It’s ironic that I, an English teacher, was corrected on the difference between “good” and “well.” Ironic, sure, but not uncommon. I started Session 2 by confessing that I’m sucker for good characters. I was quickly reminded that Exalted is a game of well-made characters, not necessarily (morally) good ones!

Session 2 focused on character creation. We’re starting off the campaign as heroic mortals, so that saved us a lot of time, not having to hunt through the 100+ pages of Charms. Even so, it was a full night!

We started off by answering some questions that I lifted off of the Dresden Files RPG (If I wasn’t running Exalted, I’d probably be running that). I really liked that the DFRPG made you consider your character’s background, in order to better develop your character’s personality, as well as providing fodder for your Aspects (or, in this case, Intimacies). Here’s the questions I asked:

What was your family life like? Did you come from a rich or poor family? Big or small? Were your parents very involved or mostly hands-off?

Did you have friends growing up? If so, who was your best friend, and where are they now?

When did you first discover your talents?

What is the greatest example of your talents to date?

How did you figure into someone else’s story?

Another thing I like from DFRPG is the fact that everyone already knows each other indirectly through Guest Starring in each other’s “Big Moment.” The group also established that they all are allied with the Winter Dragon, whether in thought or literally.

Afterward, we went through the mechanical aspects of character creation. This part was much quieter than the previous one, which is very odd at our table. This was probably because there wasn’t much need to consult with other people.

From this, we have five heroes (though I use the term loosely) for our story.

Yolan Frostson is played by Wade. In short, Yolan is a retired war leader called out of retirement by the interference of the Realm and the request of the Winter Dragon. As such, he is gifted in War, especially small group tactics. He looks to be capable in combat, especially strategic warfare, which I am eager to try out. Yolan commands a small army of loyal men, and has a magical wolf companion. He seeks to reunite the North as in days past. Ideally, the North would rule itself, outside the control of the Realm. He also believes that a peaceful life is a good one, as he has been greatly enjoying his retirement.

Dega the Bastion is played by Ben. Dega, as Ben describes him, is a berserker priest who dual-wields shields. As such, his Soak is just about unsurmountable. Of course, this makes mobility a problem for him, but his giant stature and heavy defenses more than make up for that. He is a priest of Arcadius, the God of the Northern Tribes, who granted Exigence to the Winter Dragon. As such, he is also loyal to Arcturus himself. However, is a zealous priest, and will not suffer nonbelievers.

Xhanda is played by Blake. Blake describes him as a “Daniel Craig James Bond.” That is, instead of being a shadow—never seen, never touched—Xhanda will be the last thing you’d expect, like an elephant charging through a wall. Even so, he is skilled at stealth and covert attacks, though his preference is to stab people with his arrows. He is very mobile and boasts impressive accuracy. Xhanda was raised as a member of the Immaculate Order, but left when he learned that they sought to undo the Exigence of the Winter Dragon. Even so, he remains loyal to his friend, Fist of Four Dragons, and retains a lingering belief in the supremacy of the Immaculate Order. Above all, he wants to keep the North independent of the Realm, while maintaining good ties with them. He also has a strong dislike for pirates.

Rigvar is played by Jamie. Rigvar is described by Jamie as a walking arsenal, possessing a weapon for every situation. He is a fearsome warrior, boasting impressive combat skills across the board. He is the childhood companion of the Winter Dragon, and is able to call upon him and the resources of his warband. He also acts an emissary of the Winter Dragon and will serve him with his dying breath. He hates deliberation and would much rather take action than talk about it. He also believes traitors deserve no mercy.

Captain Iris Valencio is played by Katie. As befitting her title, she is adept at sailing, and has plenty of space to exercise her abilities. Katie also intends on Iris becoming a weather mage, and so has high stats in Occult, with the intent to pursue Sorcery. She comes from a troubled past, and this has left her with the belief that people are selfish, and that orphans should not be mistreated. She has not seen her one friend from her childhood for some time, and is dead set on finding them again. She is also beholden to Wayfarer Isle.

Everyone else is played by John, your friendly neighborhood Storyteller and blogger.

I probed a little during the session about intended Exaltations. Jamie envisions Rigvar as a Dawn Caste. Ben is certain he wants Dega to become a Zenith. Blake intends for Xhanda to Exalt into the Night Caste. Katie sees Iris as either a Twilight or an Eclipse. Wade is debating between Yolan becoming a Dawn (based on combat abilities), Zenith (based on leadership), or a Twilight (based on mental capabilities. Personally, I’d like to see a Perfect Circle, but that’s just because I think they’re cool.

I’m finding that I really like the implementation of Intimacies in EX3. The varying levels of intensity make them more believable. Between world-building last session and everyone’s Intimacies, I feel I have plenty of story hooks to work with.

The next session will be our first in-game session, and I’m feeling only little bit of pressure to make this an exciting opening to the chronicle. I’ve got tentative ideas right now, but I’m certain that something has to explode.