and spend this immediately if you desire.

Now, RE:

Rean411 says:

Ly-Riik slowly approaches the side of the pit keeping an eye on his surroundings so that no one tries to pull anything. What do I know that could be helpful here? Ahh animals, ok open myself to the force, breath in for 5 through the nose, out for 6 through the mouth. In, out.

Edit:

OOC:

and after rolling I realized that I misread how sense works and I believe that I literally cannot attempt to sense the emotions of the masters this with a force rating of 1 so instead he will spend the 1 pip to get a sense for any creatures around who may have encountered it? I’m thinking burrowing creatures like scorpions.

OOC:

There's a lot to unpack here, but first let's start with the mechanics of Force Powers.

So, with the basic Sense Power you can sense the presence of living beings in Short Range (which would, for example, allow you to "see" living things through walls/barriers or in the dark), OR you may sense the emotional state of a living being whom you're at Engaged Range with (which, well, reveals their emotions).

Either just takes 1pip of either color.

So, you CAN sense the emotions of the Masters, they would generally just have to be within a couple of meters from you. And any of that takes the expenditure of just one pip. White or black. Doesn't have anything at all to do with Force Rating really, so long as you have the pips. And you always generate at least one pip. Also, remember, everyone adds a "free" black pip to every Force Power Check right now due to the high levels of fear feeding the Darkside. It's not really free, you still have to spend the Strain+Conflict+Destiny to use it, but it's there to fuel Powers if you want it.

So you DO have the ability to sense a Masters emotions if you pass near them, or if they pass near you. Which either can plausibly happen, except you rolled a black pip which means to activate the Power it requires a flip of a White Destiny chip which you guys don't currently have any right now... I apologize I'll do my best to start making those available.

And as for sensing the animals' emotions-thing, I don't allow roll spamming, for the same Power, in the same "scene", so you would have to use the dark pip, which you can't yet.

But one thing to know, if/when you do use the Force it WILL get you results.

Lyriik reaches out to the Force to sense anything from the world around him, but he finds that the fear and other emotions permeating the area is just too over-whelming to sort through at the moment.

That darkness is all that he can sense.

OOC:

So now, I want to bring up a discussion on just being Force Sensitive.

You guys are Force Sensitive, right? That means you can sense (lowercase 's') the Force. Without a Power. Just like you can see light and hear sound. So without ever rolling a Force Power check. Though a Skill check may be required depending on the circumstances. Just like seeing or hearing doesn't always require a check, but can at times depending on what you're trying to see or hear.

Point is you guys have a 6th sense to use in the world.

And some examples of what this means is, you guys can sense disturbances in the Force - this is almost always going to be a "no check required" thing. Force Nexuses - probably no check. When someone uses the Force - could require a check if it's far away, or to pinpoint who is using it if there are a lot of people around. Stuff like that.

But so just bear that in mind for future reference too.

Nov 7, 2022 12:59 am

emsquared says:

OOC:

So first I want to check: did everyone see the post in the meta-currency tracking thread from a couple days ago?

You've each received 10 XP on the first of the month.

No one's noted it on their sheets yet last I checked. You may record and spend this immediately if you desire.

Now, RE:

Rean411 says:

Ly-Riik slowly approaches the side of the pit keeping an eye on his surroundings so that no one tries to pull anything. What do I know that could be helpful here? Ahh animals, ok open myself to the force, breath in for 5 through the nose, out for 6 through the mouth. In, out.

Edit:

OOC:

and after rolling I realized that I misread how sense works and I believe that I literally cannot attempt to sense the emotions of the masters this with a force rating of 1 so instead he will spend the 1 pip to get a sense for any creatures around who may have encountered it? I’m thinking burrowing creatures like scorpions.

OOC:

There's a lot to unpack here, but first let's start with the mechanics of Force Powers.

So, with the basic Sense Power you can sense the presence of living beings in Short Range (which would, for example, allow you to "see" living things through walls/barriers or in the dark), OR you may sense the emotional state of a living being whom you're at Engaged Range with (which, well, reveals their emotions).

Either just takes 1pip of either color.

So, you CAN sense the emotions of the Masters, they would generally just have to be within a couple of meters from you. And any of that takes the expenditure of just one pip. White or black. Doesn't have anything at all to do with Force Rating really, so long as you have the pips. And you always generate at least one pip. Also, remember, everyone adds a "free" black pip to every Force Power Check right now due to the high levels of fear feeding the Darkside. It's not really free, you still have to spend the Strain+Conflict+Destiny to use it, but it's there to fuel Powers if you want it.

So you DO have the ability to sense a Masters emotions if you pass near them, or if they pass near you. Which either can plausibly happen, except you rolled a black pip which means to activate the Power it requires a flip of a White Destiny chip which you guys don't currently have any right now... I apologize I'll do my best to start making those available.

And as for sensing the animals' emotions-thing, I don't allow roll spamming, for the same Power, in the same "scene", so you would have to use the dark pip, which you can't yet.

But one thing to know, if/when you do use the Force it WILL get you results.

Lyriik reaches out to the Force to sense anything from the world around him, but he finds that the fear and other emotions permeating the area is just too over-whelming to sort through at the moment.

That darkness is all that he can sense.

OOC:

So now, I want to bring up a discussion on just being Force Sensitive.

You guys are Force Sensitive, right? That means you can sense (lowercase 's') the Force. Without a Power. Just like you can see light and hear sound. So without ever rolling a Force Power check. Though a Skill check may be required depending on the circumstances. Just like seeing or hearing doesn't always require a check, but can at times depending on what you're trying to see or hear.

Point is you guys have a 6th sense to use in the world.

And some examples of what this means is, you guys can sense disturbances in the Force - this is almost always going to be a "no check required" thing. Force Nexuses - probably no check. When someone uses the Force - could require a check if it's far away, or to pinpoint who is using it if there are a lot of people around. Stuff like that.

But so just bear that in mind for future reference too.

[/ooc]I will read the message in total in a moment but I just wanted to clarify a couple things. A the Black pip was my roll for destiny not my force power so I was definitely not trying to roll spam, sorry for giving that impression. And for some reason k had it written down that k would need to be engaged and spend 3 force pips to sense the emotions of the master. I forgot about the "free" dark side pip which is why I thought I couldn’t use that side of the power without a higher force rating, since it is impossible to roll 3 pips on 1 die. Thanks for the clarification and apparently I’m not subbed to the meta currency thing so I didn’t see the 10XP given. I will note when I can but I’m back to work soon and want to read the rest of what you got for me. Thanks emsquared. :)[/ooc]

Last edited November 7, 2022 7:43 am

Nov 7, 2022 1:01 am

OOC:

And just to further clarify why I didn’t believe it to be roll spamming. I rolled the black for destiny then rolled 2 white pipe to activate the power. I misread the rule and thought I needed 3 pips so instead I changed what I planned to do with the same power based on the roll of 2 pips that I already did.

Not sure why it triple posted but I deleted the extras.

Last edited November 7, 2022 7:43 am

Nov 7, 2022 4:54 pm

OOC:

No problem, Rean. I wasn't assuming malicious intent. You have a roll from the 31st that seemed pretty clearly intended for Destiny. And so it just read like you weren't sure how a situation would be handled when using a Power in multiple different ways, and were providing any rolls that might be necessary.

I shouldn't have used those words to describe it. I apologize.

For reference, I want you guys to throw out rolls. I would always prefer you guys roll in advance if you think there could be a roll needed for what you're doing, instead of waiting for the back and forth of me asking you to roll.

Just know that occaisionally I may say, no roll was necessary and I won't be using the results.

From your positions between the pit and the landing pad, you all can hear the competitors moving out into the network of trenches and excavated ruins, but you can't tell what's really going on.

About the most you can say is that it sounds as though one team is moving fast and aggressively toward the opposite end of the pit, and the other is moving more slowly and quietly.

And indeed it seems like not much is going on for the first few minutes but then you can see two Acolytes, in seeking coordination, leap up to the top of the earthen berms that separate the deep trenches, and they continue their movement from that elevated vantage point.

But then a blaster shot rings out from behind you, and you see that Xun has taken a shot at one of the Acolytes with her long-barrelled blaster!

Xaos cries out, "Remember! Not all battlefields are neutral! Expose yourselves to a third party at your own peril!!", and then he cackles wickedly.

Both Acolytes drop back down into the trenches, but they do make a couple more brief ventures to the top of the trenches but only for the briefest of moments to move directly into a neighboring but separated trench...

And before long now, you hear the sound of combat echo out.

It seems as though one team has forgone looking for the datacron at all, and instead is just trying to eliminate their competition...

OOC:

Alright, last chance for you guys to do anything you want to do, or we'll fast-forward to your turn.

