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Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-30T01:35:22Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Tebitha */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
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=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (daughter)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ex-lover, co-parent)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

'''Relationships:''' The Circle (enemy)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (patron and mentor)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Maka Kaimana(enemy, ex-lover)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. Koa-Mika and Tebitha crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally, on-again/off-again lover), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.

'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend, murder victim), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:Locations

2023-04-30T00:14:22Z

Smilingbandit2: /* The West */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
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=Atlas=

==The West==

===The Iron Isle===

The Iron Isle, was once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

==== Ruby Bay ====
{|style="text-align:left; border:none;"
|-
! [[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]
!

''Population:'' 439

The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.
|}

==== Rangitoto ====

{|style="text-align:right; border:none;"
|-
! Rangitoto, a dormant volcano southwest of The Iron Isle, is the secret home of The Giant's Anvil - a remarkably well-preserved First Age Forge-Cathedral. At present, Koa-Mika is the only person who can open it's great obsidian doorway. It will take decades of work to bring it to full working order, but even crippled it is capable of forging artifacts.
! [[File:Rangitoto.png|thumb|300px|right|Rangitoto]]
|}

Crickets Conundrum:Locations

2023-04-30T00:09:21Z

Smilingbandit2: /* The West */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=Atlas=

==The West==

===The Iron Isle===

The Iron Isle, was once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

==== Ruby Bay ====
[[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]

''Population:'' 439

The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.

==== Rangitoto ====
[[File:Rangitoto.png|thumb|300px|right|Rangitoto]]

Rangitoto, a dormant volcano southwest of The Iron Isle, is the secret home of The Giant's Anvil - a remarkably well-preserved First Age Forge-Cathedral. At present, Koa-Mika is the only person who can open it's great obsidian doorway. It will take decades of work to bring it to full working order, but even crippled it is capable of forging artifacts.

File:Rangitoto.png

2023-04-29T23:49:50Z

Smilingbandit2:

Crickets Conundrum:Locations

2023-04-29T23:29:10Z

Smilingbandit2: /* The West */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=Atlas=

==The West==

===The Iron Isle===

The Iron Isle, was once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

==== Ruby Bay ====
[[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]

''Population:'' 439

The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.

==== Rangitoto ====

Rangitoto, a dormant volcano southwest of The Iron Isle, is the secret home of The Giant's Anvil - a remarkably well-preserved First Age Forge-Cathedral. At present, Koa-Mika is the only person who can open it's great obsidian doorway. It will take decades of work to bring it to full working order, but even crippled it is capable of forging artifacts.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-29T22:42:08Z

Smilingbandit2: /* MERITS */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

[[File:Koa-Mika 1.png|thumb|600px|right]]

=Koa-Mika Kaimana, Exigent of Warstriders=
''The King of Heavenly Armor''

* '''Essence:''' 1
* '''Motes:''' 5
* '''Resolve:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | ABILITIES
! colspan="2" | ATTRIBUTES
|-
| Awareness
| 0
| Force
| 4
|-
| Athletics
| 3
| Fortitude
| 2
|-
| Close Combat
| 5
| Finesse
| 3
|-
| Craft
| 4
| rowspan="11" colspan="2" |
|-
| Embassy
| 0
|-
| Integrity
| 2
|-
| Navigate
| 2
|-
| Performance
| 0
|-
| Physique
| 3
|-
| Presence
| 3
|-
| Ranged Combat
| 0
|-
| Sagacity
| 1
|-
| Stealth
| 0
|-
| War
| 0
|}

=COMBAT=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Health Levels:
! 0
! 0
! -1
! -1
! -2
! -2
! Incapacitated
|-
| Damage:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DEFENCE
! Parry
! Evasion
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| Default 
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 3
|-
| Still Smoldering Ashes
|
|
| +6
| +3
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| OFFENCE
| Accuracy
| Damage
| Defense
| Overwhelming
|-
| Unarmed
| +2
| +0
| +1
| 1
|-
| Broadsword
| +1
| +2
| +1
| 2
|-
| Tower Shield
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 2
|-

|}
* '''Sword Tags:''' Artifact, Balanced, Defensive
* '''Shield Tags:''' Artifact, Defensive, Off-Hand, Shield
* '''Armour Tags:''' Artifact, Heavy, Enormous

=SOCIAL=

==Virtues==

* '''Major:''' Ambition - Build a Warstrider Worthy of The First Age
If Warstriders are going to return to glory on the field of battle, there needs to be a glorious exemplar, a masterwork - and Koa-Mika is going to be the man to make it!

* '''Minor:''' Wonder
Koa-Mika has always been filled with a burning curiosity and wanderlust. He's seen more amazing and terrible things than ten normal men, and each wonder only made him hungry for more.

==Intimacies==

* '''Major:''' It's time to rebuild the world, and the best place to start is our little island. (Principle of Ambition)
''The world has fallen so very far from the heights of the First Age. People are wallowing in the dirt, sliding farther from glory every day. But no farther - today we start to rise.''

* '''Minor:''' Marama is an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see how she grows up. (Tie of Wonder [Love])
''Marama, Koa-Mika's daughter with Captain Peleps Liriope, lives with him on Iron Island. He dotes on her, and lives for seeing her delight at the wonder in the world.

* '''Minor:''' Scavengers are parasites - if they won't sell to me. (Tie of Ambition [Hatred])
''Priceless artifacts and magitech are scavenged all the time from the western ruins, scattered to the winds for coin. If that gear was collected and studied, maybe we could start crawling out of this pit we're all in.

=EXALT=
''Exigent of Warstriders''

'''Exalt Milestone:''' At the end of the session, Koa-Mika gains an Exalt milestone if he created something that adds to his prestige as a craftsman, or if he increased public awareness of Warstriders through heroic deeds.

* '''Soul of Iron and Jade'''
The heart of Koa-Mika's Exigence is the warstrider Still Smoldering Ashes. It is bonded to his soul and it cannot be stolen or used by anyone else. He can summon it from anywhere for 2 motes, donning it as a simple action.

* '''Artifact-Kin'''
Koa-Mika can see and speak to the spirits of all artifacts, allowing him to discern their purpose, learn about their history, and both use and repair them without training or instructions.

'''Resonances:''' Koa-Mika is resonant with any artifact with the Heavy, Enormous, or Legendary Size tags.

===ANIMA EFFECTS===

* '''Giant Soul''' (Passive)
Extras cannot deal damage to the Exigent. Any damage rolls they would make on Step 7 generate 0 successes. Battle groups subtract the Exigent's Essence from their damage on Step 7.

* '''God-King of all Armors''' (Active)
Koa's allies add his (Essence +1) to their Soak and ignore mobility penalties while wearing armor. Soak from non-armor sources are unaffected.

