aionlogs | EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL

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.

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Whatever it is, the being seems to be on the move, and seemed to know the roads well enough to always remain one step ahead. Whenever it seemed Wrathion might close the distance, he'd turn the corner only to see his target for the briefest of moments as it turned around another bend in the path. Its never in sight for long, but with what glances he can get, it might seem that his inclinations are correct. While slightly tall for a gnome, its definitely much shorter then an average human height.

But the chase only goes on so long before, upon rounding a corner, the figure is simply standing in the middle of the alleyway, with its back turned. It, or rather she, is dressed in a black dress. The source of the lavender color was very much obviously her hair, which is tied into a pair of tails by black ribbons. On her face is a wicked grin, but with her back turned, it was of course not visible. The voice she speaks in gives no indication of anything but apprehension. "A...are you going to tell me why you're following me? I know you're there, you know." The outfit made it obvious it was a girl, but the voice makes another thing obvious. This is no gnome, they are merely young. This is further driven home when she, after carefully wiping the smile off her face and replacing it with faked fear, turns to reveal a face that very much belongs to a child.

"You're one of the bad guys trying to hurt the people here, aren't you?"

Well, that was convenient, wasn't it? It wasn't as if he'd been trying to hide, after all. The problem being that it was far too odd for a child to be on a battlefield. Wrathion arches a brow at her.

"My dear child." Whom he doesn't believe is a child at all. "I have no intent of harming any good citizen of this city."

Which in and of itself, is no lie. He has no intent of harming any good citizen of this city. He knows about deception--it's something he's endeavored to perfect himself, and thus affects a sad and sympathetic look. Because it's a pity this girl is likely no citizen--but one of its protectors.

He's not entirely certain what she's capable of, and so for the moment, Wrathion does not press her. Let her think he's some foolish and bleeding-heart do-gooder, unlikely to do a child harm. (He isn't usually that type, and he is a bad man.)

Wrathion's willing to take the chance that she'll close on him. With luck, there will be an ace up his sleeve, anyway.

The girl may or not buy into Wrathion's own deception. The girl is a natural liar, deceptive words come to her as easily as her own breath, but that doesn't mean she has any talent picking it up in others. She does a remarkable job of making it seem as if she finds the man and his glowing eyes imposing, but it takes a very real amount of effort to not just smirk at what seems to be a huge fool.

"Th..then you're better then the other invaders. There's a lot of fighting going on. I was trying to find somewhere to hide, but then you started following me.." She glances over her shoulder, seemingly nervous. Maybe she's looking for an escape route. She's little, she should be able to get away, right?

"So, if you're not trying to hurt me, what DO you want?" Hands come to her hips. It seems for this performance, she has decided to be a tiny bit sassy. "Because you look an awful lot like an evil invader. You serve the ones trying to make sure the world can't be saved, don't you? Doesn't that make you feel ashamed?" She's not used to this sort of deception, but she's doing her best to come across as a bit naive. Its hard for her to remember the time of her life where she could actually be considered that way, after all.

Wrathion lifts a hand and touches it to his chest. Such an insult to his person! Managing to look wounded isn't difficult at all, at the moment.

"I'm hurt. As I've said, I don't have any desire to harm children. I know I may look frightening, but that doesn't mean that I want to terrorize the young." That is actually a true statement. "If I wanted to hurt you, why would I bother following you? I could have just thrown this to trip you or some such rubbish."

At that, he waggles the gaff just a little--though that might be intimidating, because he does wield it like he knows how to use it.

"That's a rather cruel assumption to make of someone you've only just met, young miss." The dragon arches a brow at this girl and tilts his head. Was that a footstep he heard? Was it someone pursuing the child, or someone pursuing him? Were they both being pursued? Difficult to tell, with the ambient noises, the distant sound of fighting in the city. Especially with the roar of the dragon in the sky.

Wrathion hoped that wherever he'd ended up, Anduin was all right.

Her words even were a bit suspect, but he shakes his head at the girl now, stretching out his unencumbered hand towards her, palm up.