Nov 7, 2022 5:02 pm

emsquared says:

OOC:

No problem, Rean. I wasn't assuming malicious intent. You have a roll from the 31st that seemed pretty clearly intended for Destiny. And so it just read like you weren't sure how a situation would be handled when using a Power in multiple different ways, and were providing any rolls that might be necessary.

I shouldn't have used those words to describe it. I apologize.

For reference, I want you guys to throw out rolls. I would always prefer you guys roll in advance if you think there could be a roll needed for what you're doing, instead of waiting for the back and forth of me asking you to roll.

Just know that occaisionally I may say, no roll was necessary and I won't be using the results.

From your positions between the pit and the landing pad, you all can hear the competitors moving out into the network of trenches and excavated ruins, but you can't tell what's really going on.

About the most you can say is that it sounds as though one team is moving fast and aggressively toward the opposite end of the pit, and the other is moving more slowly and quietly.

And indeed it seems like not much is going on for the first few minutes but then you can see two Acolytes, in seeking coordination, leap up to the top of the earthen berms that separate the deep trenches, and they continue their movement from that elevated vantage point.

But then a blaster shot rings out from behind you, and you see that Xun has taken a shot at one of the Acolytes with her long-barrelled blaster!

Xaos cries out, "Remember! Not all battlefields are neutral! Expose yourselves to a third party at your own peril!!", and then he cackles wickedly.

Both Acolytes drop back down into the trenches, but they do make a couple more brief ventures to the type of the trenches but only for the briefest of moments to move directly into a neighboring but separated trench...

And before long now, you hear the sound of combat echo out.

It seems as though one team has forgone looking for the datacron at all, and instead of just trying to eliminate their competition...

OOC:

Alright, last chance for you guys to do anything you want to do, or we'll fast-forward to your turn.

OOC:

No offence taken, your right that second roll was my power check so I will ignore the two whites. I completely forgot I had rolled earlier in the thread I guess, or more likely my brain just moved it since I got the same roll twice. My mistake but I recognize now that the 2 whites shouldn’t have been rolled. How you choose to go with it im good. Sorry for the confusion it 100% was me not remembering my rolls. Also absolutely the delayed nature of PBP makes it so sometimes retcons will be necessary otherwise in relatively fast games would take forever. It’s all good I’m going to go back and read the last few posts before responding more. Thanks!

Nov 7, 2022 5:12 pm

As the spectacle increases Ly-Riik moves over to Hirani and says, Acolyte 23 I think it will be fun to work with you.

Turning to the rest of the team he asks should we reveal a little about our abilities so we can start planning? It’s hard to be a team if we don’t know what each other can do.

Hopefully she’s open to cooperation unlike many of our fellow trainees. They all fall to the weakness of the sith, pride and constant infighting. Proving oneself strong is fantastic but killing off one’s allies is the height of stupidity.

Nov 7, 2022 5:21 pm

Tobin sighs with both disgust and weariness as he witnesses the aforementioned events. It also seems that neither he nor his group isn't going to be able to learn much of anything useful from this vantage point, if any. He turns to his group, which he takes for granted now includes Hirani. "It seems we've no choice but to go in, if we want to know what's in there. It's time."

OOC:

I posted this before I saw Rean's latest post. But I figure at this point, in-character, wouldn't we already know the abilities of each other? We've been around each other for a long time.

Last edited November 7, 2022 5:23 pm

Nov 7, 2022 5:36 pm

Vespin says:

Tobin sighs with both disgust and weariness as he witnesses the aforementioned events. It also seems that neither he nor his group isn't going to be able to learn much of anything useful from this vantage point, if any. He turns to his group, which he takes for granted now includes Hirani. "It seems we've no choice but to go in, if we want to know what's in there. It's time."

OOC:

I posted this before I saw Rean's latest post. But I figure at this point, in-character, wouldn't we already know the abilities of each other? We've been around each other for a long time.

OOC:

I was less thinking the 3 of us and more using it as an excuse to learn more about hirani who seems the odd man out.

Nov 8, 2022 2:32 am

At the mention of 'fun', again Hirani's eyes narrow.

She snaps back in a reply, "I can do anything that is required of me. You three have your cabal. So make your plans and I will follow suit, or direct me to where you wish me to be and I will do whatever is required..."

You've all seen her spar. She is skilled enough with the blade, but she is too slight to be truly formidable with it, as one who was raised with insufficient nourishment might be. You've basically never seen her in the top half of the Acolytes when it comes to physical contest.

She memorizes the litanies and other studies that you all are expected to do, well enough. And although she doesn't participate but when called upon, you get the sense she is clever enough.

Obviously her personality leaves a bit to be desired.

Her strongest suit may be her sheer, obstinate will and discipline?

And again the most impressive thing you've seen her do with the Force is control the shadows around her. You've seen her use it to good effect in combat to make herself harder to hit, and you suspect it could help her avoid being seen.

But given her distrust of seemingly anyone and her unwillingness to participate, she could well be holding something back too?

Nov 9, 2022 5:39 pm

Hirani. We are in this together wether we like it or not, I have no doubt your skills will be incredibly useful but if we fight each other or hide the wrong information we won’t be able to act as a team. Then we will all lose, and the masters have made it very clear, failure is not going to go well for us.

OOC:

I’d like to roll a leadership check please. What would the difficulty be if I’m allowed?

Nov 9, 2022 6:21 pm

Rean411 says:

Hirani. We are in this together wether we like it or not, I have no doubt your skills will be incredibly useful but if we fight each other or hide the wrong information we won’t be able to act as a team. Then we will all lose, and the masters have made it very clear, failure is not going to go well for us.

OOC:

I’d like to roll a leadership check please. What would the difficulty be if I’m allowed?

OOC:

Have a Boost as there's 3 of you and 1 of her.

But as mentioned her Will and Discipline are her strong suit...

Difficulty = PRR

Nov 9, 2022 6:25 pm

OOC:

ok here goes.

OOC:

Wow can’t complain about that. Could have gone a lot worse. Could my advantage be she just laughs at my efforts instead of reacting very badly?

Last edited November 9, 2022 6:26 pm

Rolls

1 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Nov 10, 2022 2:35 pm

Tobin watches the exchange between his companion and Hirani with mild interest. His mind is mostly on the challenge ahead. He awaits their readiness, knowing that Hirani will fall in or fall away. She has no other rational choice.

Nov 10, 2022 4:15 pm

OOC:

Reacting very badly would be more of a Despair thing. You just failed to gain her trust/compliance/to give you more info. So I'll give you a bit more than what you asked for with that Advantage...

How about you notice an important detail about the ongoing encounter?

Lyriik swears that he sees her expression begin to soften, and for a split second he sees someone in there other than this recalcitrant loner, but then her expression changes as if she suddenly remembered something and her frown deepens, "I already told you I will do what you ask of me! What more-"

Her tirade would have continued but suddenly the sounds of combat erupt from the pit, and it draws everyone's attention.

The group of aggressors has swarmed two members of the other team who had devoted their energies toward actively looking for the datacron, but that group had apparently split up. The sounds of clashing swords and violent conflict ring out.

Xaos rushes out, leaping across trench tops to watch the fighting better, a perverse grin on his face.

OOC:

More narrative pending, but I'm going to do a two separate rolls to see how the fights go.

The first fight is over shortly, and although the second half of the split-group tried to come to their aid, they arrived too late. The aggressors are prepared for the arrival of the second half of the other group, and with just a couple minutes more of violent struggle, the final cries of anger, fear, and pain echo into silence.

OOC:

Triumphs and Despairs represent kills in those checks. I'll flip a Dark Destiny to save the death from the Despair/on the aggressor's side...

As the dust settles, Xaos nods approvingly and growls a grim congratulations to those still standing, "Well done..., and strolls away from clearing where the fight took place.

One of the aggressors emerge on their own feet. A second and third must be helped out. And the fourth must be carried out by the Masters, but you can see she bares a wicked grin through her ragged breaths.

All four of the seekers must be dragged, bodily from the pit and only two of those display writhing groans of pain to indicate they're alive.

There is no joy or congratulations to the victors from those Acolytes who are your soon-to-be-opposition, as they stare impassively at what could soon be any of their fates. And in short order both your group and the others are directed to opposing ends of the pit. The network of trenches, interspersed with clearings of ruin and rubble stretch out before you.

Xaos remains near the pit this time, but uses the same gesture of his pike and the same words to signal the beginning of your turn in the pit.

"TO VICTORY!!"

OOC:

Alright, what's your general initial approach to this challenge, gang? We'll form checks and narrative based off of that.

