The Pirate Finale!

[Balthazar Black]

Cylus 724

Bruise.

It is a word that refers to the discoloration on skin, likely caused by some hard impact that ruptured blood vessels beneath the surface.

They're different than scars.

Bruises go away in a lot less time. They heal. They mend. They are beneath the surface while scars sat atop it. Balthazar had many scars across his body. He'd experienced many bruises. He'd been beaten and battered and hurt... but there was one wound that always sat beneath the surface for him. One thing he had failed to do. One person he had failed to protect and find. Elisabeth. His wife. His love. When Saoire spoke the words to him, he felt as if Vri had decided to push down against a massive bruise on Balthazar's sternum.

The pain wasn't physical. All and all, he seemed to have made it out of the whole ordeal in better shape than some... but the pain was there. It made it hard to breathe. His steady breath caught in his throat and was replaced with shallower efforts. His calm mind twisted and contorted in disappointment, anger, frustration, and all manner of other unpleasant feelings. In the end, his mind and heart settled on sorrow.

Sorrow.

It is a word that, when taken as an action, refers to the feeling of deep distress.

It is different than despair.

Sorrow will pass in time. It will hurt and it will be unpleasant but it will pass. Balthazar hated feeling it. He hated the pressure he felt on his chest every time sorrow returned but... it is different than despair. Despair is the void that one falls into when they have lost all hope. Despair is the void that one lives in if they never had hope.

Hope.

It is a word that gives Balthazar strength. Not as flashy as a bolt of lightning or a stream of blue flames but... far more potent. Hope let him believe he would find Elisabeth again. Hope let him believe that, even if he couldn't, she was out there somewhere and she was safe. This was the second time that the immortals had told him she was gone. In the moment, sorrow took prominence over hope. He had more reason to feel one than the other. Saoire said she had 'hoped' and so Balthazar felt a certain sting when he considered it. However she had said other things as well.

They needed to find out what role Viden had played in this. He could hope that hunting down those answers and every mortal murderer who had filled Slag's Deep with the underserving dead would bring him back to Elisabeth. If not to her, then at least to some sort of closure. So he would hunt them. He would hunt them all.

Then, for only a brief moment, he realized what else Saoire had said. She was hoping this would bring back some others as well? Who? He didn't ask. It wasn't the time and he couldn't string together his words. He still couldn't breathe any better than an asthmatic ramping up to an attack. So he didn't speak. He didn't ask questions. He tried to focus on his breathing and bring himself back under his own control. There would be time for words and work later.

Slag's Deep still sat full of the dead. He'd have to return and coordinate with the Militant and Albarech. He'd have to summon the LeFluer sister and let the family know. He'd have to... he'd have to do so much more.

Even at the end, the work was only just beginning.

[Winston]

Have you seen my fur? It needs help...

Saoire apologised... This was not unlike her, cos you know, she was the single most awesome immortal of ALL the immortals... or so is the tail Winston would tell. But she didn't need to. He giggled at her kiss and in every way but to do her the rudeness of openly saying it, like it needed saying, accepted her words and was quite delighted that the immortals had done what they needed, he had done stood up for what was right... and WAS right, and everyone else had done the same.

He beamed. There was no other way to describe it, in every way but for actually projecting light, the ferret beamed as the stories were confirmed and the people drank tea.

Nir'wei was a complex one to solve... Having nearly died sacrificing himself for the good of the entire island in an insane task that should almost certainly have not worked... he felt a kinship with the man on a level that, in the moment, he might not have with anyone else... Winston was as surprised not to be a thin paste spread across the know plains of existence as Nir'wei might be right now, though he was far better off for it.

Taking pity on the poor man, he handed him

something restorative

to eat from his

stock of snacks

. "'ere mun. Me 'ear tell dat yuh did crazy stoff." He gave a warm smile. "Peepal tell meh dat this es nat gud fat yuh 'ealth."

Lots of people called him brave, Varlum and Kura among them,, but he just smiled and shrugged.

There was one piece of business remaining though... A promise. Darius' promis. He found the man and practically harried him for his secrets, whatever they were. It was playful and full of pleading puppy dog eyes and whether he relented his methods or not, the ferret was simply glad to have returned to have the opportunity to ask.

