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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.
no subject
First thing's first. At Dokja's request, Himeka nods and gingerly rearranges herself. She's sore all over, but there's enough adrenaline in the moment for her to position appropriately and climb up onto Dokja's back. She hisses a little--putting pressure on her feet where the flames had gotten close hurts like hell, but it's bearable. She wraps her arms around his neck and shoulders, her tail coming up to curl around his waist as well.
Rand is there too--with Abel and gods it's good to see him well. He'd been hitting such a low place in his own confidence not so long ago. (Actually, how long ago was it?) But both of them had pushed through...
All these people here. For them.
A man she doesn't recognizes waves over at them. New Pleroma? She can't tell his attunement without her shard, but--
Himeka's eyes widen as they draw close, recognizing the oplascent stone in one of his hands and the stormy appearance of the shard in his other. ]
...You saved them! Thank you...
no subject
it's over.
he's straightening himself and loosening his hold so Abel might finally aid his rescuers in getting the pair of them away from this nightmare; he can't help but give Rand a patented Embarrassingly Sentimental smile, this one flavored with hints of Misty Eye, complemented by weeks worth of grime and dirt and dried blood (among other things), but hell if it isn't as sincere as it gets. ]
Did you just... was that a joke I heard just now...? Maybe I'm dreaming after all--
[ but he has enough sense to get it out while hefting himself up onto Rand's back for carrying; everything... hurts, but he's riding the high of this reunion and he manages without any major incident, arms draped around Rand from behind. but before he can settle his head down again and breathe an exhale of long overdue relief--
--a stranger, someone Abel doesn't recognize makes his approach. it doesn't draw alarm from either of their Pleroma rescuers, so he must be an ally...? and all questions to the validity of that thought vanish once he finds his shard being offered in this man's hand - the sight of which has his entire chest swelling with genuine anticipation and gratitude-- ]
Ah-- how did you....?
[ these had been prepared for destruction, achingly close after being held out of reach for so long. --no; it doesn't matter. Abel and Himeka can figure it all out when they're safe and sound - and this isn't safe nor sound, in his opinion; he'll avoid the game of too many questions. yet his eyes carry a heavy pulse of earnest gladness and thankfulness as he stretches his hand to collect the gently luminescent purple shard bearing the appearance of a storm caught in a bottle.
...he's overwhelmed. they've risked it all to come here - friends and new faces alike, and the gravity of that doesn't escape Abel at all. ]
Thank you so much, I... all of you... I don't know how to-- even start, to...
[ ...thank you.
thank you. ]
no subject
Dokja makes sure not to jostle around too much once Himeka's settled on his back, his arms coming around under her knees to support her, and he rises to his feet once he thinks she's secure. There's a moment of unsteadiness as he does, his own encounters on the battlefield wearing down on him, but he manages to steady himself quickly.
As he crosses the distance between pyres to reach Abel and Rand, he stops short in the middle. ]
Just one second.
[ He slowly leans down, mindful of Himeka and in keeping his balance, and scoops up the box laid on the stage. The edges seem a bit singed but its contents remain intact. He'll deal with this at a later time. For now, he joins up with the others at about the same time as Kotetsu's appearance. With a small nod toward the other man, Dokja angles his shoulder toward the opalescent shard so that it's easier to reach for Himeka. He doesn't want to touch it, memories of how it had felt when others had dealt with his own shard still fresh in his mind, though his expression darkens with more than just those memories.
There's something similarly precious stowed away in his own pocket, but one thing at a time. ]
Let's get you guys to the healers first.
[ He's barely paying attention to Abel's gratitude, too lost in staring at the myriad of injuries across the other man now that Dokja's close enough to see. That same ugly feeling from before twists in his chest, and he exhales shakily. Himeka, too, desperately needs the medical attention. He needs to keep it together for the both of them. ]
no subject
it's over; it's over; it's over. they're going home. they are.
and as he turns properly to help abel climb onto his back, hold on to support his legs as they get situated, standing carefully, ]
I've told you. [ he 👏 can 👏 be 👏 funny 👏 but he can't help a more serious word of warning with, ] Just don't let go.
[ not that he thinks abel will; or that abel is in any danger of falling, really, even if he did; or that rand would ever let go, himself, or let him fall. he's got strength enough for this, and he has the Power where strength fails, and he'll rely on that to ensure their safe retreat. but he can't not say.
he notices dokja lean down to pick something up with a faint frown. but there's no time or room for dwelling, and he can always ask later. instead, he too moves closer to kotetsu so abel can all the more easily take back his shard. and if his own eyes start to burn, just a little, from the heartfelt thanks, from the sight of himeka so near for the first time in too long (and too hurt, but there'll be time for that anger later), well. it's himeka he looks to as he says, ]
We don't leave our friends behind.