Rolls

Quick and Dirty Fight Sim

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success

Q&DFS 2

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Triumph, 3 Failure, 1 Despair

Total: 1 Advantage, 2 Triumph, 1 Despair

Nov 12, 2022 3:53 am

Taken aback from hirani’s vehemence he turns to observe the end of the previous challenge. Turning to his teammates he says "Alright then, what’s our plan of attack?

Nov 12, 2022 2:05 pm

In response to his companion, "The only real plan we can have in this situation: don't die."

Nov 12, 2022 3:38 pm

Vespin says:

In response to his companion, "The only real plan we can have in this situation: don't die."

While that is very dramatic sounding it’s not a very logical response.

OOC:

What doe the pit look like? I’m envisioning a lowered down set of ruins kind of in a hallway? With no ceiling.

Nov 12, 2022 3:38 pm

Vespin says:

In response to his companion, "The only real plan we can have in this situation: don't die."

While that is very dramatic sounding my friend it’s not a very logical response. We have an opportunity to plan and a very short time to do so.

OOC:

What doe the pit look like? I’m envisioning a lowered down set of ruins kind of in a hallway? With no ceiling.

Last edited November 12, 2022 3:40 pm

Nov 13, 2022 1:38 pm

Tobin stand calmly and responds, "The masters mean for most of us to die. This is a place without logic. They revel in the pain and destruction of those in whom they've invested time and effort in training. And it seems they have specifically designed this challenged to be unknowable from the outside."

Last edited November 13, 2022 1:38 pm

Nov 13, 2022 5:42 pm

Rean411 says:

OOC:

What doe the pit look like? I’m envisioning a lowered down set of ruins kind of in a hallway? With no ceiling.

OOC:

Yea, pretty much. It's a massive archaeological dig site/pit - ~100 meters x 50 meters. All below-grade.

And it's characterized by a network of trenches punctuated periodically by larger, more-open clearings, where the clearings have small ruined buildings and statues and pillars and things cluttering them.

I asked this earlier, but in case it was missed: if you don't feel like you have a very clear picture of what's going on I could put together a general map if you feel like you need that to state what you want to do.

But also, statements like; "We split up, sneaking and moving slowly, methodically searching clearings for the datacton." is the kind of narrative play this system favors imo.

So I'm looking for you guys to be pro-active and declarative about how you would handle such a task as what is placed before you.

Nov 13, 2022 5:46 pm

emsquared says:

Rean411 says:

OOC:

What doe the pit look like? I’m envisioning a lowered down set of ruins kind of in a hallway? With no ceiling.

OOC:

Yea, pretty much. It's a massive archaeological dig site/pit - ~100 meters x 50 meters. All below-grade.

And it's characterized by a network of trenches punctuated periodically by larger, more-open clearings, where the clearings have small ruined buildings and statues and pillars and things cluttering them.

I asked this earlier, but in case it was missed: if you don't feel like you have a very clear picture of what's going on I could put together a general map if you feel like you need that to state what you want to do.

But also, statements like; "We split up, sneaking and moving slowly, methodically searching clearings for the datacton." is the kind of narrative play this system favors imo.

So I'm looking for you guys to be pro-active and declarative about how you would handle such a task as what is placed before you.

OOC:

Sounds good. That’s a clear enough picture for me anyways. Thanks.

Nov 15, 2022 10:11 am

OOC:

My deep apology for not being present. But I had a ton of work. Sorry, again. But now I should be back and quite regular - I hope - again.
What makes me a little less "ashamed" is that so far my character actions weren't required(but would always add something to the story maybe), so I'm back at the good moment. As we are about to enter the tranches and it is our and other group turn? Am I right?

Friends... what do we know about the other team? I wouldn't want to hurt anyone, but... it looks like most likely we will have no choice but to at least defend ourselves and each other - saying that Davit gave a significant look at Hirani if she reacts somehow to those words. Somehow he knew he can count in this situation on his other two companions.
"We don't know the areological site - or was anyone of you there before? But we can and should know our enem... I mean opponents."

OOC:

Of course the question is more to You GM then to other players, but I presume our character should know some things about other group members?

Nov 15, 2022 4:13 pm

OOC:

Sure that's fair.

I will say first, none of you have been to the dig site before. You've seen it in passing from a distance, at best, when your character first arrived.

As for the Acolytes you're up against...

Most of the Acolytes here are either young and/or just beginning to learn, like you three.

There are a few who have been here longer, their Acolyte-numbers being in the low double digits - whereas you three are in the 30s, but those more experienced were among those eager to go in the first groups.

None of these that you're facing have ever struck you as particularly strong or skilled in any one area. A couple may be more skilled with the blade than others, but none of their Force powers have struck you as particularly impressive.

OOC:

Also Pedrop, I wanted to make sure you saw that you and the others have gained +10 XP back at the first of the month.

Doesn't look like you've noted it or spent it.

Nov 15, 2022 11:07 pm

Davit looks closely to every one of their opponents. Especially trying to identify who is or will be the boss of that team. He thinks about using his "Force: Misdirect, Control" to impersonate as him/her in critical moment and make a confusion in their ranks, so he tries to remember their faces.

Davit whispers to his companions: "Do any of you have any abilities that could help us find this ugly thing faster? It seems if we will be fast enough we could avoid any fights and don't harm anyone. I know highly unlikely, but quite desired... "

OOC:

GM: Any rolls for all of this? I wonder if my Skulduggery skill could help me have some ideas "where I would hide such thing in ruins" - to make localisation of it faster?

Considering XP bonus. I have noted it, but haven't had time to read for what I can use such amount. I will definitely do it - have it in my notes. And answer in that thread... but not yet. Thanks for the reminder!

Nov 15, 2022 11:21 pm

Hirani shakes her head, no, to the question of if she might have any abilities to help locate the datacron, "I've heard the Masters say that some are able to seek out specific people or places or things, using the Force. But I have no such power..."

Pedrop says:

OOC:

GM: Any rolls for all of this? I wonder if my Skulduggery skill could help me have some ideas "where I would hide such thing in ruins" - to make localisation of it faster?

OOC:

Skulduggery is more "applied" criminality - doing the underhanded things. But Streetwise is knowing or thinking like a criminal, and I could see that being a valid check here.

Trying to think like the Sith? Yea.

Average Difficulty (PP), +1 Setback as it's a situation a bit outside the bounds of strictly criminal dealings.

Nov 16, 2022 3:26 pm

Tobin also says that he has no skills that would be particularly useful in locating the device.

OOC:

Would Lore be useful here?

Nov 16, 2022 5:00 pm

Vespin says:

OOC:

Would Lore be useful here?

OOC:

If there's something specific you're wondering about, you can roll a check to see what your character might know that you don't?

Assume PP, and I can modify as needed if you have something in mind to ask about.

Nov 16, 2022 6:58 pm

OOC:

Is myanna with us or are we on our own in that respect? Not sure I could do much without the survival checks to tame anyways but thought I’d ask.

Pedrop says:

Davit looks closely to every one of their opponents. Especially trying to identify who is or will be the boss of that team. He thinks about using his "Force: Misdirect, Control" to impersonate as him/her in critical moment and make a confusion in their ranks, so he tries to remember their faces.

Davit whispers to his companions: "Do any of you have any abilities that could help us find this ugly thing faster? It seems if we will be fast enough we could avoid any fights and don't harm anyone. I know highly unlikely, but quite desired... "

"The only way I could find it is if it was alive. Then I could sense it but I have not tried this before. I will however be able to find our opponents quickly if they are not careful to hide themselves in the force so as long as we stick together an ambush is unlikely to be very effective.

OOC:

For the purposes of sense I assume the holocron is not alive? I know some of the lore has been iffy on just how real person they are. Then again I guess sense wouldn’t work on a force ghost anyway.

Last edited November 16, 2022 7:01 pm

Nov 16, 2022 7:15 pm

Rean411 says:

OOC:

Is myanna with us or are we on our own in that respect? Not sure I could do much without the survival checks to tame anyways but thought I’d ask.

OOC:

If myanna is your animal companion, no, not here. It is locked away like your starting gear purchases.

Rean411 says:

OOC:

[ooc]For the purposes of sense I assume the holocron is not alive? I know some of the lore has been iffy on just how real person they are. Then again I guess sense wouldn’t work on a force ghost anyway.

OOC:

You mean datacron, right? Xaos called it a datacron... Does Lyr'rik have some reason to think it's something different?

Anyway datacron's are not alive.

;)

Nov 16, 2022 7:16 pm

OOC:

Yes myanna is the animal companion and my bad should have double checked the word used.

Nov 16, 2022 7:25 pm

Rean411 says:

OOC:

Yes myanna is the animal companion and my bad should have double checked the word used.

OOC:

No "bad" committed.