Handing the box he had been leant back to the seaman, he smiled apologetically. "Thanks, bot me tink et broke." He looked down at the changed device, only really partially serious with the apology. It had done it's job and he didn't expect that Darius would be bothered by it's new condition. "Thanks far de pramise also... Et felt gud tuh 'ave plenty af onfinished business tuh be returning far." He giggled.

He returned ALL of the things borrowed, from Vega her neckless and with joy, continued to encourage fun and celebration, though he was sure to steer it away from himself and towards the group at every turn.

Supporting Threads

Some Mer threads the built towards his events in this thread:

• Winston reached the Mer in this thread, returned the missing Mer children and learned about the role they played in the pirate affair.
• Winston convinces the Mer to STOP giving the Chrien Chosen to Chrien here.
• The last time he was with the Mer, here, they agreed to introduce him to Sotong... For better or worse.
  Please see the final meeting between Sotong and Winston here.
• Inside this thread
  • Mer - Sotong agreed to permit the Mer to operate as spies against the Pirate Lords for them.

Sotong marked his ship Floaty, but let it 'free' to resist Chrien. Winston still owes the great leviathan said ship.

Thanks goes to Pyrre Ej'qy for inspiring this template

[Kura Wolfsdotter]

Kura growled in pain as she felt a new Fracture Scar open up. Whatever Nir'wei was doing was putting an enormous amount of strain on the both of them, and she was getting a lesser part of it. She was really going to have to sit him down one of these days and teach him to think things through properly, that was twice in this crisis alone that he had done something reckless and crazy. But then, she realized that they could see everything and Kura let out a low huff at the beauty of it all. She saw him collapse into the chair, but she was able to hold herself up right as the sensation passed. Or at least, she thought it was going to pass, but it lingered for longer than she expected. She didn't say anything, though, just looked at it all, everything that they saw and that saw them back. After all, while she had seen it once before, it didn't make it any less beautiful. She heard Karem's voice as well, but didn't answer her out loud, but rather through the link she shared with the Velduris wolves. "You alright, mum?" she said, some worry in her mental voice for her mother's safety.

It was only when it passed and Saoire spoke to her about what she'd done that Kura finally spoke again. "Wolf-Walkers are never alone. He just forgets that doesn't just mean the wolves. Fortunately, I was taught how a pack works by the wolfiest person in Idalos." she said, some amusement in her voice at the sheer understatement of that particular sentence. She gave Cassion a slightly wry look at his statement, one that conveyed quite a bit of exasperation at Nir'wei's penchant for crazy antics, but then the Induks made their appearance and spoke. "I'm glad it's comin' back, but I don't suppose any of you could clear up what you mean?" she said, her tone curious.

When Saoire and Cassion gave their explanation for what happened with Woe, Kura just shook her head slightly. "Mr. Morandi has done good work for Scalvoris in the past, and I personally believe he is a good man, albeit a hasty and sometimes cold blooded one. Though I'll acknowledge your readin' of me, given that I am loathe to cede control to others if I think I can do better. But then, I also know to trust those who have earned it." she said, shrugging slightly. She didn't seem particularly bothered that she had been picked out as one of the people most likely to accidentally interfere with the Story, and she might have been more inclined to do so if she hadn't been present for The Forging and seen what Cassion had done there, much less what Saoire had done elsewhere. "I don't blame Woe for bein' himself or for voicin' an unpopular opinion, but I think he's makin' the same mistake I did, tryin' to hold himself separate on account of bein' Mortalborn, and focusin' too much on the Immortal in him rather than havin' both parts be whole and equal." she said, her voice calm.

"Granted, it took me over a century to knock that particular bit of foolishness off, and I'm still learnin' what I'm like when I'm not half suppressin' myself, but hopefully he can figure it out faster than I can." she said, before frowning slightly. "Though I'll note the fake banishment of a Scalvonite citizen is...professionally discourteous, for lack of a better word, though I won't deny Woe would have been good for the role if he had accepted." she said, before turning to her conversation with Nir'wei.

When he brought up the idea of being prepared for the things they couldn't think of, she gave him a slightly amused look. "Nir'wei, I want you to run that sentence through your head again and give it a good hard thinkin'." she said, her tone somewhat affectionately exasperated. "But yeah, I heard mum talkin' about the song as well. Not sure what she meant, and I'm hopin' we didn't get her injured with this little trick." she said, her tone worried.

[Pegasus]

The Pirates Finale ......

