BlasTech

Huntresses of Hybrasil

Isabelle Maria Lozano de la Estrella

THE CHOSEN

DARING 0
GRACE +2
HEART 0
WIT +2
SPIRIT -1

Aesthetics: Authoritative demeanor // Fancy clothes // A high-tech (bejeweled) sword

Destiny: To ascend to the position of heir-apparent for Terenius Corporation
Heroic Aspects (+1 Forward when marked): Heir to a Mystic Power, Legendary Skill
Tragic Aspects (+1 xp when marked): Betrayal, Coveted Destiny

Moves
The Fated Day Approaches: Whenever you miss an opportunity to make progress towards your Destiny, choose 1:
Someone with power over you makes an uncomfortable demand in furtherance of your Destiny, backed by a threat
The PC you care about the most receives bad news or has an accident serious enough to make them Stagger
The GM will tell you the details, inspired by your Destiny. They may wait until a lull in the action to drop the consequences on you.

Entourage: Isabelle’s Siblings (Luca, Tadeo and Carmella Lozano). They are Charismatic and grant a +1 on rolls for Calling on a Toxic Power when present. When you would Stagger, you may choose instead for one of your named Entourage to be badly affected or injured. If you do, your Entourage gains a String on you.

Know Your Place!: When someone dares insult you and you deliver a scathing retort, roll +Wit:
10+: Word spreads of your sharp wit, take +1 forward, and they choose 1
7–9: They choose 1:
Back down
Make a fool of themself
Attack you

Guidance from Above
When you petition a superior for guidance, they give you instructions and useful information. Mark XP or clear a Condition if you do as commanded. They gain a String on you if you do otherwise.

Talk Nerdy to Me:
You may roll +Wit instead of +Heart to Entice someone. In addition, choose an area of study that holds special interest for you. You have top-tier knowledge of this area and are always prepared with an interesting fact, and sometimes even a useful fact, when you come across something within your expertise. The GM will provide the information or invite you to make something up.

Truths of Heart and Blade
Love Is Not My Destiny: When you become Smitten with someone, say why, give them a String, and answer this question:
How do our respective stations make it impossible to be together?

Inescapable Conclusions: When you Figure Out a Person during a physical conflict, you may ask one additional question from this list, even on a 6-:
What do you hope for your future?
What do you fear is your destiny?

Conditions
- Guilty (-2 to Emotional Support)
- Frightened (-2 to Fight)
- Insecure (-2 to Entice)
- Angry (-2 to Read a Person)

Strings

- 'Jacinta 6' - 1 String
- Madame Toldeo - 1 string
- Ada Smith - 2 strings
- Solarel - 2 strings

XP
1

Background notes and references

My Hider

***

GALPEDIA ENTRY

Isabelle Lozano
Born: 14 Primaris TCE 3404 (Age 21)
Education: Gallus Academy, Miranda University of Technology and Applied Sciences
Occupation: Executive Director, Akanis Mining Corp (Subsidiary of Lozano Industries)
Years Active: TCE 3423 to present
Parents: Gabriel Balthazar Lozano (Father) Almira Castra Lozano (Mother)
Relatives: Luca Lozano (Brother) Tadeo Lozano (Brother) Carmella Lozano (Sister)

Isabelle Mariana Lozano (Lo-zah-no) is a Homeworld businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the current Executive Director of Akanis Mining Corp (itself a subsidiary of Lozano Industries) and pilot of the Third Generation mech Emberlight.

Isabelle gained notice after graduating valedictorian from the prestigious Gallus Academy on Terenius Prime at the age of sixteen and holds a masters with honours in Engineering and Applied Physics from the Miranda University of Technology. Upon turning eighteen, Isabella entered the family business (see also Lozano Industries) and was recently appointed to the role of Executive Director for its subsidiary Akanis Mining Corporation.

Isabelle is a participant in the Consortium's Young Leaders Program, an initiative of Adriana Teresio's to identify future executives from within the ranks of Terenius' various subsidiary companies and affiliates.

***

STELLAR MATTERS

(Extract from Debutantes and Diligence - Published 24 Septima TCE 3423)

"… of course it's an honour to be here, but our family has sent a representative to this gala every year for the last decade and I am just grateful that this year can be my turn. Lozano Industries remains a key supporter of the NWNH* and our presence here is evidence of that ongoing commitment."

