![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
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
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.
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.
Thoma | Pleroma | Wanderer
⇢ closed to Sebastian
Sprinting from one skirmish to another quickly and without properly observing his surroundings has led Thoma into an unfortunate dead end as his gaze scans the alley around him, wondering if he can just scale over the wall and take to the rooftops. Maybe if he had his wind glider on him...
His thoughts are interrupted as he picks up a soft mewl from one of the nearby crates. It shouldn't be his preoccupation –there's a whole battle going on, Thoma– but the tiny head peeking out tugs hard at his heart strings. How could he ignore a kitten? ]
Are you okay over there, little fella? I didn't mean to frighten you.
[ The poor thing must be scared and starving, and Thoma is so distracted trying to coax it from inside the crate that he misses the shadow slowly but surely approaching. ]
no subject
Really, this was hardly his ideal situation. A battlefield wasn't something he was unsuited to, but... It felt a bit of a waste, in his opinion. His skills were well-suited to this, but they were just as well suited to more subtle matters, which all of this business would make significantly more difficult. Ah, well, he supposes, thinking on the matter as he heads down the alleyway quietly. The different attire marks this person as an enemy, and they're not paying attention, so it'll at least be quick enough, he thinks.
...However.
A single noise catches his attention completely, and rather than simply being a shadow, Sebastian is very suddenly right behind Thoma. He's completely unarmed, but wearing an expression far too serious for looking at the kitten with the same intensity. Naturally, between that and his quick approach, the kitten is not the biggest fan and hisses. It's something Sebastian is well used to, at least. ]
My goodness. This is no place for such a darling creature.
no subject
Slowly, he turns around and is relieved that he's not immediately stabbed or gored. He'd picked a terrible time to let his guard down, but his would-be assailant appears to be more concerned with the kitten than himself.
Thoma doesn't relax completely, but he does nod in agreement at the statement. ]
I think all the loud noises are giving it quite a fright. I have some dinosaur jerky I packed with me to coax it out further, but I am not sure if there is a safer place to take it.
[ Assuming this man is a Kenoma, which Thoma is 99% sure he is, he might have better insight on potential local kitten shelters or may even want to adopt it. ]
no subject
Hm... I know a place, but getting there with it safely would be quite difficult at the moment. It is a bit too chaotic.
[ And then, as if catching up, he asks after a beat: ]
...Pardon, but did you say dinosaur jerky?
no subject
It was supposed to be a snack for the road to keep everyone’s energy up. I’m sure I can spare some for the kitten. Would you like to try one, too?
[ He knows he technically is not supposed to feed the enemy, but no one is here to watch and judge him for it. Plus, if this Kenoma was truly that terrible, he would have already stabbed Thoma with something, so he can’t be all that bad.
The bag is wiggled enticingly in Sebastian’s direction as he awaits a response. ]
no subject
...Hm.
After a moment's hesitation, he reaches to the bag to take a (small) piece. ]
The jerky part I understand, but it was the dinosaur portion I was questioning... Do you mean great lizards?
[ He does smell it first, mostly to evaluate the seasonings used, but then takes a bite. Clearly, he's a rather trusting sort himself!
...Or, more accurately, if it's poisoned, it's not something he's terribly concerned about. ]
no subject
Yes, there are quite a lot wandering about. They’re a bit hard to hunt, but their meat makes for decent protein aside from fish meat. It also keeps for a while if you salt it right.
[ He did his best...
He feeds some to the kitten, watching it slowly creep out of its hiding spot to nibble on the jerky. It seems pleased enough with the jerky to continue devouring the whole thing, so Sebastian can rest assured it’s safe enough to eat. ]
There... look at him. Or her. Just the softest ball of fluff I’ve ever seen. I wonder if its mother is anywhere nearby or if it’s truly been orphaned. I’m not sure I could carry it out of the city safely, so that’s why I suggested a shelter or permanent home.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
⇢ closed to Gray
The moment he does, he starts following her, weaving through the bodies and hoping to cut her off. ]
Gray, wait–!
[ His spear is drawn and held in a defensive stance as he skids to a stop in front of her then glances around. There are a few bodies in the distance, but no one close enough to hear them. However, he still considers taking their fight to more private grounds. ]
I need you to focus on me, okay?
