Entry tags:
- !event,
- #dionys,
- #innocence,
- #xishen,
- abel nightroad: martyr,
- amos burton: lover,
- anduin wrynn: sovereign,
- barnaby brooks jr: lover,
- bruno madrigal: martyr,
- ciel: martyr,
- claude von riegan: seeker,
- dorothea arnault: celebrant,
- emet-selch: champion,
- estinien wyrmblood: firebrand,
- eustace: firebrand,
- father paul hill: martyr,
- han sooyoung: artisan,
- himeka sui: wanderer,
- howl: celebrant,
- jayce talis: visionary,
- jonathan crane: sovereign,
- kaeya alberich: lover,
- kim dokja: martyr,
- koriel xii (dextera): lover,
- kotetsu t. kaburagi: champion,
- liem talbott: champion,
- majorita: firebrand,
- makoto ("m"): firebrand,
- meteion: innocent,
- rand al'thor: martyr,
- ryunosuke naruhodo: champion,
- sebastian michaelis: celebrant,
- tartaglia (childe): firebrand,
- wrathion: seeker
EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL
By Heaven or Hell
THE BURNING

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

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

❖ 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.
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.
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But there are important lives at stake so he's busy stressing the fuck out, gaze darting to every slight movement that comes into his peripherals. Even with all their careful preparation and planning, he still feels like they could have done more. At the very least, they have someone who's familiar enough with the city. ]
I'm not following you.
[ Yes, he is. As a former Achamoth inhabitant, wouldn't Eustace be the best person to take point? ]
I'm going the same way.
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Well, it's not like it matters that much. As long as they all get to where they're headed in the end. ]
Shouldn't you be with the main rescue group? There are shorter paths to the pyre and you have [ with a nod up towards the illuminated sky ] extra firepower on your side.
[ Stealth is probably of a little less import to them, especially when they dont't have time on their side. His own path is looking a little more zigzag than straight, half his purpose in taking a different route from the rest of the Pleroma lying in the opportunity to scout out a few vantage points for his own use. ]
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He visibly flounders for a moment, steps slowing before he quickly hurries to match the set pace. At the mention of Estinien, he glances toward the sky with a slight frown, unease settling over him at how much of this reminds him of his own world. That idiot... Dokja had told him to do things in reason, but this is a bit over the top.
Shaking the thoughts from his head, he glances back at Eustace, his expression going through a wide array of emotions as he tries to think of what to fire back with. Ultimately, what he has to settle with is the real concern on his mind. ]
... What happens if they find out you left?
[ And shouldn't someone be there as back up should things turn south? ]
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At the question, Eustace slows in turn, the frown on his face deepening. It's a question that's repeated itself in his mind endless times since he's left, and the only answer he can supply sounds extra gloomy now that he's saying it aloud to someone else. ]
Either kill me or capture me. I doubt the method matters when the end result is the same.
[ Some form of severe torture or brainwashing most likely, to make sure he never pulls this kind of stunt again. He'd known the risk going into all this and deemed the potential outcome worth it, and he still feels the same now despite the very real and physical threat that comes with being in Achamoth once again.
Maybe that's why he sounds so calm despite the extremely dangerous Bad End that awaits him if he fucks up at any point during this mission. ]
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You bastard. Don't sound so calm and accepting about it.
[ Dokja had been the idiot to ask, but he regrets it now. ]
If I have to raid this place a second time because of you, that'll really piss me off.
[ This is the problem with getting attached to people when the risks are so damn high. ]
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But at least he's not three seconds away from starting another petty argument, his attitude remaining level-headed thanks to the heavy weight that presses down on all their shoulders. He barely spares Dokja a glance despite being 1) punched in the shoulder and 2) called a bastard, eyes flicking back and then back forward as he continues on. ]
Would it be more helpful to panic about it?
[ It wouldn't and they both know it. This is the choice he made and this is the subsequent consequence he has to suffer through, if worse comes to worst. He's had time to come to terms with it. Dokja better learn to accept it quick too. ]
Don't you have someone else here you should be worrying about instead of me?
