EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL

[aionmods]

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.

Comments

[cutlery]

[ He raises a gloved hand as if in a placating gesture, but it's light more than anything actually concerned. He knows how bringing up the question might sound at all, since it was hard to miss how dedicated to the Regent one was supposed to be. It's part of why he poses the question at all, but the reasons are definitely more abstract. ]

Ah, not at all, and not one I am looking to make myself, mind you.

[ And he really isn't. Some demons might crave the sort of power and influence the Regent has, and this city and situation would be a dream for them. He simply isn't one of them. Being a tool to be weilded by another suits him just fine. ]

But it is a choice. There are many methods that would accomplish the same. This one has more than a little flair for the dramatic.

[baltimores]

[ It's easier being a tool to be wielded, isn't it? Less stressful. Helps you keep your head clear, helps you make sure you're on the right side of things.

Or at least that's the way Amos has seen the Regent, so he could certainly be forgiven his loyalty. His posture loosens a little at Sebastian's placating gesture, the way he makes it clear he's not looking to challenge anyone.

Good, as if any of them could ever stack up to the Regent, as far as Amos is concerned. ]

Yeah, probably not what I'd've gone with. Back where I'm from, bullet to the head would've done it. Less sure if the guns here are reliable enough for that, but you snap their necks and it's over, right?

[ His voice slides into a casual drawl as he checks the last of his armour, looks back up at Sebastian. Like he's reviewing a menu more than talking about the way two people who have been tortured for nearly a month should die. ]

Dramatics have gotta be part of the point. We've had plenty of opportunities to kill them by now; there's a reason we've waited this long.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods with a light sound of agreement, and he speaks smoothly. It couldn’t be called casual (it’s simply a word that doesn’t suit his overly formal politeness), but he certainly doesn’t have a problem speaking about the prospect. ]

Well, the firearms here are not too dissimilar to the ones I am familiar with, so I can say it would be more than adequate. Perhaps not for a public execution, since hangings were still the preference for that, but.

[ He could go into why guns weren’t preferred in the 1800s, but that sort of cold calculus does seem like a bit much to say... Besides, it’s not as relevant in this case. ]

I only have my guesses, as I am still catching up on the politics of our situation… But of the history I am familiar with, this flavor of drama tends to be meant as a message for both enemies and allies alike.

[baltimores]

[ While Sebastian's a lot more formal compared to his nonchalance, Amos gets it; they have different ways of going about things, but they're on the same page regardless. It works great for him, lets him easily engage. ]

Yeah? I guess if you just need to line up one pre-planned shot the guns here would work. Not like you should need more than the one, but...

[ He sighs, shaking his head slightly. He misses guns from his time; what he'd give to have his shotgun on him instead of this sword from Achamoth's armoury... He's working on getting something more up to his standards built in Godsblood, but when you're separated by about 500 years' worth of technological differences, these things take time.

Oh, well. Armour in place, Amos idly withdraws his sword, turning it over in his hand. It'll have to do.

He looks back up at Sebastian. ]

But yeah, hanging'd be pretty quick, too. That's not the point. Point is that their friends are coming here, and more time they waste on this, the more chances we got to take them out. [ He pauses, cocks his head. ] And yeah. It means they'll take longer to die. Our people are gonna have a tough time being here if they don't have the stomach for that.

[ But considering the calm nature with which they're both discussing this, he's pretty sure Sebastian does have the stomach for it — hence our people. Sebastian's clearly one of his own, he's decided. He's looking for a solid affirmation rather than vibes more than anything else.

And maybe what he might think of those who don't have the stomach for it, too. That's one area Amos isn't quite as certain. ]

[cutlery]

It is still not exactly convenient.

[ He finishes the thought that comes with Amos's sigh, but he does bring a hand to his chin thoughtfully as he considers it. After all, the limitations of powder had been some that he had planned around for former master's manor, at least in part. ]

Not that it would suit this particular situation, but in my previous line of work, we overcame the limitations caused by reloading by preparing beforehand, to put it simply. I worked with an excellent sniper, so I assured that there were always racks of Mosin–Nagants prepared to be used at any time. Not that they are powder, mind, but the reloading takes long enough to be an issue in conflict. Rather than be focused on the reloading time necessary, I chose to simply eliminate it. A similar principle could be applied here, I suppose.