If you, as a Player, have some reason to think it isn't what he said it is, maybe your character has a reason?

Just gotta find that reason, huh?

Nov 16, 2022 7:30 pm

OOC:

In this case it’s out of character knowledge interfering with in character narrative. Holocron aren’t plentiful but they are famous so my brain defaulted to the famous version. Ly-Riik wouldn’t have heard it differently.

Nov 16, 2022 11:10 pm

Rean411 says:

OOC:

In this case it’s out of character knowledge interfering with in character narrative. Holocron aren’t plentiful but they are famous so my brain defaulted to the famous version. Ly-Riik wouldn’t have heard it differently.

OOC:

Certainly. But maybe he has heard of datacrons, which I think are slightly more common, found in some of the more famous libraries of the Galaxy, and so maybe he, or other Characters, could know what they look like?

👀

Sorry, just trying to coax some dice rolls out of you guys :P

Nov 17, 2022 8:53 am

Now Davit... focus on the Source... let it show you how those nasty guys would think.... - Davit is thinking where person such Xun would hide valuable thing ins such place.

OOC:

Hope I did the roll correctly? Two PP means two purple die? Difficulty die?
Edit: lol... Davit has achieved a perfect balance... and by this: a "void" in his head...;)

Last edited November 17, 2022 8:54 am

Rolls

Streetwise

3 Advantage, 3 Threat

Nov 17, 2022 4:11 pm

Pedrop says:

OOC:

Hope I did the roll correctly? Two PP means two purple die? Difficulty die?
Edit: lol... Davit has achieved a perfect balance... and by this: a "void" in his head...;)

OOC:

Roll looks correct. And yes, when I throw out capital letters in the context of roll Difficulty, that is to denote the color of the dice. I've found that's often easier/clearer than other methods.

Regarding the roll result. You get to "spend" those Advantage. They DON'T cancel out. So feel free to propose mechanical or narrative effects.

For the Threats, I'll inflict 1 Strain and give you a Setback to your next check.

EDIT: Derp. I have had it pointed out to me (thanks Rean!) that those narrative symbols DO infact cancel out. Ignore me, and my rusty bones getting back on the bike here!

Wonder why the dice roller didn't cancel them out? I think it's supposed to...

The opposing group let's out a howling warcry, as they must be beginning their effort to either find the datacron, or eliminate their competition...

And perhaps it is that unsettling wail or the general pressure of the situation, but Davit can't come up with a good answer. The obvious possibilities seem too obvious, and the cunning things to do are too numerous.

It could be anywhere.

OOC:

Everyone please give me a Discipline check. I'm going to flip a Destiny to Upgrade the Difficulty so - RP, as the competition has begun in earnest, and your few moments here of careful deliberation threaten to turn into directionless floundering.

Nov 17, 2022 4:13 pm

Tobin thinks better of his sudden idea to call upon his known lore. This is hardly a normal situation. For now he continues to keep aware ofhis surroundings and wait for his companions.

Nov 17, 2022 5:55 pm

Doing my discipline check:

Rolls

Discipline to avoid floundering.

2 Success, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Nov 18, 2022 11:20 am

emsquared says:

OOC:

EDIT: Derp. I have had it pointed out to me (thanks Rean!) that those narrative symbols DO infact cancel out. Ignore me, and my rusty bones getting back on the bike here!

Wonder why the dice roller didn't cancel them out? I think it's supposed to...

Yeah, that was strange for me too. But I assumed they cancel each other. But I too was expecting the roller to cancel them for us.
It is even more strange, as I checked how the dice roller works in Tools > Dice - and there it makes Total section, with result canceled out. Interesting:)

Nov 18, 2022 11:55 am

Ok, no more thinking. It's time to act!

OOC:

As I don't have a discipline I presume it will be GG for Willpower?

Rolls

Discipline to avoid floundering

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Nov 25, 2022 6:54 am

OOC:

Emdrop any word on the results of our discipline checks?

Nov 25, 2022 9:50 am

OOC:

As in "OOC Chat Thread" emsquared has warned us - I think he is on holidays for this week.

Nov 27, 2022 8:04 am

Pedrop says:

OOC:

As in "OOC Chat Thread" emsquared has warned us - I think he is on holidays for this week.

Oops missed that. Thanks

Nov 28, 2022 4:12 pm

OOC:

Hey, sorry, I'm back!

Yes, I still need a check from @Vespin

But let's move on.

The check is/was essentially a Fear check, as per Fear in F&D.

Lyriik takes 1 Strain.

Davit will have an automatic Setback for the remainder of the Encounter, or until something happens that can turn it around (a Triumph, a significant personal victory, flip a Destiny, etc).

It's impossible to know what the other group of Acolytes is doing in the pit, after their war cry.

A nearby Master prowling around the rim of the pit peers down at the four of you, questioningly.

Nov 28, 2022 7:56 pm

OOC:

I recorded my 1 strain

Nov 29, 2022 4:51 pm

OOC:

Oh wow, I totally missed the check thing. Sorry about that. And welcome back!

DM Edit: adding Difficulty die.

Rolls

Discipline

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Fear check Difficulty

3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Nov 29, 2022 9:08 pm

Sighing deeply Ly-Riik will look to the others and say I guess it is our turn. Then looking to make sure they are ready, he will drop down into the ring.

Dec 1, 2022 8:12 pm

OOC:

Tobin takes 1 Strain, from the fear induced by the war cry.

And please let me know if you guys are feeling a bit of analysis paralysis, or what - I could lay out some specific options, but again I 'd really like for you guys to be proactive here in telling me how you're approaching the challenge.

An ongoing failure to act will have in game consequences.

Dec 2, 2022 10:02 am

"Our brains didn't helped here, time for our muscles - let's go! I will go first with Hirani, but I ask you two to come just after us staying in some distance - so they would think that we are only two - me and Hirani - an easy pray - when they attack you join and it is we who have an advantage... I hope..." - and by saying that Davit runs pass Ly-Riik into the pit. Hoping that others will join.

David runs to the next corner, looks around the corner of the wall and checks if Hirani is with him.

If she is: "Come - your shadows will have to help us in those shadowy tunnels." - not waiting for any answer, hoping she will fallow, he go further into the pit's tunnels.

Are there any crossroads? Is this like some kind of labyrinth? How does it look from the inside? Every path is the same? Or are there any differences? If yes, Davit will try to get to the center of it, but when in doubt he will keep to the left wall of labyrinth tunel.

OOC:

I think we all have to get back to the story, as I didn't remebere/see that where our PCs are - had to refresh that. So some description where we are, how big the tunnels are would be useful. Can be very general map, or more descriptions. Before entering pit were there any significant places visible in the pit? Like some... I don't know... sculpture that goes above tunnels level?

Dec 2, 2022 3:18 pm

Tobin thinks Davit's plan is as good as any, and follows the instructions. Besides, he's still shaking off the blast of fear and hasn't entirely gathered himself.

Dec 4, 2022 7:13 am

Pedrop says:

"Our brains didn't helped here, time for our muscles - let's go! I will go first with Hirani, but I ask you two to come just after us staying in some distance - so they would think that we are only two - me and Hirani - an easy pray - when they attack you join and it is we who have an advantage... I hope..." - and by saying that Davit runs pass Ly-Riik into the pit. Hoping that others will join.

David runs to the next corner, looks around the corner of the wall and checks if Hirani is with him.

If she is: "Come - your shadows will have to help us in those shadowy tunnels." - not waiting for any answer, hoping she will fallow, he go further into the pit's tunnels.

Are there any crossroads? Is this like some kind of labyrinth? How does it look from the inside? Every path is the same? Or are there any differences? If yes, Davit will try to get to the center of it, but when in doubt he will keep to the left wall of labyrinth tunel.

OOC:

I think we all have to get back to the story, as I didn't remebere/see that where our PCs are - had to refresh that. So some description where we are, how big the tunnels are would be useful. Can be very general map, or more descriptions. Before entering pit were there any significant places visible in the pit? Like some... I don't know... sculpture that goes above tunnels level?

Ly-riik sees Davit run pass and nods at the plan. The plan is smart but I’m going to make one small addition. At this Ly-Riik will follow according to the plan and starts reaching out with the force as they go along checking for extra signs of life near where Davit and Hirani are walking. He will repeat this every few meters hoping to catch anyone who may attempt to ambush them.

OOC:

If I’m correct that would be a force power check? Would it be multiple to do it every few meters? About once every short range band?

Rolls

Sensing life within short range

1 White Force Point

Dec 5, 2022 6:36 pm

Vespin says:

Tobin thinks Davit's plan is as good as any, and follows the instructions. Besides, he's still shaking off the blast of fear and hasn't entirely gathered himself.