The Review!

All Players

Rewards

• Language: Scalveen

Woe

Feedback

Post 1: Woe has discovered a lot of information about Gunvorton. This will have a direct impact on any political or intrigue etc threads he has which involve it.

Post 2: Woe has discovered a lot of nuanced information about the people of Gunvorton too - and what makes them "tick" - this information could be put to all sorts of uses .. .. ..

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): Lots of information sharing. Hopefully, people will remember just how useful Woe was in this bit. It's a shame that all of the Slags Deep thing didn't happen in time, but he did lots of good stuff here.

Post 5: Again, this is Woe helping. I wonder what he's going to do with all this information?

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post!

Post 7: Where things got a little twitchy for Woe!

Post 8: The "Screw You, Immortal Scum!" post.

We have to love Woe for being so very able to flip on a sixpence. He's had magic, gotten rid of that, had Immortal marks and gotten rid of those - he's not afraid to stand alone and say what he thinks. It's really interesting to me how he can be so very focused on helping and yet be so against so many others.

I hope that you enjoy the "pay back Chamadarst" plot and can really get your teeth into it. Let me know if you'd like a tracker for it. My thought is that we could assign an "amount" (say 100) and you do threads / actions etc - which I then modnote for how much you've "paid off" of the 100?

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25

Knowledges

• Intelligence: General awareness of rumors, that filter in from a distance.
• Appraisal: Identifying the provenance of lab equipment, and the origin.
• Investigation: x5
• Leadership: x5
• Logistics: x5
• Tactics: x10
• Intelligence: x5
• Politics: x5
• Deception: x5

Loot

• An economic and social overview and detailed understanding of Gunvorton. This would be especially helpful and give a distinct advantage in any planning involving Gunvorton for the next full Arc.
• Quieting the riots in Gunvorton, and working to rebuild the place has given him an equally detailed knowledge about the people there too - he knows who to go to for what, etc.
• Balth and Woe found a drainglass creation facility. This is a major find and could hold vital, as yet unseen, clues.
• Woe's accusation against Kura causes Yvithia to raise an eyebrow. No noticeable gain / loss from it - but she's paid attention.
• A few of the Immortals who marked Woe would have responded to the suggestion that he made in post 7 ( top of page 6)- but since he then removed their marks, no point here other than to note that there would have been consequences good and bad.

Losses

• Monies already deducted by player.
• Removal of Ziell mark.
• Removal of Moseke mark.
• Woe is no longer able to access any of his Chamardarst powers. However, he is still marked by the Immortal and this gives all the benefits / disadvantages it normally would.

Consequences

• Fracture scar on his chest
• Fracture scars on his palms.
• Chamadarst requires Woe to make sure that they end their contract with both parties having received equal advantage from this. Until he has gained as much advantage from Woe as Woe has from him (in Chammy's mind that's
  1. Power.
  2. Money.
  3. Prestige
  And all directly and solely to Woe) then Woe owes him. Interest will accrue and Chamadarst expects recompense within 1 arc. When Woe speaks to him, Chamadarst waves a hand, dismissively. What use to him is Woe's measly wealth? Did Chamadarst not grant it to him? What use to him is Woe's property? It would not do for him.
  
  Woe's belief that Chammy considered Egilrun his own actions is incorrect. Chamadarst shrugs and simply states that the protection of Egilrun was done to Woe's benefit, to Egilrun's benefit - nothing about that benefitted him, the Immortal, personally. How could it?
  
  And when Woe said 'Name the debt and it will be paid in time' Chamadarst is clear. The debt is commensurate with what Chamadarst has given Woe. The time is one arc and at that time, if he considers it reasonable payment, he will remove the mark. He doesn't say what he'll do if Woe doesn't pay.

Rorom

Feedback

Post 1: Rorom has helped Harvardr enormously. He will be very welcome there to the point that he would have the chance to become Harvardr's leader, should he so wish.

Post 2: He becomes known as the Saviour of Haarvardr. While the people there are largely too practical and gruff for big celebrations, he has earned their loyalty.

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): Rorom heads to Ishallr. It's a shame this wasn't completed in time to be impactful, but could prove interesting in terms of finding new fauna.

Only three posts, but still - you did lots. 15 XP for only three posts - but same renown as everyone else, since you've given so much money etc. Thanks for taking part !