[ Sebastian makes a light noise of recognition, like he's just realized he was rambling a bit. It's followed by a small laugh as he waves his hand dismissively. ]

...Do pardon me for rambling! As is clear, it is simply a consideration I have made before.

[ And since he had talked for a bit there as he had mulled over the problem, he doesn't immediately get to the topic of the execution itself. Though from his elaboration, it's fairly clear that combat isn't something unfamiliar to Sebastian in the slightest. Being burned at the stake was a bit beyond that, but the easy, business-like tone certainly gives a good guess that he wouldn't be bothered at all. ]

[baltimores]

[ Never mind the fact that Sebastian hadn't actually addressed half of what he said; Amos' attention is still fixed on him as he rambles, something of an appreciation for the fact that he's talking to someone who already knows as much about guns as he does.

Fuck, this is officially good company. ]

Shit, yeah, that'd work here. Get two people with a gun each, line 'em up, each one gets a kill. Someone else to probably crush their shards while it's happening, take them out permanently. [ Since a burning at the stake is all for show — but it really would be all for nothing if their shards weren't destroyed, too. Then you'd just be killing two people in dramatic, painful fashion, but they'd come back anyway. ] Kinda shit for being on the battlefield though, huh? Maybe we've got someone who's the type for sniping, but I'd rather be on the front lines.

[ He is also not experienced enough in magic to be on the front lines in this particular world, but getting thrown into the fire's as good a way to learn as any.

But if Sebastian's going to ramble about something that's a point of interest to Amos... ]

Where I'm from, though, reloading isn't an issue. I mean, it is if you run out of ammo, but that goes for any gun. But there are ways to have the gun reload on its own. Soon as you fire a shot you got another one in the chamber, ready to go. Works great for being in the middle of the action.

[ He glances down at his sword again, kinda sighs. It's so inadequate in comparison. ]

I know how to build 'em. Achamoth doesn't have the resources for it, but Godsblood does. I'm kinda working on something with someone there on it.

[cutlery]

Indeed. While it can work for a battlefield, the preparation is significant enough that it certainly could not be done today, to say nothing of needing someone skilled enough to wield it efficiently. The front lines is where I prefer to be as well...

[ Which is a small blessing for the Pleroma, in a way, since he would be an excellent sniper in his own right. His eyesight is much sharper at a distance than a human's, and adjusting to shoot accurately at a distance wouldn't take him very much effort at all. But guns as a whole are impersonal to him. Naturally, a demon would prefer to dig its own claws in directly for the visceral thrill of it.

But even so, he recognizes them as a useful tool. They had been just beginning to become something reliable enough that he imagined the next time he was summoned, they might have been something he choose to use more. At least he can speak well to them now, since he had certainly learned a lot about them in his efforts to acquire proper tools for Meyrin and Bard both. ]

—Ah, but yes, I am somewhat familiar! I managed to procure a few Luger P08s, and they are much more impressive in that respect than the rifles. Still not perfect, since jamming is still an issue, but definitely adequate for something closer range.

[ He hums thoughtfully, but then lowers the hand from its thoughtful position at his chin to gesture generally towards Amos. ]

I do not know if it would be of any assistance, but I can recreate the technical material that I was provided when I was researching the matter. It may not be ideal, since with how you speak of it, I do imagine that they may seem quite rudimentary by comparison to what you are familiar with, but. [ He shrugs ] If it was being developed circa 1889, then there is a fair chance that it was a part of my evaluations.

[baltimores]

[ There's a sense of approval, of respect, from Amos as Sebastian details that his preferred place on the battlefield is also on the front lines, even if it's for reasons he doesn't actually understand. There's no visceral thrill in killing for him — that might earn a skeptical look before shrugging it off; as long as they're all on the same team, right — but more the knowledge that there's a degree of control he has on the battlefield. On the front lines, it's in his power to protect his people. Of course that's where Amos belongs.

And the guns here just aren't good enough for it, so, a sword it has to be. His fists, if it comes back down to that.

There's interest in his gaze, too, as Sebastian details another gun he's never heard of before. Something old, then — and when he says 1889, Amos can't help but huff a small laugh. ]

I'm from the 2350s, so we're probably both out of luck.

[ Which is a shame, but maybe if Amos is able to get things off the ground, Sebastian will be able to understand the technology quick enough. It's not his fault he has to work with a knowledge base hundreds of years in the past for him; maybe he just has to be introduced to what's possible is all. ]

Maybe I can draw up schematics for you when all this is over. Don't know what you'll be able to do with those, but doesn't hurt to see what you're missing out on, right?