When asked about her recent achievements, Isabelle had this to say.

"Diligence, Determination, Duty." she says, quoting the well-known Lozano family motto. “Of course, luck plays its part too - but it’s never one to be taken for granted.”

It is this mixture of confidence and humility that has served the Lozano family well over the years and has brought it ongoing success in the many charity initiatives and corporate ventures that it stewards. In her case, Ms Lozano is a shining example of this - radiating both daring and control in everything she does. From her stunning black Verstallis dress to the fashion-leading hairstyles of Madame Trilliador. She will definitely be a woman to watch in the future.

The year gone by has provided ample opportunity to reflect on the impact NWNH has had on Terenius Prime and the thousands of homeless for whom it has helped secure stable housing and employment. Isabelle continued by thanking those who had supported the charity and Terenius Corporation, before closing by hoping that the new year would bring many new opportunities for people amongst the stars.

*New Worlds New Homes: Supporting the homeless and the frontier.

***

JOURNAL

Dear Diary

I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while, but things have been very busy. Between studies, Akannis and the dozens of functions that Father and Mother require attendance at, there have been precious few chances to get some space and put thoughts to paper.

I’m writing this as we transit to Terenius Secundus to negotiate a new provisioning arrangement for the Cerulean belt. Tad and Cam will meet me there, so that’ll be something to look forward to (or at least buy some headache medicine for). Here’s hoping everything goes smoothly despite their best efforts - I don’t want to have to explain another dip in Akkanis’ margins to the Board or, worse, my parents. (Of course, we’ve done our homework and I’m confident we will be able to push our position strongly right out of the gate).

Emberlight continues to function well, and the latest upgrades have been integrated flawlessly. If we’re lucky and Miralis folds quickly, I’m hoping to use the spare time to play with test the new EMP gauntlet that I installed. Stress testing the scanners is also on my to-do list, they were just upgraded to the latest mil-spec and I want to see whether the difference was worth it. I’ll also check the lateral thrusters to make sure that they can -

I’d better cut this off before I end up running out of time. Need to review the project documents again before we land.

IL

***

PLAYLIST
Lo-fi beats to work to - 6hr loop
Concerto de la Estrella in A Minor
Fantasia for solo Violin no 3 in F Minor
Counting Stars - Una Constanza
Halo - ft Litaran
Just the Way You Are - Meghan Caballero
Blank Space - Taylor Rapida
Lost Amongst the Black - Camilla Nostado

***

INTERNAL EMAIL

From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Article

Selene

I saw the article published last week and I wanted to congratulate you on the front page honours for that issue of Stellar Matters. I also wanted to acknowledge the kind words that you wrote about our daughter, which were very well received by myself and my husband.

We will make our regular contribution to the firm, and I will be sure to mention this the next time I sit down with your editor.

Keep up the good work
Almira

****

GALLERY

https://64.media.tumblr.com/57c4c16ab3904affa0e9be6d02bda00e/26db8c04087fa251-76/s500x750/4c111b0a475d6f8a595a6ab3f5cc73a06629dcb6.jpg

https://64.media.tumblr.com/87d21aba87980052b60c9b4721481ac5/26db8c04087fa251-25/s1280x1920/52fc4940f2375c091a3fa4932574ecad43fd7027.jpg

***

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

Kalaya just listens with growing horror as Giriel lays out everything going on in front of them. It's one thing to have the gods ignore your prayers in your time of need - it's quite another to find out that one of the upper pantheon is directly opining on your future taking a specific path.

The pressure she'd felt back in the brig, chained to a chair and walls all around, comes rushing back. It grips deep in her chest and her fists clench tight. When Giri's arm encircles her, it finds shoulders rigid as rocks and a girl who is hunching in on herself.

"Fixed?" she says, her breath ragged. "No. Never."

"I don't agree with her choice in magic either, but I will not accept that her death is certain. That my fate is certain." she growls. "Those gods and nations can line up like daisies in a row if they want, but they will. not. stop. me."

"It should be simple. Why isn't it simple? I never asked for any of this - it should've been just me getting Ven back out of Hell. Of keeping her away from the Broken King and his ilk. Then the Kingdoms would be safe, we could ... we could just be happy."

"But no! Now I have to deal with the Dominion too? With the Gods? The ones who should be helping me stop all of this?"

