Letter Bee

Exalted: Lullaby of a Dying Realm

Albert resisted the urge to glare at the Lady of the City and instead said, "Very well, I accept. I am sure that I can rely on the Exalted among us to best a great Dragon-God known for being a formidable foe." Albert was not trying to be sarcastic, but it came out anyway; then again, they were being sent on a suicide mission in the first place. "When will we depart? I would hate to keep you away from your responsibilities to your people." Your enslaved and coerced people, whom I would gladly free if given the chance. Giving a bow that hid his expression, the boy would then say, "Who knows? We may come back to Guixiang with tales of success."

Covertly using the heightened powers and abilities to parse the Lady's words for evidence of her true agenda, Albert found out that 1.) The Lady was actually sincere when she said that she wanted Adamant's attacks to stop, and 2.) that Adamant and she had a history and the former was a jerkwad himself. This was a problem because before he had parsed the Lady's words, he had been under the impression that Adamant was attacking out of moral objections to The Lady's works in Guixiang. Now he saw that this was merely a fight between two despots for more power; he had to kill both, even if the rest of the party objected or tried to call the Wyld Hunt on him.

That said, he had to apologize to The Lady of the City for doubting her; that ought to be all right, yes? Clearing his throat, he would say, his sarcasm now replaced with mildness, "I do however ask for forgiveness in momentarily - momentarily - doubting your motivations; the sincerity of a personage such as you should not have been questioned by anyone, especially in such circumstances."

Royal Rumble!

William Ascot

William Ascot was almost completely taken by Galbrek's charms, the 'almost' coming from the fact that Vernon, his boyfriend, was supposedly still close and Ascot genuinely loved him. Nevertheless, he would blab, "Well, yes! I'd like to meet Vittorio's physical self after I ressurect his friends and family with Lady Andras' help if she'll give it! It'll be a tearful reunion in which the tragedy of Vittorio's life finally gets resolved! Thank you for helping me, sir!"

Allowing Galbrek to take his Ice Cream Cake, the young man would then ask, some of his canniness returning, "Wait, what should I offer to get the needed access and information?"

On Andras' interruption (as well as her earlier plea to slow down), Ascot would say as he lifted up his hand in response, "Indeed, Andras! But to me you bring hope of joy, not despair. You see..." He then explained everything to her once more, but slowly, "We can avert a truly heartwrenching ending to an already heartwrenching story! All we need are your abilities, my own power to imitate First and Second Powers, and perhaps Cyan Bridget's, although that last part's not strictly necessary. So what do you say, Andras? Isn't it a great undertaking that literally moves Heaven and Earth for a worthy cause?"

He would then grin heartily, not knowing that Masami was there and would hear his words as well.

@RoflsMazoy@Dezuel@Bartimaeus@Crowvette@CavnderOHeart

World of Darkness: City of Angels

Downtown L.A.

The Reborn Craftmasons had their 'Master Lodge' in an old factory once used to create parts for Movie Sets in Hollywood. Gwen Strong could have afforded a much 'classier', 'swankier' place, but it was her intention that the Awakened would no longer hold themselves aloof from the Sleepers; separated, yes, but only for the necessity of containing Paradox. The official purpose for repossessing the old factory had been to refurbish it and get it running again with new technology and new workers; the current state of tariffs and tax cuts (for now) helped. And indeed, Gwen had further insisted that actual Sleepers should be brought into the surface level of the factory in the daytime/work hours.

This served a threefold purpose. The first was to get Mages working shoulder-to-shoulder with Sleepers in their mundane jobs to foster respect for the latter. The second was to secure the lower levels against infiltration by the enemy Magi; Technocrat and Traditionalist both. The third was to genuinely benefit the Sleeper Workers' lives by providing employment and fair wages; the second half of that is to prove that happy and content workers increased productivity - a lesson the big companies forgot or cast aside. Either way, Gwen Strong was determined not to live in an Ivory Tower, isolated from the world.

When separation was necessary from the Sleepers due to secret projects and Mage convocations, the basements of the factory were repurposed and extended, retrofitted with stolen Technocratic tools and just blatant usage of Magic. This caused many of her followers to balk at first, but Gwen Strong knew that she had to get her former Technocrats working with former Traditionalists and Orphans/Crafts. She already had a set of founding, unifying principles, she told them. These would be submitted for their ratification in their first Convocation. They'll rival the Decleration of the Ivory Tower and the Traditions' Resolutions of Intent; she assured them. And they would, as she had taken wording from both.

Basement of the Factory

In the very bottom of the factory was a large chamber, one obviously made through unnatural means, carved out in the shape of a large ampitheatre that shone with its own light, light that was bright enough to see in, but not so bright that it was uncomfortable. There was no adornment except the sign of the Reborn Craftmasons on the cieling; advice from Edwin, Meredith, and Lance. On a podium located close to the centre of the ampitheatre, Gwen would then speak as an invisible projector created a holographic screen behind her, one that showed ornate runes more associated with the Traditions than the Technocracy, her words firm yet smooth. "I submit these principles to this Assembly of willing partners, and ask for their ratification:"

"One, that there exists in this world Six Moral Foundations, which guide all cultures that perceive themselves as 'pursuing goodness'. These Foundations are Fairness, Prevention of Harm, Purity/Sacredness, In-Group Loyalty, and Purity, and finally, Liberty versus Oppression, real or perceived. These Moral Foundations unify different cultures and religions in pursuit of what is 'Good', and they can do the same for Magi in their pursuit of the 'Optimal Reality'."

"Two, that all ways of pursuing this 'Optimal Reality' that fit all Six Moral Foundations are acceptable, until such time as Awakened and Sleeper alike can choose the shape of Reality through True Consensus."