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian's response is first a very surprise oh, because 2350 is the furthest ahead he's heard, and by a large margin. The surprise at least passes quickly, since it bleeds into a warm, easy laugh. ]

My, so indeed! I am sure if I were to provide you such a thing, it may well look like simply throwing a pebble by comparison!

[ With that much time, he can truly only guess all of the new and creative ways that humans would think of to kill each other... ]

But schematics are very much something I would like to see, should you not mind. I can at least say that I am a quick study, so hopefully it would not be that far beyond what I can understand.

[baltimores]

[ Well, it'd be a hell of a pebble throw... but... yeah.

There's no discouragement to be had here, though; ever since Amos had set eyes on the state of the firearms available in Achamoth's armoury, he knew this was going to be a long-term thing, if even that. (Really, just being able to get an in in Godsblood feels like a lot. He's thankful for it.) Sebastian might not be able to help so directly, but he is someone he can talk about this stuff with, so that's more than good enough in Amos' books. ]

Nah, I don't mind. Might take me a bit longer to draw up since I got messed up a little while back — [ and here he switches his sword to his left hand and holds up his right for Sebastian to see. It's healed over, but his ring and little fingers are very much gone — ] but I can still do it. Anything you don't get, I can probably catch you up on.

[ After all, if Sebastian's already got this much expertise, what's another 460 years or so? Guess they'll find out! ]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods understandingly as Amos shows his hand, though it also comes with lightly holding up his own in a clear gesture of "don't worry about it." ]

There is no particular rush, so please, do not inconvenience yourself on my behalf. My curiosity is just that, so I imagine there are more important things you may need to do.

[ But his tone makes it clear that he would be appreciative of it all the same, naturally. ]

I would offer to exchange knowledge in return, but I do not know how much I may have to offer in that department...

[ It's a bit of an assumption based on appearances alone (sorry Amos), but he gets the impression that Amos wouldn't be particularly interested in the finer points of the occult, literature, or any of the other kinds of knowledge that Sebastian tends to hoard. But there's at least one thing that tends to be agreeable for most. ]

If you enjoy a good meal, I am an excellent cook? It is rather simple by comparison, but it is at least something I can offer with confidence.

[baltimores]

[ Amos nods in turn; yeah, alright. He'll draw up some schematics of the kind of guns he's used to when he's got time, similar to the ones he'd supplied Godsblood with. Maybe even ones more advanced, since he knew replicating what he'd had back home was an incredibly long shot, but no harm in showing Sebastian everything he knows there. ]

Hey, no problem. Whenever I got the time. Hell, it'd probably be good for me to do it anyway. Keep the mind fresh.

[ Even if he may never have access to that level of tech again, it's not like it's something he wants to forget.

And then he blinks at the offer of getting something in return. Amos... really hadn't been expecting that, but.

Sebastian is right when it comes to first impressions of him; he really doesn't have a lot of use for his traditional fields of expertise. As he goes on, though — as he mentions food — Amos' eyes do brighten a little, his body language noticeably perking up. ]

You don't gotta offer me anything in exchange. [ He says it simply; Sebastian really doesn't. But if he might get something out of this anyway... ] But yeah, I'll never say no to a good meal. They could be hard to come by where I came from. Anything you make, I'll probably like.

[ Which might be an understatement. Still... kinda sounds like they've got a deal, doesn't it? For after this is all over with. ]

[cutlery]

I may not need to, but I do want to. It may be a bit old-fashioned of me, I admit, but I enjoy showing appreciation for one kindness by offering another.

[ It's also slightly more than that, though it's nothing really of concern to Amos, as far as Sebastian's concerned. It's more along the lines of demon etiquette, in a way, because for a demon, nothing is really free. It doesn't have to be malicious, of course, but returning a gift with another gift makes sure both parties are "even," essentially. When you're creatures whose memory is unfailing, it's much easier to keep track of such a score, after all. ]

If you have any particular kinds of dishes you like, do let me know and I shall at least begin thinking about it! [ And then realizing that probably sounds like too much effort, he adds with a laugh: ] Ah, cooking is a hobby of mine as well, but I tend to prefer cooking with a purpose. Striving for the best version of a dish is an excellent way to apply it.