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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.

salvageable: (pic#15563152)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-19 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Thank goodness the white coat regain is next month so Dokja doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. And since stealth is the name of this game, he's also dressed in black from head to toe, something that he would have reveled in during his chuuni youth.

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.
lockedon: pid 13807506 (b033)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-20 01:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[ So he's definitely being followed, got it.

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15816098)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-21 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ Can Eustace please stop making valid points because what the hell kind of excuse is Dokja supposed to use now?

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? ]
lockedon: <user name=nijinoji site=twitter.com> (100)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-21 12:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Bold of Dokja to assume that any Firebrand might listen to reason, especially during Firebrand month.

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15423531)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-21 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's an answer that makes sense and one that he'd been expecting, but that doesn't make it any easier to hear. Especially not with current circumstances being what they are, the looming fear of what he might find once they make it to their destination, and he isn't thinking when he pulls back his fist to lightly punch Eustace in the arm. ]

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. ]
lockedon: (b022)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-21 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Can't believe how many times Eustace is getting punched in the shoulder today, truly his life is nothing but suffering.

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15816045)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-21 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ No, he will not come to terms with it, actually. With what's happened to Abel and Himeka, he wants to make sure nothing like this ever happens again, and when Dokja makes up his mind, he's so fucking stubborn about it. ]

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?
lockedon: pid 4667155 (052)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-21 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He'll put up a fight? Hello?? Who's the Martyr here and who's the Firebrand?

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.
salvageable: (pic#15423505)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-22 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, this is not the subject he wants to be on. Yoo Joonghyuk is a sensitive topic on most days, but now that the other man's found himself in the clutches of the Kenoma, Dokja especially doesn't want to talk about it.

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. ]
lockedon: (pic#14244924)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-22 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
lockedon: (030)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-22 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Too bad, this is the subject they are going to be on until I, personally, get tired of it. ]

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... ]
salvageable: (pic#15563148)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-22 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ That's... a relief? It's definitely a better outcome than most, which says a lot, but sometimes you grow used to a person's behavior and suddenly it's hard to tell what's normal or not.

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.
lockedon: <user name=cocodar site=twitter.com> (093)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-22 11:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Eustace doesn't quite catch the sideways look, busy surveying on his own, but it's hard to miss the uncertainty in Dokja's voice. He knows he should let this subject go, leave Dokja's private affairs still private, but there's something about the threat of death that weighs heavy in the air that turns him more honest than usual, more willing to push and prod. ]

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15652598)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-23 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
Of course not. I don't want anyone with the Kenoma.

[ 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. ]
lockedon: official gbf manga (pic#14283757)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-24 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Right. He buys that (he doesn't).

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15332060)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-24 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Damn, that's fine. It was a forced attempt at lightening the mood, but Dokja's still not feeling it. There are too many concerns racing through his mind and so when the five minutes of peace are up...

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. ]
lockedon: (113)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-24 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ no just kidding

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15563149)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-24 06:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's a lot happening and Dokja's stunned for a moment, barely cognizant of what it is that's thrown him and somewhat aware that there are arms catching him as he takes a tumble. The blast has his ears ringing, sounds muffled as his brain struggles to catch up, and when impact against the ground is made, it's cushioned by another body.

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. ]
lockedon: <user name=dnb_blood site=twitter.com> (pic#14953193)

every time i read this tag i burst out laughing, thank you

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-25 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Does it really matter whose mouth is on whose when there are buildings being blown apart in the background?

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. ]
salvageable: (pic#15552896)

you're welcome........

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-25 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ The fact that Eustace is so calm and collected about this makes it worse? What, does he just go around accidentally kissing people to the point where it doesn't faze him at all??

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. ]
lockedon: (078)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-25 12:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry, he doesn't shoot people that are technically on his side without good reason, and internally wanting to die doesn't qualify.

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.
lockedon: (pic#14244924)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-25 05:42 pm (UTC)(link)
this tag is real and committed now
salvageable: (pic#15344884)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-08-25 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Why is Han Sooyoung here with her bad vibes,

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. ]
lockedon: (074)

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-08-25 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ don't die






lolololol ]