Letter Bee

Site Server Issues - 22nd Jan

To be honest, I agree with @Hank. Not to mention that RPGuild's rules are the best.

Site Server Issues - 22nd Jan

To be honest, I agree with @Hank. Not to mention that RPGuild's rules are the best.

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

((Collab post between Letter Bee and Sep.))

Leonard blinked and spoke through the comms at the Dreadnaught Heavy Cruiser: “Yeah, no; I like your ship and I am taking it for my own.”

Raj grinned at that, while Ken found himself smiling at this man’s gumption. Droid Starfighters began deploying out of The Gamechanger and the Ton-Falk Carrier, forming a cloak that would cover the Scipio Industries fleet. Several more squadrons of fighters and bombers began to appear out of the depths of local space, where they had been deactivated and frozen until just such an occasion. Within moments, the Dreadnought was surrounded not just from the sides, but from above and below; a full envelopment.

Note, however, that Leonard and Co. had not thrown caution into the wind; the minefield they had tried to set up had been bypassed, but it can still fulfil a purpose. Said purpose was covering the rear of the Scipio Industries fleet, which was now positioned in such a way that any attempt to catch them unawares from behind would run into a swarm of crude shrapnel and energy-based explosives.

Not just that, but the Dreadnought and the Ton-Falk Carrier were filled with his loyal battle droids, so as to still any disloyalty from the remaining organic crewmembers.

Leonard then said, “Fire when ready, folk! Clear an opening for our boarding parties!”

There was chitinous clicking. “You can take the ship if you want. After all it isn’t mine, think of it more as a -” there was more clicking. “-Gift from one Captain to another.” Just as he finished speaking a group of ships dropped out of hyperspace slightly further out, Scipio had played his hand. They knew where the mines were, the fighters had already moved into position to capture the decoy. The cards were in the open, now to play their own hand. An Invincible-Class Dreadnaught dropped out of hyperspace in the middle of the formation, surrounded by four Victory-Class Frigates, six Lancer Corvettes, Two Consular Cruisers, a Gladiator Class Star Destroyer and two Recusant Destroyers. It was clear that the Hutts weren’t messing around, as the Lancers and Consular cruisers moved into a screening position. Fighters weren’t approaching the fleet without a fight.

“Will you play with me? -chk-chk-chk- said the spider to the fly.”

Leonard kept a clear head, turning to Ken and Raj. “If we can take their ‘gift’ as early as possible, we can have a chance of winning; I’d take getting away with one extra ship as a win. Send in our Separatist Troop Transport against the Dreadnaught; as well as four of our L/AAT Shuttles. All of those will contain an even mix of battle droids and mercenaries.”

Now to wound the enemy fleet. “As for the larger enemy flotilla coming towards us, let’s turn and face them head-on; focus our turbolasers and ion cannons on their corvette screen; our torpedoes - which contain buzz droids - on their larger ships. At the same time, however, a sudden jump to lightspeed is an option; always.”

Had his species been able to ‘smile’ he would have. As boarding craft moved towards the dreadnaught there would be no warning as the ship suddenly exploded, with far more force than it should have, debris went cascading into the nearby ships knocking the shuttle out of the sky and damaging the LAATs. They’d be doomed to death if they weren’t recovered. The long range fire attempt wasn’t expected. Laser fire came out in their direction, however due to the extreme range very few shots made their mark. It did however, pay to be careful. “Reposition the fleet, have the corvettes move to be shielded by the frigates though ensure that we still have an overall protective arc of fire -chkchkchk-” He stroked his mandibles. “-until the fool sends fighters towards us, have all all defensive fire focus upon any torpedoes he sends our way. Send our own in return.”

This was not a long range battle his foe could win, long range his fleet held the advantage. The ability to take down torpedoes, while also being able to send out far more than his meager defenses would be able to shoot down.

For a brief moment, Leonard’s head was no longer clear as Ken, Raj, and Rule Findos looked at him for further orders. But clarity would be regained as the businessman-turned-warlord spoke, “Pull back, wheel around, and use the Dreadnaught and Shuttle’s debris as cover! Then use our remaining starfighters to escort the LAATs, which are tasked to limp back into The Gamechanger!”