* '''The Phoenix Rises Again!''' (Iconic)
Koa calls on the full power of Still Smoldering Ashes, temporarily restoring it to it's awesome true form - ''Ascendant Nova Phoenix,'' the supreme Royal Warstrider of legend. (Spend 10 Anima. Stats and powers to be determined.)

==The Great Curse==

'''Incitement'''
* Someone acts against her Major Intimacy.
* Someone acts against her Major Virtue.
*describe other triggers

When (character) succumbs to the curse, (describe great curse manifestation)

'''Eruptions''' (pg.90-91)
* Throne Toppling Mood
* Shrine Scorning Tirade
* Heaven Challenging Thunder
* Luxurious Hoarding Tendency
* Tyrannous Hell Presence

=MERITS=

* '''Resources''' (Primary)
Koa has control of The Giant's Anvil, a partially functional Forge-Cathedral, hidden beneath the dormant volcano Rangitoto. From here, he is able to continue his Warstrider research and development - and also forge vast quantities of arms and armor to fund said research. Much of this money is shared with the Paluans as well, so Koa doesn't have the staggering wealth control of such a wonder would imply - but he's still well off.

* '''Artifact''' (Secondary)
The Universal Armament Matrix is a wonder of Koa's own design, a harness of jade and moonsilver that applies an metamorphic essence field that resonates with the wielder's inherent frame of...

Look, when you're wearing the UAM, ''any'' weapon or shield you're carrying works better - and it changes size to work at whatever size you're at. Very handy when you can go from 7 feet to 70 at short notice.

* '''Ally''' (Tertiary)
Two-Ton Hammer, the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

=EQUIPMENT=

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-29T22:31:02Z

Smilingbandit2: /* MERITS */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

[[File:Koa-Mika 1.png|thumb|600px|right]]

=Koa-Mika Kaimana, Exigent of Warstriders=
''The King of Heavenly Armor''

* '''Essence:''' 1
* '''Motes:''' 5
* '''Resolve:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | ABILITIES
! colspan="2" | ATTRIBUTES
|-
| Awareness
| 0
| Force
| 4
|-
| Athletics
| 3
| Fortitude
| 2
|-
| Close Combat
| 5
| Finesse
| 3
|-
| Craft
| 4
| rowspan="11" colspan="2" |
|-
| Embassy
| 0
|-
| Integrity
| 2
|-
| Navigate
| 2
|-
| Performance
| 0
|-
| Physique
| 3
|-
| Presence
| 3
|-
| Ranged Combat
| 0
|-
| Sagacity
| 1
|-
| Stealth
| 0
|-
| War
| 0
|}

=COMBAT=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Health Levels:
! 0
! 0
! -1
! -1
! -2
! -2
! Incapacitated
|-
| Damage:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DEFENCE
! Parry
! Evasion
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| Default 
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 3
|-
| Still Smoldering Ashes
|
|
| +6
| +3
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| OFFENCE
| Accuracy
| Damage
| Defense
| Overwhelming
|-
| Unarmed
| +2
| +0
| +1
| 1
|-
| Broadsword
| +1
| +2
| +1
| 2
|-
| Tower Shield
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 2
|-

|}
* '''Sword Tags:''' Artifact, Balanced, Defensive
* '''Shield Tags:''' Artifact, Defensive, Off-Hand, Shield
* '''Armour Tags:''' Artifact, Heavy, Enormous

=SOCIAL=

==Virtues==

* '''Major:''' Ambition - Build a Warstrider Worthy of The First Age
If Warstriders are going to return to glory on the field of battle, there needs to be a glorious exemplar, a masterwork - and Koa-Mika is going to be the man to make it!

* '''Minor:''' Wonder
Koa-Mika has always been filled with a burning curiosity and wanderlust. He's seen more amazing and terrible things than ten normal men, and each wonder only made him hungry for more.

==Intimacies==

* '''Major:''' It's time to rebuild the world, and the best place to start is our little island. (Principle of Ambition)
''The world has fallen so very far from the heights of the First Age. People are wallowing in the dirt, sliding farther from glory every day. But no farther - today we start to rise.''

* '''Minor:''' Marama is an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see how she grows up. (Tie of Wonder [Love])
''Marama, Koa-Mika's daughter with Captain Peleps Liriope, lives with him on Iron Island. He dotes on her, and lives for seeing her delight at the wonder in the world.

* '''Minor:''' Scavengers are parasites - if they won't sell to me. (Tie of Ambition [Hatred])
''Priceless artifacts and magitech are scavenged all the time from the western ruins, scattered to the winds for coin. If that gear was collected and studied, maybe we could start crawling out of this pit we're all in.

=EXALT=
''Exigent of Warstriders''

'''Exalt Milestone:''' At the end of the session, Koa-Mika gains an Exalt milestone if he created something that adds to his prestige as a craftsman, or if he increased public awareness of Warstriders through heroic deeds.

* '''Soul of Iron and Jade'''
The heart of Koa-Mika's Exigence is the warstrider Still Smoldering Ashes. It is bonded to his soul and it cannot be stolen or used by anyone else. He can summon it from anywhere for 2 motes, donning it as a simple action.

* '''Artifact-Kin'''
Koa-Mika can see and speak to the spirits of all artifacts, allowing him to discern their purpose, learn about their history, and both use and repair them without training or instructions.

'''Resonances:''' Koa-Mika is resonant with any artifact with the Heavy, Enormous, or Legendary Size tags.

===ANIMA EFFECTS===

* '''Giant Soul''' (Passive)
Extras cannot deal damage to the Exigent. Any damage rolls they would make on Step 7 generate 0 successes. Battle groups subtract the Exigent's Essence from their damage on Step 7.

* '''God-King of all Armors''' (Active)
Koa's allies add his (Essence +1) to their Soak and ignore mobility penalties while wearing armor. Soak from non-armor sources are unaffected.

* '''The Phoenix Rises Again!''' (Iconic)
Koa calls on the full power of Still Smoldering Ashes, temporarily restoring it to it's awesome true form - ''Ascendant Nova Phoenix,'' the supreme Royal Warstrider of legend. (Spend 10 Anima. Stats and powers to be determined.)