[ he remembers, from their last conversation in godsblood. of course he does.
it's after that, once the shards are completely safely retrieved, that he looks to meet dokja's eyes, nodding. ]
Let's go.
no subject
He'll wave them off, watching them go before turning to look behind him at the chaos they're leaving. Kotetsu thinks he should stay back and make sure to distract anyone he can from the other side from potentially chasing after, even if the beast in the sky has had most of their attention through this there's always a chance some didn't bother.
He'll turn and head along to one side of the group before going further to make sure nothing stops them from this side. ]
[ ooc: thank you, you guys can can continue to thread without kotetsu, he will watch their backs and keep Barnaby from potentially finding them now. <3 ]
no subject
When Dokja readjusts and stands, she flashes a smile to Rand only to be struck in that same moment. It brings her back to the dark little room in their temporary safe house, Rand looking so distraught as she tended to his wounds and he accidentally destroyed a muffin. The guilt he'd felt then was palpable, in the actions his friends had taken for him and seeing his own shortcomings. Those selfsame words she had offered to him...
...and here he is, returning them with full honesty. Himeka feels like her heart could burst in that moment. He remembered. He reciprocated. They all did.
Their friends. Their strange new family.
Her lips twitch at the edges as she fights back something a little more emotional, but instead she simply nods in agreement. ]
No, no we don't.
[ The shards being safe and sound by this man willing to put himself at risk for complete strangers--goodness! They'll have to learn his name and thank him properly later. It's strange, she feels something familiar from his hand even if she can't really put words to it. (Remnants of violet aether, were she able to sense it.) With some assistant from Dokja, Himeka reaches out to gingerly take her own shard...and that connection, she feels it instantly, a piece of the wider puzzle has finally be returned.
As the man leaves, Himeka places the shard between her breasts where it belongs...
And it's like coming to life all at once. The world around her is suddenly more colorful, thick with the magicks she's used to. Exhausted though she is, it's like being able to see again, to have the mufflers taken off of her horns and the world is bustling with sound, sharp and real. Himeka lets out a surprised and breathy laugh.
Relief. Surely Abel feels it too?
It's a short moment of respite. They need to see the healers...and then everyone needs to leave. ]
no subject
but the sounds of chaos, of battle, around them soon jar him back to reality; he replaces the gem where it belongs at the top of his sternum, and--
--there is a heady rush, a faint tension that travels through his person as his next breath comes slightly more strained. it is not with pain, but a flood of a vigor and the whispering hunger of a parasite who has once more been given a voice. Abel's fingers briefly coil more tightly in Rand's shirt, but-- he is easing up after a few beats in which to steady himself.
the warmth of the Pleroma - its embrace, whole and pure - is a welcome one, and any lingering vestiges of rigidity fade.
and Abel lays his head at Rand's shoulder as if it were too heavy to keep up, but his next words come quiet and with some shaky but clear echo of the usual idiocy he hopes provides comfort-- ]
...Rand, you picked me to carry 'cause you're the stronger one, right? Don't worry, I won't tell Dokja that's the reason. I think the rabies has eroded his arm strength so it's probably for the best. A-ah, you smell pretty good... Do you use cologne...?
[ we could pretend this is because he's out of it after a long and arduous ordeal, but we all know better, ]
no subject
... is what he thinks before he catches what it is Abel says.
And to think he had planned on apologizing for the Rabies Incident once they were a safe distance away from all the fighting (which is getting more and more intense as the seconds tick by), but now there's something even more urgent that Dokja needs to address. ]
Rand picked you because he said he wouldn't mind having a giant baby cry and rub snot all over him.
[ Actually, Rand said no such thing, but Dokja needs to be petty. Needs. He'd probably collapse in on himself if he let this one go.
Hefting Himeka a little higher on his back and shifting his grip on the mystery box, he doesn't wait for a response or any hurried clarifications as he sets off toward where the healers are stationed. It's between Rand and Abel now, and he's suddenly so very glad that he'd opted for Himeka's pyre.
Speaking of Himeka, ]
Let me know if you need me to slow down.