Fingers tangle in her hair. Gripping tight, she slumps on the railing of the barge. Deep breaths, Kalaya. In for five, out for eight.

"I'm sorry. I'm not upset with you Giriel. I've ... well I've not been having the best of times since we parted ways in that teahouse." she drops her hands and looks up to the witch with glistening eyes. "Thank you though. Genuinely. Thank you - for telling this to me whole and unvarnished. Many wouldn't."

"You're a real friend." she says, a small smile breaking through. "One I didn't expect to find on this boat when I woke up. If you ever need me, I will also be there for you. I swear it."

Glancing out at the waters, she tries to decide on what next to do. Simply jumping from the barge is tempting - at least she'd be away from Cathak and on her way back to Ven. Or maybe hunting down the Raksasha. Its talents would certainly be a possible shield against the web that others are weaving around her.

But there was still unfinished business here.

"If you're ever able to find out what Bright Rose or Venus think of this, I'd appreciate it. I'm going to need all the help I can get if I'm to untangle a war-fate."

She steps away from the railing, hands moving to check her gear and weapons.

"For now though ... I think I need to go talk to a Stag."

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

Kalaya lets herself be led along by the larger woman, sitting down next to her and - well, not quite cuddling up, but at least leaning against her - shoulder to bicep. Taking solace in the small oasis of comfort amidst this dragon-infested desert.

Mirroring the witch's gaze, she stares out to the river and sky. The Flower Kingdoms - her home - is out there. But at the moment it feels alot further away.

"It's hard to remember sometimes, I guess." she replies. "After all, gods and demons walk among us. We've literally been to Hell. It's not as if our worlds are that separate. So why the silent treatment? Why only the subtle touch? I guess I just don't understand it."

She chuckles.

"I guess that's why they're the gods and we're not, right?" she says, smiling up at Giri. "But if you're right about them bringing us together ... I can live with the quiet."

[Clearing frightened]

She lets the silence fall over them, shoulders relaxing at long last as she enjoys the view. Waiting, watching. And listening.

Maybe the gods really do have her back.

And if they do, maybe this situation won't be so hard to solve after all.

[Clearing hopeless]

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

Kalaya pulls back, glancing at you with a lopsided grin. For a moment, the sun is peeking out from behind those clouds once more.

"I think I understand. We can't really control who we love, can we?" she says, chuckling ruefully.

"You know ... despite how badly everything from Turtlehead to Hell went, and it went pretty badly I'll admit, I think I gained more than I lost.

"The tourney, the fight with Ushua, even this whole mess with the Dominion and its politics?" she says, an edge of heat creeping into her voice. "What I found with me and Ven? That was worth it. It was worth everything."

[Clearing Guilty]

"So don't you go around carrying any burdens on my account." she continues, hiding glistening eyes by leaning back into the hug. "I remember what you did for my Father. And what you've done for me - both then and now. You are a good person Giri."

You can feel her head turning on your shoulder, eyes drawn towards your collar.

"You're not a curse to be warded against or a prize to be claimed .. no matter what Cathak or her servants' views may be. Just remember who you are and what you are worth is far more than that."

"And never forget - you will always have an ally in Lilly and in me."

[Rolling my own emotional support - 5 + 3 + 2 = 10 - Giri's turn to pick one and if she opens up Kalaya will clear another condition.]

"I just wish I knew what to do about it all." she continues, huffing a frustrated breath and waving a hand at her teacup. "The Dominion wants me to dance on a string for them. Ushua is wounded and likely held naked below in chains. The Rakshasa is still out there - apparently bending the Kingdoms to its needs in my name."

"All that and yet ... no matter how hard I try to entreat the gods, any gods for a sign - I get nothing. I always get nothing. I don't know if I'm doing the ritual wrong or if they just don't care."

"It won't stop me from trying though. It never has. Gods and their ways aside, I swore to help those in need. Even when everything else is silent - it's those words, the Oath of Thorns, that keeps me going. And after finding Ven again? I now have two reasons not to give up."

At this, she places a hand on your shoulder and there's something about the girl's earnestness that invigorates you. Fortifies you. Dulls your pain. It might be that she missed out on a calling as a motivational speaker.

Then again, it might be something more...

[Activating Lay on Hands. Giriel is healed of physical ailments. Giri marks an XP if she validates Kalaya's devotion(s) - Kalaya gains a string if she criticizes it.]