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 15

Knowledges

• Discipline: A child's heartfelt pleading is hard to resist.
• Field Craft: Making a base camp for an expedition is a challenging endeavor
• Seafaring: x5
• Leadership: x5
• Navigation: x5

Loot

• An economic and social overview and detailed understanding of Harvardr. This would be especially helpful and give a distinct advantage in any planning involving Harvardr for the next full Arc.
• The people of Harvardr look up to Rorom and see him as a saviour.

Nir'wei

Feedback

Post 1: Nir'wei has developed his already-good understanding of Faldrass and is able to have a distinct tactical advantage in any planning involving Faldrass for at least the next two arcs, unless the layout significantly changes.

Post 2: This was a great example of use of skills - nice investigation and it was all going so well until the end .....

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): The post with the sentence "He continues interrogating fish" Love it.

Post 5: Stepping into the Miasma.

Post 7 (you weren't in Post 6 cos you wasin the miasma). Being the focus.

Post 8: Crack, crack, crack........ oops, I did it again!

Duuuuude - you have so many curve balls and you throw them at JUST the right moment. Nice writing here - and I apologise (in a sorry-not-sorry sort of way) about the Iron Man heart. But you can't go through something like that without finding yourself very very changed. Wowzer. Just... wowzer.

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25
• Forged Faction Points: 10

Knowledges

• Investigation: x5
• Leadership: x5
• Intelligence: x5
• Endurance: x10
• Discipline: x10
• Strength: x5
• Tactics: x5

Loot

• A detailed understanding of Faldrass. This would be especially helpful and give a distinct advantage in any planning involving Faldrass for the next two Arcs
• Nir'wei's unique brand of intelligence gathering (grabbing the bloke, tasting his blood etc) gets him a reputation among the darker / underground elements of Scalv. He becomes known as the "Dark Wolf" and there is the option (probably with help?) to make this a very long term reputation. Maybe he should get a sidekick. Or a utility belt......
• Nir'wei nearly blew up Scalv and - for whatever reason - literally everyone knows about it. That doesn't help his reputation with Joe Public.
• By talking to the fishies, Nir'wei finds that he's made some fishie friends. When a new flora or (small) fauna gets devv'd in Scalv, they'll bring him a sample. If it's too big for a fishie to carry? They'll send a big friend.
• The Heart: Nir'wei acted as a prism, focusing the energies around him. These energies poured through him and fundamentally changing him. His heart is no longer what it was, it is a mass of swirling energy which is both powerful and fragile. It needs to be kept protected and Saoire grants him a necklace of protection. As long as he wears it, his heart will not break or shatter - if however, the necklace is lost or broken, then he will need to return to Saoire, or Karem, or Qylios etc - for further protection. Should he fail to do that, after a Cycle, he will die.
• New shared Domain with Kura: Scalvoris. Please PSF.
• New Custom Ability (Champion Level) Please PSF.
• New "Scalvoris-Specific" ability. Please PSF.
• Next three Cassion powers of your mark.
• Saoire grants him Adored rank and the first three.

Losses

• Lost: 1 x Thanks of Qylios gained here

Consequences

• Fracture scars, as described. Please also see the fracture scar described in "Loot" as "The Heart"
• Please PSF a "fracture consequence" (think of it like a magic mutation almost) which should be mostly negative but might have a positive aspect.
• Karem will stage an intervention. Please either PSF for playing the Immortal yourself, ask another staffer or let me know and I'll run it.
• Your relationship with all the realms will never be quite the same again. Let me know please the first time you go to the Beneath, the Miasma, Emea, etc after this.

Kura Wolfsdotter

Feedback

Post 1: The communication network is something Saoire is happy for Kura to maintain.

Post 2: If you work with others on this - you could end Centipede. Or, of course, try and bring them back in line.

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): wow that was close! Those explosives could have been an undoing and sooooo nearly were.

Post 5: The one where Kura shut down the Eclipse portals.

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post! (Where Kura got annoyed at Woe!)

Post 7: Noting that Cassion is being slippery!