[ Because he's 99% sure one of the other Pleromas will actually try and kill her. ]
no subject
But it's clear that Thoma is, as always, intent on talking to her first before anything, and she indulges him by stopping to hear him out. Her scythe remains neutral in hand, neither completely lowered nor pointed at him, but she can't completely discard the possibility that someone will try to attack her while she's talking to him, whether he intends for it or not. ]
Mr. Thoma... I knew you'd be here.
[ He's very gung-ho about a rescue mission. ]
no subject
If it weren’t for our captured allies, I’d have stayed back, but I had to do everything I could to rescue them. I think most of the others feel the same, too.
[ A charge through the capital was always going to be a huge risk, and without Estinien, they wouldn’t even come close to pulling it off. However, Thoma doesn’t think they can rely on that trump card for so long. Estinien has no control over the Innocent beast controlling him, so he could prove to be as much a danger for them as he is an ally. ]
Whatever you do, stay away from the dragon. I don’t want you to get injured more than you have already, and I don’t think anyone on your side can take him as he is.
[ Not unless they’re also concealing their own trump card. ]
no subject
I'm sorry... It's too late for that.
[ She's already had her go at the dragon and all things considered, she's lucky to have walked away in the end. With magical reinforcement as her crutch, the impact of the fight on her body isn't as apparent as it should be, but there isn't much hiding the pink-splotched bandages on her face. They criss-cross haphazardly so that the only bits peeking out from under her hood are roughly one eye, one cheek, and her mouth. Lacking and having no desire for a mirror, she may as well have dressed her bandages in the dark.
Acknowledging that she was thoroughly thrashed, she comments with mild ruefulness. ]
I don't think either of us are very good at avoiding risks.
no subject
It's fine. It's probably better that you did some fighting, considering everything we've learned about those that don't comply.
[ He motions her to one of the quieter, unguarded alleys where they're less likely to be disturbed. ]
Let me at least fix your bandages while I have you alone. That's not going to hold for very long, and your wound might get infected if not properly cleaned.
[ Assuming she doesn't find a decent healer first, but Thoma hasn't really met many on Kenoma's side yet. Besides, this is probably the best he can do for her for a long while. ]
no subject
She stops short of entering the alley. It's unreasonable, but in this one matter she isn't ready to compromise. ]
If you do that... I have to ask you not to look at my face.
[ It may very well be impossible, but that's her condition. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
⇢ closed to Aerith
So here he stands now, a block of stone, only his head remaining mobile. He's tired, starving, banged up, could use a bathroom, and there's a bird or two roosting on his shoulders, but he's trying to be positive. Someone is bound to pass by and notice his distress eventually.
...Any moment now.
He spends several minutes thinking this before a Pleroma finally does actually pass by, one of the new faces he'd caught on the way to Achamoth. Because he can't move anything but his head, he tries to wriggle it around to get her attention –although, he could just call out to her. ]
Hey! Over here! I know I look kind of like a statue, but I was actually turned to stone! Don't be alarmed!
[ His shouting is probably not helping, but it did scare the birds away, so... win? ]
no subject
So she doesn't notice the statue as she runs past it, eyes trained ahead on her goal—
But then it talks??
Aerith all but skids to a stop, and turns, brow furrowed in confusion. ]
Hello? Oh!
[ And then she realizes his head is all that's left. Her hand flies to her mouth in shock, and she tentatively steps towards him, eyes wide. ]
Are you alright!?
no subject
More importantly, he tries to wave reflexively, only to remember that his hand is currently immobile for obvious reasons. ]
Probably as alright as I could be in this state. Would you mind scratching the tip of my nose for me? It’s been killing me for the past few minutes.
[ That’s not even accounting the rest of him that feels uncomfortably numb at the moment. ]
I had a run-in with a Kenoma and forgot she can petrify anyone really easily. She’s pretty strong... Don’t let the pigtails fool you.
[ Maybe Thoma was the only one who was fooled by her gentle-looking demeanor. ]
no subject
I haven't seen anyone like that, but I'll keep an eye out.
[ She drops her hand when she's given his nose a good scratch, and then takes a couple steps back, raising up her staff. ]
Here, let me help!
