Next Play date: Saturday, January 5th
POLARIS
of three Knights
of the Tallstar Remnant,
and of their Queen,
doomed to fall...
Ain: just fought to death with someone who might be the Queen... now on her way to assassinate the Horde Master with Antares
Alula: is on her way to raid the Senate
Yad: Rescued his daughter who was lost in the Waste, but taunted by a Demon child for still neglecting his family. His wife Lesath probably doesn't like him.
Lady Ain
Background
The King and Queen had a single child, a single daughter, before they clashed, and the events in the book took place. Then the King and Queen died/disappeared/whatever. Few know exactly what happened (either because the struggle was secret, or because the winners rewrote history and the losers were suppressed, or because the People preferred to forget, or...). Now the child, the Princess, has become Queen herself, and it's time for her to choose her King. But will she fall under the Dawn's sway and side with her father's legacy, or will she be persuaded by her mother's followers (the Knights first and foremost) to oppose it?
Ain is a widow with two children. She inherited her husband’s Stellar Knight title, and made his oath her own. As did her late husband, she longs for the time before the Dawn, and wishes for her children to live in a world without Sun. She is passionate in her hatred for the Dawn, and defeating the Mistaken is her reason for living.
She served the previous Queen, before she left/disappeared/whatever. Like most Knights, she is still true to the previous Queen’s vision, and is determined to see the present Queen condemn the Dawn and its followers.
As befits a Knight, she is entirely devoted to protecting the new Queen. She loved the previous Queen with all her heart, and much of that love is now directed at the new Queen. From her fellow Knights, she expects faithfulness and devotion to the Queen equal to her own.
Being more at ease among the People than on the battlefields, her tasks tend to center on rooting out the hostile intentions that arise among those tainted by the Mistake. She is proud of her responsibility, and acts with a sense of purpose. As a woman, and the Queen’s guardian and confidante, she is trusted into the Queen's intimacy, more so than most male Knights.
Ain is middle-aged. Her hair and eyes are of the purest black, and her skin is the color of virgin snow. Her dress is strict and conservative. When preparing for violence, she dons a light and delicate suit of chain mail. Unless the situation demands otherwise, she proudly wears the emblems of her House, of the Knights, and of her Queen. When looking upon her Queen or her own children, her expression is one of love. When in the presence of someone who doesn’t reject the Dawn and its influence completely, her gaze becomes accusing.
Aspects
Office
Fate
Blessing
Ability
Office: Knight of the Order of the StarsDescription: The character is a Knight Stellar, called or driven into the service of the stars.
How it might help you: You need to find evidence in an investigation. You use your role as a Knight to gain special privilege. You are performing some action characteristic of the Knights and the Order.
How it might hinder you: Someone brings up the Knights' bad reputation. The terrible doom of all Knights confronts you. You discover something terrible about the past of the Order. You are fighting the Frost Maiden or the Solaris Knight.
Special Rules: Automatic Aspect.
Office: The Queen’s Confidante
Description: You are the young Queen’s Confidante, as you were to the previous one. You keep her informed of the People’s whereabouts and mood, and warn her of hostile intentions. At times, your are tasked with rooting these out yourself. Additionally, the Queen sometimes opens her heart to you, seeking support, discretion, and, occasionally, advice.
How it might help you: You know your way around the Queen’s palace and court. The Queen listens to you. Those who know who you are respect or fear you. The Queen helps you.
How it might hinder you: Others suspect you of wrongly influencing the Queen. You are on the path of harm directed at the Queen. You have to lie (or worse) to defend the Queen’s interests. You disapprove of the Queen’s choice.
Special Rule: If you lose this position, this Aspect either becomes The Queen’s Former Confidante, or perhaps something else.
Note: Modeled on the “Aide to Senator Altair” Aspect.
Fate: The Mistaken Are Amongst Us (Idea)
Description: As the People’s will grows weaker, the Mistaken seep into the cracks and infiltrate the Remnants. They take on the guise of the innocent, but you will not be fooled, for you have seen them. Will you manage to expose this most insidious of threats?
How it might help you: You discover a Mistaken in the People’s midst. You learn the demons’ language. Your special gift is recognized by the Senate. You learn not to judge a book by its cover.
How it might hinder you: You wrongly accuse an innocent. You discover someone close to you is in fact a demon. You come to admire the Mistaken’s cunning. You forget the meaning of purity.
Fate: The Queen's Fall (Event)
Description: The Queen was a credit to her People. But in one moment something changed, and she will be remembered not for her great deeds, but for her horrific betrayal and the terrible price that she paid for it. Were you the cause of her downfall, her antagonist as she turned, the witness to her failure, the bard of her corruption; or were you the last to love her, aven as she fell? Perhaps you were all this, and more.
