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

[hundredpower]

Do you really think the other side will accept you now? How many of them have you fought? How many citizens suffered in Venera because of you?

[Barnaby's anger is pulled taut, close to snapping. He doesn't know Eustace's reasons for his change of heart, he doesn't know the extent of Eustace's actions in service to the Kenoma prior, but if his change is out of some sudden sympathy for Himeka and Abel, it seems hypocritical at best. Doesn't this just confirm what the Regent told him, that people will look the other way to suffering if given the choice? That they'll only care if it affects them personally, only when someone they know is harmed?

For that reason alone, in Barnaby's mind, he deserves to either be brought back before the Regent to answer for it, or else destroyed in the attempt. He darts forwards, movements lightning fast, aiming a kick at Eustace's arm to try to force him to drop the gun. A follow up punch is aimed squarely at his face with the full might and speed of his Hundred Power.]

[lockedon]

[ Eustace doesn't answer, partly because there isn't time to answer as soon as Barnaby lunges for him, but also because he doesn't feel he needs to answer.

Actions have always spoken louder than words for him, and the actions of those he's interacted with on the Pleroma side reinforce a belief that runs counter to what Barnaby says. Abel, who had reached out his hand again and again. Ernesto, who had cautiously listened to him even after being stabbed (literally) in the back. Dextera, who had outright asked him to join the Pleroma despite how many times they'd fought.

Maybe the rest of the Pleroma won't accept him but that's fine; he's only ever valued the opinions of those he's carefully chosen to accept into his small circle.

Whatever thought still lingering in his head is immediately jolted out of place, sudden movements too quick for him to catch knocking him forcefully off-balance. It's only years of habit that keep his hands wrapped tight around his gun, though little good that does when he's stumbling and falling to the ground ungracefully. He turns his fall into a roll at the last second, tilting his gun upwards to fire off a burst of lightning, though with the lack of time to aim and the speed Barnaby's putting on now, he doubts it'll hit its intended target.

When did Barnaby get so fast—? ]

[hundredpower]

[The lightning from Eustace's gun is unexpected, but not something entirely out of Barnaby's realm of experience -- in his own world he did have a coworker who shot ice from her guns in place of bullets, so the surprise is mitigated. He clears it in one leap before it can strike him, landing behind Eustace to aim a swift roundhouse kick to the back of his head.

Unlike with the Kenoma he fought in Venera, where he pulled his blows and only aimed to knock them unconscious, he's holding nothing back here. The quicker he can deal with Eustace, the quicker he can rejoin the wider fray and make the most of his power while it lasts. The more Pleroma and their allies he can take down in one swoop, the better.]

[lockedon]

[ He sees stars in his vision as the kick connects with the back of his skull, a powerful bloom of pain exploding as he goes flying forward again. This time the force of the assault is enough to knock his gun out of his hands, the weapon clattering to the ground and skidding away before coming to a stop some feet away. Far enough that he can't simply reach to grab again.

Not that he can grab all that much as he is now, coughing painfully as his hands press shakily against the ground in an effort to keep himself barely upright. Even the extra streak of zeal from the current month - his Legacy month - isn't enough to counter the strength behind Barnaby's attacks. He's outmatched, he knows that much for a fact.

Even so, he can't give up just yet. He can hear the clamor of battle behind him and the roar of the dragon still up in the sky. He came here to help save Abel and Himeka, and to protect those of a similar mind. If he has to give his life here in order to buy a few extra minutes to see another person kept safe then so be it.

Within him, something sparks, a thread of power curling and growing larger. ]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby doesn't give him much opportunity to collect his senses. He's on Eustace again in a flash, yanking him up by the collar like he's as weightless as a ragdoll, and assuming he can't put up much resistance, changes his grip to grab him by the throat.]

I'm giving you one last chance to surrender. [He says, as if Eustace is a criminal in this situation and not someone simply trying to protect others.] Otherwise, this ends here.

[He tightens his grip. He's giving him time to decide, but not long.]