Post 8: Bonding with Nir

What a lot! Karem is very pleased with her daughter and she will let Kura know that (in her own unique way). There's a lot to unpick and the situation with Yvithia is most CERTAINLY an ongoing one. Let me know if you'd like to do stuff around that!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25
• Forged Faction Points: 10

Knowledges

• Logistics: x5
• Investigation: x10
• Leadership: x5
• Intelligence: x5
• Tactics: x10
• Discipline: x10
• Endurance: x5

Loot

• Echo scroll communication network across Scalv (as per Post 1).
• It came too late for use in this thread, but you get intelligence back which gives you the location of three CEntipede hidden hideouts.
• Kura was seen in lots of different areas of Scalv throughout this event. This increases her reputation as Alberach.
• You have samples of the "not-drainglass" Drainglass from Viden - and that puts you in an interesting political position.
• Cassion is very impressed with Kura for recognising and calling out his shenanigans here. He offers her one of three things and the choice is entirely hers (of course, he flirts outrageously as he makes the offer too). She can have
  1. An item with any one of his mark abilities up to and including exalted as a one-time use.
  2. His mark. She'll start with no abilities (not even the first three) and will have to earn them through adventure.
  3. His curse (because, as he will explain, his is the most interesting).
• Kura too felt the drain from linking with Nir'wei. While she hasn't gotten to the point of being Idalos' answer to Iron Man, she has developed a new ability with a marked weakness - when she uses Turtle Shell, she can use it to cover herself and up to five others, but Kura is in jaw-clenching pain for the whole time.
• New shared DOmain with Nirwei: Scalvoris
• New Custom ability (Exalted Level) - please PSF
• New Scalvoris specific ability. Please PSF
• Karem grants you Exalted status and the first 3 abilities.
• Saoire grants you the last three favoured powers.

Losses

• Yvithia doesn't pull her mark - but I need you to let me know if / when you use it please. This will continue until "the Viden situation" is dealt with.

Consequences

• Fracture Scar.

Winston

Feedback

Post 1: Winston has built up the trust of the Mer and of Sotong. This means that his presence will be a major boon to any / all negotiations / discussions with the Mer. If he wishes to, he can build on this.

Post 2: Everyone is very informed - and the Tea Party idea emerges!

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): Some changes to the Tea Party planning!

Post 5: Winston asked for lots of things - he got most of them too!

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post!

Post 7: Eye of the Storm!

Post 8: The "Phew, I'm alive" post!

Just amazing, awesome fun and amazing, awesome writing. Such a great pc - and Vega's right - he's a mad man! Well done, you manage to combine really focused and clever with crazed!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25

Knowledges

• Swimming: Trying to dive
• Swimming: Spending extended amounts of time under water
• Meditation: Extended, daily focus of well crafted items
• Seafaring: Steering a ship badly
• Discipline: Using meditative breaths to help suppress your fears before heading into a risky meeting
• Intelligence: Sharing information you have to make the most of it's use
• Research: Write down what you might forget
• Meditation: Taking a moment to focus on the reality in front of us
• Etiquette: A family affair should involve the whole family
• Socialization: Rubbign elbows with greater beings
• Storytelling: Using stories to lead the masses
• Socialization: Sharing the deepest empathy with an entire island of people for someone seen as an enemy
• Storytelling: Using pauses to allow your listener to process things
• Socialization: Asking favour of gods
• Discipline: Standing your ground in the face of Heros and Gods alike
• Socialization: Trying to create empathy in mortals and immortals alike
• Psychology: Immortals might not have moral motivations, but their domains can become 'out of balance' for reasons 'like' psychological damage
• Socialization: Delivering sentiments to a single body of people that included Immortals, mortals, perhaps Kings and porpers alike while avoiding causing offence
• Discipline: Using faith to bolster your resolve
• Storytelling: Changing the world with a story
• Socialization: Telling a story with an immortal
• Socialization: Modesty even in the limelight, steering compliments to others
• Logistics: x3
• Investigation: x3
• Resistance: x1
• Storytelling: x10
• Endurance: x3
• Discipline: x5
• Socialization: x5