==The Great Curse==

'''Incitement'''
* Someone acts against her Major Intimacy.
* Someone acts against her Major Virtue.
*describe other triggers

When (character) succumbs to the curse, (describe great curse manifestation)

'''Eruptions''' (pg.90-91)
* Throne Toppling Mood
* Shrine Scorning Tirade
* Heaven Challenging Thunder
* Luxurious Hoarding Tendency
* Tyrannous Hell Presence

=MERITS=

* '''Resources''' (Primary)
Koa has control of The Giant's Anvil, a largely complete and partially functional Forge-Cathedral, hidden beneath the dormant volcano Rangitoto. From here, he is able to continue his Warstrider research and development - and also forge vast quantities of arms and armor to fund said research. Much of this money is shared with the Paluans

=EQUIPMENT=

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-12T00:24:13Z

Smilingbandit2: /* EXALT */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-12T00:23:49Z

Smilingbandit2: /* ANIMA EFFECTS */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

[[File:Koa-Mika 1.png|thumb|600px|right]]

=Koa-Mika Kaimana, Exigent of Warstriders=
''The King of Heavenly Armor''

* '''Essence:''' 1
* '''Motes:''' 5
* '''Resolve:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | ABILITIES
! colspan="2" | ATTRIBUTES
|-
| Awareness
| 0
| Force
| 4
|-
| Athletics
| 3
| Fortitude
| 2
|-
| Close Combat
| 5
| Finesse
| 3
|-
| Craft
| 4
| rowspan="11" colspan="2" |
|-
| Embassy
| 0
|-
| Integrity
| 2
|-
| Navigate
| 2
|-
| Performance
| 0
|-
| Physique
| 3
|-
| Presence
| 3
|-
| Ranged Combat
| 0
|-
| Sagacity
| 1
|-
| Stealth
| 0
|-
| War
| 0
|}

=COMBAT=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Health Levels:
! 0
! 0
! -1
! -1
! -2
! -2
! Incapacitated
|-
| Damage:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DEFENCE
! Parry
! Evasion
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| Default 
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 3
|-
| Still Smoldering Ashes
|
|
| +6
| +3
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| OFFENCE
| Accuracy
| Damage
| Defense
| Overwhelming
|-
| Unarmed
| +2
| +0
| +1
| 1
|-
| Broadsword
| +1
| +2
| +1
| 2
|-
| Tower Shield
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 2
|-

|}
* '''Sword Tags:''' Artifact, Balanced, Defensive
* '''Shield Tags:''' Artifact, Defensive, Off-Hand, Shield
* '''Armour Tags:''' Artifact, Heavy, Enormous

=SOCIAL=

==Virtues==

* '''Major:''' Ambition - Build a Warstrider Worthy of The First Age
If Warstriders are going to return to glory on the field of battle, there needs to be a glorious exemplar, a masterwork - and Koa-Mika is going to be the man to make it!

* '''Minor:''' Wonder
Koa-Mika has always been filled with a burning curiosity and wanderlust. He's seen more amazing and terrible things than ten normal men, and each wonder only made him hungry for more.

==Intimacies==

* '''Major:''' It's time to rebuild the world, and the best place to start is our little island. (Principle of Ambition)
''The world has fallen so very far from the heights of the First Age. People are wallowing in the dirt, sliding farther from glory every day. But no farther - today we start to rise.''

* '''Minor:''' Marama is an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see how she grows up. (Tie of Wonder [Love])
''Marama, Koa-Mika's daughter with Captain Peleps Liriope, lives with him on Iron Island. He dotes on her, and lives for seeing her delight at the wonder in the world.

* '''Minor:''' Scavengers are parasites - if they won't sell to me. (Tie of Ambition [Hatred])
''Priceless artifacts and magitech are scavenged all the time from the western ruins, scattered to the winds for coin. If that gear was collected and studied, maybe we could start crawling out of this pit we're all in.

=EXALT=
''Exigent of Warstriders''

'''Exalt Milestone:''' At the end of the session, Koa-Mika gains an Exalt milestone if he created something that adds to his prestige as a craftsman, or if he increased public awareness of Warstriders through heroic deeds.

* '''Soul of Iron and Jade:'''
The heart of Koa-Mika's Exigence is the warstrider Still Smoldering Ashes. It is bonded to his soul and it cannot be stolen or used by anyone else. He can summon it from anywhere for 2 motes, donning it as a simple action.

* '''Artifact-Kin'''
Koa-Mika can see and speak to the spirits of all artifacts, allowing him to discern their purpose, learn about their history, and both use and repair them without training or instructions.

'''Resonances:''' Koa-Mika is resonant with any artifact with the Heavy, Enormous, or Legendary Size tags.

===ANIMA EFFECTS===

* '''Giant Soul''' (Passive)
Extras cannot deal damage to the Exigent. Any damage rolls they would make on Step 7 generate 0 successes. Battle groups subtract the Exigent's Essence from their damage on Step 7.

* '''God-King of all Armors''' (Active)
Koa's allies add his (Essence +1) to their Soak and ignore mobility penalties while wearing armor. Soak from non-armor sources are unaffected.

* '''The Phoenix Rises Again!''' (Iconic)
Koa calls on the full power of Still Smoldering Ashes, temporarily restoring it to it's awesome true form - ''Ascendant Nova Phoenix,'' the supreme Royal Warstrider of legend. (Spend 10 Anima. Stats and powers to be determined.)

==The Great Curse==

'''Incitement'''
* Someone acts against her Major Intimacy.
* Someone acts against her Major Virtue.
*describe other triggers

When (character) succumbs to the curse, (describe great curse manifestation)

'''Eruptions''' (pg.90-91)
* Throne Toppling Mood
* Shrine Scorning Tirade
* Heaven Challenging Thunder
* Luxurious Hoarding Tendency
* Tyrannous Hell Presence

=MERITS=

* '''name''' (rank)
description
=EQUIPMENT=

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-11T22:23:36Z

Smilingbandit2: /* EXALT */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

[[File:Koa-Mika 1.png|thumb|600px|right]]

=Koa-Mika Kaimana, Exigent of Warstriders=
''The King of Heavenly Armor''

* '''Essence:''' 1
* '''Motes:''' 5
* '''Resolve:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | ABILITIES
! colspan="2" | ATTRIBUTES
|-
| Awareness
| 0
| Force
| 4
|-
| Athletics
| 3
| Fortitude
| 2
|-
| Close Combat
| 5
| Finesse
| 3
|-
| Craft
| 4
| rowspan="11" colspan="2" |
|-
| Embassy
| 0
|-
| Integrity
| 2
|-
| Navigate
| 2
|-
| Performance
| 0
|-
| Physique
| 3
|-
| Presence
| 3
|-
| Ranged Combat
| 0
|-
| Sagacity
| 1
|-
| Stealth
| 0
|-
| War
| 0
|}

=COMBAT=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Health Levels:
! 0
! 0
! -1
! -1
! -2
! -2
! Incapacitated
|-
| Damage:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DEFENCE
! Parry
! Evasion
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| Default 
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 3
|-
| Still Smoldering Ashes
|
|
| +6
| +3
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| OFFENCE
| Accuracy
| Damage
| Defense
| Overwhelming
|-
| Unarmed
| +2
| +0
| +1
| 1
|-
| Broadsword
| +1
| +2
| +1
| 2
|-
| Tower Shield
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 2
|-

|}
* '''Sword Tags:''' Artifact, Balanced, Defensive
* '''Shield Tags:''' Artifact, Defensive, Off-Hand, Shield
* '''Armour Tags:''' Artifact, Heavy, Enormous

=SOCIAL=

==Virtues==

* '''Major:''' Ambition - Build a Warstrider Worthy of The First Age
If Warstriders are going to return to glory on the field of battle, there needs to be a glorious exemplar, a masterwork - and Koa-Mika is going to be the man to make it!