"I would not see this world destroyed, so no. I need feel no shame." Though for a moment, doubt crosses his face--not because of this girl's words, but because of the memory of a recent quarrel. It's difficult, when you aren't certain you're doing the right thing.

For a brief, ever so brief, moment, a tiny little smirk comes to the girl's face when Wrathion describes himself as imposing. Does this cretin actually believe she feels even one iota of fear? Even though it was the exact sort of response she was trying to elicit, it still made her feel a tinge of annoyance. She's quick to get it under control, however.

"But it makes sense to think that, right? You're part of an invading army, and you brought some sort of evil DRAGON with you! All of those horrible sounds around us are because of the people you came with, you know. So you SHOULD be ashamed."

Among all of the noises, one might stand out. Nearby, a door slowly creaks open. Moments later, slow moving footsteps come from the same direction, clearly heading towards the area. The 'innocent' girl doesn't seem to notice anything, though. She either didn't hear it, or was expecting it.

Evil dragon. If Wrathion never heard that particular line again, it might not be long enough. Oh, certainly it applied to his flight, but to hear it after everything he'd done to redeem--himself, if no other--it stung bitterly.

His patience is waning thin. Especially when this child--who sounds more as if she's making up this tale by design to infuriate him--seems more calculating than any other child might be. The dragon would admit that he does not know many human children--but this is something even too contrived for him--

And then the door creaks. Ah. It's like that, then, is it?

Wrathion does not bother to answer verbally. The time for that is past. Instead, he flips the gaff in his hand, end pointed towards her as he swings it. (He did say he had no intent of harming children--and this wouldn't lead to permanent harm, anyway. Assuming she really is a child!) Success would see him connecting with her head and proverbially ringing her bell--if she's a caster, that'd make things more difficult for her.

He does not see a good place to leap up away from these future assailants, but if this girl is controlling them somehow--considering the timing, Wrathion suspects she does--it's best that he puts her between them. There's little chance that they'll fight her, but if she has to direct them after him, distance can only help his cause. So to speak.

"A clever ruse, child, but that will only work once, you know!" Which means that should they meet again in the future, she can't play that same trick twice. And he will be warning his fellow Pleroma in the future. But for now, Wrathion's certain she and her party will pursue him.

Then again, he's hoping for that.

While the girl has no idea the man she's speaking to was actually a dragon, had she known she would not have picked her words different. If anything, she would have been more likely to bring it up, solely because she wanted to egg him on.

Because of course its all a ruse. She's not a particularly great actress, working with half remembered memories of when she actually acted like this, and it showed. It might have worked in a city that was not currently at war, one where it made sense for a small girl to wandering around. But there were battles going on all. If she was what she was pretending to be, she should already be IN hiding.

Still, she had been under the impression she was doing a good job. She doesn't realize things are going so poorly for her until Wrathion is already moving. "What are you...." There's no time for her to even finish before she's clocked on the head. Surprisingly, she isn't sent flying by the strike despite her petite size, but it definitely leaves her reeling. It also shatters what patience she had with her little game. "That hurt, you piece of garbage!" The cutesy, dulcet tone of her voice is gone entirely now, replaced by one full of scorn. It was a tone of voice that scarcely seemed to fit someone of her looks, and proved that it'd been an act all along. This was her true colors.

"You think I'm gonna just let you casually run away after doing something like that. You piss me off!" The blow had left her disoriented long enough for the man to gain some distance, but she's quick to begin chasing after. The moment her eyes catch sight of him again, she thrusts one hand forward, launching a soft ball sized orb of purple energy, with a second following almost instantly right after. They fly in a straight line, the target of course being the retreating man, with a speed like an arrow shot by a bow. The source of those footsteps seems to still be approaching as well, but if Wrathion is particularly attentive, he may notice there don't seem to be quite as many following the girl anymore.

On the other hand, Wrathion is a halfway decent actor. He's had to be, especially considering his life has been at risk for its entirety. He'd suspected, and he might have even spent more time drawing Majorita out--if there hadn't been other pressing matters at hand. Like the fighting going on around them.