A purse of his lips. “Once the LAATs have been recovered, stay behind the Dreadnaught’s debris; use Tractor Beams to take hold of the largest pieces and use them as shields against enemy fire. I hate to say this, but all we can hope for is a delaying action in order to allow the Believers time to evacuate all the former slaves who want to leave.”

Or is it? thought the businessman-turned-warlord. Nevertheless, his point-defense systems ought to hold for a while yet, especially with his tractor beam and debris-shield combo mitigating the salvoes of torpedoes.

“Sir!” spoke one of his anonymous organic crewmembers, “The Believers have finished evacuating all the former slaves who want to leave!”

Well, that was convenient. Leonard then turned to Raj and said, “How many Droids have been left planetside?”

The Mandalorian said, “35,000 Battle Droids and 300 Droideka Mk. IIs, most of them in former mines, the desert, and the fortress of Kha’ris. Enough to be a problem for them should they try and rebuild the planet’s slave infrastructure.”

Leonard nodded. “Then we - and I seriously regret this decision - jump to lightspeed. Droids can be rebuilt should we find enough asteroids and space wreckage. Lives...well, they can be bought with money, but that comes later.”

The Scipio Industries fleet began to prepare for a jump to lightspeed...

World of Darkness: City of Angels

Gwen Strong

Name: Gwen Strong

Age: 35 but appears 25

Species: Mage.

Appearance:



Personality: Gwen is a protective person towards those under her care, as well as those she finds innocent, mostly Sleepers. Although adverse to Vampires and their machinations, the Mage is pragmatic enough to know that if her new organization is to survive, she needs whatever help she can get. Once a believer in the cause of the Technocracy, Gwen's disillusionment with both it and the Traditions' programmes has led her to believe that all major Mage organizations were in error to keep the Sleepers controlled, misinformed, and miseducated. Despite the good intentions of all of them, Gwen has come to the conclusion that most Magi are (unintentionally at best) preying on the Sleepers.

And that must be stopped.

Biography: Gwen's first memories were living a life in the streets, before being taken in by a charity in San Francisco, which later turned out to be a front for the New World Order, one of the Technocracy's Conventions. She then remembers being taken care of, and observed for the potential to Awaken; this potential was fulfilled in late adolescence. She thus became an agent for the Technocracy itself as soon as she reached legal adulthood. Stationed in San Francisco, she participated in several missions against 'Reality Deviants', clearing out several Traditions Cabals in the aftermath of the Avatar Storm. Many Mages were killed, others were captured, some to vanish from Technocracy records.

Gwen, on a whim, decided to investigate the fate of those who had vanished; instead of being subjected to gilgul, the act of severing one's Magi soul, the vanished Traditions Magi instead had their brains used to power a new class of HITMark. This, in turn, was allowed because the project in question was ran by a secret cell of Nephandi that had infiltrated the Technocracy and were using the latter's hatred of 'Reality Deviants' to encourage corrupt and sadistic tendencies within the organization. And Gwen didn't know if her superiors had been subverted, nor was she stupid enough to act alone.

So, she sought out the Harbingers of Avalon and the Friends of Courage, as well as information on the Technocracy's past as the Order of Reason. Not just that, but she also acquired and persued all the information on the Traditions and other, smaller organizations of Magi that can be accessed. This time, Gwen parsed over the information with a clear mind, trying to be as objective as possible. And it was then that she realized something about the Technocracy: It had lost its way. No, all major Mage organizations have lost their way, or never walked it in the first place. By neglecting or abusing the Sleepers, by not valuing how they and their beliefs propped up Magi, the Awakened have denied themselves Ascension.

This had to stop, even if it meant committing treason to do it. But not even the Harbingers of Avalon or Friends of Courage would help her, except for a few.who were radical even for them. And so, using what contacts she can, Gwen arranged for the transfer of herself and her new 'friends' to LA, where an opportunity had appeared to form a new amalgalm (a Technocracy cell whose members were drawn from multiple sub-organizations). There, she sought out the local Vampires, and swallowed her distaste long enough to negotiate for protection from them in exchange for what services the Awakened can provide.