How it might aid or hinder you: The seeds of the Queen's downfall are revealed.You confront the Queen about her corruption. You defend her against the charges and accusations, even when they are true. As you hold her hand in yours, there is a cold pink slime beneath the surface of her skin. You give her the water, anyway.
Special rule: This Aspect is shared by all the player-characters.
Blessing: Starlight Sword
Description: A shimmering, transparent sword of starlight appears in your hand whenever you need it (faintly colored white). It is perfectly sharp, and sings slightly as it moves.
How it might aid you: You are fighting something in melee combat. You gesture with your sword and all conversation stops at the pure tone. You hold up your sword as a symbol of your knighthood.
How it might hinder you: The demon you are fighting is immune to your sword. You accidentally hurt a companion with your sword.
Special rules: Automatic Aspect.
Ability: Lore of Demons
Description: You have learned from the Knights about the nature and type of demons, and how to fight them.
How it might help you: You recall something about a demonic weakness, and exploit it. You use your lore to diagnose a demonic possession, or perform an exorcism.
How it might hinder you: Your lore is incorrect. Demons use your knowledge to manipulate you. Your knowledge separates you from the People.
Special rule: Automatic Aspect.
Stats
Ice = 2 (things that are beyond the Knight)
Light = 1 (the Knight himself and his own abilities)
Zeal = 3
Weariness = 0
Cosmos
Heart (JC): Lady Ain
Mistaken (George): Antares, the Mistaken conspirator -- The Horde's Master, targetted for assassination
Moon (Sean): The Young Queen -- Sarin, Ain's suffering son -- Albireo, Ain's confused daughter -- Acamar, Ain's late husband
Alula Australis
Background
This curse became rather obscure after her mother fell into becoming a half-insane hermit, but she remains haunted/amused by her half-brother, the full fledged demon Onyx Laughter. Who through the years has managed to be a sidekick, a problem, a trickster and a corrupter, and usually accompanies atleast two roles at once.
Quick-Sheet
Themes |
Cosmos |
Stats |
| Office H M |
Heart (Sean): Alula |
Ice: 2 |
| Fate |
Moon (George): Alcyone the senator, The Queen |
Light: 4 |
| Blessing |
Mistaken (JC): Onyx Laughter, Alula's Demon-side |
Zeal: 0 |
| Ability |
Weariness: 1 |
Aspects
Office: Knight of the Order of the Stars
Description: The character is a Knight Stellar, called or driven into the service of the stars.
How it might help you: You need to find evidence in an investigation. You use your role as a Knight to gain special privilege. You are performing some action characteristic of the Knights and the Order.
How it might hinder you: Someone brings up the Knights' bad reputation. The terrible doom of all Knights confronts you. You discover something terrible about the past of the Order. You are fighting the Frost Maiden or the Solaris Knight.
Special Rules: Automatic Aspect.
Office: Barbarian
Description: You are from a nomadic warrior culture torn apart from the cities of the stars.
How it might help you: You know how to survive outside of civilization. You can meet situations with bold and direct action. You inspire fear and intriguement in others. You are chronically underestimated. You can approach a situation with an outsider's unique perspective. You can see historical knee-jerks for what they are. You associate well with other outsiders.
How it might hinder you: You can't fit into the civilized ways of the court. You are an obvious political target. You are the immediate subject of stereotype and derision by the narrow-minded. You are viewed as strange and dangerous. You know little of the history or traditions of the people.
Fate: Cannot Reveal That You Are Demon-Blooded
Description: Alula bears one of the most hideous secrets of all the Knights Stellar. Her Heritage is tainted by demonic blood. Though she refuses to outright deny it, she is nonetheless willing to both evade the question and omit it by extreme measures, for she does not doubt that its revelation would result in her immediate execution.
How it might help you: You find a demon ally. You can spot demons in the shape of people by their mannerisms. You are adept at covering your tracks.
How it might hinder you: You must hold back on deriding others for their dishonesty. Your secret may be tested. You may be forced into evasiveness. You must remain aloof from those that would not understand you. You cannot share in self-righteous glory with your fellow Knights.
Special Rule: This Aspect can be changed, but neither it nor whatever it changes into can be removed.
Fate: The Queen's Fall (Event)
Special rule: This Aspect is shared by all the player-characters.
Fate: Betrayal of the People (Event)
Special rule: All Knights obtain this Aspect when they become Veterans.
Blessing: Starlight Sword
Description: A shimmering, transparent sword of starlight appears in your hand whenever you need it (faintly colored white). It is perfectly sharp, and sings slightly as it moves.
