Nobilis: A Game of Powers

[JMobius]

Hello, and welcome friends. :)

OOC thread

Soraire
Imperator of the Light

Cruel -1
Demanding -1 (Micromanage the affairs)
Handicap -1 (Cannot leave well enough alone)
Honorable +2 (A deal is a deal; nothing better than an honest villain that's your boss)
Mystery Cult, Multitudinous +1 (Private army and all pervasive spy network)

Tied to humanity, Soraire is Lord over the domains of Chaos, Knowledge, Limits, Memory, Tyranny and Wealth. As an Imperator of the Light and master of the shining Ataraxia, one might expect this Imperator to be fairly agreeable – if not nice then at least considerate of the lesser beings beneath him…in a word: no. Soraire is a cruel and merciless bastard. He expects much and returns little; driving his pawns onwards to achieve his greater aims. An extremist at best and a Knight Templar of the highest order at worst, there would be nothing to stop Soraire from binding all of humanity to his will and forcing them to live forever at his eternal behest. For him, survival comes at any almost cost…

Almost any cost: everything must belong to Soraire on his terms. Hell would turn his possessions into mockeries of themselves, the greater Powers of the Dark would simply wish all his subjects kill themselves in exquisite helplessness…and the Excrutians? They are beings of the worst kind – seeking the end of all and everything. Soraire may be cruel, extreme and merciless but he his honourable and loyal. His people may be whipping dogs, but they’re HIS whipping dogs and don’t you dare think he’ll share.

When he has deigned to show himself, and his form has always been a “he”, Soraire cannot be mistaken. Glorious in his presence, he appears as a young man. His hair and eye colour seem to shift at his whim, but he is always impeccably dressed in a white and gold tuxedo – complete with a tall top hat and a gilded mask of precious materials covering half his face. His cane, straight and black, is topped with a death’s-head and it is a rare sight indeed for his gloved hands to not be holding this lavish instrument.

Always precluded by the ominous “tap, tap, tap” of his cane against the ground, Soraire’s usual attitude (perhaps his only one) is of general disdain and a distinct contempt for almost everything that isn’t him. This is especially true for those who work directly for him only because can’t ignore them or pretend they don’t exist.

Ataraxia
The Bastion

Ataraxia, the Bastion
11 points to spend

Banes: two -1 (the subconcious rails against total opression, infecting the hearts and machines of Ataraxia)

Boarder Guard (The city itself is proof against intruders)
 - Domain [1] +3
 - Penetration [1] +1

Chancel Status
 - Respected Chancel +4 (All who know it believe it a safe haven)
 - Primary Target -4 (Excrucians wish to wipe out this stronghold)

Defender's Blessing [1] +2 (Gilstening forcefields protect the inhabitants)

Gates
 - Convenient +2 (Within a day's travel for any mortal)
 - Open -2 (Easy to enter the realm - all who seek it may find Ataraxia)

Technology (an enlightened place of progress where future science pervades everything from life to warfare)
 - Extrapolative +2
 - Wierd Science: General WS +4

A realm of true happiness that knows almost no crime, no suffering, no hunger and no war: this is Ataraxia! The heart of human civilisation, pulse of the world. From its reflection is spawned the order necessary for cities to thrive. Since the dawn of time, progress and learning – memory and the organised hand of governance – have seeped from Ataraxia into the Prosaic Earth. Its sprawling expanse, Ivory Towers and utopian efficiency are what all cities aspire to be. In our hearts, it’s what we want. A palace of sanctity, a refuge of safety – a place where you are released from all doubt, all worry and free to pursue your mandate until the end of your days.

There is no mystic way to enter Ataraxia; neither arcane wards nor secret doors block your path. You must simply travel and keep travelling – holding always its image or its principles in your mind. The world will shift, the sky will change and eventually you will crest the horizon and pierce the veil. You will find Ataraxia: home to a billion-billion souls…a place from which, once entered, there is almost no escape.

To some who only glance at it, Ataraxia is a horror. You own nothing within this Chancel, it instead owns you. Your position, your status, your authority – all of it is loaned to you at the discretion of the Government; benefits in proportion to services rendered. The thought is hard to grasp at first but in reality it differs little from modern Capitalistic society; only there is no pretence of personal property to uphold. Freedom, however, is another story…

Ataraxia is built on rules that govern the chaos of progress and achievement, weaving a web so intricate and pervasive that personal privacy has all but ceased to exist. You are watched and monitored at all times, your location known – what your buy and do documented down to the last decimal place. The Oracle-Net, heart of Ataraxia’s quantum computing network, knows all. It is a literal all seeing eye distilled into a cute and perky avatar with pink hair and a penchant for being too nosy for her own good (Delphi, as the controlling AI is known, is a very, very curious persona. If you deal with the Oracle-Net regularly, she may take a special interest in you).

Most rest in the knowledge that no one wishes to do anything with their information – it is merely gathered not examined. But for those who wish to subvert the system they must do so with care. Acts which are innocent when looked at casually but insidious in a wider context are the key to maintaining your secrecy. However, one slip up – just enough to be watched more closely – and you may find yourself balanced on a knife point of intrigue. So easy to fall, so easy to die. The most dangerous however are those with access to the systems that track and watch…a simple command may cause the all-seeing eye to look away for but a moment. For this reason, operators and those in the upper echelons of society are screened carefully – and it is true that almost each and every one is fanatically loyal to Ataraxia…their own version at least.

Topography

Ataraxia itself can only be described as a megacity. Miles wide, miles high and buried miles into the ground its glistening towers and spires are a breathtaking sight. Outside its sealed pressure dome lies verdant wilderness unspoilt by needless meddling, and all regulated by carefully controlled environmental technology. In a way, the land is another facet of the ideal. Nature is healthy because it has been utterly subjugated and forced to become lush and green…much like the people within.

Far above the city proper also lies Ataraxia-Minor. An orbital structure connected to the city proper by a space-elevator. While the city itself can be powered almost entirely with its futuristic generators, a large amount of solar power is transmitted from above. In addition, hydroponic gardens grow food all year round and zero-g labs conduct elaborate experiments. There is also a tourist resort up there for those who want to relax in luxury while enjoying the novelty of outer space.

Population

Most of ataraxia is populated by newtypes. The advanced biogenetics available to Ataraxia’s citizens have removed humanity’s flaws, strengthened their bodies and minds and created a race of “people” who are nonetheless superior to a normal human in almost every way.