[ He doesn't mean Abel or Himeka. ]
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At least make it sound like you'll put up a fight.
[ It's grumbled out, low and upset. He doesn't want to think about this, not when there's already so much on the line now. He's supposed to be over his attachment phase, so why is it that he's come here and done nothing but grown attached to people?
But it's the second question that immediately silences Dokja. He shouldn't be so obvious with his emotions, he thinks a little too late as he struggles to recover. It's clear, though, that he's been rattled by who Eustace means. ]
... How do you know about him?
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But at the end of the day, Eustace is still not accustomed to people giving a fuck about him, and it's easier to shift the topic away from himself (and any perceived danger to himself) and to a third party he has less investment in. There's enough going on without adding personal attachment into the mix. The last thing he needs is Dokja swooping in again to save his sorry ass.
(That woman, Sooyoung, really was right though. Saving and being saved by Kim Dokja really ends up being some sort of unhealthy habit.)
So it's a good thing that Dokja looks visibly rattled by the mention. Eustace grabs onto that fact for dear life, even if his own composure stays solid and unwavering, his voice careful. ]
I met him.
[ Once before and then once afterwards, though he's not sure if Dokja would even be aware of the distinction. ]
He's more of an asshole than you are, surprisingly.
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He shifts his gaze away, every part of him radiating an uncomfortable nervousness. ]
Well, I'm glad he didn't stab you when you met him.
[ A slight pause, and then Dokja turns his attention back to Eustace to give him a worried once over. ]
... He didn't stab you, right?
[ Can't be too sure these days with all the healers around. ]
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No, he only tried to kill me.
[ The words are dry, without humor. But neither are they filled with resentment or haughty judgement. Kill or be killed, that's just a way of life out here, and he's not about to make things personal just because someone feels compelled to fight for their own survival.
He slows a little as they approach an intersection, then strides ahead when a swarm of guards fails to show up and surround them. Dimly, he can hear shouts in the distance, as if the opposing side is already gearing up to fight. (They are.)
Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk will be part of that army, now recovered from his stay in the Achamoth lodestone. Maybe they'll all run into each other again. If they do: ]
Are you going to talk to him, if you see him?
[ Is there even going to be a chance to talk, quite frankly... ]
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He slows when Eustace slows, not sure what he's waiting for, but then Dokja picks up on the distant sounds of shouting and nearly misses the question. ]
Talk?
[ Why is Dokja repeating that in such a surprised tone? ]
I mean, I'll try to talk to him, but...
[ He trails off, turning his head to make it appear like he's on the look out when really he just wants to mask the expression of disappointment on his face. ]
It's like you said. He can be an asshole.
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But you still don't want him with the Kenoma.
[ It's not asked as a question even if it technically is one. He and Dokja might not be the best of friends, or anywhere near actual friends even after all these months, but he's learned enough about Dokja to glimpse at the type of man he might be. A rightful asshole Yoo Joonghyuk might be, but the way Dokja speaks of him isn't the way someone might talk about a hated enemy.
He cares, even a little bit, and he's not the type to leave those he cares about hopeless and alone in a city full of despair. ]
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[ He tries playing it off. His relationship with Yoo Joonghyuk is rife with complications and to dwell on this topic any longer than he has to is guaranteed to head into emotions Dokja doesn't want to face. ]
I'm still surprised you left, but...
[ Ah, speaking of feelings. He can't exactly say he's glad Eustace left, can he? Well, he can, but imagine being that honest. ]
I guess if there's hope for you, there's hope for anybody.
[ There. That's more like him. ]
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But even his pushiness has bounds and now, in the middle of a dangerous infiltration, is no time to stick his nose into someone else's private life. He drops the subject and lets Dokja inject some sorely needed flippancy into the conversation.
Even if Eustace chooses not to doesn't dignify that comment with a response right now, opting instead to move ahead. They will simply have to coexist in peace for the next five minutes, or however long it takes for some part of a building to suddenly explode and knock them both over. ]
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A building explodes.
