xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
ARCHERY ---------xx- 0
ATHLETICS ----------- 2
AWARENESS ---------- 2
DODGE -------------x. 2
INTEGRITY ----------- 0
MARTIAL ARTS ----xx 5
MELEE ------------xxx 0
RESISTANCE -------xx 3
THROWN ------------- 0
WAR ----------------xx 3
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
CRAFT xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx------x 0
LARCENY xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx--- 0
LINGUISTICS xxxxxxxx------xxxxxx 1
PERFORMANCE xxxxxxxx---xxxxxx 0
PRESENCE xxxxxxxxxxxxx---xx---x 2
RIDE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx---xxxxxx 1
SAIL xxxxxxxxxxxx-----xx--xxxxx-- 0
SOCIALIZE xxxxxxxxxxxxx--xx----x 0
STEALTH xxxxxxxxxxxx-----xxxx--- 2
SURVIVAL xxxxxxxxxx------xxxxxxx 1
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
BUREAUCRACY ------ 0
INVESTIGATION xxxx 0
LORE ------------xxxx 0
MEDICINE -------xxxx 1
OCCULT ---------xxxx 0
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
White Reaper Style --x Martial Arts
Tactician xxxxx---xx-xxxxxxx-- War
Command xxxxx----------x Presence
Endure Pain x-----xxx--x Resistance
Sense Danger x-xxxxxxx Awareness
xxxxxxx
His true character was formed after many years of strife and military service Baek Kwan was molded into the man he is today. This soldier mentality drives him to be straightforward and efficient. He understands the importance of tact when dealing with others in social interactions but will forgo courtesy for the sake of efficiency, often getting on the nerves of others especially those who think highly of themselves.
A downside of that mindset was following orders from superiors without question, a trait of his that changed after he and his friends were betrayed. After suffering that betrayal Kwan began to question authority and the agendas of others. This has led to him being unlikely to trust others until he has spent enough time and forming a judgement of their character. This practice of his is done on virtually everyone he has extended contact with, staring and observing them while hiding his intentions behind his facade.
Although it is difficult to befriend him and learn his true character, as he lives daily behind his persona, once youâve gained his trust he would do everything within his power to protect you. He is fiercely loyal and would ultimately sacrifice himself for those closest to him, as he regrets he wasnât capable of doing so before. A true friend who will listen to your worries and help if he can and also celebrate your successes when appropriate.
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
Overthrow corrupt Realm ---s
Assist the Gold Faction xxx--s
Protect allies xxxxxxxxxxx---s
Obtain greater strength x----s
Live without anymore regrets
VIRTUES
xxxxxxx
Compassion --x 1
Temperance xx 1
Conviction x--x 4
Valor xxxxxx--x 4
LIMIT BREAK
MERITS
xxxxxxx
Martial Artist xxx Eidetic Memory
Danger Sense xxx Pain Tolerance
xxxxxxx
FLAWS
x
xxxxxxx
Before Exaltation || After Exaltation
xxxxxxx
BACKGROUND
This was a chance for the patrician house to obtain political influence and wealth through a union with a great house but it was not without its downsides. If the child between the two families did not awaken their Terrestrial abilities it would be a stain against them and the mother. Despite the difficulties their family may face, and the struggles their daughter would face, a political marriage was established between the patrician and the great house. This union was finalized during the time of Resplendent Air and was the same day the child received their name, Ragara Kwan.
Kwanâs childhood in the great house of Regara was the envy of many, he had all the luxuries money could buy and more. Surrounded in decadence and the pleasures of life brought some joy to him some joy but something kept bothering him, his absent father and motherâs gaze. He could count the amount of times he had met his father on a single hand and even though he saw his mother every day he never felt any warmth or love from her. No matter how excellent he performed in his studies and martial practices he would never receive praise or affection from either parent, his father would acknowledge him but his motherâs eyes only grew more distant.
Having shown promise as a warrior and strategist from a young age Kwan had been selected to join house Ragaraâs military force. The military force of the Ragara house wasnât viewed favorably among the family members because the majority of Regaraâs might was in economics and diplomacy, the military arm existed mainly to enforce law and defend against outside threats since there were little to no feuds with other great houses. Another reason the position wasnât viewed favorably was because people outside of the main household could serve within the military force. Despite the opinions of others Kwan dedicated himself to his position, to protect his household and obtain greater personal strength in the ten years of mandatory service.
While training and serving within the military branch Kwan had begun to develop a couple of friendships among others serving. Genuine friendships were hard to come by in the great houses due to the nature of intrigue existing in the houses. Among the friends he made there was one which caught his eyes, her name was Lee Yeona. She wasnât stereotypically beautiful, her skin had a number of scars, her figure wasnât as developed as others but she was still feminine, her hair wasnât long and flowing because it lacked practicality while fighting, but she was beautiful to Kwan because she radiated warmth and comfort, feelings he rarely felt from others and something he desperately sought.