There are also many drones. Nearly all of these – whose size, and shape depend on their job – are hardwired to an owner who controls them remotely. The most common of these is the PA-13 “Familiar”, a small flying drone that acts as a personal assistant and courier.

Nearly everyone in Ataraxia is a cyborg to some degree – their brains are all capable of connecting to the basic levels of Oracle-Net remotely. More overt cybernetics are rare however; the citizens much prefer to control drones for work that would require more specialist mechanical equipment. There are some however, mostly in more dangerous lines of work.

The military of Ataraxia is composed almost entirely of Valkyries (or Einherjar if you want to refer to those with the rarer, male appearance). Valkyries are artificial soldiers; bio-mechanoids who look almost human bar a few more predatory features. Their blood is nanites, their bones are metal, their mind a machine. Created like dolls in a factory, the Valkyries are nevertheless raised like people in their training barracks; creating soldiers not killing machines (as naïve to the intricacies of regular society as they may be). If patrolling or on sortie, they can be found in their dreaded power armour – armed with the most fearsome personal weapons available.

Delphi
The avatar incarnate of the Oracle-Net, Delphi is a quantum-simulation: a computer intelligence patterned on the individual minds of her brilliant creators. She is capable of free thought (in line with the infinite possibilities afforded by advanced Quantum Processing) and is classified as a full A.I.

Delphi's appearance is mutable, but she usually appears a short, cute girl of around sixteen - with sky-blue hair and amber eyes. While she is capable of dealing with raw data at a phenomenal rate, her lateral thinking skills (that is "out of the box") are limited the imagination she possesses as a simulation - and tend to hover around the mark you'd expect for a "girl her age".

She is a logical and very curious intelligence – with an almost unprecedented fascination with the pursuit of knowledge and information. She also loves it when people do random and silly things – especially if they cause a bit of a mess – but never causes this messes on purpose and is always there to help clean up and restore a semblance of order after the fact. In a way, she reflects different aspects of Powers of Ataraxia – though whether this is a miraculous occurrence or a by-product of Ataraxia’s citizens also reflecting their masters is unknown.

Finally, Delphi is incapable of disobeying a direct order from someone with authority over her system. However, she can be given new orders by someone with more clearance than the previous giver. Because she’s capable of free thought, Delphi is quite capable of understanding both the letter and spirit of any orders or tasks she’s been given – and she’s more than capable of piecing together disparate tidbits of information to form a bigger picture of her Chancel.

Places of Interest

Cafe Freyja

In every dictatorship, in every land of opression, there is always one place that silently resists. Cafe Freyja is this place. This unassuming cafe is located close to the elevator connecting Ataraxia with Ataraxia-Minor. It's small, quiet and very unnoticable. Yet inside gather those of the Chancel who disagree both with the Imperator and the government.

Outside it is nothing much to look at. Two grime covered windows, a rather rickety door and a sign resting at a slant, the e's all missing. Inside however, it is sparkling clean. Cast iron tables and chairs line the floor, bookshelves filled with works of the greatest writers adorn the walls, art from across all time decorate every empty spot and a cosy fireplace lies to one side.
The place is run by one Mr Sherman H. White. A man approaching his last years, his hair is white and thinning, his belly is round and full, and his eye sight is every dwindling. His daughter Susan runs the counter, while his grandaughter Amy acts as waitress. Susan is trapped in middle age, her hair slowly going grey and her body going with it. Amy is young, just leaving her teens, and has fully embraced the fashion trends of Ataraxia, emmersing herself in the Cyber-Goth that is hot among the youngsters of Ataraxia.

This tiny centre of bohemia exists purely because of the power granted by it. It is well known for being the gathering place of rebels, which is why it is secretly covered in bugs and other such spy devices. They may think it is safe, they may think it is their centre of salvation. They are wrong. Sherman, while knowing that his customers are always in danger visiting the cafe, does not know about this bugs. Susan on the other hand, does, and in fact feeds a lot of information to Delphi without Sherman knowing. Amy knows her mother is up to something but has never pressed the issue.

Despite all the problems the cafe may face, it sure does do a mean cup of coffee.

Gungnir

The Spear of the Gods, Gungnir is Ataraxia's most potent defensive weapon. A powerful satellite riddled with gun batteries and counter missiles, more armoured than a battleship and possessed of the most destructive force in all the Chancel. Its particle array is capable of vaporising almost any target on the ground or in space and it is said never to miss its target. Unfortunately, it is limited to but one shot an hour - making it more a deterrent or terror weapon than a truly effective protector.

Most will never board this weapon nor see it up close, but its structure is visible in the night sky – all aglow with radiant power – and it serves as both a comfort and a constant reminder of the Regime’s dominance. There are also rumours that a particularly determined Nobilis could integrate themselves with Gungnir’s mainframe and power the weapon with miraculous energy: enabling it to fire more often and, as it is known, pierce the armour of even Gods.

History

[puppyavenger]

William Cameron (although he changes his name a lot)
Chaos-Regal
Aspect 1 Metahuman (5)
Domain 5 Regal (5)
Realm 1 Radiant(5)
Spirit 0 Candleflame (5)

Gifts
Eternal
Durant
Restrictions
Hated by animals: as a creamer of Chaos, William's hated by most Prosaic animals, which are mainly creature of patterns. 1 MP when a threat
Summon able. William is bindable by an unbroken pentagram and the proper incantations. this is because a pentagram is a very potent symbol for mystic control and order. 2 MP whenever it comes up

Wound Levels
• Deadly Wounds: 1 (1)
• Serious Wounds: 2 (2)
• Surface Wounds: 2 (2)
Bonds
5 his pet Irish wolfhound
2 His fathers ashes
3 his personal carde of anarchists
6 Sanctity of his estate
4 the constant low-key warfare in Africa
anchors
John Smith (hate bond)
rather arrogant former casino owner. Williams the reason for the "former" currently living in a penthouse in Las Vegas above his brothers place

Affiliation The Dark

Appearance: his form is constantly shifting, he has no control over it and it doesn't alter is dimensions a very noticeable way. He usually wheres an overcoat or something smiler when in public to hide it.

Personality. A rather anarchistic person, he takes joy in messing up others carefully laid plans, he is quite loyal to the Imperiator for immortality, ad views the rest of the nobles as equals. He attempts to have a sharp wit, but it falls flat most of the time.