* '''Minor:''' Wonder
Koa-Mika has always been filled with a burning curiosity and wanderlust. He's seen more amazing and terrible things than ten normal men, and each wonder only made him hungry for more.

==Intimacies==

* '''Major:''' It's time to rebuild the world, and the best place to start is our little island. (Principle of Ambition)
''The world has fallen so very far from the heights of the First Age. People are wallowing in the dirt, sliding farther from glory every day. But no farther - today we start to rise.''

* '''Minor:''' Marama is an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see how she grows up. (Tie of Wonder [Love])
''Marama, Koa-Mika's daughter with Captain Peleps Liriope, lives with him on Iron Island. He dotes on her, and lives for seeing her delight at the wonder in the world.

* '''Minor:''' Scavengers are parasites - if they won't sell to me. (Tie of Ambition [Hatred])
''Priceless artifacts and magitech are scavenged all the time from the western ruins, scattered to the winds for coin. If that gear was collected and studied, maybe we could start crawling out of this pit we're all in.

=EXALT=
''Exigent of Warstriders''

'''Exalt Milestone:''' At the end of the session, Koa-Mika gains an Exalt milestone if he created something that adds to his prestige as a craftsman, or if he increased public awareness of Warstriders through heroic deeds.

* '''Soul of Iron and Jade:'''
The heart of Koa-Mika's Exigence is the warstrider Still Smoldering Ashes. It is bonded to his soul and it cannot be stolen or used by anyone else. He can summon it from anywhere for 2 motes, donning it as a simple action.

* '''Artifact-Kin'''
Koa-Mika can see and speak to the spirits of all artifacts, allowing him to discern their purpose, learn about their history, and both use and repair them without training or instructions.

'''Resonances:''' Koa-Mika is resonant with any artifact with the Heavy, Enormous, or Legendary Size tags.

===ANIMA EFFECTS===

* '''Giant Soul''' (Passive)
Extras cannot deal damage to the Exigent. Any damage rolls they would make on Step 7 generate 0 successes. Battle groups subtract the Exigent's Essence from their damage on Step 7.

* '''God-King of all Armors''' (Active)
Koa's allies add his (Essence +1) to their Soak and ignore mobility penalties while wearing armor. Soak from non-armor sources are unaffected.

* '''The Phoenix Rises Again!''' (Iconic)
Koa calls on the full power of Still Smoldering Ashes, temporarily restoring it to it's awesome true form - ''Ascendant Nova Phoenix,'' the legendary Royal Warstrider of legend. (Spend 10 Anima. Stats and powers to be determined.)

==The Great Curse==

'''Incitement'''
* Someone acts against her Major Intimacy.
* Someone acts against her Major Virtue.
*describe other triggers

When (character) succumbs to the curse, (describe great curse manifestation)

'''Eruptions''' (pg.90-91)
* Throne Toppling Mood
* Shrine Scorning Tirade
* Heaven Challenging Thunder
* Luxurious Hoarding Tendency
* Tyrannous Hell Presence

=MERITS=

* '''name''' (rank)
description
=EQUIPMENT=

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T18:28:21Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Salusar */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Maka Kaimana(enemy)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.

'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T18:28:08Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Tebitha */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
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=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Maka Kaimana(enemy)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T18:27:05Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Ninegala */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Maka Kaimana(enemy)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T18:26:08Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Ninegala */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Maka (enemy)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T18:25:38Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Functionaries of Heaven */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of [[Crickets_Conundrum:Locations#The_Iron_Isle|the Iron Isle]]==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Pa'lua, Tunku of the Molten River===
''Unhoused Volcano Goddess''

The minor volcano goddess Pa'lua is not pleased. The Circle's invasion of her island has disrupted her connection to it, destroying her earthly demesne and stranding her in Yu Shan. She has beseeched Hamoji and the other volcano gods for aid, but no help has been forthcoming. Decades is not long for a god but Pa'lua has been dispossessed for long enough that her stability is starting to tremble. There are not many more friends she can call on to give her somewhere to stay.

She is getting ''desperate''.

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Ninegala===

''Forge-goddess of Makelo''

Ninegala is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (best friend), Swiftly Flowing Silver (previous incarnation)

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-11T18:24:16Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Foes */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana|Character Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

=Koa's 3x3=
==Friends==
'''Marama Peleps Kaimana''' is Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Two-Ton Hammer''', the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Tebitha''' is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

==Foes==

'''Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel''' is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Ninegala''', Forge-goddess of Makelo, is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To this day, Koa is harassed by her forge-priests and warriors in his travels - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

==Connections==
'''Captain Peleps Liriope,''' a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Xuân Otieno the Younger''' is a Guild Merchant-Princess from distant lands that has somehow learned of Koa-Mika. On more than one occasion, she has commissioned bulk orders of high quality arms and armor, jade on the barrelhead, paid in advance. Needless to say, such a customer gets the red carpet treatment. So when her latest request arrived - a suit of ''artifact'' armor that a mortal could use, Koa accepted the challenge.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-11T18:23:29Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Foes */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana|Character Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

=Koa's 3x3=
==Friends==
'''Marama Peleps Kaimana''' is Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Two-Ton Hammer''', the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Tebitha''' is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

==Foes==

'''Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel''' is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Ninegala''', Forge-goddess of Makelo, is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa studied with her for a time, and the two became lovers, but he had no intention of staying forever. When he rejected her marriage proposal, her wrath was legendary. It is said the heat from her anger forged a blade of such puissance that it slew a Second Circle Demon. To his day, he is occasionally harassed by her acolytes - though whether they do so at her command is unclear. The two have not spoke since that day, and Koa is not eager to do so.

==Connections==
'''Captain Peleps Liriope,''' a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Xuân Otieno the Younger''' is a Guild Merchant-Princess from distant lands that has somehow learned of Koa-Mika. On more than one occasion, she has commissioned bulk orders of high quality arms and armor, jade on the barrelhead, paid in advance. Needless to say, such a customer gets the red carpet treatment. So when her latest request arrived - a suit of ''artifact'' armor that a mortal could use, Koa accepted the challenge.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-11T03:08:24Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Connections */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana|Character Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

=Koa's 3x3=
==Friends==
'''Marama Peleps Kaimana''' is Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Two-Ton Hammer''', the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Tebitha''' is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

==Foes==

'''Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel''' is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Ninegala''', Forge-goddess of Makelo, is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa ''really'' shouldn't have slept with her - especially knowing he had ''no intention'' of becoming her Smith-Husband as she wanted. It is said that the heat from her fury helped forged a weapon of such extraordinary puissance that it slew a 2nd Circle Demon. That means they're cool now... right?