OOC:

Yeah, I'm not claiming it was anything very smart or something like that... but wanted to move action further somehow :)

Dec 5, 2022 6:54 pm

Pedrop says:

Vespin says:

Tobin thinks Davit's plan is as good as any, and follows the instructions. Besides, he's still shaking off the blast of fear and hasn't entirely gathered himself.

OOC:

Yeah, I'm not claiming it was anything very smart or something like that... but wanted to move action further somehow :)

OOC:

Thanks we had a bit of analysis paralysis going on.

Dec 6, 2022 5:32 pm

OOC:

Sorry gang, I was on-call for my job this weekend, and then have had a busy beginning to the week.

Pedrop says:

OOC:

.... some description where we are, how big the tunnels are would be useful. Can be very general map, or more descriptions. Before entering pit were there any significant places visible in the pit? Like some... I don't know... sculpture that goes above tunnels level?

OOC:

I'll re-post the first two descriptions I provided, I know these things can be easy to lose sight of over the stretched out time period of PbP.

First description from Nov. 2:

The archaeological pit is rectangular, more than a hundred meters long and probably a little less than fifty wide. And it is characterized by a network of narrow but deep trenches with clearings scattered throughout the trench network that are each packed with towering pillars and statues and the stone-bones of small buildings that look like they could have been hovels or even possibly mausoleums.

OOC:

Second description from Nov. 13:

It's a massive archaeological dig site/pit - ~100 meters x 50 meters. All below-grade.

And it's characterized by a network of trenches punctuated periodically by larger, more-open clearings, where the clearings have small ruined buildings and statues and pillars and things cluttering them.

OOC:

Regarding your questions:

1. how big the tunnels are - not big enough for two ppl to stand abreast of each other

2. significant places - the clearings, which are scattered amongst the trenches, packed with statues and pillars and small ruined stone buildings are the most significant places

3. sculpture that goes above tunnels level - no, everything is "below-grade", lower than the prevailing ground level in the surrounding area, where all the Masters and other Acolytes are standing and watching from above.

Seems like at this point a map might help, so I'll put something together tonight.

RE: Davit and Hirani sneaking ahead, give me a Stealth check! I'll roll Hirani's FPC, as you guys could get a Destiny out of it!

Flipping a Destiny. Hirani gives you two Boosts to your Stealth check. Difficulty is PPP.

Hirani simply nods at Davit's orders and follows after. Soon, Davit sees the walls of the trenches darken around him as he senses Hirani drawing upon the power of the Force.

Lyriik immediately senses the life forces of his comrades, but no one else for the time being...

OOC:

Rean, you will not have to roll any subsequent Force Power checks, to keep your Sense Power "up". But that Fierce die is now "committed" and cannot be used in any other way, until you drop the Power.

Also, please note while the Power allows you to sense the presence of other life, if it's on the other side of a wall for example, you will be required to make Skill checks to either pinpoint it's location and/or differentiate, say, your allies from enemies.

Rolls

Hirani Force Power check

Dec 8, 2022 5:08 pm

emsquared says:

OOC:

Sorry gang, I was on-call for my job this weekend, and then have had a busy beginning to the week.

Pedrop says:

OOC:

.... some description where we are, how big the tunnels are would be useful. Can be very general map, or more descriptions. Before entering pit were there any significant places visible in the pit? Like some... I don't know... sculpture that goes above tunnels level?

OOC:

I'll re-post the first two descriptions I provided, I know these things can be easy to lose sight of over the stretched out time period of PbP.

First description from Nov. 2:

The archaeological pit is rectangular, more than a hundred meters long and probably a little less than fifty wide. And it is characterized by a network of narrow but deep trenches with clearings scattered throughout the trench network that are each packed with towering pillars and statues and the stone-bones of small buildings that look like they could have been hovels or even possibly mausoleums.

OOC:

Second description from Nov. 13:

It's a massive archaeological dig site/pit - ~100 meters x 50 meters. All below-grade.

And it's characterized by a network of trenches punctuated periodically by larger, more-open clearings, where the clearings have small ruined buildings and statues and pillars and things cluttering them.

OOC:

Regarding your questions:

1. how big the tunnels are - not big enough for two ppl to stand abreast of each other

2. significant places - the clearings, which are scattered amongst the trenches, packed with statues and pillars and small ruined stone buildings are the most significant places

3. sculpture that goes above tunnels level - no, everything is "below-grade", lower than the prevailing ground level in the surrounding area, where all the Masters and other Acolytes are standing and watching from above.

Seems like at this point a map might help, so I'll put something together tonight.

RE: Davit and Hirani sneaking ahead, give me a Stealth check! I'll roll Hirani's FPC, as you guys could get a Destiny out of it!

Flipping a Destiny. Hirani gives you two Boosts to your Stealth check. Difficulty is PPP.

Hirani simply nods at Davit's orders and follows after. Soon, Davit sees the walls of the trenches darken around him as he senses Hirani drawing upon the power of the Force.

Lyriik immediately senses the life forces of his comrades, but no one else for the time being...

OOC:

Rean, you will not have to roll any subsequent Force Power checks, to keep your Sense Power "up". But that Fierce die is now "committed" and cannot be used in any other way, until you drop the Power.

Also, please note while the Power allows you to sense the presence of other life, if it's on the other side of a wall for example, you will be required to make Skill checks to either pinpoint it's location and/or differentiate, say, your allies from enemies.

OOC:

Ok thanks. It’s an incidental to drop a committed die or a maneuver/action?

Dec 8, 2022 9:39 pm

OOC:

Incidental @Rean411

This is not meant to be an exact map, nor is it drawn to any scale. It is just a general visual reference to help you understand the "battlefield", on a level more than words can provide.

You guys start(ed) at the star.

OOC:

Pedrop, I think we need your Stealth check. +2 Boosts from Hirani. Difficulty PPP

Dec 9, 2022 4:25 pm

Tobin enters the maze and prepares himself, weapon in hand. He doesn't reach out with the Force, still being shaken, but his natural senses become as acute as possible.

Dec 13, 2022 9:51 pm

OOC:

Thanks for pasting your descriptions again and even more so for the map! Now I have a feeling how it could look like.

Seeing what is happening around him Davit smiles and he says very quietly :
"You got there some really handy talents, Hirani! Let's press on. It looks like Tobin and Lyriik are indeed following us."

Davit will try to get to the center of the pit, but when in doubt he will keep to the left wall of labyrinth tunel. He is trying to find the next clearing, but is looking very closely to the tunnels for something particular.

Rolls

Stealth roll

5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 4 Advantage

Dec 14, 2022 6:41 pm

Hirani's eyes flick to Davit only briefly, to acknowledge the compliment, but they are wide with alertness of... possibly fear... and she says nothing.

Having seen the general layout of the pit's clearings and winding trenches from above, it isn't hard to proceed accurately toward your chosen destination - the center clearing - particularly because you're moving with some deliberation in an attempt to be quiet.

Tobin and Lyriik are able to follow Davit and Hirani by sound, even when they lose sight of them, and so can tell that their comrades' attempts at stealth are a failed cause in these passages of echoing, hardened earth.

OOC:

Pedrop, I'm gonna spend three of your Advantages for you, to keep things moving along. That leaves you one to recover Strain (if you have any?), or pass a Boost to the next Ally to act, or to use to enact some minor narrative effect.

Let us know what you'd like to do with it.

And in the future, if you want to spend your Narrative Symbol results from rolls yourself, please immediately edit your post after rolling to state how you'd like to do so.

And I'll spend 3 of your Advantage to have you guys emerge in an... advantageous spot!... into the central clearing.

It would seem that your opposition has taken a similar approach to the challenge as you four.

Because as you all emerge into the central clearing you see your opposition also emerging into the central clearing, on the far side of it from you. They look like they were also trying to remain unseen, but you've spotted them.

And as you see them, they see you... and then... the silence and stillness erupts with action.

The clearing is littered with piles of rubble, pillars in various states of decay, and some great statues that stand 3 to 4 meters tall.

There are a couple of ruined hovel/mausoleum-like structures around the perimeter of the clearing with gaping holes into their interiors.

OOC:

Alright, so you all are at Long Range from the other group.

As a part of your "Advantageous arrival", you can have cover, or access to higher ground, or a nearby trench you could duck into, or basically, whatever narrative advantage you can think of that the terrain could offer you.

AND you guys have 3 Threats to spend against them from their poor roll/your good group-Vigilance.

You could do anything from inflict Strain upon then, to give a Setback or increase Difficulty for one roll, or enact a SIGNIFICANT, detrimental narrative effect upon them.

Something that springs to mind, to me, would be a collapse of a nearby wall on them, to either block off mobility options, or even to potentially damage one or more of them.

