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Aion Mods ([personal profile] aionmods) wrote in [community profile] aionlogs2022-08-18 12:17 pm

EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL

By Heaven or Hell
THE BURNING
Achamoth, as it turns out, is no stranger to public killings... the burning of two Pleroma, however? That's special. Abel and Himeka's upcoming execution date seems to be regarded by the city's populace as something akin to a holiday, with the upper crust of the social stratum fighting for positions of prominence in the festivities, including the best possible seats. It's been decades since any Pleroma have been brought to heel in Achamoth, and it would only be prudent to place yourself at the forefront of this exciting new trend. There's a sense of pageantry to it: ritualized ceremonies, public sermons, and strange religious 'décor' are all part of the process.

The city is in the throes of these preparations when the two Pleroma captives are finally brought to a central square not far from the Citadel's front gates. Two burning pyres have been set up for them, about ten feet apart. While Abel and Himeka's bodies are chained to their stakes, their shards will be handed off to Silco, Ciel, and Makoto to be brought along separately. The set up of the execution is thus: while their bodies are ravaged by flames, their shards will be bound to an altar in advance of the pyre. Via a kind of alchemical 'fuse', the pyre being lit will trigger a reaction that will gradually result in a explosion on the altar just large enough to destroy the shard in turn. The shards will be bound in position with a series of jewelry-like metal prongs that could be pried away, but would take some time to do carefully.

As the Pleroma make it to the city, the sun will be setting on the 17th of Firaseri, with the execution about to be underway. The pyres will not yet have been lit, but are fully prepared. All Kenoma will be called upon to guard the city, with the warning that the Pleroma are mounting a raid to rescue their imprisoned comrades. For Kenoma both new and old, it's a time to test your mettle. Those that defend Achamoth valiantly can expect to be rewarded.

INNOCENCE ON FIRE
The city of Achamoth looms ahead, a seat of power in Horos in every fashion. It sprawls outwards, claiming the lands around it in a lazy confidence. The spires of the city grow up and up like a mountain, dragging the eye towards the Citadel. The walls that surround it are modest in height as if offering a challenge to any foolish enough to attempt to climb them. Who would? The Regent's eye is ever-present and the guard towers that line it like beaded pearls on a string are reminders that nothing goes in or out of the city without notice. Openings in the towers and the walls threaten the use of projectiles while dark, shimmering crystals float above with the quiet hum of protective magics. Only a fool would breach these borders.

Initially, getting into the city unmolested will be a considerable struggle for the Pleroma. It's military is robust, its fortifications solid, and even without the Kenoma's added resistance, the sheer numbers could be considered insurmountable. Stealth could get them some of the way, but its sentries are watchful, and immigration is strictly controlled. With faith alone driving the Pleroma towards their goal it's fortunate, then, that something is there to answer their call.

Estinien will feel the presence of the Innocence Entity rise up in him again, and this time it is offering him a choice. He may utilize its power to save the ones he loves, while risking both the brutality of the Regent's defenses and the threat to his own soul by channeling such power. It will stand with him against the darkness, it says, if it is truly his will. Emboldened by the power of the Firebrand and his love for his comrades, it is no surprise that he accepts.

Light will flood the sky above Achamoth, an ethereal aura combatting the encroach of the night. From a great miasma of wings and flame, a colossal dragon emerges, coiling above the city skyline. Its luminescence rains down upon the city, and all Achamites exposed to it will be enchanted into finding the idea of committing acts of violence unthinkable, at least so long as no violence is brought against them in turn. With much of Achamoth's defenses having lost the will to fight, only the Kenoma will stand in the Pleroma's way as they penetrate the city, making their way to Abel and Himeka's pyres.

As the Pleroma forge ahead, this draconic being that was once Estinien Wyrmblood will guard from the skies, drawing the attention of the Kenoma towards it and it threatens to bear its might against the Citadel itself. Fortunately for the Kenoma guarding the city, they will know that the Regent has a plan. All they must do is hold off the beast long enough for the Regent to wield their own strength in turn. The battle against this creature will take place here, with combat rules being explain in this OOC post.