After years of being in his position, proving his ability and constantly improving his military mind and skills, Kwan didnât experience their second breath awakening their Exalted abilities. Therefore despite his performance Kwan was viewed as a failure by house Ragara, straining the already shallow relationship between his parentâs families. Countless members of the great houses mocked and ridiculed Kwan behind their fake smiles. Disappointed in himself Kwan sought forgiveness and comfort from his mother, causing her cold eyes to be filled with utter contempt towards him. A loud resounding slap echoed in their home that day, a slap filled with all her past resentment towards her husband, her family, and her son. That was the last day Kwan visited his mother.
The only people who treated Kwan with respect were his fellow warriors serving house Ragara. Determined to prove his worth and protect his friends Kwan continued to develop his skills in the military, waiting for his release. Not long afterwards his relationship with Yeona had grown, they had even begun to spend the night intimately together. The two of them loved each other and wanted to solidify their relationship through marriage. Not caring for what their families thought the two were secretly engaged and prepared to leave the Blessed Isle as soon as they finished the service remaining time.
One day a portion of Ragaraâs military was instructed to eliminate a militant group assembling outside the Blessed Isle. Intelligence reports stated that the group was preparing to steal a valuable shipment of house Ragara. Kwan thought the intelligence seemed dubious but his commanding officer was unable to change the order as it was given by house Ragaraâs current head. Following orders Kwan and his officers left to execute the command and eradicate all militant forces in the designated area.
The militant group exceeded what was stated in the intelligence report and the combatants were also much more skilled and organized than what they were led to believe. After hours of struggling, Ragara's military force was finally able to eliminate all opposing forces. Although they had lost many warriors to the enemy Kwan was able to protect his close friends and fiancé. Concerned about the false information given in the intelligence Kwan searched for any information about the forces they just eliminated. His expression was filled with shock once he found evidence connecting this group to another great house, house Nellens, and they were just returning home after an expedition and had no intentions towards house Ragara.
Not long afterwards a much larger force from house Ragara had appeared. Believing them to be reinforcements Kwanâs group felt relieved and believed they would soon return to their homes in the Blessed Isle. They however were surprised that they were given new orders to pursue another group several miles away that had connections to the eliminated forces. Kwan questioned the orders given, declaring that the intelligence was falsified and that the forces had belonged to house Nellens.
The commanding officer of house Ragaraâs reinforcements wasnât shocked by the revelation, rather than being surprised he sighed as he ordered his men to unsheathe their weapons and begin the slaughter. While the officer didnât want to kill the other Ragara military members, he had to follow orders or be killed himself. The order was given because house Ragara couldnât leave any evidence behind that they had instigated a battle to reduce one of house Nellenâs military forces.
Unprepared and tired from their earlier bout, Kwan's forces began to dwindle as more and more warriors were slain. Knowing they were unlikely to survive, Kwan ordered his close friends to retreat and escape the enemies' encirclement. They fought hard but were ultimately overwhelmed by the numbers of their opponents and despite Kwanâs efforts he couldnât protect all his friends.
With wounds and blood covering his body Kwan fought past exhaustion as more and more of his friends died. Distracted Kwan was about to receive a deathblow from a thrown spear but was saved by his lover Yeona. Unable to believe what just happened and overcome by exhaustion, Kwan fell to his knees as he cradled Yeona in his arms. As if the world of Creation was attuned with his feelings rain began to fall becoming a heavy downpour. With tears and blood streaming from his body, overwhelmed by pain from the loss of his lover and the betrayal of his family, he began to transform as a shard resonated within him and turned him into a demon of the battlefield, an Exalted.
Kwanâs once black hair and eyes began to transform, becoming brighter and lighter till it became golden in color. Wounds covering his body began to lessen in severity, his exhaustion was slightly alleviated and strength returned to his body. Memories of his past life began to flood his mind, revealing combat skills and abilities he once used. Unlike the majority of members of the great houses which awaken Terrestrial powers, Kwan had awakened the Celestial powers of the Solar Exalted.
Fearful of his transformation and with thoughts of the Wyld Hunt, Kwanâs enemies tried to kill him before he could familiarize himself with his new found power. Sensing the danger and killing intent aimed towards him, Kwan broke free from the memories that flooded his mind. Successfully defending himself and slaughtering any enemy who dared enter his killing range. While he may have alleviated some of the pressure on him he couldnât defeat everyone surrounding him.
Knowing he would die if he didnât escape, Kwan let out one final frenzied outburst before fleeing the battlefield. He was pursued but whenever they thought they had cornered him he would breakout from their encirclement, time and time again. Without the aid of an Exalted they could only bother Kwan until he escaped. Believing their pursuit to be meaningless the commanding officer ended the chase, returning to the battlefield to remove all evidence of their houseâs involvement.