But I want you guys to get the juices flowing with these Narrative symbols, so please throw out any ideas.

And lastly... roll initiative, using Cool, please!

:)

Rolls

Opposed Group Roll, NPC vs. Party

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 5 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Dec 15, 2022 2:33 am

OOC:

I'm not sure what to type until I know where I am in the initiative. Also, I'm not entirely familiar with how the Force system works. Do any of us have the power to collapse walls and such?

Rolls

Initiative - Cool (Pr)

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Dec 15, 2022 11:06 pm

"I presume they also have only melee weapons?" - it sounded more like a statement than question in David mouth.

OOC:

Yes, GM?

"So we have to divide them. And try to stun them. Otherwise they will try to kill us..."

Quote:

Let us know what you'd like to do with it.

And in the future, if you want to spend your Narrative Symbol results from rolls yourself, please immediately edit your post after rolling to state how you'd like to do so.

OOC:

As I don't have any strain so far(should I?) I would like to leave that boost for the other PC(or Harri) for the moment when we will clash with our swords. Can I?

So what is a meta-rule here ? I always should spend my boost myself? What about the successes? They are also for me to introduce in fiction?

Quote:

enact a SIGNIFICANT, detrimental narrative effect upon them.

Something that springs to mind, to me, would be a collapse of a nearby wall on them, to either block off mobility options, or even to potentially damage one or more of them.

But I want you guys to get the juices flowing with these Narrative symbols, so please throw out any ideas.

And lastly... roll initiative, using Cool, please!

OOC:

My idea here is that some bigger pillar fall on it's side, when they have tried to hide behind it and it caused them to divide somehow... or better yet... falling pillar will burry half of them(2?) in the trench, where they were trying to take cover/hide from us for few rounds or even 1. My aim here is that we won't have to fight all of them at the beginning but only the half. What do you think guys?

My roll below.

Rolls

Cool

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 15, 2022 11:07 pm

Vespin says:

OOC:

I'm not sure what to type until I know where I am in the initiative. Also, I'm not entirely familiar with how the Force system works. Do any of us have the power to collapse walls and such?

OOC:

I have Force: Move, Range 1 power, but probably it is too weak right now for stone pillars.

[ +- ] Force: Move, Range 1

Dec 16, 2022 9:21 am

OOC:

A possible narrative effect that we could have is perhaps they made a huge mistake such as not leaving anyone to watch for us and that is why they were so bad at their vigilance. This could cause the masters to get upset with them so even if they were to win against us they would still be in hot water?

Rolling for initiative:

Rolls

Initiative cool

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 21, 2022 9:07 pm

Rean411 says:

OOC:

A possible narrative effect that we could have is perhaps they made a huge mistake such as not leaving anyone to watch for us and that is why they were so bad at their vigilance. This could cause the masters to get upset with them so even if they were to win against us they would still be in hot water?

OOC:

So they really did succeed at their Vigilance though - your group Stealth was opposed by their group Vigilance. You guys failed at Stealth > they succeeded at Vigilance.

They just ALSO failed at their Stealth.

Broadly, your narrative effect isn't a BAD idea - having them fall out of favor with the Masters, but the effect generally should be something more immediate to the encounter. So if there wasn't a combat encounter fallowing on that failure - that's 100% a great idea. But since there's more to the current encounter following the check, the narrative symbols should impact THIS encounter.

Pedrop says:

OOC:

My idea here is that some bigger pillar fall on it's side, when they have tried to hide behind it and it caused them to divide somehow... or better yet... falling pillar will burry half of them(2?) in the trench, where they were trying to take cover/hide from us for few rounds or even 1. My aim here is that we won't have to fight all of them at the beginning but only the half. What do you think guys?

OOC:

Using the narrative symbols to split their group is a pretty excellent use of them. Something I routinely have used Despair or Triumph to do to PCs in the past. We'll roll with that!

As the opposing Acolytes stumble into the clearing, at roughly the same moment as you four, they are perhaps taken aback by their clumsiness - seeing that you've spotted them, as surely as they've spotted you.

As two of them draw their ancient blades, preparing for combat, the other two rush back into the trenches, calling out something about 'a defensive position'.

The two preparing for combat however do not heed them, and as the two cream themselves back into the trench, they jostle the unstable earthen wall, and it sloughs over into the trench - separating the four of them into two groups of two, for now!

OOC:

Oh jeez alright, they're first.

Narrative pending...

Rolls

Enemy init.

4 Success

Total: 4 Success

Dec 21, 2022 9:25 pm

The blood is up in the opposing Acolytes and the two that drew their blades move toward you four in aggressive stances.

OOC:

Each will use Maneuver to close to Medium Range, Action to activate a Force Power/commit a Force die...

The two that were separated will have to try to climb over the collapsed trench wall (also using Force powers) - Action. If successful they'll be able to use their Maneuver to get to the ground within the clearing.

The two who were trapped in the trench by the collapse struggle to climb out, and, for now, their minds are too clouded by panic to draw upon the Force to aid them, and they scramble at the loose dirt but remain within the trench for now...

OOC:

They both failed their checks to climb the collapse. Well just Strain the one with a Threat. And the one with 3 Advantage will use them to improve their checks next turn (pass Boosts).

OK! It's you guys' turns!

The way that Initiative works in this game is, any Allied character can use ANY Ally's initiative slot/roll.

So, please, each of you may go at your leisure! As I'm just having the Enemy all go on one turn/slot to simplify things for myself.

They're at Medium Range, so if you're going to close to Engaged range/you want to Melee them, you'll have to use two Maneuvers.

Also-also if you strike first, you will take 1 Conflict.

Rolls

Acolyte III, Athletics to climb out of trench

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat, 2 White Force Points

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Acolyte IV, Athletics to climb out of trench

4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat, 1 White Force Point

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Dec 22, 2022 9:41 pm

Ly-Riik will look to the oncoming trainees and yell to them, Hello. There is no reason for us to fight yet. Why don’t we pool our resources to find the datacron? Then after finding it we can battle for the right to have it? We could even help your fellows out of that pit if you want?

OOC:

Would that be a negotiation roll?

Last edited December 22, 2022 9:41 pm

Dec 23, 2022 3:56 pm

Tobin stays back, hoping the others will listen to Ly-Riik's reason. But he's fighting the urge to help them out of the rubble.

Dec 30, 2022 1:22 pm

"Do you really think that they are the friendly ones? Wasn't that us? What do you want to achieve?" - seeing how they toss in the mud of the collapsed trench Davit felt something between pity and amusement. The Source don't seem to be on their site. - he thought.

But said nothing more and just climbed on some already collapsed pillar to be on their flank and having some kind of advantage because of higher ground - when the other two with naked blades will manage to come to them.

Dec 30, 2022 3:39 pm

Pedrop says:

"Do you really think that they are the friendly ones? Wasn't that us? What do you want to achieve?" - seeing how they toss in the mud of the collapsed trench Davit felt something between pity and amusement. The Source don't seem to be on their site. - he thought.

But said nothing more and just climbed on some already collapsed pillar to be on their flank and having some kind of advantage because of higher ground - when the other two with naked blades will manage to come to them.

"A clean conscience my friend. That is what I hope to achieve. If they accept the offer than all is good. If they do not and they attack, then my conscience is clear."

Last edited December 30, 2022 3:39 pm

Jan 2, 2023 3:56 pm

"Let us not forget that if we help them, the masters might punish us. This is not a place where mercy reigns. It's something to consider, though I understand the heart in your words."

Last edited January 4, 2023 6:44 pm

Jan 3, 2023 12:43 pm

"Hmmm... fair trade my friend. Didn't think about that in this way..." - he bowed slightly with appreciation to Ly-Riik.
"And you Hirani... what you think... will they listen even for a second? Would you...? " - Davit addressed their new companion in arms.

Jan 5, 2023 3:41 pm

Rean411 says:

Ly-Riik will look to the oncoming trainees and yell to them, Hello. There is no reason for us to fight yet. Why don’t we pool our resources to find the datacron? Then after finding it we can battle for the right to have it? We could even help your fellows out of that pit if you want?

OOC:

Would that be a negotiation roll?

OOC:

Hey all, I'm back.

And this is an interesting and unexpected approach.

Yes, please do give me a Negotiation.

Difficulty is Average but with 4 Setbacks. PPKKKK

Jan 5, 2023 5:45 pm

emsquared says:

Rean411 says:

Ly-Riik will look to the oncoming trainees and yell to them, Hello. There is no reason for us to fight yet. Why don’t we pool our resources to find the datacron? Then after finding it we can battle for the right to have it? We could even help your fellows out of that pit if you want?