Loot

• Detailed knowledge of the Mer, Mer Society, the Incubation facility, etc - and the trust of Sotoong the Leviathan.
• Improved reputation for Isonomia as a more 'militant' arm of the Order of the Adunih. You get a surge in new members following this event.
• For preparing the Tea Party, Winston gets more known by a number of Immortals - those he invited are more likely to give him a positive reception. It's not quite "they grant you a favour" but there's a definite feeling of "owe you one".
• You have a detailed and clear alchemical understanding of Wildglass, Drainglass and Chaosglass. This can be used and / or expanded.
• When Saoire healed him, she left a little Saoire-magic on him. He can make himself glimmer, shimmer and glow. At will. She luffles him.
• Storm-Chaser: Winston is granted an ability by all of Chrien's siblings. He is immune to storms and their effects. No wind will blow him over, no lightning strike him or tornado harm him. Should a bloody big rock hit him, though, he's flat - so still take care.
• Winston has been wrapped in Saoire's protection during the extremes of Chrien's wrath. He has seen and experienced both extremes of the Immortals. Saoire gives him a coin - a copper one with a silver image of a turtle on it. He can use it twice in a cycles (heads and tails) and each use will allow him to protect one person as though Saoire herself was wrapped around them.
• Cassion grants you the next three abilities in his mark.
• Saoire grants you Exalted status and the first three powers.
• Ethelynda grants him the next three powers.
• XIur offers Winston his mark as the "most hopeful Ferret I ever met"

Losses

• -1 Floaty-light Chew
• 1 x Class 1 Miragestone & 1 Class 4 Chii Stone crossed off the Isonomia supply of Wells

Consequences

• Winston is seen as very brave by most - but some begin to see him in the same light as Horatio Thunderbussel - those who don't want the Immortals involved in Scalvoris affairs - those who want to go back to how things were under the Pirate Lords - they'll be unhappy. Winston will receive his first hate mail.

Bao Bao

Feedback

As Bao Bao only posted once in the event, he gets reduced rewards.

Rewards

• Renown: 5
• XP: 15

Balthazar Black

Feedback

Post 1: Balth has learned a lot about the tunnels under Almund, including the places where they have hidden entrances to buildings etc. He has a chance to use this information in all sorts of ways. .. ......

Post 2: Balth has discovered 2 necklaces which could be key to infiltrating Centipede, if that's the way you guys / you individually want to go.

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): Lots of investigation and deduction here. Balth has cemented his reputation as an investigator here.

Post 5: Lots of dead bodies found. What are you going to do about that?

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post!

Post 7: When it all happens!

Post 8: Asking questions, getting (some) answers.

You know, I think your post where Balth is just "RAWR this is not happening. No!" is my favourite Balth post ever. You do a great job of being inside his thought process and it was really evident here.

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25
• Forged Faction Points: 10

Knowledges

• Alchemy: The combination of specific Videnese ingredients and specific Scalvorian sand creates drainglass
• Investigation: x10
• Intelligence: x5
• Tactics: x10
• Discipline: x10
• Psychology: x5

Loot

• Balth has developed a detailed knowledge of the underground tunnels running under Almund. This will provide him with a distinct tactical advantage - but he should remember that he's (probably) not the only one!
• If there was any lingering doubt about Balthazar, this event has dispelled it.
• +1 long chain-like necklace (From Nellies)
  +1 phoenix necklace (rom the Scalvoris Sapphire Inn)
• Balth and Woe found a drainglass creation facility. This is a major find and could hold vital, as yet unseen, clues.
• From working with the dead, he gains in reputation and Vri is pleased. He makes you his Exalted and the first three powers of it.
• For standing up for Winston and holding to your beliefs even in the face of self doubt, Xiur gives Balthazar a small marble. It glows, twinkling of star light. The more despair Balth feels, the more it glows and just looking at it allows Balth to break negative thoughts and to choose to seek out hope. It doesn't force hope on him, but it gives him a chance to break the cycle of despair.
• New custom ability (adored level) around the theme of what you've done here. Please PSF.
• Vri makes you Exalted and gives you the first three powers of that level.
• Qylios gives you the next three powers in her mark.

Consequences

• Plot: Balthazar's plot here is that he has the potential to "close up" the last of the mortal threats, to work with the military to find the weaknesses, etc - but also to look at how this happened.
  Consequences: Finding Elisabeth this way is an avenue closed to Balthazar. In the days and weeks to come, his increase in relationship with Vri will focus on the "sorrow" aspect and his meditation and dreams will lead him to believe that Vri is concerned that he's in "limbo"

Vega

!	Message from: Winston
	This review was created by Basalisk, Pigs and Winston collectively, for Vega.

Feedback

Post 1: Gives Kura a talking to!