It happens on Dokja's side and so he goes careening against Eustace, bodily tossed against him as the explosion sends shock waves rippling through the street. Debris flies around everywhere and he thinks he feels some of it dig into his legs, hit his torso, scrape against his neck—
And then he's falling. ]
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The explosion has him pivoting, one heel digging into the ground as his torso twists reflexively to catch sight of what's happening so he can best defend himself against it. Unfortunately, all he catches sight off is a body careening towards him with enough force to knock him off balance.
Reflexively, his arms snap out - but towards Dokja instead of towards the ground in an effort to stabilize himself. His own safety has always taken a seat when weighed against the safety of others, and it's second nature by now to protect those in his range whenever the opportunity arises, even if that person is a huge jerk who gets on his nerves more often than not.
So it's with a grunt that he lands on the ground, earning himself a few scrapes and bruises before the battle's even begun in earnest. But hey, at least Dokja has a nice pillow to land on and a pair of hands stabilizing his fall. ]
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He'd instinctively closed his eyes on his way down, but they fly open now. Not because of the shock of the explosion or the ache in the parts of him where the rubble had connected, but because there's an odd feeling of lips pressed against his own?
What the fuck.
It's Eustace. Underneath him. With his mouth on Dokja's mouth or Dokja's mouth on his mouth because we can all equally share blame for this, distributes handshakes.
As for Dokja, his eyes grow clownishly wide as he realizes what this is and then he's jerking away with a shout, hands scrabbling for purchase to pull himself up and in the process, groping Eustace's 8 pack. ]
every time i read this tag i burst out laughing, thank you
Eustace is decidedly not thinking about the order of operations here, though he is a little puzzled by this fortuitous turn of events that have aligned their bodies just so. Strangely enough, despite everything that's happening - the sudden burst of noise, a particularly large stone digging uncomfortably into his back - he's pointedly aware of Dokja's lips against his own. A little dry, a little chapped, and gone the next second as the other man scrambles upright with a strangled yell.
Huh.
He's quick to follow suit, pulling himself up and back onto his feet, rolling out one shoulder that seems to have gotten a little scraped up in the fall. At least he doesn't look embarrassed or disturbed when he asks: ]
You okay?
[ From the fall, not from the.....whatever that was. ]
you're welcome........
Or maybe it's just Dokja overthinking things as usual.
Now that the shock is starting to wear off, he's realizing that he's sore from where the debris had hit him, and it takes a moment for him to stand, grimacing the entire way as he does. At least he doesn't think he's bleeding anywhere, most likely just bruised, and he focuses on checking himself out in order to not think about what had happened only a few seconds ago. ]
I think I'm okay. [ Glances toward where the explosion had come from. ] If you hadn't caught me, I would have probably fallen on my abs—ass. I... I meant... Oh my God.
[ Fucking shoot him to put him out of his misery, please. ]
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He might have to shoot someone else real soon though if this keeps up. The noises are starting to get louder, and he thinks he can hear....cheering in the background? Some sort of excited ruckus that absolutely cannot bode well for what's about to come next. (Typical Achamoth behavior, cheering for death and destruction.)
Dokja's slip of the tongue does not go unnoticed, but for everyone's sake Eustace will simply gloss over it to save them all some suffering. ]
Try to stay on your feet next time.
[ It's like this kiss never happened......damn. Or more like Eustace is once again compartamentalizing so things don't fall apart in the middle of the street. They can talk about this later if they really need to. ]
You should head that way [ with a nod of his head towards the source of the noise ] if you're aiming for Abel and Himeka.
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Anyway, since Eustace is being so chill about it, Dokja will do the same? He's great at repressing his emotions anyway so what's another one, lmao.
He jerks his head toward the sound of where the cheering is coming from, wariness growing at the idea that anyone can be celebrating at a time like this, before he pulls his attention back to Eustace. It's not like he wants to part ways here after the talk they've just had and how much danger Eustace seems to be in, but.
Abel and Himeka. ]
Don't die, [ he finally snaps as he takes a step back toward the way pointed out to him. ] And don't get captured either. I'll pull the fur out of your ears if you do.
[ That is a PROMISE... With a final glare, he spins on his heel and takes off in the direction of the pyres. ]
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lolololol ]