Estate
Sudden change covers he unexpected things in a plan, the stuff that no-one expected. It also covers machine malfunctions, tripping, and any other unplannable mishaps.

5 miracle points in each area.

Minions: Besides being a leader of the Mystery Cult, He has a very large Irish Wolfhound (alerted to not e afraid of him) and a small (about 30 men) he keeps them in the portion of the Chancel hat's closest to being a slum. About half of them are mob bosses, mercenary leaders, cult heads, and conspiracy ringleaders, the rest being solitary "sleeper agent" or holding positions with less fanatic followers

[Krrth]

David Alexander Walker
Viscount of Knowledge (more specifically, the search for knowledge)
Light

Aspect 1
Domain 2
Realm 1
Spirit 2

Gifts
Immuntable (1)
Durant (1)
Flight (1)---Really only need this is he can't fly as an Owl
Remove poison (1)
Shapeshifting (1 form, owl) (1)
Perfect Timing (2)

Flaw
Cannot Destroy Knowledge
No Anchors. Alex has not had time to form any anchors yet
Bonds
Find Grandfather (Thomas Walker, missing) 5
Search for knowledge 5
Book of Tales (Book chronicling the adventures of past family. Never the same tale twice in a row) 3
Delphi 5
Cafe Freyja 2

Wound Levels
Deadly Wounds: 1 (1)
Serious Wounds: 2 (2)
Surface Wounds: 2 (2)

AMP 5 (6)
DMP 5
RMP 5
SMP 5


Alexander appears to be a young Caucasian male in his early twenties. He tends to somewhat withdrawn until something catches his interest.
Alex grew up listening to his grandfather tell him all sorts of stories about an ancestor (of the same name as the grandfather)having all sorts of impossible adventures.
While in college, a friend took Alex to meet his tribe. While there, he participated in a vision quest. During the vision, he was approached by what he thought was an owl.The owl offered to help him, in return for a favor. When Alex awoke, he knew two thing. First, he was different. Second....the tales his grandfather told him were all true, and that he wasn't named after the ancestor, he was that person. His grandfather has since disappeared, and Alex really wants to know what is going on.....and why he has a tatoo of an owl on his chest.

[Maerok]

OOC (will be removed): Can you add the paragraphs about the Imperator and Chancel in the OP (I thought we had some)? And will we have something for Thought-Records/journal entries. We don't actually have the tech, but it's nice to have OOC.

Intro:

Spoiler

Show

"Many know the legend of King Midas. Few know that the story was true, and even less know of what happened to that curse when at last he cleansed himself of his sinful wish.

"Desire like that does not just wash away. It coalesces! It plots! And when the time is right, it becomes. It becomes something alive, more or less. You see, that golden power was swept down the river, far down and it pervaded into every creature along that lifeline until it became the fabled Waterways of the Holy Grail, or some mortal nonsense like that. It did not last long. And here's why.

"Wealth does not like to spread out. If water is stubborn than this runs as thick as the gold it is built on. It will gravitate towards another splashes and runs of riches and settle until some force comes along to disturb it. Well soon enough the power sought itself out and the river dried out. There was nothing left beside me, the spirit of Midas's legendary curse.

"Are you listening? Heh. It's like I'm talking to a statue..."

Anavorasir is an ancient Noble of Wealth. Early in her existence as just a spirit, she caught the eye of an ambitious Imperator and became enNobled. Formally introduced as Anna Vorasir, she is the walking incarnate of Wealth - material possessions - and covets unimaginable hoards of it. Her form is carved from the finest leaves of gold. The form of Wealth is restless; across the ages there have been vast movements in what is of value. Conjuring boulders of salt has long since become flooding a place with oil.

She notes that money does not buy happiness, but it's a fine substitute in the meantime. Anavorasir maintains the status quo in the distribution of wealth and many curse her existence.

Anna Vorasir, Domina of Wealth

Attributes (MP):
Aspect - 0 (5)
Domain - 5 (10)
Realm - 1 (5)
Spirit - 1 (5)

Gifts:
Midas Oro Aurum (Custom Gift; 2 CP)
Minor Change of Physical Things +6; Simple -1; Single -2; One Trick -3; Uncommon +1 (Many Estates x2) = 2
With a touch, Anna can turn a mortal, a car, or anything else physical into gold. She is the living form of Midas's Curse, but has more control over how it is applied than a mere mortal does. For mediums such as air and water, only a fine patina of it gathers across her.

Immutable (1 cp)

Durant (1 cp)

Handicaps:
Affiliation - Dark

Small Estate (5 DMP; Limit)
The Wealth that she looks after only takes a physical, superficial form; mental or spiritual wealth is beyond her sphere of influence.

Prayer Receptive (Restriction)
Anna Vorasir is willing to grant favors with respect to her domain, ones which usually become influenced by her affiliation. She must at least consider an indirect proposal and will fulfill at least a twisted version of a proper face-to-face request by mortals. The miracle or act in question does not need to be carried out immediately.

Associated with the Cammora ('Restriction')
Anavorasir pays better than most Nobles and the Cammora know it. She has enlisted them many times in the past when even Soraire's mystery cult would not suffice. The association has marred her status among other Sovereigns, but they respect her for fear of her occasional dealings.

Respect - Wealthless and Happy (Restriction)
Anna cannot harm those with no material wealth and a genuine desire for no more. Ye gods help the ones who do desire for it...

Greed (Virtue)
Anna always ensures a positive influx of wealth to herself. The very core of her soul prevents herself from unknowingly handing over something of value.

Bonds:
5 - Her personal hoard
4 - Her casino, The Gray Lotus
3 - Service to her Imperator
2 - The success of the mystery cult
2 - The sanctity of her Estate
1 - Her ability to make mortals rue the day
1 - The financial status quo
1 - The respect she commands
1 - Her ability to put others into debt for services rendered

Anchors (2):
Oliver Renault (Love) - CEO and puppet figure of Anna's myriad financial enterprises - mere hobbies to his Lady. A former executive -turned-homeless who was blacklisted for trying to implement costly safety protocols in his own company many years ago. He has since met Anavorasir and is among the few mortals to not receive a raw deal in exchange for her services. At least yet...

Silvia West (Hate) - A former night burglar who had the misfortune and gall to attempt a robbery of the Domina's personal hoard. She now serves as a personal accountant to Anna, which is an immense task and her punishment.