Part of it is Wrathion hadn't intended for her to be sent flying--he'd only wanted to ring her bell, and pulled his strike accordingly--but she does recover more quickly than he'd anticipated, which is suspicious in and of itself. But he should have expected that from someone like her. Someone who is, very likely, a Kenoma Aion.

Especially with the way she's talking.

"I'd already be farther than this if I were running," he quips, before she lobs those softball-sized magical missiles at him. Oh, this is not good. He can't afford to be struck by either of those, he knows, but Wrathion isn't certain how well his usual tricks will help him, here.

Probably not at all, were he to be honest.

He dives behind a convenient pile of crates--unlikely to give him much cover at all, but something he hopes will soak at least a bit of those spheres. They do, but...not much. Wrathion is blown back half a dozen feet by the ensuing explosion, left smoking, burnt, and bleeding. These are not sensations he finds enjoyable.

"If this 'pisses you off', girl, your life must be a miserable one. We've barely known each other a handspan of minutes!" No, Wrathion does not know when to shut up. He's trying to buy himself time, struggling to his feet and scrambling to reclaim the gaff that had been struck from his hand. He'd heard that there were fewer footsteps, but now his ears are ringing, and Wrathion can't tell exactly where those pursuers are coming from.

Majorita had rarely ever had to worry about what others thought of her. When she gave an order, it was followed on threat of death. The fact her cruelty made people hate her barely even factored into her thoughts at all, she'd grown so used to being the detested 'demon general' she started actually taking pride in it. It had become a game to her, to see just how much she could infuriate people. Unfortunately for her, the rules of the game were rather different in this world. She lacked the power and fame she'd held onto for so long. Wrathion had simply had the misfortune of running into her while she was looking for a way to earn her the recognition of her fellow Kenoma.

"You talk big, but you already passed up on your one chance to win." She has no idea what sort of powers this man has, she's just assuming he's a big meathead who fights with strength alone. "You should have put that thing in my eye if you wanted to get away. You aren't gonna get another chance!"

She extends a fingertip, a small glowing ball of energy appearing at its tip. This is not fired, instead she traces a circle in the air around her, the energy ball multiplying and forming a circle of seven floating fingertip orbs in front of her. The energy on her actual finger floats off to form the eight and complete the circle. There they float, surely ready to fire at any second. But instead of continuing her attack, the girl chooses to speak. It seems she also loves the sound of her own voice.

"My life IS absolutely miserable. That's why this is the only place for me. The people here, and the Regent, they intend to do something about how rotten everything is. If you're really siding with the rebels, that means you're telling me you want my life to remain awful. That means I HATE you!"

That outburst is the biggest warning before the orbs fire off, one by one. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to where they are shot, she seems as focused on showing off as she is actually causing harm. Being much smaller, the force behind them is equivalently smaller. Unless struck head on, Wrathion would be unlikely to be launched like before.

But there was a different danger. She wasn't doing it on purpose, but her temper tantrum served to mask the approaching sounds of those unknown assailants. They finally come into view as the girl finishes her rampage, a pair of unassuming looking men who, upon catching sight of the dragon in man form, begin heading directly for him, seemingly unconcerned with their own safety. What was worse is there were still more sounds of nearby footsteps. The girl was likely, somehow, directing them to cut off escape routes.

Winning? His game at this juncture was far more subtle than wins or losses. Wrathion can't help but quirk a smile at that and let out a low chuckle. He's doing his job, which is all that matters. If this girl is here, fighting him, then she's not threatening the ones who are completing the objective. It's that simple.

"Why would I even want to get away? Are you done dancing with me already?"

It's true that Majorita has more magical power than he does at the moment. Well. Unless he decided to shift, but Wrathion isn't that desperate. Not yet.

For the moment, he watches the orbs, but Wrathion keeps one ear on what the girl is saying, now that his ears are clearing. He is also registering the approach of--yes. There they are. But only half the number he'd been expecting. That isn't good.

As her spheres begin to launch, Wrathion hurtles forward. Having known it was merely a matter of time before she attacked again, he'd been ready. He might still take some damage from heat or shrapnel from the explosions, but he wasn't about to allow detonation on his person this time. The dragon lets out a sharp bark of laughter at her words. He's not mocking her this time--not yet, at least--but Wrathion has a difficult time understanding why she's bought into the party line.