OOC:

Would that be a negotiation roll?

OOC:

Hey all, I'm back.

And this is an interesting and unexpected approach.

Yes, please do give me a Negotiation.

Difficulty is Average but with 4 Setbacks. PPKKKK

OOC:

Before I roll I want to make it clear that in no universe do I expect this to work out of character, at least not without some form of betrayal at some point.
Edit: Amazingly that went not nearly as badly as I expected.

Last edited January 5, 2023 5:46 pm

Rolls

Negotiating with the likely homicidal fellow students.

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Jan 10, 2023 4:12 pm

OOC:

Alright, I'll use the 2 Threat to draw Xaos out from the edge of the pit, to observe the remainder of the encounter...

One of the two approaching Acolytes frowns at Lyriik's negotiation, and the other smiles wickedly and shouts out, "What guileless treachery are you playing at?! Prepare yourselves!!", and they both continue they're cautious advance.

The other two try again to clamber over the loose debris-pile, this time helping each other, and with the benefit of some larger chunks being dislodged to gain footholds...

And lastly, hearing the collapse and the shouts of the beginning of conflict, Xaos leaps across the top of the trenches, eager to watch the carnage he hopes will unfold...

OOC:

Alright, so they are/were still at Medium range, so the two Acolytes who are fighting, must use both their Maneuver and Action to close with you guys - Engaging Davit and Hirani.

They're unable to attack this round. Which means violence still has not been initiated, which means if you guys attack this round, you will still gain the 1 Conflict.

Rolling for the two who are trapped, narrative pending... One gets out the other is still trapped. The one that got out will use 2 of their Advantage to gain an immediate free maneuver - move to Medium range, and 2 to pass a Boost again to the still-trapped one.

You guys' turns!!

Xaos is there watching, Davit and Hirani are Engaged with the two combatant Acolytes.

Rolls

Acolyte III, Athletics

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Acolyte IV, Athletics

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 3 Threat

Forgot their Enhance Power, II, and IV's Force die

2 White Force Points, 1 Black Force Point

Jan 11, 2023 12:53 am

Tobin readies himself for battle. He had a fleeting hope that words might help here, but he knew it was only a long shot. He moves to get closer to his friends in preparation for the inevitable...

Jan 11, 2023 8:23 pm

Pedrop says:

But said nothing more and just climbed on some already collapsed pillar to be on their flank and having some kind of advantage because of higher ground - when the other two with naked blades will manage to come to them.

OOC:

Is above - from previous round - applicable somehow?

"You really should NOT attack us..." - says Davit with a menacing expression - "I won't hold myself when you will cross the line. I'm much less willing to negotiate than the other guy." - after saying that Davit draws his Ancient Sword and prepares for the coming fight that seems inevitable now...

OOC:

Mechanical that would be 1st maneuver: draw weapon, and action changed to 2nd maneuver: GUARDED STANCE: +B to combat checks until end of next turn, +1 melee defense.

Jan 11, 2023 11:18 pm

Pedrop says:

But said nothing more and just climbed on some already collapsed pillar to be on their flank and having some kind of advantage because of higher ground - when the other two with naked blades will manage to come to them.

OOC:

Is above - from previous round - applicable somehow?

OOC:

Yea! I'll give you a Boost for having higher ground (clearly that's a significant advantage in the Star Wars universe 😜)

But it applies only on your attack.

@Rean411 your turn! Anything you want to do before the imminent violence?

Jan 11, 2023 11:27 pm

OOC:

Just realized I've forgotten about Hirani!

You each feel your twilek companion draw on the Force, but nothing manifests yet, as she fights through fear...

Looking at her companions with great uncertainty, she too takes a guarded stance.

Rolls

Force Power Check

2 White Force Points

Jan 14, 2023 7:15 am

emsquared says:

Pedrop says:

But said nothing more and just climbed on some already collapsed pillar to be on their flank and having some kind of advantage because of higher ground - when the other two with naked blades will manage to come to them.

OOC:

Is above - from previous round - applicable somehow?

[/ooc]Yea! I'll give you a Boost for having higher ground (clearly that's a significant advantage in the Star Wars universe 😜)

But it applies only on your attack.

@Rean411 your turn! Anything you want to do before the imminent violence? [/ooc]

I implore you please do not attack, we could band together and become stronger.

As he says this Ly-Riik centres himself in the force and focuses. He starts seeing his opponents thinking about different strikes they can do allowing him to prepare before they do so. Hesitantly he draws his weapon and holds it ready to defend.

OOC:

Mechanically he is entering a guarded stance and committing his force dice to the control node of sense that upgrades the enemies attacks against him.

Jan 17, 2023 4:15 pm

One acolyte still struggles to dislodge themself from the collapse.

The other rushes to join his allies, straining himself to close from the great distance away to engage with Lyriik!

The attacking two acolytes begin their assault with a grim determination that you guys haven't quite seen from them in your sparring before...

OOC:

Ok so the escaped Acolyte beginning at Long must use Maneuver, Action, +additional Maneuver - taking 2 Strain to close with Lyriik, but cannot attack this round (note: because his Allies are attacking tho, he may be attacked without Conflict).

Since the attackers are already engaged with Davit and Hirani, both will Aim with their Maneuvers, and Attack with their Actions.

Davit, looks like you have a +1Melee Defense from your sword and a +1 from Guarded stance. Anything else I'm missing? Hirani has the robes that increase Defense so she has 1 additional Defense die...

And I want to remind you guys, as a Group you have all 3 Destiny at your disposal...

The last trapped acolyte finally manages to free themself!

And the attacks of your rivals are successful to varying degrees! They are new to their training like you all are. But particularly Hirani's attacker begins to overwhelm her almost immediately! Pressing an attack that she just is not ready for!

OOC:

@Pedrop you have 3 Threat to spend against your foe! Hirani's attacker will use his 3 Advantage to Crit her, rolling that up...

5 Wounds to Davit (apply your Soak and record the net damage), and Hirani.

Plus Hirani is Staggered for her next turn!

Rolls

Acolyte I, Lightsaber Skill v. Davit

3 Success, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Threat

Acolyte I, Lightsaber Skill v. Hirani

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Acolyte IV, Athletics

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat, 1 Black Force Point

Total: 1 Success

Crit on Hirani - (1d100)

(34) = 34

Jan 17, 2023 4:40 pm

OOC:

Ok, so, for your attacks...

You don't have to attack the people who are attacking you, ofc, you're mostly all within Engaged range of each other... but I'll just refer to them by who THEY are attacking for simplicity sake:

Davit's Acolyte has Force Sense Control 1 upgrade up and their Ancient Sword. So RPK to melee attack, plus whatever else you (or he, depending on how Davit spends the Threat) might have going on...

Hirani's Acolyte is the same - RPK melee Difficulty, base.

Lyriik's Acolyte rushed right into the fight and so is just PPK, at the moment.

Last Acolyte is at Long Range.

Don't forget that those of you who used Guarded Stance must add an additional Setback to your attacks...

And don't forget Destiny if you want to use it!

Ok... think that's everything... 😅

Go, gang!

Hirani, hurt and staggered, maintains get guarded stance, but you can see in her eyes that she is fighting through the pain, and preparing retribution...

OOC:

Hirani cannot take an Action due to Stagger Condition, and so will take Guarded Stance, and use an extra Maneuver to Aim.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Jan 19, 2023 5:17 pm

OOC:

Do I use my lightsaber skill in attacking? I'm guessing no.

Last edited January 19, 2023 5:18 pm

Jan 19, 2023 5:27 pm

Vespin says:

OOC:

Do I use my lightsaber skill in attacking? I'm guessing no.

OOC:

You do, yes. The Ancient Sword you received by default uses the Lightsaber Skill.

It is an ancient version of the swords the Je'daii used, before Lightsabers existed. They are in theory infused with Ilium crystals.

Jan 19, 2023 7:16 pm

OOC:

Ly-Riik is going to spend 1 maneuver aiming to add a boost die to his attack and then he is going to attack the acolyte who attacked halani. I’m also going to flip 1 of our lightside tokens to upgrade my attack So rolling that will be 1Y 1G 1B 1 black and 1R 1p

Edit: ok so Ly-Riik has never been much of a fighter in his life. Outside of occasional hunting for food he doesn’t like using weapons much so I think what’s happened is he struggled to commit to the blow causing it to come up short. But the fact that Ly-Riik is the first to strike other than the other acolytes is somewhat off putting and that little bit of nervousness will open up an unguarded spot so that the next person to go has a boost die. To finish his turn ly-Riik will take 2 strain to spend a 2nd maneuver to re-enable guarded stance.