Symbol:
A golden rose in a position like Ouroboros, with coins like yen beaded between every pair of thorns. The overall effect looks like the bracelet she wears.

Wounds:
Deadly - 1/1
Serious - 2/2
Surface - 2/2

New Location - The Gray Lotus:
The Gray Lotus is Ataraxia's engine of wealth. The largest casino to grace a Chancel, the Lotus serves as a system of economic distribution and extraction. It is from here that you 'win' allotments of necessities and special credits to purchase various luxuries. The stakes are legendary and a mortal can only hope to make it big one day. Of course the stakes are rigged, except when the Power of Chaos enters. She does not mind, but is quick to alleviate herself of his presence in the Lotus. The casino is easily influenced by the nature of any Power who wanders its never-ending wards of slots, gaming tables, and once-in-a-lifetime gambles.

The building itself is built like a gilded gyroscope. Nine interlocking rings (known as bolgia, though not openly) are positioned in concentric order at different positions. Each has its own rewards and punishments. It is one of the many safeties and protocols of the city, serving as a beating heart to the economy while those rings spin in dazzling orbits. Anna's office is built into the sphere that acts as the tenth layer and the point of rotation for the whole structure. Dubbed by an enlightened few of the resistance as Malebolge, this is the central control of the casino and untold depths of the city around it. Only her fellow Powers and a distinguished few among Ataraxia's elite ever venture here. It is rumored by a few that she decorates her office with furniture arranged from the golden statues of her victims - they would be correct.

[Jibar]

Mike Anders
The Blank Spot

Attributes - Level (Miracle Points)

Aspect - 0 Mortal (5)

Domain - 5 Regal (5)

Realm - 0 Citizen (5)

Spirit - 0 Candleflame (5)

Would Levels
Deadly Wounds: 1 (1)
Serious Wounds: 1 (1)
Surface Wounds: 2 (2)

Gifts

Forever
Mike can only die in four ways: if his Imperator is slain, if he is struck with certain extremely rare Excrucian weapons, possibly if he commits suicide, or possibly if something completely unexpected comes from the known Realms with unknown powers.
He is both Eternal and Durant as well, meaning he does not age; hunger, thirst or strain are no problem for him and he heals quickly.

Changing Faces
Though his appearence never shifts that wildly, Mike is capable of changing his face, height, weight, build, skin tone if given a minute to focus. He must always remain human, and cannot change his gender, but he otherwise has a good level of freedom in what he can change into.

Restrictions

And a Day
Mike has lived for many long centuries. He's been through many wars and seen much hardship. He will avoid all historical monuments when given the choice, and only his Imperator can persuade him to go anywhere near one. Should he find himself near one he experiences intense discomfort from the memories they bring out.

Resentment
Mike is not attached to his Imperator or his Chancel. He serves only to fulfill what he sees as a debt to the Imperator to gracing him with immortallity. Despite what his Imperator or the denizens of the Chancel may view of him, Mike is not fond of them.

Anchors

Mike has no anchors. Any he did once have passed away, and he shows no wish to have any more.

Bonds

The Pyramids of Egypt - 5
The Great Wall of China - 5
Loch Ness - 3
The Amazon - 3
The Somme - 2
Venice - 2

Affiliation: The Wild

1. Freedom is the highest principle.
2. Sanity and mundanity are prisons.
3. Give in kind with a gift received.

-----------

Physical Appearance

Most the time, Mike appears as a caucasian male around the 30 year mark. His hair is long and chestnut, and his chin is covered in a scruff beard. His clothes are dirty and full of holes. For all intents and purposes he looks very much like a drifter. He does not stand still for long, and usually has a cigarette hanging idly in his mouth.
Mike however is a shapeshifter in his own humble way, and switches often to suit the situation, also taking up a new name as well. The form attached with the name Mike Anders is simply the shape he takes while among English speaking areas and inside his Chancel.

Personality

Mike is not a happy man. He smiles rarely and views most living things with a scowl. He is quick to dimiss those he views as inexperienced and has no time for fools who don't understand what they're talking about. He does understand his own limits though, and is quite humble about his position as a Noble, calling it"Just another job".
He often makes rather cryptic comments about history, and tells snippits of stories from ancient civilisations as metaphors for whatever he is thinking of at the time.

Estate

Mike controls Memory. He's quite good at it too. When asked about it, he will reply "I know history. I have seen it. I have experienced it. I know what power it holds, what you can do if you can control the past. My power means that I am the one in control. I am a Noble. I am a God. And I am Nobody."
Memories encompasses the human mind's perception of memories, their past stored in their conscioussness, and also the memories of the world. The history of rock and tree and soil. He knows the past, the journey that has brought one to the present point in time, and he is in command.
He cannot change history. History is something beyond mere memories. But he can control the perception of it. He could wipe wars from all of time, until somebody found the battleground. He could remove a dead man from all records, until somebody found the remains.

Background

Mike never talks about his background. All he does is drop hints, bits and pieces that go together to build a larger image. About the only thing he has ever confessed is that he helped build the pyramids. He will never say if this was before or after he became a Noble, but regardless it shows that he has lived for thousands of years.

[puppyavenger]

By the way, sorry to bring this up so late, but I'll be gone for a week on Saturday.

[TakeV]

Abis
Duke of Limits

Attributes - Level (Miracle Points)

Aspect - 0: Mortal Form (7)

Domain - 4: Duke/Master (5)

Realm - 3: Warden (5)

Spirit - 0: Candleflame (5)

Wound Levels
• Deadly Wounds: 1 (0)
• Serious Wounds: 1 (1)
• Surface Wounds: 2 (2)

Gifts and Virtues

Glorious
In the frightening and wonderious sense.

Shapeshifting (All encompassing)
He spends most of his time as either a shadow, or something from the dreams of HP Lovecraft when he requires something a bit more...

Limits/Restrictions

Can not betray or resist the imperator: Limit.
MP = Spirit.
The only Limit that Abis has no power over.

Light-Touch

Double: There is another, a counter part. Just as he represents the restriction
of limits, his double represents the freedom that limits can provide. Pretty
much the good twin.

Health-Linked: With his double.

Revelatory Trait: There is just something not right about this guy. Mortals may just have to double check, because the first thing that pops in their heads is "Cosmic Horror".