"Three, that Humanity will not be meneaced by madmen and beasts, that the world must be a place of Kindness and Clarity of Thought," the wording of the original Declaration of the Ivory Tower, only with 'Order' and 'Reason' replaced close to the end. That the governor of Sapientkind, which encompasses Humanity yet is different from Humanity, is Sapientkind itself, and that the Triumph of Humanity within Sapientkind would be coexistence with the Supernatural world and the realization of the Collective Will."

"Four, that War is to be declared on all those who harm the Sleepers; whether they be Sorcerers, Nightgaunts, Faerie, Boggies, Wytches, Dyvells, Changelings, Werebeasts, and all divers Creatures of the Night, including those among the Technocracy who, by their breaking of the Six Moral Foundations, are equivalent to the Creatures they hunt."

"Five, that these Resolutions are to be legitimized by three things; the Sanction of this democratic assembly, the Six Moral Foundations and our determination to act according to them, and the belief in Meaning and Indentity, which is not necessarily belief in the Divine." Gwen cleared her throat, then, and steeled herself for the final Resolution.

"And Six, that once the Traditions and Technocracy have been won over to our point of view, or overthrown, as well as any group that holds Humanity and Sapientkind back, the Reborn Craftmasons will work with the Sleepers to form a New Consensus, a True Consensus that will create a Reality that is inclusive to all yet abides by the Six Moral Foundations."

Once it was clear that Gwen had finished, applause resounded from the benches of the Ampitheatre; the next few hours were ones of ratification.

The morning after that, copies of the 'New Declarations of the Reborn Craftmasons' were released through the Virtual Adepts and Technocracy's own sections of the Digital Web. A new faction of the Ascension War had made its move.

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...

Gwen Strong'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.

World of Darkness: City of Angels

I might rejoin; posting my Character Sheet:

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.

Kingdom Hearts: Lights of the Multiverse (KH and Alternate History)

GM Post

The obvious answer from Damianos was, "Yes. We're expecting interference from the Thirteen Seekers. And yes, the diplomatic vessel's armament is a deterrent, though mostly directed to those who would ally themselves with the Seekers and Heartless; that means that present company has nothing to fear. As for orbital bombardment on Stun? It's for securing prisoners and reducing collateral damage on civilians. We like to think of ourselves as Humane, after all."

In response to Orpheus' question, Monsiur Louis Perrot then said, "Oh, Void-based Lifeforms. Scout-type, perhaps? Either way, it's interesting to see a child interested in the mechanics of Science and Reason."

He then looked at Seth. "If you were a lady, your ears and your pelt would make you the most fashionable and beautiful woman in France. I must say, the people who are predjudiced against Faunus in your world are most unreasonable..."

Emperor Michael turned to the Ambassador, "That ought to be enough; either way, the party will then go with you to the ship, where they'd divide into two further groups for ease of coordination. I will leave it up to the smartest members to decide the exact mechanics of the split. The exact point of departure will be in three hours or so; the ship is already loaded with the supplies you will need, and more besides."

@Rai@The 42nd Gecko@Rex@WXer@Double@Gentlemanvaultboy@Drifting Pollen@LordVoldemort

Royal Rumble!

Alexander Ascot

Alexander Ascot nodded to Alto and said, "Fine, have it your way; I'm only here for Vittorio anyway." A signal that he was not going to blab about St. Laurel's scandals. "And all right, I have immediate matters to attend to as well at the same destination you're heading. Vittorio appears to be in a fierce battle, same for the St. Laurels', Vigilantes, and Mephistos' students - All true, Michael; sorry for forgetting." Alexander was grateful that the boy was more patient with him than was strictly needed. "And...are you magically empowering me? If so, thanks."

A loud crash sounded when a gigantic hole opened just above; the hole made by Rurik's fight with Katherine. This forced Alexander to act once Michael felt it was time to move. Rushing towards the stairs, he expected Alto to catch anyone who fell through said hole; it was time for a confrontation with Vittorio and those who would aid him. A confrontation he intended to draw out.

@RoflsMazoy@Dezuel@Bartimaeus@Scarifar@CavnderOHeart@Gentlemanvaultboy

Royal Rumble!

@CavnderOHeart

William is assuming Vernon is staying beside him, by the way, and would help him with Galbrek.

Royal Rumble!

William Ascot

William Ascot was pleasantly surprised by Vernon's arrival at the park, as well as his present of Ice Cream Cake. Taking said cake and licking the sweet frozen treat, the boy would say, "I'm glad you're here! And thanks for the gift; you're so cute."

While he said this, he went onwards to the entrance of the arena, gesturing his boyfriend to follow him. "Oh, and in response to your text, no, it's not too early to call me 'husband'." A big grin followed as he finally began to scan around for threats; he didn't find Galbrek, but told Vernon anyway, "Can you guard me from anyone who might threaten me while I put my plan into action?"

He did find Andras, though, and the young man would run towards where the eye-patched girl was, saying, "Andras! Andras! I have a great undertaking that requires a person of your high abilities!" Not noticing how embarrased-looking the young lady was, Ascot would shout within Galbrek's earshot, "Basically, there's this guy, Vittorio, who got his friends and family killed by a Demon and he wrongfully blames Alto. I was told by the God of Stories himself that Ressurection was impossible, but I also think that Perfect Alexandria itself is exempt! Therefore you can help me ressurect the dead if we can combine my ability to imitate your First and Second Powers to draw the required spells from Perfect Alexandria!"

The boy would then bow deeply to the eye-patched young lady. "Please, Andras, you're my only hope!"

@RoflsMazoy@Dezuel@Bartimaeus@Crowvette

Kingdom Hearts: Lights of the Multiverse (KH and Alternate History)

@Rai@WXer@Drifting Pollen@LordVoldemort

Ahem!