Ancient sword in hand, Ly-Riik attempts to cling to his sense of nature his sense of peace on a world devoid of it and as he prepares to defend himself he sees his teammate hilani get attacked with a staggering blow. Knowing what he must do he adjust his stance and swings at her attacker. But he has overextended his reach and the blade is barely a tickle against his opponents robes.
(The music has been swelling towards triumphant horns for a moment but now a brief record scratch occurs as the acolytes just for a split second stare at Ly-Riik, then the action resumes.)

Last edited January 19, 2023 7:26 pm

Rolls

Defending halani

2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Advantage

Jan 21, 2023 7:12 pm

OOC:

I'm unaware of the turn order. I apologize if it was stated earlier, but I don't see it.

Jan 24, 2023 4:39 pm

Vespin says:

OOC:

I'm unaware of the turn order. I apologize if it was stated earlier, but I don't see it.

OOC:

It was stated earlier (it's your turn, please go), and also if you have a rule book, the initiative rules are described there.

But in this system, you can use the initiative slot of ANY allied character. There is no set turn order on a "team". And because I rolled only one initiative slot for the Enemy, and just do all their turns at once to make it easy for myself, there is basically a "Bad guy turn" on which I do all the bad guys, and that leaves a "Good guy turn" on which ALL good guys should go.

So please go.

@Pedrop if you're still around, please go as well.

Jan 24, 2023 8:39 pm

OOC:

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I understand the Genesys initiative system, I just didn't realize you were moving all the enemies as one. (Minions?) Also, lately, as I'm involved in a number of PbP games right now, I've set aside Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to check in on them.

Last edited January 24, 2023 8:40 pm

Rolls

Initiative

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Jan 25, 2023 1:36 am

emsquared says:

Davit, looks like you have a +1Melee Defense from your sword and a +1 from Guarded stance. Anything else I'm missing? Hirani has the robes that increase Defense so she has 1 additional Defense die...

OOC:

@Pedrop you have 3 Threat to spend against your foe! Hirani's attacker will use his 3 Advantage to Crit her, rolling that up...

5 Wounds to Davit (apply your Soak and record the net damage), and Hirani.

OOC:

Sorry was busy again recently.

Thats looks about right: 2 defense in that moment.
3 Threat to spend - how should I use it? Narratively or there is a table for it like for Advantage?? I see that there is a table of Threat so I will use it to make the adversary fall prone - by spending 3 treat. Will RP, after reading the rest of the posts.
Damage/wounds noted - left with 2.

We are in next turn, yes? So again 1 Maneuver + 1 Action?

It was not obvious what did RPK meant - Red Purple blacK ? Why not RPB?
And overall is was not so easy to figure out what to roll for my attack I must say.
I will be using

[ +- ] Shien Technique* 1

.
I want to attack Ly-Riik acolyte after, "mine" has fallen to the ground after spending his 3 threat.
So I presume it will be:
YGG (Cunning + Lightsaber) +
+ 1 Boost because I will carefully aim this blow this time
+ 1 Setback for my Guard stance, against his PPB ??

I hope so, thats what I'm going to roll.

The acolyte that attacked Davit managed to strike a hit to him. And that hurts. But fortunately the blow only scratched Davit's arm... while sword was sliding on it. Pain that Davit started to feel made some old memories when he was still a slave very vivid again. Instinctually he pushed his sword with the whole force of his body... causing the acolyte to go further with his blow... effectually causing to him to loose his balance and fall to the ground. Davit smiled and then managed to see that Ly-Riik is already trying to take care of the acolyte attacking Hirani, that also looked staggered by his blows.
"Hey... but who will take care about "your guy" " - Davit spitted fast words from his mouth. "I guess it have to be me..." and by this
Davit aimed a cunning blow to the acolyte that was left alone after Ly-Riik rescue departure. Leaving "his guy" on the ground.

Rolls

Lightsaber

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Advantage

Jan 25, 2023 1:40 am

emsquared says:

Yea! I'll give you a Boost for having higher ground (clearly that's a significant advantage in the Star Wars universe 😜)

But it applies only on your attack.
[/ooc]

OOC:

I presume it still counts so I will add 1 Boost to this post. I wonder if it will change anything? :)
Can I use my 3 Advantage on "Target drops weapon they’re wielding" ? :)

Rolls

High ground

Jan 26, 2023 12:38 pm

OOC:

I rolled initiative when I think I should've attacked. LOL Wow. Let me get on that.

Tobin closes in on the closest acolyte and lets loose. "If there's no other way!"

Rolls

Melee attack

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Jan 31, 2023 4:17 pm

Pedrop says:

emsquared says:

Yea! I'll give you a Boost for having higher ground (clearly that's a significant advantage in the Star Wars universe 😜)

But it applies only on your attack.
[/ooc]

OOC:

I presume it still counts so I will add 1 Boost to this post. I wonder if it will change anything? :)
Can I use my 3 Advantage on "Target drops weapon they’re wielding" ? :)

OOC:

You also actually have a Boost from Lyriik's Advantage. I'll roll it here for you to keep things moving...

Also, I use K for Black/Setback because I use B for Blue/Boost.

Edit, and that's enough to get you a hit!

Rolls

Kyriiks Boost to Davit

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Jan 31, 2023 4:28 pm

Vespin says:

OOC:

I rolled initiative when I think I should've attacked. LOL Wow. Let me get on that.

Tobin closes in on the closest acolyte and lets loose. "If there's no other way!"

OOC:

Lyriik and his Acolyte are closest to Tobin.

I'll roll a Setback (from the Acolytes Melee Defense) and a Boost (from Davit, now - Davit I'm just going to spend your Advantage from your missed Boost) for you.

I know it seems like there's a lot to keep track of, and there is, but it does get easier the more you play. I just think that me only being able to push a slow pace to this game makes it even harder.

EDIT: OK! Nothing came of those so Tobin hits!!

Rolls

Tobin's Setback AND Boost

Jan 31, 2023 4:46 pm

Hirani, staggered, is taking a defensive stance...

Davit and Tobin jump to Lyriik's aid, as the Cerean jumps to Hirani's aid, and the melee has truly begun, as blood spatters both shining blades and umber soil all around...

Xaos prowls along the edge of the surrounding trenches watching the fight begin, "Yes! Earn your glory! Through victory your chains will be broken!", he shrieks, reciting a part of the Sith Creed.

OOC:

You both netted some Wounds on Lyriik's Acolyte, and he's already looking ragged now...

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Undaunted though, the Acolytes attack back!

Jan 31, 2023 4:59 pm

OOC:

Ok, Davit, you are no longer on a Guarded Stance, so just 1 Defense die for you, but your attached is knocked down so they must use their Maneuver to stand and so cannot Aim.

Hirani's attacker has the same attack pool as last round, his Aim, her Guarded.

Lyriik's Acolyte must use his Maneuver to pick up his blade, and so cannot Aim and Lyriik has Guarded Stance.

Tobin's attacker will close from Long to Engaged with him - using Action, Maneuver, plus additional Manuever (taking 2 Strain). But cannot attack this round.

EDIT: Their attacks all miss!

Davit and Hirani with 1 Threat each, to spend on them.

Hirani will Strain her Acolyte with it.

The adversary-Acolytes, their numbers still not full, mount a counter attack, but it is largely injective!

Leaving your group with a few opportunities...

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Rolls

Acolyte I, Lightsaber Skill v. Davit

2 Success, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Acolyte II, Lightsaber Skill v. Hirani

2 Success, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Acolyte III, Lightsaber Skill v. Lyriik

3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Jan 31, 2023 5:08 pm

OOC:

Ok! You guys can all go! Your Attack pool Difficulty's I believe all stay the same.

And you guys still have 2 Destiny available to you.

Feb 1, 2023 12:41 pm

OOC:

Let's also use this Threat for strain for the guy.
So rolling again:
YGG (Cunning + Lightsaber) +
+ 1 Boost because I will carefully aim this blow again
against his PPK ??

Davit attacks the same Acolyte as before - the one that he by a miracle managed to hit with his sword thanks to Lyriik help.

Rolls

Lightsaber

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success

Feb 1, 2023 12:55 pm

OOC:

Also it is quite hard to visualize how actual situation look like and what are the stats of our adversaries? I know it maybe not the best idea to show stat of mobs every time, but as we are learning the system we could have it for now? Maybe it could function as simple table:

	Acolyte 1	Acolyte 2	Acolyte 3	Acolyte 4
Position	Eng Davit...	Eng Davit...	Eng Davit...	Long to Davit
Action	Melee against David
Wounds	10/12	10/12	10/12	10/12
Strain	10/12	10/12	10/12	10/12
State		Prone
Description		Picatchu face

That You could repost with each round?

Feb 2, 2023 4:09 pm