How it might aid you: You are fighting something in melee combat. You gesture with your sword and all conversation stops at the pure tone. You hold up your sword as a symbol of your knighthood.
How it might hinder you: The demon you are fighting is immune to your sword. You accidentally hurt a companion with your sword.
Special rules: Automatic Aspect.
Ability: Lore of Demons
Description: You have learned from the Knights about the nature and type of demons, and how to fight them.
How it might help you: You recall something about a demonic weakness, and exploit it. You use your lore to diagnose a demonic possession, or perform an exorcism.
How it might hinder you: Your lore is incorrect. Demons use your knowledge to manipulate you. Your knowledge separates you from the People.
Special rule: Automatic Aspect.
In-play history
| Themes |
Stats |
| Office: Heart, Mistaken |
Ice: 3 |
| Fate: Heart, Mistaken |
Light: 2 |
| Blessing: Heart, Mistaken |
Zeal: 1 |
| Ability: Heart, Mistaken |
Weariness: 0 |
| Cosmos: |
Heart (George) |
Moon (JC) |
Mistaken (Sean) |
| Yad Al-Jauza |
The Queen |
Zhinu, Weaver in the Pit | |
| my daughter Dabih, rescued from the Mistaken |
|||
| my wife Lesath the Lame |
Office: Knight of the Order of the Stars
Description: The character is a Knight Stellar, called or driven into the service of the stars.
How it might help you: You need to find evidence in an investigation. You use your role as a Knight to gain special privilege. You are performing some action characteristic of the Knights and the Order.
How it might hinder you: Someone brings up the Knights' bad reputation. The terrible doom of all Knights confronts you. You discover something terrible about the past of the Order. You are fighting the Frost Maiden or the Solaris Knight.
Special Rules: Automatic Aspect.
Fate: The Queen's Fall (Event)
Description: The Queen was a credit to her People. But in one moment something changed, and she will be remembered not for her great deeds, but for her horrific betrayal and the terrible price that she paid for it. Were you the cause of her downfall, her antagonist as she turned, the witness to her failure, the bard of her corruption; or were you the last to love her, aven as she fell? Perhaps you were all this, and more.
How it might aid or hinder you: The seeds of the Queen's downfall are revealed.You confront the Queen about her corruption. You defend her against the charges and accusations, even when they are true. As you hold her hand in yours, there is a cold pink slime beneath the surface of her skin. You give her the water, anyway.
Special rule: This Aspect is shared by all the player-characters.,
Blessing: Starlight Sword
Description: A shimmering, transparent sword of starlight appears in your hand whenever you need it (faintly colored white). It is perfectly sharp, and sings slightly as it moves.
How it might aid you: You are fighting something in melee combat. You gesture with your sword and all conversation stops at the pure tone. You hold up your sword as a symbol of your knighthood.
How it might hinder you: The demon you are fighting is immune to your sword. You accidentally hurt a companion with your sword.
Special rules: Automatic Aspect.
Blessing: Mask of my Father's Face
Description: Before his father died. he cast a mold of his visage in white quartz.
How it might aid you: You need a disguise. it lends you courage in battle, you meet an old friend of your father.
How it might hinder you: You meet an old enemy of your father, a demon possesses it (and thus you), you lose it in a time of need.
Special Rules: none
Blessing: Blood-hair Bow
Description: When Yad met a young girl in the wastes, she handed him a bow of dark hair, stained red with blood...is it the hair of Yad's daughter?
How it might aid you: A Mistaken recognizes the token and is intrigued, you use it in some sorcerous ritual
How it might hinder you: One of the People notices it and accuses you of conspiring with the Mistaken, it paralyzes you with grief at a critical moment.
Special Rules: none
Ability: Lore of Demons
Description: You have learned from the Knights about the nature and type of demons, and how to fight them.
How it might help you: You recall something about a demonic weakness, and exploit it. You use your lore to diagnose a demonic possession, or perform an exorcism.
How it might hinder you: Your lore is incorrect. Demons use your knowledge to manipulate you. Your knowledge separates you from the People.
Special rule: Automatic Aspect.
Ability: Lore of the Lowest Library
Description: Deep in the lowest basements beneath the Tallstar Remnant, in a cold and dry chamber of ice and stone, sits the Lowest Library. Few go there, few know it still even exists. But those who know the way hold a key to knowledge lost in recent years.
How it might aid you: You need to learn something that has been forgotten, you need a refuge, you need to trade knowledge of its location in some bargain.
How it might hinder you: You reveal its location to an enemy, the knowledge there seems authoritative but is actually false.
Special rule: none
Other Polaris Stuff
Conflict Map
Key Phrase Reference