Then, with her back covered by protection from Eva's coteire, Gwen announced her betrayal in the most blatant way possible: She and a few other Magi snuck into a secret Technocracy prison using a Correspondence portal/gate, and freed several Traditions prisoners; some which she had put in there in the first place. Barely making it back to Los Angeles with their freed captives, Gwen then released a video message proclaiming the formation of the Reborn Craftmasons, and inviting people from both the Technocracy and Traditions to flock to her banner. Surprisingly, some did, enough to encourage her in her road to war...

Priscilla's Spheres are Prime (Level 4), Forces and Correspondence (Level 3), Life (Level 2), Entropy (Level 1).

NPCs:

Edwin Carter - A former Iteration X engineer who was disillusioned with the Transhumanist ethos of the Convention, and decided to side with Gwen; he also has the ability to create Primium, a material that negates supernatural attacks and defenses and which can harm Werecreatures like Silver can. Has Prime (Level 3), Matter (Level 4), and Forces (Level 3).

Meredith Ann Mae - A former Syndicate member who joined the Reborn Craftmasons because of disillusionment with the corporate structure and monopolies taking control of everything. She believes that if there is an 'Invisible Hand' of rational self-interest driving the global economy, then it must be freed from large organizations taking advantage of it - not just governments, but corporations. Has sided with Priscilla in founding the Reborn Craftmasons' 'New Coin Initiative'. Has Entropy (Level 3), Prime (Level 3), and Mind (Level 3).

Lance Joyous - A member of the Traditions' Celestial Chorus who has been won to the Reborn Craftmasons' views; God sides with the poor and oppressed, does he not? Acting as the 'Knight' of the R. Craftmasons, Lance is a bruiser who qualifies as a Special Forces soldier even before using Magic. Has Prime (Level 3), Forces (Level 3), Life (Level 3), Mind and Time (Level 1).

Craftmasons Reborn/Reborn Craftmasons

Organization: The Craftmasons Reborn

Origins: Several Local Traditions and Technocracy Cabals in the LA Area decided to give both organizations a big 'fuck you' and restore the Craftmasons instead.

Beliefs: Where the Traditions and Technocracy went wrong was that they decided to tell the Sleepers what to think, instead of teaching them how to think. Their methods involve the stronger dictating what the weaker believed; whether it was Faith or Reason, not allowing the common people to choose for themselves, for good or for ill. After all, aren't they better? Aren't they more 'Enlightened' and 'Awakened'?

Well, guess what? The common people are the ones that provide you with food, shelter, roads, and believers. They are the backbone that provides you with the necessary needs for survival so that you can 'lead and theorize' from your ivory towers. We have had enough of you putting them down as 'muscle power' or worse.

And so our ideology is this: The Sleepers must be allowed to choose what shape reality takes. We can argue with them, present the facts to them, teach them how to think clearly and recognize their biases, but we can no longer coerce them. Reality belongs to the Sleepers; Meaning and Identity are as important as Knowledge. Believe it.

Persona in Wonderland: A Persona RP.

Snow Cecil found a large stick just as the White Rabbit, by saying 'On your side', confirmed that this was another world, and followed that up with confirmation of an imminent threat. Said threat came from a strangely human-like and humanoid figure in an outlandish costume whose eyes were frightening and sparked a sense of danger in the boy. More importantly, this mysterious figure - an enemy? - gave hints that he and the White Rabbit used to be on the same side before the latter betrayed their common faction for some reason. Maybe because said common faction was kidnapping kids; it's obvious this was where the P3 Syndrome were taken.

"Everyone!" the boy said as loudly and clearly as he could, "Follow the White Rabbit's advice - Run! Do not try and hold this guy off, do not try to reason with him, flee to the woods!" But even as he began to walk backward, seeking the cover of the woods, his mind could not stop analyzing. There we go again, the black-haired and eyed woman who had surprised the White Rabbit seems to have a special status among these folk.

A decision was made; self-preservation had to be delayed. Snow sifted his stick to his left hand, and rushed over to Alice to grab her right wrist with his own right hand. He would then try and pull her back, hoping against hope that she would run with him, as he said, "Everyone, make sure this woman is safe! Don't ask why but she's important to these folk! Guard her with your lives!"