[ It takes her a second — she's used a lot of her stamina in the last little while — but soon he's washed in gentle green light, ethereal leaves swirling around him and then dissipating. It won't take the stiffness away immediately, but he should start to feel his nerve endings come back, starting with his extremities. Almost like he's waking up a limb that's fallen asleep. ]
no subject
...Right. ]
Thanks, and I can’t tell you how much all that’s helping. I couldn’t feel anything below my neck for a while.
[ He still can’t really wriggle his limbs around, but at least, there is some blood flow. ]
Can you remove the stone, too? Otherwise, I might be a little too heavy to evacuate.
[ Maybe one of their friendly Pleroma dragons wouldn’t mind carrying him if that’s the case, but he’d prefer just to run with his own two legs out of here. ]
⇢ closed to Misa
The important part is that Abel and Himeka are now safe, so he can relax slightly, though he's wary about Estinien losing control and about not being captured himself, desperately hoping he doesn't clash with any more Kenomas on the way out. He's also starting to get exhausted of moving from skirmish to skirmish.
...Fate is not on his side today, as the moment that thought flickers to life inside his head, he runs right into a Kenoma, one he's only ever seen from afar. He swallows thickly, holding his spear in front of himself protectively rather than outright attacking. ]
We don't have to fight, you know. I'm on my way out, and I'm sure you'd like to check in on your comrades and make sure they're okay.
[ She seems like a nice enough lady, so maybe reasoning with her will work. ]
no subject
Oh, please. They'll be fine.
[ A scoff. She brushes off his comment about her comrades easily, drawing an ornate blade from a holster at her hip, since she can see that obvious spear in his hands. Actually, she begins petrifying one of his hands around the weapon, aiming tp trap it there in the shape of its grip, thinking it'll make it more difficult for him to fight. ]
What, I should just let you run off just because you're "on your way out?" That's a dumb idea, and you know it.
no subject
So is not preparing himself better to be petrified. His hand is now glued to his spear, but he’s actually a little glad he wasn’t holding something else at the moment... Still, he stubbornly continues with his plan to reason with her, if only because fighting will be difficult if he can’t figure out how to free himself. ]
I figured you’d want a rest, too, or maybe provide back-up against the Innocent-beast. Why waste time with a housekeeper? The Regent would probably scoff if you waved my share at them.
[ If only his pyromancy was at all effective, but stone isn’t the easiest material to melt. He thinks he’s only managing to just barely char it even with his powers at full. ]
no subject
[ Her voice is skeptical, her gaze staying pinned on him as she continues her enchantment without pause. While she doesn't immediately pin his other hand to the spear, she lets the growth of stone gradually travel up the same arm— and for the time being, she feels she has no need to make any further advance towards him. ]
That spear doesn't look very housekeeper-ish.
[ And neither does that strange heat singing the edges of her spell, really, if that's truly what she's seeing in front of her eyes. There's a curious, almost pouty note to the way she speaks, as if she's convinced he's just trying to lie blatantly to her face about his strength, just to get out of a confrontation. ]
no subject
My lord and lady wanted me to train just in case I needed to guard them or the household. It’s really not that unusual!
[ She’s probably not interested in his life story, but he’s trying to buy time to allow his pyromancy to build to maybe free himself. It’s not working very well, either... ]
I suppose you could take me out here, but I still don’t think my shard is worth much. Probably not the shard the Regent even as their sights on.
no subject
Ow!
[ She huffs, now fully glaring at him and moving her gaze to his other hand, spurred on by her irritation at being struck. Her non-armed hand goes to clutch at her side, limping just slightly as she moves. ]
Ugh— okay, sure, maybe I can believe you about the housekeeper thing— I still doubt it!— but you do realize you're the one that came into Achamoth, right? How am I supposed to know you're not going to come here again and cause all sorts of trouble?
[ Since he's beginning to take swings at her, she tries to keep moving, circling him from a few paces away, still plenty in range to use her ability. The longer time goes on, the less mobility he'll have in his arms to make jabs or swings at her— it's imperative that she tries to keep her distance from the blade. ]
Whatever your strength is... you're giving them another number. So that's worth something.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)