Badly bruised and beaten Kwan finally escaped his pursuers but kept running east, trying to gain as much distance from the Blessed Isle, in case his family attempted to hunt him down. The only thing which gave him comfort was that the only people who knew of his Exalted status were from house Ragara and they wouldnât reveal that information unless they wanted to be investigated by the other great houses, something they most certainly wouldnât want especially after this incident.
Once he finally thought he was somewhat safe, Kwan began to rest to regain his strength. When he woke up the next morning he found that the majority of his wounds had healed, only minor pains and cuts remained. It was at this moment that he had time to truly process what had just happened to him, his friends, and his fiancĂ©. Overcome with grief for his loss and anger towards the great houses, Kwanâs emotions were in turmoil until they were suddenly calmed as if his heart had turned to flint. While in this state Kwanâs mind was no longer troubled by emotions, ethics, or morality he only acted with self-interest in mind and deadly efficiency.
While travelling the eastern region of Creation, Kwan would continue to have inner conflict between his emotions and his heart of flint. Sometimes while under that state he would act out of character and hurt people against his will. Not wanting to be consumed by that mindset Kwan tried multiple things to control his temperament and emotions. He found when he was in states of euphoria he would have an easier time suppressing his darker emotions and therefore keep his heart in check. The one vice which was the most effective was opium, a drug which could induce euphoric sensations and addled his mind.
Years pass until one night while indulging himself in all manner of pleasures, surrounded by women, alcohol and his opium pipe in hand, Kwan was startled from his reverie by an unknown assailant. Confused and surprisingly hurt, Kwan attempted to counteract but because of his physical state was unable to properly defend himself and was knocked unconscious.
After an unknown amount of time, Kwan is rudely awakened by being thrown into a bathtub full of water. The shock of the cold water sobered Kwanâs mind and he questioned the person in front of him about why they had dragged him there. Without answering his question the person attacked him again, eventually overpowering Kwan and stated matter-of-factly that he was too weak and if he was found by hunters instead of her, he would be dead.
She then dragged the uncooperative Kwan into a small house, where she tended to his wounds and dried his clothes. The woman introduced herself as Baek Moon, she was an Sidereal Exalted who had heard rumors of a group of Terrestrials searching for a Solar Exalted. While Kwan had tried to stay hidden his hedonistic lifestyle required a fair amount of resources and to fund his lifestyle he began to work as a blade for hire. His actions had drawn the attention of hunters and had narrowly escaped imprisonment and death because of Moonâs intervention.
Knowing how close he was to death didnât faze Kwan, he thought that it mightâve happened but at that moment he didnât really care if he died. Moon warned and then convinced him that his death would be meaningless and would hurt those who cared about him and sacrificed their lives for him. Directionless and indecisive of what he should do, Moon suggests that he stay with her and be mentored by her until he is strong enough to protect himself and find and pursue his own path.
The days spent being mentored by Baek Moon was some of the most peaceful days of his life. He didnât have the luxuries of life he had when he was with the great houses but he found something he didnât have since Yeona died, the warm comforting embrace of something who cared about him. Unlike his relationship with Yeona however Moon was less of a romantic interest and was more of a motherly figure, something he desperately wanted and never had.
Baek Moon later revealed that she was a Sidereal Exalted in association with the Gold Faction, a group of Sidereals who support and protect the Solar Exalted and wish to end the dynastic rule of the corrupted Realm. Understanding the corruption of the great houses well Kwan agreed with her that the Realm would be better under someone else's control but he wasnât convinced that the Solar Exalted should be the ones in power. Moonâs position was not as fanatical as others, while she believed the Solar Exalted would lead to the most positive change she believed if left unchecked the faults of the first age could happen again.
Years pass under Baek Moonâs guidance and Kwan is finally able to fight equally and sometimes overpower her. It was at this time that Moon gifted him with an artifact, a powerful and beautifully crafted Wrackstaff created from exquisitely carved blocks of magical material alloys. His emotional turmoil had lessened during those peaceful days, which reduced his need for vices but like any addict he would sometimes indulge himself despite Moonâs disapproval. During this time Kwan had decided that he would aid the Gold Faction with their goals, turning his attention towards the great houses to end their corrupt rule.
In order to work towards his goals he left his mentor and began his journey around Creation, looking for other Solar Exalted to help, amass resources, gain influence and find like-minded allies. It was during this time, while smoking from his pipe, that a mysterious scroll was delivered to him by a crystal winged Osprey bird. Curiosity piqued and with the possibility of furthering his own goals he journeyed as instructed in the message. While travelling he looked down at the scroll and admired the name he was now known by due to his exploits after leaving his mentor, Baek Kwan.