He kept pulling at Alice as he did so.

@CriticalHit@Windstormugly@Suku@Avant@Etranger@Gummy1295@Duoya@Petulant@Loki Odinson@CronicCrystalis@The Jest

World of Darkness RP. Intrigue and Conflict on the West Coast

@ProPro, I would also love Homebrew Splats like Princesses.

World of Darkness RP. Intrigue and Conflict on the West Coast

Interested; are Mages allowed? Also, I can do 3 - 5 Paragraphs of 5 lines each, or the equivalent.

Precipice of War - The Big Leagues of NRP (Only generous tippers need apply)

Iron Lady - The Battleship Comes, The Brother's War - The Ending?

As the Battleship and its US Navy escort were allowed through the Corregidor fortress' old guns so that they can dock at the Naval Yards at Cavite, Priscilla Aglipay-Rizal, soon to be the former Lady President once Archibald had won - Aurelia deciding to run for Vice President, while suspicious, had guaranteed the Agriculturalist's win - thought of the odd turns fate took. Standing just behind the Naval Yard's docks along with her bodyguards, as well as an array of dignitaries, she couldn't help but feel as though the Philippines had a fighting chance against any threat now. Aurelia's deals had won them Rhodesian aircraft to convert to military use, and training for new pilots.

These, along with the docking Battleship which splashed water on the harbor itself, symbolized hope. Yet the need for them symbolizes grief, grief that people are not coming together for the prosperity of all. She looked at Irene, her housekeeper.bodyguard, whose scarred face had an expression of joy. Instead of sharing her concerns, Priscilla would ask, "What is the name of that ship?"

Irene replied, "The Yohannes IV; Yohannes is 'John' in English, 'Juan' in Tagalog."

Priscilla nodded and said, "Then it's settled, the name of the ship will be 'Juan IV'; a direct translation of the ship's name. Anything to honor the nation that gave us this gift." Anything except giving them back their ship.

From a telegram from Lucrecia, she had heard about the Bahr Negus' objection to the gift, as well as how the latter had lacked compensation for it. This was actual theft, not redistribution, yet at the same time, it was a far lesser crime than allowing one's nation to fall. We are one of the last decent places on Earth, one of the last places that are aware of their flaws and do not ignore them. That does not mean we are perfect; rather that we are self-aware. She looked at an approaching Aurelia, who looked stunning in a dress of blue Philippine Silk and Sulu pearls. Will we keep that self-awareness once I am gone? Oh, God, I hope so.

Aurelia gave a slight bow; Priscilla was surprised to see genuine deference in her expression. The rich landowner then said, "Good news from Sulu: Al-Hakam Kiram has finally met his brother in battle. Despite the Sultan not actually fighting, his forces, with help from Sarawak, have won; Kota Kinabalu has switched allegiance. As for Lahad Datu and the eastern ports, 'volunteers' from Sulu itself staged another incursion, this time with better boats."

Prsicilla sighed. "I do not want more territory, merely security against a potential Japanese encirclement. Tell Al-Hakam that I recognize his Sabahan dominions as an independent state...if he hasn't declared independence already."

A smile from Aurelia. "Oh, that's the Sabahan People's Congress' job; you taught Al-Hakam Kiram well - even as his armies are crushing the last remnants of resistance and bribing the interior tribes into accepting the new order - he adbicated actual political power; the Congress now has control of Sabah itself. They wasted no time declaring that the Philippines' friendship is accepted, but not domination."

A breeze blew as Priscilla smiled and nodded. "Then, as one of my last acts as President - after thanking the Americans and Ethiopians for their battleship - I will formally drop the legal case and legal arguments for Philippine soverignty over Sabah. With a potential Japanese Invasion coming, I'd prefer allies, not servants."

Precipice of War - The Big Leagues of NRP (Only generous tippers need apply)

As Village said on Discord PMs I can come back at any time, I'm going to make a single post in commemoration of the brave defenders of Afrin. After that, I'll be on hiatus again pending further developments in that campaign.