==Connections==
'''Captain Peleps Liriope,''' a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Xuân Otieno the Younger''' is a Guild Merchant-Princess from distant lands that has somehow learned of Koa-Mika. On more than one occasion, she has commissioned bulk orders of high quality arms and armor, jade on the barrelhead, paid in advance. Needless to say, such a customer gets the red carpet treatment. So when her latest request arrived - a suit of ''artifact'' armor that a mortal could use, Koa accepted the challenge.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-11T03:00:29Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Foes */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana|Character Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

=Koa's 3x3=
==Friends==
'''Marama Peleps Kaimana''' is Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Two-Ton Hammer''', the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Tebitha''' is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

==Foes==

'''Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel''' is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Ninegala''', Forge-goddess of Makelo, is proud and mighty. Her works are legendary, as are her passions and furies. She demands much of those who would learn the secrets of her forge, and those who fail her often wind up as carbon for the next batch of steel. Koa ''really'' shouldn't have slept with her - especially knowing he had ''no intention'' of becoming her Smith-Husband as she wanted. It is said that the heat from her fury helped forged a weapon of such extraordinary puissance that it slew a 2nd Circle Demon. That means they're cool now... right?

==Connections==
'''Captain Peleps Liriope,''' a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-11T02:28:50Z

Smilingbandit2: /* EXALT */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

[[File:Koa-Mika 1.png|thumb|600px|right]]

=Koa-Mika Kaimana, Exigent of Warstriders=
''The King of Heavenly Armor''

* '''Essence:''' 1
* '''Motes:''' 5
* '''Resolve:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | ABILITIES
! colspan="2" | ATTRIBUTES
|-
| Awareness
| 0
| Force
| 4
|-
| Athletics
| 3
| Fortitude
| 2
|-
| Close Combat
| 5
| Finesse
| 3
|-
| Craft
| 4
| rowspan="11" colspan="2" |
|-
| Embassy
| 0
|-
| Integrity
| 2
|-
| Navigate
| 2
|-
| Performance
| 0
|-
| Physique
| 3
|-
| Presence
| 3
|-
| Ranged Combat
| 0
|-
| Sagacity
| 1
|-
| Stealth
| 0
|-
| War
| 0
|}

=COMBAT=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Health Levels:
! 0
! 0
! -1
! -1
! -2
! -2
! Incapacitated
|-
| Damage:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DEFENCE
! Parry
! Evasion
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| Default 
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 3
|-
| Still Smoldering Ashes
|
|
| +6
| +3
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| OFFENCE
| Accuracy
| Damage
| Defense
| Overwhelming
|-
| Unarmed
| +2
| +0
| +1
| 1
|-
| Broadsword
| +1
| +2
| +1
| 2
|-
| Tower Shield
| 0
| 0
| +2
| 2
|-

|}
* '''Sword Tags:''' Artifact, Balanced, Defensive
* '''Shield Tags:''' Artifact, Defensive, Off-Hand, Shield
* '''Armour Tags:''' Artifact, Heavy, Enormous

=SOCIAL=

==Virtues==

* '''Major:''' Ambition - Build a Warstrider Worthy of The First Age
If Warstriders are going to return to glory on the field of battle, there needs to be a glorious exemplar, a masterwork - and Koa-Mika is going to be the man to make it!

* '''Minor:''' Wonder
Koa-Mika has always been filled with a burning curiosity and wanderlust. He's seen more amazing and terrible things than ten normal men, and each wonder only made him hungry for more.

==Intimacies==

* '''Major:''' It's time to rebuild the world, and the best place to start is our little island. (Principle of Ambition)
''The world has fallen so very far from the heights of the First Age. People are wallowing in the dirt, sliding farther from glory every day. But no farther - today we start to rise.''

* '''Minor:''' Marama is an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see how she grows up. (Tie of Wonder [Love])
''Marama, Koa-Mika's daughter with Captain Peleps Liriope, lives with him on Iron Island. He dotes on her, and lives for seeing her delight at the wonder in the world.

* '''Minor:''' Scavengers are parasites - if they won't sell to me. (Tie of Ambition [Hatred])
''Priceless artifacts and magitech are scavenged all the time from the western ruins, scattered to the winds for coin. If that gear was collected and studied, maybe we could start crawling out of this pit we're all in.

=EXALT=
''Exigent of Warstriders''

'''Exalt Milestone:''' At the end of the session, Koa-Mika gains an Exalt milestone if he created something that adds to his prestige as a craftsman, or if he increased public awareness of Warstriders through heroic deeds.

* '''Soul of Iron and Jade:'''
The heart of Koa-Mika's Exigence is the warstrider Still Smoldering Ashes. It is bonded to his soul and it cannot be stolen or used by anyone else. He can summon it from anywhere for 2 motes, donning it as a simple action.

* '''Artifact-Kin'''
Koa-Mika can see and speak to the spirits of all artifacts, allowing him to discern their purpose, learn about their history, and both use and repair them without training or instructions.

'''Resonances:''' Koa-Mika is resonant with any artifact with the Heavy, Enormous, or Legendary Size tags.

===ANIMA EFFECTS===

* '''Giant Soul''' (Passive)
Extras cannot deal damage to the Exigent. Any damage rolls they would make on Step 7 generate 0 successes. Battle groups subtract the Exigent's Essence from their damage on Step 7.

* '''God-King of all Armors''' (Active)
Description

* '''name''' (Iconic)
description

==The Great Curse==

'''Incitement'''
* Someone acts against her Major Intimacy.
* Someone acts against her Major Virtue.
*describe other triggers

When (character) succumbs to the curse, (describe great curse manifestation)

'''Eruptions''' (pg.90-91)
* Throne Toppling Mood
* Shrine Scorning Tirade
* Heaven Challenging Thunder
* Luxurious Hoarding Tendency
* Tyrannous Hell Presence

=MERITS=

* '''name''' (rank)
description
=EQUIPMENT=

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:06:58Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Two-Ton Hammer */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Two-Ton Hammer was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:06:11Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Two-Ton Hammer */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
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=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
[[File:Two-ton hammer.png|thumb|150px|right|Two-Ton Hammer]]''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

File:Two-ton hammer.png

2023-04-11T02:05:34Z

Smilingbandit2:

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:05:00Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Captain Peleps Liriope */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|150px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:04:51Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Marama Peleps Kaimana */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
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=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|150px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|200px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

===Silently Forged Servant===
''Deceased Moonsilver Alchemical Predecessor of Swiftly Flowing Silver''

When Autochthon's last hope came to Creation, the one who took the first step into this alien world was their reconnaissance officer, a glorious and decorated explorer of the Reaches named Silently Forged Servant. He was a bold swashbuckler who wielded a Moonsilver Gyrochakram called ''Whispering Spark'' that contained its own machine intelligence. Servant was a courageous and moral comrade and always sought to support his teammates in their divine mission.