"You are aware that despots like that...aren't the type to share their power, no matter what sweet promises they've made you? I can tell you're no fool. You don't really think they'll simply give you what you hope for?"

Her lackeys, he slams into with prejudice and fury--Wrathion is not terribly worried that his escape route--the one he'd choose--will be closed off, but he at least has to pretend he is. Most people don't think in the dimensions he does--but once he plays this particular hand, should they encounter each other again, she'll be ready for that trick out of him.

The question brings a look of confusion to the girl's face, one that quickly twists into rage. Why would he WANT to get away? Was he an idiot, or was she just being mocked here? "You're an invader in an enemy city and you don't think there's a good reason to get away? Don't you DARE try to look down on me like that. You should be trying to escape so I don't take your shard and stomp it to dust underneath my feet!" Not that she would actually do that, the Regent would probably be pretty sore at her just casually killing someone who might be able to be convinced of their folly. But Wrathion doesn't need to know that.

She doesn't look like she's even remotely convinced at the dragon's words about the Regent. "Despot? You really are an idiot, aren't you? The Regent hasn't done a single thing to be called that. If anything, they've given you bunch of traitors way more breathing space then you deserve. And of COURSE they will give me what I want. We want the same THING. A world without needless conflict. Needless conflict YOUR side is the reason for!"

The men she'd been commanding seem remarkably easy to bowl over. There barely seems to be any resistance from them at all, with the pair of them falling as if they were scarcely able to even keep themselves upright begin with. Of course matters were not that simple. They're moving again the moment they have fallen. Upon seeing them closer, there is clearly something off with them. Their eyes are open, but they seem unfocused, not even seeming to see the man they are now currently charging for. More disturbing, one of them already has wounds on him, having what looks like a cut on his neck. It is not bleeding, its clearly been cleaned, but it looks as if he should not even be moving with a wound that bad. The other bears so such marks, but shares the same hollow look in his eyes.

The two men move in to attack despite being unarmed, not looking to punch or stab with some sort of weapon, but merely to grab onto Wrathion. While their grip is not weak, it is nothing special. Despite not having any weapons, they aren't entirely unarmed. Both of them have their teeth after all, and it seems that is their preferred weapon. Any part they are able to grab they move in to try and chomp onto. Crude? Definitely. Painful? Also definitely.

No, he hadn't been mocking her...but now, his lip curls. "I can't help that, you know." Wrathion is almost smirking. This is insult to injury.

"I'm taller than you," he quips. And then, when her ire is raised further and he hasn't even dug in with the real insult (though he just had) the dragon snorts.

"You aren't much of a scholar, are you? You would not say such things--besides, it's not as if you need to twist my words in the seat of your master's power. His crawling lackeys--which include you, child--would believe anything you told them." He knows damned well he's no traitor--not to this Regent, and not to this spitting hellchild, either. Mayhap if he'd ever met her in the past--but no.

Wrathion can only define Majorita's minions in terms he comprehends--so while it is true they are indeed zombies, he growls low in his throat, the bass rumbling through his chest even as they bite him. He's aware the storied Lich King is not here, to his knowledge, but he has no love anyway for...

"Scourge?" Well. That means he doesn't have to hold back with them, at least, though where there are two, there are usually more. This means that Wrathion will want to leave sooner rather than later, now.

He grips one of the zombies by the back of the skull, tearing it off him--yes, it hurts, but he can't be asked to care right now. Wrathion has never been a child, not of the type to throw balls or play games. But it's as if he's throwing a baseball, pitching this first zombie straight at its mistress, and sending its compatriot at her moments after the first. He does not care if they hit her or if she eludes them, because after the first two, he sends one of his tiny, marble-sized fireballs soaring straight for Majorita's face.

Not that it will hurt her by any means--he just plans to detonate it and blind her, should it get close enough. Easier for Wrathion to make his escape, this way.

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EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL

You couldn't possibly hurt this face, could you?

If said face asks for it...

Never, just look how harmless she is!

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