MAGIC, GEAR AND TALENTS
xxxxxxx
Essence score: --11/ 3
Health: xxxxxxx 11/11
Willpower pool: 1/8/8
xxxxxxx
Essence motes
Personal Essence Pool: xx 9
Peripheral Essence Pool: 23
xxxxxxx
CHARMS
Resolving Crescent Defense (Cost: 4m 1i, Type: Reflexive, Keywords: Mastery, Uniform, Duration: Instant) - The White Reaper is most at ease when surrounded by enemies, turning their strength of numbers to his own advantage. The Revolving Crescent Defense cancels all onslaught penalties to the martial artistâs Parry against a single attack, instead converting each point of penalty into a +1 bonus to his Parry. Mastery: This Charmâs duration is extended until the martial artistâs next turn.
White Reaper Form (Cost: 8m, Type: Simple, Keywords: Form, Duration: One scene) - The martial artist rears up into a grim and terrifying battle posture, regarding his opponents as little more than grass to be scythed down before him. He receives double 10s on all decisive damage rolls and can easily fight large groups single-handedly, treating the Drill of any battle group he attacks as one step lower for calculating their Defense bonus. Groups that already have poor Drill instead take an additional -1 Defense against her attacks. He may also move through the space filled by a battle group without needing to spend initiative. More spectacularly, whenever the White Reaper incapacitates or crashes a non-trivial enemy, a halo of sizzling, silver-white Essence surges around him like a second skin. Damaging a battle group also grants him a halo. The martial artist may have up to (higher of 2 or his Essence rating) in halos, up to a maximum of five, with each one adding +1 to his Resolve.
Bleeding Crescent Strike (Cost: 5m, Type: Supplemental, Keywords: Mastery, Terrestrial, Uniform, Duration: Instant) - Condensing the swirling corona around him into a single, blindingly bright line, the White Reaper suddenly strikes with preternatural accuracy. Bleeding Crescent Strike doubles up to (Strength) 9s on an attack roll. When attacking a battle group, he adds its Size to the number of dice that can be doubled, and may double 8s as well as 9s. While White Reaper Form is active, Bleeding Crescent Strike adds one die to the attack roll for each halo the martial artist has. However, at the end of the turn, all halos the martial artist has burn away into wisps of silver Essence, consumed by the ferocity of the attack (except for any halos received as a result of making the attack). Mastery: Any dice added to the martial artistâs attack roll from halos do not count as dice added by a Charm.
Flickering Corona Barrier (Cost: 2m, Type: Reflexive, Keywords: Mastery, Uniform, Duration: Instant) - Executing a lightning-fast kata, the White Reaper bends the arcing nimbus of power around himself into a flickering shield. Flickering Corona Barrier adds +1 to the martial artistâs Parry against an attack. If the martial artist is defending against a battle group, that group does not add its Size to the attack roll. While White Reaper Form is active, the martial artist may expend all his halos to add (halos expended) to his Parry as well. Mastery: The Solar may activate this Charm after his opponent has rolled their attack.
Ox-Body Technique (Cost: N/A, Type: Permanent, Keywords: Stackable 1/5, Duration: Permanent) - The bodies of the Exalted are much more durable than those of mere mortals. To help simulate this, an Exalt may buy extra health levels with this Charm. The purchasing choices are based on the characterâs Stamina rating: At Stamina 1 and 2: One -1 and one -2 health level, 2 total. 3 and 4: One -1 and two -2 health levels, 3 total. 5: One -0, one -1, and one -2 health level, 3 total. The Solar may purchase Ox-Body Technique (Resistance) times. If he increases his Stamina after purchasing Ox-Body Technique, his health levels automatically change to reflect the new rating.
Frontline Warrior's Stamina (Cost: 4m, Type: Simple, Keywords: Perilous, Duration: Instant) - Once per day, the Exalt can draw from the deep well of his vitality to restore his momentum. Roll half the Solarâs total health levels, rounded up, and add successes to his Initiative score. Do not include temporary health levels created by Iron Skin Concentration, Living Bonds Unburdened, or similar Charms. This Charm is reset when the Solar awakens from a full nightâs rest.
xxxxxxx
Essence Rank ------------ 6 points
Artifact, Wrackstaff xxx 3 points
Virtue, Conviction ------s 1 point
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
White Reaper Style: Unarmed
White Reaper Style: xx-- Staff
White Reaper Style: xx- Spear
White Reaper Style: xx Scythe
EQUIPMENT AND POSSESSIONS
xxxxxxx
Large travelling bag xx-xxx Wrackstaff
Gourd of alcohol xxxxxxxx Opium pipe
Opium xxxxxxxxx-- Two sets of clothes
Small knife xxx--x Rations, dried meat
Bandages xxxxxx--x Needle and thread
xxxxxxx