Post 2: Establishes force-wide comms. Really gives Kura a talking to! During this period, Vega establishes herself, whether it was her intent or not, as the one to call when things go south. She is everywhere, is leading the charge and supporting the efforts of everything going. She can safely assume that anywhere she goes in Sclavaris from this trial forward, she'll be able to gain people's ear and open doors.

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): Taking charge and getting people safe, Vega is seen by all again as a woman with answers. Organising an Island-wide evacuation plan, arranging the necessary logistics with foreign parties and maintaining calm were all considered impossible... until she did it! She will be approached by a wide variety of local leaders and military bods offering their forces and asking her to take charge of their own security concerns.

Post 5: Protects Winston. Reeeeeaaaally gives Kura a talking to!! Closed the portals and tried to get then reenforced.

Post 6: The Tea Party is under way and she supports Winston's crazy while injecting a little sensibility.

Post 7: Vega finally just agrees to kill Kura... Having decided what to do about Kura, turns to Woe and Cassion and lays down some thoughts.

Post 8: And it's over... Vega misses Arlo. Convicts Winston of being a nutter.

I love Vega, she just gets things done and speaks her mind and it's great! Well done injecting sanity and sensibility into everyone around you!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• Forged Points (Songforged): +10
• T2 XP in Tactics: +5
• T2 XP in Leadership: +5

Knowledges

• Tactics T2: Using every means and resource at your disposal makes logical tactical sense
• Tactics T2: Working with what you have to maximise your resources
• Leadership T2: Consistency of approach allows for easier leadership, even when geographically spread
• Leadership T2: Being a leader means knowing when to listen and be quiet, especially in the presence of debating Immortals!
• Tactics T2: Consideration of the limits of Immortals makes tactical decisions very tricky
• Leadership T2: x10
• Tactics T2: x10
• Caregiving: x5
• Discipline: x5

Loot

• Ethelynda offers Vega her mark, or one of her mark abilities not as a mark itself, but as an ability she teachers her from her power set. Custom Power, please PSF which ability from her favored powers up to adored line that you'd like Vega to learn.
• Ilaren heard Vega's tirade against Woe from Rharne, and she's impressed with her 'pipes' gives her adored status and the first three powers of that line.
• Qylios is inspired by Vega's leadership, and help toward her family. She grants her the next three powers in exalted.
• Daia is pleased with Vega's nurturing of the community of Scalvoris, and her readiness to spread prosperity and be a good companion to her friends. She grants the next three powers in Exalted.
• Xiur never ceased to be amazed at the beacon of Hope that Vega presents herself as. He grants her another Champion power. Please PSF it.

Consequences

• The necklace that Vega lent Winston has undergone some changes, weird changes since the opening of Fei's Fracture and the story told. She finds she can peer into the necklace and experience a full story in physical form. Not quite a dream, but more a visionary experience that can inform her waking life, much like Bellinos' genetic memory, only focused on possible futures. This is an additional power on top of the one it has already, and needs/wants to be explored through threading (please PSF this new power and what it actually does). Does it actually tell the future? or is it a fever dream or hope of tomorrow? There may be things that Vega can take Back from the Future!
• While Vega is readying to take office as the Militant, Qylios approaches her and tells her that her brother, Xiur is lonely. He hopes and wishes for companionship. She wonders if Vega can bridge the divide and get them to meet, and start a friendship. (Modded plot if you want it)
• She will discover that she has very comfortably earned herself a reputation for keeping authority in line. Being with the people and shouting at 'the power' (Kura, Immortals, you name it) so openly has awarded her the title of 'Keeper of Scalvaris' among those that know of her.

Varlum

Feedback

Post 2: Varlum has the information from Ralaith's library which allows him to understand why Centipede placed the explosives and how they infiltrated all the small factions.

Post 3: Varlum saved Scalvoris.

Post 4: Lots more research!

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post!

Post 7: The "Why I didn't kill Nir'wei, but I'm gonna whupp you" speech post

Post 8: The one where Cassion irritated you more.