As the power of the Innocent washes over Achamoth, those of its Legacy, or those marked by its Promise or Touch, will hear it speak on the winds in a chorus of voices:

Aions of this new dawn... I have honored your choice... fight... if you will... and I will follow...

FIREBRAND RISING
Beneath the moon of Firaseri, however, the Innocent isn't the only force at play. Firebrands of both sects will find themselves spurred on by a rush of Legacy-based power, as if inspired by the tumultuous environment of an anti-authoritarian raid. How precisely this manifests will depend on which side they are fighting for.

PLEROMA
The Firebrands among the Pleroma raiders will feel a sense of vindication and rightness come over them, set as they are to challenge the Regent's rule. Their powers will be amplified during the battle, and those that witness them and are inspired may find their performance boosted. The nature of these enhancements is fairly flexible. For the Firebrands, the use of their regular skills and abilities may be amplified beyond normal boundaries, whereas those following in their wake may find themselves with usual endurance that allows them to push their their usual limits.

KENOMA
The Firebrands of the Kenoma's inspiration is more complicated in nature, given their roll in defending Achamoth's status quo. However, they will find themselves bolstered while facing the pacifying might of the Innocence Entity. Firebrands will experience a natural resistance against any Innocence based attacks that would stop them from fighting, and will be able to use this blessing to rally NPCs that would otherwise be rendered useless to their cause, in defiance of the entity's command for peace. In general, they will see a boost in strength while fighting the raid boss in particular, unable to be deterred from their goals.

In general, all Firebrands will feel untethered by their regular inhibitions, fighting for their desires at all costs. Abilities intended to bind them or control their will, will be largely ineffective, and they will find shields both physical and magical particularly easy to break through.

QUESTIONS
Q: What is the best way for Pleroma to travel to Achamoth?
A: Akua and Estinien are both setting up portals from Godsblood to the outskirts of Achamoth from which to begin mounting the assault. Caitlyn will be providing a back-up in the case either of those portals go down.

Q: Can my character make use of the chaos and try to raid the Citadel?
A: They can try but there will be mod rolls involved for any attempts. NPCs inside the Citadel will not be affected the same way the NPCs outside in main area will be. We do not want it to seem like the Citadel is defenseless otherwise.

Q: If Kenoma cause damage to the city during the raid, how will the Regent feel? Will there be consequences?
A: It should try to be avoided, but the Regent will understand if there is collateral damage in battle as long as they aren't being careless about it.

Q: Is the "no-combat aura" completely incapacitating NPCs?
A: No, it is only stopping them from aggressing the Pleroma. If they or their property are attacked they will defend themselves, and are otherwise operating with a normal level of cognizance. Kenoma Aions can order them out of the area to avoid being hurt if necessary.

BOSS BATTLE:
Q: I would like my character to take part in the battle but want to limit the outcomes in a way that isn't too devastating. Is that possible?
A: We think in that case we would basically only be acknowledging the possibilities between the "The attack either misses, is ineffective, or it triggers a counter attack from the boss." and "The attack hits with moderate effectiveness, as determined by the nature of their action." range. So, you can't get taken out, but you also can only deal moderate hits at best. You could still trigger a counter attack from the boss, but the damage taken from that is more flexible and free form than the 1-5% zone. If you make an attack with this restriction just add a little OOC note to your initial attack tag.

Q: How can a support character engage in the combat?
A: If your character is providing support, you may team up with an attacker to submit a "group attack". This means that your character is putting their effort towards supporting that attacker character that round, and will not be able to submit their own separate action. In exchange, that attack will receive two mod rolls instead of one, and the attack itself will be based on the more favorable of the two rolls. (Sort of like rolling with an advantage in modern D&D.) We will make as many rolls as there there are character combining their effort and select the best of them.

If any character rolls in the 1-5% zone they will still be taken out, however. Click the link above for more information.