When the mission changed and the Circle chose to sever the tie to Autochthonia and spare Creation, Servant voiced his opposition. He sought to convince his companions to see logic... but upon finding himself outvoted, ultimately supported the Circle. The Moonsilver became withdrawn - disappearing for months at a time on missions he would not discuss, or retreating to his rooms. He began to confide in Diamond that he was having dark dreams, that every time he slept he saw visions of apocalypse -- of the death of the entirety of Autochthonia on the end of his blade. Diamond could see that his friend was struggling....

... and then the Circle discovered Servant attempting to force open the seal closing the connection between Creation and Autochthonia. Blood stained his arms, two technicians laying dead at his feet as he worked the mechanisms, tracing runes of light in the air. The Circle-faced him, wild light glowing in his silver eyes. He struck out at them, blades flying, essence-blazing, his wounds not meant to incapacitate or wound but to kill. The Circle had no choice. In the end, it was Diamond who struck the killing blow, shattering the Moonsilver's soulgem.

It was a dark day. The first Alchemical Exalt to die in Creation in over seven thousand years.

The Circle was never able to find the ''Whispering Spark''; the artifact seems to simply have disappeared.

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:04:34Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Captain Peleps Liriope */

{| class="wikitable"
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| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|200px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
[[File:Liriope.png|thumb|200px|right|Captain Liriope]]''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

File:Liriope.png

2023-04-11T02:03:52Z

Smilingbandit2:

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T02:03:25Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Marama Peleps Kaimana */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
[[File:Marama.png|thumb|200px|right|Marama]]''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Horizon-caste Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.
She's doing experiments on the Dream-Eaten to try and rekindle a spark of humanity within them. Sounds like there's some sinister agenda behind this, right? Well, yes, but it's not hers. She's smart but not that great at reading people. Especially manipulative demons. She's fascinated by these strange Exalts who come from a non-Yozified Primordial.
'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally), Nereid of Ebon Seas (ally)

===Salusar===
''The Worm Within, Indulgent Soul of Bostvade the Quicksilver Highway, 2nd Circle Demon''

'Partner' in Tebitha's research, intending to pervert it to let it extend itself into the dream-eaten and puppet them like a decanthrope but without their feeble limitations. Right now it can just Possess one person at a time by entering through a bloody wound. Pretends to be neutral at worst towards Tebitha's new 'out of town' friend but hates that they're a positive influence on her. May be conspiring with a rogue artifact from the circle's history.
'''Relationships:''' Nereid of Ebon Seas (enemy)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

File:Marama.png

2023-04-11T02:01:50Z

Smilingbandit2:

Exalted Essence - A Conundrum of Crickets

2023-04-11T02:00:45Z

Smilingbandit2:

[[File:Alchemical island.png|600px]]

Behold the Iron Isle, once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

 

{| style=text-align:left border: none;"
|The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.
|[[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! '''Character'''
! '''Played by'''
! Exalt Type
! Essence
! Damage
! Anima
! Power
! Will
! Resolve
! Defense
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| '''[[Crickets_Conundrum:Devoid_of_Due_Consideration|Devoid of Due Consideration]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/cannonball.86115/ Cannonball]''
| Soulsteel Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 3
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Radiantly Transcendent Diamond|Radiantly Transcendent Diamond]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/pandorym.151691/ Pandorym]''
| Adamant Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana|Koa-Mika Kaimana]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/smilingbandit2.754/ Smilingbandit2]''
| Exigent of Warstriders
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|}

* [[Crickets_Conundrum:NPCs|Dramatis Personae]]

Exalted Essence - A Conundrum of Crickets

2023-04-11T01:59:19Z

Smilingbandit2:

[[File:Alchemical island.png|600px]]

Behold the Iron Isle, once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

 

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.
|[[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! '''Character'''
! '''Played by'''
! Exalt Type
! Essence
! Damage
! Anima
! Power
! Will
! Resolve
! Defense
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| '''[[Crickets_Conundrum:Devoid_of_Due_Consideration|Devoid of Due Consideration]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/cannonball.86115/ Cannonball]''
| Soulsteel Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 3
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Radiantly Transcendent Diamond|Radiantly Transcendent Diamond]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/pandorym.151691/ Pandorym]''
| Adamant Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana|Koa-Mika Kaimana]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/smilingbandit2.754/ Smilingbandit2]''
| Exigent of Warstriders
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|}

* [[Crickets_Conundrum:NPCs|Dramatis Personae]]

Exalted Essence - A Conundrum of Crickets

2023-04-11T01:56:33Z

Smilingbandit2:

[[File:Alchemical island.png|600px]]

Behold the Iron Isle, once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

 

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.
|[[File:Ruby Bay.png|thumb|300px|right|Ruby Bay]]
|}

{| style="border: none;"
! '''Character'''
! '''Played by'''
! Exalt Type
! Essence
! Damage
! Anima
! Power
! Will
! Resolve
! Defense
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| '''[[Crickets_Conundrum:Devoid_of_Due_Consideration|Devoid of Due Consideration]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/cannonball.86115/ Cannonball]''
| Soulsteel Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 3
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Radiantly Transcendent Diamond|Radiantly Transcendent Diamond]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/pandorym.151691/ Pandorym]''
| Adamant Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana|Koa-Mika Kaimana]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/smilingbandit2.754/ Smilingbandit2]''
| Exigent of Warstriders
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|}

* [[Crickets_Conundrum:NPCs|Dramatis Personae]]

File:Ruby Bay.png

2023-04-11T01:43:30Z

Smilingbandit2:

Exalted Essence - A Conundrum of Crickets

2023-04-11T01:41:32Z

Smilingbandit2:

[[File:Alchemical island.png|600px]]

Behold the Iron Isle, once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

The largest town on the island is Ruby Bay, nestled in the harbor at the center of the crescent. The white bell tower in town square once rang out the time of the day, though the Alchemicals have helpfully updated this tradition - now it rings out shift change every ten hours.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! '''Character'''
! '''Played by'''
! Exalt Type
! Essence
! Damage
! Anima
! Power
! Will
! Resolve
! Defense
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| '''[[Crickets_Conundrum:Devoid_of_Due_Consideration|Devoid of Due Consideration]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/cannonball.86115/ Cannonball]''
| Soulsteel Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 3
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Radiantly Transcendent Diamond|Radiantly Transcendent Diamond]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/pandorym.151691/ Pandorym]''
| Adamant Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana|Koa-Mika Kaimana]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/smilingbandit2.754/ Smilingbandit2]''
| Exigent of Warstriders
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|}