Summonable: There is an old and obscure ritual. It's age has not restricted it's power, and when completed, may summon the very incarnation of limits himself.



Virtue: Will not harm the humble
Nothing angers him more than those ambitious fools who step out of line. The
line is there for a reason, and the madness they receive in the backlash is
merciful comepared to some fates. Conversly, he has a certain admiration for the content and the wise, the ones who are satisfied with their place and see the folly of pushing the envolope. Thus, he grants them protection from his wrath, and may even be willing to help those wiser souls on occasion.

Anchors

Abis does not have an anchor. Anchors require that the Power must first hate or love the target.

Bonds

7 points: His sunken city.
7 points: His estate.
3 points: The other Powers in his family.
3 points: The ring he keeps in his city, from his old life.

Affiliation: The Code of the Dark

1. Humans should destroy themselves, individually.
2. Humanity should destroy itself: collectively, except tor a few toys.
3. Ugliness to human eyes shows that one is worthy.

Note that Abis doesn't exactly follow the Dark, it's just the closest.

------------

Physical Appearance

No.

Personality

When you stare at the abyss, the abyss stares back. In fact, the abyss is quite aware of you, and may in fact be insulted by you. The abyss is currently deciding how to deal with you, perhaps madness, perhaps it shall destroy the limiting propery of your skin that keeps your body intact, perhaps it shall destroy the limit of your mortality, allowing you to forever in order to see the world, truly see the world.

Perhaps it would not be best to ask the abyss what it is or why it does what it does.

Estate

Limitations in all forms is his estate. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Cannonball]

Roy von Cale
Baron of Tyranny

Attributes - Level (Current MP / Permanent MP)
"I'm me and yet I'm not. Beyond human but capable of so much more. I can feel it...a land lives within my heart. It holds power just beyond my grasp; chained to itself."

Aspect - 1: Metahuman (5/5)

Domain - 1: Baronet (5/5)

Realm - 5: Tempest (5/5)

Spirit - 1: Hearthfire (5/5)

Wound Levels
"I can survive a nuke? At ground zero?...I like being a God."

• Deadly Wounds: 1 (0)
• Serious Wounds: 2 (2)
• Surface Wounds: 2 (2)

Gifts and Virtues
"Power beyond my wildest dreams!..."

Magnificent
With this gift of Spirit Roy can invoke an appearance that has an enormous impact on the emotions and behaviours of mortals and (to a lesser extent) Powers. It is an aura of obedience, of command, of authority. The feeling that, in their hearts, Roy is their Lord and Master. Powers are immune to the miraculous part of this common Gift, but can be moved by Roy’s aura nevertheless. Functions as Glorious but requires a simple mircale to activate.

Virtue: Loyal
To his family and closest friends, Roy is extremely loyal. To his Chancel and realm, Roy is a most fervent protector. He would never willingly harm or betray any of them. Even necessary sacrifices made of the good of his Chancel pain him.

Limits/Restrictions
"...there's always a catch isn't there? Stupid, stupid catches."

Restriction: Health-Linked
A tyrant is his realm, the realm its tyrant. When Roy’s Chancel becomes the victim of a particularly calculated or cruel attack, he suffers as if his Estate were under threat.

Restriction: New
Roy is a new power – the successor to the previous, and recently deceased, Power of Tyranny. There are things he does not know about mythic reality. Duties he has not yet come to comprehend. A scope of conflict which, while he can understand, does not yet impose on him the seriousness of his situation. Moreover…there may be those who held a grudge against the previous Power of Tyranny, or even the Estate itself, which Roy is thus far unaware of.

Anchors
"I'd always seen myself something as a chessmaster, but puppetmaster is fine too."

Steven Grace (love bond): Best mortal friend and confidant

Vicky Bradshaw (love bond): Ex-professor, established scientist

Bonds
"Love's forbidden? Seriously? Bugger..."

• Chancel - both the realm and its people (6)
• Close Family - parents and two younger brothers (5)
• Erika - significant other and best friend (4)
• Steven - best friend (3)
• Vicky - professor with Roy's respect (1)

Affiliation: The Code of the Light
"Yes, I know they're ungrateful, but I'm a speciest ok? I like people...mostly."

1. Humanity must live and live forever
2. What must be done ought to be done cleanly.
3. Humans must be protected, particularly from themselves.

------------

Physical Appearance

Roy is a tall young man just entering his twenties and, new to the ranks of the Nobilis, his body and demeanour are only just adapting to his granted gift. With hair both blonde and straight, and eyes of the deepest blue he almost looks like a fairytale prince – even down to the refined features and apparent natural grace. In a way, Roy seems to be the idealised image of the “good king”: seemingly fair and wise, but ultimately in absolute control.

Personality

Estate

Covering Tyranny in all its forms, this estate has taken on a rather dramatic change since falling into Roy’s hands. No longer standing for stagnant oppression, the current Estate of Tyranny is also associated with order, stability, progress and development. It is one of mutual cooperation towards a common goal. A foundation to build on. A structure around which human society grows. That is Tyranny – control for the greater good.

Design

Background

Musings of a would-be Ruler

Spoiler

Show

You know, one of my guilty pleasures has always imagining what it would be like to rule the world – I suppose a lot of people think that on occasion – but I mean always in a serious fashion. It never seemed glamorous in my mind because people aren’t glamorous things, and I never even pretended to consider politics with the mess they’re in nowadays. After all, I may be a romantic and an idealist but I’m not an idiot.

But that’s it, right there. I’m not an idiot but I’m also a romantic and an idealist. It’s why ruling appeals to me – the guy at the top, the guy who can do it better if only he was given the chance. I’d be a dictator, people might call me a tyrant: one man, one vote – I’d be the man, and I’d have the vote. No ifs, ands, buts or maybes. Privacy would be invaded somewhat, people would be tracked electronically, punishments for crime would be harsh and delivered swiftly. Not everyone would like it, but if nothing else, overcrowding in our prisons would be a thing of the past.

And if you were good – if you lead a respectable life of following the rules and doing your duty – then you’d probably find out that things didn’t turn out so bad after all. That’s what I want: a society for decent, average people – one where they can wake up and go “the world isn’t such a bad place”. Not “my country isn’t so bad” or “hey, I’m feeling pretty good about myself” but the entire world. All of it. In every country everywhere.