Q: Can my character take a hit for another character after a mod roll?
A: We would be willing to accept this in the case of the defender taking the hit for the attacker, which would mean that if it's a 1-5%, they would be taken out in the attacker's stead.

heavybreaths: (Gripping)

[personal profile] heavybreaths 2022-08-19 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Of all the archaic methods of attack Vader had expected, a single arrow is hardly among them. He can feel it coming well before it gets close, the Force rippling its warning in his thoughts, and his hand lazily rises to flick it aside. The shaft clatters on the cobblestone streets, echoing in the sudden silence that comes between two claps of thunder.

The display is impressive, certainly, but Vader voices his own retort by leaping off the street and landing on a nearby rooftop to avoid he lightning strikes. His fingers flick, ripping a half-dozen solid roof tiles up and sending them whizzing towards Joonghyuk. Drawing his dark-iron sword, he advances on the dark-clad archer, cape billowing in the sudden breeze.]
regression: (pic#15857217)

[personal profile] regression 2022-08-21 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry that he can't get access to guns in Achamoth. They are resourceful, but not so technologically advanced, and he also thinks guns are lame. Joonghyuk watches with some intrigue and curiosity... Some kind of telekinesis? How interesting yet also annoying to deal with, but it must have its limits and he plans to test them.

With Vader hopping off of the streets, a volley of arrows follow him, quick with little pause in between. They only stop when the tiles are coming straight his way. Quickly, the exchanges a bow for a sword and cleanly cuts through the tile, showcasing honed swordsmanship with how effortlessly this blade arcs. Precise, without extra effort to do the job.

There's a thought as he senses the dark figure's presence pressing toward him—does he want to keep distance? Quick decisions allow Vader to pursue with Joonghyuk staying his ground. The lightning continues to dance while his right eye shines bright, drawing out Vader's information. Sage's Eye is used on Vader and the other man may notice this invasion of privacy as he presses forward.
]
heavybreaths: (Growling)

[personal profile] heavybreaths 2022-08-22 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Impressive. Vader knows skill when he can see it, and that is skillful. Most cannot deflect projectiles so neatly without the Force, and yet this one can. Most curious. It isn't every day that one meets people like that, and while he is hardly a battle maniac obsessed with proving himself, a part of him does want to learn more about this one.

His interest doesn't miss the fact that he's being scanned, and he returns the favor in kind, attempting to discern Joonghyuk's surface thoughts and emotions.]


I can feel you probing, Kenoma. You would be wise to withdraw, and wiser still to give up this foolishness the Regent has set you to.

[His fingers flick and the stone beneath Joonghyuk's feet begins to collapse, crumbling to put him off balance. A surge of supernatural speed carries Vader closer, his sword raised, but he doesn't try to cover the distance completely yet, figuring he'll let his opponent make the first move.]
regression: (pic#15851272)

[personal profile] regression 2022-08-22 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
And siding with the Pleroma isn't foolishness?

[ From his tone, he thinks this whole situation they're in is ridiculous, holding no animosity whatsoever for the position Vader holds. He moves on his on, taking one single step off of the crumbling. It seems casual and leisurely, until he charges forward with inhuman speed. His sword's blade sounds clicks and cracks as lightning dances along its edge, glowing and reinforced by the element itself.

It collides with Vader's sword, forcing metal shrieks to knife through the rising pall. The lightning threatens from the sky and his weapon. Adding force and pressure, he looks at the other man, full of unyielding resolve in his words.
]

The Regent is just a stepping stone.

[ Not a follower, he has no loyalty whatsoever, but he wants what they have to offer, if there is anything there at all. If there wasn't, then there's nothing left for him... And he could say the same if he went to Pleroma. Sometimes you take a gamble, allowing yourself be a pawn. ]

You are content? With the scale of your powers, it'd be a disappointment if used for an unworthy cause.
heavybreaths: (Close Up)

[personal profile] heavybreaths 2022-08-23 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
Both sides in this conflict are foolish, but in different ways. Yet, only one has the gall to claim that they wish to destroy reality itself.