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

"Taking out the Rakshasa would definitely be a help." replies Kalaya, smiling and turning at the familiar voice. "It's the reason I'm stuck at the bottom of this well."

Giriel - you ask if Kalaya has been treated well. The answer is unspoken but, depending on how strong your memories are of that irrepressible girl, you might be able to figure it out. Her smile, although real, is shadowed. Her posture somewhat slumped, a lack of energy that belies the physical (thank you Ushua) and mental (thank you Red Wolf) strain on her.

Despite all these things, the princess is quick to stand and envelop you in a hug.

"At least the company is good. It's been a long time."

After a while, she leans back and glances at your neck.

"Was this by choice or by force?" From the tone of voice, one captive to another, you can tell she knows what her role is - at least for the one thrust upon her.

Behind her lies an abandoned saucer and a meaningless haze of tea leaves. A divining? If so - it was clearly an unsuccessful one.

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

"Please just tell her ... I'm sorry she was hurt, and I hope she recovers quickly." replies Kalaya.

It's plain language, as befits the fact that while she knows of Ushua, she doesn't really know the Stag Knight as a person. The surface is one of professional respect, from one Knight to another. That said, you can see other emotions in Kalaya's eyes as she answers you - guilt and insecurity. She really is sorry for the wounds the other woman bears and, although she'd not had any other choice, it won't stop her from re-examining the whole situation again and again, like a blacksmith's puzzle - in the vain hope that there was a less tangled way to solve it.

Accepting the cloak and tea, the Princess-Knight closes the door.

Kalaya remains silent as she turns back to the cabin. Her gaze roaming around the room, noting the (relatively) comfortable furniture, but also the lack of windows.

At least she has her equipment - she'd spent some time going over every item reverently - tightening every strap, buckling every clasp and slotting every piece back into its proper place. The suea pat, tied at the waist, emerald and trimmed with lilies. The leather vest, greaves and vambrances.

The dominion had clearly searched her belongings thoroughly, as evidenced by the fact that everything is here - from her oilskin cloak and travel bag right down to every last piece of copper in her coin pouch. It was hard not to read a message into all of this.

That may have been the point. she thinks, glumly, looking down at the tea and recognising the scent as her customary favourite.

How long has the Dominion been spying to know that?

She was out of the brig, but very much still at the bottom of the well.

She could almost, almost accept that they had benign motives here. But she'd seen that glimpse in Cathak's eyes - the Kingdoms were just a bauble to her, one to be added to a horde and looked at occasionally. Not cherished, nurtured and celebrated for what it was. The Dominion might be playing nicely now, but she'd have to be ready for the inevitable turn.

Sitting cross legged on the ground, she stares up to the ceiling and beyond.

Her words are a breath on the cup to cool the tea.

I am conscious of peace.
The calm breath of heaven rises in my sleeves.
And blows my cares away.

Three sips to drink it to the dregs. One swirl clockwise in between, then counter, then clockwise again.

Raise it to the sky. Then upend it on the saucer. A final benediction to Bright Rose and then ... she lifts the cup.

Hoping some kind of sign will greet her.

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

"That could work" replies Kalaya, latching onto the suggestion like a woman drowning. "Protection - not war. Safety, not slaughter."

But after she realises who spoke - her gaze narrows on the woman in the mask.

"Thank you for the suggestion. It is a good one." she inclines her head. But, Piri, you might notice she's watching you far more closely. After all, a balanced, politically-insightful proposal is not something one expects to come from a Dominion medic.

Kalaya's princesshood may have been 'made' (not that it was a secret in the first place) - but is your role here in jeopardy of being found out too?

[Roll to Figure out a Person: 6 + 2 - 1: 7 - Unless a string is spent, asking: What are you hoping to get from this plan? and What are your feelings towards the Dominion? Piri can ask one in return.]

"My colours are Green and Brown, trimmed in white. That said, my own equipment would be sufficient with no need to bother your seamstresses." she finishes, before looking back at Red Wolf. "Of course, if that's acceptable ..."

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

"I didn't know you needed an excuse to release a princess of the Flower Kingdoms from your cells." she counters, her face an impassive shield, raised in defence of the Smoulder.

Ven. The image of the other woman bounced around in her heart. It helped her ignore the look on Cathak's face.