[lockedon]

[ It's kind of Barnaby to offer him one last chance and a flicker of sorrow unfurls in his heart. There's still something of the righteous and charitable man in there deep down, he's sure of it. It's just too bad he can't afford to try to appeal to that kindness one last time. Not when there are bigger and more important things at stake that he needs to defend and protect.

The warmth around his heart squeezes a little tighter. Instead of the shadowy cling of the Kenoma he'd become accustomed to the past five months, this feels kinder and more soothing. The embrace of the Pleroma, though he isn't aware of it just yet.

He coughs one more time, tears of pain stinging at the corners of his eyes, but despite the unsteady heave of his chest, his words are clear when he speaks again. ]

No thanks.

[ The last word is accompanied by a ram of his head forward to try and ram Barnaby off-balance. At the same time, his hand moves, grabbing for the last dagger at his waist so he can try and drive it into the other man's abdomen. ]

[hundredpower]

[Disappointing, but his choice is clear, as is what Barnaby has to do next. The headbutt is avoided, but it does force Barnaby to drop Eustace. His heightened reaction times mean he can intercept Eustace's knife arm by grabbing it at the wrist, and he snaps the bone with cold efficiency, followed up by a kick to his abdomen hard enough to shatter his ribs.

Changed as he is, he still doesn't derive any pleasure from inflicting pain, but he'll do whatever it takes until Eustace stops his pointless struggling. The Kenoma, that cavernous void inside him, it urges him along-- to smother Eustace's light before it has a chance to take hold.]

[lockedon]

[ His movements, for all the force he puts behind them, end up ineffectual yet again. For his efforts he's rewarded with more brilliant flares of pain, first blooming from the snapped bones at his wrist and then searing down the row of his ribs, several shattering in one go.

He cries out as he doubles over, the sound immediately buried by the other ruckus still unfolding around them. For a brief moment, startling clarity cuts through the pain, two intertwined thoughts making themselves known despite the fuzz of pain clinging to him.

One: He's going to die here.
Two: He doesn't want to die here, not yet.

It's enough. The desire to live, the desire to protect, they both feed into each other, snowballing until the small pinprick of light inside him becomes a blazing sun. He snarls through the pain, mustering up one last burst of energy to reach out and swipe at Barnaby. But instead of a human hand, there's now an oversized paw, dark claws jutting out in place of fingernails.

The pain is—unbearable, as his bones and ligaments stretch and reform, his clothes tearing and falling as a layer of fur, two shades too dark to be considered pure white, erupts across his body. It's not a pretty transformation, everything happening patchwork and in bursts, but he's hardly in a state of mind to care, brain overtaken by the simple desire to keep fighting for as long as he can. ]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby is startled by the suddenness of the transformation -- had he always been capable of that? -- and so he's slow to react to let go of Eustace, lifting a forearm to defend himself as newly-formed claws tear through clothes and skin. He grits his teeth in pain and dances backward out of reach, arm bleeding. Though with Hundred Power active it makes him tougher against injury, it's still a nasty wound, so he'll have to obtain the element of surprise himself if he wants to get out of this without a mauling.

Assuming this more animalistic Eustace will charge after him as he tries to put distance between them, he grabs the nearest street lamp and uses his strength to fold the heavy iron like paper, hoping it will strike Eustace on the way down.]

absolutely love the image of bunny smacking eustace around with a street lamp

[lockedon]

[ It's news to Barnaby and Eustace both, though the latter is less aware of the events unfolding than the former.

His determination to keep fighting has sharpened to a knife's point, more complex thoughts and reasoning pushed out by an animalistic desire to fight and destroy all threats in front of him. Right now that threat is Barnaby, his figure standing out in sharp contrast as everything around him sinks into a murky blurred background.

The street lamp catches him during the last few seconds of his transformation, the force behind it enough to send him slamming into the ground. The pain from the sudden impact is—there, faintly, but too buried beneath anger to make any sort of noticeable impact on his actions. He snarls, whole body writhing as he tries to free himself being pinned, proving Barnaby right in his assumptions as he lunges forward, front paws once again outstretched as he tries to dig his claws into the other man. ]