[The electrical force might be a problem if he gets hit with too much of it, so he sends a flare of the Force up his own blade, effectively infusing it with his will to make it strike harder and diffuse it harmlessly. The weapon begins to gleam with a sullen coal-red light, casting shadows all around them as their blades dance. The shriek of metal and the discharges of sparks conduct a cacophonic symphony as Vader meets his opponent thrust for thrust and slash for slash.

The Regent is a stepping stone? How interesting. That's ambitious, definitely.]


I am content in my choice. Destroying the Regent is a worthy endeavor. Reality must be protected, no matter the cost.

[A roof tile whips up from behind Joonghyuk, angled to strike his leg.]

You have another goal in mind?
regression: (pic#15850979)

[personal profile] regression 2022-08-23 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Doesn't disagree he thinks the Regent is egotistical and he probably... does not like them.

The lightning doesn't conduct as well onto Vader's sword thanks to his reinforcement, but it doesn't stop Joonghyuk from relying on his strength alone. The swords clash, dancing to a waltz of their own as they continue to collide. To onlookers, it may seem graceful, but this isn't a noble spar.

Joonghyuk adds no extra flair, purposely holding back to keep his abilities secret, but his sword doesn't wear down. The lightning from metal continues to spider and splinter, but he takes a step back when a bolt from the heavens strikes the space between them.
]

A reality of my making. A worthy conclusion to my story.

[ It's vague, but still doesn't lack an ambition... What he has in mind isn't grandiose, but in a ruined world sometimes it's the simple, mundane things that you yearn for. ]

If the Regent has the key to power that can defy fate, then I want it.
heavybreaths: (Scowling)

[personal profile] heavybreaths 2022-08-24 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
[The lightning cuts through the dance like an impatient partner, pushing them apart. Vader's helmet inclines, a nod of respect and actual acknowledgement. That is a goal he can understand, and it would have been the only reason he'd have even considered worthwhile. But a part of him, a large part, cannot go along with it.

He doesn't believe that their worlds are gone, and he also cannot believe that any world is so far gone it cannot be changed.]


A worthy enough end. Yet I cannot accept the end of all things for the chance at creating something new. Worlds can be changed by those with the will to do so.

[He doesn't immediately renew his attack as the lightning flickers away, but his guard remains up.]

You would be wise to reconsider service. The Regent will attempt to force your loyalty.

[How does he know? Because it's what he would do.]
regression: (pic#15851350)

[personal profile] regression 2022-08-27 06:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He stands there tall despite believing he has lost everything. Horos was not part of his plans and he would rather not be here to join in some pitiful war using terms from his world—which makes him wonder if this place is real at all.

There's a sense of loss and, yet, the brightest hope.
]

I've fought the universe for over a thousand lifetimes. [ And for all of those lifetimes he defied the stars themselves. However, there is one thing he learned to be universal. ] There is no story without sacrifice.

[ Frankly, he would sacrifice the worlds of many for his own. Why should he care for those he doesn't know? When you are trying to survive, there's no room to be noble. You can only be ruthless and cold.

The last part does spark a twist in his countenance, exuding disdain that can be sensed in their sovereign connection.
]

One sign of it, [ Him, specifically. Others can continue to be brainwashed. ] I leave.
heavybreaths: (Looking Skyward)

[personal profile] heavybreaths 2022-08-30 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[A strange thing to say, but there were those that lived on for centuries in the Force, and those that had mastered secrets Vader was aware of but had not yet sought himself. A thousand lifetimes was...quite long...though. It gave some context to how the man was able to fight this well, and of the strangeness of his aura, which left little room for doubt.]

Some sacrifices are too great. [Solid, unshakable conviction burns along their Sovereign's connection. He too is a man that has ignited the stars with his conviction, a man who has fought fate itself. He had sacrificed billions, but he would not dream of burning it all down.]

I sense you yet hold on to hope.

[His sword lowers, just slightly. A measure of respect, noting his disinterest in continuing a fight that seems pointless for the both of them. If it continued, it may well be the end for them both, and he was not reckless enough to throw himself at the stranger. Not yet.]

I am sure that in time you will find yourself among us in due time.