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25

Knowledges

• Research: x10
• Tactics: x5
• Investigation: x10
• Intimidation: x5
• Intelligence: x5
• Psychology: x10

Loot

• The information you found in Ralaith's library - lots of information on Centipede - Varlum could, with a little time, provide enough information to bring them down / to justice.
• For saving Scalvoris from the Terror Of Nir'wei's Good Intention, Saoire grants you a small turtle necklace. If you ever need her - no questions asked, she's there for you.
• Ralaith is impressed with what you did in saving the island. You get a Custom Champion Ability.
• For head-bashing and peace-keeping, Varlum has earned the respect of the Elements. He's able to call in a favour or two, for sure.
• For standing up to Cassion, and possibly as a sign of irritation at the Taleweaver, Qylios gives Varlum a coin. It looks exactly like the one that Cassion gives Darius. Varlum's coin though did something very different. It allows anyone to swap places with another - if that other is committing a willing sacrifice. She tells him, clearly, that if anyone suggests that the willing individual be sacrificed for the greater good again, then he should flick this to them and allow them to make the sacrifice they think is worth it.
• Plot: Cassion will offer Varlum his mark - with the intention of Varlum 'collecting stories' for him. He has the chance to get to know the Immortal better- if he chooses to take it.
• Qylios grants Varlum the next three powers.

Consequences

• Consequences: Varlum has developed quite a reputation during this whole pirate story - as the weirdness of Scalv grows, he is offered a Forged status. If he accepts, he will be able to choose which Induk. Lets talk!

Darius Baer

Feedback

Post 2: Darius found baddies! In Hopetoun!! Wowzer wow!

Post 4 (Only Varlum posted after Post 3): "Choose Life!"

Post 5: Fighting - and not killing - Hopetoun folks.

Post 6: The Tea Party preparation post!

Post 7: Irked at Cassion (and Woe!)

Post 8: But did he share his beard tips?!

And wow - what fun. Ledas is finally starting to grow into his own and there's a lot to discover. I hope that this is a fun journey for you - and Im happy to help along the way!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +20 - Finish Collaborative Thread with 5+ PCs (not including your PC)
• Renown: 15
• XP: 25
• Forged Faction Points: 10

Knowledges

• Leadership: x10
• Investigation: x10
• Tactics: x10
• Discipline: x5
• Cosmetology: The secret of a great beard.
• Psychology: x5

Loot

• Darius has proven himself as leader of Hopetoun time after time. This one was no different. You may choose one "Effect" for Hopetoun that happens following this (or I'll make one for you!)
• Darius becomes Life Forged.
• Darius gains detailed knowledge of the tunnels in Faldrass. This might prove useful in the future.
• For sparing the lives of those attacking him (because they were under the influence of marble) -Darius gains a reputation as a beneficent leader. More people come to Hopetoun and work with you- you may choose 3 current objectives and auto-meet them.
• The box which is returned to you can be used to create an area of non-violence and safety (but see also the consequence). It must sit in the centre of a single building and will cover that building in its effect. No violence can be carried out there, although people can get as shouty as they like. No elements will harm it, even in the middle of a tornado. It provides no protection against Immortal wrath but then, lets face it, what really does?
• Cassion understands - and respects - why Darius was upset with him. As a token gesture of apology (and he tells him so) he gives Darius a coin. It will always land on the side Darius wants it to, he says. All Darius has to do is believe 100% that it will land on heads, or tails (whichever one) and have no doubts at all.
• New custom ability (Adored level). This will be around the theme of what you've done here, and must be PSF'd OR I can make one for you. Let me know. It's granted to Darius by the Induks and can be a power for him, Katara or Ledas
• Ledas Evolution: Ledas has become (he will inform Darius of this) the "First of Four". That is that there are four Elemental Tigers, one for each Induk. He can sense the others and would like to find them. This is a plot point for you! With every tiger they find, Ledas explains, he will gain in strength until the four of them are awoken and, thus, whole again. However, Ledas is also clear - each of the other three will need (or want, he's not sure) someone to attach to, in the way that Ledas has attached to him. They'll need their own "assistance mortal" (as Ledas explains it).

Consequences

• The box that Darius gave Winston has fundamentally changed. When Winston gives it back, that is something to explore. He has - because of a number of instances - developed a connection to Chrien which means that she is more able to see him and what he's doing. That might be a bit tricky, in the future - depending on how she turns out.

Kisaik

Feedback

As Kisaik only posted 1nce in the event, he gets reduced XP etc. However, since he made so great a contribution, his renown stays the same.

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 15

[Pegasus]

Additionally:

Woe

• Detection (T2) XP: 5

Nir'wei

• Detection (T2) XP: 5

Balthazar

• Detection (T2) XP: 5