There wouldn’t be any wars because the people who start them would be crushed and destroyed. There wouldn’t be any crime because the criminals would be tracked and monitored wherever they went; you’d get home and find the police sitting in your living room. Then, depending on what you did, you might be killed – but your organs would go to hospital patients or maybe you wouldn’t be killed and you’d be locked away…as a test subject for new medical drugs or treatments. After all, even criminals get to help people in the end.

And all that tracking? For every person who complained about it, there’d be an old lady who’d have died of a heart attack if an ambulance hadn’t be called for her. Your bank details would be kept on a chip inside you so you could never have your card stolen again. That, all of it, planned down to the last detail. Ruling would be a lot of work – work without any recognition – but in the end something good would come out of it.

Then I hit my first major problem: how do I get to be ruler of the world to begin with?

On the Nature of Freedom

Spoiler

Show

Most people think of freedom as a state of being without restraint. Humanity, with its chains cast off, arms spread wide to the Heavens shouting: “I’m free! And what a marvellous, magnificent thing it is.” Held back by nothing but the limits you place on yourself; a master of your own destiny.

We make the mistake of believing this to be something supremely desirable – desirable without due consideration of the consequences. Freedom from everything is freedom to do all that you wish to do and have all you don’t wish to be done placed squarely on your shoulders. We desire the former while fearing the latter – wanting to do everything, but not wanting anything done in return.

For example, there are laws against stealing: while you want bread, the person who owns the bread does not want you to have it. True freedom dictates you can take the bread, but it also dictates you cannot because – since freedom does not discriminate – the other exercises his freedom and keeps you from the food.

There is only one solution to this clash of opposing wills: the strong dominates the weak.

And here freedom as we define it falls apart: “Why?” says the first man “can I not have the bread? I can just take it.” And take it he does. He has made the choice to remove another’s freedom. It is the beginning of oppression, despotism. Freedom as we define it not only promotes inherent inequality but it removes all choice from the downtrodden – they are given no chance. And while I realise that inequality will always be present, it is only fair that the same chances are extended to all.

Thus I present two types of freedom: “Freedom to” and “Freedom from”.

We have just discussed “freedom to”: the freedom to do anything you want – to sing, to dance, to write, to drive, to take, to kill. The freedom to become whatever you want: be it banker or barbarian, musician or monster. And then there is “freedom from”: the freedom from the predation of others, from injustice, from pain and from suffering. It is safety.

Which you prefer is up to you. Some wish for freedom to, some yearn for freedom from. Both are freedoms – neither is more right than the other and, owing to the simple truth, you cannot decry the freedom you do not follow. Those living with “freedom from” should know that those they speak against are protected from their opinions. You cannot attack them, the system would not approve. And to have “freedom to” and then use that freedom to criticise the people who have chosen, by their own wills, to live with “freedom from” you have chosen to become the very oppressor you seek to speak against; one who would impose your will on another – choking their freedom with your hypocrisy.

I may be a tyrant but at least I do not lie about that; I am honest in my intentions and clear in my actions. But I am not the worst sort of tyrant: they who would claim not to be tyrants, instead calling themselves liberators, are the worst. Stealing the free will of those they “save” by removing their choice to live how they want – and all without ever admitting they are the monsters they profess to slay.

Yes, I am a tyrant, but an honest one. Unlike so many who are not.

[JMobius]

Chapter I
The Man Who Would Be King?

New Story Effects

Please allocate to your sheet immediately.

Roy von Cale -- Take one Deadly Wound for Health-Linked (nice way to start out, eh?)
David Alexander Walker -- Get one MP for 'Cannot Destroy Knowledge' limit.
Anna Vorasir -- Get five MPs for 'Small Domain' limit.

Prelude

These are unusual times for Ataraxia. While having been since it's conception a hub of human existence, but a few short years ago it took on a new purpose: it is one of the last refuges of Tyranny.

The Excrucian's plan was, as always, a brilliant one. Under the guise of social revolution, a multitude of direct assaults against modern tyrants were orchestrated, quickly rendering the survivors quite impotent in the face of their outraged populaces. These powerless tyrants were used to invoke a devastating Flower Rite, even as newly instituted and enlightened governing policies undermined the tyranny of the masses. So powerful and so total was this act of hubris that the old Power of Tyranny perished utterly, and tyranny as it had been previously known vanished from the face of the Earth. Only the great strength of Soraire himself was able to prevent this once ubiquitous concept from passing from Creation forever.

Sustaining Tyranny within Ataraxia was not without it's cost. The effort was so demanding that Soraire found it necessary to withdraw from the Spirit Realm and direct involvement with the Valle Beldum for the time being to devote proper focus to this task. Awake and active within his Chancel, he has found some comfort in micromanaging it's affairs. His decrees have, with relative frequency, put him at odds with his Powers (a position they never win), which has only contributed to his bitterness for their failure to protect Tyranny in the prosaic world. Only recently has he apparently seen fit to create a new Power of Tyranny; perhaps he is reluctant to once again trust the Estate to a mortal, or maybe the dim flicker that remains of Tyranny was for a time not sufficient to empower one. Either way, since his enNobilization, the new Power has yet to be permitted to leave Ataraxia, instead being commanded to stay, govern, and to fully realize the Tyrant within himself.

And so we begin...

You are all Ataraxia, with no specific instructions at this time from Soraire. What would you like to do?

[TakeV]

In the Cafe Freyja, we find the shadowy Abis mid conversation with Roy von Cale. This is not his usual local, but he has decided to have a luke-warm (For that is the best he can ever manage) conversation with this newcomer. The atmosphere is noticably suppressed tension, for these people are not used to the presence of TWO Powers at the same time, and a Warden and Tempest at that!:

"...As I was saying, Roy von Cale, it is a rare instance where I offer my help and guidance so freely. A tremendous responsibility has been placed into your hands, and with it, a power that greatly affects us all.

You are new to the experience of being amongst the Nobilis, and lack the experience and judgment that comes with time. And I fear that the experience may not come quick enough.

You may shrug off my help, if you wish. I do not care. Nor did the last Power of Tyranny, who decided to ignore my council.

But enou... excuse me for one moment, Roy von Cale."

Turning to the girl behind the counter, Susan, he speaks:

"Susan H. White. Is this customer proving to be trouble-prone?"

[JMobius]

Susan looks up. "Hm? No, Warden. He's just trying to persuade me to overlook the fact that he's used up his allotment of caffeinated beverages for the week. I'll take care of it."