* [[Crickets_Conundrum:NPCs|Dramatis Personae]]

Crickets Conundrum:NPCs

2023-04-11T00:52:34Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Captain Peleps Liriope */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Return to the Main Page?]]
|}

=NPCs=

==Citizens of the Iron Isle==

===Alvise Zorzi===
''Paluan Mortal Treasure Hunter''

A self-styled adventurer, treasure-seeker and dealer in antiquities…Alvise mostly dredges up junk and scrap - scavenging from the remnants of pirate engagements, unwisely plundering tombs and generally being a slimy, opportunistic rat. He may not be good, but it can be said he’s lucky! And while his nose for a quick score may lack the ability to find riches (though not for lack of trying!) it hasn’t steered him too wrong just yet. Is a terrible judge of character and knows far too many of the wrong people.

Was almost instantly murdered while trying to unseal Connie’s tomb. Sensibly decided to sell the info to a bunch of weirdo robots instead. They seemed grateful! Has possibly decided that sticking around them will – this time! – lead him to riches for sure.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

===Elder Min===
''Paluan Mortal Doomsayer''

“A creature of ancient death shall rise from the sea…and the West shall burn.” A common enough prophecy – especially around the volcanic island chains of the Terrestrial West. But Elder Min knew, like many others in the village, where this ‘creature of ancient death’ slept. He had guarded it, as his mother before him had, as did the elders before her. But to his eternal shame, that rat – Alvise – snuck past him and pried into the tomb’s secrets himself…and then sold that knowledge to the Exalted Masters! They foolishly unsealed the tomb and released the thing within…a thing that looked just like them. Elder Min now fears for Paluans more than he has in a very long time, and is convinced something must be done.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Gale "Kraken" Glade===
''Blind Paluan Mortal Healer''

A well-known healer skilled in treating diseases and injuries common to sailors. Lost her eyesight due to a spray of venomous kraken ink that stained her eyes permanently black, but was aided by Diamond in integrating her new disability into her everyday life. Often exchanges news and gossip from the ships that travel the West.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Marama Peleps Kaimana===
''Mortal Daughter of Koa''

Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Relationships''': Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

===Maran===
''Autochtonian Mortal Exemplary Technician''

An expert engineer from Autochthon – though mostly retired to a teaching role due to his advancing age. While on excellent terms with the circle at large (as you would expert) he does not trust Devoid of Due Consideration: he considers her demeanour both alien and unbefitting for a supposed ‘hero’, and her caste makes him worry she has ulterior motives.

'''Relationships''': Devoid of Due Consideration (neutral)

==Agents of the Realm==

===Captain Peleps Liriope===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Imperial Navy Captain''

Captain Peleps Liriope, a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island away from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Abalone from time to time. They were never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (neutral)

==Functionaries of Heaven==

===Exagryph, He Who Revels in Resplendent Destruction===
''God of Artillery''

Heavenly god of artillery. Had big dreams! Which were promptly shattered when Autochthon left Creation and took the very concept of artillery with him. Insignificant subordinate of the vastly more important god of siege engines. Is frequently forced to make coffee for the god of firewands. Has a kind of sweet friendship with the god of fireworks, but she’s seeing someone else. Is presently freaking out because he’s once again having to process requisition forms for artillery serial #00001, and he remembers the last time he got his hopes up…

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Sixteen Shattered Emeralds===
''Chosen of Secrets Sidereal Busybody''

A Sidereal Chosen of Secrets that has long tried to pry into the workings and purposes of the circle and their Manse, succeeding on occasion in thieving some insignificant creation or information to report back to her superiors in Yu-Shan. Seems to hold a grudge against the Chosen of Autochthon, but never elaborates on why. Particularly concerned that the circle has started to reactivate long dormant strands of fate...

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy)

===Two-Ton Hammer===
''God of Warstriders''

Was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Chosen of the Sun and Moon==

===Broken and Bloody Fang===
''Ancient Lunar Warrior''

Triumphant and Feathered Quill was a Lunar who semi-frequently visited Due Consideration. He loved telling the alchemical stories of his wide-ranging explorations and would frequently show up as an animal – playfully waiting to see how long it would take Connie to spot his tell. They were separated by the Usurpation and Connie’s fall into stasis.

Broken and Bloody Fang survived the Usurpation and subsequent centuries. Scarred and greying, he has become a bitter old man and, like many Lunars, a violent thorn in the side of the Realm. He is aware of Connie’s intended purpose and used to accept both it and her desire to be different. But these days he may care more for the former than the latter.0

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (ally)

===Leviathan===
''Mad Lunar Sea Monster''

A massive and ancient Lunar that rules over the lost sunken city of Luthe filled with First Age treasures and hoards of valuable magical materials. Diamond has traded his medical services to renew the Lunar's tired body and cure his subjects in exchange for some of his protected valuables on occasion.

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

==Minions of Darkness==

===Bruno il Veccio di Milani===

''Ghostly Politician''

A ghostly noble politician of Skullstone seeking to make overtures into the Wavecrest Archipelago by any means necessary. Diamond and him have clashed many times over the years. ''We don't talk about Bruno.''

'''Relationships:''' Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel===
''Abyssal Mad Scientist''

An Abyssal obsessed with forgotten technology and the twisted ends it can be turned to. And the West sure is full of such treasures – sunken and otherwise. Treasures like god-powered warstriders, titan-slaying cannons and walking, talking soulsteel. Every time someone sights her, it’s rumored her appearance always differs – a result of the experiments and implantations she performs on her own body. Said to be working with Kael the Bloody and other such unsavory characters to source more fodder for her warped designs.

Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

'''Relationships:''' Devoid of Due Consideration (enemy), Koa-Mika Kaimana (enemy)

===Tebitha===
''Infernal Sorceress and Healer''

Tebitha is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

'''Relationships:''' Koa-Mika Kaimana (ally)

==Loyalists of the God Machine==

==Revelers of the Wyld==

===Lirael of the Coral Court===
''Faerie Mermaid Diplomat''

A mermaid princess and skilled negotiator who seeks to maintain peace between the various underwater factions. Diamond has been called in as a healer and, more strangely, a professional chef on multiple instances, thus earning myriad favors with the princess as a result. She's tried to get betrothed to Diamond six times now, and each time it falls through for strange and overtly complex reasons. Also known as Princess Mette of the Abyss, a potent faerie noble driven by a singular, unusual goal for a faerie. Tired of the inconstancy of feeding on Creation and the chaos of the Wyld, she's seeking a way to become human; not just in appearance, but in mind and in soul. She is utterly ruthless and amoral in pursuing this goal, and she has reduced many would-be lovers to deadened husks in hopes that they'd give her a soul of her own, but Swiftly Flowing Silver, also struggling with trying to become something greater, can't help but sympathize with her struggle. (Shared NPC)

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

==Wanderers, Vagabonds, and Others==

===Bastiano Auditore il Sangallo===
''Mortal Merchant Prince''

Merchant Prince and head of the Resplendent Emporium, a floating market where merchants sell their wares from the decks of brightly painted ships. Diamond uses him often as a means of sourcing rare and unusual items from the Wyld or areas outside the Western Ocean, and they share drinks aplenty during these times. Bastiano has tried every time to drink Diamond under the table, and has always failed.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

===Captain Kael the Bloody Corsair===
''Mortal Pirate Captain''

A daring pirate who sails the seas with a crew of loyal and ruthless sailors, always on the lookout for the next big score. Particularly fond of trying to target Iron Isle due to the quality of their manufactured goods and the skills of their artisans.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (enemy)

===Mnemon "Dredge" Miquella===
''Water Aspect Terrestrial Hermit-Fisherman''

A Water Aspect fisherman who has abandoned the politics of his former life in the Realm in favor of a quiet existence fishing the waters of the Western Ocean. Occasionally strays into the Bordermarches and ends up catching strange, aberrant fish that Diamond often purchases to use in concocting sorcerous elixirs. Fond of a hearty homecooked meal but not talkative in the slightest, Miquella is usually an introvert and constantly roams the ocean in his small ship, ''Ocean's Riches''.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (neutral)

===Qiu Jia===
''Wyld-Touched Mortal Cartographer of Wonders''

A Wyld-tainted master cartographer who has mapped much of the Western Ocean, and is always eager to discover new lands and treasures. The Adamant Caste and him get along like Wu-Jian meat buns and strong alcohol (that is to say, swimmingly) and the cartographer is often a frequent guest at the Manse between his excursions.

'''Relationships''': Radiantly Transcendent Diamond (ally)

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-11T00:51:42Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Connections */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T03:43:53Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Connections */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-10T03:37:53Z

Smilingbandit2:

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T03:32:07Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Foes */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T03:23:48Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Foes */

{| class="wikitable"
|+
| [[Exalted_Essence_-_A_Conundrum_of_Crickets|Main Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana|Character Page]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Charms_and_Artifacts|Charms and Artifacts]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:3x3|Friends and Foes]]
| [[Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kaimana:Notes|Scrapbook]]
|}

=Koa's 3x3=
==Friends==
'''Marama Peleps Kaimana''' is Koa's twelve year old daughter with Liriope. She lives with him on the Iron Isle, assisting at the forge and generally getting into trouble.

'''Two-Ton Hammer''', the God of Warstriders, was profoundly diminished by creation of the Exigence. What remains of his puissance forms the power core of Still Smoldering Ashes, though he also manifests as a cranky old man who loiters around the island shaking his fists at clouds. He has no magical power outside the core, though his knowledge of Artifacts is deep.

'''Tebitha''' is an Infernal Exalt sorceress, who runs a floating asylum for those devoured by the Fair Folk. The two crossed paths when they both tried to recover magitech scrap from a watery battlefield south of Wu-Jian. They crossed swords briefly, but were ultimately able to come to an agreement and split the booty. Since then, Tebitha has become a patron of Koa-Mika's forge, supplying a steady stream of orders for artifacts. They also have an on-again/off-again romance, depending on the mood of the focused and mercurial Exalt.

==Foes==

'''Scalpel Against Flesh and Steel''' is Koa's primary rival for the magitech treasures hidden in the West, and a dark and twisted mirror of his own desires of lost greatness. Her ghoulish band of half-dead scavengers are a favorite target of Koa's blade, and he's exchanged blows with the Abyssal more than once.

They say don't stick your dick in crazy. Well, Koa hadn't heard that phrase when he met '''Chainsaw Queen, Exigent of Chainsaws'''. This unhinged Exigent has never met a problem that she couldn't chainsaw her way out of - and that included being rejected by Koa after he realized the terrible mistake he'd made. Since then, she occasionally chainsaws her way back into his life, trying to win him back through the indiscriminate use of chainsaws.

==Connections==
'''Captain Peleps Liriope,''' a lifer in the Imperial Navy, plys the supply convoy circuit for the Imperial outposts that dot the Western Isles. She and Koa had a relationship in Wu-Jian years ago, before either of them Exalted. Now she's a Water-aspected Captain with a ship of her own and he's the Exigent of Warstriders, raising their daughter on an obscure Island far from the Realm's eyes. They still meet on Wu-Jian from time to time. They weren't never going to make it as a couple - but they still have the occasional fling when the fleet comes into port.

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana

2023-04-10T01:42:22Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Intimacies */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:Notes

2023-04-10T01:40:31Z

Smilingbandit2: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |+ | Main Page | Character Page | Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kai..."

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:Charms and Artifacts

2023-04-10T01:40:24Z

Smilingbandit2: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |+ | Main Page | Character Page | Crickets_Conundrum:Koa-Mika_Kai..."

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:40:00Z

Smilingbandit2:

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:37:14Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Friends */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:36:34Z

Smilingbandit2:

Exalted Essence - A Conundrum of Crickets

2023-04-10T01:34:51Z

Smilingbandit2:

[[File:Alchemical island.png|600px]]

Behold the Iron Isle, once called Pal'ua's Torc for the way its crescent moon shape hinted at the jewelry of the Volcano Goddess White-Eyed Pal'ua.

The locals refer to themselves as Paluans even though the volcano goddess no longer calls it home.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! '''Character'''
! '''Played by'''
! Exalt Type
! Essence
! Damage
! Anima
! Power
! Will
! Resolve
! Defense
! Soak
! Hardness
|-
| '''[[Crickets_Conundrum:Devoid_of_Due_Consideration|Devoid of Due Consideration]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/cannonball.86115/ Cannonball]''
| Soulsteel Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| 3
| 3
| 3
| 3
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Radiantly Transcendent Diamond|Radiantly Transcendent Diamond]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/pandorym.151691/ Pandorym]''
| Adamant Alchemical
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|-
|-
| '''[[Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana|Koa-Mika Kaimana]]'''
| ''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?members/smilingbandit2.754/ Smilingbandit2]''
| Exigent of Warstriders
| 5/5
| 0/7
| 0
| 0
| -
| X
| X
| X
| X
|}

* [[Crickets_Conundrum:NPCs|Dramatis Personae]]

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:32:32Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Friends */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:29:33Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Connections */

Crickets Conundrum:Koa-Mika Kaimana:3x3

2023-04-10T01:25:04Z

Smilingbandit2: /* Friends */