"I need some time to think on your proposal." Kalaya continues, unconsciously slipping back into the more formal speech of her other half. "The N'yari have raided our kingdoms for my entire life, and the Flower Kingdoms have continued to grow despite. A full scale attack on them isn't ... it feels wrong."

"There has to be a better way, and I know you can help me think of it. You're the great Cathak Agata, the Red Wolf. Hero of the People. You didn't get where you are by widescale bloodshed."

Even as the words tumble from her mouth, Kalaya recognises she's saying too much. She should have stopped at the first, rather than laying it out in a way that telegraphs her desperation for another path. Unfortunately, exhaustion and circumstance are combining to leave her brain dancing on sand.

[Roll to entice Red Wolf: 2 + 5 - 1: 6 - womp womp. Darn you 'insecure' condition!]

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

"I can work with anyone." replies Kalaya, tersely. "But why the cats? If you really want to stop this, why not just lend me some exorcists and we can hunt that Rakshasa down without the need for an army."

Even though she's saying this, she already knows the real answer: To make the Kingdoms dependent on the Dominion. A full scale war with the N'yari would bring nothing good, and would only ensure a Dominion military presence here forevermore.

Now, to answer your question Red Wolf, it depends on what you mean by 'serve'. Kalaya is a sworn Knight of the Thorn, her oaths are paramount and watched over by Bright Rose Aching; a goddess in the court of the Sapphire Mother. To supplant you over them in her heart would be very difficult. You'd have to show her that all the things that Knighthood stand for are false, that the goddesses that she honours are deceiving her and, well - need I go on?

But to 'serve' your ends, well - that's an easier proposition. Kalaya can be bullied. She can be tricked. Importantly, Kalaya is not lying when she says she can work with anyone. While she has seen your true goals for the Kingdoms, and will resist being made out to be a pawn of the dominion, she knows that, right now, she is at the weakest in terms of bargaining positions with you. Her only real leverage is her life, and the difficulty that might be faced should the Kingdoms learn you've taken it.

Don't push her so far that she feels that cashing that in is worthwhile and you will still have a potential asset here.

Kalaya loves the Flower Kingdoms, her family and Ven - in that order (although you may not know about that last one yet?). Present a threat any of those, with your desires as the solution, and she can be brought in line. The N'yari are a good one and, while she has questioned the choice, this is done in the spirit of a counter-offer, not a dismissal.

Of course, your best bet to have her work with you is to return her her arms and armour, lend her the exorcists with your banner, and send her hunting against the Rakshasa. But will that be enough for your needs? If you want more - then make your pitch. You can double down on your proposal, accepting no compromises if you want and she may feel forced to agree.

Just know that the tighter you make the cage around this bird, the more she will fight against it and the more damage she might wreak should she break free.

In the meantime, Kalaya glances at the clothing on offer and turns back to Cathak, with an eyebrow raised.

TSL: The Excess of Flowers

Cathak Agata

The intensity of your gaze brooks no secrets, and yes - Kalaya might be no more than a mouse before the viper - but this mouse doesn't shy away. This mouse keeps her eyes open.

Tell me, Cathak, what do you see as you are staring into the depths of this Knight? You see the fingerprint of the fey on perception, you know Kalaya isn't lying about that - but what else do you find?

Because this moment goes both ways, and Kalaya is looking back.

[Roll to Figure out a Person: 5 + 3 - 1: 7 - Asking: "What are your feelings towards the Flower Kingdoms?" and "How can I get you to leave the Kingdoms alone?" - Cathak can ask one in return.]

When the gaze is broken - Kalaya's forehead beads with sweat. She rests back against the chair too, a more restrained (literally) mirror to your lounge.

"Yippie." she deadpans, in response to your declaration. "I'm feeling very saved already."

She doesn't even bother rattling the clasps to make her point.

--=====--

It's the touch on her arm that brings her awareness back to the wider room around them. Soothing and smelling of citrus.

Kalaya's eyes flick to the mask, ready to dismiss the other woman's efforts - but then she catches her eyes. That emotion in them. That sympathy. They're not the eyes of a soldier just doing their job.

She actually cares.

Kalaya's gaze locks with the medic's just for a moment, before she glances down and away. Her head tilts in acceptance, a thanks. As much of a bow that she can do right now.

It's nice to know there's someone else out there.

[Clearing Angry]