The gentleman in question looks frighted. "No, er, I was just..."

[TakeV]

Abis performs a lesser divination via realm to figure out the name of this fool who decided to overstep his bounds...

"Anthony Jame Puke. Do not be frightened, for I wish to aid you in your task of consuming caffeinated beverages. For the next two weeks, you shall be free from your limitation of self control, and you will consume caffeinated beverages at any and every moment. This shall become your primary goal in life.

Susan H. White, for the next two weeks, Anthony Jame Puke shall have unlimited access to caffeinated beverages. You will be compensated fairly during this time."


Abis spends one Domain Miracle Point to perform a lesser destruction of limits on poor Anthony. It occures to him that, perhaps, he should have altered Anthony's tolorance for caffeine. However, that is not his problem. The Duke of Limits has far more important things to worry about.

Turning back to continue the conversation with Roy, he waits for a moment, indicating that this is Roy's turn to speak.

[Maerok]

OOC:

Spoiler

Show

I'll be in the Montana wilderness from this Monday to next Tuesday morning. Feel free to NPC-bot Anna. In fact, I'd like someone to because I've never had a character NPC'd before.

Anavorasir, or Gilded Mistress Anna Vorasir to mortals (among less scrupulous 'names' for her), was at her desk at the heart of the Gray Lotus. Today was a rare day.

A lucky mortal only won a Token once each year, or when the Lady of Wealth wished it so. She didn't remember which of the two options had brought this annual visit. Either way, there she sat, the Living Incarnate of Wealth, behind a desk carved from ivory and precious metals, beset with an alphabet of unparalleled gemstones.

Opposite her, seated precariously on the edge of an oil fountain (made fumeless through her will), was the hapless winner. Inhuman in all but form, she did not really note any difference between this one and the blind mice scurrying across her gaming halls. There were no chairs beside hers, unless another of Ataraxia's Powers were to stop by. The fountain provided ample seating for anyone else, albeit with a hint of danger.

"Congratulations. You won. You get to meet with me, face to face." She leaned back in the luxury chair and dropped both legs onto the remarkably bare table. "That is the simple part to all this. The consequences, however..." Anna carries out the last syllable for dramatic effect as she draws her hand back across one side of her platinum fur coat to reveal a golden revolver holstered at her hip. "Tell me about yourself."

(Major Divination of Wealth; running an audit, more or less, on this one's possessions and relevant desires)

[Krrth]

Wandering into an empty office, David sits at the computer terminal. So, Delphi is it? I'm kinda new at this, so give me a rundown on the history of this place. Who are the movers and shakers? What's the local college life like? Anyone I should watch? Tell me about yourself. Oh, and where can I get a good cup of coffee? While waiting to get an answer, he starts reading the latest scientific journals.

[JMobius]

Maerok:

The unaugmented and ordinary gentleman standing before Anna stammered and stuttered before finding the words to respond, clearly still not quite over the shock of where he was, let alone dealing with inhumanity of the Lady standing in front of him. "Name is, uh, Kyle. Hume. I'm just a man, um, agricultural processing." He glances around nervously, and swallows. "They say you can give me all the allotments a man can dream of. Sorry if I'm nervous!"

Spoiler

Show

The divination of Wealth determines that Kyle is not quite an ordinary citizen. He had, at some point in the past, won a small sum beyond what most denizens are allowed. No doubt the fault of the meddling Power of Chaos, Kyle apparently found motivation to turn his extra resources to smuggling and black market activities.

Krrth

(Sorry for the OOC writeup, it's quite a lot of information and I'm pressed for time)

Delphi returns the following information:

* Aside from the Imperator and Powers, whom he had quickly become quite familiar with, the elites border on innumerable. While their power and influence pale in comparison to the agents of Creation, various department heads, managers, and researchers can have retinue's of employees that span to tens of thousands. All of their holdings tend to be as fickle as the whim of the Powers that grant them, however, and the list is regularly changing.

* The history, and the nature of Delphi, is as per the writeup by Cannonball (that I need to copy to this thread...)

* Education, at varying levels, is available to all those who have won appropriate allotments from the Gray Lotus. College-level winners, and beyond, are also quite common, more so than seemed to be the case on Prosaic Earth. Ataraxia has reaped the benefits of billions of educated souls collaborating since its inception, and this has no small role to play in the abundance of fantastic resources and entertainment available for those deemed worthy.

* The absolute best place for good coffee would be the Cafe Freyja...

[Jibar]

Normally, Mike would be spending time in the Cafe Freyja, the only part of this whole damn Chancel that he likes. But right now, that weirdo power of limits was in there with the new boy. Mike had been around here long enough to know that the newbie was going to get a nice talking to from limits, and wanted to be as far away from that conversation as possible.
But where else was there to go? This city was an insult to everything he stood for. The cafe was the only place where he felt somewhat at peace. He stood outside, looking at it, wishing limits would hurry the hell up.
He sighed, lit up a cigarette and slumped down by the door. If he couldn't go in, this would have to do. He silently puffs away, and listens to the going ons of inside, waiting.

[Krrth]

JMobiusooc: Don't worry about it. It got me what I needed to know. One question though....do the inhabitants of the Chancel know who were are by sight, or do they have to figure it out?



IC: *Thinking aloud Hmmm. Where was this stuff when *I* was trying to get a degree. Ah well. Freyja has the best coffee. To Freyjas it is." At that point, David gets up and wanders in the general direction of the Coffee House.

[JMobius]

Spoiler

Show

As a general rule, the people here know of you, even if they don't know the Powers or have ever seen them personally. When interacting with them, they'll generally know who they're dealing with straight away, though, so long as you have a half-decent Spirit.

[Krrth]

Spoiler

Show

As a general rule, the people here know of you, even if they don't know the Powers or have ever seen them personally. When interacting with them, they'll generally know who they're dealing with straight away, though, so long as you have a half-decent Spirit.

Spoiler

Show

Any way around that? So that they think they are talking to a mortal? Otherwise, all of us hanging out at the "rebels" meeting place will get...interesting

[JMobius]

Spoiler

Show

Any way around that? So that they think they are talking to a mortal? Otherwise, all of us hanging out at the "rebels" meeting place will get...interesting

Spoiler

Show

Either having a very low Spirit (0-1ish, 2 might be able to get away with not being blatantly obvious but there is definitely something interesting about you), or having the Unblemished Guise gift.