[ And then he starts running. ]
no subject
but he's had time with them. to think about the sentiment, to fit it into his worldview, into his life here in horos. there was a time when allowing himself such a thing would've been so easy. of course he'd say such a thing to nynaeve, or egwene, or mat, or perrin; of course they'd feel the same for him in turn. but then everything changed, and he's still struggling to understand the ways he's changed with it all. himeka, and his other friends here, have shone a light for him when he needed it. the least he can do is try to return the favor.
there's such a fond smile in return for her, and a nod at her agreement. and, light, the sound of her laugh is so welcome, as it had been before, as abel's was. every little sign that things are inching closer to alright. he can feel the edge of dokja's anxiety, but he doesn't share it...at least, not at first. there's a prick of worry as abel replaces his shard and seems to be — distressed? overwhelmed? and he's about to look backwards when abel's head goes back to his shoulder,
and startles a breathed out laugh from him, just for a second. dokja responds before he can, which is maybe just as well because he isn't even sure how he would. he makes an attempt to keep a straight face, but also abel of all people will be able to tell how his shoulders shake from suppressed laughter. ]
Can you really imagine me using cologne? [ asked as he starts moving, hurrying to keep pace with dokja. they really can't take too long, and they've lingered already. still, he keeps that out of his voice. ] I'd just look and smell daft, trying.
[ he imagines he smells like blood and smoke and ozone and sweat and the light only knows what else. but he's pretty sure dokja doesn't actually ?? have rabies ?? so that's about the level of seriousness we're operating on here. which is why he adds, ]
Dokja's wrong, anyway. I didn't say that.
[ but we're leaving open the possibility that he might've implied that. ]
i'm sorry dokja
It really should be said that Dokja is taking one for the team because few people are able to carry Himeka for any long distances, being the tallest person on Horos. Yet she's chuckling as she leans forward herself, tightening her hold a bit as Rand deftly shrugs off both Abel's almost delirious appraisals and Dokja's remarks. ]
Ah...
[ Well, if that's the case... ]
...is it a little snot you're missing, Dokja?
[ She has plenty.
She sniffles. (Threateningly?) ]
i'm (s)not 🤧
the warmth of connections; the preciousness of bonds both Abel and Himeka will not relinquish for anything.
he cannot help but feel that previous Misty Eyed-ness beginning to get the better of him; it's just-- the relief, you see? ah. no-- no, it's ah. very suddenly... raining. specifically on this portion of Achamoth. this section right here, to be exact. there's a very precise cloud; look, the weather phenomenon in other worlds isn't something any of them should dwell on, but the priest may be petulantly burying his face in the crook of Rand's shoulder, and wiping his nose with a sniffle perfectly timed to complement Himeka's.
they may have, perhaps, Leveled Up in jail. please be afraid. ]
gently put my hands around prince's neck
Light exasperation flits across his expression once Himeka joins in, but there's a fondness there hidden by the fact that he's taken the lead and no one can properly see his face, thank goodness. He's prepared to treat her threatening sniffles as a joke, a light-hearted retort on the tip of his tongue, but then he's practically bowled over by the emotions that come off of Abel thanks to their shared Legacy.
He swallows thickly and tightens his hold on Himeka. Geez, he's trying to keep it together until they're a safe distance away. Preferably back home, even, to have an emotional response to what has been a nightmare of events.
But it's been a long, extremely stressful raid. He's watched a loved one die right in front of his eyes, killed by someone he loves in the same way, and he's shaken. Rattled. Rescuing Abel and Himeka had managed to yank his mind away from it for just a moment, lost in the fray with everyone else, but now that they're starting to pull away from it and the feedback of emotions are kicking in, he's not sure how much more of his composure he can keep. Relief, guilt, happiness, grief.
He'll sort through it all later.
Anduin's shield comes up in the distance. For now, he focuses on getting there. ]
also puts my hands around prince's neck
(we've lost too many people already. i can't lose anyone else.)
so he breathes in, bracingly, as they run. he can't pretend his own feelings aren't a ragged tangle, not with the connection between himself, and dokja, and abel, but he can reach for some measure of calm. there had been nights on the road to tar valon when he wasn't sure mat would make it to morning, and he'd kept his composure for his friend's sake even then.
maybe it's that memory that guides his choice now. he starts to hum softly, easily missed amidst the tumult of battle around them — but abel, at the very least, has to be near enough to hear. just some old mountain lullaby, a tune no one else in horos would recognize, a favorite of his mother's when he was very small and very fretful. and audible or not, that's something that starts to unfurl in their bond, like the slow bloom of a flower: the memory of being loved, gently soothed, and protected. something to hold onto, as they head towards the golden brightness that promises more friends, more aid. ]