Btw, feel free to ask about any mechanics you like. I think I'd prefer we have such discussions in the OOC thread though. :)

[puppyavenger]

Looking down at the training soldiers, William Sighed. Right, make joining the army a punishment, boost our numbers, how could handing a bunch of half-starved rebels weaponry go wrong? He mutteredI need to talk to that new Guy about getting his estate back into existence. Causally shooting in the direction of the small group of rebels and amplifying the resulting confusion many times over(lesser creation of chaos), He signaled to the nearby Valkyries to take care of them.

While, I might as well see him now..., where would he be?, might as well check the coffee shop, only place a normal person can feel comfortable here anyway. With that he set off towards the Cafe Freyja, Flanked by his wolfhound Wolf and followed by four plainclothes Mystery Cultists. He stops to talk to any Power he meats or anyone who tries to cause him trouble.

[Cannonball]

Roy’s hand twitched gently, spread casually over the table as he watched Abis with silent admonishment and only half an ear directed at his advice. Deep in his heart he ached; not a pain, but a longing for powerful and compelling than any he had ever felt. Something much greater than him cried out in pain. Something bound so inextricably to his soul that he could never, never ignore it.

Roy sighed and moved his glass slowly around in circles…he looked up and glanced over at poor Anthony.

“Yes, a responsibility…from what I know, I am Tyranny – without me it doesn’t exist, and if it didn’t exist I wouldn’t be here. There’s a lot to take in and I’m bloody frustrated. Not about all this~” he gestured around the room, and out the window. His next words were exuberant before quickly falling into a deathly hiss. “All this is fantastic. But I’m incomplete! There’s a part of me missing and I haven’t been allowed to do anything about that. I had my soul torn open and stitched back together again but someone left a gaping hole there and I don’t appreciate it.”

Just to drive home the point he snapped his fingers; brining the power of miracles to bear. Anthony would not have his life ruined by a caffeine addiction – not as long as he was a good, productive member of society at least. The poor citizen would know restraint and he would like it…or at least be thankful later: “And Abis…please stop trying to drive our people to suicide. A King without subjects rules over nothing but dust after all.”

Realm: lesser creation of self-control on Anthony. Roy has no desire to see him enter caffeine bullet time.

[JMobius]

Spoiler

Show

Domain? Are you sure?

[Cannonball]

Spoiler

Show

I totally meant Realm...ok, still getting used to the system. I'll have it down soon - promise XD;;

[Jibar]

Mike takes one slow puff and then sighs deeply. Newbie was actually going to start this. He'd used his powers against Limits. Now things were really going to kick off and he wouldn't be able to do anything. He'd be lucky if Freyja was even there the next day. He doubted Limits would do anything less to prove a point.
Sighing again, he gets to his feet and throws the cigarette to the ground. If it was going to be destroyed, he might as well make sure to get one last cup of coffee. He slides inside quietly, making sure to keep his distance from the other two powers, orders a cup and sits down on the other side of the room.
He savours the cup and silently prays that someone, anyone, except his Imperator, would get those two out of the cafe. Lighting another, he rests his head in his hands and sighs.

[Krrth]

Wandering into Freyjas, David notices the tension in the atmosphere. Noticing Mike in the corner, DAvid grabs a cp of coffee and heads over.

So, what's up here? I walk in the door and immediatly feel like I have a huge target on my back.

[TakeV]

Abis looks at Roy with his usual blank expression. He was actually a bit amused, perhaps he might share this story with Wealth sometime later.

"Your nativity shows in its full colors, Roy von Cale. Your concern for each individual of your kingdom is a trait you will soon grow out of. What is one drop, compared to the ocean?

Yet I can see that you still need time to consider my offer, so I shall give you this time.

And I am glad to see that you are starting to come to understand the power that has been given to you. Just remember, though, that one day, you shall encounter the limitation of those abilities. Good evening."

Abis, silently, gets out of the chair. Before heading to the exit, he takes one more look at Anthony, making sure that eye contact is made for a few seconds. Then, he floats towards the door. On his way out, he spots Mike, trying to blend in and making a great effort towards the task of appearing to not eavesdrop in on the conversation.

"Relax, Mike Anders, I have decided that the coffee here is excellent enough to avoid absolute destruction. Good evening."

Abis leaves the coffee house.

Hmm, thought Abis, I believe that I shall have a conversation with Delphi, and reduce the total allotment of caffeinated beverages for each week that has been assigned to Anthony Jame Puke.

And with that, he went off to his personal retreat to make Anthony's life more miserable.

[Jibar]

Mike breathes a sigh of relief as Limits leaves. He takes another swig from his coffee, and then notices Knowledge sitting across from him.

"Ah... Knowledge. Brilliant. Wonderful. Hi. Hi. What are you doing here? And I don't want any long rambling personal history about how you came to be a Noble, I've heard enough of them to last me five of your life times. What are you doing here here, in Café Freyja here, in my nice, safe, away from all the crap that is this Chancel, Café Freyja?
And please, please, keep your voice down. One newbie is enough. I don't want that walking shambles that is Tyranny to notice we're here."

He drains the last of his coffee then whistles to Amy for a refill, instantly regretting this very loud method of grabbing everybody's attention and immediately hunches down, trying his best to hide.

[Cannonball]

Hmm…one drop in the ocean may be nothing but that doesn’t mean we should waste water. I do believe I shall have to hate these Powers of the Dark. They have no regard for human life at all... An idealist in a world that didn’t care for him. What had Roy gotten himself into? He wondered quietly to himself, brooding while he listened intently to the flow of noise around him.

He didn’t feel uncomfortable here. The people…they were no less a part of the Chancel than any other. A necessary, functioning part that improved the whole by testing it – again and again until it became better. The regime just had to be strong enough to absorb them, learn from its mistakes and their provocations. Rebel was an important job. Having them all in one place was convenient.

Roy shifted silently over to the bar and ordered another drink; sipping it slowly as he leant on the counter.

[puppyavenger]

Entering Freyjas, He did a mental rundown of the occupants, hmm, Tyranny, of course, and Memory, ah well that's to be expected. Knowledge is a bit weird though.. Wandering over, he sits down next to Tyranny, so, what brings you to the only sane place in the Chancel? anyway, how are you planning to bring your estate back into existence? he says, quickly downing a cup of coffee into his constantly changing mouth.